USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > An Historical sketch of the origin and progress of the Society of the Sons of St. George : also the charter, by-laws, and permanent resolutions, together with an alphabetical list of the members and associates, list of officers, etc., for one century, from April 23, 1772 to April 23, 1872, to April 23, 1897 > Part 14
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A special meeting of the officers of the Society of the Sons of St. George, the Albion Society, and the St. George's Hall Asso- ciation was held on Tuesday, February 17th, 1891, to take ac- tion on the death of William Massey on the 16th inst. The fol- Jowing preamble and resolutions were adopted:
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WHEREAS, We have heard with great sorrow of the sudden death of William Massey, President emeritus of the Society of the Sons of St. George, a life member of Albion Society, and the President of St. George's Hall Association; therefore be it
Resolved, While we reverently bow to the decree of the All-wise Creator, who spared Mr. Massey's life beyond the allotted time of man, we profoundly realize the loss our Societies have sus- tained in the death of one of their best friends. We shall miss the stimulus of his genial face and sympathy for the immigrant in our relief room, where he was a constant attendant. We shall also miss his cheerful presence at all our meetings.
Resolved, That the rooms of the Societies be appropriately draped for a period of thirty days.
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread on the minutes of the Societies, and that an engrossed copy be made for the use of these Societies, to be preserved in this Hall.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the be- reaved family, with the assurance of our deep sympathy.
Signed by WILLIAM KING, President, EDWARD T. PERRINS, Secretary, Society of Sons of St. George. JOHN L. LAWSON, President, FRANK MILES DAY, Secretary, Albion Society. THOMAS M. THOMPSON, Vice-Pres., WILLIAM UNDERDOWN, Secretary, St. George's Hall Association.
On motion, the Secretary was instructed to have copies of these resolutions for publication in the following papers: "The Philadelphia Ledger," " The Philadelphia Record," " The Phila- delphia Evening Telegraph," " The British American," and the " New Orleans Democrat."
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AN EVENING WITH JOHN SARTAIN.
A social meeting of the Society of the Sons of St. George was held at their Hall on Saturday evening, March 21st, 1891, as guests of John L. Lawson, Esq. Mr. Sartain had been invited to give some incidents and recollections of his long and useful life. Mr. Sartain asked to be excused from giving a sketch of his own career, and begged to substitute a description of London as he saw it in 1814. When he mentioned the year one of the mem- bers asked:
" Beg pardon, Mr. Sartain, but did I understand you to say 1814?"
" Yes," replied the aged artist.
" But that is 77 years ago."
" Yes; but I remember very distinctly not only the places, but also the occurrences."
He then began in an interesting, desultory way to describe the various landmarks in London which have since passed away. " That was an innocent age," continued Mr. Sartain, " for there was no police in London. The constables were reputable trades- men, and were furnished with a short stave, at the top of which was the King's crown." Mr. Sartain also referred to the first steamboat he ever saw, and many other recollections, which kept the whole company interested the whole evening, which our time and space forbids us giving in full, which we regret, as it was deeply interesting to hear, and would be also to read. We may here state that Mr. Sartain was elected a member of this Society April 23d, 1840, and has been honored by being elected a Presi- dent of the Society. His portrait may be seen on the wall of the committee room.
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On April 2d President King received a letter from Mr. Walter Massey and Mr. John M. Hall, executors of the estate of William Massey, deceased, placing a bed in the Pennsylvania Hospital at the disposal of the Society. This generous gift or privilege was appropriately acknowledged by the Secretary.
A regular stated meeting of the Society was held at the Hall on April 22d, 1891, at which time the usual business was trans- acted, which included reports of Secretary, Treasurer, Trustees, and Stewards.
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The II9th anniversary banquet was held on April 23d, 1891, the President, Mr. William King, presiding. The Hall was very tastefully decorated with plants, flags, and flowers. The dinner was a grand success, and the usual toasts ably responded to.
At the regular stated meeting held July 23d, 1891, Mr. George Dixon, Vice-President, presided, in the absence of President King, who was in England. The usual reports were received, and members elected, and the following delegates appointed to attend the North American St. George's Union, to be held at Oswego, N. Y., on August 26th, 27th, and 28th.
Delegates, Dr. J. W. Gadsden, Mr. William Underdown, Mr. William Waterall; alternates, Mr. Thomas Perrins, Mr. William H. Lucas, Mr. J. V. Mawby.
