From WBro Damien of Lodge Devotion The December 2015 Wikipedia page and official web site of the independent non-profit children's charity “The Smith Family” tell the same story: “On Christmas eve 1922, five businessmen
walked into a Sydney orphanage carrying armfuls of toys and sweets. When asked
who the children could thank, one of the men, preferring to remain anonymous,
said “Smith”. “What about the others?” the matron asked. “They’re Smiths
too”, replied the man. “We’re all Smiths. We’re The Smith Family.” .. “A
concept… and a family… was born.” I had been told this same story by one of
our Devotion members with one slight Masonic twist – “The Smiths” were
Freemasons returning from a Lodge Meeting. I’ve since heard the story several
times. Initially, I’d googled and indeed discovered a reference to this on a Smith Family’s official web but that is now gone. Researching a charity and the Freemasons in the one google search can be tricky due to the Freemasons wide financial support of the community, but I plan to try and solve the mystery; did Freemasons founded this charity?
Today (23 December 2015), with some blank space in Devotion News, I thought I would
check further… I’ve found the obituary of MR. A. W. FLEMING. (The Sydney Morning Herald Wed 18 March 1931, page 18). According to the same, Mr Fleming was indeed both a Brother and one of the Founding members of the Smith Family. Funeral Notices for the same Mr Flemming call for the Brethren of Lodge Leinster Marine # 2 NSW and Sedgwick Rose Croix # 15 to attend. Reports on the funeral such as 19 March also mention the Freemasons. Further, in “Philanthropy and
Settler Colonialism” by Anne O'Brien (Palgrave Macmillan 2014 page 118); “The
Smith Family was founded by a small group of business and professional men with
Masonic Connections in Sydney in 1922…. “ The Smith Family added “Joyspreaders Unlimited” to their name in 1924, again becoming The Smith Family in the 1960’s. An undated Constitution of the Smith Family Joyspreaders Unlimited listed under its OBJECTS "To encourage and foster throughout the whole year the spirit of true charity letting not the right hand know what the left hand doeth”. Listing other "Objects" the next heading is OBLIGATIONS OF A SMITH.
This originally all male organization many not have been “a concept.. and a family.. was born” but
rather a charitable lesson central to Freemasonry that was being lived ???
I would love to conclusively prove that the Smith Family was born by brothers, possibly on their way home from a lodge meeting.
Please contact Damien via editor AT lodgedevotion.net if you can help. We will keep you updated on our progress through the below blog. |
Was the Smith Family Charity Founded by Freemasons at Christmas?
Baulkham Hills seems an epicentre of Masonic Benevolance. Masonic Orphan Schools, William Thompson Masonic School
Summary The William Thompson Masonic School was founded in 1922 at Baulkham Hills (in Sydney's north west) for the care and education of the children of deceased Freemasons. It had previously been the Masonic Orphan Schools. Different sources give different dates when the school was closed. The site was sold to the Hills Shire Council in December 1973. The Masons opened family group homes in Baulkham Hills and Castle Hill following the closure of the Masonic School. In 2010 the Hills District Historical Society Museum and Research Centre opened in a former girls' cottage, Building 10. The Museum includes a display about the Masonic School including furniture, honour roll boards, magazines, minute books and photographs. In 2012 Find and Connect staff were advised by the United Grand Lodge of the Masons NSW/ACT that all records relating to the Masonic Orphan Schools, William Thompson Masonic School and related institutions Orana, Boronia and Wybalenna were destroyed by accident in 2002, during construction works. The
Masonic Orphan School was the brainchild of William Thompson who was
the Liberal Party member for Ryde from 1913-20, and Grand Master of the
United Grand Lodge of New South Wales of Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons from 1914-24. Thompson's aim was to establish cottage homes for
orphans. Land was purchased at Baulkham Hills in 1921 and the first
stage of what was originally known as 'The Masonic Orphan Schools' was
opened on 11 November 1922. The opening of the institution drew such a
crowd of Masons that it was reported in Tasmania's The Mercury; 'There was a long procession of Masons in regalia on Saturday at the opening of the Masonic School for Orphans at Baulkham Hills. It was estimated that 10,000 Masons and friends attended the ceremony. Most Worshipful Brother William Thompson, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, announced that Mr RS Cropley, a successful Sydney businessman and his wife had decided to give their services in superintending the school, which when completed would accommodate 100 boys and girls. The institution is being financed by voluntary contributions from Masons in New South Wales and is modeled on the latest principles for the welfare of children. The school has a commanding position on the hills, and has 150 acres of land. Mr Cropley, who is a member of Cropley's Ltd, boot merchants, is giving up a lucrative business to devote his time to the welfare of orphans.' In recognition of Thompson's leadership and service to the project, the school was renamed 'William Thompson Masonic Schools'. Please see the entry on William Thompson Masonic Schools for more informationIt's also interesting to note that two of the five men credited with founding the Smith Family, Rupert Cropley (1881-1949) and J G Bannerman were members of Lodge Fortitude No. 439. Cropley was the Foundation Master, and Bannerman also a Foundation Member and later the Master in 1925. Oh, and naturally the lodge was founded in 1922 (same year as the Smith Family) and you will never guess where... yep, Baulkham Hills. This seems to link the Smith Family's foundation not just in narrative, but also by geography.  |
1935: Memorandum of Association of THE SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS and Articles of Association of THE SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS 1935 00206B9B9BA8160208064107.pdf
I now have
Memorandum of Association of THE SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS and Articles of Association of THE SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS 1935
Thanks to a contact at the Smith Family for supplying this document.Memorandum of Association of THE SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS and Articles of Association of THE SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS 1935
This document is dated 24 April 1935 with the above two titles within a single document, sequentially numbered pages 3 to 21.
The Memorandum of Association runs pages 3-7 and appears complete. I will refer to that as the Memorandum.
Articles of Association runs pages 8- 21, pages 18 & 19 missing. I will refer to that as the Articles.
Each
of the two documents above carry signature and witness pages which are almost
identical with a single variation with an address, only "Sydney" being omitted. They do not carry any signatures and at this point I cannot
confirm if the document was adopted nor lodged with the relevant
authorities. Articles of Association runs pages 8- 21, pages 18 & 19 missing. I will refer to that as the Articles.
