History of the Commandery

Our Story

From the 1952 revival to the present day, the Commandery of Ards has served Northern Ireland with distinction.

Arms of the Commandery of Ards

Patent of arms granted 2006

The Revival

In 1947, a committee was set up to manage the Association and Brigade and prepare for the re-establishment of a Commandery. The inauguration ceremony took place in Queen's University on 22 May 1952 and was conducted by the Grand Prior, HRH The Duke of Gloucester.

The Governor of Northern Ireland, The Earl Grenville, accepted the invitation to become the Knight Commander, as did his successors; Lord Wakehurst, Lord Erskine and Lord Grey. Since direct rule was imposed in 1979, all the Knight Commanders have subsequently been appointed from within the Commandery.

James Pollock (CMG, OBE, KStJ) was instrumental in founding the Commandery. As Lieutenant designate, he negotiated with the Order in London and planned the inauguration ceremony, at which he was invested as a Knight of the Order.

Key Milestones

1947

Committee established to prepare for Commandery revival

1952

Inauguration ceremony at Queen's University

1963

Queen Mother attends premiere of Rampage

1983

St John Fellowship founded

1988

Headquarters moved to Erne

1999

Became dependent Commandery of Priory of England

2006

New patent of arms granted

2009

Commandery window dedicated in St Anne's Cathedral

2012

Diamond anniversary celebrations

HRH The Princess Royal with SJANI youth members during a recent visit in Ballymena

Growth & Service

The 60 members on the Grand Priory Roll living in Northern Ireland in 1952 were transferred to the Commandery Roll. Since then, over 600 members have been admitted to, or promoted in, the Order, the majority being volunteers in St John Ambulance.

In its early years, the Commandery relied heavily on profits from the annual Order Ball and film show. The financial situation improved after Health and Safety legislation required employers to meet first aid standards— which St John was well placed to provide.

600+Members Admitted

30Years During The Troubles

9Life Saving Medals

Service During The Troubles

For 30 of the years during which the Commandery has been in existence, members of St John Ambulance have had to live with The Troubles. Volunteers made a significant contribution to saving life.

1Silver Life Saving Medal

8Bronze Life Saving Medals

Awarded in recognition of conspicuous acts of bravery

Competition Achievements

In 2001, the Commandery formed St John Ambulance (NI), incorporating the Northern Ireland District which has a proud record of achievements in competitions at national level.

Dewer ShieldPerrot ShieldWhite-Knox CupDunbar-Natsmith CupGeorge A. Moore TrophyStuart Latham Cup (Badgers)

Headquarters

The Commandery was headquartered in Bryson House, Belfast, until 1963, then moved to the Northern Ireland War Memorial Building on Waring Street. In 1988, headquarters moved to Erne, which was subsequently purchased. The archive contains the Commandery's collection of records, memorabilia, and over 400 books and pamphlets.

Erne Headquarters

Partnerships & Relations

St John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland

Regular contact maintained with the Brigade based in Dublin. Invitations extended to formal events and reciprocated.

Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Good relations maintained in recognition of shared roots. The 900th anniversary was celebrated with a joint Service of Vespers in Down Cathedral in 1999.

Ladies Committee

An active committee raising vital funds for St John Ambulance NI and the Eye Hospital.

Source: Historical Gleanings, The Story of the Commandery of Ards 1099-2013, John Hughes