Fonds AFC80 - Hackett Loyal Orange Lodge #805 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.

London, Ontario's Hackett Loyal Orange Lodge #805 originated in Goderich, Ontario. Founded January 12, 1857, Goderich Loyal Orange Lodge #805 was transferred to London East in May, 1878. The lodge charter was received, and the first meeting held, on May 23 of that year. The lodge was named after Thomas Lett Hackett, a young Orangeman murdered during the annual July 12 celebrations in Montreal in 1877.

The inaugural officers of Hackett Lodge were:
Bro. John Day - Worshipful Master
Bro. Evans - Deputy Master
Bro. James Burns - Secretary
Bro. Lavery - Treasurer

Hackett Loyal Orange Lodge #805 began as a benefit lodge; members were offered health insurance and funeral benefits for additional fees. The lodge changed to a regular Orange Lodge in December, 1934. Meetings were held at the London East Hall (on Adelaide Street north of St. James Street) until 1914, when the membership moved to the Orange Hall above the Ontario Loan and Debenture Company (the corner of Dundas Street and Market Lane.) In 1924, meetings were moved to the Ulster Hall above the City Gas Company at the corner of Dundas and Clarence Streets, and in 1928 the Lodge moved to 388 Clarence Street.

Hackett Lodge founded a fife and drum band in 1915, and a brass band was established in 1922.