The Memorandum of Association signature page is on page number 7 .
Articles of Association signature page is on the page numbered 21 (the last page).
As it is kept on file by the Smith Family, let's assume the document was executed.
Articles
6 (a) To devote at lease one whole day or its equivalent in 365 to the other fellow.
(b) When engages in the official work of The Family at no time to reveal his true identity
(c) To personally do all in his power to live up to the principles of The Family in his daily walks of life.
Names, Addresses and Descriptions of Subscribers Laurence H Hughes 193 Macqaurie Street Sydney Physician R E Orchard 101 Yarranabee Road Darling Point S E Chatterton Market Street Sydney Merchant Ernest Albert Laurence No 6 Wynyard Street Sydney Solicitor Harry Brisbane Jamieson 115 Pitt Street Sydney Chartered Accountant (Aust.) D McNeill 142a Brook Street Coogee Staff Manager Raymond John Sands 17 O'Connell Street Sydney Chartered Accountant (Aust.) Names, Addresses and Descriptions of Subscribers 1. Laurence H Hughes, 193 Macquarie Street, Sydney, Physician I suspect the above is Laurence Hugh Hughes MB ChM Syd (1912) MD Syd (1921) FRACP (1938) (Foundation) who lived (1980-1973). There are details on the roll of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians here and interestingly "He
had a special interest in rheumatic fever and was instrumental with Dr
RAR Green in establishing the Smith Family Home". There is no mention
of Freemasonry in that biography. A "LH Hughes" attends several funerals of Freemasons, but never in the masonic party and always listed under "other mourners" There is no evidence that Laurence H Hughes was a Freemason. 2. (A Freemason) R E Orchard, 101 Yarranabee Road, Darling Point 3. S E Chatterton, Market Street, Sydney, Merchant A Stanley Chatterton was one of 5 founders of Woolworths on 2 December 1924. "Percy Christmas and Stanley Chatterton had opened a first-floor Frock Salon in the Queen Victoria Markets (now the Queen Victoria Building) at the corner of Market and George Streets, Sydney..... By 1924 it was obvious that the premises of S.E. Chatterton were too small and another branch seemed the solution. Chatterton and Christmas were offered portion of the basement of Imperial Arcade currently occupied by the newspaper, ‘Smith’s Weekly’ and a billiard saloon". Source of this is here There is no evidence that Stanley Chatterton was a Freemason. 4. Ernest Albert Laurence, No 6 Wynyard Street, Sydney, Solicitor Charles Albert Laurence and Ernest Albert Laurence operated the business of Laurence and Laurence. Source here. There is no evidence that Ernest Albert Laurence was a Freemason. 5. Harry Brisbane Jamieson, 115 Pitt Street, Sydney, Chartered Accountant (Aust.) Ald. Harry Brisbane JAMIESON,Prospect and Sherwood Municipal Council (Holroyd) and his ward was Guildford 1895-1901. Found that here. JAMIESON. —November 22, 1932, at a private hospital, suddenly, Ella Lillian, eldest daughter of Mrs. H. B. Jamieson, of Hunter's Hill, aged 35. 1932 'Family Notices.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 23 November, p. 12, viewed 10 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28029720 Mr. H. B. Jamieson~ chairman of directors of Monier Industries Limited From Estimates,1937-1938. Found here There is no evidence that Harry Brisbane Jamieson was a Freemason 6. D McNeill, 142a Brook Street, Coogee, Staff Manager At that address, there are "three-storey Art Deco flats, late 1930s" Source here I cannot identify this man from this information, hence there is no evidence that D McNeill was a Freemason. 7. Raymond John Sands, 17 O'Connell Street, Sydney, Chartered Accountant (Aust.) Messrs R J SANDS and JUNIOR selling Shop fittings in; 1934 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 12 May, p. 1, viewed 10 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17071631 1st WAVERTON, S.C.E.G.S., BOY SCOUTS. President : R. J. Sands, Esq. "THE TORCH-BEARER" THE MAGAZINE OF THE SYDNEY CHURCH OF ENGLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL No. 2. SEPTEMBER 1, 1935. Vol. XXXIX. Pages 119 There is no evidence that Raymond John Sands was a Freemason. | Witness to Signatures Hence only one of the six witnesses was a FreemasonA. Coyne 193 Macquarie Street Sydney H. J Hiller 81 Pitt Street Sydney H. J Hiller 81 Pitt Street Sydney J Bruce Ferguson 1 Veret Street Hunter's Hill A K Paterson 115 Pitt Street Sydney R W Bindolf 24 Huntley's Point Road Huntley's Point J Glasson Carabella Street Kirribilli Sydney Let us examine these names Witness to Signatures 1A) A. Coyne, 193 Macquarie Street, Sydney I cannot identify this man from this information, hence there is no evidence that A Coyne was a Freemason. 2A & 3A) (A Freemason) H. J Hiller, 81 Pitt Street, Sydney Hiller
is interesting, being a witness to two signatures. Unfortunately he was
not one of the subscribers, but witnesses two signatures, showing he
was willing to travel to execute the document... and yes, he appears to
have been a Freemason. Ah-HA ! H J Hiller was recorded as a Masonic Representative at a funeral noted here on our web site I
think that is quite significant but unfortunately we can only match the
initials and not the full name... 1931 'MR. A. W. FLEMING.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW
: 1842 - 1954), 19 March, p. 13, viewed 9 February, 2016,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16763263 I've noted this article
before. Not only is he a Freemason - but look at the address which is
the same as The Smith Family. 4A) J Bruce Ferguson, 1 Veret Street, Hunter's Hill This is proving a difficult name to research.... In the Will of HERBERT CARRINGTON STREET late of Balgowlah retired postal inspector, seeking probate to Isabella Jane Street, the Executrix. J Bruce Ferguson is the Proctor for the Executrix, 11c Castlereagh street Sydney 1953 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 13 November, p. 16, viewed 10 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27522574 In the will of ALFRED NAPOLEON GILBERT, Retired Salesman, Mary Oxley Gilbert the Executrix, a J Bruce Ferguson is the Proctor, Hosking House, Hosking Place Sydney 1947 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 13 January, p. 11, viewed 10 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18017243 In the Estate of ELIZABETH MARY, married woman, Married Woman, deceased interstate, administration of the estate to be granted to John Joseph Leahy the widower of the said deceased, a J Bruce Ferguson is the Proctor 1948 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 12 April, p. 6, viewed 10 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29762561 IN the Will of PHILLIP HENRY RUTLIDGE late of Artarmon NSW, probate of a will dated 30th June 1937, may be granted to Margery Rutlidge, the Executrix. A J Bruce Ferguson is the Proctor, Hosking House, Hosking Place Sydney. 