EVENING STAR R.B.P. No. 1167,

TULLYHAPPY

At a special meeting of Markethill Royal Black District Chapter No. 3, held in Tullyhappy Orange Hall on 26th December 1924, Warrant No. 1167 was issued to seven Sir Knights - four from R.B.P. No 147, Bessbrook, two from R.B.P. No. 548, Belleeks, and one from R.B.P. No 274, Mountnorris. Following the handing over of the Warrant to the seven Sir Knights the District Chapter was closed and the first meeting to Tullyhappy R.B.P. No. 1167 was opened. This was surely one of the most important meetings of Markethill District Chapter. A member of R.B.P. No. 133 (Richhill) was accepted on transfer and three Brethren from Royal Arch Purple Chapter No. 59 (Tullyhappy) were proposed and accepted to become members. The Election and Installation of Officers was conducted by the W.D.M., after which the initiation of the three new members was ably carried out by Sir Knight James McLoughlin R.B.P. No 133 and Sir Knight Robert Chambers R.B.P. No. 225, Glenanne.

It is interesting to record that in recent years R.B.P. No 1167 has been able to repay that compliment by one of their members helping with the lecturing in Richhill and Glenanne Preceptories.

There is no record of how the Preceptory got the title of "Evening Star", but it is assumed that it Is from "The Star that first appeared in The East" on the first Christmas Day. It is worth noting that Preceptory meetings have been held on the last Monday of the month from February 1925, until the present time.

Over the years, the number on the roll has varied from eleven in 1924 to 57 in 1951 and now stands at 40. The first record we have of the Preceptory going on parade was in 1926 when they decided to join with the District at the last Saturday in August demonstration in Warrenpoint. Then in 1927, they joined with R.B.P. No. 147, Bessbrook, to attend the last Saturday demonstration in Keady. At the June meeting of the Preceptory in 1928 they decided to attend the demonstration in Scarva and to join the District on Scarva bridge at 11.30 a.m. It was also agreed at that meeting to purchase Black and Green Collarettes and Royal Blue Aprons. There is no mention of the cost of this regalia but in 1939, eighteen Aprons were purchased, costing eight shillings each and Collarettes at seven shillings and three pence each.

The first banner for the Preceptory was purchased in 1934 and unfurled and dedicated at a Service on 5th November; there is no record of the cost of this banner. In June 1952, a new banner, costing £85.00, was unfurled and dedicated. The present banner was unfurled and dedicated on the 21st June 1972; again, there is no record of the cost of this banner.

In earlier years, many enjoyable and successful "Black Balls" were held and it is reported that in March 1935, a "Black Ball" was held, which realised a credit balance of five pounds and five shillings.

At the December meeting, in 1935, the sale of Scarva Demense was mentioned and the Registrar was instructed to write to the County Grand Registrar inquiring what steps were being taken in the matter. There is no word of any further communication on this subject.

On the 13th July 1937, two Pipers were engaged to lead the Preceptory costing one pound and eight shillings, plus refreshments. For many years the Preceptory has been privileged to have the services of Tullyhappy Accordian Band and we wish the Band every success in the future and hope they will be able to lead the Preceptory for many years to come.

In 1956 the Preceptory lost eight members who decided to apply for a Warrant to sit in Searce Orange Hall in Newry District. Warrant No. 221 was granted to the Sir Knights, so we now have two Preceptories working from the foundation laid in 1924.

As a result of the present troubles the Preceptory has lost two highly respected and valued members. Sir Knight Robert Freeburn was one of the ten men gunned down at Kingsmills on the 5th January, 1976 and Sir Knight Charles Henn­ing, a Captain in the U.D.R., was shot in Newry market in October, 1978. Both Sir Knights served as Registrars in the Preceptory for many years and were very highly esteemed both in the Orange and Black Institutions and in the community at large.

Over the years Tullyhappy Preceptory has given valued support to Markethill District and to the County Grand Chapter of Armagh. Hopefully this will co­tinue for many years to come.