ULSTER CHRISTIAN
ROYAL ARCH PURPLE ORDER DEFENDED
(Issue 28)
Dear Editor,
As a regular reader of Ulster Christian I read with interest your review of the book “Behind Closed Doors.”
I have never been a member of the Royal Arch Purple Chapter but I can speak as a lecturer within the Independent Loyal Orange Institution and for the degree practised there. However, it may interest you to learn that, far from being secretive, the Royal Arch Purple Chapter itself published a book outlining its origins and practices. This book is selectively quoted by Mr Malcomson in his work.
I am surprised and disappointed at the lack of knowledge of the subject betrayed by your reviewer and his blind acceptance of information presented in “Behind Closed Doors” The opinions expressed by your reviewer are not confined to the book but do obviously declare support for the arguments presented. Clearly the review is an essay of support for the poorly researched, historically inaccurate, factually inaccurate and linguistically inaccurate book written by Mr Malcomson.
On the book itself I have no hesitation in rejecting: the central thrust of the argument of the book the interpretation of the symbols as outlined in the book the theory of the origins proposed by Mr Malcomson the interpretation of the activities of the degree as outlined in the book the description of the atmosphere and attitude surrounding the degree the misinterpretation of the plain English language indulged in by the author the placing on the symbols and activities meanings totally at variance with the clearly stated position the deeply hurtful accusations concerning alternative methods of salvation On all the above items and others Mr Malcomson’s book is inaccurate. The book itself and your review is a source of grievous hurt to believers, in the loyal orders, who have not and will not buy into the worst excesses of American religious extremism so clearly plagiarised by Mr Malcomson.
Yours sincerely,
George Dawson, Ballymena, Co. Antrim (Imperial Grand Master of the Independent Orange Institution).
Evangelical Truth debate with Independent Orange Institution
Ulster Christian review of Behind Closed Doors
The response of George Dawson (Imperial Grand Master of the Independent Orange Institution).
Readers response (including the author of ‘Behind Closed Doors’ – Paul Malcomson).
Second response of George Dawson (Imperial Grand Master of the Independent Orange Institution).
Evangelical Truth reply to George Dawson
Other Debate
Evangelical Truth response to Former Independent Orange Grand Master’s attack on Behind Closed Doors.
Biblical response to Rev. Ron Johnstone (Royal Arch Purple Chapter spokesman): Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6
Grand Chaplain to the Grand Orange Lodge of England JRG Harvey book in response to Behind Closed Doors: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.
For more information, please William Schnoebelen’s enlightening book Masonry Beyond the Light
Protestant/Evangelical opposition to the Loyal Orders
United Protestant Council initial report into the Royal Black Institution application
United Protestant Council exhaustive report into the Royal Black Institution application
The Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland report on Loyal Orders
A Theological Report by the Church of Ireland – on the RBI
Reformed Presbyterian Church and the Orange Order
The Covenanter Witness (Reformed Presbyterian)
The Burning Bush – A Publication by Rev Ivan Foster, a Free Presbyterian minister.
Baptist Magazine
Rev. Norman W McAuley (Presbyterian Church in Ireland)
Independent Methodist Pastor Paul Johnston
The English Churchman (Rev Dr Paul Ferguson)
Church of Ireland General Synod Sub Committee
Ulster Christian
Omega Times – Newspaper of New Zealand Evangelist, Barry Smith
Take Heed Ministries (Cecil Andrew)
British Churchman (Johnny Larner)
Former Royal Black Deputy Grand Chaplain (Rev. Canon Brian T. Blacoe)
Former Royal Black Lecturer, Orange Worshipful Master and Royal Arch Purple Worshipful Master (Malcolm McClughan)
United Protestant Council Chairman (David Carson)
Former County Down Orange Treasurer, Worshipful Master, Deputy Master, and Chaplain – Jackson Blakely
Former County Londonderry Orange and Royal Arch Purpleman Andrew Evans
Former County Armagh Orange, Royal Arch Purple and (Red Cross) Blackman Alex Newell
Former County Tyrone Orange Chaplain and Orange/Small Purple Lecturer Paul Stewart (also former Red Cross Blackman)
Lodges Examined by the Bible by John R. Rice