Our Lodge & Its History
Benvarden Temperance True Blues LOL 1001 is an Orange Lodge operating under Bushmills District No 21.
We meet on the Second Monday of every month.
The warrant number held by Benvarden Lodge is 1001.
This number was first issued in 1798.
It was given to a Military Lodge that was attached to the West York Regiment - which at that time was stationed in Baltinglass in County Wicklow.
The warrants issued to Military Lodges were often referred to as 'Marching Warrants'.
Eventually this lodge went dormant and, in 1829, our warrant number was issued to a lodge in the Larne District.
When that lodge went dormant, it is understood that our warrant number may have been issued to a lodge operating in the rural Townland of Kilconriola (outside Ballymena) - home to the famous 'Degen Stone' pertaining to the Celtic Church of St. Patrick.
In 1875, the warrant number made its way into the Bushmills area, where it was issued to our lodge. 'The Benvarden Story' had thus begun.
Our Founding Worshipful Master was Bro James Stewart. We still have some of his descendants in membership of our lodge to this very day. Back in the late 1800s, we sat in Lower Dunluce. Up until the end of the 19th century, our meetings were held at Bro Stewart's house in Ballywatt. On 23rd April 1906, our lodge was reconstituted in the Townland of Benvarden under the title: 'Benvarden Temperance True Blues'. On that day, we had 50 members in our ranks. In 1907, the Montgomery Family built 'Benvarden Orange Hall' and gave it (along with the land thereof) to our lodge as a gift. Every 12th July, Lady Montgomery provided refreshments for the lodge upon their return from the main demonstration. Our most famous member was a military hero by the name of Bro Private John Meeke MM, lauded as 'The Hero of Messines' during World War One. |
The lodge's first banner was unfurled on the 5th July 1935. On one side, it depicted King William on his horse, inset with a Bible and crown. On the other side, it depicted Queen Victoria presenting an Indian Prince with a copy of the Bible.
Our lodge's second banner was unfurled and dedicated on the 16th June 1989 by the Grand Master, Bro Rev Martin Smith MP.
We are currently led by the indomitable, famous and highly acclaimed 'Benvarden Flute Band' (which was initially formed as a 'Lodge Band'). Prior to that, we were led by lambeg drums.
In addition to walking on the 12th July, our lodge holds an Annual Divine Service & Church Parade on the third Sunday in May. It also takes part in the Annual John Meeke Commemoration (usually held in June / July) and the Annual Ballybogey Mini 12th (usually held on the Saturday before the 12th July).
Our lodge's second banner was unfurled and dedicated on the 16th June 1989 by the Grand Master, Bro Rev Martin Smith MP.
We are currently led by the indomitable, famous and highly acclaimed 'Benvarden Flute Band' (which was initially formed as a 'Lodge Band'). Prior to that, we were led by lambeg drums.
In addition to walking on the 12th July, our lodge holds an Annual Divine Service & Church Parade on the third Sunday in May. It also takes part in the Annual John Meeke Commemoration (usually held in June / July) and the Annual Ballybogey Mini 12th (usually held on the Saturday before the 12th July).
Would You Like to Join Us?
Or Perhaps Find Out More Information?
Benvarden Temperance True Blues LOL 1001 is a strong, active, confident,
forward-thinking, professional lodge that is going somewhere and has big plans for the future.
We meet on the Second Monday of every month.
We are not treading water.
We know that there is yet much work to do in this blessed land that the Lord has given us.
We are placing our shoulders to the wheel and pressing on.
You are warmly invited to join us on our journey.
The need for the Loyal Orders has never been greater.
New members are always welcome.
If you would like to find out more information,
or if you are interested in becoming a member of Benvarden Lodge,
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT OUR ONLINE CONTACT FORM.
Charities & Worthwhile Causes
Supported By Members of Our Lodge
Lord Enniskillen Memorial Orange Orphan Society Royal Arch Purple Benevolent Fund The Old School Restoration Project Covid Relief Efforts Every Home Crusade The Coleraine UDR Memorial The Royal British Legion |
Drew Nelson Legacy Project Air Ambulance NI Cure4Cam Felix Fund ABOD Benevolent Fund Ballymena USC Memorial Help for Heroes |
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The Officer Team of Benvarden Lodge
Worshipful Master: Bro A. McLean
Deputy Master: Bro A. Thompson Past Master: Bro S. McLean Chaplain: Bro S. Stirling Secretary & Treasurer: Bro D. Stewart |
Lecturer: Bro D. Stewart
Honorary Lecturer: Bro J. Glass Past District Standard Bearer: Bro R. Moody Lodge Piper: Mr G. McLean Lodge Goat: Fluffy |
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