Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational And Benevolent Institution.
EAST LANCASHIRE SYSTEMATIC MASONIC EDUCATIONAL AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
FIRST FESTIVAL—A MAGNIFICENT TOTAL . The first Festival organised by the Committee and friends of this Institution took place on Wednesday , the 3 rd instant , at the Royal Botanical Gardens , Old Tralford , Manchester . For some time previously the promoters of the Festival had been working hard to ensure success , and with so energetic a Chairman of Committee as Bro . Sillitoe , P . G . S . B . England , and P . P . G . W . East Lancashire , and so hard-working a Secretary as Bro . J .
Newton , P . A . G . Secretary , together with a Committee of brethren devoted to the cause of Charity , the result was hardl y in doubt . Brethren from all parts of the province signified their intention of becoming Stewards , and the result was a splendid demonstration of the strength and vitality of Freemasonry in East Lancashire . A brief sketch of the Institution may be interesting to the brethren .
Prior to 1875 , there were in the Province of East Lancashire two Charity Institutions , viz ., the Systematic Benevolent Fund and the Manchester and Salford Relief Committee . The objects of the former Institution were generally to aid the cause of Masonic Charity , and to afford relief and assistance where considered desirable in favour of Masons , their wives , widows , and families . The latter Institution existed simply for the purpose
of relieving itinerant Masons . One of the first aims of Bro . Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie upon his installation as Provincial Grand Master in 1 S 70 , was to endeavour to extend Masonic benevolence in the province beyond the limited powers of the Institutions then existing , and , after consultation with the leading brethren at that period , he succeeded , at the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , held in 1 S 74 , in getting a Committee
appointed to consider , and report upon , the expediency of forming a new charitable Institution ; such Committee included the Prov . G . Master , the Deputy Prov . G . Mister , Bro . W . Romaine Callender , the Treasurer of the Systematic , Bro . W . Birce , the Hon . Sec , Bro . Chas . Heywood , Bro . J . A . Birch , Bro . J . L . Hine , Bro . J . Tunnah , P . G . Sec , and other influential brethren . After many meetings the
Committee were enabled to report their proceedings to the Prov . Grand Lodge at a meeting held on the 3 rd November , 1875 , when it was proposed by Bro . Callender , seconded by Bro . W . Slater , and resolved " that an institution to be called the East Lancashire S ystematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution be and is hereby established in this province . " Such resolution was confirmed at a special meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge held on the
iSth January , 1876 , and the new Institution at once commenced operations . The old East Lancashire Systematic Fund and the Manchester and Salford Relief Committee thereupon ceased their labours and merged themselves into the new Institution . This meeting was considered as the first meeting of the Institution , and was presided over by the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Col . Starkie , who , it may be worth noting , has never missed presiding at
annual meetings from that time until the present date . In consequence of the growing claims upon the funds it was found necessary in 1884 to revise and alter the bye-laws , and in 1893 , through the difficulties experienced by the province in placing all their claimants for annuities upon the London Institutions , it was decided to still further extend the operations of the Institution by granting annuities to aged Freemasons and widows of
Freemasons belonging to the province , as well as assisting to start in life children leaving this or the London Educational Institution . It was mainly to augment the invested funds of the Institution , to enable it to meet the increased expenditure necessitated by the annuitants' grants , that the present festival was held . It may not , however , be out of place to mention that in 1885 the present Chairman of the General Committee submitted to the annual meeting a proposition to hold a festival on similar lines as the present one ,
but at the time it was thought that the necessary funds could be obtained by other means . Since then both he and Bro . C . D . Cheetham have at intervals brought the matter forward without being able to carry their proposition , until at an informal meeting of the Relief Board held last year , the question of a festival was thoroughly discussed , and the whole cf the members then present pledged themselves to give their hearty support to the project at the next annual meeting , which was done , and the result has been a glorious success .
