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In
a previous edition of the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast
publication ‘The Twelfth,’ in the 1970s, the readers
were appraised of how each Twelfth, the general public greeted
the appearance of this Lodge on the streets of Belfast. Many sang
along with the Brethren as they sang hymns and appreciative applause
rippled along the route. Many though would proclaim,'Here's the
Christian Lodge coming!' Some might say that to make such a statement
is to infer insult on the other Lodges since the Institution as
a whole is unashamedly and firmly based on the Reformation Truth
of humble and steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, and
there were, and indeed still are, many fine Christian gentlemen
in Lodges across Belfast and further afield. However, in such a
proclamation that there was and is, something very different about
this Lodge, not just about the manner, dress and deportment of
the men who fill its ranks, there was evidenced something about
the countenance, joy, example and testimony being displayed, as
well as the direct and unmistakable message displayed on the banner.
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Banner of the Cross LOL 1310 was formed in 1949
with the motto 'For the Witness of Jesus and the Word of God'
(Revelation 1:2), but it was not originally intended to have
its now well-known title. The founding members had thought to
call the Lodge 'The Followers of Christ LOL', but when the warrant
was sought, Grand Lodge, in welcoming the new Lodge and approving
the warrant, suggested the title of the 'Banner of the Cross'.
The Brethren readily accepted this and so we have the unique
position of having our title ascribed to us by the Grand Orange
Lodge of Ireland. |
Much
has changed since 1949. The membership has changed of course with
almost all
the
founding Brethren now ‘at home’ in
glory and many men have come and gone as members, with transfers,
resignations and suspensions just as much a feature of our lodge
business as any others. Our approach to Orangeism as a whole has
changed, as the ethos itself has had to adjust radically to respond
robustly to the provocative and dangerous environment created or
indeed renewed by the enemies of Protestantism and Orangeism in Ireland
over the past 40 years. In addition to the witness for the Master
we have been engaged on achieving many targets associated with but
not primary to the furtherance of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The most recent significant change for the lodge is evident in the
fact that we are no longer a Belfast lodge. Banner of the Cross,
or ‘the Banner lodge’ is now an integral and contented
part of the Saintfield District No5 in the County of Down, having
been granted a transfer of warrant by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
at its meeting in March 2004. The story behind this event is covered
elsewhere on this site but it is not the warrant’s first sojourn
within County Down. The LOL 1310 warrant had been associated with
a lodge in Kircubbin on the Ards peninsula in the late 1800’s.
| They say that “the more things change the more they stay
the same” or that change “is the only constant”.
No matter what external factors have affected the lodge there
are fundamentals that have been the basis for the lodge’s
resilience and determination to survive and succeed against all
that Satan would throw at us. Singularly important is our defence
of and adherence to the old book as it is inspired, recorded
and sustained by the Holy Ghost in the Authorised King James
version. We make no apology for defaming and denouncing all modern
perversions as the lies and deceit of Satan or for rebuking those
who through either ignorance or malice, seek to use and or promote
per-versions such as the New International version and other
pathetic and dangerous iterations. |
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The
message has not changed. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ never
changes, it is as true today as it was in 1949, as it was in 1690,
as it was in Patrick’s day as it was for the Covenanters,
the Reformers and for hundreds of thousands of the elect right
back through the ages. Again we make no apology for nailing our
colours to Christ’s cause, we are not ashamed to speak His
name or own his cause. Every member of this lodge has a testimony
to give of the saving power of Christ in his life, of the day when
he met Christ as the Saviour of Calvary, of the blood applied for
cleansing and the spirit applied for a sanctified and spirit filled
life. Our Lord Jesus Christ is “the same, yesterday, today
and forever and we have it on his authority that “as many
as receive Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God
even as many as believe on His name”.
In the beginning....
The writer quite recently made a hazardous ascension into the attic and what
was intended to be a brief visit turned into a lengthy sojourn as he opened bags
and boxes containing Lodge history that until then, time had not permitted to
be examined. He found correspondence from almost every Lodge that exists in Belfast
today and some others which are now dormant, copies of balance sheets, Lodge
returns, transfer documents, photographs, old collarettes and other regalia.
