Mr. Irvin Haigh

A distinguished Masonic career was that of Mr. Irvin Haigh, the well-known Rushden tradesman, whose death occurred at his home, “Gladstone House”, Griffith Street, Rushden, early on Monday morning at the age of sixty years.

A Yorkshire man, born near Huddersfield, Mr. Haigh came to Rushden about thirty-eight years ago to become manager of the Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society’s drapery department, and took charge of the shop in High-street as soon as it was built, enjoying a popular career as manager there until 1919. In that year he began his own business as a house furnisher in the High-street.

In the same year Mr. Haigh became a member of the Pemberton Lodge of Freemasons, of which he was for many years Charity Steward. At the time of his death he was a Past Grand Master of the Lodge, a Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer, and Past Principal of the Pemberton Royal Arch Chapter, as well as being a member of the Pickwick Lodge, London. Another of Mr. Haigh’s interests in the town was St. Mary’s Parish Church, where he was for many years, a member of the choir. He had also taken a keen interest in the Boy Scout Movement, and was a member of the Rushden Conservative Club. He leaves a widow, one son, Mr. Geoffrey Haigh, and a daughter, Miss Kathleen Haigh. A sister, Mrs. Hopkinson, lives at Blackpool, and a brother, Mr. Morris Haigh, who lives in Canada, is at present on a visit to England.

The funeral took place at Rushden on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. E. A. Green (Rector) conducting a service at St. Mary’s Church in the presence of many Masons, tradesmen and other friends. The music included Psalm 23 and the hymns “The King of Love” and “There is a blessed home.” Mr. Alfred Clarke, A.R.C.O., at the organ, played “O rest in the Lord” and Handel’s “Largo.” Bro. F. W. Margetts, secretary of the Pemberton Masonic Lodge, read the lesson.

Family mourners were: Mrs. I. Haigh (widow), Mr. Geoffrey Haigh (son), Miss Kathleen Haigh (daughter), Mr. Norris Haigh (brother), Mrs. E. Hopkinson (sister), Mrs. G. Haigh (daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Loader (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mrs. G. Fountain, Miss M. Fountain and Miss E. Fountain (sisters-in-law), Mr. D. Curtis, Mr. J. W. Gray and Nurse Schofield (friends).

From the Pemberton Lodge and Chapter of Freemasons were Bros. Bernard Tomkins (W.M. of the Lodge), R. C. Newell, O. A. H. Muxlow, S. C. Brightwell, J. McCarthy, R. O. Bailey, A. T. Nichols, J. W. Radburne, H. Timpson, F. Tassell, W. A. E. Sherwood, C. Putnam, J. H. Carratt, H. S. Hall and F. W. Margetts, Bro. C. W. Brown, of the Wellingborough Wentworth Lodge, was also present.

Others noticed were Councillor Fred Green, J.P. (Chairman of the Rushden Urban Council), Councillor James Roe (churchwarden), Mr. and Mrs. H. G. King of Kettering, Mrs. A. T. Nichols, Mrs. L. Barker and Mrs. W. H. Cave, Mrs. E. A. Green, Mrs. C. Page, Mrs. W. Colton, Mr. S. Ball (representing St. Mary’s Church Choir), Miss A. Knight (St. Mary’s Mother’s Union), Mr. George Bayes, Miss I. Stiling (Lady Worker of the Church), Mr. A. Wilmott, Mr. W. Brawn, Mr. T. Whitby, Mrs. B. C. Tomkins, Miss M. Seckington, Miss D. Tomlinson, Mr. H. Gadsden and Mr. R. Freeman (employees of Mr. Haigh), Mr. L. Phillips, Mr. A. Wills, Mr. A. Gramshaw, Mr. J. F. Knight, Mr. A. S. Knight, Councillor T. W. Cox, Mr. J. Hornsby, Mr. J. L. Clipson (representing Mr. J. S. Clipson and family), Mr. H. Holland, Mr. T. E. Wigginton (secretary, Rushden Industrial Co-operative Society), and Mrs. S. C. Brightwell.

In fulfilment of Mr. Haigh’s wish the hearse and one of the following cars were driven by Bros. Edgar and Edward Wadsworth, of the Pemberton Lodge.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin, Rushden.