Orange Order - Articles

The Orange Order - £61,000 total for drumming f...

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:36:55 +0000

The Orange Order - £61,000 total for drumming for heroes, raised for Help for Heroes veterans charity #h4h #army http://t.co/YPvhO3iF

To reitierate Yvonnes posts below to all members of the groups - The Orange Order - £14,000 donated to chest, heart and stroke scotland by the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland http://goo.gl/1rRsH

The Worshipful Masters of Wm. Alexander Memorial LOL 1689 (London), Sons of Conquerors LOL 162 (Glasgow) & Bible & Crown Defenders LOL 423 (Banbridge) present a cheque for £61,300.27 to Col David Richmond of Help for Heroes at the Drumming for Heroes Presentation Dinner held in the Menzies Hotel, Glasgow on Saturday 15th October.

Christianity 'being marginalised in society...

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:36:08 +0000

News Letter
Aug 2011

Christianity 'being marginalised in society' says Royal Black Institution

ALL sections of society should accept and acknowledge the important role played by Christianity, the sovereign grand master of the Royal Black Institution has said.

Addressing Sir Knights in Brookeborough on Saturday, Millar Earr hit out at the "sinister attacks" by those who subscribe to the "removal of anything which is Christian, or has a Christian ethos".

"This is the agenda of what we would call humanism and secularism and there are examples of what they seek to do all around us," he said.

"People are continually being directed to remove from their person or public display any emblems which proclaim Christianity. Even recently we have heard of doctors and nurses who discussed Christianity with patients being subjected to disciplinary hearings and the threat of losing their jobs."

Referring to the lack of support from employers and government, Mr Farr added: "In the circumstances

it is easy to come to the conclusion that Christianity is being marginalised and is destined to be removed from most aspects of life."

Mr Farr also paid tribute to the bravery of the members of the armed forces currently on the front line in Afghanistan.

"The men and women who stand in defence of our democratic freedom never question the tasks they are given to perform, they get on with them, no matter what the cost.
"That cost can be the sacrifice of their own life or serious and permanent injuries. We owe them a debf of gratitude which can nevei be repaid."

Commenting on the Queen's recent historic state visit to the Republic the sovereign grand maste added: "We trust this even will mark the start of a ne\ relationship between th United Kingdom and th Republic of Ireland, and tha the goodwill generated wi continue into the future."

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Early parade in Fermanagh

AN earlier date for a Royal Black Institution parade in Fermanagh was hailed a success at the weekend.

The county demonstration - normally held on the second Saturday in August in commemoration of the 1689 Battle of Newtownbutler - broke a long-held tradition this year by taking place a week earlier, so not to conflict with the Apprentice Boys parade in Londonderry.

And deputy county grand master Robert Dane insisted the new date did not have a detrimental impact on the number of spectators and participants.

"Apart from the weather it was a great day and I think we had a bigger crowd (in attendance) than we normally would have had," he said.

Mr Dane added that the officers of the county grand chapter would make a final decision, when they meet in October, as to whether the demonstration would be permanently held on the first weekend in August.

Umbrellas and capes were the order of the day in Brookeborough on Saturday.

Heavy and persistent rain during the main procession put a dampener on proceedings, however, visiting Sir Knights travelled from across the province to join local preceptories and bands on parade in the lakeland village.

Brethren from Tyrone, Londonderry, Antrim and Down joined the three county districts, who were supported - as is the norm - by members of the loyal order from across the border in neighbouring Monaghan and Cavan.

Mr Dane said visiting brethren parading with the local preceptories added to the unique atmosphere of the Fermanagh march.

After assembling at a field on Lisnaskea Road, on the outskirts of the village, the procession made its way along the short one-and-a-half mile route to the demonstration field on the main A4 Belfast Road, where a religious service was held.

This year's event was hosted by Brookeborough Victoria RBP No 487.

Approximately 35 preceptories, led by Sir Knights from the Republic, were accompanied by as many bands, with a mixture of pipe, flute, brass and accordion all represented.

Among those on parade were Drumharvey pipe, Florencecourt flute, Moybrone pipe, Newtownbutler Border Defenders flute and Ardess accordion.

Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott was on the march with his own preceptory while party colleague and fellow MLA Sam Gardiner was among the visiting dignitaries.

Members of Hibrid Royal Marksmen RBP No 1235 displayed their new banner, which was only dedicated last month.

Despite the unfavourable conditions, there was a good turnout of spectators, including a group of visitors from Jamaica. DUP MLA Arlene Foster was also in attendance.The religious service was chaired by county grand master Hazlett Moore. The principal speaker was sovereign grand master Millar F^rr.

The service of worship was conducted by Rev William Johnston, county grand chaplain. Other visiting officers from the Imperial Grand Black Chapter were also on the platform.

Fallowing the religious service, under late afternoon and welcome sunshine, Sir Knights paraded again through the village before making their way home.

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Scottish Orange Order Resolutions 2011

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:18:33 +0000

LOYALTY

We, the Orangemen and women of the County Grand Lodge of …………….. assembled at ………… to commemorate the 321st anniversary of victory at the Boyne, reaffirm our loyalty to the Throne and person of Her Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other realms, Defender of the Faith.

Her Majesty occupies the throne subject to the constitutional statutes that followed the Glorious Revolution of 1688. These laws established a Protestant monarchy and democratic parliament that have served our nation well for over 300 years. The interests of all our people of whatever faith are best served by a Protestant monarchy.

We condemn the political agenda and dictatorial attitude of local government in their attempts to deprive us of our basic human rights. Our Cultutre and Heritage was won at a price. It was fought for over many a well fought field and we will resist, by lawful means, any further erosion of our culture..

We now have a Nationalist Government who will attempt to take away our Britishness and undermine our Loyalty to her Most Gracious Majesty and her Heirs. They would have our Sovereign compromise the Coronation Oath in order to achieve their political aims and objectives and take us down the road to disaster. The claims and dictates of a Nationalist Government are contrary to Her Majesty’s hereditary right as constitutional monarch of this realm and we pledge ourselves to resist all attempts to alter the British Constitution in any way that would put our cherished liberties at risk.

Her Majesty the Queen continues to be an exemplary monarch who has been a great example to us all. We acknowledge with pride her wonderful record of service to nation and commonwealth.

God Save the Queen! Long may she reign

I beg to move the resolution on Loyalty.

OUR PROTESTANT HERITAGE

As we cellebrate the 321st Anniversary of the battle of the Boyne let us remember the conviction, valour and fortitude of those great reformers who delivered us from the the Catholic Church. A church who held a rigid control over the Bible and would not allow it to be translated from Latin into other languages. Holding any view contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church was seen as heresy and punishable by death.

Until the mid-1500s, attempts to give general population access to an English-language Bible had resulted in severe punishment. Finally, in 1611, came an officially approved version that also had enduring appeal; the King James, or Authorised, Version. Today we celebrate with thankfulness and satisfaction the 400th Anniversary of the publication. To this day it remains the most-printed work in English in the world.

We acknowledge the preachings of Martin Luther, who in challenging the authority of the Pope, lit the flames of Protestantism across Europe in the 1520s.

We commend the actions of William Tyndale who treated with contempt, the ban on his translating the Bible, by working abroad. William Tyndale published his English version of the New Testament in Germany in 1526. Some copies were smuggled in to Britain, but many were burned - as was Tyndale, at the stake, in 1536. His last words were reportedly, "Lord! Open the King of England's eyes." Open they did and Henry VIII by the Act of Supremacy, agreed by Parliament on 3 November 1534, established Henry as head of the Church of England and no longer answerable to the Pope.

The "Great Bible" as it became known, was now available,by Royal Decree, to the people in a language they could understand.
Our Protestant Heritage and Reformed Faith would not have been possible but for the sacrifices made by those men who were willing to pay the ultimate sacrific. Our Heritage is a reflection on practices that are handed down from the past by tradition and can be summed up in a few words as "a heritage of freedom.

We therfore pledge ourselves today to remain true to the authority and liberating power of the Gospel and to the heritage of faith and freedom won for us at great personal cost by our Protestant forefathers.

I beg to move the resolution on Our Protestant Heritage

STATE OF THE NATION

As loyal subjects of the British Crown, committed to the preservation of the United Kingdom, we pledge ourselves to oppose all attempts to sever the legislative Union that binds us to our kith and kin in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Should we be concerned about David Cameron’s policies? In the short term perhaps. Despite having to do some U-turns on his reforms the coalition government at Westminster has been rebuilding the nation’s economy, albeit with painful cost cutting measures. However, despite all the economic hardship experienced at the present we believe it to be beyond argument that Scotland’s interests lie within the combined power and refuge of the United Kingdom. Attempts by the First Minister to convince us that we would be better off as a small independent nation have been discredited by world events. The British Union is our best option and we pledge ourselves to maintain it.

The Scottish Government attempted to fast track tough new anti-bigot laws, championed by non other than Roseanna Cunningham MSP. Are we to believe that this new legislation Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications is designed exclusively for football matches? We think not. She has already declared “there is a great deal more work that needs to be done right across society in order for us to tackle the bigger problem which is endemic across Scotland." Such has been the profusion of pressure put on Alex Salmond he has deferred legislation for further consultation. However it will happen.

We reaffirm this Institution’s commitment to peaceful procession and free assembly, which are fundamental rights in a democratic society.

The British Armed Forces are charged with protecting the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, promoting Britain's wider security interests, and supporting international peacekeeping efforts. They are active and regular participants in NATO and other coalition operations. Recent operations include the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and more recently participation in the UN-mandated no-fly zone over Libya At a time when our forces are serving with great distinction and personal sacrifice throughout the world, we declare from this gathering today that we stand with them and are immeasurably proud of them.

I beg to move the resolution on the State of the Nation.

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Christianity 'being marginalised in society...

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:08:17 +0000

Orange Order mark United Nations International...

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:37:58 +0000

Orange Order mark United Nations International Day of Peace
http://www.newslette...error_1_3077042
David Hume GOLI, Michael Gallagher who addressed the group in Omagh, Edward Stevenson Grand Master GOLI and Andrew Scott, District Master Omagh

Published on Thursday 22 September 2011 08:30

THE Orange Order marked the United Nations International Day of Peace yesterday with a special programme intended to combat what the institution sees as a republican ‘rewriting’ of the Troubles.

