CEREMONIAL SWORD. Presentation to District by District Grand King THE Journal of the

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1 Banner In THE MARCH 2010 ISSUE 9 this issue: Visit to Argyll and the Isles Newly Invested District Grand Inspectors Re-opening of Skibbereen Masonic Hall Chapter Reports from around the District and more... CEREMONIAL SWORD Presentation to District by District Grand King Journal of the

2 Calendar Grand Chapter Stated Convocations District Grand Chapter Stated Convocations Committees of Inspection: Belfast East Antrim North Antrim Board of General Purposes KEY APRIL Wed 7th 5.00pm Larne Masonic Centre East Antrim Committee of Inspection Mon 19th 2.00pm Freemasons' Hall Arthur Sq. Belfast Belfast Committee Of Inspection Mon 19th 2.30pm Freemasons' Hall Arthur Sq. Belfast Board of General Purposes Mon 26th 7.30pm Prov. Masonic Hall Rosemary St. Belfast District Grand Chapter Stated Convocation MAY Wed 5th 2.30pm Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen Grand Chapter Stated Convocation Fri 21st 5.00pm Ballymena Masonic Centre North Antrim Committee of Inspection Mon 24th 2.00pm Freemasons' Hall Arthur Sq. Belfast Belfast Committee of Inspection Mon 24th 2.30pm Freemasons' Hall Arthur Sq. Belfast Board of General Purposes JUNE Sat 5th 1.30pm Prov. Masonic Hall Rosemary St. Belfast District Grand Chapter Stated Convocation AUGUST Wed 4th 5.00pm Larne Masonic Centre East Antrim Committee of Inspection Fri 20th 5.00pm Ballymena Masonic Centre North Antrim Committee of Inspection SEPTEMBER Mon 13th 2.00pm Freemasons' Hall Arthur Sq. Belfast Belfast Committee of Inspection Wed 15th 2.30pm Freemasons' Hall Dublin Grand Chapter Stated Convocation OCTOBER Mon 18th 2.00pm Freemasons' Hall Arthur Sq. Belfast Board of General Purposes Mon 25th 7.30pm Prov. Masonic Hall Rosemary St. Belfast District Grand Chapter Stated Convocation NOVEMBER Wed 3rd 2.00pm Freemasons Hall Dublin Grand Chapter Stated Convocation Wed 3rd 5.00pm Larne Masonic Centre East Antrim Committee of Inspection Mon 8th 2.00pm Freemasons' Hall Arthur Sq. Belfast Belfast Committee of Inspection Fri 19th 5.00pm Ballymena Masonic Centre North Antrim Committee of Inspection JANUARY 2011 Mon 17th 2.00pm Freemasons' Hall Arthur Sq. Belfast Belfast Committee of Inspection Mon 17th 2.30pm Freemasons' Hall Arthur Sq. Belfast Board of General Purposes Sat 22nd 1.30pm Provincial Masonic Hall Belfast District Grand Chapter Stated Convocation FEBRUARY 2011 Wed 2nd 2.30pm Freemasons' Hall Dublin Grand Chapter Stated Convocation Wed 2nd 5.00pm Larne Masonic Centre East Antrim Committee of Inspection Fri 18th 5.00pm Ballymena Masonic Centre North Antrim Committee of Inspection Where Campanions Meet Antrim, Ballycastle, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Broughshane, Bushmills, Clough, Cullybackey, Portglenone, Portrush, Randalstown, Templepatrick, Vowferry Ballycarry, Carrickfergus 313, Glenarm, Islandmagee, Larne, Straid North Antrim East Antrim 2 South Antrim South East Antrim Belfast City Ballinderry, Broomhedge, Crumlin, Lisburn Carrickfergus 253, 1012, Doagh, Whiteabbey Arthur Square, Crumlin Road, Ligoniel

3 Banner THE Journal of the District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Antrim Contents 2010 Calendar The year s events at a glance DGC Convocations 27th April 2009, 1st June th October 2009, 23rd January 2010 Newly Invested District Grand Inspectors V. Ex. Comp. Maurice Douglas V. Ex. Comp. Stephen McCormick V. Ex. Comp. Allan Byers V. Ex. Comp. Michael Alexander V. Ex. Comp. Alan McLories Visit to Provincial Grand RAC of Argyll and the Isles Biennial Visit to Oban Mark Tokens By Ex. Comp. Jim McGookin BEM Profile M. Ex. Comp. W. J. Liggett MBE Re-opening of Skibbereen Masonic Hall By V. Ex. Comp. Robert Bashford Joab, Commander of King David s Army By Ex. Comp. W. T. Brown Chapter Reports A round-up of events from around the county Still Marching Forward By Jim Lynch, District Grand Registrar Companions Remembered V. Ex. Comp. Norman Mayne V. Ex. Comp. Alex McLernon Officers for 2010 A who s who of DGRAC Production Details The Production Team and how to contribute by M. Ex. Comp. E. Cyril Ferguson, District Grand King. When our Editor asked me to write a Foreword to the 2010 Edition of The