Abbey 180
Masonic Lodge
4th October 2025: Grand Lodge of Ireland Tercentenary meeting at the Europa Hotel
R.W. Bro. Stephen Bell Grand Lodge Foreign Representative to the Grand Lodge of Vermont, R.W. Bro. Bobby Spiers, EMGLI and Grand Lodge Foreign Representative to the Grand Lodge of Portugal and W.Bro. Gary Spiers PPJGD enjoying the Grand Lodge of Ireland Tercentenary meeting at the Europa Hotel.
10th September 2025: R.W. Bro. Sam Ferguson PPSGW invitation to The Royal Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle
What a proud moment for R.W. Bro. Sam Ferguson, PPSGW and his family. He was invited to The Royal Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle on the 10th of September 2025. A tremendous honour, especially with Princess Anne in attendance, who mingled with everyone and chatted to a number of individuals. This event was particularly for people who had made a significant contribution to the community. Earlier in the year Sam had been awarded the BEM for his work with the Newtownabbey Credit Union.
Congratulations Sam.
September 2025: Abbey 180 Lodge visit the Grand Lodge to hold an Emergency Communication
On 20th September 2025, Abbey Lodge No. 180 once again journeyed to the Grand Lodge in Dublin to hold an Emergency Communication, marking the third such occasion since 1991.
The Lodge meeting was opened and closed by the Worshipful Master, W. Bro Mark Stockard.
The first visit took place in 1991, when W.Bro. Bobby Spiers (now R.W. Bro.) presided as Worshipful Master. The second visit occurred in 2007 when W.Bro. George Burnside, who was then in the Chair.
28th June 2025: Annual Sponsored Walk from Carrickfergus Castle to the Whiteabbey Masonic Centre
Abbey 180 Lodge held its annual sponsored walk on the 28th June, beginning at the historic Carrickfergus Castle and finishing at the Whiteabbey Masonic Centre. The proceeds raised will be equally divided between the Whiteabbey Masonic Hospice Support Group—in memory of the Lodge’s late Treasurer, W.Bro. Tommy Chambers and the Lodge Widows.
The Brethren gathered beside the iconic castle, with a conveniently placed coffee caravan offering welcome refreshments before the journey began.
Leading the walk were W.Bro. John McIlwaine and his grandson, Jaxx McDowell, (a future candidate)—who is also the great-grandson of W.Bro. Tommy Chambers—setting a lively pace from the outset.
The Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Mark Stockard, ensured morale and momentum remained high by walking among the Brethren throughout the route. After 5.5 miles of steady progress, the walkers reached the Masonic Centre, where they enjoyed some well-earned liquid refreshment.
Appointment of R.W. Bro. Stephen Bell as Grand Lodge Foreign Representative to the Grand Lodge of Vermont
Congratulations to R.W. Bro. Stevie Bell on his appointment as Grand Lodge of Ireland Foreign Representative to the Grand Lodge of Vermont.
He is proudly wearing his new regalia at the Grand Lodge of Ireland Communication on the 5th June 2025 at the Freemasons Hall, 17 Molesworth Street Dublin.
Accompanying, R.W. Bro. Stevie Bell are PPGL Accountant, V.W.Bro. John Crawford and V.W. Bro. David Martin, Provincial Grand Lodge Secretary.
Presentation of the British Empire medal to R.W. Bro. Sam Ferguson PPSGW.
A proud moment for R.W. Bro. Sam Ferguson PPSGW as he was awarded the British Empire Medal by Mr. David McCorkill, the Lord Lieutenant of Antrim at Hillsborough Castle.
Sam, accompanied by his family, received this distinguished honour in recognition of nearly 60 years of outstanding service to the Newtownabbey community for his work in the Abbey Credit Union.
2024: Annual Sponsored Walk from Carrickfergus Castle to the Whiteabbey Masonic Centre
Abbey 180 held their annual sponsored walk on the 29th June from Carrickfergus to the Whiteabbey Masonic Centre. Normally the walk is held at the end of September but this year it was decided to bring the date forward, taking advantage of the summer weather. It was the biggest turnout with 14 Brethren and one dog participating.
This year the money will be divided equally between the “Northern Ireland Hospice”, in memory of the Treasurer of the Lodge, W.Bro. Tommy Chambers and The “NI Children Heartbeat Trust”, the nominated charity of the Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Hugh Blair.
April 2024 Communication
Abbey 180 had a change of venue for their April Communication, great night sitting in the Templepatrick Masonic Centre, new home of the PGL of Antrim.
A Fellow Craft degree was delivered with great aplomb, with a number of Lodge members, young and young at heart, taking part in the degree.
The Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Hugh Blair welcomed W.Bro. Raymond Shaw to the meeting, who was joining the Lodge.
PGL Antrim - Stated Communication 15th April 2024.
W. Bro. Gary Spiers was appointed Provincial Junior Grand Deacon at a Stated Communication of Provincial Grand Lodge at the Leighinmohr Hotel Ballymena on the 15th April .
He was supported by a proud father, R.W.Bro. Bobby Spiers EMGL of Instruction and Representative to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Portugal, his brother, W.Bro. Ed Spiers, Bro. Gareth Moody and W.Bro. Nigel Hanna.
January 2024 Communication
Bro. Gary Lennox accompanied by the Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Hugh Blair, and W.Bro. Robert Lenaghan after receiving his 3rd Degree;
Degree team
Receiving: W.Bro. Gary Spiers
Conductor: W.Bro. John McIlwaine
Assurance, Obligation & Explanation of the Obligation: RW.Bro. Bobby Spiers
Legend: W.Bro. Alan Hunter
Working Tools: Bro. Jamie Linton