The foundation stone was laid on the 11th October 1870 by W.Bro.George Thompson Prov. S.G.W. (St. Peter’s Lodge No. 481) Chairman of the Temple Company.

A bottle containing one each of the coins minted during Queen Victoria's reign, together with newspapers and journals, were placed in the cavity of the stone..... But which stone? Is it a Masonic secret?

The building of the hall was brought about by the initiative of St Peter’s Lodge (481) and Northern Counties (406).

Dedicated on the 23rd May 1872, in front of 200 Masons, by W. Bro. M. J. Cockroft Dep. Prov. G.M. for Northumberland, assisted by Lord James Murray (Representative of the Grand Lodge of Scotland at United Grand Lodge, England)

Closed as a Masonic Temple in 1895, it became a tea room and dance hall but re-opened again for its original purpose at the turn of the century. During this period, all the Temple windows were removed and stored for safety. Unfortunately, the East windows were somehow mislai

The Temple itself is 46ft long, 24ft wide and approximately 25ft in height and hold over 100 people.

Many of the original features remain, including the furniture in the East, the Wardens chairs, the Deacon’s chairs and the Kneepng Stool in the West.

Restoration work has been on-going since the early 1980s and has included a new roof, replacement timbers in the N. West corner of the building, remedial work on the Festive Room floor and winding staircase, a new central heating system, renovation of the bar area, re-pointing and seapng of the whole building and a pft has been installed.