, Unfortunatel y the weather was not all that could be desired . The morning was showery , and there was an absence of sunshine , but matters improved as the day wore on , and the afternoon was very pleasant . The beautiful grounds of Old Trafford formed a delightful promenade , and here , at half-past two o ' clock , a large company began to assemble . The fine band of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers played a choice selection of music beneath the trees , and the time was enjoyably passed till the banqueting hour
was reached . At half-past four a move was made for the spacious concert room , where , instead of in the palm house as at first arranged , the tables were laid . The great hall presented an animated spectacle as the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Col . Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie , P . G . W ., took his seat . The company numbsre'd upwards of 700 ladies and brethren , who were seated at tables running the entire length of the room . In the floral annexe adjoining , the Fusilier band was stationed , and played a selection of music throughout the dinner .
c .., ? PPOrting the Provincial Grand Master on the dais were Bros . 1 . H . Sillitoe , P . P . Std . Br . Eng ., P . P . G . W ., Chairman of the Genera ! Committee ° l the Institution ; W . Goodacre , P . G . St . Br . Eng ., Prov . G . Sec . West Lanes . , J . T . Newbold , P . P . G . D ., Vice-Chairman ; Rev . J . Kelty , Prov . " Chap ; John Chadwick , P . G . S . B . Eng ., P . G . Sec . East Lanes ; Jas . Newton , P . A . G . Sec , Secretary of the Institution ; A . H . Duffin , P . G . D . « C . ; W . Forrest , P . P . G . D . ; E . G . Harwood , P . P . G . W ., Ex-Chairof
man the Institution ; J . J . Meakin , P . P . G . W . ; W . Jaffrey , P . P . G . D ., , reasurer of the Institution ; and R . Mottram , Mayor of Salford . Bro h ° . Stanley , M . P ., P . S . G . W ., wrote expressing his regret that Parliamenr y business kept him away , and among others who wrote apologising for C \\ . avoidable absence were Bros , the Earl of Lathom , Pro G . M ., Prov . th . n- , West * Lancs - i Lord Egerton of Tatton , Prov . G . M . of Cheshire ; M-11 8 tU Hon - W - L - lackson , P . G . M . of West Yorks ., and George MeUor , D . P . G M . East Lanes . of St con ^' ° * the great assembly was looked after by a special body miM 1 arc * ' wno emcently performed their duties , and more especially we "gnt mention the names of Bros . Beardmorc and John Studd .
East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational And Benevolent Institution.
The PROV . GRAND MASTER , on rising to propose the toast of " The Queen , " was loudly cheered . He said he had the honour and pleasure of proposing to them that toast which was always proposed in this country and always received with joy and acclamation . It was the health of one who ruled with dignity and with feelings of kindness towards the people of these united realms , over which the II ig of England floated , and upon which the sun never set . The sound of the bells of rejoicing at the anniversary of her
accession and coronation still rang in their ears . As she had been preserved for so many years to reign over them in that constitutional manner , which was such a blessing to this country , and which gave such liberty to her subjects , let them hope and pray that , in the remaining years of life that might be allotted to her , she might enjoy health and happiness , and that her subjects , whether Masons or not , might give her that true loyalty which they all owed to one who had reigned so benignly over them .
The toast was honoured with enthusiasm , and Madame Conway sang the " National Anthem . "
The PROV . GRAND MASTER , again rising , proposed " His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family . " He said he had great pleasure in proposing to that company the toast of his Royal Highness , their Grand Master . His brethren present , who , like himself , were initiated into the rites and mysteries of that peculiar Order , the festival of one of the Charitable Institutions of which they were celebrating
that day , were perfectly well aware of the interest his Royal Highness the Grand Master took in everything connected with their noble Institutions . Let him ( the P . G . M . ) assure those ladies who had honoured them with their presence that day ; that had his Royal Highness been present he would have been most delighted to have seen how they acquiesced in the noble and Charitable business they had before them . They were all perfectly aware
what numerous avocations his Royal Highness had to perform , how devotedly he gave himself to all national interests , and how unreservedly he disposed of his time for the benefit of society in general . He ( the P . G . M . ) had the honour of assisting his Royal Highness on the preceding Saturday in the consecration ot a lodge at St . Bartholomew ' s Hospital , where the honour of the County of Lancaster , next to the dignity of the realm , was so ably
maintained in the presence and aid in the ceremony of his worthy and right worshipful friend the Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire , and Pro Grand Master of England , the Earl of Lathom . That function was beautifully carried out , and they only missed what they had on the present occasion—the presence of the ladies . As to the rest of the Royal Family , there was , as they were well assured , scarcely a day that passed of the whole 365 in the year , apart from Sundays , in which they were not performing some
charitable work for the benefit of the country at large . Let those present hope and trust that they might long be spared and granted health and energy to perform those duties so acceptable to the people of this country and so worthy of themselves ; that they might long live esteemed for their acts and deeds , and that they might continue to fill the great position in society which they did so ably at the present time . Ths toast was honoured in true Masonic fashion .
