Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
New Tear's Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
NEW TEAR'S ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
AMONG the various festivities it is onr pleasure to take part in , which aro associated with one or other of tho Masonic Institntitntions , there is nono more enjoyable than those given at tho Old Folks' Home at Croydon . There wo look forward to mooting some of tho worthiest brethron it has been our good fortnno to make tho acquaintance of during tho timo wo havo been associated with tho
Craft ; and , furthermore , wo havo tho opportunity of seeing a few of the worthy recipients of the annuities tho Bonevevolent Institution is enabled to offer ; to have a chat regarding olden times , and to hear from them tho expressions of approval they so profnsely bestow on all connected with tho Institution . Tho usual New Year ' s Entertainment took place on Wednesday last , and it was made the
occasion of inaugurating tho newly enlarged Hall . This enlargement may really be said to be tho the outcome of theso festivities , which wero inaugurated some years since by Brother Torry , tho worthy Secretary of tho Institution ; it was in consequenco of the nnmbor of subscribers to tho Entertainments—which aro provided ont of tho fnnds given specially for tho pnrposo—so greatly
increasing , and the nnmber of those who desired to bo present also incroasinsr , that the enlargement was first thought of . Since then other claims for better accommodation hare arisen , and we can now point to a Hall in ovory way worthy of tho noble Institution at Croydon we are prond to refer to as the outcome of Masonic Benevolence . The alteration is in itsolf a very great improvement . The
Hall is upwards of donble its former size , while retiring rooms , a lavatory , & c , have been erected outside . A new staircase has also been provided , and somo additional rooms on tho gronnd floor . The appearance , on entering the main door , will at once strike tho visitor , who has been acenstomed to the form in which the Institution had previously existed , and must impress him with the wisdom which
has been displayed in the enlargement . We only hope that the Old People , for whose benefit the additions have really been made , will live to enjoy the comforts of the new Hall for many years to come , and that Bro . Terry and those more intimately concerned in the work will have frequent opportunities of witnessing that their efforts are appreciated , and that the alteration may prove a benefit to the
Institution , as well as to its inmates . The banquet was provided at two o ' clock , at which time the residents and lady friends were seated , under the presidency of Bro . Dr . Strong , the honorary surgeon of the Institution , Bros . J . Terry , Raynham Stewart and T . Cnbitt occupying the Vice-chairs . Bro . Stewart , in the name of the House Committee , then stated that the
Hall had been enlarged for the comfort and convenience of the residents and supporters of the Institution , and duly proclaimed it open , at the same time removing a curtain , which concealed a tablet , placed over the doors , which records tho date , & c . of the enlargement . Tho viands provided were then served to tho Old Folks and lady visitors , brethren assisting in the work of providing all with whatever they
might desire , and general enjoyment was the result . At tho conclusion of the repast , Bro . Dr . Strong gavo tho toast of the Qnoen and Craft , followed hy that of the Founders of tho Feast , with which tho name of Bro . Edgar Bowyer was coupled . After a reply from that Brother , the Chairman gave the health of tho Warden and Matron of tho Institution , Bro . and Miss Morris . Only thoso who had visited
the Institution frequently conld havo any idea of the high estimation in which their Warden and Matron were held . Their services to the Institution had been most advantageons , as they had contributed greatly to tho comfort and happiness of the annuitants who were residents there . Tho thanks of all were duo to the Matron for what she had dono at all times ; the banquet that day was a fair
specimen of her ability , it was under her superintendence alone that it was prepared , and considering the nature of the appliances at her command , it was wonderful how well she had succeeded with it . Bro . Norris replied , and speaking especially on behalf of his daughter said , she deserved every kind thing that could bo said of her . Perhaps he might look at her throngh a coloured medium , but still ho could not
help saying she had been a treasure . Respecting himself , it was scarcely necessary to say ho had beon a resident at the Institution for twenty years , and having attained the position of Warden , he endeavoured all lie could to promote the welfare and happiness of his co-inhabitants . He believed he had , in somo measure , succeeded ; at least , the proposition of his health in such kind words mado him
believe it . All tho residents had but ono common fooling—of gratitude , and affection , and respect for the Committee , and tho kind friends who looked after them so tenderly . They were really like children there , for there was scarcely a thing they conld ask for that , thoy did not get . Bro . Raynham Stewart proposed " Tho Health of Dr . Strong , " who he said was really at the beck and call of the old
people of the Institution . He took a great interest in it , and the Committee and the subscribers of the Institutions were proud of him . His services were invaluable . He received nothing for thoso services , which were given entirely for tho love cf Masonry and of tbe Institution . Dr . Strong said it was one of tho most pleasing duties ho had to perform to look after the inmates of this Institution .
