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The village possesses a very handsome Protestant Hall, erected in 1870. It contains a large room capable of holding 500 persons, a committee room, two lodge rooms, and caretaker's apartments.

Extract from "GLENAVY : PAST AND PRESENT", compiled by Charles Watson, M.A., B.D., T.C.D. Vicar of the Union. 1892

OPENING OF GLENAVY (CO.ANTRIM)
PROTESTANT HALL

THE OPENING CEREMONIAL WILL TAKE
Place on SATURDAY, the 6th July inst,
At One o'clock p.m.
The Hon. EDWARD O'NEILL M.P., will preside
Several influential friends of Protestantism, lay and clerical, will address the meeting.
A first-class Band will be in attendance.
A Special Train 1st,2nd, and 3rd Class - will
Leave Belfast at 12 o'clock noon, calling at the under mentioned Stations:- Lisburn 12.25; Brookmount 12.35, Ballinderry (unreadable) arriving at Glenavy at 12.55; returning from Glenavy at 6.12 p.m.
The ordinary train from Antrim leaves at 11 a.m, returning from Glenavy at 4.41 and 7.41.
Tickets of admission can be had from any member of Committee, or at the door on Saturday.
Glenavy, Co.Antrim, July 1st, 1872.

OPENING OF A PROTESTANT HALL IN GLENAVY (from our reporter)

Upwards of two years ago a number of persons connected with the Protestant cause in Glenavy and the surrounding districts, having long felt the want of a suitable building for their meetings and reunions, determined to make a united and strenuous effort to erect a hall in Glenavy worthy of the cause of Protestantism. A few friends waited on W.T. Stannus, Esq, D.L., J.P., agent to the then Marquis of Hertford, who, after discussing the matter in a very friendly spirit, promised, on behalf of Lord Hertford, a suitable site in Glenavy for a term of 150 years, at the nominal rent of one shilling per annum, and also a handsome subscription on behalf of his lordship. The promised lease and donation were obtained before the demise of the late marquis. A public meeting was held, which was presided over by Rev. E.J. Smyth, Vicar of Glenavy (who, with every member of his family, took a warm interest in the matter), at which a committee and office-bearers were appointed. Through the untiring exertions of a few members of the committee upwards of £400 was collected, and a splendid hall built, 60 feet by 30, and about 28 feet high, the upper portion being in one large hall, capable of accommodating from 500 to 600 people: The minor hall, and other apartments below are for smaller meetings and for a caretaker.

The foundation stone was laid on the 30th April 1870, in the presence of a numerous and enthusiastic assemblage. The cost of the building will be about £200. The external appearance of the hall is very chaste and neat, and it forms a very conspicuous and pleasing addition to the public buildings of Glenavy. Red brick is the material of which the walls are composed, the facing being of white. Entrance is obtained by an arched doorway, which is flanked on either side by two windows which give light to the vestibule. Above these are the other two windows which light the staircases; while over the door is a fine-looking wheel-window, lighting a cloakroom connected with the main hall. At present there is a stone wall in front of the building, but when this is taken down, as intended, and a nest iron railing put up, and shrubbery planted around, Glenavy will be in possession of a Protestant Hall as neat, substantial, and commodious, considering the necessities of the district, as any Protestant community in Ulster.

The friends of the movement could not have desired a finer day for the celebration of the opening ceremony than Saturday; the sun was bright, the air was mild, and the whole of Glenavy, young and old was astir. The people were evidently determined to present an appearance that should be worthy of the distinguished visitors whom they had invited to participate in the opening ceremony; and not a house in the village that was suited to the operation but was whitewashed, not a flag in the neighbourhood but was unfurled, and not a flowerbed but seemed to look prettier and more beautiful than ordinary Saturdays. The arrival of visitors by the special train from Belfast was greeted by the private hand of Lord Masserene, which was kindly granted by his lordship for the occasion and by a numerous body of the people, who had assembled at the railway station. Opposite the entrance to the hall two poles were erected, one on each side of the gateway, which were decorated with flowers, and a line, similarly adorned was stretched from the one to the other, having a floral device pendant from the middle.

