Arquivo AFC97 - Covenant Royal Black Preceptory #346 fonds

The Orange Order is a Protestant Christian fraternal organization, formed in Ireland in 1795 in honour of William of Orange's 1690 victory at the Battle of the Boyne. The Grand Lodge of British North America was founded in Brockville, Ontario in 1830, although there is evidence that Orangemen were active in Canada during the War of 1812.

According to the constitution of Canada's Loyal Orange Association, an applicant must be an observant Protestant Christian and be loyal to Queen and country. Members are called to be kind to others and to assist in benevolent activities within the community.

In Canada, lodges are organized within individual communities, with local district lodges, county lodges, and regional lodges forming a link to the Grand Lodge of British North America. Members of the Loyal Orange Association often strive to rise in the Biblically-based Degree system, from Orange Degree (initiation) to Blue Degree, Royal Arch Purple Degree, and Scarlet Degree. Degrees are conferred after application and advanced study. Members of the Orange Order celebrate the Battle of the Boyne every July 12, often marching in parades and playing in bands.

The Royal Black Preceptory is a Protestant Christian organization, founded in Ireland in 1797. While being a separate organization, the Royal Black Preceptory is affiliated with the Orange Order, a fraternal organization formed in Ireland in 1795 in honour of William of Orange's 1690 victory at the Battle of the Boyne. Any prospective member of the Royal Black Preceptory must be an Orangeman first, having risen to the Royal Arch Purple degree.

According to the Grand Black Chapter of Ontario West, an applicant must be an observant and studious Protestant, dedicated to charitable outreach and responsible citizenship.

In Canada, lodges are organized within individual communities, with local district preceptories (also known as encampments) linked to the Grand Black Chapter of British North America through a regional chapter like the Grand Black Chapter of Ontario West. Members of the Royal Black Preceptory often strive to rise in the Biblically-based Degree system. Degrees are conferred after application and advanced study. Members refer to each other as “Sir Knight.”

Covenant Royal Black Preceptory #346 was instituted on September 23, 1874. Meetings were held in the Ulster Hall at Dundas and Clarence Streets in London, Ontario (before 1922 to 1927) and at 388 Clarence Street (beginning January, 1928).