Limavady District LOL No.6 recently held a very successful
cultural festival to celebrate the life of Bro. William Ferguson
Massey a native of Limavady who went on to be Prime Minister
of New Zealand between 1912-1925.
Alderman George Robinson opened the festival on Saturday
June 28 where the District Lodge laid out an exhibition of
Orange artifacts in Limavady Orange Hall, as well as a display
on the life and times of Bro. William Ferguson Massey, who
was a member of L.O.L. No.10 Auckland, New Zealand.
Festivities throughout the two-week festival also included
the Battle of the Somme Commemoration and Dedication of a
new banner by L.O.L. No. 254 where local Orangemen and Bands
held a short parade of the town.
A very successful children's fun day was held at Limavady
Showgrounds with lots of events for the public to take part
in, the night also saw the two local junior lodges contest
the Massey Cup, which was won by Ballynarrig Junior L.O.L.
No. 211. The inter-lodge tug-o-war was also well supported
with Aghanaloo L.O.L. No. 656 being victorious.
The highlight of the week was the unveiling and dedication
of a plaque in honour of Bro. William Ferguson Massey by Dr.
Jill McIvor CBE, Honorary New Zealand Consulate to Northern
Ireland. Dr. McIvor spoke on the achievements of Prime Minister
Massey and confirmed that he had been an active member of
L.O.L. No. 10 in Auckland, New Zealand. The plaque now takes
pride of place in the entranceway in Limavady Orange Hall.
The festival was brought to a close on July 12 with the District
officers of Limavady District No .6 placing an Orange Sash
on the Statue of William Ferguson Massey, which is situated
outside the Borough Council Offices.
Limavady District Lodge hopes to mark the occasion again
next year in celebration of this native Limavady Orangeman.
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