At one o'clock the hall was well filled, and the proceedings promptly commenced. Amongst those whom we observed present were - The Hon. Edwd. O'Neill, M.P.; Re. Edwd. Johnson Smyth, Vicar of Glenavy; Rev. R. Lindsay, Rev. E.P. Roe, Rev. Jonathan Harding, Rev. M. Matthews, Rev. Charles William Harding, and Miss J. Harding; Captain Starkie, and Mrs Starkie; Mrs. Wilkinson,Rev.W.D.Pounden, Lisburn; Stewart Blacker,Esq.; Rev. John McGroarty, Soldierstown; E.A. Chichester, Esq, Randalstown; Thomas J. Smyth, Esq., J.P. and Mrs Smyth, Goremount; Rev. E. Maguire, Vicar of Ballinderry; Walter T. StannusEsq., D.L., J.P., and Hon. Mrs. Stannus; Rev. Dr. Hannay, Vicar of Belfast; Wm. James Gwynn, Esq, Antrim; Captain Douglass, J.P., and Mrs Douglass; Rev. Henry Henderson, Holywood; Rev. Wm. Greene, Vicarof Killead; Rev. Hugh Hanna, Belfast; Rev. Walter Johnson, Rector of Connor, and Miss Johnson; Rev. J. Hamilton Bennett, Crumlin; Dr. Mussen, and Mrs. Mussen; Rev. A. Gault; George P. Johnston, Esq., and Mrs. Johnston; Lucas Waring, Esq; Miss Johnston, Rev. Mr.Luther, Rev. Mr. Hartrick, Dr.Scott; Joan Oakman, James Bradbury, Hammerton; John White, Berry Oakman, Jonathan Peel, Mrs. Peel and Miss Peel; Wm. Wilson, John Manderson, John Bullick, Wm. M. English, Wm. Armstrong, - Donaldson and Miss Donaldson; James Ballance, Samuel Ballance, Wm. Wheeler, and Miss Wheeler; James Smyth and Miss Smyth, Poplar Hill;Joseph English and Mrs English, Crumlin; Wm. Ingram, and Miss Ingram; James Lorimer, and Mrs. Lorimer; Archibald McErvel, and Miss Mc Ervel; Francis Barrons, Robert Gresham, and Miss Gresham; John Johnston, and the Misses Johnston; Robert jebb, Deerpark; James Gibson, Edward Higginson,- Burrows, and Miss Burrows; James Palmer,Wm. B. McDonald, John Lorimer,Nelson Bell, Wm. John Ingram, Oliver Ingram, Wm. Cairns, Wm. Gray, Thos. Balmer, James White, - Chase, Langford Lodge, Wm. Crawford, Langford Geddis, Wm. John Geddis,John Rea, Ballyhill; John Corken, Wm. Bell, Shaw Armstrong, Allen Bickerstaff, George Dixon, James Crossan, William John Knox, &c.

The following lodges were represented - 72,73,471,618,148,63,314,1831,124,191,1895 and 1893.

Rev. E.J. Smith moved that the Hon. Edward O'Neill, member of the county, take the chair.

Mr Charles E. McClintock had great pleasure in seconding the motion.

The chair having been taken, an opening prayer was offered up by Rev.E.J. Smith, Vicar of Glenavy.

The CHAIRMAN then rose, amid applause, and said it gave him great pleasure to be able to be present, especially as at one time he was afraid he would not be able to accept the kind invitation given him by the committee connected with the hall. It also, he must say, gave them all great pleasure to see amongst them so many tried and trusted friends of the principles which had drawn them there - (hear, hear) - some of them having come from a considerable distance. The meeting in that respect was larger than he had expected, and he thought they must all be very grateful to those gentlemen who had honoured them with their presence on this occasion. (Hear) Considering this difficulty which one sometimes had in deciding between various duties, some of which may be conflicting - and he would not wish to underrate the importance of an occasion like the present - and considering those principles of right that should be observed as a general rule, he could hardly undertake to come over from London in the middle of the session to attend one meeting in the County Antrim, especially as on the present occasion he was obliged to return to London immediately. He thought, however, it would not do to act rigidly upon that in this case, when he remembered that, although he had often been in the neighbourhood enjoying the hostility of his kind friends , yet this was the first occasion of a public kind that he had of meeting with his friends in Glenavy, and he determined, if possible, to overcome the obstacles to his coming, and as a consequence, there he was. (Loud Applause). He would apologise for having so long spoken upon a personal matter, and would now proceed to the more immediate object of the meeting. That object was as they knew, the opening of the Protestant Hall, a hall which was founded for lectures, soirees, and various meetings in support of Protestant principles; and that might lead them to consider one or two of the objects which Protestantism wishes to advance was he believed, the