Carnlough Lodge No. 216
Past Master's Jewel 1952
.
Obverse of Jewel
Silver Past Master's Jewel suspended from a sky blue ribbon by two silver bars.
The top bar has the name of the Lodge, "Carnlough".
Short History of Warrant No. 216.
There is no record of the issue of Warrant No. 216 in the Grand Lodge Register, but probably issued to brethren in DUBLIN either on the 7th November or the 27th December, 1750.
Warrant No. 216 became extinct before 1756 and was Erased on the 5th November, 1801.
Warrant No. 216 became extinct before 1756 and was Erased on the 5th November, 1801.
History of Carnlough Lodge No. 216.
No History of Carnlough Lodge No. 216 wold be complete without covering the ten year period it Laboured as Lodge No. 653.
St. Patrick's Lodge No. 653, Carnlough, 1808 - 1818.
Carnlough, a village on the north-east coast of Antrim not far from Glenarm, possesses in its Lodge an unbroken Masonic tradition stretching back to 1808, when St. Patrick's Lodge No. 653 was warranted.
Warrant No. 653 is one of the erased warrants in Downes' List of 1804, and Bro. J.H. Lepper had strong suspicion that this warrant granted in 1808, may have come from a tainted source [Alexander Seton], unsuspected by the good Brethren of Carnlough.
At any rate, in 1818 the Grand Lodge of Ireland granted Lodge 653 a new warrant with the number 216.
This new warrant was granted free of charge, because it was found that No. 653 had already been granted to Barbados on 2nd December, 1802.
Warrant No. 653 is one of the erased warrants in Downes' List of 1804, and Bro. J.H. Lepper had strong suspicion that this warrant granted in 1808, may have come from a tainted source [Alexander Seton], unsuspected by the good Brethren of Carnlough.
At any rate, in 1818 the Grand Lodge of Ireland granted Lodge 653 a new warrant with the number 216.
This new warrant was granted free of charge, because it was found that No. 653 had already been granted to Barbados on 2nd December, 1802.
Carnlough Lodge No. 216, 1818 - To date.
Warrant No. 216 reissued to `St. Patrick's Lodge' in CARNLOUGH, Co. Antrim on the 2nd July, 1818, in lieu of Warrant No. 653 issued by Alexander Seton.
Warrant No. 216 was issued free of charge due to the circumstances of the issue ofWarrant No. 653 and you will note that the date of Constitution of CARNLOUGH LODGE No. 216 in the Grand Lodge Calender is stated to be 1808.
[As can be seen from above the Brethren in Carnlough were unbeknown to them issued with Warrant No. 653 which had already issued to a Lodge in Barbados in1802]
Series two, Vol. 2 of the Grand Lodge Register shows in regard to Lodge No. 216 -
"Dav. McNeill; Daniel Henry and John McNeill, along with twenty others all from Lodge No. 653 registered 2 July, 1818."
Belfast News Letter - 30th June, 1820.
"We the Master's, Wardens and Brethren of Lodges Nos. 43, 94, 106, 148, 162, 175, 216, 253, 615, 788, 825, 972 & 1014, return our sincere Thanks to the Rev. James Cochrane, of Larne, for the impressive and appropriate Sermon preached to us this day, from Hebrews 3., 1., in which, after having pointed out the origin, antiquity and utility of Masonry, he proceeded in an eloquent manner to impress upon his audience the duties of Brotherly Love, Loyalty and Piety in General, but more particularly required from those who belong to our ancient and honourable Fraternity.
By Order,
James Locke,
Master 825, Larne, 24th June, 1820."
Lodge No. 216 changed it's name to `Carnlea True Blue', sometime between 1844 and1848.
A total of 121 brethren registered up to 19th May, 1852.
Series three Vol. 8 of the extant Grand Lodge Register then commence with William Alex. Boyd registered 13th June, 1862.
A total of 72 brethren registered up to 30th July, 1886. In most cases the dates when the degrees were conferred and the issue of certificates is shown.
Lodge No. 216 was represented by Bros. Rev. J. Caldwell, John Reid, Wm. Jenkins and John Lusk at the ceremony of the opening of the Larne Masonic Hall.
The Minutes of the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes dated the 4th April, 1887 show concerning Lodge 216 -
"4 April, 1887 – The question as to the destruction of the Minute Book ofLodge 216, Carnlough and as to the removal of Lodges 121 Ballymullan and 356 Maze were at the request of the Prov. Grand Lodge postponed."
