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Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 2 Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 2 Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
Qn Wednesday , 28 th ult ., the annual festival in aid of Benevolent Fund for Aged Freemasons and the Widows of Freemasons , was held at Freemason ' s HaU , Great Queen-street , when the Rig ht Hon . Lord Waveney , P . G . M . for Suffolk , presided , supported , on his immediate right by
the R . W . Bro . Capt . Wm . Piatt , J . G . W ., P . M ., of 6 , and on his immediate left by V . W . Bro . Rev . Charles J . Martyn , Vice-president of the Institution , P . G . Chaplain , and W . M . of 1224 . Among the many eminent members of
the Craft present , we observed the following : — Bros . Major Creaton , B . Head , Raynham Stewart , C . A . Cottebrune , T . Cubitt , William Ough , John Boyd , Dr . Strong , Honorary Surgeon to the Institution , Thomas Wylie , John Hervey , Grand Sec , J . B . Monckton , 11 . Spiers , P . G . S . B ; Dr . J . D . Moore , M . D ., A . A .
Richards , F . Binckes , Secretary of the Boys ' School , R . W . Little , Sir Gilbert Campbell , Bart . ; Major Whithead , the Rev . Thomas Cochrane , H . Smith , William Hills , Prov . J . W . Suffolk , William Boby , Esq ., P . G . S . W . Suffolk , and W . H . Lucia .
There was a very large gathering of the brethren to do honour to the presidency of Lord Waveney , and the end of the banquet hall was brilliant indeed with a large assemblage of ladies . All the arrangements for dining were excellent , and as the noble Chairman afterwards
remarked , the assembled hundreds were enabled to enjoy the banquet with the same quiet and comfort as they mig ht have had in private life . After ample justice had been done to the viands , however , the real business of the evening commenced , and was conducted to its close very
pleasantly by Lord Waveney , who spoke well and very much to the purpose . The following is a detailed report of the speeches . Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden , Worshipful Officers and brethren , the toast which I now rise to propose is one which , given
thousands and thousands of times in this country , comes always as fresh to the ears of Englishman , arid is received with as warm a welcome as it was seven and thirty years ago , when it was new to the country . It boots not to tell the often repeated tale which has been so well told ,
of the virtues of the illustrious lady who is the subject of the toast , of the sympathy which she ever evinces with our sorrows and our joys , of the same influences which she has gathered round her throne , of the dignity with which she has supported that throne and established it
firmlyjaud solidly in the affections of her people . I give you "The Health ofthe First Lady of England , her Majesty the Queen . " Two verses of the national anthem were then sung , the solo being admirably rendered by Miss Banks .
The Chairman : The toast I am about to give you is one always warmly received and highly appreciated , though varied from time to time , as the happy years go by , with changes in the relations of those truly illustrious persons who are . the subjects of the toast . I have to give " The
Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family j" and before entrusting this to your welcome I would remark upon the happy example of united love which it sets to the country . Of the Princess of Wales no one can speak too highly , for coming amongst us as a
stranger , she has by her amiability and other admirable qualities enshrined herself in the affections of the people . Of the Prince of Wales I need not particularly to speak here to those who have worked with him in Grand Lodge and
who know so well how energetic he is in the cause of Freemasonry generally . Then as to the other members ofthe Royal Family , there is that illustrious lady who has left ber country for another ; of some of these ladies who still remain to contribute to form that admirable domestic
circle round our Sovereign ; they have all their merits , you are well aware , but , as I said , circumstances vary from year to year , tlie toast that I now had to call upon you to honour , and I have to recall to your minds that a new member has been added to the Royal Family by the mariage of the Duke of Edinburgh —( cheers)—
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
and when he brings his bride from beyond the seas you all know what a welcome she will receive . ( Immense cheering . ) " The Health of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal family , of those members of that illustrious family whose duty it is to seek
