Durham Freemason

Heritage Open Day at Queen Street Masonic Temple November 2016 Every September some 40,000 volunteers across England organise 5,000 events to celebrate…

There is much pleasure in giving and also receiving recognition for some performance in life. We have witnessed this ritual many times during this year’s Olympic games. Similarly, in Freemasonry we rightly recognise those brethren who have not only been a continuous member within the Masonic association but who have served it well. You can imagine that there are not too many times that you can associate someone who has also a pedigree as an athlete and taken an active part in Olympic games representing his country. A person whose country has recognised his services to wider community by way of an honour from Her Majesty the Queen.

Stepping Out to Hollywood September 2016 Two girls from Newton Aycliffe have just returned from the invitation only, Hollywood Summer Tour, which is a…

Harte enjoys a reputation for organising a good night and have again lived up to that reputation by persuading Dr Robert Lomas, author of the Hiram Key and many other masonic books, to travel up to Hartlepool to deliver one of his superb lectures to a full house of Durham freemasons that included a magnificent 68 visitors from 36 lodges. Robert is certainly well written and well versed in matters masonic, to the extent that he was even involved with Dan Brown on his Lost Key book and has been named by Brown as the substance and inspiration behind his Robert Langdon character.

Six decades of ardent support for Masonry September 2016 The evening of 22nd September was no regular meeting for the brethren of the Lodge of Fraternity…

Not many people, apart from his close friends and family, will know the name of Silvester William Brunton, but mention the name Sid Brunton to anyone in Dunston and Gateshead and immediately you can see a smile of joy appears on their faces.

Ray joined the Lodge of Industry in 1956 and although only a day away from another big day in his life, the birth of his daughter, Ray’s wife Alice gave special dispensation for him to attend and be initiated. As a mark of the times, it took Ray some 17 years to climb the ladder and become master in 1973 before he carried on with various other offices in support of his lodge.

In life, it’s good to remember our history and practice traditions. A fine example of both amply relate to Durham School, which was founded in 1414, that’s over six hundred years’ worth of history to reflect upon. The historic school buildings and chapel blend in wonderfully into the landscape of the ancient city of Durham with its Castle and Cathedral. Former pupils are known as Old Dunelmians

Freemasons around the world are very proud of their history and customs, so much so than many lodge archives as well as masonic museums are full to bursting with artefacts and items of interest going back hundreds of years. One of the most iconic and obvious items that your attentions within a Freemasons lodge is the intricate lodge banner which hangs in an illuminated position for all to see. This is an item that lodges like to keep and display for all to see, despite many decades of wear and tear.