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Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Article LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
The summer entertainment , given yearly to the inmates of the Institution at Croydon , took place on Wednesday , on which occasion Bro . Lieut . Cole , the ventriloquist , was engaged to go through one of his entertainments ( "The Merry Folks " ) , displaying his marvellous powers of localising his voice , to which is added a rare imitative faculty , and not a little original humour . Miss Berrie Stephens , R . A . M ., and Bro . Prenton , both
professional singers of ability , also came , with Bro . Harry Sullivan , and gave their gratuitous services , to * continue the evening ' s amusement after the great ventriloquist had returned to town . A great many brethren and their wives , daughters , and friends came to see and hear . Of course they did . Whenever do you find an occasion connected with any of three Masonic
Institutions , when a number of those who take the most active interest in the Charities , and give so large a portion of their time to attending Committees , and keeping an eye upon the work and help to do it , are not to be found devoting half a day to the Institution , whichever it may be , and showing their desire to bc cordially acquained with the inmates '"
Amongst those present on Wednesday were—Bro . C . J . Perceval , Bro . H . XV . Alford and Mrs . Alford , Bro . T . Cubitt , Mrs . Calmer , Miss Pendlebury , Bro . T . J . Barnes , Bro . A . 15 . Tattershall and Mrs . Tattershall , Bro . D . M . Dewar , Bro . C . Blain and Mrs . Blain , Miss Berrie Stephens , Bro . Edgar Bowyer , Bro . C . J . Hogard , Bro . G . T . Bickerton , Bro . Walter Gompertz and Mrs . Gompertz , Bro . J . J . Berry and Mrs . Berry , Bro . R . J . Murlis , and Mrs . Murlis , Bro . Chas . Lacey
and Mrs . Lacey , Bro . L . Ruf , Bro . S . Blain , Bro . C . H . Webb , Mrs . Savage , Bro . G . F . Massey , Bro . XV . XV . Morgan , Bro . J . Newton and Mrs . Newton , Bro . Janies S . Fraser , Bro . H . G . Thompson , Bro . S . Carrington and Mrs . Carrington , Bro h \ i . L . Annett and Mrs . Annett , Bro . R . P . Tate and Mrs . Tate , Bro . R . H . Halford and Mrs . Halford , Miss Clara Halford , Bro . A . H . Hickman and Mrs . Hickman , Bro . Joseph
Crump , Mrs . E . A . Strong , Bro . H . C . C . Owen and Mrs . Owen , Bro . G . F . Cook , Bro . Chas . Daniel , Miss Kate Terry , Mrs . A . Constable , Mrs . E . Webster , Mrs . Massey , Mrs . Darke , Bros . R . G . Blowycr , H . AL Mason , Former , J . R . Gallant , G . L . Moore , XV . Pym , E . Terry , J . E . Terry , Alfred Faull , A . F . Faull , J . F . Davies , Edward Davies , John Roberts , A . E . Roberts , M . Broadley , and E . C . Massey
( Freemason ) . The greater proportion of the company having come down early , a substantial tea was provided in the Hall , the enlargement of which prevented the crowding which used formerly to occur , and enabled the House Committee , with the able assistance of Mrs . Terry , Bro . Terry , and his official colleagues , to dispense their hospitality in comfort . After
tea thc company dispersed themselves about the grounds and houses until Bro . Terry , with the big bell , summoned everybody to the hall , when it was found that Lieutenant Cole and his " friends " had arrived . At least , those who entered the room could see somebody on the platform , but as the light was behind him ( a most undesirable arrangement ) his features were not distinguishable . Both inmates and visitors appeared to be highly amused
at the ventriloquist ' s powers of voice , and not at them only , but also at the quaint remarks he put into the wooden mouth of the old " Lancashire Lad , " which is certainly the most effective figure he has got . These remarks , shot out by the old boy unexpectedly at all and sundry among the audience , kept them in a continual state of merriment , so that when the allotted hour had passed away one could scarcely believe it gone .
