“The Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge, Edward Stevenson, made the following comments during the re-dedication of Union Street Orange Hall, on Friday, April 15.
We are entering a period in our history when there will be a number of centenary celebrations taking place to mark significant events in the history of Ulster over the next few years. Those events had a profound effect on the political arrangements and structures throughout Great Britain, Ireland and the world. At the time this hall was opened in 1911 civil unrest was again looming in Ireland with the Home Rule Bill crisis.
Unfortunately over the last 100 years our brethren have sacrificed their lives fighting in two world wars, and other conflicts within the commonwealth and in more recent times Iraq and Afghanistan. At home our brethren and sisters have been subjected to murderous campaigns of violence in which we have lost over three hundred members of our Institution. Last Sunday in the Ulster Hall we held a service of remembrance for the families of the brethren and sisters who were brutally murdered. We must never forget the hurt caused to the families or the supreme sacrifice their loved ones made. We must not forget those who still carry the physical and mental scars.
Regrettably the violence continues against the security forces and society with the planting of bombs which are aimed to kill, maim and destroy.
Tonight though we take a look back at the vision Brother Thomas Crawford had when in 1907 he suggested the building of a new Orange Hall in Coleraine for LOL No’s 5, 87, 316, 355 and 735, not forgetting RBP No 37 and 99.
Within three years the foundation stone was laid and in the following year the hall was officially opened. This is not only an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge again the endeavours of those who built the hall but all those who have worked tirelessly since.
Orange Halls play a significant role in the life of the community, with wide and various uses. This hall is no exception. Over the last 100 years it has been used as a cinema, hosted religious, educational and social events. When Mrs Barrie opened the hall she said ‘I am sure that the Orangemen of Coleraine would appreciate all the facilities which the new hall would place at their disposal. She trusted that within its walls many happy and loyal gatherings would take place’. I know that this has been the case and the Coleraine Brethren will continue to enjoy the renewed and updated facilities on offer in the hall.
Finally I would like to recount and associate myself with the words spoken by Mr Brown as he concluded at the official opening of the hall “He trusted it would long remain with an open door, signifying that Protestantism stood with an open-door for all men, for civil and religious liberty, and for the worshipping of God, in a God-appointed manner, no man daring to make them afraid”. Those words spoken by Mr Brown are as significant today as they were 100 years ago.”
Article taken from the The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
