The Orange Chronicle        

Qualifications of an Orangeman according to the Grand Lodge of Ireland

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 a 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 scrupulously avoid countenancing (by his presence or otherwise) any act of ceremony of Popish worship;

He should by all lawful means, resist the ascendancy of that Church, its encroachments, and the extension of its power, ever abstaining from all uncharitable words, actions or sentiments, towards his Roman Catholic brethren;

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 these, 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 motive of his actions.

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Based on an aticle in the News Letter
11/1/10

African hospital to benefit from the Royal Black Institution

THE Royal Black Institution has made a hospital in Africa its designated charity for 2010.

Kiwoko Hospital is a community-based facility of 245 beds in the Luwero area of Uganda and has been chosen by the institution to benefit from fundraising over the next year.

In 2008 the Royal Black Institution raised money for Diabetes UK, Northern Ireland, and recently presented £77,000 to the charity, the biggest single donation it has ever received.

Kiwoko Hospital was opened in 1988 by Dr Ian Clarke, formerly from Bangor. He became the only doctor to tens of thousands of people in an area, half the size of Northern Ireland.

Dr Clarke, his family and other people from the Province helped to build up the hospital over many years to help the local population. Last year, 1,500 HIV cases were treated at the hospital.

Uganda has 2000 doctors to serve a population of 30 million, one-third of whom regularly go without food. The average income per head of population is $360 per year.

The Kiwoko Hospital is a Christian-based centre, which also has a dedicated mission helping to spread the Christian message in the area. The motto of the hospital is, We treat, Jesus saves.

Sovereign Grand Master Millar Farr said: "In 2008 we concentrated our fundraising activities on helping Diabetes UK. It was an extremely worthwhile cause and we believe that we have enhanced the lives of many people, thanks to the research that the charity is carrying out.

"The response to the fundraising has been terrific and I want to thank everyone who contributed to help Diabetes UK.

"For 2010 we have decided to look further afield. The Kiwoko Hospital is a wonderful example of how Christian people can help the health of a nation. The work being done there is literally lifesaving.

"There are very obvious links with Northern Ireland and I am delighted that it has been chosen as our charity for this year."

As part of the institution's ongoing commitment to Christian and charitable outreach, plans have been made to send a work party to Kiwoko in the summer of 2011 to provide practical as well as financial support for the hospital's work.

Since 2002, the Royal Black Institution has contributed almos' £320,000 to a series of designated charities.

Based on an aticle in the News Letter

Royal Black in protest over Republic's schools cuts

THE Royal Black Institution has said it is seriously concerned about Irish government cuts to the budgets of Protestant secondary schools in the Republic.
Earlier this year the Orange Order went to Leinster House in Dublin to protest about the proposals.

They met Education Minister Batt O'Keefe and Fine Gael Education spokesman Brian Hayes.

The Royal Black is also now planning to meet Mr O'Keefe and Mr Hayes in the near future.

A resolution calling for a reversal of the decision was adopted.

It read in part: "Many of our members and of the wider public believe this policy has sectarian undertones and discriminates against the minority population in the Republic of Ireland.

"We call on the government of the Republic of Ireland to put in place a funding system that restores the confidence of the Protestant population before it is too late and schools have to close.

"This attack on the Protestant ethos is totally unwarranted and must be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

"To do otherwise would be to confirm the worst fears of the Protestant community that it is not regarded as an important part of the Republic of Ireland."

DUP MP David Simpson backed the institution's stance.

He said: "Having reviewed the situation pertaining to Protestant-managed schools in the Republic of Ireland, I find myself in full agreement with the concerns expressed by the RBP. It is entirely unacceptable that these schools should be facing massive budget cuts.

"Given the sad history of the minority Protestant population in the Irish Republic - one of persecution and state-sanctioned discrimination - it is imperative that the government of that country do all in its power to dispel the perception of on-going discrimination."

The Irish department of education said it was committed to supporting Protestant schools.

A spokesman said: "The Government continues to provide the Block Grant, which was increased this year and amounted to €6.5 million."

He denied the state was being unfair as the minister had to obey Irish law: "The Constitution, in article 44, permits state aid to denominational schools, but only on the basis that there be no discrimination between schools under different religious management.

