FREEMASONRY
"a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."
Beginnings The Consecration Chronicles 1945-1970 Part 1
Part 2 Chronicles 1971-1995 Chronicles 1995 - Present
Darlington did not suffer as much as other towns during the war for the physical damage was relatively low, but it inevitably left its mark on the town and its people. In many ways the town centre has changed little with the basic landmarks remaining, but other memorable landmarks of this period have vanished or changed in the wake of progress - the Gas Works, Pease's Mill, Blackwell Hall, the demise of the afternoon 'tea dances', the Court Kinema, the Empire and Scala; and the last trolley bus ran in July 1957. In spite of all this change however, the Hippodrome was saved by the Darlington Operatic Company to eventually become the Civic Theatre and this period finishes with building of the new Town Hall and the beginning of the ring road system.
The first twentyfive years witnessed the growth of the lodge from 22 founder members to 76 in 1970 with an application list for membership in the early years of 26 which meant waiting for seven or eight years. By 1970 this had fallen to the norm with other lodges in the town of about three years. The minutes of the lodge highlight the gradual acquisition of lodge furniture, the Master's Board, Lodge Banner and the traditions of the lodge were established with 'full closings' and the presentation of Masonic Bibles.
In 1945 when the Northern Echo cost 1d and the Northern Despatch 1.5d the lodge subscription was £1-11-6d and the fee for initiation was 21-0-0 rising by 1970 to £7-10-0 and £40-0-0 respectively, whilst over the same period the cost of the banquet at installations rose from 5/6d to 12/6d. Covering the cost of refreshments after the lodge meetings was a constant concern for all members as in the early days there was no formal dining fee and the steward's fund relied upon voluntary levy and appeals.
Upto October 1954 the lodge opened at 06.30 and for nine years that suited the majority of the brethren, but with the ending of rationing in the early 1950's, the extension of business hours, the changes in office practice and working day the lodge Commitee recommended that the lodge opended later at 06.45 so that brethren could arrive punctually.
Beginnings The Consecration Chronicles 1945-1970 Part 1
Part 2 Chronicles 1971-1995 Chronicles 1995 - Present