He trusted ho had studied their welfare aud happiness . In fact , ho knew he had done so , by the kind expressions which had fallen from the brethren in timo past and on the present occasion . He only trusted lie might have health and strength to follow in the same course ho had hitherto pursued . The old people and the several lady visitors then retired , the ladies spending tho afternoon in visiting tho old folks and taking tea with them , while the
brethren , who had devoted their attention to tho comfort of the annuitants , partook of a repast , Bro . Raynham Stewart on this occasion taking the head of the tablo , faced by Bro . Terry . Tho toast of * 'io Queen was dispensed with at this second gathering , tho Chairman first proposing " Success to tho Masonic Charities : " in doing so , he said it must havo been gratifying to everybody to have perused the reports which had just been published iu the d ' aily papers relative to the various Institutions in connection with tho Craft , Daring the
New Tear's Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
past year they had endeavoured to do tho best thoy conld for oaoh of tho Charities , and ho trusted that in tho future those exertions would not only be continued but increased . He must say that considoring what tho Institution was now doing , and what it had dono in the past , it was most gratifying to him , as Chairman of the House Committee , to watch tho progress which tho Charity had made .
Ihey had- been favoured to-day with tho presence of tho Secretaries of the two othor Institutions , bnt as they wore assembled especially to celebrate the anniversary gathering of tho Royal Masonio Bonevolont Institution , ho could only express tho hopo that Bro . Torry might bo spared many years to continue his powerful advocacy of that Charity , and that he might bo well snpportod . There was only this
feeling of rivalry betweon the three Institutions , that eaoh vied with the other in its endeavours to benefit the class for whom it was designed , and it would bo admitted that there was always a cordial and friendly fooling botween them , based upon fclv * five points of fellowship . Ho associated with tho toast tho namo of Bro . James Torry . Bro . Terry , who as usual was received with tho heartiest
demonstrations of welcome , after acknowledging tho cordiality with which tho toast had beon accepted , said they mot that day nndor somowhat exceptional cirenmstancos , inasmuch as they were assembled for the first time in a room in connection with tho Benevolent Institution which ho ventured to think was worthy of its guests . Thoy had had ample evidence of its capacity by tho numbers who had
partaken of tho hospitality of tho varions donors to tho fund for the day ' s entertainment . But when thoy came to speak of the success that had attended tho Masonio Institutions , he ventured to say they had touched a ohord which was very dear to him and the hearts of all around that table . Allusion had beon made to the report which had just been issued , and he could not speak but with a certain
amount of pride upon tho fact that the Benevolent Institutions occupied tho premier place , so far as the donations and subscriptions was concerned , during the past twelve months . That was to have been looked for at the commencement of the year , because they owed much to the chairman who presided over their Festival , and the nnmber of Lodges under his supervision .
They anticipated he would bring an amount of money worthy his reputation , and they were not deceived . West Yorkshire came nobly forward with its £ 3 , 500 , and the total of their donations and snbFcriptions during the past year had been £ 14 , 900 . He only announced £ 14 , 100 , so that they were £ 800 in excess of the grand total published . The aggregate amount received on bohalf of the
Institntion , during the year , had been £ 17 , 738 . Bro . Binckes , representing the Boys' School , had hard work to do to follow two successful Festivals , but no doubt when 1882 wns ended , a very grand re . suit would have taken place in connection with that Institution . He ( the speaker ) fully anticipated he shonld have to change places with Bro . Binckes ( not for the first time , and he hoped not the last by
many ) in regard to this position of hononr . He confessed he looked upon tho year 1882 with somo amount of misgiving , for he saw there must be a drop of £ 3 , 000 . Last year , as ho had said , tho Benevolent Institution received £ 3 , 500 from tho Province of West Yorkshire , whereas from the Province whence their next President hailed they conld not expect more than £ 300 . He
could only say , nono tho less was he gratefnl for tho vote which took place iu Grand Lodge , which gave a permanent additional £ 800 to their coffers , which should enable them to extend their scope very materally . He reminded them that thero were 112 applicants for the benefits of the Institution , whereas they had only 21 vacancies , and he believed such a list had never been
presented to the Masonic world . Tho claims npon the Boys' and Girls ' Schools together conld not touch this . The Boy ' s had 72 , and tho Girls' 28 applicants , whereas the Benevolent had 112 . That being so , ho ventured to assert there was no Charity connected with the Craft so worthy of support as was the Benevolent Institution . He took the opportunity of saying this , as they were met together under the roof of that Institution , and the toast wished success to it in particular .
