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A Brief Résumé of theHistory of
BANGOR UNION MASONIC LODGENo. 746 |
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THE ORIGINS OF OUR TOWN The ancient settlement of Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland, began as a monastic community. The community attracted people with various skills and knowledge and must have included stonemasons. Located by the sea, and surrounded by fertile land, it developed as a centre of learning and trade. Viking, English, Scots and Irish occupation, influenced the evolution of the town. Eventually, it became popular as a Victorian holiday resort, and expanded rapidly with the arrival of the Belfast and County Down Railway. Bangor is now a large dormitory town for commuters from Belfast. It has a popular boating marina, and supports a number of light engineering and service industries.
THE FIRST SIGNS OF FREEMASONRY1626 The oldest evidence of Masonic Symbols in the Bangor area is on a grave slab located just within the doorway of Bangor Abbey. The slab is crudely engraved around the outer edge with the words “Heir lyeth William Stennors Stonemason deceased 27 March 1626 and his wife Efon Watson” and in its centre is a shield which contains the Maul, the Square and the Compasses. It is assumed that he worked on the church building and he is also credited with the construction of the Watch Tower that still stands in Quay Street in the town, and which image appears on the enamel of Past Master Jewels of Bangor Union Masonic Lodge No. 746. (see side panel)
THE EARLY DAYS1791 The extant Grand Lodge Register shows that Warrant 746 was raised for Jas Scott, David Mahon and Andrew Wilson to form a lodge at Ballynure, Co. Antrim, but for some unstated reason it was not issued. The lack of records leaves us to speculate whether the political and religious turmoil of those years in Ireland had any influence on this outcome. 1806 We are fortunate to be in possession of the Minute Books, Account Books and Membership Roll, from the beginnings of a Masonic Lodge in Bangor. It operated irregularly when first constituted by members of Lodge No. 447 Newtownards and Lodge No. 675 Donaghadee. At that time there existed a rival constitution to Grand Lodge of Ireland. THE OFFICIAL BEGINNING1811 Masters of Masonic Lodges 130 Comber, 180 Killeagh, 375 Ballygowan, 376 Ballywillan, 425 Saintfield, 746 Bangor, 792 Killyleagh, and 985 Greenhill, met in the Lodge Room of 133 Comber, when they resolved “to declare their strict loyalty, warm attachment and proper allegiance to the ancient establishment, the Grand Lodge of Ireland”. The front page of the first Account Book is notated “Warrant 746 was issued to Moses Jameson, John Whitty and George Lunn to hold a Lodge in Bangor, County Down on 9th November 1811, in lieu of Seton warrant” 1806 – 1816 We are unsure where our predecessors held their first meetings, but the accounts would indicate it was in a Tavern, or Inn, near the Quay. In 1816 records show that they met in Bro. Samuel Edgar’s, and in 1838 at Mr Hugh Campbell’s on the Quay, 1844 at Hugh Ferguson’s on the Quay, 1846 at David Barr’s, and in 1850 at the Royal Hotel which was then owned by Bro. Henry McFall. THE LEAN YEARS1851 – 1859 The records contain little owing to poor attendance of members but the work of electing officers every six months was not neglected. These were hard times for the population throughout Ireland, and lean years were to follow for Lodge 746. 1860 At about this time the Treasurer was expelled by Grand Lodge. He refused to hand over the Warrant and other working tools. Lodge 746 was suspended by order of Grand Lodge on 2nd August 1860 but a dispensation was granted until the original document could be recovered. A GREAT REVIVAL1870 It is uncertain how or when it was recovered, but Bro. Bowman informed Bro. R H Finlay, during a historical research, that he took over the Warrant from Bro. McFall and resuscitated the Lodge with the assistance of some Brethren from Belfast – thereby retaining custody of the Warrant. 1875 Warrant was restored and Lodge opened in due form on 27th May in the Market House, Bangor. A number of Past Masters officiated to install Bro. James Bowman as Worshipful Master. Lodge 746 was soon to become one of the largest and most prosperous in the North of Ireland. 1881 By influence of Bro. Lord Clanmorris, ground in Hamilton Road is acquired from Mr R E Ward at a nominal rent for the purpose of building a Masonic Hall. A NEW TEMPLE1882 The laying of the foundation stone was a grand occasion reported in the Belfast Newsletter on 5th August 1882 - “The people of Bangor and an immense concourse of visitors witnessed today what may be described as the most imposing demonstration ever witnessed in this ancient seaside town…….It was estimated that about 6000 persons poured into the town by cars, boats and trains.” The most competitive tender for the building of the Masonic Hall was from McLaughlin & Harvey, their quotation for the whole extent of work being £1086.00. 