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  • March 23, 1872
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Page 7

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Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

who may achieve great distinction as being celebrated for remarkably good conduct ; but I , at the same time , do not hesitate to avow we have so large a regard for esprit de corps , that I like to

see a boy singled out year by year by his schoolfellows and associates , as a boy who by his conduct has earned their approval . There may be required , for aught I know , some little modification of the

conditions under which a prize like this is bestowed ; but I do not hesitate to say it , that if I could dispense with some ofthe signs of age which are upon me , and be a boy again , I would wish

to stand in the place of Charles Heiiius , and receive this medal , and be able to confess that I had discharged my duties in my position faithfully as a monitor , and at the same time say , I had

earned for myself the good opinion ot my fellow pupils . I should fancy myself the proudest pupil in the whole world , and I would sacrifice all the honours I may have obtained if I could

once throw off that age which is now hastening upon me , and be once more a boy , and that boy who here receives from his Lordship ' s hands this distinguishing prize . My Lord , I have to

present to your Lordship Charles Hennis , as the winner of the Canonbury prize , founded and established by our good friend , Bro . Edwd . Cox , a vice-patron of the Institution . ( Cheers . )

The Chairman : —Master Charles Hennis , I have more pleasure , if it i . s possible , in presenting you with this medal than I had in presenting the other to your brother schoolfellow , because I

think , and 1 hold with Bro . Cox , who instituted this medal , that it is a very great honour to be esteemed by those one lives daily with ; and if I know anything of boys at all , I am

quite convinced thatthe boy who toadied and made xi ] - ) to another boy for the sake , of obtaining this medal , would be sure not lo obtain it , if he tried for it . I thank Bro . Cox , in your name , for

having instituted such a prize , and I must confess , that though I take a great interest in education , I have never seen a prize which has tickled my fancy so much or is likely to do so much

good , lo you , Master Hennis , I may say but little because Bro . Binckes has spoken so well upon the subject , that it is almost unnecessary for me to follow him , and we believe , in Masonry ,

the less we should say , but the better we should act . You have acted well and honourably . You heard the remarks that I made to your brother school-fellow , and if you will but recollect them

I need not repeat them ; but I equally congratulate you on having this high honour before this august assembly , of receiving the Canonbury

prize , I have now pleasure of presenting you with it . You will now , like your predecessor , drink the health of the company .

" See the Conquering Hero comes , " was then sung at the special request of the Chairman . The Chairman : —Ladies and Brethren , I now rise to give you briefly , and I trust sincerely and

clearly , the toast of the evening ; it is " Prosperity to the Royal Masonic School for Boys . " ( App lause . ) I do so with great pleasure , because I have been enabled to place myself in a position

to recommend that establishment to your notice . When Bro . Binckes called upon me , at the request of your Committee , to ask me to undertake the office , of presiding over vou oil this occasion ,

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

I said that I should be happy to support the Masonic Charities , but before believing them to be good , I thought I had better go ancl see the School for myself . I proposed to visit the School ,

and , with Bro . Binckes I did so ; and I am proud to tell you the impression left on my mind was favourable indeed . ( Cheers . ) Since I visited the

School I have carefully read the report , and traced the history of it from the year i / i / , to the Union when the Ancient and Modern

Associations amalgamated , carrying out the School , and following it up again to the year 1850 , when you made up your minds to build such an

establishment . I say that I think Masons have reason congratulate themselves , they are not behind hand in giving the youth connected with the Craft a handsome ancl honourable education . Some

criticism has , I understand , been made as to the great expense of the building ; but if I may venture to be egotistical , accustomed as I am to

county expenditure , I may venture to say 1 never saw so much money ' s worth for what is on the spot . There is ventilation , there is every adaptation of modern science for the comfort of the

boys ; and I believe that that School has been built in the true spirit of Freemasonry , without any niggard feeling whatever . Perhaps you might have saved a few pounds here , ancl a few

pounds there , but the general structure is worthy of the Craft , and I shall never pass that building again , or be in it again , without feeling that 1 have done my best to support such an

