Freemasonry in the Village of Templepatrick from 1777 right up to the Present Day.

Transcription

1 Brethren, it is with great sadness that we record the passing of Irish Freemasonry from the village of Templepatrick, after some 242 years of service to The Grand Lodge of Ireland. In that time several Warrants have been issued to Lodges meeting in Templepatrick, and below, you will find some details of their various stories. Freemasonry in the Village of Templepatrick from 1777 right up to the Present Day. Warrant No 551. Our story begins in the year 1777, when Warrant No 551 was issued to William Bradford, Archibald Agnew and James Boyd on the 4 th December of that year to hold a Lodge in the village of Templepatrick located in mid Antrim, several miles from the Town of Belfast. The Brethren of this new Lodge decided that they would stich orange ribbon around their St

2 Patrick s blue aprons, to make their members easier to identify at the biannual St john s day festivals held in June and December every year. They quickly became known as members of The Orange and Blue Lodge No 551 Templepatrick. In December 1777, only the three principal officers were registered in Grand Lodge, however over the next eight year period up until the end of 1785, a further 59 Brethren received their degrees in the Lodge and had their names registered in Dublin. One very useful public record of the growth and development of Lodge 551 was the Belfast News Letter, which frequently recorded some of the public events held by this Lodge in the closing years of the 18 th Century. Here, as a matter of public record, we find the following references to Lodge 551. In the Belfast News Letter dated 26 th June 1783 :- The Master, Wardens, and Brethren of the Orange and Blue Lodge, No. 551, do hereby return their sincere thanks to the Revd. John Abernathy, for his excellent Sermon, delivered before them in their Lodge-Room, in Templepatrick, the 24th instant. Signed : Archibald. Agnew, Secretary

3 An interesting entry published in the B.N.L. dated 4 th July 1783 advises Lodge Members of 551, that any Brother wanting to avail of the Lodge s Mort Cloth needs to be in good standing with the Secretary. The actual article reads as follows :- * P.S. The Lodge's Mort-Cloth is to be given out by Archibald Agnew, until June 24th Such Brethren as have incurred fines to have no benefit therefrom until such fines are paid. Our next surviving B.N.L. entry reads as follows :- The Brethren of Lodge No. 551 design to walk to the new Meeting House in Templepatrick, St. John's Day next to hear a sermon after which they will dine together at their Brother James Agnews. Such Lodges as will favour them with their company on said day are requested to be ready to join the procession at 12 O'clock. Arch. Agnew, Sec. Templepatrick, 12th June, Interestingly, this could be described as an early form of Press Release, as the article appeared in the B.N.L. issue dated 9 th June Clearly, their advertising was successful, as we can see from their next B.N.L. entry dated 30 th June Lodge No. 551 Collectively assembled return thanks to the Revd. John Abernathy for this excellent sermon delivered before them in Templepatrick Meeting House the 24th inst. also to the Lodges which attended on that occasion viz.:- Dundrod No. 499, Doagh No. 490 [recte 590], Ballyutog No. 598, and Carnmoney No The politeness harmony and Order which were then so conspicuously displayed by the above Lodges strongly claim the attention and gratitude of the Brethren of Lodge No Lodge Room Templepatrick, June 30, 1786 Arch Agnew, Sec. Our next publication in the B.N.L. comes a couple of years later, and refers to a meeting of a body described as The Masonic Association. Despite this, the article was published under the stamp of our ever

