Official Website of the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow

As part of Grand Lodge's Divine Service this year we celebrated the 400th Anniversary of the printing of the King James or Authorised Version of the Bible

Despite the horrendous weather the turnout was magnificent from the participating Districts. In particular those Districts from County Grand Orange Lodge of Glasgow.

The procession was led by the The Most Worthy Grand Master,Brother Henry Dunbaralong with his fellow Grand Lodge Trustees, IPG Master, Grand Mistress and various Grand Lodge Officers. The accompanying band was the Queen Elizabeth Accordion and such is their musical prowess they retained the Gavin Chalmers Memorial Shield for their efforts.

The Glasgow Evangelical Church once again hosted the event and was just about filled to capacity.

The service was conducted by Brother Reverend Malcolm Anderson and Brother Reverend Ray Williamson. The Praise and service was both uplifting and inspirational and all concerned are congratulated for holding up our traditions and values.

The Grand Master passes on his sincerest thanks to all who participated

and

Thanks be to Glasgow Evangelical Church

The series of protests has been a great success with loads of volunteers manning the placards. Last week we succeeded in making the newspapers and there is no doubt those within the Chambers know we are outside.  We protested Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th with great support. However Thursday is a big day as the Executive Committee, those who will take the decision on our parading culture, meet in City Chambers.

It is imperative that we have a large turnout and show that we mean business. We cannot leave it to others to defend our beliefs. Glasgow City Council must be shown that we are here and here to stay.

Come to the Square at 10 am and support your County Grand Lodge. 

Edward Hyde County Grand Master

 

Next week we will protest on Thursday 2nd December 10am at City Chambers

The following week is also an important week for Council meetings (labour group and SNP group) meet on Wed 8th December. On 9th December The executive Committee meets followed by the full City Council.( this may be the crunch meeting)

As such we will protest on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th December.

It is a must that we have full support. Hundreds would be great. C'mon down

LOYALTY

 

We, the Orangemen and women of the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow. assembled at Glasgow Green to commemorate the 321st anniversary of victory at the Boyne, reaffirm our loyalty to the Throne and person of Her Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other realms, Defender of the Faith.

 

Her Majesty occupies the throne subject to the constitutional statutes that followed the Glorious Revolution of 1688. These laws established a Protestant monarchy and democratic parliament that have served our nation well for over 300 years. The interests of all our people of whatever faith are best served by a Protestant monarchy.

 

We condemn the political agenda and dictatorial attitude of local government in their attempts to deprive us of our basic human rights. Our Cultutre and Heritage was won at a price. It was fought for over many a well fought field and we will resist, by lawful means, any further erosion of our culture..

 

We now have a Nationalist Government who will attempt to take away our Britishness and undermine our Loyalty to her Most Gracious Majesty and her Heirs. They would have our Sovereign compromise the Coronation Oath in order to achieve their political aims and objectives and take us down the road to disaster. The claims and dictates of a Nationalist Government are contrary to Her Majesty’s hereditary right as constitutional monarch of this realm and we pledge ourselves to resist all attempts to alter the British Constitution in any way that would put our cherished liberties at risk. 

 

Her Majesty the Queen continues to be an exemplary monarch who has been a great example to us all. We acknowledge with pride her wonderful record of service to nation and commonwealth.

 

God Save the Queen! Long may she reign

I beg to move the resolution on Loyalty.

 

 

OUR PROTESTANT HERITAGE

As we cellebrate the 321^st Anniversary of the battle of the Boyne let us remember  the conviction, valour and fortitude of those great reformers  who delivered us from the the Catholic Church.  A church who held a rigid control over the Bible and would not allow it to be translated from Latin into other languages. Holding any view contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church was seen as heresy and punishable by death.

Until the mid-1500s, attempts to give general population access to an English-language Bible had resulted in severe punishment. Finally, in 1611, came an officially approved version that also had enduring appeal; the King James, or Authorised, Version. Today we celebrate with thankfulness and satisfaction the 400^th Anniversary of the publication. To this day it remains the most-printed work in English in the world.

