Annual Hall Tidy Up....

 

A busy morning giving the Hall a good clean and tidy up, inside and out.  We have made this a yearly event during our summer recess over the past 3 years.  It ensures our Hall is well maintained and all fresh ready for starting back in September.  It also gives us an excuse to meet up and have a bite to eat at the same time.  We also emptied our Lodge Room in preparation for painting it in August - this will then be the entire Hall painted inside over the last  year.  Thanks to the Brethren who gave up their Saturday morning to help out.           July 2024

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Presentation of Cheque....

 

At our Closing Night, before we had our spuds & scallions, we presented a cheque for £1,000 to Alan Norrie from the Ards Peninsula First Responders as a result of our recent Coffee Morning.  Alan gave the Brethren a talk on the lifesaving work they do across the Ards Peninsula and how important fundraising is to their organisation to enable then to carry it out.      May 2024

 

Coffee Morning charity event....

 

We held our first ever Coffee Morning on what was a very stormy Saturday morning....but it didn't stop us!  Proceeds were in aid of our chosen local charity for 2024 - Ards Peninsula First Responders.  There was a great turnout and everyone enjoyed the tea, coffee, scones, traybakes, and biscuits.   We also opened up the Lodge Room to let people have a look around and ask questions on what Freemasonry is all about.  Thank you to everyone who helped and supported us on the day.       May 2024

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Support for Air Ambulance NI.....

 

Each year the Brethren of the Lodge decide which local charity to support alongside our Masonic charities.   For 2023 it was Air Ambulance NI and at our February Communication, we had the pleasure of presenting a cheque for £500 to their Community Ambassador, Martyn Boyd, who  by the way is also a member of our fraternity.  On the night W. Bro Boyd gave a short talk on the work that the Air Ambulance NI does throughout Northern Ireland and how important the fundraising is to them in order to keep carrying out the life saving work the do every single day of the year.  Should you see the red collection buckets on your travels, please be sure to make a kind donation to this very important and  worthy charity.       Feb 2024

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New Junior Warden's Chair.....

 

The Hall Management Committee were fortunate to come across an Edwardian antique chair, very similar to our Senior Warden's chair that was recently reupholstered and looks great.  The chair dates back to the 1901 - 1910 area which means it's been about for the same length of time as the Hall itself which was built in 1903.  It has been presented to the Lodge for the Junior Warden to sit on and is a very welcomed addition to our Hall furniture which will be there for many many years to come.       Dec 2023

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Special visit from W Bro Claus.....

 

At our last meeting of 2023, the Brethren had a special visitor at our festive board.  W Bro Santa Claus arrived and picked the raffle winner for a Christmas turkey.

 

The Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren had a great night and wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year     Dec 2023

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Supporting the community.....

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The Lodge presented cheques recently to King Street Kitchen and Ballyhalbert Community Association.   

 

King Street Kitchen provide Christmas dinners to those in Portavogie and surrounding areas who may be living alone, elderly or have fallen on hard times. 

 

The Ballyhalbert Community Association  put on a Senior Citizen Christmas Dinner each year in Ballyhalbert.   

 

We are very happy to support the local community with this token and wish them all the best for their Christmas events.     Nov 2023

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Remembrance.....

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On Remembrance Sunday we attended the Community Remembrance Service at the War Memorial in Portavogie.  R Ex Comp Maurice McKee and W Bro Jim Irvine laid a poppy wreath on behalf of our Chapter and Lodge.     We remember all those in the local community who made the ultimate sacrifice during both World Wars and subsequent conflicts to secure our freedom, and especially our fallen Brethren and Companions.       

 

At the going down of the sun in and in the morning, We Will Remember Them.            So mote it be.             Nov 2023

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Quizzers.....

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We held another successful Quiz this year in the Silverbay Caravan Park.  This is the second year running it and it was a great nights craic.    The proceeds raised go to charity, both Masonic and non Masonic and we would like to thank those who made it along.  Well done to the winning team and also to everyone else who didnt do quite so well - need to get practicing for next year!       July 2023

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Busy Bees....

