Masonic Hall

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Donaghadee Masonic Lodge is a relatively small, typical late Victorian red brick and sandstone hall of 1898-99, with gothic revival features. It is situated on the W side of the Millisle Road, at the intersection of the Killaughey Road and has been well preserved.

The building is ‘L’ shaped in plan. And consists of a gabled hall section with a smaller gabled projection to the N. The entrance is located on the centre right (N facing) gable of the projection and consists of panelled double doors set in a Tudor arch with fanlight. The doorway is reached via a raised stone platform with two steps. To the left of this is a small sliding
sash window, with shaped sandstone lintel, all set on a cill course (which continues around the entire building). There is a sandstone band high in the gable, with a small slit opening above this. The gabled is buttressed and has a chamfered base (as does the rest of the building).

To the E facade of the projection are two small paired sliding sash windows, similar to previous.

The rear (W) facade consists of the W side of the projection (which has two sliding sash windows) and the W gable of the hall (which is blank).

The S facade (of the hall) has four pointed arch windows with stained glass and buttresses between each opening.

The E gable of the hall has two outer pointed arch windows with cusped frames and stained glass. In between these is a large pointed arch recess with sandstone infill forming an inscribed panel (at the base of the recess), two cusped window-like panels above this, and a large trefoil, with stained glass, to the arch head. Above the outer windows and the central panel is a continuous line of label moulding. To either side of the large central recess is a sandstone band, with another high in the gable.

To the short N facade of the hall are two pointed arch windows (as S facade) with a butress between.

Both the hall and the projection have an asbestos slated gabled roof with decorative red clay ridge tiles. There is a small, ogee domed, lead and timber cupola to the main (hall) roof.

The E gable of the hall and the projection gable both have sandstone parapets. Cast iron ogee gutters and down spouts.

Low rendered wall, with wrought iron railing and gates, to N and E (which should be included in the listing).

This hall appears to be largely intact both inside and out and is well maintained.

Historical information

This hall was built in 1898-99 to designs by the firm of J.J. Phillips and Son. The building was re-roofed recently, at which time the chimney may have been removed.

References- Secondary sources

1. Hugh Dixon et al Historic buildings, groups of buildings, buildings of architectural importance in Donaghadee and Portpatrick (UAHS 1977), p.30.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
I. Quality and survival of Interior
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

Small single storey late Victorian Masonic hall of 1898-99, in red brick and sandstone with gothic detailing. This building is still largely intact both inside and out and a good example of a hall from this period.