Our Lodge's Garland
Our Lodge Garland was restored by Worshipful Master Bro A McLean.
It now hangs outside our Orange Hall every July.
It now hangs outside our Orange Hall every July.
The 4 Emblems Featured on our Garland
The Word of God - the Book upon which our Monarchy, Constitution, Union, Nation and Order are based.
Wyck's famous portrait - commemorating King William's landing at Brixham in 1688.
Walker's Pillar - commemorating Rev George Walker, Governor & Bishop of Londonderry, who died at the Battle of the Boyne.
The Star of Fellowship - reminding us of the fraternal bond that unites Orangeism worldwide.
Wyck's famous portrait - commemorating King William's landing at Brixham in 1688.
Walker's Pillar - commemorating Rev George Walker, Governor & Bishop of Londonderry, who died at the Battle of the Boyne.
The Star of Fellowship - reminding us of the fraternal bond that unites Orangeism worldwide.
The Annual Raising of the Garland Ceremony at Benvarden
The above photographs show our Lodge Piper and Benvarden Flute Band celebrating the Annual Raising of the Garland Ceremony at our Orange Hall. It is very encouraging indeed to see these traditions being passed on to the younger generation.
Our Garland Received A Certificate
from the County Antrim Grand Lodge Education Committee
A Brief History of Orange Arches
In his article entitled 'The Orange Arch: Creating Tradition in Ulster', Neil Jarman writes:
"The practice of erecting free-standing arch structures originated in ancient Rome, where triumphal arches were built as part of the public celebrations for returning military leaders, as a means of honouring the victorious warrior-hero and his army. Arches were introduced into England during the Renaissance. Throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, they were used extensively, particularly in royal pageantry. Elaborate arches were erected across the main thoroughfares of provincial towns to mark royal visits or as part of the celebrations of important events such as coronations, where they served both to honour the royal visitor and to demonstrate loyalty and devotion to the monarch. Such arches were temporary installations, but nevertheless were elaborately designed and often incorporated extensive floral displays to represent the virtues and qualities of the visitor."
"Throughout the nineteenth century, arches were utilised by friendly societies and other fraternal organisations to welcome members to important gatherings; they were also erected as part of wedding celebrations and for some religious occasions. Arches have therefore been used for a variety of public expressions: to welcome dignitaries, to honour the hero, to celebrate military victories, to greet friends and colleagues, and to mark import- ant events. The earliest reference to a formal arch in Ireland dates from 1790, when the Bishop's Gate in the Londonderry city walls was rebuilt as a replica of a triumphal arch in honour of King William III. Between 1795 and 1810, two other entrances to the city, Ferryquay Gate and Butcher's Gate, were also remodelled in a similar style."
"The arch has a wide range of public uses and a wide range of symbolic meanings."
"As well as their use by the state in military ceremonials, arches have also long been incorporated into the symbolic repertoire of a range of brotherhoods and fraternal organisations, including the Loyal Orders. In such cases, the arch may serve as a symbol of strength and unity, or it may symbolise the protection of God and the fellowship of the brotherhood. One can suggest, therefore, that there are two clear but distinct categories of meaning that can be applied to the arch symbol. The triumphal arch is used to honour the victorious military leader, and the arch of brotherhood is used to symbolise unity, equality and protection. Both meanings, of course, can exist simultaneously."
"The first description of an Orange arch dates from 1812, when Dr John Gamble witnessed decorations in the County Armagh village of Tandragee. He considered the village as "a perfect orange grove" and wondered at the "lofty arch" which stretched across "the entire street", and in which orange was "gracefully blended" with oak leaves, laurels, roses and bits of gilded paper.
"The practice of erecting free-standing arch structures originated in ancient Rome, where triumphal arches were built as part of the public celebrations for returning military leaders, as a means of honouring the victorious warrior-hero and his army. Arches were introduced into England during the Renaissance. Throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, they were used extensively, particularly in royal pageantry. Elaborate arches were erected across the main thoroughfares of provincial towns to mark royal visits or as part of the celebrations of important events such as coronations, where they served both to honour the royal visitor and to demonstrate loyalty and devotion to the monarch. Such arches were temporary installations, but nevertheless were elaborately designed and often incorporated extensive floral displays to represent the virtues and qualities of the visitor."
"Throughout the nineteenth century, arches were utilised by friendly societies and other fraternal organisations to welcome members to important gatherings; they were also erected as part of wedding celebrations and for some religious occasions. Arches have therefore been used for a variety of public expressions: to welcome dignitaries, to honour the hero, to celebrate military victories, to greet friends and colleagues, and to mark import- ant events. The earliest reference to a formal arch in Ireland dates from 1790, when the Bishop's Gate in the Londonderry city walls was rebuilt as a replica of a triumphal arch in honour of King William III. Between 1795 and 1810, two other entrances to the city, Ferryquay Gate and Butcher's Gate, were also remodelled in a similar style."
"The arch has a wide range of public uses and a wide range of symbolic meanings."
"As well as their use by the state in military ceremonials, arches have also long been incorporated into the symbolic repertoire of a range of brotherhoods and fraternal organisations, including the Loyal Orders. In such cases, the arch may serve as a symbol of strength and unity, or it may symbolise the protection of God and the fellowship of the brotherhood. One can suggest, therefore, that there are two clear but distinct categories of meaning that can be applied to the arch symbol. The triumphal arch is used to honour the victorious military leader, and the arch of brotherhood is used to symbolise unity, equality and protection. Both meanings, of course, can exist simultaneously."
"The first description of an Orange arch dates from 1812, when Dr John Gamble witnessed decorations in the County Armagh village of Tandragee. He considered the village as "a perfect orange grove" and wondered at the "lofty arch" which stretched across "the entire street", and in which orange was "gracefully blended" with oak leaves, laurels, roses and bits of gilded paper.