He came upon details of the first ever annual social that welcomed the new Lodge
Officers who were as follows: W Bro. Victor S. McVea, Deputy Master Bro. J. Floyd,
Bro. J. Harrison, Secretary Bro. Joseph Wells, and the Lodge Chaplain, Bro. T.
McLearnon. From the programme, it appears that the Brethren, their families and
guests enjoyed a night of gospel music, recitations, comment, solos and humour
all preceded by a sumptuous dinner. Guest of honour was the Rev. Ian RK Paisley.
The District Chaplain, who gave an address towards the close of
the evening. It is also interesting to note that the Lodge
had its own Lodge choir and the year, 1949, meant that the
salute was God save the King!
Among the interesting items was a printed Lodge circular dated
June 1949 and entitled 'July 1949 Arrangements'. Central to the
celebrations that year was to be the unfurling of the first Banner.
This occurred on Friday 1st July 1949 prior to the Somme Anniversary
Parade with Ballymacarrett District, Belfast. The new Lodge Officers
took part in the service at which the hymn 'O God Our Help in Ages
Past' was sung and the Lodge choir continued the worship by singing
'Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah'. The Banner was unfurled at the
corner of Thorndyke Street and Templemore Avenue by the wife of
the Worshipful Master, Mrs McVea and the District Chaplain, the
Rev. Ian RK Paisley conducted the dedication.
It is interesting and even amusing to note that for the Lodge's
first Twelfth Parade, the Brethren were to travel to the home of
the Worshipful Master at Lichfield Avenue, Bloomfield via the number
20 trolley bus and after a short worship service, would proceed
on foot to join with the District for the parade to Finaghy. Walking
dues of 6 shillings were collected en-route.
Along the way...
In every Lodge history there is much to show the contented
and purposeful journey that a Lodge makes as the years go by. 1310
is no different and as the record will show, the Lodge and its Brethren,
many of whom enjoyed membership until their death, have contributed
much to the cause of Orangeism. There are also events which speckle
the history with moments of glory, ignominy and sorrow, and again,
1310 has had its fair share. During the 1970s when the Lodge was at
its height in membership, there was a severe split over a dispute of
honour between Brethren in the Lodge and unfortunately, this reduced
the Lodge seriously in number and a short period of decline set in.
By the early 1980s however, the Lodge was quickened by the introduction
of 'new blood', with young men dedicated to the old motto and cause.
It was also in the 1970s that the Lodge engaged in a protest over the
growing ecumenism in the established churches when a verbal protest
was carried out at the platform proceedings against the Rev. Donald
Gillies who had just aligned himself with the Roman priest at Holy
Cross, Ardoyne, whose chapel had been damaged by fire. The countenancing
of Romanism in any form or circumstance is an anathema to the Lodge,
it was so then and is even more so today, hence it was the view of
the Lodge that they had no alternative but to make the necessary challenges
regarding the particular ‘reverend’ gentleman and the circumstance
he engaged in. The protest of course cut across the protocol and dignity
of the Orange establishment of the day and it was not surprising that
the Belfast County Grand Orange Lodge felt that it had no option but
to act. A protracted investigation was carried out with the Lodge:
minute books were confiscated and examined and the Lodge Officers called
to account. A decision to suspend the Lodge for 1 year was upheld by
the Grand Lodge of Ireland despite an appeal by the Lodge. The writer,
who was a young boy at the time, well remembers the year that grandfather
and father joined us on the Lisburn Road rather than parading, but
despite the disappointment that any Orangeman feels when one is forced
to miss a parade, it was the general feeling that the protest had still
been worthwhile and very much a success, particularly when one views
the press coverage of the day. Items at the time of the protest were
supplemented the following Twelfth when the Belfast Telegraph and the
News Letter explained the arrangements for the demonstrations and explained
why one of the Lodges would not be taking part. Even by today's standards,
this would be described as successful coverage and the goal of exposing
the issue and promoting the existence of resistance to the ecumenical
drift had been achieved.