homes elsewhere , and of those with whom they are united . " This toast was honoured enthusiastically , and the professional ladies and gentlemen present having joined in Brinley Richards' pretty part song , the " Cambrian Plume , " the Chairman
again rose and said , On such an occasion as this the toast that I am about to give will commend itself especially to your favourable reception , the distinguished member of the Masonic body whose health I am about to propose is well known to you for his
continued exertions , and his energy in the extension of the Craft which he has shown under particularly trying circumstances whenever he could at all find time from the public duties which have devoted his hours to the State , he has come amongst us brethren to assist , and
perform , and to preside . Such devotion to the Craft merits acknowledgment from you . Placed at the head of the Masonic body of England his duties are no slight obligation . I believe that you will agree with me that he has fulfilled those duties in a complete and perfect manner ,
as a good Craftsman putting in good work , and maintaining good work in the way in which it should be done . I give you " The Health of the Marquess of Ripon , President of this Institution . " At the close of this speech the song ,
" Our Chosen King , was admirably sung by Bro . Frank Elmore , in the chorus of which all present joined very heartily . The Chairman : Of all professions and employments of civil and civilized life , it is well indeed that men should be found willing and prepared to devote themselves to the duties in whatever
degree ofthe Craft or profession to which they belong . All cannot of course rise to the highest and the guiding point , but all can contribute their efforts , and all such efforts are honourable , and especially in most cases where by continual exertions and labour brethren have brought
themselves to distinguished positions in the Craft . And it is of such that I am about to speak . Honour and respect should always wait upon service , and that gradual ascent in the Craft should be , as it is practically , the reward of those exertions . Next to our Most Worshipful Grand Master conies his Deputy , who
assists him in his labours for the public good , and none but those who have had occasion to profit by his excellent advice and support , only those who came next to these in rank , can form an opinion how valuable that support and those services are . That those services are most valuablefo the Most Worshipful Grand Master I am well aware . That the services of the Present and
Past Grand Officers are most valuable we know j I give the " Health of the Right Hon . Earl of Carnarvon , Deputy Grand Master , and the Present and Past Grand Officers . This ¦ toast was honoured with three times
three , and was followed by Bishop ' s song " The Ray of Hope , " beautifully sung by Miss Banks , to an obligato accompaniment on the clarionet by Bro . Lazarus . Bro . Captain Piatt , J . G . W . : Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and brethren , on
behalf of the Deputy Grand Master , I beg to oiler sincere and hearty thanks for the manner in which this toast has been received . High and honourable as the position ofthe officers of the Masonic year may be , the honour of their office is circumscribed . Thirteen lunar months
embrace the full period of our high estate , we come like shadows , so depart , our reign may be short , but with the poet we can with pride proclaim " One crowded hour of useful life is worth an age without an aim . " The Chairman : Brethren , I now approach
what I may term in an especial case the toast of the evening . It is with reference to this that this noble hall is filled with the hundreds of brethren whom I now address , men who have been brought here in furtherance of the great guiding principle which actuates and pervades all Masonic effort , that is , of charity to our brother
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
man . And indeed , I fear I speak with personal ignorance of the merits of the Institutions which are now in question , an ignorance , however , which will be well supplied by the better knowledge of those who have laboured in promoting this festival . But there are some points
which must strike every one " , appreciation of this great charity written in letters which , in truth , he who runs may read . And first of all , it has struck me with an overpowering and a consoling sense of the association of charitable effort , to find that one of these institutions .