We acknowledge the preachings of Martin Luther, who in challenging the authority of the Pope, lit the flames of Protestantism across Europe in the 1520s

We commend the actions of William Tyndale who treated with contempt, the ban on his translating the Bible, by working abroad.  William Tyndale published his English version of the New Testament in Germany in 1526. Some copies were smuggled in to Britain, but many were burned - as was Tyndale, at the stake, in 1536. His last words were reportedly, "Lord! Open the King of England's eyes."  Open they did and Henry VIII by the Act of Supremacy, agreed by Parliament on 3 November 1534, established Henry as head of the Church of England and no longer answerable to the Pope.

The "Great Bible" as it became known, was now available,by Royal Decree, to the people in a language they could understand.

Our Protestant Heritage and Reformed Faith would not have been possible but for the sacrifices made by those men who were willing to pay the ultimate sacrific. Our  Heritage is a reflection on practices that are handed down from the past by tradition and can be summed up in a few words as "a heritage of freedom

We therfore pledge ourselves today to remain true to the authority and liberating power of the Gospel and to the heritage of faith and freedom won for us at great personal cost by our Protestant forefathers.

 

 I beg to move the resolution on Our Protestant Heritage

 

STATE OF THE NATION

 

As loyal subjects of the British Crown, committed to the preservation of the United Kingdom, we pledge ourselves to oppose all attempts to sever the legislative Union that binds us to our kith and kin in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

 

Should we be concerned about  David Cameron’s policies? In the short term perhaps. Despite having to do some U-turns on his reforms the coalition government at Westminster has been rebuilding the nation’s economy, albeit with painful cost cutting measures.  However, despite all the economic hardship experienced at the present we believe it to be beyond argument that Scotland’s interests lie within the combined power and refuge of the United Kingdom. Attempts by the First Minister to convince us that we would be better off as a small independent nation have been discredited by world events. The British Union is our best option and we pledge ourselves to maintain it.

 

The Scottish Government attempted to fast track tough new anti-bigot laws, championed by non other than Roseanna Cunningham MSP. Are we to believe that this new legislation Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications is designed exclusively for football matches? We think not. She has already declared “there is a great deal more work that needs to be done right across society in order for us to tackle the bigger problem which is endemic across Scotland." Such has been the profusion of pressure put on Alex Salmond he has deferred legislation for further consultation. However it will happen.

We reaffirm this Institution’s commitment to peaceful procession and free assembly, which are fundamental rights in a democratic society.

 

The British Armed Forces are charged with protecting the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, promoting Britain's wider security interests, and supporting international peacekeeping efforts. They are active and regular participants in NATO and other coalition operations. Recent operations include the  wars in Afghanistan and Iraq  and more recently participation in the UN-mandated no-fly zone over Libya At a time when our forces are serving with great distinction and personal sacrifice throughout the world, we declare from this gathering today that we stand with them and are immeasurably proud of them.

 

I beg to move the resolution on the State of the Nation.

THE ORANGEMAN

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE SUPREME GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES

                                                Volume 1, Number 4

 

SUPREME GRAND MASTER’S CORNER:

 

I hope all Orangemen and their families enjoyed a victorious Easter Sunday, and remain filled with the joy of resurrection in your hearts.  We are still preparing to open two new lodges and look forward to recruiting new members to fill them.  Please note the dates of the upcoming Supreme Grand Lodge convention next summer in Virginia, and do make every attempt to join us for a wonderful gathering in a marvelous location.  Lastly, if you have registered to join the Royal Black Preceptory, remember the meeting begins PROMPTLY at 9:00 AM in Philadelphia, PA.  Hope to see you there!

Sammy Stewart, Supreme Grand Master - USA

 

NEWSLETTER NAME:

 

The votes were close, although they were scant in number.  Twelve votes were received from brothers (and sisters) from around the country to name our newsletter.  The winning name was the one shown above, simply stated, THE ORANGEMAN.  The tied for second place names were THE ORANGE REVIEW and AMERICAN ORANGEMAN.  As noted in the last newsletter, we had at least nine submissions, which shows participation by the Grand Lodge members, a good sign.  Now, if we can only show participation in our lodge events and build up membership in our loyal institution, we will all be better served.  Thank you all for your suggested names and your votes.