Bro . NEWBOLD , P . P . G . D ., Vice-Chairman of the Institution , rose and said it was his duty , on behalf of the Committee who had arranged that Festival , and of those representing the Stewards , of whom there were 482 , to present to their P . G . M ., now presiding over them , a beautiful jewel similar to that which every Steward was privileged to wear , except that it was made of rather superior metal . Every Masonic jewel was emblematical
of something , and this jewel was made of pure gold , because it was intended to be emblematical of the good heart and good spirit of their P . G . M . The token was in itself only a small one , but when he presented it to their P . G . M . he hoped he would think that although it was small it really represented something very large indeed . It represented the esteem , the high admiration and respect in which he was held by every member of the Masonic
fraternity in that province . He asked him to receive it as such , to wear it sometimes , and in doing so to remember that on the occasion of their first Festival , which had been such a grand success , he presided over them , and that its success was owing to the spirit which he had infused into them . He might , perhaps , also remember not only that that gathering had been a great success , but that a great many people were present who had come out of personal esteem and respect for himself ; and he might remember further
that that Institution over which he presided had grown , increased , and prospered as years had passed , in consequence , to a great extent , of the example he had set . " I have the greatest pleasure , " said Bro . Newbold in conclusion , " in presenting to you , Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , this jewel , and in assuring you that the feelings with which you are regarded by the brethren of this province are of the most warm and genuine character . "
Amid the cheers of the company assembled Bro . Newbold pinned the handsome jewel upon the P . G . M's . breast . Bro . NEWBOLD then , turning to Bro . J . H . Sillitoe , said he had also on behalf of thegreat body of brethren present to present to him , as Chairman of the Committee of the Institution for several years , a similar jewel , equally handsome and good . The remarks he had made with reference to the P . G . M . to a certain extent applied to Bro . Sillitoe . They presented him
with that jewel as an acknowledgment of the hard work he had done as Chairman of the Committee , and of the self-sacrifices he had made in the interests of the Institution , frequently to the neglect of his own business and private concerns . The work he had done was a good work , and he trusted , therefore , that in regard to the neglect , of which he ( Bro . Newbuld ) had spoken , it would not be counted against him . The jewel was also a mark of the esteem and affection with which his brethren on the Committee
regarded him , and of the universal respect in which he was held by the brethren of the province . Bro . Sillitoe was loudly cheered as the jewel was presented to him . Bro . R . MOTTRAM ( the Mayor of Salford ) , in the unavoidable absence of Bro . Lord Stanley , P . G . W ., proposed the next toast , that of " Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . Prov . G . Master , President . " He said he
considered it a very great honour , as a young member of the Craft , to be called upon to propose such a toast as that of the P . G . M . of East Lancashire . The toast was one which would commend itself to every one present , whether a Mason or a lady friend . It needed , therefore , very few words from him to commend it to their acceptance . The name of Starkie was held in high
esteem , and that of Col . Starkie was well beloved among the Masons of East Lancashire , and indeed , he would venture to say , amonir Masons throughout the British empire wherever they might be . The Institution —the festival of which thev were met that dav to benefit -the !¦ " 1 st Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution , hid in Colonel Starkie a great patron . He was a man and a brother who had done
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational And Benevolent Institution.
