2 to 6 Grange Road, Masonic Hall

An increase in the population of Jarrow at the beginning of the 19th Century provided a fertile field in which Freemasonry could take root. Following a petition, a Charter was granted on June 5th, 1866 and on August 7th, 1866, St. Bede Lodge, No. 1119 was consecrated by the Rt. W. Bro. John Fawcett, Provincial Grand Master in the Mechanics Institute, Jarrow. The Lodge held its meetings here until permanent premises could be secured. W. Bro. Henry Hedley was the first Master, and the first meeting was held on August 29th, 1866.
A period of consolidation followed and the strength of the Lodge grew and in March 1878 the question of a permanent meeting place was seriously considered and within a year the project was agreed. The foundation stone was laid on 21st April, 1881, by W. Bro. George Spain, Master of Northumberland Lodge. Just ten months later, on the 15th February, 1882, the Temple was consecrated. St. Bede Lodge had a home.
Masonry and its attraction spread, and in due course a representation was made, a warrant issued, and on May 31st, 1882, St. Bede Chapter, No. 1119 was consecrated.
By the end of the 19th century, the population of Jarrow exceeded 30,000. At the same time the results of the 1870 Education Act, giving education to all, were now being felt among the adult population. These facts were reflected in the increased flow of candidates. It was now apparent that to avoid long periods of waiting for admission, and to prevent subsequent accumulation of names of potential candidates, another Lodge was imperative. Thus did St. Paul Lodge, No. 3242 come into being.
About this time discussions were entered into regarding the alteration and extension of the building. Plans were agreed and the contractor took over in May 1909. Dispensation was granted for the regular meetings to be held at Carr Street, Hebburn, and through the good graces of Perseverance Lodge, St. Bede Lodge functioned normally.
On the 8th December 1909, the building as we now know it re-opened. The 50th Anniversary of the Lodge was commemorated on the 13th September 1916 by a visit from Provincial Grand Lodge, headed by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V. W. Bro. Victor Williamson, and the presentation of mementos in the form of a jewel and medal.
Further expansion in depth came in 1920, with the consecration of Jarrow Mark Lodge No. 701, and that Masonry was extending its appeal was shown by the formation of Pele Tower Lodge and whose consecration took place in Jarrow Masonic Hall.
The war brought employment, to be followed by a measure of prosperity unknown in the history of the Town. The rising standard of living, the time for leisure, and the means to enjoy it; all these increased the field of Masonic attraction. The pressure for Masonic status became so astute that Lodge lists had to be closed. The solution was to form another Lodge to cope with the demand. And it so was that on the 5th March 1947, a Charter was granted for Gyrwy Lodge, No. 6462. The consecration was on 11th June 1947.
The following Craft Lodges still meet at Jarrow Masonic Hall:
St Bede Lodge No. 1119
St Paul Lodge No. 3242
Gyrwy Lodge No. 6462
Jarrow Grange Lodge No. 8551. LOCAL LIST