The Twelfth (also called the Glorious Twelfth or Orangemen’s Day) was first held in Ulster in the late 18th century. It celebrates the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
On and around the Twelfth, large parades are held by the Orange Order and Ulster loyalist marching bands, streets are bedecked with British flags and bunting, and large towering bonfires are lit. Today the Twelfth is mainly celebrated in Northern Ireland (where it is a public holiday), but smaller celebrations are held in other parts of the world where Orange lodges have been set up (such as Scotland [mainly the Glasgow region], England [mainly the Merseyside/Liverpool region], Ireland [Rossnowlagh, County Donegal], Australia and Canada). Many thousands flock to the 12th and 13th celebrations, and the event is seen as a great place to cross paths with friends and enjoy the buzz and excitement of the parading Loyal Orders and marching bands.
However, one wonders how many who celebrate this event actually know the real reason for these celebrations and are aware of the momentous events that took place so many years ago?
Summary of the Sermon: Why Do We Celebrate the 12th of July?
This sermon seeks to address the significance of the 12th of July, a date central to Protestant celebrations in Northern Ireland and beyond, particularly associated with the Orange Order’s marching season.
Rev. McLaughlin emphasizes that while the date is commonly linked to King William III’s victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, its deeper meaning lies in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the subsequent Williamite settlement, which have historical, theological, and cultural importance.
The sermon aims to educate the audience about the origins, evolution, and enduring relevance of the 12th of July celebrations, urging a renewed appreciation of Protestant heritage and its foundational role in securing freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of the judicary, all freedoms that are under attack in this day.
Key Points of the Sermon
1. Introduction: The Significance of the 12th of July
- The 12th of July, known as the “Glorious 12th,” is the climax of the Orange Order’s marching season in Northern Ireland, marked by parades, church services, and bonfires (lit traditionally on the 11th).
- It is a public holiday in Northern Ireland and is celebrated in other regions with Orange lodges, such as Scotland, England, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, Canada, and Togo.
- The celebrations are an opportunity to honor Protestant heritage, cultural identity, and freedoms, fostering community through reunions and new connections.
- The speaker shares personal anecdotes, such as missing the 12th while abroad, underscoring its emotional and cultural importance to those of Ulster descent.
2. Historical Context: Origins of the 12th of July Celebrations
- Early History:
- The 12th of July celebrations initially commemorated the Battle of Aughrim (1691), a decisive conflict in the Williamite Wars where the Jacobite army was defeated, leading to their surrender at Limerick.
- Earlier Protestant gatherings marked the end of the Irish Rebellion of 1641 (23rd October) and King William’s birthday (4th November 1650), but these faded in popularity.
- The Battle of the Boyne (1st July 1690, later adjusted to 12th July due to the 1752 calendar change) became the focal point due to its association with King William III, the Prince of Orange.
- Later History:
- The adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752 shifted the Boyne’s commemoration to the 12th of July, merging it with Aughrim’s date.
- The formation of the Orange Order in 1795 further emphasized the Battle of the Boyne due to William’s presence, with the first recorded Orange Order march occurring on 12th July 1796 in County Armagh.
- The resurgence of Roman Catholicism in the 1790s also influenced the focus on the Boyne as a symbol of Protestant resistance.
3. The Glorious Revolution of 1688
- Historical Context:
- The sermon traces the events leading to the Glorious Revolution, beginning with the English Civil War (1642–1651), where King Charles I’s execution and Oliver Cromwell’s rule set the stage for religious and political tensions.
- Charles II’s restoration in 1660 brought relative stability, but his death in 1685 led to his brother James II’s ascension, a Roman Catholic whose policies alarmed Protestants.
- James II’s Reign:
- James II’s conversion to Roman Catholicism (1668–1669) and his policies favoring Catholics, such as the Declaration of Indulgence (1687), sparked fears of a Catholic resurgence.
- Historical events like the Gunpowder Plot (1605), the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), the Spanish Armada (1588), and the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre (1572) fueled Protestant distrust of Catholicism, seen as intolerant and oppressive.
