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

(68) Kirk Patrick Friendly Society: 1829-1880

Description

This Friendly Society based at Glen Maye, in a predominantly rural parish with a significant population of miners, is difficult to date precisely from newspaper sources. The account of its 1835 anniversary, appended, and the fact that it survived on the evidence of the Medical Aid and Poor Relief Commission Report at least up to 1879, in an area with a considerable vulnerable working population, is evidence of efficient management.

Mona's Herald, 24 April 1835

On Tuesday last, being Easter Tuesday, the St. Patrick's Friendly Society held its Anniversary. After divine service at the parish church, the procession returned to head quarters to dinner, where Mrs. Moore of Glen Maye had prepared a most plentiful and well served repast, consisting of the choicest varieties of the season. There sat down to dinner 164 members, who were highly gratified with their regale, and the excellent music of the Peel Artificer's band - the members of which being natives, and a volunteer corps of harmonists, deserve great credit for their skill and execution. This society is in a flourishing condition, and were such associations conducted on sound principles, in a few years we should have neither poverty nor beggery in the country.

Records

M.N.H.L. Isle of Man newspapers, ut supra et passim

Publications

...

Later research (by F.P.C)

The account of the 1834 procession is more informative —Mona's Herald, Friday, 4th April 1834:-

St. PATRICK FRIENDLY SOCIETY

This benevolent Association was instituted in July, 1829, and held their anniversary on Tuesday last, being Easter Tuesday. The stock in hand, after paying the demands of the Institution , amounts to nearly 190 l, having increased this year, after all deductions, to above 13 l. This Society consists of one hundred and twenty-four members, all hale and efficient, and most of them young men. They proceeded, as usual, in the morning towards Dauby and returned to divine service at the parish church, where a sermon was delivered on the occasion by the Rev. T. Stephen, from Phil, ii, 4 ; after which they proceeded on their route towards Ballamoore, the seat of Philip Moore, Esq, thence to the Vicarage, and returned to dinner at Mr. Thomas Moore's, Glenmaye, where a sumptuous and plentiful repast was laid out for them. the music was furnished by the Peel band, which is formed of the young men of the town, members of the Peel Friendly Society.

The young patricians, it is said, are about imitating their example, and intend to take lessons, &c, to prepare themselves by the next anniversary -. The funds can well afford to supply them with instruments. The wands of office and sticks of the members, as also the handsome crosier presented to their chaplain, are all tipped and tinged with green, in compliment, doubtless, to the titular saint of the Emerald Isle. The company passed the evening very comfortably, during which several loyal toasts were given, and appropriate airs played by the young musicians particularly Mylecharane after " The Keys." The progress this young band has made in their favorite exercise is beyond all praise. - Correspondent,

Key Officials

There are 14 legal documents taken out in the name of the Society which name key officials [more tba]

three outstanding loans were assigned to other parties in 1880 - would appear to be the final acts of the society.

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