Goldsprings of Comber LOL 1037

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

When Grand Orange Lodge was reconstituted in 1861 after its dissolution in 1835, a Mt Thomas Drennan from Comber applied for and received LOL 1037. Records from old minute books show that there were 1o members and Mr Drennan was the first Worshipful 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 Youngs' of Bridge Street, prior to building and opening of the Orange Hall in 1877.

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

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 than 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. A few lines penned by a poet goes thus:

And thus it is we're 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 broad then, standing up, this sentiment deliver

And with it grace the festive cup, 'Here's Old Yrue Blues for ever.

* John Andrews along with other prominent people, sided with the United Irishmen movement of 1791, but on hearing it advocated revolution on French lines, John Andrews withdrew. By doing so earned the nickname "turncoat" by his less wealthy neighbours.