As part of our William III – Life & Legacy programme the George Dawson Legacy lecture this year will be delivered by Rev Ron Johnston on King William III. Rev Johnston a former Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church is a Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
He is a prominent figure in the Loyal Orders and has spoken and written widely on Orange History. The paper will fit well with our theme of the life and legacy, the ambition and achievements of king William III. It will add to our understanding of the man and his mission as he led European Protestantism through one of its most difficult periods.
William Prince of Orange is remembered here in Ireland as a deliverer however it was on the European and International stage that he had his greatest impact. he is one of those figures upon whom history hinged. He is the father of our modern British constitution which became the model for democracy across the globe. His reign saw parliamentary democracy founded, freedom of the press established, the ground laid for the British empire and most importantly the survival and basis for the international spread of Protestantism.
The annual George Dawson Legacy Lecture gives the Independent Loyal Orange Institution to remember and reflect on our Past Imperial Grand Master George Dawson MLA. The Annual Legacy Lectures will address crucial, current issues and provide a platform for research and policy development . They will reflect on the life and legacy of George Dawson and give a voice to Christian principles, Fraternal practice and Political thought.
The lectures will go beyond words as they will shape policy and action to further the principles and vision they articulate.
They will also support the TORCH Bursary – Training and Education, to promote Orange Values, through Research and study, Cultural development and Heritage work. This will support those involved in research or study which will promote the ethos and work of the Legacy Lectures
