LOL 371 Apprentice Boys Drumnahuncheon
 
 
This No is mentioned in 1858, William Robinson having been given the warrant, but nothing more is heard of it until Richard Hobson is given the warrant in 1887.

The lodge was opened on October 24th, 1887, by W J Locke, District Master; Robert Anderson, and Robert Courtney as delegates for that purpose from the Portadown District Lodge, and the officers appointed were – WM, Richard Hobson; DM, Thomas McBroom; secretary, Joseph McBroom; and treasurer, Robert Henry Hobson.

Richard Hobson occupied the chair until 1915, while Thomas McBroom still occupies the deputy chair. Joseph McBroom still occupies the deputy chair. Joseph McBroom was followed in the secretarial chair in 1904 by Thomas J Clarke, and W J Cranston became secretary in 1907. Alfred Cranston held the position until 1912, when he was succeeded by Harry Gilbert. Thomas Hobson was secretary 1921-4. Alex Wright from 1925-30; and Joseph Hobson, 1932-5. Robert H Hobson was treasurer until 1915, when Frank Troughton was elected to the position, and held it to 1918. Absalom Pierson was treasurer 1919-20; John Troughton 1921-4; and Thomas Hobson, 1926-35.

Robert Hewitt was Master 1916-20; and Robert Forde 1921-25. Robert Hewitt was again elected to the chair in 1926 and occupied it until 1932, when he was succeeded by Richard Hobson.

The Hall was erected in 1910, and few years ago was renovated and enlarged, the opening ceremony on September 11th, 1932, being performed by Mr Richard Best, son of Lord Justice Best.

This lodge is in a flourishing position, having a membership of nearly 70. Rev W Hogarth, chaplain was presented with a blackthorn in September, 1923. The principle officers for 1936 were - Richard Hobson, Drumnahuncheon; Thomas McBroom, Parkmount, Portadown; Joseph Hobson, Clonroot; Thomas Hobson, Drumnahuncheon.

Within the hall are two memorial tablets in honour of lodge members who served during the Great War and to those members who made the supreme sacrifice for King and Country. Those members who were Killed In Action were: A. Doherty, J. Courtney, A. Graham. T. Troughton, A. Loney, J. Taylor and J. Black.

In June 1936 the lodge unfurled a new banner, featuring a portrait of King William III on the front and a depiction of Saul sparing David's life on the reverse. The ceremony being performed by Bro. David Rock MBE, JP, County Grand Secretary. In 1964 a new banner, featuring a portrait of the late Bro. Richard Hobson and the Biblical scene 'No Cross No Crown', was unfurled in St Saviour's Church Hall by Mrs Lena Hobson.

The Dobbin Parish Hall was the venue for the unfurling and dedication of a new banner on 9 July 1993. The service was conducted bv the Reverend E. T. Dundas and the unfurling ceremony was performed by Mrs June Pierson the wife of the Worshipful Master, Bro. William Pierson. A dedication was read by the Reverend Tom Taylor. Deputy Grand Chaplain. The banner features a portrait of the late Bro. Richard Hobson and a painting of the baptism of Jesus.

Bro. Tom Quinn, a Past Master of the lodge and one of the oldest Orangemen in the District, was presented with a Bicentenary Jewel by the District Master, Bro. Harold Gracey, at the annual Boyne Anniversary service at St Saviour's, The Dobbin, in 1995. Later members of LOL 371 presented Bro. Quinn with a special certificate marking his seventy-five years' membership of the lodge.

There is a strong tradition of Lambeg drumming within the lodge which has always been accompanied by drums on the 12 July. The last few years have seen a large influx of new young members into the lodge which augurs well for the future of the LOL 371.

Worshipful Masters of LOL 371 since 1935 are as follows:

1935-63 Richard Hobson
1964-72 Thomas Quinn
1973-75 James McClelland
1976-83 Robert Hobson
1984-94 William Pierson
1995- Robert Hobson

History of Lodges Index