Masonic Hall,

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Two storey, dwelling house-like Masonic Hall of 1870, set within the terrace on the W side of Railway Street, but possibly originally free standing.

The front (E) façade is symmetrical. In the centre is a panelled door with semicircular fanlight. Above the doorway is semicircular label moulding with keystone and decorative stops. Between the label moulding and the fanlight are raised and painted letters spelling out ‘MASONIC HALL 1870’ with Masonic (dividers etc.) symbol also included. The keystone has the lodge number thereon. To the right and to the left of the doorway is a window with PVC frame and label moulding above (with stops as before). To the first floor are three similar windows but with moulded surrounds and no labels. The upper floor windows rest on a cill course. The façade is finished in painted lined render. Decorative vents near eaves.

There was no access to the rear of this property and consequently the writers could only observe it from a distance. The rear is dominated by a large two storey return which has at least two modern first floor windows to the S side. These window openings appear to have been reduced in size recently. The return is [?completely] finished in plain render and unpainted.

The roof is covered in Bangor blue slates to the front at least. The rear slates are covered in lichen growth suggesting the slates may be asbestos. Cast iron rw goods to front. Two rendered chimney stacks.

Low rendered wall to front with decorative wrought iron railings (which may be early to mid 20th century).

Historical information

As its name suggests, Railway Street was laid out in the wake of the arrival of the BCDR line in 1850. By 1858 the northern half of the street itself had appeared as far as where the present No.45 now stands, but no building along it had occurred.

As the legend above the doorway of this Masonic Hall states the property appears to date from 1870 (assuming that it was purpose built as a Masonic Lodge). Judging by its appearance may be the oldest structure in this street and consequently originally free standing.

The hall is believed to been completely renovated (internally at least) recently.

References- Primary sources
1 PRONI OS/6/3/10/3 OS map 1st rev. 1858-60, Down 10.
2 PRONI OS/2/3/10 OS map 2nd ed. 1901, Down 10.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Two storey, dwelling house-like, Masonic Hall of 1870, set in the middle of a terrace but perhaps originally free-standing. There is a large return to the rear and PVC window frames have recently been installed throughout.