1883 August 25th – Twelve months later the Northern Whig and Belfast Newsletter reported the opening and Dedication of the Hall. The architecture of the new Masonic Hall is described, and Lodge 746 is complimented for its vigour and advancement in the previous years. “The town was crowded at four o’clock and all wended their way towards the demesne of Mr R E Ward DL where the procession formed up in front of Bangor Castle in the following order: Tyler with drawn sword (J Pettigrew 746), Brethren of Symbolic Lodges according to seniority in pairs, Mark Master Masons, Royal Arch Masons, Prince Masons, and Inner Guard with drawn sword (Dr Higginson 746). After the ceremony some 350 guests were entertained to a luncheon in a spacious tent in the Castle grounds. The toasts then followed and the band played ‘God Bless the Prince of Wales’.” 1894 At about this time Bangor Masonic Lodge 746 adopted the word “Union” into its title. 1900 A letter of sympathy is sent to the Marquis and Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava on the lamentable but heroic death of the Earl of Ava at Ladysmith. A NEW CENTURY1901 February 13th – All Lodges assume mourning death of Queen Victoria. December 11th – A ballot taken duly elects Bro. R H Finlay, Real Estate Agent, to affiliate. He subsequently earns considerable distinction through his great service and devotion to Masonry in general. 1922 August 9th – This communication was attended by a large number of Naval brethren from one of HMS at anchor off Bangor shores. 1925 June 10th – The name of Mr R W Mussen, Surgeon Lieut. RN was balloted and duly elected to become a member. This officer, who retired at the rank of Surgeon Rear Admiral, became one of the longest serving brethren of 746 and earned his place amongst our honorary members. December 9th - Lady Clanmorris presents the Lodge with the ‘gold key’ given to Lord Clanmorris on the occasion of his opening the Hall in 1883. W Bro. W C Seyers being the oldest Past Master present was asked to receive it. The minutes record that 100 brethren were present. 1930 Aboard HMS Majestic, Vice-Admiral Charles Bereford makes a general signal to the Channel Fleet extending an invitation for members of the Craft amongst the officers and men under his command to attend Bangor Union Lodge No. 746. 1943 From the House of Clanmorris, the Lodge receives the silver trowel and mallet given to the late Lord Clanmorris at the laying of the foundation stone of the hall. 1945 January 10th. After 34 years continuous service during which time he undertook joint responsibilities of Secretary and Treasurer, R W Bro. R H Finlay tenders his resignation, which is reluctantly accepted by the Lodge. 1946 January 9th. Bro Richard Ernest Gray, having been proposed and seconded at the last communication was balloted and affiliated from Lodge No. 5509, Durham, under the English Constitution.The Lodge had acquired a member in whom we can be justly proud as the years were to demonstrate. He was installed WM in 1962 and served as secretary from 1964-1980. His dedicated service to Masonry has earned him not only the admiration and respect of the Brethren of 746 but has led to his elevation to Provincial Deputy Grand Master and in 2008 to Provincial Grand Master. 1961 November 8th- The Lodge celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the granting of the Warrant in the presence of Rt WBro R.T. Sheldon. Provincial Deputy Grand Master. A number of other Provincial Officers were present. At the conclusion of the business the Brethren retired to the dining room to enjoy a special diner followed by toasts and some light entertainment. 1962- January 10th- Bro R.E. Gray was installed WM. The future distinguished career of Richard Gray has previously been mentioned. But it is worthy of note that in his year as WM he noted that the social aspect of the Lodge had begun to diminish and he voiced many ideas to improve this aspect of the Lodge. He was at this time responsible for the revival of the Ladies Night, and event that is greatly enjoyed to this day. 1962-present. Bangor Union Masonic Lodge has continued to flourish, particularly in the more recent years with the enthusiasm of its members. Especially worthy of note is the passion that the Brethren have for establishing overseas friends and connections and to maintain these friendships. This has resulted in the yearly International Meeting going from success to success, and with many members visiting various overseas Lodges. (a flavour of the more recent visits is demonstrated in our Past Events page)
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