Royal York L.O.L. 145

John Harcourt (26th April 1928 - 21st February 2026)

2026-02-21T18:51:00.000+00:00

John Harcourt

John Harcourt, late of Balmoral Avenue and recently of Cadogan Park, has passed away peacefully in hospital following a short illness.

John was a stalwart of many things. He was a member of Royal York LOL 145 for 80 years, the Masonic for 68 years, the Railway Preservation Society from its foundation and the Unionist Party for most of his life. 

He served the Ward of St. Anne’s from 1951 to 1973 as a member of Belfast Corporation. He resigned in protest of the dilution of powers by the Westminster Government after Local Government reform. 

Amongst his achievements he led on the establishment of the Belfast Zoo and the Museum at Cultra. 

His late father (also John) was a member of Belfast Corporation and served as Lord Mayor. When appointed he resigned his Stormont seat of Woodvale to take up his seat in the Senate. 

John Junior’s family owned F. E. Harcourt and Company coal merchants, providing coal to the City Hospital amongst other many customers. 

John at a recent Lodge Meeting recalled hearing Lord Craigavon speak at a Belfast Twelfth in Finaghy when he was five where he uttered the famous slogan “Not an inch”.

John was an Honorary Member of his Orange Lodge and served as Worshipful Master in 1986. He was also Honorary President of the South Belfast Association of the Unionist Party until his death. He was an active member and former President of the Railway Preservation Society and opposed the closure of lines in the 1960’s. 

John was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and was to go and work for a shipping company in South Africa until a seat in Belfast Corporation became vacant. The rest they say is history. 

John is survived by his brother Peter and will be fondly remembered by his Brethren in Royal York LOL 145 and his Masonic Lodge County 381 (Hollywood).

ADC

Wor. Bro. Dr. James Dunn Laird PM (7th August 1938 - Ulster Day, 28th September 2025)

2025-09-28T18:00:00.000+00:00

Dr James Dunn Laird

The Lodge regret to announce the passing of W. Bro. Dr. James Dunn Laird PM. 

Dr Laird joined the Lodge in 1965 along with his brother, the late Lord Laird of Artigarvan (d. 2018), and served twice as Worshipful Master (1989-1990 & 2002-2006). 

Both John and James followed their father into the Lodge, the late Dr. Norman Laird OBE, a local GP in West Belfast and MP in the Stormont Parliament. His mother Margaret also served as a member of Belfast Corporation and was involved in the Orange Women’s Association (Sandy Row WLOL 17)

Dr Laird was a staunch Orangeman, being active across the Institution as well as his own private Lodge, LOL 145. He was a former Chairman of Belfast OrangeFest, where he sought to balance tradition with new creative ways to celebrate and promote our Orange history and heritage. 

A Consultant Radiologist, Dr Laird served across Ulster in his career in both the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Londonderry. He also worked in Saudi Arabia, Australia and the USA. He served as Chairman of the Positron Emission Tomography Institute. 

He never gave up for his patients and lobbied as high as the Secretary of State for new equipment to help them. He famously entertained Richard Needham MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, at his home in Doagh, Co. Antrim. 

Success for a new scanner came from an unlikely source, the then Health Minister, Sinn Féin’s Barbara Brown. 

He was a member of Queen’s University OTC in the Medical Corps during his time at Queen’s University Belfast. 

Being the son of an MP, he was also active in politics, albeit behind the scenes, as a young Unionist and later in Londonderry City when he was working at Altnagelvin. 

Dr Laird is survived by his wife Arleen, daughters Joanne and Victoria, Step son, Graham, Grandson Graham Steven Barton and Great Granddaughters Abigail and Penelope. 

Dr Laird will be greatly missed by his Brethren in Royal York LOL 145 and all those who knew him. 

A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at Ballyclare Presbyterian Church at 12:30pm on Friday 3rd October followed by a private cremation. 

“The Lord is My Shepherd” Psalm 23

https://www.funeraltimes.com/dr-jameslaird455423897

ADC

230th Anniversary Parade in Saintfield

2025-06-07T18:15:00.000+00:00

Royal York LOL 145, one of the oldest Lodges in Ulster, was founded in 1796 by members of the York Fencible Regiment based in the province at a time of the threat of invasion by France.

It seemed fitting on Saturday 7th June to mark its 230th year with a parade in Saintfield to mark the 1798 Battle of Saintfield where the York Fencibles were ambushed by a group of United Irishmen.

"𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭. 𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨. 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟕𝟗𝟖 𝐛𝐲 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝.
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐥𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐬.
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐫.
“𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐭. 𝐖. 𝐁𝐫𝐨. 𝐑𝐞𝐯. 𝐈𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐦 ‘𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬’ 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨. 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐖. 𝐁𝐫𝐨. 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝟏𝟕𝟗𝟖.”

Commenting on the day, Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Rodney Gilmour, said:

"𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬. 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨. 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐡.

“𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐒𝐍𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞.

“𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐑𝐭. 𝐖. 𝐁𝐫𝐨. 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 Saintfield District 5 Loyal Orange Lodge 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞 Killinchy Old York LOL 1545 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 .

Deputy Master, W. Bro. Dr. Andrew Charles added:

"𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐫. 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲, 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧.

“𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭.”

HM Queen Elizabeth II - 1926 - 2022

2022-09-08T18:22:00.002+00:00

HM Queen Elizabeth II

HM Queen Elizabeth II

1926 - 2022

The Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren express their great sorrow at the passing of The Queen this afternoon. Her devotion and service to our Nation, Realm, the Realms and Members of the Commonwealth and to the world will be remembered for many years to come. Our thoughts are with The King, the Queen Consort and the entire Royal Family at this time.

GOD SAVE THE KING

An Address by Miss Grace Roe (Suffragette), April 1919

2019-04-02T11:14:00.000+00:00

Grace Row in 1905

The following is an extract from our Lodge minute book from 100 years ago.

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Address by Miss Grace Roe

At close of Lodge meeting held on Wednesday the 2^nd April 1919, Bro Dr Marcus Clements introduced Miss Grace Roe, a member of the Women’s Political Party and one whom had done yeoman work for her party, and was now doing equally good work for our Coalition and Unionist Government.

Miss Roe who was warmly welcomed spoke on what women had done during the war, their efforts in S Wales and other industrial cities in preventing strikes, and helping out army in Flanders, the principal plank of the woman’s party platform, was the “Union between England and the rest of the British Empire, watching the Vatican, and a knowledge of the Irish Question, on International Finance, and the Finances of the Socialist Party, were all captured by the Vatican and Germany. Irish Roman Catholics were being urged to join a Centre Labour Party.

The Women’s Party beside doing a good work during the war in munitions and other activities, had owing to the franchise being extended to them, voted Bolshevik Labour at the General Election.

The utter futility of shop stewards, Bolshevik committees and the attempts of Sein Fein to form with Labour were fully exposed, and the pamphlet issued by the Irish Transport Union Each for all and all for each was an example of the methods employed generally.

Miss Roe displayed an intimate knowledge of the many social questions of the day, and at the close of her address, was thanked very warmly by the WM for her entertaining and instructive address.

Bro Davison DM, proposed that the best thanks of the meeting be accorded to Miss Roe which was seconded by Bro R Tougher and passed by acclamation.

Miss Roe suitable replied, and thanked the Lodge for the opportunity given her to address a meeting of Orangemen.

God Save the King

John Sayers

Secretary

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Lord Laird Orange Memorial and Celebration Service

2018-11-01T11:12:00.003+00:00

John Laird, Lord Laird of Artigarvan

This Saturday (3 Nov 2018) we hold our Orange Memorial and Celebration to the life of Bro John Laird (Lord Laird) in St Mary Magdalene's Parish Church, Donegall Pass at 3pm.

There will be representatives from Grand Lodge, Boyne Obelisk LOL 1690 and the wider Orange family, as well as entertainments from the world of Ulster-Scots in Dance, Pipes and Song.

All friends of John are invited to attend, and as this is an Orange Service, members of the Institution are requested to wear regalia.

There will be a retiring collection for the Grand Master’s Appeal; the Drew Nelson Life and Legacy Project.

Lord Laird of Artigarvin (23 April 1944 – 10 July 2018)

