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| James Alexander Donnelly |
Royal York L.O.L. 145 is holding a centennial service of
remembrance today to a late Member, Second Lieutenant
James Alexander Donnelly, and our other fallen brethren of World War 1.
Bro Donnelly is considered to be the last man to die a
member of the Royal Flying Corps on the 31 March 1918, as on 1 April it became
the Royal Air Force.
A new Roll of Honour to all the Brethren who served and fell
from LOL 145 will be dedicated at the service.
Wor. Bro. Colin Cavan, Worshipful Master of Royal York LOL
145 said:
“It is a privilege to honour
these men and remember their sacrifice to King and Country. We are also
particularly pleased to be joined at the service by much of the extended Donnelly
family to remember their particular sacrifice, in the loss of a Father, Brother
and staunch & true Ulsterman, James Donnelly.”
Wor. Bro. Lord Rogan of Lower Iveagh, Past Master of LOL 145
added:
“James Alexander Donnelly and his
siblings John, Frank and Jane are that incredible story that comes to its own
in Ulster. From what we would call today a ‘mixed’ family (their father being
born a Roman Catholic), they went on to be pillars of the community in Orange,
Business, Church and the Army circles. In James’ case, to excel in the new
sciences of Telegraphy and Aviation. The fact we are remembering him today, is
a testament to the great loss his passing was, not only to the Orange
Institution, but to the Nation at large.”
The service will be held in Ballintoy Parish Church.
Ballintoy was the church of the Donnelly family, and as Bro Donnelly was the
most senior Lodge officer (as Lay Chaplain) to perish in the Great War, it was
decided that the memorial service should be held there. His name, and those of
his Brothers, the Rev John and Major Frank
Donnelly, are
inscribed on the Church War Memorial tablet.
The service will begin at 2PM and will be conducted by the local
minister, the Rev. Patrick Barton BA BTh, with the sermon and dedication
carried out by the Lodge Chaplain, Bro. the Rev. Iain Jamieson.
All are welcome
to the service.
