Historical Information of Rosemary Street Masonic Hall

Rosemary Street Masonic Hall, a prominent three-storey stone building in the Neo-Classical style, was constructed between 1953 and 1956, designed by the architectural firm Young & Mackenzie. This Masonic Hall occupies the former site of Belfast’s Third Presbyterian Church, which was originally erected in 1831 but destroyed during the Belfast Blitz in 1941. The area remained vacant until the Masonic Hall and the adjoining Central Hall were constructed in the 1950s.

Construction Timeline

The Irish Builder documented that construction of the Masonic Hall commenced in February 1953, with its official opening taking place in 1956. The new hall was intended to serve the local lodges of the Masonic Grand Lodge of the Province of Antrim. Initially valued at £3,650 in 1956, the building's value was later reduced to £2,000 in 1957 following an appeal by the Grand Lodge of Antrim regarding the high rating.

Historical Context of Rosemary Street

Rosemary Street has been depicted on maps since at least 1715, identified then as ‘Rosemary Lean.’ According to Patton, by 1791, Rosemary Street was notable for hosting three Presbyterian churches, with Rosemary Street First Presbyterian (Non-Subscribing) remaining as the only survivor. The Masonic Hall was constructed on the site of Belfast’s Third Presbyterian Church, originally designed by Belfast architect John Millar between 1829 and 1832. When completed in 1831, this classical church was described as ‘the most gorgeously finished meeting-house in the kingdom’.

Rebuilding After the Belfast Blitz

In the aftermath of the Belfast Blitz in 1941, much of the surrounding area, including Rosemary Street and Bridge Street, suffered extensive bomb damage. Young & Mackenzie were contracted for the majority of the rebuilding efforts. In addition to the Masonic Hall, they designed the Former Arnott’s Building in 1955 and a modern block for Arnott in 1957-59.

Listing and Architectural Features

Rosemary Street Masonic Hall was listed in 1990. In 1993, Patton described the hall as a ‘three-storey building in reconstructed stone with channelled ground floor above grey granite plinth, and rather flat full width pediment.’ The central bay is set slightly forward, featuring a balustraded balcony on scrolled brackets over the entrance portico. Notable architectural details include a recessed door above four steps, with mason’s compasses over the fanlight, and small pane windows, primarily arranged in triplets.

Memorial Plaques

A memorial plaque at the entrance of the Masonic Hall commemorates the death of Henry Joy McCracken, inscribed with details of his historical significance. A secondary plaque notes that it was commissioned by Dr. R. M. Shearer and unveiled on 4th February 2003. Inside the main meeting hall (F7), a mural depicting King Solomon building the Temple in Jerusalem was presented to the Masonic Lodge by Young & Mackenzie.

Current Usage and Maintenance Challenges

Having served as the headquarters of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim for over fifty years, the late-20th century brought increasing maintenance costs. Consequently, several associated masonic lodges have relocated to Arthur Square Masonic Hall, although the Stated meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim is still held biannually at Rosemary Street. Lodge No. 218, the Antrim Lodge of Installed Master, continues to utilise the hall infrequently.

References

Primary Sources

PRONI OS/6/1/61/3 – Third Edition Ordnance Survey Map 1901-02
PRONI OS/6/1/61/4 – Fourth Edition Ordnance Survey Map 1931
PRONI OS/6/1/61/5 – Fifth Edition Ordnance Survey Map 1938
PRONI VAL/4/B/7/41 – Second General Revaluation of Northern Ireland 1956-1972
Irish Builder, Vol. 98 (15 Dec 1956)
Belfast Street Directories (1843-1918)
Ordnance Survey Map – 130-13SE (1959)

Secondary Sources

Larmour, P., ‘Belfast: An illustrated architectural guide’ Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, 1987.
Patton, M., ‘Central Belfast: An historical gazetteer’ Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, 1993.

Online Resources

Dictionary of Irish Architects - www.dia.ie
Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim website - pglantrim.org/hallRosemarySt.shtml

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