 

SAVE THE DATE:

 

Our Supreme Grand Secretary Walter Wilson wants all members to save the date from August 9, 2012 to August 11, 2012 (Yes 2012!) when the next Supreme Grand Lodge Convention will be held.  Plan NOW to attend. The convention will be held at the Lexington George Washington Inn and Conference Center, Williamsburg, VA.  The room rate is $71 plus tax per night.  This is a great deal! This rate will be extended three days prior to the convention and three days after the convention to allow a great family vacation for all! Historic Williamsburg is only one mile from the hotel, and Busch Gardens is only two miles away.  Other attractions nearby are William and Mary College, named for our own William of Orange; Yorktown, VA where General Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington; and the first settlement in the U.S. in 1607, Jamestown, VA.  Make plans now to bring your family to enjoy colonial Virginia and attend the Supreme Grand Lodge meeting.  Let’s have our best turnout ever!  

 

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF:

 

By letter dated March 1, 2011, Brother Thomas Leary, Grand Secretary, Loyal Orange Institution of Queensland, Australia, thanked those of us in the Supreme Grand Lodge of the U. S. for the “Very Generous” nature of our financial response to the disaster in Queensland.  Brother Leary singled out all individual contributors, as well as the Supreme Grand Lodge, United LOL 228 of New York, Germantown Golden Star LOL 39, of Philadelphia, Washington LOL 43 of Philadelphia, and Ulster-Scots LOL 1690 of Torrence, CA for their financial contributions.  A total of $2,250 was sent to the LOL, Queensland for their assistance in recovering from the earthquake.  Fortunately, none of our Brothers or Sisters was lost in the tragic event.  Please keep our brethren in your prayers as they continue to rebuild shattered homes, lodges and dreams.

 

PROTESTANT HISTORY TIME:

 

During a trip to Geneva, Switzerland last year, Brother Gregory Whiteside, LOL #43, took this photograph of the Reformers Wall.

 

 

 

The wall, also known as the Reformation Wall, is 325 feet long and 30 feet tall.  It also includes other figures in stone in smaller relief poses, like Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli.  The city of Geneva has been called “the Protestant Rome” due to the number of reformers associated there.  The four men shown above, pictured from your left to right are as follows:

Guillaume Farel – The first person to preach the Reformation in Geneva.

John Calvin – Leader of the Reformation movement and spiritual father of Geneva.

Theodore Beza – Calvin’s successor, born in France, best known for emphasizing       Calvin’s doctrine of predestination.

John Knox – Scottish preacher and friend of Calvin’s. Also the founder of Presbyterianism in Scotland.

Work on the monument began in 1909 and it was not completed until 1917.

 

KILLED IN ACTION - REST IN PEACE:

 

Ranger Stephen McKee, pictured right and sitting (with brother Michael), was recently killed in Afghanistan when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb. He was twenty –seven and leaves a young wife as a widow.  He was attached to the 1^st Royal Irish Regiment and known for his involvement in rugby, football, the loyal orders and the Downshire Guiding Star Flute Band.

 

 

 

 

THE ORDER REMEMBERS:

 

A service of remembrance and thanksgiving was held in the Ulster Hall, Belfast on Sunday April 10, 2011 as the Orange Institution remembered 336 of its members murdered during the Troubles. Many of those attending were relatives of the members of the Orange Institution who were killed. At the service a memorial stone was dedicated to the murdered Brethren.  It will be erected at a later date at Schomberg House, headquarters of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland. The service was conducted by Rev. David Reid and the address was given by Rev. Ron Johnstone, on of the Institutions Grand Chaplains. The praise was led by the Tullyvallen Silver Band. Grandmaster of Ireland Edward Stevenson said, “Three hundred and thirty –six members of the Orange Institution lost their lives at the hands of terrorists and we must never forget them, or the families who still grieve. When I was elected as Grand Master, I gave a pledge that victims and their families would remain a key priority for the Orange Institution. And that will be the case, I promise you. There is a very serious commitment within the Orange Institution to remembering our Murdered Brethren. There has been much work done to ensure that the memories of our Murdered Brethren are kept alive. I would like to pay tribute to all the people who have worked hard behind the scenes to organize this service.”