"It is clear, therefore, that a return to the status quo ante is not legally possible.

"However, the minister is committed to working with the Protestant community to identify and resolve issues that may affect some of their schools, particularly those in rural areas, and to examine how these might be examined in a manner consistent with the Constitution."

Based on an article in the News Letter

Plans for Orange museums unveiled

Pic: David McNarry, Ulster Unionist Party, First Minister Peter Robinson, DUP leader, Mr Saulters and Jim Allister QC , TUV leader at the launch of the innovative Orange Order project

THE Orange Order has launched innovative plans to develop two new museums, incorporating the founding place of the Institution.
The £4 million project would see interpretive centres at the organisation’s headquarters in east Belfast and at Sloan’s House in Loughgall.

Plans are at an advanced stage with an application for the iconic proposal already submitted to a European Funding Programme along with a detailed business plan.

The plans were unveiled to politicians, opinion formers, historians and other interested parties at a recent event in Schomberg House.

“This is without doubt one of the most significant projects ever undertaken by the Orange Order,” said the Order’s director of services, Dr David Hume.

“We know there is a massive appetite from all sections of the community about our history and these interpretive centres will become the focal point for anyone who has a sense of history and tradition and wants to learn more.”

Museum consultants from London have visited both sites and produced detailed plans to enhance the outstanding collection of artefacts and documents which is held by the Order.

Their suggestions include the re-creation of a one-third replica model of the sculpture of King William on Clifton Street Orange Hall in Belfast as a focal point for the display area at Schomberg House.

An early 20th century Orange hall would also be created inside the building and would be utilised as the entrance to a new dedicated museum area as well as an educational resource for school and community visits, and a location for lodge meetings.

At Loughgall, there are plans for a display which will recreate the signing of the first Orange Lodge warrants in 1795.

The detailed plans have received the backing of over 100 lodges, who also signalled their intention to contribute material to the centres.

Dr Hume added: “It is a central plank of the submission that the Orange Order has a key role in society and that unless there is engagement with the Order from the wider community, there will continue to be misunderstandings leading to conflict and lack of respect for difference cultures.

“The Orange interpretive centres proposal gives the opportunity for that understanding to develop.”

Read more on the blog of Nelson McCausland MLA - Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure - Northern Ireland (Democratic Unionist Party).

Nelson's View - The Minister's Pen
http://theministerspen.blogspot.com/2009/12/orange-interpretive-centres.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
--

Based on an article in the The Fermanagh Herald
Published: Wed, Dec 2, 2009

Orange Order explain history and traditions

Commencing this month, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland will deliver a four-week, 'Educating Ourselves Programme' throughout Fermanagh.

The aim of the programme is to provide a basic four-module course, which will inform individuals of The Glorious Revolution, the Formation, the early years of the Orange Institution, the Development of Orangeism and the Orange Order today.

On completion of the course, each participant will receive a certificate.

'Educating Ourselves' is intended to be entertaining and informative. It will include role play, drama, musical and literary interpretation, as well as talks on historical events.

The course is written and compiled by Dr David Hume, who has a background in Irish politics and history, and is a graduate of the University of Ulster at Jordanstown.

David Scott, Community Education Officer for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said: "This will be the first programme of its kind to be rolled out into a specific Council area in Northern Ireland and we are delighted that we are able to offer this to people in Fermanagh.

"The venues chosen at this stage include Enniskillen, Lisnaskea, Irvinestown and the fourth to be confirmed at a later date."

The programme was launched at an information evening on Monday last, 21st September in the Ardhowen Theatre. Prospective participants do not have to be members of the Orange Institution; they can be wives of members, sons, daughters, bandsmen/women, church leaders,and youth or community volunteers, etc.

A full itinerary & YouTube footage can be viewed at www.maidencityfestival.com www.maidencityfestival.com

Week long celebrations at Maiden City Festival
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/

The annual Relief of Derry parade takes place next Saturday

Published Date: 01 August 2009
LONDONDERRY is set for another fantastic celebration of culture and music with the week-long Maiden City Festival getting under way on Saturday.
As the programme for the famed festival explains: "The Maiden City Festival is a flagship celebration of diversity in Northern Ireland.

