A Short History of the Lodge

Early History of the Lodge

Lodge No. 277 was dedicated in Irvinestown on the 24th day of January, 1910 with the following officers being installed:- Bro. John Perry W.M., John Armstrong S.W., Thos. Aiken J.W., T.S. McMaster S.D., J.W. McNeill J.D., E. Johnston Treasurer, and W. Quinn Secretary. The Lodge sat upstairs in Castle Irvine school and at the February meeting it was decided that the W.M. interview Major D'Arcy Irvine and "arrange as to an agreement for the Rooms." A dinner was held following the dedication meeting at a charge of five shillings (twenty five pence) and dues at the time were paid monthly - one shilling (five pence) per month.

In 1912 a Masonic Concert was organised and on the 10th August a Masonic Service was held at which Rev. Canon Macmanaway was the preacher. At a meeting held on 15th October, 1914 it was recorded that Bro. Arthur Quinn had volunteered for military service and it was agreed that he should not lose his seniority in Lodge owing to absence. Bro. Sgt. A Quinn home on leave from France was welcomed by the Brethren at the April meeting 1917. In 1916 two subscriptions by the Lodge are minuted - the sum of five pounds to the Funds of the British Red Cross Society and also five pounds to Bro. Flack treasurer of the U.V.F. Patriotic Fund. Bro. Ferguson (Lodge 52 Londonderry) installed electric light in the Lodge room in 1921.

The War Years

The minutes of the early forties reflect the impact of the war. December 1940 - it was decided that members of the Local Defence Volunteers Force should get an attendance on an apology written or otherwise. February 1943 - W.Bro. Flack conveyed the pleasure felt by the Brethren of the Lodge at the good news received of Bro. Hazard's son reported missing and now reported a prisoner of War. March 1943 - the W.M. expressed his pleasure at seeing so many members from the Forces present. September 1943 - "the name of Sgt. Daniel Muir Donald R.A.F. Castle Archdale was placed on the Books."

At the meeting on the 17th June, 1948, V.W.Bro. Jack Campbell gave an account of the visit of inspection by members of the Lodge to our schools in Dublin on the 3rd June and also the visit to Molesworth Street Hall that same day. He was certain that the Brethren had been struck by the happy and healthy appearance of the pupils of both schools and in this respect he thought the Girls School was outstanding. Having found the road to Dublin, a class including V.W.Bro. Campbell, Bro. D. Seargeant and Bro. E.A. Aiken from Lodge 277 exemplified the Entered Apprentice Degree in Molesworth Street. The R.W. Provincial Grand Master visited the Lodge and advised the Brethren going to Dublin to "Be on and keep on your toes."

Prominent Members

In the life of every Lodge certain individual members stand out for their contribution to the working and success of the Craft. On February 19th, 1931, Irvine Francis Keys was initiated in Lodge 277 and as most Brethren will remember he had a tremendous interest in masonry having himself attended the Masonic Boys school. W Bro. Irvine never forgot his debt to the masonic order and he enjoyed nothing more than his membership of Lodges 277 and 819 and other branches of masonry. He served as Director of Ceremonies of 277 from 1960 to 1982.

On the 17th June, 1948, Robert John Lee was initiated and he has over the years made an outstanding contribution to masonry. We are delighted that V.W.Bro. Lee was the Provincial Grand Lodge Senior Warden (1990). Most Masons in 277 and 819 have had the privilege of receiving a degree from V.W. Bro. Lee whose knowledge of masonic ritual and instruction was renowned. Our longest serving secretaries were W.Bros. James W. McNeill (1916 - 28), Robert A. Bonner (44 - 47, 52 - 60, 62 - 63) and Derek Armstrong (1968 - 81).

VW Bro Henry F Keys, a former secretary of the Lodge, is currently one of our Chaplains and is Chairman of the Hall Committee. He is a PPSGW and continues to serve Masonry in many branches.

History of Our Warrant No 277

2nd or GREEN IRISH HORSE Originally 6th Horse, placed on Irish Establisnhment in 1746 : became 5th Dragoon Guards in 1788, and in 1804, 5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales) Dragoon Guards. 5th January, 1757. Removed to CORK, 31st May, 1783. Cancelled 2nd July, 1818.

BARBADOES, West Indies. 6th June, 1822. Warrant sent in 1841.

SYDNEY, New South Wales. Dispensation, 25th January, 1833 : Warrant, 28th July, 1884. Ulster Lodge. Warrant sent in 1885.

FORDSBURGH, Johannesburg, South Africa. 9th October, 1899. Lodge not constituted and warrant returned.

BELFAST, Ballynafeigh. 3rd March, 1900. Warrant surrendered, 1904

IRVINESTOWN, Co. Fermanagh. 9th December, 1909.

This Warrant is displayed at the Home Headquarters, 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, The Castle, Chester. There is also unconfirmed report that the Warrant was captured by the French during the Penisular War, and the French also having a Lodge, returned the Warrant to the English Constitution where it found its way back to the Regiment.