Opinion formers from across the island of Ireland took part in a special tour of Co Tyrone which commemorated the many members of the order who were murdered during the Troubles.

The annual tour, now in its third year, was the brainchild of the order’s director of services, Dr David Hume.

“We think the United Nations International Day of Peace is the ideal date on which to remember our victims,” he said. “Particularly in the Protestant community, this story has not been properly told.

“There are the victims of Teebane, for example, and the 335 members of the Orange Order who were murdered during the Troubles. The majority of them were members of the security forces, although some were civilians.

“Many families of those people are not attached to any victims groups and don’t feel that they have a voice.

“We are very concerned that there is now an attempt to rewrite history with an emphasis on the republican perspective. We are being presented with a history where the security forces are being portrayed as the aggressors who caused the Troubles whereas the reality was very different; they were the ones trying to stop people being bombed and shot.”

Representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the PSNI, the North South Ministerial Council, the Methodist Church and a number of victims’ groups and local councillors were among guests on the tour.

The coach trip, which began in Cookstown, travelled to Omagh where Michael Gallagher, who lost his son in the Omagh bombing, gave a special talk.

In Cookstown District Master Glen Espie, a former member of the UDR, gave a talk on the history of Troubles, relating incidents along the Cookstown to Omagh road, including the Teebane massacre by the IRA in which eight workmen were slaughtered in 1992.

Next on the agenda was a visit to Tullywhisker Orange Hall whose lodge lost six members in terror attacks.

In Castlederg the delegation visited the cemetery, which contained over 20 graves of terrorist victims, a number of whom were Orangemen.

“Now is the time to set down an archive on what Protestants suffered during the Troubles,” Dr Hume said. “Work needs to start now and we see this annual event as one part of a broader programme that must be undertaken.”

He said the Order is currently compiling a film archive of interviews with people telling of their experiences.

Bands offer condolences to Norway

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:12:37 +0000

The recent tragic events in Norway I include here a recent Newsletter article plus a photo ans short video taken in happier time last year at Rossnowlagh
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Bands offer condolences
Newsletter Monday, July 25th, 2011 (Page 5)

SINCERE sympathy has been offered to the people of Norway by a number of accordion and flute bands from Northern Ireland who have marched in the Constitution Day parade.

Just recently the Pride of the Birches Accordion Band and Baillie's Mill Band hosted two Norwegian women to play with them during the twelfth demonstrations.

John Richardson, who helped organise the cross-cultural exchange, explained that a number of bands from Northern Ireland travel to Norway each year for their national parade and this was an opportunity to host the two Norwegians and showcase this country.

He said a family member had telephoned one of the women on July 10 urging them to come home from "all this trouble" following the rioting.

However, he said Mary Eldevick, husband of Bjorn Eldevick of the Fjelde Accordion Band, and her sister-in-law Lila Iverson stayed and played with the bands in Scarva and Killyleagh, thoroughly enjoying their visit.

"I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to the people of Norway," said Mr Richardson, who is travelling to Norway in six weeks' time for a wedding.

Mr Richardson, who organises Carrickfergus Music Festival, said Norwegians are a fiercely proud people and their streets were so safe that anyone from nine to 90 could feel safe at night.

Norwegian Visitor

Grand Orange Lodge of Canada Resolutions July 1...

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:31:13 +0000

GRAND ORANGE LODGE OF CANADA
94 Sheppard Avenue West. Toronto. Ontario Canada.
Tel. (416) 223-1690.
Fax. (416) 223-1324.
Toll Free. 1-800-565-6248.

Grand Orange Lodge of Canada Resolutions July 12th 2011

It is resolved that: The members of the Grand Orange Lodge of Canada assembled in the City of
St. John's, Province of Newfoundland on the occasion of our 176th. Sessions, convey to Her Majesty
the Queen, our sworn allegiance and loyalty for her continued years of service to the citizens of this
nation and the Commonwealth.

It is resolved that: The members of the Grand Orange Lodge of Canada express our continued
support to the members of our Armed Forces of Canada, as they defend civil and religious freedoms
throughout the world, and express sincere sympathy to the families and friends of our fallen soldiers.

Be it resolved that: We continue to support the efforts of all international Orange Members in their
battles to maintain civil and religious freedoms whenever and wherever threatened.

Twelfth Address in Ballyronan 2011 by Bro. Rev....

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:29:14 +0000

[indent]

Twelfth Address in Ballyronan 2011 by Bro. Rev. Stanley Gamble

This year is the 400th Anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible. In 1611, the first Authorised Version of the Bible was published and the rest you could say is history.

And what a history there has been in between – the Civil War between Charles 1 and Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration of the Monarchy 1660, and the Glorious Revolution of 1688-1690. There has been the growth of Britain as a world cultural and economic power, the rise and fall of the British Empire, the First and Second World Wars, the Cold War and the rise and fall of Communism.

There has also been the long and happy reign of our current monarch, Queen Elizabeth 11, who God willing will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, next year. And at Christmas, it was heartening to see her take the lead in marking this important milestone in In her Christmas Day speech, Her Majesty said:

"Over four hundred years ago, King James the Sixth of Scotland inherited the throne of England at a time when the Christian Church was deeply divided. Here at Hampton Court in 1604, he convened a conference of churchmen of all shades of opinion to discuss the future of Christianity in this country. The King agreed to commission a new translation of the Bible that was acceptable to all parties.

Acknowledged as a masterpiece of English prose and the most vivid translation of the scriptures, the glorious language of this Bible has survived the turbulence of history and given many of us the most widely-recognised and beautiful descriptions of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The King James Bible was a major cooperative endeavour that required the efforts of dozens of the day’s leading scholars. The whole enterprise was guided by an interest in reaching agreement for the wider benefit of the Christian Church, and to bring harmony to the Kingdoms of England and Scotland.”

It’s heartening to read such clear and meaningful words from HM Queen, reminding us all that at the heart of our Constitution lies a strong commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that, on the British throne, sits a committed and faithful Protestant, who has been exemplary in her service, not least in the lead which she has taken in marking 400 years of the King James Bible.

It also reminds us that the King James Bible has played a significant and substantial role in the life and history of our nation. It has shaped our culture and art, music and language, politics and people. It has been used as much in Society as in Church. Generation after generation have known the King James Version quite simply as the Holy Bible, to be read, revered, respected and reflected upon.

That’s why the Orange Institution has teamed up with the Royal Black Institution to mark this important anniversary. And that’s why at the front of all our parade this year, we have a banner with 400 years of the King James Bible marked on it. We have also produced a short gospel tract giving the history of the King James Bible and more importantly the message of Christianity itself. These are available in the field today.

But as we give thanks for the King James Bible, we must remember all the translators and translations that have gone before it, right the way back to John Wycliffe and the Lollards. They were forerunners of the Reformation in England, calling for reforms and advocating the Bible in the language of the people.

We should especially remember the Protestant martyr, William Tyndale and his efforts to have the Word of God in the mother tongue. He was the first to translate considerable parts of the Bible into English. In 1535, Tyndale was arrested by Church authorities and jailed in Brussels for over a year. He was tried for heresy, strangled and burnt at the stake in 1536. Tyndale's final words, spoken "at the stake with a fervent zeal, and a loud voice", were "Lord! Open the King of England's eyes." Within four years, this payer had been answered. At the behest of King Henry V111, four English translations were published in England, all based on Tyndale's work.

All of these previous translations were used by the King James translators, and helped to shape and mould the Authorised Version of the Bible as printed in 1611. So it’s only right then, that we should remember and celebrate those giants of old as well, and give thanks to God for their contribution.

But what did they give us?

They gave us a translation with phrases such as:

“the salt of the earth”

“the powers that be”

“ a law unto themselves”

“all things to all men”

“signs of the times”

“suffer fools gladly”

“a howling wilderness”

“the straight and narrow”

“nothing new under the sun”

“ a land flowing with milk and honey”

“ a man after his own heart”

“the leopard cannot change his spots.”

“wheels within wheels”

“ an eye for an eye”

“turn the other cheek”

“a time and a place for everything”

“all the days of my life”

These phrases have entered into everyday English, and remain in popular usage, even if many who use them do not know or cite their original sources.

They gave us a translation with poetry such as this:

Psalm 23
¹The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

These words capture the essence of the Hebrew psalm so wonderfully. They have been a source of much comfort and great strength to many, especially at times of bereavement.

And they gave us a translation with the most well known verse of all, rendered as this:

John 3:16
¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This verse, which sums up the Christian gospel in a nutshell, has been memorised and quoted as such by millions of Christians throughout the world for four centuries.

Quite simply, they gave us a Bible in the English language that has become part of our cultural and religious fabric, part of our way of life, part of our very being itself. And for this, we give thanks to God! “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136)

Rev. Stanley Gamble

Grand Chaplain of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and Author of A Time to Dance: Celebrating 400 years of the King James Bible.

[/indent]

The Twelfth UTV Highlights 2011

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:57:46 +0000

Twelfth Media Pack - 2011 Two Flagship Twelfths...

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:46:41 +0000

Twelfth Media Pack - 2011
Two Flagship Twelfths Selected
http://www.grandoran...media_packs.htm
8 June 2011

Two Twelfth demonstrations have been selected as flagships for the biggest festival in Northern Ireland.

The flagships will be the standard bearers for the 18 demonstrations being organised by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on Tuesday, July 12, 2011.

The Twelfth in Randalstown, organised by the East Antrim Combine, and the Mid-Down demonstration in Comber, will enjoy flagship status this year.

Grand Lodge will now work closely with the organisers of the flagships to promote the Twelfth.

The Orange Order Director of Services, Dr. David Hume explained:
"This is the sixth anniversary of our Twelfth Tourist Flagship programme and we believe that it has been a huge success and has helped to develop the potential of the parades.

"We know that more than half a million people either take part in the parades or watch them - that is a huge proportion of the population. For very many people it is the biggest day of the year.

"There is strong evidence that an increasing number of tourists are planning trips to Northern Ireland at that time of year so they can see the parades. All of our parades are very important and we will be working with all the organisers to maximise the positive impact of the Twelfth parades. Grand Lodge decided that we should put a special effort into the two flagship demonstrations in Randalstown and Comber.

