If ever one wanted to hear a sultry musical voice they needed to look no further than George Smith. George was born with music in his veins. He was the son of Hubert Smith a well-known talent in his own right. George loved music he not only sang with his fathers’ band the Coral islanders but he also had a group of his own known as the Xanadu. He played the maracas, Congo Drums and guitar. He was the type of singer one could lend an ear to whenever he stood on stage. He shared the stage on occasion with his close friend Eugene Steed a musical icon clearly equal to many. One of the favorite selections George sang during the Christmas season was   ‘A child is born’ he was soft-spoken and had a dashing smile. He played in many local hotels in Bermuda. He had the pleasure of performing for Princess Margaret and Prince Charles during a Royal visit to Bermuda. George was not only a classy singer but a self-employed painter and he enjoyed deep-sea fishing. He was given a Government award  for his contribution to tourism and a bravery award for saving the life of a young child from the North Shore waters. He was a J.P (Justice of the Peace). President of the Diabetes Association and a member of the Pembroke Parish Council. The voice of this angel was silenced after a long illness but the memory of his melodious music will live on.

George Smith

They say that knowledge is power but sometimes too much of one thing is not as good as we hope it would be. Nevertheless I’m prepared to add a brief series of historical information on some aspects of Bermuda history and how religion, early schooling and the Friendly Society movement  played its’ role in the lives of the Black Bermudian population.

Researchers trace the origins of Fraternal Organizations from the Israelites through the Romans and into Britain up to the time of the formation of the Guilds. Note however that most Oddfellows terminology has biblical origins and takes it names from the old Testament Characters. For many years the name Friendly Societies has been mentioned world-wide, here in Bermuda it is no exception. It must be stated here that when we refer to Friendly Societies this includes the establishment of various organizations that came into being since 587 B.C when many people who were exiled banded together in a brotherhood for mutual support and defense. When we mention Oddfellows they were persons that came out of the early formation of Guilds and these organizations worked under the same premise of Oddfellows.

Over the 300 years the idea of ordinary people joining together to improve their situation met with various degrees of opposition, but groups like Oddfellows survived by adapting their roles to social support functions. Friendly Societies were the predecessors of modern-day trade Unions.  Oddfellows started here in Bermuda as early as 1848 and subsequently introduced a number of benefits to members. Many people therefore joined Societies like the Oddfellows to obtain all forms of support. These Societies made vast contributions to the Island of Bermuda. From 1848 the Island gradually formed some 51 Orders. They cared for the sick and distressed, educated children, supported the widows, formed marching bands and Guilds, built homes, churches and theatres, supported other orphan homes, built nursing establishments and assisted in the support of black nurses education. They were the ones who took the risk and represented the slave captives on board the ship ‘Enterprise” which wrecked here during a storm in 1835. Under the leader ship of Brother Julian Tucker President of the Friendly Societies Institution and his lodge brothers they obtained the freedom of 78 slaves.  They were the institutions that initiated friendly family games of cricket at lodge picnics between their respective lodges. On several occasions the youth lodges were selected to play the adult lodges in friendly cricket games. At the yearly picnics, teams from either end of the Island played each other and the first official Cup match was held in 1902 between two lodges. It was a few years later that  two respective clubs Somerset in the West and St. Georges in the East got involved and the grand classic has been played by them ever since for a cup. Many persons question the ribbon colours but the lodge members know how they came about and what they represent. Lodges were the first to start an assurance scheme and savings clubs to assist their members financially. The longest club remaining open for 110 years.  Suffice it to say that some of the most notable movements within Bermuda involved members of the Friendly Societies.

One of  the greatest and most daring was the Marcus Garvey movement which hit the island between 1919-1921 although their headquarters was at the Church of God on Angle Street Hamilton the organizers were Rev. E.B. Grant and Rev. R.H. Tobitt and they along with many of their wives were graveyites. It was at that time a greater political awareness to blacks. Black business sprang up everywhere and black men and women began to speak out and establish their own business like soda factories, small variety stores better known as ‘Ma and Pa stores’. One thing that remained constant between 1834-1934 and became extremely noticeable was that most of the black leaders were lodgemen.  Should I repeat and say that Oddfellowship  played a major role in the establishment of this island Yes! Should it continue? Yes! Will they be accepted for the contributions made throughout this Island ? In many respects NO! Why? because until we learn to look within our history and accept the reality and relay the truth that Oddfellows with their business savvy and offers of friendship was all that we had and if we continue to deny this fact we deny the greatest portion of our history and our true beginnings into this Island and Society. There is so much more history to be told as we struggle to hold our place in this Island so let me pass on the contributions of two of our very productive sisters from the Loyal Mayflower Lodge.

