Twelfth Edition 2015

THE TWELFTH Edition 2015

ORANGE

Independent

Protestantism not Politics - Principles not Party- Measures not Men

DANNER ROON THE TOON Welcome to Ballymoney

At the heart of the community

As an Institution we would like to welcome you to Ballymoney and hope the weather is as warm as our welcome. Whether you are here on parade with us, or watching along the route we hope you enjoy the day. The Twelfth represents our ‘big day’ and we would like to take the opportunity to thank all those whose hard work and dedication makes it possible.

Ballymoney is the heartland of the Independents, from the local heritage of our faith to the rich Ulster Scots culture we have not only made history here but been shaped by the history of this area. Today is about celebrating our faith, and the struggle to preserve and promote it. In these days when we see Christians being persecuted and killed for their faith in far off lands we recall the sacrifices made by our forefathers here, both centuries ago and even in the more recent Troubles.

We commemorate these events and give thanks that their courage and stand has given us such as rich and proud legacy. Through our banners and music we hope to convey some of the history and culture we celebrate.

It is also a great family day with different generations coming together to share it, and we hope that if you are here to watch this year that you will consider joining us and bringing you time and talents to our Institution.

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Our Roots in the Route A short history of Protestantism in the Ballymoney area -

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Fighting for our Faith Commemorating the life and Legacy of John Huss.

www.iloi.org

Back to the Boyne How much do we really know about the battle?

Twelfth Festival Ballymoney District No.1 Festival Details

Our Roots in the Route The Independent Order has long associations with North Antrim, and Ballymoney is seen as its home. The history of the area has shaped its people and indeed our Institution and we are proud of that Dalraida link which symbolises the rich Ulster Scots culture and heritage we promote.

Ballymoney and local areas have been settlements since pre-historic times a fact commemorated by Tullahans Sons of Liberty Flute Band whose bannerette carries an image of a local landmark the Broad-stone. It is a three-chambered court tomb on the Long Mountain, in Rasharkin District. Dating from the Neolithic Period (4,500-2,500BC), built of huge stones (or megaliths) carried to the site of the tomb.

P l ant at ion and P e rs ec u ti on Ballymoney developed as a town in Plantation times, however it was burnt in the religious persecution and ethnic cleansing of the 1641 Massacre. In these dark days the protestant settlers were hunted and murdered and their settlements burned. Coleraine was a place of refuge where thousands flooded in and besieged for 140 days. Despite hunger and disease the settlers took to the field to face their oppressors.

In early 1642 a small force under Archibald Stewart of tried to relieve the rebel siege of Agivey Castle, however Catholic troops mutinied and turned on their protestant counterparts massacring them as they slept at Portna.

As the Rising spread across Antrim and Londonderry religion and language were used to target protestant settlers. The O’Cahans declared the death penalty for anyone who spoke English to the exclusion of Gaelic, a reason today why we see the Irish language as more 2 than a harmless cultural tradition.

B l ac k F rid ay 1 64 2 Ballymoney featured infamously when on 11 February 1642 Stewart’s forces attacked the rebel army under Alastair McCollkittagh McDonnell at the Laney. He had 300 English and 600 Scottish Protestant troops under his command that day, but they were lured into a bog and ambushed. In the killing frenzy which followed the rebels used for the first time what became known as the Highland charge. This became the hall mark of Highland armies until the Battle of Culloden. The massacre at the Laney became known as Black Friday, and among those who fell was the Rev. John Campion, the Rector of Killowen church Coleraine.

Coleraine was only relieved on 16 May 1642, with the rebel threat finally neutralised by . the Scottish Presbyterian Covenanter army of Major-General George Munroe which garrisoned the area until 1649.

T h e G lo rio us R ev olu ti on As the defences of Londonderry were being prepared, Coleraine once more featured as a rallying point and refuge for the Protestant community who declared for the Williamite cause. The original plan was to hold the line of the Bann against James’s army, with positions at Agivey, Portglenone and Toome However the threat of being surrounded forced the Williamites to fall back to the Maiden city.