After the Lieutenant ' s departure , the entertainment was continued as a concert , which was opened by a song from Miss Terry , who was followed by Miss Strong , and both sang very prettily . Bro . Prenton , already referred to , possesses a powerful voice , and sang several bass songs with considerable effect . Miss Berrie Stephens has a fine soprano voice of good compass , which is not only powerful but pleasant to listen to . She was loudly applauded after singing "Sing sweet bird ; " and in the duet , "No , Sir , " which
sho sang with Mr . Prenton , this young lady exhibited not only musical but dramatic power ; but the song in which , of all others , she was most effective was " A bird in the hand . " As a rule , amateurs do not care to put themselves in comparison with professionals , and it was very kind and goodnatured of Miss Strong and Miss Terry to come forward so frequently , but as they both sing very nicely they could afford to brave the comparison referred to . Mrs . Bonorandi , " our musical inmate , " who plays accompaniments with an admirably light touch , kindly assisted at the pianoforte .
Bro . TERRY proposed to the company that a vote of thanks was due to Bro . Sullivan , Miss Bessie Stephens , and Bro . Prenton , for having so kindly not only given , gratuitous , professional services on this occasion , for the entertainment of their old friends , but had also led him to hope that it
might not be impossible to have their aid on a future occasion on the same moderate terms . The vote was , of course , carried by acclamation , and Bro . Sullivan , in returning thanks , confirmed what Bro . Terry had told them > and said that for the benefit of the Institution they would be happy to afford their services on a future occasion .
Bro . RAYNHAM STEWART said that it was usual on these occasions to say a few words to the company before parting ; and , on behalf of the House Committee , he had to say that it was a very great source of satisfaction to them to see there so many old friends and members of the institution . The institution had done a great deal of good ; it was a satisfaction to know that , and he trusted that it would be as useful in the future as it was now . But they must remember that nothing could bc done without money . The
House Committee liked to make an occasion every half-year for giving a little entertainment to their old friends ; they had had several such , and always tried to secure some popular favourite to come and amuse them . On the present occasion it had been Bro . Lieut . Cole ; and he , the speaker , thought that all would agree with him in considering Bro . Cole ' s entertainment a most wonderful production . ( Hear , hear . ) All this sort of thing was under the management of one who took a most lively interest in the welfare of thc Institution ; and he would ask them to cordially and
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
sincerely accord a vote of thanks to one who by his care had enabled them to enjoy themselves—Bro . Terry . It was pleasant to meet now in this enlarged hall , where , instead of being cramped , they had now plenty of room to move about in comfort ; where they could sit down and feel that they were thoroughly welcome , and that all lhat could be done was done for their
happiness , hor all these benefits they were indebted to the exertions of Bro . Terry , and he hoped that those noble exertions would not be forgotten by any of them . There was a time when that building was hardly known , but it was now widely known , and had increased in proportion ; and not
only so , but they were enabled to grant such annuities that all might be happy and comfortable ; and he said , without fear of contradiction , that they were indebted for it to Bro . Ten- } -, whose one desire is to maintain the Institution and the comfort of the annuitants , and it was , therefore , that he asked them to show their good feeling by a vote of thanks to Bro . Terry .