A regular stated meeting of the Society was held at the Hall October 23d, 1891, the President, Mr. William King, having re- turned from England, occupying the chair, when the usual busi- ness was transacted, and nominations for officers were made for the ensuing year.
A social meeting of the Society was held on November 18th, 1891, when the subject of erecting a monument to William Shakespeare was discussed, and referred to the next meeting of the Society.
A regular stated meeting was held January 23d, 1892, Presi- dent Mr. William King in the chair. The quarterly and annual reports were presented. The Treasurer reported receipts for the year :
Balance, January 23d, 1891 $6,745-75
Receipts from all sources 4,491.59
$II,237.34
Payments
$3,375.74
To Trustees, for investment 5,000.00
8,375.74
Balance on hand $2,861.60
The subject of the Shakespeare monument or statue was dis- cussed fully, and continued to a future meeting.
At this meeting the death of Dr. Knight, one of the Physicians of the Society, was announced, and suitable resolutions adopted,
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BENJAMIN ALLEN
Vice-President, 1896 and 1897
which were ordered spread on the minutes, and copies sent to the family, and also to the managers of the Episcopal Hospital.
The officers for the ensuing year were then elected. Mr. William King having declined re-election for President, Mr. George Dixon was unanimously elected to succeed him. The list of officers will be found in their tabulated lists.
A special meeting of the Society was held at the Hall on Feb- ruary 27th, 1892, when the subject of the Shakespeare Memorial Statue was fully considered. The whole proceedings will be found in full on the minutes.
A stated business meeting was held on April 22d, 1892, Mr. George Dixon, President, in the chair, when the regular reports were read, and ordered spread on the minutes. The Treasurer reported a legacy of 10 shares of St. George's Hall stock .from the estate of Wm. Hardacre, for many years a member and officer of the Society.
The 120th anniversary banquet was held at St. George's Hall on the 23d in the usual manner, being St. George's Day, Mr. George Dixon, President, in the chair. The Hall was beauti- fully decorated; on one side of the picture of Queen Victoria was a beautiful American flag, and on the other the British colors. Palms, lilies, and flowers filled the front of the platform, behind which the musicians were seated, and played during the ban- quet and during the evening. Letters of regrets were received from Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British Minister at Washing- ton, Governor Pattison, and others. After the dinner President Dixon delivered the address of welcome, and then gave the first toast, which was " The Queen." " God save the Queen " was heartily sung by the whole company. The other toasts were then given, and ably responded to, but our space forbids a fuller ac- count of them, which we regret.
The regular stated meeting was held July 23d, 1892, when the usual reports were presented, and the quarterly business trans- acted.
October 24th. A stated meeting was held this day, as the 23d was Sunday. In such cases the meetings are held on the day following. The reports of Trustees, Treasurer, Secretary, and Stewards were received, and officers nominated for the ensuing year.
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Very pleasant social gatherings were held on the evenings of November 26th, 1892, and January 7th, 1893. These meetings were held with a view to enable the members to become better acqainted with each other, and also to bring forward any mat- ter to promote the interest of the Society.
A joint meeting of the Society of the Sons of St. George and the Albion Society was held at St. George's Hall on January 16th, 1893, at 4.30 p.m. The following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
WHEREAS, The officers and members of these Societies have been called upon in the infinite wisdom of God to mourn the decease of Mr. John L. Lawson; therefore be it
Resolved, That these Societies record upon their minutes that in his death the Albion Society has lost an esteemed and able President, who efficiently filled the office for nine years, and the Society of the Sons of St. George a member who was ever fore- most in promoting whatever tended to alleviate and relieve the necessities of our fellow-countrymen. At our social board his was a genial presence, ever indicative of fraternity and good-will.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the bereaved family, signed by the proper officers.
The regular stated meeting was held Jan. 23d, 1893. The Trus- tees reported having collected interest from investments $1,186.38 during the quarter, making $3,460.50 for the year. The Treas- urer reported total receipts, which includes the interest from the Trustees, $4,477.64, and total payments of $4,219.25, with a bal- ance on hand of $3,119.99. The Stewards' report showed that 374 persons had been relieved during the quarter, and 1,14I for the year. The officers for the ensuing year were then elected, John Sartain, one of our oldest members, being unanimously elected President.
