St Paul's Church Defenders LOL 1960 was formed in St Paul's Parish Church in York Street Belfast. The first warrant of the Lodge was taken out on the 4th day of October 1892. The first Worshipful Master being WBro William John Nelson, a select vestry member of St Paul's Parish Church. To this day the Lodge has always had a portrait of the church emblazoned upon it's banners.
The original lodge warrant belonged to No. 7 District LOL in the City of Belfast but for some unknown reason LOL 1960 transferred for a period in the early part of the twentieth century to No 4 District LOL in Belfast as the records of the Grand Lodge of Ireland indicate, before rejoining No 7 District now 7/8 District in the City of Belfast.
The golden jubilee of the Lodge was celebrated in 1946 being postponed owing to World War II. The Lodge adapted Junior LOL 61 in May 1979. On Saturday 2nd May 1992, LOL 1960 celebrated it's centenary by unfurling new banners for LOL 1960 and JLOL 61. The dedication being carried out by WBro Rev W.M Smyth Ba, Bd, MP Most Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Ireland.
During two World War's and the present troubles LOL 1960 has maintained a presence in Belfast Orange Hall Clifton Street and are grateful to the hall management for providing rooms.
LOL 1960 has always been the premier Lodge at District level having supplied at least three District Masters and numerous officers. Today LOL 1960 boasts five sets of natural brothers, three father and sons and three fifty years long service medal holders. Although the Lodge was formed in York Street it is interesting to note that with population shift it is now mostly filled with members from the greater Shankill area and further a field.
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