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 9
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The Trustees reported that they found 14 shares of Pennsyl- vania Railroad stock was for the use of " Young Zephyr," and asked instructions.
They were directed to open a special account in the books of the Trustees, and credit the interest every year. At this meeting 44 persons were elected members and associates, and 14 nomin- ated for membership.
An adjourned meeting was held March 27th, at which time 4 persons were nominated for membership.
The chairman of the Building Committee of St. George's As- sociation, having notified the Society that the rooms at the new hall were now completed, it was on motion resolved, that the Vice-President be and he is hereby instructed to have the So- ciety's furniture, and other effects removed from the Merchants' Exchange to St. George's Hall on Tuesday, March 28th, 1876; that we adjourn to meet April 17th, when 10 persons were nomin- ated for membership.
The regular stated meeting was held on Monday morning, April 24th, when the regular business was transacted. There were 25 members elected, and 2 proposed for membership.
Mr. Thomas M. Thompson moved the following resolution:
Resolved, That the committee on the portrait of the President, William Massey, Esq., be directed to ask both Mr. Thomas Thompson and Mr. Lewis Thompson to present their portraits also.
Resolved, That when we adjourn, it be to meet at St. George's Hall at 5 o'clock to celebrate the 104th anniversary of the So- ciety.
Here follows a full account of the St. George's Hall, from the purchase of the property at the southwest corner of Thirteenth and Arch Streets to the time it was sold to Henry C. Lea. It was considered best to have this in detail for easy reference in the future.
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JOHN LUCAS
Trustee, 1875 to 1881, and 1893 to 1895 President, 1882 to 1884 Treasurer St. George's Hall Association, 1875 to 1897
HISTORY OF THE ST. GEORGE'S HALL ASSOCIATION.
FROM the time of the celebration of the Centennial of the So- ciety of the Sons of St. George, on the 23d day of April, 1872, it was the oft-expressed wish, and the unanimous desire of the offi- cers and active members, that the Society should have a more suitable location for carrying on its benevolent work, and if pos- sible own the building. Among those who took great interest to secure such a building were our honored and departed friends, James Allen, William Massey, Lewis Thompson, and Thomas Thompson, together with Messrs. John Lucas, William H. Lucas, William Waterall, Samuel Lees, and many others who might be mentioned.
These gentlemen were constantly on the lookout for such a location until February, 1875, when we heard that the Matthew Newkirk property at the southwest corner of Thirteenth and Arch Streets was for sale, which was considered a very desirable location for the Society, and could be had at a very reasonable price. Mr. William Massey invited the officers and a few other
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members to his house to consider the matter. The result of this gathering was that those present were all favorable to the pur- chase of said property, and then and there subscribed $25,000 towards the enterprise. Thus encouraged, the President, Mr. William Massey, instructed the Secretary, Mr. William Under- down, to call a special meeting of the Society. The said meet- ing was held at No. 30 Merchants' Exchange on Thursday even- ing, February 25th, 1875, which proved to be a very stormy night. So bad was the weather that some members would not yenture out, feeling sure that we could not get a quorum (13) out such a night, but so great was the interest in the undertaking that there was a large attendance (55 present), and before the meeting ad- journed the subscriptions amounted to about $70,000.
After the subject had been fully discussed Mr. Thomas M. Thompson offered the following, which was unanimously adopted :
WHEREAS, It is contemplated to purchase or erect a building to be called St. George's Hall, or such other name as the Society may elect; therefore be it
Resolved, That we heartily indorse and cordially approve of the object had in view, and will give it our earnest and active en- couragement.
Resolved, That as an earnest of our sympathy with the move- ment, we do pledge our Society to subscribe for and take the capital stock to the amount of $25,000. .
Mr. William Waterall spoke very warmly in favor of the pro- posed building. He thought it would be a matter of pride for Englishmen to have such a place to take their countrymen.
Mr. Lewis Thompson said that ne thought the cost of the pro- posed building would be about $125,000. It was proposed to have a hall in the second story that will seat 800 to 1,000 per- sons. He thought the proposed enterprise would not only be an honor, but would pay the Society for the outlay of money.
Mr. John Lucas said he felt certain that a large number of Eng- lishmen would be found proud to contribute to the fund, par- ticularly in view of the approaching Centennial, when there will be so many strangers in our city.
On motion, a committee of nine were appointed, with full power to act.
