(an extract from"Whickham Parish its History, Antiquities and Industries by William Bourn [first published 1893] [available from Gateshead Public Library])
When the Lodge was founded is uncertain: but there is reason to think that it existed as an operative Lodge as early as the year 1717. The Lodge was originally held at Swalwell, and there is a tradition that it was founded by the operative Masons brought from the south by Sir Ambrose Crowley about the year 1690. From a copy of the bye-laws the following extract is taken:- "The oldest Minutes of the Lodge are written in sheets, bound up with a copy of the Constitutions of Freemasonry, published in 1723, edited by the celebrated Dr. J. T. Desaguliers, D. G. M., and dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Montague, Grand Master." The Minute Book, with the Warrant and other valuable documents and property of the Lodge, were lost before the year 1770; but the Minute Book was fortunately recovered by Bro. John Etridge Wilkinson, who found it exhibited for sale at a bookstall, purchased it, and presented it to the Lodge in 1845. The various minutes of Lodge meetings, annual appointments of Worshipful Master and Officers, and Indentured Apprentices were duly recorded in the old book, furnishing to the brethren of the Lodge of Industry an interesting record of Masonic history. The first entry is dated 24th June 1735, on which day it is noted: - "Then Matthew Armstrong and Arthur Douglas had their names registered as Entered Apprentices." The original Warrant of the Lodge was dated 24th June 1735, the number of the Lodge at the time being 132. After this Warrant was lost a Charter of Confirmation was granted to the Lodge in October 1771, by the Duke of Beaufort, Grand Master, which is now in the possessions of the Brethren of the Lodge, and constitutes their authority for Masonic purposes.
In the year 1735, the number of members was 132, in the year of 1832; the number had fallen to 56. At a meeting held in February 1845, it was resolved to move the Lodge from Swalwell to the neighbouring borough of Gateshead, a step which gave increased viability to the old Lodge, as several of the most active Masons of the district joined, and the Lodge has since that period continued in a successful and prosperous career.
The Lodge at Swalwell was held at the Queens Head. Annually the members decorated with their Regalia and proceeded by a band of music, paraded to Whickham Parish Church, when a sermon for the occasion was preached by the Rector of the parish. There is still in existence at Swalwell, a sword-artistically furnished-which was presented by the Earl of Strathmore to Mr Brown, the host of the Queens Head.
The late Mr. James Davison was an active supporter of the Lodge. He was for fifty years a subscribing member; and on his death in 1851, the Brethren erected a tombstone to his memory in Whickham churchyard, bearing the following inscription:-
Sacred
To the Memory of
James Davison,
of Swalwell,
Who died April 23rd 1831,
Aged 77 Years
He was for fifty-six years a much respected member
Of the Fraternity of Freemasons
