Orange Lodge & Royal Black Preceptory

[genealogygirlais]

Hello,

Over the years I've always wondered what the symbols on my Grandfather's sash meant.. and was hoping someone out there might be able to answer that..

We have a black/green/white sash, with a few symbols and a red patch on it which belonged to my Grandfather James C. Thompson.  He was born in 1903, and from what I can tell belonged to two different lodges in Canada.  #1128 in Eston, Sask and #1279 in Carling (Parry Sound, Ont)
From what I understand, his brothers, uncles, father and grandfather were all members of the #1279 or one back in Antrim. 

I do know that the family lived in Ahoghill, Connor, Kells and Galgorm, where marriages and births have been listed.  Not sure if they moved, or just used different parishes.
Below are some pictures of the items that I have..

Thank you,
Aislynn

[genealogygirlais]

More photos..

[genealogygirlais]

Close ups of the sash.

[genealogygirlais]

Last one.. promise!

[Skoosh]

Aislynt,  the sash has Jacob's Ladder, Caduceus, Orange Star, the coin is similar to the Masonic "Unto each man they gave a penny", Derry, Aughrim, Enniskillen & The Boyne are the four battles of William of Orange's campaign in Ireland, your best bet is to Google the Black Order and ask there.......Skoosh.

[genealogygirlais]

Thank you, Skoosh

[Kendal_lol_405]

Aislynn, the RBP sash is of the type and style that came over from Ireland. So the membership in the Black Knights likely pre dates their travel to this Dominion. And, one must join Orange Order and reach the level of Royal Arch Purple Marksman prior to beginning membership within the Royal Black Knights of Ireland. The reversible or 2 sided badge had a dual purpose, the front was worn on parade, both church parades as well as the 12th of July, the upper bar can reverse and show the back or Black side which would have been worn at a funeral or other solemn occasion.
BTW, I am the historian for the Grand Orange Lodge of Canada. One of the things I have taken upon myself, is to travel with items such as things and put on displays as a form of historical retrospect.
Have many more images, feel free to message me. Jim

[genealogygirlais]

Hello Kendal!

I'm not sure why I didn't get a notification about your reply!  I'd love to chat more about the items and what their meanings are.  I was only a teenager when my Grandfather passed away (he was in his late 90's) and his memory wasn't the greatest.  I have some photos of him dressed up for parades when he lived in Sask. and here in Ontario.

Take care.
A