Lisburn Royal Black District Chapter No 1 and County officers who took part in the platform proceedings at the ‘Last Saturday’ demonstration in Lisburn. L to R: Right Worshipful Sir Knight Rev Canon AA Johns (Deputy Imperial/County Grand Chaplain), Right Worshipful Sir Knight Raymond Adams (Imperial Grand Chaplain), Worshipful Sir Knight David Burleigh (Worshipful District Master, Lisburn District No 1), Right Worshipful Sir Knight Stanley Bamford (County Grand Master), Right Worshipful Sir Knight Rev Thomas Greer (County Grand Chaplain) and Worshipful Sir Knight Rev David McCarthy (Chaplain, Lisburn District No 1). |
Lisburn Royal Black District Chapter No 1 had the honour of hosting the ‘last Saturday’ demonstration on this the historic occasion of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Lisburn. Antrim, Ballyclaire, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Larne and Lisburn, the six districts taking part, walked the route from Wallace Park to the demonstration at Lisburn Leisureplex through streets lined with thousands of spectators. The 82 preceptories and 75 bands took some 2½ hours to pass. The bands taking part in the parade included: Ballyclare Victoria Flute Band, Killycoogan Accordion, Magheramorne Silver, Vow Accordion, Ballydonaghy Pipe and Lisburn Young Defenders Flute Band.
Worshipful Sir Knight David Burleigh (Worshipful District Master, Lisburn District No 1) chaired the platform proceedings; Right Worshipful Sir Knight Stanley Bamford (County Grand Master) read and proposed the resolutions; Right Worshipful Sir Knight Roland Hill (Deputy County Grand Master) seconded the resolutions and Sir Knight Matthew Tinsley (Deputy District Master, Lisburn District No 1) proposed a vote of thanks.
Right Worshipful Sir Knight Rev Thomas Greer (County Grand Chaplain) conducted the religious service; Worshipful Sir Knight Rev David McCarthy (Chaplain, Lisburn District No 1) led the prayers and the Right Worshipful Sir Knight Rev Canon AA Johns (Deputy Imperial/County Grand Chaplain) read the Scripture lesson. The preacher was Right Worshipful Sir Knight Raymond Adams (Imperial Grand Chaplain). The hymns, which were led by Comber Brass Band, were ‘O God, our help in ages past’ and ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’.
In a challenging address Sir Knight Adams, a member of Quilly RBP No 10, outlined how the very moral spine of Christianity is being torn from us through Sunday sport, Sunday trading, same sex marriages, legalisation of abortion etc. Mr Adams spoke of the need for a Black Institution that will restore our total commitment to the Bible and the word of God, revive our devotion to Jesus Christ and renew our understandings of personal holiness. He went on to speak of the need to go forward trusting wholly in Jesus Christ to drive sin out of society by standing on Calvary promises that it is the blood of Jesus Christ alone that can save sinners. Referring to the 1859 Revival Mr Adams explained that if there is to be a Spiritual Revival today, it must begin within the individual. In conclusion he asked the gathered Sir Knights, “Where do you stand spiritually - are you saved or lost?” and concluded by speaking of the need to “be in time”.
Worshipful Sir Knight David Burleigh concluded the platform proceedings by wishing all the Sir Knights and bands a peaceful and safe journey home.
29/08/2009