Strangford MP re-elected as head of Houses of Parliament Orange Lodge: DUP's Jim Shannon worshipful master, with party leader Gavin Robinson deputy
A DUP MP has been re-elected as head of an Orange Lodge that serves the Houses of Parliament, with his own party’s leader as his deputy.
Jim Shannon once again takes the reins as worshipful master of LOL 3012, stating it is a “great privilege and a deeply humbling honour” to perform the role.
The lodge is a fairly small one; it’s understood that addition to the Orange Order’s normal membership criteria, anyone wanting to join has to be either a sitting or current member of either the Commons or the Lords, and must also be in a different lodge elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
With such a select group involved, the lodge only meets a handful of times a year. It’s mainly involved in marking culturally important events, such as holding a service before Remembrance Day, though also marks a strong continuation of unionist tradition and culture within the heart of the UK’s seat of democracy and halls of power.
It’s believed the Houses of Parliament Lodge was established in the first decade of this century.
A recent installation ceremony for Mr Shannon was attended by the DUP’s Lord Nigel Dodds and Lord Peter Weir, plus UUP MP Robin Swann and independent unionist MP Alex Easton, bringing political rivals together to celebrate the Strangford MP’s re-election to run the lodge.
The 71-year-old’s return to the position of worshipful master means that, at least in the confines of the lodge, he outranks Democratic Unionist leader Gavin Robinson.
The East Belfast MP might be the big boss on the floor of the Commons, but he serves as deputy to his Strangford counterpart in the Parliament Lodge.
Said Mr Shannon after the installation ceremony: “It is a great privilege and a deeply humbling honour to be re-elected as the worshipful master of the Houses of Parliament Orange Lodge.
“This lodge holds a unique and historic place within Westminster, allowing us to maintain and celebrate our rich cultural heritage and Christian principles right here in the engine room of the United Kingdom.
“I am especially delighted to have my colleague and friend, Gavin Robinson MP, by my side as our deputy master for this term. Having such strong support from Gavin, alongside the attendance of esteemed colleagues like Lord Dodds, Robin Swann, Alex Easton, and Lord Weir, underscores the enduring strength and unity of our community.”
In addition to prominent Northern Irish MPs and Lords, Mr Shannon’s installation was attended by a delegation of Orangemen from several English lodges.
“It was also a true pleasure to welcome our brethren from various English lodges, and our dedicated district officers to the ceremony,” he said. “Their presence highlights the vital, enduring bonds of fellowship that unite Orange members across the water and back home.
“As we look forward to the [political] session ahead, we remain committed to upholding our traditions, supporting our charitable endeavours, and being a positive, visible witness within parliament.”
A dedicated long-term Orangeman, around this time last year Mr Shannon was out on the streets, braving blazing midday sun to march as a town close to his constituency, Dundonald, held its first Twelfth parade in almost 60 years – which proved to be a roaring success, tens of thousands lining its streets to watch the bands and lodges go past.