Pioneers Masonic Lodge No.420, IC

Here is a link to a paper about PIONEERS MASONIC LODGE No. 420 (16th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles (Pioneers). It is a record of its working on active service in France and Belgium.

The paper was read in and under the auspices of Lodge of Research No. 200 in Freemasons' Hall, Molesworth Street, Dublin on 26th October 1917, by W. Bro. Major R. C. Gardiner (Founder).

Formation Pioneers Masonic Lodge No. 420

𝗧𝘆𝗹𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿

The original Seaford Lodge Tyler’s collar was ‘borrowed’ by the members of Pioneer Lodge No 420, on their deployment to France in 1915.

As a regiment, the Ulstermen who made up the membership of the Pioneers Lodge were based in Seaford, South England, pending onward action in occupied Europe.

Prior to their departure they held a number of meetings in Seaford with the help of Seaford Lodge premises, members and regalia. The Tyler’s collar was borrowed and worn during Masonic meetings at the Somme and Thiepval under a back drop of gunfire and enemy shells. The collar was returned to Seaford Lodge in 1918 on its return from a liberated Europe and still resides there today.

Gallery of notable objects from Seaford Lodge Gallery of masonmic banners, jewels, collars and member photos to be found at Seaford Lodge.

Ever considered becoming a Freemason in 2023?

PIONEERS ML No.420, Freemasons’ Hall, Arthur Square, Belfast, are now welcoming sensible enquiries via the internet. If you have an interest in joining Freemasonry or this Lodge in particular please read on.

To join Pioneers Masonic Lodge No.420 and Freemasonry on the island of Ireland, one only has to be a man of the age of 21, he may join regardless of ethnic group, political views, economic standing or religion, although he is expected to have a faith.

Anyone considering membership, if they already know a member of the fraternity, should politely approach and ask him about Freemasonry, alternatively, make written contact to any Provincial Grand Lodge (Antrim, Down, Londonderry & Co Donegal etc). If you are reading this and are interested in Pioneers ML No.420 in particular, please ask any questions via FB messenger.

Pioneers 420 hold monthly meetings for 9 months of the year (Sept-May), these are held on the 2nd Thursday of the month, start promptly at 7.15pm and are usually finished circa 9.00pm. Attendance is welcomed but is not compulsory as family and work do come first.

We extend a warm welcome to all Freemasons’ who are members of any Lodge which is in amity with the Grand Lodge of Ireland and welcome sensible enquires from those men considering membership, again, please direct questions via Pioneers 420 FB messenger.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and behalf of the Worshipful Master, Officers’ and Brethren of Pioneers 420, have a healthy, happy and safe 2023!

https://pglantrim.org/provincial-grand-lodge-of-antrim/

Sunday 13th November 2022

After a short commemoration at Freemasons’ Hall, Arthur Square, a wreath was laid at the Belfast Cenotaph, Belfast City Hall, to pay homage and honour the fallen who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

'When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.’

At 11am pause to remember all who have done their duty and gone before us.

We Will Remember Them.

Masonic Etiquette is, for the most part, merely good manners and respect. As Freemasons we are proud of our behaviour, dress, moral standards, communication, forms of address and our general demeanour. We set our standards high and adherence to correct Masonic etiquette will enable us to pass on those standards to future generations.

More information on Masonic Etiquette can be found here:

pglantrim.org

The Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of Pioneers Masonic Lodge No.420 are saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and we extend our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-serving monarch of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, who died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

PGLA Newsletter

The June copy of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim's Newsletter is published

https://pglantrim.org/provincial-grand-lodge-of-antrim-newsletter-no7-released/

The Officers’ and Brethren of Pioneer’s 420 would like to wish Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II a wonderful Platinum Jubilee Celebration.

Some details about the Stated Communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim.

PGL Antrim – Stated Communication 26th February 2022. ‘The Future Looks Good for Freemasonry’. | PGLA PGL Antrim – Stated Communication 26th February 2022.   ‘The Future Looks Good for Freemasonry’.   A positive and powerful sense of Fraternal Friendship was present & apparent at the February Stated Communication of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand of Antrim. Some 250 brethren attended,...

Pioneers ML No.420 would like to wish everyone a very happy Festive Season and above all a very healthy New Year.

