Comber White Flag LOL 244

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 destinctive 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:

That it takes its colour from the Temperance movement, the Rachabites, of the late 1870s and 80s, a White Flag with blue edging hence the white flag.
The Orange Order a predominantly Christain organisation, the colour white was associated with Purity. (After the Crucifixion of Jesus, He was wrapped in White Linen).
The association with the Andrews family and the linen trade, the while linen produced in the Mill.

Apart from the distinctive white collarettes, Comber White Flag have had the honour of Rt. Hon J M Andrews as a member, former Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, 1941 - 43, and Grand Master of the Orange Institution, 1948 - 55.