Principles
The Institution in Australia today owns headquarter buildings in
all states. The Order continues to maintain its long-standing commitment to
upholding the principles established by King William III at the Battle of
the Boyne -- to propogate and defend the interests of Protestantism; to
promote the widest measure of religious and civil liberty and the
separation of Church and State; and to support welfare of mankind.
The Loyal Orange Institution of Victoria conducts a
Protestant Information Centre and Bookshop. The Centre is situated within
Loyal Orange House, Melbourne, and provides information
leaflets, books, etc. About the Protestant faith.
The Institution also conducts Protestant rallies, featuring
prominent Protestant preachers, and throughout Australia has vigorously
(but unsuccessfully) opposed concept of State aid to denominational
schools, it being considered as segregative and an infringement or the
religious liberty of Australians. In New South Wales and Victoria the
Institution has established homes for the aged and invalid, which
altogether accommodate some 140 people at low rental, and support other
community welfare projects.
"The Sentinel" (not the publication referred to earlier),
Australia's Orange Journal, is widely read in many parts the "Orange" world
and copies of each issue are posted every Australian Federal
parliamentarian as a public relations exercise.
Although the two world wars caused a great decline in membership
as members enlisted, many never to return, and the Institution is nowhere
near as strong as it used to be, it is still nevertheless alive and well
and, by the grace of God, continues and will continue to support the
basic principles -- freedom of worship, freedom of speech and freedom
of public assembly -- and the welfare of mankind.
HILTON R. WICKHAM, J.P. Grand Secretary Grand Orange
Council of Australia
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