Who are we?
A group of Freemasons who share common aims and interests.
Our backgrounds are wide and varied, bringing many different skill sets. There are opportunities to get into easy conversations with an accountant, a farmer, an engineer, a chemist, a policeman, a teacher, a diesel fitter…. the list goes on and varies as we welcome our many visitors each month. Through these easy conversations good, lasting friendships begin.
What we do
The business of the evening may be one of the Traditional Emulation Ceremonies, during which the secrets of Freemasonry are shared with the Candidate. Or it may be a short lecture on either a Masonic or non-Masonic topic.
During our Traditional Emulation Ceremonies, we are very fortunate to have our own Organist who also entertains us following the Festive Board.
The teachings of Freemasonry are promoted to enjoin Morality, Charity, and Obedience to the Law of the Land without venturing into religious or political discussion.
Why join us?
We are a happy friendly Lodge where visitors are made very welcome. Most Lodge nights we have around 30 to 40 people with us to conduct Masonic Business in the Lodge Room. This is followed by the friendly Festive Board, with a very reasonably priced, good-quality meal and well stocked bar.
Parking:
Street parking only on Bridge Street but the pavements are wide, and cars are generally off the main road when parked. There is some additional parking outside the Tow Law Millennium Primary school on the adjacent Wear Street just around the corner.
Approach:
The Masonic Hall is on the Bridge Street section of the A68 passing through Tow Law. From the south, drive past the Tow Law Service Station on your right and Tow Law Masonic Hall is 500 yards further along the road on your left. From the north, driving along the High Street section of the A68, the road takes a 90-degree left turn immediately adjacent the large war memorial. The Masonic Hall is 100 yards along the road on your right. There are a bus services passing close to the lodge, but Tow Law is a rural town and buses are getting scarcer all the time so please do check up-to-date timetables.
Entrance:
One enters the building through a large lobby. On the right is a well-appointed and comfortable Dining Hall. To your left is the Bar and Kitchen. Further through the lobby are the stairs to the first floor and the Chapter room.
Emergency:
The building is well appointed with emergency lights to aid safer egress. A smoke detection system is installed to vulnerable areas to detect and alarm in the event smoke is detected. There are steel fire escape steps from the first floor to the back yard should it be required for safe egress.
Fire Extinguishers are sited at designated points throughout the building.
A defibrillator system is installed to the outside of the Masonic Hall for use by both Companions and the Local Community.
Accessibility:
Good easy access with a single step and wide access door into the long wide hallway inside the building. We also have an access ramp in the hallway should it be required. There is no specific wheelchair access to or around the building, however, we have had many wheelchair user Companions attend both the Chapter and the Festive Board.
Toilets:
Gentlemen’s toilets are located to the ground floor and Ladies on the first floor. On Chapter evenings, the toilets on the first floor are available for use by the Companions. There are no specialist disabled toilets at the present time, however the provision of such disabled facilities are being actively investigated.
Inside:
tastefully decorated. The dining hall is bright, well-lit and comfortable.
The heating systems have been recently replaced so even on a cold Tow Law evening you are sure of a warm welcome. The first floor is accessible by a stair lift accessed from the long wide hallway.
Stairs/Lifts:
The lodge room is on the first floor. It is well appointed, comfortable and
