“A History of Orangeism in the Glenavy District”
The following is an extract taken from “A History of Orangeism in the Glenavy District – A Tercentenary Booklet 1690 – 1990” with the kind permission of the officers and Brethren in Glenavy District.
Dundrod Temperance L.O.L. no. 73
This warrant would appear to be one of the earliest issued to Glenavy District and probably worked there before 1798, possibly in 1796 or 1797. It may have sat in or near Dundrod from the start (lodges often met in a local Inn or at the Worshipful Masters home0 or in Glenavy. It was still working in Glenavy District during the period 1829 – 1836, being renewed to Brother E. Bell on the 16th July 1829, and may have continued to meet like other lodges, after the Grand Lodge or Ireland dissolved itself in 1836.
When the Institution was finally re-organised in 1846 new warrants were issued and old ones renewed. No 73 does not appear to have been renewed at once or during the next three years, but in 1851 it is recorded as meeting in Glenavy with brother J. Bell as W. Master. At that time L.O.L. 553 is recorded as meeting in Dundrod with Brother Shaw Armstrong as W. Master in 1850 – 1851. Possibly Brother Armstrong was the means of this as he was District Treasurer in 1851 and later in 1853 District Master.
No 73 does not seem to have flourished in Glenavy itself, the only W. Master recorded in this period being Brother J. Bell who was also District Master in 1850 – 1851, and as no returns of members are to hand for this period, possibly Brother Bell held the warrant nominally. He was a member of the County Grand Committee in 1851. L.O.L. 553 appears to have sat at Dundrod until 1857. In 1856 it was renewed to brother Robert McNeice, and in 1857 is recorded as sitting in Ballypitmave, as L.O.L. 73 was now sitting at Dundrod with Thomas Armstrong W. Master , No. 73 has remained at Dundrod since that time.
By 1858 L.O.L. 73 had an Orange Hall, one of the first in County Antrim outside Belfast. There was an interesting episode which took place in this hall during the famous Ulster Religious Revival of 1859. The Rev. W. Magill was minister of Dundrod and wrote an account of events which was published at first in full, but was cut down in a second edition of a contemporary work on the revival. As recorded in the second edition Rev. Magill wrote ‘some of the Orangemen had attended our prayer meetings and had seen and heard the strange things which occurred in and around the first house, where the Lord began his work of grace. The Chiefs of the party live in the adjoining one and one member of their family, form the first, was deeply, and I believe savingly impressed. He is almost deaf yet gifted with a talent of understanding what is said to him. Much of the sermon and the explanation of the chapter he can follow (by reading or lip-reading) and has introduced the worship of God into his family. It was partly through his influence that his brothers and other members of the Orange society kept the 12th of July here as it was never kept before.’
‘I never had been a favourite with the Orange-men of the District as I had been instrumental in suppressing a public-house at the gate of our church in which they were in the habit of assembling and had long been an intolerable nuisance. In revenge for this supposed injury done by pulling down the public house an Orange hall was built in the immediate neighbourhood as a rallying point for the brethren, who, night after night met with fife and drum, and noisy clamour to annoy the quiet dwellers in their homes, and especially myself, but the Lord did not pass over them, and they, as well as others, underwent a great, and we hope a permanent change.’
‘Before the 12th came, I was asked by these men, whom I had looked upon as bitter enemies to me and to the cause of religion and morality if I would meet with them on the evening of that day, and hold a prayer meeting in their ‘hall’. On the morning of the day itself, a deputation including the Master of the lodge waited on me in the manse and requested me to go over to the hall and pray with them, before proceeding to a field at some distance, where they met with others and engaged in religious exercises. I soon found myself in strange company, and was out in the honoured seat, and officiated as Chaplain to an Orange lodge reading their first printed prayer (which I must say is a most admirable one) and then knelt down amongst the brethren and many others who came to see and hear this new thing – and prayed that the reign of peace on earth and goodwill among men might that day be inaugurated and firmly established in the midst of us. They then walked decently and soberly and in good order to the field, where many hundreds met them in praise and prayer and other religious exercises. There could not have been a more attentive congregation – in the evening about fifteen hundred persons of all denominations met in the open air where I preached to them, after which they all went quietly to their homes, and thus passed the 12th of July 1859 – a day much to be remembered.’
