ORANGE INSTITUTION CONGRATULATES ROYAL COUPLE

THE Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has offered its best wishes to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge following the birth of their first child and future monarch.

Grand Master Edward Stevenson said:

“The Orange Institution is delighted by today’s wonderful news and on behalf of the entire membership I wish to convey our warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of a baby boy.

We offer the Royal couple God’s richest blessing as they come to terms with parenthood and wish the new family unit health and happiness in the months and years ahead.

Amid times of austerity and economic gloom, the birth of a Royal baby who will one day succeed his father to the throne is welcome, inspirational and uplifting news. The new-born’s arrival will be celebrated across the whole of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and indeed the wider world.

Today’s announcement will be met with great joy particularly here in Northern Ireland, where the Royal family is held in such high esteem and unrivalled affection. Members of the Orange fraternity around the globe, including the Republic of Ireland, will also be heartened by this magnificent news.

On such an historic occasion, the future monarch and entire Royal family are assured the continued prayerful support, service and loyalty of the Orange Institution. God Save The Queen.”

RICHARD HAASS INITIATIVE

In 2006 the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland stated publicly that it would enter into dialogue with the Government and others as necessary to find an alternative to the Parades Commission. 

In 2007 the Institution played a full role in the Strategic Review of Parades. Chaired by Paddy Ashdown, an Interim Report was published, but a final report was never agreed, as the political context changed.

The issue of moving the parading agenda forward passed to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister following the signing of the Hillsborough Agreement in February 2010. The Institution played its full role in assisting the drafting of legislation regarding parades at this time.

We are presently working with our partners in the Unionist Forum to address the issue of parades and have always made it clear that the Orange Institution has been and is committed to finding a replacement to the Parades Commission, based on the principles of non-discrimination, equality, transparency and good administration.

Parading policy and legislation must be based on civil and religious liberties for all and special privileges for none.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland will willingly and actively participate in the Haass Initiative with a view to replacing the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 with a better regulatory system.

We believe that it is vital that the bands community and the other Loyal Orders being the Independent Loyal Orange Institution, the Apprentice Boys of Derry, the Royal Black Institution, the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland, the Junior Orange Association, the Junior Orangewomen’s Association and the Royal Arch Purple Institution are involved in this process. All of them are also targeted by the present regulatory system.

Statement on 12th July Parades Determination Crisis

The County Grand Orange Lodge in Belfast seeks to clarify events concerning the 12th July surrounding the illogical decision by the Parades Commission.

The Orange Institution was consistent and unambiguous in their appeals that violence had no place at the planned protests. The considerable anger expressed by the entire Protestant Unionist and Loyalist community, which the Secretary of State acknowledged was there; an anger that emanated from the fact the Commission rewarded violence and an anger that needed channelled into peaceful expression. Therefore following meetings with the local lodges, community, politicians and our partners in the Belfast Parades Forum it was decided to mount a protest at the location where the parade would be halted on the Woodvale Road and at other parts of the city.  There was never any appeal for people to join those protests.

Woodvale Road
In respect of the proposed protest at Woodvale Road, when the local lodges arrived there was already a large crowd assembled. There were stones thrown at the police and within a short space of time water cannons were deployed and plastic bullets fired without warning into the large crowd. Those who had come for a peaceful protest were soaked and injured, leading to anger amongst many of those gathered. Orangemen and Politicians tried to calm the situation down, and we pay tribute to Nigel Dodds, local politicians and other partners from the Belfast Parades forum,– not only for their work at this protest, but also at several other times throughout the day. It was agreed with the police that if the violence stopped, they would facilitate the protest, unfortunately this could not be achieved, because of the anger of the crowd at the robust police action from the outset.  The protest was suspended at 12.55am on 13th July by the Brethren of the Ligoniel Lodges.

East Belfast
The violence in East Belfast was not as a result of any protest action. A police land rover, believed to be gathering evidence for the Parades Commission, caused the parade to stop on several occasions as it progressed along the Newtownards Road. Attempts to contact senior police officers by several community representatives to have the matter resolved quickly, failed as PSNI phones were not answered. At this stage there was a premeditated and sustained attack on the parade from the Short Strand area. Paint bombs, stones and bottles rained down on the participants and spectators, many were injured several of them requiring hospital treatment, one young bands women has a suspected fractured cheekbone; another female received 10 stitches to a leg wound; a full list of casualties is being collated.  The onslaught left young children and many spectators traumatised. Considerable damage was also caused to banners and band uniforms as the parade returned home through what had become a riot. The riot was clearly the responsibility of those from the Short Strand who attacked the parade and its supporters.

