What is the Orange Institution ?

It is both a religious and a patriotic association; religious in having its roots firmly grounded in our country's reformed Heritage, and patriotic in reflecting an unswerving allegiance to the British Crown.

Why does it bear the title "Orange" ?

In memory of William, Prince of Orange (pictured right), who finally secured our nation's religious freedom and democratic forms of government at the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

But surely all that is past history ?

Yes, of course it is history. But if we consider that there is little liberty in many countries today, and that even our own freedoms must be preserved, then we should be all the more thankful for those stirring events of 1688 - and all the more determined to maintain our liberties !

When was the Orange Institution founded ?

Orange 'Lodges'as we know them today did not come into being until 1795, when a small group of men gathered in the village of Loughgall and resolved "that at all times they would stand together, fight for the faith of the Reformed Church, and by all lawful means support, maintain and defend the Soverign and Protestant Succession to the Throne, and to the utmost of their power keep the peace and the public safety".

The Orange Institution thus formed in 1795 was very much born out of dire necessity, during one of the worst times of religious bitterness and resentment in Ireland. It's not surprising that those who first assembled in Loughgall adopted the name of "Orange" - the name identified, more than any other, with the concept of civil and religious liberty.

Is the Orange Institution a secret society ?

An organisation that annually puts thousands of its members colourfully and noisily onto the public streets could scarcely be called a "secret" society! Orangemen make no secret of their membership, and the Principles and Precepts of Orangeism are an open boast. Yet the Orange Institution is organised into "Lodges", and Lodge meetings are not open to non-members. So, in this sense, it might be described as a 'society with secrets' rather than a 'secret society'.

What is an Orangeman ?

An orangeman is a member of the Orange institution and conforms to the Qualifications of an Orangeman.

An orangeman is :-

Are Orangemen expected to take Oaths ?

No. A candidate for membership is simply required to affirm his loyalty to the Crown, and his acceptance of the Principles of the Reformation.

Are your annual parades not a bit pointless ?

People the world over love to celebrate! Our parades are nothing more than celebrations. July is the great Orange festive month, and Orange parades are held throughout the world, to celebrate the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which won an open Bible for all, freedom of speech and liberty of worship.

But your parades are surely anti-Roman Catholic !

From time to time our parades are accused of being "provocative" to the Roman Catholic community. Orangeism is most certainly a distinctly Protestant affair, and Orange parades reflect the determination to maintain a Protestant Throne and liberty of worship. But it is well to emphasise that all other faiths, including the Roman Catholic, enjoy equally the same freedoms that Orangemen celebrate each July.

So Orangeism is NOT anti-Roman Catholic ?

It would be more positive to emphasise what the Orange Institution is FOR rather that what it might be AGAINST! Orangeism means Loyalty! Loyalty to their Church, loyalty to their country, loyalty to their Queen.

Naturally, there is a reverse side to every coin.

Because Orangemen love their country, and are zealously concerned to promote its best interests, then they will resist destructive political elements, such as Communist, anarchist and fascist groups, from gaining undue influence over the life of the nation.

Similarly, because the Orange Institution is built, like the Reformed Church, on the Infallible Word of God - the Bible - Orangemen will unreservedly condemn not only the unscriptural doctrines of the Church of Rome, but also the dangerous errors of the modern heresies, and also the godlessness of the humanists and atheists.

But it should be understood that Orangeism does not foster resentment or intolerence. Orange condemnation of any particular political or religious ideology is directed against the party machine or the church doctrine, and NOT against individual adherents or members.

I have heard that Orangemen don't attend their churches !

This is an old chestnut. It is a present-day dilemma shared by all Christian organisations. Of course Orangeism has its fair share of black sheep and backsliders. But the Orange Institution does encourage all members to share in the public worship of God.

Prayers and Scripture readings are an integral part of every Lodge meeting and many Orangemen and women are to be found serving their local congregations.

The Orange Institution is surely declining ?

Far from it. A new liveliness and sense of purpose has revitalised an association which is as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

Click here to read a "New Historical Appreciation of Orangeism"