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

(64b) Baldwin and Neighborhood Brethren Society: pre1835-1880

Description

not in A.H.

Records

...

Publications

...

Later research (by F.P.C)

The first note I can find in the Manx Press is a brief mention that the Society took part in the procession in 1838 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Coronation Mona's Herald 3 July 1838 noted them as the final Friendly Society in the procession . They must have been formed pre 1835 as the first of the 7 deeds found is dated in January 1835 - my guess probably founded c.1830. However they survived to be noted in the 1879 Poor Relief and Medical Aid report, but I suspect not for much longer.

There are two notices of the Society in the the 1840's - the first being somewhat double-edged - was there a problem in previous years? However the presence of a local band is worthy of note - both walks were on a Wednesday but on no particular red-letter day which seems to have switched from July to June between 1840 and 1845.

Manks Advertiser, Tuesday, 14th July 1840;

On Wednesday last the Baldwin Friendly Society walked in Procession, attended by their own band of music, to St. Luke's' Chapel, where an excellent discourse was delivered to the members by the Rev. T. Cain, who urged upon them the duty and propriety of observing the maxims he was teaching, and guard against excess in the evening. After divine service they again walked in order to Ballagraue. where dinner awaited them provided by Mr. Cain. The evening was afterwards spent in harmony and good fellowship—strictly according with the admonition of the rev. gentleman.

Mona's Herald, Monday, 16th June 1845;

On Wednesday last, the Baldwin Friendly Society celebrated its anniversary by walking in procession from the village to St. Luke's Chapel, were divine service was performed by the Rev. Thomas Caine. From thence they proceeded to the old Tynwald hill of Keil abbane, and back to the village, when about eighty members sat down to a plentiful dinner, supplied by Mr. William Gelling, blacksmith.

No further mention can be found until the 1870s - the notice of an increase in benefits was repeated in several papers and over several issues - it would thus appear that the finances were in a good situation.

Isle of Man Times, Saturday, 20th December 1873;

Baldwin Friendly Society.

NOTICE is hereby given that the members of this Society will hold their ANNUAL FESTIVAL and PROCESSION on the first WEDNESDAY after the 4th of June ; and that in future the ALLOWANCE to SICK MEMBERS will be increased from 6s to 7s a week, and the WEEKLY ALLOWANCE TO PENSIONERS will be increased from 3s to 3s 6d.- By order of the Board. JOHN QUINE, President.

Manx Sun, Saturday, 17th June 1876

BALDWIN CLUB -DAY.

The members of the Baldwin Friendly Society held their anniversary on Wednesday week. They met to the number of about 70, at their club-house, and walked in procession, headed by the Foxdale Brass Band, to St Luke's Church, where an excellent appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev F.J.Moore, vicar of Jurby, the service conducted by the Rev T. C. Langton, chaplain. After the service the procession was re-formed and the members marched to the parsonage, where they were supplied with a substantial luncheon, and subsequently to Mr Quine's mill, where they partook of a meat tea. In the course of the business which followed, the kindness of the Rev T. C. Langton, who for several years past has regularly subscribed two guineas towards the funds of the society, besides other substantial kindnesses, was acknowledged by a formal vote of thanks and three hearty cheers.

The entry in the 1879 Report quotes 47 members and £60 in annual contributions, with £450 in stock which could last for a few more years.

Key Officials

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