A Short History of Carrickfergus Preceptory:
Proposed Preceptory for Carrickfergus -- Minutes of Inaugural Meetings Friday 18th May 1956.
A meeting was held in the Mayor's Parlour, Carrickfergus, on Friday, 18th May 1956, (by kind permission of the
Mayor) to discuss the formation of a Preceptory of the Order of the Temple.
Present;-
Sir Knight Thomas J. Patterson, J.P., Mayor of Carrickfergus;
V. Ex. Sir Knight Laird A. Rea KCT, Assistant Registrar Provincial Priory of East Ulster;
V. Ex. Sir Knight James Spence, MBE, Registrar of Doagh Union Preceptory;
Sir Knights James Craig, Unity Preceptory,
Kenneth A. MacCormac, Cliftonville Preceptory;
E. Sir Knights William S. Milner, Cliftonville Preceptory;
Robert Bates Wilson, Latharna and
R. Campbell MacDonnell, Braid Valley.
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After E. Sir Knight Milner had addressed the meeting on the steps that had been taken culminating in the present
meeting, it was proposed by Sir Knight Thomas J. Patterson, J.P. and agreed that a Preceptory be formed.
The proposal was seconded by E. Sir Knight Milner and unanimously passed.
E. Sir Knight MacDonnell proposed that
Sir Knight Thomas J. Patterson, J.P., take the Chair and this was passed unanimously.
Discussions were of an informal nature. E. Sir Knight Rea said that he would support the eventual application
for a Warrant at the Provincial Priory of East Ulster.
The following names were proposed by E. Sir Knight Milner as the original signatures to the application for a
Warrant;-
1. E. Sir Knight W. S. Milner
2. Sir Knight T. J. Patterson
3. Sir Knight James Craig
4. E. Sir Knight Robert Bates Wilson
5. E. Sir Knight Robert Campbell MacDonnell
6. Sir Knight Kenneth A. MacCormac
7. E. Sir Knight James Spence, MBE
The following Sir Knights were mentioned as likely to become members of the Preceptory:-
Robert Pollock,
Stewart Frew,
John D. McKelvey,
R. V. Wilson,
H. F. Moore,
W. L. Brattie,
J. A. Rodgers,
Rev. William J. McGragh,
F. H. Lamont and
Rev. W. C. Bourns.
Proposed Officers:-
Eminent Preceptor, E. Sir Kt. William S. Milner
1st Constable, Sir Kt. Thomas J. Patterson O.B.E., J.P.
2nd Constable, Sir Kt. James Craig
Treasurer, E. Sir Kt. Robert Bates Wilson
Registrar, E. Sir Kt. Robert Campbell MacDonnell
Chaplain, Sir Kt. Rev. William J.McGeagh B.A.
Marshal, V. E. Sir Kt. James Spence
Stnd. Bearer Beauceant, Sir Kt. Kenneth A. MacCormac B.Sc.
Stnd. Bearer Vexillum Belli, Sir Kt, John D. McKelvey
Preceptor's Standard Bearer, Sir Kt. William L. Brattie
1st Captain of Guards, Sir Kt. Fredrick H. Lamont
2nd Captain of Guards, Sir Kt. Henry F. Moore
Rep. G. P. of East Ulster, E. Sir Kt. James A. Rodgers
Rep. Grand Master's Council, E. Sir Kt. James Hamilton
Steward, Sir Kt. Rev. William C. Bourns
Reps. House Committee Carrickfergus Masonic Hall,
E. Sir Kt. R. V. Wilson, E. Sir Kt. R. Pollock and Sir Kt. S. Frew
E. Sir Knight Milner thanked those present for what had been accomplished, saying how happy he was and intimated
that he wished personally to provide the Warrant.
Sir Knight Craig wished to provide the Silver Server. It was mutually agreed that the Preceptory be called
the 'Carrickfergus Preceptory' (without any number).
It was also agreed that the meetings be held on the first Friday in February, April, September,
and November at 7.45 p.m. Installation fees were set at £10. 10s. 0d. Application fees at £3. 3s. 0d. and
Annual Dues at £1. 10s. 0d. It was suggested by V. Em. Sir Knight Rea and agreed that Foundation members
fees be £2. 2s. 0d.
A list of furniture particular to a Preceptory was discussed and it was suggested that each Foundation member
would make himself responsible for an item or items.
A further meeting was held on the above date in the Mayor's Parlour. Present:- E. Sir Knight W. S. Milner,
Sir Knight T. J. Patterson,
E. Sir Knights Robert Bates Wilson, Robert Campbell MacDonnell, Robert Pollock, J. A. Rodgers and
Sir Knights F. H. Lamont, W. L. Brattie and John D. McKelvey.
