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Article THE DUBLIN MASONIC SCHOOLS. ← Page 2 of 3 Article THE DUBLIN MASONIC SCHOOLS. Page 2 of 3 →
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The Dublin Masonic Schools.
who loft at tho same time , have as yet obtained any situations . Ihe number of boys at present maintained iu the Institution is twentyone ; aud they are still in the establishment of Brother tho Rev . S . S . Skeen , at Men-ion . The Committee continue to havo special examinations of the boys at Midsummer and at Christmas ; anil they aro happy to be able to state that the several examiners generally
reported favourably on tho results of the examinations . The Committee cannot close their report without again urging the brethren in the country to como forward and support the Institution more liberally than they have hitherto done , and thus enable tho Com . mitteo to extend tho benefits of tho School , and to provide for a larger number of tho orphans of thoir deceased brethren . "
The Right Worshipful R . W . Shekleton , Q . C ., Dep . G . M . —I ask the brethren to assist mo in saluting tho patron of the Order , represented by the Senior Grand Warden of England , His Royal Highness tho Duke of Connaught . Tho salute was given according to ancient custom . Bro . Shekleton—I have been directed by the M . W . Graud Master ,
his Grace the Duke of Abereorn , to express his deep regret that he is not able to be present . He is absent iu tho south of Europe , aud but for that he would have been at the annual distribution of prizes to the children of the Masonic School , in which he takes a deep and warm interest . ( Applause . ) I desire on behalf of the Order at large to return onr thanks to the fairer portion of tho audience for their
kindness iu attending here to-uight . ( Applause . ) ' It is < i great satisfaction to us that they have not been deterred from venturing amongst Masons by certain pictures which were exhibited recently in reference to Masonry . ( Laughter . ) I am sure onr lady friends do nofc consider that we Masons in Ireland , or Masons in any country , would participate iu thoso barbarous and cruel atrocities which aro
portrayed in thoso pictures to which I refer . ( Applause . ) I can assure you those pictures and these facts are as unfounded as their anatomy is at fault . In thoso pictures thoy represent Masons as having their hearts afc the right side . Now , I can assure yon Masons ' hearts aro afc the left side , but though at the left side , they are in the right placo . ( Applause . )
His Royal Highness tho Duke of Counaughfc on coming forward to propose the first resolution was received with enthusiastic applause . He said , —Most Worshipful Grand Master , my Lords , Ladies and Brethren , I havo tho pleasure to propose "That the report now read be circulated , and thab the thanks of this meeting are due to the members of the several committees of the Institution , and also to the
medical officers of the School , for tho zealous aud efficient manner in which they havo discharged the duties devolving upon them , and for the lively interest they manifest in everything conducive to the prosperity ancl progress of thepupilsof the Masonic Female Orphan School . " I hope I may be allowed , Sir , this opportunity of expressing to every one here present the great pleasure I feel in being present on this
interesting occasion . As Grand Officer of the Grand Lodgo of Enggland , this pleasure is very much enhanced by my being enabled to express to you tho deep sympathy and interest taken by onr fellow Craftsmen in England with their brethren in this country . ( Applause . ) I havo to thank you , Sir , for affording mo this opportunity of meeting so large and so influential a number of the
Freemasons of Ireland . ( Renewed applause . ) Charity has ever been the first principle of Freemasonry ; aud I am sure when we look on this charming array of girls and boys , who show by their appearance , and by what we have just heard , that everything connected with tho mind and with the body is cared for , I say when we see this , I am sure you will agree with me wo should
congratulate those connected with the Institution on the admirable manner in which thoy carry out this principle . I cannot sit down without expressing my deep regret that the Most Worshipful tho Grand Master , his Grace the Dnko of Abereorn , should be absent ou this occasion . You all know the deep interest he takes in this Institution , and in everything connected with Freemasonry . ( Applause ) .
Judge Townsend , in seconding the resolution , spoke of the flourishing financial condition of the Schools . Ho remembered the time when the total annual expenses did not amount to as much as ono item of tho expenses did now . A great deal of this was owing to those who were called governors , but who were really merely subscribers . It conld uot be expected that the large number of those who were
governors would pay any attention to the management of the School , and so it was managed by committees elected from out of these , and ho ( Judge Townsend ) was quite certain every one would agree with him thafc they had performed their duties well . The appearance presented by tho pupils of the School that evening was a sufficient
proof thafc thoir temporal condition had been well cared for , and the result of the examinations showed how well their education had been looked after . They were a credit to the Institution in which thoy had been brought up , and to the exertion jof the committee who directed the School . ( Applause ) . The resolution was passed amidst applause .
