[1] Members of Phoenix Lodge built the Freemasons' Hall in Queen Street East, Sunderland, in 1785; it is considered to be the oldest purpose-built Masonic Temple in the world that has been in continuous use from its foundation and is still used as such today.

Phoenix originally met in local inns and taverns before moving to the Masonic Hall in Vine Street, which was dedicated on 16 July 1778 but was destroyed by fire on 20 November 1783.

In April 1785, noting the celebrations for the dedication of this new hall, a local newspaper announced that Handel's Messiah would be: "Performed [at St John's Chapel] by the whole Choir of Durham Cathedral, assisted by all the principal Musical Gentlemen of Durham, Newcastle, and Sunderland, under the Direction of Brother Ebdon, who will perform the full accompanyments [sic] on the Organ.

The first recorded Master of Phoenix Lodge was John Thornhill, a local merchant in Sunderland.

Phoenix Lodge has produced one Provincial Grand Master of Durham, George Thompson in 1778.