From this account there had been left out the statement, incautiously made and indiscreetly printed, that all these happenings had ended in the collapse of the Dundrod lodge – that an unaffected remnant had stayed and drunk on in the hall until the lodge had just gone out of being. This had been included in the earlier edition. The editor was much more cautious in the second edition as his anti-Orange bias had drawn severe criticism of the first edition.
Some lodges did fail to meet after the excitement of 1859, but the Dundrod lodge did not. There was no return for Glenavy District in that year for some reason, and none from 73 in 1860, but in 1862 Brother Thomas Armstrong – the Master who headed the deputation to Rev. Magill was still in the chair in Dundrod. The lodge has had a long existence and has been Dundrod Temperance L.O.L. 73 from at least 1920. The Rev. Magill might have liked this.
Wor. Masters L.O.L. 73
Ed. Bell 1829 J. Bell 1851 T. Armstrong 1857-1862 S. Armstrong Jnr 1863-1868 R. Arnold 1869 S. Armstrong Jnr 1870 W. Herdman 1871-1876 J. Harkness 1877 Wm. Ferguson 1878-1880 G. Herdman 1881-1887 Ed. Irvine 1888-1900 G. Thompson 1901-1902 J. McKendry 1903 G. Thompson 1904-1930 J. Magowan 1931-1932 W. Hamilton 1933-1934 J. Magowan 1935-1956 J. Graham 1956-1958 C. Hamilton 1959-1979 T. Matier 1980-1983 S. Davison 1983-1985 G. Taggart 1986 S. Bamford 1987- 1992 E. Irvine 1992-1998 R. Graham 1998
Further to this history published above the lodge submitted a history for publication in “The Faithful and True – a History of Orangeism in County Antrim.”
The need for a banner arose in 1927 and it was agreed that a portrait of Rev. D.S.Corkey be put on the banner. The Rev. Corkey was Presbyterian minister in Dundrod 1911-1924. He served as Chaplain in WW1 with the rank of Captain in 11th Battalion Royal Scots. He served in 27th Field Ambulance Station. He was mentioned in Lord French’s Dispatches on 15th October 1915; he was wounded in 1916 and died as a result of this wound on 14th October 1924. The banner was unfurled on Wednesday 6th July by Rev. Corkeys brother, Rev. William Corkey.
In 1935 the Lodge agreed that all members who had attained their jubilee would become honorary members, Bro. John Milliken being the first.
The subject of building a new hall arose in 1936 and Dundrod Presbyterian Church was asked if they would grant a small piece of land at the back of the existing hall. This was graciously granted. A committee of nine were appointed to look after the plans and building of the new hall. Trustees appointed were Bros. Bell, Hamilton, Graham and Thompson. The sum of £10 was paid for the ground and work began preparing and digging the foundations in 1937.
The new Orange Hall was opened on Easter Monday, 18th April 1938, by Sir Hugh O’Neill, M.P. and dedicated by Rev. Dr. James Little. Sir Knight & Bro. J. Mills Smyth (RBP 194), who was the builder, handed over the keys. The hall was requisitioned by the Ministry in 1941 and handed back in 1942. All debts on the hall were paid off by June 1943.
Dundrod Silver Band was reorganised in 1944 in view of the forthcoming victory and Bro. Sandy Butler was invited to teach the band. In March 1945 the Lodge was informed that there would be a Twelfth Demonstration that year. The Lodge and band walked from Dundrod to Glenavy to join the district parade.
Four buses were ordered to take the members to the 1946 Demonstration In Lisburn. 1948 saw the installation of a generator to produce electricity for the hall. At the October meeting in 1948 a total of 24 members received their Plain Purple Degree.