1950 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 24 August, p. 15, viewed 10 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18181932 There is a JB Ferguson of Melbourne. There is a Dr J B Ferguson mentioned in the below 1930 'TUBERCULOSIS BUREAU.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 21 May, p. 7, viewed 10 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4088591 A Boolean search of Trove give 2,909 results for "JB Ferguson" There are simply too many JB Fergusons to use the initials. J. Bruce Ferguson, Solicitor, of 84 Pitt Street, 1954 'Advertising.', The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), 30 October, p. 14, viewed 10 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50622813 Pitt Street is interesting... being the official address of the Smiths some 20 years prior J. BRUCE FERGUSON, Solicitor, 11c Castlereagh Street, Sydney 1953 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 9 July, p. 11, viewed 10 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18382408 There is also a man in America "J. Bruce Ferguson" circa 1907 5A) A K Paterson, 115 Pitt Street,Sydney The 1923 Sands Directory has several businesses listed at the above address but I can find scant detail on the man above, hence There is no evidence that A K Paterson, was a Freemason 6A) R W Bindolf, 24 Huntley's Point Road, Huntley's Point I cannot identify this man from this information. 7A) J Glasson, Carabella Street, Kirribilli, Sydney I cannot identify this man from this information. |
1932 Book; The Smith Family, Its work and story 1932
 "With their customary modesty, The Smith Family did not write this little book themselves. They left it to someone outside the organisation, who was supplied with scrapbooks, annual reports, and documents for the purpose. He has, of course, ended up a Smith.... The book records few names. The first chapter with the title, "The Beginning of It", records five (5) unnamed businessmen (not Freemasons) returning from a trip via Parramatta Road and arrival at the Woolpack Hotel for a drink in 1922 "near Christmas". A conversation is recorded between a "jovial man" and the car's "driver". Prior to arriving at the Woolpack and while still driving on the road, the "jovial fellow" gives an account of what he has purchased for his son for Christmas - a toy monkey. The account focuses on "the jovial fellow", who later appears at the Orphanage as Santa, and the driver of the car ("an argumentative cuss like all his ilk") who in reply to the jovial man's "there isn't a kid who hasn't got something to look for at Christmas!" the driver says there are some who do not.... and how ".... the Jovial Man, within two or three days, was feeling glad he had agreed to join the committee of investigation instead of putting money on his opinion." The Contents on page 4 show 5 chapters; THE BEGINNING OF IT (CHAPTER 1) ON THE ART OF SMITHING (CHAPTER 2) SHORT STORIES OF THE SMITHS (CHAPTER 3) ALL SORTS OF GOOD WORK (CHAPTER 4) WHAT REMAINS TO BE DONE - WORK FOR THE MALNOURISHED CHILDREN (CHAPTER 5) Chapter 1 runs pages 5-10 Chapter 2 runs pages 11-18 Chapter 3 runs pages 19-25 Chapter 4 runs pages 26-36 Chapter 5 runs pages 37-42 "And now - your part" is one page (page 43) while the Preface is one page (page 3) The book has two pictures, page 1 and page 44 being the first and last page. "And how - your part" has records the name as THE SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS UNLIMITED at 81 Pitt Street, Sydney, Box 328-F G.P.O. and phone B3948 SHORT STORIES OF THE SMITHS (CHAPTER 3)
ALL SORTS OF GOOD WORK (CHAPTER 4)
In "A Party with an Admiral" pages 23-4 records a party on MAS Canberra "where 500 kiddies were entertained by the captain, officer, and crew, and shook hands with that doughy adventurer and writer of adventurers' books, Admiral E R G R Evans, the in command of the Fleet " but while Evans' presence is noted, he is not overtly claimed as a member of the Smith Family. Evans does not appear to have been a Freemason. Sir Dudley de Chair is mentioned. He was Governor of New South Wales 1923-1930Page 31 describes a large radio installation completed at "the big Coast Hospital... its turnover of 10,000 patients a year" where " ...a speedy installation of the radio equipment enabled Sir Dudley de Chair to declare the last section open on April 1,1930, before he left for England. Sir Dudley does not appear to have been a Freemason. Page 44 records the books is "Wholly set up and Printed in Australia, by D S Ford. 44-50 Reservoir Street Sydney" but does not claim DS Ford as a Smith or the DS Ford donated the work, the business could simply could have been a contractor. DS Ford did publish some Masonic Works, but this hardly allows us to conclude he was a Freemason. None of the names given in the book are known Freemasons. So, from a Masonic perspective, the book is a step in elimination rather than confirmation of any Masonic origins for the Smith Family. Still, that perhaps is progress towards "The Truth"... Reading the book was of great interest and certainly added to my view on the Smith's operations and history. It also revealed much about the thinking of the organization. I am now even more keen to read the earlier publication The Smith Family : bringers of cheer, makers of mirth, purveyors of joy. Sydney : Smith Family, [1924?]. Being an earlier publication, it is more likely to be closer to the founders than The Smith Family, Its work and story of 1932 For a moment, let's consider the hypothesis that the Smith Family was founded by Freemasons. If that was the case, then is it clear that the author of this book did not want the Smith Family to be seen as a Masonic Group. (And not forgetting there was a NSW Masonic Benevolence Society). It is also clear that other contemporary accounts examined so far do not link the Smith Family with any specific Masonic Lodge or group, but there are Freemasons who are working hard as Smiths - according to newspaper reports, one as a Founder.. It is clear the Smith Family's history tells that it was founded by men. This book clearly states that the discussion between .."five business men in their motor car.." returning "a little tired of their trip" gave birth to the Smith Family. I also note it does not say "business trip", does include a visit to the Woolpack pub (with early closing times back them, so afternoon at the latest, arrival at the pub also cut the discussion short) and they make an investigation over several days, and later visit the Home for Boys. This means the trip was not taken on 24 Dec as later sources report. The visit to the pub also to "wash away the dust of Baulkham Hills" does not mean that is where they