BELFAST RB BOOKLET 2020 - Flipbook - Page 5
Ci t y of Belf ast Grand Bl ack Chapt er - Dem onst rat i on Bookl et 2020
Originally our Sovereign Grand Master, Most Worshipful Sir Knight William Anderson was
invited to pen this year's foreward which he so kindly submitted in advance. However, with
subsequent events having overshadowed all else, we believe it to be more prudent to
temporarily substitute the SGM's input with the statement below, issued by the leadership of
the Imperial Grand Black Chapter in reference to this deadly virus.
"Given the World Health Organisation and Governments actions in response to reduce the risk of
spreading coronavirus, the Senior Officers and Central Committee of the Royal Black Institution are
concerned that we play our part in working to prevent such a spread of this virus amongst our
members and throughout our communities. While the advice is constantly being updated in response
to the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus, our Institution must act responsibly.
We therefore strongly advise that all meetings, events and Services being organised by the Royal
Black Institution throughout all our jurisdictions be cancelled immediately until further notice.
We acknowledge that there will be those at levels throughout our Institution who will be extremely
disappointed following the cancellation of long-planned occasions and events of celebration. However,
we know that many of our members will be creative and inventive in responding to the challenges of
this time in order to give leadership to our communities. We would also commend our members to
constantly bring this whole situation before God's Throne of Grace in their private prayers."
Ultimately Sir Knights there will be an end in sight, just as there has been since time immemorial,
when the corporate 'spirit of the blitz' and 'the bravery of the few' won through in the end. Over
three hundred times within the Holy Bible is contained the advice ..'do not fear'.' So too, be wise
and take reasonable steps to avoid exposure to the disease and protect and provide for your
family. We salute you all in what continues to be both a national and international disaster, but
with God being our helper, we shall see this through. Remain precautionary and please keep safe!
Following the cessation of hostilities and the temporary
suspension of all demonstrations etc, during the war
years, the first Belfast Grand Black Chapter's 'Last
Saturday' outing after WWII was held in August 1946 to
Portadown. The Belfast Sir Knights are pictured
parading along Donegall Square West, en route to the
GNR railway station, in Great Victoria Street (below).
Field Marshal Montgomery and his Senior
Commanders await the Nazi representatives
prior to the signing of the unconditional
surrender of German Forces in the Netherlands
and Nordic regions in the lead-up to VE Day
IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN - 3 - AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING