Orange Independent Twelfth Edition 2017

ORANGE

Edition 2017

Protestantism not Politics - Principles not Party- Measures not Men

This year has seen its share of elections

and poltical changes. The recent

terrorist attacks on the mainland and

the economic situation all lead to an air

of uncertainty and for some fear for the future.

However an an Institution we

celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the

Reformation, the 327th Anniversary of

the Boyne, the 114th Anniversary of the formation of the Independent

Institution and we look forward to the

Centenary of Northern Ireland in a few

years, and it gives us confidence and

faith that in changing, challenging

times we have a Sovereign God,

unalterable principles and a bright

future.

The Independent Loyal Orange

Institution, has a long association with

The Editorial Team of the Orange Independent this area, and are proud to see the

Would like to wish all our readers a Glorious Twelfth, and ask

success of the Sharkin Festival. we trust you have a Glorious you to take lots of pictures, or ’Twelfies’ as they are being So

called and send them to us for our next online edition.

Twelfth today and many more to

come.

Independent Orangism Around the World Battles Before the Boyne

Looking at the spread of the Commemorating the almost

Institution and its ethos Bloodless Revolution

-

Twelfth Festival

- Fighting for our Faith Sharkin Festival

Commemorating the 500th

Details Anniversary of the Reformation

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TWELFTH

Independent

Welcome to Rasharkin

www.iloi.org

Going Global - the export of Independent Orangeism

year saw the strengthening of fraternal links with brethern in South America. A This

region which has seen an explosion in evangelical protestantism now looks ripe to

see the export of Independent Orangeism to countries like Argentina Rt Wor Bro Anderson IGM welcomes Rev.Bro Mariano Salguero to the Province

A Special meeting of the Imperial Grand

Lodge was convened on 8th April at 7.00pm.

This was a historical meeting as it was being

held to confer the Royal Arch Purple Degree

on a member of the Institution from Argentina.

Following the opening of the Lodge by IGM

Rt. Wor. Bro. James Anderson and the usual

welcoming remarks the chair was taken over

by senior lecturer Wor Bro Cyril Glass who called on Wor. Bro. Roy Wilson to conduct

the obligation with the candidate Bro. Rev.

Mariano Salguero.

South America’s Only Orange Lodge

Mariano is a member of Rev. William C.

Morris Independent Orange Lodge No. 105,

in Beunos Aires, Argentina .

William Case Morris was born in England

1864, his family emigrated to Argentina 1874.

He left a promising business career to work among the very poorest people in a district

renowned for its evil and squalor and began to teach the street children of the

neighbourhood.

Guided by his protestant

faith he in 1889 founded the 'Boca Mission'.

He united the small protestant community

there and raised funds for a Mission Hall, he was ordained by the first Bishop of the Falkland Isles, and he subsequently founded and acted as Chaplain at the Church of St. Paul in the suburbs of Palermo.

Rev. Salguero was in Ulster on a speaking tour of local churches, and brought fraternal greetings from his lodge. His grasp of Orangeism and its relevance internationally was impressive, and while language was not a barrier, it was encouraging to see that our principles and ethos translates well in every sence.

Having flown directly from Argentina via France and Dublin before reaching Ballymoney, over 7,500 miles later it was commented that it was the longest journey any of our members have made for a lodge meeting!

Independent Orangeism does travel well with lodges having been established over the years in the United States, Canada, Australia and Argentina as well as the Home Nations. However it has also traveled far from its orgins in Loughall, Co Armagh.

Members were reminded of the formation of the Orange Order in 1795 during a visit and lodge meeting at Sloans House this year. In 1903 web believe those founding principles were rediscovered and form the basis of our Institution today.

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Imperial Grand Master’s Address

Taking a look back over the last few months

Brethren Sisters and friends of our great Institution it is hard to believe that another year has passed since our last demonstration in Portglenone, time as they say flies.

show that we will not be deterred by an element of rebels who would want to rule the village.

While I encourage all to come to Rasharkin and support the 12th I urge all our members, bandsmen and supporters to be on best behaviour in the village, (I don’t expect anything else) because I know that the unelected quango called Parades Commission and republicans will be on the watch looking for any excuse to criticise and impose conditions on future Independent 12th parades. Let’s not give them any cause.