Protests
Orangemen and bandsmen returned to the Newtownards Road to protest. There were still a few masked youths attacking police. The protest placed itself at police lines and the rioting stopped, sporadic stoning incidents were condemned and stopped by protestors. However, after a period, stone throwing again started and the protest was halted.

Peaceful protests were held at the following locations, without incident.
Twaddell Avenue
Carlisle Circus
Hesketh Road
Ballygomartin Road
Flax Street
Clifton Park Avenue
Albertbridge Road

Attacks on Parade
Ballynafeigh District were attacked with eggs and bottles in the morning at Agincourt Avenue as they made there way to join the main parade. Two young girls and two band members were hit with missiles. The police protection normally present at this location was absent.

Sandy Row District was attacked with missiles from Peter’s Hill as they paraded along the Shankill Road in the morning on route to Carlisle Circus. One member was injured.

Lodges at Lancaster Street, York Street junction were attacked by Nationalists throwing bricks and bottles on two occasions, one bandsman was injured. Hand to hand fighting was taking place as those on parade defended themselves before police arrived.

Comments
The PSNI have serious questions to answer, not least, with so many police officers available, why were they unable to stop clearly orchestrated attacks; and in the case of the Short Strand, a prolonged attack lasting over 30 minutes along the length of the Peace Wall.  The Secretary of State needs to reflect on the Parades Commission, the body that created this crisis, rather than further alienating the Unionist community by ill informed comments.

The violence, which we condemn, cannot be used as an excuse for not addressing the issues that have been raised by this ludicrous determination, a shared future, community relations and Nationalist’s intolerance. Issues that require a political response and solution.

There will be the blame game and point scoring by all for the events that unfolded, however the Orange Institution will not be scapegoated for where the responsibility for this crisis truly lies - at the door of the Parades Commission.

It was always recognised that politics would be the ultimate solution and in that respect we welcome the recall of the Assembly.  We will review our position regarding peaceful protest after the debate there and following further discussions with our political and community partners. We again reiterate, violence is not the way forward and ask all involved in such activity to stop immediately.

Talks with the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association

The County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast would like to thank the Brethren and community representatives who were involved in talks with Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association. 

The talks, which were lengthy and lasted over two days, were comprehensive and frank. The local Lodges explained their position with regard to the parade along the Crumlin Road on the Twelfth morning and evening. Those present also articulated the interests of the local unionist community and discussed issues expressed by nationalist residents, as the delegation sought to understand why the parade was opposed.

The local Lodges are willing to continue with the engagement should it be helpful to address genuine issues and concerns. In taking this historic step to engage, the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast, their community and political partners sought to build on the spirit of the ‘Comprehensive Template’, which has been delivered in full.

We believe all steps possible have been taken by the Orange family to ensure a peaceful Twelfth for those who parade and protest along the Crumlin Road.

One Hundred Years On ... Wednesday, 2nd July 1913

July 1913 Minutes (PDF)

York L.O.L. 145

Clifton St Orange Hall

Belfast 2nd July 1913

The usual monthly meeting of this Lodge was held on the above date. The W.M. Bro E Leathem presided, and Bro Joseph Davidson D.M. occupied the vice-chair.

The Lodge having been opened in prescribed form and a portion of scripture read by the chaplain, Bro Rev Dr Walker, the secretary read the minutes of previous meeting which were confirmed.

Lodge Com. Report

A report of Lodge Committee meeting was read and the candidates Bro Kelly and Whitten were held over to our next meeting their being no report on them.

Reinstatement Bro Clements & Mills

The committee recommended that Bro Isaiah Clements be reinstated for 10/”, Bro Taylor proposed and Bro Joseph Davison seconded that this recommendation be adopted, was passed unanimously as was also Bro Hugh Mills for the same sum on the proposal of Bro R Scott, seconded by Bro Joseph Davison, Bro Mills to be proposed in District once readmission after 2nd term of suspension.

Certificate Bro A Courtney

Bro  J Davison proposed that the certificate of Bro A Courtney be granted to LOL 1213 for the sum of dues and certificate 2/6 subject to return of white sash or its value 7/6, seconded by Bro R Scott and passed.

Certificate Bro William Molyneaux

The committee recommendation to the application for Bro Wm Molyneaux Certificate that if be granted for dues of and cost 2/6, subject to proposition for readmission after 2nd term suspension being proposed by Grand Lodge and to be proposed by LOL 740, notice of same being given our lodge, Bro Joshua Lougher proposing and Bro Joseph Davison seconded that this be adopted. Passed.

