LOL 244

Comber White Flag

Originally this lodge was based in Lisburn (Blaris Gate) and received its Warrant on 25th July 1829 to a Mr. James Lowry. The title of the lodge is unknown but it is possible that this was a Military Warrant, Lisburn being a garrison town.
It was re-issued in 1875 to a Mr. John Fairley and the Warrant renewed in 1888 to a Mr. David Thompson. Most of its membership was drawn from employees of Andrews` Mill. They derive their title from the White Flag with blue trim that would have been carried at the head of their lodge while on parade.

However, the most distinctive aspect of this lodge is the wearing of white collarettes with blue stripe. There is some debate of why this is so and these are some of the various reasons;

1. That it takes its colour from the Temperance movement, the Rachabites, of the late 1870`s and 1880`s, a White Flag with blue edging hence the `white flag`.
2. The Orange Order, a predominantly Christian organisation, the colour white was associated with Purity. (After the Crucifixion of Jesus, He was wrapped in White Linen).  3. The association with the Andrews family and the linen trade, the white linen produced in the Mill.

The present banner was unfurled in 1992 and has as its main picture Queen Victoria. All previous banners have had the same theme. The message it portrays, The Secret of England`s Greatness, is evident by presenting
one of her Commonwealth citizens with a Bible when the British Empire was at its zenith.

This Roll of Honour, depicted left, records the names of over forty (40) members of the White Flag LOL 244 who gave their lives in the Great War of 1914 - 1918. The men who made the Supreme Sacrifice during that time "gave their todays for our tomorrows". No one should doubt the loyalty in which Orangemen and women hold for their Crown and Country.