Rev. William Wright, MA, DD. : Minister, Scholar, and Freemason of Newtownards
Rev. William Wright, M.A., D.D. (1837–1919), was a highly respected Presbyterian minister, author, and civic leader whose legacy in Newtownards extended well beyond the pulpit. Over the course of four decades, his work left a lasting impact on both the religious and public life of the town—most notably through his ministry at First Presbyterian Church, his literary contributions, and his active participation in Freemasonry and other fraternal societies.
The Rev Wright was married to Charlotte McWilliams Wright (nee. Robinson) they lived in Corporation South and later Circular Road, Newtownards, they had eight children.
A Devoted Ministry in Newtownards
Appointed in 1879 as minister of First Presbyterian Church, Newtownards, Rev. Wright quickly became known for his powerful preaching, eloquent expression, and approachable demeanour. He led the congregation for 40 years until his death in 1919, overseeing numerous improvements to church facilities, including the modernisation of pews and the acquisition of a church manse in 1882.
His ministry was not only defined by preaching and pastoral care but also by a passion for history and scholarship. He was held in such high esteem by the people of the town that was known as the Bishop of Ards.
Scholarship and Public Writings
Rev. Wright’s interests extended well beyond Newtownards. He was an accomplished author and scholar whose work included many political pamphlets and articles on the subject of the Irish Home Rule Bill, he contributed to wider theological, liberal and historical discourse. He co-authored A History of the Congregation: First Presbyterian Church Newtownards, which remains a significant record of the church’s legacy in the region. His ability to combine rigorous academic insight with accessible narrative helped broaden the understanding of religious and cultural history for a wider audience.
Personal Tragedy: The Death of His Son Matthew
Despite a life of public achievement, Rev. Dr. Wright experienced deep personal sorrow. His son, Lt. Matthew Wright, was killed in action during World War I. Matthew served with distinction and was among the many young men from Newtownards who gave their lives during the Great War.
Matthew’s death was a source of profound grief for Rev. Wright, who by then was in the later years of his ministry. It is recorded that his sorrow was quiet but deeply felt, adding a layer of personal sacrifice to a life already marked by service. The tragedy of his son’s death brought him closer to the many parishioners who also suffered wartime loss, deepening the compassion and solemnity with which he ministered in the final years of his life.
Contributions to Freemasonry
Rev. Dr.Wright was also a prominent figure in Irish Freemasonry, where he was admired for his moral authority and leadership.
His involvement in the Masonic tradition was consistent with his values of service, fraternity, and moral uprightness. Through Freemasonry, Wright contributed to the promotion of ethical conduct, charitable work, and civic responsibility—principles that resonated with his religious calling.
William Wright’s occupation is noted as a Clerk in Holy Orders when he was initiated into Friendship Lodge No.447 in Newtownards, on the 14th June 1892. He received his Fellow Craft Degree on the 13th September 1892 and finally his Master Mason Degree on the 28th October 1892.
WBro. Rev. Wright was an Honorary Member of Union Star No.198
WBro. Rev Wright was appointed the Provincial Grand Chaplin for Down in 1900.
On the 2nd December 1918 a memorial was read at Grand Lodge from Bros. Wright, McCrea, Lindsay and nine others praying for a warrant to establish a Lodge in Newtownards in the Province of Down to be called the Wright Memorial. The recommendation was supported by Lodges 1000,198 and 447 and supported by the Provincial Grand Master of Down – Recommended, Grand Lodge Minute 5th December 1918.
The Minutes of the Provincial Grand Lodge Down, sitting in James Street Masonic Hall, Newtownards on the 17th February 1919 record the consecration of Wright Memorial Lodge No.448.
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Dr J.D.Williamson, occupied the Chair and Dr Wright attended as Provincial Grand Chaplin.
At the meeting the brethren were informed by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master;
This Lodge had been formed as a memorial to the gallant son of Rt. Wor. Bro. Rev. Dr. Wright.- Bro. Matthew J. Wright who made the Supreme Sacrifice on the 1st July, 1916 whilst nobly fighting for his King and Country. Personally, he considered it a great honour to officiate at the Constitution of the “Wright Memorial” Lodge No. 448, which he had no doubt would prove a credit to the Order.
Dr. Wright had ambitions to enlarge the Freemasonry in Newtownards and its capabilities by purchasing the former Regent House building next door to the Friendship Masonic Hall. This building was the mansion house built for the brewer Mr. Peter Johnston, discussions in late 1918 and early 1919 were unsuccessful. Regent House School was established in the building in 1927.
Political Activity
Dr. Wright was President of the Newtownards Branch of the North Down Unionist Association and District Chaplin in the Orange Order.
He served as Deputy Grand Chaplain of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, a role that demonstrated his standing in both religious and Unionist spheres.
He played a prominent role on Ulster Day, Saturday September 28th, 1912. Signing the Ulster Covenant (in opposition to Home Rule) was not something that one did lightly. To emphasise this, Dr Wright held services in his church and jointly with other Ministers in their churches in the district.
He outlined the dangers under Home Rule, which all power would be in the hands of one political party. He urged his congregation to stand firm in the defence of their rights, religion and liberties.
The Old Guild Hall next door to the Church was acquired by Dr. Wright to be used as a Church Hall. This hall was where the Solemn League and Covenant was signed on Ulster Day. The Rev. Wright and his sons were the first to sign, ( his wife and daughters signed the declaration).
Lasting Legacy
Rev. Wright passed away on the 13th August 1919 at his home in Newtownards. His passing was marked at a meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down organised in celebration of the end of the war in on the 14thAugust 1919. The Grand Master, Rt.Wor Bro Col. R.G.Sharman Crawford remarked,
The death on the previous day of one of our most valued Brethren, Rev Dr. Wright . He said the late Dr. Wright had taken a deep interest in Masonry in general, particularly in the Province of Down. He had been one of the Provincial Grand Chaplains for many years and his own feeling was that Dr. Wright, in his life, was wholehearted in everything he undertook, and his services were highly appreciated. He was a man of strong views and one whose strength and character always inspired respect. The Grand Master moved a resolution of condolence with his sorrowing widow and family in the great loss they had sustained (the resolution to be drawn up and sent to the widow in due course).
Rt.Wor. Bro. Col. Wallace who seconded the resolution reminded those present of the inspiring and instructive address given by their departed Brother on the occasion of an important Masonic Assembly at Crawfordsburn in 1913. Their Order was all the poorer by reason of the death of a great man, and a great Freemason.
In recognition of his impact, the Dr. Wright Memorial Pipe Band was formed in his honour in 1922. It made its debut in 1923, symbolizing the deep respect and admiration the Newtownards community held for him.
Rev. William Wright’s life was one of integrated service: to his church, his town, his faith, and his brethren in Freemasonry. His legacy lives on not only in the archives of his congregation and the annals of Irish Presbyterianism, but also in the living memory of Newtownards’ civic and cultural history.
Today, Rev. Wright is remembered as a pillar of Newtownards society—a man whose intellect, compassion, and moral vision helped guide a generation through times of peace and war, progress and grief.
One of the earliest images of Dr. Wright Memorial Pipe Band – 12th July 1922
