Four Sir Knights of Killyleagh RBP 50 conferred at town’s Orange Hall

Four Sir Knights of Killyleagh RBP 50 conferred at town’s Orange Hall

KILLYLEAGH Orange Hall was the venue for the conferring of the Red Cross Degree upon four Sir Knights of Killyleagh RBP 50 on Friday night.

The ceremony was ably and proficiently undertaken by the District Lecturers from Comber Royal Black District Chapter No 10 who had overseen all previous degrees received by the recipients in the months leading up to the presentation.

In his summation, the Deputy District Master of Lecale Royal Black District Chapter No 2, Sir Knight Samuel Barratt, congratulated those Sir Knights of Killyleagh RBP 50 for their consistency in attending on a monthly basis in order to have the respective degrees bestowed upon them, culminating in receiving that of the Red Cross Degree.

Sir Knight Barratt also praised the District Lecturers from Comber RBDC No 10, namely Sir Knights Hunter, Harris, Scott, McMillan and Robinson, for their selfless commitment which ensured that Sir Knights Philip Kirk, Mervyn Kirk, William Long and James Heaney attained the Red Cross, which would be proudly adorned upon their collarettes.

After the awards ceremony, the Worshipful Master of Killyleagh RBP 50, Sir Knight Paul Hagan, gave a short historical insight of Killyleagh Olive Branch Royal Black Preceptory No 50 whose 150th anniversary was also to be celebrated at the event.

In 1868, a warrant was re-issued to Killyleagh RBP 50 and by 1874 there was a preceptory membership of 86 Sir Knights.

The first Black banner was purchased by the preceptory in 1909 at a relatively modest cost of £17 when compared with the replacement cost of today, well in excess of £2,000. The current Black banner, costing £1,250 at the time, was unfurled on August 11, 2000, in Castle Square by Miss Zena McAllister.

Dignitaries who played a pivotal role at various times throughout the lifetime of the preceptory included Mr Brian Faulkner, the last Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.

In 1978, the preceptory found itself encamped at Toye Orange Hall before returning to its present location in Fredrick Street, Killyleagh. Within the last 12 months alone the membership has almost doubled, a trend which it is hoped will continue for many years to come.

In recognition of the dutiful manner in which he has carried out his obligations throughout his membership of Killyleagh RBP 50, Sir Knight Sam Osborne, PDM, PM was presented with engraved glassware by the Most Worshipful County Grand Master, Sir Knight Colin Cunningham.

Currently the treasurer of Killyleagh RBP 50, Sir Knight Osborne has held this office for 42 years, indicative of his commitment to the Royal Black Institution.

A presentation was made to the District Lecturers of Comber RBDC No 10 reflecting the heartfelt appreciation of the Sir Knights of Killyleagh RBP 50 for the articulate and thoroughly professional manner in which all degrees were conferred by them upon the recipients.

All visiting Sir Knights were thanked for the support, as were the ladies who made provision for the refreshments to follow.