History
The Glasgow Humane Society is a unique charitable Institution.
James Coulter, a wealthy Glasgow Merchant left a sum of £200 in his Will to help found a Humane Society within Glasgow.
Similar Societies were being set up all over the world. In London, Paris, Venice Amsterdam, New York, Hamburg and many other mostly European Cities.
On August 16th 1790 the inaugural meeting was held in the Tontine Hotel.
Gilbert Hamilton, ex Dean of Guild was elected President, and Robert Cleghorn, of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons, Secretary.
The object of the society was "to recover those who are apparently dead, from having been sometime under water, from being exposed to intense cold, or to other causes capable of suspending life without destroying it".
In 1790 a great deal of Glasgow's life was centered on it's shallow River which frequently flooded up to the Cross and on it's Green, much of which was peat bog and hummocky terrain with streams running through it.
Drownings were frequent.
Apparatus was kept at locations near to the River, for example the Washing House on Glasgow Green.
Money was paid and medals were given to those who helped in rescue or ran for assistance.
In 1815 this expenditure amounted to £49.15.
Various persons were Society Officers during the first 50 years.
Among those were the following, Robert Jones, John Wiseman, Robert Duncan, James Baird, Duncan Downie, John McLean, James Geddes and John Geddes.
The first House was erected on the Green in 1795.
1859 George Geddes I became Officer until he passed away in 1889.
Bronze Medal of the Royal London Humane Society
Gold Medal of the Glasgow Humane Society.
1889 George's son also named George (II) was appointed officer.
1878 - Glasgow Humane Society Hon Certificate for Meritorious Conduct (Aged 14)
1928 George Geddes II became very ill and was hospitalised.
Silver Medal of the Royal Humane Society.
1900 - Gold Medal at the World Lifesaving Championships, Paris.
(George Geddes II's son also called George drowned while attempting a rescue 11th November 1928)
1928 Benjamin Parsonage was appointed officer in conjunction with George Geddes II.
George Geddes II subsequently died in 1932.
1932 Ben Parsonage took sole charge until his death in 1979
1932 - Bravery Medal from Anchor Line.
1936 - Glasgow Corporation Bravery Medal.
1953 - Bar to the above.
1955 - Second Bar to the above.
1971 - British Empire Medal (B.M.E.)
George Parsonage is the most decorated Humane Society Officer ever.
1971 - Glasgow Corporation Bravery Medal.
1971 - Royal Humane Society Honorary Testimonial on Parchment.
1978 - Strathclyde Region Medal and Bar.
1978 - Mountbatten Medal R.L.S.S.
1983 - Royal Humane Society Honorary Testimonial on Parchment.
1996 - Sarah Parsonage (Ben's wife) awarded Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police Commendation.
1998 - St Mungo Medal.
1999 - Member British Empire (M.B.E.)
2002 - Queens Golden Jubilee Medal
2004 - Honorary Testimonial of the Royal Humane Society
2005 - Royal Humane Society Special Silver Medal.
2003-2005 Mark Gash Assistant Officer
2005-2006 Edward McGowan Assistant Officer
2006 George Parsonage awarded Service Cross of the Royal Life Saving Society
2006 George Parsonage awarded Honorary Doctorate of Strathclyde University
2006 George Parsonage awarded Honorary Degree Master of the Glasgow Caledonian University
2006- Antony Coia Assistant Officer
2008 Antony Coia awarded Certificate of Thanks Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth Council