So then, faith commeth by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10 : 17
Forsaking
All
I
Trust
Him
36th (Ulster) Division Memorial L.O.L. 977
FAITH PAGE
Lodge Chaplin
Bro. William Dickson BEM
Within the Orange Order there is a true Biblical ecumenical spirit and Protestants from many denominations worship together at lodge meetings and church services. In the same spirit this page, known as the 'FAITH PAGE' is to promote the great fundamentals of the Christian & Protestant Faith without indulging into denominational differences. We sincerely hope that you are blessed by what you read.
Sermonaudio is a fantastic site and especially useful to those, who for valid reasons can't attend church. Please let us know if you find it a help; we would love to hear from you.
Click here: http://www.sermonaudio.com/main.asp
Brother David Catt was elected Grand Master of the Loyal Orange Institution of England in 1924. He joined the Orange Order while in his mid-twenties. He was also Secretary of the Calvinistic Protestant Union. David circulated a vast number of Bibles, Scripture texts and tracts, and he founded the Bible Study League and was Editor of the quarterly magazine “Bible School”. A tireless Orangeman, Brother Catt was said to have founded twenty-three lodges, and also the North East London District No 86 and Sussex District No 88. For some years he was a member of LOL 723, which met at the YMCA in Mare Street, Hackney, and he lived in nearby 32 Clapton Square. One of the many publications distributed by Brother Catt was “THE OLD PARISHIONER AND THE MODERN PARSON”, which the 36th (Ulster) Division LOL 977 has redesigned and reproduced. LOL 977 has historical connections with Brother Catt, having formed the military lodge 862 in Sussex. LOL 977 was formed by members of the military lodge on their return to Belfast in 1919.
Copies of this four page publication is available free by sending an A5 stamped addressed envelope to Billy Dickson, 177 Tates Avenue, Belfast BT12 6NA.
The Seaford DVD 'IN THE STEPS OF HEROES' is available for only £5 and that includes postage. Details of the Seaford Event can be found on our Home Page. Also a DVD taken at the Centenary Event for South Belfast Women's LOL 17.The cost is also £5. To order email feedback@36thulsterdivisionlol977.co.uk
On the 3rd October 2015 in bright sunshine, over 150 Orangemen and women took part in a parade, church service and the unveiling of a plaque to mark the departure of the 36th (Ulster) Division from the south of England during October 1915. The 36th (Ulster) Division, encamped at Seaford from July to the end of August 1915. Also taking part were a good representation from the 36th (Ulster) Division Somme Association from Corby.
The parade was led by Kilcluney Volunteers Flute Band from Markethill in Co Armagh. LOL 977, helped assist the Sussex District LOL 88, in organising events in Seaford. The plaque is in tribute to the 36th (Ulster) Division and in appreciation of the kindness shown to the Division by the people of Seaford.
The events on 3rd October started at midday, when a wreath was laid and a short service held at Seaford’s war memorial led by Worshipful brother, Ian Smart, District Master of Sussex District LOL 88. Later at 1.30pm, those on parade walked a mile along the sea front from Martello Tower before Councillor Mark Brown kindly unveiled the memorial plaque on the Bonningstedt Promenade sea wall.
The then Worshipful Master, Billy Dickson BEM informed the gathering that on the 12th July 1915, an Orange parade was held in Seaford by the 36th (Ulster) Division and now he said, "100 years later, Orangemen will again parade through the streets of Seaford.”
he parade continued through the streets of Seaford to St Leonard's Parish Church for a service at 3pm. Councillor Mark Brown had made his way to the church and was standing at the church gate as the parade approached with the band playing the regimental marching song of the Royal Sussex Regiment, “Sussex By The Sea”. Mr. W. Ward-Higgs, produced this marching song while living at Bognor Regis and it is believed to have been first sung by an officer in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment, in about September, 1908 at concerts in Ballykinlar Camp, County Down. Yet another Sussex and Ulster link!
The links with Sussex are acknowledged by LOL 977 every year during the 12th July parade when the members call out for “three cheers” as they pass the Royal Sussex Regiment plaque at Donegall Place, Belfast where the 3rd Earl of Donegal raised the Regiment in 1701.
The Memorial Colours of LOL 977 were carried into the church and received by Rev Pauline Lucas. Rev Colin Rudge, an Ulsterman preached the sermon based on the question: “In whom do we trust?” He explained that the Bible reading would be from the King James Version of the Bible as it was the version that the men of the (Ulster) Division would have been familiar with and in its words they would have found comfort and strength. The Bible reading was from the Gospel of John Chapter 15: 1-17. Among the hymns were, O God, our help in ages past and I vow to Thee, my country. The church very kindly provided refreshments after the service and a number of gifts were exchanged. The Rev Colin Rudge then closed the proceeding with prayer, thanking God for all His goodness to us on what was a very special day.
