The formation of a Black District Chapter for Bangor, which had been considered for some time by the Preceptories in and around Bangor, took its initial step when a meeting was held on Saturday 17th September 1955 in Bangor Orange Hall.
Those present were; Sir Knights Edward G Lucas, William James Magowan, Samuel Ernest Miller, James Houston and Thomas Graham, members of Bangor RBP 387, Sir Knights, T. J. E. Clarke, W G Clarke and William Watson, members of Olive Leaf RBP 542 and Sir Knights E Beacom, David Bryan, William Adair and Thomas Bodel, members of Sir Henry Wilson Memorial Temperance RBP 1104.
Sir Knight Joseph Emerson, Worshipful District Master of Newtownards Royal Black District Chapter No.11 was chosen to preside. Members of Conlig Village Star RBP 632 had declined the invitation to join any new District being formed and as representatives from Johnston Memorial RBP 209 (Ballygrainey) were not present, and no communication having been received from them, it was decided to defer any decision until their views were known.
A further meeting was held on Saturday 15th October 1955 in Bangor Orange Hall where it was revealed that the members of Johnston Memorial RBP 209 had also decided against joining the new District. However, on that date the application for a Bangor Royal Black District Chapter was signed and sealed on behalf of Royal Black Preceptories 387, 542, and 1104 with Sir Knight Samuel Ernest Miller being elected Worshipful District Master, and Sir Knight David Bryan as Deputy District Master.
At a special meeting of the County Down Grand Black Chapter held in Bangor Orange Hall on Saturday 16th June 1956 attended by a large number of visiting Sir Knights, Bangor Royal Black District Chapter No.13 was instituted. Sir Knight J McMurray County Grand Master assisted by Sir Knight S Davison Deputy County Grand Master officiated. The Sovereign Grand Master Most Worshipful Sir Knight Sir Norman Stronge who was also present congratulated the members for launching out as a new District, and prayed that every blessing would rest on their labour.
On Thursday 20th September 1956 Bangor Royal Black District Chapter No.13 held its first meeting where an application to join the new District Chapter was received from Ballykeel Olive Branch RBP 784. The application was approved and the members from RBP 784 first attended Bangor District Chapter meetings on 31st December 1956.
Sadly, on 19th September 2000 at the quarterly meeting of the Bangor District Chapter, a letter was received from Bangor RBP 387 indicating that despite sustained efforts to keep the Preceptory running a decision had been made to return the warrant. The District Chapter regretfully accepted the warrant and most of the remaining Sir Knights of RBP 387 transferred to RBP 1104.
The year 2006 saw the Sir Knights of Bangor celebrate their Golden Jubilee and during the year, serveral events and programmes were undertaken, one of which was the creation of this site, which the Sir Knights hope will provide an interesting and informative means of contact not only with the membership, but also to our wider circle of friends both at home, and abroad.
At the December 2005 District Chapter Meeting before the anniversary year got properly under way Table Covers were presented to the District Chapter by the Officers and Sir Knights of Olive Leaf RBP 542 and were dedicated by the Deputy County Grand Chaplain Sir Knight Raymond Adams.The County Grand Master also presented to the District Chapter two bibles to be used at their meetings.
At the March 2006 District Chapter meeting the Officers and Sir Knights of Sir Henry Wilson Memorial Temperance RBP 1104 presented a Union Flag to the District Chapter and the Officers and Sir Knights of Ballykeel Olive Branch RBP 784 presented a Black Standard. These were graciously received by the District Master Sir Knight David Henderson, and were proudly carried at their dedication by Sir Knight George Ennis and Sir Knight Ian Pearson respectively.
On Saturday 6th May 2006 at the Marquis Hall, Bangor a family Barbecue was held at which the Sir Knights with their families and friends, throughly enjoyed the good food and refreshments provided even though the Sir Knight's cooking was of a dubious standard. However, all survived to enjoy the entertainment provided by a good friend of the District Chapter, Mr Terence McKeague.
At the beginning of the year 2006 a decision had been made to commission a new District Bannerette and after a lot of thought and consideration, the design was approved, and an order was placed with William Magowan of Brush Creations, Garvagh, County Londonderry. When received, it was dedicated along with the new standards at a service held in Bangor Free Presbyterian Church, on Sunday 20th August 2006 at 3.00pm.
The Rev.David Priestley conducted the service which was well attended by the Sir Knights of the District. Among the visitors were Sir Knight Bruce Reid The Imperial Grand Registrar, Sir Knight David McBurney the County Grand Master of Down and Sir Knight W R Neill, Past County Grand Master of Down.
