Hull Daily Mail
Tuesday, May 10th 1887

GRAND MASONIC BANQUET IN HULL

PRESENTATION AND UNVEILING THE PORTRAIT OF
DR. J. PEARSON BELL AT THE HUMBER LODGE

During the proceedings in the lodge the Worshipful Master (Bro Edward Corris) presented to the Immediate Past Master a very fine P.M.'s jewel, together with a splendid cabinet of cutlery, and a handsome cathedral clock, decorated with Corinthian pillars bearing the following inscription: "Presented to Bro D.J.O'Donoghue by the members of the Humber Lodge, No 57 for valuable services rendered, and for the zeal and ability he has displayed in the discharge of his duties as Worshipful Master in the year 1886. Hull, 9th May 1887."

Subsequently the brethren assembled in the large banqueting hall. Covers were laid for about 120, and Bro Moody purveyed a magnificent banquet, to the evident satisfaction of all. The menu-card was very prettily designed. The stewards were indefatigable in their attentions.

The W.M. (Bro E. Corris) presided, the vice-chairs being occupied by the senior warden (Bro R.J. McLeavy) and the junior warden (Bro J.R. Forman). Amongst the other officers present were Bro Alderman Toozes, chaplain; Bro Andrew King, P.M., secretary; Bro J. Thyer, assistant secretary; Bro T Thompson, P.M., treasurer; Bro James Hargreave, S.D.; Bro Ed. Hall, J.D.; Bro John Clark, director of ceremonies; Bro J.R. Stringer, organist; Bro Geo. Latus, inner-guard; Bros Moody, C. Collinson, Riley, Hohenrein and Wickers, stewards; Bro R. Cuthbert, tyler; Bro J. Priest, assistant-tyler.
The Past Masters present were Bro J. Walton, Bro W. Tesseyman, Bro M.C. Peck, Bro Beevers, Bro Wilson and Bro Robert Rayner, No 1270.

Amongst the numerous other brethren present were Bro Councillor John Shaw, Bro Councillor S. Cohen, Bro W.C. Whiteside, W.M., Minerva Lodge No 250; Bro J. Mackail, W.M., Wilberforce Lodge No 2134; Bro Carlill Savil, secretary Kingston Lodge No1010; Bros F.Blackburn, J.T.Towler, R. Hawley, G.H. Medcalfe, W. England, T. Thompson, Hewitt, Capes, Cheeseman, Wright, Hill, Wood, Stoddart, F.C. Bishop, Dawson and others.

The W.M. proposed "The Queen and the Craft." He said there was no necessity on his part, to commend the toast to their notice, as it was always received with enthusiasm but especially by the Masonic Brethren (hear, hear). He was certain that if he was to speak for six months he should not be able to add one iota to their loyalty and admiration for Her Most Gracious Majesty. As they well knew, this was the Jubilee year, and they sincerely hoped and trusted that for many years to come, they might have Her Majesty to reign over this great and mighty empire with continued peace and prosperity (cheers).

"God save the Queen" was then sung.

The W.M. proposed toast No 2, viz., "H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, M.W., Grand-Master, the Right Hon. The Earl of Carnarvon, M.W. Pro. G.M., the Right Hon. the Earl of Lathom, R.W.D.G.M." Speaking of the Grand-Master, Bro Corris said they all knew the Prince of Wales to be the most popular prince that ever lived in Great Britain (cheers).

He had identified himself with the aspirations of Englishmen and he was in every sense of the word, a typical English gentleman (hear, hear). Apart from his deep attachment to every good work, he had taken great interest in Masonic work, and Masonry was deeply indebted to him (applause).

He had also associated his family with their ancient Order, his eldest son having been initiated into the mystic arts. So long as they had such honourable names connected with the craft as were honoured in their toast, so long would the dignity of the Order be maintained (hear, hear).

Masonry was so comprehensive, so universal, that the highest and the lowest of the land might meet on one common level (cheers).

The toast was received with enthusiasm, Bro J. Walton, P.M., P.G.D., taking the solo in "God bless the Prince of Wales."

The W.M. then proposed "Our Provincial Rulers: The Right Hon. the Earl of Zetland, R.W.P.G.M. of North and East Yorkshire, and Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. W.T. Orde-Powlett, W.D.P.G.M." He was quite certain that in both these brethren they had eminent masons, who had the greatest interest in the craft and were ever ready to stimulate the interests of Freemasonry (cheers).

