GRIP FAST THE LIGHT

R.B.P. No. 54, MARKETHILL

This Preceptory is encamped in the town of Markethill and is the oldest and largest within the District Chapter. The Warrant costing 12s 6d was issued on 8th December 1847 to Sir Knight John Milligan, and it is interesting to note that the Warrant is headed "Grand Royal Black Orange Chapter of Ireland". The first encampment was held on 31st December 1847, when twenty-one candidates were raised to the dignity of Royal Black Knighthood. The first office-bearers were: W.M. - John Milligan; D.M. - James Milligan; Treasurer - John Redmond; Lecturer - George Farley; High Priest - James Watson.

A meeting of the Blue Lodge was held on 10th January 1848, when several candidates were balloted for and received the degree of Royal Blue. The Blue Lodge was then closed and four candidates were raised to the dignity of Royal Knighthood. All members paid 2s 6d at initiation.

In the early years, meetings were held fairly regularly to admit new members. In 1851, it was resolved that the Preceptory would meet in future on the first Monday of each quarter, commencing on the first Monday in November 1851. At the meeting of the County Grand Chapter, held in Armagh, in April 1861, approval was granted to R.B.P. No. 54 to act as a District Chapter, pending the formation of other Preceptories. For approximately seven years, the office-bearers of R.B.P. No. 54 were entitled to attend and vote at County Meetings. It would appear that some meetings, in and around this period, were held in the basement of Markethill Chapel of Ease, at Main Street.

At this time, the Lodge (as it was still termed in the Minutes) carried a flag on parade. The first mention of the 13th July at Scarva is in 1892, when the Sir Knights met at 8.00 a.m. Two years later, the Minutes record that two brakes and one car were booked to convey the members to Scarva. Any member not present at 8.30 a.m. was to be fined 6d; also any member having the appearance of drink taken during the day was to be fined 1s 6d. Walking dues were set at 3 shillings, and any member absent without good reason was to be fined 3s. This type of disciplinary rule was found in many Preceptories. Music for the day, incidentally, was provided by two Lambeg drums, borrowed from Redrock L.O.L. No. 788.

On 5th August 1896, the Preceptory met in Markethill Orange Hall for the first time. On 4th February 1898, arrangements were made to attend a service in Richhill Presbyterian Church, meeting at Mullabrack Parish Church at 9.30 a.m., wearing full regalia.

In the early years of this century, R.B.P. No. 54 attended the following demonstrations: 13th August 1900 - Londonderry; 13th July 1901 - Scarva; 13th August 1904 - Armagh; 26th August 1905 - Lurgan; 31st August 1907 - Tynan Abbey. A new Preceptory flag was obtained in 1904, and for the demonstration at Lurgan the following year, it was agreed that all members should wear bowler hats and white gloves. At the parade at Tynan Abbey in 1907, Shanecracken Flute Band led the preceptory. In 1909, seven members were given Transfer Certificates in order to found a new Preceptory at Redrock - R.B.P. No. 595.

Throughout the research of the Preceptory, it has not been possible to ascertain when or why the title "Grip Fast The Light" was assumed; whilst the early minutes are headed "Markethill Black Preceptory No. 54", the seal incorporates the aforementioned title.

During the years of the First World War, meetings were irregular. Special Meetings were sometimes held between regular meetings; these were called "colours nights", to confer degrees. On 26th August 1917, the Sir Knights at­tended the District Church Service in Kilcluney Abbey, when Sir Knight Rev. J. H. Lucas, Chaplain of R.B.P. No. 54, was the preacher. The Preceptory went to Scarva in 1918, and a three-horse brake was hired from Loudans of Armagh for transportation.

A new banner was obtained in 1919, from Wm. Bridgett & Sons, Belfast. Throughout the 1920's it was normal for drums and a fifer to lead the Precep­tory on parade at Scarva. Markethill Pipe Band was formed in 1930 and has led the members ever since, apart from a few years in the late 1930's and late 1960's when the band was unable to turn out; Donaghmore Accordion Band, County Tyrone, was booked for this latter period.

