Orange Independent 2016

THE

ORANGE

TWELFTH

Independent

Edition 2016

Protestantism not Politics - Principles not Party- Measures not Men

CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS Welcome to Portglenone

Welcome back to the banks of the Bann, and no matter what the weather has in store for us you will be assured of a warm welcome.

The Twelfth this year has seen a record number of events as the Banntastic Twelfth Festival introduced a rich programme full of celebration, commemoration and education.

The Independent Loyal Orange Institution, has a long association with the area, and the District has led local events in line with the nation as we mark not only Her Majesty the Queen’s Ninethieth Birtday, but also the Centenary of the Somme.

The Order has been involved from the creation of the Unionist Centenary Committee, a bidy which has united the Protestant and Unionist community in marking key events in their history.

So we trust you have a Glorious Twelfth today and many more to come.

The Editorial Team of the Orange Independent Would like to wish all our readers a Glorious Twelfth, and ask you to take lots of pictures, or ’Twelfies’ as they are being called and send them to us for our next online edition.

.

Meeting the New Grand Master Getting to know our new leader Wor. Bro James Anderson IGM -

-

Fighting for our Faith Commemorating the life and Legacy of George Wishart

www.iloi.org

Battles Before the Boyne Commemorating the almost Bloodless Revolution Twelfth Festival Banntastic Festival Details

New Faces Enduring Principles This year saw big changes for the Independent Loyal Orange Institution as it elected a new Imperial Grand Master and Deputy. While neither are new faces to us they are new to the top posts but bring with them decades of experience.

Rt Wor Bro Anderson IGM who has been elected as the new Imperial Grand Master of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution pictured with Wor Bro Mervyn Storey MLA DIGM.

Bro. James Anderson replaces Bro Alan McLean PIGM who has decided to stand down after five years. We must pay tribute to Alan for his tenure in office which saw some real high points. In his last Imperial Grand Master’s address he recounted some of them “..On the 9th May, we took part in the 36th Ulster Division March Past Centenary Parade in Belfast with the other Loyal Orders. In September we visited the Boyne site and Dan Winters Cottage. Members of the Imperial Grand Lodge also attended this years 12th Demonstration in Southport, joining with our Brethren from the County Grand Lodge of England and County

The new face he referred to was of course Bro. James Anderson, a member of Garryduff ILOL No. 15, who in turn said he was “humbled” to be following in the footsteps of men of the calibre of George Dawson, James McClure, Cyril Glass, Bertie Johnston and Alan McLean.

Bro. Anderson becomes the 30th Imperial Grand Master of the Institution which was formed in 1903, and does indeed follow in the footsteps of many illustrious predecessors. At his election he said: ‘This will be an historic year for our province as we join together to commemorate the Battle of the Somme and this Institution will play its full part in those events.

As well as a number of new initiatives that we plan to develop further in the coming weeks, I will continue to promote the principles and objectives of this Institution as we go forward.”

Mervyn Storey MLA, a member of Mullans ILOL No. 34, was elected to the post of Deputy Imperial Grand Master. Bro Storey said he looked forward to taking the institution forward in partnership with Bro Anderson, stating “There are many challenges ahead, but this Institution has always punched above its wait, and I’m confident our best days lay ahead’.

Grand Lodge of Scotland..” Concluding he said “..

Over the past 5 years I have had the privilege of leading this Institution and in January, it will be the turn of a new face to take this Institution forward. I wish to thank all those who have shared this journey with me and I promise to continue to fight for the principles of this institution as we head towards the centenary of Northern Ireland.”

Rt Wor Bro Anderson IGM presents a PIGM Certificate to Rt Wor Bro Alan McClean PIGM, to mark his time in office.

2

Meeting the New Imperial Grand Master In this edition of the Orange Independent we will be looking at the men behind the office and finding out a little more about the men who will lead us forward.

Born William James Anderson, 14th September 1949 in Garryduff to John and Sarah Anderson. He has been married to Roberta for 43 years and they have three children, one daughter, two sons and four Grandchildren (both the boys are members of the Institution) James, lived in Garryduff until 1953 then moved to Stranocum to a new build house with all the mod cons like an outside toilet, and running water, where he resided with his family until 1968 when he left to join the Army. James and Roberta now live in Ahoghill.

Kenya and Thailand. James left the Armed Forces and took up employment as civil engineer which he did for the remainder of his working life until retirement in May 2016.

