Tribute paid to Seapatrick rector

LOL 423LOL 423
LOL 423

The lodge members, together with members of Newmills LOL 183, attended the graveside of Bro Rev Richard Ussher Greer to mark the 100th anniversary of his sudden passing back in 1915.

Worshipful Master Jonathan Watson said: “We felt as a lodge we needed to mark this special but solemn occasion and thought no better way than to bring the old lodge banner and Lambeg drum which bear the Rev Ussher Greer’s portrait up to his grave, and have a short act of remembrance.

“The ceremony opened with prayer and a portion of scripture. We then managed to find the lodge minute book from the time and so was the high esteem in which Bro Rev Greer was held that the LOL 423 held a special meeting on June 24, 1915 just to record his passing. To close the Deputy Master and I then lead a wreath at his headstone.”

Richard Ussher Greer was born on July 29, 1868 at Riverside, County Tyrone. Richard was the son of the Reverend William Henry and Charlotte Pike.

He became Rector of Kilcoleman and Crossboyle, County Mayo and was educated at the Royal School Armagh and then the Royal School Dungannon and Trinity College Dublin.

In 1911 he was appointed Rector of Seapatrick Parish Church, Banbridge.

Rev Greer secured a chaplaincy with the 8th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (East Belfast Volunteers).

While Rev Greer was on a leave of absence from there he suffered a brain haemorrhage at home and died suddenly on June 23, 1915.