A History of The Belfast Lodge No 257

The Belfast Lodge No 257 was formed on 22nd October 1885. The 257 warrant is recorded as re-issued to "The Belfast Lodge" at Arthur Square, Belfast on this date.

It is recorded as issued to Robert Neill, Thomas Gordon and Thomas McMurtry along with 14 others.
From the list of Past Masters (posted on this website) it records that Robert Neill was the first Worshipful Master in 1885 and 1886 and was succeeded by Thomas Gordon in 1887. Jonathan Montgomery was the last Worshipful Master in 2007 and 2008.

The 257 warrant was previously held by the Union Band Lodge No 257, the St Patrick's Lodge No 257 and the Orange Lodge of Belfast No 257. Historical extracts of these and the Belfast Lodge No 257 can also be viewed on this website. The historical extracts of The Orange Lodge of Belfast No 257 are quite amazing and give an insight to how influential Freemasons were from over two hundred years ago in Belfast as well as a view of some of the politics of the era. Freemasons' Hall, Arthur Square is featured then, as well as the White Linen Hall on which the Belfast City Hall is built.

The name Orange Lodge is also explained as it predates the First 'Orange Constitution' Lodge of 1795 by some twelve years and has no connection other than the name. Although it is a direct acknowledgement of the House of Orange of King William III, it is in a totally different context to the Orange Lodges of today and was of course a Masonic Lodge, the members of which were very much in favour of Catholic Emancipation at the time and had prominent members of the United Irishmen among its membership, including Henry Joy McCracken and his brother William. All this and more is revealed in the Historical Extracts relevant to the 257 warrant available on this site.

The Belfast Masonic Lodge has cared for the 257 warrant through two fearsome World Wars 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. There were times of great hardship like the 1930s but also years of great pleasure to remember. The Lodge was very strong through the 1960s and through our civil strife and trouble in Northern Ireland during the 1970s, 1980s and the 1990s. These years provided one of the most difficult periods for all our brethren and we continually prayed for more peaceful times. We did however survive these times with quite a large membership. In the late 1990s as membership began to decrease, the Lodge began the recirculation of its attending Past Masters and considered returning its warrant on a number of occasions but the brethren always managed to survive that little bit longer.

Eminent Past Masters such as Walter Pascoe PPJGD, Stanley Nash, Hugo McClenaghan, Ivor Atkinson, Cecil Blyberg and James Green were all re-circulated to keep the Lodge alive and when new Masters took the chair they were kept for an extra year. As the Lodge entered the 21st Century there came an influx of new members and the Lodge numbers swelled for a time, but just when the future of the Lodge seemed to be brighter a number of brethren for various reasons were unable to attend. This resulted in the Lodge going through a lean period where it struggled to open and the Brethren were forced to consider their future again. Rather than wait until a time when they could not continue, the Brethren considered an offer of amalgamation with Finaghy Masonic Lodge No 651 who were also attempting to pre-empt such an occurrence. The resulting consultations and liaisons concluded with the Lodge returning the 257 warrant to Dublin in December 2008.

On the 19th January 2009 the Lodge reopened as The Belfast Masonic Lodge No 651. The name and coat of Arms were retained though the 257 warrant was returned once again. The Lodge opened this website to commemorate and celebrate the past but also to prepare for a brighter future for Masonry in the 21st Century. As a direct result of this action the membership of the Belfast Masonic Lodge is again growing steadily and strongly which augers well for the future. There is degree work continued on a regular basis, a festive board or meal out after every meeting and charitable events and functions planned for the future for masons and their families which should give the Lodge a firm base from which to grow and blossom.