A new banner was unfurled in 1963 by Mrs. Minford, wife of Bro. Nat Minford M.P. The next banner was unfurled on 8th June 1979 by Bro. Thomas Mairs who had come home from Vancouver BC for the occasion.
On the night of Thursday 10th August 1995 terrorists attacked Dundrod Orange Hall causing serious fire damage and the destruction of the banner. Lodge meetings and band practices were held in the old school until July 1996 when the repairs to the hall were completed.
Bro. David Trimble M.P., unfurled a new banner on 28th June 1996. This was dedicated by Bro. Canon Musgrave. A second terrorist attack was carried out on the hall on 8th July 1996 causing damage to ancillary rooms.
Drooth, dreams and temperance
THE DIGGER looks back at the thorny issue of alcohol and the church
Cruiskeen Lawn Whiskey Jug
ON the 6th April, 1816 it was reported by the Belfast Newsletter that the innkeeper at Dundrod, David Mairs, lost the thatched roof from his dwelling house and adjoining barn during what was described as a “singular weather phenomenon.”
The report states that “a severe shower of hail, accompanied with loud peals of thunder, a body of matter was observed resembling a little dark cloud stretching itself to the ground and wreathing like that part of a water-spout which may be seen in a fluctuating state before it bursts.”
Some of the thatch from Mr. Mair’s homestead was located three quarters of a mile away.
Almost 20 years later the Ordnance Survey Memoirs make a brief reference to the “hamlet of Dundrod” and informs us that Dundrod “is merely a collection of 12 dirty-looking cottages and one two-storey house occupied as a whiskey shop.”
Presentation to Mr William Higginson, JP
The following is an extract from the Belfast Newsletter dated 30th March 1910 and appears with permission of the Belfast Newsletter.
Mr. Wm. Higginson, J.P., chairman of the Dundrod Branch of the South Antrim Constitutional Association, was made the recipient of valuable presentations last evening at a social meeting in Dundrod Orange Hall.
The following is an extract from the Belfast Newsletter dated 30th March 1910 and appears with permission of the Belfast Newsletter.
Compliment to Mr. W. Higginson, J.P.
Address and presentation.
Interesting proceedings at Dundrod.A meeting of a very pleasant character was held last evening in Dundrod Orange Hall, the object being to do honour to Mr. Wm. Higginson, J.P., Sycamore Hill. The promoters were the members of the Dundrod Branch of the South Antrim Constitutional Association, who were desirous to show the high esteem in which he is held as their chairman, a position which he has filled for the long period of 25 years. All who have come into contact with Mr. Higginson in election work throughout the district recognise in him a staunch Unionist , and a man who has left nothing undone that could in any way forward the loyalist interests in the constituency. He was a most energetic, and at the same time influential, supporter of the Right Honourable William Ellison Macartney, D.L., when contesting the division, and when that gentleman’s successor, Mr. Charles Curtis Craig came on the scene re rallied to his assistance with an ardour that formed as sure angury of the overwhelming victories which have attended that candidate in his fights with champions of the Russellite party. Mr. Higginson has, in addition, rendered great service to the people of Dundrod as their representative for many years on the Lisburn Poor-law board. It will there-fore be easily understood that as soon as the movement was set on foot to pay a tribute to his worth it commanded the fullest sympathy of every loyalist in the district, and the indefatigable vice-chairman of the association (Mr. Geo. Thompson), the secretary (Mr. F.G. Henderson), the treasurer (Mr. Sinclair D. Spence), and the committee behind them experienced little difficulty in raising the necessary finances. The gifts conveyed to Mr. Higginson consist of a beautifully illuminated and framed address, and has a handsome purse of sovereigns. The proceedings of last evening were introduced with an excellent tea, which was gracefully dispensed by the following ladies, assisted by a willing band of stewards: Mrs S.D. Spence, Mrs G. Thompson, Miss McKendry, Miss Brown, Mrs. F. Henderson, Miss Fraser and Miss Ervine.
