St. George's Benevolent Society of Hamilton

Corporate body

St. George's Benevolent Society of Hamilton

1844-Present

St. George’s Benevolent Society of Hamilton started as a fraternal organization that formed on April 17, 1843, and officially became incorporated in 1862. Its namesake was England’s legendary patron Saint George, whose piety and charitable works towards others were characteristics emulated by members. The purpose of the Society was to practice benevolence towards the less fortunate by assisting the poor and new immigrants from England and Wales, providing a social outlet for these newcomers, and promoting a sense of patriotism and national sentiment in its members of English and Welsh descent. Many members considered it an honour to be part of the St. George’s Benevolent Society of Hamilton, and its ranks included many prominent and elite citizens such as mayors, professionals, and influential men of commerce and industry. Other members had been previously assisted by the Society and wanted the opportunity to return the favour when their financial situations improved. The members believed very strongly in their duty to assist their countrymen from England and Wales, who struggled in their new home. Members were reminded of the difficulties and loneliness some of them or their ancestors faced when they immigrated to Canada and therefore, wanted to ensure a firm means of social and financial support for newcomers, so they could better adjust to their new country and city. Members donated money and volunteered their time to canvass funds among the public to provide relief in the form of “Christmas Cheer” baskets containing beef, bread, flour, sugar, tea and raisins, as well other essential items such as clothing, shoes, furniture and fuel needed throughout the year. At its peak, the Society was able to provide hundreds of baskets to deserving individuals and families annually, showcasing the generosity of the members and the public, but also the dire need in the community. Member volunteers thoroughly investigated cases of need before distributing money or Christmas baskets to ensure the need was legitimate and to ensure proper stewardship of funds entrusted to the organization by its members and the public. Initially, relief was provided only to those of English and Welsh origin, but by 1912, the by-laws were amended to allow for the provision of emergency relief to people irrespective of nationality. The humanitarian work of the Society and other benevolent organizations was very important and necessary as these organizations existed in a time before the availability of government assisted programs of support. Poverty was a constant presence for many people, especially immigrants to a new land, and the fear and shame of coming to rest in a pauper’s grave prompted the Society to also purchase plots in the Hamilton Cemetery on York Boulevard, marked with the Cross of St. George, to provide dignified burials for those who died penniless, or without family.

Before the First World War, the Society boasted a membership of well over 1000 active individuals, including a record 1219 members in 1907, who attended meetings and participated in various social events such as annual dinners, the Festival of St. George and Trafalgar Day Celebrations, as well as made annual public appeals for funds to raise money for the charity. Appeals were consistent every year except during and right after the First World War when little was asked from the public due to the hardships brought on by the conflict, and to the high unemployment post war. Membership and funds dwindled during the war as money was tight and members were called up or volunteered to serve, with some making the ultimate sacrifice. Although the charitable work diminished during the war, patriotic work increased with the Society providing comforts and care packages to the soldiers overseas, many of whom were former British citizens who had moved to Canada and enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force when England called. During the war, the Society promoted projects such as recruiting for the C.E.F., as well as raising money for the Save a Soldier Fund, the Patriotic Fund and the Red Cross. Even with fewer members and funds during the war years, minutes from 1916 reveal that the Society was still able to provide 85 Christmas baskets helping over 400 Hamilton residents, including 235 children who received oranges and candies. By the 1920s, membership was at half its peak pre-war, but the Society was still vibrant, and its impact was still felt through its charitable works. After the Second World War, a rise in government supported assistance programs and a shift away from the traditional ties to England impacted the Society’s original purpose. By the 1970s, membership lists indicate the Society had around 190 members. In 1985, the membership was open to women and in 1993, the first female president was elected. That same year, the members of the Society formed a Renewal Committee with the purpose of reviewing the organization’s mission and goals, and reflecting on whether its objectives needed revision given the changing nature of Canadian society. Although the focus at that point was still on the British roots and heritage of the organization, the membership opened to anyone of any nationality who supported the goals of the charity. Today, the St. George’s Benevolent Society of Hamilton operates out of Dundas, Ontario and has a smaller, but meaningful presence in the community by supporting local causes that enhance community well-being. The Society and its members support and promote health and wellness programs, educational programs that enhance opportunities for children and youth, and also support social services that help vulnerable populations, continuing a long and proud tradition of benevolence.

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Dundas, Ontario, Canada

Benevolent organization

St. George’s Benevolent Society of Hamilton Scrapbook Vol. 2, 1927-1993. Call Number: 361 Sa23cp Public.

The Lance (newsletter).

Administrative history also sourced from material within the fonds.