General Darby Griffith moved the following resolution : — , ; Thafc whilst acknowledging with gratitude tho liberal support and assistance with which the Institution has hitherto been favoured , the Governors would earnestly invito the co-operation of the brethren , iu order still further to extend its usefulness . " He said that , as representative of the Graud Lodge of Scotland , who always felt the
siucorest interest and sympathy with the Freemasons of Ireland , he had very great pleasure in being present on that occasion , and on being called upon to propose a resolution in favour of tho noble Institution , in which the interest felt was plainly manifested by tho magnificent assemblage that evening . He felt the greater pleasure , and ati additional pride , owing to the presence that evening of his Roval
Highness the Duke of Connaught , who had kindly consented to distribute tho prizes to the orphans of their deceased brethren , the pupils of tho Female Masonic School , which was a noble example of Christian charity . The report which had been read showed that tho financial condition of the School was satisfactory ; but the Governors had further efforts in view , and they were deserving of hearty sup . port , ( Applause ) ,
The Dublin Masonic Schools.
Tho Solicitor-General , who was received with loud applause , seconded the resolution . Ho said—Most Worshipful Grand Master , Ladies aud Brethren--I wish that tho choice of tho Deputy Gram 1 Master had fallen on some other Brother to second this resolution , for I feel I can make no claim to tho honour ho has conferred on me , except that I hope I clo represent a somewhat old body—namely ,
thoso ot thoyoungers of this Institution , who aro willing and anxious to do their best to fid tho places which time will necessarily render vacant iu the ranks above them . Tho resolution I have to second contains two parts . Tho first is an expression of thanks ; the second is an expression of hope . The thanks are rendered to tho brethren who have hitherto assisted the Institntion which we aro here to-night
to help ancl advocate . The hope is that their brethren of the Order may be stirred to assist and do actual work in aid of so excellent an Institution . With regard to tho thanks , I wish it to bo distinctly understood that the gratitude convoyed in this resolution is largely leavened by the expectation of favour to como ( applause ) . The annual governors of the Institution will no doubt be willing and
anxious to continue tho help they have hitherto given , and will , I hope , be prepared to confer ou themselves tho position of governors for life . Tho governors for life , I hope , will be willing to renew their annual existence , and continue to act as thoy havo hitherto done . It should however bo remembered that the work will be only half done , for we are hero to night to advocate and assist tho cause of tho
girls of the Orphan Masonic School only , and when that is perfected , tho boy * remain behind ( hoar hear ) . As to tho expression of hope that others will come forward to assist , I think it should be remembered we havo strong claims to expect thafc our appeal will not bo made in vain . You have been told , aud told truly , that charity is ono of tho first principles of Masonry . It is uot all . I am not here to preach a charity sermon . I am hero as a lawyer , and I want to
enforce obedience , ancl I want to enforce tho obligations of duty , aud to tell the brethren that ifc is their duty to assist in the work we are endeavouring to remember not in the light of a mere work of charity , but in tho performance of a grateful ancl becoming duty . ( Applause . ) In doing so they are discharging an obligation first to themselves , for tho most selfish amongst ns must remember thafc no ono can foresee when the hand of death or
misfortune may not be heavily laid ; but those who know what the principle and spirit of Masonry is , will be glad to think that it has amongst its brethren au institution which will protect the orphans of its deceased members . But there is a higher duty . Reference has been made hero to some amongst the many manifestations of ignorance and prejudice which havo from timo to time shown themselves
outside onr city . It is all very well for those high in tho Order to como forward and manfully denounco those falsehoods ancl misstatements ; but that is not a sufficient answer . These are our brother ' s children , and yet we are told that the Masouic brotherhood is a dead formthat wo aro but tho dry bones of some repulsive monster that are hero exhibited . I say that this meeting , this magnificent assemblage ,
is tho best answer which can be given to such a calumny as that . ( Applause ) . Still if you wish calumny—if you wish prejudice and falsehood to be overcome , you must bear in mind that you will nofc overcome ifc by mere prejudice . ( Hear , hear ) . You must do it by deeds , and what deed can bo better than that which is only part of tho great work of Masonry thafc wc are here to forward . If it be
true wo are brothers—if it be true that we arc not engaged in a secret dark work , but in a work of charity and brotherly lovo , thou , I say , by our fruit lot us be judged . It is a fact as yet unparalleled in tho history of the Order that this year tho Grand Lodge of England is governed by three brothers , the sons of our Most Gracious Sovereign tho Queen . ( Loud Applause ) . May I express some ray of hope , from tho manner in which tho Freemasons of Ireland receive that
announcement , that wo may look forward to tho time when their visits will not be few and far between , but when the Grand Lodgo of Ireland will havo some representative of Royalty to whom they may accord a welcome such as that given to his Royal Highness tho Duke of Connaught this evening . ( Loud applause ) . I think tho little circumstance in which these anticipations are received is a
sufficient refutation to tho charges made against them of nofc being obedient to the laws of the Constitution and to tho Crown under which we live . ( Applause ) . I repeat that we must shovv that tho love which begins at the throne extends to tho poorest brother of our Order , and that wheu the gate of death opens to some poor brother ,
his children will bo cared for by his surviving brethren . ( Applause ) . This School is doing a good work , but it might do much more . Ifc might become ono of the brightest jewels in the Masouic crown if every member present to-uight determined to eon tribute according to his ability to this most deserving Institution , so that thoy might uevor see their brother ' s children want .
