Portadown District LOL No.1

News 2006

Arson lodge aims to rise from ashes

One of the Province's smallest Orange lodges has launched a fundraising drive to rebuild its hall which was destroyed by arsonists on 12th July.

Lavln Orange hall is believed to have been burned down by republicans on the most important day in the institution's calendar.

The secretary of MacCartney's True Blues LOL 913, James Murphy, said: "Our banner was burned so we took our old one, borrowed fittings, swords and banner cords and set off in the rain for the Twelfth demonstration at Ballycastle.

"When we came back, we were kindly given the use of a nearby Presbyterian church hall."

Although fundraising is at an early stage, £4,000 has been donated.

"The response has been magnificent' said Mr Murphy. "We are situated in a very rural area so we just can't go down a main street or into a housing estate. We're a district lodge of Ballymoney, and it's great to see the support we're getting from throughout the borough.

"We lost much more than the building. Our banner was worth £3,000 alone and we had chairs, tables, an amplification system and other equipment destroyed.

"The saddest thing is that this was a community hall as well as an Orange hall so we weren't the only people to suffer."

North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey said the lodge was to be commended for its attitude and efforts to rebuild.

"I have no doubt that the brethren will rise out of the ashes and replace what has been destroyed, continuing as they have done since 1895 to display the true spirit of Orangeism in the face of intolerance and bigotry."

Ballymoney DUP Mayor John Finlay said: "I have every confidence that a new hall will be built and that the Orange presence will remain at Lavin for generations to come.

"I would ask all right thinking people to get behind those tasked with rebuilding the hall and help in every way possible to see the project completed."

Anyone who would like to support the fund-raising effort can contact the officers of Lavin through the Grand Orange Lodge in Belfast. News Letter 11th September 2006

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