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Factfile on Lodge
Name: Glenarm L.O.L. No. 1121
Founded: 1875
W.M. of Lodge: Robert Smith
Location: Braid District No. 18, County Antrim
Orangeism has been alive and well for over 100 years in the
picturesque seaside village of Glenarm.
The first reference to an Orange Lodge bearing the warrant
in the 'Braide' District comes in 1875, and ten years later
an Orange Hall was built. In keeping with other areas, the
Orangemen of L.O.L. No. 1121 met in private houses prior to
the erection of the hall.
The hall was destroyed in an arson attack on August 20, 1971
the remains being bombed a few months later.
This did not defeat the Orangemen of Glenarm, however, and
fund-raising events across the area resulted in the hall being
rebuilt and reopened by the Grand Master, Rev. Martin Smyth
MP, in June 1975.
The Lodge further cemented its position in the village by
purchase of a demonstration field with a view to the future,
and this was opened and dedicated on June 29, 1984, again
by Wor. Brother Smyth.
Today, the Orange Hall in Glenarm is one of the familiar
landmarks in the village and is used not only by the Lodge,
but also for community events. One of the main users outside
the Lodge is the local pre-school play group.
Over the years, distinguished brethren who have belonged
to the Lodge include Bro. Rev. T.P. Waring, who served as
Worshipful District Master of Braid District, and also Brother
J.H. Leitch, who was secretary for over 40 years.
One of the traditions maintained by the Lodge is to host
a Grand Lodge ball on the first Friday of each November, the
ceremonial opening and closing being conducted by the brethren
of Cairncastle L.O.L. No. 692, who form the Glencairn Dance
Team.
Not surprisingly in view of its location, L.O.L. No. 1121
once had may sailors among the membership - which reached
a peak of 100 in the early 1890s. Nowadays the sea no longer
calls so many of Glenarm's menfolk, and the Lodge has also
changed, with membership in the low forties.
Glenarm L.O.L. No. 1121's oldest and longest serving member
is Brother James Balmer, a faithful attendee for over 70 years,
and the youngest is Brother Gareth Hastings.
The present officers of the lodge are: Robert Smith (WM),
John Haveron (DM), Alex Wright (Sec), Jack Dunlop (Treasurer),
William Dunlop (Chaplain) and James McAuley (Tyler). The committee
consists of Stephen Nesbitt, John Montgomery, William Clarke,
and Richard Hastings.
Secretary Alex Wright says simply of the brethren : "It
is our intention to maintain Orange heritage in the first
of the Nine Glens."
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