"Robert Turner having, about the year 1657, been instrumental to the convincement of a few who lived at Grange, near Charlemont in the Province of Ulster, this year, their numbers being considerably increased through the labours of other travelling Friends, a meeting was settled there." (1)

"1660 or 1662 a meeting was settled at Upper Grange near Charlemont." (2)

William Edmundson, the apostle of Quakerism to Ireland, had already been largely responsible for the commencement of several Friends Meetings in Ulster prior to this date. The first meeting was held in his own house in Lurgan in 1654. Others settled soon after were Ballyhagan, Toberhead (Co. Londonderry) and Lisnagarvey, also one or two meetings in Co. Antrim and Co. Cavan.

The missionary impulse of early Friends was very evident as a continuous stream of visiting minsters from England came with messages to strengthen those who were already "convinced" or to declare "truth" to any inquirers they could contact. It is just possible that William Edmundson and Richard Clayton (a visiting Friend from England) may have made an impact on some individuals living near Redford, Co. Tyrone, as Rutty tells us that in 1654 from Lurgan they travelled northwards on foot to Coleraine and Londonderry returning via Strabane, Omagh, Dungannon and Charlemont "publishing truth in the streets" of some of the towns and making contacts with those who would receive their message until they came to Margery Atkinson's house near Kilmore, Co. Armagh, where a meeting was settled later known as Ballyhagan (3) and moved to Richhill in 1793.

Grange is a common place name in Ulster, there are at least ten Granges in Co. Antrim and several others in Co. Armagh. To distinguish our Grange from Grange nearToomebridge, Co. Antrim (where a meeting was already established), Friends in Dublin called the farthest one, which was in the south west corner of Co. Antrim, north of Lough Neagh "Low Grange" and our Grange "Upper Grange".

The fort of Charlemont was an important military garrison, guarding as it did the lower waters of the Blackwater River and the approach road to Co. Tyrone. Round this fort the town of Charlemont clustered and on the northern side of the river is Moy founded in 1764. In the early Quaker records our Grange is frequently referred to as "Grange near Charlemont" or "The Meeting beyond Charlemont".

Since the beginning of the seventeenth century conditions in Ireland had been very unsettled. The flight of the Earls followed by the Plantation of Ulster when English and Scottish Protestant settlers were given grants of land provided they fulfilled certain conditions. The rebellion of 1641, centred chiefly in Co. Tyrone, was a determined attempt by the natives to regain control, and its subsequent overthrow left the country unsettled and impoverished and life generally was very difficult for the new settlers. It was from among them that the first converts to the new Quaker movement were drawn.

The rebellion of 1641 in Ireland was associated with the Great Civil War in England and Scotland, so that fighting did not cease until the last Castle surrendered in Co. Cavan in 1653. It was estimated that more than half the population of our island perished during those terrible twelve years of fighting, slaughter, starvation and plague. When the early Friends accepted the tenets of Christian pacifism from George Fox, they were not ignorant of the terrors of war, they had seen its results only too closely.

A resort to arms had taken place in all three countries to settle disputes that concerned religion as well as political power. During those twelve years the first Quaker worshippers at Grange had seen three strong churches overthrown, Anglican, Roman and Scottish. They themselves had mostly been brought up underthe Church of England, and obliged by lawto attend its services. They had lived to see its two chiefmen, the King and the Archbishop (4) tried and executed, and the prayer book service forbidden to be read in public under legal penalties, and so those who began to meet regularly here 300 years ago prayed not only for sins forgiven, but also for new courage to meet the difficulties of life. They also prayed that Christ would show them, when all great men and churches seemed to have collapsed, what kind of church and worship He would have them follow.

It seems clear that they were showing real courage in setting up their separate meeting in the Restoration year. King Charles II, before leaving Holland, had promised freedom to tender consciences. It was not known how this would be interpreted by the new Government. In fact, not so long after the King's return, the outbreak of the Fifth Monarchy Rising in England caused the authorities to arrest large numbers of Nonconformists on suspicion. Among these we find, according to Fuller's Sufferings, that 124 Quakers were imprisoned in Ireland in 1660,135 in the following year, but in 1662, only 47. As no list of names has been preserved, we do not know if any Grange Friends were among them. Possibly the new meeting was not well known to the authorities. I n any case the fact that they did not postpone setting up their meeting until more peaceful times is a proof of their courage.

