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Freemasons Hall

Windsor Avenue, Lurgan.

Freemasonry in Lurgan

The first record of a Lodge of Freemasons, in Lurgan is of St John’s Lodge No 134, which was warranted on the 20th of May 1743’( it is a source of pride that this Lodge, has continued in Lurgan, without a break until today). This was followed by Acacia Lodge no 24 dating in Lurgan from the 7th September 1875. They were then joined on the 7th of June 1894, by Ulidia Lodge No 151.

Places of meeting

Before the opening of the present Masonic Hall in Windsor Ave, these lodges had met at various times, at the ‘Middle Row [Market St]. Which stretched from ‘Castle Lane’ to where the ‘War Memorial is today ‘Lurgan Town Hall’ and the ‘Mechanic’s Institute’.

Having decided on building a new Masonic Hall, the three Lodges 134, 24 and 151, set about raising the money to finance this venture, they organized a ‘Grand Bazaar, and Fancy Fair’, at ‘Brownlow House’ on four consecutive days, starting on Mon, the 24 June to Thursday the 27th1895,

This photograph believed to have been taken at the opening of the “Grand Bazaar”

This function had every imaginable attraction available including, Bands, Variety stalls, Sports, Dancing, Sideshows, Lectures, Exhibitions, Drama, and Variety shows, and ballots for valuable prizes etc, It was opened each afternoon by a Masonic parade. Admission prices were 2/6 for a season ticket (admitting all times) Afternoon ticket 1/. Evening ticket 6p.and children half price. Ballot prizes consisted of A Piano-.Silver Horse Harness,-at least 2 cases of Whiskey, - a Hammerless Shotgun, -a Portable Greenhouse and a ‘Swarm of Bees (Complete with Hive)’, as well as a “Trained Donkey” also for Ballot, a Set of Lodge Jewels, an American Organ and a Bicycle (95 pattern), Very importantly it was stated that there would be obtainable, Wines, Beer, Ale, and Stout, for those so inclined. This ‘Bazaar was so successful, It was said that enough money was raised in four days, to pay for building the new ‘Masonic Hall’, there was of course many other subscriptions from Masonic sources.- In 1899 a tender of £1.239, was accepted for building the new hall, the site having cost £250.

Building the Masonic Hall

The foundation stone of ‘Lurgan Masonic Hall’ Windsor Avenue was laid on the 9th of August 1899 by RW, Sir James C, Meredith LLD, DGM of Ireland and the hall was officially opened at an “Occasional communication of the Grand Lodge of Ireland on the 2nd of Nov 1900, by the M.W.Bro, his Grace the Duke of Abercorn, K.G. the Grand Master of Ireland:

Laying the foundation stone of’Lurgan Masonic Hall’ in 1899

At the time of opening the ‘Masonic Hall’ there were three Lodges in Lurgan, 24, 134 and 151, on the 7th of June 1946 a new lodge was formed named ‘Armagh Home Guard no 747, On the 6th of October1955 they were joined by a new Lodge Brownlow No 781.

Freemasons Hall Lurgan

Recent photograph

The interior of Lurgan Masonic Hall