Who are we?
The Lodge was formed in 1921 by members of Phoenix Lodge and meet on the 3rd Friday of the month at the Grade 1 listed Freemasons Hall (also known as Phoenix Hall) in the East End of Sunderland. The Hall was constructed in 1785 and is thought to be the oldest purpose-built masonic building still in continuous use.
We enjoy a wide membership demographic, with members aged from their early 20s to their early 90s. Whilst we benefit from having brethren from numerous different industries, we continue to attract a significant number of members with engineering backgrounds. This reflects the traditional skills of the geographical area in which we are located.
We have seen a large increase in membership over recent years and continue to receive contact every month from people enquiring about joining us. We believe this is due to our desire to enjoy the traditions and history of the Lodge and of the Craft, whilst at the same time encouraging all members and visitors to fully enjoy the camaraderie of our meetings. We are proud of our ability to support both local and national charities, several of which have received donations from the Lodge in recent years.
What we do
Nautilus Lodge is a modern, vibrant and lively Lodge whose members come from all walks of life and has an age range from early 20s to early 90s. We pride ourselves on our charitable giving and on ensuring the atmosphere of our meetings are such that everyone who attends has an enjoyable evening and wishes to return again.
We supplement the official meetings of the Lodge with social events and informal gatherings. These evenings help to further cement relationships between the members and are a very important aspect of how we operate as a Lodge. We are known to be a Lodge that regularly donates significant funds to various charitable organisations; be that directly as a Lodge or by sponsorship of our members’ individual fundraising efforts.
Why join us?
Nautilus Lodge is renowned as being one of the most successful, innovative and forward-looking Lodges in the area. We have a reputation for providing new members with a great sense of friendship and belonging. Alongside this we are also known to maintain and respect the history and traditions of Freemasonry.
We benefit from holding our meetings in one of the oldest purpose-built Masonic Halls in the world. We believe the location of our meetings together with our commitment to making Freemasonry both enjoyable and instructive, ensures a unique experience for new members.
Parking:
60 marked car parking bays are available onsite in a secure area from 5.00pm till 8.30am weekdays and 24hrs at weekends. The car park is tarmacked with clearly marked bays, flood-lighting, CCTV and automatic gated entry/exit.
Approach:
The building is located in a housing estate with street lighting to all sides. The access to the building is via the newly completed secure parking area and auto-gates. Gates are operated on a fob system for members and a call system for visitors (with remote operation of the gate from within the building). The approach is over newly laid tarmac and restored cobbled street finishes, the area is floodlit on all sides.
Entrance:
The entrance is in the corner of the building, overseen by CCTV and via. 4 steps up to the main double door. These are lit by the flood lighting and has emergency battery backup lighting provision in case of mains power failure.
Emergency:
Emergency exits are available from both the lower ground floor and the ground floor areas. The emergency exit doors are available for use by all users at all times when the building is in occupation.
Accessibility:
Meeting in a Grade I listed building, built before disabilities were fully considered, makes it challenging to meet current DDA requirements. The building has steps to the front, but a demountable ramp is available upon prior request to enable wheelchair access. Handrails are provide at all changes in level to enable ambient-disabled members to safely access and move around the building. The building is operated for masonic purposes on one level, with access to all lodge rooms, facilities and dining spaces (including bar). There is no vertical passenger lift or stair chair lift installed at this site should access to the first floor be desirous.
Toilets:
The ground floor has separate male and female provisions and an accessible WC facility for disabled/wheelchair users. There are changing and male toilet facilities also available to the first floor.
Inside:
No internal ramps but the ground floor is all on one level. Hearing loop in the Temple, dining tables are wheelchair accessible as is the bar area.
Stairs/Lifts:
The temple itself is on the ground floor so no lifts necessary. The stairs to the first floor facilities have a handrail to one side.