2018-07-10T18:07:00.000+00:00

Lord Laird

John Dunn Laird grew up in a generation which witnessed much change within the second half of the twentieth century. Growing up in a staunch unionist family, when political unionism was in a much stronger position than it is today, events during his lifetime were to influence his political life.
John Laird was not just the life and soul of the party, he was the party, not afraid to speak his mind, while being warm, welcoming and good company. This is what you might expect from a ‘PR’ man, but he was unique, namely in that he overcame personal difficulties, being dyslexic during a period when such support we have today did simply not exist yet succeeded in life, in business, political and family life.
Two things John Laid will be remembered for include: his passion for Ulster-Scots and the Orange Institution. John was never a pessimist. This made him unique with regard to his political outlook in life.
He was also unique in that, given his public profile prior to becoming a Life Peer, he was open, outspoken and committed to the ideals of Unionism while being in private business during the dark days of ‘the Troubles’. Such a thing is unheard of these days, but Public Relations was what he thrived at, and his optimistic and jolly personality is something that many could learn from.
Lord Laird was never far from the media. He was always up for a challenge and an argument, in the belief that he was right. He took on the Irish Government over their policy on Gaeltacht areas (designated Irish Language communities), challenged them over their links with members of the Provisional IRA and named members of the IRA believed to be responsible for the murder of south Armagh man, Paul Quinn in Parliament.
John Dunn Laird was born on 23 April 1944 in Belfast to Norman and Margaret. He grew up on the Somerton Road and was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. Norman, his father, was a local GP, and eventually fulfilled his ambition of becoming an MP at the infamous ‘Crossroads’ election of February 1969. His time as an MP was cut short, however, on his sudden death in April 1970.
John was to follow in his father’s political footsteps and successfully defended the seat of St Anne’s, held by his father, which included some of the most deprived parts of Belfast, in the subsequent by-election. He was the last MP to be elected to the old Stormont Parliament and also the youngest, aged just 26.
One of his acts during his short time in the Northern Ireland Parliament was to vote against his own Government, opposing a ban on certain Twelfth Demonstrations in 1972. As a loyal and staunch member of the Orange Order, a Member of Royal York LOL 145, he was true to his ideals and fought for what he believed was right and proper.
John went onto top the poll in the West Belfast seat to the newly established Sunningdale Assembly in 1973 and again in the 1975 Convention. He continued to be politically active; however, with little or no guarantee of an income he launched, the first modern-day PR firm – John Laird Public Relations.
Given his own personal abilities, the business proved successful while retaining an active role in Unionist politics.
As political arrangements re-emerged in the 1990s, he put his weight behind UUP Leader, David Trimble (now Lord Trimble of Lisnagarvey) and in 1999 was appointed a Life Peer alongside his friend and best man at his wedding, Dennis Rogan. John became the first head of the newly established Ulster-Scots Agency. He was also an early activist in the establishment of Belfast Orangefest.
John both lived and loved life and will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. He is a loss to Ulster, Orangeism and Unionism. John is survived by his brother James, wife Carol, son David and daughter Alison.

ADC

Annual Whiterock Parade

2018-06-25T06:30:00.000+00:00

SATURDAY 30TH JUNE

Annual Whiterock Parade

Brethren & Sisters to assemble in Glenwood Street at 2.00 p.m. for 2.15 p.m.

United Districts Parade of North Belfast

2018-06-11T06:30:00.000+00:00

FRIDAY 15TH JUNE

United Districts Parade of North Belfast (Duncairn Gardens/Tigers Bay areas)

Brethren & Sisters to assemble as per Districe Lodge at 7.15 p.m. for 7.30 p.m.

Annual Church Parade for the City of Belfast Loyal Orange Widows Fund

2018-04-23T06:30:00.000+00:00

SUNDAY 29TH APRIL

Annual Church Parade for the City of Belfast Loyal Orange Widows Fund

Brethren and Sisters to assemble as per District at 2.15 p.m. for 2.30 p.m. parade to St. Aida’s Parish Church

One Hundred Years on ... Minutes of Meeting, 3rd April 1918, Death of James Donnelly

2018-04-04T08:00:00.000+00:00

York L.O.L 145

Clifton St Orange Hall

Belfast

3rd April 1918

The usual monthly meeting of this Lodge was held on the above date, Bro Edward Leathem, WM presided and Bro Joseph Davison, DM occupied the vice chair.

The Lodge was opened in proscribed form, and a portion of scripture having been read by Bro Rev Dr Walker, the minutes of the previous meeting were read and passed.

There was no meeting of the Lodge Com’ held owing to the Easter Holidays.

Death of Bro 2nd Lieut James A Donnelly RFC

The WM referred to the sad news which was in possession of most of our members, viz the death from wounds received in France of our dear Bro Lieut Jas A Donnelly, his loss to our Lodge was deeply felt by all his brethren and he begged to express for them his sincere regret and deepest sympathy, further his loss to the community in general, as a Loyal Protestant, and a sound Unionist was a very severe blow when all such staunch champions as him were wanted in the present crises.

The D.M. Bro Davison, Bro J L P McKeown and Bro Dr Walker also paid tribute in sympathetic terms to the loss of Bro Donnelly who was beloved by all who knew him.

