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Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland

Governing Body of Orangeism in Ireland

After the Battle of the Diamond, the forming of a hand-clasped circle and declaring their brotherhood and Loyalty to the Crown, the County and the Reformed Religion, they assembled at Sloan`s Inn at Loughgall and the first hand-written Warrant was issued. Among those present was a Captain John Gifford of the Royal Dublin Militia stationed at Portadown. It is claimed that he made the first oath and drew up the first rules and regulations.

Amongst others present were James Wilson of the Dyan *, Thomas Sinclair of Derryscallop and James Sloan the innkeeper who was recognised as the first leader.

As more of the gentry joined, the Orange Institution grew so rapidly that District and County lodges were formed. It was soon recognised that some uniformity should be introduced, and on 12th July 1796 at Portadown the idea of a Grand Lodge was suggested. Wolsley Atkinson of Portadown was appointed Secretary and requested to issue printed Lodge Warrants as opposed to the `hand-written` versions of James Sloan.

After consultations with the numerous representatives of the various jurisdictions, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland was established in February 1799. Thomas Verner was appointed its first Grand Master.

* Quite how James Wilson secured the first Warrant at Sloan`s Inn, (Dyan Loyal Orange Lodge No. 1, County Tyrone), is shrouded in mystery. Apparently it should have been Dan Winter and the loyal men of Armagh who acquired Warrant No. 1. James Sloan instructed them to go to Loughgall and procure writing materials. In thier absence James Wilson arrived from the Dyan and when told that there was neither pen nor ink, he replied;

"If that be all, I can provide against that, and `tis best, for the first Orange Warrant should not be written by anything made by the hand of man".

Taking a sprig from a tree of hyssop he handed it, together with a cover of a letter to Sloan who signed the paper thus ensuring `The Dyan Men` to a number which, by right, should never have left the vicinity. When Dan Winter and his followers had returned from the village and realised what had occurred, they were disappointed. They refused to take a Warrant. Unfortunately for Dan Winter others stepped in and secured Warrants for themselves and when finally Winter relented, he and his followers were issued LOL 118.

Over the past 200 years, the Institution has undergone many changes and evolved into one of the largest Christian and fraternal organisations, not only within the island of Ireland, but throughout the world.

There are Orange jurisdictions in Ireland, England, Scotland, Canada, United States of America, Australia, New Zealand and particularly Ghana and Togo in West Africa. It is estimated that world-wide membership is in excess of 300,000.