4 faithful Secretary Archibald Agnew, and was published in their Christmas edition for the period 23 rd 26 th December Masonry at Templepatrick Templepatrick, December 24, 1788 The several Lodges who send Delegates to the Masonic Association, held in Dr. Agnew's in the town of Templepatrick, are desired to take notice that the next half-yearly Meeting will be on Monday, the 29th day of December inst. at two o'clock in the afternoon. As there is business of importance to be transacted, it is hoped there will be a regular attendance; and that such Lodges as wish to join the Association will embrace the present opportunity. Signed by Order, Arch. Agnew, Secretary. [of 551] We now know that Archibald Agnew, was the owner of a local tavern in the village, which was used for meetings of the Masonic Association, as well as meetings of the local Volunteer Association. You may be interested to learn that some would say these two groups were one and the same A curious entry, Brethren, that at the moment, I cannot throw much that further light upon. Who was Dr Agnew, and what was the aims, scope and purpose of the Templepatrick institution known as The Masonic Association. One possible area of speculation may well associate this meeting with the Irish Volunteer movement, or indeed with the early formative years of The United Irishmen. And the reason, that I make that suggestion is the suggestion that Jemmy Hope, a well known United Irishman, was born in Templepatrick from Scottish Presbyterian Planter Stock in the 1764 and was said to be a member of Templepatrick Masonic Lodge No 551. He was intimately involved in hiding the canon in the Templepatrick Meeting House, and could possibly be one of those involved in this obscure Association meeting in One of Hope s best friends had been William Orr from Farranshane, a few miles further north on the outskirts of Antrim. Orr was arrested by the Crown Forces in 1796, and tried for administrating the United oath

5 to a serving British Army Officer. He was tried at Carrickfergus Castle, and despite the evidence to the contrary, was found guilty, by jury and sentenced to death. Whilst on the scaffold, he refused a blindfold, and announcing to all present that he was about to die as a persecuted man for a persecuted country. The rallying cry Remember Orr brought many men from Antrim and The Six Mile valley into the United Movement in advance of The final words of Jemmy Hope. The power that has, through life, preserved me, is doing the work, to which my poor efforts were directed. It is farther in advance than I expected to live to see it. It is past the power of human resistance, to frustrate it. Its progress is employing every intelligent Irish mind. Every step throws fresh light on the subject, that engages it, whether of success or defeat. The mind of the nation lives and grows in vigour. Its object is still before it; and as one of its promoters sinks into the grave, another is still forthcoming. Even self-interest, that was so strong against the nation s interest, is coming By 1790, Templepatrick had a new Secretary, Wor Bro Charles Crymble who maintained links with the B.N.L. that published a brief report on the Templepatrick church service on St Johns day 24 th June This report was published on the 29 th June At a Meeting of the following Lodges viz:- Nos. 430, 499, 551, 590, 591, 645, and 651 in Templepatrick, June 24th 1790 (after walking in Masonic uniform and hearing a sermon preached there by the Revd. Bro. Futt, Marshall) it was resolved unanimously Charles Crymble Esq. in the Chair. That the thanks of the Lodges here present are justly due to our worthy brother the Revd. Futt. Marshall for his ready compliance with the request of Lodge No. 551 to preach this day before us, but more especially for the Masonic Sermon we have just heard which was so truly eloquent and instructive that to be silent would argue ingratitude or want of Discernment. Charles Crymble Secretary.

6 On the 2 nd July 1790, the B.N.L. published a brief extract from a letter that it had just received on the 25 th June 1790 from Templepatrick that read as follows :- "Yesterday Ballyclare Lodge, No. 430; Dundrod, No. 499; Ballyeaston, No. 590; Ballyutoag, Bo. 591; Carnmoney, No. 645; and Whitehouse, No. 651, came here to celebrate the Festival of their Patron Saint, and accordingly went in Procession to our Meeting House, with Templepatrick Lodge, No. 551, where a Sermon Suitable to the occasion was preached before them by their Brother Futt Marshall. The silent and profound attention of the whole audience evidenced their approbation of the discourse, which was admirably calculated to inform and improve the hearers in general, but more particularly the Fraternity. The distant Lodges were met respectively, previous to their entering the village, by the Brethren of 551, and, when ready to depart, were accompanied by them through the same. At meeting and parting a mutual salute was given. In short, the most perfect order, harmony and friendship subsisted throughout the whole business of the day, which was begun and finished without any of those disorders which sometimes happen in societies regulated by less perfect principles." At a Masonic Meeting held at Ballyclare, consisting of the following Lodges, viz. 430, 551, 590, and 645, Charles Crimble, Esq., in the Chair, the following Resolutions were unanimously agreed to:- 1st. Resolved. That our hearty and sincere thanks be given to our worthy Brother the Revd. Foot Marshal, for his excellent Sermon preached to us on that occasion, being St. John's Day. 2nd. Resolved. That the above be published in the Belfast News Paper. Edward Henderson, Master, No Edward Greenlees Senr. Warden. William Low, Junr. Warden. Signed by Order, John Laird, Sec. 28th June, BNL 29 June, 3 July, NP. Vol. C.p. 107.

