District Number 6
Encamped in
West Belfast Orange Hall
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Past District Masters
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District
Chapter No 6
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The Earl of
Roberts Memorial RBP
105
The Preceptory Warrant is dated 20th September 1916 and named after Lord Roberts, the Ulsterman who had led the retreat from Kabul to Kandahar , being in command during the Boar War. Earlier, citing his age , Roberts had refused the offer from Sir Edward Carson to head the Ulster Volunteer Force. Like many older Preceptories , former minute books are untraceable so one can assume that the Preceptory's inaugural meeting was held in and around September 1916 , although we do know that Sir Knt C Irwin occupied the Chair. Our earliest record shows that in July 1933, the usual month by month entries exist as per today , namely degrees conferred ; members transferred ; initiated etc , along with the unfortunate bereavements of members and their family members. Thankfully the minutes also record the working of instituted private Preceptories with the annual elections and installations of Officers. Also in 1933 the Preceptory purchased a new Banner which was unfurled on the 22nd of August at 7.45 pm . During the last Saturday demonstration of that year the Preceptory was accompanied by the Angelo Davidson Memorial Pipe Band. We also read that in 1935 a message of condolence was passed to Sir Knt J Montgomery on the death of his brother-in-law who had been shot dead during the troubles of that era . The only reference to the Second Great War of 1939- 45, was contained in the minute of September 1939 when members of HM Forces were excused dues being in the services of the Crown. In the following month Sir Knt George Campbell, to great applause, attended the meeting wearing the uniform of the Royal Irish Rifles. A service of Thanksgiving marked the end of the war but it also saw a change in the Preceptory membership with a sharp decline in numbers. On a more heartening note in July 1954 another new banner was unfurled and on the Last Saturday the Worshipful Master Sir Knt Kane entertained the members at his home in Moscow Street with cups of tea and glasses of what not!. In 1960 we reached a milestone in the membership when the father of our current Registrar, Sir Knt Roy Lemon was initiated unto the ranks of 105 . In the year of 1968 the Preceptory made the decision to replace their Banner with a Bannerette and Flags and commenced a long standing friendship with the Shankill Road Defenders Flute Band, which continues to this present day. |
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Beconsfield
RBP 224
The warrant of Beaconsfield RBP 224 was issued in January 1880 to Sir Knt Joseph Creaney who was at that time a member within No1 RBDC. In 1896 it transferred to No5 District Chapter and in 1906, joined together with RBP's 550 and 635 to form the present day Shankill Road District Chapter, No6 encamped in West Belfast Orange Hall, which had previously opened in 1898. In 1924 our minute books record that the Preceptory had been meeting in the Old Derby Orange Hall, which was strategically placed along the first level of the shops along the Shankill Road end of Agnes Street. For many years the Beaconsfield has enjoyed the reciprocal friendship of Morning Star RBP 160, from Coatbridge in Lanarkshire, attending each others Royal Black processions is a regular event . Within our private ranks are two most esteemed members, namely the Grand Master of the Belfast City Grand Chapter , Rt .Worshipful Sir Knt Victor H Ryan and Past District Master of No6 RBDC and Past County Grand Master of Ceremonies, Worshipful Sir Knt James Irvine. |
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Sons of
Ulster RBP 375
