A PIECE of loyal orders’ history, dating back over 50 years, has found a place in the archives.
Newtownards councillor Steven Irvine was recently approached by work colleague Alana Halliday, with a treasured family heirloom – a Royal Black Preceptory (RBP) past master’s certificate, which had been given to Alana by her late father.
Keen to discover the certificate’s history, and how best to preserve it, Alana sought Steven’s help. Steven recalls: “After making a few inquiries, I connected with renowned local Orange Order historian and Newtownards man David Cargo, whose expertise quickly identified the history of the certificate’s original owner as Sir Knight George Walmsley, Alana’s great-uncle.”
Mr Cargo traced the certificate’s origins to Mr Walmsley, a WWII naval veteran and the secretary of his lodge. Tragically, on March 2, 1973, at age 52, he was fatally shot as he left Ligoniel Orange Hall in Belfast, described at the time as a ‘devastating loss to the community’. Walmsley had departed the hall early, concerned for his 83 year-old mother who had recently lost her husband.
Although initial reports suggested a passing vehicle as the source of gunfire, further details pointed to a sniper stationed at Limehill Street’s corner. The then-Grand Master of the Orange Institution, Rev. Martin Smyth, condemned the act as a ‘brutal murder with all the marks of premeditation’. Though the incident was never formally claimed, it was widely attributed to the IRA.
Mr Cargo made the introductions with Bro. William Humphrey MBE from West Belfast Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Orange Hall, and a special evening was arranged for Alana to present both the certificate and Sir Knight Walmsley’s collarettes.
Steven Irvine said: “On behalf of Alana, we extend heartfelt gratitude to Bro. William Humphrey and Bro. Sam Coulter, curator of the West, for their warm and dignified reception. Their kindness and reverence ensure that Sir Knight Walmsley’s story will continue to be shared with future generations, preserving both personal and community history in a truly meaningful way.”
