CHARLESTON
The Charleston branch was “St. Patrick’s No. 20,” and its place of meeting was St. Patrick’s Schoolroom. No information regarding this branch prior to 1890 is available, but thereafter the Secretaries were: Timothy Enright, 1890-1895; M. O’D. Lavery, 1896-1897; Patrick Lavery, 1898; T. M. Norris, 1899-1916.
Number of members: Over 100 in January, 1870; 26 in 1880; 26 in 1891; 22 in 1896; 15 in 1898; 20 in 1903; 13 in 1909; and 4 in 1916, when the branch closed.
It is said that the old Charleston banner, first carried on St. Patrick’s Day of 1872, is now in possession of the Westport Branch.
MANCHESTER UNITY INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS: The “Loyal Charleston Lodge” was established in 1867, and still exists with a membership of sixteen. The meeting-place was the European Hotel, Prince’s Street East.
The officers, 1867-1868, and 1868-1869, were:
1868—J. Meredith, N.G.; W. G. Collings, G.M.; D. Cunningham, V.G.; J. Henderson, Secretary; D. Henderson, Treasurer; Dr. McMullin, Surgeon.
1869—F. McParland, N.G.; D. Cunningham, P.G.; Chas. Mirfin, V.G.; E. Speir, E.S.; W. J. Moore, G.M.; J. Hennelly, Secretary; E. Price, Warden.
In 1880 there were 63 members. In December of 1904, there were 47 members, the Trustees being: T. Lander, R. J. Powell, Wm. Henry (Treasurer), J. H. Powell, G. F. Hurburgh (Permanent Secretary), G. M. Powell (Auditor). The Grand Master, North-West Coast, was G. M. Powell, and the Past Grand Master, J. M. Powell. Mr. C. Woodhead was Secretary for several years.
ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS: Court Charleston, No 5026, was established in 1871. Its second anniversary was celebrated on 22nd October, 1873. The Hon. Secretary of this celebration was Thos. Dollman, and the Committee were Messrs. John Gardner, John Berg, George Bavan, W. B. Gallard, Chas. Bowater, Joshua Smith, and John Phalin. In 1874 there were 20 members. The lodge met on
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