A Badge was also commissioned to commemorate the Golden Jubilee and all 998 (two have been retained by the District Registrar for display later) which were easily sold will no doubt become valuable collector's items in the years to come.
The Golden Jubilee Banquet which was held on Friday 10th November 2006 was to be the highlight of the celebrations when, along with their families and friends the Sir Knights of the District Chapter enjoyed a sherry reception followed by a sumptuous seven course meal in the Crawfordsburn County Club.
The guest list was an impressive who's who of the Black Institution and Civic Representation and included; The Sovereign Grand Master: Most Worshipful Sir Knight William J Logan MBE and Mrs Dorothy Logan, The County Grand Master of Down: Right Worshipful Sir Knight David McBurney, The Deputy Grand Master of Down: Worshipful Sir Knight Jack Fairbairn and Mrs Isobel Fairbairn, The Worshipful Master of Newtownards District Chapter: Sir Knight Pastor Roy Graham and Mrs Ann Graham, The Mayor of North Down: Councillor Alan Leslie who was accompanied by his daughter Dawn.
The Master of Ceremonies, Past District Master Worshipful Sir Knight William Harris who on the night received his 50 year service medal from the Sovereign Grand Master, ensured the proceedings progressed very smoothly. The Worshipful District Master Sir Knight David Henderson welcomed all present and thanked them for their continued support. Afterwards, several toasts delivered by the Officers of the District Chapter, were replied to by the distinguished guests.
Several members were presented with Long Service medals by the Sovereign Grand Master after which dancing was enjoyed to the music of the Marty Wilson Band.
Thursday 23rd November saw the Sir Knights of Bangor entertained at a Civic Reception in Bangor Castle at the invitation of the Mayor, Councillor Alan Leslie. The members accompanied by their wives enjoyed refreshments and a buffet supper. Councillor Leslie wlecomed the Sir Knights and congratulated them on their continued witness over the past 50 years and wished them well for the future. He presented the Worshipful District Master Worshipful Sir Knight David Henderson with a plaque and Sir Knight Henderson in reply thanked the Mayor for his kind invitation and recognition of their Golden Jubilee.
The final event in the calendar of celebrations for 2006 was held on Saturday 2nd December when the Sir Knights of Bangor on behalf of the County Down Grand Black Chapter proudly hosted the Half Yearly Council of the Imperial Grand Black Chapter of the British Commonwealth. Held in Bangor Abbey Church Halls the event passed off very smoothly and the visitors to Bangor representing all jurisdictions held a very successful Council.
On 25th August 2007 Bangor District Chapter hosted the Annual Demonstration and Parade of the County Down Grand Black Chapter but in an attempt to build on the occasion the Sir Knights arranged other sporting and social events in the week prior to the Demonstration, and what a week it was.
Beginning on Saturday 18th August the various events which had been arranged to coincide with the Annual Demonstration passed off with tremendous success.
On Saturday 18th August The Inter District 7-A-Side Football Competition was held in the Valentine Playing Fields and what a day it turned out to be. Six teams took part in the competition and it's fair to say that it began very competitively with the Old Mill Knights (Comber District) playing the Seasiders (Bangor District) in what turned out to be one of the wettest days of the year. The rain was incessant and with the conditions on the pitches deteriorating rapidly, great skill was needed to maintain whatever lead the teams had.
The whole competition was a very close run thing and at one stage three teams were neck & neck with only one game each to play.
However in the end victory was secured but only by goal difference and the trophy was handed over to the victorious Seasiders (Bangor District) by the County Grand Master Sir Knight David McBurney.
The worshipful District Master Sir Knight David Henderson thanked all the participating teams and congratulated the Seasiders who had trained extensively before the match (at least an hour) for putting on a tremendous show and he hoped that they would be able to put up a good defence of the title next year.
Refreshments were served after the presentation and an ongoing Barbecue throughout the day ensured the players did not suffer from lack of food or drink. However a few burgers and/or sausages too many did slow a few down!
The Annual Church Service was held on Sunday 19th August in Bangor Free Presbyterian Church to which the Sir Knights accompanied by the Ballykeel Conservative Flute band had paraded earlier.
The Rev.David Prieslty warmly welcomed the Sir Knights and band members and expressed his pleasure at their attendance for the annual service. The praise was wonderful and when delivering his sermon Rev. Priestley took as his subject 'What is a Protestant'
After the service the Sir Knights returned to the Orange Hall where they enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat.
