Jewel bearing the initials R.S. and the date 1919, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro Robert Smyth.

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1 Brethren, We would ask you all to keep an eye on your local auction houses, collector s fairs, car boot sales, e-bay and similar sites for people trying to sell Masonic Jewels issued by Lord Arthur Hill, Masonic Lodge No 147, Blaris Masonic Hall, Co Down. This Hall was broken into last week-end, a number of valuable items were stolen, and then an attempt was made to burn the Hall and conceal the crime. The proper civil authorities have been very slow in reacting to this crime, and we are delighted to publicise the details of items stolen in an attempt to restore these important items of Lodge History to their proper home. Amongst the items taken were ten Past Master s jewels, two Excellent King jewels, a large Presentation silver Square and one of the wooden and brass poles used to carry the veil banner in Chapter 147. This has a very distinctive brass head comprising a brass six pointed star within a circle of brass and engraved on the brass circle is the legend Sir Arthur Hill RAC No 147. The Craft jewels are all of a similar pattern comprising the standard compass, square and G motif set within an oval wreath of acacia leaves. Generally the craft jewels were manufactured by Sharman D. Neill, jewellers Belfast and bear the marks S.D.N. or S.D.Neill on the reverse face. These Past Master s jewels fall into two categories with the earlier jewels having a silver PM set, fixed onto a gilt silver oval wreath. The later jewels are all in plain silver. Another common feature in all the jewels is the fact that the top bar of the ribbons are all fret cut with the initials of the recipient and the bottom bar has the year of issue fret cut as well. All in all, this little collection represents a significant section of the history of the Sir Arthur Hill Lodge. Amongst the type 1 Past Master s jewels, with the gilt oval of acacia are the following :-

2 initials R.S. and the date 1919, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro Robert Smyth. initials R.B.G. and the date 1922, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro R. Barkley Greer. initials T.Y.W. and the date 1933, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro Thomas Young Wilson. initials T.M. and the date 1935, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro Thomas Mulligan. Curiously enough, this Brother went on to marry my Aunt Tillie McElreavy in Lisburn, Co Antrim after the end of the Second World War.

3 initials J.S. and the date 1937, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro James Smyth. initials C.D. and the date 1954, inscribed on the rear to Wor Bro Charles A. Duncan. The type 2 past master s jewel are all in silver and includes the following :- initials H.S. and the date 1939, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro Hugh Stewart. initials T.D. and the date 1941, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro Thomas Duncan. initials R.G.S. and the date 1957, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro Robert George Smyth. initials J.H.R. and the date 1969, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro John Henry Rainey. initials W.J.M. and the date 1976, inscribed in the rear to Wor Bro William James Morrison. Amongst the items taken were two examples of a standard Past King s Royal Arch jewel. These jewels are in 9ct gold and are in the shape of a six pointed star with irish shamrocks set between the points of the star. The face of the jewels has the logo of the order engraved thereon.

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5 The two examples are engraved on the reverse with the names and dates of the recipient Excellent king, which are : Presented to William Collins E.K Presented to John Ivor McBride E.K. One other item that was taken was a solid silver square, which can be seen in the following photograph. And finally we attach a photo of the poles used in the Royal Arch, complete with their heads, all bearing the legend Sir Arthur Hill Royal Arch Chapter No 147.

6 The Lodge are understandable keen to recover these items, which are an important part of their Lodge history. Anyone who sees or locates any of these items should immediately the Lodge Secretary at