Deacon Pole Bearers 12th July

The committee recommendation that Bro Russell and Taylor take charge of Deacon Poles and appoint their assistants, was passed unanimously.

Visiting Brethren

Two visiting Brethren were announced and on the proposal of Bro R Lougher seconded by Bro Charles Kirkwood.
Bro Stewart, WM No 4 LOL New South Wales, and
Bro Wm J Whiteside LOL No 7 New York
Were admitted and received a very hearty welcome, the WM conveying the greetings of our Lodge to the visitors.

Initiations

The following candidates were initiated into the Loyal Orange Institution: Messers Alfred Milligan, John H Kyle, Ernest Chambers, Wm Atkinson, Wm McMurray, Albert McCullough and Alex Tipping; Bro Joshua Lougher, Charles Kirkwood, Wallace Linton and Robert Scott, acting as sponsors.

Admitted O C

Bro Alex McKee O C LOL 940 Gilford, was admitted on Transfer.

Anniversary Service St Barnabas Church

The WM now appealed to every member of the Lodge to attend Divine Service on Sunday 6th inst, in St Barnabas Church at 3:30 PM under the auspices of No 3 District and he further appealed that the members would by their attendance at 12th July Celebration in Craigavon be making History, and he hoped that this Demonstration would show to our Lead, Sir Edward Carson, that the Orangemen of Belfast could always be relied upon to support him in his fight for our Civil & Religious Liberty.

UVF Parade

Bro R Lougher requested all those who had signed the Ulster Volunteer Force Form to attend a Parade on Saturday the 5th inst, and gave further particulars.

The WM having to retire the chair was reoccupied by the DM Bro Joseph Davison.

Application “Bro Joseph Graham Cert”

An application was read from LOL 2097 Toronto for the Certificate of Bro Jospeh Graham, proposed by Bro Taylor and seconded by Bro R Lougher, that secretary forward same free. Passed.

Candidates

The following candidates and new members were proposed:
W James Bryan Wilson (Motor Engineer) 132 Madrid St
Proposed by Bro Hugh Lougher, Seconded by Bro David Mateer
Bro W J Kenolty (Grocer) 86 Blythe St, OC LOL 592
Proposed by Bro V Harrision, Seconded by Bro R Scott
Bro W J McGaughey (Salesman) 71 Lomand Ave OC LOL 987
Proposed by Bro Rowland Haye, Seconded by Bro Joseph Davison
Bro Thos Boston (Salesman) 104 York St, OC LOL 204 Lurgan
Proposed by Bro R Lougher, Seconded by Bro Dr K Kempston

This having concluded the business, the Lodge was closed in due form.

God Save the King

Richard H Taylor WM (acting)
John Sayers, Secretary

One Hundred Years On ... Wednesday, 4 June 1913

June 1913 Minutes (PDF)

York L.O.L. 145

Clifton Street Orange Hall

Belfast, 4^th June 1913

The usual monthly meeting of this Lodge was held on the above date, Bro Edward Leathem W.M. occupied the chair, and Bro Davison D.M. the vice-chair.

The Lodge was opened in prescribed form, and Bro Rev Dr Walker read a portion of scripture.

The minutes of previous were read and passed.

Lodge Committee Report

A report of the lodge committee meeting held on 2^nd inst was read by secretary, and they recommended for membership Messrs Albert Tipping, Ernest J. Chambers, William Murray, John H Kyle, Wm Atkinson, Alfred Milligan and Alex McCullough, also Bro Alex McKee, Bro Arthur Thompson and Bro Joseph Gilbert subject to receipt of certificates.

Bro Taylor pro, and Bro Harrison secd committee recommendations be adopted. Passed.

Dinner on 12^th July

The report of such committee to arrange dinner on 12^th July was given by secretary, who informed the lodge that they had engaged Dundela Mission Hall, there being no place available at Craigavon, also that Bro Robert Scott would cater as on previous occasions. Bro Davison pro and Bro Taylor secd that the best thanks of the Lodge be given the committee for their labours. Passed.

E.A. Rifle Club

Bro Forsysthe and Walshe reported having attended a meeting of the East Antrim Rifle Club, and were appointed on the committee, it was resolved that the support of the Lodge be given to this Club.

Bro Annesleys Cert

The committee recommended that the application from Belgravia L.O.L. 1079 for Bro Hugh Annesley certificate be granted for 6/” (Dues 3/6 and Cert 2/6) passed.

Appeal Derriaghy L.O.L. 135

And that the appeal from Derriaghy L.O.L. 135 for assistance in erecting an Orange Hall, be acceded to. Bro Davison pro, and Bro R Lougher secd that Lodge subscribe 10/”. Passed.