One of the most influential and notable extracts from the history of the 257 warrant (available on this site) and one that the current brethren of The Belfast Masonic Lodge No 651 will endeavour to emulate in its future, is from the author of the Constitution of the Antient Grand Lodge of England, Laurence Dermott and is contained in the Ahiman Rezon.
The Ahiman Rezon contains a dedication by Bro. Laurence Dermot to Lodge 257 Ireland with the following words:
"Sir and Brethren,
To whom could I possibly, with greater propriety, dedicate this Edition of Ahiman Rezon with Additions, than to you, who have confusedly constituted and established one of the first Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons in the three Kingdoms; a Lodge that - since September, 1780, "when it was last received", - has been productive of the most munificent Acts of Charity and Benevolence.
You have, Gentlemen, released the Prisoner, comforted the Weary, and given Food and Raiment to the Hungry and Naked. Your Lodge has been the happy Asylum to Strangers, "friendless! till their propitious Stars directed them to you". And you have not only established one of the most respectable and numerous Lodges in the World, in Belfast but you have been the glorious Means of reviving the Royal Craft all over this Province; and Lodges which have long lain dormant and neglected are now forming and reconstituting with redoubled Ardour: indeed its now not only honourable but fashionable to be a Free Mason.
Go on and prosper, and may your Endeavours to illumine the hitherto unenlightened Part of Mankind meet with that Success the generous Undertaking deserves.
Which are the earnest Wishes and Prayers of
Gentlemen and Brethren,
Your Affectionate Brother
And Humble obedient Servant
THE EDITOR
Belfast, May 25th, 1782"

The Book of Constitutions of the Ancient Grand Lodge of England called Ahiman Rezon was a constitution written by Laurence Dermott for the Antient Grand Lodge of England which was formed in 1751. The formation of the Antient Grand Lodge brought together Lodges and Masons who, believing themselves to be part of an older, original Masonic tradition, had chosen not to ally themselves with the previously formed Moderns Grand Lodge of 1717.
Laurence Dermott (1720 - June 1791) was born in Ireland and became a Freemason in 1740. He held various offices before being installed as Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 26 in Dublin on the 24th of June 1746. He emigrated to London and served as Grand Secretary of the Ancient Grand Lodge of England from 1752 to 1771. The title Ahiman Rezon has been often said to be Hebrew and variously mean "to help a brother", "will of selected brethren", "The secrets of prepared brethren", "Royal Builders" and "Brother Secretary". Wikipedia

 Past Masters of Belfast Masonic Lodge No. 257 from 1885 to 2008

Historical Extracts in Relation to the Belfast Lodge No 257

From 1880 the Grand Lodge Correspondence is unsorted and held in yearly boxes.
The following are extracts taken from these yearly boxes ignoring routine correspondence, for example letters enclosing G.L. Dues, requests for G.L. Certificates and Half-Yearly returns etc. Included are some Royal Arch and H.K.T. Returns etc.
Up to 1939 G.L. replies are contained in "Letter Books" - from 1939 in the main the typed copy of the G.L. reply is attached to the Lodge letter etc.

Warrant No. 257
1. 1883 - Three letters all referring to the character of the brethren requesting the issue of a new Warrant.
2. 27 April, 1885 - Printed form of Memorial for a new Warrant to meet in the Masonic Hall, Arthur Square, Belfast. Memorial signed by sixteen brethren from various Lodges mainly No. 106 - Nominates Robert Neil, P.M. (106) as first W.M.; Thomas Gordon (106) as S.W. and Thomas McMurtry (106) as J.W. - Recommended by Lodges 609, 195 and 226 and the P.G.M. & P.D.G.M. of Antrim.
3. 5 Oct. 1885 - Letter from a Wm. Stanfield, Acting Secretary, referring to the granting of a new Warrant and when can the brethren expect it.

From the Minutes of the G.L. Board of G.P.
Lodge 257
28 September, 1885 - Read a Memorial for a new Warrant for Belfast from Bro. Robt. Neill, P.M. 106; Thos. Gordon, 106, Thos. McMurtry, P.M. 106 and 13 others. Recommended by Lodges 195, 226 and 609 and also by the P.G.M. and P.D.G.M.. The Regular Fee enclosed.
The Board recommend that the prayer of the Memorialists be granted and a Warrant numbered 257 (as requested by the P.G.M.) be issued.
G.L.M. 1 October, 1885 - Confirmed.

(B) Reissued to `The Belfast Lodge' in ARTHUR SQUARE, BELFAST, 22 October 1885.

Grand Lodge of Ireland - Roll of Lodges, compiled by Bros. J.J. Nesbitt and William Scott for Bro. F.C. Crossle - c. 1889
Warrant issued 22 Oct. 1885 to Robt. Neill; Thomas Gordon and Thos. McMurtry.

