RAPHOE CRIMSON DEFENDERS LOL No 1921
An Orange Lodge has existed in Raphoe since the early 19th Century; the first number used was LOL 774.This was working in 1834, when the W.M.was Bro John Lowry and the Lodge belonged to Lifford District No1 which was part of County Donegal Grand Orange Lodge. In the mid 19th Century the number ceased to work and the present number LOL 1921 was used for the first time. All down the years and still today Orangeism has been strong in Raphoe. Like all Lodges Raphoe has had it’s ups and downs, but with strong leadership it has come through. Many of the Brethren answered the call and served in the two World Wars.
We are now under No 3 District which is part of the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge.
The present Orange Hall in Raphoe was built in 1894 with the foundation stone being laid on 12th of July of that year by Mrs A Butler Stoney. An inscribed presentation trowel is on display in the Orange Hall.
The Lodge has a splendid Orange Hall In Raphoe which was refurbished in 1987 at a cost of £35,000 and central heating was installed in 1993 at a cost of £3,000.This was made possible by the hard work of all the Lodge and Committee and the support from the people in the area.
The Hall is well used by a number of organisations which include the Apprentice Boys of Derry No Surrender Club Ballyholey Branch, Raphoe Royal Black Preceptory No 258, Raphoe Pipe Band and The Faith Mission Prayer Union.
There has been Pipe Band in Raphoe since 1935 and it is still going well although we could always do with more members.
The Lodge hosted a Mini-Twelfth in Raphoe in 1990 to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. It was a great success and well supported .This was the 1st Twelfth in Raphoe since 1947.
The Lodge holds their Annual Church Service on the Sunday before the 12th every year at the time og 7.30pm. Raphoe Cathedral and Raphoe Presbyterian Church host the Service year about.
The Lodge continues to play an important part in the life of the Protestant Community in this area and looks forward to carrying on the good work that was started many years ago.