"The Twelfths in Randalstown and Comber will be big occasions with huge crowds. The organisers are working on a programme of events leading up to the big day and there will be plenty for people to see and enjoy.

"The idea behind the Flagship Twelfths is to look at the demonstrations through the eyes of tourists. We are thrilled by the number of people who come out to enjoy the Twelfth but we are never really satisfied. We want even more people, and visitors, to enjoy the spectacle and understand its importance to this community.

"Cultural tourism is a growing industry and we are determined that the Orange Order will play its part in developing this sector of business. We have been working closely with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland to attract more visitors to the province in July and they have been extremely helpful.

"The Twelfth of July offers a unique opportunity for the Orange Institution and the bands community to showcase our culture and heritage and we are confident of welcoming increasing numbers of visitors, tourists and families, to the event in the years ahead. While every Twelfth celebration is in our opinion worth visiting, the flagship venues have an added element of specifically catering for tourists thorugh the Welcome Host programme and additional attractions and we are delighted at the efforts made by those venues."

The Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Edward Stevenson, said:

"The Twelfth is a unique day. It has special significance in the history and culture of our country and is enjoyed by massive crowds. There is no other single event that can produce crowds like the Twelfth. Right across Northern Ireland, and in Co. Donegal the weekend before, tens of thousands of people will be attending Twelfth demonstrations. There are 18 different locations in Northern Ireland, all with distinct characteristics that make it such a special day of religion, culture, music and pageantry.

"We want people to visit the Twelfth and enjoy the atmosphere for themselves and we believe that the work we are doing with the tourist authorities is crucially important."

ROSSNOWLAGH - JULY 9

The annual Twelfth parade in Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal, will be held on Saturday, July 9, three days before the Twelfth demonstrations in Northern Ireland.

Fifty lodges from Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan , as well as visiting Orangemen, will take part in the parade which begins close to St. John's Parish Church at 12.00 noon.

The parade then goes to the demonstration field, on the edge of the shoreline - surely one of the most beautiful locations for an Orange parade anywhere in the world.

A religious service, set against the backdrop of the Donegal Hills and the rolling breakers of the Atlantic, will be held at 3pm.

The service will be conducted by Rev. Ian McLean, a Grand Chaplain of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

The guest speaker will be Edward Stevenson, who was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland in January. This will be his first Twelfth appearance as Grand Master. He will be joined on the platform by the County Donegal Grand Master David Mahon, who was appointed as an Assistant Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

Rev. Mervyn Gibson, also a Grand Chaplain, will dedicate a new Co. Donegal bannerette which features the cross of St. Patrick and nine stars, representing the nine counties of Ulster, as well as the crown.

The Twelfth in Donegal has been held in Rossnowlagh since the 1900s and has taken place there every year since 1978. It has become traditional to hold the parade on the Saturday before the main Twelfth parades. This means that lodges in the Irish Republic are able to attend the Twelfth demonstrations in Northern Ireland.

There are 44 Orange Halls in Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim and the Orange Order has members in nine counties in the Irish Republic.

For one Orangeman, the Rossnowlagh Parade will be the end to an arduous sponsored cycle run.

George Ruddock, Worshipful District Master of Gilford, Co. Armagh is doing the cycle run to raise money for Orange funds in his area. He will begin his trip on Monday, July 4, from the harbour steps in Carrrickfergus where William landed in 1690 and travel through Belfast, Lisburn, Lurgan, Portadown, Maghery , Stewartstown, Tullyhoge, Cookstown, Omagh ,Enniskillen and Ballyshannon finishing at Rossnowlagh on Saturday, July 9, to join County Donegal's annual parade.

RANDALSTOWN - FLAGSHIP TWELFTH

Randalstown has the privilege of hosting the East Antrim Combine Twelfth every 10 years and has been chosen as one of the Flagship Twelfths for 2011.

The Combine is made up of nine district lodges, with more than 70 private lodges and approximately 8,000 members. The districts are Larne, Randalstown, Staffordstown, Killead, Antrim, Sixmilewater, Carnmoney, Cloughfern and Carrickfergus.

Members of the Junior Orange Order, Ladies Orange lodges and members from England and Scotland will also be present.

More than 60 of the finest marching bands from Northern Ireland, England and Scotland will be on parade and this will add to the spectacle planned for the day.

Over the past two years Randalstown District Orange Lodge has worked closely with both the local and wider communities to raise funds for the Armed Forces Benevolent Funds. Since March 2009, more than £25,000 has been raised and the district has received recognition for their fund raising efforts, winning the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland Community Award for fund-raising and the Antrim Borough Council Community Excellence Award.

Randalstown District has nominated the Help for Heroes as its charity for 2011 and there will be an opportunity for people attending the Twelfth to contribute towards the charity.

This year is the 95th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme which resulted in a huge loss of life for Ulster regiments. This takes on particular significance for Randalstown as the site for the Twelfth at Dunmore Park was used as a training camp for soldiers prior to them going off to fight in France. The camp at Dunmore Park was built for a number of battalions of the 36th Ulster Division who were based at Finner in Donegal. Lord O'Neill of Randalstown made acres of Dunnore Park available for the construction of a camp. The march from Finner to Randalstown was a massive recruiting exercise, through towns, villages and hamlets of the province recruiting men as they went.

It took seven days to march the 120 miles from Finner to Randalstown. Over 4,000 soldiers were encamped at Randalstown, prior to leaving for the battlefields of France.

The district lodge is planning a number of events in relation to the Somme within the Twelfth Festival. There will be an exhibition of artefacts relating to soldiers' kit, weapons and uniforms.

Randalstown and the surrounding area is well known for its lambeg drum and fife tradition. Currently there are two drumming clubs in the area - Caddy and Grand Corner with numerous other players not associated with either club.

Caddy and District Community Group, of which Caddy Fife and Drum is an affiliated member, has recently been involved in a cross community project which has seen the restoration of Red Hugh, an Ancient Order of Hibernians lambeg drum from Randalstown which although owned by Hibernians, had in previous years been shared by both the local Hibernians and Orange lodges.

Randalstown was originally known as An Dun Mor - the Great Forest. In 1666, Lady Rose Ann O'Neill obtained a charter from King Charles 2nd granting that the town be constituted a free borough and she renamed it Randalstown in honour of her husband, Sir Randal MacDonnell, the 2nd Earl and 1st Marquis of Antrim. The O'Neill family still live in Shane's Castle and Dunmore Park which is part of the estate will be used as the venue for the Twelfth Field.

The parade will start at the entrance to Shanes Castle at 11.30am and go on a two mile route through the town to Dunmore Park, where the platform proceedings will take place. The Rev. William McCrea will preach the sermon.

COMBER - FLAGSHIP TWELFLTH

Almost 70 lodges and 40 bands will take part in the Twelfth in Comber in Co. Down, which has also been chosen as a Flagship Twelfth this year.

Five districts will be represented - Comber, Saintfield, Lecale, Castlewellan, and Ballynahinch.

The Twelfth is held in Comber every five years and the crowds will be able to see a wide variety of bands including silver, flute, pipe and accordion.

Comber sits at the gateway to the tourism area of Strangford and is rich in historic significance. It is the home of the Andrews family, one of the most influential families in the history of Northern Ireland. They were instrumental in the building of Titanic and played a major role in the political and business life of the province for many years.

The centerpiece of the town is the magnificent square, surely one of the best preserved in Northern Ireland. The square is dominated by the massive statue of Major General Rollo Gillespie, a soldier who served the British forces with distinction in the early 1800's. The statue was erected in 1845 and has seen many Twelfths over the year.

Comber is the birthplace of Edmund De Wind, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the First World War in France in 1918. A local street is named after him and in Canada a mountain is named Mount de Wind, in his honour.
De Wind originally served in the Canadian forces before joining the Royal Irish Rifles.

A tablet in his memory is in Comber Parish Church.

The Comber Letter is an important part of the history of the Williamite Wars and although its authenticity has been questioned, it certainly galvinised the Protestant gentry of the time against King James troops.

There will be a strong emphasis on the history and culture of the Comber area in a number of events leading up to the Twelfth, with the town's new Orange Hall - opened last year by the then Grand Master Robert Saulters - as the focal point.

The Twelfth will be a special time for the local lodge Goldsprings LOL 1037 who next year will be celebrating their 150th anniversary with a series of special events.

The parade assembles at mid-day at the Council Playing Fields in Parkway and goes through the town via the Square, High street, Railway Street, Brownlow Street, Glen Road, Mill Street, Castle Street, left into the car park and back through the square.

A religious service will be held at Parkway Playing Fields at 2.30pm and will be conducted by the lay chaplain of Saintfield District, Robin Fairburn, assisted by Comber district lay chaplain Tom Hamilton. The main speaker will be David McNarry, MLA, immediate past assistant Grand Master of Ireland.

The return parade will begin at 4.30pm and will leave Parkway Playing Fields and proceed along Killinchy Street, Comber Square, High Street, Braeside and Ballygowan Road where visiting district buses will be parked.

The host district will return to the Orange Hall along Railway Street where the parade will disperse after being addressed by Robertt Kirk, District Master, and the playing of the National Anthem.

LIMAVADY

The leader of the Orange Order and his deputy will both attend this year's Twelfth in Limavady.

Approximately 5,000 people are expected to take part in the parade through Limavady with twice that number lining the streets. It is four years since the Twelfth was held in the town.

The guest speaker will be Edward Stevenson, Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland. The Deputy Grand Master, Rev. Alistair Smyth, who is from the Limavady area, will propose the resolutions.

The demonstration field is at Roemill Road where the religious address will be given by Rev. John Noble, Balteagh & Boveva Presbyterian Church.

The platform proceedings will be chaired by the County Grand Master George Duddy.

This is a significant year in the history of Limavady District LOL No.6 as it is celebrating its 200th anniversary.

Ballykelly LOL 699 will have a new banner on parade. Dungiven LOL 2036 are 50 years old this year and Dungiven Flute band are five years old.

Among those on parade will be Jonathan Holmes - District Secretary & Young Orangeman of the Year 2010, Sam Carmichael - Dungiven LOL 2036, winner of the district Exceptional Service medal and Harold Glendinning & William Hamilton, both senior members of Ballynarrig LOL 650 who received Exceptional Service and Long Service District medals in 2010.

