Grand Master, Edward Stevenson
I would like to convey my congratulations to the Officers and Brethren of Rising Sons of William (Queen’s University) LOL 1845 on this the 20th anniversary of the formation of their lodge.
In recent months I have had the pleasure of joining many lodges across the jurisdiction of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland as they marked milestone anniversaries, some of which can trace their back over 200 years.
The role of the lodge at Queen’s University is an important one – it is vital that the Orange Institution should have a presence at Northern Ireland’s highest seat of learning.
Orangeism continues to move forward positively and to do that we must continue to engage with young people and encourage them to join our the ranks of our Institution. We continue to have a significant role to play in the future of Northern Ireland and are much more than the ‘one day a year’ organisation that our detractors would claim.
The recent opening of the Drew Nelson House on Belfast’s Lisburn Road stands as an impressive legacy to the late Wor. Bro. Drew Nelson. He rightly saw the importance of helping the next generation and that is something we remain committed to. I would like to acknowledge the support received from right across the Orange Institution for the Drew Nelson Legacy Project. The generosity displayed is something we are truly grateful for.
I wish you all God’s richest blessing and trust that Queen’s LOL 1845 will continue to go from strength to strength in the years ahead.
Edward Stevenson, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ireland
Anniversary of King William III Birthday, 4th November 2023