conclusively came from, but certainly indicates they had been to or traveled through Baulkham HIlls." In Chapter four in "Ladies - Bless Them!" P 33 & 34 we have an account of how females became involved in the operations of the Smith Family. Here it is retyped in full Finally, it is, perhaps, necessary to say something about Mrs. Smith and Miss Smith. Do not imagine for one moment that the male Smiths went down on their knees and pleaded to these ladies to join them in their work. Rather it was their policy to keep what they were doing to their self-conscious selves. But - have you ever tried to keep a secret from your Mrs. Smith ? "James, where are you going to-night ?... "Darling, I am going to the Stadium"... "James, you know quite well that this is Thursday, and there is a no fight on Thursday ... and last week you went to the Capitol and came home with an enthusiastic description of a picture called "She Loves Me Not," which was being shown EXCLUSIVELY at the Prince Edward. ... Now, James, exactly - wh're - ARE - you going ?" The real difference between the bad and the good husbands is that no good husband ever risks having to face a conversation like this, even in a worthy cause, so the wise Smiths told their wives confidentially what there were doing; and most wives, being good-hearted, decided to take a had in the game. You can bet it was not very long under those circumstances before the Ladies' Auxiliary and the Younger Smith Set were in existence. On page 24, there is mention of the "Girl Smith organizers" and an account of their good work. Many organizations like Rotary were closed to women at the time, and it is interesting to note woman are very involved in the Smith Family from the early days... The book reports that on 18 September 1923 the Smith Family came into formal existence with about sixty members. Quoting from page 12; "On September 18,1923, the Smith Family came into formal existence with sixty members, and sub-title to its name to explain itself : - "JOYSPREADERS UNLIMITED" Its objects were set out clearly: "To maintain throughout the whole year the spirit of true charity, letting not the right hand know what the left hand doeth. "To maintain a continuous campaign of good cheer and goodwill, to brighten the lives of the afflicted, distressed, sick and needy, and to restore confidence in those whom misfortune hath dealt with. "To develop a centre of service so that the spirit of the Family shall radiate throughout the length and breadth of the country. "To develop a definite interest in the other fellow." This are the same goals (with one missing) in the copy of the Constitution I have, which you can read here. However he Constitution stored at that link has an additional clause omitted from the above which appears in the subject book. This reads "To develop a definite interest in the welfare of, and to help in all ways possible, children who thorough misfortune are in need of the advice, help and care of a friend. The above is inserted between the third and fourth clause in the above recorded in The Smith Family; its work and story of 1932. For clarity, here is page  The activities of the Smiths were obviously to assist the poor. This can easily be viewed according to a political paradigm. The text refers to making people self reliant. Offering more than just presents at Christmas, the Smiths are also tending to the clothing and health needs of those they assist (including supplying tobacco; a document of its times). One comment did stand out from a political perspective. On page 41 we read "Good Health is the greatest cure for all the evils of the world. The best panacea for Bolshevism in content." This web site being a Masonic one and Freemasonry not engaging in politics, I will leave it at that but mention this because of the historical nature of the document and this interesting comment, particularly in the context of the inter-war years.. It is on page 41 is below;  In conclusion; there is nothing in the book to confirm the Smith Family was founded by Freemasons. If the book's account of the founding is true (and it is yet to be corroborated), although the men visited the Home for Boys on 24 December 1922 (a Sunday) the visit to the pub took place prior to the 24 December "near Christmas" of 1922. I understand for here, that Sunday trading in Hotels did not commence until 1979, so the traditional history of the pub and Boys' Home visit on the same day (Sunday) can be questioned, and the book gives a different account with the pub visit not less than "within two or three days" of the visit to the Homes, but probably within December. This fits more with the facts and is clearly stated in the book. Given the days of the early Hotel close (6 pm I believe), the men would have been traveling on a day of trade. It is possible they were returning from a Masonic Event, but likely the evening prior. You would think it would be unlikely to have a daytime Masonic Event in the morning, but it is possible. All we can say is there is nothing in this book confirming the oral history of Freemasons founding the Smith Family. However the book does describe "five business men" (page 5) present during the initial discussions and six "males" (on page 7, we have an extra man) visiting the Home, any and all who may, or may not have been Freemasons. However, never before have I noticed the extra male, it seems our five business man wasted no time adding another to their number and the Smith Family grew to become a Nationally significant organisation, and remains so to this day. ******** After consultation with the National Library of Australia, and speaking to the Smith Family itself, I was able to supply a copy to the family for their archives. To allow other researchers access to this publication, it is attached below. Given it's size of 10 Meg, I may not be able to host it indefinitely. I supply it with a strong belief there is no copyright claim over the book and it is in the public domain having discussed the same with the National Library of Australia and briefly with the currently Secretary of the Smith Family where any claim would reasonably expect to originate. See below for Full PDF Copy of The Smith Family, its work and story 1932. |
| Attachments:
The Smith Famity its work and story (book).pdf
The Five; Wikipedia as the sources of names; Rupert Cropley, Benjamin Drummer, HB Carrington, JG Bannerman and LC Packer
22 Jan 2016
Yesterday I found the page http://www.thefullwiki.org/The_Smith_Family which draws from Wikipedia.
This
page claims five Freemasons (Rupert Cropley, Benjamin Drummer, HB
Carrington, JG Bannerman and LC Packer) as the men who went to the
orphanage on 24 Dec 1922 hence founding The Smith Family.Yesterday I found the page http://www.thefullwiki.org/The_Smith_Family which draws from Wikipedia.
