As indicated in a recent communique from our Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Thomas F. Morris with regard to the suggestion of W. Bro. Lionel Rudd, the Masonic Education presentation for July 2020 will pertain to Charity. I have asked W. Bro. Rudd to prepare presentations on other topics.
References will be from several sources and will be indicated with each item.
Definition of charity: the act of giving money, food, or other kinds of help to people who are poor, sick, etc. also : something (such as money or food) that is given to people who are poor, sick, etc. : an organization that helps people who are poor, sick, etc.
Definition of relief. The noun relief means “the act of reducing something unpleasant,” like medicine that brings relief from your terrible headache. Relief has several meanings. It can refer to help or assistance, like disaster relief, or a change for the better: it was a relief when you finally found your car keys. – from GOOGLE
During his initiation into Masonry, the “?” hears the word charity mentioned to him on eight separate occasions while receiving his Entered Apprentice Degree.
He also hears the word relief, twice while receiving this Degree.
I have included “relief” with the presentation of the importance of “charity” in Masonic learnings, due to their similar meanings – helping others.
The first mention of charity is when the “?” is in the N.E. angle of the [ ] and is told that it is to be his distinguishing characteristic.
– “The Work.”
The Junior Warden “awaken(s) the feelings of every newly I. brother, by making such claim upon his charity as his circumstances in life many fairly warrant.”
– “The Work.”
I have heard, that on the occasion of a Brother being given an opportunity to show that he was willing to make a charitable donation, within his limits, removed a sock and presented it. It is known by most, that a needy street person desires most a pair of socks. I have seen advertisements on TV that a company that makes socks, and if you purchase a pair of their socks, they will donate a pair. – R.W. Bro. Robert South
Our “?” would then be told “that a . . . . . charity should no bounds save those of prudence.”
– “The Work.”
While the J.W. is presenting his lecture, he describes Jacob’s ladder which “has many staves or rounds, but there are three principal ones, namely: Faith, Hope and Charity” … and that “Charity toward all men.”
– “The Work.”
. . . “but the third and last, being Charity comprehends the whole, and the . . . . . who is in possession of this virtue in its most ample sense, may justly be deemed to have arrived at the summit of . . . . . ry”.
– “The Work.”
His feet having tread on the Mosaic Pavement, our newly initiated Brother is prompted to “cultivate harmony, practise charity, and live in peace with all men.”
– “The Work.”
“It is but the summing up of what has been intimated in this explanation, to say that the tenants or fundamental principals of A.F. . . . . . . . ry are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth”
– “The Work.”
. . . “and be especially careful to maintain in their fullest splendour those truly Masonic ornaments, benevolence and charity.”
– “The Work.”
And when our Brother returns to his [ ] and is called upon to prove his proficiency in the Entered Apprentice Degree, the W.M. asks him to “Name the grand principals upon which they are founded.”
He replies “B.L.R.and T., “
– “The Work.”
Many Lodge buildings have a picture on their wall, with the words “Brotherly Love Relief and Truth” to remind the Brethren of these important words. – R.W. Bro. Robert South
“Relief is greater than charity. It is personal attention, sympathetic understanding and a caring attitude to others. Through out masonic history benevolence has been one of the central themes of Masonry. The word indicates the closeness of human beings, of freeing members from the anxiety of being alone when illness strikes, of knowing that someone cares, of acting towards others with thoughtfulness, kindness and a gracious generosity of spirit that requires no reward.”
- “Penetrating the Veil, written by M.W. Bro. David C. Bradley – Past Grand Master”
Almost daily we hear on the news of the feelings of loneliness suffered by so many, while self-isolating during the troubling times due to COVID-19. Have you called a Brother lately?
In April, W. Bro. John Reynolds telephoned the Brethren of Nickel Lodge, to check on their well being. Some of the recipients were only able to receive a message on their voice mail. He tried.
I asked him to provide me with a list of names and telephone numbers. He also provided me with their birthdates. In May, I commenced to call them on their birthdays, to wish them a Happy Birthday and make polite inquiries as to their well being. – R.W. Bro. Robert South
“The lecture in the north-east angle of the lodge can be extremely effective. The candidate has entered a new phase of life and is about to construct a temple of character and conduct which no one but he can build. Ince he is still an E.A., he requires instruction in the proper formulation of the plans and the process of construction. He is therefore placed in the north-east angle of the lodge, the symbolic meeting place of darkness and light. On this new dawn he is ready to start work in a new and challenging endeavour. All buildings, physical or moral, require a foundation stone. For the Mason’s temple it is Charity.”
-“Beyond the Pillars” a publication named by the Grand Master at the time (November 1971) – M.W. Bro. William Kirk Bailey. He had named a “ Special Committee on Publications”. This publication was edited by (R.W.) Bro. Wallace E. McLeod, who served in the office of Grand Historian for many years.
At the beginning of this presentation of Masonic Education, I presented the definitions of “Charity” and “Relief”.
Some Brethren are of such financial ability to make monetary donations to various charities.
Some, give their time also. Some, have given their time to support various charities or organizations.
Nickel Lodge, in recognition of their 100th Anniversary created a bursary to support a student at Cambrian College and Laurentian University. The amount of the bursary was set at $427.00, the Lodge’s number registered with Grand Lodge. This was eventually raised to $1000.00 each.
W. Bro. Robert Fontaine and Bro. Gerry Lougheed Jr. of Nickel Lodge spent many hours in the campaign to have a Cancer Treatment Centre in Sudbury.
Bro. Geoffrey Lougheed of Nickel Lodge and R.W. Keith I. Jordan of National Lodge regularly supports the Elgin Street Mission.
W. Bro. Terry Jackson of (Algonquin Lodge) City of Lakes Lodge spent many days working at the Food Bank on Elm Street.
W. Bro. Lionel Rudd of Bethel Lodge and Nickel Lodge organized the Lodge’s Winter Clothing Appeal to which many of the Brethren supported.
Bro. John Leonard has spearheaded Nickel Lodge’s plot in the Community Garden and provided the fruits of their labours to the Blue Door Soup Kitchen.
While living in Sudbury, I drove the Canadian Red Cross – Sudbury Branch – Life Bus.
After moving to Brantford, I volunteer at the local hospital, first guiding patients to their appropriate clinic and the last year, assisted in the Fracture Clinic. (Due to restrictions at the hospital because of COVID-19, I haven’t been able to assist. I even spent sometime helping young children to read at the school where my wife Peggy has volunteered for several years.
I am certain that there are many other Brethren who support some “charity” in some manner.
I hi-lite the above to demonstrate the possibilities to provide “relief” to others.
Recognizing the importance of giving back to our community, our District Deputy Grand Master – R.W. Bro. Robert J. Lipichas givenseven of the Brethren various appointments to his Community Committee.
Our Grand Master, M.W. Bro. David J. Cameron has appointed R.W. Bro. Brian V. Koivu, (City of Lakes Lodge No. 536) – President of the Masonic Foundation of Ontario and R.W. Bro. Robert J. Fleming (Nickel Lodge No. 427) – President of the Masonichip Foundation.
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario provides bursaries to College and University Students and supports District Projects.
The Masonichip Foundation provides for the children’s identification program that many Masons and their spouses are involved.
Brethren – Would you give if it were within your power?
– R.W. Bro. Robert South