Enniskillen Masonic Lodges

Lodge 819

Warrant 819 is an interesting one in that it has been with Ederney Lodge since it was granted in 1795. Most Warrants have passed through several Lodges in their time.

The Warrant 819 was granted to Ederney on the 1st October, 1795. It removed to Kesh by order of Grand Lodge on the 4th February, 1859 and returned to Ederney in 1871. It remained there until June, 1987, when the Masonic Hall known locally as Ederney Old Town Hall was sold to Fermanagh County Council.

The Lodge by permission of Grand Lodge of Ireland and with agreement of Irvinestown Masonic Lodge 277 commenced to hold the communications in the Masonic Hall, Irvinestown as from September, 1987.

The Lodge still retains the title "St. John's Lodge No. 819 Ederney".

During the period 1840-45 (The Famine Years) the Lodge gave financial support to its members who wished to emigrate of between15 and 18 Shillings depending on circumstances.

Over 100 years ago, the Lodge was presented with a Belleek Dinner Set, each piece decorated with Masonic Symbols. This valuable set is still in possession of the Lodge.

Another very interesting fact is that the present Worshipful Master for 1990,, Worshipful Bro. R.M.F.Keys is the 6th generation of the family to hold officeof Worshipful Master; the others being Irvine Keys, W.M. 1866, Irvine Keys W.M. 1881, Irvine Keys Jr., W.M. 1903, I.F.Keys, W.M. 1952 and R.R.I.Keys, W.M. 1976.

The late Worshipful Bro. Adam Ogle gave a life time of service to Masonry being a member of 819 for 65 years from 1910 to 1975 and a recipient of the 50 year medal. His son George followed in his footsteps joining in 1937, he is also a 50 year medal recipient.