For the first time in their history, the Freemasons in Armagh will be opening their doors on Georgian Day, offering a rare insight into the workings of the organisation.
The open day will be held alongside the annual festivities on Saturday, November 30, giving the public the opportunity to look around their hall, visit the lodge room, view artefacts and regalia and talk with Freemasons who will answer any questions they may have.
Freemasonry has existed in the city of Armagh for almost 200 years, with the previous hall situated on the Mall and its newer and more modern building sited in Charlemont Gardens in close proximity to the Armagh County Museum.
One of the Freemasons organising the open day, Gareth Crozier, commented: “There are many myths and theories about Freemasonry and sometimes it may be difficult to distinguish between the myths and the actual facts.
“By opening our doors to the public we hope to dispel these myths and show the public what we really are about and the good we do within our local community, especially our charity work.”
He added: “Irish Freemasonry boasts approximately 19,000 members and our hall in Armagh boasts four craft lodges who are keen to attract new membership from the city.
“We found the Georgian Day most appropriate to hold our open day this year as our fraternity grew in popularity during Georgian times with the Grand Lodge of Ireland having been formed by 1725, the second most senior Grand Lodge in the world.”
Under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Armagh, four Craft Lodges call Armagh Masonic Hall their home.
The oldest – Lodge No. 409 – was warranted in 1763 and meets on the second Thursday of the month. St. Patrick’s Senior Lodge No. 623 was warranted in 1783 and meets on the first Wednesday of the month.
St. John’s Lodge No. 39 was originally warranted as no. 199 in 1812 and exchanged their warrant for No. 39 in 1817.
The Abercorn Lodge No. 299 was warranted in 1874 and meets on the fourth Thursday of the month.
This year, it celebrates its 150th anniversary and recently the Deputy Lord Mayor Kyle Savage hosted the lodge for a civic reception in Armagh Palace Demesne.
The four Lodges support a number of charities with No. 299 having recently supporting Chest, Heart and Stroke, St. John’s Ambulance, Angel Wishes and MacMillan Cancer Support.
Other branches of Freemasonry also call Armagh Masonic Hall home such as two lodges of Royal Arch Chapter – No.s 409 and 623 – as well as St. Patrick’s Council of Knight Masons No. 24.
The hall also plays host to a number of coffee mornings, quizzes, nights at the races and treasure hunts and has three indoor bowling mats for Armagh Indoor Bowling Club.
The hall will be open from 11am to 4pm with free tea and coffee being served and everyone is most welcome to visit.