What were they to do in the future ? Only to r . rge upon the increased generosity of the Craft . The Boys and Girls could take care of themselves , and tho brethren ought to look to the Old Pooplo who in former years had kept the young folks going . Let them render homage and hononr to whom it was duo . Whatever might be the varying fortunes of tho three great Charities , he hoped that , by the generosity of tho Craft , tho Benevolent Institution might prosper in the year of grace 1882 , and he had no fear but that it would do so .
They had the promise of 210 Stewards , who were working energetically iu the cause ; and however much ho might have to deplore being lower on the poll thau tho Sister Institutions , he thought the Benevolent would not be a very bad second . In conclasion , ho hoped hi ; mig ht havo health and strength for many years to discharge his duties to the satisfaction of the committee , and for the advantage of
the Institution . Tho toast , " Success to the Boys' School , " having been given from the chair , and most heartily received , Bro . Frederick Binckes observed that during the 25 years he had advocated tho support of that Institution , ho had ondeavourod to place tliemall on a common platform . Looking back ovor tho last
quarter of a century , the Boys' School had not lacked support , or a place in the estimation of the brethren of tho Craft . The Girls ' School was always the pet ; tho very sentiment which attached to the weaker sex would always maintain for it a prominent place iu ' . ho affection and sympathies of the Craft . However , he had groat
confidence that the Institution he represented would always receive a '; iv » e share of support , and so long as the brethren were convinced : hat their Institutions were managed with efficiency , so long wonld i'ey coutinno to receive the cordial and substantial support of the Ciaft generally .
Bro . John Constable , in proposing tho House Committee , referred in euIo"istic terms , to tho grand and necessary alterations which had been effected in tho great Hall , in which they were then i . ' ; ambled . They all knew how arduously the Committee always worked for the benefit of the Institution . He associated with the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
New Tear's Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
NEW TEAR'S ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
AMONG the various festivities it is onr pleasure to take part in , which aro associated with one or other of tho Masonic Institntitntions , there is nono more enjoyable than those given at tho Old Folks' Home at Croydon . There wo look forward to mooting some of tho worthiest brethron it has been our good fortnno to make tho acquaintance of during tho timo wo havo been associated with tho
Craft ; and , furthermore , wo havo tho opportunity of seeing a few of the worthy recipients of the annuities tho Bonevevolent Institution is enabled to offer ; to have a chat regarding olden times , and to hear from them tho expressions of approval they so profnsely bestow on all connected with tho Institution . Tho usual New Year ' s Entertainment took place on Wednesday last , and it was made the
occasion of inaugurating tho newly enlarged Hall . This enlargement may really be said to be tho the outcome of theso festivities , which wero inaugurated some years since by Brother Torry , tho worthy Secretary of tho Institution ; it was in consequenco of the nnmbor of subscribers to tho Entertainments—which aro provided ont of tho fnnds given specially for tho pnrposo—so greatly
increasing , and the nnmber of those who desired to bo present also incroasinsr , that the enlargement was first thought of . Since then other claims for better accommodation hare arisen , and we can now point to a Hall in ovory way worthy of tho noble Institution at Croydon we are prond to refer to as the outcome of Masonic Benevolence . The alteration is in itsolf a very great improvement . The
Hall is upwards of donble its former size , while retiring rooms , a lavatory , & c , have been erected outside . A new staircase has also been provided , and somo additional rooms on tho gronnd floor . The appearance , on entering the main door , will at once strike tho visitor , who has been acenstomed to the form in which the Institution had previously existed , and must impress him with the wisdom which
has been displayed in the enlargement . We only hope that the Old People , for whose benefit the additions have really been made , will live to enjoy the comforts of the new Hall for many years to come , and that Bro . Terry and those more intimately concerned in the work will have frequent opportunities of witnessing that their efforts are appreciated , and that the alteration may prove a benefit to the
