My thanks are due to Right Wor Bro John Edens for his invitation to join with the Brethren of Fisherwick Lodge of Installed Masters No 505, Doagh at their annual Lodge Installation held last night in their Hall. On this occasion we were joined by Rt Wor Bro Sam Brennan, Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Masonic Province of Antrim, who was our guest of Honour on the night. We also enjoyed the company of a group of Scottish Brethren from Burns St Mary’s Lodge No 505 S.C. who are regular attendees in Doagh with their namesakes in 505 I.C.
Interestingly, when I had a look through my historical records it was none other than the previously mentioned John Edens who wrote a piece that was included in the 2004 edition of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim Gazette, where we learn that the idea of forming Fisherwick Masonic Lodge originated with Wor Bro David Hood, whilst a few of them had come together to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a hobnob biscuit. I must confess that when I presented John Edens with a packet of Hobnob biscuits last night, the only Brother to realise what I was doing was of course Wor Bro David Hood.
There first decision back in the day was agreement over the name for their proposed new Lodge. Our Grand Master, at the time was Most Wor Bro The Marquis of Donegall, who also held, as one of his titles Lord Fisherwick, referring to lands once owned around Doagh in the 19th century. The Brethren decided to go with the Fisherwick name, and his Lordship very kindly gave his permission to use the family name and coat of arms for the proposed new Lodge. Submissions were made to The Grand Lodge Board supported by three local Lodges and the PGM / Deputy PGM of Antrim.
On the 8th November 2003, the late Wor Bro David Penpraze PPGI was Installed as first Master of Fisherwick by the then Deputy Grand Master of Ireland, the late Rt Wor Bro George Dunlop. It was he who Constituted Doagh’s first Installed Master’s Lodge, and after the Constitution, they all adjourned to The Ulster Reform Club, to celebrate the occasion.
Now, some 21 years later the Lodge has finally come of age. I must confess to some surprise at the number of people present last night who had all been in attendance at the Constitution in 2003. Brethren, way back in those dim and distant days, the Lodge members set out their hopes for the future in their ambition to Excel, to Serve and to Support not just the Brethren within the Grand Lodge of Ireland, but also to help those in need within the local community at large.
Robert T. Bashford