The resolution was passed unanimously . In the intervals between tho speeches a selection of music was admirably played by the pupils ou tho pianoforte . The following is a list of tho prizJS awarded : — Tho Ffeuuell Prize , value £ 3 , for tho best answerer in Scripture
and Knglish , founded by a donation from Lodrre No . 218 , Roscommon , in memory of Bro . John Ffennell , Past Master of that Lodge . This pri' / . o was not awarded in the year 1870 , tho examination uot having boon completed at the time of distribution of prizes last year . It is now awarded to Grace Harte , for 1876 . Ffennell prize , 1877 , Gertrude
Gill . The Astley Prizes , founded iu memory of tho late Charles D . Astloy , Graud Superintendent of Works , consist of two divisions , two prizes being g iven iu each division . First division , English ( spelling , reading , writing aud arithmetic)—1 st prize ( £ 2 ) Frances Smith , 2 nd prize ( £ 1 ) Grace Harte . Second division , French—1 st prize ( fcl os )
Gertrude Gill , 2 nd prize ( los ) Fiances . Smith . Good Conduct Medals , presented by Bro . B . Samuel B . Oldham , Depnty Graud Secretary , awarded by the votes of the pupils themselves : —Silver medal , Elizabeth Emily Christian ; bronze medal , Florence Hondley ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Dublin Masonic Schools.
who loft at tho same time , have as yet obtained any situations . Ihe number of boys at present maintained iu the Institution is twentyone ; aud they are still in the establishment of Brother tho Rev . S . S . Skeen , at Men-ion . The Committee continue to havo special examinations of the boys at Midsummer and at Christmas ; anil they aro happy to be able to state that the several examiners generally
reported favourably on tho results of the examinations . The Committee cannot close their report without again urging the brethren in the country to como forward and support the Institution more liberally than they have hitherto done , and thus enable tho Com . mitteo to extend tho benefits of tho School , and to provide for a larger number of tho orphans of thoir deceased brethren . "
The Right Worshipful R . W . Shekleton , Q . C ., Dep . G . M . —I ask the brethren to assist mo in saluting tho patron of the Order , represented by the Senior Grand Warden of England , His Royal Highness tho Duke of Connaught . Tho salute was given according to ancient custom . Bro . Shekleton—I have been directed by the M . W . Graud Master ,
his Grace the Duke of Abereorn , to express his deep regret that he is not able to be present . He is absent iu tho south of Europe , aud but for that he would have been at the annual distribution of prizes to the children of the Masonic School , in which he takes a deep and warm interest . ( Applause . ) I desire on behalf of the Order at large to return onr thanks to the fairer portion of tho audience for their
kindness iu attending here to-uight . ( Applause . ) ' It is < i great satisfaction to us that they have not been deterred from venturing amongst Masons by certain pictures which were exhibited recently in reference to Masonry . ( Laughter . ) I am sure onr lady friends do nofc consider that we Masons in Ireland , or Masons in any country , would participate iu thoso barbarous and cruel atrocities which aro
portrayed in thoso pictures to which I refer . ( Applause . ) I can assure you those pictures and these facts are as unfounded as their anatomy is at fault . In thoso pictures thoy represent Masons as having their hearts afc the right side . Now , I can assure yon Masons ' hearts aro afc the left side , but though at the left side , they are in the right placo . ( Applause . )
His Royal Highness tho Duke of Counaughfc on coming forward to propose the first resolution was received with enthusiastic applause . He said , —Most Worshipful Grand Master , my Lords , Ladies and Brethren , I havo tho pleasure to propose "That the report now read be circulated , and thab the thanks of this meeting are due to the members of the several committees of the Institution , and also to the