William Hamilton has been Treasurer of his Lodge from September 1942 and assisted in the building of Ballynarrig Orange Hall. Harold Glendinning has been District Lecturer and heavily involved in the Junior Orange movement for many years, and helped found the Limavady District Junior Lodge.

The main parade in Limavady begins at mid-day and will be headed up by County officers, district officers and invited guests.

The parade will make its way to the demonstration field in the following order - Limavady district, Coleraine district, Macosquin district, and City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge and districts.

The route will be Church Street,Ballyclose Street, Main street, Linenhall Street, Catherine Street - stopping at the War Memorial where a wreath will be laid by the Grand Master - Roemill Road, William Street, Catherine Street, Irish Green Street, Rosemill Gardens, Roemill Road and the Limavady Orange Field.

The return parade will be at 3.45pm. The parade will go via Roemill Road, Rathbrday Road, Masey Avenue and Protestant Street, where the Grand Master will stop and take the salute from a platform.

BALLYRONAN.

More than 60 bands will take part in the South Londonderry demonstration in Ballyronan. It is expected that 4,000 people will be on parade and about 5,000 spectators will come to the small village.

It is seven years since the Twelfth was held in Ballyronan.

There are eight districts on parade - Tamlaght O'Crilly, Moneymore, Castledawson, Tobermore, Magherafelt, Ballyronan, Garvagh and Kilrea.

The parade will begin at 11.30am and return from the demonstration field at 3.30pm. The parade route will take in Shore Road, Main Street and Ballyneil Road.

The religious address will be given by Rev. Stanley Gamble, a Grand Chaplain, and the guest speaker will be Robert Saulters, Past Grand master.

The chairman of the platform proceedings will be the Deputy County Grand Master, Hugh Stewart.

STEWARTSTOWN
The organisers of the Twelfth in Stewartstown expect more than 10,000 spectators to turn up in the Tyrone town. It is seven years since the big day came to Stewartstown.

Situated in the picturesque Sperrins, the Orangemen will be working with local organisations and business to maximise the tourist potential of the Twelfth.
It is expected that there will be 50 bands leading Orangemen from seven districts - Killyman, Stewartstown, Cookstown, Castlecaulfield, Pomeroy, Coagh and Benburb.

The big day will start with the playing of the lambeg drum at various locations along the parade route.

The parade assembles on the Coagh Road at 12.15pm and will be led by Stewartstown Flute Band as it parades thorugh the town with new banners including Sandholes LOL 274 and Kilnaslee LOL 364. The 70 lodges will go to the demonstration field on the Coalisland Road where the service will be conducted by Rev. Robert Boyd, Rector of Killyman Parish Church.

The guest speaker will be Ron Bather, Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of England.

A commemorative badge has been struck as a collector's item for the big day.

In the field there will be two platforms, one to recognise the cultural traditions of the day with Ulster-Scots music and other forms of entertainment, and one to hold the religious service.

SIXMILECROSS
Six districts - Sixmilecross, Strabane, Fintona, Omagh, Killen and Newtownstewart - will be on parade in the Tyrone town of Sixmilecross.

If you like good pipe bands, Sixmilecross is the place to be on the Twelfth. A number of contest pipe bands will join other top class musicians as they lead 60 lodges through the village. It is expected that there will be more than 50 pipe, flute and accordion bands who are likely to give impromptu performances throughout the day's celebrations.

It is 12 years since the Twelfth was last held in Sixmilecross and a local committee has been working hard to put the finishing touches to all the arrangements.

The bands will begin to gather in the assembly field on the Cooley Road between Beragh and Sixmilecross from about 10.30am. The parade will move off at 12.30pm and go via Main Street to the demonstration field at Tullyneil Road.

Orange culture will take centre stage as the bands and supporters reach the field and several demonstrations of music and memorabilia are planned to keep everyone entertained.

The religious service will begin at 3.30pm and will be conducted by a local man, Rev. Alan Irvine, now a rector in Ballymena.

The guest speaker will be well known Castlederg man, Jim Emery, who is Deputy County Grand Master of Tyrone.

CLOGHER

The Clogher Twelfth is one of the smaller demonstrations but always proves popular with local people.

It was last held in the village in 2007 and this year's event is expected to be a relaxed family atmosphere throughout the day.

Twenty five lodges from two districts - Annahoe and Fivemiletown - will be on parade.

The Orangemen and the bands will assemble on the Augher Road, at the local mart, at noon and then parade through the village, stopping at the Cenotaph where a wreath will be laid to commemorate members of the security forces who were murdered during the Troubles.

Orangemen from Monaghan will lead the parade, accompanied by Mullinahunch Accordion Band.

The parade will make its way to the demonstration field at the Enniskillen end of the village where a religious service will begin at 2pm. Rev. Nigel Reid, will conduct the service.

One of the highlights of the day in Clogher will be the music from a variety of bands and approximately five of them will join forces in the demonstration field to make one massed band, performing to the delight of the crowd.

HOLYWOOD

A large crowd is expected at the Twelfth in Holywood - the only town that can boast a maypole in the town centre for the Orangemen to parade past.

It is four years since the Twelfth was held in the town and the organising committee has been hard at work for months, preparing for the big day.

Orangemen from Holywood will be joined by brethren from Bangor, Upper Ards and Newtownards. More than 50 lodges will be on parade and a large number of brethren from England and Scotland are also expected. They will be led by Ballykeel Conservative Flute Band as they move off from Holywood Orange Hall in Redburn Square at mid-day.

The parade moves via High Street, Belfast Road, Abbey Ring, Demesne Road, Downshire Road, Church View, Church Road, Brook Street, Victoria Road and up the Main Street before turning into Sullivan Place and Spafield Playing Fields - the location of the demonstration field.

The religious service will begin at 2pm and will be conducted by Pastor Steven Mitchell. The guest speaker will be Rev. Stephen Dickinson, Past Deputy Grand Master, and he will be joined on the platform by the Past Grand Master of Ayrshire, William Hick, and the Co. Down Grand Master, Victor Harrison.

After the service the return parade will go via Sullivan Place, High Street, Church Road, Church View and Downshire Road before dispersing.

RATHFRILAND

Eighty bands are expected to take part in the Twelfth in Rathfriland.

Eight districts will be on parade - Lower Iveagh, Rathfriland, Banbridge, Lower Iveagh West, Bann Valley, Loughbrickland, Gilford and Newry.

This will be a massive parade in the heart of the Mournes with more than 100 lodges expected to turn out.

They will assemble, along with the bands, at Loughbrickland Road and move off at mid-day via Newry Road, Newry Street, Church Square, Main Street, Downpatrick Street and to the demonstration field at Castlewellan Road.

Rathfriland District will have the honour of leading the parade, accompanied by Drumadonnell Accordion Band. And the local lodge, Drumadonnell LOL 137 will have their new banner on parade.

It is an area steeped in good music and there will be bands for everyone's taste, including pipes, flutes, accordions and silver. Lambeg drumming is also popular in the area and there will be a number on parade.

The religious service will be held at 3pm and the preacher will be Pastor Roy Graham, Rathfriland District Chaplain.

BALLYMARTIN.

One thousand Orangemen from Mourne District will be on parade in Ballymartin this year.

The 15 lodges will be accompanied by their own bands - an exciting mixture of accordion, pipe, silver and flute. The parade will assemble on the Kilkeel side of Ballymartin at mid-day and go through the village to the demonstration field.

In size, it is one of the smallest parades on the Twelfth but with a backdrop of the Mourne Mountains on one side and the sea on the other it can certainly boast of being one of the most scenic.

Silent Valley LOL 263 and their band will have the honour of leading the parade.

A religious service will begin at 2.30pm. District officers will read the resolutions and the guest preacher will be Rev. Kenneth Hanna, a Presbyterian minister originally from Kilkeel.

KILLYLEA

The County Armagh demonstration in the village of Killylea is the largest gathering of Orangemen on the Twelfth and encompasses the full range of the wider Orange family. The 11 district lodges will be on parade, with a total of 155 private lodges and almost 5,000 brethren. In addition, ladies from the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland will be present, along with several Junior Boys and Junior Girls Lodges from within County Armagh.

Almost bands of every type will accompany the lodges and some of the best pipe, accordion, silver and flute bands in the country will be stepping out. Also, with the "County of the Diamond" being well-known for the lambeg drum, dozens will be accompanying the brethren, especially if the weather is good. Pride of the Birches Accordion Band will be accompanied by three visitors from Bergen in Norway, dressed in traditional costume.

There will be at least five new banners on parade for the first time this year, namely those being carried by Clounagh LOL 9, Portadown; Carnagh LOL 898, Newtownhamilton; Kilbracks LOL 119, Markethill; Dr. Kane's Crimson Star LOL 417, Portadown and Lurgaross LOL 620, Markethill. Also, Nwotownhamilton district LOL No. 9 will carry a new district bannerette.

Two Orange Halls have been re-opened this year: Ballyworkan, Portadown, and Carrickawilkin, Newtownhamilton both sustained serious fire damage in arson attacks a couple of years ago and the latter is a completely new building.

The County Armagh Twelfth goes round the Districts in an 11 year cycle and in 2011 it is the turn of Killylea District LOL No. 7 to host the massive demonstration. This district lodge has 12 Lodges and almost 400 brethren, with eight bands, and they have been planning for the big event for well over a year. Led by their Worshipful District Master, Wesley Livingstone, the Killylea brethren are looking forward to welcoming the demonstration to the village for the first time since 2000. To mark the event, they have produced a special souvenir "12th" Booklet and commemorative badge depicting Tynan Abbey, where Sir Norman Stronge and his son James were murdered by the IRA in 1981.Both were members of Derryhaw LOL 768.

The Lodges of the host district will meet at the assembly field on the Armagh Road side of the village at 9.15am and wait for the other 10 visiting districts to arrive from 9.30am onwards. The main parade is to commence at 10.00am, led by the County Grand Lodge Officers and visiting dignitaries.

Killylea will be followed by Richhill. Newtownhamilton, Portadown, Lurgan and Markethill districts; the remainder of the districts, namely, Armagh, Loughgall, Keady, Bessbrook and Tandragee will parade as they arrive, and by 12.30pm, all districts should be in the demonstration field. Battlehill LOL 395 will be parading with Richhill district for the first time having transferred from Portadown district during the year and the Crimson Arrow Pipe Band will be back on parade with Bessbrook District after an absence of several years when they were off the road.

