At the dedication of the Walker Club’s new bannerette on Wednesday 6th August in the Memorial Hall, the General Committee Chaplain, Bro. Peter Ross, gave an inspirational address a few days before the 336th Anniversary of the Relief of Derry Commemorations.
The bannerette has an image of the Rev. Walker to the front and on the reverse are the names of members of six members of Walker Club, murdered by terrorists.
Worthy Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Officers of General Committee, Worthy President, Officers and brothers of the Walker Parent club along with fellow brothers of from Walker Branch clubs and other clubs represented we are also acknowledge the presence of those from the Churchill Flute band and of course most importantly those who are family of the brothers of who this banner is dedicated in memory of this evening.
As we gather on this special evening in what has become a sacred space, we find ourselves at a moment where history, faith, and community converge. It is a time when we rally round the colours—those Crimson banners that not only represent our heritage but also encapsulate our shared faith and commitment to God.
This evening, we delve into the significance of carrying our banners, particularly in the context of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, who have maintained this tradition for centuries.
The banners we carry are not merely pieces of fabric; they are emblems of resilience, unity, and a steadfast commitment to our beliefs. As we heard from our bible reading just a few moments again In the Book of Exodus, we read, “The Lord is my banner” (Exodus 17:15). This scripture speaks volumes about the divine guidance and strength we find when we rally around Colours.
Just as Moses raised his hands in prayer to secure victory over the Amalekites, we too must lift our eyes to the heavens and find our strength in Christ as we face the challenges of our modern world.
Historically, the Siege of Derry stands as a poignant example of what it means to stand united under our colours. During that tumultuous time in 1689, the people of Derry, under the leadership of Governor Rev. George Walker, faced overwhelming odds. They were besieged, cut off from supplies, and yet they held firm. Rev. Walker, a man of God who so often was found to be within the pulpit of our very own dear St Columb’s Cathedral, and upon gathering the people of the city there for prayer and encouragement from the word of God then led those within these walls with courage and conviction, rallying the citizens of Derry not just to protect their city, but to uphold their faith in the face of adversity.
The story of the siege is one of remarkable bravery. When the city was surrounded, the inhabitants did not cower in fear; instead, they took up their banners and stood firm. The colours they carried represented not just their allegiance to a cause but their unwavering faith in God’s providence.
In a moment of despair, when the rations were dwindling, and hope seemed lost, it was the sight of those banners – emblems of their shared faith and history – that inspired them to endure. They rallied round their colours, drawing strength from their unity and their commitment to one another and to God.
This act of solidarity is a reflection of what it means to be the Body of Christ—to stand together, to support one another, and to hold fast to our faith.
As we gather this evening to dedicate a new banner, we do so with a deep sense of reverence and responsibility. This banner will represent not just the legacy of the Apprentice Boys, but also our commitment to carry forward the values they stood for—courage, community, and unwavering faith. It serves as a reminder that we are called to stand firm in our beliefs, even when the world around us seems chaotic.
In Isaiah 59:19, we are reminded that, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” This verse reassures us that we are never alone in our struggles. The banners we carry are not only carried in commemoration of our glorious heritage won for us by those steadfast and determined souls within the city’s streets and homes but also symbolizes our faith in God’s protection and guidance.
This evening as we dedicate this new banner in memory of those brothers who were murdered by the enemy who hid behind masks and lurked in the dark corners and shadows in wait to murder those innocent brothers who were guilty of one thing only being Protestants and for some of serving their beloved crown and country as members of our armed forces,
I pray in the days to come that each time this standard is lifted high that it will remind each of us to rally together, to uphold one another, and to stand for justice and truth in our communities. As we reflect on the legacy of Rev. George Walker and the brave citizens of Derry, let us consider the challenges we face today.
In a world that often seems divided where it appears that we are more despised than welcomed, may we find strength in our shared faith and our commitment to rally round these Crimson Colours.
Let us be an Association, a brotherhood and a Protestant community that stands united, not just in times of celebration, but also in times of trial and hardship. Let our new banner inspire us to be bearers of hope, faith, and justice in a city that would prefer it if our Crimson Colours remained only within this hallowed building seen only by those who would enter within its sacred walls.
In conclusion, let us remember that as we carry our banners, we are not just preserving history; we are actively participating in keeping that history alive. We are called to be the preservers of the Crimson Cause, to keep that Cause alive within our communities, and to stand for truth and justice.
May this new banner serve as a source of inspiration for us all who will carry it and walk beneath it, reminding us to rally round the colours of our faith, and blessed heritage not only tonight but for the next 336 years.