In comparatively recent times the Lodge has experienced a period of
deep sorrow. In the late 1980’s, one of our members, who in his
spare time was a member of the security forces, was callously murdered
by pan-nationalism through its terrorist medium the Irish Republican
Army. It was in the early morning of 25th February 1988 that Lodge
members heard that the latest of Ulster's sons to give his life in
the fight against evil was one of their own members. Bro. Fred Starrett,
a Private in Her Majesty's Ulster Defence Regiment, was killed when
IRA murderers planted a large semtex device at the construction site
of the Castle Court complex in Belfast. As Brother Frederick, a printer
of gospel literature in his full time job and his colleague,
James
Cummings began to close the security gates on Royal Avenue, the device
exploded killing both men.
Bro. Fred Starrett |
James
Cummings was also an Orange Brother, a member of Johnston's
Golden Star LOL 1934, No. 6 District Belfast. At the funeral
service for Brother Fred, the Rev. Dr. lan R K Paisley said
that, "Whitehall has sown the wind and the people of our
Province are reaping the whirlwind. Successive British Governments
have wilfully failed in their God-ordained responsibilities.
The many tombstones across Ulster today bear silent but eloquent
testimony to that.... The IRA planned to kill young Brother
Fred and his comrade and they achieved their vile goal and
upon their head is the guilt." This was an event which
devastated the Lodge and will always be remembered despite
the passage of time. As today we have seen the release of terrorists,
some of whom may have planted the device and thrown the switch
and who now benefit from the treachery of so called unionists
through the Belfast Agreement, the Lodge's only comfort, along
with the Starrett and Cummings families is that one day, those
who remain guilty will face the judgement of Almighty God.
We would remind the terrorists that there will be no escape
then and no release whatsoever. |
James Cummings was also an Orange Brother, a member of Johnston's
Golden Star LOL 1934, No. 6 District Belfast. At the funeral service
for Brother Fred, the Rev. Dr. lan R K Paisley said that, "Whitehall
has sown the wind and the people of our Province are reaping the
whirlwind. Successive British Governments have wilfully failed in
their God-ordained responsibilities. The many tombstones across Ulster
today bear silent but eloquent testimony to that.... The IRA planned
to kill young Brother Fred and his comrade and they achieved their
vile goal and upon their head is the guilt." This was an event
which devastated the Lodge and will always be remembered despite
the passage of time. As today we have seen the release of terrorists,
some of whom may have planted the device and thrown the switch and
who now benefit from the treachery of so called unionists through
the Belfast Agreement, the Lodge's only comfort, along with the Starrett
and Cummings families is that one day, those who remain guilty will
face the judgement of Almighty God. We would remind the terrorists
that there will be no escape then and no release whatsoever.
The Lodge has also had in its membership, those who served the public
in a variety of responsibilities. From the writer's memory, there
are and have been those who worked in industry, in law, wholesale
and retail outlets, printing, commerce, Local and Central Government
and Trade Unions. Some have given long service as elected members
to City and Borough Councils and notable among these is the late
W Bro. Alderman Robert J. Newman who served on Belfast City Council.
A Past Master of the Lodge and Chaplain for many years, he realised
his ambition of serving the people and gained the confidence of his
fellow councillors in being elevated to the position of Deputy Lord
Mayor of Belfast,
Left of picture: W Bro. Alderman Robert J. Newman
a post he held until his untimely death in 1981. He was known as
a man of God who uplifted the name of his Saviour, Jesus Christ and
was a witness for Him to all men. He was also the Clerk of Session
to the Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church, Ravenhill Road,
Belfast where he was leader of the Mens and ladies Bible Class. His
wife Mary unfurled the Lodge's fourth Banner on 1st July 1988 at
Lord Street City Mission Hall. Mrs Newman went to Glory in March
2003. Others who have served on councils include: William Dickson,
Robin Newton, who still currently serves on Belfast City Council
and David Gilmore who is one of the youngest Lodge members and recently
served on Ards Borough Council.