Bro . LERRY in reply , tendered his thanks for the very kind words which the chairman of the House Committee for the past year had given utterance to . In years gone by the room they were in was a barn , containing only a few old iron bedsteads ; the paper was peeling from the walls and ceiling and it seemed in a state of dry rot . Nine years ago , when he was made Secretary ,
there was a want of harmony , a want of unity , and a want of sympathy ; there did not seem any kindly feeling about the place ; and a lady or gentleman might move into a building and go to his or her apartments , without anyone else in the building , knowing their names . That he considered a great misfortune ; he thought something was wanting , something to unite
them in one brotherhood . This had been accomplished gradually . He could remember the time when blinds were drawn down at the Institution whenever officials visited the place , but now whenever anyone came faces appeared at every window with a smiling greeting upon them . Seven years since he tnau £ rurated a little tea party to those who were residents of
the Institution , and many friends came down on that occasion and gave them a little music . Since that time the custom had grown , and he hoped to the gratification of every one . It had increased as friends became more numerous . As funds increased the houses of the building had been increased . He had to thank
the Committee for the support he had received . Nothing had been refused ; nothing had been begrudged which the Secretary had proposed ; and he must remind them that he was only the Secretary , simply doing his duty , as well as he was able , for the happiness of those whom Providence placed in that building . He should be glad to see the room , if it were possible , still
further enlarged , for if it were he believed they would have no difficulty in filling it with those kind friends , who , whenever they knew that a fund was wanted , showered down the golden sovereigns and the paper notes ; and he hoped that the day was far distant when that support would cease to be
extended for the purpose of carrying out that Masonic duty of caring for the comfort and happiness of parents in their old age . In conclusion , he trusted that he might yet be spared a few years to do all he could to promote the interests of this great Institution .
Bro . RAYNHAM W . STEWART proposed a vote of thanks to the Warden , Bro . Norris , who had most faithfully performed his duty ; and , in making this proposal , he would express the wish that , on account of his advanced age , Bro . Norris should be relieved from making a reply . The vote was carried by acclamation , and the company separated after having spent a very pleasant evening .
Lodge Of Benevolence.
LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .
The monthly meeting of the Lodgeof Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' HaU . Bro . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., President , occupied the President's chair ; Bro . James Brett , Junior Vice-President , held the chair of Senior Vice-President ; and Bro . the Rev . A . F , A . Woodford , P . G . C , took the chair of Junior Vice-President . The othei brethren present were : —
Bros . H . G . Buss , Assistant Grand Secretary , A . A . Pendlebury , W . Dodd , J . H . Matthews , P . M ., 143 ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; W . Mann , P . M ., 1 S 6 ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., 22 ; Charles Atkins , P . M ., 27 ; Henry Garrod , P . M ., 749 ; Charles Dairy , P . M ., 141 ; William Stephens , P . M . ; Thomas Cull , P . M ., 1446 ; \ V . A . Weston , P . M ., 1536 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . ScuIIey , Treas . 17 S 9 ; Arthur E . Gladwell , P . M ., 172 ; Frederick
Binckes , P . M ., G . Steward ; Thomas Sanders , P . M ., 905 ; Whiteway Wilkinson , I . P . M ., 145 ; J . Harrison , P . M ., 1829 ; John Symons , P . M ., 14 S 9 ; A . Posener , W . M ., 15 ; John R . Pills , W . M ., 193 ; ] . H . Watts , W . M ., 6 3 ; E . C . Mather , P . M ., 23 ; George Carrick , P . M ., S 09 ; L . C . Haslip , W . AI ., S 13 ; Thomas Cross , W . M ., 1194 ; George Cole , W . M ., 1742 ; H . Sadler , Grand Tyler ; and H . Massey . W . M ., 192 S , ( Freemason ) .
The brethren first confirmed the recommendations made at the May meeting to the amount of £ 240 . There were twenty-nine cases on the new list , of which eighteen were country cases and eleven London . Two cases were dismissed and one was deferred . The remaining twenty-six were relieved with a total sum of £ 610 . This sum was composed as follows : Two £ S ° ( £ too ); three £ 40 ( £ 120 ) ; five ( £ 30 ( . £ 150 ); six £ 20 ( £ 120 ); two £ ' 5 ( i » J five £ 10 ( £ 50 ); and two £ 5 ( £ 10 ) . The whole of the business was concluded in a little over three hours . The lodge was then formally closed .