(Note, there is a March 2016 update here which notes all these men as Freemasons)
On 9 Oct 2009. an unregistered user with the
Australian IP address (202.63.57.143) changes "five businessmen" to
"five Freemasons" also adding their specific names. You can see that here.
User 202.63.57.143 does not provide a source for this claim. The IP
address is Australian and does not appear dynamic, but I am not going to
chase the user.
This change made on 9 Oct 2009 was altered at 21:07 on 30 June 2010 by Hinem24, an unsubscribed user. The word "Freemasons" was replaced with "businessmen" . That user likewise does not provide sources.
This change made on 9 Oct 2009 was altered at 21:07 on 30 June 2010 by Hinem24, an unsubscribed user. The word "Freemasons" was replaced with "businessmen" . That user likewise does not provide sources.
https://web.archive.org/web/20090415000000*/https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/site/page.cfm?u=109
Rupert Cropley (1881/2 ? - 1949) appears to have been a Freemason There is a stain glass window in his honour. Source is here http://www.mof.org.au/articles/sydney-masonic-centre/56-stained-glass-school-window.html The Grand Master said they were specially privileged, In as much as Bro R S Cropley, who, at the zenith of his business career, and when there was a great commercial future be- fore him, had relinquished it all in order that he and his wife might devote the future of their lives to the care of the orphans of New South Wales Mason 1922 'MASONIC SCHOOLS.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 13 November, p. 10, viewed 21 January, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16027361 This 1922 article is of interest  Quoting from the above "Mr. Cropley is a son of Mr. R. B. Cropley, the well-known builder. He is 41 years of age, and is a native of Sydney. He has always been keenly interested in children. He has no children of his own, his son Jack having died when hewas but six and a half years of age. Early this year Mr. Cropley sold a prosperous boot and shoe business at Marrickville to take up the honorary superintendency of the school." 1922 'Masonic Orphan Schools Opened!.', The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser (NSW : 1886 - 1942), 17 November, p. 8, viewed 21 January, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126125762 The school referred to above and below is the William Thompson Masonic School at Baulkham Hills 1926 'N S. Wales Masonic Schools.', The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser (NSW : 1886 - 1942), 2 April, p. 7, viewed 21 January, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125953493 R. S. Cropley (Superintendent of Masonic Schools) from 1931 'MRS. E. M. HALLORAN.', Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), 19 May, p. 2, viewed 21 January, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142773293 In this article we read of " R.W. Bro. and Mrs. R. S. Cropley, who have for many years given their time and labor gratuitously to the superintendency of the Masonic Schools at Baulkham Hills." and how the school was founded in 1922. From 1933 'THE MASONIC SCHOOLS.', Glen Innes Examiner (NSW : 1908 - 1954), 11 November, p. 7, viewed 21 January, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article183556627 We have "R S Cropley" present in 1937 'LATE MR. WILLIAM THOMPSON.', Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), 22 October, p. 10, viewed 21 January, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86049299 | HB Carrington 1919 'Advertising.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 8 January, p. 9, viewed 21 January, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15819112 JG Bannerman There is a Freemason called J Bannerman here 1923 'MR. T. DONALD.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 7 September, p. 5, viewed 21 January, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16091731 Benjamin Drummer He is pictured with Cropley in an article titled "THE MASONIC HOMES AT BAULKHAM HILLS" with the subtitle "INMATES ASSEMBLED FOR THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES ON SATURDAY." and described as " Mr Benjamin Drummer (secretary of the Welfare Department). " Interesting association and activity and date in the above. The Source is 1923 'THE MASONIC HOMES AT BAULKHAM HILLS.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 17 December, p. 12, viewed 21 January, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1611267 LC Packer There
certainly was a Sydney Freemason "L Packer" around the critical date(s)
in question, especially 1922, but nothing conclusive so far. |
The Five; The Smith Family was founded in 1922 by five NSW Freemasons (needing verification)
Right ! Nice Find - now we have some names !!!!! The next task is to work out if I can back it up with some more facts, but the names will help.. I note Fleming is not mentioned.. but he might have been a "founder" when the Smith Family was Incorporated or just an early supporter .I knew I had read that the Smith Family was founded by Freemasons and was pretty sure I'd seen it on the Smith Family web site, which the below cites as a source.... however the sources pages are now redirecting to a new page.... The Smith Family history The Smith Family was founded in 1922 by five NSW Freemasons, who identified a need and responded accordingly. In many ways, this typifies The Smith Family today - an organisation that is enterprising and evidence based. Freemasons are still actively involved with The Smith Family in many senior management roles in addition to the many generous lodges who donate their time and funds annually. Shortly before Christmas in 1922, the five freemasons, from western Sydney (Rupert Cropley, Benjamin Drummer, HB Carrington, JG Bannerman and LC Packer) were returning from a trip to the Blue Mountains. They debated whether everyone was enjoying the Christmas spirit but rather than go on their opinion only, they established that there was disadvantage and decided to do something about it. They believed that all children should be able to join in at Christmas so they went to an orphanage where children were without the love of families surrounding them and gave them the joys of Christmas - toys and sweets. They were happy to do this anonymously and when the matron asked them their names so that the children could write a letter of thanks, one of the men replied: "Er .. Smith." "What about the others?" asked the matron. "They're Smiths too," replied the man "We're all Smiths. We're The Smith Family..." And so The Smith Family came into existence. During the Depression of the late 1920s and early 30s, The Smith Family assisted with the food and clothing needs of thousands of Australians as unemployment soared and responsibility for the care of children and families fell to organisations such as The Smith Family. In 1933 when rheumatic fever became a major health issue affecting children, The Smith Family set up a special hospital to care for them. Mt Arcadia operated in North Parramatta until 1958. In 1960, The Smith Family, under the leadership of General Secretary George Forbes, founded VIEW Clubs Australia (Voice, Interest and Education of Women) to provide a support network for women to meet in friendship and to support the work of The Smith Family. Today, over 23,000 women are members of a VIEW Club in their local community. The 1970s saw The Smith Family react to the needs of refugee families fleeing war in Vietnam and Timor and supporting the residents of Darwin recover from the devastation inflicted by Cyclone Tracey. Throughout the 1970s and 80s The Smith Family was spending more than ever before on direct financial relief - in many cases to generations of the same family. In 1987, The Smith Family asked their emergency help clients what they believed needed to be done to put an end to intergenerational disadvantage. They replied "help us help our children to get an education." In response, The Smith Family set up EDU-CATE for students in the junior secondary years. The program was designed to ensure kids didn't miss out at school just because of their family's financial situation. During the 1990s the program was extended as Learning for Life which has so far supported 40,000 children and young people to make the most of their educational opportunities and break the cycle of disadvantage. Throughout the past 85 years, The Smith Family has continued to review the needs of disadvantaged children and families and responded accordingly. Postscript This
source draws on Wikipedia and these names would have come from an old
revision of the Wikipedia page. I've got over excited on seeing some
names,.... but there is no source for them. My cognitive bias has
overlooked that someone could have fabricated these mens'
involvement..... because I just don't think like that and hence had a
short term blind spot to the possibility. These names are a lead, but
prove nothing. I'm very keen to read some of the family's early writings
and expect have have at least one of them soon. MARCH 2016 UPDATE Yesterday I obtained more information on these brothers.
