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Factfile on Lodge
Name: Ballykeel Defenders L.O.L. No. 417
Founded: 1888
W.M. of Lodge: Nigel Manley
Location: Holywood District, County Down
The minutes of Holywood District L.O.L. meeting of June 26,
1888, detail that "..... application was received .....
for the purpose of formation of a Lodge at Ballykeel ....."
and highlights the beginning of the Orange story in that locality.
The founder members of the Lodge included Brother John Wilson,
who was to become the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge,
Brother John Brown, first Deputy Master, Brother James Jamison,
the first Secretary, Brother Samuel Jeffrey, who became Treasurer,
and Brother John McGall, the foreman of committee. These brethren
and Rev. Brother John B Crozier, and Brother Robert Boyd were
members of various Lodges in the area around, L.O.L. No. 1920,
L.O.L. No. 1056, L.O.L. No. 2001, L.O.L. No. 1906, L.O.L.
No. 1916, and L.O.L. No. 492.
The Lodge first met at Brother Thompson's home at 194 Church
Road in Holywood, and one of the first candidates for initiation
was Brother James Thompson.
In 1892 Ballykeel Orange Hall was opened and had been built
of stone drawn from a quarry on Church Road by horse and cart
by Brother James Speers and Brother Samuel Jeffrey. The site
was donated by Hugh Galway and the famous Brother William
Johnston of Ballykilbeg laid the foundation stone.
Over the years changes took place in the history of the Lodge.
Lambeg drums accompanied the Lodge, a Junior Lodge was formed
and in May 1945 two new swords were presented to the Lodge
by Brother Charles Mathers on his return from war service.
There have been many similar landmarks over the years. In
June 1963 when a new banner was unfurled at Ballykeel the
cost was £98-13-0, symptomatic of how times change!
The history of the Lodge show close involvement by Speers,
Pearsons, Jeffreys and Alcorns among others, and the oldest
member is honorary member Worshipful Brother William Harris,
who has been a member for almost 70 years. Brother Stephen
Speers, aged 18, is the youngest member of L.O.L. No. 417.
The Lodge is in a healthy condition, with almost 50 members.
The present officers are headed by Brother Nigel Manley,
with Brother Mark Pearson the DM, Brother Stephen Speers the
Chaplain and Brother Ronald Jeffrey the Secretary. Brother
Pearson is the Treasurer of the Lodge, and Tyler is Brother
David Speers with the committee comprising Bro's Stephen McCartney,
John Galway, George Speers, Richard Tener and Adam Alcorn.
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