Formal Recognition Type

Registered Heritage Structure

Heritage Value

Lord Nelson Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #149 was designated a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1998 due to its aesthetic, historic and cultural value.

Lord Nelson Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #149 has aesthetic value as a fine example of a vernacular interpretation of classical architecture in a fraternal lodge building. The simple plan has a gable roof and gable end entrance. A band of wooden panels separate the first floor from the second and the corner boards are decorated with narrow classical pilasters. Each single hung window is arched with an eared trim and keystone feature. Muntins in the upper storey windows add interest, and small rosettes are found on all window trim. The main entrance is set off by the arched, wooden panelled double doors. Directly above the doors on the second floor is the typical Orange Lodge archway, which reflects the identical size and shape of the surrounding windows. Within this keystone arch are some of the usual symbols of the Orange Order, including the crescent and the star – the meanings of which are privy only to members of the association. The building design is unique to the Great Northern Peninsula.

Lord Nelson Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #149 has further aesthetic value due to its prominent visibility in the community. Woody Point itself is located in the middle of Gros Morne National Park, surrounded by the Tablelands and Gros Morne Mountain, making it a popular destination within the park.

Lord Nelson Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #149 has great historic and cultural value. Built in 1908, the former lodge building has been a landmark in the community of Woody Point from the time of its construction. In addition to its role as a fraternal lodge, it hosted dances, meetings, weddings, and other social events. Unused for many years, it was purchased by local musician Charlie Payne and his wife Joan in the late 1990s. Restored and renamed “Woody Point Heritage Theatre,” it once again became a hub for community events. In 2004 it became the main venue for the “Writers at Woody Point” literary festival. Since then, renowned provincial, national and international writers and musicians have graced its stage. In 2012 it was purchased by the Friends of Writers at Woody Point.

Source: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador property file “Woody Point – Lord Nelson Loyal Orange Lodge LOL #149 – FPT 1689”

Character Defining Elements

All those exterior features that represent classical architecture, including:
-number of storeys;
-low pitch gable roof;
-pediment at gable end;
-narrow wooden clapboard;
-wooden corner boards with pilasters;
-size, style, trim and placement of wooden windows;
-arched, eared keystone window trim;
-size, style, trim and placement of exterior wooden doors;
-features symbolic of the Orange Order, including crescent shape, star shape and arches, and;
-dimension, location and orientation of building.

Community

Woody Point

Municipality

Town of Woody Point

Construction (circa)

1908 - 1908

Style

Rectangular Short Façade