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A memorial lantern has been unveiled at Bessbrook Orange Hall in honour of two brethren murdered in the Kingsmill atrocity 50 years ago.
Bessbrook Purple Star LOL959 held the service on Monday 5 January 2026, the 50th anniversary of the Kingsmill murders to remember Bro McWhirter and Bro Lemmon. A large attendance included representatives from neighbouring districts and the two daughters of the late Bro Joe Lemmon.
The service was led by Bro Nathan Brown, Master of the lodge, with the dedication carried out by lodge member Bro Rev N Reid.
Representatives attended from the neighbouring districts of Markethill and Newry, whilst brethren with a connection to the village travelled from Castlewellan to pay their respects.
Grand Lodge was represented by the Deputy Grand Secretary Bro Ian Ward, with the Deputy Grand Master of County Armagh, Bro Lawson Burnett, also in attendance.
The lodge was honoured to have the two daughters of the late Bro Joe Lemmon present at the service, marking the significant milestone anniversary of the tragic events that claimed the lives of their two brethren.
