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Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
New banner and plaque unfurled at Derriaghy Orange Hall

L to R: (seated) Bro Tom Wright (County Grand Secretary - Belfast), Bro Connor Gray (Worshipful District Master), The Most Worshipful Robert Saulters (Grand Master), Lagan Valley MP Bro Jeffrey Donaldson MLA and Bro Hugh Moulds (Lodge Treasurer and Deputy District Master) and Bro Alan Campbell (Past Master). (back row) Bro Malcolm Hill (Past District Master), Bro Jim McConnell, Bro Kenneth Moulds (Past Master), Bro Uel Moulds (Past Master), Bro William Moulds, Bro Keith Bennett (Deputy Master), Bro John Crookshanks (Past Master), Bro Gary Campbell (Secretary), Bro Mark Walker, Bro John Campbell (Chaplain), Bro Stuart

Bro Gary Campbell (Secretary) pictured giving a history of the lodge explaining that the banner, which shows a scene from the Battle of the Somme, also records the names of Sec. Lt. Bro William Graham, Guardsman Bro William Wilson and Trooper Bro William Hillocks, all members of Falls LOL No 498, who laid down their lives in the Great War 1914-1918.
L to R: (seated) Bro Tom Wright (County Grand Secretary - Belfast), Bro Connor Gray (Worshipful District Master), The Most Worshipful Robert Saulters (Grand Master), Lagan Valley MP Bro Jeffrey Donaldson MLA and Bro Hugh Moulds (Lodge Treasurer and Deputy District Master) and Bro Alan Campbell (Past Master). (back row) Bro Malcolm Hill (Past District Master), Bro Jim McConnell, Bro Kenneth Moulds (Past Master), Bro Uel Moulds (Past Master), Bro William Moulds, Bro Keith Bennett (Deputy Master), Bro John Crookshanks (Past Master), Bro Gary Campbell (Secretary), Bro Mark Walker, Bro John Campbell (Chaplain), Bro Stuart Brown and Bro Arthur Graham (District Secretary). Bro Gary Campbell (Secretary) pictured giving a history of the lodge explaining that the banner, which shows a scene from the Battle of the Somme, also records the names of Sec. Lt. Bro William Graham, Guardsman Bro William Wilson and Trooper Bro William Hillocks, all members of Falls LOL No 498, who laid down their lives in the Great War 1914-1918.
 

Another historic milestone in the history of the 179-year-old Falls LOL 498 was celebrated on Saturday 22nd November when a new banner and past master�s plaque was unfurled at Derriaghy Orange Hall. The banner, painted by artist Billy McGowan, is the third one since the formation of the lodge in 1829 and while the first one takes pride of place in the hall, the second banner will be donated to The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland at Schomberg House, Belfast.

Lagan Valley MP Bro Jeffrey Donaldson MLA unveiling a new plaque recording the names of past masters since the formation of Falls LOL No 498 in 1829.Worshipful Bro Hugh Moulds, Lodge Treasurer and Deputy District Master of Derriaghy District LOL No 11, led the proceedings and welcomed the members and special guests. John Campbell (Chaplain) presiding on keyboards led the opening praise, �Stand up, stand up for Jesus� followed by a prayer of dedication. The Most Worshipful Robert Saulters (Grand Master), brought the greetings of the Grand Lodge and prior to unfurling the banner congratulated the lodge members, wishing them many years to be spared to walk behind it. Lagan Valley MP Bro Jeffrey Donaldson MLA added his congratulations on their excellent banner after which he unveiled a new plaque recording the names of past masters since the lodge was formed in 1829.

Bro Gary Campbell (Secretary) recalled that the lodge minutes record 24 absent members who went out to serve in the Great War 1914-1918 and explained that the banner, which depicts King William on one side, depicts a scene from the Battle of the Somme on the other side showing the names of three who never returned. The banner pays tribute to the men - Second Lieutenant Bro William Graham (26) from the Donegall Road, Guardsman Bro William Wilson (23) from Andersonstown and Trooper Bro William Hillocks (22) who died just one day before the war ended. Gary also explained that the date chosen for the unfurling of the banner was the 91st anniversary of the death of Bro William Graham on 22nd November 1917.

Bro Connor Gray (Worshipful District Master of Derriaghy District LOL No 11) spoke of the proud family history in Falls LOL No 498, which originated in the Upper Falls area. He went on to thank the officers and brethren for hosting the Twelfth Demonstration last July and concluded by wishing them every success for the future.

John Campbell (Chaplain) closed the proceedings with the National Anthem and benediction after which refreshments were served by the ladies and family members.
 

Kirsten Williamson and Sarah Moulds join in the celebrations at the unfurling of a new banner in Derriaghy Orange Hall on Saturday 22nd November.
Bro Hugh Moulds (Falls LOL No 498 Treasurer and Deputy District Master) pictured with his family at the unfurling of a new banner in Derriaghy Orange Hall on Saturday 22nd November. L to R: (front row) Sarah, Ruby and Hugh Moulds, Kirsten Williamson, Beth, Uel and Victoria Moulds. (back row) Alan, Kenneth, Jillian, Wendy, Roberta, William and Samuel Moulds. Kirsten Williamson and Sarah Moulds join in the celebrations at the unfurling of a new banner in Derriaghy Orange Hall on Saturday 22nd November.

Brief history
Formed in 1829, the lodge, although originally based on Divis Street, is now closer to Lisburn than the nationalist west Belfast area it was formed in, having been gradually �pushed� out over the years. It can also lay claim to having successfully sued the Irish News in 1886 during the first Home Rule Bill riots in Belfast, when the paper printed an article blaming the Lodge for smashing windows in a Methodist Church on the Falls Road. The Lodge took the paper to court for slander and won �200. It used the money to build a new hall at the top of Dunmurry Lane. The Lodge met there until the political situation, and a few failed arson attempts on the hall, made it too dangerous to stay.

The largest membership ever recorded was in 1922 when it had 68 members, it fell to its lowest of around 15 members during the Troubles, and has now built that back up to 22, with some members living in England and flying home for the Twelfth celebrations.
 

Falls LOL No 498 members Hugh Moulds (Treasurer) and his brother Ken Moulds (Past Master) pictured at the unfurling of a new banner in Derriaghy Orange Hall on Saturday 22nd November. At the unfurling of a new banner in Derriaghy Orange Hall on Saturday 22nd November are visiting brethren L to R: Bro Tom Wright (County Grand Secretary - Belfast), Bro Connor Gray (Worshipful District Master of Derriaghy District LOL No 11) and The Most Worshipful Robert Saulters (Grand Master).
Falls LOL No 498 members Hugh Moulds (Treasurer) and his brother Ken Moulds (Past Master) pictured at the unfurling of a new banner in Derriaghy Orange Hall on Saturday 22nd November.
 		 At the unfurling of a new banner in Derriaghy Orange Hall on Saturday 22nd November are visiting brethren L to R: Bro Tom Wright (County Grand Secretary - Belfast), Bro Connor Gray (Worshipful District Master of Derriaghy District LOL No 11) and The Most Worshipful Robert Saulters (Grand Master).

Ulster Star
24/11/2008