The chair was afterwards occupied by Dr. Mussen J.P., and amongst those present were – Mr Charles Curtis Craig, M.P., and Mrs Craig; Mrs Mussen; Messrs Wm Higginson, J.P.; N. Patrick, M.D.; Geo, Thompson, F.G. Henderson, S.D. Spence, James Carlisle, John Bell, John H. Bell, Archie fraser, Thos. Burns, Alexander S. Herdman, Arthur McKendry, David McConnell, Wm J McConnell, John Higginson, J.E. Watters, James McKendry, Isaac Hendron, Robert Thompson, Robert Milliken, John Milliken, Samuel Anderson, Wm McFarlane, Wm. Burns, Wm. A. Bell, Alex. Johnston, Wm. McNeice, and George Ervine. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Messrs WHH Lyons, D.L.; R.H. reade, D.L.; Wm. Sinclair, and G.B. Wilkins.
The Chairman, who was warmly welcomed, said it had been his pleasure and privilege on many occasions to be associated with meetings of that sort since he came among them forty five years ago, but he could truly say that he never had more sincere pleasure than he had in identifying himself with the object they had in view on the present occasion. Ever since his advent among them he had been intimately associated with Mr. Higgins on politically and otherwise, and he always looked with pleasure to that long unbroken friendship. In the old electoral days, when Glenavy formed the centre of their organisation for that part of the county, Mr. Higginson was always ready by his presence and advocacy to help the good old cause, (Applause.) When Dundrod became a separate district under the care of Mr. Higgins on, they might be sure that Glenavy reciprocated and returned the good office of their friend. He could quite fancy that it was a source of intense joy and satisfaction to Mr. Higginson to see that the cause of which he had always been an uncompromising champion was in such a popular and prosperous condition in Dundrod. He felt he need not further enlarge on the subject. They all knew what he thought of Mr. Higginson, and it only remained for him to wish him long to be spared among the people who so delighted to honour him, (Applause.)
Mr. F.G. Henderson then read the address, which, together with the reply, will be found in our advertising columns.
Mrs Craig, wife of the popular representative of the division , then, on behalf of the subscribers, made the presentation, and in doing so said they had met together that evening to do some honour to their friend, Mr. Higginson, and to show their appreciation of the good work he had done for the Unionist cause, (Applause)
For fear that there was anybody left in the room who wondered why they honoured him, she would like to give them one very good reason. She had been talking to a friend some days ago and speaking of Mr. Higginson the latter said he had always gone quite straight from his boyhood, and she thought any man who went straight and had arrived at Mr. Higginson’s time of life was deserving of all the honour they could bestow upon him. (Applause.) It was not always easy to go straight through life, but if a man did that he would come to the top in the end and secure the admiration of everyone whose admiration was worth having. They had spoken in the address of the great services Mr. Higginson had rendered to the Unionist cause in that part of their constituency , and she was in a position to add her testimony to the splendid work he had done. (Applause.) She felt ashamed to see him when he was suffering from a severs cold attending the meetings in the last campaign in South Antrim, and doing his very best on behalf of her husband, the Unionist candidate. The election had, however, ended satisfactorily, and, although the ballot-box was supposed to be secret, it was no secret that the people of Dundrod, headed by Mr. Higginson, had done their share in the fight. (Applause.) She hoped that Mr. Higginson might be long spared amongst them to help the people of Dundrod to do the best they could for their country. When the committee asked her to come there and make that presentation she was glad to be able to make arrangements so as to comply with their wishes in the matter. She could assure them that it was indeed a great pleasure to her to present to Mr. Higginson those tributes of esteem from his many friends and admirers. (Applause.)
