Black Institution to mark centenary of Northern Ireland through unique memorial project

The Royal Black Institution, which has several local preceptories, has launched its plans to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland.
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The Loyal Order’s programme of events will see it adopt a two-fold approach of both marking 100 years since the foundation of Northern Ireland, and commemorating the life of a former leader of the Institution who was murdered by the IRA.

Part of the plans will include a charity walk covering parts of the Ulster Way, with funds going to the Somme Nursing Home in Belfast, which is the Institution’s designated charity this year.

There will also be a Book of Remembrance produced which will commemorate all the members of the Institution who were murdered during the Troubles.

Rev William Anderson.Rev William Anderson.
Rev William Anderson.

The plans are being collectively termed the ‘Sir Norman Stronge Memorial Project’ and will focus on the joint themes of ‘Service and Sacrifice’.

Also included will be a special exhibition and booklet on the life of Sir Norman Stronge, a former head of the Royal Black Institution and Speaker of the Northern Ireland parliament for 23 years.

The Grand Master of the Institution, Rev William Anderson, said that this year was the 40th anniversary of the murder of Sir Norman Stronge and his son James at their home, Tynan Abbey in Co Armagh in January 1981. Sir Norman Stronge was 86 at the time of his death.

The IRA gang responsible for the murders then firebombed the property, and the resulting blaze left the historic building in ruins.

Rev Anderson said that the Institution felt it was important as Northern Ireland marked its centenary to “look back and recognise the contribution made by so many people who, down the decades, have made our country such a wonderful place to live”.

“That is why the Royal Black Institution’s approach of focusing on both Northern Ireland’s centenary and the life of Sir Norman Stronge is so appropriate.

“Here was a man who fought at the Battle of the Somme, before the creation of Northern Ireland. He then continued to serve his fellow man, both in politics and civic society, before he and his son were cruelly slain by republican terrorists in their own home,”

Rev Anderson said any events staged by the Royal Black Institution throughout the year would be in accordance with coronavirus guidelines, adding: “Although the United Kingdom is leading the way with vaccines, and we have a fantastic health service with dedicated and brave staff working day and night to safeguard all our lives, it’s clear we remain in a precarious position with Covid-19, and I would urge everyone to follow Government advice to help stop the spread of this dreaded virus.”

Members of the Royal Black Preceptory have been supporting the east Antrim community during the pandemic. For more on these generous efforts, read here

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