7 The Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Lodges Nos. 529, 551, 627, and 658, return their sincere thanks to their brother, the Rev. Futt Marshall, for his Excellent and well-adapted Sermon, delivered before them this day in Antrim. Signed by order of the meeting. John McKain, Master of Antrim Lodge No Antrim; June 24, 1795 The Northern Star, 2 July, Vol. 1.p. 4 Masonic Sermon. The Masters, Wardens, and Brethren of Lodges No. 424, 551, 590, 676, 704, 725, 775, 776, and 802 do return our most sincere thanks to the Rev. Foot Marshall for the excellent Sermon delivered by him in the Meeting House of Connor, the 24th day of June, on the duties and principles of Masonry. Signed by order, David Manson, Sec. 802, Kells. June 29, 1796 N.B. The Members of 802 return those different Lodges their unfeigned thanks for attending with so much regularity that day.

8 John Irwin, Master. Northern Star, 22 July, Vol. 4.p From the Minutes of Grand Lodge Lodge February, 1800 Read a Petition of the Brethren of No. 551 praying a Duplicate thereof, the original being destroyed during the rebellion. Referred to the Lodges in that neighbourhood for enquiry and report. Grand Lodge of Ireland A Duplicate granted / the Original having been destroyed by fire March 25, 1802 [during the rebellion of 1798] to Archibald Agnew; James Boyd and Isaiah Moatt (Registered 25 March 1802). As the new century gets underway, those in control in Dublin decide to Introduce new ruling bodies for Royal Arch Masons and The High Knight Templars. These proposals went down very badly in the North, where the Brethren were used to conducting all of their many and wonderful degrees under the sole authority of their Blue or Craft Warrant. Many meetings took place throughout the North including one in Belfast where Templepatrick were represented :- Belfast:- At a meeting of the Representatives of sixty two Lodges [Nos. 112, 178, 180, 182, 253, 257, 270, 272, 294, 314, 316, 372, 403, 418, 426, 428, 429, 430, 446, 447, 484, 491, 499, 507, 508, 550, 551, 587, 590, 598, 609, 615, 627, 629, 636, 645, 651, 652, 659, 662, 675, 684, 687, 725, 732, 749, 761, 762, 763, 776, 783, 793, 822, 825, 845, 861, 915, 926, 927, 931, 947, and 949 Vol. 6. p.267] of Free and Accepted Masons convened at Belfast, on the 20th January, 1806, the Worshipful William McCall, of Lodge No. 112, in the Chair, the following Resolutions were unanimously passed, and ordered to be transmitted, signed by our Chairman, to the Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Ireland. 1st. "That it appears to us, that the Innovation's lately proposed to be placed on the higher Masonic Orders, are unnecessary, inasmuch as these Orders have hitherto enjoyed uninterrupted Tranquillity without any ostensible Head or controlling Power."

9 2nd. "That we pledge ourselves to one another, and to all Kt.'s. and Royal Arch Masons in the Kingdom, that we never will acknowledge such Innovations, considering them of so dangerous a nature, as may, id persisted in, dissolve that good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between the Rt. Worshipful the G.L. and Country Lodges." 3rd. "That we think it a Duty incumbent on us, earnestly to recommend to the Right Worshipful the G.L. that instead of new, chimerical, and complex systems of Finance, they will be pleased to restore the Original Regulations which have formerly produced general satisfaction." 4th. "That we cannot with Indifference behold the Dissensious which have lately convulsed the Bosom of the Rt. Worshipful the G.L., as they appear to dispassionate Observers, to be Contests more about Places of Power and Emolument, than the Genuine Interests of the Order, which breathes nothing but Charity and Love." 5th. "That as it appears by the last Statements that the Arrears, and Irregularity of the Books, occasioned by the late Bro. Corker's Indisposition, are now adjusted, and that the Accountants have been rewarded (according to the opinion of eminent Merchants) for their Trouble, we recommend that the Office of D.G. Treasurer does now cease; and that the D.G. Secretary in future collect all Monies due to the Grand Lodge as formerly." 6th. "That a Committee of Nine be now appointed to draw up a Memorial, conveying our Sentiments together with a Copy of the above Resolutions to the Right Hon. and Right Worshipful the Earl of Donoughmore, G.M. of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ireland." Signed by Order, William McCall. The upshot of these discussions was, shortly thereafter, the formation of a breakaway Grand Lodge known as The Grand East of Ulster which led to much disruption and difficulties until Templepatrick 551, like many other Northern Lodges joined this new breakaway federation. Records show that amongst the breakaway Lodges on the Roll of the Grand East of Ireland, from 27th December, 1806, and on, and up till 6th December, 1809 were many Lodges including 551. Nos

