Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB

as an embodiment of the friendly feeling of those who have contributed to it. I now, gentlemen, present you with this inkstand, in the names of the members of the St. Wilfrid's Lodge." Mr. S. Tutin, made a suitable reply, and was followed by P.G. John H. Tutin, who, in a short address, thanked his brother members for the handsome manner in which the testimonial had been presented to his father and himself. The healths of both gentlemen were drunk, with musical honours. The following healths were also drunk during the evening: The chairman, P.G. Wm. Morton, P.G. Dudgeon, G.M. John Scott, D.G.M. John Harrison, Mr. Councillor Lumley, (an honorary member,) the Secretary, who read a note from J. Greenwood, Esq., M.P., regretting his absence; and the honorary members: and various toasts and songs were given during the evening.

RIPON.-WORTHY OF IMITATION.-We are glad to notice the good feeling which prevails amongst the Odd-fellows forming the Ripon District. During 1858-9, a hard-working, industrious brother of the St. Wilfrid's Lodge, had the misfortune to lose, by a terrible disease, four milch cows. The members of the above lodge thought this a fitting opportunity to display that charitable feeling for which the Order is celebrated. Other lodges in the district were solicited to lend a helping hand, and the following voluntary subscriptions were raised:-The Earl of Ripon Lodge, £3 15s. 10d.; the St. Wilfrid's £3 18s. 7d.; the Resplith Glory, 13s. 1d.; and the Duke of Cleveland, £1. Thus £9 78. 6d. was raised, and presented to Bro. John Lonsdale. All honour, say we, to the brave men who have helped to cheer, comfort, and encourage one of their own class in the great "battle of life."

RYDE, ISLE OF WIGHT.-EAST MEDINA LODGE.-The fifteenth anniversary dinner took place at the Lodge Room, Star Inn, on Thursday evening, February 9th, 1860. P.P.G.M. M. Newman, of the Royal Eagle Hotel, in the chair; and P.P.G.M. William Beazley in the vice-chair. From the fourteenth annual Report, we learn that the Lodge, on the 31st of last December, consisted of 107 members; the average age of whom was 31 years 10 months. That it possessed a total capital of £1032 4s. 4d.; of which £77 19s. 6d. was the increase during the past year; that the sickness had been below the average; and that the financial and social condition of the Lodge was all that could be desired.

SOUTH LONDON DISTRICT.-TESTIMONIAL TO V.R. BURGESS.-The following particulars of the presentation to our esteemed friend, Mr. Burgess, Corresponding Secretary to the South London District, were crowded out of our last impression. The presentation took place at a soirée, under the able presidency of Mr. W. C. Day; at which were assembled a large number of influential members of our Order. It consisted of a splendid silver inkstand, bearing the following inscription :-" Presented to Mr. Vincent Robert Burgess, by the members of the City of London Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd-fellows, Manchester Unity, South London District, as a mark of respect and esteem for his valuable and indefatigable services as Secretary during a period of 20 years. Oct. 18, 1859."-An elegantly-framed memorial accom. panied the inkstand, with an address inscribed on vellum, as follows:

"Mr. Vincent Robert Burgess, C.S. of the South London District, and Secretary of the City of London Lodge, I.0.0.F., M.U., Friendly Society. "SIR, AND BROTHER,

"The Brethren of the City of London Lodge (of which

you are a distinguished member) being anxious to recognize the services you have rendered to the Lodge as its Secretary for a period of 20 years, have resolved to present you with the accompanying testimonial, as an earnest of their heartfelt thanks and high appreciation of the zeal and ability with which you have laboured and successfully carried out all matters appertaining to that office, to your own credit, and to the honor and welfare of the Lodge and the Order in general. Your brethren do not consider it as a recompense for the energy and ability which you have brought to bear on all occasions when the interest and wellbeing of the Lodge has been concerned, but as a memento shewing that they appreciate and value your untiring zeal, and the uniform courtesy and ability which you have at all times evinced in conducting the business of the Society; and they therefore beg your acceptance of this as a mark of respect and esteem. Hoping you may live long to enjoy its possession, and merit the approbation of your Brother Members, we beg to subscribe ourselves in the bonds of the Order, and on behalf of the Lodge

T. N. DAY, P.P.G.M.,

J. PALLETT, Treasurer,
J. INMAN, P.G.,
W. HOLMES, P.G.,
S. ROGERS, P.G.,
S. CROUTER, P.G.,
J. BAILEY, P.G.,
C. COKE, P.V.,

G. GALLIENNE, P.G.,
G. HOLTZER, P.G.,
F. GIPSON, P.G.,
W. LOADER, P.G.,
G. TAYLOR, P.G.,
J. THOMAS,

A. BEECHEY,

W. C. DAY, P.P.G.M., Chairman,
J. YOUNG, P.G., Secretary."

Testimonial to the Lodge Surgeon.-On the same evening, the members of the City of London Lodge presented to H. Meadows, Esq.. M.D., a Past Officer's Certificate, handsomely framed and glazed, as a slight memorial of their appreciation of his services for several years past. Several complimentary (but not less sincere) speeches were made on the occasion; and the evening was passed with great pleasure by all present.

