|

Apprentice Boys Of Derry
Robert Sherrard Alexander Irwin Daniel Sherrard Henry
Campsie James Steward Samuel Harvy William Crookshanks William Cairns James Spike
Samuel Hunt Alexander Cunningham Robert Morrison John Conningham
Most credit for the formation of the Apprentice Boys Association and the celebrations
must go to the Siege Governor and the hero Colonel John Mitchelburne. To him must be ascribed the distinction and honour of
preserving trophies of triumph captured during the Siege and placing them in the Cathedral. The giving of the City and the
Apprentice Boys their own distinctive Crimson colour and flag. The formation of the first Apprentice Boys club of which he
was principle organiser and probably first President, forerunner of later Governors. The planning of the earliest anniversary
celebrations. The first hoisting of the Crimson Flag on the Cathedral tower.
The Royal Black Order
Two years after the first Orange warrant was issued in the autumn
of 1795 the Royal Black Institution came into existence with it's foundations based firmly on scriptural truths and the propagation
of the reformed faith. Unfortunately records covering the immediate intervening years are scant, the first printed report
bearing the date 1858. This was printed and published at the Downpatrick Office of "The Downshire Protestant." From that
period the printed annual reports of the proceedings of Grand Black Chapter are extant, providing valuable insights into the
progress of the Black Institution throughout the English-speaking world in its initial and formative years and afterwards. It
was on September 14, 1846, that the Royal Black Institution was placed on a permanent base through its reconstitution, an
event of which the Black Knights of Portadown in particular are justly proud. From that point in time the Institution was
infused with new life and vitality, inspiration and discipline, therefore, well fitted to ride successfully the seas which
were its lot during the Boer War, two World Wars, and the recurring political crises in Ireland North and South. In the
early years of this century the Royal Black Institution occupied premises at Donegall Square Belfast. The need for increased
accommodation became imperative because of the expansion in membership and at the meeting of the Grand Black Chapter held
House; Lurgan on June 10, 1924 a motion was presented emphasising the necessity for a permanent provided as Headquarters. It
was suggested that Brownlow House, the largest Orange Hall in the world, might provide such a base Despite some misgivings
as to this idea Grand Black Chapter at its half-yearly meeting in the following December approved a proposal to move it?s
headquarters to Brownlow house where we still are to-day.

|