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A new book has been published, telling the story of the
Orange Order across the world.
Beyond The Banners has been published in a joint venture by
the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and Booklink, an international
publisher based in Holywood, Co. Down.
The 144 page hardback is a full colour, high quality production,
which features photographs and images of many artefacts held
by the Orange Order.
Beyond The Banners focuses on the Institution worldwide,
including countries where lodges no longer exist, such as
Malta, Cuba, Brazil, India, Nigeria, the Philippine Islands
and South Africa.
The publication places the Orange Order in the context of
Irish history and world society. It was launched at a reception
last night, Thursday, June 11, in Carrickfergus, the town
where William, Prince of Orange landed before the Battle of
the Boyne.
The authors of the book are Jonathan Mattison, David Scott
and David Hume. It was financed by the Educational Affairs
Committee of the Grand Lodge.
The cover of the publication is an impressive specially commissioned
piece of artwork, produced by graphic artist Kyle Thompson.
It is an iconic image of William arriving in choppy seas in
Belfast Lough with Carrickfergus in the background.
The coffee table book includes chapters on The Glorious Revolution,
early Orange Societies, the foundation of the Loyal Orange
Institution, fraternal bonds across the world and famous Orangemen.
There are also sections on Orange Halls, banners and regalia.
The book will be on sale at Schomberg House, the headquarters
of the Orange Order and also in bookshops at £20.
The Grand Master of the Orange Order, Robert Saulters said:
"I am thrilled with the book. It is a fantastic history
of the Orange Institution and can be enjoyed by everyone who
reads it, regardless of whether they are in the Order or not.
"Currently the Institution has nine grand lodges across
the world - Ireland, England, Scotland, Canada, the United
States, New Zealand, Australia, Togo and Ghana. We have 100,000
members and we are a vibrant organisation, centred on the
Reformed Protestant Faith, which makes a huge contribution
to society in so many different ways.
"There can be few cultural organisations as big as the
Orange Order with membership in different parts of the world.
"I am currently the President of the Imperial Orange
Council of the World. The Council meets every three years
in the various jurisdictions throughout the world and highlights
the brotherhood that exists across the world in common cause.
"I am delighted that delegates from all over the world
will hold their annual conference in Northern Ireland in July.
"Northern Ireland will be at the centre stage of Orangeism
this summer and the launch of this book was timed to coincide
with the arrival of so many of our friends from around the
world.
"I would like to thank everyone who was involved in
its production. Our designers, publisher and all the contributors
have worked exceptionally hard and I believe the end product
speaks for itself. The quality of their work shines out from
every page."
The publisher of the book, Claude Costecalde of Booklink
in Holywood said:
"I have worked on a number of other big publications
such as Presbyterians in Ireland and Stormont, the House on
the Hill and they have been very successful. I believe that
the image of the Orange Order has been unfairly dented over
the years and I trust that this book will redress the situation.
"As a Frenchman, I have been fascinated by the Orange
Order and it has been a privilege to work with so many committed
people.
"This book will be unique. Beyond The Banners is a wonderful
gift, a reference book and a comprehensive guide to the history
of an organisation that has been an important part of society
for more than 200 years."
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