Institution , as well as to its inmates . The banquet was provided at two o ' clock , at which time the residents and lady friends were seated , under the presidency of Bro . Dr . Strong , the honorary surgeon of the Institution , Bros . J . Terry , Raynham Stewart and T . Cnbitt occupying the Vice-chairs . Bro . Stewart , in the name of the House Committee , then stated that the
Hall had been enlarged for the comfort and convenience of the residents and supporters of the Institution , and duly proclaimed it open , at the same time removing a curtain , which concealed a tablet , placed over the doors , which records tho date , & c . of the enlargement . Tho viands provided were then served to tho Old Folks and lady visitors , brethren assisting in the work of providing all with whatever they
might desire , and general enjoyment was the result . At tho conclusion of the repast , Bro . Dr . Strong gavo tho toast of the Qnoen and Craft , followed hy that of the Founders of tho Feast , with which tho name of Bro . Edgar Bowyer was coupled . After a reply from that Brother , the Chairman gave the health of tho Warden and Matron of tho Institution , Bro . and Miss Morris . Only thoso who had visited
the Institution frequently conld havo any idea of the high estimation in which their Warden and Matron were held . Their services to the Institution had been most advantageons , as they had contributed greatly to tho comfort and happiness of the annuitants who were residents there . Tho thanks of all were duo to the Matron for what she had dono at all times ; the banquet that day was a fair
specimen of her ability , it was under her superintendence alone that it was prepared , and considering the nature of the appliances at her command , it was wonderful how well she had succeeded with it . Bro . Norris replied , and speaking especially on behalf of his daughter said , she deserved every kind thing that could bo said of her . Perhaps he might look at her throngh a coloured medium , but still ho could not
help saying she had been a treasure . Respecting himself , it was scarcely necessary to say ho had beon a resident at the Institution for twenty years , and having attained the position of Warden , he endeavoured all lie could to promote the welfare and happiness of his co-inhabitants . He believed he had , in somo measure , succeeded ; at least , the proposition of his health in such kind words mado him
believe it . All tho residents had but ono common fooling—of gratitude , and affection , and respect for the Committee , and tho kind friends who looked after them so tenderly . They were really like children there , for there was scarcely a thing they conld ask for that , thoy did not get . Bro . Raynham Stewart proposed " Tho Health of Dr . Strong , " who he said was really at the beck and call of the old
people of the Institution . He took a great interest in it , and the Committee and the subscribers of the Institutions were proud of him . His services were invaluable . He received nothing for thoso services , which were given entirely for tho love cf Masonry and of tbe Institution . Dr . Strong said it was one of tho most pleasing duties ho had to perform to look after the inmates of this Institution .
He trusted ho had studied their welfare aud happiness . In fact , ho knew he had done so , by the kind expressions which had fallen from the brethren in timo past and on the present occasion . He only trusted lie might have health and strength to follow in the same course ho had hitherto pursued . The old people and the several lady visitors then retired , the ladies spending tho afternoon in visiting tho old folks and taking tea with them , while the
brethren , who had devoted their attention to tho comfort of the annuitants , partook of a repast , Bro . Raynham Stewart on this occasion taking the head of the tablo , faced by Bro . Terry . Tho toast of * 'io Queen was dispensed with at this second gathering , tho Chairman first proposing " Success to tho Masonic Charities : " in doing so , he said it must havo been gratifying to everybody to have perused the reports which had just been published iu the d ' aily papers relative to the various Institutions in connection with tho Craft , Daring the
New Tear's Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
past year they had endeavoured to do tho best thoy conld for oaoh of tho Charities , and ho trusted that in tho future those exertions would not only be continued but increased . He must say that considoring what tho Institution was now doing , and what it had dono in the past , it was most gratifying to him , as Chairman of the House Committee , to watch tho progress which tho Charity had made .