Bro Anderson joined the Institution in Garryduff ILOL No 15 on 6th June 1977; this is the lodge to which his father and all the Anderson family circle have been members. He has held the Worshipful Masters position in all of the lodges, Private, District and County and now Imperial ,as well as treasurer of the County Grand Lodge of Antrim and secretary of Ballymoney District ILOL No 1 and Garryduff Sons of Freedom ILOL No 15.

Outside of The Independent Loyal Orange Institution the Imperial Grand Master is an avid sports fan and would watch nearly any sport, though football is his passion with Ballymena United his favourite team in the Irish Premier League, always following the results of Manchester United, and off course Our Wee Country. He is also keen to play sport, not very successful though with Golf, and snooker being his favourite; he says he can get these done a very

He attended the local Primary school in Stranocum from 1954 until 1962 he then went to the Ballymoney Technical College. Following a period of five years at the Technical College he left his studies there and joined her Majesty’s Armed Forces serving for a period of seven years in the Royal Engineers where he trained as an Engineering Surveyor, seeing service in, England, Northern Ireland, Shetland Isles, Germany, sedate pace nowadays.

Grand Master’s Charity Appeal In February 2016 the IGM Rt Wor Bro James Anderson accompanied by Wor Bro David Johnston CGM, Wor Bro Drew McIntyre WDM and Wor Bro Alan McLean PIGM travelled to The NI Children’s Hospice’s Horizon House in Newtownabbey where they presented a cheque for £2750.00 to Catherine O’Hara from the charity. Catherine expressed her thanks to the Institution saying ”2Please extend a big thank you to each and every member... we are absolutely delighted to recieve such a large donation. Your support continues to make such a positive difference... and you are very highly regarded by all my collegues at Children’s Hospice”.

This years appeal is for Causeway Support Group for Diabetic Children in Causeway Area, and many Events have been organisedincluding Darren and Neil Greer are running the Belfast Marathon this year on 1st Monday in May. So please give Generously to this worthy cause, and help those less fortunate. .

3

4

ootstep

IN OUR FOUNDERS FOOTSTEPS - Thomas H. Sloan MP JP Thomas Henry Sloan, was and continues to be a man who divides opinion, and evokes a response from his audience.

He learnt to do this in his lunchtime evangelical meetings in the shipyards, and on during his Customs House steps rallies before taking his oratory and analytical skills to Westminster.

This journey and indeed his entire life was a remarkable achievement for a working class Belfast boy. We have no record of formal education beyond what was normal for a working class city family, yet Sloan spoke with, related to and led men of all classes and backgrounds during his lifetime.

Born in 1870 he was a shipyard work and involved with a number of organisations including the trade union movement, temerance societies and the Belfast Protestant Association. It the latter that he ended up leading by 1902 rising quicky to become Worshipful Master of St. Michael’s Total Abstinence LOL 1890.

It was against this backdrop that at the County Demonstration in Belfast 1902, that Sloan was prevailed upon by the crowd to challenge the then County Grand Master Col. Saunderson MP, on his voting record on the issue of government inspections of Convents and their laundries. The background to the concern was fears of Institutional abuse withing this Romand Catholic Institutions. Sadly the warnings of Sloan and others were not heeded, and one must wonder if those institutions had been properly inspected and regulated in 1902 would the century of abuse we now see uncovered by the Roman Catholic clergy have happened?

Sloan was motivated by his Biblical protestanism to question the Church of Rome, and by a strong working class social conscious which saw ordinary people being exploited. He championed this cause and exposed the failings of those politicans the Orange Order put up. As a result of a popular wave of feeling he was swept into office being elected MP for South 1902.

As a result of this he was disciplined and expelled from the5 Orange Order, starting what we all know today as the ILOI.

K i ng W i l l i am ’s Ar ri val 1 68 8

former speaker of the House of Commons who On 17 Nov. he joined the Prince at Exeter, and drafted the Exeter Association “..to stick firm to this cause and to one another until our religion, laws and liberties are so far secured to us in a free Parliament that we shall be no more in William lands in England (top) and his Triumphant entry into Exerter, Novemeber 1688

After receiving an invitation from the ‘Immortal Seven’ to come to England to save it from the tyrannical rule of James II and his extreme Catholicism, William Prince of Orange produced a rights based manifesto outlining his intentions, like a contract later formed the basis of the Bill of Rights, a cornerstone of our British Constitution.