STOCKPORT.-The members of the Mersey Lodge met on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 1860, to celebrate the nineteenth anniversary; when upwards of 40 members and guests partook of a most excellent dinner, provided by their worthy host, Mr. G. Needham. Mr. Ralph Howard, N.G. of the Lodge, presided; sup ported by Mr. W. Hickton, G.M. of the Unity, and the district officers. Under the chairman's able presidency, a very agreeable evening was spent. In proposing the toast of the evening, "The Mersey Lodge," the chairman coupled with it P.G. Norris Riley. Mr. H. Saunby, P.P.G.M., Bookkeeper of the Lodge, responded, and read the accounts, which were printed and presented to every member (as is their usual custom); which told their own tale. The next toast the chairman gave was "The Manchester Unity," coupling with it Mr. W. Hickton, G.M. Mr. Hickton, in an able manner, depicted the rise and present prosperity of the Unity; and eulogised the mode in which the Bookkeeper presented his annual statements. We have received the Quarterly Cash Account of this Lodge, from which we gather the following interesting facts :The Lodge, on the 12th of December last, consisted of 38 members, with a capital of £539 8s. 6d. ; which gives an average of £14 3s. 10d. per member. The Lodge was opened in 1841, since which time 81 members have been admitted-66 by initiation, and 15 by clearance. During the past year three new members were admitted, nine have ceased to be members by reason of death, and £28 7s. 6d. has been paid to sick brethren. The gain upon the

year was £27 12s. 6d. The present favourable position of the Lodge may be ascribed to two causes: first, good management; and secondly, to the important fact, that for the first ten years of its existence no death occurred among its members, and only about £83 was expended in sick money.

TROWBRIDGE DISTRICT.-On Tuesday, February 14, the members of the Mount Ararat Lodge, assembled for the purpose of initiating as honorary members the following gentlemen :-W. Stancomb, Esq., J.P.; J. P. Stancomb, Esq., J.P.; T. Clark, Esq.; M. Palmer, Esq.; A. Stancomb, Esq.; G. N. Haden, Esq.; and J. G. Foley, Esq. The usual place of meeting being too small, the Lodge adjourned to the Court Hall, where the chair was filled by P.P.G.M. James, N.G. of the Lodge; and the vice-chair by V.G. Hibberd. P.G.M. Jones, the lecture master of the Lodge, occupied the G.M.'s chair, and delivered the charge. The Secretary, P.G. Tabor, presented each of the newlymade members with a neatly-bound copy of the General District Lodge Laws. The surgeons and visiting officers reported the condition of the sick members, and the secretary stated, that since the formation of the Lodge, twenty-eight years ago, it had been joined by 239 persons. Of the seven individuals by whom the Lodge had been originally constituted, two only were now alive, and one of those revered members, had never received a single penny from the funds. Another old and respected member, who joined the Lodge shortly after its constitution, had received for sickness alone, the sum of £133 11s. 1d., and two other members, father and son, had received £172 4s.-The N.G. said, that the esteemed brother who, in consequence of sickness, had received the large sum named by the worthy secretary, was equally entitled to fraternal respect and regard with the brother whose robust health had happily obviated the necessity of an application to the exchequer of the Lodge. He congratulated those brethren, who, blessed by Divine Providence, had not required the assistance upon which they had an honourable and legitimate claim; and he also congratulated those who had received sick relief on the results of the provident care which had led to their having such a resource to fall back upon in the hour of suffering and necessity.-The brethren generally expressed their hearty concurrence in the sentiments of the N.G., after which he called upon brother J. W. Stapleton to address the newly-initiated honorary members.― Mr. Stapleton addressed the members in a long, eloquent, and interesting address; and concluded by wishing the worthy chief magistrate to preside at the next banquet of the Lodge.-P.G. Hibberd proposed a vote of thanks to those gentlemen who had honoured the Lodge by becoming honorary members, and, taking into consideration their influential social position, augured important results from the enrolment of their names among the members of the Order. The proposal was enthusiastically carried, with Lodge honours.-The newlyinitiated members then severally returned thanks.-In commemoration of the above event, the members of the Lodge have resolved, that a donation of five guineas be given towards the erection of proposed alms-houses for aged clothworkers of this town.