Series three Vol. 8 of the extant Grand Lodge Registers shows:-
Warrant No. 257 to Belfast as "The Belfast Lodge", 22 October, 1885.
Robert Neill; Thomas Gordon and Thomas McMurtry registered along with fourteen others from various lodges, 22 October, 1885. No indication as to Master or Wardens.
A total of 79 brethren registered up to 19 November, 1900. In most cases the dates when the degrees were conferred and the issue of certificates is shown.

The Founder Officers of the Lodge were:-
Robert Neill, P.M. W. Master
Thomas Gordon Senr. Warden
Thomas McMurtry, P.M. Junr. Warden
James Anderson Treasurer
Wm. Stanfield Secretary
together with a further eleven brethren.

In September 1892 the Lodge subscribed to the new "Purchase Scheme" devised to buy out the Hall.
in Arthur Square, Belfast.

List of contents of G.L. correspondence files
Warrant No. 257 and 257 (b) Belfast
1. Crossle questionnaire referring to No. 257 and 257 (b) - Shows "The Belfast" warrant issued 23 Oct. 1885 to Robert Neill, W.M.; Thomas Gordon, S.W. and Thomas McMurtry, J.W. Lodge met in Arthur Square, Belfast - Lists Officers for 1885 to 1893 - on the back a hand drawn copy of "Red Canvas Cloth with what has at one time been black woollen fringe but now much faded.
2. 7 Oct. 1893 - Long letter to Bro. Crossle from a Bro. William Stanfield outlining some facts regarding the Lodge
3. Extract from "Chapters in the History of Orangeism by Richard Lilburn published by Belfast Weekly News.
4. 30 June, 1893 Letter referring to extracts from "Berwick Historical Collections of Belfast" 1817 refers to the White Linen Hall.
5. Two further letters referring to Lodge.

Demolition of the White Linen Hall.
Discovery of the Foundation Stone.
".... The stone - a block of freestone, measuring 18 inches by 12 inches - was in two halves, and on the upper section being removed a cavity was noticed in the centre of the lower half. Across this lay a copper plate, eight inches long by five inches broad, and bearing on the obverse side the following inscription:-
"The first Stone of the Belfast White Linen Hall was laid the 28th of April, A.D. 1783, in the year of Masonry 5783, by John Brown, Esq., Worshipful Master of the Orange Lodge of Belfast, No. 257, High Sheriff of the County of Antrim and Major of the Belfast Battalion of Volunteers, assisted by the Wardens and Brethren of said Lodge and accompanied by the Members of the other Lodges, the Sovereign, Burgesses, and Principal Inhabitants of the Town. In all of which Building the Orange Lodge presented the Managers with the Sum of "100."
[The reference goes on to describe the other items discovered]
Belfast News Letter 5 February, 1896.
NP. Vol. D.p. 239-241.

Series four Vol. 14 of the extant Grand Lodge Registers shows:-
Warrant No. 257 to Belfast
There follows a long list of 38 brethren clearly transcribed, including their occupations, from the previous volume.
A total of 165 brethren registered up to 18 June, 1923. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.

