Sunderland-born and raised, Paul Swansbury (52) has been promoted to Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons following a ceremony held on Friday, 9 January 2025, at Freemasons Hall, Queen Street East, Sunderland, the oldest purpose-built Masonic Hall in continuous use in the world. The promotion recognises his long-standing service to Freemasonry in the Province of Durham and his outstanding work in managing and developing its portfolio of building assets.
In his new role, he will take the lead for Durham Freemasons in the Northeastern part of their area and assume overall executive responsibility for their estates’ strategy. The appointment reflects both his deep commitment to Freemasonry and his proven professional expertise in estates and facilities management.
He moves up from Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works, a role he has held since 2023, during which time estates governance, maintenance planning, and long-term strategic oversight were strengthened across the Durham Freemasons area.
The Grade I-listed Queen Street East building, built in 1758 and named Phoenix Hall after the lodge that founded it, which Paul had managed for many years and regarded as his Masonic home, provided a fitting setting for the ceremony. It saw John Watts, Head of Durham Freemasons, install him into his new role, surrounded by friends and colleagues from across Freemasonry.
Leadership recognition
Speaking on the appointment, John Watts said:
“Paul’s promotion reflects both his deep commitment to Freemasonry and the professionalism he brings to every role. His calm, effective leadership and deep understanding of estates management have been invaluable to us.”
“I am delighted that Paul will now take the lead for the North East and assume executive responsibility for our estates strategy. Supported by Stanley-based David Turner, who is promoted to Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works, the Province is extremely well positioned for the future.”
A distinguished Masonic journey
Paul was introduced to Freemasonry by a colleague while working in the Public Health Department of Sunderland City Council. He was initiated into St John’s Lodge No. 80 on 10 October 1995 at the then-youngest possible age of 21 and has now been a Freemason for 30 years and a Companion for 28 years.
After an initial decade focused on work and further education, Paul’s active Masonic involvement began in earnest in 2009. He progressed rapidly through senior Lodge and Chapter roles and was recognised early for his leadership potential, with appointments to Provincial Grand Rank and subsequent senior provincial offices. He is also a member of Lodge Sine Nomine No. 10,000.
Paul has held senior office in several Companion Orders, including service in the Durham Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons and the Masonic Order of Athelstan.
Professional expertise
Alongside his Masonic career, Paul brings extensive professional experience in estates and facilities management in the public, private and third sectors.
Paul Swansbury’s response
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment and thankful for the trust that has been placed in me. To take on this role at Queen Street, my Masonic home, in the presence of so many friends and colleagues, was both meaningful and humbling. I look forward to playing my part in supporting Freemasonry across the North East and working throughout the wider Durham Freemasons area to ensure our estates strategy continues to serve our members and our communities well.”
During the ceremony, John Watts also formally appointed David Turner to be Paul's replacement as Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works
