Mourne Masonic Lodge No. 696 Annalong.
The Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Mourne Masonic Lodge No. 696 welcome you to their website.
Lodge 696 is warranted on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Ireland in the Province of Down.
We hope you enjoy your visit here and look forward to you visiting us on a regular basis.
The accompanying Memorial for a Warrant.
The accompanying Memorial for a Warrant was laid before Lodge 144, Lodge No. 142, Lodge 377 at their stated
communications held on 26th day of March 1945, 13th day of March 1945 and on the 17th day of April respectively.
When it was resolved that the same be recommended to the favourable consideration of Grand Lodge.
Annalong Fish Night.
The Lodges' October communication plays host to the annual "Annalong Fish Night".
This is a spectacular feast of seafood that is donated by the members of the Lodge. "Annalong Fish Night".
This event has become well renowned in the local Masonic calendar and is looked forward to with great anticipation by members and visitors alike.
The LATE R.W.BRO. WILLIAM MAWHINNEY.
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| R.W.Bro. Bill with the Grand Master M.W.Bro. E.N. Waller and Deputy Grand Master R.W.Bro. G. Dunlop in April 2002. | |||
| William Mawhinney, familiarly known as Bill, died on the 9th April 2008 and thus passed from this scene of time and change; a good man, a good husband, a good family man and a good Mason. To his family we offer our sympathy and prayers. Bill was born in Randalstown and grew up there, being educated at the local primary school and at Ballymena Academy. He trained as a primary school teacher and became a member of staff at Kilkeel, retiring as its esteemed principal. Many pupils have cause to thank him for his dedication in the field of education and for the excellent start in life they received at his hands. | |||
| He married a Kilkeel lady, Kathleen Chambers, and they were blessed with two children; Joanne and Michael. It was a happy home and Joanne followed in her father’s footsteps as a school teacher, being his colleague in Kilkeel. Michael became a doctor of Philosophy and joined the Masonic order like his father. | |||
| Bill’s career in Freemasonry began in Randalstown and such was his keenness that he travelled to his Lodge by bus, month after month. He affiliated to Lodge No. 696 Annalong fifty-five years ago. Not content with that, he became a member of Royal Arch Chapter No. 144 Kilkeel; this was followed by membership of K.M. Council No. 16 Newcastle in 1973. Donard Preceptory claimed his allegiance in 1976. In 1979, he was perfected in Prince Mason’s Chapter 17 Newry. In 1980 he affiliated to Lodge 144 Kilkeel. | |||
| He joined the higher degrees in 1993,becoming a member of the Knights of the Sun, 28o Degree. In 1998 he was raised to the 30o. The year 2002 saw him become a member of 31o and finally in 2006 he was made a Prince of the Royal Secret 32o. | |||
| His interest in Freemasonry was thus wide and much appreciated. He was appointed Provincial Grand Master of Down having previously served as Provincial Grand Organist in 1996. However, his stay was short as he was summoned to higher labours as Assistant Grand Master of Ireland. | |||
| In every aspect of the Order he acquitted himself supremely well and was noted for his ability in degree giving. As well as honours in the craft he was a recipient of recognition in the other branches. He became a member of the Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland which he greatly enjoyed. | |||
| Rev. Charles McCurdy A Dear Friend |
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