union of order with freedom. That was a union that had not always been very rigidly secured in some European countries, but it was one which he thought would be admitted was to a great extent secured under the British Constitution. (Hear, and applause) Protestantism, therefore, in advancing the opinion, does so in harmony with the constitution under which we live, and he might say, too, that Protestantism, in cherishing and protecting our liberties, does so in no narrow spirit of sectarian animosity. It was willing that the liberties that were won for us by our forefathers, nearly two centuries ago, should be the birth-right not only of every Protestant, of every Briton, but ought to be ready and willing to extend the sympathy and add to every man and body of men whose object is t oppose any undue restriction of our liberties, or any violent exercise of power. Therefore, he thought they ought to rejoice in the strength, and prosperity of Protestantism, as it was evinced by the multiplication of halls such as the spacious one in which they were assembled, and as it was evinced also by many other unmistakable signs; and they ought to rejoice that they lived in a land many of the inhabitants of which united a respect for authority and toleration and moderation towards all, with a jealous guardianship of their liberties. (Applause) An occasion would soon be afforded to the Protestants of the North of Ireland practically illustrating the greatness of their principles, and of carrying them out with firmness combined with an anxious desire that might lead to an interruption of the people (hear, hear_ - and he was glad to think that they would be able to do so this year, and he hoped in future years, unfettered by the bugbear that formerly hung over them in the shape of the Party Processions Act. (Laughter & Applause) That Act had often been brought before it by Sir Hugh Cairns and Mr. Whiteside - he used the names by which they were known- and during the last four years it had been reps before the country with great energy and perseverance by Mr. Johnston and those who served with him - (applause) - and that Act, he need hardly remind them, had been this year repealed on the motion of the Executive Government, and with the unanimous consent, he thought of all parties in the Houses of Parliament and the country. No exceptional legislation therefore, now hung over the July anniversaries - (applause) - but he might say that they would do well to remember- though, perhaps, he should hardly speak upon that point in the presence of so many trusted leaders of Protestant opinion - that in proportion as their liberties increased so also their responsibilities increased. He was struck with some words Mr. Johnston used at the laying of the foundation of an Orange Hall in Bangor that if they would allow him he would conclude by reading the words he alluded to: they were addressed primarily to Orangemen, but he thought they were also applicable to Protestants generally, though more peculiarly to the highly organised body of Protestants to which they were mainly addressed. (Hear) Mr. Johnston said - "To the Orangemen of Ulster upon the next 12th of July will be committed a great trust, as well as a great privilege, and it ought to be the duty of every Orangeman coming out in procession, or attending any meeting, to feel that the honour of the Protestant cause is especially committed to his charge. Every Orangeman should guard that cause from dishonour and disgrace. Temperance and sobriety should mark the proceedings of that day. The eyes of all will be upon you - the eyes of the Government, the eyes of your friends, the eyes of your foes. Let it be the proud privilege of the Orangeman to guard from dishonour our glorious Protestant cause, so that the 12th July, 1872, will be a white letter day in the history of our institution, and that no one will be able to say that the cause of Protestantism, the cause of God's truth, the cause of man's liberty, has suffered at all from the conduct of the Orangemen of Ulster on the glorious 12th of July." The honourable gentleman then said - I have now to declare the hall open for the purposes for which it has been erected - viz, for the holding of lectures, soirees, and other suitable meetings in support of Protestant principles, and I have now to ask Mr. English to read the letters of apology which may have been received. (Applause).

