L.O.L 433 "WE WILL REMEMBER THEM" - CITY OF DERRY
This lodge has the distinction of holding the lowest warrant number within the jurisdiction of the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge. Although this is not necessarily proof that it was the first lodge to be formed in or around the City, due to the system operated by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland in re-issuing old warrants, nevertheless it has a very long and proud history.
Research at Grand Lodge of Ireland shows that the first reference to Warrant 433 was in 1798 (3 years after formation of the Order) – however, no information is given as to its location.
The first details are found in 1829 when the Lodge is listed as meeting in “Derry District” of County Londonderry, the Worshipful Master being J. Berry.
When the City of Londonderry Grand Lodge was formed in 1834, LOL 433 was one of five Lodges under its jurisdiction, the other lodges being 816, 1087, 1495 and 1688.
The present warrant which is dated December 1854 is obviously a replacement; in fact, present rules of the Institution state that lodges must only work under warrants issued since 1845.
Prior to the building of the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, the Lodge met in various places. In 1867, meetings were held in the Orange Hall, London Street, and in 1875 the Lodge room was in Chapel Lane (now Palace Street).
A copy of the Byelaws for 1870 shows that discipline within the Lodge was strict, and election to office was something to be prized. The Lodge insisted on a high standard of integrity of those to whom it entrusted Office, and severely punished those who failed to measure up to these ideals. Officers were liable to fines if absent from meetings “without due notice or sufficient reason”, also if they arrived more that 30 minutes after commencement of a meeting.
It comes as quite a surprise to discover that, for some unknown reason, the Lodge experienced difficulties towards the end of the 19th Century and almost went out of existence. The Minute Book for 1898 records that they owed a considerable amount of arrears of rent and that District Lodge has issued an ultimatum that they would withdraw the Warrant unless the working of the Lodge improved. It was only through the noble action of a number of Brethren transferring from other Lodges (1007 and 1166), in May 1899, that LOL 433 survived, and this infusion of new blood completely revived and transformed the fortunes of the Lodge.
The commencement of the 20th Century was marked by a sustained period of growth and prosperity, with a large influx of new members. It was not all expansion; however, Emigration took its toll, with a constant stream of Brethren emigration to USA and far corners of the Empire, seeking a new life for themselves and their families. In just one year, five Lodge members sailed to Canada.
In spite of this, membership grew steadily, both through initiation of new candidates, also transfers from Lodges throughout the entire country, reflecting the increasing importance of Londonderry as an industrial and commercial centre. Examination of the Roll Book – which in 1913 recorded 136 members, shows that in addition to tradesmen and artisans, membership of the Lodge was also fully representative of the business and professional life of the City.
It was a time when the Orange Order wielded tremendous power and influence, especially in the North of Ireland. They were, of course, the eventful days of the Home Rule crises, the signing of the Ulster Covenant, the formation of the Ulster Volunteer Force, following in 1914 by the outbreak of the First World War. As recorded in the Roll Book, no fewer that 33 members of LOL 433 enrolled to serve King and country three of them being killed in action.
After the War and the establishment of the border with the then Irish Free State, there was high unemployment in the City, and the notation “Out of Work” frequently appeared opposite a member’s name. Another noticeable feature – which serves to highlight the exodus of Protestants t the Waterside in the 1970’s – is the fact that in the 1920’s more that eighty per cent of the lodge members lived on the City Side. This is in marked contrast to the present-day situation, when practically all members live in the waterside area.
Unfortunately many records for the period 1932-1955 are not available, (probably languishing in the roof-space or cupboard of a departed member), and the Lodge would very much like to discover the location of these missing Roll and Minute Books, as it is hoped sometime in the future to compile a much more detailed history.
During the Second World War (1939-1945), many Lodge members again served. In HM Forces, whilst others helped the war effort at home by enlisting in Civil Defence, Home Guard and the ‘B’ Specials. Even those not in uniform were called to help the war effort as in September 1941, when the Lodge was requested to help farmers in saving the harvest!
The Centenary of the Lodge’s renewal warrant was celebrated in style in January 1955 with a series of events including a dinner dance and religious service.
The Lodge is justifiably proud of its banner which depicts St Columb’s Cathedral and City’s Coat of Arms, and are pleased that it has been selected for inclusion in a book of Orange banners which the Ulster Society are publishing to coincide with the bicentenary of the Institution. A copy of the original letter ordering the first banner was discovered recently. It was written in December 1925 by the late Bro Archie Allen (Father of the Lodge’s present Secretary), and specified the size as 9ft x 8ft, which is much larger than the present day banners. Price was £36 - nowadays the cost would be in the region of two thousand pounds. The design was repeated in two replacement banners, of smaller size, in 1957 and 1975. Prior to 1926 a flag was carried in.
No fewer that seven members have over 50 years service, and still retain an active interest in the Institution. Two of the longest serving, who seldom miss a meeting, are Bros. James S. Manning and Gerald Devine – both Past-Masters. Bro. Manning was initiated into the Lodge 66 years ago and has been Treasurer for the past thirty years while Bro. Devine has held the office of Lecturer for over forty years.
LOL 433 has always enjoyed a family tradition, with sons following in their fathers’ footsteps as W-Masters. However, the Lindsay family have established a Lodge record twelve years – the Lodge’s longest serving Master this century.
The Lodge was dealt a severe blow with the untimely passing of the Lay-Chaplain, Bro. Bertie Millar. Bro. Bertie held many offices including those of W-Master and Secretary during forty-five years service.
Events in Londonderry during the IRA campaign of the past 30 years, and
the resultant changes, must be regarded as a challenge and we, like out
predecessors a hundred years ago, are anxious to recruit suitable young
men into the Lodge. This would ensure not only the survival of Orangeism
in this City into the twenty-first century, but that the best traditions
of LOL433 would be steadfastly and wholeheartedly maintained.