EAST LANCASHIRE SYSTEMATIC MASONIC EDUCATIONAL AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
FIRST FESTIVAL—A MAGNIFICENT TOTAL . The first Festival organised by the Committee and friends of this Institution took place on Wednesday , the 3 rd instant , at the Royal Botanical Gardens , Old Tralford , Manchester . For some time previously the promoters of the Festival had been working hard to ensure success , and with so energetic a Chairman of Committee as Bro . Sillitoe , P . G . S . B . England , and P . P . G . W . East Lancashire , and so hard-working a Secretary as Bro . J .
Newton , P . A . G . Secretary , together with a Committee of brethren devoted to the cause of Charity , the result was hardl y in doubt . Brethren from all parts of the province signified their intention of becoming Stewards , and the result was a splendid demonstration of the strength and vitality of Freemasonry in East Lancashire . A brief sketch of the Institution may be interesting to the brethren .
Prior to 1875 , there were in the Province of East Lancashire two Charity Institutions , viz ., the Systematic Benevolent Fund and the Manchester and Salford Relief Committee . The objects of the former Institution were generally to aid the cause of Masonic Charity , and to afford relief and assistance where considered desirable in favour of Masons , their wives , widows , and families . The latter Institution existed simply for the purpose
of relieving itinerant Masons . One of the first aims of Bro . Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie upon his installation as Provincial Grand Master in 1 S 70 , was to endeavour to extend Masonic benevolence in the province beyond the limited powers of the Institutions then existing , and , after consultation with the leading brethren at that period , he succeeded , at the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , held in 1 S 74 , in getting a Committee
appointed to consider , and report upon , the expediency of forming a new charitable Institution ; such Committee included the Prov . G . Master , the Deputy Prov . G . Mister , Bro . W . Romaine Callender , the Treasurer of the Systematic , Bro . W . Birce , the Hon . Sec , Bro . Chas . Heywood , Bro . J . A . Birch , Bro . J . L . Hine , Bro . J . Tunnah , P . G . Sec , and other influential brethren . After many meetings the
Committee were enabled to report their proceedings to the Prov . Grand Lodge at a meeting held on the 3 rd November , 1875 , when it was proposed by Bro . Callender , seconded by Bro . W . Slater , and resolved " that an institution to be called the East Lancashire S ystematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution be and is hereby established in this province . " Such resolution was confirmed at a special meeting of Prov . Grand Lodge held on the
iSth January , 1876 , and the new Institution at once commenced operations . The old East Lancashire Systematic Fund and the Manchester and Salford Relief Committee thereupon ceased their labours and merged themselves into the new Institution . This meeting was considered as the first meeting of the Institution , and was presided over by the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Col . Starkie , who , it may be worth noting , has never missed presiding at
annual meetings from that time until the present date . In consequence of the growing claims upon the funds it was found necessary in 1884 to revise and alter the bye-laws , and in 1893 , through the difficulties experienced by the province in placing all their claimants for annuities upon the London Institutions , it was decided to still further extend the operations of the Institution by granting annuities to aged Freemasons and widows of
Freemasons belonging to the province , as well as assisting to start in life children leaving this or the London Educational Institution . It was mainly to augment the invested funds of the Institution , to enable it to meet the increased expenditure necessitated by the annuitants' grants , that the present festival was held . It may not , however , be out of place to mention that in 1885 the present Chairman of the General Committee submitted to the annual meeting a proposition to hold a festival on similar lines as the present one ,
but at the time it was thought that the necessary funds could be obtained by other means . Since then both he and Bro . C . D . Cheetham have at intervals brought the matter forward without being able to carry their proposition , until at an informal meeting of the Relief Board held last year , the question of a festival was thoroughly discussed , and the whole cf the members then present pledged themselves to give their hearty support to the project at the next annual meeting , which was done , and the result has been a glorious success .
