History of the Lodge

	History of the Lodge
	The consecration and dedication of the Freemasons' Hall in Magheramorne and the Constitution of Magheramorne Masonic Lodge No. 514, took place on 23rd July 1921, by the Right Worshipful Provincial Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother J.H. Stirling, assisted by the Grand Officers of the Masonic Province of Antrim. Worshipful Brother William Yeates, Worshipful Master of Lodge 501, acted as Organist.
	The Foundation Members of the Lodge were as follows;


	Worshipful Master Senior Warden Junior warden Treasurer Secretary Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Inner Guard Senior Steward Junior Steward	Bro. Thomas Mayne, P.M. Bro. James Agnew Bro. James C. Boyd Bro. Samuel Robinson, P.M. Bro. Alexander Hamilton, P.M. Bro. James B. McNeill Bro. Robert Ross Bro. Thomas Ross Bro. Joseph Ferguson Bro. William McConnell Bro. Samuel J. Paisley Bro. Geoffrey S. Shaw Bro. Andrew Agnew Bro. William Drummond	Lodge 41 Lodge 378 Lodge 41 Lodge 615 Lodge 41 Lodge 41 Lodge 161 Lodge 41 Lodge 41 Lodge 378 Lodge 378 Lodge 175
W. Bro. Thomas Mayne

	Brethren proposed for affiliation on 23rd July 1921;
	Worshipful Bro. Rev. Robert Kirkpatrick (Lodge 431), The Rectory, Glynn Worshipful Bro. Robert Thompson (W.M., Lodge 615) Bro. Arthur Gingles (Lodge 41) Bro. Robert Gingles (Lodge 41)

	Candidates proposed for Initiation;
	Mr. William Hugh Nelson Craig, Magheramorne Mr. John Hall, Glynn Mr. Robert O'Neill, Magheramorne

	The reception after the Constitution was held in Magheramorne House. The Hall occupied by the Lodge in Magheramorne, was situate in the Demense of Magheramorne House in premises known as "The laundry" and was leased from the Landlord, "The Honourable Norah Evelyn Groves" for a period of five years, at a yearly rent of £12. The period of tenancy was later extended for a further ten years. Under the terms of the agreement, the tenant was responsible for all repairs. A very considerable amount of material and labour was necessary to make the premises suitable as a Lodge Room and the work was carried out by voluntary labour and it is recorded that we had, "a Lodge Room and Refreshment Room, in keeping with the standard of our Order and as fine as any Hall found in a Country District. Electric light was provided from Magheramorne Cement Works. About the year 1930, the walls began to sink and the roof to leak and at several Lodge meetings it was necessary to bale out water before commencing business. the landlord, who was now Worshipful Bro. Major Robinson, a member of the Lodge got an estimate for repairs to the roof. £300 was quoted and this was out of the question as far as the Lodge was concerned. The Brethren could not find a place locally and it was unanimously resolved on 14th march 1935, to seek permission to change the place of meetings as soon as possible. This was agreed by the Provincial Grand Lodge, and on the 18th April 1935, the Lodge held it's first meeting in St. John's Place, Larne.

	The following poem, was written by Sadie Shaw, at the time of the foundation of the Lodge:-
	A good few men and true, once put their heads together, And evolved the little Hall, way back in wintry weather, The home of the McGarel's shall be thy cradle bed, James Agnew in his wisdom, these words he said Geoffrey Shaw and Billie McConnell painted windows and the doors, Several good carpenters came and repaired the floors, The Brethren all worked hard and soon it came to be, They sent out invitations for their "Consecration Tea". The foundation members t' would be well to call by name, James Agnew, T. Ross, G. Shaw, Wm. Drummond and Tommy Mayne, Jack Boyd, R. Ross, A. Hamilton and Sam Paisley all I ween, Have hearts that beat true to Lodge Five Hundred and Fourteen, Three other foundation members were present at the feast, Sam Robinson, J. McNeill and Billie McConnell last but not least, Captain Agnew, Bob Close and Joe Ferguson were absent from thee, Alas! dear Hall, they were separated by many leagues of the sea. We are glad little Hall, the choice on thee was laid, With thy pleasant surroundings and peaceful fir tree shade, God's blessing on you all, Oh, "Sons of the Light", Every hour of the day, be it morning, noon or night, Our prayers shall be offered for thy common good, That you may so stand as your fathers have stood, True to your Land, your Lodge and your God, Faithful at home, steadfast and watchful abroad.

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