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A very busy and productive day when a few "apprentice" painters gave up their spare time to give our Hall a long overdue lick of paint.  Surprised how much we got done in little over 6 hours (the large function room, hall, stairs, landing and Tyler's room).  We even managed to squeeze in a couple of well earned tea breaks!     We also had a productive day back in Aug with out Annual Hall Big Tidy Up - need to keep on top of the cleaning!.  Team work makes the dream work as they say.          Oct 2023

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We Will Remember Them....

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On Sunday 13th November, Ex Comp Maurice McKee and W Bro Jim Irvine laid a poppy wreath on behalf of our Chapter and Lodge at the War Memorial in Portavogie during the Community Remembrance Service.     We remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice during both World Wars and subsequent conflicts since, and especially our fallen Brethren and Companions.       

 

At the going down of the sun in and in the morning, We Will Remember Them.            So mote it be.    Nov 2022

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Change of Provincial Inspector....

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At our October Communication, the Worshipful Master, W Bro David Smith, presented R W Bro James McDowell (better known as Jimmy to most), with a small token of appreciation on behalf of the Lodge as he has handed over the baton of Provincial Inspector after 12 long years.   We have enjoyed having Jimmy as our Inspector and needless to say, every single one of his reports have been exemplary over the years!   We look forward to welcoming our new Inspector to Shamrock 354 in the months ahead and hope to see Jimmy back as a loyal visitor.         Oct 2022

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Thank you Ma'am....

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The Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of the Lodge express their deep sadness on learning of the passing of Her Most Gracious Majesty The Queen, Queen Elizabeth II.  She will now be reunited with her beloved husband, our fraternal Brother, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.  We send our thoughts and prayers to His Majesty The King , King Charles III and The Royal Family at this difficult time.    We will be laying a floral tribute to Her Majesty The Queen on behalf of the Lodge at the Portavogie Community Service on Sunday.    God Save The King         9th Sept 2022

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The Big Quiz....

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The Events Committee held a Quiz Night on 22nd July at Silverbay Caravan Park Cloughey. This is the first social event we have had in a very long time and it was great!!!!!  It was very  well supported with many members, friends, family and caravaners all taking part to see who had the smartest team.  We managed to raise over £500 which will  be donated to charity, both Masonic and non-Masonic.  Thanks to those who organised it, the Caravan Park for hosting us, Billy the Quiz Master and especially all those who came along for the craic.  Pictured is our Worshipful Master , David Smith along with the captains of the joint winning teams.   Congratulations!       July 2022

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Still at Labour after 50 years........​

At our meeting in January 2022, W Bro Norman Nevin, after having entered Freemasonry back in 1972 was presented with his 50 Years Certificate by Rt W Bro James McDowell, Provincial Inspector.  Norman has been a dedicated and loyal member of our Lodge and was the Worshipful Master in 1986.  Norman has also been given Provincial Honours and is a member of other branches of our Order.   W Bro Drew McMaster also received his 50 year Jewel and Certificate.  Drew is also a very dedicated member of our Lodge, but unfortunately was unwell at our January meeting   The  Brethren appreciate all Norman and Drew do for Shamrock 354 - congratulations once again Norman and Drew!             Jan 2022

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New Worshipful Master's apron.........

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At our first  meeting back from being postponed due to the pandemic, a new Worshipful Master's Apron was kindly presented by the family of our late W Bro Roy Shaw MBE for the Worshipful Master to wear in his memory.  The Worshipful Master, W Bro David Smith was privileged to the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge  to wear it .             Nov 2021

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Our first meeting since March 2019............

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Friday 19th November 2021 will be meeting that will be remembered.  This was the first meeting of the Lodge since all Masonic Meetings were cancelled back in March 2020.  There was a good turn out of Brethren and it was really great to see old faces again after such a long time.  Hoping to see many more return and some visiting Brethren over the coming months as we get back into the monthly routine.                    Nov 2021

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Back to Labour at last......

