Praise for 'Twelfth' conduct and celebrations

The praise for both the public and the Orders has come jointly from Rev Dr Robert Coulter MBE, MLA, and Mr Robin Swann.

Rev Dr Coulteris a Deputy Imperial Grand Chaplain in the Orange Order and a Past Assistant Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution. He was the guest speaker at this year’s Twelfth demonstration in Bushmills.

Mr Swann is a Past Master in the Orange Order and Royal Black Institution, and was on parade with his Orange lodge in Ballymena.

Rev Dr Coulter is also the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner, while Mr Swann is North Antrim UUP Chairman.

In their joint statement, Rev Dr Coulter and Mr Swann said: “The community is to be highly praised for its magnificent support of all the mainstream Orange Order demonstrations throughout North Antrim, as well as the Independent Orange Institution’s demonstration at Armoy.

“The organizing brethren and sisters of both the mainstream Orange Order and Independent Institution are to be equally commended for hosting very professional demonstrations which enhanced both Orders’ true Christian and family values.

“We also give thanks to Almighty God for the great weather which the Twelfth demonstrations in North Antrim enjoyed as well as for the safety of those on the march and watching.

“This year’s Twelfth demonstrations across North Antrim were some of the best attended in the history of Orangeism in the constituency.

“As well as the annual Twelfth parades, the community is also to be thanked and praised for its support of the various Orange lodges and Black preceptories’

annual divine church parades and services.

“As the traditional Marching Season now switches in emphasis to activities organized by the Royal Black Institution, we call on the community to continue this magnificent support at church services and especially at the county demonstrations during Black Saturday next month,” said Rev Dr Coulter and Mr Swann.