Our Institution, Our Stories: Brother John Findlay’s Canadian Orange Journey

As part of our new Our Institution, Our Stories series, we are delighted to feature the experience of Brother John Findlay of L.O.L. 134, who began his Orange journey in Canada before returning home to Scotland. His story provides a fascinating insight into the spread of Orangeism across the world and the subtle differences in its expression abroad.

The Loyal Orange Association in Canada traces its roots back to 1812, when the first Lodge was founded in Montreal, Quebec, by Irish immigrants. William Burton, the Lodge’s first Worthy Master, even travelled to Ireland to obtain the warrant that established the Institution in its new setting. From there, Orangeism spread rapidly across Canada, with Lodges springing up in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, and later into the western provinces.

“In Ontario, the Order was once incredibly prominent,” Bro. Findlay explained. “Six of Toronto’s ten aldermen were Orangemen, and even Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald, was a member. Three other Prime Ministers would follow, the last being John Diefenbaker in the 1960s.”

Canada also proudly hosts North America’s longest-running annual parade. Each July, Toronto belongs to the Orange Order as the Twelfth demonstrations take place - a tradition that has continued for over 200 years. “That parade has changed in size over time,” Bro. Findlay reflected, “but its endurance says something about how deep Orangeism runs in Canada.”

The Canadian story also mirrors the diversity of the nation itself. Mohawk L.O.L. No. 99 is comprised entirely of native Canadians, who proudly wear collarettes with feathered head-dresses, while Giuseppe Garibaldi L.O.L. No. 3115 brought together members of Toronto’s Italian Protestant community. Its most prominent member, Dominic Di Stasi, rose to become Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada. “That always stood out to me,” said Bro. Findlay. “It showed that Orangeism in Canada could cross cultures and communities.”

Like many countries, Canada has witnessed a decline in membership in recent decades. Immigration patterns have shifted, and fewer young people are being drawn into faith-based organisations. “When I lived in Hamilton, Ontario, there were 13 Lodges in the city,” Bro. Findlay recalled. “Now there is only one, L.O.L. 2123, Ulster Purple Star. The Orange Halls that once dotted the city were sold off as Lodges amalgamated or became dormant.”

One story he remembers with a smile captures the resilience of Canadian Orangemen: “The last hall in Hamilton had a carving of King William III crossing the Boyne. When potential buyers asked who it was, one quick-thinking brother told them it was Vasco de Gama - and they increased their offer! It’s a story that still circulates.”

Bro. Findlay also reflected on how seriously Canadian Lodges took the teaching of history to new members. “I was taught about the Peep O’Day Boys, the Battle of the Diamond, Dan Winter, Bann Bridge and the Siege of Derry. I’m grateful for that grounding because it gave me a real sense of the sacrifices and struggles that shaped our Institution.”

Raised in a Christian home, he carries with him two verses that continue to guide his life: “What does the Lord require of thee but to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8), and “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path” (Proverbs 3:6). “To me, those verses sum up the expectations of an Orangeman,” he said. “If we live by them, we won’t go far wrong.”

From Montreal to Ayrshire today, Brother Findlay’s journey is a reminder that while the settings may differ, the heart of Orangeism remains the same: faith in Christ, loyalty to heritage, and fellowship among brethren.