- James’s ambiguous stance—supporting some Protestant causes while appointing Catholics to high offices—created confusion and distrust, culminating in his deposition.
- The Revolution:
- The birth of James’s Catholic heir in 1687 prompted Protestant leaders to invite William of Orange, a Protestant champion, to intervene.
- William landed in England on 5th November 1688, leading to James’s flight to France and the establishment of William and Mary as monarchs in 1689.
- The Glorious Revolution was bloodless in England, promoting religious tolerance, parliamentary democracy, and the Bill of Rights (1689), which limited royal power and enshrined freedoms like speech and petition.
4. The Williamite Wars in Ireland
- Context:
- James II, supported by French forces, aimed to reclaim the throne via Ireland, landing in Kinsale in 1689 and gaining control of much of the south and north, except for Protestant strongholds in Enniskillen and Londonderry.
- The Siege of Londonderry (1689) was a key resistance, with the city enduring 105 days of hardship before being relieved.
- Battle of the Boyne (1690):
- Fought on 1st July 1690 (later 12th July), William’s army of 36,000 (British, Dutch, Danish, and Huguenot forces) defeated James’s 23,000-strong Jacobite army, though it was not a decisive victory as James’s forces retreated intact.
- William’s strategic three-pronged attack and superior weaponry secured the victory, symbolizing Protestant liberty.
- Battle of Aughrim (1691):
- Fought on 12th July 1691, this was the decisive battle, with 5,000–7,000 casualties, making it one of the bloodiest in British Isles history.
- The Williamite forces, led by figures like Godbert de Ginkel, overwhelmed the Jacobites, who lost key officers and collapsed, leading to their final surrender at Limerick.
5. Theological and Cultural Significance
- Protestant Freedoms:
- The Glorious Revolution secured freedoms such as conscience, religion, speech, press, assembly, and protest, rooted in Protestant principles and bought with blood.
- The speaker warns against forgetting these sacrifices, citing William Pitt the Younger’s caution against tyrants using “necessity” to erode freedoms.
- The Protestant Religion:
- The sermon defines true Protestantism as the purest form of Christianity, rediscovered during the Reformation and based on the Five Solas:
- Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): The Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice.
- Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Salvation is by God’s unmerited favor, not works.
- Sola Fide (Faith Alone): Faith is the means to receive God’s grace.
- Solus Christus (Christ Alone): Christ’s sacrifice is the only basis for salvation.
- Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone): All actions should glorify God.
- Protestantism protests against the Roman Catholic Church’s historical corruption, cruelty, and deviation from biblical truth, as seen in events like the Spanish Inquisition.
- The sermon defines true Protestantism as the purest form of Christianity, rediscovered during the Reformation and based on the Five Solas:
- Contemporary Relevance:
- The speaker laments the decline in understanding of Protestant heritage, urging the audience to teach and cherish this history.
- Modern threats include resurgent Roman Catholicism, militant atheism, progressive liberalism, and Irish republicanism, which the speaker sees as undermining Protestant values and Northern Ireland’s place in the UK.
- True Protestants are called to acknowledge their sin, seek salvation through Christ, and stand firm in their faith and heritage.
6. Call to Action
- The speaker challenges the audience to know, love, and defend their Protestant history and freedoms, echoing Galatians 5:1 to “stand fast” in liberty.
- He emphasizes the need for conviction, rejecting a “soft tolerant” approach that leads to confusion and apathy.
- The sermon concludes with a personal appeal: true Protestants must admit their sinfulness, trust in Christ for salvation, and live with the peace and assurance of forgiveness, ensuring their heritage is preserved against modern challenges.
Conclusion
The 12th of July is not merely a celebration of the Battle of the Boyne but a commemoration of the Glorious Revolution and the Williamite settlement, which secured Protestant freedoms and identity. The sermon weaves historical narrative, theological conviction, and cultural pride, urging the audience to remember the sacrifices of the past, embrace the Five Solas of Protestantism, and stand firm against contemporary threats to their faith and heritage. The speaker’s passionate delivery underscores the enduring relevance of these events, calling for a renewed commitment to Protestant principles in both personal faith and public life.
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