As a result of our commemoration in Seaford, there is a view expressed by local historian, Kevin Gordon, who said he would like to see the area where the plaque is located, becoming a focus for remembrance to others who served in Seaford. This would include the 22nd Division, British West Indies Regiment, 4th Canadian Division and the RAF.
Among the many distinguished past members of LOL 977 was Brother Walter Williams who was Grand Secretary of the GOLI. Walter was a prime mover in seeing the headquarters develop from a terrace house in Bedford Street to the establishment of a new purpose building at the same location and named the House of Orange. He would have been delighted to see the new Museum of Orange Heritage in Schomberg House, Cregagh Road officially opened on Wednesday 24th June 2015.
Walter Williams on the left.
Another deserving mention was Brother Samuel James Stevenson who fought in the Second World War and was probably one of the smallest soldiers to serve in the British Army; Samuel was just under 4'9” He was born on 11th August 1916 and died in his 99th year on 6th October 2015.
One name that is mentioned frequently is that of Brother John Jamieson who was a founder member and looked upon as the “sergeant major of the lodge”. He made sure that military discipline was carried on into LOL 977. RSM John Jamieson was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal serving with the 9th Royal Irish Rifles in 1917. During parades, he would look at the lodge reflections in shop windows to make sure everyone was in step.
The previously mentioned military warrant for LOL 862 was presented by LOL 977 to the Museum of Orange Heritage at a Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland meeting held in Ballintra District Orange Hall, Co Donegal on 9th December 2015.
On this 100th anniversary year of the Battle of the Somme, the 36th (Ulster) Division Memorial LOL 977 will again proudly carry the Memorial Colours as a tribute to the brave men of the 36th (Ulster) Division. Finally, we hope that many more men will join the lodge to ensure that we continue as a Living Memorial well into the future. If you would like to talk about joining the lodge, then please email the lodge secretary by email: feedback@36ulsterdivisionlol977.co.uk
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Billy Dickson BEM
Derek Parkhill (Secretary)
As a result of our commemoration in Seaford, there is a view expressed by local historian, Kevin Gordon, who said he would like to see the area where the plaque is located, becoming a focus for remembrance to others who served in Seaford. This would include the 22nd Division, British West Indies Regiment, 4th Canadian Division and the RAF.
Among the many distinguished past members of LOL 977 was Brother Walter Williams who was Grand Secretary of the GOLI. Walter was a prime mover in seeing the headquarters develop from a terrace house in Bedford Street to the establishment of a new purpose building at the same location and named the House of Orange. He would have been delighted to see the new Museum of Orange Heritage in Schomberg House, Cregagh Road officially opened on Wednesday 24th June 2015.
Thank you for taking the time to look at our website. Past members of the lodge -like those in the photograph- would be delighted to know that the 'Living Memorial' is still in existence. With the knowledge that we have a direct link with the men who went to the Great War, we believe it is our duty to continue to honour their memory by supporting the 'Living Memorial'. If you are interested in joining us then we would be delighted. If you would like to talk to one of the officers first, then please just send us an email: feedback@36ulsterdivisionlol977.co.uk
SUSSEX DISTRICT ORANGE LODGE COMMEMORATE THE 36th (ULSTER) DIVISION.
On Saturday, 20th May, Sussex District Loyal Orange lodge No 88, held a parade and church service in the seaside resort of Seaford to commemorate the 36th (Ulster) Division. It was at the Seaford army camp that the division trained in 1915.
Members of the 36th (Ulster) Division Memorial LOL No 977 and from the Women’s Loyal Orange Association traveled to England to join their Sussex brethren. The Ulster Division Lodge has its roots in a Military Lodge LOL No 862 formed in Seaford from the ranks of men from East Belfast (8th Battalion) Royal Irish Rifles.
The parade was led by Corby Loyalist Flute Band and started at 1.30pm, 200 yards east of the Martello Tower, stopping briefly at the 36th (Ulster) Division memorial plaque. The excellent and well positioned plaque has been seen being read by many tourists as they walk along the popular promenade to the famous Seven Sisters -a series of chalk cliffs. We had the honour of having the plaque unveiled by local councillor, Mark Brown on 3rd October 2015, to mark the departure of the division, encamped at Seaford from July to the end of August 1915.
The Sussex District Master, Rt Wor Bro Ian Smart conducted a short commemoration service at the plaque before the parade continued to St Leonard's Parish Church for a service, conducted by Rev. Paul Owen. The address was given by Rev Derreck Lee-Philpot. This church would have been familiar to the soldiers of the 36th (Ulster) Division where many worshipped during their time in Seaford.
Following the service, the brethren and sisters reassembled and paraded through the streets of Seaford to the local British Legion Hall for refreshments. Many visitors and locals were obviously pleased to see the parade and it was lovely to see local children dancing to the sound of the band tunes, just like being back in Belfast said one brother.
