HISTORY OF BRITANNIA L.O.L 1912
Britannia LOL 1912
City of Londonderry No 4 District
The charter of the above Lodge dates back to 7th May 1868.
Minutes of the Lodge reveal that in the early years meetings were held as, at present, on the second Wednesday of each month at a Lodge room in Church Wall in the vicinity of Bishop Gate, Londonderry.
However, in the minutes dated 13th August 1878 it was decided to move the venue to its present location in the Memorial Hall; Society Street, Londonderry, and the inaugural meeting was held there on September 1879.
The following year a proposal for the purchase of an “Orange Flag” was carried and each member was levied the pricey sum of 2/6 (25 pence).
It is apparent from details of old Minute Books that a close bond existed between the Lodge and the Britannia Band with most members belonging to both organisations.
The Worshipful Master of Britannia LOL1912 from 1896-1900 was Bro Robert Finlay, who was also a prominent member of the Britannia Band.
The First World War took its tool on Lodge membership as of the 21 men who served in the armed forces, 5 of them made the supreme sacrifice.
During the most successful period of the Lodge membership stood at 90, most of whom regularly attended Lodge meeting.
At present, 30 members are attempting to carry on the old tradition.
Working under the present Warrant, dated 7th May 1868, the Lodge celebrated its centenary in 1968, when a new Banner was unfurled at a function on 7th May 1968. The Lodge was originally known as the Band Lodge, before changing its title to “Britannia”.
Britannia stands for steadfastness, as its states on the Warrant. After a meeting held on 28th January 1880, the Lodge, the Lodge, their working under No 1 District, made an application for transfer to No 4 District. The Lodge, through the years, has become known as the “Family Lodge”, the reason being evident when examining the roll of membership. This tradition is still being carried on with three and four members of the same families attending the Lodge meetings.
More recent times have created small problems, which the Lodge has overcome.
In 2001, after a ruling by the so called “Parades Commission”, the Lodge, together with William King Flute Band were prevented by the Security Forces from parading their traditional parade from the Fountain Estate to the Memorial Hall on the 12th July 2001 morning. The Lodge, together with William King Flute Band stayed its ground, and did not parade across the Craigavon Bridge to join the remaining brethren. The following year, 2002, the Lodge was once again permitted to parade its traditional parade.
The lodge is proud that in 2008, two members of the lodge were presented with their 70 Years Membership Certificates, namely Bro Thomas Finlay and Bro Robert Hamilton. Sadly, the joy for these two brethren was to be short lived, with both brethren passing away recently.
The lodge is also proud of the fact that the current Secretary of the lodge, Rt Wor Bro Victor Wray also currently holds the position of City Grand Master in the “City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge”.
Several Past Masters are still active in the Lodge and their advice is
greatly valued by the younger members. We look forward with great confidence
to the future when hopefully we will be able to further extend our great
heritage.