Ihey had- been favoured to-day with tho presence of tho Secretaries of the two othor Institutions , bnt as they wore assembled especially to celebrate the anniversary gathering of tho Royal Masonio Bonevolont Institution , ho could only express tho hopo that Bro . Torry might bo spared many years to continue his powerful advocacy of that Charity , and that he might bo well snpportod . There was only this
feeling of rivalry betweon the three Institutions , that eaoh vied with the other in its endeavours to benefit the class for whom it was designed , and it would bo admitted that there was always a cordial and friendly fooling botween them , based upon fclv * five points of fellowship . Ho associated with tho toast tho namo of Bro . James Torry . Bro . Terry , who as usual was received with tho heartiest
demonstrations of welcome , after acknowledging tho cordiality with which tho toast had beon accepted , said they mot that day nndor somowhat exceptional cirenmstancos , inasmuch as they were assembled for the first time in a room in connection with tho Benevolent Institution which ho ventured to think was worthy of its guests . Thoy had had ample evidence of its capacity by tho numbers who had
partaken of tho hospitality of tho varions donors to tho fund for the day ' s entertainment . But when thoy came to speak of the success that had attended tho Masonio Institutions , he ventured to say they had touched a ohord which was very dear to him and the hearts of all around that table . Allusion had beon made to the report which had just been issued , and he could not speak but with a certain
amount of pride upon tho fact that the Benevolent Institutions occupied tho premier place , so far as the donations and subscriptions was concerned , during the past twelve months . That was to have been looked for at the commencement of the year , because they owed much to the chairman who presided over their Festival , and the nnmber of Lodges under his supervision .
They anticipated he would bring an amount of money worthy his reputation , and they were not deceived . West Yorkshire came nobly forward with its £ 3 , 500 , and the total of their donations and snbFcriptions during the past year had been £ 14 , 900 . He only announced £ 14 , 100 , so that they were £ 800 in excess of the grand total published . The aggregate amount received on bohalf of the
Institntion , during the year , had been £ 17 , 738 . Bro . Binckes , representing the Boys' School , had hard work to do to follow two successful Festivals , but no doubt when 1882 wns ended , a very grand re . suit would have taken place in connection with that Institution . He ( the speaker ) fully anticipated he shonld have to change places with Bro . Binckes ( not for the first time , and he hoped not the last by
many ) in regard to this position of hononr . He confessed he looked upon tho year 1882 with somo amount of misgiving , for he saw there must be a drop of £ 3 , 000 . Last year , as ho had said , tho Benevolent Institution received £ 3 , 500 from tho Province of West Yorkshire , whereas from the Province whence their next President hailed they conld not expect more than £ 300 . He
could only say , nono tho less was he gratefnl for tho vote which took place iu Grand Lodge , which gave a permanent additional £ 800 to their coffers , which should enable them to extend their scope very materally . He reminded them that thero were 112 applicants for the benefits of the Institution , whereas they had only 21 vacancies , and he believed such a list had never been
presented to the Masonic world . Tho claims npon the Boys' and Girls ' Schools together conld not touch this . The Boy ' s had 72 , and tho Girls' 28 applicants , whereas the Benevolent had 112 . That being so , ho ventured to assert there was no Charity connected with the Craft so worthy of support as was the Benevolent Institution . He took the opportunity of saying this , as they were met together under the roof of that Institution , and the toast wished success to it in particular .
What were they to do in the future ? Only to r . rge upon the increased generosity of the Craft . The Boys and Girls could take care of themselves , and tho brethren ought to look to the Old Pooplo who in former years had kept the young folks going . Let them render homage and hononr to whom it was duo . Whatever might be the varying fortunes of tho three great Charities , he hoped that , by the generosity of tho Craft , tho Benevolent Institution might prosper in the year of grace 1882 , and he had no fear but that it would do so .
They had the promise of 210 Stewards , who were working energetically iu the cause ; and however much ho might have to deplore being lower on the poll thau tho Sister Institutions , he thought the Benevolent would not be a very bad second . In conclasion , ho hoped hi ; mig ht havo health and strength for many years to discharge his duties to the satisfaction of the committee , and for the advantage of
the Institution . Tho toast , " Success to the Boys' School , " having been given from the chair , and most heartily received , Bro . Frederick Binckes observed that during the 25 years he had advocated tho support of that Institution , ho had ondeavourod to place tliemall on a common platform . Looking back ovor tho last
quarter of a century , the Boys' School had not lacked support , or a place in the estimation of the brethren of tho Craft . The Girls ' School was always the pet ; tho very sentiment which attached to the weaker sex would always maintain for it a prominent place iu ' . ho affection and sympathies of the Craft . However , he had groat
confidence that the Institution he represented would always receive a '; iv » e share of support , and so long as the brethren were convinced : hat their Institutions were managed with efficiency , so long wonld i'ey coutinno to receive the cordial and substantial support of the Ciaft generally .
Bro . John Constable , in proposing tho House Committee , referred in euIo"istic terms , to tho grand and necessary alterations which had been effected in tho great Hall , in which they were then i . ' ; ambled . They all knew how arduously the Committee always worked for the benefit of the Institution . He associated with the