Anniversary Services

It was resolved on the motion of Bro Lougher secd by Bro Sayers that we attend Devine Service under the auspices of No 3 District L.O.L. on Sunday the 6^th July and that as many members as can attend the anniversary service on Sunday 29^th June at 11-30 am in ST Mary Parish Church under the auspices of L.O.L. 1033, will do so.

New Collarettes R.A.P.C.

The recommendation of committee that the Lodge purchase 50 collarettes for R.A.P. Chapter 145, as per sample from Bro Wm Birdgett, @ 2/4 each was passed on the proposition of Bro Sayers secd by Bro John R Gasey. Said colarettes to be 1 3/8 yards and “York R.A.P.C. 145” be embroidered in silk on them.

This finished Lodge committees report and recommendations.

Initiations

The following candidates being present were initiated as members of this Loyal Orange Institution, the Rev John H Spratt and W John B Wilson.

Admissions

Bro Arthur Yorall, Bro John Yorall and Bro Robert Chambers on Transfer Certificates were enrolled as members of the Lodge.

R.A.P.C. Degree Meeting

The WM requested that all the brethren not having received the Arch Purple Degree would attend the meeting of the Arch Purple Chapter on Thursday Evening first.

Bro Molyneaux’s Certificate

An application was recd from L.O.L. 740 for the Certificate of Bro Wm Molyneaux, Bro Dr Walker pro, and Bro C Kirkwood secd that this be left over for report of Lodge Committee. Passed.

Sir Edward Carson Defence Fund

It was announced that the subscriptions to the Sir Edward Carson Defence Fund, should be paid at once as the Collectors Bro Linton and Hodgen were anxious to hand in the subscriptions at an early date.

Letter of Thanks

Letters were received from Bro Rev Dr Walker, and Bro George Hawthorne, thanking the Lodge for their letters of sympathy and condolence in their recent bereavement.

Re-Admission Bro Isiah Clements

Bro Thos Johnston pro and Bro Walshe secd that Bro Isiah Clements be re-instated fro 6/” after some discussion, the matter was referred to Lodge committee for Report.

Notice of Motion

The notice of motion standing in Bro Taylors name was taken up, Bro Taylor in proposing his motion asked leave to amend same by altering the word ‘affiliation’ to ‘transfer’ which was granted. The motion being seconded by Bro Joshua Tougher was discussed at considerable length and finally was withdrawn by Bro Taylor.

Propositions

The following new members were proposed on transfer.

Bro James Kelly (Dairyman) Old Park Road, O.C. L.O.L. 148 Ballinderry

Pro by Bro John R Gracy, secd by Bro Chas Kirkwood

Bro Hamilton Robert Whitten (Clerk) 91 Bloomfield Ave, O.C. L.O.L. 395, Kinlough Co. Leitrim

Pro by Bro Wm Russell, secd by Bro John Allen

Douglass Excursion

The Excursion committee reported that they had charter the Empress Queen for the Annual Excursion to Douglas on Monday the 14^th July, and that owing to a considerable increase in charter money the price of the tickets would have to be raised to 4/6. The W.M. expressed the opion that he was sure the Lodge was satisfied with the committees actions.

This concluded the business of the Lodge which was closed in due form.

God Save the King

Edward Lethem W.M.

John Sayers Secretary

One Hundred Years On ... Wednesday, 7 May 1913

May 1913 Minutes PDF

York L.O.L. 145

Clifton St Orange Hall

Belfast 7^th May 1913

The usual monthly meeting of this Lodge was held on above date. Bro Edward Leathem W.M. presided and Bro Joseph Davison, D.M. occupied the Vice Chair.

The Lodge was opened in prescribed form and a portion of scripture read, the minutes of previous meeting were read and passed.

Report Lodge Committee Candidates

The report of Lodge committee was read by the secretary, a favourable report being recd on the candidates Rev J H Spratt and Mr John Wilson, also on Bro W B Hunter who was held over from previous meeting, it was passed on the committee’s recommendation that these names be sent forward to District for membership.

Expulsion Bro R Haskin

The committee had under their consideration a complaint against Bro Robert Haskin, 75 Carmel St that he had identified himself with the Gailic League and kindred societies, and was summoned to attend Lodge to show cause why expulsion or suspension should not be passed on him as he had informed Bro Turkington that he would not appear, neither would he sever his connection with these societies, the committee unanimously recommend he be expelled our institution. Bro R Tougher pro and Bro Storey secd “That he be expelled”. Passed.

