Sunderland Freemasons - Palatine Lodge No. 97

12/06/2026

Heading off into the recess in fine style, it was a first class performance from all of the officers as we passed Arnel and Rob to the degree of a Fellowcraft.

We’ll be giving everyone the third degree when we get back, with no fewer than 11 Fellowcrafts waiting to be raised. We need to get busy (busier!)

We’ll be having some well deserved social gatherings during recess. If you’d like to tag along and find out more about us, drop us a message.

09/05/2026

We were delighted to welcome the Daily Mail to Freemasons' Hall to meet 30 Freemasons from all walks of life 👨‍🚒👨‍⚕️👨‍⚖️

From beekeepers to doctors, people from across the country shared how Freemasonry has shaped their lives, supported them through challenges, and built lifelong friendships! 🤝📷

Read the full article below:
https://tinyurl.com/yzkc8cf6

05/05/2026

Great effort from everyone at Palatine Lodge, who raised £1,000 for The Firefighters Charity in memory of Jean Williamson, the much-loved late wife of Norman Williamson, a much-loved and respected member of our Lodge and a retired firefighter.

We presented the cheque / online donation at this evening's NARF meeting at Marley Pots Fire Station, where they meet regularly to keep in touch and the old bonds strong, much like we do in Freemasonry.

The money was raised at last year’s social evening, where members and guests enjoyed a fantastic night of music and fun, with JAMAGOTCHI bringing all the best 90s vibes.

As Freemasons we are always proud to support our local communities, and this is a great example of how coming together socially can make a real difference.

The Fire Fighters Charity does amazing work supporting both serving and retired firefighters and their families - providing rehabilitation, mental health support, financial assistance, and much more when it’s needed most.

A wonderful way to honour Jean’s memory while supporting a cause close to Norman’s heart.

23/04/2026

Happy St George's Day! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚔️🐉

20/04/2026

Paul Wallace and Mick Clark will be climbing Mount Snowdon on Saturday 25th April raising money for SSAFA Durham and the Durham 2032 Festival.

If anyone would like to support the 2 Palatine Members or the rest of the team then please do as every penny will help them reach the summit and do some fantastic work moving forward:

15/04/2026

Mason rather than Masonic, but we finished off our little trip with the Chapter House roof tour of York Minster Abbey.

It was also lovely to read about the Quire Ramp which is the first new work since 1830 providing accessibility for all, which is being part funded by the Mark Benevolent Fund.

14/04/2026

14/04/2026

Another great day in York with a tour of York Lodge No. 262’s impressive building and extensive archives, where we saw three examples of Sunderland lusteware jugs featuring Rowland Burdon’s Iron Bridge (Rowland Burdon was Master of our Lodge on four occasions in the 1790s).

This evening we visited Alcuin Lodge No. 6300 and our third building of the trip, another impressive Lodge room - and they also had three lustreware jugs featuring Burdon’s bridge!

We witnessed a great ceremony by the officers where a new brother was initiated. We also bumped into the Provincial Grand Master designate, and decided it would be rude not to ask him to join us for a photo, along with the Master of Alcuin.

14/04/2026

Visiting Eboracum Lodge 1611 in York last night.

A great evening and a truly impressive Lodge room!

13/04/2026

Another superb first degree carried out for Graham Elliott to join us at Palatine Lodge on Thursday 9th April 2026.

4th new Freemason to join the lodge in 2026 and followed by a fantastic Festive Board!!