Lodge members have given service to the Institution willingly and
enthusiastically. The first Lodge member to attain District Officership
was W Bro. Joseph Wells who was District Chaplain, a position which
another 1310 member, W Bro. Robert Heyburn PM also held from 1995
until November 2002. W Bro Heyburn also held the post of Deputy County
Grand Secretary in the Belfast County Grand Orange Lodge serving
almost 11 years through to December 2002 and had also been a member
of the County Publications Committee serving as Chairman for several
years taking over from W Bro Mervyn Patterson and assisted by the
inexhaustible abilities of W Bro Stephen Smyth of LOL1934 who served
as Secretary to the Committee.
It is however, Robert's father, W. Bro. James Heyburn PM and Lodge
Treasurer who has shown the way in District terms as he was the District
Master of Ballymacarrett for almost 8 years and prior to this served
as Deputy District Master for 9 years.
| This
was a period of sustained renewal and improvement both in terms
of the infrastructure of the District Business, the environment
of the Albertbridge Road Orange Hall but also amongst the membership.
The Brethren of No.6 District had every confidence in the leadership
given by the District Master who brought different, yet masterly
qualities to the post and maintained the high standards set
by the previous occupants of the chair in terms of honour and
fairness, giving encouragement and guidance to all. The writer
should of course state that the Lodge was very proud to be
part of No.6 District Ballymacarrett W. Bro. James Heyburn
PM but following paragraphs will describe the events that and
have led to the termination of the connection to East W Bro.
Robert Heyburn PM Belfast. |
W. Bro. James Heyburn PM and
W Bro. Robert Heyburn PM |
A cool easterly gale
In the autumn of 2002 a structured challenge was launched from within No6 District
against the District officer team that would see almost all of that team ousted
despite their high work levels and significant achievements, including the
members of the District officer team who were from LOL1310.
Even before this disgraceful event and the consequent and unprecedented resignation
of the Worshipful District Master and his remaining key District Officers,
the lodge was aware of a hardened attitude towards LOL1310 members and the
lodge in general, its biblical stand and its fortitude to influence the operations
of No6 District from a Christian perspective ( an approach it has to be said
is fundamental to the basis of Orangeism but lost to the intellect of some).
Very quickly, the lodge realised and holds to its view that Ballymacarrett
District had become a cold house for bible-believing Christians and that potentially
our days as East Belfast Orangemen were numbered. It was decided through much
prayer and supplication and the reading of God’s Word to know His will
in the matter, that the time had come for Banner of the Cross to seek a new
pasture and to take its witness to a new arena, so that our witness for the
Lord could be outworked without threat from within. After 50 years of service
within East Belfast this was a very major decision to take and one that the
members did not pursue lightly or in a reactionary or devisive manner. Indeed
the decision itself was not without price and several members decided to remain
in the Ballymacarrett District despite the chill.
A strategy to achieve a transfer of warrant was drawn up based on invitations
that had been received from other Districts surrounding Belfast, who had heard
of the lodges troubles. Commencing our discussions in April 2003 about the
need and potential for a move of warrant, the decision was taken in September
of that year to write to Grand Lodge for its meeting in December and it was
envisaged that it would take through to the Grand Lodge meeting in March 2004
to achieve the objective.
In the intervening period the lodge decided that it would avail of the provision
for lodges to walk 1 year in 10 with another jurisdiction for the twelfth parades.
At the invitation of both Cahard LOL 551 and LOL688, Banner of the Cross paraded
as guests at the Crossgar demonstration for the mid-Down combine. This event
was to make a lasting impression with the Brethren. We enjoyed a relaxing and
enjoyable day. The weather was excellent and our welcome was unprecedented
in the lodge’s history and added to the lodge’s high impression
received at the pre twelfth parade in Saintfield earlier in July 2003. (The
lodge had decided not to parade in the Somme Anniversary parade in East Belfast
1 July 2003 for the first time in its history.) We also gained an award during
this outing in that the Brethren won the Best Lodge on Parade 2003 title and
whilst a little embarrassed that we as visitors had taken an award from the ‘locals’ the
lodge was nonetheless delighted at the recognition.
The members will recall that whilst our own catering arrangements fell short
of our usual expectation, we left Crossgar with much ‘food for thought’ on
our future and the synergy of our individual thinking indicated the burden
the Lord was laying upon our hearts to move away from Belfast. The September
2003 decision, when it came, rubber-stamped what the Brethren already knew
in their hearts was the right and imperative action to take.