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A meeting of said committee, called the "St. George's Hall Committee," was held at the residence of Mr. Lewis Thompson, 1330 Spring Garden Street, March Ist, 1875; present Messrs. James Allen, Lewis Thompson, William Massey, John Lucas, William Waterall, Thomas M. Thompson, representing Thomas Thompson, Samuel Lees, and William Underdown, members of the committee; also, Messrs. William H. Lucas and M. J. Mitcheson.
Mr. Lewis Thompson reported the purchase of the property for $70,000. The report was accepted, with a vote of thanks to Mr. Thompson.
The committee were authorized to receive subscriptions to the stock; shares were fixed at $50.
The following officers were then elected: President, William Massey; Treasurer, John Lucas; Secretary, William Under- down; Counsel, M. J. Mitcheson .*
Mr. M. J. Mitcheson was instructed to prepare a charter for the name of St. George's Hall Association; time, 50 years; capi- tal, $300,000.
Several evenings were spent by the committee at the residence of Mr. Lewis Thompson, examining plans and drawings for the proposed building. Messrs. Charles Day and W. A. Simpson were added to the committee.
At a meeting held May 18th, 1875, the plans and drawings pre- sented by Mr. Windrim were unanimously adopted, and referred to the Building Committee, Messrs. William Massey, Lewis Thompson, and John Lucas, and they were instructed to show the same to not less than five responsible builders.
A meeting of the stockholders was held at 30 Merchants' Ex- change, May 24th, 1875. At this meeting the capital stock was fixed at $200,000 and the number of Directors eleven. . The following stockholders were then elected by ballot, Joseph Lees and J. W. Gadsden acting as teilers : William Massey, Lewis Thompson, John Lucas, William Waterall, Samuel Lees, William H. Lucas, Thomas M. Thompson, M. J. Mitcheson, Charles Day, A. C. Gibson, and William Under- down. And at a meeting of the Directors, held after the stock- holders had adjourned, the following officers were unanimously elected :
* NOTE .- There was no change in the Treasurer or Secretary during the twenty- one years of the existence of the Association.
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President, William Massey; Vice-President, Lewis Thomp- son; Treasurer, John Lucas; Secretary, William Underdown; Counsellor, M. J. Mitcheson.
A meeting of the Directors was held at the office of Mr. William Massey on June 15th, 1875, for the purpose of opening the bids from the nine contractors for the alterations and improvements at the building, Thirteenth and Arch. The bids ranged from $43,- 275, by George Watson, the lowest, to $49,675, by William T. Wilkins, the highest. The contract was awarded to Mr. George Watson, and a full and complete contract was drawn and exe- cuted on June 22d, and the work was commenced at once, to be completed by January Ist, 1876. It is but just to record the faithful and constant services rendered by our dear, departed friend, Lewis Thompson, who carefully watched the progress of the work as if it had been his personal property; day after day he was to be seen at the building, manifesting the greatest in- terest in all that was done.
At a meeting of the Directors, held November 17th, 1875, at the residence of Mr. Lewis Thompson, he presented three draw- ings of St. George the Dragon, and the one by Elkington & Co., of Birmingham, England, was adopted, to be of bronze at a cost of £1225.
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held January 27th, 1876, when the furniture, gas fixtures, and several other matters were considered and arranged.
At a meeting held February 16th, 1876, the By-Laws were adopted for the Association, and together with the Charter, or- dered to be copied on the minutes, and a Dedication Committee appointed, consisting of Messrs. William Massey, Lewis Thomp- son, John Lucas, William H. Lucas, William Waterall, and M. J. Mitcheson.
On March 13th the Dedication Committee reported that it was considered advisable to have a religious service on Sunday evening, April 23d, which was referred to our chaplain, the late Rev. Dr. Suddards, to make the necessary arrangements, and Mr. M. J. Mitcheson was requested to deliver an address at the banquet on the 24th.
The subject of flags and decoration of the hall was referred to the ladies, and Mrs. Lewis Thompson was made President of the Ladies' Committee.
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At a meeting of the Board of Directors, held at the new Hall on April 3d, 1876, it was unanimously agreed to have the open- ing and dedication of the Hall on the evening of the 20th, and a service of praise on Sunday evening, April 23d. The following are the programmes for both occasions:
For Thursday evening, April 20th, 1876:
PART FIRST.
Overture-Lustspiel . Schubert Orchestra Introduction . William Massey, Esq., President Presentation of flags and chair on behalf of the ladies
Lewis Thompson, Esq.
Acceptance of the same on behalf of the Society of the Sons of St. George, William Massey, Esq., President. National Airs
. Schubert Orchestra
Oration MacGregor J. Mitcheson, Esq.