Banner I was very pleased and indeed felt very privileged to be asked. When considering a positive and meaningful message, my thoughts and recollections evolved around the purpose of the magazine and its impact on everyone reading it. In fact, it tells stories in the lives of some of the Chapters in the District as well as informing the reader of events in the life of the District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Antrim. Foreword From the various articles and photographs we learn of some very active and vibrant Companions and their Chapters. I take this opportunity to personally thank those Companions and Chapters who have contributed to this edition. I also encourage more Chapters, who have something of interest, no matter how small, to forward to your coordinator details of the event with a photograph if possible. Our Banner magazine is read and enjoyed by many masons and non-masons not only in Ireland but also in places further afield England, Scotland, Australia, Hongkong, Singapore and New Zealand to mention a few. A most important spin-off from the production of the Banner is the good it does for our Charities. As the only outlay in its publication in for printing, the Charities benefit substantially each year. So remember, when you purchase a magazine, you are making a tangible donation to our Masonic Benevolent Institutions. Finally Companions, I close this Foreword with a message, Resolve to forward items of news (with photographs where possible), thus ensuring that The Banner continues to be the Masonic journal of the year. Cyril Ferguson Editor s Note Again my thanks to those who sent me articles and photographs the Banner couldn t be produced without your input. This year a record number of Chapters (twentysix) have items published but there are still quite a few still to be featured. Next year is the centenary of the District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Antrim as well as the tenth anniversary of The Banner. Wouldn t it be great if every Chapter in the District produced something for inclusion in the 2011 Banner as part of the double celebrations? Extra pages would be required making it a bumper special edition! It could happen all it requires is for one companion in each Chapter to undertake the task. If anyone needs a suggestion for an article just contact one of the Production Team or myself. Thanks again to M. Ex. Comp. Drew Coid, my enthusiastic Assistant Editor, Peter in DCG and those who have placed advertisements their generosity is essential support them when you can. Wendell McGrath The Banner 3

4 DISTRICT GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER STATED CONVOCATION 27th April 2009 The District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Antrim was honoured, at the April Convocation, by the attendance of Most Excellent Companion Alan Treadwell and Right Excellent Companion Jack Magowan, the District Grand King and the District Assistant Grand King of Armagh as well as Right Excellent Companion Roy Graham, the District Grand Registrar of Down and Most Excellent Companion George Field, High and Very Eminent Prior of the Provincial Priory of East Ulster and the Great Seneschal elect of the Great Priory of Ireland. STATED CONVOCATION 1st June 2009 L eft: Most Excellent Companion Alan Treadwell and Right Excellent Companion Jack Magowan, the District Grand King and the District Assistant Grand King of Armagh pose with R. Ex. Comp. Jon McA. Pollock, District Deputy Grand King of Antrim. Most Excellent Companion Kenneth Abernethy, Right Excellent Companion Kenneth Vance and Right Excellent Companion Cyril Beers, the District Grand King, District Deputy Grand King and District Assistant Grand King of Down were the distinguished guests at the June Convocation of the District Grand Chapter of Antrim and were given a warm welcome. The highlight of this Convocation was the presentation of a District Grand Sword to the District Grand Chapter of Antrim, by Most Excellent Companion E. Cyril Ferguson, the District Grand King. In presenting the sword, Most Excellent Companion Ferguson said that, since the District Grand Chapter of Antrim would be celebrating its Centenary M. Ex. Comp. Abernethy and R. Ex. Comp. Vance, D. G. King and D. Dep. G. King of Down. 4