The Barbecue on Thursday 23rd August which included Roast Hog and South African Potjie (Stew) was attended by more than 200 Sir Knights and guests who enjoyed beautiful weather and the wonderful setting which is Crawfordsburn Country Club.
The food supplied by 'Out of Africa Catering' was a joy to taste and what with the little extras such as (A couple of Punch Bowls and a superb selection of music) the night was an outstanding success and those who attended agreed that it was one of the best night's crack they had had in a long time.
Later, entertainment supplied by Roy Thompson allowed everyone to relax and take a turn or two around the dance floor with their partner.
The arrangements for the Grand Parade on Saturday 25th August were executed to perfection by the team of marshals lead by Sir Knights David Clarke and David Gore with the Parade, and by Mr Raymond McCabe at the Demonstration Area. The visiting Sir Knights enjoyed a wee dander of about 2 miles and upon arrival at the 'Field' were greeted by a spectacular setting in which there were many traders and caterers ready and willing to provide the necessary services that a hungry Sir Knight requires.
The service of Divine Worship was conducted by Rev. Sir Knight Sproule with the guest speaker Rev. Sir Knight Kenny Hanna delivering the address. Musical accompaniment was provided by the Wellington Memorial Silver Band.
The Sovereign Grand Master Most Worshipful Sir Knight William J Logan MBE read and proposed the three resolutions which were passed by acclamation.
The Sir Knights began to leave the 'Field' at 4.00pm and it was agreed by all that the day had been an outstanding success and the Sir Knights of Bangor were congratulated from the Platform by the County Grand Master and Sovereign Grand Master.
The Parade with almost 6,000 participants was watched by 60,000 who crowded into Bangor giving a most welcome boost to the local economy and providing a wonderful atmosphere for the Sir Knights to savour.
Two other initiatives as part of the of the Last Staurday celebrations are worthy of mention, and they are the commissioning of a Commemorative Badge and the publication of a full colour Commemorative Booklet entitled 'Black to the Future'. Both ventures were very successful and very well received by both the general public and the Sir Knights of the other District Chapters.
The final meeting in the calendar of events for 2007 for the Sir Knights of Bangor was their District Chapter meeting which was held in the newly refurbished Brownlow House in Lurgan on Tuesday 18th December 2007. Guests included; the Sovereign Grand Master; the County Grand Master and various visiting County and District Officers. The immediate Past County Grand Master Right Worshipful Sir Knight David McBurney received his Past Masters collarette and apron which had been presented by the Sir Knights of Bangor District Chapter and RBP 542.
Earlier the Sir Knights had enjoyed a wonderful meal and a tour of the magnificient building.
The social calendar for the year 2008 began on 7th June when the Sir Knights, representing all three Preceptories with their families and friends enjoyed a (Luxury) coach tour to Londonderry. On a fine sunny day the journey to Londonderry was broken with a comfort stop at Magherafelt, where they enjoyed a traditional 'Ulster Fry' in Ditty's restaurant.
Upon arrival in Londonderry several of the Sir Knights enjoyed a walking tour of the City whilst others took the bus tour. Still, others enjoyed the city in their own company. Whatever way viewed, the Walls and Cathederal were magnificient and the historical setting was throughly enjoyed by all.
The day was ended with a few hours of leisure shopping before returning to Bangor later in the evening.
The now annual 'Hog Roast Barbecue' was held on Saturday 2nd August 2008 at Crawfordsburn Country Club where over 100 guests including the Sir Knights, their families and friends enjoyed the traditional fare of a Barbecue along with a few refreshments and entertainment afterwards. The night was throughly enjoyed by all and many expressed their appreciation and said they were looking forward to next year.
Sunday 3rd August 2008 saw the Sir Knights parade to the Abbey Church for their annual service where Cannon Ronnie Nesbitt conducted the service with the sermon preached by Reverend Alan Synnott. The lessons were read by Sir Knight Martin Steele and Right Worshipful Sir Knight David McBurney. Sir Knight Eric Turkington complimented the members on their turnout and said that he was very proud to be the Worshipful District Master.
Saturday 30th August 2008 saw the Sir Knights from Bangor parade at the annual County Down Demonstration in Dromore where the County Grand Master; Right Worshipful Sir Knight Jack Fairbairn proudly led the parade. An excellent turnout of Sir Knights both locally and at Dromore was watched by thousands of spectators who thronged the route and gave a festive and friendly feel to the day.