Mr. Joseph English (secretary to the committee) intimated that he had received letters of apology for absence from the following gentlemen, many of whom, however, had sent donations to the building fund:- John Savage. Esq., J.P., Mayor of Belfast; Philip Johnston, Esq. J.P. (ex-Mayor of Belfast), James Torrens, Esq., James Johnston, Esq; Chas H. Ward, Esq; R. Tooker, Esq. Cork; John Hall, Esq., Holywood; James C. Price Esq., Saintfield House; Thomas F. Caldbeck Esq, Eaton Brae, Loughlinstown; Rev. A. Bullick, Ardkeen Rectory; Rev. A.C.Canning, Crumlin, Samuel Young, Esq, Lisburn; William Mussen Esq., Belfast; William Johnston, Esq, Ballysillan house; Robert Atkinson, Esq.; William John Johnston, Esq., Ann Street, Belfast.

Rev. Dr. Hannay (Belfast) was then called upon by the chairman to address the meeting, and, on rising, congratulated the Protestant people of Glenavy and its neighbourhood on having successfully crowned the work which was so auspiciously commenced two years ago, and he trusted that this hall would long stand in their midst as a hall where true Protestant principles would be inculcated, and where brotherly unity and love would be fostered and encouraged. He remembered that the time when the foundation stone of that hall was laid was a very critical time in the history of Irish Protestantism, shortly after the second reading of the Irish Church Bill in the House of Lords had passed. Everyone at that time who understood anything of politics was well aware that the vote then given was just the signal for Irish Protestantism entering upon a new stage of its existence. Many of their friends were naturally (unreadable) - alarmed and anxious as to the result of that sudden and severe blow to the Protestant cause in this land, many feared that it would work most injuriously destroy, and some believed it would ultimately destroy Protestantism in the country. He could not say that he himself shared to any great extent in the gloomy anticipations with respect to the future. He had faith in the principles of Protestantism; he believed that whatever political action might do in the way of weakening and shattering existing organisations, be they political or ecclesiastical, that in certain principles there is live and vitality. They could not destroy truth. They might for a time beat down the witnesses to it and silence them, but it would rise again; it had always been so, and so it would always be; and as he held that the principles included in the general term Protestantism to be in accordance with Divine truth, he therefore held that they never could be extinguished in this land, and when he looked back now upon the trying period, which is passed he asked - Were they not justified then in the dark and trying hour, in looking hopefully to the future. He congratulated the Protestants of Ireland upon the way in which they met and grappled with the difficulties they had to deal with. Their brethren of the Presbyterian Church had not precisely - in church matters- the same difficulties to contend with, and heavy losses were inflicted upon them. And how did they do? They set to work like men instead of sighing over the irrevocable past - they set to work to make the best of it they could, and most heartily he congratulated them upon the success which had attended their earnest efforts. The Church to which he belonged himself had in many respects a more difficult tasks, but he thought their Church people had shown a heartiness, a willingness, and zeal in the work of reconstruction which augured well for their future also; and if here and there ther had been a little effervescence and overflow of animal spirits, they were not, perhaps, to be surprised that people long unaccustomed to certain rights had privileges should, on the first trial, exercise them in a way that afterwards they found not to be altogether the best. But they had reason for great thankfulness that their Protestant Churches had come out of the struggle weakened not one bit; he believed they were stronger in the affections of the people than they were before the passing of that Act. (Loud Applause) When he looked round about on the state of the country today, and asked himself "What are the prospects of Protestantism in Ireland today?" he confessed that he took a cheerful view of their prospects. He did not think that any one could observe at all carefully what was going on in Ireland, not among Protestants alone, but among their Roman Catholic fellow-subjects, without noticing that a great, a very marked change was passing over the minds of Roman Catholic people of Ireland. (Applause) There had been a leaven working, he had no doubt, secretly for a long time, which was now beginning to manifest itself in a very remarkable manner. He considered it as a most hopeful sign for the country that the Roman Catholic people are beginning now to assert political independence, that they are shaking off the grasp off the priest, and are showing their determination in many boroughs and counties in Ireland to vote according to their conscientious convictions. That was not all the country wants, but they should be thankful for any such healthy sign among the people as that certainly was. Take such a case as the judgement delivered by Mr. Justice Keogh with respect to the Galway election case. That was one of the most remarkable testimonies to the growing spirit of independence among educated Roman Catholics in Ireland that any man could desire to see, and it was a witness to this that educated Roman Catholics have been so long ground and crushed under that intolerable sacerdotal despotism that they can stand it no longer, and are determined to speak out. All honour to Mr. Justice Keogh for the manly, honest judgement he delivered upon that occasion. (Loud Applause) he knew the Roman Catholic priests were very angry with that judgement, but he conceived they were taking a very wrong course in reviling the judge who delivered it. If they wanted to get themselves respected in this country, they ought to concur in the judgement, and say "It is not a right thing, in our opinion, for a priest to perjure himself." They ought to set their faces against the conduct of those men; but, if they join in it, the judgement refers to the whole priesthood, instead of to one. The course they are taking is one that will bring discord and disgrace upon them, and will completely overthrow their efforts. These were two great hopeful symptoms, attribute them to what they would, in the political life of the country. If he were asked - To what are these things to be attributed? he would say - To a great extent to the gradual leavening, slowly and almost imperceptibly of the minds of the Roman Catholic population, with truer and better principles, imbibed almost insensibly from what they are going on among Protestants around about them. He thought Protestantism was telling the country, and under God's blessing it depended greatly upon the way in which Protestants managed matters for the future how much their influence would extend among their Roman Catholic fellow countrymen (Applause). The Orange Society had a great future before it if it but had the wisdom to take hold of the opportunity that lies before it now. The vitality of the organisation itself no one could possible doubt. The springing up in every neighbourhood of such halls as that, the handing together in lodges of such a vast number of the Protestant population, showed that the Orange Institution has a hold upon the hearts of the people today, as it had in former times and that it is not dying out. It was not extinguished by the Party Processions Act, and it will not be extinguished by the repeal of that Act. But very much depends now upon the way in which the members of the Institution looks upon the state of affairs round about them. He would say to them that the great aim of such an organisation should not all self- glorification, or exultation over others, but simply this - the preservation and propagation of certain principles, the value of which had been thoroughly tried and proved - (laughter and applause) - they wanted to preserve for themselves certain liberties, and they wanted their fellow countrymen to become sharers in it; but this could only be possible where men were so far educated themselves as to be able to read history, and see the bearing of history upon their own times. He thought every hall like that ought to have a library connected with it - a library not merely for taking in daily newspapers and magazines, but the standard works of history, which should be carefully studied by the members of the Institution. Then every member would see what is today is because of something that had been yesterday. There was no chance in these things; it is all cause and effort the state of things today springs from something that happened before; the working of certain principles before produces something now. What they and he were doing today would produce something after they have gone. They should carefully consider the tendency of certain principles, the bearing of certain modes of action, and how they are likely to affect the future prosperity of the country. Therefore, he would say their great anniversary time should not be merely a holiday, an occasion for more congratulation and spending a pleasant day in the country, and then suppose the mission of Orangeism is completed. That was a small position of it indeed. There was a great deal more if Orangeism was to be a practical benefit to the country in which it exists. They must take hold of its principles, and see how they themselves are to work them into the social and political life of the country. There are great problems waiting to be solved, and according to the way in which they dealt with these would the future of the country be decided. Their justification was one that combined in itself two distinct elements; it was a political institution conducted upon religious principles ; and if they carried that into practice, in its working there could be no doubt at all of its being a permanent benefit to the country and community on which it exists. They should not separate these two. Politics, rightly understood, were a part of religion; separate politics from religion and refuse to guide political action by the Spirit of the Lord and by the direction of His Word, and they would not do much good. A political life and action conducted in a religious and prayerful spirit is the description of political life that will permanently benefit the country. He prayed that god might give His blessing to them in this Institution, and that they might ever be Protestants and Orangemen in that sense, living a life religiously political and politically religious. (loud applause)

