GRAND ORANGE LODGE OF IRELAND

FOUNDED 21st.APRIL 1798.

Thomas Verner called a meeting of all Masters of lodges in Dublin on 8th. March 1798, and was himself called to the chair. William Blacker was in attendance and give his approval to the proceedings.

Twelve resolutions for the formation of a Grand Lodge were proposed and submitted to every lodge in Ireland for ratification. On 21st. April the structure of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland was laid and Thomas Verner elected the first Grand Master of Ireland.

Thomas Verner was born on 24th. March 1774, the eldest child of Col. James Verner, M.P. and Jane, of Churchill on the County Armagh side of Verner's Bridge over the Blackwater.

Each county still operated its own rules so a committee was set up to produce a uniform book of regulations for the Institution. The 1798 Rebellion delayed its implementation till 20th. November when they were ratified. These include the order of business and the prayers to be used at the opening and closing of lodges with which we are still familiar.