Queen's Orange Society 2019/2020

"Undoubtedly, this is a time of much stress and worry for those students waiting on A-Level results across Northern Ireland. However the Bible reminds us that God is in control of all things and that we should give our concerns and worries over to him. In Psalm 94: 19 we read 'When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.' It is also important to remember that God has great plans for each of us and that his ways are not our ways.

If you plan to begin third level education at Queen's in September why not think about joining the ever growing Orange Society?

We have much planned for the upcoming academic year so come and have a chat with us at Freshers' fayre.

The Orange Society also exists to provide a support network for our members. If you have any queries or concerns about studying at QUB please get in touch and we will try and help as best we can. We realise that the transition to University can be a difficult one and if we can make things a little easier we would love to help.

If you plan on attending Ulster University, please get in touch with our freinds at Jordanstown Orange Society or Coleraine Orange Society. They would love to hear from you!

On behalf of QUB Orange Society can we wish everyone the very best for tomorrow and we look forward to welcoming many new members in September.

Proverbs 3:5-6".

Calvin W. Reid,
Chairman.

Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland supports calls for resignation of Victims’ Commissioner

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland (GOLI) supports the call by many victims’ groups for the Victims’ Commissioner Judith Thompson to resign.

The Orange Institution lost over 300 members during the ‘Troubles’, many serving with or ex-members of the Crown forces, the police, army and prison service. Others were murdered simply because they were Protestant.

A spokesperson for GOLI said: “The advice by Ms Thompson to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and Secretary of State that those members of the terrorist organisations that carried out such murders and were seriously injured should receive a Government pension is as repugnant as it is morally indefensible. The hurt such advice caused to the victims of terror has added to their pain, rather than addressing their needs and concerns, which is the role of the Commissioner.

“The victims of terrorism are ill-served by a Commissioner who offers such advice and causes distress, therefore the Orange Institution adds their voice to the calls for Judith Thompson to resign, as her position is untenable having lost significant support within the victims’ sector.

“The issue of pensions for terrorist victims should not be delayed any further. One commentator recently summed up the view of many in the victims’ sector and the wider community, ‘Exclude the wounded terrorists’, and get on with meeting the needs of terrorist victims.”

Orange Socks Available for Pre-Order

The first batch of Orange Socks (in aid of the Drew Nelson Project) have been completely sold out!

We have however ordered more and will have them delivered well in time for the Twelfth, contact us to pre-order your sets to avoid disappointment!

Proposed Irish Language Act

Over the past number of months and weeks there has been increasing speculation as to the passing of an Irish Language Act into law in Northern Ireland. We have witnessed Arlene Foster, along with other DUP members, gradually soften their anti-Irish Language Act rhetoric over this period. Multiple media outlets are now reporting that this act is likely to be ‘fudged’ into law alongside a token Ulster-Scots bill.

We would like to make it clear that the Unionist people of this Province have no appetite for an Irish Language Act.

Neither have they any appetite for any legislation that enshrines the Irish language onto the Stormont statute book by the back door. Such a piece of legislation cannot be seen as a trade-off which furthers the Unionist cause, or indeed Northern Ireland as a whole, in any way shape or form. Concessions for Ulster-Scots do not hide the fact that an Irish Language Act will have far ranging ramifications across civil society. None of which will have a positive impact on the nation. The Unionist community must make it resoundingly clear that no amount of funding for Ulster-Scots, bands or other cultural activities can be accepted in lieu of this act. Quite simply put, there is no price at which the Irish Language Act can be allowed into law.

The promotion of cultural supremacy, under the guise of equality, will only further entrench divisions in Northern Ireland. It paves the way for public expenditure on education and civil infrastructure to appease a language spoken as a main language by only 0.2% of the population. Money that will be diverted away from our hospitals to indoctrinate generation after generation of school children. Where is the tangible benefit in that for Northern Ireland?

While we know that there are those within the DUP who do strongly oppose the Act, their silence has been deafening. While many may not wish to put their head above the parapet when it is easier to toe the party line, the rumours of this Act cannot go unchecked. It is not too late to act. We would therefore urge all DUP members from the grassroots, to Councillors, MLAs and MPs to publically express their strong opposition to such an Act.

We would further encourage you, the electorate, and the people who put the DUP’s elected representatives into power, to voice your opposition. Contact the social media outlets of the Party, visit their constituency offices and e-mail/telephone your local representative. It is imperative that you take this action now. Viewing the current situation apathetically will only further strengthen the resolve of those within the DUP who believe it acceptable to legislate for such an Act.

When the pages of history are written there are two ways in which the events of the coming days may be remembered. Either it will be remembered as the occasion Unionism stood firm and defeated an Act which paved the way for a Republican state in all but name. Or, alternatively, it will see the current crop of DUP politicians, and grassroots members, remembered as the people who failed Ulster in her hour of need; the people who chose political expediency and self-preservation over the needs of the people they were elected to represent.

If you require any further details on how to contact your local elected representative please contact our page.

Worshipful Master

LOL 1845

Originally posted on our facebook page, 12 February 2018.

Ulster Day Church Service and Parade 2017

Our 14th Annual Church Service and Parade commemorating Ulster Day, will take place in Ballyclare, on Sunday, 24 September 2017.

This service will form part of the inaugural Orange Heritage Week. All are welcome to see the parade and take part in our act of worship.

Going to Queens?

Congratulations to all the members of the Orange family who received their A level results yesterday, and will be starting University in September!

We would encourage all members of the Orange family to look out for the QUB Orange Society and UUJ Orange Society at their respective fresher fayres in September. Remember the societies are open to both men and women!

For those of you heading to University that do belong to the Orange Institution get in contact with us through our facebook page, or email info@queenslol1845.co.uk, for details about the Lodge and funding available to Orange Students during their time at university.

Grand Lodge calls for 'unity of purpose'

The following is a statement on behalf of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland ahead of the upcoming General Election:

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland recognises the critical importance and huge significance of the forthcoming General Election.

As the United Kingdom commences the process of exiting the European Union it is essential a purposeful and stable Government is elected to act on behalf of, and deliver the best possible deal, for its citizens.

Equally, it is of the utmost importance that Northern Ireland continues to have a strong voice at Westminster. The June 8 poll will once again provide the opportunity for the people to vote for, and underline their support, for the Union.

As an Institution with a broad range of political opinion across our membership, Grand Lodge welcomes any closer collaboration between the pro-Union political parties.

We believe it is in Northern Ireland’s vital interests for as many Unionist MPs as possible be returned to our mother Parliament.

In order to maximise the pro-Union vote in this election it is incumbent on our Unionist leaders and representatives to cooperate and coalesce, parking party interests and acting in the best interests of the Union.

Such strategic thinking and cooperation is all the more crucial at a time when republicanism is buoyant following its recent electoral success.

Republicans simply do not care if Northern Ireland succeeds as an integral part of the United Kingdom. The opportunity to answer their united Ireland agenda and insatiable demands will occur on 8 June. The onus more than ever is on Unionism to come together, selling its collective ideals to the widest possible audience.

For our part, the Orange Institution will continue to seek to be a catalyst, where possible, to bring unionists together on common causes or certain issues. As a major stakeholder in this Province we will always seek to do what is necessary and in the best interests of Unionism.

We would once again encourage all our members, family and friends to exercise their democratic franchise, fought for so valiantly on our behalf. In mobilising the pro-Union vote, we will also be appealing for those not already registered to vote to ensure they do so, and those requiring a postal or proxy vote apply at the earliest opportunity.

Show unity of purpose - vote Unionist on June 8.