The parade route is: Armagh Road - Main Street (under the fine Arch at the Orange Hall) - Caledon Road - demonstration Field. The County Armagh demonstration always attracts upwards of 20,000 spectators, with visitors from County Monaghan and County Tyrone expected.

The demonstration field is located off the Caledon Road and all the usual stalls and food venders will be there, along with church tents selling tea and sandwiches. There will be activities for children and as always impromptu band and lambeg drum rehearsals.

The chair will be taken at 1.45pm by the County Grand Master, Denis J Watson JP, and proceedings will commence with the traditional religious service, conducted by Rev Maurice Laverty, County Grand Chaplain. The Act of Remembrance will be undertaken by Canon Dr W A Murphy, Deputy County Grand Chaplain, and the address will be given by Rev William Anderson, Deputy County Grand Chaplain and District Chaplain of Loughgall District LOL No 3.

After the service, the Twelfth Resolutions will be proposed and passed, and the main speaker this year is Rev Martin Smyth, Past Grand Master, who will propose and speak to the third Resolution on The State. The platform proceedings will conclude with the customary resolution of thanks, introduced by the Deputy County Grand Master, Joseph Campbell, who will also present the County Shield for the best band on parade.

The return parade is scheduled to leave the Demonstration Field at 2.30pm.

BELFAST

The parade to mark the 321st anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne will leave Belfast Orange Hall, at Carisle Circus, at 10.00am.

The Miller Memorial Flute band will lead the parade as it makes its way along Clifton Street, Donegal Street, Royal Avenue, Castle Junction, Donegall Place to Belfast City Hall.

A wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Cenotaph in the grounds of the City Hall shortly before 10.30am and the parade will then proceed via Donegal Square West, Bedford Street, Dublin Road, Shaftsbury Square, Bradbury Place, Lisburn Road, Balmoral Avenue and Malone Road to Barnetts Demense.

As usual, thousands of spectators including visitors from other countries are expected to line much of the route through the capital city.

The platform proceedings at Barnett's Demesne will begin at 3pm and the chairman for the afternoon will be the County Grand Master, Tom Haire. The resolutions will be read by Dr. William Malcolmson, District Chaplain No 9 and Charles Cefferty, County Grand Master, County Grand Orange Lodge of Central Scotland.

It is expected that 70 bands will take part in the parade and they will make their return journey at 4.15pm.

Writing in the Belfast Twelfth booklet, the County Grand Master, Tom Haire, said the Orange Institution was an integral part of Northern Ireland society.

"It is right that some of our membership should seek to represent their communities on both civic and elected forums," he said.

"Voting apathy has long been an enemy of unionists, which is sad since our braved armed forces are fighting and dying to ensure countries around the world can obtain that democratic right, a right which we so often take for granted.

"Unfortunately the Parades Commission is still with us, having been shamefully given the kiss of life and I like many of our brethren will continue to seek the demise of this unelected and unaccountable quango.

"It doesn't matter who is appointed to this commission, whether they are former Orangemen or not, it must go.

"We must be permitted to freely celebrate our culture without the threat of violence or sectarian harassment and without a litany of incomprehensive parade determinations which seem to be more interested in appeasing those who threaten violence rather that upholding the rights of law abiding citizens.

"On this 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, we thank God, for inspiring this translation of his Holy Scriptures and for the wisdom of having it placed in churches throughout the country. As the authorised version it has encouraged numerous hearts and minds and brought people throughout the world to know the Saving Grace of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ."

Also writing in the booklet, the editor Fraser Agnew said the Ulster scots culture was threatened.

"Issues over parading have not been resolved and already this year we have witnessed the idiotic rulings of the Parades Commission through specifying what hymn a band should play on the Newtownards Road.

"Parading is one aspect of our culture that will never go away and is displayed in a very public way. It follows therefore that attacks on our parades whether physically or verbally are seen in a more general way as an attack on those things that have moulded us into the people we are."

AGHALEE

More than 70 lodges will be on parade in Aghalee for the South Antrim Combine demonstration.

Seven districts will take part - Lisburn, Glenavey, Magheragall, Hillsborough, Derriaghy, Ballinderry and Aghalee.

It is seven years since the parade was held in the village and a large crowd is expected.

The parade assembles on the Soldierstown Road at 11.30am and goes through the village up Aghalee Hill to the demonstration field on Chapel Road.

A religious service will be conducted by Rev. Robert Campbell, a Grand Chaplain of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland. A local minister, Rev. Charles McCartney will also take part.

BALLYMENA

The Past Grand Master of Scotland, Ian Wilson will be the guest speaker at the Twelfth in Ballymena.

He will join the 30 lodges from the district as they take part in the Twelfth. Ballymena is the only town in Northern Ireland which has a Twelfth demonstration every year.

The lodges and about 20 bands will assembly on the Larne Road at 12.30pm and parade through the town via Harryville Bridge, Bridge Street, Church Street, Broughshane Street, Cushendall Road and to the demonstration field on Ballygarvey Road.

There are about 1,000 Orangemen in the district and the parade will be led by Ballygarvey LOL 754, accompanied by the Ballee Blues and Royals - a flute band.

A religious service at 3pm will be conducted by Rev. Ian McLean, a Grand Chaplain, and then Mr Wilson will address the crowd.

BALLYCASTLE

Forty four lodges from five districts - Bushmills, Ballycastle, Cloughmills, Rasharkin and Ballymoney - will take part in the North Antrim demonstration which is being held in Ballycastle this year.

The parade is held in Ballycastle every five years. Orangemen and bands will assemble at the Ramoan Playing Fields and move off at 1.00pm.

The parade will be led by Stranocum LOL 749 who will be celebrating their 200th anniversary during 2011 and will have on show their new banner which was unfurled on June 23, by the Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Edward Stevenson. Stranocum Flute Band will provide the music at the front of the parade.

The outward parade route will be via Ramoan Road, Church Road, Coleraine Road, Castle Street, The Diamond, Ann Street, Rathlin Road, Strandview Road, North Street, Quay Road, Quay Road Playing Fields.

A religious service will be held at 3pm and the sermon will be given by Rev. David McCarthy. The Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Drew Nelson will give the address and the resolutions will be proposed by Stephen Anderson, WDM, Cloughmills District, Ivan Watson, WDM, Rasharkin District and William Archibald, WDM, Ballymoney District.

The platform chairman will be William Johnston, WDM Ballycastle District.

The parade will leave the Demonstration field at 4.30pm and return via Quay Road Playing Fields, Quay Road, Ann Street, The Diamond, Market Street and Ramoan Road. At the junction of Ramoan Road and Church Road, the first three districts in the parade, Cloughmills, Rasharkina nd Ballymoney, will proceed along Church Road and Moyarget Road to their buses. Bushmills and Ballycastle districts will parade directly into Novally Road where their buses will be waiting.

Ballycastle District LOL 23 are producing a badge to commemorate this year's North Antrim Twelfth.

BROUGHSHANE

The 12 Lodges of Braid district will gather for the Twelfth in Broughshane, for the second year in a row.

It is one of the smallest parades of the day with 400 Orangemen taking part but the Braid Twelfth is always a big attraction for visitors and tourists, who are staying in the area. Last year's Twelfth in the village was a big success with scores of tourists from the United States and Europe, many of them in the area for the famous Glenarm Open Day on the following two days.

Broughshane has stacked up numerous awards and the village is well known throughout Northern Ireland for its pristine appearance. This year will be no different as the villagers have worked hard to make it a beautiful location for the Twelfth.

The parade starts at mid-day at Raceview Road and goes through the village to the demonstration field at Caherty Road.

The host lodge - Buckna LOL 487 - will lead the parade. A new band - Broughshane and District Pipe Band - has recently been formed and everyone will be looking out for them on their first Twelfth. They have almost 30 members and should prove extremely popular.

The speaker at the religious service, which starts at 2.30pm, will be Rev. Ron Johnston, Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church and a Grand Chaplain of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland. The guest speaker will be Dr. David Hume, Director of Services of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

The message from the organisers in Broughshane is to come early and book your spot along what will be a route packed with spectators.

CULLYBACKEY

Sixteen lodges will take part in the Triangle Parade in Cullybackey this year.

In other years, Ahoghill and Portglenone are the venues for the demonstration.

If you like lambeg drums, Cullybackey is the venue to be at this year as there will be at least nine of the huge drums on parade. There is always the prospect of a few impromptu drumming sessions throughout the day.

The parade starts, at 1pm from the Ard-namaine Housing Estate near Cullybackey Railway Station and moves through the village before turning right into Shellinghill Road and Tober Park.

Cullybackey District lead the parade, accompanied by Glenhugh Flute Band.

The demonstration field is at the Cullybackey Community Centre and is expected to begin at 3pm. The District Lay Chaplain Harry McCloy will be the chairman for the proceedings and local man Samuel Richard Mackay, district chaplain, will return from London where he is a pastor to preach the sermon.

There will be a number of events held in Cullybackey in the week leading up the Twelfth. The biggest of these will be a re-enactment of the Battle of the Boyne - a Cullybackey Sham Fight. This will take place on Saturday, July 9 at 4pm in a field on Carndonaghy Road. It should be a spectacle well worth seeing.

FERMANAGH

The Co. Fermanagh demonstration will be Lisnaskea this year.

It is the big venue for Orangemen from the Irish Republic and lodges from Leitrim will lead the parade, followed closely by brethren from Monaghan, Cavan, Donegal and the 15 Fermanagh districts - Lisbellaw, Enniskillen, Ballinmallard, Kinawley, Glenawley, Lisnarick, Pettigo, Magheraboy, Churchill, Maguiresbridge, Garrison, Tempo, Newtownbutler and the host district Lisnaskea.

The assembly field is at Derryree on the Maguiresbridge and the lodges and bands will move off at 12.30pm, going via Main Street to the demonstration field at Cushwash on the Newtownbutler Road.

A religious service will be held at 2pm with the County Grand Master Norman Johnston acting as chairman. The address at the platform proceedings will be given by Rev. Mark Watson, Trory LOL 647.

Lisnaskea Silver Band will lead the praise.

