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Article AN HOUR AMONGST THE "OLD PEOPLE." ← Page 2 of 2 Article AN HOUR AMONGST THE "OLD PEOPLE." Page 2 of 2 Article MEETING OF THE LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
An Hour Amongst The "Old People."
tentment that reigned around , and their music was in keeping with the brightness of the flowers , tho luxuriance of tho trees , and the subdued spirit of rest which seemed to havo settled upon this spot , hallowed to tho hearts of tlio brethren of tho " mystic tio . " "Upon my word , old fellow , this is a magnificent place , " exclaimed my enthusiastic companion ; " If there is one spot on God's earth to
which I should like to retire to spend my deolimng years , here it is . " And , truly , this is the sentiment which must bo inspired in the mind of any ono who takes an intorest in this noblo branch of onr Masonic Charities , and who visits it , as we did , for the first time . Tho only wonder is that the brethren do not moro generally and personally acquaint themselves , as somo havo done , with the good work in progress
at East Croydon . Not only would they bo moro omphatic in its praise , as they point to it in answor to the oft . repeated question as to what Masonry does , but they wonld be stimulated to a far moro intense and practical determination to enlargo tho basis of its beneficent work in every conceivable way . We have dropped down , as Artemus Ward would say , qm'to "
promiscuous like "—uninvited , and thus come upon tho placo in its sober normal aspect , without any furbishing np or oxcitamont , —snch as may bo supposed to precede a formal visit of tho Stewards , or evon the House Committee . Wo thoreforo see the Houso and its residents iu their normal condition , and aro able to speak of the place as it may ordinarily be found .
At the principal entrance door stands a vonerable brothor , whose snowy beard rivals in its whiteness tho stops from which ho smilingly bids us welcome , as he beckons us along the neatly gravelled walks . Nor is any formal introduction needed to tho oldest living Mason in the kingdom , who for nearly eighteen years has ruled discreetly and woll as theSuperinterdent of the Hoval Masonic
Benevolent Institution . Bro . Norris , though verging on ninety years of age , " carries himself , " to say the least , " remarkably well . " Clear-headed , well-informed , sparkling with anecdote , and possessed of a perspicnity which many a much younger man mi ght envy , you aro immediately at home in his companionship . He is not BO young , or so nimblo on his " pins , " as he used to be ; but still there is an intelligence
beaming on his open countenance that sets yon at once at easo with him . In the course of our tite-a-Ute he informed na with nnaffected freedom that he was the oldest Mason iu the country—about a month or so older than the venerable Sir Moses Montefiore , whom I had hitherto regarded as our oldest brother—having been initiated as far back as March 1812 . With tho nid of an estimable dane-hter who vlnvs tho
role ot matron , he has , as I have already stated , superintended the Institution now for nearly eighteen years ; and may his shadow never grow less , say I . Bless you , what changes ho has witnessed in that time , living hale and hearty amidst tho many vicissitudes which have befallen his largo and happy family ! Ho may be almost likened to the brook in tho song , which
says" Men may come , and men may go , But I go on for ever . " When first , by fortuitous circumstances , Bro . Norris was instated there as Superintendent , the Benevolent Institution occupied but a comparatively insignificant place amongst the noble Charities which
are the pride and boast of En « li 3 h Freemasonry . Thanks to our excellent Bro . Terry , who , as the brethren well know , is indefatigable , both in season and out of season , in its behalf—surronnding himself with such an earnest and hearty following—the home at Croydon has reared its head far above most of the great benevolent institutions which are among the landmarks of Britain ' s greatness . The estab
lishment of a Houso Committee has been one great outcome of his exertions , and by which the machinery of tho interior economy of the Institution has been developed and perfected . But let us tako a stroll around tho place , and try to picture it as it now stands . Entering by the canopied doorway we are struck by the speck and span cleanliness everywhere apparent , the aople-pie ordor
in which everything is found . Ascending the broad staircase , in the centre of the pile , we are ushered into tho hall , where the House Committee sit in conclave and devise their schemes for the comfort and happiness of the " residents . " A spacious vaulted chamber , with panolled ceiling , and cornices pierced in quatrefoil , with walls painted a delicate blue , and throngh its stained glass windows the
sun rays shine as with a " dim religions light . " In the quarries of the windows are the mystic symbols , blended with tho initials of tho founders and others who havo taken an active interest in the Institutjon , and the light falls softly on tho many pictures which adorn tho sides of the cosy and luxurious apartment . At one end of the room is an oil painting of the venerable
Dr . Crucifix , who may be ranked amongst tho founders of tho building , and who smiles mutely from the canvas upon snch a development of his early conception as probably he little dreamt of ' "» his philosophy . Amongst the pictures also were pointed out a couple of capitally executed crayons , representing the exterior and interior of the Institution , from tho pencil of Bro . T . J . KilDin who
having outlived his profession as an architect , is now amongst the members who repose in their latter days upon the well-earned bount y of their fellow Craftsmen . Adjoining tho hall is a small but compact library , from which the residents have the privilege of drawing books suited to their tastes and inclinations ; and in tho ante-rooms are lavatories and other convenient offices .
