RELIEF OF DERRY LOL 1689
The history of the Warrant for L.O.L. 1689 dates from the year 1824, when it was issued as a marching Warrant for a Rifle Brigade in Co. Antrim.
The Warrant remained in Co. Antrim in various districts, namely Cullybackey, Portglenone and Ahoghill until 1902, when it was handed in to the County Lodge, it was subsequently transferred to Co. Wicklow, however due to the ‘Troubles’ in the area L.O.L. 1689 again became dormant.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland suggested that it might be appropriate to have the Warrant located in Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge’s jurisdiction due to the historic significance. Feeling that the natural home of Warrant 1689 was in the Maiden City, eleven foundation members applied for permission to form a new lodge.
On 15th December 1920, L.O.L. 1689 was granted the title ‘Relief of Derry’ Loyal Orange Lodge No. 1689.
The foundation members were Bro.’s Edward McIntyre, David H. Heaney, Herbert W. Thompson, Matthew Kerr, William McClements, Robert Dickson, John C. Thompson, Matthew Bothwell, Nelson Craig, Robert Blair and John Kilpatrick.
To these foundation members the present brethren accord appreciation of their work, both for L.O.L. 1689 and the Orange Order in general.
Throughout its inclusion in the City of Londonderry No. 4 District the Lodge has played a significant role in orangeism in the city, many brethren serving as officers at Grand Lodge of Ireland, City Grand Lodge and No. 4 District. One of the most influential was Bro. Kerr J.P., D.G.M.I. who served as City Grand Master from 1926 until his death in 1948. He was also the Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry Association and was the moving spirit behind the enlargement of the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall.
In recent times the following brethren have served the Loyal Orders in senior offices:
- Bro. William Coulter Secretary, City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge
- Bro. Samuel Sheppard Governor, Apprentice Boys of Derry
- Bro. Alistair Simpson Governor, Apprentice Boys of Derry
Loyal and devoted service t the Orange Order has always been the aim of
the members of L.O.L. 1689, a practice maintained by the current membership,
under our present Worshipful Master Bro. David Lynch.