FREEBORN . —In all the old Constitutions free birth is a " sine qua non , " and the reason is obvious . In those early days a serf , or a villein , was the property of his master , and unless he had purchased or acquired legally h ' freedom—unless he was manumitted—could be reclaimed at any time by his master . More than one Act of Parliament relates to this very point . Now , though the old charge remains , our Grand Lodge only orders the declaration that the candidate is a freeman . —Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia of Freemasonry-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
The summer entertainment , given yearly to the inmates of the Institution at Croydon , took place on Wednesday , on which occasion Bro . Lieut . Cole , the ventriloquist , was engaged to go through one of his entertainments ( "The Merry Folks " ) , displaying his marvellous powers of localising his voice , to which is added a rare imitative faculty , and not a little original humour . Miss Berrie Stephens , R . A . M ., and Bro . Prenton , both
professional singers of ability , also came , with Bro . Harry Sullivan , and gave their gratuitous services , to * continue the evening ' s amusement after the great ventriloquist had returned to town . A great many brethren and their wives , daughters , and friends came to see and hear . Of course they did . Whenever do you find an occasion connected with any of three Masonic
Institutions , when a number of those who take the most active interest in the Charities , and give so large a portion of their time to attending Committees , and keeping an eye upon the work and help to do it , are not to be found devoting half a day to the Institution , whichever it may be , and showing their desire to bc cordially acquained with the inmates '"
Amongst those present on Wednesday were—Bro . C . J . Perceval , Bro . H . XV . Alford and Mrs . Alford , Bro . T . Cubitt , Mrs . Calmer , Miss Pendlebury , Bro . T . J . Barnes , Bro . A . 15 . Tattershall and Mrs . Tattershall , Bro . D . M . Dewar , Bro . C . Blain and Mrs . Blain , Miss Berrie Stephens , Bro . Edgar Bowyer , Bro . C . J . Hogard , Bro . G . T . Bickerton , Bro . Walter Gompertz and Mrs . Gompertz , Bro . J . J . Berry and Mrs . Berry , Bro . R . J . Murlis , and Mrs . Murlis , Bro . Chas . Lacey
and Mrs . Lacey , Bro . L . Ruf , Bro . S . Blain , Bro . C . H . Webb , Mrs . Savage , Bro . G . F . Massey , Bro . XV . XV . Morgan , Bro . J . Newton and Mrs . Newton , Bro . Janies S . Fraser , Bro . H . G . Thompson , Bro . S . Carrington and Mrs . Carrington , Bro h \ i . L . Annett and Mrs . Annett , Bro . R . P . Tate and Mrs . Tate , Bro . R . H . Halford and Mrs . Halford , Miss Clara Halford , Bro . A . H . Hickman and Mrs . Hickman , Bro . Joseph
Crump , Mrs . E . A . Strong , Bro . H . C . C . Owen and Mrs . Owen , Bro . G . F . Cook , Bro . Chas . Daniel , Miss Kate Terry , Mrs . A . Constable , Mrs . E . Webster , Mrs . Massey , Mrs . Darke , Bros . R . G . Blowycr , H . AL Mason , Former , J . R . Gallant , G . L . Moore , XV . Pym , E . Terry , J . E . Terry , Alfred Faull , A . F . Faull , J . F . Davies , Edward Davies , John Roberts , A . E . Roberts , M . Broadley , and E . C . Massey
( Freemason ) . The greater proportion of the company having come down early , a substantial tea was provided in the Hall , the enlargement of which prevented the crowding which used formerly to occur , and enabled the House Committee , with the able assistance of Mrs . Terry , Bro . Terry , and his official colleagues , to dispense their hospitality in comfort . After
tea thc company dispersed themselves about the grounds and houses until Bro . Terry , with the big bell , summoned everybody to the hall , when it was found that Lieutenant Cole and his " friends " had arrived . At least , those who entered the room could see somebody on the platform , but as the light was behind him ( a most undesirable arrangement ) his features were not distinguishable . Both inmates and visitors appeared to be highly amused
at the ventriloquist ' s powers of voice , and not at them only , but also at the quaint remarks he put into the wooden mouth of the old " Lancashire Lad , " which is certainly the most effective figure he has got . These remarks , shot out by the old boy unexpectedly at all and sundry among the audience , kept them in a continual state of merriment , so that when the allotted hour had passed away one could scarcely believe it gone .
