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TOWER of LEBANON |
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TOWER of LEBANON |
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In writing a record in connect with our proceedings in connection with the inauguration of Lodge 169, matters of extreme delicacy have to be dealt with which require the utmost caution in transcribing, however if anything of an objectionable character may be introduced I trust you will attribute it not to any want of inattention to steer clear of any such matter. The idea of starting a Masonic Lodge originated with Brethren who were formally members of Lodge 195 but having a difference that arose in that Lodge and which is not necessary to record these members tendered their resignation and formed themselves into a committee to consider the advisability of making an application for a new Charter.
In this connection the names of the founders may be recorded here in the order of the offices to which they were duly elected and installed
W. M. Bro. Robert Tate
S. W. Bro. Hugh M. Jackson
J. W. Bro. Joseph H. Smyth
Treasurer Bro. Thomas Tate
Secretary W. Bro. David Hume
S. D. Bro. W. MacGregor
J. D. Bro. W. J. Hume
I. G. Bro. E. F. Bumyar
Sen. Stewart Bro. John Munro
Jun. Stewarts Bros. J. C. Carson and J. T. Leslie
Too much praise cannot be accorder to Br Robert Tate and Br Thomas Tate for the energy and ---. And ability which they displayed in bringing matters to a satisfactory issue and in this connection we acknowledge with fraternal sincerity the assistance received from Lodges 92, 239 and 665. Their willingness to sign our memorial and their hearty good wishes for our success in obtaining our Charter will not soon be forgotten.
Our requisition having been duly attested was forwarded to the Grand Lodge in Dublin and in due course received our Charter the number being 169 with the following history.
Lodge 169 was founded in dublin in the year 1747 and remained there until 1782 subsequently issued to Moneymore in 1811 and was suspended in 1860. On the application of the above brethren the warrant was reissued to Belfast Oct. 1895 to be known as the Freedom Masonic Lodge.
Having obtained our warrant the next duty of the committee was to arrange for the constitution of the Lodge which was decided to be held on Thursday evening of 24th Oct. 1895 at 4.30 pm at the Masonic Hall Arthur Square. Belfast.
In addidtion to Grand Lodge invitations invitations were issued to Br. Commel Shaw, Dr Core ---. Hill whose kindness the committee can never forget in giving whatever information they had so as to facilitate the work laid upon a few.
Preparation being completed including a neatly printed program and ritual got up through the kindness of Br. Hugh Jackson
Punctual to time the Provincial Deputy Grand Master Br. Thomas Valentine was conducted to his chair and saluted with Grand Lodge honours who opened the Lodge in the First Degree
The acting Secretary informed the Grand Master that a warrant had been applied for and had been obtained from the Grand Lodge of Irelandwhich was read by the direction of the Provincial Grand Master. The ceremony of the Consecration was then gone through in a most praiseworthy and imrpessive manner which will act as an incentive to all the Brethren whose privilidge was to be witnesses of same.
The P. G. M. declared the Lodge to be duly consecrated by the authority vested in him and were empowered to act henceforth as a Lodge constituted in conformity to with the Rites of the Order.
The officers aforemention were duly installed. The following propositions were duly submitted:
The remarks of the Provincial Grand Master are worthy of record in regard to the officers installed. It had seldom been his privilidge at the inauguration of a Lodge to meet with Brethren who so thoroughly understood the duties incumbent to their several offices and the number proposed for initiation and afiliation was something phenomenal in his experience. Such words coming from such an authority will strenghten us to prove worthy of the opinions of the Provincial Grand Master.
The singing of the Masonic version of the National Anthem brought to a close the consecration ceremony which was indelibly stamped on the minds of those assembled.
The members and those invited met that evening at 7.30 pm. In the Imperial Hotel when an excellent menu was provided and ample justice done to.
Br. Robert Tate the newly installed Master presided and on the removal of the cloths gave the toasts to the Queen, the Grand Masters of England and Ireland and Scotland and all Grand Masters ove the World in Fraternal commun ication with the Grand Lodge Ireland. The toast to P.G.M. was replied to by Br. Hinton P.G.S. whose remarks are worthy of record. He had been a member of Lodge 195 when he first became a Mason and always looked back with kindly recollections to his Mother Lodge. He hoped a responding feeling would be found in the heats of each member of 169. Br. Hiltons remarks were met with hearty applause.
The officers of the Lodge were responde to by Br. Tate and Hugh Jackson.
Visiting Brethren and Masonic Charities were abily responded to by Br. Wm Jacksonand W. J. Morton PM. 31. During the evening an excellent program of music was gone through. Br. Wm Hill 88 acting as accompanyist with great proficiency.
The festive meeting was brought to a close amidst the utmost enthusiasmand Brotherly feeling. When all the Brethren took hands and sang with deep feeling the good old song "Auld Lang Sine"
God Save the Queen.
Br. McIlrath P.M. Acting W. M.
Br. Hume P.M. Secretary
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