10 Brother A. Seton, D.G.S. with the Grand Lodge To Cash from Lodges Nos , in full to the 27th day of December, s. 0d. [ 14.60]. Vol. 5.p DUNGANNON The following regular Masonic Lodges on the Registry of the Ancient Grand Lodge of Ireland, held in the Town of Dungannon in the Province of Ulster, assembled in their respective Districts to commemorate the Anniversary of St. John, most respectfully return their thanks as follows viz:- Nos. 112, 178, 193, 316, 335, 427, 575, 606, 608, 652, 659, 682, 683, 716, 749, 963 & 978 to the Rev Dr. Cupples for his excellent sermon, delivered at Hillsborough & also to George Stephenson Esq. & Capt. Coulson for their friendship on that occasion. And Nos. 319, 403, 404, 426, 428, 429, 669 & 772, to the Revd. Mr. McMullan for his excellent Sermon at the Church of Ballinderry. And Nos. 447 & 746 to the Rev. Hugh Woods for his excellent Sermon at Bangor. And likewise Nos. 88, 272, 484, 485, 550, 551, 598, 602, 621, 651, 687, 762, 783, 793, 800, 801, 845, 931, 949, and 999 to their Rev. Bro. Campbell for his excellent Sermon at Dundrod. Signed by Order, D. Murray of 112, H. Walker of 772, I. Mathers of 447, G. Savage of 931. June 24th, 1809.

11 Grand East of Ireland:- Receipts from 27th Dec. 1809, to 24th June, 1811, inclusive, from the following Lodges sums, amounting, in the whole, to 88. 8s. 6½d. [ 88.43] - Lodges Nos. 42, 46, 50, 108, 144, 191, 226, 270, 272, 292, 294, 319, 336, 366, 379, 386, 403, 408, 421, 430, 431, 453, 464, 473, 484, 523, 551,

12 570, 588, 590, 602, 645, 687, 689, 692, 697, 708, 725, 727, 730, 756, 762, 788, 798, 819, 836, 871, 893, 899, 908, 915, 919, 922, 931, 943, 949, 956, 965, 978, 992 and 998. The particulars of Expenditure include an item "Printing in sundry Papers the Address to his Grace the Lord Lieutenant, and his Grace's Answer 13. 8s. 9d. [ 13.43½] The Auditors are Geo. Savage, 931; David Gillespie, 949; John McIlroy, 484; John Hamilton, 793 We the Masters, Wardens and Brethren of Lodges, Nos. 215, 226, 298, 379, 430, 485, 551, 590, 598, 645, 725, 776, 915, 956 return our most sincere thanks to the Rev. Henry Cook for his most excellent and well adapted Sermon, delivered to us in the Meeting House of Donagore on St. John's Day last. John Gibb, Master 298 Parkgate, June 25. BNL 30 June, On the 7 th September 1815, a second Warrant was issued to hold a new Lodge in Templepatrick to Bros John Morrow, John Johnston and Robert Cowan.,which would work under Warrant Number 1019 on the Register of The Grand Lodge of Ireland. Two of its founders came from 551 and Bro John Morrow, the third grantee was a member of Doagh Masonic Lodge No 590. This was to be a short lived Lodge, as the Brethren exchanged their 1019 Warrant for Warrant Bo 167 on the 26 th December Grand Lodge records show that only seven Brethren were registered on the books of Warrant No 1019, before the Warrants were changed. Sadly, no other records on the 1019 Warrant seem to exist. 824 The first Lodge of which there are records was Lodge No. 824 Encampment of Knight Templars and a copy of the seals is believed to exist still. This reference to Knight Templars is of particular interest to us for the Templars, or the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, had a house