5 C O M P A N I O N S R E M E M B E R E D V.Ex. Comp. Norman Mayne ( ) V.Ex. Comp. Alex McLernon ( ) V. Ex. Comp. Norman Mayne was born on 12th August 1913 on the estate of Sir George Clark where his father was the Head Gardener. This estate is now the Fortwilliam / Dunlambert Housing Estate. He was the youngest of a family of three boys and had a very happy childhood, memories of which he enjoyed recounting in his later life. After leaving school, he worked for a chemist and then in an Estate Agency before moving to the local fish market. In 1938 he set up his own business in the Ballynafeigh Fish Hall, where, over a period of years, he established a reputation for quality and good service. He later expanded into the export of shellfish. In February 1939 Norman married the love of his life, Peggy. In 1952, Anne and Margaret, after the untimely death of their mother, came to live with their Uncle Norman and Auntie Peggy, where they were well cared for and loved. Norman had a very active life outside his business he enjoyed sailing and was one of the Foundation Members of Down Sailing Club. He was an ardent supporter of Glentoran Football Club and followed them in their early European exploits. Peggy and he loved going on cruises. In 1984, after a short illness, Peggy died. This sad event led to Margaret and her husband, Ernie, playing a more supporting role in the business until Norman retired in In the following years, especially during his periods of ill health, Margaret and Ernie were willing and devoted carers. He received his Entered Apprentice Degree in John Arnott Taylor Masonic Lodge No. 314 on the 19th February 1948 and quickly became an enthusiastic member. He was Worshipful Master in 1978 and received his 50-year jewel in He joined John Arnott Taylor Royal Arch Chapter No. 314 on 10th June 1980 and was Excellent King in He served his Chapter for many years as Registrar and then as Treasurer. At the January Convocation of District Grand Chapter in 1993 he was invested as District Grand Captain of the Scarlet Veil. He was a great supporter of District Grand Chapter and enjoyed trips to Scotland with the District to visit the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Argyll and The Isles. In other branches of the Order he also attained high rank. He prized a letter he received on his 90th birthday from the District Grand King who stated that Norman had introduced him to two of life s pleasures a large brandy and a cigar. Norman was, in every respect, a true gentleman, quiet and unassuming, loved and respected by all who knew him and especially by his many friends in Masonry who will miss him greatly. V. Ex. Comp. Alexander McLernon was initiated into Chatham Hall Masonic Lodge No. 152 on 22nd February 1937 and served as Worshipful Master in He was a member for over 72 years! In 1954 he became Secretary and served that office with distinction for 35 years. For many years he faithfully represented his lodge on the Provincial Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes and the North Antrim Committee of Inspection. On both these bodies he was a highly respected and popular member who rarely missed a meeting. He was a Provincial Grand Lodge Steward and also represented the Grand Lodge of Oregon at the Grand Lodge of Ireland. He conferred Craft Degrees including the Installed Masters Degree, not only in his mother lodge but also in most of the other lodges in the area. He joined Chapter No. 57 on 24th March 1943 and during the 66 years of his membership never missed a convocation except for the final 18 months when his health started to deteriorate. He was elected District Grand Superintendent of the Tabernacle in the District Grand RAC of Antrim for In 1950 he joined Coleraine Council of Knight Masons No. 40. A Founder Member of Dalriada Council No.68, constituted in June 1960, he was their Excellent Chief in From 1964 till 2002 he skilfully served Dalriada Council as their Director of Ceremonies. In 1978, Most Excellent Great Chief J. Keers honoured him when he invested him as a Past Great Chief s Standard Bearer. He received his High Knight Templar Degree in Rathmore Preceptory in 1962 and was their Eminent Preceptor in V. Ex. Comp. McLernon was perfected in Dunluce Chapter of Prince Masons No. 26 in 1981 and installed Most Wise Sovereign on 15th April The high esteem in which he was held was evident by the large attendance at his funeral in Armoy Presbyterian Church on 7th April In attendance were the Grand Master, the Provincial Grand Masters of Antrim and Londonderry and Donegal, the District Deputy Grand King of Antrim, the Deputy Great Chief of the Grand Council of Knight Masons of Ireland, the immediate past Great Chief and the High and Very Eminent Prior of the Provincial Priory of East Ulster. The Banner 31

