By the passing of Mr. William Henry Moody, a retired tailor, Rushden has lost one of its most interesting figures and Freemasonry a member of high rank.

Mr. Moody died last Friday morning at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson, The Hayway, Rushden. His health had been failing for some time past, but he had recently spent a holiday in Blackpool, returning to Rushden a fortnight ago. He was 70 years of age.

Born at Burton-on-Trent, where his father was a member of the staff of a famous brewery, Mr. Moody was articled to the tailoring trade and was with Messrs. George Dean, of Corporation-street, Birmingham, but for some years he spent much of his time in the world of entertainment.

At one period he was helping with the running of the Halle concerts in Manchester; at another he had an official post in connection with the Corporation entertainments at Birmingham. He was also associated with a professional illusionist, under whose tuition he became skilled in the art of conjuring and acquired a flair of showmanship which left a permanent impress upon his personality.

Few of his friends, perhaps, know the details of his early career, but they are aware that he was a friend of the famous partners in magic, Maskelyne and Devant.

About 40 years ago Mr. Moody came to Rushden to set up a tailoring business, and had for partner a Mr. Luc, occupying a thatch-roofed shop in High-street. The partnership was not long maintained, and Mr. Moody moved to another shop. which he occupied until few years ago, when he disposed of the business to Messrs. Abington and Sons.

For some years after his arrival in Rushden, Mr. Moody was often seen on local platforms in conjuring acts, and he organised many entertainments at the old Public Hall, bringing some theatrical companies to the town. At that time he was a great friend of Sir Chandos Leigh, who lived at Knuston Hall.

Mr. Moody, with his widespread friendships, used his influence to the great advantage of the local sporting public when for a number of years he promoted a Rushden Feast cricket match at the Town Ground and brought together on each occasion two teams which were practically of Test match standard.

Almost all the cricket celebrities of those days appeared once or more in this remarkable series. Jack Hobbs came along as the rising star of a new generation, and a host of great names appears in the records of the matches.

Joining the Masonic movement in Rushden 30 years ago, Mr. Moody rose to the 30th Degree and at various times held the chairs of the Pemberton Lodge (Rushden), Royal Arch (Wellingborough), Knight Templars (Kettering), Rose Croix (Wellingborough), Mark Master Masons (Wellingborough), and Royal Ark Mariners, also holding high degrees in London.

Mr. Moody never married, and for many years had had no relatives. At one time he resided with the late Mr. Harry Cartwright, a well-remembered High-street tradesman, and then for a long period he was with Mr. and Mrs. Gray in Higham-road. He spent many Christmases at Blackpool and always helped to organise the Christmas festivities at the Carlton Hotel. During the whole of his residence in Rushden, he was a member of the Conservative Club, and for many years he was chairman of the directors.

Fellow Freemasons and members of Rushden Conservative Club gathered at St. Mary’s Parish Church on Tuesday, to pay their last tributes of respect.

After assembling at the Masonic Hall, the cortege passed to St. Mary’s Church, where the funeral service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. E. A. Green.

After the reading of the 23rd Psalm, W. Bro. O. A. H. Muxlow, the Master of Ceremonies, read a lesson taken from Corinthians, and the hymns, “Jesu, Lover of My Soul” and “Abide with Me” were sung.

The interment followed in Rushden cemetery, where the Rector officiated at the graveside. The Freemasons, who filed past the open grave, each threw the tiny Masonic sprig on to the coffin.

Chief mourners were Mrs. M. Harrison (Liverpool), Mr. J. H. Robinson (Birmingham), Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Radburne and Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Elliott, Blackpool.

Freemasons present included the Worshipful Master, Mr. A. J. Sturgess, the Director of Ceremonies, Mr. O. A. H. Muxlow, Mr. W. C. Cattell, Kettering, Mr. F. Tassell, Mr. S. C. Brightwell, Mr. W. J. A. Peck, Mr. Ed. Wadsworth, Mr. Edg. Wadsworth, Mr. B. G. Coe, Mr. T. A. Baker, Mr. W. L. Beetenson, Mr. Bernard Tomkins, I.P.M., Mr. C. H. Miller, Mr. H. O. Robinson, Mr. P. R. E. Smith, Mr. D. Bugby and Mr. W. Timpson.

The Conservative Club was represented by Mr. R. R. Brown, Mr. George Gray, Coun. Fred Green and Mr. John Tomlin (directors), Mr. E. E. Perkins and Mr. F. Wilkins, senior. Coun. J. Roe, churchwarden of St. Mary’s, was also present.

Others present included Mrs. Tassell, Mrs. S. C. Brightwell, Mr. A. Prigmore, Nurse Clifton, Mrs. R. T. Callow, Mrs. T. Williamson and Mr. C. G. Ward.

Floral tributes were inscribed :

Pemberton Lodge, Rushden, from the Worshipful Master, Past Masters, Officers, and President; Conservative Club Co., Ltd., Lilian and Bert Elliott, Blackpool; John and Betty, Rushden; Mr. Frank Wilkins, senior, and Mr. E. E. Perkins, Rushden Conservative Club; E. E. Perkins; Charles Gray; F. W. Tomlinson; Mrs. M. Harrison and her family.

Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin were the undertakers.