13 where Castle Upton now stands, and portions of those stone vaulting still to be seen there date from their time - the fourteenth century. For some unexplained reason the Warrant of Lodge 824 was handed in about Warrant No. 824 was re-issued to meet at Craigarogan on the 2nd February, On the 18th January, 1826 this Warrant was exchanged by the Brethren for Warrant Reissued to brethren in TEMPLEPATRICK, Antrim, Co. Antrim, 27 December 1817, in exchange for Warrant No [Not recorded in the G.L. Minutes] The first three brethren recorded are John Johnston; John Armstrong and James Coulter, together with seven others all from Lodge No. 1019, and 3 from Lodge No. 551, registered 27 December, No indication as to Master or Wardens. A total of 25 brethren registered up to 7 February, Amongst the surviving letters, we find : Sept Letter enclosing a Twenty shillings Bank Note and referring to that since the Law was passed to suspend Secret Societies the Masonic Lodge 167 has xxx been on the decline Signed by Edward Kirk, Master of Lodge Dec The Masonic Lodge 167 having experienced some years [of] adversity a brighter prospect seems to dawn on certain conditions namely if the Warrant 167 would be Exchanged for a number of earlier date there is a number of young men here proposing to join our body on Such Conditions these are therefore requesting you will be kind enough to give immediate reply informing us if there is any Senior Number on hands that would be given What the number is and the Expense.. (signed) William Moat, Master April, 1828 Further letter acknowledging the debt outstanding against the Lodge and again requesting an exchange of Warrant. (Signed) Josias Gawley, Secretary.

14 4. 10 April, 1828 Understanding by your letter of the 4 th Inst., that No. 12 is now vacant but the Grand Lodge are disinclined to send it to the neighbourhood of Antrim on account of No. 28 You will however be pleased not to give any promise of No. 12 to any other Applicants as 167 are entering into arrangements with 28 on the Subject of the Exchange and I have good reason to think that the Masonic Lodge 28 will have no objection that 167 should be exchanged for 12 we return you our most cordial thanks, etc January, 1828 Very Long Memorial for exchange of the Warrant Signed and sealed by Massereene Union Lodge Oldstone Lodge No. 56 and Antrim Lodge No April, 1828 Further letter regarding the exchange of the Warrant May, 1828 Yet a further letter regarding the Exchange of the Warrant Nov Whereas several members of the late Masonic Lodge 551 who had regularly paid all claims due to that Lodge and honourably withdrew from their books many years before that lodge became extinct are now desirous of being entered upon the Books of the same No which taken in exchange for 167 these are therefore to inquire whether a transfer will be sufficient or if they must be registered under the now existing 551 your answer is immediately required..

15 From the letter pack of Lodge No. 28, Antrim 8 April, 1828 We have been informed that Lodge No. 167 has applied to you for an exchange of their no & asking that No. 12 is open for exchange and that you have so highly honoured us as to wish for an approbation before parting it which in Gratitude we can never forget, and it gives us Great Satisfaction to know that you are keeping up the first principles of the exchange of Warrants are by Rotation. We therefore request the Grand Lodge not to grant No. 12 to 167 as they are in our immediate neighbourhood, not that it would appear any Lodge in getting a low no (if it was not I may say just at out door) but if the Grand Lodge would be so kind as indeed they ever have been to us and Grant us No. 12 we would gratefully accept it least the Grand Lodge fund should loose by the transaction and there is not the least doubt but Lodge No. 167 would accept of 28 and moreover would apply for the same no before it was Granted to the 12 th Dragoons but was either too late or too unfortunate to get it, and at the same time by granting it to us it will add another Guinea to the Fund on top of your Answer which the hope will be favourable and will enclose the Sum required for exchange and Warrant No. 28. We are Sir & Brother your most obedient