" God Save the Queen Orchestra and Audience
Cornet Duet-" Whispering Hope "
Messrs. Jayne and De Silver
PART SECOND.
"Star Spangled Banner " Orchestra and Audience Duet-"Army and Navy," Cook ... Messrs. Hensler and Saynor Alto Solo-" Bliss Forever Past," Balfe ...... Miss Carrie Long Piano Solo-" Rondo Capricciosa," Mendelssohn
Signor Alfredo Barili Bass Solo-" Simon the Cellarer," Hatton .... Mr. T. E. Harkins Soprano Solo-" The Springtime is Here," Mattie
Mrs. H. T. Harding
Tenor Solo-" Non e Ver," Mattie Mr. Hensler Galop . Schubert Orchestra
PART THIRD.
Duet-" When I know that thou art near me," Abt
Mrs. Harding and Mr. Harkins
Bass Solo-"Alone in the Desert ". . . Mr. Harry Saynor Soprano Solo-" I do Foscare," Verdi .... Mrs. H. T. Harding Humorous Ballad-" Patent Railway Punch," Diethelm
Mr. T. E. Harkins
Quartet-" Good Night," Flotow
Miss H. T. Harding, Miss Carrie Long, Mr. J. W. Hensler, Mr. T. E. Harkins.
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The Hall on this occasion presented a beautiful appearance when lighted up. The southern door of entrance was draped with the English and American flags, and in the centre of the gallery, which was also covered with flags, was the beautiful Centennial banner of the Society, having on it St. George and the Dragon.
On the wall in the rear of the platform at the northern end was Sully's celebrated picture of her Majesty Queen Victoria, on each side being the English and American flags. There were clusters of flags also over the doors on each side of the platform, on the east the English shield, and on the west the American.
After the overture by the Schubert Orchestra, Mr. Wm. Massey, the President, made a few remarks, and said it was the first time in his life that he had seen so much of the beauty of Philadelphia gathered together. This was merely a social gathering and opening, and not the dedication, which would take place on Sunday, April 23d, which would be St. George's Day.
Mr. Lewis Thompson then advanced, and said he was present at the request of the ladies-the wives, mothers, and daughters of the members of the Society of the Sons of St. George. The ladies wished to present to the Society a set of flags and decorations as an evidence of their appreciation of the benevolent and good work being accomplished by the Society.
In presenting the flags of the two greatest Christian nations of the world he trusted they might always wave united in peace, love, and charity. The ladies also presented a handsome chair for the use of the President.
A handsome silver ice-pitcher and goblets were then presented by Mrs. Joseph Lees.
The Schubert Orchestra performed the national airs, after which the oration was delivered by MacGregor J. Mitcheson, Esq., who said in part, as follows:
Upon this bright vernal day, when all nature seems to rejoice that winter is at an end, the genial sun warming all vegetation into life, here in the peaceful city which Penn founded, where the ever-memorable Declaration of Independence was written and promulgated, where the first American Congress met, where the immortal Washington chose for a time to live, here the first Anglo-American hall of its distinctive character and objects in all the Union has been completed. And here under the blended folds of the two greatest flags that float o'er land and sea, with
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the life portrait of her Majesty the Queen before us, under the in- fluence we trust of that charity which never faileth, that prudence moderates, that fortitude which ever ennobles, and that justice which is from the throne of the Eternal, the St. George's Hall Association for the first time throws wide open its portals, and welcomes to this hall of beneficence and mercy, " The Society of the Sons of St. George established at Philadelphia for the advice and assistance of Englishmen in distress." In closing, Mr. Mitcheson said: Brethren of the Society of the Sons of St. George, we welcome you and those dear to you with the most cordial hos- pitality of our hearts to the St. George's Hall, and we pray that heaven's blessing may attend your labors in it.
" God save the Queen " was then sung by the audience stand- ing, and after a cornet duet by Messrs. Jayne and De Silver, the " Star Spangled Banner " was sung. The remainder of the even- ing was spent in a very enjoyable manner.
The service of praise held at the Hall on Sunday evening, being St. George's Day and the 104th anniversary of the Society, was as follows: The doors were opened at half-past seven o'clock, and in a very few minutes every available spot was occupied by the fortunate possessors of tickets of admission. The Hall was decorated by the flags and banners placed there on Thursday evening, presenting a beautiful appearance; on each side of the pulpit desk were stands of choice flowers.
