Saturday 24th May 2014 saw the members of Lisnagaver Lodge gather with friends and brethren to officially open their new hall at Lisnagaver.

In a proud day for the entire Independent Orange Institution we saw a new Orange Hall opened at Lisnagaver. It is a tribute in brick and mortar to the men and women of the lodge, whose hard work and vision has paid off in a state of the art modern hall for the Order. The building with kitchen and disabled facilities, will serve the Order well and already has a well booked schedule of events planned. It replaces the former hall and has extended and utilised the site well, with secure car parking and disabled access. The event was marked by a Grand Opening and Parade with supper afterwards.

The event saw Orangemen and women for across Northern Ireland come to see what we believe is the first new Independent Orange Hall build in the last 70 years. It shows how much use we make of our halls that many are refurbished and renovated and kept in use, but it is amazing to see one totally replace with a new purpose-built hall fit for the next century of use. We pay tribute to the entire team at ILOI 29 and wish them well for the future.

The chairman for the day Brother William Fenton welcomed everyone to the event and called on Lodge Chaplain Bro. Drew McIntyre to open proceedings with prayer.

Following the prayer, Bro, Fenton spoke of how honoured and proud he was to be on the platform and praised his fellow lodge members for their efforts both manually and financially during the building of the new hall.

He also thanked all those who had given of their time and money, including other lodges and members of the public. Without all this help the project could not have been completed and this included “Awards for all” who kindly gave a grant to complete the project.

The following brethren than came to the podium and brought greetings and congratulations to the Lodge – IGM Rt Wor Bro Alan McLean, County Grand Master Antrim Wor Bro James Anderson and Rasharkin District No3 WM Bro Daryl McLean.

Bro Fenton then called on Mrs Vi Dawson to come to the podium and say a few words before cutting the ribbon to open the new hall. Mrs Dawson spoke glowingly of her pride in being invited to perform the opening and presented the Lodge with a framed picture of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Master Sam Fenton then presented Mrs Dawson with the scissors to cut the ribbon and declare the new hall open and this was followed by the presentation of a bouquet of flowers to Mrs Dawson by Miss Kirsten Moore.

Reverend Gordon Cooke a long time friend of Lisnagaver Lodge conducted the service of dedication and delivering a short sermon. Bro Tommy Fenton assumed the podium and proposed a vote of thanks that was ably seconded by Bro Alex Mark. Before calling on IGL Chaplain Wor Bro Derek McFarland to close proceedings, the chairman invited everyone to avail themselves of the food that awaited them in the new hall.

At the end of the platform proceedings all brethren present accompanied by the following bands Tullaghans Flute, Killycoogan Accordian, Garryduff Flute, Bushside Flute and Lisnagrot Accordian, enjoyed a leisurely parade to McLaughlin’s Corner and back in brilliant sunshine.

Lisnagaver Lodge would like to thank each and everyone who helped in any way to allow them to complete their new hall and they look forward to seeing you at events in the new hall in the future. The hall provides a perfect meeting space for not only lodge meetings and band practices, but is perfect for family and other Orange occasions. The first such occasion was a supper provided by the ladies and friends of Lisnagaver and saw Mr and Mrs Fenton cut a cake specially made for the Occasion.