J . nrn we now to the "homes" of the dear old people , and hear from their own lips the story of their peace and happiness , and the overflowing of their gratitude for the blessing 8 they enjoy under the benign influences of our Order . With hearty freedom thoy invite you to come and see and admire the exquisite neatness and
pertect comfort of their domiciles . And before we go farther , let us inform those who are not already aware of the fact that two rooms with the use of a kitchen , " aro allotted to every resident—our aged brethren haviug in addition an annuity of £ 10 , and every widow £ 32 , a year . These good people have all of them " seen better days , " lad , aa a rale , bring their own furniture and household gods with
An Hour Amongst The "Old People."
which to make themselves at homo in their now abodes . But , in case thoy havo not sufficient of their own , the society grants them a table , a bedstead , and four chairs by way of " honsewarming ; " though these accessories aro scarcoly over needed . Accepting a couple of hearty invitations to " como inside , " wo may doscribe them as a samplo of tho rest , and theso for comfort and
convenience left nothing to bo dosired . Tho front apartment , overlooking tho beautiful gardens , is used as the sitting-room , and on the walls we wero pointed out , with a glow of prido and satisfaction , the treasured reminiscences of onr departed brethron in tho Craft , and which thoir relictB regard as tho credentials by which they wore helped to gain the haven of thoir present rest . Comfortably , and
evon luxuriously , furnished aro somo of theso rooms , whilst " my lady ' s chamber " presontcd an appearance of comfort and ease absolutely perfect and unique . The domestic arrangements aro settled upon the principle of mutual help : and it is almost past belief— from a cynical point of view—that never during Bro . Norris ' s long reign as Superintendent has a word of angry altercation been
hoard amongst tho ladies who occupy thoso suites of apartments In tho case of a married couple being admittod , and tlio husband dying , tho widow is allowed throe years' residence ponding her owu election , which invariably happens boforo the timo lias expired . Indeed , when once a needy brother or widow is admitted within the sheltering portals of this Institution it is rogarded as a life
interest , and from tho moment of taking up their quartern here all caro or anxiety for tho future takes to itself wings and flies away . Snch an event as any ono leaving the Institntiou on account of separation of husband and wife by the death of either of them is unknown in tho history of the Institution . All tho good ladies whom it was our p leasure to intorview , and who
wero profnso in thoir courteous acknowledgements of our visit , wero the very pictnro of health , happiness and contentment ; and it mado the heart light to receive the expressions of their gratitude for tho blessings which had been thus secured to them through their connection with the Craft . A word most be said for the comfortable-looking old widowers
who are jogging along tho downhill of lifo in this snug retreat . It may be very easy and natural for tho opposite sex to minister to their own personal requirements in tho way of making beds and tho manufacture of puddings . Bat how do onr brethron adapt themselves to those household dnties to whioh in their days of affluence they must havo been strangers ? Splendidly , sir . Thoy take to it most
naturally ; and if there is any accidental dilemma in matters of culinary importance , tho " ministering angel" appears in the person of a friendly and compassionate widow , who lends her sisterly aid in tho most delicato aud sisterly way imaginable . Ono jolly old fellow , a ship ' s carponter , can manipulate his "dull'" or wash his own shirt in masterly fashion : and does it , too . Another old gent
we saw was " not going to dine at homo to-day , but having received a polite invitation from a widow noighbonr , was going to share tho frugal meal and an hour's agreeable chat at her residence Thus the etiquette and the amenities of society are exemplified by respectablo old age , and the pictnro is a pleasaut ono to gaze upon . We could dwell with satisfaction upon the scenes which arrest tho
attention of the visitor to this retreat , at every step , but the tram doc 3 not wait , and it would bo unwise to tiro tho reader . Let thoso who would learn more , and profit by it , do as I havo done—see for themselves , and hear from the lips of the grateful recipients of our aid the story of their happiness , comfort and peace . Lot them read for themselves eloquent sermons in tho ilowors which peer through every pane of thoso cosy apartments , where ago and want aro cared
for so tenderly—in the peaceful countenances of those men and women who have been raised to new hope and life by the instrumentality of onr Ordor . Even for this alone it is worth while belonging to tho ancient and honourable Institution of Freemasonry , which in this , as in thousands of other instances proves tho value of that Charity which is twice blessed—in him who gives equally with him who receives .
