As has been their tradition in recent years the Brethren and friends of Golden Pillar Lodge No 156 set off yesterday for their summer outing going firstly to Vowferry Lodge no 17, Mother Lodge of the late Bro Joey Dunlop OBE MBE, then down to Bushfoot for an extended lunch before going on to visit Chatham Hall Lodge No 152 and finally down to Moyarget to visit Lodges Ballycastle 89 and Moyarget 280. I was fortunate to be passing the Vowferry Hall whilst they were still there and called in to meet with them and take a few photographs. Wor Bro Derek Murphy had already provided them with a history of Freemasonry in Vowferry, and they were enjoying a brief social hour on my arrival.
GOLDEN Pillar Masonic Lodge 156 was first opened in Beechpark Hall, Oldpark Road, on the 3rd July 1894, and in the year 1898, the Lodge was removed to the new Hall, Crumlin Road, where it still continues to meet on the first Tuesday of each month since. The Warrant was granted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland on the 8th June 1894.
The Warrant 156 was probably originally issued about the year 1746, but, unfortunately, there is no record of it in the Register of Grand Lodge. It was established in Kinsale in 1808, and remained there until 1817, when it was removed to Bandon. It was there until 1846, when it was suspended by Grand Lodge, probably for non-payment of dues. since which time it remained dormant until issued to Belfast, 8th June 1894.Amongst prominent Masons connected with the Lodge, the name of Bro. R.W. Thomas Valentine, P.D., G.M., of Antrim. He was elected an honorary member at the inception of the Lodge, and remained actively connected with the Lodge down to the day of his death, which occurred on 7th October, 1898.Bro. George Andrews, P.M., P.K., P.P.G.S.W., was the first W.M. of Golden Pillar Masonic Lodge 156, which office he held for two years, the brethren having fully recognised his valuable services, both in conferring degrees and other management of the Lodge, elected him a second time.
As it turned out Brethren the occasion gave me the opportunity to present one of the Joey Dunlop commemorative whiskey glasses, which the Brethren of Vowferry intend adding to their current small collection of Joey Dunlop memorabilia. By now, it was nearly 1.00pm and their lunchtime appointment was nearly overdue. So the Brethren and friends all departed to Bushfoot, whilst I finally made my way homeward.
Robert Bashford