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HARMONY LOYAL
ORANGE LODGE 296
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•Are
you eighteen or older?
•Do
you feel Patriotic?
•Are
a Protestant Male?
•Value
Honour and Integrity?
•Community
Oriented? •Fraternally
Inclined? •Revere
the Monarchy?
•Interested
in British Heritage and a Noble Association?
•Desire
interaction with Others who feel the same way?
Don’t delay… Make a difference… Join today!
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QUESTIONS ABOUT ORANGEISM
WHAT DOES ORANGEISM OFFER ITS MEMBERS?
High on the list is encouragement to lead a more rewarding life by being a
good citizen and neighbour; a good husband, father, son or brother; a friend to
those in need; and to be a man of honour and of good morals. Orangeism also
offers a place where every member, regardless of age or occupation, can enjoy a
sense of brotherhood in an evening of fellowship.
The Lectures of Orangeism are of a serious nature, but lodge meetings and
social events are meant to be enjoyed. Orange Lodges can also provide ways in
which a member can serve his community through a variety of charitable
activities. HOW MUCH TIME DOES BEING AN ORANGEMAN REQUIRE?
To most new members and their families the first months in the Orange Lodge
seem full of memory work and meetings. After the member receives his degrees
things settle down to one, or sometimes two monthly meetings. One must remember
though that the rate of advancement through the degrees is fully decided by each
individual candidate. However, if the Lodge is working in a higher degree, those
who do not hold the eligible degree must retire from the Lodge, until it reduces
back down to the degree in which they hold. Hence most new members will want to
advance with the least possible delay.
Additionally, if a member joins a committee or becomes an officer the time
required naturally increases. Therefore, in making all such decisions, an
Orangeman is expected to consider the needs of his family and of his work.
WHAT ABOUT SECRECY?
The Orange Lodge has no secrets to come between a member and his family, his
religion or his occupation. Many lodges hold "open house" events and other
occasions to show and explain the Orange Lodge to member's families and to the
public. Most organizations manage their affairs in private and membership almost
always provides privileges. So it is with the Orange Lodge.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
SUMMARY
Orangeism is Pro-Protestant and all of it’s members are encouraged to attend
their own particular church on a regular basis. Each candidate must acknowledge
and willingly subscribe to the fact that he is a God-fearing loyal British
subject; a law-abiding citizen; a supporter of the Laws of the Loyal Orange
Association; that he should endeavour to live peaceably and keep the faith with
and promote harmony among his brethren before he may become a member. The Bible
is always open at every regular meeting and predominately placed during these
meetings. INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS
"TOWARD GOD" - An applicant for admission should have a sincere love
and veneration for his Heavenly Father: a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, as
the only Mediator between God and man; and a firm reliance in the guiding,
witnessing, and sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. He should be a diligent
reader of God's Word, a sincere observer of the Lord's Day, and a regular
attendant at His house; endeavouring to bring forth the practical fruits of
righteousness and obedience to God's commands, as a humble and consistent
servant of God and a follower of his Saviour.
"TOWARD MONARCH AND COUNTRY" - He should be loyal in thought, word and
act toward the Crown, being Protestant; seeking the prosperity and integrity of
the Constitutional Monarchy; strengthening its concepts and supporting the
principles which have been the foundation of the Dominion of Canada; ready to
promote civil and religious liberty; to maintain the Protestant faith as the
purest form of Christianity, and the basis of constitutional Government, by the
people, for the people, and to foster unity and Godliness in Canada and
throughout the Commonwealth.
"TOWARD MANKIND" - He should be of temperate and kindly habits,
striving to be an example to others, as a true Christian citizen. He should
abstain from swearing and profane language, from dishonesty and from
intemperance of every kind. He should seek the welfare of others, be just,
considerate and tolerant in his judgment, especially to those who are opposed in
faith and principles, and to promote the spirit of friendliness and brotherly
love. CONCLUSION
"The Glory of God, the Welfare of Man, the Honour of his Sovereign, and the
Good of his Country should be the motives of all his actions."