One of the first members of Grange Meeting was Henry Greerof Alnwick in Northumberland, who with his wife Mary (nee Turner) settled at Redford near Grange, Co. Tyrone in 1653. Their house was near where the road from Dungannon to Moy passes over the River Rhone (a tributary of the Blackwater). (5) There is no record when they actually became Friends, but it may be assumed that it was after they came to live in Ireland. Henry and Mary Greer (or Greeves) were the ancestors of a family which played a considerable part in the life of Grange Meeting over three centuries and are still represented in the meeting and in the Quarterly Meeting.

Amongst other Friends connected with the meeting in the early days were (surnames only), Whiteside, Whitsitt, Forde, Mallon, Rigg or Riggs, Holden, Purdy, Hill, Sheppard, Rawlins, Simmons, Francis, Furnace, Boyd, Hobson, Haydock, Pillar, Calvert, Shaw, Douglas, Stockdale, Richardson, Jones, Courtney, Swenarton, Kerr, Marshall, Marsh, Laurence, Webb.

The very early records of Grange Meeting have not been preserved and so it is not possible to trace in detail the very early history of the meeting. From what references are available it seems pretty certain that those who were "convinced" in and around Grange were members of a closely knit community and most of the first families associated with the meeting intermarried amongst themselves. Two of the early members of the Meeting at Grange William Stockdale (6) a Friend in the ministry, and Thomas Francis, removed their dwelling from Charlemont to the city of Londonderry to encourage and help those who had been convinced and were meeting together there. They remained there for about two years and Rutty tells us "those who had been convinced in that place proved like the stony ground in the parable, soon withering; and the said two Friends being discouraged from staying, returned to their former place of abode so the meeting (in Londonderry) ceased." (7)

One of Friends earliest testimonies was against the payment of tithes or other Church dues and payment in kind was forcibly taken in lieu of the amount levied. It frequently happened that what was taken was in excess of this amount, but Friends do not appear to have offered any violent opposition to such seizure of property as it was part of their teaching to offer the other cheek (8), but it must have been very tantalising to see the hard earned fruits of their labour taken in this way. It was one of the duties of the meeting to collect and record the sufferings of Friends in respect of non-payment of tithes or for some of their other testimonies. The following extracts will suffice to show what it meant to be a Friend in the early days.

Friends in England were very concerned that their fellow members on this side were called to suffer so much material loss and £600 was forwarded to Ireland to assist in relieving some of the distress. This was in addition to £150 which was sent direct to Ulster Friends and a further £1,060 sent in 1692 which was evenly distributed to each Province. A letter of thanks was sent for this generous help but requesting that no further help of this nature should be sent. Rutty says "In those calamitous times were Friends very nearly united in affection; and even from the Friends of Barbadoes there was £100 sent for relief." (12)

As we approach the end of the century, we see that life was becoming more settled. The "Williamite Wars" were over, persecution of Friends was dying down; the first generation of Quaker settlers had passed or was passing and the second had married and become firmly established. To the normal occupation of farming was often added the pursuits of spinning and weaving in linen or wool, and many of the wills of the period mention looms as legacies.

George Fox only visited Ireland on one occasion (1669) and this lasted for three months. He was accompanied by four other Friends from England and together with William Edmundson who was now living at Rosenallis, near Mountmellick, they visited most of the meetings both North and Soth and encouraged the setting up of Monthly and Provincial Meetings for discipline. William Edmundson says "that faithful men and women should take care in the government of Church affairs, among our own Society which were and are of great service. I was much eased by it as I told George Fox at the time, for I had a great concern in those things which had lain heavy on my spirit for several years before; this gave every faithfull Friend a share of the burden." (13) It is impossible to accurately trace his itinerary in Ulster although Isabel Grubb has endeavoured to do so in a recent article. (14). and it is generally assumed that the meeting at Grange near Charlemont received a visit and that Men's and Women's Monthly Meetings were set up at this time.

The earliest minute book at present in existence of the Men's Meeting dates from 1726 and from it we glean some of the matters that came before this meeting over 200 years ago. They were frequently concerned with helping poor Friends and one of the earliest minutes refers to repairing the house of a widow connected to the meeting. Other minutes record providing financial help in cases of necessity. Signs of falling away from the strict rules of the Society are apparent, however, even at this early period and these become more numerous as the century advances. Amongst the Society of Friends marriage was always regarded as a solemn undertaking; and great care was exercised to prevent the possibility of scandal. Those contemplating marriage were required to give at least six months notice to the local meeting. Committees were then appointed whose business it was to make suitable investigation and report back to the Monthly Meeting.

