1st June 2026

Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Shirley Hawkes, recently hosted a reception at the Townhall, Enniskillen to celebrate the centenary of the Gordon and Nixon Memorial Temperance Royal Black Preceptory number 473.

Speaking at the reception the Vice Chair said:

“As Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to the Townhall, in Enniskillen, for this reception to celebrate the centenary of the Gordon and Nixon Memorial Temperance Royal Black Preceptory number 473.

Formed in memory of William Gordon and Samuel Nixon, the Preceptory held its opening meeting in the house of George Lester, where eight Sir Knights were present. Initially, 26 individuals were proposed for membership and six were transferred in. This marked the strong foundations of the organisation’s journey.

Under the leadership of the first Worshipful Master, John Lester, and Registrar, George Lester, the Preceptory quickly grew. By its first parade in Enniskillen in 1926, 39 members proudly walked. By the 1930s, that number had risen to 65.

Meetings were initially held in the barn loft of John Lester. When it was purchased in 1943 and later became the Black Hall, it marked not just an investment in a building, but an investment in the future of the organisation.

Each generation has left its mark, whether through the installation of new banners in 1963 and 1996, the purchase of the neighbouring house in 1985, or the reopening of the hall after renovation in 2008. The organisation has consistently come together to build and develop.

Like many organisations, challenges have been faced. In 2004, membership fell to just 20. However, this was turned around, and the Preceptory has gone from strength to strength, thanks to the hard work, dedication, and support of its team. Today, membership has risen again to 32.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to commend Rosslea Royal Black Preceptory RBP 473 and its members and leaders for their drive and devotion to shaping the organisation into what it is today.

Celebrating a centenary is a remarkable achievement. It is not just a time to look back, but also a time to look forward. May the Gordon and Nixon Memorial Temperance Royal Black Preceptory continue to thrive for another hundred years.”