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Grand Lodge in conjunction with all relevant Government guidelines have given permission for all Branches of our Nobel Order to resume meetings from 1st September 2021.  Each governing body will communicate directly to each Secretary / Registrar the specific details.  Whilst we are keen to return we must ensure any changes made to the way in which we meet are adhered to in order to ensure we protect each and everyone of our members from the spread of the virus which is definitely not gone.  Provincial Grand Lodge of Down has now given authority for Craft Lodges to resume meetings.  Our Craft Lodge will meet on 19th November at 7.45pm.  Further details of when our first Chapter convocation will be communicated once we get confirmation from District Royal Arch Chapter.       In the meantime please enjoy the summer recess, stay safe and if you have any queries about returning, contact the Secretary who can answer any questions you may have.                     July 2021

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Gone but not Forgotten......

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It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Worshipful Brother & Excellent Companion Roy Shaw MBE to The Grand Lodge Above.  Roy passed away at his family home in Portavogie on Monday 1st March after a short time of ill health.  Roy will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.  He was well known throughout the fishing community and received an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen for services to the fishing industry, however being the very modest and humble man that we all knew; position, rank, titles, jewels or medals……… didn’t really mean anything to him, he was just Roy.

 

Roy affiliated to Shamrock Masonic Lodge on 21st November 1980 from his mother Lodge, Craigantlet Lodge of Friendship 486, where his Masonic journey began back in 1969. He was known throughout our fraternity being a loyal member of quite a number of Branches of our Order including having Provincial honours of being the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer.  Roy having been the longest serving Director of Ceremonies in our Lodge from 1990 until 2016, it can only be said that our Lodge is in much better shape due to his vast Masonic experience, guidance, quick thinking, and his razor-sharp attention to detail – especially during our rituals. 

 

In 2016 Roy celebrated 50 years labour at a special evening hosted in his mother Lodge, Craigantlet Lodge of Friendship where he was presented with his 50 Year Jewel in the presence of many friends who were all there to share his achievement and more importantly, reminisce in stories of times gone by.  Roy was laid to rest alongside his late wife Betty in Cloughey Cemetery on Wednesday 3nd March 2021.  On behalf of the Worshipful Master, Officers, Brethren and many, many Masonic friends we send our dearest wishes to Roy’s family at this difficult time so that they may feel comfort in knowing our thoughts and prayers are with them.   The Lodge & Chapter made a donation to Portaferry R.N.L.I. as per Roy’s family’s wishes. 

Brother Roy, your friendship is greatly missed by all, but will never be forgotten.   

So Mote It Be.                       March 2021 

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Hanging Up Their Aprons......

 

Just before Christmas, W Bros Samuel (Sam) Erskine and Sydney Gilmore have requested their demits and are hanging up their aprons after 60 years of continuous labour in our Craft Lodge.  This is a huge achievement to reach.  

 

Sam and Sydney both joined Shamrock 354 back in 1960.  They have both been Masters of our Craft Lodge and also had the honour of being members of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Down.  Sam was also a member of our Chapter and joined in 1963 and was the Excellent King in 1970.  We will miss them dearly and we wish both Sam and Sydney our best wishes for the years ahead.  Although they may now not be members of our Order, do please make the effort to keep in touch with both Sam and Sydney.                      December 2020

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All Nice & Tidy......

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A crew of willing hands have been busy  working away at making the outside of the Hall look all neat and tidy over the past week with the finale on Saturday 3rd.  The Hall Committee appealed for help and there was a great response.  Men, strimmers, spades, brushes, shovels, chainsaws, tractors, trailers, tea and biscuits, everything but the kitchen sink was brought.  As the joke goes, "how many Masons does it take to tidy up?....... 1 and all the rest to talk about how it used to be done! "  

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There really are too many people to thank, but your time and effort was very much appreciated.                October 2020

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Newsletter.......read all about it!

 

We are pleased to launch the 1st Edition of  "The Kircubbin Mason's Newsletter" which will be emailed to all Brethren and Companions on a monthly basis.  The idea came about as a way to maintain a more formal way of communication during these unprecedent times we find ourselves in because of the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19.  

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We hope you like this new idea.         June 2020

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​​NHS / Key Workers.....THANK YOU

 

The 3 Lodges who sit in The Kircubbin Masonic Centre; ourselves Shamrock 354 Kircubbin, Portaferry 104 and Star of Ards 183 Greyabbey are all very proud to show our support for the NHS and all Key Workers during this unprecedented time.  Their commitment and dedication to caring for those in our society who need help is outstanding and totally selfless to say the least.  We have displayed a banner on the hall so that those who continue to go to work day in day out know that we are very much appreciative of what they are doing. 