Rev. Henry Henderson, who was received with applause, next addressed the meeting. He joined heartily with his friend and brother , Rev. Dr. Hannay, in congratulating them on the opening of that splendid hall in Glenavy, a hall which was not only an honour to the Orangemen of Glenavy and the district, but he must say - and he had been at the opening of a great many halls - it was an honour to the Orange Institution of Ireland. They had set a noble example to their brethren throughout the country, not only showing to then the advantage of building a hall, but of doing it in a right style; for it was a hall that would adorn the streets of Belfast. (Applause) he was unable to be present at the laying of the foundation stone of this building, but he had the honour to receive an invitation, and he would have been present only that circumstances prevented; he would have come to show his sympathy with the brethren in getting up such a building as this; and he would have come to show that he rejoiced and felt it an honour to identify himself with his Orange brethren in every part of Ulster; and he should have come also in order that he might have had the privilege of being present at a meeting presided over by the venerable Dean of Rose, who he regretted to say was not present, but who, had sent two noble representatives. And he might say that he deeply regretted that the infirmities of advanced age had prevented them from having the honour of the presence of the venerable and beloved Dean Stannus. He congratulated that meeting and they had as their chairman one of the honourable members for the County Antrim - (applause) - one of the members of the princely house of O'Neill - (applause) - and he was not afraid to say there, as an Orangeman, that he was glad to see the chairman there as a Conservative - one of the noble Conservative band of Ulster, who fought their battles in the House of Commons, (Applause). There were certain newspapers at the present moment that were urging upon the Orangemen of Ireland to do certain things on the approaching Twelfth of July, which he was sure they would not do, because he did not think the Radical papers of Ulster were exactly the papers to be the guides of Orangeman. But one of the things put forward in a Radical paper published in the town of Coleraine was that Orangemen, now that they have got the Party Processions Act repealed, should turn upon the noble Protestant landlords of Ulster and devour them upon the subject of tenant-right (laughter) Well that is not bad. The yeomanry of Ulster were an honour to Ireland. (Hear hear). The protestant yeomanry of his own county, grand old County Down, where would they get their betters? They were an honour to the estates on which they lived; and he would say this, that the noble landlords of Down and Antrim deserved the attachment of their people, for at all times they had been generous, kind and indulgent towards their Protestant tenantry. (Applause) These papers would divide class from classes, turn the tenants upon the landlords and the landlords upon the tenants - for what purpose? Not for the advantage of the tenantry, but for the destruction of Conservatism in the land, in order that the yeomanry of Ulster might be laid at the back of Cardinal Cullen and Archbishop MacHale, and that gang of priests who received such an encomium from Judge Keogh, one of their co-religionists, in Galway. (Loud applause) But from the platform he told those Radical papers that the union between the Orange and Protestant yeomanry of Antrim and Down and their Protestant and indulgent landlords is a union that they will never break, and he would say this - woe be to the cause of Protestantism and Orangeism if ever one class should be set against another in the country. (Hear and applause). Another trick, older than that perhaps, was to endeavour to divide their Churches . Appeals had been made to the Presbyterians of the country to separate themselves from their Episcopalian brethren; but they would wisely unite. His noble, distinguished, lamented father, Dr. Cooke, all his days proclaimed union, loving and unbroken, between the Protestant Churches of Ireland. His friend and brother , the Rev. Hugh Hanna, had spent his days and nights, his strength and brilliant talents in advocating the same union. There were his brothers, the Rev. Mr Greene and the Rev. Mr Johnston, rector of Connor, the son of the Grand Master of County Monaghan, one of the noblest Orangemen that ever wore an orange scarf about his neck, both of whom maintained and advocated union among the Protestant Churches. That was as it ought to be; and one of the great characteristics of the Orange Institution was that they did not know sectarianism in the lodge. They met as brethren, and all bigotry was shut out at the door - (applause) - and he felt that hall would be distinguished as a means of maintaining and conserving the glorious Protestantism of the Protestant Churches in the land. (Loud Applause). Now, he would just take the liberty of saying a word or two, following up the observations of Dr. Hannay as to the character of the Orange Institution. He said, and he had ever maintained , that pre-eminently one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Orange Institution was that it was a religious institution - (applause) - and every one connected with it was solemnly pledged before God to support the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and he, so far as he was concerned, did not believe that he would have anything to do with the Orange Institution unless it had that character. (Hear) One of the laughable objections to the Orange Institution was - and it was sometimes put forward in the papers he had referred to - How could a minister be an Orangeman? - that dreadful Institution. It is impossible for a Christian man to be an Orangeman. Well, in reply to that he would point to Lord Roden, one who had a better crown than the coronet he wore - the crown of life - for there never lived a better man than the late venerable Earl of Roden. Another objection was - How can a Presbyterian be an Orangeman? Because every one who joins the orange Institution swears that he will maintain the Episcopal Church. So they said Well, he was prepared to support the principles of the late Established Church of Ireland ; for while he loved his own Church he loved every Church that loved the truth of God. It was not vile slander and calumny - it was not sects they were pledged and solemnly bound to maintain but it was the glorious faith of the Reformation as upheld by Cranmer and Ridley and Hooker in England, and by the immortal John Know in Scotland (Hear, and loud applause) Another characteristic of their Institution was, that it was a political Institution - might he say Conservative? He had always taken the liberty of saying no Radical can be an Orangeman, or, if there is a Radical Orangeman, there is something curious about him -(laughter)- he could not understand his constitution at all (continued laughter) - because and Orangeman pledged himself to do - What? To support all our great protestant national institutions and interests. And, in the last place, there was another characteristic of the orange Institution, to which Dr. Hannay did not specially refer - that was the social character. It brought men together of different classes and different ranks, and he hoped they would soon see their chairman in their ranks - (loud applause and hear) - and if he would but wait and meet them on the Twelfth he would never rue day or moment when he joined the noble band of Orangemen of Ulster in Antrim town. (Loud Applause) At all events, they had Lord Massereene- an Orangeman- and Lord Edwin Hill - an Orangeman - and there was the prince among the princes of their Orangemen - Edward Blacker - (loud applause) and when they met in their lodge-room rank was forgotten for the time. The twelfth was coming. Well he hoped to be in Antrim; and it had been said that the Orangemen will take advantage of the abolition of the Party Processions Act (A voice: No) - and violate the law and act in a disorderly manner. But no; with the help of god, no. Just because the Act has been abolished Orangemen in every quarter would be more particular than ever before as to their conduct, and would set a bright and blessed example to the whole country as to the way in which the manly and independent, and industrious, and religious Orangemen of Ireland can conduct themselves, (Loud Applause) he said to them, and through them to his Orange brethren all over Ulster - let every man feel that the character of the Orange Institution is in his hands; let every Orangeman act the Christian; let every Orangeman on the Twelfth go proudly forth beneath the banner that he loves to the sound of the Protestant drum - (applause) - and let him go forth feeling that Orangeism is not a mere parade on the Twelfth, is not merely a showing off of colours - although he liked to see them - that it is not merely making a display on this or that day, and that ia all about it. No, let it be felt, let it be seen, that the Orangeman of Ulster feel that they are the guardians of God's truth in Ireland, that they are the defenders of the British Constitution in Ireland; that they are the pillars of the British Throne; and, feeling the responsibility of having tremendous duties devolving upon them, let them go forth on the Twelfth in the spirit o prayer, in the name, and for the glory, of their God, to meet together wherever they hold a demonstration; and when they part let them, as brethren, go quietly to their homes, and in this way God would be glorified and their cause advanced (Loud Applause).