Therefore Ballymoney quartered both armies at different points, indeed James II spent a night here on his way back from the siege of Londonderry and was believed to have fathered a child. The daughter was called Dorothea, raised a protestant and married a wealthy merchant from Coleraine . However she died in her twenties and is buried in the old Ballywillen church where her headstone carried the fleur de lye and the Stuart coat of arms, reputedly erected by her half sister Queen Anne.

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Tuesday July 7th @ 7.30pm Historical bus trip to north coast (Ballycastle to Bushmills) with local historian Alex Blair on board to comment on places of interest.

Cost ÂŁ10.00, meet at Townhead car park.

Wednesday 8th July @ 6.30pm - 9.30pm.

Exhibition of District memorabilia, Lambegs and Fifes, Light Supper served. Venue - Garryduff Ind Orange Hall. Admission free.

Thursday 9th July @ 7.30pm, Ulster Scots Ceidilh featuring local artists, poets and much more, Venue - ILOL Hall Edward St. Ballymoney. Supper served.

Friday 10th July @ 6.30pm - 9.30pm.

Exhibition of District memorabilia, Lambegs and Fifes, Light Supper served. Venue Garryduff Ind Orange Hall. Admission free.

Saturday 11th July @11.00am - midnight.

Glebeside Community Festival supported by members of District, at Belford Park Green. Marching Bands, Scottish Dancing, Historical Reinactment, Inflatables and BBQ. Compared and music by fUSe fm, concluded with fireworks, and lighting of the Bonfire at Midnight.

Sunday 12th July Garryduff ILOL No15 Annual Service, Garryduff Presbyterian Church, meet at Garryduff Ind. Orange Hall at 2.30pm.

Monday 13th July 11.00am to 5.00pm.

TWELTH Demonstration and Festival, Ballymoney Town Parade , Demonstration field Megaw park

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In Our Founding Fathers’ Footsteps Rev David Dorrington Boyle DD Regarded as a founder of Independent Orangeism, Boyle was one of the most able clergymen of his day. He took an early and active interest in the split and appeared on the platform at the first Independent demonstration at Knock on 12th July 1903, attended by over 2000 Orangemen. He was expelled by the County Grand Lodge of Antrim, charged with having attended and read a prayer at a meeting not sanctioned of the Grand Lodge of Belfast.

This was the spark which lit the fire of Orange Independence in North Antrim as it exposed all that was abhorrent to the faith and conscience and the love of liberty felt in this area. The Worshipful Master of Ballymoney District Lodge, acting under the instruction of the brethren, handed in their warrants as a protest against the actions of the County. This action was followed by similar handing in of warrants in Rasharkin, Ballycastle and Portglenone, thus the new movement was born, and Ballymoney quickly became its home.

On 12th February 1904 the first County Grand Lodge meeting of the Independent County Grand Lodge of Antrim was held in Ballymoney, with the Twelfth again in Ballymoney, and attended by 31 lodges and bands. Boyle became Grand Chaplain a post he held until he moved to Newry then East Belfast. He ministered there from 1910 until his death in 1938, with McQuiston Memorial Presbyterian Church becaming the largest congregation in Ireland, with over 1500 families.

Imperial Grand Lodge Church Service To mark this connection on Monday 13th July there will be an Imperial Grand Lodge Church Service in Boyle’s old church - St James’s Presbyterian Church at 11.00am followed by annual Demonstration in Megaw Park,parade to leave Park at 1.00pm for parade of Town followed by platform proceedings, Chair to be taken at 2.30pm. Return Parade will leave Park at approximately 4.15pm for parade Coleraine Road, High St and Main St terminating at Seymour Street.

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B a ttl e o f t he B o yn e 1 6 90 In what has rightly been called the War of the Three Kings, Ireland for a day and the River Boyne in particular became the most important place and point in the world. The course of European, even world history hinged on the outcome of that battle. Not only did William’s victory preserve the Protestant faith and interests in Ireland it secured the very Reformation itself.

If the result had been different and William had lost Ireland it is difficult to see how he would have been able to hold the English throne. A nightmare scenario would have ensued with his army trapped in Ireland, and French naval supremacy after the Battle of Beachy Head allowing their further intervention in the war.

