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Factfile on Lodge
Name: Cregagh Defenders L.O.L. No. 1588
Founded: 1933
W.M. of Lodge: Ian Campbell
District: Ballymacarrett, East Belfast
Cregagh Defenders was formed in 1933 and was
basically a military Lodge, many if not all its members being
ex-servicemen who had fought in the 10th and 36th Divisions
during World War One.
The men who formed the Lodge all lived in the
ex-servicemen's estate in Cregagh, and the Lodge is distinctive
in a number of ways, not least in that the brethren wear distinctive
white collarettes. Although the numbers are no longer in the
region of 160 as they were in 1950, the 30 brethren of L.O.L.
No. 1588 share the self-same dedication and commitment to
the Order as did the founding fathers in 1933.
Indeed, nowhere is that commitment better displayed
than through the fact that there are four 5o-year jewel holders
among the members, while veterans Arthur Campbell, Jack Hay
and Eric Hay have nearer 60 years service to their credit.
The Hay brothers - David included - are among the prominent
members within the Lodge, others including Bro. Mark Robinson,
DUP MLA for South Belfast, Wor. Bro. Raymond Spiers, District
Master of No.6 District and Wor. Bro. Grant Dillon, a former
Mayor of Castlereagh.
Early members included William Lynas, who was
WM in 1933, and he led his Lodge on its first parade in July
1934 with 44 brethren on parade. L.O.L. No. 1588 is unique
in that it is one of very few Lodges to have white and crimson
collarettes, white representing the crosses in far-off lands
where Ulstermen lie, and crimson representing the blood they
shed in battle.
The Lodge not only looks back with pride, however,
but forward with optimism. L.O.L. No. 1588 has fraternal ties
with Fawney Heroes L.O.L. in Lisnaskea and Boconnell L.O.L.
No. 123 in Lurgan, and annual outings have taken place to
the Boyne, Londonderry, Fermanagh, Rosnowlagh and the Somme
Heritage Centre.
Present officers of Cregagh Defenders are Bros.
Ian Campbell, W.M., Rodney Baxter, D.M., Raymond Spiers, Secretary,
Sam Crawford, Treasurer, Bill Johnston, Chaplain, and David
Hay, Tyler. The youngest member on the books is Stephen Murray.
Cregagh Defenders can also claim another distinction.
They have the Grand Lodge of Ireland headquarters located
in their midst, and the Lodge has proved eager and willing
to help Schomberg House in any way they can.
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