Your Questions Answered

Q. Why was the Cross of Saint Patrick lodge formed?

There were several reasons that the founders of the lodge had and they can be summarised as follows:

" To reclaim the heritage of Saint Patrick. Brethren were concerned that Patrick's heritage was being hi-jacked by Roman Catholicism and Republicanism.
" To promote the fundamentals of the Protestant Reformation.
" To help raise the standards of Orangeism from within the Institution.

These reasons remain as valid to us today as they did in 1968 when the lodge was constituted.

Q. Where and how often does the lodge meet?

Normally the lodge meets in Moneyrea Orange Hall, Ballygowan Road, Belfast on the last Friday of the month. Often we meet in open forum when members of the public are free to attend. These meeting are usually advertised. The lodge meets no more than nine times per year.

Occasionally the lodge will meet at other locations, usually in association with a planned event.

Q. Will membership of the lodge demand much of my free time?

No, all our members are also engaged in other church and community activities and as there are no more than nine meetings per year. Demands on your spare time will be minimal.

Q. Where is the membership drawn from?

The lodge is not a geographically based lodge. Its membership is drawn from a wide area. We have members from such dispersed areas as Portadown, Ballymoney, Donegal and London.

Q. Who can join the lodge?

Membership of the lodge is normally by invitation only, however if you feel that you can empathise with the aims and objectives of the lodge we would be glad to meet with you to consider your membership.

Potential members must be content with the aims and objectives of the lodge.

Q. Does the lodge have a social aspect?

Yes, the lodge organises lodge outings to historical places of interest during the summer period. Wives and girlfriends are encouraged to attend. In addition to this, we do hold open meetings.

Q. What view does the lodge hold about consumption of alcohol?

The byelaws state that no alcohol will be consumed at any of our lodge meetings or associated social events.

Q. What happens at lodge meetings?

Our lodge meetings are business like. The main body of our business is taken up with planning future events being run by the lodge. We also have speakers who address us on historical and theological themes from time to time. It is a forum where people of like minds can enjoy fellowship one with the other.

We also seek to play an active part in our District Lodge; the Cross of Saint Patrick sits under the jurisdiction of Saintfield District Lodge No. 5.

Q. Has the lodge had distinguished members within its ranks?

Yes, in the early years of the lodge the W Bro Rev Robert Bradford MP was chaplain of the lodge up until his murder by the PIRA.

Other members included W Bro Major Bob Hynds JP MC, who for many years served in the old Belfast Corporation.

Today we have members who currently hold political office at local government level.

Q. How can I contact the Cross of Saint Patrick?

There are several ways you can contact the lodge:

By telephone: 028 9752 8065

By mobile: 07710 857818

Email: lol688@orangenet.org

By mail to: C/O UHP
P O Box 27
Newtownards
Co Down
BT23 5FF

If writing to us please state the address you wish us to contact you at, or a telephone contact number. The lodge has a friendly membership and we would be pleased to hear from anyone who is interested.