CHURCHILL LOL 871
The exact date that this Lodge was constituted is unknown but the old Minute Books relate that it was working under a Warrant in 1873. Brethren convened at the Murray, Mitchelburne and Ash Memorial Hall, Altnagelvin, on the last Wednesday of each month. In June 1876, the members changed their meeting to the 4th Tuesday of each month and have remained so ever since. In its early years the Lodge could boast of having a Band, but this became defunct and the instruments were finally sold on 29th August 1882 for £7.
The Warrant was brought to the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall on the 29th March, 1881.
At the request of .the Apprentice Boys of Derry the Lodge marched on the 12th August 1884 and 1885 with the Lodge Flag flying. These were turbulent years leading up to Gladstone's first Home Rule Bill of 1886, and it was interesting to note that members were fined as a result of incidents arising out of the celebrations. Gladstone's administration failed to pass the first Home Rule Bill, and from the minutes we learn that at a later date, 28th February 1893, the Brethren assembled and strongly condemned Gladstone's second Home Rule Bill. This Bill also failed.
In 1969 "871" Unfurled and Dedicated its first Banner, as in previous times a Flag was the order of the day. In fact three flags were bought since the turn of the century -1900, 1914 and 1926.
The Lord Enniskillen Memorial Orphan Society has received substantial pecuniary support, the first donation by this Lodge being subscribed to the Enniskillen Protestant Orphan Fund on the 28th June 1892.
This Lodge in the past was the means of helping to take out new Warrants for Lodges, which today are amongst the most successful in the City.
Also on its rolls were men like Bro. Dr. W.R. Abernethy, Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry; Bro. R.J. Harte, Grand Registrar, City of Londonderry Grand Royal Arch Purple Chapter; Bro. J.A. Harte, City Grand Secretary of The City Grand Lodge, and last but not least Bro. C.D. Milligan, author of some prominent books connected with our ancient City.