Lid lifted on history of an institution

MOST people walk past the 1950s era building on May Street in the heart of Belfast city centre without a second glance, the distinctive Masonic anvil woven into the metal of the gate a rallying point to only those in the know.

A gold plaque in memory of Henry Joy McCracken, the infamous leader of the Republican United Irishmen in Ulster, who staged a series of uprisings in the 18th century, adds further intrigue.

However, all and more was explained by the Provincial Grand Lodge Librarian of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim, Robert Bashford, as he welcomed the News Letter over the threshold.

read the rest of this facinating report here