Welcome to the official website of the Loyal Orange Institution of Victoria (the LOIV).

The Loyal Orange Institution, also known as the Orange Order, is an international Protestant fraternal order with lodges in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, Togo, United States, New Zealand and other Commonwealth of Nations.

It is exclusively an association of those who are attached to Protestant Christianity, and will not admit to membership anyone of an intolerant spirit which would lead to persecute, injure or vilify others on account of their religious opinions.

Loyal Orange Institution of Victoria is a sovereign, self-governing organisation that maintains close fraternal ties with Loyal Orange jurisdictions in other Australian states as well as overseas. The organisation provides scholarships to young people, contributions to charitable and religious organisations and assists for churches and ministries.

The Institution in Victoria also has a special focus on social housing, providing aged living facilities in Hoppers Crossing.

Overview

The Loyal Orange Institution of Victoria was established in 1843 and is a society composed of Protestants who support and defend the Protestant faith, the laws of the State, the rightful sovereign being Protestant, and maintains the connection of Australia with Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The LOIV presents itself here with four symbols:

The Crown and the Holy Bible;
King William III;
The door with Martin Luther's 95 Theses affixed and
The Southern Cross of the State of Victoria.

The Crown and the Bible

This Institution is committed to the principles of Constitutional Monarchy and promotes loyalty to the Crown on the basis of the Holy Bible.

The supreme judge by which all things are to be determined and examined, can be no other but the Spirit speaking in the Holy Scripture; the same which is able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

This Institution prays His Majesty King Charles III, King of Australia, has a long, happy and prosperous reign. God save the King.

King William III, Prince of Orange

The Institution is named in honour of King William III, Prince of Orange (1650-1702) and his achievements for civil and religious liberty.

The Loyal Orange Order is known internationally for its celebrating the Twelfth of July, the date for commemorating the victory of King William III and his followers in the Battle of the Boyne.

Protestant Christianity

The Institution is exclusively an association of those who are attached to the religion of the Reformation, being the teachings and beliefs of the Christian Churches that separated from Roman Catholicism at the time of the Reformation.The truth of the Gospel became clear to the people from the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, and the evangelical faith and practice of the Gospel is still being shown and carried forward in this day. We believe we have a role in being a part of this Christian witness into the future.

Victoria

The Orange Order, militant in defence of the Protestant faith, the safe-guarding of religious and civil liberties, loyalty to the Throne and the maintenance of ties with Great Britain, originated in Victoria in 1843 — at the very inception of the then sparsely populated Colony.

A succession of Protestant Halls stood at 104 Exhibition St, Melbourne. In 1961 the Institution purchased 524-530 Elizabeth Street, which became known as Loyal Orange House. Despite changes in society, the Institution still believes it is needed in Victoria, and echoes the words of the psalmist, "Yea, I have a goodly heritage."

As I approach my 60^th year of involvement in the LOIV, I reflect on the journey that has brought me to the point of being the Grand Master and the Chairman of the Loyal Orange Trust. I give thanks to God for a strong family involvement passed down from my parents and which now extends to their great grandchildren. The positions I now have I don’t take for granted and understand the enormous privilege and responsibility placed upon me by the members. As a Christian organisation committed to advancing and protecting our Protestant Christian values, I am excited for the future that we have with the members and their input in achieving this goal. The moving back to our Headquarters in Elizabeth Street Melbourne, and its refurbishment, will see our Institution having a greater presence within Victoria and provide a central point for its work. Our continued financial support towards many Christian organisations and the educational program we run for the children of members are huge highlights. I am looking forward to seeing where the Lord will be guiding us in the future as we serve Him.

Jeff Hardy

Grand Master

Loyal Orange Institution of Victoria