The stated business meeting of the Society was held April 22d, 1893. The Trustees, Treasurer, Secretary, and Stewards pre- sented their quarterly reports. The Stewards made a very inter- esting report of their work in the relief of 366 cases, having ex- pended $522.80.
At this meeting it was on motion resolved, That the Treas- urer be instructed to withdraw $383.79 from the general fund of the Society, being balances from the anniversary dinners, and
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open a special account for the use of the Stewards for refresh- ments at the social gatherings during the winter seasons, not exceeding $25 on any occasion, and that he be authorized to receive subscriptions to that fund.
A letter was read from Mr. William Underdown, Secretary of the St. George's Hall Association, stating that at a meeting of the Board of Directors, held on the Ioth inst., Mr. John Rapson had been elected a Director to represent the Society in the future.
The 12Ist anniversary banquet was held as usual on St. George's Day, April 23d, President John Sartain in the chair. The dinner was enjoyed by all present. The usual toasts were given by the President, and were responded to by Captain Clip- perton, George S. Graham, Esq., Charles F. Warwick, Esq., Mayor Edwin S. Stewart, and others. The gallery was filled . with ladies and friends of the members of the Society.
A regular stated meeting of the Society was held July 24th, 1893. The Treasurer reported receipts for the quarter $2,493.26, disbursements $1,062.59, with balance in . the treasury of $2,807.23. The Stewards reported having relieved 169 appli- cants, with $233.83. At this meeting the President, John Sar- tain, presented the Society with a beautiful mezzotint entitled " Irene," executed at the advanced age of 84 years; also an ex- cellent photograph of himself.
At the stated meeting held October 23d, 1893, after the regu- lar reports had been presented and read, the nominations of officers were made for the ensuing year.
January 23d, 1894. At the meeting held this day the Trus- tees, Treasurer, Secretary, and Stewards presented their quar- terly and annual reports, from which we find the total receipts were $5,126, and the disbursements $5,941.85. The Stewards re- ported that 779 cases had been relieved, and $625 expended.
At this meeting the case of one of our members was pre- sented as being in need of assistance, and $50 was asked by the officer presenting the case, but when the case was fully discussed, it was on motion resolved to make a loan of $200, which was unanimously carried. An obituary notice of Hon. Daniel Batchelor, founder of the North American St. George's Union, was read, and on motion, the Treasurer, William Underdown, and Secretary, E. T. Perrins, were instructed to prepare a suit- able response.
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The election for officers for the ensuing year was then made. The full list will be found in the tabulated list at the back of this historical sketch.
A special meeting of the officers of the Society was held at St. George's Hall, February 5th, 1894, to take action on the deatlı of our distinguished fellow-member, George W. Childs, when the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted :
WHEREAS, This Society, in common with our city, the United States, and England, have heard with deep sorrow of the death of our late member, George W. Childs, who has honored our Society with his membership for the past fifteen years; therefore be it
Resolved, That this Society desires to bear testimony to the ex- alted virtues and world-wide beneficence of our deceased fellow- member;
Resolved, That this Society convey to Mrs. Childs, through the " Public Ledger," their profound sympathy in the great loss she has sustained, and that a copy of these resolutions be placed on record.
WILLIAM WATERALL, GEORGE DIXON, WILLIAM UNDERDOWN, Committee.
At a social meeting of the Society, held on Saturday, February 24th, 1894, at the Hall, a motion was made by Mr. Underdown, and duly seconded, that this Society attend divine service on Sun- day evening, April 22d, 1894, at Grace P. E. Church, which was unanimously adopted, and the matter was left in charge of the President, and our Chaplain, Rev. James S. Stone, D.D.
A stated meeting of the Society was held at St. George's Hall on Saturday evening, April 21st, 1894, when the regular reports were presented. The Treasurer reported receipts $886.17, and payments $1,541.85. The Stewards reported that 1,014 cases had been assisted, the details of which showed the good work our Society has done, but our space will not admit of a full report here. We urge a larger attendance of members at the quar- terly meetings, that they may hear our Stewards' reports read, and thereby become more interested in charitable work. This
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quarter the relief afforded amounted to $980. Five members were elected.
The divine service, as proposed February 24th, took place at Grace Church on the evening of St. George's Day, April 22d, 1894, when a special service was arranged by our esteemed Chap- lain, Rev. James S. Stone, D.D., which was enjoyed by all pres- cnt, especially the sermon by our beloved Chaplain.
