Deputy is successor to the City Grand Master

For the past five years bridges of an altogether different kind were quietly built by the outgoing City Grand Master of the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge, Victor Wray, who will officially hand over the reins to his former Deputy, James Hetherington in Fenruary. Following the election of officers for the City Grand Lodge on Saturday, Mr Wray was full of praise for those he had served alongside. Although stepping down from the top post, Mr Wray will serve as press officer for the city, and will continue to serve on the Central Committee of the Grand Lodge of Ireland and remains a member of the Imperial Grand Orange Council of the World.

“I served five years in the office as City Grand master, and prior to that three years as the deputy under the late Bro Gerard Wallace. It was difficult times when we took over the City of Londonderry Grand orange Lodge, and I feel now that the Lodge has been stabilised and united, and has made many friends within not only the business community but also the other districts within the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Ireland.

“We are viewed as one of the models of excellence within the Grand lodge of Ireland, and we are humbled and delighted to know that within the Orange Order we are viewed as one of the most forward-thinking in the County and the City Grand Lodge is viewed as a leader when it comes to issues of contention such as parades,” said Mr Wray.

“Obviously this success would not have been possible without the great support of the City Grand officers and the members of the City Grand lodge of Londonderry, who whom I am grateful and indebted.

“I am delighted that James Hetherington was elected as the incoming City Grand Master. He has been my right hand for the past five years and did a great job in that office. It was also gratifying to see Maurice Devenney elected as the Deputy Grand Master, and I offer both my heartiest congratulations. It is good to know that the positive work that has been ongoing will continue under his leadership and in my capacity as Past City Grand master I am looking forward to supporting James and the newly elected officers as they all take up the reins,” he said.

The incoming City Grand Master said: “I wish Victor well, but he is not going away you know, as he will be a PRO for us which is a high profile job. He has done a very good job and moved us forward and I am looking forward to continuing the good work that he started.”

Elected were: City Grand Master, Rt Wor Bro James Hetherington; Deputy City Grand Master, Wor Bro Maurice Devenney; City Grand Chaplain, Rev Ivan Dinsmore; Deputy City Grand Chaplain, Rev Mervyn Lindsay; Deputy City Grand Chaplain, Rev John Noble; City Grand Lay Chaplain, William Jamieson. City Grand Secretary, Ernest McCay; Deputy City Grand Secretary, Stephen Burns; Ass Deputy City Grand Secretary, Gary Middleton. City Grand Treasurer, William Wray; Deputy City Grand Treasurer, Donald Eakin; City Grand Lecturer, George Hunter; Deputy City Grand Lecturer, Kenneth Kincaid. City Grand Tyler, David McKeegan; City Grand Chief Marshal, David Ramsey; City Grand Director of Ceremonies, George Wylie, MBE, TD.