Monday 3 November 2014

Upcoming Parade: Annual Palmer St Remembrance Service


Upcoming Parade and Service

Annual Palmer St Remembrance Service
Sunday 9th November 2014

Assemble West Belfast Orange Hall @ 2.15 for 2.30pm depart

All brethren are requested to attend.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Monday 20 October 2014

Upcoming Parade: Annual Reformation Day Church Service


Upcoming Parade and Church Service

Annual Reformation Day Church Service
Sunday 26th October 2014

Assemble Hopewell Avenue @ 2.15 for 2.30pm depart

Service in St.Michael's Parish Church, Craven St. @ 3 pm

All brethren are requested to attend.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Friday 4 July 2014

Orange Order meets Unionist parties

Senior members of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and County Grand Orange Lodges throughout the Province met today (FRI) with representatives of the main Unionist parties.

The meeting was held at Grand Lodge headquarters in east Belfast.

Among the attendees was the Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Edward Stevenson; Grand Master of the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast, George Chittick; DUP leader Peter Robinson; Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt; and representatives of the TUV, PUP and UPRG (west Belfast).

Grand Master Edward Stevenson said afterwards:

“We had a productive meeting with our Unionist political representatives, where we as an Institution offered our full support for their joint statement and unity of purpose following the Parades Commission’s nonsensical decision preventing Ligoniel Orangemen from once again completing their Twelfth parade. 
“Grand Lodge is also mindful at this time of restrictions on other Orange parades throughout the Province. 
“We will continue purposeful dialogue within the Orange family and wider pro-Union community over the coming days; and will outline our response in due course. 
“Although there is much anger at the latest restriction on our legitimate cultural expression and traditions; I would once again reiterate the Institution’s call for any protest to be lawful and peaceful. Violence will not help our cause, and only play into the hands of our enemies.”

Orange Order slams 'preposterous' determination

Responding to the decision of the Parades Commission to prevent Ligoniel Lodges from completing their Twelfth parade in north Belfast, an Orange Order spokesman said:

“This preposterous decision by the Parades Commission only underlines the increasing perception that its determinations are dictated by the threat of physical force opposition to our parades.

Such reckless action comes despite the prolonged and genuine efforts by the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast, and primarily the Ligoniel lodges, to defuse tensions concerning Loyal Order parades in this part of the city over the past 12 months, including face-to-face discussions with nationalist residents.

There will quite rightly be indignation across the entire Unionist community at the latest restriction on our legitimate cultural expression and traditions; and therefore the Orange Institution will be meeting with our political leaders at the earliest opportunity to discuss further the ramifications of this decision.

We are also mindful of continuing intransigent opposition by republicans to Loyal Order parades in other areas of the Province, including the longstanding situation at Drumcree.

Despite the exploits of an ill-informed and apparently ill-disposed Parades Commission, we would appeal for calm and call on all not to be drawn into the trap being set by republicans.

Any violence will only undermine our cause.

We would reiterate that anyone wishing to protest against this outrageous decision must do so in a peaceful manner.

Only then can civil and religious liberty prevail.”

Monday 30 June 2014

Upcoming Parade: Annual Boyne Anniversary Service


Upcoming Parade and Church Service

Annual Boyne Anniversary Service
Sunday 6th July 2014

Assemble Hopewell Avenue @ 2.15 for 2.30pm depart

Service in St.Michael's Parish Church, Craven St. @ 3.15 pm

All brethren are requested to attend.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Monday 23 June 2014

Upcoming Parade: Annual Somme Anniversary Service


Upcoming Parade and Church Service

Annual Somme Anniversary Service
Sunday 29th June 2014

Assemble Hopewell Avenue @ 2.15 for 2.30pm depart

Service in St.Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Donegall Pass @ 3.30

All brethren are requested to attend.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Monday 16 June 2014

Upcoming Parade: Belfast Orange Hall United Districts Parade


Upcoming Parade

Belfast Orange Hall United Districts Parade
Friday 20th June 2014

Assemble Hopewell Avenue @ 7 for 7.30pm depart

All brethren are requested to attend.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Upcoming Parade: Annual Whiterock LOL Parade


Upcoming Parade

Annual Whiterock LOL Parade
Saturday 28th June 2014

Assemble Glenwood Street @ 1.45 for 2.15pm depart

All brethren are requested to attend.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Friday 6 June 2014

GRAND LODGE RESPONDS TO LIGONIEL DETERMINATION

Responding to the Parades Commission’s decision preventing Ligoniel Orangemen from completing last year’s Twelfth of July parade in north Belfast:

A Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland spokesman said:

“The latest Twaddell initiative was a genuine and sincere attempt to resolve this longstanding issue, and reach an equitable solution allowing our Ligoniel brethren to complete their Twelfth parade. 
Six minutes is all it will take for the Ligoniel lodges and accompanying bands to process peacefully along the main arterial route of the Crumlin Road. It is therefore hugely disappointing, despite numerous overtures and indeed dialogue with Ardoyne residents, that the Parades Commission chooses to blatantly ignore the concept of shared space in north Belfast and has bowed once again to the threat of republican violence. 
Despite this setback, the Orange family and our Unionist partners involved in the Civil Rights Camp remain determined to resolve this issue.”

Monday 19 May 2014

Upcoming Parade: No. 6 District Women's LOL Parade and Service


Upcoming Parade and Church Service

No. 6 District Women's LOL Parade and Service
Sunday 25th May 2014

Assemble North Belfast Memorial Orange Hall@ 2.20 for 2.30pm depart

Service in St.Pauls Parish Church, York Road @3pm

All brethren are requested to attend.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Wednesday 7 May 2014

One Hundred Years on ... Wednesday, 6th May 1914

YORK  L.O.L.  No. 145
Clifton Street,  Orange Hall.
Belfast.
6th May 1914


The usual Monthly Meeting of this Lodge was held on the above date. Bro. Edward Leathem WM presided Bro. Joseph Davison occupied the Vice Chair.

The Lodge was opened in prescribed form and a portion of Scripture having been read by Bro. Rev. Dr. Walker and minutes of previous meeting were read and passed.

A report of Lodge Committee Meeting held on Monday 4th inst., was read and the following recommendations were made. Candidature of Mr. John Townsley and Mr. Thomas Morrow.  --     Passed.

Report on progress of arrangements for the Orphans of Bro. Wm. Devlin deceased considered satisfactory, the necessary papers having been handed to District Secretary for Co. Grand Lodge approval, they to forward them to Secretary of Enniskillen Memorial Orphan Society.

The sub-committee appointed to secure premises for Dinner on 13th July, reported success after two visits, the first occasion being successful in acquiring Drumley Parochrial Hall, Which on consideration they decided to relinquish and on the second occasion Mr. Campbell a personal friend of Bro. Robert Dorman offered the use of sheds to our Lodge which was gratefully accepted.

The Committee had under consideration the appeal of Sir Edward Carson for further subscriptions to the Ulster Defence and recommended to the Lodge the following resolution which was unanimously passed on the proposal of Bro. Jas. A. Donnelly seconded By Bro. Wallace Linton and supported the WM & DM

“ That the members of our Lodge be requested to subscribe liberally to the Carson Defence Fund and that a sum equal to the amount subscribed be taken from Lodge Funds to augment same."

A circular and Inventory Form was received from Committee of Management, request a return of our Lodge Property for the purpose of Insurance.  A Committee consisting of the DM., Secretary and Treasurer were appointed to have this attended to.

The arrangements in connection with our Douglas excursion were updated as being in a forward condition and were awaiting a reply to application made by Secretary for the necessary Steamer.

An application was received from G.O.L.I. for Bro. Geo. Blair’s certificate on behalf of L.O.L. 122 Delaware and was granted on payment of 2/6.

A remittance for 8/6 was received from G.O.L.I. for Cert of Bro. Wm. Reid to L.O.L. 117 to Manchester and was ordered to be sent on.

A letter of thanks was received from the Widow of our late Bro. Wm. Devlin who expressed her gratitude for the kindness extended to her and for the Wreath sent by the Lodge.

The following candidates being in attendance were admitted and initiated as members of this Loyal Orange Institution. Bros. Joshua Tougher & Dr. I. Clements acting as sponsors.

Messrs. Wm. J. Hobson, John Cupples, William Donaldson, Wm. Morgan, Samuel M. Gore, Ernest E. Ritchie, John Thompson, Alfred Roper & William Dickson.

The WM having to retire this Chair was now occupied by Bro. Davison DM and the Vice Chair by Bro. Robert Dorman.

Invitations were received from several Lodges to attend Anniversary Services and the Secretary was instructed to inform them that our Lodge had arranged to attend District Service, they were unable to officially attend any other

But that as many members as possible would give their support.

The attention of those members who had not received the Degrees of Plain Purple and Arch Purple, were drawn to a meeting of this purpose to be held on Thursday 28th inst.