Rasharkin District Officers have put together a varied program for the Sharkin Festival and I know there is something there for everyone so get along to one or better still to all that has been organised and support the festival as its leads up to the Demonstration.

To close Brethren, Sisters, Bands people and supporters let’s get to Rasharkin and make it another Glorious Battle of the Boyne celebration.

Let me wish you all a great Twelth

We had a really good 12th in Portglenone in 2016 and I know that this year will be equally as good in Rasharkin where the Brethren have been planning and working very hard over the past 12 months to make everything as perfect as possible for the big day.

I am aware that there will be some of our supporters wary of bringing their family to Rasharkin because of the reputation of the town and the troubles which have happened there in past years; I want to assure those who would be fearful that our Institution never has had any difficulties and that preparation work done by our members will ensure that we will have no trouble this Rt. Wor. Bro. James Anderson year so I would encourage everyone to turn out and Imperial Grand Master support the lodges and bandsmen, not to mention to

This year the Annual Grand Master’s Charity Appeal saw a host of activities from dinners and

draws to marathons. For some it was a feat of fitness as the ran the Belfast marathon, for others it was a feat of feeding as they enjoyed four courses of fine food at one of the events organised.

On Monday 16th January members of the Charity committee met in the Headquarters Hall in Ballymoney where they presented the cheque from 2016 to the very worthy cause - Causeway Childrens Diabetic Group.

This groups helps the families of children whose young lives are affected by this illness. It aims to make their

lives as normal and enjoyable as possible and provides a lifeline to families and careers.

On the night the group was represented by the group leader Rhonda Blakely, Mr and Mrs Tommy Henry

and Mrs Andi Lyons. IGM Rt Wor Bro James Anderson welcomed the visitors, congratulated them on the

work they are doing and presented Rhonda with a Cheque for £3580.00.

This is clear example of how the Institution supports the community around it irregardless of class or creed, and provides positive practical support to others. It a . great example of putting our faith and fraternal values into practice. This years chosen charity is …… and we would encourage all

members to come along to events and support

this great cause.

Grand Master’s Charity Appeal

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PRE-FESTIVAL WARM UP

24th

Killycoogan Independent Accordion Band Parade, Portglenone.

June

Family Fun Night and BBQ, Killycoogan Independent

30th

Orange Hall, 8pm.

1st

June

Festival Launch and Big Breakfast

Big Breakfast, Musical entertainment bottom hall, ILOI HQ

July

8.30am—12.30pm, Event launch and exhibition in top hall 10.00am---2.00pm.

History of Independent Orangeism in North Antrim

Ballynagarvey Hall, 8pm Ulster Scots Ceilidh

10th

Music and dancing with The Allister Scott Ceilidh Band

July

3rd July

Keers Mem Hall Finvoy 8.00pm - 11.00pm.

7th

Ulster Scots Concert and Family Fun Day

Music BBQ, Family fun, Games, Bouncy Castle, Ulster Scots Concert.

Rasharkin Community Centre. 5.30pm----11.00pm.

9th

July

Celebrating the Reformation

Marking the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther and the Reformation

July

Garryduff Annual Service in Garryduff Presbyterian Church.

Assemble at Garryduff Independent Orange Hall, 2.45pm.

TWELTH CELEBRATIONS

Join us as we celebrate the day with parades, family fun and a devotional service. Kindly supported by

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IN OUR FOUNDERS FOOTSTEPS – Rev. David Dorrington Boyle DD

He is regarded as a founding father of Independent Orangeism in North Antrim establishing its citadel in Ballymoney, yet his time ministering in the town and his association with the Order ended by 1908. Like many of those founding fathers he leaves more questions than answers.

A recently discovered collection of his papers, from everyday letters to Royal Invitations has recently been secured by the Institution and sheds much light on this visionary clergyman who left his stamp on the Order.

Born in 1870 at Dungiven he graduated from Magee College, Londonderry.

Study was a lifelong pursuit as he continued when work allowed gaining a Bachelor of Art 1913, and Masters 1916 from Trinity before finally a Doctor of Divinity.

