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Loyal Orange Lodge
The Orange Order is here to stay! Like it or loathe it, you cannot ignore it, as it is built into the fabric of Scottish Society. The prejudiced eye may blame the Orange Order for bigotry, for divisiveness, but we are proud to be members of the Orange family throughout the world.
There are at least three reasons why we believe Orangism plays a vital role in the affairs of Scotland Today. First of all 'Orangeism is a sign of visible unity for the protestant people - it is a brotherhood of men of goodwill who wish to ensure that the civil and religious liberty, which we cherish as citizens of the free world is maintained. We believe that such a focal point for protestants is essential to propegate the reformed and protestant faith, and provide a strong voice to safeguard the protestant way of life.
Let it be said that the Orange Order is not some kind of sinister secret society, but a brotherhood of men who contribute, by their valuble service and commendable sacrafice, to the constructive building of a better society for all.
The true Orangeman has the greatest respect for law and order and many members of our order serve Queen and country, with great gallantry in these turbulent times. He longs to see our country happy, prosperous, and a good place for all to live, together in peace and harmony. He wishes to protect for others civil and religious liberty he cherishes for himself.
The family motto of the Dutch House of Orange -
"I will Maintain" -
is our united aim in defence of the reformed faith.
Secondly Orangeism is a safeguard of valued liberty for the protestant people
- The Orange Order is not a body of bigots or extremeists who meet to threaten the person or property of any man. The Orangeman is pledged not to injure or upbraid any man because of his religious beliefs. He stands for tolerance and love towards all sections of the community strenuously will uphold the dignity and rights of the individual. The Order must be viewed against the backcloth of a world movement with strong ties with places as far distant as Ghana, United States, Canada and Australia. The perspective is not merely parochial but global and encompasses the protestant cause throughout the world. The Order seeks to accept fully the responsibility to be politically involved in wise citizenship and compassionate communioty service.
Thirdly, Orangeism is a standard bearer of vital Christianity for the protestant people - the embryo out of which othe order was formed may be traced to Exeter Cathedral and the significant date was 12th of November 1688. Her was the "Engagement of the Nobles, Knights , and Gentlemen of Exeter to assist the Prince of Orange in the defence of the protestant religion". However, Orangeism came to life at the Battle of the Diamond, near Portadown on the 21st September, 1795. Around Dan Winter's cottage the struggle was engaged and the pledge was enacted in James Sloan's house nearby in Loughall. Here the protestants took Oath together and the object of the Order was formulated namely, to aid and assist all loyal subjects of all religious persuasion, by protecting them from violence and oppression.