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Orangemen in tribute to grand secretary Drew Nelson at Co Down funeral

Orange Order Grand Master Edward Stevenson (right, front) and Deputy Grand Master Harold Henning helping to carry the coffin of Drew Nelson. Picture by Justin Kernoghan
Orange Order Grand Master Edward Stevenson (right, front) and Deputy Grand Master Harold Henning helping to carry the coffin of Drew Nelson. Picture by Justin Kernoghan Orange Order Grand Master Edward Stevenson (right, front) and Deputy Grand Master Harold Henning helping to carry the coffin of Drew Nelson. Picture by Justin Kernoghan

A PROCESSION of Orange Order members in full regalia led the funeral cortege of Drew Nelson yesterday as a final tribute to the grand secretary who died earlier this week.

Leading figures in the Orange Order were at the head of the cortege as it made its way to the church in Hillsborough, Co Down.

The solicitor and former politician died on Monday at the age of 60 following a short illness.

Among the mourners was First Minister Arlene Foster, who paid tribute to her friend.

A high-profile spokesman for the Order Mr Nelson, who served as grand secretary for 12 years, led numerous delegations in political talks with leaders on both sides of the border.

He was also involved in outreach initiatives that led to meetings with the Republic’s president, the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland and saw him address Seanad Éireann.

In Hillsborough yesterday members of the Orange Order joined together to say their final farewells, with hundreds adorned in their collarettes, walking behind the cortege on its way into St John's Church.

Senior members including Grand Master Edward Stevenson and his deputy Harold Henning also helped carry the coffin of Mr Nelson.

Paying tribute to the senior Orangeman First Minister Arlene Foster said it was a "tremendous privilege" to know the "committed unionist".

"Drew Nelson epitomised what an Orangeman should be," she told mourners and said the new Orange Museums in Belfast and Loughgall were a "very fitting legacy" to her friend.

Referencing their close relationship, which began during her university days, she told the congregation how just two weeks ago she visited Drew in hospital.

"It was not a sad occasion," she said.

"Talking to Drew that morning I was struck by his love for the land, his love for the people who live here, but above all else I was struck by how he was at peace. Drew Nelson was ready to shuffle off this mortal coil, he was at peace with himself and was at peace with God," she added.

Rev David Pierce said Mr Nelson was an "outstanding spokesman for the Orange Institiution and unionism".

"He was a leader of men, but also a humble man. He didn't seek the limelight, but he was the greatest of men," he said.

Rev Pierce spoke of how Mr Nelson was a "family man first and foremost", and his first thoughts were of them and hearing of his cancer diagnosis in May.

"He said to me, when he was first admitted to the Lagan Valley, 'my mother will know something is wrong because I always phone her every day no matter where I am travelling in the world and now I am not phoning'. What a devoted son," he told the service.

The minister also spoke of the former councillor's love of travel and his courage in the face of his terminal diagnosis. He also referenced his strong faith, shown in a text message he sent from his hospital bed, which read 'God has created me for a purpose and now he is calling me home'.

"Drew's courage and faith in the face of his short illness was evident to all of us who shared his painful journey at the last," Rev Pierce added.

Following the funeral service burial took place in the adjoining church cemetery.