Christian Crusaders L.O.L. 1339

For Christ and The Gospel

Just over 60 years ago - April 15th 1926 to be precise Christian Crusaders L.O.L. 1339 met for the first time in Belfast Orange Hall under the authority of No. 3 District L.O.L.

The Lodge was formed by brethren who after experiencing the effects of the 1925 Gospel Revival led by the late W. P Nicholson felt the time was not only right but necessary that a lodge be formed for "Born Again Christians" who had been "saved by Grace" and wanted to stay within the Orange Order and witness to their fellow brethren about their personal relationships with their Lord and Saviour and witness to the public at large about how close being a Christian and an Orangeman actually were.

Down through the years the lodge grew in strength and at one time had its own Silver and Pipe Bands. The influence of this Christian Lodge was felt not only within Orangeism but also within the world of politics. When a motion was put forward to the Ulster Unionist Convention to remove Religious Education from the then Elementary Schools as a compulsory subject, Brother George Myers and the late Brother Joseph Wilkinson, then District Representatives to the Unionist Council, spoke out very forcefully against the motion. As a result of their speeches the motion was defeated and the then Minister of Education was removed from office in the Northern Ireland Government.

It can take up to three months to gain membership of Christian Crusaders as each prospective new member is personally vetted in their home environment. The only quality they must possess is a commitment to the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ.

Current offices held by members of 1339 at No. 3 District are District Chaplain - W.Bro. Vincent Shortt, PM, PDM, who is also a County representative to the Grand Lodge and District Treasurer - W.Bro. Stephen McAlister PM, who also holds the office of Treasurer of the City of Belfast Loyal Orange Widows Fund.

Brother Michael Skillen, the Worshipful Master of Christian Crusaders L.O.L. 1339, would like to extend to any Born Again Christian Orangeman or indeed to any former Orangemen or those who wish to join the institution and are Christians of the Reformed Faith, an open invitation to join or visit our lodge which meets in Room B, Belfast Orange Hall, Clifton Street, Belfast on the second Monday of each month commencing with prayer at 7.30

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