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Post by leonardo on Jan 19, 2009 14:08:24 GMT
We have just received news that our Lodge in Newtownards has been ransacked and burned quite extensively. This happened late last night and we have no idea at this stage when we'll be able to use it again. For more info click on the following: Arsonists set masonic hall alight
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Post by lauderdale on Jan 19, 2009 14:29:35 GMT
This is too terrible for words! My sympathies to the Brethren of the Lodges etc which meet there and of course to yourself and Michelle.
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Post by leonardo on Jan 19, 2009 14:52:42 GMT
Thank you Bro. Steve.
We are as you can expect devastated by this news. When we received the phone call informing us what happened we couldn't believe what we were hearing and even now it's all pretty surreal.
This is the second time the place has been attacked. Last year the front glass doors were kicked in and some minor damage done inside but nothing to the extent of this latest incident.
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Post by billmcelligott on Jan 19, 2009 16:03:59 GMT
Oh, it was your Lodge Leo, I got that on a news thingy this morning.
I am sorry to hear that. Hope it gets sorted quickly.
I don't know what they get out of it ?
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Post by leonardo on Jan 19, 2009 16:10:06 GMT
Thanks Bill. It seems quite incomprehensible to me as why some would want to do something like this. Incidentally, the Lodge wasn't the only place in the town attacked that night, apparently two other building were also vandalised and police suspect the same people to be involved.
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Post by maximus on Jan 19, 2009 16:24:36 GMT
My sympahies to yourself and your Brethren, Patrick. Sounds like the Police have no leads so far from the article. That the perpetrators hit other buildings as well sounds like they were out to destroy for the sake of destruction. Let's hope they can be brought to justice.
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Post by leonardo on Jan 19, 2009 18:50:54 GMT
Thanks Bro. Max.
Still at a loss as to why this has happened. It actually directly effects two Lodges as St. Micheal's Lodge also meets there, they meet on a Tuesday evening and we (St. Patrick) meet on a Saturday. So this is a double blow.
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Post by waynecowley on Jan 19, 2009 20:00:49 GMT
My sympathies too Leo
Has much been lost?
Wayne
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Post by corab on Jan 19, 2009 23:24:39 GMT
Too early to say. I have just returned from a meeting at HQ where we received updates as more news came in.
There is no indication that it is anti-masonic activity, insofar as I understand it.
The Temple is used by 2 craft lodges and a number of Allied and Higher Degrees, so the the impact is heavy.
Thank heavens we are insured.
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imakegarb
Member
One wee, sleeket, cowran, tim'rous beastie
Posts: 3,573
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Post by imakegarb on Jan 20, 2009 5:04:54 GMT
Anti-Masons or otherwise, to be so attacked twice, and with such devastation, is just terrible. My every sympathy to both lodges.
If there's anything I may do to help, please let me know.
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Post by leonardo on Jan 20, 2009 15:28:33 GMT
Thank you Bro. Karen.
Some updates on this:
I just spoke to one of our IPMs and was told the insurance people were out at the lodge this morning and the damage seems quite extensive.
The building needs a full structural report before we know the full extent but at the moment it looks like we will need a completely new Temple floor.
There were several large fires started in the upstairs area; one at the entrance to the Temple where we gather before proceeding inside, another in one of the Council rooms where curtains and others things were set alight, and another where the RWM is positioned. Apparently the whole platform is totally destroyed. In fact, this area is so bad no one has yet been able to gain access to the room at the back, which is where our artefacts are kept.
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Post by leonardo on Jan 20, 2009 20:39:32 GMT
I would recommend alarms for all such buildings. It should also reduce the insurance premium as well as act as a deterent. Even a camera for survaillance. It is a pity it is necessary to take such action it seems to be a sign of the times we now have to live in. Good point. I am not sure for definite but I don't think they have alarms or video surveillance cameras on the premises, I do agree, though, they could be an effective deterrent and imagine after this episode something like this will be invested in.
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