Meeting Of The Lodge Of Benevolence.
MEETING OF THE LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .
THE Lodgo of Benevolence mot on Wednesday evening , at the Freemasons' Hall , Bro 3 . Joshua Nunn , James Brett , and J . M . Pulteney Montagn ocenping tho three presiding Officers ' chairs . The other brethren present wero Bro 3 . Eawsou , Cottebrune , Case , Perryman , Atkins , Hogard , Christian , Garrod , Griffiths Smith , S . Burnley , Alfred Withers , Hammond , Mooro , Britton , Deane , Dairoy , Hamilton , Burt , ITaigh , Dawson , Larlham , Matthews , Grant , Tanner ,
Stahn , Watts , I [ oldon , Edmnnstone , Koch , Freeman , Sqnirrell , Potter , Hilton , Harman , Hobson , Fountain , Walters , F . Smith , and Park , house . After the confirmation of the recommendations mado at the last meeting , the brethron made grants to tho amount of £ 135 , to twenty-four new cases , and deferred the consideration of the remaining six on tho list .
The now work on which Canon Farrar has for somo years past been engaged will be ready for publication next month . It will bo entitled "The Life and Work of St . Paul , " and will bo published by Messrs . Cassell , Pcttcr & flalpin , in two volumes , uniform with tho Library Edition of Canon Farrar ' s "Lifo of Christ , "
H OLLOWAY ' S P ILL - . —The greatest wonder of moilcrn times—Thoy correct bile , prevent flatulency , cleanse tlie liver , purify tlie system , renovate the debilitated , strengtho-i the stomach , increase the appetite , invigorate tlio nerves , promote health , and reinstate tlio weak to an ardour of feeling never before expected . Tlio sale of those Pills throughout thc £ , 'lobo astonishes everybody , convincing the most , sceptical that there is no medicine equal to Holloway ' s Pills for removing the complaints whioh are incidental to the human race . Thoy are , indeed , a blessing to the afflicted , and a boon to thoso who suffer from any disorder , internal or external . Thousands of persons have testified that by thoir use alone they have been restored to heath after other remedies had proved unsuccessful ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
An Hour Amongst The "Old People."
tentment that reigned around , and their music was in keeping with the brightness of the flowers , tho luxuriance of tho trees , and the subdued spirit of rest which seemed to havo settled upon this spot , hallowed to tho hearts of tlio brethren of tho " mystic tio . " "Upon my word , old fellow , this is a magnificent place , " exclaimed my enthusiastic companion ; " If there is one spot on God's earth to
which I should like to retire to spend my deolimng years , here it is . " And , truly , this is the sentiment which must bo inspired in the mind of any ono who takes an intorest in this noblo branch of onr Masonic Charities , and who visits it , as we did , for the first time . Tho only wonder is that the brethren do not moro generally and personally acquaint themselves , as somo havo done , with the good work in progress
at East Croydon . Not only would they bo moro omphatic in its praise , as they point to it in answor to the oft . repeated question as to what Masonry does , but they wonld be stimulated to a far moro intense and practical determination to enlargo tho basis of its beneficent work in every conceivable way . We have dropped down , as Artemus Ward would say , qm'to "
promiscuous like "—uninvited , and thus come upon tho placo in its sober normal aspect , without any furbishing np or oxcitamont , —snch as may bo supposed to precede a formal visit of tho Stewards , or evon the House Committee . Wo thoreforo see the Houso and its residents iu their normal condition , and aro able to speak of the place as it may ordinarily be found .