Professor D. D. Wood presided at the organ, and the singing was by the fine choir from St. Stephen's P. E. Church of our city.
The service was commenced with the anthem, " Benedictus Qui Venit," in B-flat, by Gounod, after which the evening prayer to the versicles was read by Rev. William Suddards, D.D., the tenth selection of Psalms, by Rev. E. W. Appleton, followed by the " Gloria in Excelsis " by the choir.
The first lesson from the eighth chapter of Deuteronomy was read by Rev. H. Palethorp Hay, D.D., followed by the " Cantate Domini " in F by Sir John Goss, and the second lesson from I Corinthians 13 was read by Rev. W. M. McVickar. After the " Benedic Anima Mea " in E by D. D. Wood, the Apostles' Creed and Prayers were read by Revs. T. F. Davies, D.D., and E. A. Foggo, D.D. The hymn, " Oh God of Life and Love,"
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announced by Rev. Mr. Phillips, was sung, after which the ser- mon was preached by Rev. W. Rudder, D.D., from the texts, " The Lord hath established his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all " (Psalms 103: 19); " God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another " (Psalms 75: 7).
The reverend gentleman said: The Lord, we are told, hath prepared a throne. God is not the Pantheistic universe. As he reigns, so he rules and judges, and has a purpose in the world. This truth applies to each individual human life. That God should care for the whole and neglect the parts, is contrary to the teachings of the Scripture. As God's government is over each individual, God's providence is over all the race. God naturally delights in the finished perfection of the whole, and intends that every created thing shall be perfect. Gathered together as Eng- lishmen, or as descendants of Englishmen, our thoughts nat- urally turn to that far-off island-home which for more than twelve hundred years has been the seat of the English people. At this season this beloved land is wont to appear at its best, and the poets have so enwreathed her with garments that the flowers ap- pear to belong to her. On this occasion we seem with easy im- agination to stand once more on British soil, and, as we look up into the glowing purity of the morning sky, the whole heaven is flooded with melody.
The reverend gentleman then spoke of character, work, and destiny of the English people. There is a certain depth, robust- ness, solidity, and vigor of nature peculiar to them. The first Englishmen were not born in England; if you would find them you must go to that little peninsula of Jutland.
The daring spirit of the race broke out in the fierceness of their onslaught. The long conflicts in Britain down to William the Conqueror confirm these traits. Out of these came a spirit of restless enterprise and daring venture; almost amphibious by na- ture they deserted the land. The second trait in this people is a persistent demand for substance, reality, and truth.
The practical power of the English, says an American of au- thority, is in their national sincerity. Their vulgar phrase is. " His word is as good as his bond." It has been said, and truly, that the English do not yield generally diplomatists of the high- est class, yet they win more frequently than they lose.
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SAMUEL LEES
Steward, 1867 to 1874 Treasurer, 1875 to 1883 Vice-President, 1884 President, 1885 to 1888
Again, they have a love of law and liberty, and outlines of this . character can be found in the very beginning of their life. Taci- tus tells us the feature that marks them is their hatred of the cities and their love for the country. In the very morning of their history we find the existence of these twin sentiments, the love of law and the love of liberty. It is the same thing under Danish or Norman rule, under George or under Victoria. They will yield slavish obedience neither to Pope or King. Another trait of this nation is that they are naturally a religious people. If, in the earlier years, they sometimes failed, they nevertheless showed the stuff of which they were made. Their temper is to get at the foundation of things, and if they are to be obedient they must know why they must obey. When they are religious, they are the most thoroughly religious people in the world. In con- sidering their work we find they have been the discoverers, ex- plorers, and above all, the colonizers of the world. Ask for their empire, and more than 300,000,000 of people from continent to continent will say, It is here. The work of this English people has been to lay the foundations of future empires.
The mission of this people is to be apostles of liberty and law. The world has been taught liberty and law are twins of one father, and their father is God. The finest workers and the great- est benefactors of the race have received their consecration at His hands. There have been English deniers of the Lord in the past as in the present, but the great moving body of this people has been profoundly religious.
In the next place, what will be the destiny of this people? We hear its decay spoken of sneeringly, and it may be that Eng- land will pass away. So long as this people are strong and true there is work for them to do, and God will give them that work. If this great empire must pass from the surface of the earth its daughters will rise up one by one to call their mother blessed.
The duty of every man, then, is simple: To be strong, to be true, and to be brave; to love liberty, and yet to love law, and then to be religious. An irreligious Englishman is a bastard in the race. Whether directly or indirectly, we are all English- men.
