[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]

(23a) Douglas Philanthropic Society - 1812-1840

Description

not in A.H.

Records

...

Publications

...

Later research (by F.P.C)

see Bill Kelly's account which covers the period from its foundation to 1820; as can be read from the newspaper reports as much emphasis was given to the sermon preached at the church service associated with its anniversary procession and dinner, as to the society itself.

Rising Sun, Saturday 27th October 1821

DEATHS. On Monday last in Bigwell-street, aged 61, Mr. John, Cain, Secretary to the Douglas Philanthropic Society.

Rising Sun, Tuesday, 13th May 1823;

On Thursday last the Douglas Philanthropic Society held their annual Anniversary Meeting, and after attending Divine Service, accompanied to and from the Church by a band of music, &c, they sat down to an excellent dinner at the British Hotel, and under the tutelage of their worthy President, Mr. Lewin, gave vent to their feelings by joining their bumpers with the warmest applause of the loyal and patriotic toasts proposed from the Chair.

Rising Sun, Tuesday, 1st June 1824;

Ascension-day (or Holy Thursday) being the anniversary of the Douglas Philanthropic Society, that respectable body of men assembled at their club-room at & in the morning, and after arranging some-preliminary matters, marched in regular order (accompanied by a band of music, two beautiful flags displayed to the fleeting breeze, the officers decorated in the paraphernalia of their respective stations, and the members with each a staff, or wand, ornamented with pink ribbon) to St. George's Church, where an appropriate discourse was delivered by the Rev. John Christian, from the First general Epistle of John, chap. 1, v. iii.

On the conclusion of divine service, they again proceeded in the same orderly manner to the market-place, where, being formed into a circle, the band struck up many lively airs, concluding with the finale of God save the King, and the members giving 9 hearty cheers. About three o'clock they sat down to an elegnnt dinner, tastefully laid out in Dixon's Assembly-Room, comprising the choicest viands and delicacies, and to which the company present did ample justice. After the cloth was removed, the spirit-cheering glass circulated freely, and a number of loyai and patriotic toasts were drank, from amongst which we select the following:
The King—
Duke of York and the Army—
Duke of Clarence and the Navy—
The Governor-in-Chief—
The Lieutenant-Governor—
The Lord Bishop and Clergy—
The Receiver General—
The 24 Keys, the true Representatives of the People, &c &c &c.,
the band playing appropriate tunes after each toast.

Manx Rising Sun, Saturday, 14th May 1825:

Ascension-Day (or Holy Thursday), being the aniversary of the Douglas Philanthropic Society, that highly respectable body of men attended divine service at St. George's, where, under the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Christian and the Rev. Mr. Grier, a most appropriate discourse was delivered—strongly recommending christian charity and brotherly love.

After service the Society paraded through the principal streets, headed by a company of the Liverpool Corporation Band, playing national and popular airs. Mrs. Dixon, as usual, prepared an excellent dinner, and to which ample justice was done.

After the cloth was removed, several appropriate toasts were given from the chair, and received by the company with "four times four." The evening was spent in friendship and brotherly-love; and if there is ought that can be termed a "feast of reason," and a "flow of soul," it was exemplified in the anniversary of the Douglas Philanthropic Society.—Before concluding we cannot omit to mention, that the spirited members of this institution have unanimously resolved to procure musical instruments and form a band out of their own body,—the Subscriptions and donations already amount to £1^.

Manx Rising Sun, Saturday, 6th May 1826;

On the same day the Douglas Philanthropic Society held their anniversary, upon which occasion an appropriate discourse was delivered by the Rev. J. Christian at St. George's chapel. They afterwards proceeded to the market-place, where the band performed several popular airs, and about three o'clock sat down to a plentiful dinner in Mr. Dixon's large room. The greatest harmony prevailed throughout the day, and numerous truly loyal toasts were given from the chair.

Great praise is due to the band (composed solely of members) who within nine months have arrived at so much perfection on their instruments throuigh the active exertions of Serjeant Robinson of the Veterans.

Manx Rising Sun, Tuesday, 29th May 1827:

The Douglas Philanthropic Society held their anniversary meeting on Holy Thursday. The officers and members, adorned with two splendid flags and other emblems of their respective offices, and their excellent band (formed from their own members,) playing many popular tunes, marched in procession to St. George's Church, where a most appropriate sermon was delivered by the Rev. T. Howard, from the 1st epistle of St. Peter, chap. 3, v. 8, " Love as Brethren"

On leaving the porlals of the sacred edifice, they proceeded to the Market-place, where having formed into a circle, the band struck up, and performed many favourite airs with masterly skill, making the welkin ring.