Stewart Blacker, Esq., said he was rejoiced to find himself amongst them, and under the true colour he was himself again. (Laughter and applause) But there were difficulties in the way of doing anything proper or good in this world , and he had experienced considerable trouble in coming to Glenavy. He rejoiced in his heart to find Orange and Protestant halls being as thickly sown over the country, and bringing to their cause such respectability and such honour. Br. Henderson had ably put before them the advantages of such a hall, and of their having a united platform on which the ministers of the various evangelical denominations of the Protestant Church could meet, and work hand in hand together, and oppose with a bold frost the common foe - Popery, (Hear) He felt, when he looked around him and saw the specimens of beauty and the cheering smiles of the ladies, that while they had their wives and sisters amongst them a genial and proper feeling came over the whole Institution - a rectifying principle, for no rough word would be spoken, but only that which was conducive to goodness, propriety, religion and good feeling. It was a great thing to have the ladies amongst them; but there was another great matter - in that place the word of truth would be spoken, their missions and their charities advocated -(hear) - and, instead of spending their money in tobacco smoking and whisky drinking, they could lay by their pennies for their destitute and respectable old people, and for their orphans. (Applause) One of the grandest feelings which he observed throughout the whole of Canada was the temperance and sobriety that conducted not only to the great political influence of the Order, but to the respectability that they bore in the front of them by taking care of their aged people and of their destitute orphans. (Hear, and applause) In every great city or town there was a Protestant Orphan School, and in Toronto the Orangemen of that city had added tow wings to such a building, and the were called the Orange wings - one was the Orange and the other the Purple wing, and there never was a nobler or better bird took its flight than the Protestant Orphan Society, with its Orange and Protestant wings. It was not long since, in another part of the country, he was present at a meeting in a hall erected for Orange and Protestant purposes in the town of Ballymena, where they held the Grand Lodge, and he was scarcely concluded there when he had to hurry away to the opening of one in the important town of Connor, where Br. Johnston did the honours of the parish - and he never saw a more glorious display than the single parish made in defence of Protestantism, and he could not but congratulate Br. Johnston on the appearance made by the district of Kells and Connor. But standing amongst them now he congratulated them in Glenavy on having erected such a building. It was really creditable and honourable to them to have such an admirable building for the purposes for which it was designed. It was by such acts as these that they would confer strength and respectability upon the Institution; and he would second what Br. Henderson had said in hoping that every Conservative, and every Tory, and every right-thinking politician, would at once cast off all unnecessary timidity, and join the Orange Institution. (Applause) He would tell them why - because the Orange Institution arose from necessity, and from a feeling of propriety and love of order amongst their humbler brethren; and it was that which had made it take root throughout the country and flourish as it does. They might talk of Conservatism; it was a very elastic word, and brought in all sorts of Conservatives. They had latterly had some who should properly be called Concessionists, for the first view they took of a question was to find a hole out of which they could creep, to see how a bargain could be made or a compromise effected. That was modern Conservatism; but it was now so with the Conservatism of Orangeism. The first thing they had to do was to consider whether they were right or wrong, and if their consciences told them they were right, they had but one term - "No surrender." There was an old bard in County Derry, and when he used to view the different Protestant political societies he would say -

Like fires among furze that on mountains are made,
Conservatives, Brunswickers, flourish and fade;
But Orangemen brave, still constant are seen,
The steady supporters of truth, Bible and Queen.

Yes the orange Institution was a society for the upholding of rank, and order, and law; it was a ? upholding an open and free ? walking in the steps of God's commands. The present phase of the political world was very remarkable. There were stirrings up in all directions; ebullitions - extraordinary ebullitions and fermentations of the human mind. They could trace them in their various forms. In the Fenian they had the American Republican trying to cast his slime over the country; in the Ribbonman they had the priests' mob of the lower orders, to execute any of the commands which their Church inculcates upon them; in the International Society they had a sort of ramification of the movement of labour against capital which is agitating the whole of Europe, stirring up persons who require to be paid against their paymaster; and they had a greater conspiracy than all these lowering and looming over them - an unfathomable one - the Ultramontane or Jesuit conspiracy - which stands apart and takes advantage of all the others. No matter where disorder might occur, wherever discontent was likely to be, they would find the Jesuit stirring up the elements of strife, and taking advantage of it to further the objects of the Pope and Popery. (Hear) It was a very remarkable thing, the rise of Ignatius Loyola, the first Jesuit, and the subsequent unremitting persistent efforts of the society for the furtherance of Popish rule. From that day to this is has gone on and from that day to this they might trace every disorder in every country in some way or other to the stirring up of the fearful aggressive conspiracy. Mr. Blacker then gave a detail of some of the principal movements in England with which the Society of Jesus was connected, and stated that lies and malignant vituperation was on of the principle weapons which they used- and they found at present a judge of the land undergoing a similar vituperation from every Popish paper and Popish writer. He referred to the several natural leaders of Orangeism, whom he enumerated, and lamented that they could not include the chairman, the Hon. Edward O'Neill, among the number. He congratulated the people of the country on the devoted attention which was given to the business of the House; he was never known to be absent from his duty. He hoped the day might be long absent when the North Of Ireland would have the slightest compunction or feeling of fear to meet boldly and faithfully and sternly all the dangers that may surround the Protestant cause -