Mr. William Higginson, who was received with cheers, having read the formal reply, said he must confess that he had never been so much overwhelmed in all his life as he was by the kindly feelings manifested towards him that evening. He could not wish to trespass at any great length upon their time, having regard to the programme which had to be gone through, but he would like to express the great pleasure it afforded him to see Dr. Mussen in the chair. (Applause.) They had had many fights – generally winning fights – and he believed that was the most happy memory they could have of their work together on behalf of the same old cause. It was some thirty or forty years since the association referred to by the chairman had been formed in Glenavy, the headquarters of their organisation in those days. At that time the political parties were divided into Liberals and Conservatives; but after the introduction of the first Home Rule Bill by Mr. Gladstone those parties were considerably changed. A better spirit arose amongst the Conservatives and the best of the Liberals, the result being that the Conservatives became more liberal and broad-minded, and the Liberals more conservative. The two parties merged into one, and they had now what was known as the South Antrim Constitutional Association, which was so organised that the minds of the electors were faithfully conveyed to headquarters through their duly-appointed representatives in the various districts. It might naturally be asked why there was such a great deal of talk about the Union, and he unhesitant replied that the first and most important object their representatives in the House of Commons to keep before them was how to deal with the question of the Union, because if that link that bound them to Great Britain was destroyed they would see all the prosperity of their province swept away. (Hear, hear.) Supposing, for the sake of argument, that Ireland became a nation, what place would she occupy amongst the other countries of the world. She would be nowhere. The Nationalists seemed to think that the only enemy they had to take into consideration was England; but when their quarrelsome mood got the better of them, they might find themselves in trouble with other Powers. In a word, Home Rule meant separation, and separation meant the ruin of their country, and it was the duty of every loyal and patriotic man to prevent such a disaster. Concluding, he might apologise for the absence of his wife. Her heart, however was with them that evening, and she joined with him in the most sincere thanks for all their kindness. He appreciated their gifts, but he appreciated far more the good feelings behind them. It was easy for him to do all the work they had put down to his credit when he had such staunch supporters as the vice-chairman of the committee, the treasurer, and the secretary. (Applause.)
Mr. Charles Curtis Craig, M.P., in replying on his wife’s behalf, said he could assure the meeting it had given both her and himself the greatest possible pleasure to have the opportunity of being amongst them that evening, and to help in doing honour to their good friend, Mr. Higginson (Applause.) Earlier in the day he had taken part in another very pleasant function at Portadown, the unveiling of the statue erected in memory of the late Colonel Saunderson, and that evening he was present when the people of Dundrod were showing the esteem in which they held the chairman of the South Antrim Constitutional Association. (Applause.) He thought that the two men had in their separate spheres proved themselves what all who had the pleasure of knowing them must regard from a political point of view as men of great force and spirit. Mr. Higginson had not the opportunity of representing a constituency in the Imperial Parliament, but if that honour had fallen to him no one could have filled the position with more thoroughness and dignity. Like Colonel Saunderson, who fought in Parliament and out of it for the highest interests of his country, he in his own district exercised an energy and an influence of the most far-reaching character. (Applause.) He had given up the greater part of his life to one cause -that of the maintenance of the Union between great Britain and Ireland – and they could testify to his success in that career by the long array of defeats sustained by political opponents who had ventured to show themselves in that constituency. (Applause.) Mr Higginson was an honour to the people of Dundrod and to any part of the country, and they had every right to be proud of such a leader. Having spoken briefly on the present political crisis, Mr. Craig, in concluding, said the activity displayed by their friend Mr. Higginson at the last election, when suffering from a severe cold, was eminently characteristic of the man. He was delighted to have, with his wife, some small share in those proceedings, and it would have been a source of disappointment to them had they not been privileged to be present that evening. (Applause.)
A very entertaining literary and musical programmes was gone through at intervals by Messrs Scott, McCusker, and Ferguson, Belfast, the arrangements in that connection being in charge if Mr. W. Rankin.
On the motion of Mr. Higginson, seconded by Mr. McKendry, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the teamakers; and, on the motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Henderson, a similar compliment was paid to the chairman for presiding.
The proceedings terminated.
Banner Unfurling
The following extract is from The Lisburn Standard dated 8th June 1917.
Unfurling of a banner at Dundrod.
