Masonic Quadrille Party

A Quadrille is a historic dance performed by four couples in a rectangular formation, and a precursor to traditional square dancing.
       

Masonic Quadrille Party in Newry, December 1881
 
On Tuesday night a quadrille party, under the auspices of Lodges 23 and 77, was given in the Newry Assembly Room, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion, a number of emblems from the Masonic Hall, Belfast, adding very much to the general effect.

There was a good attendance of the brethren and their fair friends. Dancing commenced at nine o'clock, and was kept up till midnight, when a recherché supper, prepared by the mess men of the 16th Regiment, was served. After the appetising repast, dancing was resumed, and kept up till half past three o'clock.

The music was supplied by a portion of the fife band of the Bedfordshire's. During the night several of the brethren favoured the company with good songs, which were much appreciated, and formed a delightful feature of the night’s enjoyment.

It is, we understand, about thirty years since such a Masonic re-union was given in Newry, and it was, from first to last, most successful.
 
 
Masonic Quadrille Party in Newry, March 1884.

On Thursday evening the members of Masonic Lodges 23 and 77 gave a most enjoyable quadrille party in the Assembly Rooms of the Savings Bank at which there was a large attendance of the brethren and their lady and gentlemen friends.

The room was tastefully decorated with bunting for the occasion, and the music was admirably supplied by some of the band of the Border Regiment. Dancing was kept up till an early hour on Friday morning.

         
Prior to the opening of the Masonic Hall at Sandy's Place, Downshire Road, the Lodge held dinners in hotels located in Newry, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor. See below.
         
 
The Victoria Hotel, Warrenpoint 1853.       The Commercial Hotel. 37 Hill St, Newry. 1869.
 
The Royal Hotel, Havelock Place, Warrenpoint 1860.       Newry Assembly Room. Savings Bank, Newry. 1881
 
Imperial Hotel, 8 Marcus Square, Newry. 1864.       The Railway Hotel. 1883.
 
The "Ghau House", Rostrevor, owned by Br. Sauxter 1867.       The Victoria Hotel, Hill Street, Newry. 1888.
         
Sauxter's Hotel, Rostrevor. 1868.       Newry Town Hall. 1904