One of these Committees made discreet inquiries regarding the would be bridgegroom, making sure he had led a blameless life and that there were no entanglements that might debar him from entering into the sacred relationship. He had the privilege of choosing a life partner, but there must be paternal consent before a marriage could take place. The Women's Committee acted in a similar manner regarding the bride. Final consent from the Provincial Meeting was also necessary and after notice of the intended marriage had been given out at two meetings for worship and other things being in order, the wedding day was fixed (usually at a midweek meeting for worship). These Committees remained in off ice until after the wedding, making all necessary arrangements especially regarding the procedure before and after the wedding that everything was carried out with moderation and decorum and witnessed. In the records of Grange Meeting there are frequent references to such disciplinary proceeding regarding marriages; many of which were solemnised in the old Meeting House.

The above was the procedure when the marriage was between members of the Society and carried out according to their usages. A very dim view was taken of any Friends who so far deviated from Truth as to allow their affections to be drawn out towards a member of another denomination and for the wedding to be accomplished by a "Priest (or minister) in a church". Invariably a minute of disunity with such followed and Grange in common with other meetings of this period must have lost very many valuable young people in this way, including members of the leading families in the meeting. In some instances they acknowledged their fault and continued to attend meeting and were later reinstated, but this seems to have been the exception rather than the rule.

Economic conditions in Ulster were difficult during the early 18th century and some of the more adventurous young people had their minds directed to the New World and to William Penn's new colony where all men were to be free to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience. William Penn had special links with Ireland and had on several occasions spent some time here in connection with his father's estates. When over in 1669 he had successfully used his influence to procure the release of Friends who were imprisoned at this time and so he was known to Irish Friends and they had the greatest confidence in him. (15). They were among the first to whom he opened his Pennsylvania project, for on March 5th, 1681, the very next day after his Charter was signed, he writes his friend Robert Turner, a Quaker of Dublin, stating that his province has been confirmed and adds: "Thou mayest communicate my graunt to Friends, and expect shortly my proposals."

Robert Turner was a prosperous Quaker merchant in Dublin who had already been financially interested in the settlement of the new colony of New Jersey. Some doubt seems to exist as to whether he was the same Robert Turner who was instrumental in commencing Grange Meeting. If he was the same, then there is a strong link through him with Pennsylvannia, as he and his family emigrated from Dublin in 1683 bringing with them 17 indentured servants, some of whom may have come from Grange.

Emigration and persecution, coupled with a tendency on the part of the younger members of the Society for a less strict, and more fashionable creed, tended to reduce the meeting. Even in the matter of emigration Friends might not act on their own judgement, but in preparing to emigrate it was usual to give due notice to the meeting and request their approval for such action. The meeting had to be satisfied that it was not running away from persecution which had driven them to this step. If they were satisfied on this point two Friends were appointed to draw up a certificate indicating that the bearer was a member in good standing, etc. The following specimen certificate will sufficiently indicate the nature of these proceedings.

"From our Monthly Meeting of men and women Friends held at Grange Near Charlemont in the North of Ireland ye 2 of 4 mo. 1736. To Friends and Brethren of Pennsylvania or elsewhere in America Greeting.

Dear Friends whereas our friend Joshua March (Marsh) and his Wife Did Acquaint us Some Time Ago that they had a mind to transport themselves and family to Pennsylvania or Some place in America and Desires of us a Certificate we therefore Do Certify that He the S-d Joshua and.his Wife was of an orderly Life and good Conversation Both amongst us their Brethren as amongst their Neighbours where they Dwelt and now Leaveth us in Unity they had also the privilege of Sitting in our Meeting of Disapline likewise their three children Viz. Jonathan Peter and Abigail were of Orderly Lives and Conversation whilst here and is free from marriage or any Entanglement that way and all the Above friends have left this place free from Debts or Defraud to any man and we have Cause to hope and believe that they will So behave themselves for ye future y-t they may Deserve ye Religious notice and care of friends for their good.

Signed by order and on behalf of our Sd. Meeting by -

On occasion it was necessary to give assistance to needy emigrant members. An instance of this is found in the minutes of Grange Preparative Meeting held 2 Month 3rd, 1741.

"Patrick Holm and his wife also Hugh Kenedy and his family having Laid before our meeting their Intention of Removing to America, they being poor friends and in want of help therefore this meeting agrees that William Delap doe Lay out ye Sum of fifteen pounds Ster to help to pay their fraughts and other necessaries for ye Jurnay untill he be paid ye Same out of ye Interest Left to poor friends of this meeting also John Whitsit James Pillar William Delap Thos. Greer and Benj-n Marshill are Desired to Draw Suitable Certificates for ye Sd. Hugh Kennedy and for Jacob Hinshaw and his wife who intends ye Same Journy."

The cost of the passage varied somewhat according to the time but was about £9 each. It is likely the majority of Quaker emigrants to the New World went the hard but cheap way as indentured labourers. That is, their passage was paid for by their first employer, but they in return had to give three years of unpaid labour.

It is estimated that during the years 1682 to 1750 over 2,000 Irish Friends went to Pennsylvania and of these 41 went from Grange, the greatest number from any Northern meeting. The names of some of the emigrants are as follows:-

It is interesting to observe the comments made by visiting Quaker ministers in their Journals regarding the Meeting at Grange and some extracts are given as follows:

John Griffith a visiting Friend and eminent Minister from Witham Monthly Meeting in the county of Essex, came to Grange Meeting in 1760 and wrote as follows:

"From Castleshane I went to Thomas Greers at Dungannon and on the 23rd had a large meeting at Charlemont where I was concerned to declare truth as utterance was given in a very close searching manner, not without sharp rebukes to such who by defiling liberties had brought an ill savour and caused the way of truth to be evil spoken of. My mind was comfortably relieved after the service of this meeting was over, being discharged of a heavy load."

I had good satisfaction in the Monthly Meeting at Grange near Charlemont, both in the public and in the more select part. There is a little living remnant of valuable Friends belonging to that Monthly Meeting. 22nd, we had a good meeting among Friends and others, at Ballyhagan; next day a relieving one at Moy; and 25th, the fore and afternoon meetings at Grange were large and highly favoured as was that held next day at the Presbyterian meeting house in Dungannon. The doctrines of the everlasting Gospel, in most of the meetings in the North, flowed like oil upon the spirits of the people; 27th, We had a meeting at a place called Cabragh among a few Friends and a pretty many Presbyterians. In this meeting gospel truths flowed somewhat largely, in a gentle current of life to the people; but there was too little of a door of entrance into their hearts to admit of any great dominion of the life Divine among them."

"Was at William Pike's, with whom we went to Dungannon, a considerable town, and visited T. Greer Jun. and his family. About eighteen months past they removed to this town, having before lived at a beautiful farm some miles off, but were obliged to leave it, in consequence of being in much danger from rioters. One evening, seven persons came with their faces blacked and otherwise disguised, armed with pistols, etc. under pretence of searching for guns, but abused the family, robbed them of two watches and above one hundred guineas; which had such an effect on his wife, that she has not yet got over it. Had a public meeting, at which, through a wet evening, there were about seven hundred present, and it proved a favoured season - many soldiers and officers attended, several of whom were much affected."

"Fourth day attended Monthly Meeting at Lisburn, after which Thomas Haughton drove me back to Lurgan. Sixth day role to Richhill to attend an appointed meeting there which was large; it proved an exercising meeting, yet to me a relieving one. In the afternoon I rode to Rhone Hill, to Thomas Greer's. Seventh day attended Charlemont Monthly Meetng held at Upper Grange. The Destroyer has made some work in this meeting through unsound principles ... The business of the Monthly Meeting was agreeable conducted. First-day attended meeting here. I had many invitations to the houses of those who have seceded; but it appeared safest for me to keep to my quarters lest my example should encourage the young people to go astray."

"First day morning rode to Upper Grange, and later attended Meeting there which was large. Taking a circuitous route to Rhone Hill to call on two young people (who had separated themselves from the Society) and on entering their abode they received us kindly.

We reached our kind Friend Thomas Greers this evening and proposed to Friends to visit families of members and attenders of Grange Meeting, which being united with, we proceeded therein. First day mornng the meeting was large, but a time of deep inward exercise. I felt under difficulty in opening my mouth from a sense given me there were those present who might be compared to evil spies to catch at what might be offered and to make a handle of it to uphold their own unsoundness of principle.... Fourth day attended the midweek meeting, after which their Preparative meeting was held.

First day morning: this was a solemn parting meeting with most present; many of the young people were melted into tears.... Second day, closed this arduous engagement. In the afternoon we left my kind friend Thomas Greer's. Went to Richhill this evening."

At Jonathan Richardson's, Lisburn, 3 Mo. 4th, 1827.

Was accompanied at this time by his sister Elizabeth Fry.

