Dedication of Orange arch

The event was attended by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, Edwin Stevenson, as well as the Mayor of Londonderry, Maurice Devenney, who assisted at the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon after the Service of Dedication, performed by Rev Ivan Dinsmore, and by members of Newbuildings Victoria LOL 1087, who erected the arch, and visitors and guests.

Although blessed with bright sunshine, there was a certain poignancy to the formalities, as the guest of honour should have been Bro Sam Peoples, an Orangeman of longstanding and a member of Burt Faith Defenders LOL 1927, who lived in Newbuildings.

Colin Campbell, Secretary of Newbuildings Victoria LOL 1087, said:

“The Late Bro Sam Peoples was asked by our Lodge to perform the ceremony as he was a highly respected Orangeman and as Burt Faith Defenders are part of No 1 District, to which LOL 1087 is affiliated.

“However, before the arch could be officially dedicated, Bro Peoples sadly passed away.

“Following discussion it was decided to approach his wife, Muriel, and ask her to undertake the official duties, and we were delighted when Muriel agreed.

“We are very grateful for her involvement in the proceedings,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bro David Ramsay, Secretary of Burt Faith Defenders, said: “The Late Bro Sam Peoples was very well known and respected within the Orange Order and especially among the members of LOL 1927, and members of the Lodge were delighted that the members of LOL 1087 had extended the invitation to him.

“We thank the members of LOL 1087 for asking Bro Sam Peoples to act as principal guest which was a great priviledge to bestow on one of our Lodge members. We also want to thank the members of LOL 1087 for the invitation to take part in their ceremony and for allowing members to be included in the photographs to commemorate the occasion,” he said.