THE ODD-FELLOWS' MAGAZINE. OCTOBER, 1861. Thomas Kilner, Prov. P.G.M. MR. THOMAS KILNER, whose portrait illustrates the present number of the Magazine, was born at Patricroft, in the parish of Eccles, near Manchester, in the year 1808. His father and mother (the former of whom is still living) were old and well-known inhabitants of the parish. Mr. Kilner, who is the eldest member of a large family of children, was early taught by his parents that he would have mainly to depend upon his own industry and conduct for his future success in life. These lessons were not lost upon him; for by his perseverance, energy, and enterprise, combined with scrupulously honourable dealing, he has succeeded not only in gaining the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends in various parts of the country, but in placing himself in a respectable position as a manufacturer and tradesman in his native place. Mr. Kilner was initiated a member of the Loyal Trafford Lodge, of the Eccles District, on the 6th of August, 1842. He had previously joined an ordinary sick and burial club established at Patricroft. This Society, at the time he joined it, was reputed to be in a most flourishing position. The number of members was large, but the benefits were, unfortunately, much greater than the rate of subscription eventually justified. Consequently, as in the case of scores of others of a similar character, it was eventually broken up, owing to the absence of funds to meet the increasing demands for sickness, etc., as life advances. Mr. Kilner was fortunately young enough at the time to join the Lodge of which he is still a member. Several of those, however, with whom he was first associated, owing to their advanced years were prevented from following his example, and therefore suffered, to them, an irreparable loss. Thus warned by experience of the folly of expecting large benefits from small contributions, he early entered into the views of the then most intelligent members of the Order, who had not only begun to express their doubt, but soon afterwards were enabled to demonstrate that the financial position of the majority of the Lodges in the Unity, was of a most unsatisfactory character. He became the leader of a small party in his Lodge, who were determined to investigate the question. They found the reserved funds in a most deplorable N condition; and their finances altogether of a character utterly inadequate, with their then rate of contribution, to meet the future promised benefits. The resolutions of the Newcastle A. M. C. in 1844, which may be regarded as the first great movement in the direction of financial reform, stimulated the party of progress in the lodge to further exertion. They attempted to procure a revision of the rates of in-payment and benefits, but this most rational proposition met with, at the time, fierce and determined opposition from a majority of the members. The then usual foolish plea was advanced in support of this, to the present generation, most fatal course of proceeding, viz.: that the society was not an insurance company, but a benevolent and charitable institution, and that it was not only unnecessary but "derogatory to the character of Oddfellows," to husband their present means, or curtail their present philanthropic action, for the sake of providing for the future. Truly, they literally endorsed the sentiment of St. Paul, that "sufficient for the day is the evil thereof." Mr. Kilner and his friends, however, clearly perceived, notwithstanding all these high-sounding phrases about philanthropy, charity and benevolence, that the then practice must ultimately eventuate in the ruin of the lodge, and in the destruction of the members' most cherished hopes. They, therefore, in the face of much opposition, and even misrepresentation, continued their exertions with some little success, until the passing of the celebrated financial resolutions by the Annual Committee, at Glasgow, in 1845, when the opposition rushed into open rebellion, and the entire Eccles district, numbering about 700 members, with the exception of Mr. Kilner and a few of his supporters, seceded from the Manchester Unity. The few who remained staunch to the law and the executive, put themselves in communication with the G. M. and Board of Directors, by which body they were advised to remain in connection with their lodge, and endeavour to reclaim it. This advice was acted upon, and the little party of progress continued systematically to protest against all illegal proceedings. At length, by reiterated argument and conciliatory manner, one convert after another joined their ranks, until a majority resolved, in committee, to make application to the Board of Directors for permission to return to the Unity. An agreement was entered into with thirty-five dissentients, who received their share of the funds. Shortly after, two other lodges made application for reinstatement, which being granted, the Eccles district again emerged into active being. The lodge to which Mr. Kilner belongs is at present in a very prosperous condition. The subject of our memoir is well known to the active members of the Unity, owing to his long connection with the order, as a manufacturer of sashing, etc., and his regular attendance at the Annual Moveable Committees, during the last ten or twelve years. A few years ago, with his usual zeal and enterprise, he determined to produce from the loom a sash ornamented with the emblem of the order. After some patient labour and considerable expense, he succeeded in presenting to the Unity a truly beautiful and chaste specimen of his taste and manufacturing skill, which not only elicited the warmest eulogiums from present and past officers of the order, but has received the approval and patronage of most of the leading districts in the Unity. Mr. Kilner, encouraged by this success, a short time ago contemplated the production of a banner, including a facsimile of the emblem of the Order, woven in the Jacquard loom; but the first cost of such a speculation proved, on minute calculation, to be more than the prospective return would justify, and consequently for the present, at least, he has abandoned the project. Mr. Kilner served the office of N. G. in his lodge (the Trafford), in 1846, and again in 1849. He was Deputy Grand Master of the Eccles district in 1851, and Grand Master in the following year. Mr. Kilner has ever continued a warm supporter of all measures calculated to improve the constitution, and advance the best interests of the Order and its members. His kindness of heart and sterling integrity have deservedly gained many friends throughout the Unity, who will doubtless feel gratified at the possession of the portrait, accompanying this brief notice of his career as an Oddfellow. TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH. BY Y. S. N. To him that overcometh now, to him whose heart is strong To him that overcometh! though a legion foes asaail, Whose will is firm and flincheth not, whose faith no whit doth fail,- To him that overcometh now, and dauntless keeps his stand, To him that overcometh thus, a rest remains at last; To him that overcometh! hear, what Christ the Lord doth say, So unto him who overcomes, a goodly prize is given, Sure promises of "present help," unfading joys in heaven; But he who scorns the cause of truth, and lays his armour down, Who whispers "peace," where peace is not, and shuns the thorn-bound crown, For him who loves to be "at ease," nor heeds the battle-cry, For him no word of hope is found, when "judgment draweth nigh!" July 21st, 1861. |