The following candidates were proposed and to remain on our books for the usual time, and report by Committee.

Mr. Jas. Herbert Anderson (clerk) 169 Ainsworth Avenue.
Pro. By Bro. James Anderson seconded by Bro. John Sayers.

Mr. Herbert Hunter (clerk) 18 Perth Street.
Pro. By Bro. Thomas Hunter seconded By Bro. Jas. Anderson.

Bro L J Parkinson, 55 Victoria Terrace, OC LOL 807
Bro Richard Usher, 55 Victoria Terrace, OC LOL 807
Pro. by Bro Robert Lyttle, secd by Bro John Sayers

This having concluded the business of the meeting, the Lodge was closed in due Form.


God Save the King.


Edward Leathem WM.
John Sayers.  Secretary.

Saturday 26 April 2014

Upcoming Parade: Annual Belfast Widow's Fund Parade and Service


Upcoming Parade and Church Service

Annual City of Belfast Loyal Orange Widows Fund Service
Sunday 27th April 2014

Assemble Hopewell Avenue @ 2.15 for 2.30pm depart

Service in St.Aidens Parish Church, Blythe St., Sandy Row @ 3.30

All brethren are requested to attend.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Wednesday 2 April 2014

One Hundred Years on ... Wednesday, 1st April 1914

York L.O.L. No. 145
Clifton Street, Orange Hall,
Belfast.
1st April 1914


The usual Monthly Meeting of this Lodge was held on above date.  Bro. Edward Leathem WM presiding and Bro. Joseph Davison DM occupied the Vice Chair.

The Lodge was opened in due form, and a portion of Scripture having been read By Bro. Jas. A. Donnelly the minutes of previous meeting were read and passed.

Lodge Committees Report re Candidates

A report of Lodge Committee Meeting held on Monday 30th ult., having been read,

The candidature of Messrs. Ritchie, Morgan, Gore, Cupples, Dobson & Thompson being approved of. Bro. Taylor pro. & Bro. Forsythe seconded that they be adopted….  Passed. and that of Mr. John Townsley Was held over for one month, as no report was given at the Committee Meeting.
Bro. Wm. Small. O.C. from L.O.L. 570 was passed subject to granting of Cert by “570”.

re Deathg of Bro W L Devlin

The report contained reference to the death of Bro Wm. Devlin and the Expression of sympathy by the DM Bro. Davison, was received with deep respect by the members of Committee then present.

Vote of Condolence

Bro. Hodges pro. & Bro. Johnston Seconded that a letter of condolence & sympathy be sent to Mrs. Devlin, the WM in putting the proposal expressed his sincere sympathy with the Widow & Orphans and eulogised Bro. Devlin as a quiet, sincere and thorough going Orange-Man, the motion was passed, those present standing and in silence. Bro. Forsythe Pro. & Bro. Russell seconded that the action of our DM & Secretary forwarding a Wreath and inserting an Obituary Notice be approved of and that the accounts for same be paid. – Passed. It was also resolved that the Representatives to the Widows Fund make the necessary application and arrangements for securing the Annual Event to Mrs. Devlin and that the Secretary procure nomination papers for the election of whatever Children it was decided to nominate for the Enniskillen Orphan Society.

Re-Union

The Report from Committee of Annual Reunion was not forthcoming owing to non-return of Tickets and Cash.

Douglas Excursion

The arrangements for Annual Excursion to Douglas on Tuesday 14th July next were now being proceeded with the Secretary having received instructions from Committee to do so on the pro. Of Bro. Josua Tougher seconded by Bro. John Forsythe.  The Secretary reported that he had that day made personal application for Steamer which would be confirmed by letter.

Initations

Mr. George Burrows. Mr. Thos. Russell. Mr. Wm. Arnold and Mr. John A. White being in attendance were admitted & initiated members of the Loyal Orange Institution.
Bros. Forsythe and Allen acting as sponsors. Bro. Wm. J. Shields O.C. from L.O.L. 690. being present, received the congratulations of the WM on behalf of the Lodge.  Bro. Shields suitably replied.