which barely reckons five and twenty years of life , and one which reckons some five or six more , have in that time sprung from small shrubs into goodly trees , under whose shade the sick , the needy and the aged find comfort , relief , and rest . Nor in a careless or heedless manner
are alms here given , as alms may sometimes be given , from mere weariness of supplication , but with that thought which makes a sustained charity , so to speak , more valuable . I learn what care has been taken in organizing the dwellings for the reception of the aged
Freemasons and widows of Freemasons ; and , again , it has struck me with how noble a courage charity fills those who design to carry out her behests . We know how it is well said , and approved as a moral fact , which comes home to us at every turn of our lives , that if
with such a purpose we cast our bread upon the water surely we shall find it after many days , and you ( for I speak not of myself , except as one remotely connected with you in this work ) have tbe courage to encounter the risks of such an undertaking in the hope and the belief that the
Providence that has smiled upon your efforts will always continue to smile upon them . With regard to the numbers I find that there are 115 brethren , and 82 feeble and aged women who receive the advantages of these institutions , nigh upon 200 human souls , enabled to tread the
path that leads to the last bourne of all in that comfort and self respect that Christian men and women of the whole world of humanity are entitled to . I find this also , and it is very striking indeed , that of these nigh upon 200 , the average age is no less than 6 9 , within one year of the
appointed age of man . Think of how many there must be beyond that limit whose feeble efforts scarcely enable them to feel the warmth of the sun that you give them the means to bask in , that scarcely appreciate the taste , perhaps , of the food with which your generosity provides
them , and then you may say indeed with modest pride that you have entered upon a task from which your hand shall not turn back . I speak of the bold daring with which you have taken the risks of the large funds that are required . When you found that the sum alloted to aged
Freemasons was not enough , you did not hesitate to add one third to the annual allowance , and with regard to the widows to add the like , and I therefore stand here to tell you , as your Secretary will repeat to you , that you have engaged yourselves to furnish s £ 6 , ooo , for these
noble efforts during the next year , and looking upon you and seeing your earnestness in the good cause I have no doubt that you will accomplish that astonishing amount . Then again it appears that there are thirty approved female candidates and only four
vacancies . I leave the consideration hopefully in your hands , and with regard to the male candidates there are at present thirty-four approved and only eight vacancies . I doubt Jnot that when your Secretary reads the list of subscriptions this evening you will be able to rejoice in the statement that he will be able to give you ,
and I am sure that you have abundant cause for thankfulness to Him who has put into your hearts to do such good deeds , and the means to carry them out . I give " Success to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and the Widows of Freemasons . " ( Great applause )
The toast was drank with enthusiasm . Bro . Major Creaton ; My lord and brethren , on behalf of the Institution , of which I am a Trustee , I beg to tender you my heartfelt thanks for the manner in which you have proposed and received this toast . Our noble Chairman has stated that we have a large number of candidates and very few vacancies . I as a trustee of 'this
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
Qn Wednesday , 28 th ult ., the annual festival in aid of Benevolent Fund for Aged Freemasons and the Widows of Freemasons , was held at Freemason ' s HaU , Great Queen-street , when the Rig ht Hon . Lord Waveney , P . G . M . for Suffolk , presided , supported , on his immediate right by
the R . W . Bro . Capt . Wm . Piatt , J . G . W ., P . M ., of 6 , and on his immediate left by V . W . Bro . Rev . Charles J . Martyn , Vice-president of the Institution , P . G . Chaplain , and W . M . of 1224 . Among the many eminent members of
the Craft present , we observed the following : — Bros . Major Creaton , B . Head , Raynham Stewart , C . A . Cottebrune , T . Cubitt , William Ough , John Boyd , Dr . Strong , Honorary Surgeon to the Institution , Thomas Wylie , John Hervey , Grand Sec , J . B . Monckton , 11 . Spiers , P . G . S . B ; Dr . J . D . Moore , M . D ., A . A .
Richards , F . Binckes , Secretary of the Boys ' School , R . W . Little , Sir Gilbert Campbell , Bart . ; Major Whithead , the Rev . Thomas Cochrane , H . Smith , William Hills , Prov . J . W . Suffolk , William Boby , Esq ., P . G . S . W . Suffolk , and W . H . Lucia .
There was a very large gathering of the brethren to do honour to the presidency of Lord Waveney , and the end of the banquet hall was brilliant indeed with a large assemblage of ladies . All the arrangements for dining were excellent , and as the noble Chairman afterwards
remarked , the assembled hundreds were enabled to enjoy the banquet with the same quiet and comfort as they mig ht have had in private life . After ample justice had been done to the viands , however , the real business of the evening commenced , and was conducted to its close very
pleasantly by Lord Waveney , who spoke well and very much to the purpose . The following is a detailed report of the speeches . Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden , Worshipful Officers and brethren , the toast which I now rise to propose is one which , given
thousands and thousands of times in this country , comes always as fresh to the ears of Englishman , arid is received with as warm a welcome as it was seven and thirty years ago , when it was new to the country . It boots not to tell the often repeated tale which has been so well told ,
of the virtues of the illustrious lady who is the subject of the toast , of the sympathy which she ever evinces with our sorrows and our joys , of the same influences which she has gathered round her throne , of the dignity with which she has supported that throne and established it
firmlyjaud solidly in the affections of her people . I give you "The Health ofthe First Lady of England , her Majesty the Queen . " Two verses of the national anthem were then sung , the solo being admirably rendered by Miss Banks .