We trust that you and your families will find the Festive Season to be one of a strengthening of the family bonds and also generating goodwill to all.

Stay safe.

The enforcement of domestic Covid-19 vaccination certificates will begin on Monday, December 13 for all licensed premises

Pioneers 420 would regularly meet at Freemasons’ Hall Arthur Square, and as a licensed premises has to adhere to the enforcement by law.

Freemasons Hall will be accepting proof of full vaccination or proof of recovery from a positive PCR test in the previous 30 – 180 days. This must either be via the Smartphone app or via printed certificate.

The hall cannot accept vaccine cards as the grace period will have ended.

NEGATIVE LATERAL FLOW TESTS WILL NO BE ACCEPTED EITHER

https://arthursquare.org

Freemasons' Hall Arthur Square Your default description here

11/11/21

A wreath was laid at the Belfast Cenotaph to pay homage and honour the fallen who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

'When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.’

Tyler’s Collar

This original Seaford Lodge Tyler’s collar was ‘borrowed’ by the members of Pioneer Lodge No 420 Irish Constitution, on their deployment to France in 1915.

As a regiment, the Ulstermen who made up the membership of the Pioneers Lodge were based in Seaford pending onward action in occupied Europe. Prior to their departure they held a number of meetings in Seaford with the help of Seaford Lodge premises, members and regalia. The Tyler’s collar was worn during Masonic meetings at the Somme and Thiepval under a back drop of gunfire and enemy shells. The collar was returned to Seaford Lodge in 1918 on its return from a liberated Europe.

http://seafordlodge.com/gallery

Gallery of notable objects from Seaford Lodge Gallery of masonmic banners, jewels, collars and member photos to be found at Seaford Lodge.

The Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of this Belfast based Masonic Lodge are happy they are to resume regular communications after a spell of closure due to the COVID pandemic. Meeting is scheduled for Thursday 14th October at 7:15pm, in the Nesbitt Room, Freemasons' Hall, Arthur Square, Cornmarket, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

We welcome sensible enquires from those who are interested in learning a little more about the order. If enquiring please email/message and not call in person.

https://pioneers420.weebly.com

Home Pioneers Masonic Lodge No. 420

Curious about finding out a little more about Freemasonry or Pioneers 420’s history please contact us here: https://pioneers420.weebly.com/contact.html

Contact Contact form, Map and address of Pioneers 420

Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim Newsletter
Issue 3

https://pglantrim.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Newsletter_No3.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0mxvYgQIOuaNKSBrKc_LC0eCEyYn-tr-98fpOb9pHnE1iKEL6K3diTu54

pglantrim.org

1st July 1916 Somme Offensive

During the actual attack on the 1st July, the 16th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles was in active support positions to move supplies forward, cut new connecting forward trenches to the German front line trenches and generally help the advancing troops. In some areas this was successful, but lack of committed fresh troops limited success whilst in other areas enemy troops were still in possession of targets and the men had to hold defensive positions against enemy counter attacks. The Ulster Division, having suffered about 5,500 casualties including killed and wounded, were withdrawn at 1800 that evening, but the 16th Pioneers had to work on supporting the replacement division until their eventual withdrawal on the 8th July 1916.
Prior to this month the war diaries had not reported monthly casualties but were now going to have to do so for many months to come. Casualties at the point of relief from the Somme sector were: 2 officers killed, 3 wounded and 5 broke down (later termed shell shocked). Among the men 22 were killed and 159 wounded of which over 100 were invalided.

At the close of the first 9 months since arrival in France, the Battalion had fully earned their distinctive emblem of the crossed rifle and pickaxe.

From the book ‘The Terrors’ by SN White

If you are considering becoming a Freemason and would like to join Pioneers Masonic Craft Lodge No.420 please message us with any sensible enquiries. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month, Freemasons’ Hall, Arthur Square, Belfast. We do not meet during June, July & August.