A sample of the Preceptory die was submitted by E. Sir Knight Milner and approved. The
following is a note of articles required with the names of those Knights making
themselves provisionally responsible for them:-
Beaceant Standard
Vexilleum Belli Standard ___ Sir Knight F. H. Lamont
Holy Bible ___ Sir Knight J. D. McKelvey
Preceptor's Banner ___ Sir Knight W. L. Brattie
Shield and Cushions ___ V.Ex.Sir Knight J. Spence
Preceptor's Jewel and Ribbon ___ Sir Knight S. Frew
Habit for the Pilgrim ___ Sir Knight R. V. Wilson
Silver Dish and Salt Cellar ___ E.Sir Knight R. C. MacDonnell
Cup (not made with hands) ___ E.Sir Knight R. B. Wilson
Spurs ___ E.Sir Knight R. Pollock
Alter Cloth ___ Sir Knight T. J. Patterson
Chaplain's Robe ___ E.Sir Knt J. Hamilton
Sir Knt H. F. Moore
Sir Knt Rev. W. C. Bourns M.A.
Suit for Serving Brother ___ E.Sir Knight R. B. Wilson
Cross for Alter
Triangle of Lights.
Preceptor's Baton.
Pilgrim's Staff ___ Sir Knight K. A. MacCormac
Preceptory Metal Seal ___ E.Sir Knight J. A. Rodgers
The suggested Bye-laws were submitted by E. Sir Knight Milner. These were discussed in detail and the matter
was left in E. Sir Knight Milner's hands.
E. Sir Knight Milner produced the Memorial to Great Priory, which had been executed by Messrs. W & G Baird and
which was most favourably commented on. He intimated that the Memorial would eventually be returned by
Great Priory and suitably framed and placed
in the Masonic Hall. The Memorial was then signed by those present eligible to sign.
The question of a Banking Account was raised and it was explained that as E. Sir Knight Wilson was being appointed
Treasurer, in view of his proximity to E. Sir Knight MacDonnell that an account should be opened in the
Belfast Bank, Whitehead. E. Sir Knight Rodgers asked the Registrar to record this.
E. Sir Knight MacDonnell thanked Sir Knight Patterson for his kindness in again granting the use of the
Mayor's Parlour and this was supported by acclamation; the Mayor suitably replied.
Payments of Foundation Dues were taken by the Treasurer and a sum of £20. 0s. 0d. received.
Apologies for absence were received from Sir Knight's Rev. W. C. Bourns, K. A. MacCormac and James Craig,
(and by letter) from V. E. Sir Knight J. A. Rea KCT, Assistant Registrar Provincial Priory of East Ulster.
This set of minutes was closed with the words: "This was all the business."
A meeting was held on the above date in the Masonic Hall. After the apologies were taken, items under discussion were a Minute and Record book. This first book was produced by Brother William Cooke of Messrs. W & G Baird. The Bye-laws were submitted and agreed for sending on for approval to Great Priory. The House Committee of the Masonic Hall had been contacted for the agreed accommodation and no rent would be charged until 1958. The subject of Candidates was discussed. Ten Candidates would be allowed for the first year, and after that only four Candidates per year.
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A meeting was held on the above date in the Masonic Hall. After the apologies were taken, items under discussion
were the Consecration. This had been arranged for Saturday, 23rd February 1957, at 3.00 p.m. The Bank Buildings,
Belfast, had everything ordered nearly ready and a proof of the Brochure for the ceremony of Consecration was
methodically examined and approved. Sir Knight Craig had most
generously offered to be responsible for providing the dinner after the Consecration, together with all wines.
Mr. Nonnan Lyttle was to be present to take photographs at 2.30 p.m. on the Saturday. The members of Great Priory
travelling from Dublin would stay on Friday night the 22nd in the Midland Hotel, Belfast and travel to
Carrickfergus on the 2.00 p.m. train.
Friday 1st February 1957
A final series of meetings and practices were held, finishing on Tuesday the 19th February, with the final
touches to be added ready for the Consecration meeting on the Saturday.
A final full dress rehearsal was held followed by a meeting, which went into all the final details for the
Consecration to be held on Saturday 23rd February.
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The Preceptory has, with the help, attention and dedication of its members come through 50 years, only
missing Conclave nights when suspended because of foot and mouth. This (2007) our anniversary year has seen the
Preceptory hold its first Church Service in Joymount Presbyterian Church; host the Provincial Priory of East
Ulster in Carrickfergus Masonic Hall; Exemplify the High Knight Templar Degree in front of the Great Priory of
Instruction in Whiteabbey Masonic Centre and, to close the year, hold our Anniversary Dinner on the 2nd of
November, 2007.
The future of the Preceptory is looking good, as we now have 52 members on the Roll and three proposed Candidates
to be brought forward.
Compiled by Em. Sir: Knt. Joe McIlveen Registrar; Carrickfergus Preceptory 1999-2007