At the principal entrance door stands a vonerable brothor , whose snowy beard rivals in its whiteness tho stops from which ho smilingly bids us welcome , as he beckons us along the neatly gravelled walks . Nor is any formal introduction needed to tho oldest living Mason in the kingdom , who for nearly eighteen years has ruled discreetly and woll as theSuperinterdent of the Hoval Masonic
Benevolent Institution . Bro . Norris , though verging on ninety years of age , " carries himself , " to say the least , " remarkably well . " Clear-headed , well-informed , sparkling with anecdote , and possessed of a perspicnity which many a much younger man mi ght envy , you aro immediately at home in his companionship . He is not BO young , or so nimblo on his " pins , " as he used to be ; but still there is an intelligence
beaming on his open countenance that sets yon at once at easo with him . In the course of our tite-a-Ute he informed na with nnaffected freedom that he was the oldest Mason iu the country—about a month or so older than the venerable Sir Moses Montefiore , whom I had hitherto regarded as our oldest brother—having been initiated as far back as March 1812 . With tho nid of an estimable dane-hter who vlnvs tho
role ot matron , he has , as I have already stated , superintended the Institution now for nearly eighteen years ; and may his shadow never grow less , say I . Bless you , what changes ho has witnessed in that time , living hale and hearty amidst tho many vicissitudes which have befallen his largo and happy family ! Ho may be almost likened to the brook in tho song , which
says" Men may come , and men may go , But I go on for ever . " When first , by fortuitous circumstances , Bro . Norris was instated there as Superintendent , the Benevolent Institution occupied but a comparatively insignificant place amongst the noble Charities which
are the pride and boast of En « li 3 h Freemasonry . Thanks to our excellent Bro . Terry , who , as the brethren well know , is indefatigable , both in season and out of season , in its behalf—surronnding himself with such an earnest and hearty following—the home at Croydon has reared its head far above most of the great benevolent institutions which are among the landmarks of Britain ' s greatness . The estab
lishment of a Houso Committee has been one great outcome of his exertions , and by which the machinery of tho interior economy of the Institution has been developed and perfected . But let us tako a stroll around tho place , and try to picture it as it now stands . Entering by the canopied doorway we are struck by the speck and span cleanliness everywhere apparent , the aople-pie ordor
in which everything is found . Ascending the broad staircase , in the centre of the pile , we are ushered into tho hall , where the House Committee sit in conclave and devise their schemes for the comfort and happiness of the " residents . " A spacious vaulted chamber , with panolled ceiling , and cornices pierced in quatrefoil , with walls painted a delicate blue , and throngh its stained glass windows the
sun rays shine as with a " dim religions light . " In the quarries of the windows are the mystic symbols , blended with tho initials of tho founders and others who havo taken an active interest in the Institutjon , and the light falls softly on tho many pictures which adorn tho sides of the cosy and luxurious apartment . At one end of the room is an oil painting of the venerable
Dr . Crucifix , who may be ranked amongst tho founders of tho building , and who smiles mutely from the canvas upon snch a development of his early conception as probably he little dreamt of ' "» his philosophy . Amongst the pictures also were pointed out a couple of capitally executed crayons , representing the exterior and interior of the Institution , from tho pencil of Bro . T . J . KilDin who
having outlived his profession as an architect , is now amongst the members who repose in their latter days upon the well-earned bount y of their fellow Craftsmen . Adjoining tho hall is a small but compact library , from which the residents have the privilege of drawing books suited to their tastes and inclinations ; and in tho ante-rooms are lavatories and other convenient offices .
J . nrn we now to the "homes" of the dear old people , and hear from their own lips the story of their peace and happiness , and the overflowing of their gratitude for the blessing 8 they enjoy under the benign influences of our Order . With hearty freedom thoy invite you to come and see and admire the exquisite neatness and
pertect comfort of their domiciles . And before we go farther , let us inform those who are not already aware of the fact that two rooms with the use of a kitchen , " aro allotted to every resident—our aged brethren haviug in addition an annuity of £ 10 , and every widow £ 32 , a year . These good people have all of them " seen better days , " lad , aa a rale , bring their own furniture and household gods with
An Hour Amongst The "Old People."