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Thank You!  Please stay safe.            May 2020

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COVID-19 Update

 

In light of Government advice in relation to the global pandemic of COVID-19, Grand Lodge of Ireland have taken the decision to suspend all Masonic meetings  (all Branches of the Order) until 31st  August 2020 throughout the island of Ireland.  Please look after yourself, family, friends, and loved ones during this time.  Although we are unable to meet, technology means we are only but a phone call, a text, or an email away from a friendly voice.  Should you need any help at all reach out to a Brother who will always be there for you as set out in one of our Three Great Principles ;

           

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 "Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own members, but for the community as a whole, by both charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts."

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    Please Stay Safe everyone!           March 2020

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​​Brotherly Love at its best

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After 20 years of both serving as Steward of Charities and Almoner, W Bros Hubert Thompson and Ian McKenna have hung up their Collars of Office and are now looking forward to a well earned break.  Hubert and Ian were both installed  on the same night into their respective offices and have worked tirelessly together for the good of the Lodge for 20 years!  They were presented with a small gift by the Worshipful Master, W Bro David Smith, on behalf of the Brethren for their dedication.  Many thanks Hubert and Ian.    Feb 2020

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​​Half a Century for our Roy

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A special evening was held at Craigantlet Lodge of Friendship No. 486 in Hollywood on Saturday 14th September for W Bro Roy Shaw.  Roy  received his 50 Year Jewel from the Worshipful Master, W Bro Gordon Smith alongside our own Worshipful Master, W Bro Peter Wray.  Craigantlet Lodge of Friendship is Roy's mother Lodge where his Freemasonry journey began back in 1969.  A great evening was had by many Brethren who attended to celebrate with Roy and share stories of bygone years.  What an achievement and many congratulations Roy from all your friends in Shamrock 354.       Sept 2019

                                            

                                                                                                                  

​​Minute Book Back Home since 1903

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We were very privileged and fortunate to have received our very first Minute Book from  1903.  Mrs Anne McRandle came across the book in a relatives house who was a collector of books.  She contacted us through our website and kindly wanted it to be returned to its rightful owner.  We invited Anne and her husband along to our closing night on 17th May 2019, were she gifted the Minute Book back to us.  The Lodge presented Anne with a bunch of flowers for her kindness.      May 2019

                                                                                                                               

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​BBQ Fundraiser - Brainwaves NI

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On the 17 June, Shamrock 354 teamed up with Portaferry 104 and held a BBQ Fundraiser at Kircubbin Sailing Club.  The weather was very kind to us and  everyone had a great evening.  Thank you to all that supported us and a special word of thanks to  "DJ" Len,  "Barman" Peter,  and "Cooks" Steven and Mark!  After costs were covered we managed to raise a grand total of  £544  for Brainwaves NI     June 2017

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​​Honours for Shamrock

 

Two honours have been recently bestowed on our Lodge.  Firstly  W Bro Norman Nevin was elected as Honorary Provincial Grand Lodge Sword Bearer for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down at La Mon House Hotel in 2016.  Secondly  W Bro Maurice McKee has been elected as Chairman of the Newtownards District Committee of Inspection for 2017.  The last time a member of Shamrock 354 was honoured with this office was back in 1998 when it was held by R W Bro Douglas Thompson.  Other members of Shamrock 354 who have held this office  are W Bro Joseph Orr  in 1939 and W Bro John Donnan in1969 - Well done Norman and Maurice.     February 2017

  

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​​Roy Changes Jobs!

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W Bro Roy Shaw, having been Director of Ceremonies for the past 26 years, has decided to hand the gauntlet over to W Bro Sam McCormack.  Roy affiliated to Shamrock  354 on 21st  November 1980 from Craigantlet Lodge of Friendship 486.  He was installed as the Worshipful Master in 1988. From 1990 to 2016,  Roy has been the longest serving Director of Ceremonies who has kept a watchful eye over proceedings and ensured everyone conducted themselves in the correct manner fitting to their office. 

