Clounagh Lodge Marks Centenary of Hall opening

The Grand Master of Ireland, Robert Saulters, was among the guests at a celebration dinner held on Friday night to mark the 100th anniversary of the opening of Clounagh Orange Hall.

Other senior Orange representatives included Dennis Watson, Grand Secretary, and County Grand Master of Armagh, and most of the Portadown District LOL No 1 officers, including newly elected District Master, David Burrows, his deputy, Nigel Dawson, and secretary, David Jones. All told, over 100 guests attended the function, and they included the Mayor of Craigavon, Alderman David Simpson, who is Deputy District Master of Loughgall.

Trevor Bonis, worshipful master of Earl of Beaconsfield LOL No 9, presided at the function, and he welcomed representatives of all the other lodges, preceptories and bands who meet at Clounagh Orange Hall.

These are Clounagh RBP No 663, Parkmount LOL No 127, The Prince RBP No 744, Campsie Club of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, Portadown Defenders Flute Band and Stat of David Accordion Band.

There was also a contingent of members of Whiterock Temperance LOL No 74, from Shankill Road District LOL No 9, Belfast, who have close ties of friendship with Clounagh LOL No 9.

During the evening, Me Saulters cut a centenary anniversary cake, and he also presented LOL No 9 with a framed inscribed certificate, on behalf of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

Many press cuttings, photographs, artefacts and membership cards of LOL No 9 down the years were displayed in the hall.

In welcoming everyone, the Clounagh lodge's WM Trevor Bonis, said they were especially pleased that among the guests was James Uprichard of LOL No 127. Mr Uprichard's grandfather, also called James, was worshipful master of Clounagh LOL No 9 when the hall first opened in 1904.

Left to Right - DDM Bro David Burrows, Grand Master, GOLI Bro Robert Saulters, WM Bro Trevor Bonis LOL No9 and Bro Denis Watson

David Burrows, in congratulating LOL NO 9 on the centenary of their hall, paid tribute to the contribution made down the years to Portadown District by the Clounagh lodge. He said it had produced many outstanding officers, and they were pleased that the previous week, Trevor Bonis had been elected to the Portadown District committee.

The new District Master said Portadown already is preparing for what members hope will be a memorable County demonstration next year, adding that he is confident Clounagh will play a leading role on July 12th 2005. Portadown Times 12th November 2004