Qualifications of an Orangeman according to the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland (revised)
 

 

The Master and Members of every Lodge into which a Candidate is proposed to be elected must satisfy themselves with all due solemnity previous to this admission that he possesses the following qualification. It is to these criteria that every Orangemen should dedicate himself:

An Orangeman should have a sincere love and veneration for his Heavenly Father, a humble and steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind, believing in Him as the only Mediator between God and man.

He should cultivate truth and justice, brotherly kindness and charity, devotion and piety, concord and unity, and obedience to the laws; his deportment should be gentle and compassionate, kind and courteous; he should seek the society of the virtuous, and avoid that of the evil;

He should honour and diligently study the Holy Scriptures, and make them the rule of his faith and practice;

He should love, uphold, and defend the Protestant religion, and sincerely desire and endeavour to propagate its doctrines and precepts;

He should strenuously oppose the fatal errors and doctrines of the Church of Rome and other Non-Reformed faiths, and scrupulously avoid countenancing (by his presence or otherwise) any act or ceremony of Roman Catholic or other non-Reformed Worship; he should, by all lawful means, resist the ascendancy, encroachments, and the extension of their power, ever abstaining from all uncharitable words, actions, or sentiments towards all those who do not practice the Reformed and Christian Faith;

He should remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day, and attend the public worship of God, and diligently train up his offspring, and all under his control, in the fear of God, and in the Protestant faith;

He should never take the name of God in vain, but abstain from all cursing and profane language, and use every opportunity of discouraging those, and all other sinful practices, in others;

His conduct should be guided by wisdom and prudence, and marked by honesty, temperance, and sobriety, the glory of God and the welfare of man, the honour of his Sovereign, and the good of his country, should be the motives of his actions.

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Parade celebrates centenary milestone
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Presseye Ltd Northern Ireland 19th May 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photograph by Declan Roughan / Presseye Ulster Covenant parade - Belfast 19th May 2012 Ulster Covenant Parade makes its way down the Shankill Road in Belfast yesterday

Published on Monday 21 May 2012 08:26

ONLY tolerance of each other’s traditions will ensure a peaceful decade of centenaries, a senior Belfast Orangeman told the first major unionist historical rally that passed off peacefully at the weekend.

Presbyterian minister and County Grand Chaplain for Belfast, Mervyn Gibson, was speaking in Ormeau Park on Saturday at an event to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Balmoral Review.

The Balmoral Review, which took place on Easter Tuesday 1912, was a demonstration against a move to introduce Home Rule, potentially breaking up the Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

It was attended by up to 200,000 unionists and was addressed by then Conservative leader Andrew Bonar Law as well as iconic unionist leader Edward Carson.

Ormeau Park hosted a community fun evening on Friday as well as being a finishing point for a major city centre parade to commemorate the centenary. It is estimated that 10,000 took part,

Thousands of Orangemen and unionists took part in a huge parade that started from three points in the city – Sandy Row, Shankill Road and Clifton Street Orange Hall – before walking a four-mile route through east Belfast to Ormeau Park.

Junior Minister Jonathan Bell took part in the parade along with DUP MPs Jeffrey Donaldson and Jim Shannon. Former Orange Order Grand Master and South Belfast MP Martin Smyth was also on parade.

Leading loyalist Jackie McDonald also took part in the parade.

Bands from across the Province, including Kilcluney Volunteers, took part as well as Orange lodges from Liverpool and London.

Speaking from the platform on Saturday Mr Gibson said there had been a lot of “misinformed rhetoric” about the event in recent weeks.

He said there had been a lot of “unfounded and mischievous rumours” about the event and claimed that “a lot of naysayers tried to stop us being here”.

He said: “Let me say very simply to one and all. We gather to celebrate the actions of our forebearers, who 100 years ago assembled in their tens of thousands at Balmoral on Easter Tuesday 1912 to demonstrate their opposition to Home Rule.

“It was their actions, their commitment, their tenacity that ensured we remain part of the United Kingdom.

“It was because of their actions that in a few weeks’ time we will be celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of our sovereign Her Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – long may she reign over us.

“We come as a unionist community having put differences aside for today to honour those who played their part 100 years ago and saved Ulster for the British crown.

“We come not to offend, nor antagonise, nor annoy, we come as many will do over the coming years to celebrate the centenary of an important event in their history.”

Mr Gibson said that only by tolerating each other’s traditions can we all celebrate our culture.

“Only tolerance of each community’s traditions and commemorations will ensure that the remembering of these events contribute to a more peaceful future of understanding and acceptance,” he said.

“Today we gather unashamedly as Protestant and unionist communities honouring those who shared our politics and faith.

“No one has anything to fear from such a peaceful commemoration as this – other than their own insecurities and bigotry.”

