Ballykeel Olive Branch RBP 784 encamped at
Ballykeel in the County of Down
was instituted on foot of a Warrant issued to Sir Knight William John Hanna the first
Worshipful Master on 31st October 1910. Under the direction of
Comber Royal Black District Chapter No.10 its members held their
first meeting in
Ballykeel Orange Hall on that date.
Although beginning well, the Preceptory in the early years struggled at times, and just after the Great War was at a low ebb with consideration being given to the handing in of the Warrant. However, help was at hand! Four brothers, David, Robert, John and James Jeffrey from Killarn who were members of Loyal Orange Lodge 417 applied for and were accepted as members thus turning the tide and beginning rejuvenation.
A strong bond developed between LOL 417 and RBP 784 which remains to this day, and the families, which have provided the membership for these organisations, have developed lasting friendships down through the years. This is clearly evident to visitors attending the lodge room and the various social events, which are arranged throughout the year.
Comber District Chapter to which RPB 784 was first attached was a travelling District holding meetings in Comber and surrounding Orange Halls; Ballygowan, Raffery, and Drumrea to name a few. the Officers and Sir Knights had to travel quite a bit when attending these meetings but this did not deter them from doing so in support of the District Chapter. The District Officers who in their turn attended the Preceptory meetings on a regular basis reciprocated this loyalty.
When in 1956 a District Chapter
was formed in Bangor, RBP 784 applied
to join. the application was accepted and the members first attended the
Bangor District Chapter
Meetings in December 1956. This proved to be a very happy time
for the membership and many of the Sir Knights have been privileged to
serve in the various
offices within the Bangor District Chapter.
The Sir Knights of RBP 784 have, over the years received much valued support and encouragement from their wives, families and friends who have helped and assisted at the various social functions organised by the members. Indeed without this assistance, many of these events would not have taken place and the Sir Knights of RBP 784 owe much of their success to the unstinting support they have received from this quarter over the years.
Now approaching its 97th year and in a very healthy state, the Preceptory with a membership of over thirty and with a good mix of young and old is looking forward to its centenary with continued optimism of a very bright future.
[Preceptory Officers] [Past Masters]