Reinstatement of Bro Sam Dunican

The WM also congratulated Bro. Samuel Dumican, an old member of this Lodge, who had been unable to attend for a number of years and was now reinstated.  Bro. Dumican thanked the Lodge for their kindness in reinstating him. Bro. Dumican then paid:-

Re-instatement      ..           20/=
Paid to Widows Fund              5/=
Paid to Orphans         5/=
Paid to Carson Defence Fund      10/=

Re Ballot Rev John Moran

A re. ballot for the Rev. John H. Moran by permission of the Co. Grand Lodge of Belfast was taken, the WM explaining the reasons thereof which were confirmed by Bro. John T. Harper & several brethren, a ballot box having been secured with the necessary Black & White beans, the members were requested to vote, the result being overwhelmingly against him, the WM declared the Ballot.  The Secretary was instructed to notify the Rev. John. H. Moran of the result and that he was no longer a member of The Loyal Orange Institution.

Proposal

Bro. Hugh Tougher Pro & Bro. Wallace Linton seconded that Mr. Thomas Morror (Engineer) 14 Battenberg St., becomes a member of this Lodge and be placed on the books for the usual term & Report by Committee.

This concluded the business of this meeting, the Lodge being

Closed in due form.


God Save the King,

Edward Leathem WM.
John Sayers.  Secretary.

Wednesday 5 March 2014

One Hundred Years on ... Wednesday, 4th March 1914

YORK L.O.L. No. 145
Clifton Street Orange Hall.
Belfast
4th March 1914



The usual Monthly Meeting of this Lodge was held on the above date, the WM. Bro. Edward Leathem presided and Bro. Joseph Davison DM occupied the Vice Chair.

The Lodge having been opened in due form, the Chaplain. Bro. Rev. Dr. Walker read A portion of Scripture and the minutes of previous meeting were read and passed.

Lodge Committees Report on 'Candidates'

A report of Lodge Committee meeting held on Monday the 2nd inst., was read by Secretary and the following recommendations were made for approval.  Bro. Wm. Girvan O.C. from L.O.L. 920 Messrs. Robert Cathcart, I. A. White, Wm. Arnold & Mr. Alfred S. Roper, were recommended for membership and on the pro. Of Bro. Storey, seconded by Bro. Josh Tougher were passed.

Re Certificates Bro Millar and Wright

Applications were received for the certificates of Bros. George Millar & David Wright. Bro Joseph Davison pro. And Bro. Taylor seconded that recommendation of com' be adopted.   Bro. Miller’s cert. be granted free and Bro. Wrights for 5/- & cert 2/6.

Annual Re-union report

The Committee asked for a full return of tickets & cash for the annual reunion, the WM in requesting the members to attend to this, complimented the Lodge on the success attending this function, which in his opinion eclipsed all previous Socials held under the auspices of our Lodge.  This concluded Lodge Committee report.

GOLI Circular re UVF

A circular was read from G.O.L. Ireland, by the direction of the Imperial Grand Master, inviting the attention of every member to the crisis near at hand and that it was the duty of everyone who had signed the Covenant to come forward and take his place in the ranks of the Ulster Volunteer Force. Several members applied for forms of the U.V.F. and the Secretary was instructed to apply for same.

Letter CGL Belfast re Rev John Moran

A letter was read from D. Grand Sec., Co. Grand Lodge of Belfast notifying District Secretary that permission had been granted to our Lodge to re.ballot for Bro. Rev. John H. Moran.

Letter '154' certificate Bro Geo Morris

L.O.L. 154 wrote that the certificates Orange & Arch Purple of Bro. George Morris would be granted for 5/- and 2/6 respectively.

Re-instatement Bro Sam Dumican

The Secretary reported that Bro. Samuel Dumican an old member of this Lodge who had not been able to attend for several years past owing to business and other matters wished to identify himself once more with “145”. Bro.Sayers pro.& Bro. Thos. Johnston seconded that he be re-instated for 20/- ( This sum being Mentioned by himself)  Passed.

Visitor

Bro. Henderson L.O.L. 89 Portadown was admitted as a visitor on the pro of Bro. Davison, seconded by Bro. Linton and received a hearty welcome from WM on behalf of the Lodge.

Initiation

Mr. Joseph McBride being in attendance was admitted and initiated into the Loyal Orange Institution, Bros. Clotworthy and Russell acting as sponsors.

Propositions

The following candidates were proposed and to remain on books for Committees Report.