16 and humble servants, the Master, Wardens and Brethren of Lodge No. 28 Thomas H. Dickey. P.S. We consider it in Some Measure our Birth Wright and under those feelings we have Strong Hopes of Success. [Seal of Lodge 28] From the Minutes of Grand Lodge Lodge 167 and March, 1828 Read the Application of Lodge 167 Templepatrick for a senior number. No senior number to 167 without encroaching on the seniority of 28 Antrim. [551] From the Minutes of Grand Lodge Lodge 167 and June, 1828 Read the application of Lodge 167 Templepatrick for No. 551 which is now vacant. Granted. Warrant Number 167 Returned, to Grand Lodge on the 16 June 1828, in exchange for old warrant From the Minutes of Grand Lodge Lodge 167 and June, 1828 Read the application of Lodge 157 Templepatrick for No. 551 which is now vacant. Granted. No. 551 granted in exchange for 167 Templepatrick, 5 June, Robt. Bell; Edw. Kirk and Alex. Caldwell, all from Lodge No. 167 registered 16 June, A further five brethren registered up to 7 June, 16 December, From the Minutes of Grand Lodge 6 April, 1837 Read the proposal of Robert Bell of 551 Temple Patrick to pay 30/- in lieu of the debt of 3. 15s. 5d., due by said Lodge. Rejected and that they be requested to send up the Warrant, if they consider themselves unable to maintain it. Cancelled 6 February, Eight brethren registered. St Paul s Lodge No 160

17 The first Officers of St. Paul's Lodge No. 160 were:- W.M. (a) Bro. John McKelvey, Jun., (b) Bro. H.U. McGlathery, S.W. Bro. Wm. Birkmires, Jun., J.W. Bro. John Bill, Jun., names still honourably known in the district.

18 One interesting old document that still survives is the original Rules and Regulations issued by St Paul s Masonic Lodge No 160, after they were approved by the Master, Wardens and Brethren in full meeting this 4 th Day of September Here we find the rules, structures and controls established by the Lodge for the proper management of the Lodge, as they conducted their day to day business. Interestingly, we also find some rules, that will look to be a little bit strange to modern eyes. For example :- II/. Every member shall pay each monthly night the sum of sixpence, one half to be spent in refreshment, the remainder to be reserved for the benefit of the Lodge. III/. All the Brethren belonging to this Lodge shall come into the Lodgeroom as clean and decently dressed as their circumstances will admit of; The officers to wear their jewels, and all the Brethren, aprons or colours in their breasts. Any acting to the contrary shall pay a fine of sixpence, and in cases of refusal to pay the fine, shall be excluded. V/. Any Brother that shall curse, swear, whisper, or speak indecently while the Lodge is open, shall pay a fine of sixpence, and if any Brother shall get drunk in Lodge hours so as to disturb the harmony of the society, he shall pay a fine of sixpence, to be discharged for that night, and on a repetition of the offence, shall be excluded. IX/. No person is to be made a Mason in this Lodge who is under twenty years of age, or under church censure, or who is a habitual swearer or drunkard, or under any public scandal what-ever. If any such person be admitted through the benefit of a voucher, the Brother who vouched for him, and the person vouched for, shall both be excluded as untrustworthy members of this society. XIII/. That all Visitors, for their first visit shall be free of Lodge Dues. When the Warrant was issued and for many years afterwards it was the invariable custom of the Brethren to march in procession on St. John's Day to some selected spot, e.g. Larne, to hear Divine Service, return home with due harmony and pass the remainder of the day with pleasure. The Templepatrick Brethren used to march to Roughfort where a Service was held in the open under a large sycamore tree. The

19 W.M. wore a crimson gown and a Masonic flag was carried, which flag was in existence in Templepatrick until a few years ago. The Lodge met at Craigarogan in the Club House and in Elisha Caruth's Inn, one of the rules being that half of the fines be spent on refreshment! In 1878 the Lodge sat in the School House and it moved to the Courthouse in Templepatrick Village in 1885, and there it continued to meet until the opening of the present commodious hall in June Raising the money in those days to pay for the new building was a huge task but it was undertaken with determination and zeal. A great three day Bazaar was held in Templepatrick Village Schoolroom and grounds, souvenirs of which are still to the fore. We remember with gratitude the many Masons who helped, especially the late W. Bro. James Clarke (Secretary) and the late W. Bro. Arthur McKeown (Treasurer) who were the organising minds behind this great enterprise.

