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An Order in decline? Absolutely no evidence of the Orange
Order experiencing anything of the sort, writes a 'Standard'
correspondent.
It's not just the fact that there were huge parades throughout
Northern Ireland on the 'Twelfth' which confirmed the status
of the orange Order and the deep allegiance which hundreds
of thousands of Ulster Protestants have for an organisation
which has served them so well down the years.
Numbers are important, of course, and on this score the Orange
fares much better than many other organisations which find
it difficult to recruit in a changing social and demographic
society.
But it is not just the encouraging recruitment figures which
give rise for optimism in Orange ranks. It is that, plus the
fact that the Orange Order is making an impact in a whole
range of ways.
Today the Orange Order in Ulster is active in a whole range
of ways, involving itself in the concerns and activities of
the people it seeks to represent.
Orange Halls are invaluable in the work of the Order, and
one of the most encouraging factors is that more and more
halls are being modernised and upgraded.
These splendid buildings are to be seen in all parts of Northern
Ireland. On a drive through County Armagh recently I saw a
splendid hall in Marlacoo, close to a small lake. A short
distance from that I passed another fine hall at Ahorey, both
halls looking modern and well appointed.
That experience in Armagh could be repeated in any part of
the Province, and the significant factor is that a large percentage
of these halls are in rural areas where they serve not just
the members of the Orange family, but the wider community.
It's not just in the rural areas that halls are being improved.
The same thing is happening in Belfast, in halls like West
Belfast Orange Hall, Albertbridge Road Orange Hall, and Sandy
Row Orange Hall.
Also in big towns like Portadown, Ballymena, Coleraine and
Lurgan.
In this connection, Banbridge is an excellent example. On
a recent visit to that town I was shown around the Orange
Hall, and found it to be a hive of activity, even on a midday.
Halls are being improved, and the Orange Order is also making
great strides in things like credit unions and historical
societies.
The Order allows its halls to be used for things like flower
arranging, keep fit activities, playgroups, and advice centres.
Lodges are pursuing a whole new agenda when it comes to creating
interest for its members. It organises visits to places of
historical interest, picnics, barbecues, and boat trips.
These augment traditional activities like Lambeg drumming
matches, banner unfurlings, and social evenings.
This is all to be welcomed and does not take away one iota
from the main objectives of the Orange Order, the defence
of the Reformed Faith, and the maintenance of Northern Ireland's
position within the United Kingdom.
These will always be the prime reasons for the existence
of the Loyal Orders, but it makes good sense for the Order
to gear itself for fresh challenges, using the facilities
and the opportunities available to support its work and its
service to the people it serves.
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