SISTERS: RUTH E. SIMONS and GLORIA  E. TUZO.’ THEIR NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS:

Ruth born in Bermuda as Ruth Elizabeth Lightbourne spent her early childhood in the city of Hamilton, during her early teens her family moved to Paget where she lived until her marriage to Clarence Simons in 1934. They were able to build their own home and raise a productive family. Sister Ruth was the type of person that left nothing to chance and after her children grew she took up studies at the Adult Education Centre and became a tutor for young women. After the death of her husband  she became a savvy property manager and shrewd financial investor. She studied Art and learn to play the Guitar. Ruth joined the lodge in 1958 and studiously applied herself to the workings of the Order. She became a Noble Grand in 1964 and ultimately worked her way into the Hamilton District and served as Provincial Grand Master of the District. She was chosen to represent her Lodge on two occasions at overseas conferences. She joined delegates from around the world celebrating the 175  Jubilee of the Manchester Unity in Blackpool. She received an award  for long and dedicated service from her Lodge in November 1999. She easily lived up to the principles of her lodge and displayed it throughout her life.

Gloria  Elizabeth  was born in Somerset and was lovingly raised by her grandparents Mr. & Mrs. William Binns.  Gloria lived by the wise words that her grandfather instilled in her ‘ no one was better  than her no matter who they were.’ Those words gave her the self-esteem as she developed throughout her life. Her early education was at West End Primary School before moving to North Shore Pembroke. In her teen years she attended Berkeley Institute where she met the love of her life, Ross Tuzo.  Gloria studied under Dr. Kenneth Robinson himself a noted personality in Education and Bermuda.  Sister Gloria made her presence felt as she worked in various establishments and her career path lead her into the role of manageress of the women’s department of A.S. coopers; She was political minded and joined the United Warwick Progressive Club under the late Martin T. Wilson and Juvenile Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity. After raising her  family Sister Tuzo resumed her lodge activities and she worked her way within the Mayflower Lodge. She became Noble Grand in 1965 and later excelled in the role of Provincial Grandmaster of the Hamilton District. On several occasions she served as Installing Master. Sister Gloria credited her lodge for teaching her the art of parliamentary procedures, public speaking and social welfare including international fellowship. She was a supporter of the Arts and served in the executive of the Bermuda Ballet Association under the chairmanship of Sir John Swan. Sister Gloria was a giver and gave lots of her time to family and friends . She boasted about her husband himself a noted musician and praised her children and grandchildren . Truly when people refered to her as a diva they were not far wrong. She showed her delight as the younger members worked their way throughout the Order next to her family it was one of her great loves.  These sisters left those of us who continue to try to keep Oddfellowship alive with a mammoth task and large shoes to fill. They were true sisters and Oddfellows and the Grand Lodge above is certainly gleaming with two of the brightest stars from Oddfellowship.

submitted Joy Wilson-Tucker author/Historian/Researcher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

came into being since 587 BC when people who were exiled banded together in a brotherhood for mutual support and defense. When we mention Oddfellows  they were persons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

persons that came out of the early formationof Guilds and these organizations worked under the same premise of oddfellow. Over the next 300 years the idea of ordinary people joining together to improve their situation met with various degrees of opposition,but groups like Oddfellows survived by adapting their roles to social support functions. Friendly Societies were the predecessors of modern-day trade unions.

 

 

 

 

 

world wide. Here in Bermuda it is no exception but most time with a bit of uncertainty because of the lack of information. When Wwhen

concerning the history and the important role they played in the history and development of the black race. It must be stated here that when we refer to Friendly Societies this includes the establishment of various organizations that came into being since 587 BC when many people who were exiled banded together in a brotherhood for mutural support and defence. When we mention Oddfellows they were the persons that came out of the early formation of guilds and these organizations worked under the same premise of Oddfellows. Over the next 300 hundred years the idea of ordinary people joining together to improve their situation met with various degrees of opposition , but groups like Oddfellowssurvivedby adaptingtheir roles to social support function. FriendlySocieties were the predecessors of modern-daytrade unions.