On Wednesday evening before a large concourse of people, the new banner of the Dundrod Temperance L.O.L., No. 73, was unfurled. The ceremony was performed by Mrs. A.G. Camp, Avey Lodge, Glenavy.
On the motion of Mr. George Thompson, W.M., the Rev. F.G. Bell took the chair and in an appropriate address thanked those present for their kind invitation to preside on so auspicious an occasion. The unfurling of a new banner was always an interesting event, especially when Orangeism was supposed to be dead, and the 12tth of July a thing of the past. He reminded them of the courage and daring of their brethren in the “big push” of 1st July, which unconquerable spirit would be displayed in Ireland should the attempt ever be made to deprive them of the priceless heritage of civil and religious liberty. He congratulated the brethren on the success which had attended their efforts and on securing the services of so gracious a lady as Mrs. Camp, the wife of the esteemed conductor of their brass band, so perform the ceremony, and concluded by urging on all the duty of striving ever to be worthy of those who died that we might live.
Mr. George Thompson was then called on, and presented Mrs. Camp with a chastely ornamented silver scissors, the gift of the committee, to sever the ribbon that secured the folds of the banner. On rising to perform the ceremony, Mrs. Camp said, “I very much appreciate the honour that you have conferred upon me by asking me to unfurl this banner. The community of Dundrod is noted far and side for the loyalty, patriotism, and Christian brotherhood of its members. May that spirit long survive, and may this banner ever float over a free and prosperous people. I have very much pleasure in unfurling your banner.” Severing the confining ribbon, the folds unrolled and revealed a banner of striking richness of colour and ornamentation, bearing amid other mottoes the words “For God and Country.”
The band immediately struck up “God Save the King” and all heads became uncovered. Votes of thanks to the chairman and to Mr. Camp, to which Messrs. W. Henderson, G. Thompson, and A. garland spoke, concluded the unfurling ceremony. A short parade to the cheering strains of the band followed, and the rest of the evening was devoted to games, amusements, tea, and a concert, the proceedings concluding at a late hour with the singing of the National Anthem.
We understand the banner was the work of Mr. Bridgett, Belfast, and reflects great credit on that gentleman.
New Hall at Dundrod
The following is an extract from the Belfast News Letter dated 19th April 1938 with permission of the Belfast News Letter.
New Hall At Dundrod.
Declared open by Sir Hugh O’Neill, M.P.
Britain’s Peace PolicySome 500 brethren and friends un the Glenavy district gathered for the opening of the new Orange Hall at Dundrod, County Antrim, yesterday by Sir Hugh O’Neill, Bt., D.L., M.P.. The old hall which it had replaced had been used since Dundrod LOL 73 had been founded in 1849 – representing almost 90 years of Orangeism in the district.
Br. The Dr. Rev James Little, Deputy Grand Chaplain of Ireland, presided. Sir Hugh was handed the key to the hall by Sir Knight and Br. J. Mills Smyth (RBP 194) and the hall was dedicated by Dr. Little, who in a reference to Sir Hugh O’Neill said that the brethren in Castlereagh would pay honour to his name when they opened a hall on the site of Con O’Neill’s Castle in Castlereagh.
Dr Little said that the brethren had long been cramped for room in the old hall at Dundrod. He paid a tribute to Br George Thompson JP who was leading in the old hall when he (Dr Little) came to Dundrod 38 years ago. That hall represented “another shot” for the honour of County Antrim. One of the greatest “new industries” in Ulster, he felt, was the manufacture of grievances on the part of their Roman Catholic brethren, but he would ask them to pay no attention to all that. Mr. De Valera had come up against the strong rock of Orangeism, and had suffered defeat, and as long as Orangeism throve, they offered an unscalable bulwark. It lay with themselves. If they said “no” no it was, and always would be.
English Misunderstanding.