"The Maiden City Festival 2009 combines favourites and friends, alongside new shows and new ideas. We have been able to expand elements of the festival this year and believe the line-up provides a home for all those who wish to celebrate music, song or dance - just for the love of it, in a politics-free, baggage-free environment."

The festival offers something for everyone, and works hard to bring pride and tourist trade to the City of Londonderry. It is being billed as the highlight of the city's August holiday period and a major visitor attraction on the North West's summer calendar.

"We have organised the programme to offer ideas for days out that explore every aspect of the City. The experience of visiting the City will be enhanced with our new Siege Heroes Trail, aimed at casual visitors taking a walk around the historic Walls," the programme reads.

Revellers can either print the map and tour guide before they leave home or follow the trail with their web-enabled mobile phone.

"The Maiden City Festival is a showcase for Protestant culture of tolerance and openness, and for the heritage that is entrusted to the Apprentice Boys of Derry.

"The Maiden City Festival is the way in which the Protestant community of Londonderry, a minority community, is able to make a contribution to the life of the city and to the diversity of cultural expression."

Among the events is the Apprentice Boys Museum and Exhibition that runs in the Memorial Hall Museum for the duration of the Festival, from 10am-5pm daily.

Or why not learn about the history of the Guns Of Londonderry in the Memorial Hall Garden in Society Street today and throughout the week from 11am-2pm daily and by request.

The Old Fountain Tour is also a must and will be presented by the Bob Harte Memorial Trust Thiepval Gallery, George Street from Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 7 at noon.

Local historian William Temple takes a walk down memory lanes and streets of the old Fountain, pointing out how it would have been in past times.

There is no charge for this event, but a small minimum donation of £1 to the Bob Harte Memorial Trust would be appreciated.

And last but not least, The Siege Story will be told at St Columb's Cathedral today and from Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 7 at 1pm and 3pm.

The Siege Story is a series of five monologues that each explore different aspects of the Siege Story 1688-1689. The story is of the young apprentice, of the military man, of the people, of the church, and of life and love in war.

The performance starts at the main entrance door of the Cathedral, moves through the Cathedral and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Maiden City Festival Event highlights
www.maidencityfestival.com
week ending Saturday 8th August 2009

Today (Saturday)
- The Guns of Londonderry (also taking place on Monday and Friday: 11am and 2pm and by request) - Go back in time with a tour round the historic Walls on the Seige Heroes Trail.
- The Siege Story at St Columb's Cathedral (also taking place Monday and Friday at 1pm and 3pm). This is a series of five monologues that each explore the different aspects of the Siege story. The performance starts at the main door of the Cathedral and last around 45 minutes.
- Fountain Community Day at Fountain Green from l-5pm.

Monday
- Highland Dance and Skirl of the Pipes at Double Bastion (also taking place all week up until Friday at 11.30am and 2.30pm). A performance of highland dancing, piping and drumming presented by the Sollus Centre, Bready.
- Good Afternoon at the Mem -Tea Dance at the Memorial Hall (Also taking place until Thursday at 2.30pm and 4.30pm).

Tuesday
- Kids' Pop Concert at the Memorial Hall from 8-10.30pm. A family event, including karaoke for the parents and a night of music and entertainment from the Garth Fulton Show.
- Fireworks - what could be more perfect to end the day than
a noisy and exciting fireworks display above the city walls?

Wednesday
- The 6th Maiden City Scottish Highland Dance Competition at the Memorial Hall from 10.30am - 3.30pm.
- Crimson Players Variety Show at the Memorial hall from 8-10pm. Everyone taking part in this relaxed and fun show is local, and sketches will include references to familiar local characters. The night will end on an upbeat note with a glittering Boogie Night Fever disco.

Thursday
-¦ The Bands of Londonderry: Exhibition and Guide at the Thiepval Gallery, George Street from 2.30-4.30 pm and 5.30 -7.30pm.
- A Tribute to William Love at Cathedral Youth Club, at the Fountain at 3pm. Trie Londonderry born man was a prolific composer of many types of popular music.

Friday
- That Friday Sound at the Memorial Hall from 2-6pm. Remo and Session Beat will be providing an afternoon of light entertainment on the Memorial Hall.

Saturday, August 8
- The highlight of the week -the Relief of Derry Commemorations

Maiden City Festival YouTube Channel