 

On Sunday 31st. May 2015 the Loyal Mayflower Lodge celebrated its’ 96th Anniversary.Hosting this event was the newly installed Sister Joy Wilson-Tucker. Sister Wilson-Tucker resumed this seat again after some fifteen years. It was a beautiful sunny day and this added to the excitement of the event. The day started with the unveiling of an African Diaspora site plaque under the auspices of the Bermuda African Diaspora Foundation. The site was the Manchester Unity Hall and lot of land where  the Colonial  Opera House Theatre once stood. The history centered around these buildings is vast being built-in 1908- and 1923 respectively. and the site is well deserving of being chosen to be among the Heritage Trail. The event started at 3.30 with the unveiling of the plaque.The prayer was given by Sister Violet Brangman Past Grand and serving as the newly elected Vice grand of the sisters’ lodge. Assisting with the unveiling was the Provincial Grand Master of the Hamilton District Brother Norbert Simmons, Ms. Maxine Esdaille  Director and Chairperson of the Bermuda  Diaspora Foundation and Mrs. Joy Wilson-Tucker also a director on the board. The service was held in the upper hall beautifully decorated in  the subordinate  colours of blue and white. The theme for the day was Heritage ‘Woman  of Substance”  the welcome was given by Sister Marion Tannock  Past Grand and the  scripture Proverbs 31 Chapter 10-31 was read by Sister Sherma Calder Right Supporter to the Vice grand. The history of the women who were responsible for fighting to get a female Lodge established was read by the Noble grand sister Wilson-Tucker and a beautiful liturgical dance was performed by six-year-old Isis Tucker daughter of Ryan and Bernadette Tucker as a dedication to the past and present sisters. This was her Debut in front of a large gathering as some 75 people in attendance enjoyed the festivities. Ms. Esdaille gave a most inspiring presentation on the topic and the showing of a video added to the historical knowledge for all present. Thanks was given to the speaker by member Sister Clara Saunders newly installed conductor. Greetings and well wishes  came from several lodges and organizations. Sister Deborah Burgess and her staff gave great service in the catering department. It was an event full of pleasure with the singing of  We’re marching to Zion and  to God be the Glory. Well done to the sisters of the Loyal Mayflower Lodge Keep up the good work.

Vivian Mary Lorina Jones—-came from a very prominent and proud family. She was one of five siblings. Her father was a well-known tailor and operated his own business on Church Street in Hamilton Bermuda. He sold clothing and made high-end men’s Trousers for Trimingham brothers and H. & E Smiths’ Department stores. After the death of her father the business was moved to Glebe Road in Pembroke. The Jones Dry Goods store came into existence and became well-known throughout the Island.

Vivian had a particularly good knowledge of Mathematics which she used in her store management. Vivian however was also interested in Music. She studied piano at the Stovell and Hinson schools and later went on to the Boston conservatory of music where she trained as a singer and concert pianist. She displayed this talent around many of the churches in Bermuda. She became a member of the Christian Science in 1963 and  in 1966 accepted the role as church organist and served in this position for over 46 years. Her musical career spanned some 60 years and she taught private piano and voice lesson. She was one of the first music teachers to have students sit the Associated board of the Royal School of Music exams. She continued to assist her mother in operating the family business going on buying trips and bringing back quality merchandise to sell in the community. In 2010 she received the Queen’s certificate and badge of Honour for her dedicated service to the community.

She was celebrated by the North Village Community on two occasions. Vivian had a charitable spirit and willingly helped those in need. She not only shared her musical gift and her kindness she was a faithful villager in her community. Vivian Mary Lorina Jones was a true Community —-Icon.

Martin George Prescott White– was the youngest son of Edith Dill White.  Educated at Central Primary School and later Technical Institute.  He was an avid Sportsman  playing cricket and football for the North Shore Giants. His first work was at the Hamilton Press under the management of Mr. Shirley Jackson a trail blazer in his own right. He later went on to work at Bermuda Press under Mr. Lionel Pearman as a lino-typist operator and salesman. He served in the printers division of the Bermuda Industrial Union. Martin  was known as (Marty) to his family and friends. In 1978 he changed careers and went to work for H .M. Customs as an assistant. He excelled at his job and as a result was promoted as a full-time customs officer in 1980. Marty was determined to be the best that he could be at his job and furthered his knowledge by pursuing several  courses of study in Bermuda and overseas. He became keenly interested in world affairs his well watched news stations  was C N N, Fox and C span. Marty  had an extensive and outstanding career he left a legacy for many of our young people to follow. He worked in Drugs Interdiction, passive Canine Training, X-ray of suspected smugglers profile Drugs. He assisted with the implementation of the Customs  Canine Unit. He received merit awards and numerous letters of appreciation for his helpfulness. Marty was a gentle giant. He never tooted his own horn during the 30+ years for his illustrious career. Like many we know Marty left us  to soon.  He was truly a man on a mission.

