Sir Robert Baird KBE DL Memorial LOL 1045

Sir Robert Baird KBE DL Mem. Temp. L.O.L. 1045

On the 11th October 1934 in a Barber Shop at 31a Riga Street (now demolished) a number of brethren decided that the dormant warrant of L.O.L. 1045 be applied for and the name of the lodge to be Oldpark Temperance L.O.L. 1045. The brethren requesting the warrant were William Kennedy, John Garrett, Joseph Harry Savage and Thomas Cordiner. At a subsequent meeting presiding by W.Bro. Sir Joseph Davidson DGMI, District Master of No. 3 District L.O.L. a decision was taken to change the title to that of Sir Robert Baird Memorial Temperance. (Sir Robert Baird being the late owner of The Belfast Telegraph).

Lady Baird having been written to, graciously agreed to the portrait of her late husband being painted on the banner. ihe new warrant was granted on 13th March 1935. The first banner of the lodge was unfurled and dedicated in Bridgetts, Pakenham Street, with arrangements to be made for the banner to be flown on 6th June 1935, but due to the inclement weather it was postponed to Tuesday, 2nd July 1935. The lodge accompanied by Onward Flute Band (fee f2.00) paraded the banner on 2nd July 1935. Sixty members were on parade. This is an extract from the lodge minutes dated 8th July 1935.

"The Worthy Master praised the members of the lodge for their bearing and discipline when coming through a barrage of gunfire from Fenian Gunmen while passing Trinity Street on our journey up Clifton Street. The lodge being unprotected by any member of the law."

The year 1935 was another bloody chapter in the history of our city with many deaths and a great deal of rioting. Space does not permit a further history of our lodge, which has many characters and men of high moral calibre, including clergymen, in its ranks. The war from 1939 - 1946 saw their members of the lodge serving in the army, navy and airforce, also two members of the merchant navy who did not return. Currently the lodge has a membership of Thirty Four and continues to attract new members.

We regret to record the death on 27th January 1998 of W Bro. William Bell at the grand age of 96. Brother Bell was a life long member of L.O.L. 1045 and his presence will be sadly missed. Billy is survived by his daughter Florrie, who gave devoted care to him since the death of his wife some years ago.