36ulsterdivisionlol977.co.uk

36th (Ulster) Division Memorial L.O.L. 977

No. 3 District, Belfast

"I am not an Ulsterman but yesterday, the 1st July, as I followed their amazing attack, I felt that I would rather be an Ulsterman than anything else in the world."

Captain Wilfred Spender after the Battle of the Somme

To the brave men of the 36th (Ulster) Division.

The 36th (Ulster) Division Memorial LOL 977, Belfast District No.3 (known as the Living Memorial) has its roots in the Military Lodge LOL 862 formed in Seaford, Sussex from the ranks of men from East Belfast Volunteers (8th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles) in 1915. The first Worshipful Master was Lieutenant J T O'Neill. In the photo he wears the collaret presented to him by LOL 862. Brother David Catt, the Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of England (GOLI) and the Grand Secretary, Louis Ewart, had visited Seaford especially in 1915 to confer warrants on most of the battalions in the 36th (Ulster) Division and the 4th Canadians. The 36th (Ulster) Division trained at Seaford during July and August Final training was at Bardon Camp during September before going to Boulogne, France from 3rd to 6th October 1915. It was at Seaford that a special relationship developed between the Military Lodge and the local Lewes Martyrs Memorial Loyal Orange Lodge 398 which continued with the formation of LOL 977 and right up to the present day. Right: Photo of David Catt.

From the website of the English Lodge, Lt. Col R.B. Mayne Memorial Loyal Orange Lodge 1012.

"The

Empty

Chair"

On the 13th of July 2009 at the Orange Hall in Clifton Street Belfast we were treated to a small insight into how LOL977, 36th (Ulster) Division Memorial conducted parts of their meeting. All the visiting Brethren were amazed to see a chair, draped with the Union Standard and a Sword placed across it, in between the Worthy Master and the Worthy Deputy Master. It was explained that because the Lodge was a Memorial Lodge “The Empty Chair” was a representation, a mark of respect, reserved for all those who had fallen, past and present. As LOL 1012 are also a Memorial Lodge it was agreed that we will also adopt this practice. At our very next meeting an “Empty Chair” was positioned in the lodge room.

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1937, new Memorial Colours were commissioned to replace the banner. They were made by the Royal School of Needlework in London and were unfurled and dedicated at Windsor Park, Belfast (the home of Linfield F.C.) in the presence of all the lodges in Belfast. Over the years the lodge proudly paraded throughout the United Kingdom behind the Memorial Colours. They need to be replaced due to their age and condition. We had hoped to do this in 2019 as it was our 100th anniversary. For a number of reasons, this did not happen. We still intend to replace them with new Memorial Colours.

"The Ulster Division Lodge was destined to occupy a unique place amongst the lodges of the Imperial Province of the loyal City of Belfast. The fact that all the members had not only heard but had responded to their country’s call." Alderman Tyrrell 1919

David Catt

Right

Lieutenant J T O'Neill

Left

It is good to know that the book "SANDY ROW BORN AND BRED" by Gordon Freeman is being purchased throughout the English speaking world as well as local people who have not only purchased one for themselves but for relatives and friends across the seas. There are many outlets where the book can be purchased, but we suggest that you purchase it from Amazon. The current paperback price is £10.99 and £3.99 for the Kindle Edition.

What a fantastic parade, left Belfast at 11am still arriving at Stormont at 5pm.

Many feet are sore, but today we walked in the footsteps of Giants.

Fantastic day, proud to have been part of it all

IMAGES OF THE GLORIOUS 12TH 2012

Barnett Demesne

Brothers Richard Armstrong & Fraser Tailby from our sister lodge (maybe that should be brother), 36th (Ulster) Division Memorial, L.O.L. 1914 from the City of Leicester, presenting a Jubilee Crown and a Special Edition, King James Authorised Version. Our lodge is very thankful to our English brethren for these wonderful gifts.

‎36th (Ulster) Division L.O.L. 977 Colour Party

Enjoying the Balmoral Review, Saturday, 19th May 2012 in Ormeau Park, Belfast.

Listening to 'Carson, Craig and Crawford' (Actors)

The 36th (Ulster) Division Memorial L.O.L. 977 held their 92nd Anniversary Dinner in the Rehoboth Mission Church, Mount Vernon, North Belfast on Friday 1st April 2011. The lodge had the privilege of having as their guest speaker, W. Bro. Councillor Frazer Agnew P.M. As this year marks the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, popularly known as the Authorised Version, Bro. Agnew took the opportunity to speak on the subject. He used the text "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." (Psalm 12:6) to illustrate the various stages in the development of the Authorised Version. The Worshipful Master, William Dickson thanked W. Bro. Agnew for his most enjoyable and enlighting talk and went on to thank all the members and friends of the lodge for their loyal support over many years in keeping 977 active as a 'living memorial' within No 3 District.

IMAGES OF THE GLORIOUS 12th 2011