The Chairman : The toast I am about to give you is one always warmly received and highly appreciated , though varied from time to time , as the happy years go by , with changes in the relations of those truly illustrious persons who are . the subjects of the toast . I have to give " The
Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family j" and before entrusting this to your welcome I would remark upon the happy example of united love which it sets to the country . Of the Princess of Wales no one can speak too highly , for coming amongst us as a
stranger , she has by her amiability and other admirable qualities enshrined herself in the affections of the people . Of the Prince of Wales I need not particularly to speak here to those who have worked with him in Grand Lodge and
who know so well how energetic he is in the cause of Freemasonry generally . Then as to the other members ofthe Royal Family , there is that illustrious lady who has left ber country for another ; of some of these ladies who still remain to contribute to form that admirable domestic
circle round our Sovereign ; they have all their merits , you are well aware , but , as I said , circumstances vary from year to year , tlie toast that I now had to call upon you to honour , and I have to recall to your minds that a new member has been added to the Royal Family by the mariage of the Duke of Edinburgh —( cheers)—
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
and when he brings his bride from beyond the seas you all know what a welcome she will receive . ( Immense cheering . ) " The Health of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal family , of those members of that illustrious family whose duty it is to seek
homes elsewhere , and of those with whom they are united . " This toast was honoured enthusiastically , and the professional ladies and gentlemen present having joined in Brinley Richards' pretty part song , the " Cambrian Plume , " the Chairman
again rose and said , On such an occasion as this the toast that I am about to give will commend itself especially to your favourable reception , the distinguished member of the Masonic body whose health I am about to propose is well known to you for his
continued exertions , and his energy in the extension of the Craft which he has shown under particularly trying circumstances whenever he could at all find time from the public duties which have devoted his hours to the State , he has come amongst us brethren to assist , and
perform , and to preside . Such devotion to the Craft merits acknowledgment from you . Placed at the head of the Masonic body of England his duties are no slight obligation . I believe that you will agree with me that he has fulfilled those duties in a complete and perfect manner ,
as a good Craftsman putting in good work , and maintaining good work in the way in which it should be done . I give you " The Health of the Marquess of Ripon , President of this Institution . " At the close of this speech the song ,
" Our Chosen King , was admirably sung by Bro . Frank Elmore , in the chorus of which all present joined very heartily . The Chairman : Of all professions and employments of civil and civilized life , it is well indeed that men should be found willing and prepared to devote themselves to the duties in whatever
degree ofthe Craft or profession to which they belong . All cannot of course rise to the highest and the guiding point , but all can contribute their efforts , and all such efforts are honourable , and especially in most cases where by continual exertions and labour brethren have brought
themselves to distinguished positions in the Craft . And it is of such that I am about to speak . Honour and respect should always wait upon service , and that gradual ascent in the Craft should be , as it is practically , the reward of those exertions . Next to our Most Worshipful Grand Master conies his Deputy , who
assists him in his labours for the public good , and none but those who have had occasion to profit by his excellent advice and support , only those who came next to these in rank , can form an opinion how valuable that support and those services are . That those services are most valuablefo the Most Worshipful Grand Master I am well aware . That the services of the Present and
Past Grand Officers are most valuable we know j I give the " Health of the Right Hon . Earl of Carnarvon , Deputy Grand Master , and the Present and Past Grand Officers . This ¦ toast was honoured with three times
three , and was followed by Bishop ' s song " The Ray of Hope , " beautifully sung by Miss Banks , to an obligato accompaniment on the clarionet by Bro . Lazarus . Bro . Captain Piatt , J . G . W . : Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and brethren , on
behalf of the Deputy Grand Master , I beg to oiler sincere and hearty thanks for the manner in which this toast has been received . High and honourable as the position ofthe officers of the Masonic year may be , the honour of their office is circumscribed . Thirteen lunar months
embrace the full period of our high estate , we come like shadows , so depart , our reign may be short , but with the poet we can with pride proclaim " One crowded hour of useful life is worth an age without an aim . " The Chairman : Brethren , I now approach
what I may term in an especial case the toast of the evening . It is with reference to this that this noble hall is filled with the hundreds of brethren whom I now address , men who have been brought here in furtherance of the great guiding principle which actuates and pervades all Masonic effort , that is , of charity to our brother
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
man . And indeed , I fear I speak with personal ignorance of the merits of the Institutions which are now in question , an ignorance , however , which will be well supplied by the better knowledge of those who have laboured in promoting this festival . But there are some points
which must strike every one " , appreciation of this great charity written in letters which , in truth , he who runs may read . And first of all , it has struck me with an overpowering and a consoling sense of the association of charitable effort , to find that one of these institutions .
