Researching Freemasons family connections? COMPLETED

[Tyne Traveller]

Can anyone advise on how to go about researching family members connections with the Freemasons? I have several family members who were Masons in the Newcastle-on-Tyne area and would like to know how to find out more about them. Do the Masons have any public records which can be consulted?

The photo shows George Frederick Bryce born c1883, who was apparently quite high up in the Masons hierarchy in Newcastle/Northumberland. There is a date of 1937 on the back. The inscription on the front says "G. Fred. Bryce PGD. Priv. G. Sec. N'land"  I would like to know a bit more about what his position was, in which lodge, and something about the regalia.

His father George Thomas Bryce was also a member.

On the other side of the family, James Temple (1871-1939) was, according to family memory, also 'high-up' in the Freemasons.

Any info on where to go next would be most helpful.

[stanmapstone]

Why not contact  the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland http://northumberlandmasons.org/home/contact-us.html

Stan

[Tyne Traveller]

Thanks for the link Stan - I've sent them an email.

best wishes, Janet

[dawnsh]

Hi Janet

Have you thought about contacting the Library and Museum here?

http://www.freemasonry.london.museum/family-history/

They've been really helpful with my research.

Dawn

[Tyne Traveller]

Hi Dawn. Thanks for the link. It looks as if this is an expensive option if I don't already know the Lodge name or number since they charge £30 pername without this . The service seems to be free if the Lodge name is already known - so maybe I'll be able to get this from some other source first?

Best wishes, Janet.

[nainmaddie]

Hi Tyne traveller

I have googled www. tynecastlelodge.org.uk. which gives you some history of the lodge and other lodges.   It also gives you the number of the lodge, and the others.

I have also done some research on other lodges, and I have not been charged and treated with courtesy.  It is worth trying the above !

Maddie

[Tyne Traveller]

Thanks Maddie - sounds hopeful - maybe I will contact them.

Best wishes, Janet.

[Tyne Traveller]

Just to let you all know that the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland has been most helpful. They gave me a full resume of Fred's 'career' in the Masons, including all the official posts he held and details of his addresses and occupations during the time he was a member. They could not help with his father or James Temple without Lodge names or numbers.

I'm trying to contact Tynecastle Lodge now since this seems the right area for the other two according to addresses I have for them.

Best wishes, Janet.

[nainmaddie]

I am delighted to hear that you have had some very helpful advice.  That is how it should be !!!

Do let us know how you get on.