The destruction of an Orange Hall a few miles from Armagh
city has been condemned by politicians, and by many people
throughout the community.
Ballyrea Orange Hall, home to the 80-strong Ballyrea L.O.L.
No. 309, was burned to the ground in the early hours of March
23, but the brethren have vowed that it will be re-built,
better than ever.
A scorched Bible was all that remained after arsonists torched
the Hall, which is situated on the Baltarran Road, between
Armagh and Killylea.
The 106-year old building was gutted in the blaze, which
police described as malicious. The fire was started after
a side window wa smashed at around 2 a.m.
Trophies won over the years by Ballyrea Flute Band were all
destroyed, as well as drums belonging to the band, over 100
chairs, bowling equipment and a snooker table.
Precious photographs of the Lodge also perished as the fire
took hold in the main hall, spreading to the kitchen and toilets
in the rear.
Bro. William Lee, the Lodge Chaplain, said he had been alerted
to the fire at two o'clock on the Tuesday morning. "I'm
very sad, and angry at those responsible," he said. "They
have no hope in God - they believe in nothing.
"The ordinary Roman Catholics would never do such a
thing."
Bro. Lee, a past Worhsipful Master and District Master of
Killylea, added: "This Hall was built 106 years ago,
in 1898, and was burnt before in 1916.
"But it was rebuilt then, and we will rebuild it again.
There will be a clean-up operation, although there's nothing
to salvage from it, but resolve has been strengthened, and
we will be back better and greater than ever before."
The Ballyrea Lodge has around 80 brethren, with Bro. Eric
Morton serving as Worshipful Master.
The Hall itself is also used by the flute band, and at the
week-end previous to the arson attack, it was the venue for
the launch of Ballyrea Rural Community Group, of which Bro.
William Lee is chairman.
Bro. Lee, (66), stressed the intention of the community group
had been to bring their rural area together and teach people
different things, including computers.
"We had a concert in the Hall on Saturday night to launch
the new community group. This fire has been devastating for
people who live here."
Bro. Lee said the community believed the fire was started
by thugs who did not live in the area. "Before this attack,
we have been getting on well with our neighbours," he
said.
"Those who started it were not necessarily our neighbours
- they could have come from Armagh. It is a long time since
we had a sectarian atack. They tried to burn the Hall down
eight years ago, but someone noticed it in time and we called
the fire brigade."
Ulster Unionist MLA, Danny Kennedy, described the fire as
sectarian. "This is not the first time we have witnessed
this kind of sectarian attack on Protestant culture,"
he said.
"There is little doubt republicans are responsible but
incidents like this, while causing inconvenience to those
who use the Hall, will not deter them from expressing their
strong Protestant beliefs which is their right in a free and
democratic society where diversity and freedom of expression
should be embraced."
Paul Berry, DUP MLA, siad it had been "a clearly sectarian
attack."
"It is said that, in days like this, when we are told
there is a so-called peace process, the Protestant-Unionist
culture is being attacked, he said. "This is clearly
a republican attack on the culture and heritage of the Protestant
community, and a clear message that they are not wanted and
indeed hated by some within the community.
"I know of this Lodge and am well aware of its pro-active
role within the community, and of course our thoughts and
prayers are with them at this time after the very sad attack
on their property and culture.
"I have no doubt that, like other Orange Halls across
the Province that have been attacked over recent years, they
will rise above the ashes and take on the challenge of rebuilding
not only their Hall, but also the morale of their members
and the community they represent."
"Behaviour like this belongs to the past and must remain
there."
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