The Sussex District Orange Lodge would like to make the commemoration an annual event. We understand there is considerable expense in organising a parade as there are no local bands suitable and as like this year, they had to book a band that had to travel a considerable distance, which adds to the expense.
A special acknowledgement would have to go to Wor Bro Andrew Baldwin, secretary to the Sussex District Lodge No 88 for all his efforts in making the parade possible. See you at the 12th in Belfast, Bro Andrew.
Every year members of the Lewes Martyrs Memorial Lodge 389 join the brethren from the 36th (Ulster) Division Memorial LOL No 977 at the head of Belfast District No 3. We hope that some members of a new lodge being formed in August at Shoreham will be joining us in future years.
Photographs: Corby Loyalist Flute Band at Seaford Parade.
Colour Party headed by Sussex District Master, Rt Wor Bro Ian Smart.
Ladies enjoying the parade. Sister Ann Dickson. Secretary, South Belfast W.L.O.L. No 17. Sister Janet from Liverpool W.L.O.L. Sister Margaret Cowell. WM of W.L.O.L. No 172
Inside St Leonard's Parish Church. (Front from Left) Wor Br Ronnie Thompson, Adam Parkhill, Wor Bro Derek Parkhill, Hon Secretary LOL 977. Billy Dickson BEM, Chaplin LOL 977.
(Back from left) Wor Br Wayne Parkhill and Wor Bro Derek Parkhill (Junior) Note: In photo there are three generations of Parkhills.
During July 2016, members of LOL 977 travelled to France to take part in the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The colours of the lodge were proudly carried in a parade through the Menin Gate in Belgium. It was also a privilege to be permitted to carry the colours into the Ulster Tower.
Eric William Morrison, Chaplain and William Dickson, Worshipful Master. 1st July 2016.
OPENING OF ULSTER TOWER CENTENARY COMMEMORATED IN BELFAST ORANGE HALL.
The centenary of the opening of the Ulster Tower was commemorated in Belfast Orange Hall by the 36th (Ulster) Division Memorial LOL 977, on 19th November with a lecture ably delivered by Dr Andrew Charles, LOL 145. At 7.30pm, Brother Colin Trimble, the Worshipful Master of the lodge, opened proceedings by welcoming all, especially Brother Robert Brown, the District Master of No.3, to the Centenary Lecture, before the lodge secretary, Brother Derek Parkhill gave an outline of the history of the lodge, known as the 'Living Memorial'.
The secretary, Derek Parkhill then introduced Brother Dr Andrew Charles, who had very kindly agreed to give the lecture. Dr Charles pointed out that the Ulster Tower had once been neglected for a long time and its poor condition required urgent action to save the tower. He praised the work done by the late Dr. Ian Adamson OBE and the Farset Youth Project that led to the rescuing of the dilapidated Ulster Tower. It was re-dedicated by HRH Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester on July 1st 1989.
Proceedings concluded with an Epilogue and Act of Remembrance officiated by Brother Greg Thompson, LOL 700 and Deputy District Master No.3. Brother Thompson used the tower as his theme and his main Bible reading was from Psalm 46. He drew a comparison between the tradition of building towers as defensive strongholds throughout history to Almighty God being our place of refuge and strength which never fails. He called on those present to always remember their duty to carry the torch of remembrance to the memory of the sons of Ulster who gave up their lives for the cause of freedom and witness to our evangelical Reformed faith.
The lodge chaplain, Brother Billy Dickson BEM, then thanked the speakers on behalf of the lodge, for their excellent presentations that were a fitting tribute, not only to the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division but to all the men of Ulster who served in other forces who laid down their lives in the Great War.
Brother Ron McDowell, LOL1956 then opened the museum, which was greatly appreciated by all who attended the lecture and made himself available to answer any questions. An excellent photographic display was also put on by the lodge treasurer, Brother Wayne Parkhill. Some of the photographs showed members of the lodge who visited the Ulster Tower on the 1st July 2016, it being the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
It was the view of all who attended that the organising of the Centenary Lecture was very worthwhile and will become a lasting memory in the history of the 36th (Ulster) Division Memorial LOL 977. We Will Remember Them.
Photographs:
(1) Group of attendees.
(2) Left to right – Bro.Colin Trimble, Worshipful Master, LOL 977. Bro. Dr. Andrew Charles. Bro. Greg Thompson, Deputy District Master, No.3. Bro Robert Brown, District Master, No.3.
(3) Photo Table Display.
We do hope that you have been inspired by the website. Would you consider joing us and become part of the "Living Memorial"? Perhaps there are questions you would like to ask first and if so, send us an email and we will get in touch with you for a chat. feedback@36thulsterdivisionlol977.co.uk
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