 

Roy is also a member of Shamrock Royal Arch Chapter 354, a Past Provincial Grand Lodge Sword Bearer, and is a member of other Branches of our Order.

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The Provincial Assistant Grand Master, R W Bro Harold Henning, alongside the Worshipful Master, W Bro Mark Hammond, presented Roy with a crystal decanter and glasses on behalf of the Brethren of the Lodge in order to show their appreciation for his commitment and loyalty to the Lodge over the past 36 years.     May 2016

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Something Fishy Going On

 

As always, our closing night is our "Fish Night".  After our meeting the Brethren along with visiting Brethren all enjoy a supper fit for a fish loving king.  The spread, all locally caught of course, goes down a treat and is enjoyed by everyone..........especially W Bro Graeme Bryce  who certainly enjoyed a few prawns !!!!!!!!  Tales of old a new are shared until we head home for the year and meet again in September for our new session.      May 2015

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Top Job For Our Roger

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On Saturday 15th November 2014 at La Mon Hotel & Conference Centre,  R W Bro Roger Matthews was installed as Provincial Grand Master of Down.  This is not only a great honour for Roger, but also for Shamrock 354.  Roger was  initiated into Felicitas Masonic Lodge No. 760 in 1980 and installed as Worshipful Master in 1988 after which he served as Lodge Secretary for 14 years. He is a past Chairman and current President of Rosetta Masonic Charity Board. In 1989 he joined the Management Committee of the Masonic Girls Benefit Fund and served 13 years on the Committee before retiring as its Chairman in 2002. Roger was appointed as a Provincial Grand Lodge Steward in 1994 and Grand Lodge Steward of Charities in 2003.

 

 

Roger has been a member of Down Charity Executive since its inception and became its Chairman 2006 following his installation as a Provincial Assistant Grand Master. In November 2011, Roger was installed as Provincial Deputy Grand Master. His current responsibilities on behalf of the Province are for :- Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes, The Charity Executive, District Charity Committees, Province based Charitable Trusts, Gift Aid and Provincial Grand Lodge Stewards of Charities & Almoners.

 

 

The Worshipful Master along with the Officers and Brethren of Shamrock 354 are very proud of Roger's achievement and wish him every success in his new role.          November 2014 

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​​Ladies Night....oooh what a night!

 

As usual every year the Lodge holds a Ladies Night at Kirkistown Golf Club.  Members of the Lodge along with their 'better halves' enjoy a social evening together.  A tasty buffet dinner went down a treat, followed by live music which had everyone up on their feet dancing the night away.  During the night a raffle is held to benefit various charities supported by the Lodge.  A big thanks to all those who were able to come and especially the members of the Lodge who organise it every year.      November 2014

 

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Provincial Honour for Maurice

 

In 2014 our Lodge has the great honour of having W Bro Maurice McKee, Treasurer, elected to the office of Provincial Grand Inner Guard for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down for 2014.

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Maurice is currently the Lodge Treasurer and has been a member of Shamrock since 1990.  Maurice was installed as the Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1999 after having served as Senior Warden.  Maurice is also a member of Royal Arch Chapter 354 and is currently serving his sixth year as Registrar of the Chapter, having previously held the office of Treasurer for six years. Maurice is pictured receiving his Provincial Collar, Apron and Cuffs form the Worshipful Master, W Bro Graeme Bryce.

 

 

Maurice is also a Representative for the Inspection Committee and a Lodge Trustee.     April 2014

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Our New Website, www.........

 

Bro Mark Hammond was challanged with the job to create our new website.  It helps to bring our Lodge into the 21st Century and makes it easier for members of the public to see what Freemasonry is about.  It also highlights what  our Lodge is doing throughout the year.

 

We would  like to thank everyone who has contributed to gathering the information and helped out in anyway at all.  A special word of  thanks to Provincial Grand Lodge of Down, and also Grand Lodge for 'digging out' some old bits and pieces from the archive on our Lodge.

 

We hope you enjoy looking through our new site, and we would love to hear your views and opinions on it.      April 2014

 

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