New Masonic Hall Opened and Dedicated at Pomeroy, County Tyrone.

Phoenix Masonic Lodge No. 836, Pomeroy

The New Hall

The New Hall

On Saturday 22nd September 2012 at 3:00pm the Brethren of Phoenix Masonic Lodge No. 836 Pomeroy along with the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Tyrone and Fermanagh together with the Grand Master of Ireland Most Worshipful Brother George Dunlop and the Provincial Grand Master of Tyrone and Fermanagh Right Worshipful Brother D. Henry Weir gathered at the Bonn Masonic Hall Pomeroy for an Especial Communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Tyrone and Fermanagh for the purpose of opening and dedicating of the new Hall. The previous building having been attacked and destroyed by fire in 2008.

After the Hall was opened a commemorative plaque was unveiled by the Grand Master following which the Lodge Room was dedicated for the purposes of Freemasonry in accordance with the ancient forms and usages of the Craft. The ceremony was conducted by the Grand Master assisted by the Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Chaplain ably supported by Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Tyrone and Fermanagh.

The Grand Master congratulated the Brethren of Lodge 836 on having their Hall rebuilt and furnished to such a high standard and having the Lodge Room re-dedicated for Masonic purposes.

The Grand Master unveils the commemorative plaque

The Grand Master unveils the commemorative plaque.

Many distinguished brethren from Lodges throughout Ireland were in attendance and later joined with brethren from local Lodges at a special dinner which was enjoyed by all. Brethren of Phoenix Masonic Lodge No.836 celebrated their 90th Anniversary in 2011 and have met continuously since 1921 at the Bonn Hall nestling at the foothills of the Sperrins, except for three months in 2001 when the outbreak of ‘foot and mouth´ disease affected the whole of the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is recorded in the Lodge minutes that the only intrusion caused by the outbreak of War was a slightly restrained Festive Board. As a Lodge we pride ourselves on the calibre of young men who join our ranks. We also remember with great pride the many that have served our Lodge with distinction and have sadly passed to higher reward. One in particular Honorary Right Worshipful Brother George Chambers a Mason for 76 years. No history of Phoenix Masonic Lodge No. 836 Pomeroy can ever be written without mention of Right Worshipful Brother William McLain or Billy as he prefers to be known to one and all. Right Worshipful Brother McLain, despite being a senior member in another Masonic discipline, has found the time to install over 40 of our Worshipful Masters and conferred in excess of 130 degrees. A truly remarkable record for a truly remarkable Mason.

We look forward with confidence as we strive towards our Lodge Centenary in 2021. Meanwhile our work continues, Freemasons are expected to adhere to three principles; Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. In terms of Relief, Freemasonry has been concerned from its earliest days with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today and in recent times substantial sums have been donated to both Masonic and non-Masonic charities. This trend is firmly established and will continue.