Factfile on Lodge
Name: Killen L.O.L. No. 1272
Founded: 1829
W.M. of Lodge: Leslie Forbes
Location: Killen, County Tyrone
Killen village is situated near Castlederg on the road leading
south over Scraghy Mountain towards Fermanagh. A few fields
to the west lies Co. Donegal, and an Orange witness has been
maintained in the area since at least 1829.
The Lodge was first granted warrant number No. 1488, although
this was changed to the present warrant sometime between 1875
and 1881. The Lodge became part of Killen District, joining
seven other Lodges, and the first Worshipful Master was Brother
Aubrey Caldwell, who held office from 1829 until 1856. Fifteen
others have filled the office in the years to date.
There have been many historic dates throughout the history
of the Lodge, and one which will long be remembered is the
day in 1972 when the I.R.A. tried to blow up the centre of
Killen village in a foiled bomb attempt. Wiliam was slightly
shaken from his proud spot on the front wall of the hall,
but still reigns supreme - a metaphor for the determination
of Ulster Protestants to stand firm against terrorism.
Up until 1901 Lodge meetings took place in the home of the
Master of the day, but the hall was erected in that year,
and, a century later, extensive renovation and extension was
carried out. Brother Isaac Smith relates that the event and
the visit by the Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Robert Saulters,
added another historical and unforgettable milestone to the
Lodge history.
The hall not only accomodates the 40 plus membership of Killen
L.O.L. No. 1272, but also the Lodge pipe band, R.B.P. No.
682 and Killen women's group, while on the last Friday of
June each year the hall is the centre of attention in the
village when the annual mini-Twelfth parade takes place.
Brother Bob Meehan, meanwhile, is the oldest member of the
Lodge, having served for 70 years, while Brother Trevor McCain
is the youngest. Lodge Worshipful Master is Leslie Forbes,
with Robert Scott his Deputy Master, Jack Burke, Secretary,
Tom Livingston, Treasurer, Isaac Smith, Chaplain and Ivan
Clarke, Tyler.
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