Institution . And if I speak of the grounds ancl of the building with gratification , I feel it a pleasant duty also to speak of what I saw within the School . I took the liberty of asking the

boys to get their slates and to write me a composition , narrating the dastardly attempt that had been made to frig hten the Queen . I gave them twenty minutes to do it , and when it was

done , I found there was not one single mistake in the spelling , the composition was good , ancl the writing admirable . I felt after that , that I had not the ability of properly examining the

boys , but that the boys could examine me a great deal better . I was particularly struck too with the high tone of the School , the nice demeanour of the lads—they looked at you straight

in the face , shouted out of compliment before I came away , that I was the Chairman of the year , and shouted yet more lustily when I asked for a holiday for them . ( Laughter . ) They were

just as boys should be , just as boys are when properly brought up , just as we Masons wish them to be . And I would conclude my remarks as regards that School by saying , that I think we

are all indebted to the start " . I had the pleasure of being shown over the School by the Head Master . I conversed with him , and I suppose he looked upon me as a sort of Government

Inspector , come to find fault ; but I did not see anything to find fault with him for . Then I had another opportunity of talking to him sociably , and I congratulate you on having such a gentleman to

preside over the establishment . Seeing him at this table , I will take the liberty of asking him to have a glass of wine with me . ( I'he noble

Chairman here took wine with Bro . Iuirrian . ) And brethren , when you yourselves are in thc chairyou will find it the most agreeable thing you can do to have a glass of wine ill the middle of your

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

speech— ( laughter ) —and as sincerely and cordially as I do on this occasion . But my speech is at an end , and I would only allude to the lady who superintends the domestic arrangements of

the establishment . I went from top to bottom , and I found everything correct . There was onl y one slight contretemps which then occurred , and yet I can hardly call it a contretemps , because it had with me a s : ood effect . I went with Bro .

Binckes into the lavatory and turned the water on , and I wetted Bro . Binckes through to the skin . ( Laughter . ) I was excessively sorry for it , because he had to change his dress , and I saw

him divested of his Masonic clothing . I think it had a good effect , because Bro . Binckes has poured upon us that usual flood of eloquence he is so capable of , and it almost appears that the

water had a very great effect on him , and afforded him that power of expression , quantity added to quality , which generally characterises all his observations . 1 must say , that speaking of the

School , I have been struck by the energy of Bro . Binckes , and I feel quite sure that that School will always prosper while it has so indefatigable a Secretary as he to carry it on . Brethren , I beg

leave to give you , with three times three , " Prosperity to the Masonic School for Boys . " "With the toast I beg to couple the name of Bro . Algernon Perkins , Treasurer and Trustee . ( Applause . )

The toast having been honoured , Bro . Algernon Perkins , P . G . D ., said that , as the Treasurer of the Institution , ho had not only to thank his Lordship for proposing the toast ,

but to congratulate the school on having such an efficient chairman for its festival . He only trusted that at the end of the evening he would be able to congratulate his Lordship on the

effects produced by his zeal , industry , and talent , in a large subscription list . The brethren had found that the noble chairman had clone his duty , ancl to parody a song they had recently heard ,

every friend of his ought to do his duty too . Bro . Binckes here read the Stewards' lists , which amounted to ^ , 308 . During the reading of these lists , Bro . Binckes reached the

chairman ' s name , against which was set the sum of fifty guineas , and twenty-five against the name of the Countess of Shrewsbury , whereupon , the Chairman said he wanted to make an

amendment . He had heard at the dinner that ladies were permitted to subscribe to the Masonic charities , and he had put down Lady Shrewsbury ' s name without consulting her , as he

thought she would like to subscribe . As there was to be a thanksgiving subscription , he would withdraw the Countess ' s twenty-five guineas from the present list , which he hoped she would

pay herself , ( laughter ) , and as he thought Masons should not only talk , but act , and as what he had said about the Prince of Wales , came

from the bottom of his heart , he would give fifty guineas to the thanksgiving fund , and he hoped the numerous Staffordshire brethen he saw before him would follow his example . ( Cheers ) .

Staffordshire sent over . -300 guineas , Yorkshire . £ 25 8 , and many other lists produced Jarge amounts .

Bro . Binckes : —My Lord , I do not think we have altogether consummated a failure . I would beg , on behalf of myself and the executive of our

“The Freemason: 1872-03-23, Page 7” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 19 May 2022, masonicperiodicals.org/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_23031872/page/7/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS. Article 1
FREEMASONRY AND ISRAELITISH; Article 1
CONSECRATION OF A ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER AT HERTFORD. Article 2
PRESENTATION TO BRO. J. FLYNN, P.M., AND P.Z., 245, DUBLIN. Article 3
KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE. Article 3
Original Correspondence. Article 4
THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED RITE. Article 5
Masonic Tidings. Article 5
Untitled Article 6
Untitled Article 6
Untitled Article 6
Untitled Article 6
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Article 6
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 8
Red Cross of Constantine. Article 10
Ancient and Accepted Rite. Article 10
Poetry. Article 10
CONSECRATION OF THE ST. MARK'S CHAPTER, No. 857. Article 10
CONSECRATION OF THE BIRCHALL LODGE OF MARK MASTERS, No. 143 . Article 10
METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 12
Untitled Ad 12
Untitled Ad 12
Untitled Ad 12
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4 Articles
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5 Articles
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4 Articles
Page 5

