life in the orange hall
The Hand and Pen Orange Hall wasn’t just a meeting space, it was the heart of lodge life. Learn more about life in the lodge here. (Image: Hand and Pen band, c.1927)
Life in the Hall
The Hand and Pen Orange Hall wasn’t just a meeting space it was the heart of lodge life.
Each month, on the third Friday, members gathered here to take care of lodge business. Minute books from 1912 to 1944 reveal a busy and well-organised group. Meetings typically included:
- Collecting dues from members
- Paying bills and managing lodge finances
- Proposing and initiating new members
- Disciplining or expelling members when needed
- Opening with prayers and scripture readings
From late 1928, meetings also followed a formal ritual format, led by the lodge chaplain a reflection of the Order’s structured traditions.
A Lively Social Hub
But the hall wasn’t all rules and rituals. It was also a place of laughter, music and dancing.
From Thursday night dance classes to lively events after the Twelfth of July demonstrations, the Hand and Pen was a true social centre. People came together to celebrate, raise funds, and enjoy each other’s company.
“I seen some quare nights in the Hand and Pen, dancing till 6 o’clock in the morning... there was a dancing class every Thursday night for years. Marianne Cole was the teacher, and if you were a good dancer, she’d make sure you paired with someone less skilled... Charlie Coleman fiddled the whole night for a half pint of whiskey – six and sixpence back then – that was the band’s fee...”
Wilson Haire
Pride in the Band
The lodge’s flute band was a point of pride, especially during July demonstrations. Members like William Garland were known for keeping “law and order,” helping to run events smoothly and build a strong sense of community spirit.
Charitable Contributions
The lodge played a vital role in supporting charitable causes within its community and beyond. For instance, it regularly raised and distributed funds to organisations such as the Lord Enniskillen Memorial Orange Orphan Society.
During times of crisis, the lodge's members demonstrated remarkable generosity. In May 1941, amid the Belfast Blitz, a special meeting was held to determine the lodge's contribution to the Lord Mayor’s Fund, established to aid air raid victims in Belfast. Members present donated £2 3s 6d - a substantial sum for the time. Efforts to involve absent members were led by Brothers James Bothwell and Robert Wilson, who were appointed to collect further contributions.