which barely reckons five and twenty years of life , and one which reckons some five or six more , have in that time sprung from small shrubs into goodly trees , under whose shade the sick , the needy and the aged find comfort , relief , and rest . Nor in a careless or heedless manner
are alms here given , as alms may sometimes be given , from mere weariness of supplication , but with that thought which makes a sustained charity , so to speak , more valuable . I learn what care has been taken in organizing the dwellings for the reception of the aged
Freemasons and widows of Freemasons ; and , again , it has struck me with how noble a courage charity fills those who design to carry out her behests . We know how it is well said , and approved as a moral fact , which comes home to us at every turn of our lives , that if
with such a purpose we cast our bread upon the water surely we shall find it after many days , and you ( for I speak not of myself , except as one remotely connected with you in this work ) have tbe courage to encounter the risks of such an undertaking in the hope and the belief that the
Providence that has smiled upon your efforts will always continue to smile upon them . With regard to the numbers I find that there are 115 brethren , and 82 feeble and aged women who receive the advantages of these institutions , nigh upon 200 human souls , enabled to tread the
path that leads to the last bourne of all in that comfort and self respect that Christian men and women of the whole world of humanity are entitled to . I find this also , and it is very striking indeed , that of these nigh upon 200 , the average age is no less than 6 9 , within one year of the
appointed age of man . Think of how many there must be beyond that limit whose feeble efforts scarcely enable them to feel the warmth of the sun that you give them the means to bask in , that scarcely appreciate the taste , perhaps , of the food with which your generosity provides
them , and then you may say indeed with modest pride that you have entered upon a task from which your hand shall not turn back . I speak of the bold daring with which you have taken the risks of the large funds that are required . When you found that the sum alloted to aged
Freemasons was not enough , you did not hesitate to add one third to the annual allowance , and with regard to the widows to add the like , and I therefore stand here to tell you , as your Secretary will repeat to you , that you have engaged yourselves to furnish s £ 6 , ooo , for these
noble efforts during the next year , and looking upon you and seeing your earnestness in the good cause I have no doubt that you will accomplish that astonishing amount . Then again it appears that there are thirty approved female candidates and only four
vacancies . I leave the consideration hopefully in your hands , and with regard to the male candidates there are at present thirty-four approved and only eight vacancies . I doubt Jnot that when your Secretary reads the list of subscriptions this evening you will be able to rejoice in the statement that he will be able to give you ,
and I am sure that you have abundant cause for thankfulness to Him who has put into your hearts to do such good deeds , and the means to carry them out . I give " Success to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and the Widows of Freemasons . " ( Great applause )
The toast was drank with enthusiasm . Bro . Major Creaton ; My lord and brethren , on behalf of the Institution , of which I am a Trustee , I beg to tender you my heartfelt thanks for the manner in which you have proposed and received this toast . Our noble Chairman has stated that we have a large number of candidates and very few vacancies . I as a trustee of 'this