Another important post in a Freemasons’ Lodge is that of the Charity Steward, whose role is to champion all forms of charitable activity within the Lodge.

It  is a job which should never be undertaken lightly, as to do it properly requires personal commitment,  time and effort.

Fundraising activities can be undertaken in  many ways  but a common pathway to success is to build a relationship of trust and goodwill with the membership.

Fundraising priorities will vary between Lodges and  will depend on whether or not the Province is “in Festival”.  However the specific duties of the Charity Steward which are common to all may be summarised as follows:

• Presenting compelling cases for giving, without being either too forceful, (which may deter potential donors), or too passive (so as not to miss opportunities).
• Encouraging regular giving e.g. through standing orders.
• Increasing the value of donations through Gift Aid.
• Discussing legacies, as appropriate.
• Planning, organising and implementing events and fundraising activities.
• Making regular  reports to the Lodge.
• Keeping monies safe and, wherever possible, earning interest.
• Maintaining accurate records.
• Ensuring the Charity Accounts are presented to the Lodge/Chapter on an annual basis.
• Disbursing funds as authorised by the Lodge.

Initiating and leading fundraising within the Lodge not only brings financial benefits to Masonic and non-Masonic Charities, but personal satisfaction and a great deal of fun along the way!   For someone who enjoys fundraising or event planning it is a great way to make a real difference not only in the Lodge but in the Community at large.

If this is something that interests you, click here to find out how to get involved.

One of the most important roles in a Masonic Lodge is that of the Almoner.

An almoner was originally a chaplain or church officer  in charge of distributing money (Alms) to the deserving poor.  The word derives from the Ancient Greek: ἐλεημοσύνη eleēmosynē (alms), via the popular Latin almosinarius

 

Caring for others is a key aspect of Masonic philosophy, and the Almoner‘s role is the one where that is put into most direct effect.

The Almoner’s core job is to be the “eyes and ears” of the Lodge, ensuring the welfare of its members and of their widows and dependants.

 

Specific responsibilities include…

• Maintaining regular contact with sick or distressed Lodge members.
• Maintaining regular contact with Lodge widows/widowers/single members.
• Making contact with families of recently deceased brethren.
• Being alert to the needs and problems of Lodge members and their dependants.
• Making contact with members not attending Lodge meetings.
• Being involved if issues of exclusion of members arise.
• Making new members welcome, in conjunction with the Proposer, Seconder and Lodge Mentor.
• Ensuring that members, partners and dependants are aware of what support may be available.

 

• Providing support to members in financial difficulty particularly through initiating the process of making applications for help to the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
• Being aware of happier events such as birthdays, births and special wedding anniversaries so that the Lodge can send appropriate greetings.

To perform this role an Almoner needs to possess considerable tact, courtesy, discretion, patience and humour.  He  needs a sympathetic disposition, a commitment to helping people, and the time and energy to devote to the benefit of Lodge members and their dependants.

Could you do it?