Who are we?
The oldest Lodge in the Province of Durham and reputed to be one of the oldest Lodges in the English Constitution. It was certainly known before 1717 and founded by Operative Masons and joined the Grand Lodge in 1735.
What we do
We are active in donating to many varied charities and attempt to make good men better. We support our neighbouring Lodges in Durham and Northumberland by joining and enthusiastically visiting them so extending our fraternal relationships.
Why join us?
We are the oldest Lodge in the Province of Durham with a strong historical emphasis and use the Old Working Ritual in our ceremonies.
To meet other people with similar attitudes to life.
To look for new challenges and new skills raising monies for charitable purposes.
Parking:
Ample car parking is available within the grounds of the building with some limited on-street parking if necessary.
Approach:
Gateshead Masonic Hall offers three main entrance points, two of which are easy access. The main gated front entrance via Alexandra Road presents a few well lit steps, accompanied by a handrail.
The two accessible entrances to the building are via the rear car park where the building is on the level. The first of the two wheelchair accessible points is via a set of doors leading from the car park into the main dining hall. The alternative route takes you to the Alexandra Road entrance of the building via well lit, perimeter footpath within the halls grounds. These routes are well lit and secured by CCTV.
Entrance:
Wide double doors.
Emergency:
There are Emergency Exits from all rooms evacuating to level ground outside the building. There is a defibrillator installed and several trained personnel.
Accessibility:
The Masonic Hall in Gateshead is a single storey building making it fully accessible to all and especially those with mobility issues. The building is accessed through wide double-doors at the front and rear. There are ramps leading into the building at both doors and there will always be a welcoming and friendly Gateshead Freemason available to assist if required. All rooms inside the building are on the same single floor and easily accessible without the need for internal ramps or lifts. There is a Hearing Loop within the main Lodge Room
Toilets:
There are separate male and female toilets, both are wheelchair accessible.
Inside:
The building hosts a large 200 capacity dining hall with a professional kitchen and fully functioning bar. The bar offers a selection of alcohol and non-alcohol drinks, including a selection of draught beers, cans and bottles.
A large temple seating 100 and a smaller temple seating 50.
A library / large meeting room, and a smaller meeting room.
The hall has separate Male / Female washroom facilities, each with their own cloakroom.
Stairs/Lifts:
Access via the front entrance presents seven small steps assisted by a handrail. There are no further steps or lifts required within the building as it is built on ground level.
