The idea of forming such a Lodge was conceived in a private meeting of like-minded brethren on 1 November 1967 in the Cotter's Kitchen restaurant in Donegall Square South, Belfast. The minutes of this meeting still exist and the following is an extract from the third page of a minute which takes the form of a typed statement given by Bro T Lindsay Smyth, later to become the first Worshipful Master of the new lodge.

Statement read to the brethren assembled in the Cotter's Kitchen Belfast on 1 November 1967

"Brethren, this evening could and I believe will, prove in the coming days to have been an historic occasion, not only for the few who have met together to discuss the means whereby the warrant for a new orange lodge may be taken out, but to a much wider circle who it is sincerely trusted will realise that the ideals and vision of those engaged in this effort will be nothing short of the re-vitalising of our illustrious and beloved Order.

It may indeed seem to some that this statement is rather presumptuous, but a further examination by those who observe intelligently the dilemma in which we find ourselves at present will be seen to be not only true but absolutely necessary.

There are also those who say that the vision which our fathers had in their day should be good enough for us and no discerning mind would contradict that, but nevertheless it now appears to many that whilst there never was anything wrong with the vision which our fathers had, it has been lost or become so dimmed and clouded that it is no longer visible and of course, to the man who understands the words of the prophet comes to mind, where there is no vision the people perish.

It is my firm belief that men are moved by God to do certain things in days of crisis and having reached the stage where frustration was beginning to dim my own vision insofar as orangeism is concerned I was compelled to take a very long and serious view of the situation.

It immediately occurred to me that after years of endeavouring to try as best one could to set a high standard within the private lodge, the effort and time spent has all too apparently seemed futile, indeed the position has become grim.

Having reached the crossroads and given the most serious thought to the matter over a period of months, the idea came to mind to form a lodge with the very ideals it was seemingly impossible to create within the present structure of private lodges today.

How thrilled I was when I unburdened my thoughts to my dear friend Bro Bob Hynds that he completely agreed. The whole situation to his mind had gone completely haywire, particularly in regard to conduct within the private lodges where brethren seemed to have no earthly idea why they met as orangemen or what they were perpetuating. It was then I decided to speak to the rest of you brethren personally on the matter and the consensus of opinion was so much in favour of the plan that the result is this evening's meeting.

There undoubtedly will be many difficulties to be sorted out, but if the vision is to be re-born then we as men believing in the ultimate purpose of God will humble ourselves before Him, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It will be His design, not ours, to give vitality and strength to our purpose and in that strength the difficulties which have to be faced will indeed be turned into joy and pleasure in the sure knowledge that the labour to which we will put our hand will be richly blessed by Him not only to ourselves but in His providence to those countless hosts throughout our Order who feel that the vision has perished from amongst us."