20 Of the 125 full subscribing members on the Lodge register it is a pleasure to record that the Lodge include Bro. Hugh Robert Ashcroft who was initiated into Freemasonry in the Old Courthouse on the 4th June, 1895 and W. Bro. George Kissick who, on the 7th September, 1897, was the first to be brought to the True Masonic Light in the new hall. The Centenary was celebrated in 1926, by a Divine Service in Templepatrick Old Presbyterian Church on the 20th June, and by a

21 Dinner on the 24th June which was attended by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master (R.W. Bro. Wallace), the Provincial Grand Secretary (V.W. Bro. McCutcheon) and other Provincial Grand Lodge Officers. Two members of the Lodge officiated at the Service, the late W. Bro. Rev. Alfred Turner, P.P.G. Chaplain, and the late W. Bro. Rev. Charles F. Newell, MA, C.F., P.P.G. Chaplain, the latter giving the address. The Sermon preached on that occasion is still available and well worth reading. Fifteen members served in the War and Bro. J. McIlwaine made the supreme sacrifice. Shortly after the outbreak of hostilities in 1939 the Masonic Hall was commandeered by the War Office for Military Purposes. Consequently the Brethren had to seek suitable premises elsewhere. The Education Authority kindly granted the use of the Village School and there the Lodge sat until the Hall was de-requisitioned in 1944.

22 Warrant No. 160 to Templepatrick, Co. Antrim as St. Paul s Lodge Register commences with the registration of Thomas J.P. McLoughlin, P.E. Teacher, registered 15 April, 1924 A total of 122 brethren registered up to 4 November, In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother. Masonic Centenary.- Big Templepatrick Assembly. - Castle Upton to Church. - Address by Rev. C.F. Newell. Templepatrick was the scene on Sunday afternoon of a Masonic gathering which was altogether unique in the district. Brethren came from many parts of the North to join with the local lodge - St. Paul's No in celebrating its centenary. For the purpose a service was held in the Old Presbyterian Church, the minister of which, Br. Rev. A. Turner, officiated in the devotional parts, while Br. Rev. C.F. Newell, C.F., P.M., Provincial Grand Chaplain, delivered the address. [The article goes on to describe the service and list some of the brethren present.] Belfast Telegraph 21 June, NP. Vol. E.p. G27

23 [A similar account is given in the BNL 21 June 1926, see NP. Vol. E.p. G28. Series six Vol. 21 of the extant Grand Lodge Registers shows:- Warrant No. 160 to Templepatrick as St. Paul s Lodge Register commences with the registration of Robert J. Gray, Farmer, registered 3 February, 1953 A total of 116 brethren registered up to 3 April, In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother. One surviving document from 1979 is a copy of a Lodge Circular, with a series of Masonic thoughts recorded on all four edges of the Circular itself. These texts include :- Along the Top God said Let there be Light and there was Light. On the Left side Behold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Unity. On the Right hand side God made mankind a mighty Brotherhood Himself the Master, and the world the Lodge. Along the bottom Remove not the Antient Landmarks, which thy Father s have set. Interestingly Brethren, I have never seen this form of Circular anywhere else other than in St Paul s Lodge, and sadly, I have only seen this one example of the Circular. Once again, we have a mystery of who came up with the idea of using these texts and wondering just how long they were used on the Circulars.

24 Brethren, this is a very brief resume of your proud record of service to Freemasonry under the Grand Lodge of Ireland over the past 242 years. When the First Warrant was issued to the village of Templepatrick in 1777, the United States of America were approximately 18 months old. Some eight years later in 1785, the foundation stone of the new White Linen Hall was laid in Belfast with Masonic ceremony. Your membership has played a significant role in the village of Templepatrick and sadly, your membership have decided to return the Warrant. However, I felt that it was important to record many of the struggles, efforts, initiatives and successes that you have enjoyed over the past 242 years, and congratulate you all, for your contribution to Irish Freemasonry.