Orangeism in Airdrie

Orange Hall for Airdrie
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Orange Hall Is Built In Baillies Lane.

Another extract from the local paper reads as follows:--

A NEW ORANGE HALL FOR AIRDRIE.

 

On Saturday afternoon the Airdrie District Orangemen held a demonstration in honour of the laying of the memorial stone of their new hall in Baillies Lane, Airdrie. The occasion was all that could be desired for such an auspicious street, and it passed off with the greatest success. The hall, as our readers are aware, has been built to plans by Mr. George Arthur, Treasurer of the Burgh, and is situated at the north end of Baillies Lane. It will accommodate about 200 persons, and has very commodious anterooms in which will be fitted up ample water-closets and lavatory accommodation, for both ladies and gentlemen. The end only of the hall faces the street, and has been treated in a simple but effective manner.

The style of architecture is Roman, and the proportions have been set very well. The main feature is a large projecting doorway, with centre piece and rounded arch. There is a large window on either side of the entrance. Over this, in the centre of the gable, there is an ornamental panel of stone from Gatelawbridge Quarry in which will be carved in base relief, a large equestrian statue of King William ‘of immortal memory’ The ceiling is octagonal and divided into five bays, with ornamental hammer beam roof principals springing from carved corbels. The contractors are:- Mason, Robert Paterson and Son ; Joiner, Wm. Shanks and Son ; Slater, Jas. Neilson ; Plumber and Gasfitter, John Spence and Sons, all of Airdrie. Plasterer, W.A.Stewart, Coatbridge.

The Orangemen, headed by the Airdrie Brass Band, paraded the streets in full regalia at 4pm, being also accompanied by two fife bands playing party airs. By 5 p.m a large assemblage had gathered at the scene of the ceremony in Baillies Lane, amongst those present being:-- Colonel Saunderson, M.P. M.W.G.M. of Scotland, and his wife; Treasurer Arthur, Airdrie, the Architect; Bros. Alex. Miller, D.G.M. of Scotland; Professor Macklin, Andersonian College, Grand Secretary of Scotland; James Rice, Glasgow, Assistant Grand Secretary of Scotland; William Collins, Grand Treasurer; Rev. J. Campbell, Buccleuch Parish, Edinburgh; Rev. Wm. Rector Hodgkinson, Glasgow; Re. D. H. Paterson, Airdrie; Rev. Robt. Henderson, Flowerhill; Rev. W.O. Duncan, Clarkston; James M'Mannas, D. G. M. Glasgow;T.H. Gilmour, W.D.M.Parkhead District; John R.W. Foulton, Secretary, Glasgow District; Allan M'Saveny, W.D.M. Coatbridge District; Joseph Parks, W.D.M. Airdrie District; Joseph Dickson, W.D.M. Whiteinch District; Gen. C. Rankin, W.M 1622, Glasgow; Rev. J.U. Mitchell, Glasgow; Bro. James Parks, District Marshall and James Lynn, District Secretary.

The proceedings began with psalm 100 being sung, and prayer being engaged in by Rev. D.H. Paterson. Brother Treasurer Arthur, in the name of the building committee and contractors, presented Colonel Saunderson with a handsome silver trowel with which to lay the memorial stone, remarking that none were more worthy of this honour, and expressing the hope that this District of Orangemen would be a center of influence for good in the land. (Cheers)

The Rev. Mr. Hodgkinson then led in prayer, and the usual documents, newspapers, and coins were inserted in a jar in the cavity of the stone. They included the rules and regulations of the Orange Institution of Scotland, copy list of subscribers to the hall, the Airdrie Advertiser, the Coatbridge Express, list of building committee and directors, name of the architect of the hall, and copy of poetical address to be presented to Colonel Saunderson on the occasion, having laid the stone with the usual formalities. Colonel Saunderson said he considered it an honour to be asked to lay the foundation stone of the hall, and he looked upon it being a special honour, being an Irishman, to have been chosen Grand Master of Scotland. (Cheers) It was a circumstance that rejoiced his heart to find how, in the last year or two, the Orange Organisation had been rapidly growing in Scotland. (Cheers) All they wanted was that their principles should be made known, and when they were, and they manifested to the world that they were a disciplined body, then he thought their power and influence would be admitted. They were working together for a great cause -- a cause which had, in recent times been exposed to great danger. But it was the cause for which our forefathers had fought for, and for which they, their sons were ready to fight again. (Cheers) He was perfectly persuaded of this, that if traitors to the Commonwealth of Britain befall to take from them their Religious Liberty and impose upon them an authority to which their forefathers would not bow, it would be found that they too would resist such interference, and those in such authority, they should never try either. After declaring the stone of the hall well and truly laid with mortar well prepared, he said they would ask God to bless their building and he could only trust that the hall would be worthy of the Protestant name. (Cheers) He trusted also that those brethren who came within its walls would remember that they were connected not only with an Orange Organisation, but with a God fearing and prosperous Organisation. It was in that spirit he declared the foundation stone of the hall well and truly laid. ( Cheers )

orangehall.jpg

The original plans for the hall were laid out on cloth, and, prior to the commencement of building, it cost £31 in fees. This included the fees to the Town Council for fencing off the area etc. The cost of bricks for the building was £22-10/-.

The small hall was added to the building in 1911 at a cost of £150-2-4d. The contract was given to the District Master, who had submitted the lowest tender. In 1930, electricity was being installed in the Grain Mill in Hallcraig Street. As the main cable was passing the front of the hall it was decided that this would be the ideal opportunity to have it installed in our own premises. This was done at a cost of £22-10-10d. This included a guarantee for one year.

The small hall was extended in 1939 at a cost of £387. The structure of the hall remained that way till 1957, when further alterations took place at a cost of £2150. Contractors this time were Gilchrist and Lynn. Additional electrical work and heating pipes cost £250. During these alterations papers relating to the hall were found in the foundation stone, along with coins etc. To these were added coins for the current period, along with a copy of the Advertiser from twenty first of January 1957.

The District Master at this time was William M'Master.

Orangeism in Airdrie