Gazette, 19 April 1927

Sons of England to hold banquet

St George’s Day celebration this year is arranged by fraternal body

St George’s Day, which falls on Saturday next, April 23, will be observed by the holding of a banquet which this year, by way of a change, is to be under the auspices of the Sons of England, Montreal district, instead of, as in former years, under the St George’s Society of Montreal. The latter society has held a banquet on the English patron saint’s day generally throughout its history, excepting the war period, but this year the directors decided to pass over it. Thereupon the Sons of England stepped into the breech and now announce that the banquet will be held on Saturday evening at 7:30 o’clock at St Lawrence Hall, entrance 145 St James Street.

The banquet will be presided over by EC Smith, DDSP, Sons of England, and Rev John Bevan, acting pastor of the American Church, borrowed from London, England, will be the principle speaker.

The programme provides for four toasts following that of the King. The Army and Navy and Reserve Forces will be proposed by Dr WH Atherton, and responded to by Lieut-Col Gilbert S Stairs. The main toast, England, will be proposed by Howard S Ross, KC, and responded to by Rev John Bevan. The guests will be proposed by AW Perrin, MBE, and responded to by Dr George Hal, president of St George’s Society.  Max Bernfield will propose the Sons of England, and George Davenport, supreme president, SOE will reply. It is expected that the Daughters and Maids of England will also rally in force.

There will be a musical programme.