Sir Hugh O’Neill said that he came up against much criticism of the Orange Order in England from people who thought its members were bigoted folk, living in the spirit of the centuries of long ago. They didn’t know what the Orange Order was, and he had to explain to them that the “Twelfth” was a fine gathering of sensible, lawabiding people, celebrating once every year the great principles for which they stood – the principles of Protestantism and civil and religious liberty, and that they understood that when they asked for that liberty for themselves they must give it to others. Orangeism was without doubt the greatest power behind Ulster Loyalism to-day. It was live, effective, vitalising. His advice to them was – get in the younger generation.
They had had 13 debates on foreign affairs at Westminister in the past few months. They had been very near war in Europe. Britain was now trying to break through the opposing camps of nations, with success, and was trying to bring about a peaceful solution of the difficulties which had caused such a rapid drift towards war. In Mr. Chamberlain they saw a leader determined to maintain the honour of Britain,but, at the same time, determined to keep the peace of the world.
Another Citadel
Br. Hugh Minford, M.P., said that he was glad to be back in Dundrod because that was about the only part of the division which he had not been able to visit to return thanks for the way the Loyalists gave him support in the General Election recently. There were few milk and water Protestants these days, but there was only one class of Unionism that could hold Ulster, and that was the Unionism the maintained. As one who had fought Parliamentary elections he could also say that if they took away Orangeism, Ulster fell. That was why he gloried in the opening of another citadel for the Order. Never was the Institution in such a flourishing condition. In almost every area of the district of Antrim, halls have been renovated or built.
Br. David Benson, W.D.M., Magheragall, and Br. A.S. Herdman said that since 1860 there had only been 11 W.M.s of Dundrod Lodge 73. Their old hall had been one of the first in the county.
Others who took part in the ceremony were Br. Joseph Magowan W.M., no 73, Br. William Bell, D.M. No 73; the Rev David McKinney, M.A.; Br. George Thompson, J.P.; Br. O.A. Gorman, Secretary No 73; Br. J. Barnes, W.D.M., Glenavy.
A vote of thanks was accorded the speakers and collectors on the proposal of Br. William Hamilton, D.D.M. no4, seconded by Dr. Alexander Brown, treasurer No 73, and to Dr Little on the motion of Br. J. Barnes, seconded by Br. G. Thompson.
Death Notice — George Thompson
The following is an extract from a newspaper, source unknown.
Thompson – January 3, 1958, at Massereene Hospital, George Thompson, J.P., C.C., Kiln-burn, Dundrod. Funeral from his residence tomorrow (Sunday), at 3.30pm to Dundrod Burying ground. Deeply regretted by the family circle at home and abroad. Thompson – The Officers and Members of Dundrod Temperance LOL No73 deeply regret the passing of their highly-esteemed HOn. member Br., George Thompson, P.M., J.P., C.C., and tender their deepest sympathy to his family – John Graham, W.M.
Thompson – The Officers and Sir Knights of Dundrod Golden Lights R.B.P. No 194 deeply regret the passing of their highly-esteemed Hon. Member, Sir Kt. and Br. George Thompson, P.M., J.P., C.C., and tender deepest sympathy to his family. Herbert Ingram, W.M.
Thompson – The W.M. Officers and Brethren of Crumlin Road Royal Blue Masonic Lodge No 140 regret the passing of their highly-esteemed Member W.Br. George Thompson, and tender their deepest sympathy to his family – Officer A. Gorman, W.M.
Thompson – The Officers and members of Dundrod Men’s Branch Antrim Unionist Association deeply regret the death of their esteemed Chairman, George Thompson, J.P., and extend to his family their deepest sympathy – R. Milliken, Secretary.
Thompson – The Officers and Members of Antrim Division Unionist Association deeply regret the passing of their highly-esteemed Vice-Chairman, Mr. George Thompson, J.P., C.C., and tender their sincere sympathy to his family. J. Blakely, Sec.