The hymn, " Hark! hark my soul! angelic songs are swelling," was then sung, and the services were concluded with a prayer and benediction by Rev. Dr. Richard Newton.
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The one hundred and fourth anniversary banquet was held at St. George's Hall on Monday evening, April 24th, 1876. The following is the bill-of-fare:
RAW OYSTERS ON HALF SHELL
SOUPS
Green Turtle Julien
FISH
Salmon, Lobster Sauce
Boiled Rock, Egg Sauce
ROASTS
Beef
Spring Lamb, Mint Sauce Leg of Mutton (Southdown )
Filet of Beef Boned Turkey
ENTREES
Ham, Champagne Sauce Chicken Croquettes
Sweetbread with French Peas
SALADS
Chicken
Lobster
GAME
Terrapin
Saratoga Potatoes
VEGETABLES
Cauliflower Peas Tomatoes Corn
Sweet and White Potatoes
RELISHES
Olives
Mixed Pickles
Chow-Chow
Worcester and Anchovy Sauces
PASTRY AND DESSERTS
Charlotte Russe
Mixed Cakes. Ice Creams Water Ices
English Plum Pudding, Brandy Sauce
FRUITS AND NUTS
Bananas
Oranges
Grapes
Almonds
Raisins
English Walnuts
COFFEE
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TOASTS.
I. " The Day We Celebrate." The brave and gentle spirit of St. George has a place in our hearts and memories; he will soon have a noble monument on our Hall-the first in America.
2. " The Queen."-
3. " The President of the United States."
4. " Her Majesty's Representatives in the United States."
5. " England, Land of Our First Love, Home of Our Fath- ers."
" Long, long in hut and halls,
May hearts of native proof be reared, To guard thy hallowed walls."
6. " The United States of America-Fair Land of Our Adop- tion." May truth, justice, and true liberty triumph over all op- posing influences, and thy future be made glorious in all that pertains to the well-being of man.
7. " Pennsylvania." Born under peaceful influences, she is truly great in her peaceful industries.
8. " Philadelphia." The city of homes points proudly to the Centennial Buildings, and invites the world to come and see that " peace hath her victories more glorious than war."
9. " The Armies and Navies of the United States and Great Britain." The unbounded sea, and every land, bear testimony to their courage and heroism.
IO. " The Centennial Commissioners." Their works speak for them.
II. " The English Commissioners." They have transplanted the cottage homes of England to our Park.
12. " The Colonial Commissioners."
13. " The Pulpit, the Bench, the Bar, and the Press." May they unite in the noblest of all work, in leading erring man to a higher and better life.
14. " Our Kindred Societies." We extend to their represen- tatives a cordial welcome to our new Hall.
15. " Our Departed Brethren."
16. " Woman." Earth's brightest jewel. As paradise was, so is home incomplete without her.
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At the meeting of stockholders on May 24th, 1876, Mr. William Waterall offered the following resolution, which was unanimous- ly adopted :
Resolved, That the faithful and invaluable services of Mr. Lewis Thompson, as chairman of the Building Committee, justly merit the warmest thanks of the St. George's Hall Association, and they hereby tender the same with a sincere hope that Mr. Thomp- son will long be spared to look with honest pride on this com- plete and substantial and beautiful hall, the construction of which he watched with zealous care from foundation to capstone, mak- ing it literally a labor of love.
Mr. J. J. Dovey offered the following: Resolved, That the thanks of the stockholders be and they are hereby tendered to the Board of Directors for the successful and highly satisfactory discharge of their duties during the first year of our official ex- istence, and congratulate them upon the erection of our beauti- ful and commodious Hall.
The statue of St. George and the Dragon was shipped on board the ship " Hawthorn " on April 21st, 1877, and in due time ar- rived in our city, and placed on our Hall. The Directors had considerable trouble about the duty on the same, and finally had to pay it, amounting to $1,452.85, but through the kindness and influence of Sir Edward Thornton, H. B. M. Minister at Wash- ington, the duties were hereafter refunded by a special act of Congress.
The Society has continued its benevolent work from the open- ing of St. George's Hall unto the present time, the committee of Stewards (two each quarter) and many of the officers meeting on Mondays and Thursdays, and the messenger being in attendance the other days by himself to give tickets for lodging and meals to homeless applicants.
The Society has celebrated its anniversaries every year from 1876 to the present time at St. George's Hall, at which times we have had many distinguished guests, who have honored us with their presence, among them Sir Edward Thornton, K.C.B., Her Majesty's Minister at Washington.
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