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Freemasons Hall - Tartaraghan WHERE IS TARTARAGHAN? The area
between the River's Bann and Blackwater, immediately south of Lough
Neagh and know originally as Clancan and once the territory of the McCann
sept roughly corresponds with the civil Parish of Tartaraghan. By the
middle of the 18th century, what was then know as Tartaraghan Rural
District , was the most densely populated Rural District in Ireland.
There is no official record of when the Brethren decided to build a Hall. The original Indenture of Conveyance bears the date 24th May 1893, was granted forever free of rent and that the said premises to be used exclusively for the erection thereon of a Masonic Hall for the Members of the Masonic Order in connection with the Masonic Grand Lodge of Ireland. The site was acquired from a Thomas Hill and the opening ceremony was performed on Thursday 24th May 1894. The Hall was built by a Thomas Woods of Maghery ably assisted by the Members of both the Lodge and the Chapter under the supervision of the architect Bro. Edward Jackson. The Hall was described in the local press as being "pleasantly situated among the orchards and strawberry gardens of Tartaraghan in the centre of a populous, prosperous district about one hours drive from Portadown". After the opening ceremony, it was reported that £50 had been raised by the Lodge, that £86 had been received by collecting cards and other Lodges had contributed £11, but there was still a balance of debt due on the Hall. As a practical response to these remarks from the chair, a handsome sum was raised by the Brethren present, however further funds were still needed and a fund raising concert was held on the 27th April 1904 the "Proceeds towards the extinction of debt remaining on Hall"
The character of the Hall has remained basically unaltered over the years and at the celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the Lodge on the May 21 1993 a couple of trees were planted to commemorate the erection of the Hall and to mark the occasion of the first visit by Shamrock ML No. 101 Athlone.
R.W. Bro. W.C.McCollum, PGM of Armagh; W Bro G Malcolmson, WM and
W Bro T Lawson, PM; R W Bro W C McCollum, PGM of Armagh;
W Bro G Malcolmson, WM and TARTARAGHAN - "Head O'the Road" In 1993, Right Worshipful Brother Charles McCollum - Provincial Grand Master of Provincial Grand Lodge of Armagh in his foreword to the publication "The Sanctum Sanctorum at Tartaraghan 1793 - 1993" researched and written by Worshipful Brother Tommy Lawson, Past Master of Lodge 789; had this to say:- "I have pleasure in commending to you this volume recording the history Tartaraghan Masonic Lodge No. 789 over 200 years. During this time, the "Head O'the Road" as 789 is popularly know, having observed the rules, precepts and customs of the Order in general, has retained the distinctive and individual qualities which assures visitors of the warmest of welcomes and ensures their return again and again."
Some original copies of the complete volume as illustrated above, from which these edited details are taken, can be obtained from the Lodge Secretary, contactable through secretary [at] pglarmagh [dot] org [dot] uk (replace [at] with @ etc.) All visitors will be made very welcome and our Hall is fully available for use by both Masonic and Non-masonic groups, pending availability, dates etc. Contact Thomas Lawson on 028 3885 1322 for details. |