This came via email from the Smith Family's files and was a PDF showing a
creation date of 2003. Also attached were news articles;Hills News - Tuesday 8 August 2009 Page 6 "Masons keep reaching out" by Amanda Keane. This article mentions the men by name as starting the Smith Family & Northern News - Tues 18 August 2009 "Who are Freemasons". This article mentions "Rubert Cropley and four others Masons" starting the Smith Family. A Story of Brotherly Love and Relief M W bro. R S Cropley PGM UGLNSW is well remembered in NSW for his 30 years service as Superintendent of the William Thompson Masonic School, which cared for the orphans of Masons. But there much more to the story of this truly caring Mason. In 1922, together with 4 other Masons, Cropley decided to share their business successes with an orphanage. Arriving with a car load of presents, they were asked, "What is your name?" They replied "Smith, we are all Smiths, in fact we are the Smith Family" So was born one of the most fantastic public charities in out land today. From that beginning, the SMITH FAMILY has grown to a charitable organisation, distributing food, clothes and presents etc. until in 2001, more than $30 million was spent on its community programs and Christmas hampers. There were 650 paid staff and 2000 volunteers. The Five Founders. RUPERT CROPLEY, born 1881 died 1949. Initiated on 28/1/1909 in Lodge Manoah No.41 UGLNSW. Installed as foundation Master of Lodge Fortitude No. 439, Baulkham Hills in 1922. The rank of PGM was conferred upon him in September 1938. Was he a Royal Arch Mason? Yes ! Exalted in Chapter Temperance No.219 Scottish Constitution and was foundation First Principal in Chapter Hurlestone No. 444 where he remained a member until his death.
BENJAMIN DRUMMER was also a member of Lodge Manoah No. 41, was WM in 1899 and secretary from 1908 to 1926. H B CARRINGTON became a Mason on 4/9/1912 in Lodge Cosmopolitan NO. 67 he died 23/4/1946. J G BANNERMAN was a member of Lodge Manoah No.41 and a foundation member of Lodge Fortitude No.439 serving as WM in 1925. L C PACKER served as a Grand Steward in the UGLNSW in1890. Lodge Manoah was a strictly temperance Lodge and remain so throughout its 113 years, however not all its members were so devout. As legend has it that the idea of the SMITH FAMILY was conceived over a beer in a Parramatta hotel! We are grateful for the time and energy spent in researching this piece by Rt. Ex. Comp. Graham Cumming PGH, SGC of M and RA Masons of NSW and ACT and thank him for his permission to reproduce this fascinating piece of Australian and Masonic history. |
| Attachments:
Masonsbrotherly_love_ra.pdf
The Smith Family - The Full Wiki.pdf
Thinking About MR. A. W. FLEMING. The Smith Family Founded in NZ and another name...
A hot night and I'm up poking around the internet and my mind turns back to the origins of the Smith Family and the one firm name I have; MR. A. W. FLEMING.  The Fabric of Welfare: Voluntary Organisations, Government and Welfare in New Zealand, 1840-2005, Margaret Tennant, Bridget Williams Books, 2007 Page 112-113 gives us some more crumbs and another book to examine.. Joyspeadking and Mothers' Rests Depression, on a communal as well as an individual level, prompts the prescription of good cheer. 'Cheer-up weeks' were tried in some New Zealand Centres, while 'Sunshine' and 'Happiness' clubs proliferated. One of the standard images of 1930's New Zealand involved men and woman, many in cheap sandshoes, lining up outside the 'Smith Family Joyspreaders' - a relief organisation founded by Wellington businessmen in February 1932, but inspired by an association that is sill a significant element among Sydney's social services. 'Joyspreading' involved a two-pronged approach for the Smith Family; boosting community morale while relieving individual destitution, During the Depression the organization subsidized children's attendance at health camps, sending unemployed youths out possum-trapping, provided a boot repair facility, acted as an intermediary in tenancy and debt collection disputes, distributed food orders, organized community singalongs, ad ran Christmas parties and free picture shows for needy children...... ... .... The "Smith Family' of the title did not refer to a related group of philanthropists, but to the 'anonymous and universal' application of the organization itself. 'Smith' was a name redolent of the ordinary and the recurrent, and participants in the Smith Family's work were supposed to be enveloped in the anonymity of a common surname. Hence there was not only "Chairman Smith', but 'Secretary Smith' and anonymous women workers, such as 'Mrs Hope Smith', who made a thousand garment for distribution among the poor of Wellington in 1933. The Smith Family aimed to replicate the 'kindly-disposed neigbour' what came out to light when things were at there blackest, and some of those helped during the Depression apparently did not know the source of their assistance.... .... In May 1935 the Smith Family Inc (the 'Joyspreaders' having faded from usage) amalgamated with the Mayors' Metropolitan Relief Committee. Having been so closely associated with depression conditions, the organization had to chart new waters after 1935. By 1938 Peter Fraser was the Smith Family' titular president, and close links with his office became apparent in the records..... in 1941 the Minister of Internal Affairs, Bill Parry, instructed his department to appoint an officer to liaise with the organization over an extended 'Mothers' Rest' scheme..... Peter Fraser later supported the schemes extension.." For the Record there are two Fleming Notices; "OBITUARY. MR. A. W. FLEMING." The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) 18 Mar 1931: 18. Web. 10 Feb 2016 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16762928 1931 'MR. A. W. FLEMING.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 19 March, p. 13, viewed 10 February, 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16763263 It is the first of the above which appears on this page as a jpg. |
Looking for Early Books, Documents & Writting on the Smith Family, Pre WW2