On the 6th December next the attachment within the ranks of No6 RBDC, and West Belfast Orange Hall by Sons of Ulster RBP 375 will reach its fifty-ninth year.Perhaps like most Orange Lodges and Royal Black Preceptories it is Synonymous in a long line that is from sire to son, the most recent example being Sir Knt Alfie Butler PM who held the Worshipful Masters Office in 2002 following in his late fathers footsteps. Sir Knt Samuel Butler being Rt Worshipful Master of 375 during the period of 1953 to 1954. Another father and son relationship as Worshipful Masters were Sir Knt Thomas Dillon (Snr) who pasted through the WM's Chair in 1956 / 57 and Thomas (Jnr) the year after in 1958 / 59. Unfortunately both have now gone to the Grand Chapter in Heavenly circles, but when the Preceptory assembled in mere mortal surroundings before leaving Belgrave Street in the Hammer area of the Shankill, all Sir Knights on parade felt that it was heaven on earth during the Last Saturday in August on both occasions. Like all Preceptories within this all embracing and illustrious Christian fellowship, RBP 375 are pleased to have stalwart octogenarians within its ranks having faithfully served many years with us Wor Sir Knights Sandy Scott and James Ashbridge are a credit to their number and an example to the younger generation with Sir Knt Ashbridge formally completing his fiftieth year membership, for which the Preceptory acknowledged his long standing with the presentation of the customary golden jubilee jewel. During the year 2005 the Preceptory welcomed ten new members which will ensure that we continue to go from strength to strength for many years to come and we are all looking forward to our 60th Anniversary in 2006. |
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Sir Knight
A.N. McGrath Memorial RBP
391
On the 31st July 1912, a memorable year in the history of this province, the Warrant of RBP 391 was instituted within the Royal Black Institution. Formerly titled Golden Pillar, the Preceptory changed its original name in respectful memory of the late Sir Knt McMath, a man of high principals and pride who was held in immense esteem throughout the Loyal Order circles. We also have the proud honour to have among our number, Worshipful Sir Knight and Brother Charles ( Charlie ) McCullough who has shown his total and faithful commitment to our institutions, having served for over forty years as a member on the committee of management board of West Belfast Orange Hall, Shankill Road , being its Chairman for the period 1961- 1972 and currently a Trustee of the hall. The late Worshipful Sir Knight John Henning MBE, whilst locally and respectfully known as the 'marathon man'for his deeds in the athletic field , served in RBP 391 for many, many years before his calling to higher glory. John who had competed in the commonwealth games at the age of fifty and whose record included ten Northern Ireland marathon wins from 1945 to 1954, along with six all Ireland championships, had the high distinction of being District Master of No9 DLOL and No6 RBDC at the same time. He was bestowed the honour of an MBE for his services to sport by HM the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 1985. In enjoying the twin relationship with Endeavour RBP 827 from Ayrshire in Bonnie Scotland, the worldwide brotherhood spanning the globe truly and outwardly expresses the fraternity that is within this noble order of Royal Black Sir Knights of the Queen,s Commonwealth. |
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Victoria
Memorial RBP 550
The warrant of RBP 550 was issued on the 17th January 1901 to Sir Knight William Orr, under the jurisdiction of No5 District Chapter encamped in the West Belfast Orange Hall, Shankill Road. Five days later Queen Victoria died aged 81, having reigned as Sovereign for 63 years. The first meeting of the Preceptory was held on 22nd February 1901 and the minutes of that forum records- News of Her Gracious Majesty's death having been confirmed, Sir Knight and Brother Matthew Caughey and others referred to the irreparable loss that, not only the British Empire, but the world at large had sustained. It was unanimously resolved to apply to the Grand Chapter to name this Preceptory - Victoria Memorial - as a tribute of respect from the sorrowing members. The Preceptory reached its Centennial year in 2001 when a celebratory dinner dance was held in the Park Avenue Hotel . The occasion was graced with the presence of Most Worshipful Sir Knight , Lord Molyneaux of Killead KBE, Honorary Past Imperial Sovereign Grand Master, along with other Imperial Grand Chapter Officers and their good lady wives.A number of Scottish Sir Knights were present from RBP 452 and representatives from the Millar Memorial Flute Band who have accompanied the Preceptory on parade for many years. During this event a new Preceptory Standard depicting a portrait of the late Queen Victoria along with a new Union Flag were unfurled by Lord Molyneaux and dedicated by Wor. Sir Knight Rev.Dr. William Malcolmson, our Preceptory Chaplain.
