Abbey 180
Masonic Lodge
16th December 2025: W.Bro Hugh Blair SoC, AKA Santa Hugo
visits the Royal Victoria Childrens Hospital
On the 16th December, W.Bro. Hugh Blair, SoC of Abbey 180, AKA as Santa Hugo spent a fantastic and heart‑warming time with the Children’s Heartbeat Trust NI, bringing his own special touch of cheer to the children in the Clark Ward at the Children’s Hospital at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
He checked his list twice and was delighted to find that all the children had been very good throughout the year. When he checked some of the parents on his Santa Pad, however, he discovered that a few had not been quite so good. After he handed them the Santa Pad, they wrote their apologies and promised to be good and do better next year.
As each parent pressed the Santa Pad button, the message went straight to the North Pole, and Santa Hugo immediately received confirmation that their “not‑so‑good” marks had been wiped clean. This brought great happiness all around.
Santa Hugo found the experience both humbling and uplifting, knowing he had brought a little joy into the lives of these wonderful children. The Heartbeat Team were delighted with the visit and shared on their website that Santa Hugo was from the Antrim Freemasons. They now look forward to receiving a cheque from him in the New Year, made up of donations kindly given by the Antrim Freemasons and others in support of their remarkable charity. He wishes to personally thank all the Masons who contributed so generously.
Now in his fifth year as Santa, Santa Hugo has only a few more events left before he finally rests on Christmas Eve night.
Children’s Heartbeat Trust:
Our work helps children and young people with heart disease and their families live full and empowered lives, informed about their heart condition but not overwhelmed by it.
There are around 4,000 children and young people living with heart conditions in NI.
https://childrensheartbeattrust.org/
https://www.facebook.com/childrens.h.trust/?locale=en_GB
7th December 2025: Christmas Carol Service
The Brethren of Whiteabbey Masonic Hall and Club held their Christmas Carol Service in the Hall on a wet and miserable afternoon. Prior to the event, they had already received their first donation from the Antrim & Newtownabbey Council Veterans, a group of ex‑service personnel who dine regularly in the Hall’s Dining Room.
The afternoon commenced promptly at 2.30pm with a short presentation from Suzanne Barclay, a representative of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. She outlined the vital work carried out by the organisation, which provides specialist palliative care to improve the lives of babies, children and adults with life‑limiting and life‑threatening conditions. She explained that Horizon House, their dedicated accommodation unit, is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of children requiring such care. Services offered include supported short breaks, practical nursing care, end‑of‑life care, and comprehensive family and bereavement support. Following her presentation, Suzanne showed a short video featuring Horizon House and illustrating the day‑to‑day work undertaken by the Hospice team.
Music for the service was provided by Leah Spiers Whitley (W.Bro. Ed Spiers daughter), whose performance was both excellent and accomplished. Between the carols, Wor. Bro. John McIlwaine introduced the afternoon’s speakers, including Ms Leanne McDowell, R.W. Bro.Stephen Bell, R.W. Bro. John Edens, Provincial Grand Master of Antrim, and W.Bro. Nigel Gamble.
At the conclusion of the service, and before tea was served, the Brethren of Whiteabbey Hall presented representatives of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice with a cheque for £6,000 in support of their invaluable work.
Afterwards, those present enjoyed a generous spread of freshly baked scones with strawberry jam and fresh cream, accompanied by tea or coffee. On this occasion, all refreshments were kindly provided as a gift by Trevor Cushley of Glen Catering.
Writeup written by R.W. Bro Robert Bashford P.A.G.M
14th November 2025: Fund raising event in support of the Lodge's Widows
The Lodge recently hosted a Poker Night in support of our Widows’ Fund.
The evening was filled with good Craic, drawing not only Brethren from Abbey 180 but also their friends. Thanks to the generosity of all who attended, a total of £215 was raised. This is not the final figure, as Brethren who couldn't attend have pledged donations to the Widows Fund.
29th October 2025: The Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Mark Stockard welcomes back W.Bro. Terry Moore to the Lodge
The Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Mark Stockard, extends a warm welcome to W.Bro. Terry Moore on the occasion of his return to the 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