Meeting Place: St Helens Masonic Hall, Regent Street, The Headland, Hartlepool
Meeting Dates: First Thursday of each month (excluding August)
Start Time: 7:00pm (Installation in December begins at 5:30pm)
Installation Month: December
Consecrated: 1846
The Oldest Lodge in Hartlepool
Founded in 1846, St Helens Lodge No. 531 is the oldest Masonic Lodge in Hartlepool. The Lodge meets in its own historic building on Regent Street on the Headland — a unique and characterful venue approaching 200 years of age.
This long and proud history gives St Helens Lodge a strong sense of tradition, stability, and continuity within Hartlepool Freemasonry.
A Welcoming and Convivial Lodge
St Helens Lodge brings together good men from across Hartlepool and beyond, with members ranging in age from their 20s through to their 90s. The Lodge enjoys excellent attendance from both members and visitors and is known for its warm, friendly and respectful atmosphere.
Freemasonry at St Helens is built upon the core principles of:
- Integrity
- Friendship
- Respect
- Charity
The Lodge is open to men of all faiths and backgrounds. It is not a religion, and discussion of religion or politics is avoided during meetings to preserve harmony and unity.
Meetings and Lodge of Instruction
Formal meetings typically last around one hour and are followed by a four-course meal — an important and enjoyable part of the Masonic experience. The evening generally concludes by 10:30pm.
In addition, the Lodge runs a Lodge of Instruction on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding June, July and August). All Freemasons are welcome to attend regardless of experience. The nominal membership fee is £5, and the evening (including meal, currently £3) lasts no longer than 2.5 hours.
Tradition with Guidance and Oversight
St Helens Lodge operates under the guidance of the United Grand Lodge of England and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, ensuring high standards, structure, and accountability within its activities.
Freemasonry is not a secret society, though some elements of its ceremonies are reserved for members. More information about Freemasonry nationally can be found via the official United Grand Lodge of England website.
Charity and Community Support
Charity is central to St Helens Lodge.
The Lodge regularly supports both local and national causes. Recent charitable donations have included:
- Headland Boxing Club
- Local Boys Brigade
- Lab Gym / Alice House Hospice Children’s Christmas Toy Appeal
- TLC Teddies Scheme
- The Great North Air Ambulance
- Hartlepool & Durham Masonic Benevolence Committees
Beyond financial support, members also provide moral and practical assistance to fellow Brethren and their families during times of illness or difficulty, ensuring no one is forgotten.
Social Life and Fellowship
In addition to formal meetings, the Lodge holds several social events each year where wives, partners, family and friends are warmly invited. These include:
- Fish & Chip suppers with live entertainment and quizzes
- Dinner Dances (Ladies’ Nights)
- Informal social gatherings
The enjoyment of each other’s company is a fundamental part of the Lodge’s culture.
Why Join St Helens Lodge?
St Helens Lodge combines:
- Nearly 180 years of proud history
- Respect for long-standing tradition
- A forward-thinking and proactive membership
- Strong charitable commitment
- A welcoming and inclusive atmosphere
Members come from a wide range of professions and backgrounds, creating a rich and diverse Lodge environment.
You will make new friendships, gain unique experiences, and become part of a tradition that stretches back generations — while helping to shape its future.
Most importantly, you will enjoy Freemasonry — because we do.
Interested in becoming a Member? Register an interest and we will be in contact.