Page 5

4 Articles
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Page 6

7 Articles
Page 7

Page 7

3 Articles
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Page 8

4 Articles
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Page 9

3 Articles
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Page 10

7 Articles
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3 Articles
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Page 12

6 Articles
Page 7

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

who may achieve great distinction as being celebrated for remarkably good conduct ; but I , at the same time , do not hesitate to avow we have so large a regard for esprit de corps , that I like to

see a boy singled out year by year by his schoolfellows and associates , as a boy who by his conduct has earned their approval . There may be required , for aught I know , some little modification of the

conditions under which a prize like this is bestowed ; but I do not hesitate to say it , that if I could dispense with some ofthe signs of age which are upon me , and be a boy again , I would wish

to stand in the place of Charles Heiiius , and receive this medal , and be able to confess that I had discharged my duties in my position faithfully as a monitor , and at the same time say , I had

earned for myself the good opinion ot my fellow pupils . I should fancy myself the proudest pupil in the whole world , and I would sacrifice all the honours I may have obtained if I could

once throw off that age which is now hastening upon me , and be once more a boy , and that boy who here receives from his Lordship ' s hands this distinguishing prize . My Lord , I have to

present to your Lordship Charles Hennis , as the winner of the Canonbury prize , founded and established by our good friend , Bro . Edwd . Cox , a vice-patron of the Institution . ( Cheers . )

The Chairman : —Master Charles Hennis , I have more pleasure , if it i . s possible , in presenting you with this medal than I had in presenting the other to your brother schoolfellow , because I

think , and 1 hold with Bro . Cox , who instituted this medal , that it is a very great honour to be esteemed by those one lives daily with ; and if I know anything of boys at all , I am

quite convinced thatthe boy who toadied and made xi ] - ) to another boy for the sake , of obtaining this medal , would be sure not lo obtain it , if he tried for it . I thank Bro . Cox , in your name , for

having instituted such a prize , and I must confess , that though I take a great interest in education , I have never seen a prize which has tickled my fancy so much or is likely to do so much

good , lo you , Master Hennis , I may say but little because Bro . Binckes has spoken so well upon the subject , that it is almost unnecessary for me to follow him , and we believe , in Masonry ,

the less we should say , but the better we should act . You have acted well and honourably . You heard the remarks that I made to your brother school-fellow , and if you will but recollect them

I need not repeat them ; but I equally congratulate you on having this high honour before this august assembly , of receiving the Canonbury

prize , I have now pleasure of presenting you with it . You will now , like your predecessor , drink the health of the company .

" See the Conquering Hero comes , " was then sung at the special request of the Chairman . The Chairman : —Ladies and Brethren , I now rise to give you briefly , and I trust sincerely and

clearly , the toast of the evening ; it is " Prosperity to the Royal Masonic School for Boys . " ( App lause . ) I do so with great pleasure , because I have been enabled to place myself in a position

to recommend that establishment to your notice . When Bro . Binckes called upon me , at the request of your Committee , to ask me to undertake the office , of presiding over vou oil this occasion ,

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

I said that I should be happy to support the Masonic Charities , but before believing them to be good , I thought I had better go ancl see the School for myself . I proposed to visit the School ,

and , with Bro . Binckes I did so ; and I am proud to tell you the impression left on my mind was favourable indeed . ( Cheers . ) Since I visited the

School I have carefully read the report , and traced the history of it from the year i / i / , to the Union when the Ancient and Modern

Associations amalgamated , carrying out the School , and following it up again to the year 1850 , when you made up your minds to build such an

establishment . I say that I think Masons have reason congratulate themselves , they are not behind hand in giving the youth connected with the Craft a handsome ancl honourable education . Some

criticism has , I understand , been made as to the great expense of the building ; but if I may venture to be egotistical , accustomed as I am to

county expenditure , I may venture to say 1 never saw so much money ' s worth for what is on the spot . There is ventilation , there is every adaptation of modern science for the comfort of the

boys ; and I believe that that School has been built in the true spirit of Freemasonry , without any niggard feeling whatever . Perhaps you might have saved a few pounds here , ancl a few

pounds there , but the general structure is worthy of the Craft , and I shall never pass that building again , or be in it again , without feeling that 1 have done my best to support such an

Institution . And if I speak of the grounds ancl of the building with gratification , I feel it a pleasant duty also to speak of what I saw within the School . I took the liberty of asking the

boys to get their slates and to write me a composition , narrating the dastardly attempt that had been made to frig hten the Queen . I gave them twenty minutes to do it , and when it was

done , I found there was not one single mistake in the spelling , the composition was good , ancl the writing admirable . I felt after that , that I had not the ability of properly examining the

boys , but that the boys could examine me a great deal better . I was particularly struck too with the high tone of the School , the nice demeanour of the lads—they looked at you straight

in the face , shouted out of compliment before I came away , that I was the Chairman of the year , and shouted yet more lustily when I asked for a holiday for them . ( Laughter . ) They were

just as boys should be , just as boys are when properly brought up , just as we Masons wish them to be . And I would conclude my remarks as regards that School by saying , that I think we

are all indebted to the start " . I had the pleasure of being shown over the School by the Head Master . I conversed with him , and I suppose he looked upon me as a sort of Government

Inspector , come to find fault ; but I did not see anything to find fault with him for . Then I had another opportunity of talking to him sociably , and I congratulate you on having such a gentleman to

preside over the establishment . Seeing him at this table , I will take the liberty of asking him to have a glass of wine with me . ( I'he noble

Chairman here took wine with Bro . Iuirrian . ) And brethren , when you yourselves are in thc chairyou will find it the most agreeable thing you can do to have a glass of wine ill the middle of your

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

speech— ( laughter ) —and as sincerely and cordially as I do on this occasion . But my speech is at an end , and I would only allude to the lady who superintends the domestic arrangements of

the establishment . I went from top to bottom , and I found everything correct . There was onl y one slight contretemps which then occurred , and yet I can hardly call it a contretemps , because it had with me a s : ood effect . I went with Bro .

Binckes into the lavatory and turned the water on , and I wetted Bro . Binckes through to the skin . ( Laughter . ) I was excessively sorry for it , because he had to change his dress , and I saw

him divested of his Masonic clothing . I think it had a good effect , because Bro . Binckes has poured upon us that usual flood of eloquence he is so capable of , and it almost appears that the

water had a very great effect on him , and afforded him that power of expression , quantity added to quality , which generally characterises all his observations . 1 must say , that speaking of the

School , I have been struck by the energy of Bro . Binckes , and I feel quite sure that that School will always prosper while it has so indefatigable a Secretary as he to carry it on . Brethren , I beg

leave to give you , with three times three , " Prosperity to the Masonic School for Boys . " "With the toast I beg to couple the name of Bro . Algernon Perkins , Treasurer and Trustee . ( Applause . )

The toast having been honoured , Bro . Algernon Perkins , P . G . D ., said that , as the Treasurer of the Institution , ho had not only to thank his Lordship for proposing the toast ,

but to congratulate the school on having such an efficient chairman for its festival . He only trusted that at the end of the evening he would be able to congratulate his Lordship on the

effects produced by his zeal , industry , and talent , in a large subscription list . The brethren had found that the noble chairman had clone his duty , ancl to parody a song they had recently heard ,

every friend of his ought to do his duty too . Bro . Binckes here read the Stewards' lists , which amounted to ^ , 308 . During the reading of these lists , Bro . Binckes reached the

chairman ' s name , against which was set the sum of fifty guineas , and twenty-five against the name of the Countess of Shrewsbury , whereupon , the Chairman said he wanted to make an

amendment . He had heard at the dinner that ladies were permitted to subscribe to the Masonic charities , and he had put down Lady Shrewsbury ' s name without consulting her , as he

thought she would like to subscribe . As there was to be a thanksgiving subscription , he would withdraw the Countess ' s twenty-five guineas from the present list , which he hoped she would

pay herself , ( laughter ) , and as he thought Masons should not only talk , but act , and as what he had said about the Prince of Wales , came

from the bottom of his heart , he would give fifty guineas to the thanksgiving fund , and he hoped the numerous Staffordshire brethen he saw before him would follow his example . ( Cheers ) .

Staffordshire sent over . -300 guineas , Yorkshire . £ 25 8 , and many other lists produced Jarge amounts .

Bro . Binckes : —My Lord , I do not think we have altogether consummated a failure . I would beg , on behalf of myself and the executive of our

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