Lord Arthur Hill Masonic Lodge

The Lord Arthur Hill crest above "Per Deum Et Ferrum Obtinui" loosely translated means that "I got there by God’s help and by the sword".

The Warrant for 147 we think, was probably first issued between the 8^th May and 14^th July 1745.Unfortunately,it was erased from Grand Lodge Records on 5^th November 1801.

On the 1^st February, it was granted to the 2^nd Battalion of the 47^th Foot Regiment (raised in 1804 and disbanded 24^th October 1814) in lieu of the Seaton Warrant and was subsequently cancelled on the 4^th July,1823.

It was again reissued to Kilrea, Co. Londonderry on the 2^nd December 1824 in lieu of Warrant No.397.It was surrendered on 5^th October 1855 and then re-issued to Blaris – Lord Arthur Hill Lodge on 6^th October,1893.

The Hill family can be traced in England to ancient times and were probably of Norman origin. They established themselves at Hill Hall and then later at Hillsborough and continued to prosper espscially in the time of Willis Hill (1718-1793) who greatly increased the estates. He became Earl Of Hillsborough in 1751 and was created 1^st Marquis of Downshire in 1789.

Lord Arthur Hill was Comptroller of her Majesty’s Household 1885-86, 1886-92 and 1895-98, Honoury Colonel of the 5^th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles and had various titles. He was very interested in local affairs and was noted for his generosity and his caring attitude for the welfare of others.

He was initiated into Freemasonry in Hillsborough Star of Kilwarlin Lodge No.66 in 1871.In 1874 he was elected to the office of Provincial Grand Steward in the Provincial Grand Lodge Of Down and held that office until 1877,when the following minute appears in Provincial Grand Lodge records dated 4^th February 1877 :

This position was quickly rectified because on 13^th May 1879 after serving as W.M of Lodge No.66 in 1878, he was installed as Provincial Grand Master of Down, a position he held until he resigned in 1906.

He was also noted for his magnificent gift of the Masonic Hall in Hillsborough – which was dedicated in 1892.

Lord Arthur Hill’s life and interests changed in 1892 when the 6^th Marquis came of age and took over the running of the estates . He centered his life more and more away from Hillsborough and the role he played in local and Masonic affairs faded. He did not attend the constitution of the new Lodge named after him and if seems unlikely that he was ever present at any of the meetings.

Grand Lodge Of Ireland minutes for their meeting held in Dublin on 5^th October 1893 record the approval for the issue of a Warrant to hold a Lodge in Blaris,Co.Down. The actual Warrant being issued , dated the following day 6^th October 1893 to Richard Knox, W Tennant Henry and William Norwood.

An entry of the Lodge’s Constitution appears in Provincial Grand Lodge Minutes of 13^th February 1894,as follows :

"The Secretary read a communication from Bro. J. McCleland, P.G.D.C., announcing that in accordance with instruction issued to him by the R.W.D.P.G.M. he had on the 21^st November 1893, duly constituted The Lord Arthur Hill Masonic Lodge No 147 and afterwards installed the officers of same".

The history of Lodge No 147 is to some extent also the history of the hall in which they met. It was built as a single storey building, as it still is today. The entrance was in the centre of the front , and the hall was divided into 2 rooms in order to provide an ante room with a rear door and a Main Lodge Room, which was small by any standards. The hall was heated by an open fire in each room and lighting was by paraffin lamps.The advent of bottled gas allowed them to install satisfactory gas lighting.

By 1949,the hall had been renovated inside. The front door was blocked up and the porch removed.

In 1951 the then Bro C Shannon was given the contract to build a completely new and larger ante room and the work was completed later that same year.

1971 saw the supply of electricity to the hall. Then in 1974, major renovations were again in hand with an extension to facilitate toilet requirements, which up until now had been non – existant.

1985 saw more repairs and renovations undertaken by voluntary labour.This was painting and refurbishment of the kitchen and once again in true 147 manner, very little acknowledgement of the work was recorded.

The years 1992 and 1993 also saw major overhauls and refurbishment of the building, once again by voluntary labour.

More recent years saw major repairs undertaken on the hall roof, the outside of the building being painted as well as tar-macked.

On a more up-todate note, the inside of the Lodge Room has itself been completely re-carpeted and looks exceptionally well.

The Hall that 147 has is shared with other Masonic Lodges etc ,who sit as tenants of Lodge No 147.The Royal Arch Chapter of the same name and number constituted in 1895 has always shared the Lodge’s accommodation. Lord Arthur Hill Council Of Knight Masons No 50 constituted in 1949 and tenants since then.

Largymore Star Of Down Lodge No 753 who came to Blaris hall in 1954.

Sirron Masonic Lodge No 874 constituted in 1978 and sitting in the hall since that date..

147 is also justly proud of it’s outside entertainment facilities which includes as grassy and paved area at the back of the hall which allows us to have barbecues (weather permitting!!) and other social activities which include both Masons and non – masons.

An example of this being the yearly Treasure Hunt.

See the shots above showing the outside of the hall, as well as the social area at the back.