THE CANADIAN ORANGEMAN'S OBLIGATION
I, .... (Candidate states his several names), solemnly
and voluntarily promise that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her
Majesty The Queen of Canada, and to her lawful heirs and successors in the
sovereignty of Great Britain and this Dominion, so long as she or they shall
support and maintain the Protestant Faith.
That I will, to the utmost of my
power, defend them against all conspiracies and attempts which I shall know to
be against her or any of them. That I will steadily maintain the connection
between Canada, the Mother Country, and all members of the Commonwealth beyond
the seas, and be ever ready to resist all attempts to weaken British influence
or dismember the Commonwealth of Nations.
That I will be true and faithful to every brother Orangeman in all just actions,
neither wronging him nor knowing him to be wronged or injured without giving him
due notice thereof, and preventing it if in my power. I further promise
that I will honour and respect the chastity of womanhood.
That I will always remember and hold sacred the name of King William III, Prince
of Orange, for his military victories which furthered the cause of civil and
religious liberty for all mankind. I therefore solemnly promise, if in my power,
to commemorate his victory over James at the Boyne, in Ireland, by assembling
with my brethren in their Lodge-room on the twelfth day of July in every year,
or on such day as my Lodge, by resolution, shall appoint for such commemoration.
That I am now, and ever shall be a true and faithful Protestant. I shall teach
my children the principles of that faith and educate them in Public or
Protestant schools, except where such schools do not exist.
That I will resist by all lawful means, the ascendancy, extension and
encroachment of any religious, political or other body of men seeking to deprive
us of our liberties, at the same time being careful always to abstain from all
unkind words and actions towards their members.
That I am not a suspended or expelled member of the Loyal Orange Association and
I will do my utmost to support and maintain the Loyal Orange Association;
observe and abide by its constitution and laws; obey all regular summonses, and
pay all just dues, if in my power. That I will not unite with, nor acknowledge any body of men purporting to be
Orangemen, who do not hold a warrant from some Grand Lodge recognized by the
Imperial Grand Orange Council of the World; I will also use all my influence to
promote fellowship and brotherly love amongst my brethren.
Lastly, I will never in any way disclose or reveal, any of the signs, words or
tokens of the Association, unless I shall be authorized to do so by the proper
authorities. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in this, my Orangeman’s
Obligation.
The Candidate shall then seal his Obligation by kissing the Holy Bible.
THE TWELVE MARKS OF AN ORANGEMAN
An Orangemen Is:
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"A PROFESSING CHRISTIAN" - He follows the Golden Rule in all his
personal and business affairs.
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"A PROTESTANT" - He upholds
the great Protestant principle of freedom of conscience for all people.
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"A LOYAL SUBJECT OF HER MAJESTY THE
QUEEN" - His allegiance in unswerving and unlimited. He regards the
Throne as the centre of all secular power, justice, and law.
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"A GOOD CITIZEN" - He is
law-abiding. He respects and observes all the laws.
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"A GOOD NEIGHBOUR" - He is
concerned with the welfare of his fellow man.
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"GENEROUS AND CHARITABLE" -
He is generous not only with his worldly goods, but also with his time, his
thoughts, and his deeds.
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"A LEADER" - He prepares
himself for the responsibilities of leadership.
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"INFORMED AND VIGILANT" - He
is aware and respective to events and issues around him.
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"A LOVING AND RESPONSIBLE PARENT"
- He accepts total responsibility for the support, health, and education of his
children.
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"HONOURS AND GLORIES IN HIS HERITAGE"
- He accepts his origins as part of himself, and see himself as an extension of
his forefathers.
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"A GENTLEMAN" - He respects
the sanctity of woman and defends their rights.
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"A BROTHER" - He practices
the highest level of fraternalism in the tradition of his Lodge.
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