A resolution of sympathy and condolence was passed in silence, all present standing.

Bro R Tougher pro and Bro Dick seconded a Deputation consisting of the W.M., the D.M., the Secretary and Bro Hodgen, want upon Mrs Donnelly and convey the resolution of sympathy from the Lodge Passed.

Bro Davison D.M. pro that the Lodge adjourn this meeting as a further token of our respect for the late Bro J A Donnelly, this being sec by Bro Kempston was passed unanimously.

Bro R Tougher suggested that the secretary consult with Bro Rev R Dixon Patterson, Rector of St Barnabas Church in order that a memorial service be held on Sunday 7th inst in memory of Bro Donnelly, which was agreed to.

Lodge Closed

The Lodge was then closed in due form.

God Save the King

Edward Leathem WM

John Sayers Secty

Easter Parades

2018-03-30T07:00:00.000+00:00

MONDAY 2ND APRIL

Apprentice Boys of Derry Annual Easter Outing

Brethren to assemble in Regent Street as per instruction

TUESDAY 3RD APRIL

Annual Easter Outing for Junior County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast

Brethren & Sisters to assemble at West Belfast Orange Hall at 9.30 a.m.

Orange to honour last man to die a member of the Royal Flying Corps

2018-03-24T10:29:00.001+00:00

James Alexander Donnelly

Royal York L.O.L. 145 is holding a centennial service of remembrance today to a late Member, Second Lieutenant James Alexander Donnelly, and our other fallen brethren of World War 1.

Bro Donnelly is considered to be the last man to die a member of the Royal Flying Corps on the 31 March 1918, as on 1 April it became the Royal Air Force.

A new Roll of Honour to all the Brethren who served and fell from LOL 145 will be dedicated at the service.

Wor. Bro. Colin Cavan, Worshipful Master of Royal York LOL 145 said:

“It is a privilege to honour these men and remember their sacrifice to King and Country. We are also particularly pleased to be joined at the service by much of the extended Donnelly family to remember their particular sacrifice, in the loss of a Father, Brother and staunch & true Ulsterman, James Donnelly.”

Wor. Bro. Lord Rogan of Lower Iveagh, Past Master of LOL 145 added:

“James Alexander Donnelly and his siblings John, Frank and Jane are that incredible story that comes to its own in Ulster. From what we would call today a ‘mixed’ family (their father being born a Roman Catholic), they went on to be pillars of the community in Orange, Business, Church and the Army circles. In James’ case, to excel in the new sciences of Telegraphy and Aviation. The fact we are remembering him today, is a testament to the great loss his passing was, not only to the Orange Institution, but to the Nation at large.”

The service will be held in Ballintoy Parish Church. Ballintoy was the church of the Donnelly family, and as Bro Donnelly was the most senior Lodge officer (as Lay Chaplain) to perish in the Great War, it was decided that the memorial service should be held there. His name, and those of his Brothers, the Rev John and Major Frank Donnelly, are inscribed on the Church War Memorial tablet.

The service will begin at 2PM and will be conducted by the local minister, the Rev. Patrick Barton BA BTh, with the sermon and dedication carried out by the Lodge Chaplain, Bro. the Rev. Iain Jamieson.

All are welcome to the service.

Parade to Thanksgiving Service for the life and witness of St. Patrick

2018-03-12T07:30:00.000+00:00

SUNDAY 18TH MARCH

Parade to Thanksgiving Service for the life and witness of St. Patrick

Brethren & Sisters to assemble in Hopewell Ave. at 2.15 p.m. for 2.30 p.m. parade to Townsend St. Presbyterian.

Sunday 12th - Palmer Street Rembrance Service

2017-11-06T22:05:00.000+00:00

NOVEMBER

Sunday 12th - Palmer Street Rembrance Service

Assemble Brookemount Street 2.00 pm for 2.30 pm

Sunday 29th - Reformation Service

2017-10-23T21:05:00.000+00:00

OCTOBER

Sunday 29th - Reformation Service

Assemble Hopewell Avenue 2.15 pm for 2.30 pm

July Parades

2017-07-03T21:02:00.000+00:00

JULY

Sunday 9th - Annual Boyne Anniversary Service

Assemble Hopewell Avenue 2.15 pm for 2.30 pm

Wednesday 12th - Boyne Demonstration Parade

Assemble Hopewell Avenue 9.45 am for 10.00 pm

June Parades

2017-06-12T21:02:00.000+00:00

JUNE

Friday 16th - United Districts Parade (Shankill)

Assemble Hopewell Avenue 7.15 pm for 7.30 pm

Saturday 24th - Annual Whiterock Parade

Assemble Glenwood Street 2.00 pm for 2.15 pm

Sunday 25th - LOL 977 Somme Rem. Service

Assemble Hopewell Avenue 2.15 pm for 2.30 pm

Saturday 6th May - Luther 500 Rally in Portadown

2017-05-01T21:01:00.000+00:00

MAY

Saturday 6th May - Luther 500 Rally in Portadown

Details of Bus Times as per County and District instructions.