When William landed in England in November 1688, he formed the first Orange Association stating “It will be necessary to bind ourselves together as there is much to be accomplished: until that is done we will be as a rope of sand; whereas, if we affix our signatures to an association we will consider ourselves bound together until victory is assured!”

Accordingly a declaration was drawn up by William’s chaplain Dr. Gilbert Burnett later Bishop of Salisbury and Sir Edward Seymour,

danger of falling under Popery and slavery.”

After a victorious entry into Exeter, and parade through the town the first ‘Orange’ meeting was held in Exeter Cathedral, where the Prince of Orange and his supporters subscribed to a Declaration whose language and sentiments are still echoed in the prayers and rituals used in Orange Lodges today: "We do herby associate ourselves, to the utmost of our power, to support and defend our great deliver. His Highness the Prince of Orange, in his present enterprise for the delivery of the English Church and nation from Popery, and arbitrary power, for the maintenance of the Protestant religion and the establishment of a Free Parliament, for the protection of His Highness' person and the settlement of Law and Order on a lasting foundation in these Kingdoms.

We further declare, that we are exclusively a Protestant Association, yet detesting as we do any intolerant spirit, we solemnly pledge ourselves to each other, that we will not persecute any person on account of his religious opinions, provided the same be not hostile to the State;...”

6

B a t t l es B e f o r e t h e B o y n e Battle of Portglenone 1689 Portglenone saw the most prolonged and important battle of the entire Bann Valley Campaign of 1689, lasting over two days and with ferocious hand to hand fighting. The river was held at Portglenone by Colonel Edmonston, of Redhall Ballycarry who on 29th March begin to dig in. He was reinforced by men from Adair’s Regiment and together they broke the bridge down. However Portglenone was a difficult area to secure since the Williamite defences were on the Londonderry side of the river it left the village and its castle on the Antrim side undefended.

William’s concept of Orange Associations soon spread to Ireland where groups of Protestants united in mutual defense and in defiance of Tyrconnel, James Lord Deputy in Ireland.

As we commemorate the Centenary of the Somme we remember the battle which happened along the banks of our own River Bann. While small in comparison it did represent the same spirit of courage, tenacity and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds that has come to define the fighting men of Ulster.

It is such an important yet forgotten battle that as a District we have decided to research it and work to promote its recognition as a battle field, and site of historical interest. To that end we have adopted the Battle of Portglenone 1689, as our badge, and we are proud to be the custodians of such a courageous and conspicuous event. Indeed we are one of only a few parades which takes place on an authentic Williamite Battlefield. As we parade we are literally walking in the footsteps of our forbearers.

The District has been reseaching this pivotal battle and feel it so important that they have produced and article in the Banntastic Festival Programme to highlight it. So find a copy or read it online and let us all be prond of the stand taken by our forebearers They have also commissioned a new District emblem which they will in time turn into a badge and medal. The bridge is synonymous with Portglenone and symbolises the pass over the Bann, which at various times in history has been fought for.

Then the crossed swords marks a battled and we wish to see the battle field being given its proper place and marked so that visitors can interprat the site properly. It is time the Battle of Portglenone 1689 is put back on the map.

7

This year marks the life and brave death of that great Scottish Protestant martyr George Wishart who was burnt at the stake in March 1546.

Wishart was born in Scotland in 1513, attending university in France (Louvain) he returned to Scotland in 1538 as a teacher in Montrose, where he taught his students the New Testament in Greek. This act led to his exile in Europe for three years. After teaching at Cambridge University, Wishart returned to Scotland in 1543 where he preached in Montrose, Dundee and the West. In 1545, Cardinal David Beaton, nephew of the Archbishop who had put Patrick Hamilton to death, sent a priest to kill Wishart with a dagger. However Wishart took the dagger off the priest before defending him from the angry crowd.

John Knox, and a number of men including John Sandilands of Calder, formed a bodyguard for Wishart after an attempt on his life in Dundee. John was the brother of Sir James Sandilands who became Lord Torphichen and the first Protestant preceptor of the powerful religious and military Order of the Knights of St John, or Knights of Malta a dedicated supporter of Knox and the reformation in Scotland. Wishart however bravely dispensed with his bodyguard and rrelieving Knox of his twohanded sword, be said to him, “Return to your bairns [students], and God bless you; one is sufficient for a sacrifice.” The Reformers did not again meet.

