LOL 339 Corcain Purple Rocket, Portadown
 
 
This warrant was taken out in 1897 instead of 533. The first officers were – John Anderson, WM; John Cooke, DM; Joseph Wright, secretary; Thomas Lyttle, treasurer. In 1898 John Wright became secretary. On John Anderson resigning the position of WM in 1899, the following officers were appointed :- WM, Thomas H Montgomer; DM, Thomas Elliott; treasurer, Thomas Lyttle; secretary, John Wright. John Cooke again became DM in 1901, whilst Thomas Cooper became secretary in 1903. In 1904 Robert Conn was DM, and Richard McCann held the secretaryship in 1904-5.

Andrew Boyle succeeded to the chair in 1906, and held the office until 1910, when he was followed by John Hughes, who was Master until 1912. John Anderson was DM from 1905 until 1912. T Lyttle who was treasurer from the 533 warrant was taken out, was succeeded in that position by Andrew McIldoon in 1911.

T J Boyle, who had been secretary from 1906 until 1912, became Master in 1913, and has held the post ever since. Thomas Cooper, who was treasurer in 1912, became secretary in 1913, and wielded the secretarial pen until 1920. J W McIldoon, was DM from 1913 to 1923. James Mawhinney, from 1924 until 1932; and John Wright, junior, since. W J Gilpin was secretary from 1921 until 1930, when he was succeeded by the present secretary, Edward McCann. John Anderson was treasurer from 1913 to his death in January 1935.

Corcain Orange Hall was opened on 4th November, 1911, by Mrs C Johnson. The foundation stone had been laid by Miss H A Dougan, Millicent Terrace (now Mrs Stevenson, Dungannon).

The principle officers for 1936 were – Thomas J Boyle, Woodhouse street, Portadown; John Wright, junior, Obin street, Portadown; Edward McCann, do; Simon Lyttle, Charles street, Portadown.

A number of memorial plaques have been erected in the hall in memory of past members of the lodge. On 30 June 1956 a memorial plaque was erected in memory of the Late Bro. John Wright for services rendered to the extension of the hall. Another was erected in memory of the Late Bro. Thomas Uprichard for services rendered to the hall and lodge from 1923-79. A plaque of Past Masters of the lodge was presented by the Milligan family in memory of the Late Bro. Cecil Milligan a member of the lodge for forty-six years who held the offices of Treasurer 1983-84 and Deputy Master 1985-86.

The members of the lodge unfurled their present banner featuring paintings of King William leaving Belfast Castle and the Biblical scene 'My Faith looks up to Thee' in 1977. The old banner was donated to a lodge in County Monaghan.

Throughout the period of the 'Troubles' Corcrain Orange Hall has been subjected to countless attacks by republicans. The hall has been daubed with paint and slogans, attempts have been made to set the hall on fire and cars belonging to members have been tampered with. No other Orange hall in Portadown has been on the receiving end of so many wanton and sectarian attacks. From 1985 there have been four arson attacks on the hall. A serious attempt to cause damage took place on 11 June 1994 when a security grill was broken off a window and a fire started in the Gents' toilets.

Corcrain LOL 339 held a special service on 15th May 1994 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the lodge. Over 300 members of Portadown District accompanied by Portadown Defenders Flute Band and Star of David Accordion Band attended a church service at Drumcree Parish Church. The dignitaries present included the County Grand Master, Bro. Norman Hood. The service was conducted by the Reverend John Pickering and the sermon was delivered by Reverend Bro. Tom Taylor, Deputy Grand Chaplain. In August 1995 Corcrain Orange Hall was seriously damaged in another sectarian attack.

Worshipful Masters of the lodge from 1913 are as follows:

1913-44 Thomas Boyle
1945-76 John Wright
1977-78 James Lutton
1979 Kenneth Love
1980-81 Robert Hughes
1982-83 Thomas Uprichard
1984-85 Alan Milligan
1986-87 David Rowan
1988-89 George Trouton
1990-91 Don Milligan
1992-93 Cecil Lutton
1994-95 Raymond Buckley

History of Lodges Index