I agree, this is an important conversation all community organizations need to be holding right now. For my own part, I undoubtedly believe that our Masonic Lodges have a fundamental duty to proactively take action.
As a British mason, our lodge regularly assists Brethren in distress; regardless of government assistance, if a Brother were to contact our secretary, charity steward or WM and ask for some relief, it would be provided without querying whether that brother is already receiving assistance from His Majesty's legislative body.
In England asking a man whether he is financially secure is something of a faux pas (one does not enquire into the finances of another man), however if he asks, he should receive
I can't speak for all lodges here even in Washington State, but the lodges I've been associated with all have a discretionary fund set aside for the WM to use as he sees fit, without approval or coordination of the lodge. More than once it's been used to help a brother when needed. It's a budgeted item.
And yes, here too, talk about money (unless said brother brings it up) isn't done. None of my business.
>>>but the lodges I've been associated with all have a discretionary fund set aside for >>>the WM to use as he sees fit, without approval or coordination of the lodge.
Yes, every Lodge I've ever been a part of has had this. Even my primary Lodge years ago when it was barely scraping by for funds itself had money to help Brothers available.
>>>As a British mason, our lodge regularly assists Brethren in distress; regardless of >>>government assistance
We do the same here. A Lodge here wouldn't not help a Brother in distress just because he was receiving help from a government program.
But, it seems to me that this is a more unique situation in that we may have elderly Brothers who are counting on regular assistance, and perhaps have done so for years, that is now not arriving.
>>>In England asking a man whether he is financially secure is something of a faux pas (one >>>does not enquire into the finances of another man), however if he asks, he should receive
Again it is the same here. In normal situations a Lodge would not ask, but does stand ready to assist if asked.
But, many men are too proud to ask. And again, this is a unique situation in our country, so I believe that now, in relation to this situation, Lodges must ask instead of wait.
We have promised to befriend and relieve every Brother who needs our assistance. WE have promised. I'm not aware that any LODGE has taken this obligation. If the Lodge has a charity fund, or if its members approve charitable disbursements that's great. If not, we individually still have an obligation.
Either way, recent policy and legislative turmoil is creating new levels of hardship. It's a good time to remember that every human being has a claim upon our kind offices.
Technically, I don't disagree with you. Practically, I don't think that an individual Mason can do it without the help of the Lodge, so therefore, the Lodge must be involved.
The Lodge, through the Secretary has the contact information for all of the members of the Lodge, and as such, can ask all of the Brothers if they need help, and if they do, encourage them to seek that help. I don't imagine that individual Lodge members have contact information for all of the members of the Lodge. Therefore, I do believe it must be an organized effort.
I guess that I'll take it a bit further too. It doesn't matter, in my mind, if the Lodge has a charity fund or not. If the Lodge becomes aware of an elderly Mason unable to meet the basic needs of life because of this, the Lodge needs to immediately relieve that need out of whatever funds might be available. It can raise the moneys needed to replace whatever was used for that by asking the Brothers to contribute later.
Lastly, I think that every Lodge should have funds available for emergency charitable purposes available to the WM. Sometimes waiting a month for a meeting so that the Lodge can approve a disbursement just doesn't cut it. I would argue that a situation like this, if a Lodge member was facing it, would be one of those occasions.
So, yes, I agree it is an individual obligation. But, for practical reasons, I don't believe it can reach everyone potentially in distress as such.
Yes to everything you've written WM. My initial reaction is based on my frequently observed reaction of Masons of calling upon the Lodge to act rather than examining the length of their cable tow.
My Lodge gives generously, because we can. But we've also adopted a program for individual giving: "Tip the Hat". At every meeting a top hat is placed on our bar and the members are encouraged to donate to the Tip the Hat fund. For the last two years we've donated the funds to the local food bank at the end of the year. This year, in light of the SNAP situation, we're donating early. Later this week the food bank is getting about $2,200 from the members and another $2,000 from the Lodge.
It's hard for me to describe how proud I am of our individual members.
>>>My initial reaction is based on my frequently observed reaction of Masons of >>>calling upon the Lodge to act rather than examining the length of their cable >>>tow.
I agree. This can be a real problem. I too have certainly seen it.
I think that our own reactions to things like this are always going to be based on our own experiences.
My own reaction is based on what I've observed through the years at a Lodge that I'm not a part of, but isn't too far from my home. That particular Lodge always seems quite eager to ask the GL, WMC, and MSB for funds to help its members, but seems never willing to kick in a nickel of its own funds, or even to pass the hat. That's always struck me as just about the most ridiculous thing.
I really like your Lodge's "Tip The Hat" plan. It is seems similar to the Scottish Rite Almoner's Fund in a Valley at each meeting. That always struck me as a really good way for everyone to help, as they are able.
Centralia Lodge has always had WM discretionary charitable funds that he can provide on his own authority, and provide extremely quickly. Even back in the days when the Lodge itself was pretty much broke. (It is financially stable now, years later.) But, we've also passed the hat as needed through the years, and I've often been pleasantly surprised at how much money that can bring forth.