The address at the religious service was given by the Deputy County Grand Chaplain; Right Worshipful Sir Knight Raymond Adams and the praise was led by the Tempo Silver Band and the Jubilee Singers from Crosskelt.
The guest of honour, Assistant Sovereign Grand Master; Right Worshipful Sir Knight Sam Black proposed the resolutions (See below) and these were seconded by the Deputy County Grand Master Worshipful Sir Knight John Smyth.
Upon return to Bangor the Sir Knights held a short parade after which each of the Preceptories enjoyed a social night with their families and friends.
Tuesday 16th September 2008 saw the Sir Knights of Bangor welcome the Sovereign Grand Master, Most Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr QPM, the County Grand Master, Right Worshipful Sir Knight Jack Fairbairn and the County Grand Standard Bearer, Worshipful Sir Knight Mervin Proctor to their Quarterly District Chapter meeting which was held in Bangor Orange Hall.
The meeting was well attended and Sir Knight Farr in his address thanked the members for their kind invitation and congratulated them for their continued work and dedication to the District Chapter. He urged them to continue to promote the Institution and in particular to live out their lives according to the Mission Statement.
Afterwards a light supper was provided which was throughly enjoyed by all.
The Sir Knights of Bangor continued with their social events during the weekend of 14th and 15th November when along with their families and friends they enjoyed a cavery dinner at Brownlow House in Lurgan (Friday) and a 'Night at the Movies' (Saturday). Both events proved to be most enjoyable and those in attendance expressed their thanks for the various arrangements which were made on their behalf.
On Sunday 28th June 2009 the Sir Knights along with many members of their families and not a few friends visited the RUC GC Garden of Remembrance and Museum at Police Headquaters. It was a somber occasion especially for those who had served in the RUC, RUC Reserve and PSNI and many memories were again brought to mind. During the conducted tour many familar names and events were pointed out and afterwards everyone was in agreement that the Garden was a fitting memorial to those who had served and died.
The Last Saturday Demonstration which was held at Crossgar on 29th August under the auspices of Lecale District Chapter No.2 was a great success and the many visting Sir Knights who accompanied the local Sir Knights throughly enjoyed themselves. A good turnout ensured that even though the smallest District in County Down the Sir Knights from Bangor and futher afield were very warmly welcomed.
Saturday 29th May 2010 dawned dark and dismal as the Sir Knights together with their families and friends set out for the 'New World'. Leaving Bangor early they made their way by luxury coach to the Ulster American Folk Park at Omagh where they enjoyed an excellent and interesting if not a very dry day viewing the various exhibits and locations within the Park. They had earlier stopped off at the 'Linen Green' at Dungannon where many had enjoyed a hearty breakfast and not a few just Coffee and scones so all were well fortified for their trip which although a 'little wet' was throughly enjoyed by all.
Bangor Royal Black District Chapter continues with its labour and travels,and with a very welcome increase in numbers this year the Officers and Sir Knights are optimistically looking to the future and remain resolute in proclaiming the Christian message upon which the Royal Black Institution is based.
PS
Recently I was given a copy of a document which was published on Saturday 29th August 1931 when the Sir Knights from the County Down Grand Black Chapter gathered in Bangor for their Annual Demonstration. It contained an 'air', was priced at Twopence and was to be sung to the tune of 'The Shepherd's Boy'. I have reproduced it below and hope you enjoy it; a photograph of the document has been included in the Photographs Page.
For want of something better I have entitled it;
'The Black in Bangor Town'
Come all ye noble Marksmen wherever you may be,
I hope you'll pay attention and listen unto me:
It's concerning this great meeting in Bangor seaport town,
Long may they live in unity - our sons of the County Down.
CHORUS
The County Down men they will attend also in grand array,
On Saturday the 29th in a place called Bangor town,
CHORUS The morning it looked gloomy yet the day turned bright and fair,
CHORUS There were men that came from Belfast and some from Comber town,
CHORUS So now to conclude and finish I mean to drop my pen,
CHORUS Resolutions 2007 Faith
We live in a world in which the principles that govern finance, politics, education and entertainment, seem increasingly to abandon standards
of integrity and morality. As Christian Sir Knights we are faced with two choices:
we can condemn such behaviour or we can seek to challenge and influence it. We are called by Jesus Christ to be like shining lights in this world
of darkness and sin. The prophet Isaiah spoke into the lives of kings. Daniel and his companions changed the politics of Babylon.