, Unfortunatel y the weather was not all that could be desired . The morning was showery , and there was an absence of sunshine , but matters improved as the day wore on , and the afternoon was very pleasant . The beautiful grounds of Old Trafford formed a delightful promenade , and here , at half-past two o ' clock , a large company began to assemble . The fine band of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers played a choice selection of music beneath the trees , and the time was enjoyably passed till the banqueting hour
was reached . At half-past four a move was made for the spacious concert room , where , instead of in the palm house as at first arranged , the tables were laid . The great hall presented an animated spectacle as the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Col . Le Gendre Nicholas Starkie , P . G . W ., took his seat . The company numbsre'd upwards of 700 ladies and brethren , who were seated at tables running the entire length of the room . In the floral annexe adjoining , the Fusilier band was stationed , and played a selection of music throughout the dinner .
c .., ? PPOrting the Provincial Grand Master on the dais were Bros . 1 . H . Sillitoe , P . P . Std . Br . Eng ., P . P . G . W ., Chairman of the Genera ! Committee ° l the Institution ; W . Goodacre , P . G . St . Br . Eng ., Prov . G . Sec . West Lanes . , J . T . Newbold , P . P . G . D ., Vice-Chairman ; Rev . J . Kelty , Prov . " Chap ; John Chadwick , P . G . S . B . Eng ., P . G . Sec . East Lanes ; Jas . Newton , P . A . G . Sec , Secretary of the Institution ; A . H . Duffin , P . G . D . « C . ; W . Forrest , P . P . G . D . ; E . G . Harwood , P . P . G . W ., Ex-Chairof
man the Institution ; J . J . Meakin , P . P . G . W . ; W . Jaffrey , P . P . G . D ., , reasurer of the Institution ; and R . Mottram , Mayor of Salford . Bro h ° . Stanley , M . P ., P . S . G . W ., wrote expressing his regret that Parliamenr y business kept him away , and among others who wrote apologising for C \\ . avoidable absence were Bros , the Earl of Lathom , Pro G . M ., Prov . th . n- , West * Lancs - i Lord Egerton of Tatton , Prov . G . M . of Cheshire ; M-11 8 tU Hon - W - L - lackson , P . G . M . of West Yorks ., and George MeUor , D . P . G M . East Lanes . of St con ^' ° * the great assembly was looked after by a special body miM 1 arc * ' wno emcently performed their duties , and more especially we "gnt mention the names of Bros . Beardmorc and John Studd .
East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational And Benevolent Institution.
The PROV . GRAND MASTER , on rising to propose the toast of " The Queen , " was loudly cheered . He said he had the honour and pleasure of proposing to them that toast which was always proposed in this country and always received with joy and acclamation . It was the health of one who ruled with dignity and with feelings of kindness towards the people of these united realms , over which the II ig of England floated , and upon which the sun never set . The sound of the bells of rejoicing at the anniversary of her
accession and coronation still rang in their ears . As she had been preserved for so many years to reign over them in that constitutional manner , which was such a blessing to this country , and which gave such liberty to her subjects , let them hope and pray that , in the remaining years of life that might be allotted to her , she might enjoy health and happiness , and that her subjects , whether Masons or not , might give her that true loyalty which they all owed to one who had reigned so benignly over them .
The toast was honoured with enthusiasm , and Madame Conway sang the " National Anthem . "
The PROV . GRAND MASTER , again rising , proposed " His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family . " He said he had great pleasure in proposing to that company the toast of his Royal Highness , their Grand Master . His brethren present , who , like himself , were initiated into the rites and mysteries of that peculiar Order , the festival of one of the Charitable Institutions of which they were celebrating
that day , were perfectly well aware of the interest his Royal Highness the Grand Master took in everything connected with their noble Institutions . Let him ( the P . G . M . ) assure those ladies who had honoured them with their presence that day ; that had his Royal Highness been present he would have been most delighted to have seen how they acquiesced in the noble and Charitable business they had before them . They were all perfectly aware
what numerous avocations his Royal Highness had to perform , how devotedly he gave himself to all national interests , and how unreservedly he disposed of his time for the benefit of society in general . He ( the P . G . M . ) had the honour of assisting his Royal Highness on the preceding Saturday in the consecration ot a lodge at St . Bartholomew ' s Hospital , where the honour of the County of Lancaster , next to the dignity of the realm , was so ably
maintained in the presence and aid in the ceremony of his worthy and right worshipful friend the Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire , and Pro Grand Master of England , the Earl of Lathom . That function was beautifully carried out , and they only missed what they had on the present occasion—the presence of the ladies . As to the rest of the Royal Family , there was , as they were well assured , scarcely a day that passed of the whole 365 in the year , apart from Sundays , in which they were not performing some
charitable work for the benefit of the country at large . Let those present hope and trust that they might long be spared and granted health and energy to perform those duties so acceptable to the people of this country and so worthy of themselves ; that they might long live esteemed for their acts and deeds , and that they might continue to fill the great position in society which they did so ably at the present time . Ths toast was honoured in true Masonic fashion .