Then let them give a cheer for those^[1]
Who, still to honour cleaving,
Around that cause are seen to close
Which dastard souls are leaving,
Fair truth o'er all these ills shall rise,
That fear or fraud have wrought her,
And days return that men shall prize
Old Derry and Boyne Water.

-(cheers)

Lord Massereene's private band, was in attendance, here struck up the tune "Derry Walls."

Rev. Hugh Hanna next addressed the meeting. With the proceeding speakers he congratulated them on the hall which they had erected, and on the influential meeting which had assembled at the opening ceremony. They had received their honourable chairman with all cordiality, and he hoped that his advent there today would be the pledge and forerunner of many such appearances throughout the country, and of such appearances by other members of the order of society to which he belonged. Having expressed his sympathy with the remarks of Dr. Hannay as to the growing independence and enlightenment of educated Roman Catholics, and referred to the harm which was being done by Jesuitism in Ireland, which was marshalling the scattered elements of Papal strength to re-constitute them into a despotism as dark and dreadful as in the days of yore. Mr. Hanna proceeded to say that he quite coincided with the definition that had been given of the principle on which Orangeism is founded, and described it as animated by high religious principle. But he told them honestly be believed the Institution was now not as practical as it ought to be. While other bodies were presenting petitions to Parliament in aid of different movements they failed to exercise the influence the potency of which they were undoubtedly possessed. He concluded by urging them to endeavour to be more practical and more advice in their support of Orange and Protestant principles and interests.(Applause)

Rev. Edward Maguire next spoke, and in the course of his observations gave an able summary of the present position of the Papacy in Ireland, and the reason why any extension of its influence ought to be dreaded.

After some remarks from rev. E.T. Smith and James Gwynne, Esq., D.G.M., Walter Stannus, Esq., D.L., moved that the Hon. Edward O'Neill vacate the chair, and that the same be taken by the Rev. E.T. Smith.

The second chair having been taken.

Mr. Stannus moved a vote of thanks to the Hon. Edward O'Neill for presiding.

Mr. Donaldson seconded the motion, which was carried by acclamation.

A vote of thanks was unanimously awarded to Lord Massereene for kindly granting the use of the band.

The Hon. Edward O'Neill briefly replied.

After which a doxology was sung, the benediction pronounced, and the meeting separated.

At the close, a collection in aid of the building fund was taken up, which, including a number of donations that had been sent, amounted to about £80. Amongst the donations were the following:- Philip Johnston, Esq., J.P., £5; John Savage, Esq., J.P. (Mayor of Belfast), £2; James Torrens, Esq., £2 2s; Robert Atkinson, Esq, £1; W. Johnston Esq., Ballysillan House, £1; and W. Johnston, Esq., Ann Street, Belfast £1, being a second subscription.

Concert At Glenavy

A very successful and enjoyable concert took place in the Protestant Hall, Glenavy, on Wednesday evening, 10th inst, in aid of the local Brass band. The hall was filled to its utmost capacity by an enthusiastic audience, who rewarded the different performers with warm applause. The programme opened with a piece by the band, which, considering the very short time (two months) it has been in practice, was very creditable to themselves and to Mr. Weir, their instructor. Mrs. Sefton followed with the pianoforte solo "Pasquinade" (Gottachalk), in which she showed much ability in her execution. Songs "They all Love Jack" and "Six o'clock in the Morning" - were given by a well-known gentleman, and were loudly encored, and responded to. Mrs. Watson sang, with much acceptance, the song, "The Mill Wheel" and was equally successful in the song "Anchored." Encores being the order of the evening, she gave "Shy Robin." Miss Alice Sloan gave the audience a treat with her performances on the violin. She contributed two items. Considering the size off the young lady, it was very creditable, indeed, Miss McClure sang, "Alas! Those Chimes," and "Oh Steer my Bark to Erin's Isle," in which she displayed much taste; and in response to encores, gave "We'd better Bide a Wee" and "Comin' thro' the Rye." Mr Spence followed with the song, "Queen of my Heart." and another song "The Old Brigade." Having to appear again, he sang "Hearts of Oak" in which he was loudly applauded. The pianoforte duet "Il Corricolo," was brilliantly performed by Miss Finlay and Miss Mussen; as was also the pianoforte solo, "Air du Dauphim," by Miss Finlay, in another part of the programme. Humorous readings were given by Mr. Dumican, entitled "Jemmy Hoy" and "Gape Seed," which evoked much merriment. Being heartily encored, he recited "The Irish Schoolmaster." Mr. Weir's ability on the flute was amply demonstrated in his performance of the solos. "Bohemian Girl" and "Irish Airs." Miss Aggie Kenmuir, a Lisburn favourite, delighted the audience in the songs, "Quaker's Daughter," and "The Song for Me," and, in response to an imperative encore, gave "The Kissing Bride." Mr. Weir, junior, contributed two items; and, as usual, had to appear again. Mr. Wm. McGahey, Belfast, sustained the comic element in his inimitable style, keeping the house in roars of laughter, songs, "Enniscorthy" "I Forget," "The Troubadour" "My Wife's Relations" and a reading "Reubenstein at the Piano." Dr. Mussen has reason to be congratulated for his efforts. The accompaniments were efficiently supplied by Mrs. Sefton and Miss Finlay. The concert concluded at a late hour with the singing of the National Anthem.