Joseph the economist saved Egypt from famine. Today, it is essential for us to defend the Faith by a greater commitment to evangelism, by taking the Christian message to people who are
without faith in Christ. Surely, the best defence of Christianity is to attack the influences which prevent people from seeing and knowing
Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. We are firmly resolved and determined to fight the good fight of faith by word and deed, by character and conduct,
in the strength of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Loyalty
The Officers and Sir Knights of the Imperial Grand Black Chapter of the British Commonwealth, assembled at our various Annual Demonstrations
throughout the United Kingdom and in our overseas jurisdictions, are pleased to affirm and pledge our unswerving and continuing loyalty to our
Sovereign Lady, Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
Head of the Commonwealth. In a rapidly changing society and world we look to Her Majesty and the Monarchy, as an exemplar of Christian Witness and stability. Such
unselfish devotion and dedication to service encourages us, Her people, to strive towards the same high standards within our own lives and in
our several communities. By so doing we can assist in strengthening the Nation and in giving thanks for our beloved Monarch?s Christian Witness we shall continue to
pray and to sing with heart and voice ? God Save the Queen. Constitutional
The members of the Royal Black Institution dispersed throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and in our several
overseas jurisdictions, are totally committed to upholding and retaining the centuries old Constitution by virtue of which the Democratic
Institutions and Constitutional Monarchy of the entire United Kingdom successfully function. The attempts by pseudo intellectual anti-Royalists to bring about the breakup of the United Kingdom and replace it with the vision
of a monolithic United States of Europe must be exposed and resisted, as such a creation would be ungovernable. Indeed, if successful, this
would diminish the cherished freedoms enjoyed by all British citizens and our British culture could well be de-stabilised and destroyed. The newly formed structures of government in Northern Ireland, with the appearance of having created an unexpected
togetherness and a long overdue stability, still requires our constant vigilance. Incremental and subtle legislation could further dilute
our British citizenship eventually leading to Northern Ireland being subsumed into a foreign state. Resolutions 2008 Faith
As Sir Knights of an Institution which holds to the Reformed, Protestant and Evangelical understanding of the Christian Faith,
we are aware of the increasing pressures on those who are faithful to these principles. We call upon all our Sir Knights to recommit themselves to this faith and to the promises they made when joining the Royal
Black Institution. We insist that government, at all levels, recognise and respects the moral and ethical imperatives that flow from adherence
to that faith. Trusting as always in the One who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords we are determined to stand fast in the faith once delivered
to the saints. Loyalty
We, the Officers and members of the Royal Black Institution, reaffirm our undiminished loyalty to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
II, Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Head of the Commonwealth. Our members in Northern Ireland in particular were deeply appreciative of the visit of Her Majesty and Prince Philip to the city
of Armagh on Maundy Thursday, 20th March 2008 when she honoured 164 of our citizens including a number of members of our Institution. Constitutional
We, the members of the Royal Black Institution, welcome every move towards a more democratic and peaceful society
and offer encouragement to all elected representatives who are working towards that end. In so doing, we acknowledge the great sacrifices made in this cause by so many in the Great War which ended almost 90 years ago. We reiterate our support for the British system of democracy but remain concerned about the continued activities, especially
in Northern Ireland, of dissident groups who seem determined to try to subvert democratic decisions. We therefore urge our Sir Knights to continue to be vigilant - in the words of the old hymn 'To trust in God and do the right'.
With the black rosette upon their breast,
While the bands will sweetly play; they will march the town courageously,
Where they will join heart and hand, and we will give great thanks
To Lady Clanmorris, she is a credit to our land.
The Blackmen they will assemble there from all the districts around,
With sashes black and banners gay, with hearts as true as steel,
Like true sons of Ulster that was never known to yield.
In time they came at 11 a.m., they assembled at the Hotel,
As they reached the town their fifes did sound and the tunes I heard them play --
'God save the King', 'The Blackman's Dream', and 'Derry Walls Away'.
From Donaghadee and Newtownards and Banbridge all around,
When they reached the place of meeting, their flags and drums laid down,
Around the platform of the speakers they all assembled round,
To listen to those speakers that came to Bangor town,
The words they spoke in accents clear with them we do agree,
For to live true-born brethren in peace and unity.
Here's health, long life and prosperity to all true Blackmen--
Be kind to one another with good will to everyone;
I hope I have said nothing wrong so this will end my song.