After the Lieutenant ' s departure , the entertainment was continued as a concert , which was opened by a song from Miss Terry , who was followed by Miss Strong , and both sang very prettily . Bro . Prenton , already referred to , possesses a powerful voice , and sang several bass songs with considerable effect . Miss Berrie Stephens has a fine soprano voice of good compass , which is not only powerful but pleasant to listen to . She was loudly applauded after singing "Sing sweet bird ; " and in the duet , "No , Sir , " which
sho sang with Mr . Prenton , this young lady exhibited not only musical but dramatic power ; but the song in which , of all others , she was most effective was " A bird in the hand . " As a rule , amateurs do not care to put themselves in comparison with professionals , and it was very kind and goodnatured of Miss Strong and Miss Terry to come forward so frequently , but as they both sing very nicely they could afford to brave the comparison referred to . Mrs . Bonorandi , " our musical inmate , " who plays accompaniments with an admirably light touch , kindly assisted at the pianoforte .
Bro . TERRY proposed to the company that a vote of thanks was due to Bro . Sullivan , Miss Bessie Stephens , and Bro . Prenton , for having so kindly not only given , gratuitous , professional services on this occasion , for the entertainment of their old friends , but had also led him to hope that it
might not be impossible to have their aid on a future occasion on the same moderate terms . The vote was , of course , carried by acclamation , and Bro . Sullivan , in returning thanks , confirmed what Bro . Terry had told them > and said that for the benefit of the Institution they would be happy to afford their services on a future occasion .
Bro . RAYNHAM STEWART said that it was usual on these occasions to say a few words to the company before parting ; and , on behalf of the House Committee , he had to say that it was a very great source of satisfaction to them to see there so many old friends and members of the institution . The institution had done a great deal of good ; it was a satisfaction to know that , and he trusted that it would be as useful in the future as it was now . But they must remember that nothing could bc done without money . The
House Committee liked to make an occasion every half-year for giving a little entertainment to their old friends ; they had had several such , and always tried to secure some popular favourite to come and amuse them . On the present occasion it had been Bro . Lieut . Cole ; and he , the speaker , thought that all would agree with him in considering Bro . Cole ' s entertainment a most wonderful production . ( Hear , hear . ) All this sort of thing was under the management of one who took a most lively interest in the welfare of thc Institution ; and he would ask them to cordially and
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
sincerely accord a vote of thanks to one who by his care had enabled them to enjoy themselves—Bro . Terry . It was pleasant to meet now in this enlarged hall , where , instead of being cramped , they had now plenty of room to move about in comfort ; where they could sit down and feel that they were thoroughly welcome , and that all lhat could be done was done for their
happiness , hor all these benefits they were indebted to the exertions of Bro . Terry , and he hoped that those noble exertions would not be forgotten by any of them . There was a time when that building was hardly known , but it was now widely known , and had increased in proportion ; and not
only so , but they were enabled to grant such annuities that all might be happy and comfortable ; and he said , without fear of contradiction , that they were indebted for it to Bro . Ten- } -, whose one desire is to maintain the Institution and the comfort of the annuitants , and it was , therefore , that he asked them to show their good feeling by a vote of thanks to Bro . Terry .
