The past year has been one of successful outreach for the
Orange Order, according to the Grand Master Robert Saulters.
Mr Saulters was re-elected as Grand Master for the 12th year,
at the annual meeting in Lurgan of the Grand Orange Lodge
of Ireland.
The other Grand Lodge elections were: Deputy Grand Master,
Edward Stevenson; Grand Secretary, Drew Nelson; Grand Treasurer,
Mervyn Bishop.
The assistant grand masters, appointed by Mr Saulters for
a three year period, were David McNarry, Comber, and Rev.
Alistair Smyth, Limavady.
Mr Saulters said the Order had undertaken a mission to explain
its traditions and cultures and as a result many more people
now knew and appreciated what the Institution stood for.
“The highlight of the year was the visit to the Smithsonian
Festival in Washington. I was proud to lead a strong Orange
Order delegation and I believe we put the Institution firmly
on the map in the United States. We hear constantly about
the Irish-American lobby but no-one should ever underestimate
the Ulster-Scots/Orange or Protestant dimension that exists
in the States and has made such a positive contribution to
society there.
“The contacts we made there will be extremely beneficial
to the Order and I believe that ultimately they will also
be beneficial to Northern Ireland.
“We have been working very closely and successfully
with the tourist authorities on both sides of the border in
Ireland and we all know that the American market is one that
we can tap into.
“Great strides have been made in promoting the Twelfth
and there is much more that can be done.
“Cultural tourism can be a major asset to our economy
and the Order is fully prepared to play its role.
“During the year we have also worked with the Irish
Government on the development of the Boyne Battlefield site
at Drogheda. This marvellous site will be a big attraction
for visitors to this island and it will explain the history
of the Order and why the Boyne was so important.
“We held our own very successful Williamite Archive
exhibition during the year and it was my pleasure to welcome
the then Secretary of State Peter Hain to open it.
We have continued to work with various government departments
such as the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure and with
district councils throughout Northern Ireland.
“There is an incredible amount of goodwill to the Institution
and although our detractors may not like that, it is a fact.
“Our education outreach has continued at great pace
and the Order has welcomed many schools and other bodies,
from different sections of the community, to our headquarters
at Schomberg House in Belfast. We are in the process of distributing
20,000 booklets on our history to schoolchildren and so far
they have been a fantastic success.
“We are an open organisation and we are proud of our
heritage and traditions and make no apologies for them.
“The younger population is interested in our history
and they engage with our Education Officer at every opportunity.
“Recently we launched a new Orange Superhero cartoon
figure in a bid to attract young members. The response to
the competition to name him has been fantastic and it has
come from members and non members of the Order.
“While we are looking forward we have also been able
to look back this year, on the 300th anniversary of the Act
of Union. I have been privileged to attend functions in Scotland
and England, marking the Act of Union and as far as the Order
is concerned the Union is crucial to our well-being.
“The continuing attacks on our Orange Halls and the
complete failure of the Parades Commission to address our
concerns in a fair and balanced way have been the downside
of a very good year.
“Our political leaders and other community leaders must
ensure that those who seek to demonise the Order are isolated
and ostracised. They must not be allowed to create an environment
where our property and traditions are somehow seen as fair
game.
“In the last couple of years no organisation has sought
to demonise the Orange Order as much as the Parades Commission.
They are absolutely useless and have contributed nothing to
this society. It is time they were wound up and disappeared
for good.
“I am honoured to lead the Orange Order and its 1200
lodges in Ireland. I believe we are a vibrant organisation
which is willing to play its part in society and give positive
leadership to a diverse range of views within the Protestant
population.”
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