The 122d anniversary banquet was held at the Hall on St. George's Day, April 23d, the President in the chair. There was a larger attendance than usual, and all enjoyed the good bill-of- fare, and the responses to the regular toasts. The mutton served at the dinner on this occasion was especially imported from England by the President, Dr. J. W. Gadsden.
A social meeting of the Society was held on Thursday, May Ioth, 1894, when Rev. James S. Stone, D.D., on behalf of John Lucas, Esq., presented an excellent oil painting of himself, which was accepted on behalf of the Society by the President, Dr. J. W. Gadsden, who said no one had done more for the Society than Mr. Lucas, who was always ready with money and advice, and in all discussions as to the best way to relieve complicated cases, he has been the first to suggest, and to follow the suggestion with a subscription.
At the stated meeting held July 23d, 1894, the reports were re- ceived from the Trustees, Treasurer, Secretary, and Stewards. The receipts for the quarter were $872.96, and the total payments $1,273.52. The Stewards reported relieving 613 cases; cash ex- pended $741. The amendment to By-Laws, Article XXXII., Rules of Order, addition No. 14, Good of the Society, presented in writing by Mr. George Dixon, April 21st, was adopted.
A " Welcome Home" to Dr. John W. Gadsden and Mr. Edward Darby was held at St. George's Hall on October 15th, 1894. Vice-President John Rapson presided, and Rev. James S. Stone made the address of welcome.
A regular stated meeting was held October 23d, 1894. The regular reports were presented, and entered in full on the min- utes, showing total receipts $899.79, and payments $1,180.73, of which $700 was given by the Stewards to 666 applicants. The Treasurer called attention to the condition of the treasury. He stated that during the past nine months the expenditures had been $1,300 more than the receipts. This matter was considered
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under the new rule, viz., " Good of the Society," many members expressing the opinion that we should continue the same liberal policy during the coming winter as has been done by the Stew- ards in the past year, which was unanimously agreed to. Nom- inations for officers were then made for the ensuing year.
On Thursday, November 12th, 1894, in honor of the return of Mr. John Lucas from Europe, a reception was given at St. George's Hall. The President, John W. Gadsden, presided. It was largely attended. All were glad to welcome home one so highly esteemed as Mr. Lucas.
On December 27th, 1894, a reception was tendered to our be- loved Chaplain, Rev. James S. Stone, D.D., prior to his de- parture to Chicago as rector of St. James' P. E. Church of that city. After an hour spent in social converse, the members and friends repaired to the banquet room, which was handsomely decorated with flags and flowers. Dr. J. W. Gadsden presided. On his right was Dr. Stone, and on his left Mayor Stuart. The blessing was asked by Rev. Llewellyn Caley.
After the banquet Mr. John Lucas made a few remarks, and said we were assembled to say farewell to our beloved Chaplain, and wish him God-speed.
Rev. Dr. Stone, in replying, said that he desired to thank the Society, not only for this kind reception, but for the treatment of him during the time he was Chaplain. The Society, he said, was very dear to him. The Society had endeavored to perpetuate in the new land the virtues of those on the other side. Heavy though the Anglo-Saxon race may be, it has produced a Shakes- peare and a Milton. The Englishman is distinguished for his tenacity; it is the holding on to right which constitutes one of his principal virtues.
To-day, in spite of everything, no man has charged Lord Salis- bury or William Ewart Gladstone with corruption. You should see that the city of Philadelphia should always have for its Mayor a man of strict integrity and executive ability as his Honor who is with us to-night. There should be no English, German, or Irish vote. There should be nothing but an American vote.
Mayor Stuart said he felt regretful at parting with Dr. Stone. A man that makes a good citizen of England makes a good citizen of the United States. Dr. Stone's departure is a loss to good citizenship here. What will be our loss will be Chicago's
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gain. In no place will his friends be more proud of his success than those in the City of Brotherly Love.
A stated meeting of the Society was held January 23d, 1895, at which time the regular business was transacted. The quarter- ly and annual reports were presented, from which we find the total receipts to be $3,914.18, and disbursements $4,882.71. The Trustees have invested $10,000 during the year, the total in- vested fund being now $88,655; membership now 272; elected during the year 10, died II, resigned I. The Stewards report the relief of 712 cases, expending $554.54. At this meeting four members were elected.