Two new banners will on parade - Fawney LOL 329 and Maguiresbridge LOL1524. A new ladies lodge has recently been formed in Lisbellaw - Daughters of William - and they will also be on parade in Lisnaskea.

The Orangemen of Co. Fermanagh are once again hosting a group of councilors from border counties, as well as the local Fermanagh Council.

"It has been the custom of County Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge over the last few years, to invite different groups from the Irish Republic ," said an Orange Order spokesman.

"This has been very well received and a good relationship is continuing with the groups since."

A group of Protestant and Catholic youngsters, who will be attending the Share Centre in Lisnaskea over the Twelfth period, will also be invited to the demonstration.

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS.
Below are the winners of the Orange Order Community Awards in January. You may spot some of the winners at the Twelfth demonstration you are covering and wish to talk to them or take relevant photographs.

The winning lodge in the category for the biggest percentage increase in membership, sponsored by Victor Stewart Enterprises, was Benvarden Temperance True Blues LOL 1001 (Bushmills).
The winning lodge in the category for the largest numerical increase in membership, sponsored by Aubrey Campbell and Company, was Lisburn Ulster Defence Volunteers LOL 1981.
The best charity fundraising lodge, sponsored by Grave Image, Co. Fermanagh, was shared between Maguiresbridge LOL 14 and Newtownards Ex-servicemen LOL 1952.
Maguiresbridge District LOL No. 14 (County Fermanagh) raised over £2000 for a number of charities, including the Grand Master's Appeal for Kidney Research, the Headley Court Appeal and the Erne Hospital Patients Welfare Fund.

Newtownards Ex-Servicemen LOL 1952 (County Down) raised £2250 for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice in May 2010. The Lodge undertook an arduous hill climb in the Mourne Mountains from Bloody Bridge, ascending Slieve Donard and ending at Bryansford Country Park, where all lodge members camped overnight.
The winner of the award for individual community involvement, sponsored by Blackslee Tours and Hilda Winter, was:
William Robinson,
Ballymacanallen True Blues LOL 2013 (Banbridge)
" Lodge Member for over 50 years and held various offices, Past District Master of Gilford District No. 13
" Founder Member of Tullylish Church of Ireland Men's Fellowship and current Treasurer, serves on Church Vestry of Tullylish Church of Ireland and has been heavily involved in helping support a church in Croatia
" Involved in Bleary Young Farmers Club for over 50 years and was Past Club Leader and is now a Committee Member
" Received an award from Banbridge District Council for his work in helping migrant workers settle into the local Gilford area by giving them support and help to establish themselves in the community
" On the Board of Directors of TADA, an organisation which provides support for the local rural community

Runner up.
Trevor Alexander Stewart, Rehaghey LOL 857 (Tyrone)
" Lodge Member for 33 years and is a Past Secretary
" Founded the "Friends of Schomberg" charity fundraising group six years ago, raising thousands of pounds for various charities
" His most recent venture raised over £2100 for 'Help for Heroes'
The award for lodge community involvement, sponsored by NC Engineering and Oval James Insurance, was won by:
Killycurragh LOL 200, (Omagh)
" Formed a community group in 1995 to represent the views of the local minority Protestant people in their area which aimed to provide social, recreational and educational help for people of all ages. From these efforts, a Youth Club, Parent and Toddler Group, Women's Group, Senior Citizens Club and an Indoor Football Club were all formed. All of these groups have continued to flourish over the last 15 years and today there are over 200 people using the Orange Hall on a weekly basis.
Runner Up.

Raphoe Crimson Defenders LOL 1921,
(Donegal)

" Allowed the local Raphoe Central National School which teaches children of all faiths, to use their hall as a classroom for a period of 10 months while building work was being done to the school. The lodge members facilitated this and were on hand to open and close the hall for the pupils, ensure the building was warm and clean, even going so far as to clear away the snow from the building to ensure the pupils could get to the hall safely in the bad weather.
The Special Merit Award, sponsored by SD Kells and John Bush System, was shared by three people.
Gareth Long, Greyabbey LOL 1592
" Lodge Member for approx 14 years and a Past Master
" Nominated for his work in setting up a charity called the Helping Alopecia Trust (HAT) after having a family member diagnosed with the condition
" Organises fundraising events for the charity including running the Belfast Marathon himself, he is Chairman of the Committee and organises events to bring people living with alopecia together

Barrett Rennick, Ballindarragh LOL 689 (Fermanagh)
" Lodge Member for 33 years and has held various offices, currently District Secretary since 2000
" Founder member and Treasurer of Lisbellaw Credit Union, Treasurer and member of the Select Vestry of Derrybrusk Parish Church and member of the management committee of Ballindarragh Union Hall, committee member of the South East Fermanagh Foundation
" Founder member of the Friends of Drumack Society and Drumack Historical Association, had been a member of the Ulster Special Constabulary Association for approx 16 years and serves as their Secretary, he is also Chairperson of the recently established Phoenix Group
" Trained as a tutor and delivered the 'Educating Ourselves Programme' in County Fermanagh along with three others to approx 175 people, teaching the participants about the history and traditions of the Orange Institution

William Murdie, (Belfast)
Sir Robert H.H. Baird Memorial Temperance LOL 1045
" Lodge Member for 71 years and has held various offices
" He is a member of North Belfast Working Men's Club, Bowling Club Member and Honorary Treasurer to the Board of Trustees, President of the North Belfast Working Men's Club Pipe Band, member of Duncairn Nomads Running Club, member of Donaghadee Probus Club involved in charity work
" He is heavily involved in his local church, Donaghadee Parish, was Rectors Warden, Church Reader, served in the Choir, and was an active member in his previous Parish where he ran Badminton clubs, and the Young Men's Institute to name but a few.

The Chaplain's Award, for Christian witness in the community, sponsored by Nelson-Singleton Solicitors, was won by:

Philip Agnew, Duke of Schomberg LOL 486 (Belfast)
" Lodge Member for 15 years and Deputy Master
" Full-time volunteer for the worldwide 'Child Evangelism Fellowship Organisation' along with his wife, bringing the gospel to children throughout the world. Both Philip and his wife Rachael have been involved in church work in Newtownabbey for many years
" Boy's Brigade Officer, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Leader, organises Christian summer schools and camps for young people during the school holidays

Runner up.
William Chambers, Ballyvea LOL 343a (Co. Down).
" Lodge Member for 65 years and has been Chaplain for 36 years
" William started up prayer meetings in the Orange Hall in 1957 and has attended these meetings faithfully for 53 years, he also conducted prayer meetings in Bingian Hall every Monday for 42 years

The Orange Standard award, sponsored by the Orange Order's newspaper, was won by John Kelly (Lisburn) who has been a great asset to the paper, providing photographs from the many events which he attends. His photographic work is of excellent quality and has brought many events to the attention of readers that might otherwise not be known about.

The best new banner, sponsored by Joseph Long and Sons, Newtownards, was
Magherabeg True Blues LOL 838(Co. Down), painted by William Magowan.

The design concept of the steam train came from a desire by the members to create something different while still connecting with the local community in Magherabeg. The Orange Hall was built in 1902 on land given by the Railway Company. The Belfast-Dublin railway ran immediately behind the hall and the Magherabeg halt was on the other side of the bridge from the hall. The last train ran in 1965 before the line closed and several of the members worked on the railway. On the other side of the banner the painting depicts the Angel commanding the prophet Elijah to 'Arise and Eat'. Elijah had become disillusioned with the world and was despondent. The Lord delivered Elijah back to become a leader again. This religious theme has been on every banner of LOL 838 in living memory.

The award for the best banner painter went to William Magowan, Garvagh.

A Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Henry Latimer Trailers, went to
Rev. Dr Victor H. Ryan from Belfast.

Rev. Dr. Victor Ryan has given dedicated and committed service to the Orange Institution in Belfast County and at Grand Lodge level. He became a Grand Chaplain in 1998, serving with dedication in this post until he relinquished the office at the January meeting of Grand Lodge in 2011. He was appointed as Imperial Chaplain in 1994. A County Grand Chaplain of Belfast, Rev. Dr. Ryan is a familiar figure within Orangeism far and wide, and his inspirational services at the Imperial Council have given much sense of purpose for those attending. He is also a renowned speaker at Orange services. Following his decision to stand down from office in January it was felt that his service should be acknowledged in this first Lifetime Achievement Award presented at the Orange Community Awards.

The Grand Master's Achievement Award, sponsored by Pennon Plaques, and chosen personally by the Grand Master is presented to an individual who merits recognition for their work either relating to the Institution or the wider community.
Hugh Bell, from Donaghadee, has been an active member of the Institution for over 50 years and is recognised for his efforts on behalf of Action Cancer. After having a voice box operation due to throat cancer, Hugh has been actively involved in seeking to assist research towards the prevention of cancer. He started the Wee Walk from Groomsport to Donaghadee, with a small number of friends, and now has hundreds of people taking part each year. Hugh has inspired others in Donaghadee to raise a cumulative total of £450,000 since 1994 for Cancer Research.

Canada: Orange parade returns to downtown Smith...

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:01:39 +0000

Canada: Orange parade returns to downtown Smiths Falls July 12
http://www.emcalmont...s+Falls+July+12
Posted Jun 30, 2011
BY STACEY ROY

EMC Events - On Tuesday, July 12 downtown Smiths Falls will be parade-central when members from Orange Lodges across Eastern Ontario gather for their annual event.

Lodge members from Ottawa, Kingston, Brockville and across Lanark County will gather at the Memorial Community Centre in Smiths Falls prior to the 7 p.m. mile long parade.

"We'll have people from the Kingston area and down," said Fern Carpenter, parade coordinator. "It should be quite a good event."

Five bands have been confirmed for the evening event, including The Gordon Pipe Band of Smiths Falls and the MacNab Pipes & Drums band from Arnprior.

"They have a good mix of younger people playing bagpipes and drums," Carpenter said.

The parade will begin at the community centre on Cornelia Street, go down Beckwith Street to Main Street toward the church before heading back to the centre.

The parade offers Protestants and Orange lodge members alike a chance to celebrate their historical successes. This includes the victory of King William III in the Battle of the Boyne that was held on July 12. It is believed this battle allowed for the Roman Catholic stranglehold in the British colonies to be reduced making room for other faiths.