Bro . LERRY in reply , tendered his thanks for the very kind words which the chairman of the House Committee for the past year had given utterance to . In years gone by the room they were in was a barn , containing only a few old iron bedsteads ; the paper was peeling from the walls and ceiling and it seemed in a state of dry rot . Nine years ago , when he was made Secretary ,
there was a want of harmony , a want of unity , and a want of sympathy ; there did not seem any kindly feeling about the place ; and a lady or gentleman might move into a building and go to his or her apartments , without anyone else in the building , knowing their names . That he considered a great misfortune ; he thought something was wanting , something to unite
them in one brotherhood . This had been accomplished gradually . He could remember the time when blinds were drawn down at the Institution whenever officials visited the place , but now whenever anyone came faces appeared at every window with a smiling greeting upon them . Seven years since he tnau £ rurated a little tea party to those who were residents of
the Institution , and many friends came down on that occasion and gave them a little music . Since that time the custom had grown , and he hoped to the gratification of every one . It had increased as friends became more numerous . As funds increased the houses of the building had been increased . He had to thank
the Committee for the support he had received . Nothing had been refused ; nothing had been begrudged which the Secretary had proposed ; and he must remind them that he was only the Secretary , simply doing his duty , as well as he was able , for the happiness of those whom Providence placed in that building . He should be glad to see the room , if it were possible , still
further enlarged , for if it were he believed they would have no difficulty in filling it with those kind friends , who , whenever they knew that a fund was wanted , showered down the golden sovereigns and the paper notes ; and he hoped that the day was far distant when that support would cease to be
extended for the purpose of carrying out that Masonic duty of caring for the comfort and happiness of parents in their old age . In conclusion , he trusted that he might yet be spared a few years to do all he could to promote the interests of this great Institution .
Bro . RAYNHAM W . STEWART proposed a vote of thanks to the Warden , Bro . Norris , who had most faithfully performed his duty ; and , in making this proposal , he would express the wish that , on account of his advanced age , Bro . Norris should be relieved from making a reply . The vote was carried by acclamation , and the company separated after having spent a very pleasant evening .
Lodge Of Benevolence.
LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .
The monthly meeting of the Lodgeof Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' HaU . Bro . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., President , occupied the President's chair ; Bro . James Brett , Junior Vice-President , held the chair of Senior Vice-President ; and Bro . the Rev . A . F , A . Woodford , P . G . C , took the chair of Junior Vice-President . The othei brethren present were : —
Bros . H . G . Buss , Assistant Grand Secretary , A . A . Pendlebury , W . Dodd , J . H . Matthews , P . M ., 143 ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; W . Mann , P . M ., 1 S 6 ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., 22 ; Charles Atkins , P . M ., 27 ; Henry Garrod , P . M ., 749 ; Charles Dairy , P . M ., 141 ; William Stephens , P . M . ; Thomas Cull , P . M ., 1446 ; \ V . A . Weston , P . M ., 1536 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . ScuIIey , Treas . 17 S 9 ; Arthur E . Gladwell , P . M ., 172 ; Frederick
Binckes , P . M ., G . Steward ; Thomas Sanders , P . M ., 905 ; Whiteway Wilkinson , I . P . M ., 145 ; J . Harrison , P . M ., 1829 ; John Symons , P . M ., 14 S 9 ; A . Posener , W . M ., 15 ; John R . Pills , W . M ., 193 ; ] . H . Watts , W . M ., 6 3 ; E . C . Mather , P . M ., 23 ; George Carrick , P . M ., S 09 ; L . C . Haslip , W . AI ., S 13 ; Thomas Cross , W . M ., 1194 ; George Cole , W . M ., 1742 ; H . Sadler , Grand Tyler ; and H . Massey . W . M ., 192 S , ( Freemason ) .
The brethren first confirmed the recommendations made at the May meeting to the amount of £ 240 . There were twenty-nine cases on the new list , of which eighteen were country cases and eleven London . Two cases were dismissed and one was deferred . The remaining twenty-six were relieved with a total sum of £ 610 . This sum was composed as follows : Two £ S ° ( £ too ); three £ 40 ( £ 120 ) ; five ( £ 30 ( . £ 150 ); six £ 20 ( £ 120 ); two £ ' 5 ( i » J five £ 10 ( £ 50 ); and two £ 5 ( £ 10 ) . The whole of the business was concluded in a little over three hours . The lodge was then formally closed .
FREEBORN . —In all the old Constitutions free birth is a " sine qua non , " and the reason is obvious . In those early days a serf , or a villein , was the property of his master , and unless he had purchased or acquired legally h ' freedom—unless he was manumitted—could be reclaimed at any time by his master . More than one Act of Parliament relates to this very point . Now , though the old charge remains , our Grand Lodge only orders the declaration that the candidate is a freeman . —Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia of Freemasonry-