Continuing our new series, we talk to a member of County Fermanagh Orange Order, as they discuss what their thoughts of the Orange Order are, and their identity. This week, Mark Benson discusses his background and views.

Can you share a personal experience that highlights the significance of the cultural aspects within the Orange Order and how it resonates with your own identity?

I’m a member of McKinley memorial, LOL 1539, Enniskillen.

My late father was a past worshipful master of this lodge.

The cultural values that my father not only had but passed on to me are of the welfare of his fellow man, honesty, integrity, loyalty to The Crown, devotion to duty and the good of Northern Ireland.

I’m proud to be following in his footsteps, and maintaining his values and that of the Orange Order.

Our Lodge is named after Trooper McKinley, an Enniskillen native who fought at the Battle of Enniskillen, and at the Boyne.

He was instrumental in the victory at the Boyne as he rescued King William’s horse when it became stuck while crossing the Boyne river.

Reflecting on your involvement in the Orange Order in Fermanagh, could you share a personal memorable moment that captures the essence of the organisation for you?

I recently organised an event at Enniskillen Orange Hall where former members of the security forces spoke about how the terrorist campaign had affected them and their families.

This event captured the devotion and resilience of the speakers and how they had played a personal role in not only combating terrorism, but making Northern Ireland a safer place for all its people.

The founding principle of the Orange Order is faith, hope and charity.

As a result of this event, we raised enough money that allowed us to purchase a defibrillator that can be used by anyone whose life may be in peril, regardless of religion or political persuasion.

How has your participation in the Orange Order positively impacted your life, both culturally and socially?

The Orange Order is a fraternal organisation based on the principles of the Protestant Reformation and the glorious revolution of 1688, which enshrined civil and religious liberty for all.

Since I have been a member of the Orange Order, I have become more aware of my cultural history and the sacrifices made by the organisation, particularly during the Northern Ireland conflict.

There were 342 members of the Orange Order murdered by terrorists; 31 of those murders took place in County Fermanagh.

As a member of the Orange Order, I’m dedicated to upholding and honouring the sacrifice and memory of those members.

Can you recall a specific instance where the Orange Order actively engaged with the community, fostering understanding and positive connections?

Membership of the Orange Order is based on a Christian ethos, which means giving back to the local community. Orange Lodges are constantly engaged in charity work and supporting good causes.

In 2023, the County Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge raised more than £13,000, which went to support charities including Women’s Aid, Fermanagh Down Syndrome Support, Guide Dogs For the Blind, Scripture Union, McMillan Cancer and Fermanagh Stroke Support Group.

The Orange Order has 750 halls across Northern Ireland that support 6,500 community groups and organisations.

The Orange Order plays a significant role in the development of young people and provides them with a way in which to celebrate their culture and build their sense of identity.

When faced with criticism that the Orange Order only represents one perspective, how do you personally respond to such claims, and how do you think the Order addresses the need for inclusivity?

The Orange Order is based on truth and justice, brotherly kindness and charity.

Although membership is based solely on those from the reformed faith, it does not support or tolerate any act against any other religion.

The tradition of parading is a fundamental part of the Orange Order, where we express our faith and cultural heritage.

Unfortunately, there are those who view some Orange parades as triumphalist.

However, the vast majority of Orange parades – over 2,000 – take place without problem.

Members of the Orange Order exercise their human rights in accordance with Article 9 – Freedom of thought, belief and religion, Article 10 – Freedom of expression, Article 11 – Freedom of assembly under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) 1998.

All that members of the Orange Order ask for is tolerance and respect for our culture.

Personally, how do you find a balance between preserving cherished traditions within the Orange Order, and adapting to the need for the organisation to modernise?

All organisations must adapt to change; that includes the Orange Order.

As an organisation, the Orange Order has embraced modernisation. The ‘Orangefest’ initiative has promoted the July 12 celebrations, making it more welcoming to tourists, and has championed outreach work to take the ‘Orange story’ beyond the walls of Orange Halls.

The Orange Order has instigated a more open approach to communicating with the media by employing a press officer.

The Orange Order is about promoting Protestant culture, and to do, that we must engage with the wider community and remove the stigma that some people may have, while maintaining our traditional values.

How has being a member of the Orange Order influenced your family life, and what values do you believe are passed down through these generations to the next generation?

Membership of the Orange Order gives a sense of belonging, and a communal sense of solidarity.

I joined the Orange Order as I was directly following in my father’s footsteps.

Upon joining the Orange Order, you gain access to people that have something in common, spiritually, ideologically and politically.

The Orange Order enables its members to develop new skills and sharpen existing skills.

I have personally improved my knowledge of local history and have enhanced my public speaking skills.

The values that the Orange Order holds that are passed down the generations are honesty, integrity, the glory of God and the welfare of mankind.

Share a specific example of community outreach or charitable work you’ve been involved in as part of the Orange Order, demonstrating its positive impact in Fermanagh?

I have ran the Belfast Marathon, raising money for Orange Widows and Orphans in County Fermanagh.

I have also been involved in organising events at Enniskillen Orange Hall, which resulted in the purchase of a defibrillator.

What role does faith play within the Orange Order and how does it influence the activities and values?

Faith plays a significant role within the Orange Order. The Orange Order is based on the principles of the love for God and faith in Jesus Christ.

Its brotherly love unites Protestants of all the reformed denominations.

Can you discuss how being part of the Orange Order has shaped your sense of identity?

Being a member of the Orange Order has increased my knowledge of my Ulster British Protestant identity.

During the Northern Ireland conflict, 342 members of the Orange Order were murdered by terrorists, 31 of those murders took place in County Fermanagh.

Those people were killed for no other reason than being Protestant.

Republican terrorists in County Fermanagh were involved in an ethnic cleansing campaign to remove Protestant families from Border areas.

The sacrifice of those people and their families can never be forgotten. Their sacrifice was not in vain.

Republican terrorists failed in their objective – a united Ireland through murder and mayhem.

As a member of the Orange Order, I want to promote and maintain my British identity.