I am looking for early writings about the Smith Family Charity, especially writings from the 1920's.... I AM SEEKING: The Smith Family : bringers of cheer, makers of mirth, purveyors of joy. Sydney : Smith Family, [1924?]Any early DATED Constitutions or similar of The Family, especially ones with individual's names in them. I will add any other book and document titles I find to this page If someone had an electronic copies of these, I would love you to email it to me. Alternatively I do have a Post Office Box.. I HAVE FOUND OR BEEN SUPPLIED: The Smith Family : its work and storyI have obtained the above book and comment on it is here. A full copy PDF of The Smith Family, Its work and story 1932 can be found as an attachment on the same page here Memorandum of Association of THE SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS and Articles of Association of THE SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS 1935 . End |
CONSTITUTION of the SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS UNLIMITED (undated, probably pre 1935))
Via Facebook, I was able to obtain presumably the first section of the CONSTITUTION of the SMITH FAMILY JOYSPREADERS UNLIMITED. The date of this document is unknown but associated with the 1930's on the Smith Family web site where a smaller cropped version appears. The larger section obtained on Facebook appears below. They have the same tear and appear pasted in a book of lined pages, they look like the same document. Under the "Obligations of a Smith" we see No 2. "When engaged in the official work of The Family at no time to reveal his true identify" is of particular interest. We find names associated with the Smith Family in news articles in the 1930's, but many reports simply speak of "Smiths". The names mentioned are high profile people such as the Governor General at official events where they would have been well known. However this second obligation of a Smith to maintain anonymity will prove an obstacle to research, but if there are trusts and bank accounts associated with this organisation, then names must have been used (such as the lease or title for their HQ in Sydney's Pitts Street.. and I am assuming there is not a history of the Smith Family which I am yet to discover... I may prove to be on a path someone has already tread). The fourth obligation is "To undertake to endeavour to introduce to the Smith Family a new member within six months of the acceptance of his application for membership." There are echoes of Freemasonry here, the "Obligations" and a restriction to males over 18 years of age, but there is nothing purely masonic in these things.  |
Looking at Newspaper Sources
Firstly, we have an authoritative list of famous Freemasons here... unless noted, we are using that as our source for Masonic Membership... According to the Newspapers, we have the President of the Smith Family in 1930 introducing Sir Kelso King. This appears in a Sunday Times article here. Sir Kelso King was a Freemason and The Smith Family was 8 years old at that point....Perhaps his presence was not remarkable as the man was involved in many philanthropic endeavors. ..The Governor General, Baron Stonehaven, was made a Presentation at the meeting... guess what ? He was both GG and Grand Master of NSW at the time. This puts two leading Freemasons, Kelso King and Baron Stonehaven central to a Smith Family event about eight years after it was founded. In the same article above we have The Chief Commissioner of Scouts, Mr. E. Trenchard Miller. Googling him, I've found little information on him. Not helpful In 1923 THE SMITH FAMILY Evening News (Sydney NSW) Wed 19 Sept. The Smith Family just visited an institution and next weekend will be visiting the jail to spread joy. In 1923 THE "SMITH FAMILY" The Cumberland Argus and Fruit growers Advocate Sat 29 Dec distributing presents and a Christmas cake at the Girls Industrial School In 1924 THE SMITH FAMILY The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate Fri 5 Dec talks of how a special Christmas Cheer account has been opened at the Commonwealth Bank and talks of a membership fee of 1/,5/, or .£1 The address of the Secretary Smith is given as 89 Phillip Street Sydney. In 1924 that was the Highland Society's Hall. In 1925 THE SMITH FAMILY The Cumberland Argus and Fruit growers Advocate Fri 2 Jan accounts for a 20 Dec visit to Liverpool State Hospital. Nine parties of the Smiths were visiting different institutions at the same time. In 1925 The Smith Family at Liverpool Hospital The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW Wed 23 Dec 1925 - The Family "assisted 18 Hospitals that day which speaks volumes for their Charity and Organization". In 1926 THE SMITH FAMILY ANNUAL DINNER The Sydney Morning Herald Fri 20 August talks of "the second annual dinner" held at Marlborough, King Street We have several names in conjunction with a Christmas Concert.Madam Vera Tasma, Miss Muriel Humphries, Mr R B Orchard, Mr Ross Garling, Alfred Cunningham, Jack Lumsdaine, Desmond Tanner, Norman Francis and Messrs Raine & Powell. In 1927 JOYSPREADERS UNLIMITED WILL YOU BE A CHRISTMAS SMITH Sunday Times 13 Nov Page 5, talks of the foundation on Christmas Eve "born in a motor car" looking for members which is limited to "males over eighteen..... BUT at Christmas they relent and allow everyone - man, woman and child to join... but to get to the spirit in which it was conceived they must drop their identity ...".... Interesting if you need information - they invite you to contact "this office" ie - The Sunday Times... 