            In his address Rev. Ron Johnstone, a Grand Chaplain of the OO, said the service honoured Orangemen and women who in a time of rebellion, terrorism and conflict had stood faithfully for law and order.  “The Orange Institution sends out a message from this service. We honor and encourage loyalty. Loyalty to our Protestant faith—the gospel of Christ—and loyalty to this country we love. By your presence here today, you are declaring that: We honor our murdered brothers and sisters. We pledge ourselves to hold their memory dear for future generations so that their loyalty, courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We are proud to belong to the same institution. Now in the quietness, names of those who paid the supreme sacrifice come into each of our minds. They paid the supreme sacrifice for our Protestant faith and way of life. We have remembered those who lived faithfully, who served courageously opposing Republican terrorism and who died nobly. We salute their sacrifice. We give thanks for their memory and example. And as we do so we declare again that we have been bombed but not bowed, have sorrowed but we have not surrendered, have wept but we have not weakened in our resolve to maintain our Protestant faith and culture, rather as we have remembered our murdered brethren and sisters we are more determined to stand for the same Orange principles that motivated them. Their sacrifice challenges each of us to fulfill our Christian duty as citizens to stand for right and freedom in our day. Let us rededicate ourselves today so to do. We assure the relatives gathered with us today that as an institution, we must not, we cannot and we will not forget your loved ones sacrifices.”

                                                From Bro. Ed Spence

 

 

OBITUARY:

 

It is always sad to report the loss of a brother Orangeman.  On April 10, 2011, Brother Bram Heaslip, United 228 New York, passed away from a stroke following knee surgery. He was a founding member of United 228 in New York. He was a past Master and past State Grand Master and excelled in the degree work of the order. Our sympathy goes out to his wife Margaret and children Brian and Joan, and his entire family circle. RIP

 

 

JOKE OF THE DAY:

Several men are in the locker room at St. Andrews Old Course when a cell phone rings on the bench.  One man engages the hands free speaker function and begins to speak:

Man – Hello?

Lady- Honey, it’s me. Are you at the club?

Man-Yes

Lady-I am at the shops now and found this beautiful leather coat. It is only $1,500 pounds. Is it okay if I buy it?

Man- Sure, go ahead if you like it that much.

Lady- I also stopped by the Lexus dealership and found one I like and it is only 75,000 pounds.

Man- Okay, but for that price I want all the options included.

Lady – Great, oh, and one more thing, that house I liked last year is now on the market, and they are only asking 600,000 pounds.

Man – Well, okay. Go ahead and offer them 575,000 pounds. They will probably take it.    But if they don’t I guess we can afford the full price.

Lady – Okay, I’ll see you later.  I love you sooo much!

Man – I love you too!

The man hangs up. The other men are staring at him in astonishment, their mouths agape.

He turns and asks “Does anyone know who this phone belongs to??

 

NEWSLETTER REQUEST:

 

Brothers, and sisters in the LLOL and spouses of all, the newsletter wants to include your stories, recipes, family news both happy and sad, and any other information that would be of interest to our readers.  Please remember to send information to me at my e-mail address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so it can be included in the newsletter.  The photos included in this edition are an experiment and make the letter very large in size.  Hopefully all of you will be able to receive it.  Remember to keep Grand Secretary Walter Wilson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  appraised of your current e-mail accounts so he can forward these newsletters to you.  Thank you to those who sent submissions to be published in this newsletter.  I hope all of you have a safe and enjoyable summer.

 

 

REMEMBER JULY 12 – THE BATTLE OF THE BOYNE – NO SURRENDER!