Rawlins White Memorial LOL 803, Cardiff
Lodge Opening Day
Orangeism returned to South Wales on St. Patrick’s Day 2012 after a 92 year absence. It was on this historic day, that the new Cardiff Lodge was formed.
The day started with the meeting being opened by Plymouth District No. 64, Worshipful Master Brother Nick Baker. The new warrant was then presented and the election and installation of officers was carried out.
Some of the Officers and Brethren of LOL 803 on their Opening Day
At this stage, the new Lodge took over the proceedings and the first item on the agenda was the initiation of a new candidate. After the conclusion of the degree, there were a number of speeches given, by many of the visiting Brethren, who numbered over 80. It was very pleasing that Brethren and Sisters had come from all five corners of the British Isles for this historic meeting.
Sister Rachel Currie who unveiled the bannerette, along with Sister Lizzie Ross and WM Bro Stuart Mullaney
Many gifts were presented to the new Lodge including the new bannerette painted specially for the new Lodge, by Brother John Currie of Renfrewshire. It was unveiled and dedicated by Metropolitan Provincial Chaplain Bro John McDowell and by Sister Rachel Currie, of the No. 1 Sports and Social Club of Larne, who very kindly paid for the bannerette – a tremendous gift for the new Lodge. See our bannerette page for more details.
There followed a talk on Welsh Orangeism and another on Rawlins White, which gave the gathering some background information on why the Lodge was named as such.
Metropolitan Provincial Grand Master, LOL 803 WM, Plymouth District No. 64 District Master and LOL 842 WM
Following the conclusion of the meeting, tea and sandwiches were served in the church hall. In the evening a social event was held in Cardiff city centre, where Corby Purple Star Flute Band and Luton & Bedford Lambeg Drumming Club played – the Lodge had also hired Piper Craig Donoghue for the day and all three provided tremendous entertainment throughout the evening.
WM Bro Stuart Mullaney and Deputy Master Bro David Phelps
It was fantastic day in Cardiff and truly historic as Orangeism was re-established in South Wales.
Many thanks to all those Lodges and Brethren who travelled to the event, giving gifts, support and encouragement.
It is our hope that God willing, this Lodge will go from strength to strength and be a shining beacon for the Protestant Reformed faith and Orangeism, for years to come in South Wales.
Brethren from Larne with the Worshipful Master
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Some of the ladies from Larne who helped raise funds for the new bannerette
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