‘Order is not old-fashioned… it's important to learn about our culture': Junior Orange Association to mark 100 years with parade
Two teens spoke to the Belfast Telegraph about being in the organisation, keeping alive their connections to the previous generation and how the pastime is anything but 'old-fashioned'.
Junior lodges from across the island of Ireland, as well as visiting contingents from Liverpool, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, and England, will gather at Wallace Park for a midday parade through the town.
Alongside traditional music, banners and uniforms, the event will include a return parade in the afternoon, with family activities, food stalls, funfairs and exhibitions taking place in the park throughout the day.
Though 'informal lodges' were in place prior to 1925, the purpose of the youth organisation is to provide 'a structured environment for young members from ages 8-16 to learn about the principles of Orangeism, develop their character, and potentially transition into the adult Grand Lodge'.
Organisers say this milestone moment shows that the Orange tradition is being carried forward by young people who don't see it as 'old-fashioned' at all.
Adam Craig (15), from Kells and Connor, Ballymena, is a member of Ferniskey Junior Lodge 265 and will be taking part in the parade. He joined in 2015, following a long family line of Orangemen.
'My dad, uncles and grandparents were all members,' he said.
'Our family has always been part of Ferniskey LOL 115.
'My favourite thing is taking part in parades and having fun with my friends. I've made mates from other lodges right across Co Antrim and further afield.'
Adam is especially looking forward to the centenary event: 'It's a landmark occasion and it will be great to see all the lodges come together for one parade. It's good for the public to see us too. It might even encourage other kids to join.'
Asked whether he sees the Orange Order as something from the past, Adam is clear: 'No... it's still appealing to young people because it's good to learn about our culture and heritage.'
He added that activities beyond the parades — including swimming, bowling and trips to Glasgow Rangers matches — keep it engaging.
That message is echoed by Ben Templeton (13), who joined the newly formed Duke of Edinburgh Memorial Junior Lodge 621 in 2022 and now serves as its deputy master.
'I wanted to join because my father and late grandfather were both members. From I was able to walk I would've walked with them in the parades and carried the strings,' he said.
For Ben, lodge life isn't just about marching; it's about teamwork, learning and shared experiences.
'We meet on the first Friday of each month. And after our meeting we do football, hockey, dodgeball. We've been on trips together too. Fundraising has also been a big part of it, which helps bring families and members closer.'
Ben believes the Order continues to resonate with young people and, like Adam, doesn't think it's 'old-fashioned': 'There's still appeal. It's important that we carry on our traditions and learn about our culture.
'Normally our annual parade is in Portrush, which is always brilliant, but Lisburn is going to be a lot bigger. More bands, more lodges, and a lot more planned in Wallace Park. It's going to be a big day and I hope everyone taking part and watching enjoys it.'
Colin Crawford MLA, Deputy Grand Master of the Junior Grand Lodge of Ireland, says the centenary is not just a celebration of the past but a strong signal about the future: 'This is a proud moment, not only for the Junior Orange but for the wider Orange family.
'Junior Orangeism has helped nurture values of faith, tradition and service in young people since 1925, and it continues to be relevant today.'
While girls are not included in the Junior Orange Association, they have their own separate organisation.
'The Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland are boys' lodges. There's a sister organisation, the Junior Orange Women's Association of Ireland, which is the girls' lodges. It sort of mirrors the adult structure,' said Junior Grand Master Wor. Bro. Joseph Magill.
'The girls' organisation will be participating [on Saturday]; it's had a number of new girls' lodges in the past few years.
'Whether it be the Junior Boys or the girls in the Junior Orange Women's Association of Ireland, it's just been a real phenomenal few years of growth for us.'
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