At three o'clock they sat down to a plentiful and well served dinner at the old Assembly-room, bv Mr. W. Walls, and which did him great credit. After the cloth was removed, many loyal and patriotic toasts were given from the chair, by their worthy President, Mr Charles Scott, which were received wilh rapturous plaudits, and supported witli appropriate music. The remainder of the evening was characteristic of harmony and brotherly fellowship—the mirth-inspiring glass was freely circulated— it was a " feast of reason" and a " flow of soul ;" and thc company reluctantly departed at a late hour, highly gratified with the festivities of the day.

Manks Advertiser, Thursday, 22nd May 1828

The Douglas Philanthropic Society held their anniversary on Thursday last; A most appropriate discourse was delivered on the occasion by the Rev. B Phlilpot, at St. George's. After which the members proceeded to Dixon's Assemhiy-room, where the worthy hostess had provided a dinner in her usual first rate style, the table presenting a profusion of the choicest viands and pastry.

On the removal of the cloth, many loyal and patriotic toasts were given from the chair, and received with the warmest plaudits. The wines were excellent, and the mirth-inspiring glass was circulated freely—fellowship and brotherly love were the happy characteristics of the festive scene, and when the hour of departure came, they reluctantly separated from each other.

Manks Advertiser, Tuesday, 24th March 1829;

TO be Lent, on good Security, TWO HUNDRED and FIFTY POUNDS.—Apply to Mr. JONATHAN CAIN, President; or Mr. EDWARD CURPHEY, and Mr. WILLIAM CREER , Stewards of the Douglas Philanthropic Society.

Manks Advertiser, Tuesday, 25th May 1830;

The Douglas Philanthropic Society held their anniversary last Thursday. Having met at the club-room, as usual, they proceeded wth band playing and colours flying, to St. Matthew's Chapel, where an excellent sermon was delivered to them by the Rev. R. Brown, from the 12th chapter of Romans ami 10th verse :—" Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." After divine service, and haiving paraded through several streets of the town, the company retired to their clubroom, where they partook of a very plentiful and well-served dinner, provided by Mr. W. Walls. On the removal of the cloth, a number of appropriate toasts were given from the chair, and the evening was spent in mutual harmony and concord.—We feel pleasure in adding, that this Society is in a very flourishing state.

Manks Advertiser, Tuesday, 21st May 1833

On the 16th inst. being Ascension Day, the members of the Philanthropic Society, in this town, celebrated their anniversary. They assembled at their club-room, and thence proceeded to St. George's chapel, where divine service was performed and a most excellent sermon delivered hy the Rev. Mr. Howard. The club, attended by its own band, then proceeded through the principal streets of the town and formed in the marketplace, where the band, to the high entertainment of the assembled spectators, played several delightful airs.

The members of the club dined that day at Dixon's hotel. The dinner was provided in Mrs. Dixon's usual style of elegance, and the festive day was passed amidst "the feast of reason and the flow of soul."

Amongst the toasts given at the dinner provided for the Philanthropic Society, we noticed the following:—
The King;
the Queen and Royal family;
Lord Hill and the Army ;
the British Navy ;
His Majesty's Ministers ;
the Lieut. Governor, may he always be Ready to support the rights of the people ;
our Hon. Deemsters, may they be a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do well ;
the Manks Legislators ;
the Lord Bishop and Clergy ;
the Receiver General; our worthy Comptroller of the Douglas Customs ;
the Rev. Mr. Howard, and thanks to him for his excellent sermon ;
the healths of Mr. Creer and the band ;
the President, and Vice-President;
Doctor Nelson ; sick and absent members ;
success to the Steam-packet Company;
and other toasts were drunk with enthusiasm.

This club was established in the year 1812, and is in a very flourishing state.

Mona's Herald, Saturday, 30th May 1835;

On Thursday last (Ascension .day) the Douglas Philanthropic Society held their yearly meeting, and after transacting the private business of the Club, formed into rank, and (accompanied by their excellent band of music) walked in procession to St George's Church, where divine service was performed hy the Rev. Mr. Howard. An application having been made by the Labourers' Friendly Society for permission to join in the procession, both societies had an opportunity of hearing a very impressive and appropriate address from the Rev. gentleman upon unanimity and brotherly Love. After service, the two societies paraded some of the principal streets, and afterwards formed a circle in the Market-place, surrounded by a numerous assemblage of spectators, where the band played several national and other airs in fine style, much to the gratification of those who had the pleasure of hearing them.

