Irish
missionaries based in Nigeria formed the first Orange lodge in West Africa before the
First World War, with a view to promoting among new congregations the true spirit of
Christian fellowship.Inspired by the value of the principles of the order, Late Bro. Atayi, of Lome, with the support of Nigeria, formed the first Orange Lodge of Togo with a warrant dated September, 1915, issued from England.
During the Second World War the Lodge became Dormant. English language at meetings being an obstacle to the membership drive, French and local languages as supplement were adopted.
After several constitutional changes, with the sponsorship of England and Scotland and the approval of the Imperial Council, the Grand Lodge of Togo was inaugurated at Lome in March, 1983 by Wor. Bro. Rev. Martin Smyth, M.P., B.A., B.D.
With the moral and material support of other overseas Orange jurisdictions, Togo is making substantial progress, despite unfriendly attitudes of some of the evangelical Presbyterian clergymen.
Significant events in our jurisdiction include :-
. The surprise 12-hour visit to Togo in 1959 of Imperial Grand Master, the late Lt. Colonel T. Ashmore Kid.
. The visit of Mr. Tony Gray, a famous London-based author and journalist who was here in August 1972 for research work on world Orangeism.
. In 1983 the historic visit of M. Wor. Bro. Rev. Martin Smyth, M.P., B.A., B.D., who despite unbearable climatic conditions was able to complete his 14 day crowded programme.
. The friendly visit by the late Rt. Wor. Bro. W.C. Moody of Northern Ireland in January 1986.
. Sir Knt. Robert Warmsly of Glasgow, who was here in July 1988 on behalf of the Imperial Grand Black Chapter, to assist our RBP in lectures and floor work.
Presently Orange action in Togo is based on :-
. A positive Evangelism programme to which M. Wor. Bro. Rev. Martin Smyth is a financial contributor.
. A carefully balanced training scheme for the youth with the support of Victoria.
. Orange Sisters' philanthropic activities.
. "The Orange Fellowship" comprising all Protestants meeting regularly for prayers, social functions, lectures, video, etc., edits a monthly bulletin.
The generous gift of a literature van by brethren in Northern Ireland is enabling Togo Orangemen to carry out successfully a five-year development programme.
The victory of Protestants at the Boyne being the symbol of civil and religious liberties for all mankind, we thank the Almighty God that we also belong to this religious and patriotic order.
May we, by his grace, keep the true spirit of The Boyne - "No Surrender" so as to "Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."