Mr. Ernest Angus Ritchie (Tobacconist) 48 Holywood Road. Pro. By Bro. A.McCullough seconded by Bro. Robert Scott.
Mr. Wm. Morgan (Book-keeper) 32 Lothair Avenue.
Mr. Samuel Gore (Cashier) 9 Willowbank St. Pro. By Bro. Victor Morgan, seconded by Bro. John Forsythe.
Mr. John Cupples (Warehouseman) 10 North Parade. Pro. By Bro. R. Tougher, seconded by Bro. Jas. Anderson.
Mr. Wm. J. Hobson (Engineer) 21 East Street.  Mr. Wm. Small (Grocer) 21 East Street Pro. By Bro. John Hallidayt, seconded by Bro. Geo. Hobson.
Mr. John Thompson.(Pawnbroker) 17 Castlereagh Place. Pro. By Bro. John Allen, seconded by Bro. Wm. Russell.
Mr. John Townsley (Iron Turner) 48 Roe Street. Pro.by Bro. Jas Megarrell, Seconded by Bro. John Martin.

This concluded the business of the Meeting and the Lodge was closed in prescribed form.


God Save the King.


Edward Leathem. WM
John Sayers.  Secretary.

Friday 17 January 2014

Is the long war on the Orange Order over? - Drew Nelson

EXTRACT FROM SPEECH MADE BY THE GRAND SECRETARY OF THE GRAND ORANGE LODGE OF IRELAND, DREW NELSON, AT THE RE-OPENING OF SEAGOE ORANGE HALL IN PORTADOWN 

Seagoe Orange hall was burnt by republicans on 30 August 2007.

This was not an isolated attack. I am clear it was part of a well organised and centrally directed campaign by the republican movement to attack the Orange Institution, its members, its parades and its property.

Since 1969, there have been over 350 arson attacks on Orange halls by the republican movement. What is striking, however, is that very few of these attacks happened during what most people regard as the height of the Troubles – the 1970s and 1980s.

In the late 1980s, for some reason, the republican movement turned their attention to the Orange Order. They started to organise their opposition to our parades and to burn our Orange halls.

Speaking at a Sinn Fein conference in Co Meath in 1995, which was secretly recorded, Gerry Adams said: “Ask any activist in the North, did Drumcree happen by accident, and he will tell you ‘no’. Three years of work on the Ormeau Road, Portadown, and other parts of Fermanagh and Newry, Armagh and Bellaghy, and up in Derry. Three years of work went into creating that situation and fair play to those who put the work in. They are the type of scene changes we need to focus on and develop and exploit.”

Gerry Adams was referring to the start of the republican organised opposition to Orange parades three years previously on the Ormeau Road in 1992.

In the 25 years prior to the Twelfth of July 1992, 39 Orange halls were burnt.

Tellingly, in the 10 years after the Twelfth of July 1992, 192 Orange halls were burnt.

These figures speak for themselves, and show how the republican movement focussed on, developed and exploited the three years of work which Gerry Adams referred to.

Let me make it clear tonight, the burning of Orange halls are hate crimes and an insidious form of sectarianism.

We see these three things:

- the organised opposition to our parades

- the burning of our halls

- and the speech by Gerry Adams

as clear proof that the republican movement continues to focus on, develop and exploit their campaign of hatred against the Orange Order, and what we stand for.

We believe that Martin McGuinness’ vitriolic attack on the Institution last night should not be seen in isolation, but forms part of the republican movement’s continuing vilification of the Orange Order.

When the republican movement declared a ceasefire in 1997, it claimed its war against the British administration was over.

Since that ceasefire, 205 Orange halls have been attacked and our parades consistently opposed.

I have to ask, is the republican movement’s long war against the Orange Order over?

I believe the reason for their long war against the Orange Institution has its roots in the Order’s forthright and determined stand against republicanism and terrorism.

That stand has cost this Institution dearly. Throughout the Troubles, we encouraged our members to join the part-time security forces. Of our 337 members who were murdered by the republican movement, almost 200 served in the security forces.

Poignantly, today marks the 22nd anniversary of the Teebane massacre when two of our brethren, and six other Protestant workmen, were indiscriminately targeted by IRA terrorists.

I have a message for Mr McGuinness tonight.

Your black propaganda campaign has served you well in the past. The Ulster Special Constabulary, the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Ulster Defence Regiment all fell victim to it and departed the stage.

But this Institution will not be deterred by the republican movement from doing what is right.

We will continue to oppose their glorification of terrorism, their attempts to re-write history and their constant attacks on our British culture and identity.

The Orange Order in Seagoe and in Portadown District tonight gives the best answer possible to republican attacks.

Seagoe Orange hall has not only been re-built, it has been extended and there has been a four-fold increase in the membership of the lodge in the past six years.

This is testament to the hard work of the Lodge and District officers and I commend you all for your sterling efforts and commitment to the Orange cause.

Your example is a worthy benchmark and provides further evidence that our Institution will continue to survive and thrive, despite the republican movement’s long war against us.