Newry Masonic Hall

St. Patrick’s Masonic Lodge No.77 meets on the first Monday of each month, except June, July and August, in Newry Masonic Hall, Downshire Road, Newry.

According to R. W. Bro. Dr. Francis Crossle the Lodge originally met in a small house in Lower North Street. In the front wall of this house was a carved stone bearing the date 1738 and a shield with certain Masonic emblems. This stone now rests in the wall behind the Master’s Throne in the present Lodge room.

We then met in rooms in Mill Street but these were given up in 1853 to meet in Mr Henry Wright’s. This arrangement seems only to have been for a short time and Lodge 77 then moved to the old Masonic Hall in Hill Street, Newry which was shared with Lodge 23.

The building of a new Hall to house all the Masonic bodies in Newry was discussed on many occasions around this time. In 1873 three Brethren were appointed to a committee to represent Lodge 77 in regard to this project.

The issue finally achieved some momentum in 1885 with a timely intervention from the members of Royal Arch Chapter 77. Their minutes state “That Companions S.E. Martin, G.F. Alderdice and F.C. Crossle be appointed a deputation from this Chapter, to wait on Lodges 18, 23, and 77, for the purpose of conferring with them as to the propriety of erecting a Masonic Hall for the Town of Newry”.

With a subscription list opened, fund raising under way, a site purchased and contractor engaged, the construction of the Hall was soon under way. The new Masonic Hall in Downshire Road was duly dedicated on 8th November 1887 by R.W. Bro. Major Leslie Jenkins Thompson D.P.G.M. and other Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down, just in time for Lodge 77 to celebrate its 150th anniversary on 27th December 1887.

The Hall is shared with 5 other Craft Lodges, as detailed below, as well as various other branches of Freemasonry. It is also home to Newry Masonic Social Club which is open to members 6 nights a week and hosts many functions throughout the year.

The Hall is a popular stop off point for many Lodges on their way to and from Dublin and a warm welcome is always guaranteed.

Newry Masonic Hall
Downshire Road
Newry
BT34 1EE