He was installed in Third Ballymoney, later St. James in 1896, promising to " present... the old old story in a clear and impressive manner". While he was faithful to the old gospel story he was a man of new ideas. His Presbyterianism led him to champion liberal unionism and land rights which made him a champion of the working man in North Antrim.

A member of LOL456 the Presbyterian Lodge in Ballymoney, he first challenged the leadership of the Orange Old Order when in 1903 he invited the District Lodge to his church for their annual Sunday service.

Christian Liberty - The Reformation Re-fought He chose as his text Galations 5.1, the Theme of liberty and turned his attention to the recent split in the Order, and to a packed congregation he called the action of Sloan an ‘uprising of conscience’. The next day he put his words into action as he travelled to Belfast to attend the first demonstration of the new order. By offering prayer at the field he earned himself an expulsion form the Orange Order in November 1903 and with him went the majority of Orangemen in Ballymoney and the surrounding areas.

As we mark the Reformation this year it is interesting to note that our founding fathers saw their actions in the same light. They saw fundamental problems in an Institution to which they belonged and sought to reform it. This led to a split and just as the early Reformers took a stand based on their conscience so did men like Sloan, Boyle and Crawford.

They and many of the men around thise area who followed them suffered for their conscience, but that spirit prevailed and just as the Reformation marks its 500th Anniversary so we in the Independent Orange institution march proudly into

our second century.

The next year saw a massive Independent Twelfth in Ballymoney where Boyle received a attending ovation and declared ’It is a great day for we have lifted up the flag of Independence and it will never be furled while we live”.

Boyle did indeed unfurl that flag and carried it proudly as the Order grew in the North Antrim area. They had notable success as they returned their preferred candidate RG Glendenning to Parliament and saw their numbers swell. Rev. Boyle became Grand Chaplain and was an outspoken advocate of the new Order, however when he moved to Newry in 1908 and later to Belfast his connection with the Order ends.

Many have speculated that he was forced to choose the church over the order, or that he was the type of man who threw himself totally into a cause giving it his all until he was spent and moved on to what he felt was his next calling.

He ministered in East Belfast until his death in 1938. Here under Boyle, McQuiston memorial Presbyterian Church eventually became the largest Presbyterian congregation in Ireland, peaking at over 1500 families. It is clear he was a man of vision and vigour and we are proud to have had his support and guidance in those early days.

In our next edition, we will look at out most controversial founder Robert Lindsey Crawford

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Bill of Rights 1688

James II attempted to reinstate the Roman Catholic

religion in the British Isles and rule as an absolute

monarch, ignoring Parliament and persecuting the

church.

This led to a revolution where several leading

figures invited Prince William of Orange to take the

throne.

William outlined his reasons for coming and why they

were necessary for “preserving the Protestant religion,

and for restoring the laws and liberties of England, Scotland, and Ireland”. He made a series of promises

which formed the basis of the Bill of Rights which

Parliament drafted as legislation.

Convention parliament assembled January 1689, The

agreed James II had ‘abdicated the government’ by

‘breaking the original contract between King and people’. concept ended the old tyrannical concept of the This

Divine Right of kings and adopted the Protestant concept

of political contract which forms the basis of modern

Parliamentary democracies.

On 13 February, Parliament offered William and Mary

the Crown, together with their Declaration of Rights. This stated the rights of the subject and, the liberties of

Parliament such as freedom of speech. It became known as the Bill of Rights, it made it illegal for the Crown to suspend or dispense with the law, to raise taxes without parliamentary assent, or to raise an army in peacetime, and established freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and fair trial.

The Bill of Rights stands as one of the landmark documents in the development of civil liberties in Britain - and a model for later, statements of rights, such as the Bill of Rights in the US Constitution. The Glorious Revolution created the modern democracy we all enjoy and was the first real human rights document in history.

Until that point rulers believed in the Divine Right of Kings, which paved the way for tyranny and the abuse of power, known as arbitrary power. The ability to limit the power of kings and to have an elected body hold them to account was the foundation of the freedom we enjoy.