Diarist John Evelyn wrote – "The whole nation now exceedingly alarmed by the French fleet braving our coast even to the very Thames mouth;" a fear compounded by news from the Continent of French victory at the Battle of Fleurus on 1 July.

England was in panic over a possible French invasion with only 6,000 regular troops, together with the hastily organised militia, led by the Earl of Marlborough prepared for the country's defence.

The victory at the Boyne has often been downplayed however at that moment the whole of Europe looked on, and as James fled the battlefield he took with him any hope of a return of his Catholic Absolutism to a British throne. The Glorious Revolutionary Settlement, which was secured, laid the foundation for the Parliamentary democracy, and the civil and religious liberties enjoyed to this day. For that reason we righly celebrate this day each year.

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On the eve of the battle, William and his officers rode down to the north bank to assess the enemy, even stopping to sit down for a picnic lunch. However Jacobite officers spotted the king, wearing his Star of Garter, and secretly brought up and mounted two sixpounder field guns behind a clump of bushes. As William and his entourage mounted their horses, the Jacobites fired up to six shots. The first shot killed two horses and man within 100m of the king, another struck the horse and holster of Prince George of Hesse, causing William to exclaim “ the poor prince is killed”. The second ricocheted off the bank ripping through the sleeve of William’s jacket, and injuring his shoulder. A third broke the butt of the Duke of Wurttemberg’s pistol and deprived his horse of its whiskers. Shaves do not come closer than this one!

William slumped over on the neck of his horse. His followers gasped in horror, as his entourage assisted. Thomas, 1st Earl of Coningsby held his hankerchief to the would to stop the blood and William’s buffalo skin jerkin was removed by his aid-decamp Colonel Wetherall, who family held it as a treasured keep sake before donating it to Dundalk museum. A painting captures the moment and was carried on McNeillstown ILOL No. 46’s banner for many years, commemorating Providential deliverance.

News of William’s apparent death spread through the Jacobite camp with lightning speed and James dispatched messengers to France to convey the good news to King Louis. They staged a mock funeral, while others made a dummy of straw and wax, christened it the ‘Prince of Orange’ and shot at it all night long. In Paris masses were said to celebrate and propaganda was printed.

However, reports of William’s death proved to be greatly exaggerated, and he was soon riding along the ranks of his army, to show he was well and boosting morale. That brush with death only stiffened his determination as he called a council of war and informed his officers that they would attack the enemy the next morning!

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John Huss, was an early Czech reformer and influenced by the writings of John Wycliffe he became an outspoken critic of the errors of the Church of Rome. On July 6, 1415, he was burned to death at Constance for heresy, a martyr for his faith.

But in his death his witness was strongest as his followers rebelled against their Roman Catholic rulers and defeated five consecutive papal crusades between 1420 and 1431 in what became known as the Hussite Wars. His life and death changed the face of European history and acted as inspiration for the next generation of Reformers.

A Master at Prague University, he preached at the Bethlehem Chapel, returning to the Bible he exposed the corruption and error in the church.

In retaliation the pope declared an interdict banning church ceremonies like funerals, in Prague.

Huss went to defend his views before the Council of Constance, where he was condemned to death.

This sparked revolt leading to the establishment of a new more democratic and equal Hussite society, based on the Four Prague Articles first of which was freedom to spread the Word of God. The Hussites had to defend their faith and freedom against as series of Papal Crusades designed to destoy them. The greatest Hussite commander was Jan Žižka of Trocnov, who developed their defensive tactic based on wagon fortifications against a knight’s charge, a tactic most famously used by the Ulster Scots fontiers men who circled their wagons against Indian attack.

The Hussites found the best defense was to go on the offensive, winning battles at Ustí nad Labem in 1426 and at Tachov in 1427. The prepared battle at Domažlice in 1431 did not even happen because the Catholic troops fled when the Hussite forces roared the chorale “Ktož sú boží bojovníci” “Ye, Who Are Warriors of God”.

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While Hussites could not be beaten in battle, internal splits, ecumenical efforts and the political guile of Rome did much to undermine their position.

Compromise led to Compactata, in 1436 a peace deal which watered down their demands and split their movement.