Bro . NEWBOLD , P . P . G . D ., Vice-Chairman of the Institution , rose and said it was his duty , on behalf of the Committee who had arranged that Festival , and of those representing the Stewards , of whom there were 482 , to present to their P . G . M ., now presiding over them , a beautiful jewel similar to that which every Steward was privileged to wear , except that it was made of rather superior metal . Every Masonic jewel was emblematical
of something , and this jewel was made of pure gold , because it was intended to be emblematical of the good heart and good spirit of their P . G . M . The token was in itself only a small one , but when he presented it to their P . G . M . he hoped he would think that although it was small it really represented something very large indeed . It represented the esteem , the high admiration and respect in which he was held by every member of the Masonic
fraternity in that province . He asked him to receive it as such , to wear it sometimes , and in doing so to remember that on the occasion of their first Festival , which had been such a grand success , he presided over them , and that its success was owing to the spirit which he had infused into them . He might , perhaps , also remember not only that that gathering had been a great success , but that a great many people were present who had come out of personal esteem and respect for himself ; and he might remember further
that that Institution over which he presided had grown , increased , and prospered as years had passed , in consequence , to a great extent , of the example he had set . " I have the greatest pleasure , " said Bro . Newbold in conclusion , " in presenting to you , Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , this jewel , and in assuring you that the feelings with which you are regarded by the brethren of this province are of the most warm and genuine character . "
Amid the cheers of the company assembled Bro . Newbold pinned the handsome jewel upon the P . G . M's . breast . Bro . NEWBOLD then , turning to Bro . J . H . Sillitoe , said he had also on behalf of thegreat body of brethren present to present to him , as Chairman of the Committee of the Institution for several years , a similar jewel , equally handsome and good . The remarks he had made with reference to the P . G . M . to a certain extent applied to Bro . Sillitoe . They presented him
with that jewel as an acknowledgment of the hard work he had done as Chairman of the Committee , and of the self-sacrifices he had made in the interests of the Institution , frequently to the neglect of his own business and private concerns . The work he had done was a good work , and he trusted , therefore , that in regard to the neglect , of which he ( Bro . Newbuld ) had spoken , it would not be counted against him . The jewel was also a mark of the esteem and affection with which his brethren on the Committee
regarded him , and of the universal respect in which he was held by the brethren of the province . Bro . Sillitoe was loudly cheered as the jewel was presented to him . Bro . R . MOTTRAM ( the Mayor of Salford ) , in the unavoidable absence of Bro . Lord Stanley , P . G . W ., proposed the next toast , that of " Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . Prov . G . Master , President . " He said he
considered it a very great honour , as a young member of the Craft , to be called upon to propose such a toast as that of the P . G . M . of East Lancashire . The toast was one which would commend itself to every one present , whether a Mason or a lady friend . It needed , therefore , very few words from him to commend it to their acceptance . The name of Starkie was held in high
esteem , and that of Col . Starkie was well beloved among the Masons of East Lancashire , and indeed , he would venture to say , amonir Masons throughout the British empire wherever they might be . The Institution —the festival of which thev were met that dav to benefit -the !¦ " 1 st Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution , hid in Colonel Starkie a great patron . He was a man and a brother who had done