He (the W.M.) had never had the pleasure of meeting with the Provincial Grand Master, but they had had the honour of receiving recently a visit from the Deputy Prov. G.M. Bro Orde-Powlett (applause) and he must admit they were delighted with his presence, and they looked forward with pleasant anticipations to his coming again (hear, hear).

He had started with much enthusiasm; had in fact, made up his mind to visit every lodge in the province, and if he accomplished that, he ventured to predict that the North and East Yorkshire would soon become a formidable rival to the North-West Yorkshire Province (cheers).

The next business was the presentation and unveiling of the life-sized portrait of the late W.Bro J. Pearson Bell, J.P., M.D., D.P.G.M. The W.M. called upon Bro D.J. O'Donoghue, I.P.M., to perform the

Bro D. John O'Donoghue, I.P.M. who was received with applause, stated that during the year of office as Worshipful Master he was much struck with the large number of their brethren who had been summoned away to the Grand Lodge above. Among the many eminent brothers who had thus departed one stood out prominently above all others in many respects, but especially in Masonic matters - he referred to their late respected brother, John Pearson Bell (applause).

His loss was most deeply felt by every member of his mother Lodge and the brethren naturally felt very desirous that the memory of one so highly respected and esteemed should not be forgotten - (hear, hear) - and the result was that after that memorable Lodge of Sorrow there was a unanimous wish and desire expressed that something in the shape of a memorial of their lamented brother should adorn the walls of the banquet hall.

It was then decided to give Bro Hudson the commission to paint a portrait of Bro J. P. Bell in his Masonic clothing as Deputy Provincial Grand Master rather than as Grand Superintendent of the Chapter. It was also resolved that the subscription list should be entirely confined to the members of the Humber Lodge and he was pleased to say that without any undue pressure they had received from their brethren almost sufficient to pay for the portrait (cheers).

In justice to the Freemasons of the town generally he felt bound to confess he had had to refuse many subscriptions kindly offered which would have more than have paid for the picture (hear, hear).

He would not detain them longer by dilating on Bro Bell's Masonic career; suffice it to say that he had resigned his exalted position as Deputy Provincial Grand Master in the hope that he might have attended their gatherings a little more frequently than he had been able to do. He had had a long life of Provincial honours and he did not believe any man worked harder or toiled so much for the welfare of the Craft as had Bro J.P. Bell (applause).

Very few of those present would ever have the opportunity, even if they had the inclination, to do so much for Freemasonry generally. The painting of the portrait which he would now unveil, had been entrusted to Bro Benjamin Hudson and he was pleased to say he had been successful in executing a faithful representation of their respected brother, the artist had as it were, realised the very spirit and expression of Bro. Bell.

On behalf of the subscribers he asked the Worshipful Master to accept the portrait as a gift to the Humber Lodge, to perpetrate the memory of their most highly esteemed and dearly loved brother, of whom he might say:-

"To add greater honours to his age
Than man could give him,
He died fearing God."

The portrait was then unveiled and a magnificent life-sized picture of Bro. Dr. Bell was presented to view. The well known features and the details of the Masonic jewels and clothing have been executed with marvellous exactitude and correctness and the artist (who was present) was heartily applauded and congratulated on the great success of what might truly be termed, a work of art.

The W.M. then formally accepted the portrait on behalf of the Lodge in brief but appropriate terms.

Bro. M.C. Peck, P.M., Provincial Grand Secretary proposed "The Founders." In an exceedingly interesting manner the speaker reviewed the origin and development of the Humber Lodge. The Founders of that material building, the stone of which was laid sixty years ago, had by their foresight and judgement given them a position which placed the Humber Lodge second to no other private lodge in the world for its wealth, benevolence, privileges and conveniences (loud cheers).

They had had a splendid succession of masters and never had the Lodge been in so prosperous and flourishing condition as at the present time, which was a matter of great rejoicing to them all (applause).
He asked them to drink in silence to "The immortal memory of those great and glorious men, the founders of the Humber Lodge."

The toast was then drank in respectful silence.

Other Masonic toasts were duly honoured, which were interspersed with some capital recitations and songs, under the direction of Bro. J.R. Stringer, the talented organist. The entire proceedings were of an enthusiastic character and will long be remembered by those who had the pleasure of being present.

This article has been copied from the Hull Daily Mail dated Tuesday 10th May, 1887, the original being presented to the Humber Lodge No 57 by Bro. Alan Brown.

W.Bro T Knight
Humber Lodge No 57
April 2000