medical officers of the School , for tho zealous aud efficient manner in which they havo discharged the duties devolving upon them , and for the lively interest they manifest in everything conducive to the prosperity ancl progress of thepupilsof the Masonic Female Orphan School . " I hope I may be allowed , Sir , this opportunity of expressing to every one here present the great pleasure I feel in being present on this
interesting occasion . As Grand Officer of the Grand Lodgo of Enggland , this pleasure is very much enhanced by my being enabled to express to you tho deep sympathy and interest taken by onr fellow Craftsmen in England with their brethren in this country . ( Applause . ) I havo to thank you , Sir , for affording mo this opportunity of meeting so large and so influential a number of the
Freemasons of Ireland . ( Renewed applause . ) Charity has ever been the first principle of Freemasonry ; aud I am sure when we look on this charming array of girls and boys , who show by their appearance , and by what we have just heard , that everything connected with tho mind and with the body is cared for , I say when we see this , I am sure you will agree with me wo should
congratulate those connected with the Institution on the admirable manner in which thoy carry out this principle . I cannot sit down without expressing my deep regret that the Most Worshipful tho Grand Master , his Grace the Dnko of Abereorn , should be absent ou this occasion . You all know the deep interest he takes in this Institution , and in everything connected with Freemasonry . ( Applause ) .
Judge Townsend , in seconding the resolution , spoke of the flourishing financial condition of the Schools . Ho remembered the time when the total annual expenses did not amount to as much as ono item of tho expenses did now . A great deal of this was owing to those who were called governors , but who were really merely subscribers . It conld uot be expected that the large number of those who were
governors would pay any attention to the management of the School , and so it was managed by committees elected from out of these , and ho ( Judge Townsend ) was quite certain every one would agree with him thafc they had performed their duties well . The appearance presented by tho pupils of the School that evening was a sufficient
proof thafc thoir temporal condition had been well cared for , and the result of the examinations showed how well their education had been looked after . They were a credit to the Institution in which thoy had been brought up , and to the exertion jof the committee who directed the School . ( Applause ) . The resolution was passed amidst applause .
General Darby Griffith moved the following resolution : — , ; Thafc whilst acknowledging with gratitude tho liberal support and assistance with which the Institution has hitherto been favoured , the Governors would earnestly invito the co-operation of the brethren , iu order still further to extend its usefulness . " He said that , as representative of the Graud Lodge of Scotland , who always felt the
siucorest interest and sympathy with the Freemasons of Ireland , he had very great pleasure in being present on that occasion , and on being called upon to propose a resolution in favour of tho noble Institution , in which the interest felt was plainly manifested by tho magnificent assemblage that evening . He felt the greater pleasure , and ati additional pride , owing to the presence that evening of his Roval
Highness the Duke of Connaught , who had kindly consented to distribute tho prizes to the orphans of their deceased brethren , the pupils of tho Female Masonic School , which was a noble example of Christian charity . The report which had been read showed that tho financial condition of the School was satisfactory ; but the Governors had further efforts in view , and they were deserving of hearty sup . port , ( Applause ) ,
The Dublin Masonic Schools.
