ORANGE ORDER TO DEVELOP MUSEUMS IN BELFAST AND LOUGHALL

Orange Order Grand Master Robert Saulters, pictured with senior unionist figures at the launch of the project to build interpretive centres on Orangeism in Belfast and Loughall. From left, David McNarry, Ulster Unionist Party, Peter Robinson, DUP leader, Mr Saulters and Jim Allister, TUV Leader.

The Orange Order has launched ambitious plans to develop interpretive centres at its headquarters in Belfast and in Loughall,Co. Armagh,  the founding place of Orangeism.

The Order is the lead partner in a £4M project which will see museums and interpretive centres at Schomberg House, Belfast, and Sloan’s House in Loughall.

“It will be an unequalled historical collection of historical material relating to Orangeism,” said Director of Services Dr. David Hume.
 
An application for the iconic proposal has been submitted to a European Funding Programme along with a detailed business plan.

Dr. Hume went on;
“It is a central plank of the submission that the Orange Order has a key role in society and that unless there is engagement with the Order from the wider community, there will continue to be misunderstandings leading to conflict and lack of respect for difference cultures.
“The Orange interpretive centres proposal gives the opportunity for that understanding to develop.”
 
Planning permissions has already been obtained for the proposed development at Schomberg House, while permission is pending for the Loughall site.
 
Museum consultants from London have visited both sites and produced detailed plans to enhance the outstanding collection of artefacts and documents which is held by the Orange Order.
Their suggestions include the re-creation of a one-third replica model of the sculpture of King William on Clifton Street Orange Hall in Belfast as a focal point for the display area at Schomberg House.
An early 20th century Orange Hall would also be created inside the building and would be utilised as the entrance to a new dedicated museum area as well as an educational resource for school and community visits, and a location for lodge meetings.
At Loughall, there are plans for tableaux which will recreate the signing of the first Orange Lodge warrants in 1795.

Already 100 Orange lodges across Ireland have written in support of the proposals and highlighted that they have historical materials which they would wish to place in any new interpretive centre.
Support letters from across the community have also been submitted with the application with testimonials from schools and community groups who have engaged with the Order and its community education programme.
 
In addition, the Cavan County and Monaghan County Museums and the Millmount Museum in Drogheda have signed up to be partners with the Loughall Centre, while the Somme Centre and the White House at Whiteabbey are partners with the Schomberg House project. This means that the various sites will be able to transfer exhibitions and literature will be on hand at each encouraging visitors to the others.
 
“This is without doubt one of the most significant projects ever undertaken by the Orange Order,” said Dr. Hume.
“We know there is a massive appetite from all sections of the community about our history and these interpretive centres will become the focal point for anyone who has a sense of history and tradition and wants to learn more.”
 
The plans were unveiled to politicians, opinion formers, historians and other interested people at an event in Schomberg House.

Happy St. Andrews Day!

Happy St. Andrews Day!
Nemo me impune lacessit.

ORANGE ORDER REMEMBER THE FALLEN

Edward Stevenson, Deputy Grand Master, Robert Saulters, Grand Master, and Mervyn Bishop, Grand Treasurer.

The Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Robert Saulters, has spoken of the sacrifice made by Orangemen during the Troubles.

He was speaking at the annual Remembrance Day Memorial Service at the headquarters of the Order, Schomberg House , on the Cregagh Road in east Belfast, on Wednesday, November 11.

He said:

Today, we gather to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy and freedom.

We remember the men and women who died while serving their country, in conflicts all over the world. We think back to the battlefields of the First World War and the Second World War, Korea and the Falklands and many more.

More recently we have seen our armed forces fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many service personnel who are based here in Northern Ireland have served with great distinction in those countries.

Tragically some of them have been killed and others have been severely injured. They have suffered physical injury and many have suffered mental injury, which can take as long to heal.

Today as we lay poppy crosses we should remember those brave people. And we should also let their colleagues and their families know that they have overwhelming support in the community.

