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The Orange order is the oldest and
biggest Protestant fraternity in Ireland. We are an organisation of people
bonded together to promote the great ideals of Protestantism and Liberty.
Now in our third century, we were an established part of life and culture
long before the formation of so many other organisations.
When the inappropriately
named Defenders attacked Protestant weavers and farmers in this County in
1795 the Orange Order, which opposes tyranny in Church and State was
founded. It
is no surprise that the founders adopted the name of the British monarch
most associated with the early development of freedom and democracy -
King William III, Prince of Orange.
The Orange Order is also known as the
Orange Institution, the Orange Fraternity or, often, simply as the Orange.
However, the Institution is the corporate body (Grand Orange Lodge of
Ireland) constituting the whole structure of the Order including Private,
District and County Lodges.
The triumph of William III is
celebrated by Orangemen and women the world over with colourful parades.
In Northern Ireland the Order's annual Boyne Celebrations are this
country's biggest expression of Protestant culture, heritage and freedom.
No other voluntary organisation can match them for colour, music and crowd
appeal. There is far more to the Orange Order than the holding of
annual celebrations as you will discover when you read on.
Here you will find a wealth of
straightforward information about the County Grand Orange Lodge of Armagh,
which administers the 157 Private and 11 District Lodges based here. The
Orange cause has existed here since 1795 and still attracts the largest,
most colourful and organised parade in the country. But it is more than a
parading organisation and we hope you enjoy this visit and will come to
know more about us.
Now surf on into our Orange and
Protestant heritage........ |
