Two years after the first Orange warrant was issued in the autumn of 1795 the Royal Black Institution came into existence with it's foundations based firmly on scriptural truths and the propagation of the reformed faith. Unfortunately records covering the immediate intervening years are scant, the first printed report bearing the date 1858. This was printed and published at the Downpatrick Office of "The Downshire Protestant."
From that period the printed annual reports of the proceedings of Grand Black Chapter are extant, providing valuable insights into the progress of the Black Institution throughout the English-speaking world in its initial and formative years and afterwards.
It was on September 14, 1846, that the Royal Black Institution was placed on a permanent base through its reconstitution, an event of which the Black Knights of Portadown in particular are justly proud.
From that point in time the Institution was infused with new life and vitality, inspiration and discipline, therefore, well fitted to ride successfully the seas which were its lot during the Boer War, two World Wars, and the recurring political crises in Ireland North and South.
In the early years of this century the Royal Black Institution occupied premises at Donegall Square Belfast.
The need for increased accommodation became imperative because of the expansion in membership and at the meeting of the Grand Black Chapter held House; Lurgan on June 10, 1924 a motion was presented emphasising the necessity for a permanent provided as Headquarters.
It was suggested that Brownlow House, the largest Orange Hall in the world, might provide such a base Despite some misgivings as to this idea Grand Black Chapter at its half-yearly meeting in the following December approved a proposal to move it’s headquarters to Brownlow house where we still are to-day.