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The Royal Black Perceptorary
Two years after the formation of the Orange Order in 1795, the Royal Black Institution came into existence with its foundations based firmly on scriptural truths and the propogation 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 Officer 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 re-constitution, 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, and it was, therefore, well fitted to ride successfully the tempestuous seas which were its lot during the Boer War, two World Wars, and the recurring political crises in Ireland, both North and South. In the early years of this century, the Royal Black Institution occupied premises at Donegall Square West in Belfast.
The need for increased accommodation became imperative because of the expansion in membership, and at the meeting of the Grand Black Chapter held in Brownlow House, Lurgan on June 10, 1924 a motion was presented emphasising the necessity for a permanent home to be provided as Headquarters.
It was suggested that Brownlow House, claimed to be the largest Orange Hall in the world, might provide such a base. Despite some misgivings as to this idea the Imperial Grand Black Chapter at its half-yearly meeting in the following December approved a proposal to move its Headquarters to Brownlow House, and in the succeeding years this was to be proved a very wise and altogether satisfactory decision.
Brownlow House, erected in 1847 to the design of Sir William Playfair - one of the most eminent architects of the period, was for generations the Irish home of the Brownlow family whose vision and practical foresight contributed so much to the establishment and development to the town of Lurgan and the Protestant cause.
When the Brownlow family ceased to reside there the spacious house and equally spacious grounds immediately beside Lurgan Park, were purchased by Lurgan District Loyal Orange Lodge No. 6. This was a bold and imaginative step for the Orangemen of Lurgan District to take at a time when economic depression in the wake of World War 1 was having serious effects on local and national life.
Playing a prominent role in the negotiations leading to the acquisition of Brownlow House was a young and eager Orangeman named William James Allen. His services at this juncture were later recognised in tangible form with the presentation of an illuminated address and his portrait in oils. These are now treasured possessions in Brownlow House.
This valiant Ulsterman who served with distinction in World War 1 represented the Parliamentary Constituency of Co. Armagh in the British House of Commons until he lost his life in a tragic road accident in Belfast.
For a long number of years he held the position of Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution of the British Commonwealth, giving to the office those same gifts of leadership, diligence and dignity which characterised his life as public representative and loyalist leader.
Another Lurgan man who deserves special mention in connection with Brownlow House is the late Sir Knight Alexander H. Cushnie, M.B.E., J.P. who for many years adorned the office of Grand Registrar.
It is sad however that Brownlow House was severely damaged in a republican arson attack in 1996, but is now being re-built to it's former glory.
One of the institution's most colourful and well attended events is the annual demonstration at Scarva in Co. Down, held traditionally on July 13. Preceptories from Portadown, Newry, Tandragee, Markethill, Banbridge, Rathfriland, and Lower Iveagh take part.
The Scarva demonstration attracts an attendance estimated to be in the region of 40,000 to 50,000 and the central proceedings are the parade by the 70 preceptories and bands; the taking of the salute by the Sovereign Grand Master in the forecourt of Scarvagh House a few yards from "King William's Tree," and the re-enactment of the Battle of the Boyne with Williamite and Jacobite forces, some mounted on horesback, and finally the religious service and the adoption of a number of resolutions. The Last Saturday in August is the main demonstration date for most Black preceptores in Northern Ireland, with rallying points and up to six centre. Fermanagh, Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan Sir Knights hold a demonstration in Fermanagh on the second Saturday in August - the same day as Scottish preceptores hold their rally.<