1927 SMITH FAMILY.ANNUAL DINNER. A YEAR OF JOY-SPREADING, Brigadier-General Lloyd and the Rabbi Cohen also spoke. Rabbi Cohen is a bit vague, but there is a couple of potentials for Lloyd, but no Freemason matching that rank with that name, the closest being Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert William LLOYD, C.B.,C.M.G.,C.V.O.,D.S.O (1883 - 1957)** but the ranks do not correspond... In 1928 THE SMITH FAMILY The Sydney Morning Herald Thurs 13 Sept we have "About 200 people attended the fourth annaul reunion of the "Smith Family Joyspreaders Unlimited" at the Cartlon Hotel". Although only a short article, it's interesting who proposes the different toasts. The "toast of the Smith Family" was proposed by the Attorney General. "The Visitors was responded to by the Minister of Health". The descriptors are interesting... Francis Stewart Boyce was the Attorney General of the day in NSW. BINGO ! He was a Freemason and according to Masonic Convention of today (are presumably then) would need to be a member of The Smith Family to propose such a toast... we might have another good crumb here... Notable he was Grand Master NSW 1926-27 In 1928 THE SMITH FAMILY The Sydney Morning Herald Wed 10 Oct "Fifth Annual Report of The Smith Family Joyspreaders Unlimited" speaks of membership increased from 750 to 984 and collection for Christmas Cheer to £1,058 compared with last years £ 530. In 1928 The Smith Family The Register SA Tues 16 Oct a letter from "S Smith" looking for information on "a Smith Family was formed in Adelaide" asking for information on the group that adopted a title " .. "similar to that of The Smith Family Joyspreaders Unlimited". The papers editor gives the 81 Pitt Street Address in Sydney suggesting people with information write to that address. 1929 SMITH FAMILY WIRELESS FOR THE SICK (Sydney Morning Herald 27 June Page 14)For noting of year and place only, The Smith Family appear in Adelaide in 1928 1929 The Smith Family Ball This has a large list of names which should be checked 1929 Names need checking 1930- Christmas Pantomime for Poor Kiddies names "Dr Arthur" and Ernest C Rolls as entertainer. Ernest C Rolls ((born Ernest Dareweski)) worked with Roy Rene (A Freemason). I can find no evidence of him being a Freemason Dr Arthur - a 1929 article here describes a "Dr Arthur" as in conjunction with the Smith Family as as "Minister for Health". Dr. Richard Arthur (1865-1932), medical practitioner and parliamentarian. Arthur was NSW Minister for Public Health (1927-1930) in the Bavin government. Despite a long Obit and looking at other sources, no suggestion he was a Freemason. Article above further reported in "Children's Treat" and mentions Dr Arthur Article above further reported in TREAT FOR CHILDREN OR WORKLESS. 1931 APPEALS TO COMMUNITY The Sydney Morning Herald 5 Dec page 17 speaks of the Smith Family appealing for 100 motor cars for 19 Dec. Mentions the office at 81 Pitt St. It also mentions the Governor Sir Philip Game and Lord Mayor Alderman Jackson will attend the Smith Gathering at David Jones. Neither men appear to have been Freemasons 1933 Plea for Blankets sees the Smith Family described as a "band of business and professional men..... it is a cardinal point that no one should appear in his own name." By 1933 it is claimed here "The best known welfare organisations in Sydney are the Benevolent Society of N.S.W., Thomas Street, Sydney, and the Smith Family Joyspreaders Unlimited, 81 Pitt Street, Sydney" Notable as the Smith Family has been operating for 11 years. In 1933 THE SMITH FAMILY Sydney Morning Herald Wed 15 Nov claims "it has been conservatively estimated that more than 20,000 persons" participated in the Christmas distributions last year. This is claimed in the annual report this is said. This 1933 Annual report needs to be located. "It bears the initial letters of your chief aims and aspirations," Sir Isaac Isaacs said. "Your aspirations are sympathy for the unfortunate, mercy for the distressed, Inspiration for others to go and do likewise, tenderness for the afflicted, and, above all, happiness all round. That is a good reason why the name of Smith should be immortal. You do not seek even the reward of personal praise. You hide your Identity, as the chairman has put It, under anonymity, but you cannot escape your real reward, which Tennyson re- ferred to so appropriately when he wrote, 'The wages of virtue is the glory of going on." For Freemasons reading the above, "sympathy", "afflicted" and happiness all round will ring out from Masonic Ritual. The real reward in terms of "Wages" will be recognizable to Felow Craft Freemasons, although I do not believe Tennyson was a Freemason, Sir Isaac was and while I cannot say what he was thinking, that quote on wages makes me certainly think of the Second Degree in Freemasonry. Others present Included Sir Joseph Cook, Sir Henry Braddon, and Rabbi Cohen. Cook was a Freemason, Henry Braddon was not, "Rabbi Cohen" is not really enough to go on.... In 1934, Eye Clinic for Poor Patients Secretary of the Smith Family Joy Spreaders is Mr E J Wyett. An unusual name but I cannot find him as a Freemason using google. In 1934 THE SMITH FAMILY The Sydney Morning Herald Fri 6 July we the celbration ofthe first anniversary of the establishment of the Arcadia Hospital Recovery Home with two functions. Greetings from The Premier (Mr Stevens) and the Chief Secretary (Mr Chaffey) with a list of contributing artists. 1935 Christmas Appeal where Mr W M Hughes MP makes and appeal on behalf of the Smith Family. This is would be William Morris or "Billy" Hughes Australian Prime Minister 1916-22. There is no evidence Billy Hughes was a Freemason and he is never claimed as one. Kit Kingsley, 'life member of the Smith Family, Joyspreaders Unlimited" mentioned in this article I cannot find information on 1936 Christmas Parties talked of the Gardens of Mrs A E Whitfield 25 Beaconsfield Pde Lindfield open to local branches of the Smith Family I will come back and edit this page once I do some more digging... |
Looking for Information on the Smith Family and the Freemasons
In response to our recent edition of Devotion News, it's clear some Freemasons have been told that our Fraternity had a hand in founding The Smith Family. This oral tradition can be found in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales where the Family was born. Perhaps references to this have been removed; some folk think the Freemasons are a bad group to be associated with (LOL, such people know nothing about us, and are shocked to find I am a member - because I'm Catholic and apparently Freemasonry does not let us in.. more laughs...). OR perhaps the story of the Freemasons founding the Smith Family are not true... on the long lists of goals for 2016 is to see if we can prove this either way... Perhaps it will be in the middle ground, some men who were Freemasons comprised some of the founders... |
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