Grand Master's Christmas & New Year Message 2012

GRAND MASTER RE-ELECTED BY ORANGE ORDER

Most Wor. Bro. Edward Stevenson, Grand Master of Ireland

EDWARD Stevenson has been re-elected as Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

Members of the Order’s Grand Lodge gathered today at Doorin Orange Hall, Mountcharles, Co Donegal and decided that the Tyrone farmer, 57, should remain at the helm of the Loyal Institution for at least another year.

The Ardstraw man succeeded Robert Saulters as Grand Master in January 2011.

Speaking after the meeting in the Republic, Mr Stevenson said it was a “great honour” to continue in his role.

He said: “I am very pleased and humbled to be re-elected, particularly at the end of a year when the Ulster Covenant commemorations illustrated the enduring strength of Orangeism and its continuing relevance in modern society.

“The Orange Institution holds a unique and valued place within the Protestant community and I look forward to further advancing its proud ethos over the next 12 months.”

Meanwhile, Rev Alistair Smyth was re-elected as Deputy Grand Master at the meeting of the Loyal Order’s ruling body. Drew Nelson retains his position as Grand Secretary.

In Memoriam: Bro Norman Usher

Bro Norman Usher

The Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of Royal York L.O.L. 145 record, with sadness, the death of Brother Norman Usher, a faithful member of the Loyal Orange Institution for many years, on Saturday, 1 December 2012. A true Gentleman, he had held the office of Worshipful Master within the lodge in 1971. His conduct in, and commitment to, our institution was never for personal gain but for the benefit of others, and was consistent with his actions in the wider community in which he lived and worked. We will mourn his passing, but nowhere will that loss be more greatly felt than with his immediate family, his wife Maureen and the family circle and to them we extend our heart felt sympathy.

Andrew Charles, WM