History of R.B.P. 265 'Star of Bethlehem'

This Preceptory is encamped in Brackagh Orange Hall, which belongs to L.O.L. No. 18, this hall is on Brackagh Road which is off the Portadown-Tandragee Road and is approximately three miles from Portadown.

R.B.P. 265 has been in existence from at least 1906 as there is a memorial tablet in Brackagh Orange Hall to ‘John Toal' stating that he was a member of this Preceptory from 1906 to 1942. The tablet also confirms that he was Worshipful Master from 1932 to 1942. The Memorial Tablet was unveiled on 4th of February 1943 by the Worshipful District Master Sir Knt Alex Adair, who to mark the occasion, presented the Preceptory with a framed Photograph of their late Worshipful Master.

Leading on from this auspicious occasion, on the 1st of April 1943, the Sir Knt's of R.B.P. 265 “As a token of appreciation for what he had done for this Preceptory”, presented the Wor District Master Sir Knt Alex Adair with a pipe and pouch of tobacco, Sir Knt Adair returned thanks for the same.

There is another marble tablet in Brackagh Orange Hall, in memory of John G Toal who was a member of R.B.P. 265 from 1932 to 1992. He was Worshipful Master of R.B.P. 265 from 1953 to 1979. John G.Toal was also Worshipful District Master of Portadown Royal Black Chapter No 5.

The warrant under which Brackagh Star of Bethlehem R.B.P. 265 is now working was issued on the 15th May 1936, this having probably been reissued.

We are told that this Preceptory was once part of Tandragee District Chapter No 1, (how-ever this would merit more research), it seems that even after joining Portadown District, for some years they still paraded in Tandragee in the evening, after the Scarva demonstration, apparently they marched from ‘Scarva' to Tandragee, then after parading to the war memorial, then continued their journey to ‘Brackagh' by bus. (As recorded in the minutes for the 13th July 1928).

If you have any information regarding the early year of R.B.P. 265 please email the webmaster by clicking "here".

It seems from research that prior to the second World War, R.B..P 265 was accompanied on their annual parade to Scarva by ‘Lambeg Drums' the only exception found, was the year1923 when they hired ‘Laurelvale Band' to lead them. On that occasion the Preceptory returned from Tandragee by Car at a cost of 3 shillings.

For the duration of the war, no parades were held, but around the 12th and 13th July period a Social Evening was held jointly with L.O.L. 18.

On the 3rd April 1941 letters of thanks were read from various Sir Knights who were on active service. Parcels of cigarettes were sent to them by the Preceptory.

After the cessation of hostilities, the first parade to resume to Scarva was held on the 13th July 1945, on that morning ‘Brackagh Guiding Star' marched to Portadown led by Portadown Pipe Band, who accompanied the Preceptory for many years to approx. 1957.

In the evening after parading in Portadown the Preceptory walked home from Portadown rather than return by bus, as some had suggested

It is interesting to note that the cost of the band on this day was £4.00-the train tickets to Scarva was £5.8.0, and the four ‘Cooks' who prepared the meal in the hall, for their return received between them £1.00. 

Below are some Interesting excerpts from the minutes

In 1928 Dues paid to the District Chapter were 5/- per Preceptory- and a ‘Fifer' was hired to accompany the ‘Lambeg Drums' on the 13thJuly for the sum of £1.10s.

Also in 1928 the dues to be paid by the Sir Knts, were raised to 1/- per month, this also included a “free day” on the 13th of July.

13th July 1946 - “On the 13th evening the Worshipful Master Sir Knt Joseph Hodgen, was presented with a ‘Blackthorn Staff' to mark the occasion of him being made an honorary member of the Preceptory. Click on the link below to an image of Sir Knt Joseph Hodgen and his Past Master's Jewel, he was W.M. of R.B.P. 265 from 1943 to 1953.

7th November 1946 - The WM, Sir Knt, Joseph Hodgen conveyed the best thanks of the Preceptory to Sir Knt, John Turkington, for presenting this Preceptory with ‘Two Swords' for use instead of ‘Deacon Poles' on the 13th July or any other occasion.

4th December 1947 - A vote of sympathy was passed by all (standing) in memory of the late Sir Knt Joseph Dermott,- the Worshipful Master Sir Knt Joseph Hodgen; paid high tribute to the late Sir Knt, and the loss the Preceptory had sustained, as he had been registrar for the past 22 years.

5th of February 1953 - “The registrar then asked Sir Knt Joshua Bell [Deputy G. M.] To hand over to Sir Knt Joseph Hodgen a ‘Past Master' Jewel and ‘Certificate' as a small token from RBP 265, Sir Knt Bell then handed over same and wished Sir Knt Hodgen many years of happiness in RBP 265.

The WM thanked the members for their beautiful gift and wished the Preceptory every success in the coming year.

5th June 1953 - The Worshipful Master [John G, Toal] referred to the death of Sir Knt Joseph Hodgen and recalled his life-long interest in the Royal Black Institution, and of the keen interest and affection for his own Preceptory.

Several other members associated themselves with the W. M.'s remarks and expressed their sorrow at his passing.

A vote of sympathy was passed (by the members standing in silence) to the relatives of Sir Knt Joseph Hodgen

1st April 1954 - The WM, Sir Knt, John G, Toal reported that ‘Portadown Pipe Band' would accompany us on May 15th to the opening of the ‘New Black Hall' at Drumena, And it was agreed by the members present that we engage two ‘Banner Carriers' for that day, also that the members present on that day, should subscribe to the cost of the ‘Band'.

13th July 1954 – The first 6 officers were presented with new collarettes which cost the Preceptory £14.00.

13th July 1956 - Six new aprons were presented to the principal officers, this cost £13-16-0.

October 3rd 1956 - The lecturers, Sir Knt John Hodgen and Sir Knt Thomas Kerr; carried out a considerable task as follows, they conferred a ‘Red Cross Degree' 1 candidate - Apron and Royal Blue 3 candidates- Royal White 3 candidates - Star and Garter 1 candidate - Crimson Arrow 1 candidate – they also initiated a candidate and conferred on him the degree of ‘Royal Black. All in one meeting which was some considerable task and quite an evening's work!

4 th July 1964 - It was proposed and seconded that a letter of thanks be sent to Sir Knt Carville for presenting the Painting of the late Sir Knt Joseph Hodgen, and also to Mr Ronald Magee who had painted it. (See Picture of Painting by clicking on link below)

Please click here to see pictures