which to make themselves at homo in their now abodes . But , in case thoy havo not sufficient of their own , the society grants them a table , a bedstead , and four chairs by way of " honsewarming ; " though these accessories aro scarcoly over needed . Accepting a couple of hearty invitations to " como inside , " wo may doscribe them as a samplo of tho rest , and theso for comfort and
convenience left nothing to bo dosired . Tho front apartment , overlooking tho beautiful gardens , is used as the sitting-room , and on the walls we wero pointed out , with a glow of prido and satisfaction , the treasured reminiscences of onr departed brethron in tho Craft , and which thoir relictB regard as tho credentials by which they wore helped to gain the haven of thoir present rest . Comfortably , and
evon luxuriously , furnished aro somo of theso rooms , whilst " my lady ' s chamber " presontcd an appearance of comfort and ease absolutely perfect and unique . The domestic arrangements aro settled upon the principle of mutual help : and it is almost past belief— from a cynical point of view—that never during Bro . Norris ' s long reign as Superintendent has a word of angry altercation been
hoard amongst tho ladies who occupy thoso suites of apartments In tho case of a married couple being admittod , and tlio husband dying , tho widow is allowed throe years' residence ponding her owu election , which invariably happens boforo the timo lias expired . Indeed , when once a needy brother or widow is admitted within the sheltering portals of this Institution it is rogarded as a life
interest , and from tho moment of taking up their quartern here all caro or anxiety for tho future takes to itself wings and flies away . Snch an event as any ono leaving the Institntiou on account of separation of husband and wife by the death of either of them is unknown in tho history of the Institution . All tho good ladies whom it was our p leasure to intorview , and who
wero profnso in thoir courteous acknowledgements of our visit , wero the very pictnro of health , happiness and contentment ; and it mado the heart light to receive the expressions of their gratitude for tho blessings which had been thus secured to them through their connection with the Craft . A word most be said for the comfortable-looking old widowers
who are jogging along tho downhill of lifo in this snug retreat . It may be very easy and natural for tho opposite sex to minister to their own personal requirements in tho way of making beds and tho manufacture of puddings . Bat how do onr brethron adapt themselves to those household dnties to whioh in their days of affluence they must havo been strangers ? Splendidly , sir . Thoy take to it most
naturally ; and if there is any accidental dilemma in matters of culinary importance , tho " ministering angel" appears in the person of a friendly and compassionate widow , who lends her sisterly aid in tho most delicato aud sisterly way imaginable . Ono jolly old fellow , a ship ' s carponter , can manipulate his "dull'" or wash his own shirt in masterly fashion : and does it , too . Another old gent
we saw was " not going to dine at homo to-day , but having received a polite invitation from a widow noighbonr , was going to share tho frugal meal and an hour's agreeable chat at her residence Thus the etiquette and the amenities of society are exemplified by respectablo old age , and the pictnro is a pleasaut ono to gaze upon . We could dwell with satisfaction upon the scenes which arrest tho
attention of the visitor to this retreat , at every step , but the tram doc 3 not wait , and it would bo unwise to tiro tho reader . Let thoso who would learn more , and profit by it , do as I havo done—see for themselves , and hear from the lips of the grateful recipients of our aid the story of their happiness , comfort and peace . Lot them read for themselves eloquent sermons in tho ilowors which peer through every pane of thoso cosy apartments , where ago and want aro cared
for so tenderly—in the peaceful countenances of those men and women who have been raised to new hope and life by the instrumentality of onr Ordor . Even for this alone it is worth while belonging to tho ancient and honourable Institution of Freemasonry , which in this , as in thousands of other instances proves tho value of that Charity which is twice blessed—in him who gives equally with him who receives .
Meeting Of The Lodge Of Benevolence.
MEETING OF THE LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .
THE Lodgo of Benevolence mot on Wednesday evening , at the Freemasons' Hall , Bro 3 . Joshua Nunn , James Brett , and J . M . Pulteney Montagn ocenping tho three presiding Officers ' chairs . The other brethren present wero Bro 3 . Eawsou , Cottebrune , Case , Perryman , Atkins , Hogard , Christian , Garrod , Griffiths Smith , S . Burnley , Alfred Withers , Hammond , Mooro , Britton , Deane , Dairoy , Hamilton , Burt , ITaigh , Dawson , Larlham , Matthews , Grant , Tanner ,
Stahn , Watts , I [ oldon , Edmnnstone , Koch , Freeman , Sqnirrell , Potter , Hilton , Harman , Hobson , Fountain , Walters , F . Smith , and Park , house . After the confirmation of the recommendations mado at the last meeting , the brethron made grants to tho amount of £ 135 , to twenty-four new cases , and deferred the consideration of the remaining six on tho list .
The now work on which Canon Farrar has for somo years past been engaged will be ready for publication next month . It will bo entitled "The Life and Work of St . Paul , " and will bo published by Messrs . Cassell , Pcttcr & flalpin , in two volumes , uniform with tho Library Edition of Canon Farrar ' s "Lifo of Christ , "
H OLLOWAY ' S P ILL - . —The greatest wonder of moilcrn times—Thoy correct bile , prevent flatulency , cleanse tlie liver , purify tlie system , renovate the debilitated , strengtho-i the stomach , increase the appetite , invigorate tlio nerves , promote health , and reinstate tlio weak to an ardour of feeling never before expected . Tlio sale of those Pills throughout thc £ , 'lobo astonishes everybody , convincing the most , sceptical that there is no medicine equal to Holloway ' s Pills for removing the complaints whioh are incidental to the human race . Thoy are , indeed , a blessing to the afflicted , and a boon to thoso who suffer from any disorder , internal or external . Thousands of persons have testified that by thoir use alone they have been restored to heath after other remedies had proved unsuccessful ,