Banbridge Bible and Crown Defenders L.O.L. No.423 have received
a unique sash, once worn by their chaplain, the late Bro.
Rev. Richard Ussher Greer, M.A.
Rev. Greer was one of the chaplains of the Ulster Division
and was born in 1868 near Dungannon. His father was rector
of Kilcoleman and Crossboyle in Co. Mayo and was a direct
descendent of Archbishop Ussher.
Rev. Bro. Greer's grandson, Robert Boulton, who is from Somerset,
travelled to Northern Ireland to make the presentation of
the sash to the Lodge members.
Bro. Simon McKinstry, Worshipful Master of L.O.L. No. 423,
and the Lodge brethren were delighted at the generous gesture
and said that it was a great honour to welcome the grandson
of the late Bro. Rev. Ussher Greer, who ministered in Holy
Trinity Parish Church from 1911 to 1915.
The Lodge organised a number of events to mark Mr. Boulton's
visit. During his stay in the area, he was given a tour of
Banbridge District Council Civic Building, and he was also
shown around Holy Trinity Church, where his grandfather had
been rector.
In 1911 Rev. Greer had been appointed rector of Seapatrick,
where he quickly took up his work with charitable organisations
of the Parish and thus gained affection and esteem of all
the people. He was also a member of the loyal orders and held
the position of chaplain in Seapatrick Bible and Crown Defenders
L.O.L. No. 324, Banbridge District L.O.L. No. 7, R.B.P. No.
53 and Banbridge Royal Black District No. 6.
He was one of the chaplains to the 8th Battalion Royal Irish
Rifles, a part of the 36th Ulster Division and was based at
Ballykinlar camp. Unfortunately, he died in 1915 of a brain
haemorrhage and his funeral was of full military honours.
The band of the 8th Battalion R.I.R. and 100 men were in
attendance along with the 9th, 10th and 15th R.I.R. Members
of both Orange and Black Institutions helped carry his coffin
and the Royal Irish Constabulary formed a guard of honour.
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