ANOTHER LEGISLATOR MADE AN ODD-FELLOW.-The brethren of the Bruce Lodge, Aberdare District, having presented an address to Henry A. Bruce, Esq., M.P., soliciting him to become a member of their Lodge, and to which he unhesitatingly assented, a large and influential meeting was convened at the Bruce Arms Inn, Mountain Ash, when the honourable gentleman was duly initiated. P.P.G.M. the Rev. Thomas Price having presented the honourable member with a handsomely-bound copy of the General and District Laws, and a list of the Lodges composing the Unity, Mr. Bruce most cloquently returned thanks.

Events in the Future.

GREAT METROPOLITAN DEMONSTRATION.

ADVANTAGE has been taken of the liberal subscription for a Testimonial to Past Provincial Grand Master Filsell, of the North London District, to inaugurate a Metropolitan Demonstration on a scale sufficiently large to attract public attention. On the 11th of April, the members of the several London Districts will unite in giving prominence to a Public Soirée and Ball at the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen Street, Holborn. Acton Smee Ayrton, Esq., M.P. for the Tower Hamlets, has kindly consented to preside, and it is fully expected that Edwin James, Esq,. M.P., will support him. Both these gentlemen were initiated members of the Order in the Marc Antony Lodge, in May last, and both have taken great interest in the working of Friendly Societies. Invitations have also been forwarded to Lord Ebury, Lord Claude Hamilton, the Solicitor General, and several other noblemen and gentlemen. The musical and other arrangements are of the completest character, and everything that is calculated to give éclat to the gathering will be warmly acceded to by the com mittee. Though this Demonstration was originated by a few members in the North London District, it is understood that the officers of the North and South London, Pimlico, and Stepney Districts, are extremely favourable to it, and promise their individual support. The prices of admission have been so arranged as to permit a very full attendance of members and friends-gentlemen's tickets being two shillings, and ladies' tickets, one shilling and sixpence. The order of the programme will be something like this:-Tea and coffee, with vocal and instrumental music, from six to seven; the chair will be taken at eight, when Mr. Ayrton will present to P.P.G.M. Filsell, a purse of gold, together with a silver snuff-box, an embroidered sash, and an engrossed memorial in a handsome frame. Other testimonials will then be presented; addresses will be given by several public and literary men; and at ten o'clock the ball will commence.-Freemasons' Hall is known to be one of the most elegant and commodious rooms in London; and, at the time we write, there is promise of a very full and enthusiastic meeting.

METROPOLITAN FETE FOR 1860.

THE joint committee for promoting the Annual Festival at the Crystal Palace, or elsewhere, has held two meetings, and the greatest enthusiasm with regard to coming arrangements is manifested by all the members. It is understood, we believe, that the Fête will this year be confined to one instead of two days; it being thought that, in the event of the Crystal Palace being selected, better terms may thus be made with the Company. When the Crystal Palace Company offered facilities for the visits of large numbers, the Foresters promptly availed themselves of the proposal and numbered very strongly, as the following figures will show :—

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

It will be seen that, in the matter of out-door fêtes, the Foresters have completely outstripped us; but if we all put our shoulders to the wheel, we think there is a chance of reversing the figures. It must never be forgotten, however, that owing to causes not necessary to advert to here, but which are well enough understood-the Foresters far out-number the members of the Manchester Unity in the Metropolis. But then it must also be remembered, that the Order of Ancient Foresters is not split up into a dozen separate Unities, as with the Odd-fellows; though perhaps it would be as well if à distinction were made in that Order between the Courts green with financial wealth and Courts green with financial canker and rottenness.

Toasts for Lodge Meetings.

HAVING been requested to give a few Toasts and Sentiments appropriate to the principles of our Order, we cheerfully submit the following:

A full Lodge, and good harmony.

A sound conscience and a kindly word-the best safeguard for a broken fortune.

Ability to serve a friend, and honour to conceal it.

Constancy in Love, sincerity in Friendship.

Concord, Peace, and Harmony, wedded to Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Drink with me, brothers! While a relic of Truth
Is in man or in woman, this prayer shall be mine:
That the sunshine of Love may illumine our youth,
And the moonlight of Friendship console our decline.

Death to ingratitude, and resurrection to Friendship.

Friendship among brethren, Love for our homes, and Truth universal.

Farewell to noise and nonsense in all our social gatherings.

Friendship without interest, and Love without deceit.

Friendship without formality, Love without flattery, and Truth without reservation.

Health, Wealth, Peace, and Plenty.

Hearts to sympathise and hands to give.

Let us enjoy all we can while we may,

Let Love crown the night, and Friendship the day.
Let Honour and Friendship eternally reign,
And faithful Odd-fellows their secrets maintain;
Law, Order, Religion, be strictly defended,
And Love with our harmony ever be blended.

Lodges in Unity, and Unity in Lodges.

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »