The Catholics of Belleek and Mr. David Birney. – Mr Mc Birney, who is principal partner in the Belleek Pottery, as well as the big house on Aston’s Quay, Dublin, has just rendered an important service to the Catholic people of Belleek. He has presented them with ground for a chapel; and a substantial contribution to the cost of building it. His partner in Belleek, Mr Robert W. Armstrong, CE, had aided in the work by furnishing the plans and specifications for the chapel. The parish extends more than eleven miles in length, and it is at Pettigo , which is at the remote end from Belleek, that the parish priest and curate reside. The Catholic residents, therefore, had a journey of twenty two miles to accomplish when they desired to see their parochial clergy. The chapel they have hitherto attended is four miles from Belleek, a distance unsuitable for all but very active people, especially in the long, dreary winter months. We understand that already Mr McBirney’s subscription has been backed by many others and that the work of building will commence immediately. Date?
Masonic Plate Pattern – Brother R. W. Armstrong, Belleek Pottery, has made a handsome design for a Masonic Plate Service, illustrating the Masonic lectures of the three degrees; and he has presented Ederney lodge 819 with a set. The designs are ingenious and artistic and the whole work is of great merit. Mr Armstrong has taken the wise precaution to protect his work by registration.
Impartial Reporter 20th June 1878.
THE AMERICAN MASONIC EXCURSION Party propose leaving New York on the 3rd July, and expect to be at Enniskillen on the 18th. Bro. O. Ternan P.P.S.G.W., is acting as secretary for the local Masonic body, to accord our American cousins a fraternal greeting on their way. Captain Archdale has kindly placed his steam yacht “Rossclare” at the disposal of the brethren in Enniskillen for a trip on the lake, as it is contemplated to bring the American party to Castle Caldwell and Belleek. Impartial Reporter 20th June 1878.
Robert Williams Armstrong , born 1st. December 1824 in Dublin. Educated at the Royal Dublin Society School in 1837. In 1848 entered designs for a parish church & collegiate school at the Royal Hibernian Academy, in 1850 under took work for W.H Kerr of Dublin, who owned the Royal Worcester Porcelain Works and it is here that he may well have got interested in Pottery. During this time in his life he was living in London.
Whilst manager at the pottery he designed the Presbyterian church at Ballyshannon and under took work for John Gerard Irvin in redesigning the Killadeas Manor & Church.
It is also reported that he designed the Imperial Hotel in Enniskillen, now Boots Chemist.
He was an enthusiastic Freemason, also an Inspector of the Workhouse in Ballyshannon ,for which he upset the local Poor Law commission by saying that the conditions where bad for the inmates.
Brian Russell