The minute books of RBP 550 have been carefully preserved and are part of the social history of the life and times of the Shankill people during the twentieth century. Early records reveal many interesting facts and incidents in and around the Great War of 1914-18 and the names of all Sir Knight members who volunteered is very moving in the roll book.- on active service; wounded in action; killed in action; attached to each and almost every name. Similarly during the 39-45 War again a number of Sir Knights were to answer the call to King and Country and served with distinction. Sadly there are also recordings relating to the death of a child indicating the years of starvation, the poverty and the high infant mortality endemic during the early part of the last century. |
In the intervening one hundred years,
various Sir Knights from 550 have made and continue to make
positive contributions to the life and work of the Royal Black
Institution. Included in their number are the present Sovereign
Grand Master, Most Worshipful Sir Knight William J Logan MBE.
[Pictured] and the present District Master of No6 Royal
Black District Chapter , Sir Knight Paul Kinnear
PM.|
Colonel
Saunderson Memorial RBP
635
Encamped in West Belfast Orange Hall,with No6 District in the City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter; the Preceptory was formed as a perpetual memorial to the late Colonel Edward James Saunderson and a testimony to his lifetime of work and dedication to the loyalist cause. The Saunderson family and their castle estate were established in Co.Cavan in the Cromwellian and restoration period. Colonel Saunderson's Grandfather was the member of parliament for Co.Cavan in the Irish parliament and opposed the union in 1799-1800. The Rt. Hon. Colonel Edward James Saunderson was also a parliamentary member for the same County during the period 1865- 1874. He was born in 1837 at Castle Saunderson, which is situated between Clones and Cavan. In early life he espoused the Unionist Cause with vigour and flare, being elected M.P. for North Armagh in 1885, a position he held until his death in 1906. His dedicated fervour to Unionism was matched by his allegiance to the Orange Institution. The late Colonel was renowned for his eloquent forthright speeches in the parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland as it was at that period in our history. In 1886 Saunderson had fought against the first and second home rule bills, which would have given power for an Irish parliament to rule over Ulster. To this end he and William Johnston of Ballykilbeg formed the Ulster Defence Union to demonstrate their opposition to the home rule bills. After his death, it was this resistance that gave birth to the formation of the Ulster Volunteer Force in 1912, in opposition to the third home rule bill. In his memory a statue of Colonel Saunderson erected 80 years ago still stands in Market Street , Portadown . Every 12th July a traditional Orange Sash is draped around the shoulder of the Colonel in acknowledgement of the revered and immortal part he played within and on behalf of the Orange and Unionist cause. In 2005 the preceptory continues to grow from strength to strength with thirty two members on the roll, and with our centenary year approaching in 2008 we are already planning to purchase a new banner and regalia for the future Sir Knights of RBP 635. |
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Prince Albert
Temperance RBP
813
Having a Royal pre-fix in its title RBP 813 has the distinction of being the youngest Preceptory within N06 Royal Black District Chapter. Following the granting of a working warrant a month earlier, on Saturday the 19th June 1965, Imperial Grand Chapter at its meeting in Larne granted permission to RBP 813 to assume the title of Prince Albert Temperance in memory of the late husband of her most Britannic Majesty, Queen Victoria. The Prince consort, a mantle created by Her Majesty by letters patent, was bestowed to her husband on the 25th June 1857. Unfortunately he was not to bear such a proud title for very long as the Prince died on the 14th December 1861 at the early age of 42 years succumbing to typhoid fever after a long illness. When the great Queen herself died on the 22nd January 1901, at their country retreat at Osborne, Isle of Wight, both were entombed in the consecrated crypt within the mausoleum at Frogmore in Kent. Present day the Preceptory is proud to have within its ranks the immediate Past District Master of No6 RBDC Sir Knight Walter Ashe along with the Chief District Marshall Sir Knight Edward Spence who have served the Preceptory and the District with distinction over many years. As a mark of respect and the high esteem in which he was held within the ranks of RBP 813, the Preceptory in 2001 unfurled and dedicated a new bannerette to the memory of the late Wor. Sir Knt Billy Spence, their long serving Past master Registrar. At an act of remembrance in the local St Micheal's Parish Church, the Most Sovereign Grand Master Sir Knt William J Logan MBE unveiled, and the Rector , Canon Barry Dodds dedicated the new standard to the glory of God and in memory of those Sir Knights who have passed on to His Infinite Keeping over the years - To them be the Glory. In early 1972 the Preceptory cemented a bond of friendship with the Hope of Airdrie RBP 296 in Scotland as part of providing families who had suffered throughout the troubles, on a holiday break. Thirty three years on, that bond is now set in reinforced concrete through our combined association within the Royal Black Institution and our frequent visits overseas to join with each other in our respective annual events. |
