Brethren I’ve just spent quite an afternoon and evening with the brethren of Kilwaughter M.L. No.762, as they installed their new Worshipful Master and Officers for 2024.
The Lodge came into existence in 1953 with the support of Lodge No.41 Larne, Latharna M.L. No.375 and Royal Larne M.L. No.615 and R. W. Brother Major Rupert Stanley L.L.D., Provincial Grand Master of Antrim which ensured the issue of Warrant No.762 on the 4th June 1953.
The first Worshipful Master was Archibald Craig Strawhorne, a hairdresser, with Bros. George F. Whiteside a draper, and Andrew Clements a farmer, being the two Wardens.
The first new candidate in the lodge was Joe Boyd a farmer, who ten years later in 1963 became Worshipful Master of the lodge, and some forty (40) years later W. Brother Joe invited me along on my first visit to a Kilwaughter Installation. W. Bro. Joe was appointed as an Honorary Past Provincial Grand Steward in 2015, By R.W. Bro. John Dickson (PGM) for his services to freemasonry.
It was my first visit to a Larne lodge, although I have been very lucky in getting down to visit the various lodges in Larne, Cairncastle, Glenarm, Ballycarry, and Islandmagee ever since.
Over the years we have had many adventures in Kilwaughter. There were the years when. Bro. Cyril Irvine was Secretary, and on many occasions used his musical skills to entertain us after dinner. On one memorable installation, the incoming Worshipful Master was a well-known milkman in Larne, who in years past had been a common sight out on the horse and cart delivering the milk. On the night of the Installation, one wag present quietly slipped on a horse head and conveyed congratulations to the new Worshipful Master from his long-dead horse. Still my most extraordinary memory from my visits to Larne.
I was invited along to Kilwaughter yesterday by my good friend W. Bro. Stuart Leitch, the Lodge Secretary, and joined with all present for a prompt start at 2.00pm. W. Bro. Adrian Dempsey, the outgoing Worshipful Master, confidently opened the Lodge and before handing it over to the Installing Master, thanked the lodge officers and members for their support during his year in office.
The Installing Officer, W Bro. Tom Mahon, Secretary Straid M.L. No.276, and chief organiser of the Straid Breakfast Club gave an excellent and personally installed Master’s Degree to Bro. Andrew Leitch their incoming Worshipful Master for 2024. It was a privilege to watch W. Bro. Tom in action giving one of the best degrees that I’ve witnessed this year. Once Bro. Andrew was installed and saluted, he in turn conducted a clear and word-perfect installation of his Officers. And once again, he had put considerable time and practice into his confident installation of his officers.
One other brother deserving of special mention is R. W. Bro Norman Carmichael, who for many years has given up his Saturdays to come along to the Kilwaughter Installation and provide the musical accompaniment. R.W. Bro. Norman’s ability on the organ ensures that the opening and closing of the meeting are always conducted musically in a dignified manner.
Marty and his team, once again provided an excellent three-course dinner comprising sweet potato and parsnip soup, roast turkey and honey, baked ham dinner and a portion of apple and coconut crumble in custard to finish. As usual, the meals were served hot and efficiently by the staff, and we all enjoyed the food provided.
The formal part of the evening included speeches came to a close at about 8.00pm, giving us all an opportunity to relax, talk with our friends, and enjoy a little conviviality. Interestingly, one of the main areas of discussion amongst those present was about the forthcoming fundraising breakfast next Saturday 24th February, and their efforts to fundraise for the Hillcroft Special School, Newtownabbey.