COUNTY GRAND LODGE STRUCTURE
The Glasgow County Grand Lodge is the largest provincial area and has a special place in Scottish Orangeism. This was the power base for it in the late 19th century growth and expansion.
The County Grand Master of Glasgow is Mr Edward Hyde a member of LOL 204 District 11. He has a Depute County Grand Master, Edward McGonnell, and a Substitute Depute County Grand Master, Ian Mather. The administration team of County Grand Lodge comprises of a County Grand Secretary, Robert Sawers, County Grand Treasurer,John Lamont and a Depute County Grand Secretary David Meredith. The first five officers are the Trustees and collectively they are referred to as the county Grand Lodge Executive. County Grand Lodge meet quarterly. Within the structure of County Grand Lodge there exists standing Committees made up from County Grand Lodge Officers. These committees operate under the Trusteeship on a regular basis as and when required.
Brother Hyde like all of the Trustees is a grass roots member climbing "through the ranks" to achieve the highest and most respected position within County Grand Lodge. Brother Hyde is also the Grand Secretary of Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland
As is our democratic modus operandi the path to leadership is open for any Orangeman. There is an old saying that there is a Field Marshal's Baton in every private soldier's, knapsack. Well we could equally say a County or Grand Master's chain of office is in every Orangeman's regalia pouch!
Elections
All officers from the County Master down are elected annually inclusive of the committees. The same principle is operated throughout District and Private lodges. All members have equal rights and many an individual has honed their debating and organising skills at the Lodge.
Heirarchy
There are 21 Districts and scores of lodges, male and female in the Greater Glasgow area and County Trustees, whoare all long standing members with a wealth of experience oversee the workings of the lower courts to ensure a mutual understanding exists within the Laws and Constitution of the Loyal Orange Institution.
Lodges
The Orange Order in Scotland as a whole, has three sections. Male Lodges, Female Lodges and mixed Juvenile & junior Lodges. The rules governing all Lodges are contained within Grand Lodge laws and Constitution. However each section has a slightly different method of operation.
District Lodge
District Lodges meet quarterly with the leader called, the Worthy District Master, adopting the position of chairman. His assistants are known as the Depute District Master and Substitute Depute District Master. In similar style as County Grand Lodge the District Lodge also has an administration team of District Secretary, District Treasurer and Depute District Secretary. they are all members of Primary (private) Lodges The first five officers are the Trustees. The quarterly meetings are attended by delegates from each male lodge. At this moment in time female members are not permitted to attend district meetings. However, each female lodge has a male representative who attends district meetings on their behalf. prior to a district meeting an informal meeting is usually held where male and female members discuss common issues and if necessary be debated at a district meeting.
Private Lodge
Private lodges usually meet monthly as it is a requirement to hold 12 meetings per year. As in all the courts the highest office is the Worthy Master who usually presides at the meetings. If he cannot be in attendance his place is usually filled with the Deputy Master or in his stead the Substitute Deputy Master. The Secretary and Treasurer make up the first five officers (trustees). Auxiliary positions can be created where there is a requirement.
Orange Youth
In common with other church and youth organisations, the Lodge has its own youth movement. Within the structure they have their own lodges known as Junior or Juvenile depending on age. adult Superintendents along with monitors oversee the workings of each J&J Lodge. every superintendent must go through the Legal Disclosure process. Like other youth groups the youngsters enjoy a wide and varied indoor and outdoor experience. they also participate in various bible study, arts and crafts, the history of the Protestant Reformation and their Protestant heritage and culture.
Rituals
It is a common misconception that the Lodge is steeped in mystic rituals that are designed to inflict pain and suffering to those going through an initiation process. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our whole being, is based on the scriptures of the Holy Bible. Nothing more, nothing less. The Orange Order is a fraternal organisation and has a strict code of ethics, the primary one being that every member must be of the Reformed Faith and belive in the Lord Jesus Christ. We insist that a bible is the focal point at all meetings at every level. Indeed the Holy Bible is carried at the head of every lodge parade.the aims and objectives of the Institution is the promotion of our culture and heritage through the teachings of the gospel. There is nothing secret about our organisation. Like other organisations ,one must be in it to know about it.
Juvenile lodges do not have degrees and have a much simpler system. Each ladies lodge must operate within a male led District. Glasgow Orangemen and women strongly like the ritual side of the Order and why not? It is quite innocuous and has historical connotations. Some folk muse about the Order being a secret organisation due to the ritual, recognition signs and what they regard as funny handshakes. These are part of the fraternal nature and our attitude is that we publicly proclaim our principles in the street so we don't hide away as a "secret organisation". More of a public movement entitled to have it's secrets!