Wishart survived another attack on his life by Beaton before finally being arrested at Ormiston in East Lothian, in January 1546, by the Earl of Bothwell and taken to St Andrews and kept in prison in the dungeon of the castle. At his show trial, he was found guilty of being a heretic because of his preaching, even though he answered all the accusations against him by quoting Scripture. Execution by burning at the stake followed at St Andrews on 1 March 1546. Foxe and Knox attribute to him a prophecy of the death of the Cardinal, who was assassinated on 29 May following, partly in revenge for Wishart's death.

Wishart's preaching in 1544–45 helped popularize the teachings of Calvin and Zwingli in Scotland. He translated into English the first Helvetic Confession of Faith in 1536. At his trial he refused to accept that confession was a sacrament, denied free will, recognized the priesthood of all believing Christians, and rejected the notion that the infinite God could be 8 "comprehended in one place" between "the priest's hands". He proclaimed that the true Church was where the Word of God was faithfully preached.

FIGHTING FOR THE FAITH Orangeism has since its inception been dedicated to protecting and promoting the Christian faith. We have risen to each challenge and lived up to our obligations, however in the present age we have seen new and more subtle challenges.

In the past year our Institution has spoken and acted in defense of our faith and values, working with others to provide a voice and a vehicle to mobilise opposition. Our guide and foundation remains the Bible and we unashamedly continue to fight for those persecuted for their faith and to support legislation and practical measures to protect freedom of conscience.

We give God thanks that Pastor James McConnell was found not guily on the charges levelled aginst himfor speaking the truth. His prosecution stands in stark contrast to the PPS’s failure and the collapse of a number of high profile cases against senior Republicans for terrorist offenses.

We continue to support the Asher’s Bakery case and beleive that it is now time to take a stand for truth as our forefathers did. We will continue to speak out for our faith and to support freedom of speech, conscience, and religion those civil and religious liberties won for us at the Boyne !

9

On 18th June Tullaghans Flute Band dedicated their new uniforms and caps in ILOI Hall prior to their annual parade in Ballymoney. The ceremony was conducted by the Grand Chaplain Wor Bro McFarland, Wor Bro M.Storey presented the Uniforms and Bro Ivor Christie presented the caps.

Following the ceremony Band Master Wm McKinney presented Bro SJ Barkley with a gift to commemorate 40 years fluting in Tullaghans Band

BACK TO THE BEGINNING Saturday 24th September leaving Ballymoney at 09.00 am stop at Pheonix Garage Ballymena John Calvin Memorial ILOL No. 60, Fortieth Anniversary Trip, running to Sloan’s House and Museum at Loughgall and Dan Winters cottage where a short lodge meeting will be held.

Full details will be available from Bro. James McIlhatton, Loughgall, and in particular Sloan’s House, are Ballymena ILOL No 60 on 02825637749. key areas in the history of the Orange Order as it was here that the Institution was formed around The bur trip will trace the early history of the aftermath of the Battle of the Diamond in Orangeism taking in the Museum of Orange 1795.

Heritage at Sloan’s House, Loughgall is situated As well as the formation and early development on Main Street, Loughgall, as well as Dan of the Institution, the Museum at Sloan’s House Winter’s cottage and the site of the Battle of the will display an important collection of Diamond. It will form part of the Independent documents relating to the beginning of the Orange Institutions study Programme entitled Orange Order, including some of the first “The Origins of the Orange”, aimed at giving our warrants signed. This site will also tell the story members a better understanding of the of the Plantation as well as the surrounding area historical events which shaped the Institution. of Loughgall, including stories of local families to The Banntastic Festival this summer run by the area even before the formation of the Portglenone District No.4 hosted an informative Orange Order. seminar entitled THE ORIGINS OF THE ORANGE This site includes a display of Sloan’s Parlour, In the Beginning. With papers being presented illustrated in a similar way it would have looked

by Dr James Sloan Phd and William Wilkinson MA when the Orange Order was first formed in LLB on the origins of the Order and Portglenone’s Sloan’s House. The Parlour will tell the story links to those early years. through graphics, audio visual technologies and the display of key artefacts.

