Knights of Malta

06/09/2026

Reformers parade and service today in Bushside independent Orange Hall 3:30 pm.

This afternoon sir knights will assemble to commemorate the lives and legacy of the Protestant reformer Whos courage and fear delivered for us the glorious reformation.

As the Bible is open to us today and the word of God expounded we give thanks for the privilege of having God‘s word in our own tongue.

04/09/2026

Tonight we will be holding our annual Beacon Parade and Ceremony, at Killycoogan Independent Orange Hall, Blackstone Road, Portglenone 7.30pm.
The event marks the life and legacy of John Knox and the Reformation in Scotland. Our beacon lighting ceremony is symbolic of the light of the gospel that he lit in Scotland and how that fire spread to Ulster, with the Presbyterian faith of those settlers who built this land in the 1600s.
The Knights of Malta under Sir James Sandilands embraced the Reformed Faith and supported Knox with military might as he fought to establish the Gospel in that land.

25/01/2026

A look back to our Knights of Malta Burns Night Suppers over the years. Each year we celebrate our Order’s religious, historic and cultural links to Scotland.
Join us on our trip back in time with Burns.

11/09/2025

It is great to see our Canadian Companion in full regalia. Is reflects the long and glorious history of our Order.

Companion Fick in full attire.

11/09/2025

A new Grand Commander has been elected in Canada. We wish him God’s richest blessing and health to undertake his duties.

11/09/2025

Just wanted to convey belated Fraternal greetings and congratulations to our fellow Sir Knights and companions in Canada. It is truly a blessing and encouragement to see the Order revived once more and in such safe hands.

11/09/2025

Charlie Kirk - a true Christian Martyr
We are shocked to learn of the murder and yes we say martyrdom of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

The news comes so soon after our last post remembering the victims of political violence in our own land.

He was the voice of conservative youth activism, speaking truth to power. His courageous, considered, compassionate approach left his critics and opponents silenced. The left being not able to defeat him in debate have tried to silence him with that fatal shot.

We have seen the same tactic from Sinn Fein /IRA in our own land and we know only too well the tactics of anti-democratic terrorism. Our answer to it must always be, as his was his, to argue our case, to defend our faith and to continue to speak the truth.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Erika , and their two young children, who now face an unimaginable loss. We recall in one debate about marriage where he points to the positive role of a father, he talks of his love for his children and the special bond he had with his daughter. He speaks of his role in her life and hus hopes for the future - tragically he will never be able to fulfil that role.

Let us remember him and let his voice still ring forth. Charlie embodies the true Christian man as promoted by another great Protestant martyr Hugh Latimer at the moment of his ex*****on, as he encouraged Ridley, saying, "Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace in England, as I trust shall never be put out".

Charlie Kirk lived out being that man - fearless, literally in the face of his enemies as he toured campuses debating with them. Let his martyrdom not just light a candle but light a fire that will burn away the evils he exposed and spoke against. Let his death be the Turning Point he championed.

06/09/2025

A weekend remembering the Reformation and giving thanks for our Protestant faith.
Friday night saw our Beacon Parade and ceremony to remember the Reformation in these islands and the role of the Knights of St. John in securing it in Scotland. The Order embraced the Protestant faith under the leadership of its Grand Commander Sir James Sandilands, friend, follower and protector of John Knox.
A parade between Killycoogan and McNeillstown Independent Orange halls was followed by food and a time of fellowship before the Beacon ceremony.
At the heart of the ceremony is the Bible both metaphorically and actually as it is carried beneath an arch of steel. This symbolises how the Knights of Malta have used their drawn swords and strength of arms to protect the faith. Since Holy Scripture, the very Word of God is at the heart of our Refirmed Protestant faith it is symbolically carried forward through and protected by the crossed swords of our Order. This reminds us that God has and continues to use his people to protect and promote the Christian faith. The freedoms and privileges we enjoy today were bought by the bravery of our forefathers who literally fought to secure them. The Reformation in Scotland and across Europe was attacked by Roman Catholicism which sought to silence and stop it. Protestants paid with their lives for their faith at the martyrs pyres and on the battle field.
John Knox required the support and protection of Protestant nobles like Sir James Sandilands. The military order which he led converted to Protestantism and were in the vanguard of this revolution. Their military force stood against the Catholic Scottish and French armies of the Crown. This ensured the vital work of John Knox could continue.
Our beacon ceremony symbolises the protection our Order gave to the open Bible and John Knox who lit a fire in Scotland. The burning beacon symbolises the Reformation bringing light and life to the World.