Barnard Castle Masons to show what goes on behind the big blue doors

IF you have ever wondered what goes on behind the doors of the Masonic Hall, in Barnard Castle, local masons are offering the chance to find out as part of national celebrations.

Freemasonry – one of the world’s oldest, best known and still most mysterious charitable organisations – is officially 300 years old in 2017. Its ruling body, the United Grand Lodge of England, officially came into being in 1717 when previously fragmented groups agreed to amalgamate under a standard code of practice.

Its “secret society” tag is, these days, being gradually eroded as the modern generation seeks to promote its contributions to local, national and worldwide good causes.

In addition to the organisation’s public-spirited objectives, it also seeks to make “good men better” through bonds of fraternal friendship.

In its heyday and before the many and various modern distractions that have both dampened enthusiasm and reduced membership, every town – and often village – had its own local masonic hall.

But what goes on inside?

If you’ve always wondered and would like to know more, Barnard Castle’s Masonic Hall, in Newgate, is open to the public as part of the national tercentenary celebrations on Saturday, June 24, from 10am to 4pm.

The town’s masons are inviting anyone interested to call in, have a look round and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.

Unlike those in Staindrop and Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barney’s Masonic Hall was purpose built – the work of Joseph Kyle – at a cost of £720, of which museum founder John Bowes contributed £100.

The Barnard Lodge, the oldest surviving lodge in the town, was formed in 1868 and initially met at various venues around the town until the hall was opened in 1877.

Although Barnard Lodge is the oldest surviving in the town, it was not the first.

Masons can be traced back more than 250 years to the Lodge of Concord in 1760.

Today, three lodges meet in the hall. In addition to Barnard, there is the Strathmore Lodge, which was consecrated in 1946, and the Old Barnardian Lodge, formed in 1990.

Once inside, visitors can view the lodge room, where boards naming those who have served as masters of Strathmore and Old Barnardians are hung on the walls. Barnard Lodge keeps pictures of its former masters adorning the walls of the dining room, including a signed print of John Bowes.

The lodge room is also home to the three lodge banners. June’s event will be the second time in recent months that local masons have thrown open their doors to offer a look behind the scenes. Last November, they welcomed those who had taken part in Barney’s Remembrance Sunday service and parade.

To find out more about local freemasonry go

online www.durham

freemasons.org.