Last year, I had the privilege of attending the Homecoming Parade in Belfast. It was one of the most uplifting events I have ever seen. Hopefully the soldiers on parade on that day will have seen just how much we think of them.

We must also think today of the people who lost their lives in the Troubles – those people murdered by terrorists while doing their duty or going about their daily lives. And we must never forget those who were injured.

At the beginning of the Troubles, the Orange Order encouraged people to join the security forces and serve this country. Many of our members joined the police and the Ulster Defence Regiment and served with bravery and honour.

They made a serious commitment to the well-being and safety of everyone in this community. They did their duty but paid a terrible price.

Throughout the Troubles, the Orange Institution lost 330 people who were killed by the gun and bomb. That is approximately one tenth of those who died in all those years.
It is too easy to forget the price paid by Orangemen, the length and breadth of this country.

Of those 330 Orangemen who were killed, 214 of them were serving in the security forces or had previously served. The cowards who cut them down did not really care whether or not they still wore the uniform of their country.

In fact many of the murders were carried out while our brethren were at their most vulnerable, going about their civilian lives.

We should not forget our brethren who died because they chose to serve the community. Republicans are trying desperately to re-write history – to airbrush their evil deeds from the pages of the history books that are still to be written.

They have sought to vilify the Orange Order, they have sought to explain their campaign of ethnic cleansing as some sort of justified war. That is warped logic and we will not let them away with it. They can re-write their own books but they will not be allowed to change the true history of what they did.

Protestants, unionists and the loyal orders have had enough of republicans claiming that they had the right to take lives as part of what they called the armed struggle. They had no such right and we will not let them away with it.



They do not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the people who put on a uniform and swore allegiance to Queen and country.

We asked our members to join the security forces and now we owe them our support. We need to stand up for them.

Their sacrifices will not be forgotten, the pain and anguish of the loved ones they left behind will not be forgotten.

We will ensure that on days like this – Remembrance Day – we remember all the service personnel who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We all have a unique covenant with the military. It is up to all of us, and our government, to ensure that soldiers are looked after properly – while serving abroad and here at home. We must also ensure that the after care for those injured and traumatised is as good as it should be.

This country and indeed the world would be a very different place if it was not for the armed forces.

Their courage should make the rest of us feel very humble.

We will remember them.

Palmer Street Remembrance Day Service

PARADE - Sunday 8th November 2009
Palmer St. Remembrance Day Service organised by United Districts
Brethren to assemble at 1415 in Regent Street at rear of Belfast Orange Hall for 1430 parade.
The Worshipful Master requests that any Brethren not attending other Remembrance services to please attend this parade to honour those killed in the Defence of Ulster.

C.G.L.O.L.o.B.

SHAM FIGHT CAPTURED ON CANVAS

The Sham Fight – one of the biggest days in the summer calendar – has been captured on canvas.

The event is held in Scarva on July 13 every year and approximately 100,000 people pack into the tiny village to enjoy the occasion. It is probably the biggest single cultural event of the year in Northern Ireland.
Local Black Preceptory RBP 1000 organise the Sham Fight each year and there is little surprise when King William and his followers once again overpower King James.
The fight takes place in front of Scarvagh House with thousands of people cheering on the soldiers taking part.
RBP 1000 in partnership with Altnaveigh House, a community based organisation in Newry, commissioned a painting of the famous event.
Banbridge artist Bruce White has captured the day in a unique painting of the re-enactment. Set against the backdrop of Scarvagh House, the artist has brought all of the key players together.
The original painting will be held by the Imperial Grand Black Chapter and will be on display at their headquarters in Brownlow House, Lurgan.
A limited edition fine art print of the painting has been released for sale. Limited to 1000 copies (representing RBP 1000) the print will be on sale for £100 each. Each print is signed and numbered by the artist and will be accompanied by a short history of the Sham Fight.
All proceeds will go to the Sham Fight Committee and the Altnaveigh House Project.
The official unveiling of the painting will take place at Scarvagh House, Scarva, on Saturday, October 31 at 11am under the watchful eye of some of the Williamite and Jacobite soldiers depicted in the work of art.


