KILLALOO TRUE BLUES LOL 621
A warrant issued on 15th September 1828 is the earliest record of the Lodge in our possession although the number 621 is listed in the Grand Lodge of Ireland minute book of 1798 which catalogues the first 740 lodges. In 1828 the lodge met at Brackfield and it was not until 1892 that the original Killaloo Orange Hall was opened. In these days the lodge worked under the jurisdiction of Cumber Claudy No. 2 District and it was not until later years that it became part of The City of Londonderry No. 5 District.
The first Killaloo Band was a Flute Band, which was replaced after the Second World War by an Accordion Band, and it has prospered as the Lodge Band since its formation. Apart from leading our own Lodge the Band accompanies The City of Londonderry's No.1 and No.4 Districts on the Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne Church Service and on the Annual Service to Commemorate the Failure of the Gunpowder Plot. In the Tercentenary year it accompanied West Calder W.L.O.L. No.168 to demonstration in Shotts, Scotland and the City of Londonderry No.5 District to the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland's parade in Belfast. In 1993, under the leadership of Wor. Bro. John Cairns, the Band produced a cassette tape entitled "On Parade with Killaloo Accordion Band" to raise funds for the construction of the new Orange Hall and this successful venture raised over £3,000.
The past decade has seen the Lodge continue to flourish.
In 1986 a new banner was unfurled and dedicated depicting King William the Third, Prince of Orange, Crossing the Boyne on one side and a portrait of the Late Rt. Wor. Bro. Joseph Smallwoods, D.G.M.l., who served both the lodge and band for over fifty-five years on the other side.
In 1989 new uniforms were purchased for the band at a cost of £8,000.
Then on 6th May 1994 a new Orange Hall was opened and dedicated by the Grand Master, Most Wor. Bro. Rev. W. Martin Smyth, B.A., B.D., M.P. Lodge brethren used their talents and trades to help erect this building which replaced the old hall that had served the lodge so well for the past one hundred years. In recent times the brethren have been engaged in various fund raising activities and would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that supported these events and gave personal subscriptions. Thanks are also due to the many Lodges in the jurisdictions of the Grand Orange Lodge's of Ireland, England, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the U.S.A. and the Royal Black Preceptories who sent us donations. The assistance of the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge was also very much appreciated. On 2nd April 1993 we had the privilege to receive at our monthly meeting the Most Wor. Grand Master of Alberta, Canada Bro. John Coburn who presented us with a cheque for our building fund on behalf of the Provincial Grand Orange Lodge of Alberta. We should also like to make special mention of the Daughters of Ulster L.O.B.A. No. 1690, Enniskillen L.O.L. 1615, and the Enniskillen Accordion Band all of New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada for their much valued support and financial generosity.