The Minutes of Grand Lodge dated the 7th March 1889 show concerning Lodge 216 -
"7 March, 1889 – Read report of the P.G.L. of Antrim on the irregular working of Lodge 216 Carnlough and recommending the Warrant to be called in. R.W. Bro. Valentine proposed that the recommendation be adopted. Seconded by R.W. Bro. J. Creed Meredith, LL.D., and passed"
Warrant No. 216 was sent in to Grand Lodge on the 26th March 1889.
The Minutes of Grand Lodge dated the 4th December, 1890 show concerning Lodge 216 -
"4 December, 1890 – Read a Memorial from q number of the former members of Lodge 216 Carnlough for the re-issue of the Warrant which was suspended 7 March, 1889. Recommended by the P.G.M."
The Board recommend the re-issue of the Warrant to the applicants on payment of the amount due to Grand Lodge at the time of its having been suspended - Approved."
Warrant No. 216 was Restored on the 1st June, 1891.
Series three Vol. 8 of the extant Grand Lodge Register recommence with John Wright (41) registered on the 1st June 1891.
There follows the registration of three brethren on various dates in 1870, 1887 and1877.
Registrations continue with Samuel Wright registered on the 16th June 1892.
A total of 31 brethren registered up to the 20th June, 1899. In most cases the dates when the degrees were conferred and the issue of certificates is shown.
Lodge No. 216 was known as `Blue Lodge' in 1894.
Lodge No. 216 took the title `Carnlough Lodge' sometime thereafter.
Series four Vol. 13 of the extant Grand Lodge Register shows a long list of 33 brethren clearly transcribed, including their occupations, from the previous volume.
A total of 93 brethren registered up to 8th March, 1923. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Seven members of Carnlough Lodge No. 216 served in the 1914 -18 War and all returned.
Series five Vol. 18 shown as Vol. 2 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with the registration of Hugh Craig, Seaman, registered on the 24th April, 1924.
A total of 73 brethren registered up to 26th April, 1951. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Belfast Evening Telegraph - 10th August, 1925.
This Lodge [216] was represented by Br. J.J. Shaw, W.M. at a Masonic Service held in the Old Presbyterian Church, Glenarm, under the auspices of Lodge No. 45, Glenarm.
Belfast News Letter - 22nd August, 1928.
This Lodge [216] was represented at a Masonic Service held in the St. Patrick's Church, Glenarm, under the auspices of Lodge No. 45, Glenarm.
Series six Vol. 21 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with the registration of Alexander Thompson, Transport Driver, registered on the 29th August, 1953.
A total of 60 brethren registered up to the 11th October, 1984. 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 CARNLOUGH LODGE No. 216 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.
As you will from the Paper below by W.Bro. Alistair Montgomery, Past Master of Carnlough Lodge No. 216 celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2008.
Warrant No. 216 was issued free of charge due to the circumstances of the issue ofWarrant No. 653 and you will note that the date of Constitution of CARNLOUGH LODGE No. 216 in the Grand Lodge Calender is stated to be 1808.
[As can be seen from above the Brethren in Carnlough were unbeknown to them issued with Warrant No. 653 which had already issued to a Lodge in Barbados in1802]
Series two, Vol. 2 of the Grand Lodge Register shows in regard to Lodge No. 216 -
"Dav. McNeill; Daniel Henry and John McNeill, along with twenty others all from Lodge No. 653 registered 2 July, 1818."
Belfast News Letter - 30th June, 1820.
"We the Master's, Wardens and Brethren of Lodges Nos. 43, 94, 106, 148, 162, 175, 216, 253, 615, 788, 825, 972 & 1014, return our sincere Thanks to the Rev. James Cochrane, of Larne, for the impressive and appropriate Sermon preached to us this day, from Hebrews 3., 1., in which, after having pointed out the origin, antiquity and utility of Masonry, he proceeded in an eloquent manner to impress upon his audience the duties of Brotherly Love, Loyalty and Piety in General, but more particularly required from those who belong to our ancient and honourable Fraternity.
By Order,
James Locke,
Master 825, Larne, 24th June, 1820."
Lodge No. 216 changed it's name to `Carnlea True Blue', sometime between 1844 and1848.
A total of 121 brethren registered up to 19th May, 1852.
Series three Vol. 8 of the extant Grand Lodge Register then commence with William Alex. Boyd registered 13th June, 1862.
A total of 72 brethren registered up to 30th July, 1886. In most cases the dates when the degrees were conferred and the issue of certificates is shown.
Lodge No. 216 was represented by Bros. Rev. J. Caldwell, John Reid, Wm. Jenkins and John Lusk at the ceremony of the opening of the Larne Masonic Hall.
The Minutes of the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes dated the 4th April, 1887 show concerning Lodge 216 -
"4 April, 1887 – The question as to the destruction of the Minute Book ofLodge 216, Carnlough and as to the removal of Lodges 121 Ballymullan and 356 Maze were at the request of the Prov. Grand Lodge postponed."
The Minutes of Grand Lodge dated the 7th March 1889 show concerning Lodge 216 -
"7 March, 1889 – Read report of the P.G.L. of Antrim on the irregular working of Lodge 216 Carnlough and recommending the Warrant to be called in. R.W. Bro. Valentine proposed that the recommendation be adopted. Seconded by R.W. Bro. J. Creed Meredith, LL.D., and passed"
Warrant No. 216 was sent in to Grand Lodge on the 26th March 1889.
The Minutes of Grand Lodge dated the 4th December, 1890 show concerning Lodge 216 -
"4 December, 1890 – Read a Memorial from q number of the former members of Lodge 216 Carnlough for the re-issue of the Warrant which was suspended 7 March, 1889. Recommended by the P.G.M."
The Board recommend the re-issue of the Warrant to the applicants on payment of the amount due to Grand Lodge at the time of its having been suspended - Approved."
Warrant No. 216 was Restored on the 1st June, 1891.
Series three Vol. 8 of the extant Grand Lodge Register recommence with John Wright (41) registered on the 1st June 1891.
There follows the registration of three brethren on various dates in 1870, 1887 and1877.
Registrations continue with Samuel Wright registered on the 16th June 1892.
A total of 31 brethren registered up to the 20th June, 1899. In most cases the dates when the degrees were conferred and the issue of certificates is shown.
Lodge No. 216 was known as `Blue Lodge' in 1894.
Lodge No. 216 took the title `Carnlough Lodge' sometime thereafter.
Series four Vol. 13 of the extant Grand Lodge Register shows a long list of 33 brethren clearly transcribed, including their occupations, from the previous volume.
A total of 93 brethren registered up to 8th March, 1923. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Seven members of Carnlough Lodge No. 216 served in the 1914 -18 War and all returned.
Series five Vol. 18 shown as Vol. 2 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with the registration of Hugh Craig, Seaman, registered on the 24th April, 1924.
A total of 73 brethren registered up to 26th April, 1951. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Belfast Evening Telegraph - 10th August, 1925.
This Lodge [216] was represented by Br. J.J. Shaw, W.M. at a Masonic Service held in the Old Presbyterian Church, Glenarm, under the auspices of Lodge No. 45, Glenarm.
Belfast News Letter - 22nd August, 1928.
This Lodge [216] was represented at a Masonic Service held in the St. Patrick's Church, Glenarm, under the auspices of Lodge No. 45, Glenarm.
Series six Vol. 21 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with the registration of Alexander Thompson, Transport Driver, registered on the 29th August, 1953.
A total of 60 brethren registered up to the 11th October, 1984. 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 CARNLOUGH LODGE No. 216 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.
As you will from the Paper below by W.Bro. Alistair Montgomery, Past Master of Carnlough Lodge No. 216 celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2008.
Presentation by V.W.Bro. Johnny McCullough, a member of Glenarm Masonic Lodge No. 45 and an Honorary Member of 216,
to W.Bro. James Black, Worshipful Master of Carnlough Lodge No. 216,
of a beautiful engraved Waterford glass from Lodge No. 45.
28th June, 2008.
to W.Bro. James Black, Worshipful Master of Carnlough Lodge No. 216,
of a beautiful engraved Waterford glass from Lodge No. 45.
28th June, 2008.
Pictured (L-R) R.W.Bro. Jack O Dunlop (P.A.G.M.); M.W. The Grand Master M.W.Bro. George Dunlop; W.Bro. James Black (W.M.); V.W.Bro. JohnnyMcCullough (Glenarm Lodge No. 45); P.G. Master of Antrim R.W.Bro. John Dunlop & R.W.Bro. Noel Millar (P.A.G.M.).
The Irish Master's Cloak of St. Patrick's Lodge No. 653.
To access a short Paper in regard to a real piece of Irish Masonic history, namely a cloak that would have been worn at one time by the Worshipful Master of St. Patrick's Lodge No. 653, and which was restored by V.Wor.
Bro. David B. McCutcheon for Carnlough Lodge No. 216, "click" on the following Link - The Irish Master's Cloak.
Details of when Carnlough Lodge No. 216 meets.
Carnlough Lodge no. 216 meets on the Thurs.after the full moon at 7.30p.m. (except 6, 7 & 8) at Largy Road, Carnlough, County Antrim.