A ceremony was held at the refurbished Orange Hall in Newtowncunningham four years after the building was destroyed in a fire.
On September 14, 2014, the Orange Hall was gutted by a fire started by arsonists.
Last evening, local Orangemen welcomed senior Orange Order officials to commemorate the official opening and the unveiling of a restored First World War memorial that was damaged in the fire.
The tablet, dedicated to Orangemen from Donegal who died in the War, is on display along with a Bible, which was found in the debris.
Newtowncunninham True Blues LOL 1063 Deputy Grand Master Stewart McClean said the opening of the Hall was a ‘defining and historic moment for our lodge.
“The opening of our new hall is a tremendous accomplishment for all those associated with this substantial rebuild,” he said.
“The upgraded property has been built for use by the local community and will be utilised not only by the lodge and accordion band, but also a range of groups and organisations in the area.
“We are confident the hall will be a wonderful asset for east Donegal for generations to come.”
District Master Stewart McClean pictured with Most Worshipful Bro Edward Stevenson, Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland at Friday night’s opening and dedication in Newtowncunningham, County Donegal.
Edward Stevenson, the Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, was among the attendance.
“It is tremendous to see this community facility rise again from the ashes and fully restored to its former glory,” he said.
“Its renewed and improved presence is testament to the fortitude and resilience of the Protestant and Orange fraternity in the Donegal area.
“The lodge has a proud military heritage, most notably during the Great War, and therefore it is particularly fitting that such a redevelopment occur in this, the centenary year of the Armistice.
“The new hall will stand as not only a tribute to those former members, but also in its everyday operation will provide a lasting legacy for future generations.”
