Orange Order Hall Blackburn

OPENING OF AN ORANGE HALL AT BLACKBURN - The genial and popular Deputy Grand Master of England, Br W J Austin JP, visited Blackburn last Saturday for the purpose of opening a new Orange Hall.  Br Austin has rejected about seventy invitations to public meetings since his illness began four months ago, and it was in defiance of medical advice, and at considerable personal risk and inconvenience, that he attended to perform this important function.  But, notwithstanding this circumstance, the entire proceedings, which included an inaugural address by Br Austin and a banquet over which he subsequently presided, were conspicuously successful. ...............    The new structure has a fine and commanding appearance externally.  It is superior to any other club premises in Blackburn and is undoubtedly an ornament to the architecture of the town.  The lodges of this district possess considerable resources, their funds ranging from £500 to £2000 and these collectively have advanced certain sums, besides which members individually have given and promised donations.  The new premises will be utilised for the lodges to assemble, both for business and recreative purposes.  They are very commodious.  On the ground floor there is a very good vestibule and entrance hall, reading-room, two large lodge-rooms (capable of being thrown into one), conversation room, steward’s kitchen and bar, and the necessary lavatory arrangements.  On the first floor there is a large assembly hall, approached from the ground floor by an open, well-lighted staircase; in convenient proximity are separate cloak-rooms for ladies and gentlemen.  From this floor a good staircase leads to the second, in which is a spacious billiard-room, capable of holding four tables; two good card-rooms, and a smoke-room; also very ample lavatory and cloak rooms.  On intermediate floors are provided private rooms for the secretary and steward.  Approached by the back road are cellars for use in connection with the club.  It is well heated, lighted and ventilated, and the design reflects credit on Messrs Stones and Gradwell MMSA, of Blackburn, who prepared the plans and supervised the building.

Taken from a report in the Belfast News Letter 26 March 1890.  The Orange Hall remained opened until 1915.  The original building cost £2,500 to build and the foundation stone was laid in 1889 by Councillor Thompson JP.  The building is now Blackburn Masonic Hall.