The President stated that since the last meeting he had re- ceived the resignation of Mr. E. T. Perrins as Secretary, not being able to continue to fill the position, which was accepted.
Mr. George Dixon nominated W. H. Curtis, Jr., and Mr. Samuel Lees nominated Mr. Henri C. King, formerly Secretary, for the same position. The election of officers for the ensuing year was then held. The result will be seen in the lists at the close of this history.
A social meeting of the Society was held on Thursday, March 14th, 1895, which was largely attended by the members. Owing to the absence of Dr. J. W. Gadsden, President, on account of sickness, Mr. John Lucas acted as chairman, who, upon assum- ing the chair, referred to the approaching anniversary of the So- ciety, and asked the members present for an expression of opin- ion as to the character of the dinner to be served upon the occa- sion. After a full discussion of the subject, Mr. William H. Lucas moved the following:
Resolved, That the Society hold its 123d anniversary dinner on St. George's Day, and that the Secretary be instructed to request the President to appoint the various committees to carry the same into effect.
After some time spent in social intercourse, and partaking of a collation, the meeting adjourned.
At the stated business meeting held on St. George's Day, April 23d, 1895, the regular reports were received and acted upon. The Trustees reported interest from investments $629.10. The Treasurer reported total receipts $797.56, which included the income received from the Trustees, and the total payments for the quarter $1,064.50. The Stewards reported having relieved
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785 cases, expending $666.19. Six members and one associate were elected, and one member nominated.
At this meeting the subject of the erection of a monument to William Shakespeare in Fairmount Park was considered for final action. Mr. George Dixon, the chairman of the committee ap- pointed February 27th, 1892, presented a full report of what had been done. This report will be found in full on the minutes of this date. In brief, the report states that after a thorough canvass among the members and their friends, it was found that the times were not auspicious for the success of the object desired. Cash subscriptions amounting to $167 had been received, and promises of subscriptions amounting to $2,165 had been made, chiefly subject to the full amount being subscribed. The committee recommended the return of the money received to the respective subscribers, and no further action taken at the present time, which was so ordered by the meeting. The Treasurer subse- quently reported the money all refunded, and one subscription, viz., William Mann Company, $25, was donated to the charitable work of the Society.
At the stated meeting held July 23d, 1895, the regular reports of Trustees, Treasurer, Secretary, and Stewards were made, show- ing total receipts for the quarter $1.739.18, of which $1,112.30 were from the Trustees, being interest on investments. The Stewards reported having relieved 338 applicants, expending $285.79. The Trustees reported that in pursuance of the resolu- tion passed at a meeting of this Society, held January 23d, 1895, they had agreed with Oscar B. Teller to release and extinguish the yearly ground rent of $33.75 charged on premises No. 1619 Sansom Street for $1,000, which cost $562.50. The necessary papers were prepared by our counsellors, and duly authorized by the Society.
Also at this meeting the financial condition of the St. George's Hall Association was fully considered, after which the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That we, the members of the Society of the Sons of St. George, hereby authorize the committee appointed by the St. George's Hall Association to effect the sale of the St. George's Hall, and enter into an agreement under seal for same at a price not less than one hundred and sixty thousand dollars.
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WILLIAM UNDERDOWN
Steward, 1868 and 1869 Secretary, 1870 to 1881 Treasurer, 1884 to 1897 Secretary St. George's Hall Association, 1875 to 1897
The following delegates were appointed to attend the conven- tion of the North American St. George's Union: Delegates, George Dixon, Alfred R. Wiggan, J. V. Mawby; alternates, Ed- ward Darby, Joseph Lees, Dr. F. Bridge.
At the regular stated meeting held October 23d, 1895, the President and Vice-President were both absent on account of sickness, whereupon the following past Presidents were on mo- tion, duly seconded, elected to occupy the chairs during the meet- ing, viz., Mr. George Dixon, acting President, and Mr. Samuel Lees, acting Vice-President. From the reports presented we find the following: The Trustees reported the satisfaction of ground rent, 1619 Sansom Street, $1,000, with interest to date, $13.70. The Treasurer reported total income received $94.16, total payments $1,284.62, which included $500 paid Trustees for investment. The Stewards reported having relieved 439 appli- cants, expending $376.
The delegates to the North American St. George's Union con- vention at Kingston, Ontario, reported the heartiness of their entertainment while there, and the earnestness of the proceedings of the convention.
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