The United Kingdom does not have a written constitution but we do have fundamental foundational documents, laws and traditions which we rely upon. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 is an event of such importance it is like America’s Declaration of Independence. The Twelfth of July is the closest we in the UK get to an ‘Independence Day’ such as is celebrated in the United States on the Fourth of July.

So as we celebrate this day let us all remember the national importance and international significance of what we commemorate, it is in essence the birth of our modern nation.

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Battles Before the Boyne

While William and Mary were taking the throne in England

their Protestant subjects were literally fighting for their lives

and liberties in Ireland. They lived in the shadow of the massacres of the 1641 Rebellion when they were nearly

wiped out, and soon realised that the same fate was

planned by James’s representative in Ireland. Richard

Talbot, the Earl of Tyrconnell was appointed Lord Deputy in

1687, known as 'Lying Dick Talbot' to the Protestants,

started replacing the mainly Protestant civil and military

establishment with Roman Catholics.

His motto emblazoned on a banner flying from Dublin Castle read 'Now or Never, Now and For Ever' and signalled

his intention to undo the Plantation and restore power to

his class of Catholic landowners. By 1688 the army in Ireland

consisted almost completely of Roman Catholics, the

dismissed Protestant officers formed the leadership of a

growing resistance movement. Londonderry was one of the

few places where Protestant soldiers remained - the garrison was controlled by Lord Mountjoy, William Stewart,

supported by a population of 2000.

Tyrconnell ordered Mountjoy and his men to leave

Londonderry and to march to Dublin to be replaced by the

Earl of Antrim and his force of Scottish Catholic mercenaries

known as Redshanks. The civilian population was in a state

of near panic which was both heightened and confirmed by

the Comber Letter which threatened a massacre of the Protestant population as in 1641. The letter arrived one day

ahead of the Redshanks who reached the walls on 7th

December.

As is so often the case political leadership was lacking, church leaders were cautious and men of position looked to

their own ends rather than the greater good. It took

Seige of Londonderry

independent action from young unskilled apprentices to lead the way. Minutes before these enemy troops would have gained access to the city the Ferryquay gates were closed and locked by a group of young Apprentice Boys, led by Henry Campsie. Thus began the Siege of Derry, an event which without exaggeration changed the course of world history.

That is indeed a grand claim and while the justification of it could fill volumes let us look quickly at why these actions changed the course of history. First the Jacobite plan was to take Ireland and use it as a platform to invade England probably via Scotland and retake the throne. If a combined Irish, Scottish highland and English Jacobite army were to meet William's largely international force in England the result would have been uncertain. Propaganda could have painted William as a foreign invader and many waverers could have swung back to James. William would have had a hard choice to make, since defeat would have left his army stranded in England as the cause of Protestantism was weakened in Europe.

In the worst-case scenario, the entire cause would have been leaderless and lost as he either fought a protracted campaign in England or was defeated with his army destroyed and stranded in England. All the while his arch enemy Louis of France would have undone all William's victories and could have literally defeated the Protestant cause militarily. As was seen in France when this occurred, persecution followed by ethnic cleansing would have erased Protestantism from the map and destroyed the work of the Reformation.

Internationally imagine a world where Catholic France not Protestant Britain grew and became an imperial power across the globe. North America would have fallen to the French, India and Asia would be theirs as well as colonial Africa. Their settlers would have populated Australia and New Zealand. Today we would doubtless be speaking French and Protestantism would be a forgotten footnote of history.

Those apprentice boys could not have known that as they closed the gates of Londonderry they opened the door to the modern world we all know and value today.

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This year marks the famous stand taken by Martin Luther as he nailed his 95 Theses to the Church Door, in Wittenburg 31 October 1517 .

Martin Luther was born on 10th November 1483 into a poor family in Eisleben, a small insignificant German village in the region of Saxony. Before this, his parents, Hans and Margarete Luther, and his father was a mine manager who worked hard to pay for Martin to attend law school. Martin began these studies in 1501.

In January 1505, he was admitted to the degree of Master of Arts and placed second in a class of seventeen students. However, in the summer of 1505, he was caught in a terrifying storm which resulted in his decision to change his career and become a monk. Having given up the attractive prospects of being a lawyer, Martin Luther now seemed to be heading for distinction as a priest and university professor.