"Fifth day morning at Armagh, was highly interesting. It is a fine inland town. We visited the county jail and found a peculiarly open door for intercourse with the prisoners, the first time this has happened to us in Ireland .... Thence to Richhill where a large meeting of Friends and others were assembled at two o'clock: I believe to a good purpose as the gospel was fully preached and gladly received. That night we reached Rhone Hill near Grange where we were kindly entertained by an interesting family of Friends and on sixth day morning we held a large meeting at Grange. It was to me a time of deep exercise of mind. These were the parts in which Friends were once so led away by infidelity and their present state reminded me of the condition of the Jews after they came back from Babylon .... Though there seemed a strong hope of revival and two young people have lately begun to minister there. After a tedious journey we reached this place (Lisburn) on sixth day evening."

I have culled the following from the "Life of Stephen Grellet" as indicating the influence he had in awakening among Friends a concern that resulted in the establishment of Brookfield School, in 1836. S. Grellet writes in 1833.

"The Quarterly Meting for the Province of Ulster was held at Grange. I felt deeply for Friends there, and for the people who collected at a meeting for worship; many are descendants of parents who were members of our religious Society, but from one cause or another have lost their membership, they and their poor children are scattered, like sheep that have no shepherd, they belong to no religious denomination, and appear to grow up in great ignorance. I lamented deeply over them, seeing how numerous they are; I nevertheless believe that the crook of the Redeemer's love is extended towards them to gather them within His fold. I trust also that my sufferings and labours for that class will not be lost; several dear and valuable Friends appear to have their hearts enlarged in Christian love towards them and means are devising to extend suitable care to them."

Soon after the Monthly Meeting at Grange was recommenced the need was felt for a larger Meeting House which could accommodate the increased numbers now attending (many of whom were not in membership), and also to provide room for special gatherings such as Quarterly Meetings, etc. A Committee was appointed, at a meeting held on 18th 10 Mo. 1809 to prepare plans, get estimates and receive subscriptions. This committee was as follows: William Greer, William Heather, Joseph Boardman, Thomas Greer, William Greeves, Lawrence Hobson, and they reported to the Monthly Meeting on several occasions. At the meeting held 23rd 5 Mo. 1810, the amount subscribed was £261 1s T'/zd, and it was decided to invest this till required. A minute of the Monthly Meeting held 26th 2 Mo. 1812, is as follows:

"William Heather, Lawrence Hobson and Thos. Greer having made sundry repairs about our parks and graveyard as formerly appointed, they and George Willcocks are desired to get the present stable made into a house suitable for a small family to reside in to take care of the premises and to erect a stable instead thereof, or make such other alterations as may be necessary for these purposes, and for the accommodation of our woman friends previous to the building of the new meeting house which Friends have agreed to postpone the building off to another season."

The last minute regarding subscriptions for building the meeting house was at a Monthly Meeting held on 20th 9th Mo. 1815, and is as follows. "In the hope that Friends of this Monthly Meeting may in the course of next year build such addition to this meeting house as may be necessary without the aid of subscriptions from those that are not members of this meeting, as to such aid some of our subscribers object, therefore we now agree not to receive any aid from others and if such is hereinafter insisted upon and received, in that case any friend of our Monthly Meeting shall have liberty of withdrawing the subscriptions he has already or may hereafter make and we now appoint William Greer, Thomas Greer, Jacob Whitf ield and Thomas Greer, Junr., to endeavour in the course of this year to make necessary alterations in order to prepare for building a new addition to this house next year."

There is a gap in the records of the meeting between 1816 and 1824 and it was during this period when the present Meeting House was built, probably during the years 1816 to 1818 as a piece of land containing 1 rood was purchased in 1818 for £20 described as opposite the New Meeting House. (18).

The building which was erected at this time served its purpose well and is still in weekly use. The only major repairs so far required was to the roof, and this was carried out in the manner recommended by the architect consulted at a cost of £251-0-0 in the summer of 1951. (19)

The Summer Quarterly Meeting in June came to be held at Grange and this became a biennial event which was looked forward to and prepared for with keen anticipation and at one period it continued leisurely over part of four days. The largest gatherings were, of course, on the Sunday, when the whole district seemed to turn out and in addition excursion trains were even run! Many of those who came in this way had little interest or knowledge of Friends' mode of worship and came rather to enjoy the outward amenities rather than to partake of a spiritual feast. All this was rather embarrassing to Friends and such excessively large gatherings were discouraged. James N. Richardson has pictured for us in a delightful manner a Quarterly Meeting held at Grange in 1882 where important issues were debated and the leading Friends of that time are sketched with insight and imagination. (20)