Report Regalia Stewards

The Regalia stewards reported having examined the Lodge sashes and found only 49 in stock, the balance could only be partly accounted for, as owing to the members exchanging sashes, it was impossible to keep a count and they also had selected a number which were soiled to be cleaned and re-done up; there were also a number in the possession of members who were suspended, others had emigrated and about 130 out of 150 were traceable. Bro R H Taylor pro and Bro Forsythe secd that report be received and that secretary order 3 doz sashes at once. Passed.

No 3 District Benevolent Fund

Bro R Tougher reported that No 3 District L.O.L. had revived their Benevolent Fund, and requested that each Lodge should subscribe 1/= per month to same, the committee unanimously recommended that this should be done. Bro McKinney pro as an amendment that we subscribe 2/= per month this being secd by Bro Farr, was passed (by 25 votes to 23).

Committee 12^th July Dinner

The committee recommendation that the arrangement for dinner on 12^th July be left in the hands of Bro Scott, R Lougher, Dorman and Sayers was Passed unanimously.

Letters of Sympathy

Bro Joseph Davison pro and Bro R Scott seconded that letters of sympathy and condolence be sent to Bro Rev Dr Walker, on the death of his sister, also to Bro George, Edmund and Vic Hawthorne on the death of their father. Passed.

Initiations

The following candidates being in attendance were duly initiated as members of the Loyal Orange Institution, Bro John Forsythe and Charles Kirkwood acted as sponsors. James Gow, Wm Adams, John Corker, Robert Crawford, Joseph E Harris, Victor Curry, Wm J R McCord, Herbert Stewart as the following on Certificate Bro Wm O’Hara, Wm J Gowdy, Thos Agnew and David D Madden.

East Antrim R.C.

A letter from the acting secretary of the East Antrim Rifle Club was read, notifying the opening of the season and requesting a large attendance of our members.

The W.M. having to retire the Chair was re-occupied by Bro Davison D.M.

Bro Joseph Grahams Letter

A letter was read from Bro Joseph Graham, who was now in Toronto, wishing good Luck to the Lodge, and all his old friends and informed them he was doing well.

U. V. Force Forms

The W.M. Bro Davison requested that any members holding U. V. Force Forms would return them at once, as 8 were still short and also made an earnest appeal to the members for subscriptions to the “Carson Defence Fund”.

Bro Adderly and Turly

The summons sent to Bro Adderly and Turly re their suspension, was held over for another month.

Report Annual Reunion

The report of Annual Social committee was again held over, owing to non-payment of tickets.

The W.M. Bro Leathem having returned, now reoccupied the Chair.

Notice of Motion Bro R H Taylor

Bro R H Taylor handed in Notice of Motion, - “That all members joining this Lodge on affiliation from any Lodge, uner the jurisdiction of Co Gd Lodge of Belfast, pay a Transfer fee of 5/=”.

Propositions

The following Candidates and New Members were proposed and to remain on our books for the usual time, and committees report.

Alexander Tipping (Collar Cutter) 121 Crimca St and c/o Porers, Ahnes St.

Pro by Bro John Sayers, secd by Bro Leathem

Bro Alexander McKee, (Hacklemaker) 121 Westmoreland St. o.c. L.O.L. 940 Gilford Co. Down

Pro by Bro Joshua Tougher, secd by Bro J. L. Robinson

Ernest Chambers (Clerk) 123 Antrim Rd and c/o Clyde Shipping Co

Pro by Bro W H McIlroy, secd by Bro Thos H Farr

Bro Arthur Thompson (Printer) 17 Castlereagh Place, o.c. L.O.L. 1934 No. 6 District.

Pro by Bro John Allen, secd by Bro Wm Russell

Wm Murray (Joiner) 48 Glenallen Street

Pro by Bro Wm R Russell, secd by John Allen

John H Kyle (Upholsterer) 127 Bray St. amd c/o M Mayers

Pro by Bro John L Brown, secd by Bro Wallace Linton

Wm Atkinson (Upholsterer) 6 Florida St, and c/o J Arnott & Co.

Pro by Bro Robert Michell, secd by Bro John Sayers

Bro Joseph S Gilbert (Druggist) 112 Grosvenor St, and c/o 132/134 Grosvenor St

Pro by Bro James McGarrell, secd Bro John Martin

Alfred Milligan (Wacherman) 8 Cooke St, and c/o Thos Somerset

Pro by Bro Jospeh Davison, secd by Bro John Forsythe

Albert McCullough, (Dairyman) up Ballysillan

Pro by Bro Robert Scott. Secd by Bro R Lougher

No further business begin to transact the Lodge was closed in due form

God Save the King

Edward Leathem W.M.

John Sayers Secretary