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[Kilsally]

Show shines a spotlight on Order’s global appeal
http://www.newslette...ppeal_1_3290733

�Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland - 28th November 2011 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Orange Order exhibition showing archived documents opens at Cregagh Community Centre in east Belfast. The exhibition showing such items as George Best's Junior Orange Order collarette, the 1690 Paymaster General's Account Book, a 19th century minute book from Bandon in Cork, a roll of honour from the Guinness Company in Dublin among other items. Grand master Edward Stevenson pictured with the 1690 Paymaster General's Account Book.

Published on Tuesday 29 November 2011 08:33

THE international appeal of the Orange Order is being recounted as part of a new exhibition showcasing the history of the loyal institution.

Launched in east Belfast yesterday, the collection of artefacts includes archive material relating to a specific lodge in Africa in the early 1900s as well as a Belfast Orangeman’s broadcast on Russian radio from almost 60 years ago.

Orange Papers: a Rich Vein of Documentary History also contains the 1690 paymaster general’s account book, which was previously presented to the Order from Belfast City Council; a roll of honour from the Guinness company in Dublin; a 19th century minute book from Bandon in Cork and other paper archives.

Senior Orange brethren who attended the launch of the exhibition at the Cregagh Youth and Community Centre included Grand Master Edward Stevenson, former grand masters Robert Saulters and the Rev Martin Smyth as well as leading city Orangemen Tom Haire and the Rev Mervyn Gibson.

Addressing assembled guests, Mr Stevenson said the exhibition served as a reminder of the “rich and varied collection of memorabilia, artefacts and documents” held in the care of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

“Our archives are a unique collection and it is our aim to make them as accessible as possible,” he said.

Other items already in the institution’s ever-growing collection of artefacts at its Schomberg House headquarters include original gloves and saddlecloth belonging to King William.

The metal plate used as part of the process in printing the 1912 Ulster Covenant and a small collarette worn by the late George Best when carrying the banner strings as a young boy in the Cregagh estate were also on display yesterday.

Director of Services with the Orange Order Dr David Hume believes the unique documentary archive has genealogical potential as well as serving to challenge perceptions about the institution.

He said: “Our view is that greater education leads to greater understanding. The outreach is very important to understand the different complexities of Orange history.”

Dr Hume confirmed the Order is currently awaiting news on its application to create a new interpretative centre at its east Belfast base.

He said such an initiative would “completely transform” the Order’s archives and exhibition areas.

Yesterday’s exhibition was officially opened by Castlereagh mayor Jim White.

He said the collection of materials illustrated just how far the Orange Order stretches and its appeal beyond Northern Ireland.

l The Orange exhibition will be available for public view at Schomberg House following its outreach tour in the Castlereagh borough. For more information, contact the Orange Order on 9070 1122.