10

John Calvin Independent

Memorial LOL No. 60

This year ILOL No.60, Ballymena reaches a remarkable milestone, as it celebrates its 40th Anniversary. It was formed after a committee meeting Friday 3rd September 1976, in a room in Waveney Road Ballymena with Bro. Wm James McClure County Grand Master and eleven Orange brethern who were seeking to form an Independent Lodge. A decision was made to start a Christian lodge and apply to Bro. James Ross County Grand Secretary for a warrant. A permanent meeting place was found at Fountain Place Hall, and a decision was made to name the lodge after the great reformer John Calvin.

Progress was swift with Correspendence from Bro. Earnest Nichol PIGM requesting a date for the Grand Lodge Officers to install a warrant. The decision was taken to purchase a banner.

The Installation of the warrant was on Thursday 9th December, with Laws and Ordinances and a Seal available by that date.

Bro. James McIlhatton who was a member of Stronocum ILOL No32 met the brethern for the first time and said he was seeking a transfer in order to join the new lodge. Bro. A McKendry presented the lodge with two swords and Bro. Thomas Gregg presented a Bible. In December Imperial Grand Master Hillis Fleming, handed over the new warrant and installed the lodge officers. They were Worshipful Master Tommy Gregg, Deputy Stewart McAuley. Chaplain Roy Sampson, Secretary Archibald McKendry, Treasurer Bertie Fenton and Foreman of the Committee Andrew McKendry.

It was decided to join Portglenone District No.4 which followed in a fine tradition of previous Independent Lodges bearing the same number. No. 60 had previously been Islandstown, with a Ballymena District including Ballymena ILOL N0.83 meeting in Clonavon Hall, Varnlea ILOL No.84 met in Cherry’s Barn and farther out Ballycarry Manifesto ILOL No.20 and Larner ILOL No.26.

The John Calvin Memorial ILOL No.60 has been a credit to the Institution taking the lead in may of our ventures and today meets in the Protestant Hall, Ballymena a most fitting venue for this proud body of men.

Obituaries.

Bro David Boyd a lifelong member of Ballinagarvey ILOL No 33 Bro Robert Parkhill, a member of Ballymoney ILOL No 19.

Bro William Maxwell a member of Ballymena ILOL No 60, formerly a founder member and leading figure in our Larne lodge.

11

Forthcoming Events PARADES Killycoogan Accordian Band annual band parade Portglenone Saturday 2th July. Bands assemble at Chesney Crescent at 7.30pm for parade.

Portglenone District No. 4. Annual Drum Head Sunday 3th July service at Portglenone Marina, Gortgole Road, Portglenone at 3.30pm.

Brethren meet at Townhill at 3.00pm for parade to Service

Garryduff ILOL No 15 Sunday July 10th in Garryduff Presbyterian Church at 3.30 pm. Brethren assemble at Garryduff Independent Orange Hall at 2.45pm for parade to Church.

Battle of the Boyne celebrations.

Tuesday 12th July 2016. Portglenone see Banntastic Twelfth Festival for full details.

PorStockport. Muster at 7.45 am at HQ Hall 112 St Domingo Road Everton for parade to Liverpool City Centre,Board coaches for Southport,Assemble Morningtown Road (adjacent to Railway Station),Parade to Prince’s Park. Parade leaves Prince’s Park at 4.30pm for return to Mornington Road, board coaches for Liverpool and return Parade to HQ St Domingo Road.

Ballymoney shining Stars ILOL. Above lodge is holding a big breakfast in HQ hall |Edward ST Ballymoney on Saturday 9th July 9.00am to 12.00 noon. Everyone welcome.

Lisnagaver ILOL No29.

Table Quiz in Lisnagaver hall on Saturday 1st October at 7.30pm. Light supper to be served.All proceeds in aid of Grand Master’s Charity Appeal Garryduff ILOL No15.

Table Quiz in Garryduff Orange Hall on Saturday 5th November at 7.30 pm. Everyone welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

Fun at the Farm Hosted by Lisnagaver Hall committee.

Saturday 17th September, Annual vintage rally and family fun day at the Farm of Tommy Fenton Duneaney Road Rasharkin 11.30am until 4.00pm. Bouncy Castle, Barbeque, trade stalls and musical entertainment.

Vintage Tractors, machinery, cars ,motorcycles and stationary engines. Free tea and memento for all exhibitors. Special Vintage car classes.

Riada Credit Union Ltd 10, Edward Street, Ballymoney, Telephone 028 27667552 (manned during opening hours)

OPENING HOURS,

EVERY FRIDAY 7.00PM—9.00PM. 12