6 Officers for 2010 Grand King: M.E. Comp. E. Cyril Ferguson, 645 Deputy Grand King: R.E. Comp. Jon. McA. Pollock, 57 Assistant Grand King: R.E. Comp. Richard Aughey, 565 Assistant Grand King: R.E. Comp. G. Wendell McGrath, 56 Grand High Priest: R. E. Comp. John I.H. Dickson, 326 Grand Chief Scribe: R. E. Comp. Andrew Inglis, 17 Grand Treasurer: R. E. Comp. Thomas J. McCurley, 613 Grand Registrar: R. E. Comp. W. James Lynch, 574/1020 D.G. Director of V. E. Comp. William T. Brown Ceremonies: M.B.E., 313 V. E. Comp. George M. Graham, 431 V. E. Comp. Ronald S. Barnes, 353 Grand Chaplain: V. E. Comp. Henry Gilmore, 466 V. E. Comp. Rev. H. James Parker M.A.,763 V. E. Comp. William Halliday, 763 V. E. Comp. Jonathan M. Smith, 177 Asst. Grand Treasurer: V. E. Comp. W. Ivan Conner, 178 Asst. Grand Registrar: V. E. Comp. James McClurg, 140 D. G. Captain of V. E. Comp. Simon T. Lusty, 645 the Host: D.G. Superindentent V. E. Comp. David W. C. Kyle, 450 of the Tabernacle: D.G. Royal Arch V. E. Comp. Malcolm R. Cowton, 313 Captain: D.G. Captain of the V. E. Comp. George E. Cinnamon, Scarlet Veil: 667 D.G. Captain of the V. E. Comp. Albert Dickson, 106 Purple Veil: D.G. Captain of the V. E. Comp. James L. White, 314 Blue Veil: Grand Steward: V. E. Comp. David Devlin, 21 V. E. Comp. Reynold J. Kirk, 439 V. E. Comp. George Baker, 89 V. E. Comp. Sidney Volkes 180 Grand Organist: V. E. Comp. Dr. Norman Close, 275 V. E. Comp. Maurice McQuitty, 149 V. E. Comp. Sylvester Agnew, M.B.E., 645 D.G. Chapter V. E. Comp. Maurice J. Henderson, 28 Standard Bearer: Grand Sword Bearer: V. E. Comp. Ivor McElfatrick 775 D.G. King s V. E. Comp. Mervyn Kidd, 56 Standard Bearer: Grand Janitor: V. E. Comp. Ian R. Parker, 166 Grand Physician: V. E. Comp. Dr. Edmund Henderson, 17 V. E. Comp. Dr. J. Clifford McMillan, 51 Representatives on Grand Royal Arch Class of Instruction: Albert L. Fullerton, Roy Lamont Representatives to Grand Chapter Board of General Purposes: W.C. Colhoun, J.I.H. Dickson, H. Gilmore, W.J. Halliday, A. Inglis, A. Ireland, T. Killen, J. Lynas, C. Rea Grand Inspectors: M. Alexander, A. Byers, D. T. Caruth, A. W. Coid, M. Douglas, C.L. F. Gibson, D. Little, S.G. Matthews, C. McBratney, S. McCormick, A. D. McLorie, H.C. Mitchell, W. E. Moore, J.S. Patterson, M. Torrens, T. M. Yarr Banner THE Journal of the District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Antrim Production Team Editor: Wendell McGrath (56) 57 Crosskennan Road, Antrim BT41 2RE Tel: Assistant Editor: Drew Coid (189) 57 Crosskennan Road, Antrim BT41 2RE Tel: Chapters that meet in Freemasons Hall, Arthur Square, send articles to: Alex Ireland (Chapter 31), 22 Silverbirch Road, Bangor, BT19 6EU. Tel: Chapters that meet in Crumlin Road and Ligoniel Masonic Halls, Belfast, send articles to: Jim Patterson (Chapter 314), Tel: Chapters that meet in Newtownabbey and Whiteabbey Masonic Centre send articles to: Bill Halliday (Chapter 763), 4 Carnhill Park, Newtownabbey, BT36 6LD. Tel: Chapters that meet in Lisburn area send articles to: James McClurg (Chapter 140), 7 Sycamore Road, Dundrod, Crumlin, BT29 4JE. Tel: Chapters that meet in North Antim area send articles to: J. McA. Pollock (Chapter 57), 3 Chestnut Grove, Ballymoney, BT53 7AT. Tel: Chapters that meet in Larne and Carrick area send articles to: Bill Brown (Chapter 313), 8 Donegall Crescent, Whitehead BT38 9LS. Tel: Chapters that meet in Ballymena and Antrim area send articles to: Drew Coid (Chapter 189), 1 Kelvin Close, Dan s Road, Ballymena, BT42 2NZ. Tel: Articles Wanted If you have any articles for the Banner magazine please forward them, together with any accompanying photographs to the editor. Advertising To advertise in the Banner call We need your support! DCG Publications Ltd. Tel: