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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Mark Benevolent Fund.
MARK BENEVOLENT FUND .
The seventeenth annual festival of the Benevolent Fund attached to thc Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons ol England arid Wales and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown was held on Wednesday evening , at the Crystal Palace , Sydenham , under the presidency of Lord Egerton of Tatton , Deputy Grand Mark Master , and Provincial Grand Mark Master of Cheshire . A large company of brethren and ladies were present , and among them were :
Bros . Love Jones- Parry , M . P ., G . J . W . ; F . Davison , P . G . W . ; J . Moon , G . Treas . ; F . Binckes , P . G . W ., G . Sec . ; C . F . Matier , P . G . W . ; J . Neal York , Prov . G . S . W . East Anglia ; S . B . VVilson , P . G . L of Works ; C . E . Soppet , P . G . Stwd ., W . M . G . Stewards ; George Cooper , P . G . D . ; J . L . Mather , P . M . Old Kent ; George Kenning , P . M . I ; R . J . Voisey , VV . M . 22 ; Samuel Kelly ; Alfred Williams , P . G . D . ; R . Beveridge , G . D . of C ; R . P . Spice , G . S . D . ; H . Massey ; Captain George Lambert , P . G . D . ; Dr . George Mickley , G . J . D ., P . P . G . O . Bucks ; Baron de Ferrieres ,
M . P ., P . G . M . O . ; Thomas Cubitt , P . G . O . ; T . J . Pulley , P . G . D ., P . G . Sec . Berks and Oxon ; Edwin Head , W . M . 27 ; A . H . Simpson , W . M . 225 ; W . Lake , P . P . G . Reg . Cornwall ; R . Glasspool , VV . M . 235 ; J . M . Dormer , W . M . 247 ; Rev . G . De Ewer , W . M . 257 , P . P . G . Chap . ; Thos . Taylor , P . G . Stwd ., P . P . G . S . W . Bucks ; VV . H . Finchett ; Nathaniel Tracy , Prov . G . Sec . East Anglia ; B . Chennell , VV . M . 334 ; H . Stone , G . Stwd ., P . M . 54 ; ' Rev . H . Cummings , G . Chap ., P . G . S . W . Kent ; VV . A . Weston , P . M . 226 ; Percy Wallis , G . S . D ., W . M . 302 ; Thomas Clark , P . G . S . D .
Middlesex and Surrey ; jabez Church ; W . S . Webster ; Chas . Belton , VV . M . 114 , P . P . G . I . of Works Middlesex and Surrey ; C . F . Hogard , P . G . Stwd . ; J . Boulton , Prov . G . J . O . Middlesex and Surrey ; H . H . Shirley , j . D . 244 ; Major P . Dunbar , P . G . Stwd ., W . M . 2 S 4 ; VV . VV . Morgan ; R . Plumbe , P . G . Stwd ., J . W . 331 ; N . Bridges , Prov . G . J . W . Middlesex and Surrey ; G . Graveley , G . I . G . ; Norman Selfe , P . G . D ., P . M . Sydney , 25 ; H . Gange , G . A . D . of C ; J . Topliss , W . M . 344 , P . G . T . W . Notts ; F . Rossiter , P . M . 166 , Prov . G . M . O . Sussex ; VV . Nott , P . G . Stwd .,-P . M . 17 S ; VV . B . Williamson , Prov . G . D . Worcestershire ; F . T . Bennett ; and a large number of ladies .
At the conclusion of the banquet , which was a choice one and was 1 admirably served , grace was sung , and the toasts were proposed .
The CHAIRMAN , in proposing the first toast , said : the first toast which is drunk in everv assembly of Englishmen and Masons , is that of her Majesty the Queen , I will , therefore , give you " Her Majesty the Queen and Mark Masonry . " Her Majesty is not only the mother of a Mark Mason , but she is now the grandmother of a Mark Mason , and it afforded me very great p leasure and honour to assist in advancing as a Mark Mason Prince Albert Victor , the heir ultimately to the throne now occupied
by her Majesty . We know as Masons that the Queen deserves the respect and attachment of Masons for all she has done during the many years that she has reigned over this country , and among her subjects there are none that can claim to be more loyal to the throne than Masons and Mark Masons . I , therefore , give you with great confidence , knowing that you will receive it with the greatest warmth , "The Health of Her Majesty and Mark Masonry . "
In giving the next toast , the CHAIRMAN said : the next toast I have to give you is " The Health of Mark Masonry and the Grand Master , the Earl of Kintore . " I am sure that all the brethren will be glad that the abilities of our M . VV . M . M . M . have been recognised by his being placed in a responsible position as a servant of her Majesty . You will all feel that those abilities which we recognized as fitting him for taking his high place in Mark Masonry have been recognised by the Sovereign for employment
in the service of the State , and they show that some of the qualities of a good Mason aVe also some of the best qualities of a citizan . None will recognise his fitness for such an office more than the Mark Masons of England . VVe are rejoiced to be governed by one who is so well fitted by his position and by his acts to take the lead and be an honour to Mark Masonry . It is unnecessary forme to remind you how well and how fittingly he has ruled over us , and I am sure he will hear with pleasure that his
health has been received here with enthusiasm , as it always will be among Mark Masons . I , therefore , give you "The Health of the M . W . G . M . of Mark Masons , the Earl of Kintore . " Bro . GEORGE LAMBERT next said the toast which has been confided to me is one of great importance , because , while it proves that Mark Masonry is in existence , it is the ideal , and not only the ideal , but . the fact that we have a great many Grand Officers an this occasion , who rally round
thisour board . I have the honour to offer to your notice " The Health of the Deputy Grand Master , Lord Egerton of Tatton , and the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " In days gone by , we formed a Grand Lodge , and I had the honour of being the lirst Grand Deacon . I am very glad on this occasion that I may have the opportunity of saying a word for the Grand Officers . I believe your Grand Officers have worked most sincerely and well in the past , and if we want evidence of it we have only to compare the
number who have been present on former occasions with the number of those present to-day . They have done good suit and service , and have shown by their efforts that they have been thinking of our Mark Benevolent Fund , by urging those who " are not members to do the best they can for us . I have no doubt in Mark Masonry , as in every other Degree of Masonry , the Grand Officers have to put their shoulders to the wheel , and carry out those rules which may not be quite in accordance with their own views , and
we are much indebted to those brethren who come up from long distances to advocates these principles . We ought to be grateful as I am sure we are for the duties they impose on themselves , and to the Deputy Grand Master , our Chairman , lor coming to preside over us to-day . I should like to have told you more of him , but I am told that is left for some one else to say . We have the honour to-nig ht to entertain our Bro . Love Jones Parry , and we are grateful to our good friends who come from so far away . We hail
the province of Wales from which he conies as one of the most excellent in working and as a bright example to all those who are within our borders . Bro . LOVE J ONES PARRY , in responding , said he was a Mason of 35 years standing , and the longer he was in it the greater pleasure he took in it . It was no violation of Masonic secrecy to say that Charity was the motto and the motive power of Masons . St . Paul p laced Charity at the head of the virtues and charity was only the Latin name for love . It was in the
cause of charity they had met that day , and he was happy to be able to say that the Charitable Fund of Mark Masonry was increasing _ very rapidly . He need only call attention to the printed books which were in the hands of the brethren which showed the extraordinary difference between the sum subscribed each year from 1869 . In that year it was £ gj 2 s . Sd . ; last year it was ^ 832 19 s . He only hoped that that day il would not be less than £ 1000 .
. It was very gratifying indeed to see so much larger an attendance this year than there was last , when they had an equally sunny day , but from some cause or other there were last year many gaps at the dinner tables , and there were not so many ladies present . He was sorry lhat thc rules of Masonry did not allow of ladies being present more frequently . There was only one instance , however , of a lady being a Mason , but in these days when women ' s
Mark Benevolent Fund.
rights were so much advocated there was no knowing what might happen and the ladies need not despair . Bro . the Rev . H . CUMMINGS , in proposing "The Chairman , " said it must afford Lord Egerton of Tatton very great satisfaction to see before him such a company . He ventured to think that with such a large number of Stewards , their wives , daughters and friends would bring the festival
to such a success as the Benevolent Fund had not yet had . Having at their head a chairman of such deserved popularity was no doubt the cause . They were a long way from Cheshire , but the Cheshire brethren were supporting him strongly . Lord Egerton was now Deputy Grand Master , and he hoped that he would in turn become Grand Master . He was quite sure
that the popularity of Lord Egerton had a great deal to do with the immeasurable success which this festival was going to have . They had alread y heard of the strides made in 15 or iS years . Last year over . £ 800 was collected but he believed that to-day it would be over £ 1000 . He ventured to think it would be a long way beyond £ 1000 .
The CHAIRMAN said it gave him the greatest pleasure to return his most hearty thanks for the kind way in which his health had been received , and for the kind way in which it had been proposed . He felt that the success of the meeting would not be owing so much to his presence as to the good cause of which he was there as the humble advocate . It gave him great pleasure to see so many Stewards present to support
him , more than double the number of the Stewards on any previous occasion , but still drawn together from every part of theworld as well as of the kingdom . Australia , Sydney , and New South Wales were represented on this occasion . All parts of England were represented , and he was glad that the provinces with which he was more immediately connected , Lancashire and Cheshire , had sent up their fair share of Stewards , although
those two counties could not compare with Middlesex and Surrey , which sent 21 Stewards , or three times the number of the other two . Still he thought if this Festival was ever held in Lancashire it would show as good an account as the two metropolitan counties . With regard to the ladies he should have thought from the speech they had lately heard that the speaker was the champion of women ' s rights . Women were to be found in every good work , and although they could not be initiated
into Masonic mysteries , they could be associated in Masonic good work . After the many distinguished men he had the honour to follow as Chairman , he felt that his efforts might be small in comparison with theirs , but there was not one of his predecessors who had been actuated by a warmer desire to benefit the Institution which they were met to support . He trusted that the success of this Festival would give promise of better and larger success .
The CHAIRMAN , in giving the toast of the evening , "Prosperity to thc Mark Benevolent Fund and the other Masonic Institutions , " said : the company had been already told that Charity was one of the most prominent and leading of all the Masonic virtues , and Alark Masons shared it in common with the rest of the Craft . The Mark Benovolent Fund had from its commencement been a source of interest and support with
Mark Masons . They had heard how 16 years ago it had a very small beginning . It was then held under the then Grand Master , now Canon Portal , and under ^ roo was collected . Since then many other distinguished men had presided at their annual Festivals , and the sums had gradually risen . But this year he trusted that instead of making gradual progress it would go on with those leaps and bounds which a late
Chancellor of the Exchequer used to delight in with regard to the national exchequer , which now they could not claim . Masonry was more fortunate because they had double the number of Stewards , and he was sure he might say there would be double the amount collected last year . They were well aware what the objects of the Fund werefirst to relieve Masons in distress , their widows and children .
Further than that there was an accumulated amount of . £ 2000 , and still further there was an educational branch which had absorbed the sum of ^ 1400 and with that 12 boys and five girls were receiving education . Unless a large amount was now collected there would be very few vacancies at the next election , but they had every confidence that they would be able to do even more than they had yet done . They were not
only in their charity assisting Mark Masons but to a considerable extent they were relieving Craft Masonry also , because all those who have become Mark Masons must have passed the Craft Degrees . He would like to throw out a proposal which he was sure they would approve of . He would like to see a fund started for the relief of decayed and aged Mark Masons and their widows . It had been computed that a very moderate sum
would be sufficient to give £ 15 or £ 12 a year to each of six men and widows . It could not be denied that both aged Mark Masons and their widows had a great claim on Mark Masons , and he thought the Benevolent Fund might be extended in that direction . As example in these cases was better than precept , he proposed , if it was the wish of the Board who had the control of the Benevolent Fund , and if they
wonld accept it , he would give 100 guineas towards such a fund , on condition that it was started . He was sure that on the present occasion it would not be necessary to use many words to enforce the benefit of extending this fund , for he was quite certain that those present would come forward and support it , and would spread the idea to other Masons . They would feel that all deserving Mark Masons should have a fair share of the prosperity of Mark Masons in general , and that every one who became a Mark Mason
might look forward to the time when , if his circumstances were not so good as when he joined the Order , he should be able to fall back on such a lund as this , in the full confidence that his claims would be regarded and attended to . He felt certain that no words of his were needed to give the toast of the Mark Benevolent Fund and the other Masonic Institutions , and that the very successful result , which would shortly be announced by the financial statement , would show tbem that the exertions of the Stewards and the Honorary Secretaries , Bros . Binckes and Matier , had not been altogether
in vain . Bro . BINCKES responded , and hoped the brethren would take to heart vvhat the Chairman had said as to forming a new fund . He unhesitatingly accepted the condition attached to the Chairman ' s gift of 100 guineas , and trusted that , in consequence , the subscriptions of future years would even be greater than the magnificent amount he was going to announce . He then read the list of subscriptions .
The CHAIRMAN , in proposing "The Board of Stewards , " said that the amount already announced had been due to the activity and energy of all the Stewards and the President , Bro . Alfred Williams , and the two honorary Secretaries , Bros . Binckes and Matier . The very gratifying announcement just made could not have been attained without the energy and activity of the Stewards of this Festival .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Mark Benevolent Fund.
MARK BENEVOLENT FUND .
The seventeenth annual festival of the Benevolent Fund attached to thc Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons ol England arid Wales and the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown was held on Wednesday evening , at the Crystal Palace , Sydenham , under the presidency of Lord Egerton of Tatton , Deputy Grand Mark Master , and Provincial Grand Mark Master of Cheshire . A large company of brethren and ladies were present , and among them were :
Bros . Love Jones- Parry , M . P ., G . J . W . ; F . Davison , P . G . W . ; J . Moon , G . Treas . ; F . Binckes , P . G . W ., G . Sec . ; C . F . Matier , P . G . W . ; J . Neal York , Prov . G . S . W . East Anglia ; S . B . VVilson , P . G . L of Works ; C . E . Soppet , P . G . Stwd ., W . M . G . Stewards ; George Cooper , P . G . D . ; J . L . Mather , P . M . Old Kent ; George Kenning , P . M . I ; R . J . Voisey , VV . M . 22 ; Samuel Kelly ; Alfred Williams , P . G . D . ; R . Beveridge , G . D . of C ; R . P . Spice , G . S . D . ; H . Massey ; Captain George Lambert , P . G . D . ; Dr . George Mickley , G . J . D ., P . P . G . O . Bucks ; Baron de Ferrieres ,
M . P ., P . G . M . O . ; Thomas Cubitt , P . G . O . ; T . J . Pulley , P . G . D ., P . G . Sec . Berks and Oxon ; Edwin Head , W . M . 27 ; A . H . Simpson , W . M . 225 ; W . Lake , P . P . G . Reg . Cornwall ; R . Glasspool , VV . M . 235 ; J . M . Dormer , W . M . 247 ; Rev . G . De Ewer , W . M . 257 , P . P . G . Chap . ; Thos . Taylor , P . G . Stwd ., P . P . G . S . W . Bucks ; VV . H . Finchett ; Nathaniel Tracy , Prov . G . Sec . East Anglia ; B . Chennell , VV . M . 334 ; H . Stone , G . Stwd ., P . M . 54 ; ' Rev . H . Cummings , G . Chap ., P . G . S . W . Kent ; VV . A . Weston , P . M . 226 ; Percy Wallis , G . S . D ., W . M . 302 ; Thomas Clark , P . G . S . D .
Middlesex and Surrey ; jabez Church ; W . S . Webster ; Chas . Belton , VV . M . 114 , P . P . G . I . of Works Middlesex and Surrey ; C . F . Hogard , P . G . Stwd . ; J . Boulton , Prov . G . J . O . Middlesex and Surrey ; H . H . Shirley , j . D . 244 ; Major P . Dunbar , P . G . Stwd ., W . M . 2 S 4 ; VV . VV . Morgan ; R . Plumbe , P . G . Stwd ., J . W . 331 ; N . Bridges , Prov . G . J . W . Middlesex and Surrey ; G . Graveley , G . I . G . ; Norman Selfe , P . G . D ., P . M . Sydney , 25 ; H . Gange , G . A . D . of C ; J . Topliss , W . M . 344 , P . G . T . W . Notts ; F . Rossiter , P . M . 166 , Prov . G . M . O . Sussex ; VV . Nott , P . G . Stwd .,-P . M . 17 S ; VV . B . Williamson , Prov . G . D . Worcestershire ; F . T . Bennett ; and a large number of ladies .
At the conclusion of the banquet , which was a choice one and was 1 admirably served , grace was sung , and the toasts were proposed .
The CHAIRMAN , in proposing the first toast , said : the first toast which is drunk in everv assembly of Englishmen and Masons , is that of her Majesty the Queen , I will , therefore , give you " Her Majesty the Queen and Mark Masonry . " Her Majesty is not only the mother of a Mark Mason , but she is now the grandmother of a Mark Mason , and it afforded me very great p leasure and honour to assist in advancing as a Mark Mason Prince Albert Victor , the heir ultimately to the throne now occupied
by her Majesty . We know as Masons that the Queen deserves the respect and attachment of Masons for all she has done during the many years that she has reigned over this country , and among her subjects there are none that can claim to be more loyal to the throne than Masons and Mark Masons . I , therefore , give you with great confidence , knowing that you will receive it with the greatest warmth , "The Health of Her Majesty and Mark Masonry . "
In giving the next toast , the CHAIRMAN said : the next toast I have to give you is " The Health of Mark Masonry and the Grand Master , the Earl of Kintore . " I am sure that all the brethren will be glad that the abilities of our M . VV . M . M . M . have been recognised by his being placed in a responsible position as a servant of her Majesty . You will all feel that those abilities which we recognized as fitting him for taking his high place in Mark Masonry have been recognised by the Sovereign for employment
in the service of the State , and they show that some of the qualities of a good Mason aVe also some of the best qualities of a citizan . None will recognise his fitness for such an office more than the Mark Masons of England . VVe are rejoiced to be governed by one who is so well fitted by his position and by his acts to take the lead and be an honour to Mark Masonry . It is unnecessary forme to remind you how well and how fittingly he has ruled over us , and I am sure he will hear with pleasure that his
health has been received here with enthusiasm , as it always will be among Mark Masons . I , therefore , give you "The Health of the M . W . G . M . of Mark Masons , the Earl of Kintore . " Bro . GEORGE LAMBERT next said the toast which has been confided to me is one of great importance , because , while it proves that Mark Masonry is in existence , it is the ideal , and not only the ideal , but . the fact that we have a great many Grand Officers an this occasion , who rally round
thisour board . I have the honour to offer to your notice " The Health of the Deputy Grand Master , Lord Egerton of Tatton , and the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " In days gone by , we formed a Grand Lodge , and I had the honour of being the lirst Grand Deacon . I am very glad on this occasion that I may have the opportunity of saying a word for the Grand Officers . I believe your Grand Officers have worked most sincerely and well in the past , and if we want evidence of it we have only to compare the
number who have been present on former occasions with the number of those present to-day . They have done good suit and service , and have shown by their efforts that they have been thinking of our Mark Benevolent Fund , by urging those who " are not members to do the best they can for us . I have no doubt in Mark Masonry , as in every other Degree of Masonry , the Grand Officers have to put their shoulders to the wheel , and carry out those rules which may not be quite in accordance with their own views , and
we are much indebted to those brethren who come up from long distances to advocates these principles . We ought to be grateful as I am sure we are for the duties they impose on themselves , and to the Deputy Grand Master , our Chairman , lor coming to preside over us to-day . I should like to have told you more of him , but I am told that is left for some one else to say . We have the honour to-nig ht to entertain our Bro . Love Jones Parry , and we are grateful to our good friends who come from so far away . We hail
the province of Wales from which he conies as one of the most excellent in working and as a bright example to all those who are within our borders . Bro . LOVE J ONES PARRY , in responding , said he was a Mason of 35 years standing , and the longer he was in it the greater pleasure he took in it . It was no violation of Masonic secrecy to say that Charity was the motto and the motive power of Masons . St . Paul p laced Charity at the head of the virtues and charity was only the Latin name for love . It was in the
cause of charity they had met that day , and he was happy to be able to say that the Charitable Fund of Mark Masonry was increasing _ very rapidly . He need only call attention to the printed books which were in the hands of the brethren which showed the extraordinary difference between the sum subscribed each year from 1869 . In that year it was £ gj 2 s . Sd . ; last year it was ^ 832 19 s . He only hoped that that day il would not be less than £ 1000 .
. It was very gratifying indeed to see so much larger an attendance this year than there was last , when they had an equally sunny day , but from some cause or other there were last year many gaps at the dinner tables , and there were not so many ladies present . He was sorry lhat thc rules of Masonry did not allow of ladies being present more frequently . There was only one instance , however , of a lady being a Mason , but in these days when women ' s
Mark Benevolent Fund.
rights were so much advocated there was no knowing what might happen and the ladies need not despair . Bro . the Rev . H . CUMMINGS , in proposing "The Chairman , " said it must afford Lord Egerton of Tatton very great satisfaction to see before him such a company . He ventured to think that with such a large number of Stewards , their wives , daughters and friends would bring the festival
to such a success as the Benevolent Fund had not yet had . Having at their head a chairman of such deserved popularity was no doubt the cause . They were a long way from Cheshire , but the Cheshire brethren were supporting him strongly . Lord Egerton was now Deputy Grand Master , and he hoped that he would in turn become Grand Master . He was quite sure
that the popularity of Lord Egerton had a great deal to do with the immeasurable success which this festival was going to have . They had alread y heard of the strides made in 15 or iS years . Last year over . £ 800 was collected but he believed that to-day it would be over £ 1000 . He ventured to think it would be a long way beyond £ 1000 .
The CHAIRMAN said it gave him the greatest pleasure to return his most hearty thanks for the kind way in which his health had been received , and for the kind way in which it had been proposed . He felt that the success of the meeting would not be owing so much to his presence as to the good cause of which he was there as the humble advocate . It gave him great pleasure to see so many Stewards present to support
him , more than double the number of the Stewards on any previous occasion , but still drawn together from every part of theworld as well as of the kingdom . Australia , Sydney , and New South Wales were represented on this occasion . All parts of England were represented , and he was glad that the provinces with which he was more immediately connected , Lancashire and Cheshire , had sent up their fair share of Stewards , although
those two counties could not compare with Middlesex and Surrey , which sent 21 Stewards , or three times the number of the other two . Still he thought if this Festival was ever held in Lancashire it would show as good an account as the two metropolitan counties . With regard to the ladies he should have thought from the speech they had lately heard that the speaker was the champion of women ' s rights . Women were to be found in every good work , and although they could not be initiated
into Masonic mysteries , they could be associated in Masonic good work . After the many distinguished men he had the honour to follow as Chairman , he felt that his efforts might be small in comparison with theirs , but there was not one of his predecessors who had been actuated by a warmer desire to benefit the Institution which they were met to support . He trusted that the success of this Festival would give promise of better and larger success .
The CHAIRMAN , in giving the toast of the evening , "Prosperity to thc Mark Benevolent Fund and the other Masonic Institutions , " said : the company had been already told that Charity was one of the most prominent and leading of all the Masonic virtues , and Alark Masons shared it in common with the rest of the Craft . The Mark Benovolent Fund had from its commencement been a source of interest and support with
Mark Masons . They had heard how 16 years ago it had a very small beginning . It was then held under the then Grand Master , now Canon Portal , and under ^ roo was collected . Since then many other distinguished men had presided at their annual Festivals , and the sums had gradually risen . But this year he trusted that instead of making gradual progress it would go on with those leaps and bounds which a late
Chancellor of the Exchequer used to delight in with regard to the national exchequer , which now they could not claim . Masonry was more fortunate because they had double the number of Stewards , and he was sure he might say there would be double the amount collected last year . They were well aware what the objects of the Fund werefirst to relieve Masons in distress , their widows and children .
Further than that there was an accumulated amount of . £ 2000 , and still further there was an educational branch which had absorbed the sum of ^ 1400 and with that 12 boys and five girls were receiving education . Unless a large amount was now collected there would be very few vacancies at the next election , but they had every confidence that they would be able to do even more than they had yet done . They were not
only in their charity assisting Mark Masons but to a considerable extent they were relieving Craft Masonry also , because all those who have become Mark Masons must have passed the Craft Degrees . He would like to throw out a proposal which he was sure they would approve of . He would like to see a fund started for the relief of decayed and aged Mark Masons and their widows . It had been computed that a very moderate sum
would be sufficient to give £ 15 or £ 12 a year to each of six men and widows . It could not be denied that both aged Mark Masons and their widows had a great claim on Mark Masons , and he thought the Benevolent Fund might be extended in that direction . As example in these cases was better than precept , he proposed , if it was the wish of the Board who had the control of the Benevolent Fund , and if they
wonld accept it , he would give 100 guineas towards such a fund , on condition that it was started . He was sure that on the present occasion it would not be necessary to use many words to enforce the benefit of extending this fund , for he was quite certain that those present would come forward and support it , and would spread the idea to other Masons . They would feel that all deserving Mark Masons should have a fair share of the prosperity of Mark Masons in general , and that every one who became a Mark Mason
might look forward to the time when , if his circumstances were not so good as when he joined the Order , he should be able to fall back on such a lund as this , in the full confidence that his claims would be regarded and attended to . He felt certain that no words of his were needed to give the toast of the Mark Benevolent Fund and the other Masonic Institutions , and that the very successful result , which would shortly be announced by the financial statement , would show tbem that the exertions of the Stewards and the Honorary Secretaries , Bros . Binckes and Matier , had not been altogether
in vain . Bro . BINCKES responded , and hoped the brethren would take to heart vvhat the Chairman had said as to forming a new fund . He unhesitatingly accepted the condition attached to the Chairman ' s gift of 100 guineas , and trusted that , in consequence , the subscriptions of future years would even be greater than the magnificent amount he was going to announce . He then read the list of subscriptions .
The CHAIRMAN , in proposing "The Board of Stewards , " said that the amount already announced had been due to the activity and energy of all the Stewards and the President , Bro . Alfred Williams , and the two honorary Secretaries , Bros . Binckes and Matier . The very gratifying announcement just made could not have been attained without the energy and activity of the Stewards of this Festival .