The service finished with the singing of O God Our Help In Ages Past which Mr Gibson termed as Ulster’s traditional battle hymn that was sung at the start of the Balmoral Review in 1912, as well as Abide With Me.

The Ozone area of Ormeau Park was transformed into a tented village with four marquees filled with historical displays courtesy of War Years Remembered including a replica Covenant table where guests could sign their own copy of the famous document with a quill pen. The other marquees were dedicated to the Orange Order, the Apprentice Boys and the final marquee for outreach.

The commemoration started on Friday evening with a funfair and family atmosphere. Entertainment was provided by east Belfast singer Lisa Williamson as well as bands including the Shankill Road Defenders and Gertrude Star Flute Band.

The evening finished with a fireworks display.

The weekend’s events were organised by the Unionist Centenary Committee. All major unionist groups and organisations were given an opportunity to consult on the events being planned.

The next major event on the calendar will be the centenary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant in September.

Sinn Fein anger over children`s Jubilee Orange parade in Castle Grounds, Antrim
Friday, 18 May 2012

A proposed Orange parade in Castle Grounds in Antrim which would involve up to lodges and 40 bands to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on June 2 has been slammed by Sinn Fein councillors in Antrim.

A meeting to discuss the proposals provoked a backlash of comments from nationalist councillors who continued to argue outside of the discussion chambers according to the Antrim Guardian. Sinn Fein councillor Anthony Brady hit out at plans: “I don't think millions were invested in the park to make a nice backdrop to a band parade," he said.

“If the chamber believes it is and pushes this through they will be setting a very clear precedent. They will be opening the doors for any group, from any tradition, to parade around Clotworthy House.”

UUP councillor Adrian Watson retorted that Sinn Fein ‘should hang their heads in shame’.

“Once again the Sinn Fein mask slips," he told the Antrim Guardian.

“Let's get one thing straight here. This is a Junior Lodge event, for boys and girls between the ages of seven and 16 - children from all over the province brought together to celebrate the remarkable reign of our Queen.

“I find it incredible that Sinn Fein are so intimidated by a gathering of children - and I find it disgusting that they would seek to politicise an event such as this.”



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Apprentice Boys of Derry: New flood lights for `The Mem`
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Published on Friday 18 May 2012 11:23

THE Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall will soon be illuminated with new floodlights as part of Londonderry’s Walled City Lighting Strategy.

An application has been lodged for new external facade lighting as part of the wider Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 ‘Walled City Lighting Project.’

The famous Society Street building is one of a number of buildings due to be illuminated as part of the scheme.

The Londonderry Guildhall and Aras Colmcille will also be floodlit as part of the scheme.

Derry City Council believes that: “as well as highlighting the unique aspects and architecture of the historic Walled City area, the lighting scheme will also assist the evening economy through making the city safer and more vibrant at night.

“Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has awarded £1.4 million to Derry City Council to implement the Lighting Strategy which is currently at design stage with work due to start on installation in early 2012.”

Massive loyalist demonstration is litmus test for a decade of commemorative marches
Hopes for peace as 10,000 prepare for convenant parade

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By Lesley-Anne McKeown
Friday, 18 May 2012


History in the making: left, a Belfast flute band in old-style costume, with UVF painted on their bass drum, marching last year on the 12th of July.

A massive loyalist demonstration through Belfast this weekend is the first major test of whether contentious historical commemorations can pass off peacefully in Northern Ireland, a UDA leader has claimed.

Up to 10,000 marchers, including UVF and UDA paramilitaries, are expected to take part in a parade on Saturday marking the centenary of the Balmoral Review which was held to oppose Home Rule in advance of the drawing up of the Ulster Covenant. Tens of thousands more are expected to be spectators.

Security is expected to be tight amid fears that dissident republicans could try to disrupt the event with protests or a series of bomb alerts.

UDA chief Jackie McDonald, who will be among the participants, said organisers were hoping the march would pass off peacefully, but measures had been put in place to reduce the potential for disorder.

“Because of our history you have to be wary of the dangers — dissidents and possibly the ‘blue bag brigade’,” he told the Belfast Telegraph. “But, anybody going there is going to pay respects and it will be dignified.

“Obviously if you live in the Short Strand you would be worried about what was going to happen. Nothing has happened in this way before. It is the first of the centenaries and it is important all round that it all goes according to plan. If everybody takes other people into consideration then you can ask the same in return when it comes to a nationalist or republican parade.”

The event, which organisers claim could be bigger than the Twelfth, will see about 70 bands make their way from Orange halls at Shankill Road, Sandy Row and Clifton Park Avenue from 10am through the city centre and east Belfast before converging on Ormeau Park for a religious service and festival from noon.

The UVF is expected to participate with some members dressed in the period costume of their forerunners the Ulster Volunteers — a militia which was set up in 1912 to oppose Home Rule.

A confidential UVF pamphlet, seen by this newspaper, said: “The organisation is not officially involved in the background or formatting of this event. However, we fully anticipate supplying 500 period dressed/uniformed men, to take part in the event, parading from the Ulster Hall to join with the main body at City Hall”.

Meanwhile, members of the UDA are also likely to attend and will be dressed in specially designed green blazers.

A source told this newspaper that the renegade UDA South East Antrim brigade would be in Belfast on Saturday.

“All of the UVF and UDA will not be there,” added Jackie McDonald. “There will be some representatives of course but there will be no paramilitary dress. I am sure the Somme Society will have military dress of the day, but paramilitary uniforms are a thing of the past.

“To be fair to the organisers, they have spoken to all the people they need to speak to and have taken every precaution. It seems to be a well-organised parade. But, you can never tell with outside elements. No one has any intention of wrongdoing. It is an Ulster Day, it should be dignified. It is for everybody who values their country and what people did for their country.”

Paramilitary emblems and regalia have been banned under a determination from the Parades Commission, which has also warned that no national flags should be burnt or defaced.

The Joint Unionist Centenary Committee (JUCC), an umbrella group for the County Grand Lodge of Belfast, Apprentice Boys, political parties, Independent Orange Order, the 36th (Ulster) Division Memorial Association and the Somme Association has appealed for participants and supporters to behave.

Stephen Gough, secretary of the JUCC, said alcohol had been banned from Ormeau Park and marshals will keep a watchful eye.

He added: “We are asking people to abide by a code of conduct.”

Background

The Balmoral Review saw 200,000 people gather at Balmoral on the outskirts of Belfast on April 9, 1912, to protest against the introduction of the third Home Rule Bill. The crowd marched from the city centre. The event was addressed by Sir Edward Carson, leader of the Irish Unionist Party. Ormeau Park was chosen as Balmoral Showgrounds were unavailable.

Optimism for a dignified day... key figures urge a show of respect on both sides

Mervyn Gibson, Spokesman for County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast:

“We do not foresee any trouble. There is no indication that anybody that we have been talking to on the unionist front wants to create trouble and I do not think anyone from the nationalist side will want violence. But, you never know. There are always people who may want to drag us back to the past. There will be no paramilitaries on parade. It is a unionist parade and anybody who wants to celebrate the Ulster Covenant will be welcome.”

Stephen Gough, secretary of the Joint Ulster Centenary Committee:

“We have met as many people as possible and responded to all requests to explain what we are doing and why we are doing it. We want a peaceful parade. It is not about creating tensions, it is about putting a positive spin on our culture. We do not want anything to take away from the actions of our forefathers 100 years ago.”

Jackie McDonald, UDA leader:

“All of the UVF or UDA will not be there. There will be some representatives of course. There will be no paramilitary dress. I am sure the Somme Society will have military dress of the day but paramilitary uniforms are a thing of the past. You do not see any of them any more and I expect that people who show up will be properly dressed and will be respectful to the important nature of the day. I am not worried at all about disorder. You have to think because of our history that we must be wary of the dangers — dissidents and possibly the ‘blue bag brigade’. But anybody there is going to pay respects and it will be dignified. Obviously, if you live in the Short Strand you would be worried about what was going to happen. It is the first of the centenaries and it is important all round that it all goes according to plan. If everybody takes other people into consideration then you can ask the same in return when it comes to a nationalist or republican parade.”

Kate Mullan, SDLP councillor in south Belfast:

“In the spirit of the decade of centenaries, the SDLP in Belfast City Council has promoted the idea of agreed protocols for the use of council facilities over this period.”

Jim Rodgers, Veteran Ulster Unionist councillor in Belfast:

“I will be participating as a member of the Orange Institution. This is a very important occasion. It is not anything about triumphalism, far from it. I have no doubt it will pass off without trouble. I am aware of concerns being raised by the police and some nationalist representatives. I was aware that they (paramilitary elements) are going to participate and among certain sections of our community that will not go down well.”

Christopher Stalford, DUP councillor:

“I will be attending the event with my local Orange Lodge. I think the organisers of this event have done all they can to ensure no difficulties arise. They are to be commended for the efforts they have gone to — to explain beyond the unionist tradition why this is a significant anniversary.

Bernie McConnell, Short Strand community worker:

“We hope that the parade will be carried out with respect. We hope that they march with dignity and respect for the communities they are passing. From the organisers’ point of view, they have to be accountable for the people they bring along. There is no planned protest at Short Strand. In fact, we are having diversionary events, taking teenagers away for the weekend.”

Martin Og Meehan, Republican Network for Unity:

“RNU is talking among ourselves and will be meeting later in the week to discuss this issue.

“As yet, no decision has been made regarding any protests.

“Personally speaking, as long as they stay away from nationalist homes and nationalist areas, I have no issue.

“If people want to celebrate their culture, I have no problem with that.”



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