While they clearly won the war the Hussites lost the peace and today aside from small groups like the Moravians, the Hussite Protestant heritage has largely been destroyed and serves as a warning to us of the perils of compromise.

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.

In the Ashers bakery case we stood with the family and challenged the Stormont Executive which sponsors the Equality Commission to instigate an inquiry into the workings of this unelected Quango. We further note with concern the Public Prosecution Service’s decision to press charges against Pastor James McConnell for speaking the truth.

Despite the PPS’s failure in recent weeks and the collapse of a number of high profile cases against senior Republicans for terrorist offenses it appears willing to persecute a minister of the Gospel. 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 !

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SUPPORT THE GRANDMASTER’S CHARITY APPEAL

We believe in a faith that works, both in the sence on being effective for salvation, but also one that while not reliant on works does feel required to help others. The Grandmaster’s Annual Charity Appeal is a great example of that faith at work. In 2015 the IGM Rt Wor Bro Alan McLean accompanied by Wor Bro R J Johnston PIGM and Wor Bro Drew McIntyre DDM presented a cheque for £3300 to The Multiple Sclerosis Society in Belfast.

We look forward to a year of events and fun fund raisers to help this year’s appeal.

BACK TO THE BOYNE 2015 Saturday 12th September Grand Lodge trip to Battle of the Boyne site and Dan Winter’s Cottage. Bus leaving Ballymoney at 8.00am.

Full details will be available from Private Lodges

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Suppliers and installation of play equipment for all ages.

Installers of safety surfacing Supply and installation of outdoor fitness equipment Supply an fit all types of synthetic carpets for sports contact details James Anderson (Mob: 07850 315629) (Office: 02825 638666) 10

Obituaries.

Bro Alex McIlreavey a member of Granagh ILOL No 30 and lifelong member of the Institution, serving in a number of different posts and taking care of the Headquarters Hall for many years.

Bro’s Robert McIlhatton, James McIlhatton and Alexander (Ackie) McMullan members of Bushside ILOL No 24. These three brethren were all members for more than 60 years serving the Lodge in different positions.

Past Imperial Grand Master Remembered Wor Bro William James McClure MBE also served as County Grand Master amongst other positions, was member of Mullans ILOL No 34, his presence will be missed on our platform today, and his wise counsel within our Institution as a whole.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and all those who through ill health or advanced years cannot be with us today.

Annual Reformation Service, Sunday 25th October 2015.

Independent Orange Headquarters, Edward Street, Ballymoney,at 3.30 p.m.

Speaker will be Rev. Dr. Jim Thompson Everybody welcome, regalia to be worn.

We are pleased as an Institution to support the promotion of the Gospel and would invite you to remember a forthcoming Gospel Mission in ILOI Hall, Edward St. Ballymoney.

Hosted by Mission Endevour Sunday 15th Nov until Sun 29th Nov. Special speakers at all meetings. For further details see www.missionendeavour.com 11

Forthcoming Events The following are a few of the MANY events our Institution organizes annually, come and join us and bring your friends !

PARADES Killycoogan Accordian Band annual band parade - Portglenone Saturday 4th July .

Bands assemble at Chesney Crescent at 7.30pm for parade of village.

Portglenone District No. 4. Annual Drum Head Sunday 5th 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 Annual Orange service on Sunday 12th July Garryduff Presbyterian Church, at 3.30pm. Brethren to assemble at Garryduff Independent Orange hall at 2.45pm.

Mullans ILOL No 34 and Finvoy Apprentice Boys Of Derry.

Sunday 2rd August, Annual service in Rasharkin Free Presbyterian Church at 3.30pm. Assemble at Turnpike at 2.45pm for parade to church

Twelfth Festival From 7th July – 13th July 2015 Ballymoney District No.1 Festival Full Details on Page 4

Fun at the Farm Hosted by Lisnagaver Hall committee.

Saturday 19th 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. Free tea for all exhibitors. This year there will be a prize for the best presented vintage tractor with vintage implement attached and one for the most original tractor with vintage implement attached.

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

OPENING HOURS,

EVERY FRIDAY 7.00PM—9.00PM. 12