Belfast Mechanics Institute 1825

On Monday 21^st March 1825 there was a public meeting held in Belfast at the Exchange regarding the establishment in the town of an “Institution for affording to Mechanics and Artisans the means of scientific instruction at a cheap rate”   It was resolved to establish a Society for the purpose and for it to be designated The Belfast Mechanic’s Institute.
 

Trustees (for Life)
John M’Cance Esq.
Wm. Tennent Esq.
Robert Grimshaw Esq.
Joseph Stevenson Esq.
John Barnett, Esq.

 Directors. Non –Operatives (first 4 to retire annually)
Professor Thomson
Mr John Barnett
Rev. T.D. Hincks
Dr. Young
Mr Alexander Coleman
Mr Robert Grimshaw
Mr Robert Bradshaw
Rev. R.J. Bryce

Operatives (First 8 to retire annually)
W. Hewitt, Founder
W. Bloomfield, Tinsmith
J. Bryan, Watchmaker
R. Herbert, Machinemaker
H. Anderson, Printer
W. Orr, Smith
J. Gray, Watchmaker
S. Pearce, Founder
L.M. Hope, Printer
H. Searson, Bookbinder
W. Cole, Gunsmith
J. Davis, Carder
J. Petrie, Confectioner
H. Munro, Chandler
J. Bell, Engraver
W. Bell, Machinemaker

Secretary
Mr Samuel Archer, High-street

Treasurer
Mr John Thomson, Castle-street.
 

Transcribed by Lyn Nunn 12 July 2008.

Names extracted from “Constitution and laws of Belfast Mechanics Institute 1825” in Problems of a Growing City: Belfast 1780-1870, PRONI, Belfast, 1973, pp. 80-81.