New banner unfurled at Barron

The brethren of Barron LOL 627 marked another milestone in their long and proud history on Friday evening last, June 29, at a special ceremony in Barron Orange Hall, with the unfurling and dedication of a new Orange Banner.
Members of Barron L.O.L. 627 pictured at the recent unfurling and dedication of their new banner in Barron Orange Hall, Donemana. INLS2713-204KMMembers of Barron L.O.L. 627 pictured at the recent unfurling and dedication of their new banner in Barron Orange Hall, Donemana. INLS2713-204KM
Members of Barron L.O.L. 627 pictured at the recent unfurling and dedication of their new banner in Barron Orange Hall, Donemana. INLS2713-204KM

The Worshipful Master, Stephen Caldwell, welcomed the special guests, visiting brethren, visiting sisters, which included St Johnston WLOL No188 and Mountjoy WLOL No.29, as well as the local brethren and members of the local community.

The Chairman, Ivan Buchanan, of Barron LOL 627, who is the Past District Secretary of Strabane District LOL No14, introduced the proceedings.

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The ceremony began with the hymn ‘O God our help in ages Past’, followed by prayer led by Rev Dr Stewart Jones, Minister of Donemana Presbyterian Church.

The new Banner, the third since the Lodge was formed back in the late 1890s, was unfurled by Barron Lodge member Bro George Sayers, who has been a Lodge member for the past 56 years. The unfurling was met with loud applause and afterwards Bro Sayers said it had been an honour to be chosen by the Lodge members to carry out the task.

Rev Jones conducted the dedication of the new banner and reminded everyone present, particularly the Brethren and Sisters, of the principles associated with the workings of the Orange Institution and to the strong following of the Christian faith which every loyal member holds dear to their hearts. The Minister rounded off the Service of Dedication by reading several passages from the Holy Bible and ended with Prayer.

Speakers who brought greetings and congratulations from their respective areas were: Rt Worshipful Bro Edward Stevenson Grand Master, Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland; Rt Worshipful Bro Robin Kyle, Deputy Grand Lecturer, of the County Tyrone Grand Orange Lodge and Grand Lecturer with the Grand Royal Arch Purple Chapter of Ireland, and Wor Bro Keith Buchanan, Worshipful District Master of Strabane District LOL No14.

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A fundraising appeal was made by Bro Barry Buchanan, of Barron LOL627, the appeal collection was taken up by Bro Hamilton Sayers and Bro Barry Buchanan.

The service concluded with the singing of the hymn ‘What a Friend we have in Jesus.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Bro Ivan Buchanan, who paid tribute to everyone who took part in the proceedings and he was seconded by Bro Stephen Caldwell.

The Benediction and National Anthem brought the proceedings in the hall to a close. Music during the service was led by Barron Accordian Band under the leadership of Bandmaster Iain Laing.

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Afterwards the new banner was paraded along the Lodge’s traditional route, which has been followed by the Lodge and band for more than 100 years. Barron Accordian Band was followed by John Sayers Accordion Band, from Strabane and by the Pride of William Flute Band, from Donemana.

On return to the Orange Hall an excellent supper was served by the ladies of Barron Lodge, which was appreciated by all.

The Officers and Brethren of Barron LOL 627 thank everyone in the community for their continued support.