Taking account of the process to be followed suggested by the Constitution,
Laws and Ordinances, the transfer team of Bro’s Robin Wilson, David Heyburn
David Fenton, Iain Adams, Noel Graham and Robert Heyburn, vigourously pursued
the transfer, entering into a complex series of correspondences with Grand
Lodge, Saintfield District LOL 5 and towards the end of the process, meetings
with Ballymacarrett District itself, who thought wrongly that they had a major
decision veto on the application. As previously anticipated and right on target,
the lodge was granted a transfer of its warrant by the Grand Orange Lodge at
its March 2004 meeting with the matter having been resolved at the most previous
meeting of Grand Lodge Central Committee. A fair, reasonable and sensible result
had been achieved and the Brethren of the lodge will forever be indebted to
the most significant number of those within Central Committee and Grand Lodge
who exercised wiser thinking and fraternal language to support what was a straight
forward and reasonable request. We are grateful to the Grand Master, Most Worshipful
Bro Robert S Saulters for his sound and equitable management of the matter
with our senior Brethren in what must have been quite difficult discussions.
And so now we find ourselves within Saintfield District and the Grand Orange
Lodge of County Down. The welcome we have received has been most heartening
and restorative in terms of renewing our faith in and understanding of the
true values of fraternal Orangeism. Our connection with Saintfield District
runs back quite a number of years before the transfer of warrant. On many occasions
the lodge was the guest of Cahard LOL 551 through invitation of the late W.
Bro Davy Shaw for the pre-twelfth parade particularly in the late 1980’s
and early 1990s. We also have connections with the Cross of St Patrick LOL
688 with previous 1310 members in membership there and many of our respective
Brethren sharing membership of the Royal Black Institution in RBP 146, the
Royal Black Knights of Patrick. Many of the members of other Saintfield lodges
are known to us through this route but also through church, cultural and youth
organisation activites.
W. Bro Alec Givens, |
Banner
of the Cross lodge paraded for the first time as a Saintfield
lodge on Friday evening 9th July 2004. The old banner was unfurled
to reveal silver tape disguising our previous District identifier
and the Brethren began to feel that we had indeed arrived to
a happier environment. A huge crowd awaited the parade in the
town’s main street and on the hill beside 2nd Saintfield
Presbyterian Church, a fine turnout of lodges and bands were
assembled for the celebration that would include an act of
remembrance for those who had died for country and cause in
many arenas of battle. We took our place between lodges 1207
and 1366 and were accompanied by our friends The Rising Sons
of Down Flute Band from Donaghadee, resplendent in their crimson
tunics. The lodge was very indebted to the band for turning
out with us, as they had agreed to a very last minute invitation.
Adding to the lodge’s joy that night was the presence
of our esteemed friend, W. Bro Alec Givens, W. Brother Alec
Givens, East Belfast LOL 528, who was the immediate former
Deputy District Master in Ballymacarrett. Our brother took
his place beside W.Bro James Heyburn who is the immediate Past
District Master of Ballymacarrett. The lodge was also very
glad to have back in its ranks the lodge Secretary W.Bro Ken
Loan who had suffered for most of the winter months with a
slight stroke but who was revelling in the excitement of our
first Saintfield parade. |
The lodge’s joy however was tempered by the fact that W. Bro
James Heyburn had just the previous week been bereaved of his dear
wife Eleanor who was mother also to W.Bro’s Robert, David and
Jim Heyburn. The lodge had lost a faithful supporter and friend in
Mrs Heyburn but the Brethren were glad to claim the consolation in
Christ for with Him it is not goodbye but merely goodnight until
that great reunion on the resurrection morning.
The
lodge’s first Twelfth as a member of Saintfield
District was again a most memorable occasion. It was Saintfield District’s
responsibility to host the 2004 Twelfth demonstration for the mid-down
combine and the lodge assembled with excitement and anticipation.
We had our picture taken by the local press .
and
several Brethren even sought the limelight and had individual
pictures taken for reproduction in the next weeks souvenir papers.
