Who are we?
Palatine Lodge No.97 is the oldest Lodge meeting at Wearside Masonic Temple. The Lodge was consecrated in 1757 and was originally called the Sea Captain’s Lodge No.218. Consequently, Palatine Lodge has a rich history; many important historic events and landmarks of Sunderland and County Durham have links to Palatine’s brethren.
The name Palatine refers to the County Palatine of Durham and was suggested in 1830 by the then-Provincial Grand Master, the 1st Earl of Durham, to mark the importance and success of the Lodge.
Whilst the Lodge originally drew its membership from naval officers and other men working in maritime trades, the lodge now welcomes men from a wide variety of backgrounds.
What we do
We pride ourselves on the high standard of our ceremonies at our meetings, The ritual we use is known as Palatine Old Workings, named after our Lodge, and worked by only two other Lodges.
The dining after our meeting, known as the Festive Board, whilst conforming to all protocols, are relaxed affairs offering an excellent opportunity to get to know members and those visiting from other Lodges. We organise and participate in many initiatives at the Wearside Masonic Temple, Open Days, Heritage Days, social events, etc.
As well as working within the Lodge, we support other Lodges by regular visits and enjoy social get-togethers. If you like a curry, we have one every fourth Tuesday after our Lodge of Instruction. It’s a great way to meet the members in an informal setting.
Why join us?
Throughout our long history, men from many diverse backgrounds have been members of Palatine Lodge and our current membership is no exception. Any man from the age of eighteen can join us, will be made welcome, and as our membership range from the ages of 30 to 85 there are many life experiences to stimulate conversation and friendship.
Although we have a long and proud history, we are keen to innovate, especially in the way we communicate with members and those who are interested in learning more about Palatine and Freemasonry. We are active on all the major social media platforms. Our website provides updates on what’s happening at Palatine, and coupled with our Wikipedia page, provides a wealth of historical information about our Lodge.
Charity is an integral part of Freemasonry, and we fully engage with masonic and local charities.
We pride ourselves on developing our members as men and masons, offering general support, and encouraging those who are interested in learning work and presenting it in the Lodge.
To summarise our Lodge prides itself on excelling in the core principals of Freemasonry, Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity.
When we meet
The Lodge meets ten times a year on the second Thursday of the month, between September and June, except for July and August.
Lodge proceedings normally start at 7:00pm.
The Installation of a new Master and his officers takes place at the December meeting.
Fees
Joining fee: Grand Lodge and Provincial fees at the prevailing rates. The Lodge does not charge an additional joining fee.
Lodge subscriptions: £170
Typical dining fee: £12
Contact
Parking:
There is ample parking within a short walk from the Temple.
Approach:
Wearside Masonic Temple is easy to access from the city centre and all major roads leading into it.
Entrance:
Wide doors, a level entrance once beyond the entrance stairway, and easy access to the lift to all floors.
Emergency:
Emergency exits from the upper floors have steps.
Accessibility:
The Wearside Masonic Temple was constructed in 1932 and not ideally suited to those with mobility issues. That said, once the small stairway at the entrance is overcome, with the assistance of our brethren, the building has a lift to all floors and internal doorways will accommodate wheelchair access to the overwhelming majority of areas.
Toilets:
Accessible toilets
Inside:
No internal ramps, wide doorways, rest chairs, a hearing loop is available and all dining tables are wheelchair accessible.
Stairs/Lifts:
A small number of stairs with handrails to the entrance leading to a lift to all floors.