The musical treat being concluded, the Philanthropic Society, in number 105 repaired to the British Hotel, where they partook of a substantial and plentiful dinner, in Mrs. Dixon's superior manner. After the cloth was removed, many patriotic and loyal toasts were drunk with applause, while the utmost harmony and good humour prevailed throughout the company. The members enjoyed themselves until nine o'clock when they separated in good fellowship and mutual regard, the music accompanying several of the officers to their respective places of residence.

Mona's Herald, Tuesday, 9th May 1837;

Thursday last, being Ascension Day, anil the anniversary of the Douglas Philanthropic Society, the members assembled at their meeting-room about ten o'clock in the marning. where they transacted business, and afterwards formed into procession, and were joined by another benefit society belonging to the town. The necessary arrangements being made, the procession walked to St. George's Chapel, the worthy Vicar-General leading it, where divine service was performed by the Rev. Mr. Mac Gill, and an admirable sermon preached by the Rev. Vicar-General Hartwell, from Acts, chap. 1, and verses 9- 10, and 11 The discourse embraced the divine doctrines of the ascension of our blessed Redeemer, and those of brotherly love towards our fellow-creatures, — After service, the societies paraded the principal promenades and streets of the town, attended by a most excellent band of music belonging to the first named society. As the procession passed through Duke-street, the Labourers' Friendly Society separated, and proceeded to Thomas-street school room, where they partook of an excellent dinner; and the Philanthropic Society walked to the Castle Mona Hotel, where the members sat down to a most superb banquet provided in the usual good taste of Mr. Heron. After the cloth was removed, several of the most philanthropic toasts were given, and hailed by the company with loyal and patriotic feelings. This benevolent society has last year paid to sick members, widows, and orphans about £100; and its funds and prospects are in a very healthy state

Mona's Herald, Tuesday, 29th May 1838;

Thursday last being Ascension Day, and her Majesty Queen Victoria's birth-day, various benefit societies throughout the Island held their anniversaries, and after hearing divine service, dined, and spent the evening in a sociable manner. The brethren of the Philanthropic and Labourers' Friendly Societies, of this town, walked in procession to St. George's chapel, (accompanied by a most excellent band of music,) where an appropriate and impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. Vicar-General Hartwell. After divine service the procession paraded the principal streets, and afterwards sat down to excellent dinners the Philanthropic Society in the large room over the Wellington Market, and the Labourers' Friendly Society in their club-room, Thomas-street. The evening was spent in harrnony and brotherly love.

Manx Liberal, Saturday, 27th June 1840

On Sunday afternoon the funeral of a member of the "Douglas Philanthropic Society" was escorted from town to Kirk Braddan by two very excellent bands of music, playing a funeral dirge, which had the effect of attracting a large concourse of people of both sexes. The weather, though somewhat lowering, kept up, and a great number of respectable and well-dressed individuals accompanied the procession the whole way. After service in the church, the funeral service was read over the grave, and the coffin, which bore the inscription, "J. Kelly, aged 28 years," was deposited in its "last resting place," when the assembly separated.

A fuller account was given in the Manks Advertiser including the key reason for the large turn out - the two bands were probably the Philanthropic Society's own band and possibly the Temperance band. Both the Philanthropic and the Labourers' Socities would appear to have ceased within a few months of each other.

Manks Advertiser, Tuesday, 23rd June 1840

One uf the largest funeral processions we have ever witnessed upon this Island, took place in this town on Sunday evening last. The deceased, to whom this last token of respect was paid, was a young man named Kelly, by trade a joiner, and a member of the "Philanthropic Friendly Society," which had been dissolved last week. As this was the last member which would be interred under its direction, it was attended by a full band of musicians, each instrument bearing knots of black crape, and was beautifully lead by Mr. W. Clucas. of this town, who performed a very solemn piece of sacred music, which continued from King street nearly the whole way to Kirk Braddan.— Kelly, from his kind disposition, was much esteemed by his fellow workmen, and has left a wife and two young children to lament his death.

Key Officers

Charles Scott was noted as a 'stone cutter' in one deed, but appears to have been a builder of sorts, also acted as the Duke of Atholl's agent;
William Creer was a tailor (imortalised as Big Billy Cree in T.E. Brown's desciption of a Foresters' procession)..

Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The Editor HTML Transcription © F.Coakley , 2026