LOL 1037

Goldsprings of Comber

The Warrant 1037 originally came from Co. Armagh and was issued to a Mr. James Massey on 11th November 1823. A duplicate Warrant was also issued to a lodge in Co. Londondery in 1829 to a Mr. John Gribben of Coleraine. It is believed that this also may have been a Military or `Travelling` Warrant for the number 1037 appears in several areas of Ireland at that time.

When Grand Lodge was reconstituted in 1861 after its dissolution in 1835, a Mr. Thomas Drennan from Comber applied for and received LOL 1037. Records from old minute books show that there were 10 members and Mr. Drennan was the first Wor. Master. The name `Goldsprings` was added to the lodge title in 1863. By 1868 there was a total membership of 44 and the lodge met in `John Young`s` of Bridge Street, prior to the building and opening of the Orange Hall in 1877.

In 1875 a Warrant was issued again, to a Mr. Alexander Bell of Comber. The reason for this is unclear but it can only be assumed that the previous Warrant was either lost or damaged in some way. The present Warrant was renewed on 13th November 1893 in the name of Mr. Andrew Dickson, Wor. Master.

Middle left, this is the largest banner in the District Lodge and is normally carried only on calm days! It has a portrait of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protectorate of England, and was unfurled in 1952.The usual banner that is normally carried depicts Comber Square.

Bottom left, four members of Goldsprings are pictured at Buckingham Palace, London after having taken part in the Queens Golden Jubilee Orange Celebration parade on Saturday 15th June 2002.