Historical information

The Loyal Orange Institution of Victoria was established in 1843. As a society composed of Protestants, it works to support and defend the Protestant faith. The Institution is named in honour of King William III, Prince of Orange (1650-1702) and his achievements for civil and religious liberty.
The first Orange Lodge in Victoria was founded in 1843, following a sectarian protest in Elizabeth Street Melbourne over the election of a Protestant candidate to the Legislative Council.

By the 1890s there were 169 branches in Victoria, engaged in political lobbying for mainstream Protestant issues like temperance, Sunday observance, opposition to state aid for church schools, and opposition to any expansion of the political influence of Roman Catholics. The monthly meetings had an element of secrecy, as members wore regalia and followed a simple ritual. No Catholics could join. Women were admitted to Lodges in 1903.

Physical description

Single-sided sheet printed in blue ink containing program details. Decorative title at top of page, with central image of cavalier on rearing horse within a decorative ribbon and floral border, containing a Protestant oath.
Loyal Orange Institution of Victoria "True Blues" Lodge Annual Tea and Entertainment Programme