The No. 1 print will be presented to Mr Alfie Buller, who owns Scarvagh House and the No. 1000 print will be presented to RBP 1000.
 The original painting will be presented to the Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution, Millar Farr.
Details of how to get the print can be obtained by emailing shamfight@talktalk.net.

IMPORTANT DONATION TO ORANGE ARCHIVES

A valuable and historic book from the year of the Battle of the Boyne has been presented by Belfast City Council to the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

The Paymaster General’s Book from 1690 was held by Belfast City Council for many years after having been presented to Belfast Corporation. When the council realised the importance of the book and the records it contained about King William’s Army, they approached the Orange Order.

Councillor William Humphrey, Chairman of the Council Culture, Development and Arts Committee, presented the book – on permanent loan – to the Orange Order. It will be held in their headquarters, Schomberg House, and form part of their archive.

The Paymaster General was Thomas Coningsby, an ardent supporter of King William, who was alongside him for much of the Williamite Wars.

The Orange Order Library in Schomberg House is called the Conningsby Room.

Councillor Humphrey said that Belfast City Council did not really appreciate the historical significance of the book.

“We knew that it had been presented to the old Belfast Corporation way back in the mists of time,” he said.

“But, we did not really appreciate just how much information there was in it, until we gave it a more detailed examination. You could almost say this was a narrative of the events of 1690 and the start of the Williamite Wars. It is incredibly interesting and fortunately has been maintained in pristine condition.

”We decided to give it on permanent loan to the Orange Order so that more people would have access to it and read the fascinating detail.”

Dr. Jonathan Mattison, Research Assistant at the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, said the book was a goldmine of information.

“We are delighted to have such an important piece of history for display in Schomberg House,” he said.

“We are currently developing plans for the creation of an Interpretative and Educational Centre so that the whole community can learn about the Orange and related tradition in Irish, British and world history. Manuscript material like this book will have pride of place.

“We are extremely grateful to Belfast City Council for placing such an item with us.”

Reformation Day Church Service

PARADE - Sunday 25th October 2009
Reformation Day Church Parade organised by Belfast County
Brethren to assemble at District Assembly at 1415 for parade at 1430 sharp.
The Worshipful Master requests full attendance at this important commemoration of our Reformed Faith's beginnings.

C.G.L.O.L.o.B.

ORANGE ORDER CONCERNED ABOUT MEIGH TAKE-OVER

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has issued the following statement about the incident in Meigh, County Armagh, when armed men staged a roadblock in the village.

“We are extremely concerned at the situation which is developing in South Armagh, where the police appear to have surrendered effective control in some areas to paramilitary groups.
“Although not so well publicised, we believe this is also happening in parts of Fermanagh, which are not being policed.
“We are now seeing the inevitable legacy of the Patton Report.
“We fully support the policemen and women on the ground, who are being left in an impossible and life threatening position, because of the politically inspired changes to policing which are designed to appease rather that deliver a better service.”

DAWSON BAILLIE AT BELFAST TWELFTH

The County Grand Master of Belfast, Rt. Wor. Bro. Dawson Bailey, made the following speech at the twelfth platform proceedings:

It is with immense pleasure and pride as County Master of Belfast that I add my personal welcome to you all on this our 319th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne celebrations.
I am particularly pleased to welcome so many of the Orange family from around the globe as they attend the Imperial Orange Council of the World.
I have had the privilege of enjoying the hospitality extended by overseas Orange jurisdictions in Scotland, England and Canada. Therefore it is a great pleasure to return their kindness, as you join the loyal citizens of Northern Ireland’s capital city in celebrating King William’s victory at the Boyne.