Antonio McQuillian “Jugs” Dill was a musical star in his own right. Born to Clarence    Spammie” Dill and Mildred         Tweed. He received his early education at Prospect Primary School and later the  Bermuda Technical Institute.             Antonio ironically (Tony) was blessed to have the name of his great-great ancestor Antonio Deminks-Ferrier       from his Father’s ancestry.Tony loved music and at age 4 played the drums with the North Village Jr. band. He was determined to make music his career.  Tony learned to play drums saxophone flute trumpet percussions and bass. His passion however was the key board.  He formed his first band the Dynamics and they played throughout Bermuda.His most popular band formed was Burning Ice. So popular was this band that they toured Canada and stayed there for 15 years. He than changed the name of the band to Circular Force. Tony returned home and organized a three-piece ensemble.named The Chique. He played just about every tourist establishment in beautiful Bermuda. He was a musician extraordinaire and played the four corners of the world.He was proud to be Bermudian. When he played it was music that relaxed the mind and endured the heart.

Mrs. Marguerite Bassett Place was the daughter of Mr. John G. Bassett a well-known business man of his time. Marguerite was a great contributor to the community of Pembroke Parish. Much of her work revolved around the youth in the community. She was an ardent worker at St. Paul’ A. M. E. Church in Bermuda. Affectionately known as “Mama Megs” she was highly respected among her counterparts.
She was a member of the St. Paul Gospel Choir and one could often hear her soprano voice ringing out among the other choir members. She had a constant smile and was among the first persons to join the Choir which was organized by the Rev. E. N. Thornley. While serving on the Conference Board of Christian Education of the Church she became the Directress of the Allen Camp for several years.She later became a Junior Choir Director a position she held for 20 years. She was a writer and produced several skits. Her most notable work was seen in the Women’s Temperance Union.
In 1989 she was chosen as the first black president of the World Women’s Christian Temperance Union. She was proposed by the Australian delegation to run as first vice president in 1991-92 Conference. In June 1992 she was elected the fourth president of the World’s Christian Temperance Union in Sweden. She was a recipient of the Sojourner Truth Award in 1993 from the Bermuda Business and Professional Women’s Club. In June 1998 she received the M.B.E. from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth as a member of the British Empire.
Well done Mama Megs” May your legacy always be remembered.

BERMUDA BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION:   It would be interesting to find out just how many of our young Bermudians know about the Bermuda Benevolent Association. It was several years ago that I myself was made aware of it and how fascinating it was to find out the names of so many Bermudian families that migrated to other parts of the world and especially the United States.  Interestingly the first name came to the fore was that of the Founder of the Bermuda Benevolent Association  Bermudian Clarence William Robinson. Though his foresight the foundation of this Association was laid. Though his influence many well-known compatriots became sincere, faithful and useful members. He served as President of the Association for ten years and six years as the chairman of the Trustee Board as the organization grew in strength and membership.

This was not the only contributions of Mr. Robinson. He served as a lay reader of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of New York for twenty-seven years. He served eighteen years as lay Chaplain of the Riverside Orphan Home and organized the Chorus Club which raised funds for the benefit of the Children of Riverdale. He dedicated lots of his time to support the child Welfare and Police Athletic activities.

Mr. Robinson passed away in April 1938 on a visit to his home here in Bermuda. Bermudians in American should always remember the contributions of Brother Clarence William Robinson and say thank God for his vision. As should Bermudians in his homeland have the desire to learn about the contributions made by our fellow Bermudians from years gone by.

THE BERMUDA BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION : from my research of it would make any Bermudian proud to be associated with the organization. In 1997 it entered its Second Century of service.