If logistically Pioneers 420 is not good for you but you world still like to enquire about becoming a Freemason, please Google “Masonic Provincial Grand Lodge of (insert Irish/Northern Irish county)” or “Masonic Grand Lodge of Dublin”, and direct any enquiries through mail/email. Alternatively if you know a Freemason, just approach them. Most will be more than happy answering any questions they are able to and advise you on your next step if you are still interested in pursuing membership further. Stay safe all.

https://freemasonry.network/more_news/antrim-northern-ireland-freemasonry-has-a-strong-future-say-local-members/?fbclid=IwAR1P8PTbvXBp5zCKN7ogsqZ61DihYZ-tY5wpQK-bTAvSIWvAyQNGSsGHlXg

Antrim/Northern Ireland - Freemasonry has a strong future say local members They have a rich history and quietly go about their work. But the Freemasons of Antrim are keen to let the world know just what they do and how others can get involved.Antrim/Northern Ireland - Freemasonry has a strong future say local members

We wish to pass on our sincerest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal family on the passing of Prince Philip.

Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim Newsletter issue No.1

PGLA Newsletter No1 PGLA Newsletter No1

Grand Lodge of Ireland
Act of Remembrance

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning. We will remember them.

Remembrance is an ideal time to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, and to join together in the hope for a brighter, peaceful future.

The Grand Lodge of Ireland is proud to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.

With many unable to take part in Remembrance events this year, the Grand Lodge of Ireland bring you their unique Act of Remembrance that will be available at 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday 11th November 2020 at the following link. The Act of Remembrance will be available to watch when convenient for you to do so.

http://go.freemason.ie/e/597751/477470925-6545995d77/5f681q/316200391?h=HQK0WLGSQwju4JOhgJ43gVDl1Qmbnc_7_IJyFwA3lhs

Sincerely & fraternally,

Philip A.J. Daley
Grand Secretary
Our mailing address is:
Freemasons' Hall
17 Molesworth Street
Dublin
D02 HK50
Ireland
Copyright © 2020
All rights reserved.

Grand Lodge of Ireland Remembrance 2020 This is "Grand Lodge of Ireland Remembrance 2020" by Grand Lodge of Ireland on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Pictured is some correspondence sent home whilst on active service during the Great War.

“When you go home tell them of us and say....for your tomorrow we gave our today...”

Here is Pioneers Masonic Lodge No.420s commemoration at the Centotaph, Belfast City Hall. In honour and recognition to those who gave everything for their country.

http://go.freemason.ie/webmail/597751/294718484/4c460835babb2875f881deef721bbd9c052e65801e597bc18179fa49757b5314

Statement on Resumption of Meetings The impact caused by the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting government actions has been (and continues to be) tremendous on society in general. These are challenging times for us all, with self-isolation, social distancing and the inability for Brethren to meet at their regular Masonic meetings an...

Pioneers Masonic Lodge No 420 (16th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles (Pioneers) minutes detailing its founding and record of its working on active service in France and Belgium,

Raincheval, Somme

Pioneers Masonic Lodge No 420 (16th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles (Pioneers) minutes detailing its founding and record of its working on active service in France and Belgium,

During 1915 & 1916 many brethren held communications fully armed with and each having a gas helmet. It was deemed necessary to have helmets in readiness as there was a grave risk of our being exposed to the peril of a gas attack at any moment.

Many visiting brethren obtained leave to come down from the front line to attend these lodge communications, some came for the first part of the proceedings and then returned to the trenches to relieve other brethren who wished to join us at labour.

The brethren were most likely armed with a Lee–Enfield; a bolt-action, magazine-fed, repeating rifle that served as the main firearm used by the military forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth during the first half of the 20th Century.

26th January 1907, the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) Mark III entered service with the British Army. Its name comes from the designer of the rifle's bolt system, James Paris Lee, and the factory in which it was designed, the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield. It was the standard-issue rifle during the First World War. Featuring a reliable bolt action and charger system that enabled the loading of five rounds into its 10-round magazine at once, the rifle was adapted to fire the Mk VII High Velocity .303 ammunition (also used in the Vickers and Lewis Guns) in 1910 and was an effective weapon in the hands of a well-trained infantryman, who was expected to fire around 15 aimed rounds per minute.

Along with the other Regiments of the Ulster Division, the "Pioneers" left Lurgan on the 1st July 1915 for Seaford, Sussex, where the brethren of the English Constitution gave facilities for the Pioneers Lodge to carry on its Masonic work, by kindly granting them the use of their hall, regalia, etc.

