Orange Order Pays Tribute To Drew Nelson

The Orange Order has paid tribute to Grand Secretary Drew Nelson following his death.

Mr Nelson, 60, passed away on Monday, 10 October.

Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Edward Stevenson, said: "Drew was a towering figure within the Orange fraternity, whose commitment and devotion to the principles of Orangeism are simply unrivalled. No other individual, over the course of the past decade, has done more to champion the cause of the Institution and its membership. His contribution to promoting a tradition he was immensely proud to represent, was truly outstanding.

"Whether it be in the lodge room, the boardroom or the confines of the highest political office, Drew was in his element. His well-informed, articulate and thoughtful viewpoint would always captivate his target audience.

"Whilst never compromising his beliefs as a principled and unashamed Unionist, Drew's pragmatism and strategic vision played a key role in the Institution's evolution as a major stakeholder in this Province, and its ongoing community outreach. Indeed, his historic address to the Irish Senate in 2012 broke new ground in this regard.

"His greatest legacy was perhaps the symbolic visit of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to the birthplace of Orangeism earlier this year. Such high-level recognition for the Institution, and other acknowledgements by wider civic society, simply would not have happened without Drew's visionary leadership."

Deputy Grand Master Harold Henning said: "Drew literally was the engine room of the Institution – his enthusiasm knew no bounds. He lived, breathed and loved Orangeism. No other Orangeman, of perhaps any generation, will ever match his motivation and drive to see the Institution succeed and flourish.

"Everything Drew did was thought out, nothing was ever off the cuff. This was very much apparent in his extensive lobbying and interaction with opinion formers, funders and representatives of government.

"Drew played a key role in the derating of Orange halls and was an integral part of the Institution's ongoing campaign for new parading legislation. He himself was the genesis of the Order's numerous community development activities, which most recently incorporated the provision of state-of-the-art sporting facilities at Orange properties. Drew was also a huge advocate for our younger members, establishing a third-level leadership course, as well as actively supporting the respective Orange societies at our local universities."

(CD/LM)