During World War Two, the Preceptory met in Kilcluney Orange Hall, paying a rent of £2.00 per year. After the War, the "13th" parades re-commenced at Scarva, and Markethill Sir Knights travelled by train; the levy in 1945 was six shillings, with the cost to have the Pipe Band being £10, plus expenses. A Black Ball was held by the Preceptory on 25th January 1946, the proceeds being the very creditable amount of £48.7s.9d.

On the 13th morning 1948, the Preceptory had a photograph taken in the grounds of the Small Memorial Hall; it was some 40 years later (1988) that a further photograph was taken, this time in front of the Orange Hall. A new banner costing £105 was bought in 1951; each member paid a levy of 30 shillings to help pay for same. Upon the closure of the railway line at Markethill in the mid-1950's, six buses were booked each year to transport the Preceptory, with band and supporters to Scarva; two buses were diverted via Loughgilly to pick up passengers in that area.

On 7th May 1958, degree equipment was obtained, the cost being £13 1s.3d. Then on 7th October 1959, Miss Edwards presented two ceremonial swords for use by the Preceptory. A church service has been held by the Preceptory for a long number of years, and even in the early days, this tended to be held in May. The Preceptory was fortunate to have two very active and dedicated Chaplains in the 1950's and 1960's, namely Sir Knight Rev. A. McCurdy, B.A., and Sir Knight Rev. W. G. Kerr, M.A.; the latter became Imperial Grand Chaplain of the Institution.

In the early 1960's a friendship developed with Sir Knights of "Blakley's Volunteers R.B.P. No. 222", encamped at Muckamore. For a few years, some Co. Antrim members attended Scarva as guests of R.B.P. No. 54, and hosted   R.B.P. No. 54 Sir Knights at their demonstration in August. In April 1969, the Preceptory was honoured to have the Sovereign Grand Master, Right Wor. Sir Knight Sir Norman Stronge, perform the installation of officers.

The present banner, again purchased from Wm. Bridgett, Belfast, was un­furled on the 13th morning 1973 and dedicated by Rev. F. A. Noel, then Rector of Mullabrack; officers' cuffs were obtained in July 1977. Unfortunately, the Preceptory has not escaped the ravages of terrorism in the Troubles; three members who were also security force personnel have been murdered: Sir Knight Mervyn Robinson (RUC) - 27th April 1981; Sir Knight Michael Marshall (RUC) - 20th October 1989; and Sir Knight David Sterritt (RUC) - 24th July 1990. A memorial stone was erected in Markethill Orange Hall, in conjunction with Lattery L.O.L. No. 222 and the local Apprentice Boys Club; this was dedicated on 15th March 1991. Each 13th morning, the preceptory lays a wreath on the Orange District's Memorial Stone in the Square, prior to going to Scarva. On 3rd May 1992, new Officers' collarettes were obtained and dedicated at the annual church service.

In 1997, to mark the 150th anniversary of it's formation, the Preceptory hosted the Annual District Church Service and held it's December encampment in the Basement of the Chapel of Ease, where the first meetings were held before Markethill Orange Hall was available.  In addition, the friendship with "Blakely's Volunteers" RBP 22, Muckamore, was rekindled, and in the years since, members of RBP 22 attend the Scarva Demonstration with RBP 54 and Sir Knights of RBP 54 attend the Co Antrim Demonstration on the last Saturday in August as guests of RBP 22; members also attend each other's Installation Meetings each April.

Over 160 years after it's formation, R.B.P. No. 54 is continuing to give a lead to the District Chapter, and with the blend of experienced and youthful Sir Knights, the high principles of the Black Institution are assured. The members continued to witness for the Protestant Faith, in order to ensure that all shall "Grip Fast The Light" of God's precious Word.

WORSHIPFUL MASTERS