LOL 1035

Comber True Blues

Although the warrant was re-issued to a Mr. Patrick Ward of Mill Street in April 1867, and met in Paddy Wards` Loft (Mill Street), it had been active in the Kilkeel area 50 years previously, possibly as a Travelling Warrant and came to Comber between 1819 and 1823. The present Warrant dates from 11th August 1860 and was granted to Bro. Robert Nolan, Wor. Master. However it is the title of the lodge that is more interesting.In 1779 there were 2 companies of Volunteers in the Comber area for the defence of the country. John Andrews* (Ardara), a wealthy businessman, undertook the expense of forming them. One company, mostly employees from the Mill, had uniforms of a red tunic with green facings and were called `Comber Rangers`, with John Andrews as its Captain.
The other, comprised of farm-workers, had uniforms of blue with orange facings and adopted the title of `Comber Royal True Blues` under the command of Captain Gillespie. (Replaced by Robert Rollo Reid of Cherryvalley in 1783.
Bro. Rev. William Frame P.D.M. Chap.

After the disbandment of the Volunteers in 1793, they formed themselves into Yeomanry. The Comber Yeomanry fought at the Battles of Saintfield and Ballynahinch against the United Irishmen. It is more likely, though there are no records to substantiate it, that some of those who belonged to Comber Royal True Blues formed an Orange Lodge and adopted the title which is actually older than the Order itself. There is a Company Standard still in existence today with the name of the `Comber and Newtownards Volunteers` woven into it.

A few lines penned by a poet goes thus;
And thus it is we`er true men and sons of men of fame.
Who fought and won on hill and glen, we`ve True Blue for our name;
Around the board then, standing up, this sentiment deliver,
And with it grace the festive cup, `Here`s Old True Blues for ever`.

The banner has a portrait of Canon Rev. George Smyth. Apart from his association as a member of LOL 1035, he was know as a great benefactor to the poor and needy in Comber, especially orphans.. He was Rector of St. Mary`s Parish Church, Comber, from 1867 to 1911. Minutes record that on his death the lodge members walked the Glebe in silence as a mark of respect.
*John Andrews, along with other prominant people, sided with the United Irishmen movement of 1791, but on hearing it advocated revolution on French lines, John Andrews withdrew. In doing so he earned himself the nickname `Turncoat` by his less wealthy neighbours.

Pictured top left are Brethren, District Officers and visiting Brethren at LOL 1035`s annual Installation of Officers and pictured bottom left Past Master Bro. J. Hamilton (blue collarette) receives his Past Master`s Collarette and Jewel from District Lay-Chaplain Bro. F. Parker.