There has been much talk about the membership numbers of the institution in recent days. We could debate the reasons for the decline but I believe the real story is that the Orange Institution remains strong and grounded in its foundation principles.
We are a global family of Protestants bound together in a brotherhood to promote the Reformed Faith and defend the civil and religious liberties won for all by the Glorious revolution.
Our influence has neither diminished or increased – the Orange Institution remains the largest organisation committed to the United Kingdom, we are a broad church, both in terms of our politics and our faith. We have all shades of Unionist within our ranks and a wide denominational spread.
Our strength is not in our numbers – which by any standards are still large – but our strength lies in our determination to remain British – our strength comes from the one and only true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I don’t need to remind those present Gideon only required 300 to defeat the enemies of his day.

The Twelfth celebrations attract hundreds of thousands on to the streets to watch and support us, the live television broadcast attracts by far the largest share of an audience on BBC Northern Ireland and over recent years tens of thousands have joined us live on the web. Not bad for an organisation that has been going for over 200 years.
Not bad for an organisation whose obituary has been written by many commentators. Not bad for an organisation who along with the rest of the community have faced 30 years of terrorist attack.
Let me say to those who are trying to write off the Orange Institution. The Twelfth is still the biggest event in the country. The Twelfth is growing. The Orange Order remains committed to the principles of our forefathers and the freedoms won at Derry, Aughrim, Enniskillen and the Boyne. We are not going away you know.

The freedoms we enjoy have been defended down through the generations. Members of the Orange Order have always rallied to the flag or supported those sent in our name to fight for King and Country. As we passed in our resolution today, we remember with pride those who landed on the shores of Normandy 65 years ago this year. Those from our Army, Navy and Air Force and the Allied Forces who established that bridge head on the beaches of Frances so the invasion of Europe could begin. We salute their memory with pride as they fought to defeat Nazism – one of the greatest evils the world has seen. Over recent decades our armed forces have fought terrorism in Kenya, Cyprus and many other countries.

We in the Orange and Unionist community bore the brunt of a terrorist campaign for over 30 years when republicans murdered Protestants simply because they were Protestant or served in the security forces. Sadly many innocent Roman Catholics were also slaughtered in the so called cause for a United Ireland. This Institution saw over 300 of our brethren murdered.
We will never forget their deaths or sacrifice, indeed we will remember all those innocent victims murdered by terrorists. However, one thing we will not take is a lecture from people like Martin McGuinness, who had the cheek to recently accuse the Orange Institution of not contributing to peace in this province.
How dare he. The contribution to peace by this loyal order in Northern Ireland is written large in the headstones and memorial plaques in cemeteries and Orange Halls the length and breadth of Ulster.
The former IRA man may now be a politician but the terror and mayhem his organisation brought to our streets, will not be forgotten by the Unionist community. The Orange Institution will continue to build peace in this part of the United Kingdom but we will keep a watchful eye on Mr McGuinness and his mates to ensure they do not speak with forked tongues.

And speaking of traditional enemies, I would like to wish Parades Commission chairman Roger Poole well as he departs these shores, sadly not before time. The Parades Commission‘s contribution to community relations could be likened to an ashtray on a motorbike – a waste of space.
They are a ship that is holed below the water, their captain has abandoned them and the remaining crew are re-arranging the deckchairs as the water rises around them. May I say to those left on board – nobody is going to throw you a lifeline. Your cruise is nearly over – abandon ship. Let me also fire a warning shot across the bows of the owner – the Secretary of State – the Parades Commission must go. No makeover or charm offensive will make them acceptable to this Institution. May I take this opportunity to thank the First Minister and all our Unionist politicians for their promise and commitment to rid us of the Parades Commission. We look forward to the demise of the Commission in the months ahead.

May I conclude by asking for your ongoing prayers for those who are serving Queen and Country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many forget we are at war – as we assemble here today, men and women are fighting on the frontline. Risking their lives and sadly some are dying so that you and I and generations yet unborn can live free from the evil of terrorism. May God bless them and keep them safe as we pray for their success.

Have a Happy and Glorious Twelfth!

William crossing the Boyne

From the Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of Royal York LOL 145, we wish you a Happy and Glorious "Twelfth" Celebration.

NO SURRENDER

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN