Sir Robert H.H. Baird, K.B.E., 31°.
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Sir Robert Hugh Hanley Baird (1855–1934) was a newspaper proprietor and owner of the Belfast Telegraph newspaper for 48 years. Sir Robert was born in Belfast and educated at Model School and Royal Belfast Academical Institution.
He entered the firm of W. & G. Baird, Arthur Street, Belfast in 1869 as an apprentice compositor and was present at the first publication of "The Telegraph," on the 1st September, 1870, which had been founded by his father. He had sole control of this newspaper from 1886 and established many other papers. He was a Justice of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant. He was knighted in June 1921 by the King in the Ulster Hall, on the occasion of the opening of the Northern Ireland Parliament House. He was a member of Senate of Queen's University, Belfast (1929–1934). |
Sir Robert H.H. Baird, 31°, D.L., J.P., was initiated in Excelsior Lodge 109, Belfast and had a long and distinguished Masonic career.
In the midst of a busy business life he was always able to find time to devote to the interests of the Craft, and won for himself a high place in the affections of his brethren. In him the Masonic and other charities had a generous and sympathetic friend, one who never wearied in well doing.
The Grand Lodge of Ireland, recognising his worth, honoured him with the position of Grand Treasurer, and also as its representative from the Grand Lodge of Virginia, U.S.A.
Among other high offices he filled were those of Grand Registrar of the Grand Lodge of Ireland and Senior Grand Warden of The Province of Antrim.
On the resignation of M.E. Companion W. Redfern Kelly, 33°, Sir Robert Baird was chosen to succeed him as "First Principal of the D.G.R.A. Chapter of Antrim", a position he held with the full approval of his Companions until, much to the regret of the whole fraternity, both civil and Masonic, he was stricken with a serious illness, which resulted in his death. Truly it might be said of him: "He was a man, of whom we shall never look upon his like again."
Thousands of people lined the streets when Sir Robert H.H. Baird died on the 8th October, 1934.
Sir Robert H.H. baird was a Founder member when the Lodge of Research was constituted in 1914 and was Worshipful master thereof in 1926.
In the midst of a busy business life he was always able to find time to devote to the interests of the Craft, and won for himself a high place in the affections of his brethren. In him the Masonic and other charities had a generous and sympathetic friend, one who never wearied in well doing.
The Grand Lodge of Ireland, recognising his worth, honoured him with the position of Grand Treasurer, and also as its representative from the Grand Lodge of Virginia, U.S.A.
Among other high offices he filled were those of Grand Registrar of the Grand Lodge of Ireland and Senior Grand Warden of The Province of Antrim.
On the resignation of M.E. Companion W. Redfern Kelly, 33°, Sir Robert Baird was chosen to succeed him as "First Principal of the D.G.R.A. Chapter of Antrim", a position he held with the full approval of his Companions until, much to the regret of the whole fraternity, both civil and Masonic, he was stricken with a serious illness, which resulted in his death. Truly it might be said of him: "He was a man, of whom we shall never look upon his like again."
Thousands of people lined the streets when Sir Robert H.H. Baird died on the 8th October, 1934.
Sir Robert H.H. baird was a Founder member when the Lodge of Research was constituted in 1914 and was Worshipful master thereof in 1926.
