
Abbey 180
Masonic Lodge
July 2026: Bro. Jim Taylor, "Under enemy fire in the Western Ocean"

​Bro. Jim Taylor joined Abbey Lodge No. 180 in 1945, receiving his Entered Apprentice Degree on 25st April, his Fellowcraft Degree on 17th October, and finally being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on 21st November of that same year.
A well liked and highly respected Brother, Jim was a regular attender of the Lodge and a generous supporter of all its charitable endeavours. He was also a much admired after dinner speaker at the Festive Boards, where he entertained the Brethren with humour and vivid accounts of his wartime service at sea.
His stories of life as a Merchant Seaman became well known locally, and the Carrickfergus newspaper Times Past later featured him in an article titled Under Enemy Fire in the Western Ocean as a Merchant Seaman.
Bro. Taylor passed away on 27 July 2014 at the age of 96, leaving behind fond memories within Abbey 180
20th June 2026: Abbey 180's Annual Sponsored Walk

W.Bro. Tommy Chambers pictured after his Installation as Worshipful Master in 1995

Abbey 180 Brethren once again assembled for their annual Sponsored Walk from Carrickfergus Castle to the Whiteabbey Masonic Centre, a distance of six miles. This year, they were joined by Grace, the daughter of W. Bro. Marshall Duncan. The proceeds raised this year will be forwarded to the Whiteabbey Masonic Hospice Support Group, in memory of the Lodges late Treasurer,
W.Bro. Tommy Chambers (inset)
In the background stands Carrickfergus Castle, a Norman structure built in 1177 and one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the region. A recent renovation has seen the arrow loops restored to their former glory.
While the weather leading up to the event was not promising, various forecasts anxiously checked in the hope that the rain would hold off, the walkers were in luck. Suntan cream was out, hats were worn, and not a single drop of rain spoilt the day. To finish the event, the participants rested their weary legs while partaking in some liquid refreshment and meals supplied by Trevor Cushley of Glen Catering.








27th May 2026: Meet Abbey 180's new Entered Apprentice, Bro. Stephen Bell

The Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Andy Moore welcomes Bro. Stephen Bell to the Lodge after receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree.
Degree Team:
Preparing the Candidate: R.W. Bro. Stevie Bell
Conductor: W.Bro. Robert Lenaghan
Receiving: W.Bro. Gary Spiers
Assurance, Obligation, Working Tools & Apron: Bro. Jamie Linton
Instruction: W.Bro. Alan Hunter

A proud father, R.W.Bro. Stephen Bell welcomes his son Bro. Stephen Bell in to the Lodge



Worshipful Master W.Bro. Andy Moore accompanied by Bro. Stephen Bell, & R.W. Bro. Stephen Bell
Worshipful Master W.Bro. Andy Moore accompanied by Bro. Stephen Bell, W.Bro. Marshall Duncan, SD and Bro. Kyle Tumelty, JD
Worshipful Master W.Bro. Andy Moore accompanied by Bro. Stephen Bell
28th February 2026: PGLA Stated Communication




R.W.Bro Stephen Bell, R.W. Bro Bobby Spiers, W.Bro. Davy McGlade and W.Bro. Ryan Rutherford enjoying the Stated commmunication of Provincial Grand Lodge at the Hilton Hotel Golf and Spa, Templepatrick


'Solomons Builders a new Social Gathering for Young Freemasons under the age of 40, attended the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim Installation Lunch and meeting at the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick yesterday. 12 young Master Masons attended, including Bro. Jamie Linton and had an enjoyable day they are pictured with the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim Senior Officers after the meeting who are extremely supportive of this new venture. They also presented the R.W. Provincial Grand Master with one of their new ties.
22nd February 2026: W.Bro Lee and George Burnside attended the 60th Anniversay of The Major Rupert Stanley Memorial Lodge No. 831



W.Bro. Lee Burnside and W.Bro. George Burnside attending the Major Rupert Stanley Memorial Masonic Lodge No 831 Sixty Year Foundation and 50 Year Service Celebrations..
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W.Bro. Richard Hunter who was Worshipful Master of 180 in 1965 was a foundation member of this Lodge
February 2026: Fund‑raising for the BMCF at the Straid Masonic Hall, where W. Bro. Hugh Blair volunteered to have his beard shaved.



Another one‑off Masonic occasion was held under the auspices of The Straid Breakfast Club, this time featuring a unique head‑and‑beard shave involving no fewer than five volunteers, all in support of the Belfast Masonic Charity Fund. On this occasion, the photographs conveyed the atmosphere better than any written account, as it was certainly a sight to behold. A full medical kit was placed beside the shaving area, though no doctor was present; however, a chaplain was available who, if required, could have offered a final few words.
Once most attendees had been fed and watered, Texas Tom, Dee, and their supporters positioned the barber’s chair. The original three candidates were Paul Williamson, Hugh Blair, and Kyle McCord. For the record—and for insurance purposes—they were photographed before proceedings began. As the morning progressed, Tom Mahon eventually relented and permitted his hair to be cut, though he kept his beard securely covered. Abbey, one of the Club’s hard‑working cooks, also stepped forward for a haircut.
The event proved enjoyable for all present and raised approximately £680.00 for the Belfast Masonic Charity Fund.
Writeup provided by VW. Bro. Robert Bashford : Provincial Assistant Grand Master designate
10th January 2026: Presentation to the Childrens Heartbeat Trust

W.bro Hugh Blair, accompanied by W.Bro. Keith Sloan and W.Bro. Stephen Lee, presents a cheque for £636.15 to Lynn Cowan from the Childrens Hearbeat Trust
10th January 2026: Presentation to the Whiteabbey Hospice Support Group


W.Bro. Mark Stockard, the Worshipful Master proudly presents W.Bro. John McIwaine with a cheque for £750.
This generous contribution will be forwarded to the Whiteabbey Masonic Hospice Support Group. Funds were raised during the Lodge's Annual Sponsored Walk, which took place on June 28, 2025