The Independent Loyal Orange Institution held its Imperial Grand Lodge Meeting on Saturday 3rd January 2026 at its Headquarters in Edward Street Ballymoney.
Monumental changes took place as the Grand Lodge unanimously elected for the first time ever an Englishman, Worthy Brother Phil Moffatt to the position of Imperial Grand Master.
Phil who originally came from Liverpool, was born into an Orange family who were members of the Grand Lodge of England. He was placed upon the cradle roll as a babe in arms, a tradition which is common within English Lodges recruit and raise children within the Junior movement of the organisation. At the age of 18, he became the youngest lecturer within the Liverpool Provincial Grand Lodge and held positions in both his Private and District Lodges.
In 1981 the Church which he had been attending for a short period in Liverpool, applied for membership of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster. A former Imperial Grand Master, the later Pastor Hillis Fleming accepted the call of God to become the new Minister within the work in the City and it was at the induction service of the Rev Fleming that Phil gave his heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ. He would later become a ruling elder within that congregation.
“I had been under conviction of sin for some time, but it was on 23rd July 1982 that I simply prayed the sinner’s prayer, God be merciful to me a sinner and I gave my heart and life to Christ. As soon as my all I ventured on the atoning blood, the Holy Spirit entered and I was born of God” said Phil.
Whilst in Liverpool he was elected to the City Council representing the Croxteth Ward and he very quickly became an Assistant Executive Member for the Environment and had the honour of representing the City at meetings, held in the House of Commons. This senior appointment on the City Council also provided him with the opportunity to attend the Queens Garden Party in his office as an elected member.
Having resigned from the Grand Lodge of England in late 1981, Phil quickly became associated with the Independent Orange Order and thus began a relationship that has stood the test of time. He, his wife and family moved to Ulster, the most loyal part of His Majesty’s Kingdom in July 2010.
“The principled position of the Independent Institution, along with its biblical basis and unwavering loyalty to the crown and constitution appealed to me and for over 40 years it has captured both my enthusiasm interest in the Unionist cause,“ said Phil. He became very much involved in promoting both the Orange Identity and ethos of the Independent Order throughout the Province.
“I am greatly honoured to have been selected and appointed to the position of Imperial Grand Master and it would be my desire to endeavour to strengthen the Union and to foster good relations within the Unionist / Orange family both home and aboard.
In conclusion, I pay tribute to the outgoing Imperial Grand Master Worthy Bro James Anderson, who has led our Institution with honour and distinction over these past 10 years. His tireless efforts on behalf of the Independent Order have not gone unnoticed and his leadership qualities were second to none. As an Institution, we salute his labour of love for our Independent Orange Identity “