Glenavy District L.O.L. Soiree and Musical Reunion.

A very enjoyable soiree and musical reunion in connection with this lodge was held on Tuessday evening, in the Orange Hall, Glenavy, which was very neatly decorated. There was a large attendance of the brethren and their friends; amongst those being present - Revs C Watson, J.R. Sides, and J.A. Armstrong; Bros W.H.H. Lyons, Co Grand Master; Dr. Mussen, District Secretary; Jas Lorimer D.D.M.; J, Corken, James Smyth, Edward Irvine, 73, J. Neill 124. James Patterson 314; W.J. Smyth 340; James Sutters 351; C Quigley 18; James Armstrong, George Colburn; Thomas Irvine; W.J. Fleeton; Nathaniel Wilson, Allen Burrows, Henry Higginson, W. Lowry and J. McConnell.

After tea Bro W.H. H. Lyons took the chair on the motion of Bro. Dr. Mussen, seconded by Bro. Lorimer.

The Chairman who was most enthusiastically cheered, said he was very much obliged to them for the honour which they had conferred upon him. It was always a great pleasure to him to be present at these annual reunions, because of the courtesy extended to him, and because he knew so many of the brethren. (Applause). He was always glad to be able in any way to assist their esteemed District Secretary, who had so long occupied such an important position in connection with the institution - (hear, hear) - and he hoped that they might long have the benefit of his discretion. He was sorry to say that he had experienced a great loss in the death of Bro Wheeler, whom he regretted to find so suddenly called away from amongst them. Referring to current politics, he sadi he was very much surprised the other day to find that Mr. Wm O'Brien had been speaking at Manchester, and that his speech had been reported in The Times - a journal, which, as a rule, reported scarcely any speeches but those of Cabinet Ministers. The reason they reported his was, perhaps, to show how this gentleman treated English constituencies. Of course, if Mr O'Brien were to address an English audience as he does an Irish one it would be disgusted with him; and if he addressed and Irish as he does an English it would be no less disgusted with the mildness of his statements. At Manchester he spoke very mildly. He spoke of the tow nations which had been so long estranged, but which had so long been mixing in fellowship and peace. Which two nations did he mean? He (the chairman) feared if he means English and the Irish he was mistaken, and then he told them that he had always been an extreme man, and that during the whole time the Irish agitation he had never said an unkind word about the working millions of England. But did he forget that he had spoken of the accursed Saxon, and who was that? Why, it was the English nation. It could not be some mere half dozen Cabinet Ministers. Mr. O'Brien then went on to say that the English Government were just as selfish to the English working people as the English Garrison - meaning the Executive - in this country were to the working classes here. He (the chairman) had no doubt the Irish party were longing for the day then they would have a Parliament in College Green, and Mr. O'Brien seemed to think that on the day when the Home Rule Bill was inscribed in the statute book of England they would have a happy and contented nation ("Never".)

In enumerating the grievances of the Irish nation, he told them that the Constitution had been suspended in Ireland. Well, he might have added that his own party had suspended it for their own purposes. (Applause) Mr. O'Brien also stated that the right of public meeting had been done away with, but if such were the case but few could be surprised, since men like Mr. O'Brien and his followers went through the country sporting as they had done. If he had spoken fairly he might have drawn a very favourable comparison between the late government of Ireland under Mr. Gladstone and the present government under Lord Sailsbury. After reviewing the progress towards peace in Ireland during the past three years, the chairman said the Nationalists opposed the Ashbourne Act because the creation of peasant priatorship in Ireland would leave Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Parnell, and their followers without anything to do. (Hear, Hear). The present agitation was purely a religious agitation, and he did not think they who property in this country were prepared to resign and leave it all at once, nor yet would they give up their civil and religious liberty (Applause).

Re. Mr. Sides said it was a very hopeful sign for their parish to see so many young people gathered together on that occasion with so much enthusiasm and apparent happiness. The chairman struck the right nail on the head when he said the whole question in Ireland was a religious question -(applause) - and it devolved on them to show their neighbours that there was something more in Protestantism than the mere assembly with banners and walking on the Twelfth of July. They must let them see that their religion had something of the Bible in it, and if they could get their opponents to follow their example Ireland would become a contented and glorious kingdom. (Applause).

Rev. Mr. Watson expressed his pleasure in being present and also complimented Dr. Mussen on the great success with which his efforts to promote that entertainment were attached. (Hear Hear)

During the evening a varied programme of musical selections and recitations was contributed by the Lisburn Orchestral Band, Mrs Watson, Miss Morgan, Miss Mussen, Rev. J. Armstrong, Mr S Nixon, Mr. Weir and Mr. W??

On the motion of Dr. Mussen, a vote of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who contributed to the programme, and also to the chairman, was passed by acclamation, and the proceedings concluded with the National Anthem.

A Grand concert in aid of Christmas boxes for Glenavy Soldiers will be given in the Protestant Hall, Glenavy on Friday evening, 15th inst, by the North Irish horse Glee party.