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North End
Golden Star RBP
1069
The Preceptory held its inaugural meeting on 10th May 1921 in West Belfast Orange Hall. The first Worshipful Master being Sir Knt Hamilton Irvine, who was assisted in the Deputy Chair by Sir Knt Joseph McCombe. Our title, North End Golden Star, was chosen by the Sir Knights in open forum, many of them having had membership associations with the old North End Club, formerly sited in Crimea Street, just off the Shankill Road. The original thirty-two Sir Knights who came together to take out the warrant for RBP 1069 were, at that stage, active members of Shield of Faith RBP 669, also in No6 RBDC. Then, RBP 669 was a flourishing Preceptory with a membership of over one hundred and fifty. Sadly however RBP 669 had to hand in its warrant after ninety-eight years in 2003 with the remaining nine members transferring to other Preceptories within No6 District. On the 11th December 2001 we celebrated our eightieth year within the Royal Black Fraternity with a special Anniversary Tea held in West Belfast Orange Hall. Guests of honour were the Sovereign Grand Master Most Wor Sir Knt William J Logan MBE accompanied by the Deputy District Master at that time Sir Knt Walter Ashe. All were welcomed by Sir Knt Ivan Martin WM supported by his fellow Officers and Sir Knights in attendance. The Sovereign Grand Master Sir Knt William J Logan brought the magnificent Molyneaux Ceremonial Mace, along on the night for all to view. This is a truly impressive piece of sculptured silverware, which had been specially commissioned by Grand Chapter to acknowledge the many years service as Sovereign Grand Master by Most Wor Sir Knt, Lord Molyneaux of Killead KBE, who had recently relinquished the most senior office in the Black Institution. So with a positive sense of dedication to this illustrious Order the Present Sir Knights of North End Golden Star RBP 1069 intend to continue well into the future with the good work started by our founder members back in 1921. It is to the memory of those Sir Knights who had the foresight to take out the warrant for 1069 way back then, and many others who have since followed their initial lead and shining example that, trusting in God, we will not fail them or ever let them down. |
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West Belfast
RBP 1174
The warrant for West Belfast Royal Black Preceptory No 1174 was issued on 25th April 1925 following which the ranks continued to flourish, reaching a peak membership of eighty Sir Knights after the end of the Second World War. The majority of our number is recruited from McMullan Memorial LOL 1081 and Whiterock LOL 974 in No9 District Orange Lodge. The Preceptory , like many others has suffered through a huge population movement, as a result of the re -development of the greater Shankill area. Many would agree that this was a definitive move on the part of the government to disperse the loyalist Shankill inhabitants away from any new housing within the area. However as with many Preceptories and Lodges, the old stalwarts are ever true and when we refer to Sir Knights of the dedicated calibre in the personage of James McCall and the late Alfie Kincaid, who served more than forty years in RBP 1174, then we truly say dedicated. Wor Sir Knt William J Bryans our present Registrar is another loyal servant of the Preceptory having been a member for 42 years. He has also served his time as District Registrar of No6 RBDC completing his high honourship within District Chapter with a three year term as Worshipful District Master Most Worshipful Brother Robert S Saulters, current Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland graces our ranks and has served as Worshipful Master in RBP 1174, and despite his busy and heavy workload Sir Knight Saulters makes time to attend his Preceptory on all possible occasions . Under the guidance of another faithful servant, Preceptory Treasurer Sir Knight Keith Moore PM, our Worshipful Master and his fellow Sir Knights within West Belfast RBP 1174, look forward with confidence and a hopeful resurgence of youthful interest throughout the Royal Black Institution. |
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