Treasure Hunt & Dance Ticket
Dundrod Temperance L.O.L. No.73
L.O.L. 73 Dance Ticket
The Officers and Members of above request
the pleasure of your company and friends
At a treasure Hunt and Dance, on Friday,
6th June 1958 leaving Dundrod Orange Hall
At 7.30 p.m. sharp
Subscription, (inc. Supper & Dance) 5 shillings Drivers Free
Dance only Ladies 2 shillings Gents 3 shillings
Silver Jubilee and Banner Unfurling
The following is an extract from the Ulster Star on 20th April 1963 and is used with permission of the paper.
Dundrod Unfurling
On Easter Monday – 25 years to the day, after the opening of Dundrod Orange Hall – it was once again the focal point for another great local occasion.
The evening on which it celebrates its Silver Jubilee again brought many hundreds of Orange Brethren to be present at the unfurling of a new banner for Dundrod Temperance LOL No 73.
Senator James bailie, D.G.M. of Ireland, chairman for the ceremony was introduced by Bro. Charles Hamilton W.M. and the opening devotions were conducted by Bro. Rev. W.W. Porter and Rev.S.J. Duff.
The banner was unfurled by Mrs. N.O. Minford and Rev. D. McKinney carried out the dedication. Mrs. Minford received a pair of scissors from Miss Joyce Thompson and a presentation of linen from Miss Angela Milliken.
Other speakers were Bros. N.O. Minford, M.P., J.H. Molyneaux and H. Lewis D.D.M. Glenavy District LOL no 4.
Votes of thanks to Mrs. Minford and Senator Baillie were proposed by Bro. E. Bell D.M. and seconded by Bro J. Robb, lodge secretary.
The parade was led by Dundrod Brass Band and Ballydonaghy Pipe Band, and after wards the whole assembly was entertained to supper, which was followed by a dance.
The Dundrod brethren now look forward to parading behind their new banner to Glenavy on “the twelfth.”
Orange Hall Blast
The following extract is from the Ulster Star dated 24th April 1971 and appears with permission of the Ulster Star.
Police search for clues after Orange Hall blast
Police and army personnel searching for clues to the series of mystery attacks on Orange Halls in the Dundrod area at the weekend are convinced that the same gang is responsible.
The gang struck first at Mount Orange Hall, Ballydonaghy just over an hour after the Saturday night dance had closed down.
An explosion wrecked the building causing severe damage to the roof and walls. Up to five pounds of gelignite is assumed to have been planted in the building before hand.
But the raiders did not stop there. Three men were disturbed by Mr. Hugh James McCartney at Dundrod Orange Hall at 2a.m. on Sunday.
Diesel Oil
Experts called to the scene found a five gallon tin of diesel oil connected to a fuse and detonator lying beside the hall. Two windows were broken.
When chased by Mr. McCartney the raiders made off in a car towards the Hannahstown direction.
At Fourscore Orange Hall, Dundrod a similar contraption was found. But it did not ignite either.
Widower Hugh scared off night raiders.
Prompt action by 68 year old widower Hugh McCartney helped save the Orange Hall which he looks after and his home from being burned down.
He got up from his bed at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning last to chase off intruders bent on setting fire to Dundrod Orange Hall.
And as he relaxed at his cottage home adjoining the hall he reflected on the words from army and police chiefs.
Ashes.
Said Hugh, a widower for 24 years: “They told me that if I had not come on the scene the hall and my home would have been in ashes.”
Postman
Former local postman Hugh is a well known figure in the area. He has been a caretaker at Dundrod for 32 years. His father was a caretaker at Dundrod Presbyterian Church which is only a matter of yards away.
- The Forescore Orange Hall
- The Mount Orange Hall, Ballydonaghy
- Mr Hugh James McCartney who disturbed the bomb planters at Dundrod Orange Hall
Annual New Year Eve Dance
The following extract is from The Ulster Star dated 24th December 1975 and appears with permission of the Ulster Star.
Dundrod Temperance L.O.L. No. 73
The Annual New Year Eve Dance
will be held in Dundrod Orange Hall, on Wednesday 31 December 1975
Music by:
The Country Roads.
Dancing from 9 – 2.
Admission 60p.
LOL 73 Banner
L.O.L. 73 Banner