ST.JOHNSTON TRUE BLUES L.O.L 992
Situated on the banks of the river Foyle, only four miles from the border
with N. Ireland with Co. Londonderry, St. Johnston has one of the oldest lodges
under the jurisdiction of the City of Londonderry. LOL992 is mentioned in
Grand Lodge record of 1821. The lodge originally met in a small hall on the Main Street of the village. The origins of this hall are not clear but in 1845, a new hall was built by the members then numbering around 200.
During the civil war of 1922, the hall was occupied by republican forces that destroyed valuable property including lodge records.
Up to 1918, the lodge was lead by St. Johnston True Blues Flute band, in this year however it changed to bagpipes, with the formation of St. Johnston Pipe band. For decades, they were one of the most successful bands in the area.
However on the 12th July 1972, the lodge and band on returning from the celebrations were attacked by a rioting mob. These were desperate times for the Protestant people in the area. On that day the banner and much of the band equipment was destroyed. In the following weeks and months, Protestant families left their homes, some never to return, and several attempts were made to burn down the Orange hall.
The band could no longer practise in St. Johnston and chose instead to use Kildoag Orange Hall in Co. Londonderry and later changed their name to Maiden City Pipe band.
In 1985, a young and vibrant 992 formed a flute band which against the odds was a success, and for 12 years Donegal's only flute band. However on the 12th July 1997, 25 years after the 1972 riot, the lodge and band were attacked again in St. Johnston Street.
Like the Protestant population in the village, this lodge and band were smaller in numbers than 72 and although the attack was less violent, the shock of this was a big blow to a band with 6 members under the age of 12 and it never recovered. On the 27th August after the Royal Black Preceptory parade, St.Johnston flute band walked for the last time.
In 1989, a ladies lodge was formed in St. Johnston, WLOL168, and since then their numbers have increased and they have become a familiar part of our demonstations and social events.
Every year, two Sundays before the 12th of July, Orangemen and women come from near and far to attend our annual Sunday service. Up to 200 strong in full regalia to parade the short route from the Orange Hall to the Presbyterian Church in a show of solidarity with their St. Johnston brethren that is the epitimy of the Orange order.
Those who are opposed to the witness of the reformed faith in St. Johnston
can only stand in awe. Long may it continue.