18th December 1867
At a meeting held in Corporation Hall, the Diamond, Londonderry, after Devine Service, the following resolution by the then Governor of the Apprentice Boys, Bro. John Guy Ferguson, was passed on the motion of the motion of James Colhoun Esq; of the Londonderry Sentinel:
“We the Apprentice Boys and Citizens here assembled pledge ourselves to take immediate steps to provide a Hall for Protestant Meetings and Commemorative purposes.”
1871
A desin in the Scottish fortified Baronial style of architecture by J.G. Ferguson C.E. was adopted.
The building to contain:
- An Apprentice Boys Common Hall
- Lodge Room for the Orange Institution
- Protestant Workingmens Meeting and Reading Room
- Caretaker’s Apartment
A site known as Foys Factory at the corner of Society Street – Magazine Street which had been purchased at a cost of £300 was been made available.
A Circular, containing the names of an influential Committee, soliciting contributions was published.
A local workingmens committee was also formed. Early in 1873, encouraged by a magnificent contribution of £300 from C.E. Lewis Esq. MP for Londonderry, working plans were prepared.
The builders were: Matthew McClelland & Joseph Ballantine; Clerk of Works: James McElmunn.
12th August 1873
The Lord Bishop, Dr William Alexander, preached the Anniversary Sermon in the Cathedral, after which the Memorial Stone for the new Hall was lais by Alderman John Ewing Miller M.D. J.P. in the presence of an immense concourse of Apprentice Boys, Citizens and Protestants from all parts of the Kingdom.
Councilor Thompson J.P., Chairman of the Building Committee, presided. The building was dedicated in Memory of the Brave Thirteen Apprentice Boys, who closed the gates in 1688. Councilor McVicker read a copy of the documents and list of articles to placed under the stone in a hernetically sealed tin case.
Also Present:
- William Johnston MP of Ballykilbeg, orator of the day GM of the City of Derry GOL,
- Phillip Shannon, President of the Associated Clubs of Apprentice Boys.
- STEWART Blacker, Grand Master, County Derry GOL
- D’Arcy Boulton QC, PGM
- Herbert MacDonald, MPP, PGM
- Dr Oronhyatekha, Orange Canadian Delegate
- John G Bond GM USA
- Wm Keown MP for Downpatrick
- Wm James James Gwynn JP Deputy Secretary of Orange Institution of Ireland
- Robert Alexander, Citizen
- Revs. R.C. Donnell, R. Babbington, E.G. Dougherty, W.E.Ross and Joseph Rawlins – Chaplins to the Apprentice Boys
May 1876
A Great Bazaar was held in Corporation Hall. Proceeds in aid of the newly opened Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall.
1912
Plans for the enlargement of the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall were first considered under the guidance of Bro. Matthew Kerr, whoo became secretary of the Hall Trustees that year, plans were commenced.
Two houses at £450 and later one large house at £700 adjoining the hall were purchased.
1918
After the Great War, Ye Old Besieged Inn was purchased at £600 and twqo houses in Magazine Street for £1,025 from Mrs McElhinney and C.H.O’Doherty
Builders: Messers F.B. McKee & Co Ltd. Belfast.
Architect: J.A. Davidson Esq FRIBA
Foundation Stones were laid on 12th August 1936 by Senator Captain J M Wilton MC JP Mayor of Derry and on 12thh July 1937 by Bro Matthew Kerr
Sunday 12th December 1937
Full civic honors were accorded to the Opening and Dedication Ceremony with the Hall Officially opened by Viscountess Craigavon, wife of the Ulster Prime Minister.
Dedicated in Memory of the Brethren who had made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War of 1914 – 1918 and the Brave 13 Apprentice Boys.
Dedicatory prayer by the moderator of the General Assembly, Rt Rev Dr Wallell and the Bishop of Clogher, Rt Rev Dr James MacManaway preached and appropriate sermon. Bro Matthew Kerr, Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and City Grand Master presided on that occasion.
July 1956
Royal Black Preceptory Encampment Opened and Dedicated
March 1956
New Orange Room opened and dedicated
February 1964
Womans’ Orange Room opened and dedicated.
2008
Plans are under way for a further expansion to the building. An exhibition and education centre is planned for the space beside the Hall currently occupied by the Walker Memorial Garden. This new building will contrast the current building with a striking blend of modern design and traditional materials. It is hoped that work will have commenced by the end of 2009.