At the end of the 1800s, many Bermudians were seeking to broaden their horizons and migrated in large numbers to what they refer to as the land of opportunity. New York, Boston, Philadelphia. Pre-eminent amongst them were Clarence W. Robinson, George L. Joell and William A Jones.  They met in New York and discussed the idea of forming a Society of Bermudians. The result of their collective efforts was the formation in 1887 of the Bermuda Benevolent Association. Brother Robinson was the moving spirit . Described as a man of Sterling Character  he led this Association through its formative years. Early officers were George L Joell as First President and he served until 1899; Edward R. Darrell, Treasurer, Miss Elmyra Caisey, Recording Secretary and Mr. Robinson filling the position as Financial Secretary until 1909 when he took over the position as President untill 1919. Research shows that under his leadership the Association grew in strength, prestige and service.  Several other Bermudians served in significant roles in the Association and held membership. Such persons as Elton E. Bean who served as President for forty-seven years and sixty-nine years of membership. He was one of the first persons to meet  Ms.Marjorie Bean(who acquired the status of Dame) on her way to Wilberforce University in 1928.  Some other members were C. Gerald Butterfield, Esten Curtis, Frederick Key who served  at one time in the Independent Order of Oddfellows in Bermuda. The Association was incorporated in 1920; it purchased its home and Headquarters in 1932 at 402 West 146th Street; and burned its mortgage in 1947; formed a Juvenile Branch in 1932 and a Young Adults group in 1955. They didn’t stop there; before the event of free education in Bermuda, a scholarship to the Berkeley Institute was established and a substantial donation was made towards the establishment of a Science Department; The Association became a Life Member of the National Advancement of Coloured People; they setup an investment Committee in 1955 to prepare themselves for any future financial assistance they may need. Interesting to note was the large role the Association played in both  overseas States and Bermuda. Amongst some events of the Association as it travelled through Milestone after Milestone are many noteworthy contributions.  The Association contributed to many well-known Charitable Organizations. Their mandate was similar to that of  the many Orders of Friendly Societies here in Bermuda.  They took care and assisted families during hard times and burials. Contributions were made annually  to Packwood Home, Matilda Smith Williams Seniors Home and Pembroke Rest Home . They contributed to A. Copeland Simmons  Scholarship Fund of Allen Temple AME Church Somerset  all located here in Bermuda. With many of their membership it showed they may have gone of in search of greener pastures but they never forgot their roots. Like many organizations they struggle to keep their dream alive with a connection for Bermudians and non-Bermudians living in overseas lands.This seems to be taking place with many of our black institutions world-wide.  Yet we can be assured that as Bermudians we can boast of an Association and Historical connection to our many ancestors,brothers and sisters and give thanks for the foresight of the Founders of this Organization and their contributions so many years ago to our History.

 

Well we did it! On Sunday 15th. July 2012 we the  officers of the Bermudian Heritage Association hosted our first Mary Prince Tea. We feel duly proud to say it was a great success. It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon after much doubt and dark clouds. The setting overlooking the inlet Bay from Davenport Park in St. George’s added to the event. We catered to near 90 persons. Each guest was invited to sign the special guest book which will be kept especially for the next Mary Prince Tea which we hope can become an annual event .The menu consist of old-time sandwich ideas such as egg, turkey tuna and peanut butter and Jelly, Oatmeal cookies, Salt crackers and cheese and Gingerbread cup cakes with old-time custard. Hot tea , cold ice tea and plenty of cold water. A large applesauce birthday cake. The highlight of the programme was the brief song and poetic word on the life of Mary Prince written by Joy Wilson-Tucker and performed by Cherie Bean as soloist and Joy Wilson-Tucker the poet. The welcome was extended by Ms.Violet Brangman the prayer and blessing by Twilton Hardtman and the vote of thanks by Ms. Louise Tannock.The executive members  Marion Hayward Nancy Hooper, Lynel Furbert, Boyd Smith, Lynn Wade, Cherie Bean and Myself did an excellent job of seeing to it that our guest were quickly fed.  Goody party bags were handed to each guest as they left the event and were invited to view the museum exhibits which has been updated in many areas.  Specially included was a silent auction of a Historic Apron donated to the Association for this purpose and was nicely auctioned off for a reasonable return and included with that the history of the apron. A new tradition was also included by the association and a toast was  proposed to the  newest  hero our dear sister Mary Prince. We were graced with the presence of the Premier designate Ms. Jennifer Smith. Minister Walter Roban,Ms. Lovitta Foggo, Mr. Kim Swan Opposition UBP, Former Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and Mrs. Wanda H Brown and the Mayor of St. George’s Mr. Kenneth Bascome.  We were indeed pleased to have the attendance of many members of the association and invite friends.   To host a tea in the memory of Mary Prince was a proud but bitter-sweet moment when we realize the pain and treatment Mary endured and because of it we now can lived a reasonably free life. We will continue to research and talk about not just the life of Mary but all Bermudian slaves so that our history will be told and understood. It was not an easy path, life and we should not be ashamed to acknowledge that this is our history. Be sure to visit the Bermudian Heritage Museum and learn these stories. We also exhibit items on more modern history come to the museum a high school of learning and all it will cost you is $4.00 entrance fee and time to read and digest.  We have now become associated with the ADHT The African Diaspore Group and also the Community of Cultural Affairs and work along with the Bermuda historic Museum. Don’t hesitate to join us via face book or as a member in residence. We look forward to hearing from you.