It was in the University library, at the age of twenty, that Luther first saw a Bible. It was a copy of the Latin Vulgate, the translation compiled by Jerome. This was the only version of the scriptures in print at that time but, as it was in Latin, only the educated could read or understand it.. With great care and anticipation, he became enthralled with what he read but, at the close of the day, he would have to close this precious book

and return to his lodgings. He was so thrilled with his

discovery that he prayed, “Oh, that God would give me such a

book for myself!”

The more meticulously he tried to perform the religious

duties of the monastery life and the more he read the

Scriptures, the more his sins weighed heavily upon his soul,

but he believed that if he faithfully carried out the duties of

a monk he could find peace with God. His spiritual distress

grew even more severe as the conviction of sin swelled up in

his sensitive soul. He asked himself, ‘What rule of my order

have I neglected – or if in any thing I have come short, have not

penance and tears wiped out those sins?” He continued to cry

to God for the wisdom necessary to understand what the

Scriptures were teaching.

A visit to Rome in 1510 filled Luther with great disappointment and disgust for the empty pomp, vast wealth and open sin that he saw there. However, upon his return home, he was ever grateful for the friendly counsel he received from Johann von Staupitz, the man in charge of the monastery to which he belonged.

Staupitz pointed Luther to a higher form of religion: that the only satisfaction, or propitiation, that could be acceptable to God and that could reconcile man to Him had to be made by God. For this reason, God the Son, Jesus Christ, came into the world in human flesh to be the perfect sacrifice for sin and make atonement or “propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17). The young monk began, 8

at last, to see that it is not good works that make a man right with God, but saving faith which looks to another, he was not to continually dwell upon his sins but upon the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It was not until around 1514 or 1515 that Luther came to an experience of grace. By then, he was an ordained priest, a Doctor of Divinity and a professor at the newly formed University of Wittenberg. Having found peace with God, Luther now stood for the doctrine of Justification by faith alone, through Christ alone. He was passionate in his preaching of the gospel, and he challenged the seemingly unquestionable authority of Rome. This included aspects of its false doctrine but, at the start, he focused on the sale of indulgences for the forgiveness of sins.

On 31st October 1517, Luther hammered his 95 Theses, or arguments, to the church door in Wittenberg. His stand for the Gospel was the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, which resulted in widespread revival across Europe.

This infuriated the papacy. Remember in the early 16th century Europe, the authority of the Papacy was dominant. The Pope was the supreme monarch in all the federal states that made up the Holy Roman Empire. Had it not been for the sovereign hand of God, Luther would have been tortured and burned at the stake like so many of his predecessors such as Jan Hus, who was accused of heresy and burned at the stake in the southern German town of Konstanz in 1414 aged 46. Nearly twenty years later, one of Hus’ followers, 42-year-old doctor Paul Craw from nearby Bohemia, was also accused of heresy. He too was burned at the stake, this time in St. Andrews, Scotland in 1433. His contemporary Patrick Hamilton was also accused of heresy and burned at the stake in St Andrews, on 29 February 1528 aged 24 years.

Rev Dr Carl R Trueman, in summarising Luther’s life and achievements, says that he “is perhaps the single most important thinker for Protestants. Not that he is the greatest theologian, exegete or even role model. There are other, more qualified candidates for each of those titles. He is however, the original agenda setter for Protestantism: his focus on justification by faith, his critique of papal authority, and his prioritising of word over sacrament have all set basic trajectories for subsequent generations”.

We praise God that Luther’s hammer blow is still echoing around the world today! “As it is written, The just shall live by faith” - Romans 1:17 9

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

A bus tour was organised by

Bro. James McIlhatton to the

new museum and centre at

Sloan’s House Loughall,

followed by lunch and a lodge

meeting at Sloans Cottage the

site of the Battle of the

Diamond 1795. This event

cememented the links web

enjoy to the very foundation

BACK TO THE BEGINNING – Visit to the birthplace of the Order.

of Orangeism in Loughall in September 2016

Organisations produce annual accounts to outline how they have spent their money. For us our

most important asset remains our members and supporters. Therefore web like to see an

account of what they have done and what they have achieved in the last year. We exist to support

and unite our members and in turn to achieve greater goals such as promoting our faith,

protecting our rights, preserving our culture and participating in society. So lets see what our

members were involved in this year.

