Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Tenth Anniversary Festival Of The Asyluam For Aged Freemasons ,
very heavy ; but the Committee look with hope to that fostering protection of a generous community to reward their labours hy a liberal contribution , and thereby prevent the invested funds from being disturbed . Such is the report , which , in a moral sense , is certainly satisfactory . That the present aspect of the Asylum is highly auspicious , may be inferred from the factthat not only has all prejudice against it ceased
, , but its rig ht position is now understood to be essential to the vital interests of the other charities , of which it may be said to be the key-stone , for since the Asylum has taken root , it has been the ostensible means of improving their finances . I may advert to the happy circumstance of having regularly presented to your notice some distinguished Alasons as chairmen ; but on this day you are presided over by a Brother whofor acts of charity , stands
fore-, most amongst men . I may say , that in acts of benevolence he is not likely to be surpassed ; and we gain greatly in our moral altitude by the advocacy ancl support of such a Mason . He has spoken wisely in the explanation of his own views of this most excellent charity , and he has also spoken well , if you rightly interpret them , more especially in regard to the widows of Alasons . The appeal he has already made , will no doubt be responded to by the customary largess ; andas your treasurer ,
, I am in no fear of being sent empty away : nay , I even venture to ask for additional aid , that you may not only add to the increase of funds , but enable me , as your almoner , to discharge the very heavy law expenses which have been most unhappily , but most necessarily , incurred . AA e have not the advantage of presenting before you the objects that are protected by your benevolence- —such as the cheerful aspiring boy , or
the meek , pleasing , girl , wno , on their respective anniversaries , meet you in their holiday clothes , and greet you with their holiday smiles , and so win on the heart as to make the stream of charity set in at flood tide . Do I speak in metaphor ? Let me refer you to the last anniversary festivals of the schools , when nearly six hundred pounds at one , ancl upwards of one thousand guineas at the other , rewarded the labours of the stewards engaged in such a festival of love : with what pride , as a Masondo I advert to the gladsome truth .
, Age , however , in its infirmity and wretchedness , must be otherwise respected ; its presence would rather darken than enliven the scene intended for its solace . We must draw on the puie philanthropy that can picture in the mind ' s eye a scene of want and misery , ancl that can understand and appreciate an appeal made to its considerate judgment as well as to its feeling . 1 had hoped to have reported the confirmation of a motion that passed
the Grand Lodge in March last , for annuities for the widows of Freemasons ; but the motion was misunderstood by the provinces , and its consequent rejection will retard , although I am certain it will not ultitimately prevent , a measure ivhieh justice , as well as necessity , renders clearand obvious I allude to the subject now because I touched upon it last year , and because I am convinced that it is time we should disclaim selfishnessancl do justice to the aged widow as well as to the aged Mason .
, Among the advantages derived by charitable institutions , bequests by legacy are the most prominent ; and , as we number among our Order many Brethren of affluence , it could be wished that their sympathy in favour of the poor aged Brethren , might be awakened at the serious moment when making a testamentary distribution of property—at that
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Tenth Anniversary Festival Of The Asyluam For Aged Freemasons ,
very heavy ; but the Committee look with hope to that fostering protection of a generous community to reward their labours hy a liberal contribution , and thereby prevent the invested funds from being disturbed . Such is the report , which , in a moral sense , is certainly satisfactory . That the present aspect of the Asylum is highly auspicious , may be inferred from the factthat not only has all prejudice against it ceased
, , but its rig ht position is now understood to be essential to the vital interests of the other charities , of which it may be said to be the key-stone , for since the Asylum has taken root , it has been the ostensible means of improving their finances . I may advert to the happy circumstance of having regularly presented to your notice some distinguished Alasons as chairmen ; but on this day you are presided over by a Brother whofor acts of charity , stands
fore-, most amongst men . I may say , that in acts of benevolence he is not likely to be surpassed ; and we gain greatly in our moral altitude by the advocacy ancl support of such a Mason . He has spoken wisely in the explanation of his own views of this most excellent charity , and he has also spoken well , if you rightly interpret them , more especially in regard to the widows of Alasons . The appeal he has already made , will no doubt be responded to by the customary largess ; andas your treasurer ,
, I am in no fear of being sent empty away : nay , I even venture to ask for additional aid , that you may not only add to the increase of funds , but enable me , as your almoner , to discharge the very heavy law expenses which have been most unhappily , but most necessarily , incurred . AA e have not the advantage of presenting before you the objects that are protected by your benevolence- —such as the cheerful aspiring boy , or
the meek , pleasing , girl , wno , on their respective anniversaries , meet you in their holiday clothes , and greet you with their holiday smiles , and so win on the heart as to make the stream of charity set in at flood tide . Do I speak in metaphor ? Let me refer you to the last anniversary festivals of the schools , when nearly six hundred pounds at one , ancl upwards of one thousand guineas at the other , rewarded the labours of the stewards engaged in such a festival of love : with what pride , as a Masondo I advert to the gladsome truth .
, Age , however , in its infirmity and wretchedness , must be otherwise respected ; its presence would rather darken than enliven the scene intended for its solace . We must draw on the puie philanthropy that can picture in the mind ' s eye a scene of want and misery , ancl that can understand and appreciate an appeal made to its considerate judgment as well as to its feeling . 1 had hoped to have reported the confirmation of a motion that passed
the Grand Lodge in March last , for annuities for the widows of Freemasons ; but the motion was misunderstood by the provinces , and its consequent rejection will retard , although I am certain it will not ultitimately prevent , a measure ivhieh justice , as well as necessity , renders clearand obvious I allude to the subject now because I touched upon it last year , and because I am convinced that it is time we should disclaim selfishnessancl do justice to the aged widow as well as to the aged Mason .
, Among the advantages derived by charitable institutions , bequests by legacy are the most prominent ; and , as we number among our Order many Brethren of affluence , it could be wished that their sympathy in favour of the poor aged Brethren , might be awakened at the serious moment when making a testamentary distribution of property—at that