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Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
  All about the Order

Making of the Order

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In his book "The Narrow Ground" A.T.Q. Stewart says: "Because the Orange Institution has often been held to be the cause of fermenting sectarian strife it has long ago been forgotten that its birth was not the cause but the consequence of prolonged and severe sectarian conflict lasting over 20 years in a part of County Armagh.

The Loyal Orange Institution was founded after the Battle of the Diamond on September 21, 1795. When the skirmish ended, the Protestants formed a circle, joined hands and declared their brotherhood in Loyalty to the Crown, the Country and the Reformed Religion.

 

Captain John Gifford, of the Royal Dublin Militia, stationed at Portadown, was present in Sloan's Inn at Loughgall when it was founded, and it is claimed that he made up the Oath and drew up the rules.

Amongst others present were James Wilson of the Dyan, Thomas Sinclair of Derryscallop and James Sloan, the Innkeeper who was regarded as the first leader.

As more of the gentry joined, the Institution grew so rapidly that District and County Lodges were formed.

It was soon recognised that there should be some uniformity of practice and on 12th July 1796 at Portadown the idea of a Grand Lodge was mooted.

Wolsey Atkinson of Portadown was appointed Secretary and requested to issue printed Lodge warrants as opposed to the previously hand-written "James Sloan" versions. And so the beginnings of the Order we know today. (click here for more information on The Early Years of the Order).

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