New Grand Master of the Orange Order is announced as Edward Stevenson bids farewell to role
A new leader of the Orange Order has today been elected.
Harold Henning will become only the 21st Grand Master in the institution’s 230-year history.
At a meeting of over 100 senior Orangemen, he was unanimously ratified as the institution’s new leader, having served as Deputy Grand Master for 11 years.
He replaces Edward Stevenson, who has held the position since 2011.
Meanwhile Derek Reaney was elected to the post of Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.
Bro. Henning is a member of Drumlough Heroes LOL 153 in Rathfriland District LOL No.3, and a statement from the order says he is “well-known throughout the loyal orders and band community”.
It adds: “He is also a long-serving member of the Royal Black Institution, Apprentice Boys of Derry and Pride of the Hill Flute Band.”
In a statement issued after the meeting, he said: “I am truly humbled to have been chosen by the Brethren to become their Grand Master.
"The Orange Institution plays a central role in the life of many local communities, and I am committed to ensuring the organisation continues to grow and develop in the years ahead.”
He added: “I have had the pleasure of working with Bro. Stevenson for 11 years as his Deputy Grand Master, and I wish to publicly acknowledge his selfless commitment and devotion to the role, and to our members during his tenure.
"He has been a loyal and trusted friend during that time, and I am glad that he will continue to serve the Orange family through his role as Imperial Grand Master.”
The order said: “Edward Stevenson’s 15-year term as Grand Master saw him oversee a number of high-profile initiatives including the opening of the Museum of Orange Heritage and large-scale commemorations of key events during the decade of centenaries including the Ulster Covenant, the Battle of the Somme and the formation of Northern Ireland.
“Under his leadership, the Institution rose to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic which saw it play a central role in the community response in many areas.
“Upon his election in 2011, the former Grand Master highlighted the many members of the Institution murdered by terrorists and pledged that they would not be forgotten.
"In recent years, ‘Orange Victims Day’ has increasingly highlighted the 344 members of the Orange family killed during the period known as ‘the Troubles’ through exhibitions and associated events.”
The statement included a quote from Bro. Stevenson: “It has been my honour and privilege to serve as Grand Master for the past 15 years, and I wish Bro. Henning and his officers every success for the years ahead.”