Roughfort Orange Hall: A Community Landmark, 1898–1977

The story

Roughfort Orange Hall stood at Roughfort, Mallusk, between Hydepark and Templepatrick, and served as the home of Roughfort L.O.L. No. 1070.

The foundation stone was laid on 11 April 1898 by Mrs H. S. McMeekin before a large gathering. The hall was officially opened on 10 September 1898 by Mrs James Barron of Belfast. Contemporary newspaper reports stated that it could accommodate more than 200 people.

For almost eight decades the hall was one of the district’s principal meeting places. It hosted Sunday School, worship, gospel missions, public and political meetings, concerts, dances, whist drives, fundraising events and activities organised by numerous local groups.

During the winter of 1901–1902, a Faith Mission Gospel Mission held in the hall led to the formation of the Roughfort Prayer Union. That organisation continues more than a century later.

The hall also played a role during both world wars. In January 1945, members of the 3rd Antrim Battalion, Ulster Home Guard held their Stand Down Dance there, with proceeds supporting local Welcome Home Fund efforts.

Roughfort Orange Hall was destroyed by fire in July 1977, only days before the Twelfth celebrations. The lodge banner was rescued by the Fire Brigade, while two well-known Lambeg drums survived because they had already been removed for the celebrations.

Although hopes were expressed that the hall would be rebuilt, this did not happen. Its surviving walls remain a visible reminder of a building that served Roughfort, Mallusk, Hydepark, Kingsmoss and Lylehill for 79 years.