"They're marching in honour of the freedom that they have enjoyed over the years," Carpenter said.

The lodge has a strong allegiance to both their Protestant faith and the Commonwealth.

AFTERNOON OF ACTIVITIES

In honour of these allegiances, the Orange Lodge will be holding a public church service inside the Memorial Centre at 3 p.m. followed by a roast beef dinner (4:30-6 p.m.), which is also open to the public.

"It's all taking place at the new arena," said Roberta Griffith, local lodge member.

Tickets for the dinner, which is being catered by The Leatherworks in Carleton Place, are $15 each and can be purchased at the door.

Today's Orange Lodge is loyal to both their historic past and their present-day communities and they show it through community donations. Montague's local branch regularly supports the Montague Central School, while Smiths Falls' branch makes a habit of awarding bursaries to local graduating high school students.

"This is the type of thing we're involved in," Fielding said.

With the community in mind, the Orange Lodge will wrap up their July 12 festivities with a community dance at the arena. The Elsie & Company band from the North Grenville area will be on stage to entertain all in attendance at the 8-11 p.m. dance. A bar will be open for those in attendance. It was in 1999 when the July 12 parade last came to Smiths Falls.

Independent Loyal Orange Institution Resolution...

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:59:00 +0000

Independent Loyal Orange Institution Resolutions 2011
http://www.iloi.org/...ticleNewsID=119

RESOLUTION 1 - LOYALTY

We the members of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution assembled on the 321st anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, return thanks to Almighty God for his preservation and deliverance in times past and for those who have defended our civil and religious liberty. Once again we declare our steadfast loyalty to the British Throne and Constitution and re-affirm our continued resolve to support and defend the Protestant religion, the Laws of the Realm, the legislative Union and the succession to the Throne in the House of Windsor, it being Protestant. We note with concern ongoing efforts to repeal the Act of Settlement of 1688 and call upon those in authority in our nation to do all in their power to ensure that the Act remains unchanged.

We assure the members of the Royal Family that they will always receive a warm welcome in Ulster. We also commend Her Majesty the Queen for her personal courage in carrying out her first ever visit to the Irish Republic.

We rejoice in the recent marriage of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton, and we wish the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge God’s richest blessing as they embark on married life together.

We pay tribute to all those who are serving in Her Majesty’s Forces in Afghanistan and other theatres of conflict, and in particular we remember with pride those soldiers from Ulster who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of their Queen and country.　

RESOLUTION 2 – THE LORD’S DAY

As an Institution committed to the Word of God, we are greatly saddened and dismayed by the ever-increasing disregard for and desecration of the Lord’s Day at all levels in our society. The Sabbath Day was given to mankind by God as a day of worship and of rest. It is a core part of our evangelical Protestant heritage and, properly observed, produces a wide range of physical, material and spiritual benefits to individuals, families and society.

We reject any proposals to extend the opening hours of shops or licensed premises or to encourage gambling or sporting events on the Lord’s Day. We remain concerned at the ongoing pressure on Protestants to work on a Sunday.

We urge our elected representatives in Westminster, the NI Assembly and local councils to do all within their power to ensure that the decline in the observance of the Lords day is not only halted but reversed, and that the rights of Christians are fully respected.

We exhort Christians to be diligent in their observation of the Lord’s Day and in their attendance at church. 　

RESOLUTION 3 – THE PROTESTANT RELIGION

In this the 400th anniversary of the publication of the Authorised (King James) Version of the Bible, we thank God for the positive and beneficial impact of this faithful translation of His Word on so many aspects of society. We reaffirm our unswerving attachment to the great truths of the Protestant Faith. We totally reject the false teachings and blasphemies of Roman Catholicism and remain resolute in our opposition to false ecumenism. As an Institution, we will “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness”. We trust that no attempts will be made by those in church, state and the media to demonise or persecute Protestants who, on grounds of conscience, are unwilling to attend the Roman Catholic Mass.

We note with concern that the Pope might visit Northern Ireland in 2012. Whilst we hold to the great principles of civil and religious liberty for all and have no desire to deny our Roman Catholic fellow-countrymen the right to see their leader, however the arrogant and unparalleled temporal and spiritual claims of the pope make it impossible for his visit to be merely pastoral or low-key. It will be hugely symbolic, both politically and spiritually, and we urge all Protestant churches and organisations to unite in dignified, lawful and spiritual opposition to it and to use it as an opportunity to reassert the truths of Biblical Protestantism.

Over one hundred years ago, our founding fathers took a courageous stand on the failure to inspect the convent laundries, and the issue remains relevant today in light of the ongoing scandal of child-abuse allegations in the Roman Catholic Church. That Church must not be allowed to remain immune from justice and there can be no hiding place for those who are guilty of vile crimes against children

RESOLUTION 4 – CONSTITUTIONAL

The Independent Loyal Orange Institution has always been constitutionally unionist and democratic in its structures and beliefs. We are alarmed that increasing numbers of unionist voters appear to have disengaged from the democratic political process. The right to vote is a privilege hard earned by our fathers, and we urge all unionists to exercise their franchise at the ballot box. We are also saddened by ongoing friction and divisions within the unionist family and urge all unionist politicians to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to heal the wounds and deepen bonds of friendship and co-operation.

We call on all unionist politicians to do all they can within the current political structures to ensure that our Protestant faith and way of life is promoted and protected.
Over the next few years, we will mark several very significant centenaries - the signing of the Ulster Covenant (2012), the Battle of the Somme (2016) and the formation of the Northern Ireland state (2021). We urge all in authority to ensure that these historic milestones are properly acknowledged and observed.

RESOLUTION 5 – SOCIAL ISSUES

We, the members of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution call on the Government at Westminster and our own local Assembly to ensure that Tuition fees for university students, if at all necessary, are kept to an absolute minimum to ensure that our young people can afford a University education without having to worry about entering the workplace with a large burden of debt.

We also call for the incomes of our pensioners to be protected from the ravishes of inflation by granting them regular and meaningful increases and also measures be taken to ensure their safety and security in their homes.

Resolution 6 - CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

As an institution we remember the persecuted church across the world and those who for their faith continue to face imprisonment and in many cases death. We call upon the government at Westminster and the European Parliament to intervene and place all necessary sanctions on those countries involved in such a breach of civil and religious liberty.　

Resolution 7 - THE INSTITUTION

We return thanks to Almighty God for the principles of Orangeism and place on record our firm determination to continue the noble work begun by the pioneers of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution in 1903. While we wish to maintain our distinctiveness and our witness, we desire to continue the development of fraternal bonds of friendship within the Orange family and welcome the continuing good relationships between the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and our own institution.. We believe that unity within the Orange family helps to defend and promote the Protestant religion, the Union with Great Britain, our heritage and culture and our right to parade. 　

Our motto as ever is,
PROTESTANTISM NOT POLITICS, PRINCIPLES NOT PARTY, MEASURES NOT MEN.

Political Battle For Scotland And The Union

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:49:25 +0000

Orange Standard
http://www.grandoran...1/article5.html

Political Battle For Scotland And The Union

Article 5 ~ June 2011

The political battle to keep Scotland within the Union is well and truly under way, and the members of the Orange Order in that country can play a vital role in persuading their fellow countrymen and countrywomen that the United Kingdom must remain intact.

The victory of the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) in the recent election to the Edinburgh Parliament is a warning that Alex Salmond and his party sense the tide is flowing for them.

First step in the move to detach Scotland from the United Kingdom will be the Referendum which Salmond has indicated will be held within the next five years.

There is not a moment to be lost if Scottish unionists are to convince the people of that great country that it would be folly to break the link with the rest of the UK.

Nearly 10 years ago the Australian republicans were confident that they would get the majority in a referendum to end the link with the Mother Country and replace the Queen with a president.

The Orange Order in Australia fought a vigorous campaign, along with other royalists, to defeat the republicans, and they won the day.

Alright, the Australian republicans will be back, and they remain confident that they can eventually win the struggle, but concede there is no hope of this happening in the lifetime of Her Majesty the Queen.

The next time they make the attempt, the royalists will be better prepared, and such was their triumph nearly 10 years ago, they can undoubtedly win the argument once again.

Scotland has a huge Orange membership, a vibrant and confident Order, and it can be crucial in the struggle which lies ahead.

But others must join the campaign, and to date the Labour Party, which was all-powerful in Scotland just a decade ago, has failed miserably in combating the nationalists.

It is estimated that only one-third of Scots are currently in favour of independence, but Salmond and the SNP have mounted a very effective and high profile campaign.

The pro-Union camp has lacked charismatic and inspirational leadership, and the Union campaign has hardly been heard.

It would be a devastating blow to the entire British nation if Scotland, which since the Act of Union in 1707 has played such a major role in the nation's affairs, and that of the British Empire and Commonwealth, were to walk away from one of the most successful partnerships in the world.

Northern Ireland, like the other countries of the UK would feel the effects of a break-up of the Union, and indeed the fall-out from such a scenario would probably be felt in this province, which has such long links with Scotland, were this to come about.

It has to be said that the lack of sensitivity on the part of Westminster governments, towards the needs and problems of Scotland have played a leading part in the drift from unionism.

In the days of the Thatcher government, Scots felt that their needs were either ignored or overlooked by the prosperous South of England.

The signs of Scottish disillusionment were to be seen in the early 1980s, and it has accelerated to the extent that there was hardly a single street party held in Glasgow to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

The Orange Order in Scotland has been in the forefront of loyalty to the Crown, and there is no doubt that it will be active and energetic in opposing, through the democratic process, the threat of Scotland breaking away from the Union.

But it will need the broad mass of Scottish people to be alerted to the danger of supporting the SNP strides towards independence, and thee is no doubt that the Orange Order will do its utmost to awake their fellow Scots to the real threat to the Union.

One concession made by Salmond in recent days is that the Queen will remain Head of State, even if independence is obtained. But even if Scotland remained within the Commonwealth, with the monarch as Head of State, any decision to break the Union would have serious consequences for all four countries, including Northern Ireland, which presently constitute the United Kingdom.

New Ulster Covenant Products Set To Be Launched...