The Institution was well represented at the Northern Ireland Banner Fest, a marvelous display of colour and art as hundreds of banners paraded proudly.

Members displayed a range of our banners and were literally flying the flag for the Institution in a fine display.

A certificate is now displayed in the

Head-Quarters as a reminder of the

day, and a better appreciation of our banners and what they celebrate has been achieved.

To mark the start of our years of Reformation commemoration events, the Religious Affairs Committee hosted their annual Reformation Sunday Service.

The importance of the 500th Anniversary was outlined with the real message of the Reformation underscored and plans for the future celebrations outlined.

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REFORMATION RALLY

The Institution was invited to be part of the Luther 500 planning committee, which brought together the Loyal Orders to plan events for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.

Web must commend those involved for the excellent programme of events and educational material produced.

Faith is at the heart of our Institution and we are pleased to play our part and participate in a range of events organised for this year under the banner of Luther 500. Often as portestants web are accused of being split between different churches and denominations so it is always positive to see unity around core events and beliefs. While we are very proud of our distinct identity we are pleased to stand side by side with any individual or organisation in the protection and promotion of the Protestant faith.

The culmination of this year’s events was a Reformation Rally in Portadown. Here the streets of the town were awash with colour and music as our faith was celebrated in colour and style. Bands, Lodges, Clubs and Preceptories were on parade as the streets were lined with locals and visitors. This very public witness to our faith is a powerful statement at a time of weakness and uncertainty in our nation.

The mood was focused at Shamrock Park where stands which normally echo to the sounds of football supporters resounded to the sound of the Psalms.

Our members in particular Bro. Drew McIntyre played an active role in the service, and the Institution were featured on the font page of the BBC News website, with our banner of Luther nailing his Theses to the church door making front page news. As is its title we are very much Sons of the Reformation and proud of its lasting legacy.

Obituaries.

Bro William Tweed a lifelong member of Mullans ILOL No34.

Bro George Henry a proud member of Ballinagarvey ILOL No 33.

Bro George Wallace a founder member of Londonderry ILOL No 82.

Gone but Not Forgotten

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Forthcoming Events PARADES

Sunday 6th August, Finvoy ABOD Club and Mullans ILOL No34, Annual Parade to Rasharkin Free Presbyterian Church For service. Assemble at Turnpike at 2.45 pm.

EVENTS

Saturday 30th September Coffee Morning in aid of Grand Master’s Charity in Garryduff Presbyterian Church Hall. Details to follow Sunday 15th October Bushside ILOL, Harvest Service, ILOI HQ Ballymoney, 3.30pm.

Friday 20th October Lisnagaver ILOl No 29, Table Quiz in Lisnagaver Hall at 8.00pm.

All proceeds in aid of McMillan Cancer Nurses.

Saturday 4th November Garryduff ILOL No15, Table Quiz in Garryduff Independent Orange Hall at 7.45pm.

November 20th - 22nd Reformation Exhibition and services in Head Quarters Hall Edward St Ballymoney. Times to be confirmed.

Saturday 25th November in HQ Hall Annual Grand Master’s Charity Dinner. Full Details later Sunday 26th November - Mission Endeavour, Luther 500 service in St James’s Presbyterian Church preceded by parade from ILOI Hall Edward St. Time to be confirmed.

Sunday 3rd December Bushside Ind Flute Band Carol Service in ILOL Headquarters Hall Ballymoney at 3.30pm.

Sunday 10th December Lisnagaver ILOL No29, Carol Service, Lisnagaver Hall, 3.30pm.

Finvoy ABOD and Mullans ILOL No34,annual Christmas Fair in Keers Memorial Hall Finvoy Early December Full details later.

Fun at the Farm

Hosted by Lisnagaver Hall committee.

Saturday 16th September, Annual vintage Day 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 food for all exhibitors.

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

OPENING HOURS,

EVERY FRIDAY 7.00PM—9.00PM.

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