1897-^- YkANSACTlONi). 



Historical Sl^etcli 



(Compiled fron^ the inii\utc hooks of the Societij.) 



Bytou^n ItlecDdtttcs' Institute. 



" At a meeting, called by public notice, held in the Odd- 

 fellow's Hall, (Chaudiere Lodge), 20th January, 1847, ^^^ 

 order to form a Mechanics' Institute, and at which a lecture 

 on the " Importance of knowledge to the working classes " 

 was delivered by the Rev. James T. Byrne : — 



1st. It was resolved — That it is expedient to form a 

 Mechanics' Institute. 



2nd. It was resolved — That a committee be now ap- 

 pointed to frame a constitution, aud that the following persons 

 comprise that committee, viz : — Messrs. Henry Bishoprick, 

 Horatio Blaisdell, Edward Campbell, William Bowles, Francis 

 Thomson, Michael McDermott, Rev. Mr. Wilson, Rev. Mr. 

 Byrne, Elkanah Billings, James Mathews and William Har- 

 ris, and that seven do form a quorum for the transaction of 

 business. 



3rd. It was resolved — That the annual subscription be 

 not less than five shillings. 



4th. It was resolved — That the admission of apprentices 

 be left with the committee. 



5th. It was resolved — That a subscription list be now 

 opened to receive necessary subscriptions to the Institute. 



On Feb. 17th, 1857, a constitution was presented and 

 adopted. Immediately thereafter the election of the first 

 officers of this embryo organization for the diffusion of 

 knowledge in B^^town took place. And it was resolved 

 that all the resident clergj'men of Bvtown be honorary mem- 

 bets of the Institute. 