Old Belfast Linen Hall.
Foundation Stone Laying.
Interesting Masonic Ceremony.
The following is an excerpt from a centennial notice of the laying of the foundation-stone of the old Belfast Linen Hall, which appeared in the columns of the "Belfast Evening Telegraph," in April, 1883, and which will doubtless prove to be of considerable interest to members of the Masonic fraternity, disclosing, as it does, the position which Freemasonry occupied in this community upwards of 131 years ago:-
On Monday, 28th April, 1783, the first stone of the Belfast White Linen Hall was laid by John Brown, Esq., Worshipful Master of the Orange Lodge of Belfast, No. 257, High Sheriff of the County, and Major of Belfast Battalion of Volunteers, assisted by the wardens and brethren of said Lodge, and accompanied by the members of the other lodges, the Sovereign, Burgesses, and the principal inhabitants of the town, in aid of which building the Orange Lodge presented the managers with the sum of one hundred pounds. The grandeur of the procession on this occasion could be equalled only by the publick spirit that gave rise to this important undertaking.
In the procession at laying the first stone of the Belfast White Linen Hall last Monday, Joseph Clotworthy, High Priest of Lodge No. 272, an old man who had attended every publick matter of the sort for upwards of sixty years, dropped dead just behind the deacons of the Orange Lodge. He was buried last Wednesday by the Orange Lodge and the rest of the brethren of the town and country, with all Masonick honours; and the humane and worthy brethren have generously resolved to provide for the poor widow, during the remainder of her life. Tis somewhat remarkable that the deceased had frequently been heard to pray that his dissolution might be in the very midst of his brethren; and indeed so it happened, in the very centre of some hundreds.
At the laying of the first stone of the Belfast White Linen Hall, there were deposited (besides the copper-plate inscription) a quantity of new shillings and halfpence, together with a large glass tube, hermetically sealed at both ends, so as not to admit the smallest particle of air, and in which were enclosed a number of interesting documents, together with a notice to the following effects:-
"Belfast, 28th April, 1783.
"These papers were deposited underneath the building by the Right Worshipful Master of the Orange Lodge, No. 257, assisted by the Past Master, Wardens, and brethren of said lodge, all the other Freemason lodges of the town, together with the Sovereign, burgesses, and principal inhabitants, etc., etc.
"At this epoch, too, Freemasonry is at the very zenith of its glory, spreading from pole to pole and zone to zone; and the Orange Lodge (which has, on this occasion, presented one hundred guineas to the managers of this building, and five guineas to the workmen, as an encouragement to them to push it forward with alacrity), so confessedly acknowledged to be the first in Europe, being composed of one hundred and fifty gentlemen, among whom are noblemen and commoners of the very first distinction. The Orange Lodge was first revived in September, 1780, at which time it merely consisted of the present master and two other gentlemen; since which time one hundred and forty-seven gentlemen have been admitted members of it, and the most munificent acts of charity and benevolence have arisen from this never to be forgotten phoenix."
It may be of interest to relate, that of two Masonic lodges above referred to, the "Orange Lodge" No. 275, and the "New Blues" (now known as the "True Blues") No. 272, the latter lodge was chartered in the year 1756, and its charter has, ever since, enjoyed an uninterrupted existence. And, as to the "Orange Lodge" No. 257, this lodge was, as before stated, first revived in September, 1780 under brilliant auspices, its meetings being held in the "Donegall Arms," but, after a most successful career, it became dormant for a number of years. A new Warrant, with the No. 257, was, however, issued to some Belfast brethren in the year 1885, and this charter is still in force.
Belfast Telegraph 2 September, 1914.
NP. Vol. E. F9.

There is no entry for the 1914-18 War.

Series five Vol. 18 shown as Vol. 2 of the extant Grand Lodge Registers shows:-
Warrant No. 257 to Belfast
Register commences with the registration of William Moore, Grocer, registered 14 April, 1924
A total of 82 brethren registered up to 18 May, 1953. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.

Series six Vol. 21 of the extant Grand Lodge Registers shows:-
Warrant No. 257 to Belfast
Register commences with the registration of Herbert McCallin, School Teacher, registered 19 October, 1953
A total of 58 brethren registered up to 16 February, 1981. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.

From 1984 the registration of members is held, in alphabetical order, in a computerised register by Grand Lodge, Freemasons' Hall, 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Registration of the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Secretary of Lodges are held in separate Registers, the first Volume covering the period 1983 to 1994 inclusive and the second Volume covering from 1995 to date.

From the Minutes of The Grand Lodge Board of G.P.:-
Lodge No. 651 & 257
Read letter from Lodge No. 651 noting a proposed merger between itself and Lodge No. 257 and requesting permission for the retention of the name of one Lodge, with attendant crest and the number of the other - one Warrant to be returned to Dublin. Confirmed, one vetted and approval by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim.
Confirmed by G.L. 5 June, 2008.

From the Minutes of the G.L. Board of General Purposes, 27 December, 2008
Lodge No. 257
The Board noted with regret the return of the Warrant on amalgamation with Lodge No. 651

Link to History of Irish Warrant No. 257

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