The Royal Black Institution
The Royal Black Institution is an appendant body to the Royal Arch Purple Order (which in turn is an appendant body to the Loyal Orange Institution).
It is active in Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Togo and Ghana. It organises one of the oldest and largest occasions on the loyalist calendar - 'The Royal 13th' at Scarva. Unlike the Orange Order, the Royal Black Institution does not have multiple, autonomous 'National Grand Lodges' scattered throughout the world. Instead, it has a single 'Grand Chapter' that governs the entire organisation on an international basis. The full title of this global ruling body is 'The Imperial Grand Black Chapter of the British Commonwealth'. Its worldwide headquarters was (until 2018) located in Brownlow House (also known as 'Brownlow Castle'). A new state-of-the-art headquarters is presently being developed in Loughgall. Branches of the Royal Black Institution are called 'Royal Black Preceptories'. The word 'preceptory' means 'a company of knights'. Members are referred to as 'Sir Knight & Brother'. There are 454 Preceptories and 50 Royal Black District Chapters scattered across the island of Ireland. A significant number of Preceptories are located (or 'encamped') in and around the Greater Bushmills Area. They function under the care of 'Ballymoney Royal Black District Chapter No 5'. The Ballymoney Royal Black District Chapter is governed by 'County Antrim Grand Black Chapter'. Whilst there is no Preceptory attached to Benvarden Lodge, quite a few of our members do hold membership of the largest local Preceptory, namely Ballyoglagh RBP 486. |
Brownlow House (also known as Brownlow Castle) - the largest Orange Hall in the world, set in nearly 30 acres of ground with its own lake. In addition to being an Orange Hall, this vast property served (until 2018) as the world headquarters of the Royal Black Institution (Imperial Grand Black Chapter of the British Commonwealth).
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The Molyneaux Mace
The Molyneaux Mace is probably one of the lesser known items held by the Imperial Grand Black Chapter as it is held in safe keeping and only used on special occasions and meetings of the Imperial Council.
The mace, dedicated on 4th December 1999, was presented to the Imperial Grand Black Chapter following donations from Sir Knights throughout the Institution. It was made in recognition of the twenty-seven years exemplary service rendered by the late Rt. Hon. Lord Molyneaux of Killead, KBE, Sovereign Grand Master of the Institution from 1971-1998.
The mace, dedicated on 4th December 1999, was presented to the Imperial Grand Black Chapter following donations from Sir Knights throughout the Institution. It was made in recognition of the twenty-seven years exemplary service rendered by the late Rt. Hon. Lord Molyneaux of Killead, KBE, Sovereign Grand Master of the Institution from 1971-1998.
ARE YOU INTRIGUED ?
If you hold the Royal Arch Purple Degree - take the Next Step in the
pilgrimage that began when, as a new candidate, you first approached
the Lodge Room Door in order to receive your Entered Orange Degree.
Join the Royal Black Institution!
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