The DUP stalwart and his party leader Dr Ian Paisley both previously featured on the structure.
However, this year the images of the men are no longer part of the arch.
Instead new pictures, including Dan Winter's cottage and a scripture verse, have replaced the politicians.
The MAIL attempted to ascertain who is responsible for the arch, but with opinion divided between the DUP and several local Orders no definite answer could be obtained.
The MAIL was informed the arch is owned and maintained by the DUP but when asked, a leading party representative said they couldn't be sure who had possession of the structure.
One caller to the paper said they were disappointed and shocked by the disappearance of Rev McCrea and Dr Paisley from the arch but when asked could shed no further light on any reason why their images had been removed.
It has been suggested several of the portraits were in need of an overdue makeover after the ravages of time and inclement weather took their toll on them.
When contacted, Rev McCrea's MLA son Ian declined to comment on the matter.
Magherafelt UUP councillor George Shiels said many in the area have lost faith in the DUP and its members following their decision to enter into devolved Government with Sinn Fein.
"Following the U-turn by Ian Paisley and the DUP many in the district have lost faith in the party and its leadership," he said.
"Mr Paisley told untruths and should have been straight and open in his election manifesto."
But Mr Shiels could shed no light on who had taken the decision to remove the portraits.