Gathering on the outskirts of the town on the Lisburn side, the
Districts of Ballynahinch, Comber, Castlewellan, Lecale and Saintfield
presented a most impressive contingent bringing together both
the men’s and ladies lodges, the junior movement and an
array of top class bands of all types including many of the best
competition outfits across flute, accordion and of course piping
and drumming. Spectators along the route including thousands
along the main street in the town, recognised some of the best
including Saintfield Pipe Band, Ballygowan Flute Band, Ballyloan
Flute Band and Ravara Pipe Band, to mention but a few. On arrival
at the field the lodge enjoyed a picnic in the glorious sunshine
and the members enjoyed rest and fellowship in the Lord’ name.
As is our usual practice the members also distributed gospel
literature to our fellow Brethren, bands members and the general
public ensuring that we honour to motto given us of the Lord
for His Witness and the Word of God. The return parade up through
the town enjoyed seemingly swelled crowds and a great sense of
achievement and enjoyment was the testimony of all. We sang with
louder voice God Save the Queen as the parade dispersed in the
late afternoon.
Unfurling to a warmer Breeze...
It would take too much space in this article to adequately tell of the
other features of 1310. We will add additional pages for features such
as the existence of our Junior Lodge, Banner of the Cross Junior LOL
92 and those like Sam Sloan, Robert Longridge, Keith Booth and Samuel
Davidson who established and maintained its existence for the current
incumbents W Bros. David Heyburn and Ivan Martin to provide an opportunity
for Protestant boys to learn of Orangeism. Then there was the Lodge choir
and the meetings which were held all over our Province and this work
is still carried on specifically in Jesus Saves Mission Hall but also
formerly in the Old Forge Mission Hall in Crimea Street, not to mention
the Bryansford Orange Hall in Newcastle, County Down. The writer would
also test the reader's patience to the limits to tell of the numerous
characters of our membership, Brethren such as Matt Stanfield, Mark McCausland,
Bob Longridge, William Morgan, Albert Thompson and Robert Cathcart, all
now in the Glory and to tell also of the Lodge trips for the celebrations
of Orangeism in the Central Grand Lodge of Scotland. On these the book
must remain closed until another time.
The current officer team have the task of consolidating the lodge’s
strengthening position within its new District and in initiating a period
of further growth. The Master is Noel Graham, assisted by Robin Wilson
in the Deputy chair, with Ken Loan as Secretary and James Heyburn Senior
PM as Treasurer. Our Chaplain is Samuel Davidson PM and the Chairman
of Committee is David Fenton. The lecturers are David Heyburn PM and
Robert Heyburn PM.
Our first major event in the current year will be to unfurl our new Banner.
This is the 5th banner the lodge will have commissioned and a new colour
scheme of crimson and white will add a new dimension to the lodge of
parade. Previous schemes have been red and black, white and burgundy,
burgundy and orange and the retiring banner is orange and blue. The new
banner is to be a crimson silk insert surrounded in off white acrylic
and painted on front with the traditional bible on the front and the
rear depiction this time will be Abraham deferring to kill Isacc on recognition
of the Lord providing himself a sacrifice. Previous rear depictions have
shown the sower going forth to sow and the blood being applied to the
door posts and lintel in the Passover.
In closing this brief history, the writer would fail the above Brethren
and the Lodge if these paragraphs did not refer the reader to the Gospel:
the message the Lodge carries on its Banner is the open Bible, the Word
of God, which from the first page to the last, sets out God's only way
of salvation. This is not found through dependency on any church or denomination,
not in any creed or ritual and certainly not in any sacrament, but simply
on the person and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. He Himself has
said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh unto
the Father but by me." He has also warned that, "Except a man
be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." In these verses,
the Spirit of God has recorded the way and manner of Salvation and the
warning to heed the requirement for Salvation, but is it not our comfort
to hear now the invitation to receive Salvation and the benefits thereof? "Come
now and let us reason together saith the Lord, though your sins be as
scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool". You can be saved today, right now if ye
hear and heed His voice, "For by (His) grace are ye saved through
faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works
lest any man should boast". Hear and receive the gift today.
God bless you all and God save the Queen.
Lodge Historian
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