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:46:15 +0000

Have the tie and badge in my possesion and very pleased with them. You can buy them at the Grand Lodge shop at:-
http://www.grandoran...alog/index.html

New Ulster Covenant Products Set To Be Launched This Month
http://www.grandoran...1/article1.html
Article 1 ~ June 2011

A selection of commemorative products marking the centenary of the Ulster Covenant will be launched by the Schomberg Shop this month.

The products include a badge, mug, tie and tea towel and will be available both at the shop, local stalls at events, and on the Grand Lodge website.

The range includes a newly designed tie, retailing at £10, a badge with commemorative card detailing the Covenant and including the signature of Sir Edward Carson at £3.50, a boxed Parker Pen with Carson's signature, selling at £8.00 and a tea towel of the Covenant, which sells at £4.50. All prices are exclusive of postage.

Other products will follow in the summer and autumn, including a boxed souvenir mug and a limited edition jewel.

Director of Services Dr. David Hume said "The new products are the work of the marketing team at Schomberg House and we believe they are quality products which will make excellent gifts."

"Further products will be developed over the months ahead and lodges will also be receiving further details of the new lines in the near future."

"As some of these are limited editions, we would encourage anyone interested to order promptly," he added.

To Be A Protestant by Rev. Canon Dr. S.E. Long

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:45:39 +0000

Orange Standard
http://www.grandoran...1/article3.html

To Be A Protestant

Article 3 ~ June 2011

Protestantism: a definition. The system of Christian faith and practice based on acceptance of the principles of the Reformation.

At the Diet of Speyer (1526) a new stage was marked in the consolidation of reforming influences in Germany. It determined that each prince should order ecclesiastical affairs in his own state in accordance with his conscience.

The Diet of Speyer (1529) with a Catholic majority, took a different decision when it passed legislation, to end all toleration of Lutherans in Catholic districts. Six princes and 14 cities made formal protest - a "Protestatio" of the reforming members - and thereafter the Reformers were known as Protestants.

The main characteristics of original Protestantism was acceptance of the Holy Bible as the only source of revealed truth; the doctrine of justification before God by faith in Christ alone and the universal priesthood of all believers.

Those who call themselves Protestants are often indicated by their critics for attitudes to Christianity which are out of keeping with the teaching and practice of Jesus Christ; what they say and do bears little resemblance to how He spoke and acted in the testing circumstances and situations of His life.

Their responses in human relationships are often selfish, intolerant, antagonistic, negative and uncooperative. They lack the Christ-like qualities of selflessness, tolerance, gentleness; the magnanimity which treats everyone with respect and the willingness to help them, and each other to better understand the meaning and purpose of life as seen from a Christian perspective.

The charge is made that the Protestantism other than the Christian faith as exemplified in the life of Jesus and those who were and are truly and obviously committed to Him as their Saviour and Lord of their lives.

There is no doubting that in many cases Protestant and Christian are not inter-changeable terms. To be a Christian and a proper Protestant is to take seriously the necessity of commitment to Jesus Christ which finds expression in that Protestantism which is the faith of the Protestant Reformers and illustrates their devotion to Christ. And this has its basis in the worth and work of Jesus in the days of His flesh and the faith in Him of the first Christians the church of the New Testament.

There is Protestantism, avowedly Christ-centred, and which is expressed in the worship and witness of Christians. And a Protestantism which sometimes has the words of Christianity but neither the faith nor the conduct of the Christian believer.

We are well acquainted with both kinds of Protestantism and the effect the one has on the other. The diminishing influence of churches means that there is an increasing secularism in our society, a growth in numbers of those who are Protestants but that means only that they are not Roman Catholics.

Attempts to distinguish Protestant from Protestant, those who are truly Protestant from those who have the name but apply it differently is not made easier in that many who do not publicly practice their religion refuse to be called unbelievers. They have a Christian heritage (from home, school and Sunday school) which provides them with the consolations of faith in crises.

The duty of the committed Christians to bring others to faith in Christ and the ethical standards, precepts and principles of that faith questions are Christians and the churches, meeting their obligations in this society; fulfilling their commissions to represent Christ to the people? The answer has to be less than complimentary, for the weaknesses listed in the letters to the Seven Churches in The Revelation of St. John in the New Testament are evident here. There is often a lack of enthusiasm, wander at the revelation of God in Jesus Christ; His power to change lives and the emphasis on the benefits of the Faith.

There are snares for the churches which prevent them meeting their potential in communication to the world. There is the satisfaction with the situation as it is, reasonable congregations viable and a contented membership. There is acceptance that many relations and friends are indifferent to the Christian faith. There are church people and others as a fact of life. It shows in attitudes and antagonisms on issues religious, political and ethical. The Christian voice is so that it goes unheard and unheeded. And too often it is not one voice but several voices saying different things on the same subject.

If the impression is of a diverse and divided Protestant community, that is as it is. And the reason why - it is very hard to find a unity of plan and purpose among Christians who are truly Protestants and proud to be named as such.

Rev. Canon Dr. S.E. Long

Scottish Orange Order Resolutions 2011

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:18:29 +0000

LOYALTY

OUR PROTESTANT HERITAGE

STATE OF THE NATION

Scottish Orange Showcase

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:10:24 +0000

Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland.

Olympia House, 13 Olympia Street, Glasgow. G40 3TA

T: 0141 414 1418

MEDIA RELEASE 2nd July 2011.

ORANGE SHOWCASE

The biggest day in the Orange calendar is set to bring over 257 lodges and almost 15,000 marchers onto the streets of Glasgow and Beith on Saturday.

Glasgow

The 182 Glasgow lodges will be parading from their various halls to the assembly area around George Square. The Colour Party and distinguished guests, led by County Grand Master Edward Hyde, will leave from Cathedral Square at 9.40am, to George Square for a Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. Thereafter at 10.30am prompt, the Colour Party will exit George Square opposite North Hanover Street to be joined by the entire procession. The parade will proceed to Glasgow Green for an open air religious service and public meeting.

Immediately at the conclusion of the Public meeting (1:30pm)the Colour Party will lead an organised dispersal of lodges and bands exiting from the main gate at McLennan Arch back to their local Orange Halls.

Support for robust policing
The Grand Master of the Orange Order has hailed a new working partnership with Strathclyde Police as a better way to manage the Order’s biggest summer celebration - the 200 year old annual parade through Glasgow by the city’s 182 lodges, accompanied by 61 marching bands. Mr Henry Dunbar, who was only appointed to the Order’s top job in December, in conjunction with Edward Hyde and Executive Officer Robert Mclean, has been embroiled in negotiations with both the city council and the police to try to reduce the parade’s impact upon the city and police resources without sacrificing the parading culture and enjoyment of the thousands who participate or who come to watch the event.

Mr Dunbar said: “This has not been easy, but I believe a solution has been found and I am grateful to Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Corrigan for his positive and helpful attitude. The Order is introducing a number of crucial changes designed to reduce the demands upon police time and free them up to concentrate upon the antisocial behaviour of a young element that has often been an embarrassment to us in previous years as well as a blight on society as a whole.

“The changes include the professional training of our stewards that will remove the need for such large numbers of police to accompany the parade. Perhaps the most significant change is a much earlier time for the organised dispersal of lodges returning from Glasgow Green. Not only will this contain the entire event within one police shift but it will greatly reduce and hopefully eliminate the baleful experience of youths drinking to excess while waiting for the lodge dispersal.

“I call upon every member of the Order to enjoy the day with the utmost decorum. I also have a message to our more boisterous supporters: you are welcome, but please enjoy the music, colour and excitement of the march responsibly - and leave the booze at home.”

Contact – Glasgow Edward Hyde 07963 155638

Notes to Editors.

Attached are copies of the three Resolutions that will be moved at the Public meetings on Saturday.

The principle speaker at Glasgow is Henry Dunbar, Grand Master. Interviews will be facilitated by contacting the about contact numbers.

www.orangeorderscotland.com

Qualifications of an Orangeman according to the...

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:42:10 +0000

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.

Orange Order 12th July 2011 Resolutions : Grand...

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:40:24 +0000

Orange Order 12th July 2011 Resolutions : Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
http://www.grandoran...utions/2011.htm

THE FAITH: We the Orangemen assembled at ……………………. on the 12th July 2011 give thanks to Almighty God for His own inspired Word revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures. This year we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the publication under King James I of the Authorised Version, much beloved by the members of this Institution.

We thank the Lord for the free access to the Scriptures which we enjoy and encourage all men to read the Holy Bible for themselves and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand and apply it to their own lives. We further commit ourselves to the daily reading of the Word of God which is "able to make men wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

LOYALTY: That we, the Orangemen assembled at ……………………………………………..in commemoration of the 321st anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne do hereby reaffirm our devotion and loyalty to the Throne and Person of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Her other Realms, Defender of The Faith.

We congratulate Her Majesty the Queen on the dignity and manner in which she conducted her recent visit to the Republic of Ireland and look forward to the landmark anniversary of the Diamond Jubilee of her Ascension to the Throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. We also congratulate Prince Phillip on his service and dedication in public life as the longest-serving royal consort in British history.

We are delighted that His Royal Highness Prince William has taken the title of Baron Carrickfergus this year, on the occasion of his marriage to the Duchess of Cambridge, and we wish them well for their future together.

THE STATE: As an Institution we reflect with pride on our British citizenship and inheritance. It is a legacy which has been treasured by generations and we as custodians of that heritage must ensure we safeguard it for the future. We are concerned that political parties which have as their aim the break-up of the Union are in positions of influence within government in Northern Ireland and Scotland and in the latter context we believe that the aim of the Scottish National Party to have a referendum on the Union is a dangerous and divisive road to travel.

We reflect on a society which has many problems and issues at this present time of economic recession. It is easy for many to despair of their own personal situations and sadly this has led some, particularly young men, to take their own lives. As a caring Institution we call on our brethren to remember the example of the Good Samaritan, who bore the burden of another and helped him on his journey. Society must also reach out to those who need encouragement and help in a modern age which is in danger of losing the traditional values of faith in God and compassion for others.

We express thanks to our servicemen and women, who are employed in the cause of freedom and democracy in Afghanistan, Libya and other areas, and reflect on the losses which have been sustained in the former and extend our sympathy to families who have lost loved ones. We welcome home the soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Guards in particular, and other local servicemen and women who have safely returned, and assure them of the warmth of support for them by the Institution and the majority of people.