Whilst the Division was at Seaford three communications of the Lodge were held, and the following degrees conferred:-
•1st and 2nd degrees - Messrs, Leader, Shepperd, Platt, Jewell and Coulson.

During this period the Lodge was deeply indebted to Bro. Captain J.G.Johnson, RAMC, Ulster Division and of Lodge No. 178 Lisburn for conferring the degrees. Bro. Captain Johnson continued to give his assistance in this capacity in France, in token of its appreciation of his services, elected him an honorary member. Bros, Brown, Forsythe and I. L. McKee also rendered valuable service to the Lodge in conferring degrees.

Before leaving Seaford Bro. Major Gardiner W.M. on behalf of the "Pioneers" Lodge expressed the sincere thanks and gratitude of the members to the brethren of the Seaford Lodge for the hearty support accorded them during their stay in that town. The English brethren attended in full strength at almost all the meetings held.

Pioneers borrowed Seaford Lodge No. 2907 Tyler’s collar for use while in Europe. The collar was worn during Masonic meetings at the Somme and Thiepval under a back drop of gunfire and enemy shells. The collar was returned to Seaford Lodge in 1918 on the Pioneers return from a liberated Europe.

http://seafordlodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/unnamed.jpg

seafordlodge.com

The presentations delivered by Carol Walker, MBE, from the Somme Association about Masonic life in WW1 have been absolutely fascinating and enjoyed by all!

A fair bit of Pioneers 420s early history is documented. Most notably it’s founding while the 16th (Pioneer) Battalion RIR was undergoing training at Brownlow house prior to embarkation and some accounts of its working while the Battalion was fighting in theatre and under fire!

A Pass Master jewel is on loan to the Association and has been also included in the presentation.

It has been a busy year for our outreach program with over 40 presentations delivered but last night saw the last one for 2019. A big thank you to
Amon Masonic Lodge 613 for a great welcome and the £150 donation towards the work of the Somme Association. We look forward to 2020. If anyone is interested in the range of lectures we deliver, it can be found on our website www.sommeassociation.com
Lest We Forget

Pioneers Masonic Lodge No.420 works under the auspices of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim. The Province of Antrim has 150 Lodges and forms part of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. It stretches from the Greater Belfast area to Portrush and Ballycastle in the north.

Freemasonry requires its members to treat each other, with respect regardless of class, creed, colour or race. It is non-sectarian, non-political and it does not permit discussion on religious or political matters at Masonic meetings.

One of the main elements to Freemasonry is charity for those less fortunate and in need of aid. Its aim is to support, not only Masonic Charities, but many other local charities, such as, the N.I. Hospice, Action Cancer, N.I. Air Ambulance, TLC (Teddies for Loving Care) and many others.

For more information please visit the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ireland website.

https://pglantrim.org/

PGLA Freemasonry is a Brotherhood, one of the longest running in existence; striking a balance between modernity and ancient traditions and customs.

Posted is a paper about the founding and working of Pioneers ML No.420 during the start of the Great War. It was origionally composed by and read under the auspices of Lodge of Research No. 200 in Freemasons' Hall, Molesworth Street, Dublin on 26th October 1917, by W. Bro. Major R. C. Gardiner (Founder).

https://pioneers420.weebly.com/founding.html

Formation

The Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of this Belfast based Masonic Lodge welcome you to this page. We hope it will serve you as a helpful guide to Freemasonry and give you an insight into our Lodge in particular.

Our Lodge was formed on 8th June 1915, by Masonic Brethren who’s Battalion, the 16th Battalion; Royal Irish Rifles (Pioneers 36th Ulster Division) was undergoing training at Brownlow House, Lurgan, Northern Ireland, prior to embarkation to Somme. We proudly celebrated our Lodge Centenary in 2015.

The Lodge Warrant was issued by the Grand Lodge of Ireland and we presently work under the auspices of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim.

Once a travelling Military Lodge, Pioneers Masonic Lodge is now stationary, civilian in nature and it’s regular communications are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month, starting at 7:15pm, except June, July and August in the Nesbitt Room, Freemasons' Hall, Arthur Square, Cornmarket, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

We extend a warm welcome to all Freemasons who are members of any Lodge which is in amity with the Grand Lodge of Ireland and welcome sensible enquiries (via Messenger or Email) from non-masons considering membership.