Grand Lodge calls for 'unity of purpose'

2017-04-27T13:31:00.000+00:00

The following is a statement on behalf of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland ahead of the upcoming General Election:

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland recognises the critical importance and huge significance of the forthcoming General Election.

As the United Kingdom commences the process of exiting the European Union it is essential a purposeful and stable Government is elected to act on behalf of, and deliver the best possible deal, for its citizens.

Equally, it is of the utmost importance that Northern Ireland continues to have a strong voice at Westminster. The June 8 poll will once again provide the opportunity for the people to vote for, and underline their support, for the Union.

As an Institution with a broad range of political opinion across our membership, Grand Lodge welcomes any closer collaboration between the pro-Union political parties.

We believe it is in Northern Ireland’s vital interests for as many Unionist MPs as possible be returned to our mother Parliament.

In order to maximise the pro-Union vote in this election it is incumbent on our Unionist leaders and representatives to cooperate and coalesce, parking party interests and acting in the best interests of the Union.

Such strategic thinking and cooperation is all the more crucial at a time when republicanism is buoyant following its recent electoral success.

Republicans simply do not care if Northern Ireland succeeds as an integral part of the United Kingdom. The opportunity to answer their united Ireland agenda and insatiable demands will occur on 8 June. The onus more than ever is on Unionism to come together, selling its collective ideals to the widest possible audience.

For our part, the Orange Institution will continue to seek to be a catalyst, where possible, to bring unionists together on common causes or certain issues. As a major stakeholder in this Province we will always seek to do what is necessary and in the best interests of Unionism.

We would once again encourage all our members, family and friends to exercise their democratic franchise, fought for so valiantly on our behalf. In mobilising the pro-Union vote, we will also be appealing for those not already registered to vote to ensure they do so, and those requiring a postal or proxy vote apply at the earliest opportunity.

Show unity of purpose - vote Unionist on June 8.

Sunday 30th - Widows Fund Annual Service

2017-04-24T21:01:00.000+00:00

APRIL

Sunday 30th - Widows Fund Annual Service

Assemble Hopewell Avenue 2.15 p.m. for 2.30 p.m.

Sunday 19th - St. Patrick’s Thanksgiving Service

2017-03-13T22:00:00.000+00:00

MARCH

Sunday 19th - St. Patrick’s Thanksgiving Service

Assemble Hopewell Avenue 2.15 p.m. for 2.30 p.m.

In Memoriam: Cyril Crooks

2017-02-06T14:14:00.001+00:00

Cyril Crooks

23rd January 2017

(Past Master 1960)

It is with sadness that we record the death of Cyril Crooks, Past Master and Member of Royal York L.O.L. 145 and the Loyal Orange Institution of Ireland. Son of Jimmy Crooks (also a past member), he was a pleasant, amicable and friendly man, a testament to his conduct as a Sales Manager in career and a football referee for the Irish Football Association. His conduct in, and commitment to , our institution was never for personal gain but for the benefit of others, and was consistent with his actions in the wider community in which he lived and worked. We will mourn his passing, but nowhere will that loss be more greatly felt than with his immediate family and family circle and to them we extend our heart felt sympathy.

Worship Master, Officers and Brethren of Royal York L.O.L. 145.

Sunday 13th November– United Districts Annual Palmer Street Remembrance Service

2016-11-07T22:27:00.000+00:00

Sunday 13th – United Districts Annual Palmer Street Remembrance Service
Brethren and Sisters to assemble at West Belfast Orange Hall at 2.15 p.m. for 2.30 p.m. parade.
Remembrance Service at the Orange Memorial, Bray Court at 3.15 p.m.

Sunday 30th October – Annual Reformation Service hosted by D.L.O.L. 7/8.

2016-10-24T21:26:00.000+00:00

Sunday 30th – Annual Reformation Service hosted by D.L.O.L. 7/8.
Brethren and Sisters to assemble as per local instructions.