Tho Solicitor-General , who was received with loud applause , seconded the resolution . Ho said—Most Worshipful Grand Master , Ladies aud Brethren--I wish that tho choice of tho Deputy Gram 1 Master had fallen on some other Brother to second this resolution , for I feel I can make no claim to tho honour ho has conferred on me , except that I hope I clo represent a somewhat old body—namely ,
thoso ot thoyoungers of this Institution , who aro willing and anxious to do their best to fid tho places which time will necessarily render vacant iu the ranks above them . Tho resolution I have to second contains two parts . Tho first is an expression of thanks ; the second is an expression of hope . The thanks are rendered to tho brethren who have hitherto assisted the Institntion which we aro here to-night
to help ancl advocate . The hope is that their brethren of the Order may be stirred to assist and do actual work in aid of so excellent an Institution . With regard to tho thanks , I wish it to bo distinctly understood that the gratitude convoyed in this resolution is largely leavened by the expectation of favour to como ( applause ) . The annual governors of the Institution will no doubt be willing and
anxious to continue tho help they have hitherto given , and will , I hope , be prepared to confer ou themselves tho position of governors for life . Tho governors for life , I hope , will be willing to renew their annual existence , and continue to act as thoy havo hitherto done . It should however bo remembered that the work will be only half done , for we are hero to night to advocate and assist tho cause of tho
girls of the Orphan Masonic School only , and when that is perfected , tho boy * remain behind ( hoar hear ) . As to tho expression of hope that others will come forward to assist , I think it should be remembered we havo strong claims to expect thafc our appeal will not bo made in vain . You have been told , aud told truly , that charity is ono of tho first principles of Masonry . It is uot all . I am not here to preach a charity sermon . I am hero as a lawyer , and I want to
enforce obedience , ancl I want to enforce tho obligations of duty , aud to tell the brethren that ifc is their duty to assist in the work we are endeavouring to remember not in the light of a mere work of charity , but in tho performance of a grateful ancl becoming duty . ( Applause . ) In doing so they are discharging an obligation first to themselves , for tho most selfish amongst ns must remember thafc no ono can foresee when the hand of death or
misfortune may not be heavily laid ; but those who know what the principle and spirit of Masonry is , will be glad to think that it has amongst its brethren au institution which will protect the orphans of its deceased members . But there is a higher duty . Reference has been made hero to some amongst the many manifestations of ignorance and prejudice which havo from timo to time shown themselves
outside onr city . It is all very well for those high in tho Order to como forward and manfully denounco those falsehoods ancl misstatements ; but that is not a sufficient answer . These are our brother ' s children , and yet we are told that the Masouic brotherhood is a dead formthat wo aro but tho dry bones of some repulsive monster that are hero exhibited . I say that this meeting , this magnificent assemblage ,
is tho best answer which can be given to such a calumny as that . ( Applause ) . Still if you wish calumny—if you wish prejudice and falsehood to be overcome , you must bear in mind that you will nofc overcome ifc by mere prejudice . ( Hear , hear ) . You must do it by deeds , and what deed can bo better than that which is only part of tho great work of Masonry thafc wc are here to forward . If it be
true wo are brothers—if it be true that we arc not engaged in a secret dark work , but in a work of charity and brotherly lovo , thou , I say , by our fruit lot us be judged . It is a fact as yet unparalleled in tho history of the Order that this year tho Grand Lodge of England is governed by three brothers , the sons of our Most Gracious Sovereign tho Queen . ( Loud Applause ) . May I express some ray of hope , from tho manner in which tho Freemasons of Ireland receive that
announcement , that wo may look forward to tho time when their visits will not be few and far between , but when the Grand Lodgo of Ireland will havo some representative of Royalty to whom they may accord a welcome such as that given to his Royal Highness tho Duke of Connaught this evening . ( Loud applause ) . I think tho little circumstance in which these anticipations are received is a
sufficient refutation to tho charges made against them of nofc being obedient to the laws of the Constitution and to tho Crown under which we live . ( Applause ) . I repeat that we must shovv that tho love which begins at the throne extends to tho poorest brother of our Order , and that wheu the gate of death opens to some poor brother ,
his children will bo cared for by his surviving brethren . ( Applause ) . This School is doing a good work , but it might do much more . Ifc might become ono of the brightest jewels in the Masouic crown if every member present to-uight determined to eon tribute according to his ability to this most deserving Institution , so that thoy might uevor see their brother ' s children want .
The resolution was passed unanimously . In the intervals between tho speeches a selection of music was admirably played by the pupils ou tho pianoforte . The following is a list of tho prizJS awarded : — Tho Ffeuuell Prize , value £ 3 , for tho best answerer in Scripture
and Knglish , founded by a donation from Lodrre No . 218 , Roscommon , in memory of Bro . John Ffennell , Past Master of that Lodge . This pri' / . o was not awarded in the year 1870 , tho examination uot having boon completed at the time of distribution of prizes last year . It is now awarded to Grace Harte , for 1876 . Ffennell prize , 1877 , Gertrude
Gill . The Astley Prizes , founded iu memory of tho late Charles D . Astloy , Graud Superintendent of Works , consist of two divisions , two prizes being g iven iu each division . First division , English ( spelling , reading , writing aud arithmetic)—1 st prize ( £ 2 ) Frances Smith , 2 nd prize ( £ 1 ) Grace Harte . Second division , French—1 st prize ( fcl os )
Gertrude Gill , 2 nd prize ( los ) Fiances . Smith . Good Conduct Medals , presented by Bro . B . Samuel B . Oldham , Depnty Graud Secretary , awarded by the votes of the pupils themselves : —Silver medal , Elizabeth Emily Christian ; bronze medal , Florence Hondley ,