ABOUT THE CITY GRAND MASTER
Current City Grand Master: Wor Bro Victor Wray (2008 - present)
It is an honour and privilege to be the City Grand Master of the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge.
A native of the West Bank of the city, I have been a member of the Orange Institution for 45 years. I originally lived in number 33 Argyle Terrace in the Rosemount area of Londonderry, before moving to Henry Street in the Fountain in 1969 were I lived for 12 years, and later in 1981 to the Waterside where I still live today. I attended the Model Primary School and later Templemore Secondary School. I am also a member of Carlisle Road Presbyterian Church located on the cityside.
I joined the Orange Institution in 1964, my first lodge being Ulster Pride LOL 846, which worked under the auspices of No 1 District within the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge. When the lodge folded I transferred to Britannia LOL 1912 were I am still a member today. In my private lodge I have held the offices of Lodge Secretary and Lecturer. I am currently the No 4 District Lecturer where I have held the position for ten years.
I believe the Orange Institution has a right to be allowed, without opposition, to march on the West Bank of the city, in the footsteps of my father who was also a member of the Britannia LOL 1912, until his passing in 1983. I have two brothers who are members of the Orange Institution. My Brother William is a member of LOL 1912 and Brother Jackie is a member of LOL 1689.
The summer of 2001 saw local Orange lodges being refused permission to walk through the City Centre of Londonderry. I took the lead on the issue and devised a committee made up of local clergymen, business people and senior Orange officials within the city in a bid to discuss and resolve the parading issue. Bro William Hay MLA played an integral part in the discussions which led to the very successful 12th July celebrations coming back to the city of Londonderry in 2005.
My fondest memory as City Grand Master will be the opening of the new Orange Lodge in Newbuildings village, called Newbuildings Victoria LOL 1087.
This year sees the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge celebrate its
175th Anniversary. The anniversary milestone is being marked by a number
of special events in the lead up to the 12th July celebrations which will
be hosted by City Grand Lodge in the city of Londonderry.
- Foreword by the City Grand Master for the 175th Anniversary Booklet