One thing that I am truly impressed with right now is our area's small business community, particularly our independent restaurants. It started with one offering free meals to people impacted by this, and it grew from there. Lots of our local independents have jumped on that bandwagon. I can't help but notice that none of the chain restaurants, nor muti location restaurants are participating.
I agree that we must, and I agree that we frequently forget.
In my experience as a Mason, the biggest problem we have is that the Lodge doesn't have contact information for the widows. And that is 100% the fault of their husbands, our Masons in 2025.
Our Grand Lodge databases have lots of space for Masons to go in and put all of the information needed for their wives. But, very few Masons actually fill that out, and I presume that even fewer tell their wives that they should keep the information updated if they move or such.
I imagine we all like to think that our own death is a long way off, so just don't get around to doing this, but by spending five minutes updating our profile in the database to include information about our wives, and explaining to them to remain in contact with the Lodge after we croak, we could help ensure that the Lodge could be there for our widow after we are dead.
MW Brother, in order to help Lodges funds go further while assisting more of our worthy Brethren, their widows, and orphans perhaps Lodges might consider requesting a match from Washington Masonic Services. If they should they find themselves needing to offer relief?
In my mind, the Grand Lodge's charitable arm can't be used as an excuse for the local Brothers, local Lodge to not get involved.
Far too many times when I was Grand Master and in a position to see requests for charitable relief come in from Lodges, the Lodge would be seeking relief for one of their members, but refusing to provide any relief of their own. Usually claiming that the Lodge was poor or some such nonsense.
Here in Washington we have funds available to help our Brothers from the Grand Lodge's own charitable funds, Washington Masonic Charities funds, and the Masonic Service Bureau. Putting those three together it can significantly help a brother in need.
But, in my mind, the Lodge must help as well, and that means that the members of the Lodge are helping.
The 'our Lodge is too poor' excuse is a bunch of crap. Pass the hat, raise the funds. Help your Brother as we've all promised to do.
The other thing about a Lodge helping is speed. A Lodge can help today. If I as WM am contacted by a Brother in bad distress today, I can relieve that distress today. The Masonic resources I mention above are remarkably quick for large organizations, but certainly not as quick as a Lodge can be.
So, yeah, if need be, make the funds go further by seeking help from these other organizations, but first we must help our Brother.
We had a brother years ago stuggling to go see his daughter's graduation in Florida. We passed the hat around, and raised enough money to get him a round trip ticket to visit her (was $400 dollars).
Brothers will break out a wallet when asked, as long as it's for a good cause for a brother in good standing.
And what comes around goes around. Many times these Brothers who needed assistance and received it, come back when they’re situation’s back on track and contribute to the next Brother in need. I’ve seen that as well.
“Here in Washington we have funds available to help our Brothers from the Grand Lodge's own charitable funds, Washington Masonic Charities funds, and the Masonic Service Bureau. Putting those three together it can significantly help a brother in need.”
This paragraph reminded me of when my family was in a bad situation, with the storm and the associated Flood of December, 2007 doing significant damage to the properties of my Grandparents and Uncle (a Past Master of Tenino 86), the Worshipful Master of Chehalis Lodge No. 28 and Centralia Lodge’s Musician. In these cases, the word got out, and Tenino Lodge helped out WB’s Nick and Baxter, while the Brethren of Harmony Lodge 18 came out to WB Spencer’s house and did work party duty to help clean up his property. The Deputy of the Grand Master and the Grand Secretary got MSA and GL funding to get all three Brothers back on track. But even in that case, the Brothers pay back into it, as WB Nick returned the donation money that wasn’t needed, as insurance covered some of the damaged appliances, etc. But it was a rough time, and the Brothers came through.
Thank you for sharing this, I think it is a really important reminder that giving, closest to us, is probably the most important giving of all. Our Lodge Brothers, our community, and then the broader world.
For if we don't take care of ourselves, we can't take care of anyone else. Sort of like the oxygen masks on airplanes.
This post highlights what we are obligated to…charity of our brethren. The big charities get the focus, but we should ALWAYS check on the needs of our own membership first. This is a topic that I get passionate about.
As a part of this, I think that most of our Brothers who might be in need are very reticent about asking the Lodge for help, or letting the Lodge know about their need. I think we have to proactively ask.
I agree, this is an important conversation all community organizations need to be holding right now. For my own part, I undoubtedly believe that our Masonic Lodges have a fundamental duty to proactively take action.
As a British mason, our lodge regularly assists Brethren in distress; regardless of government assistance, if a Brother were to contact our secretary, charity steward or WM and ask for some relief, it would be provided without querying whether that brother is already receiving assistance from His Majesty's legislative body.
In England asking a man whether he is financially secure is something of a faux pas (one does not enquire into the finances of another man), however if he asks, he should receive
I can't speak for all lodges here even in Washington State, but the lodges I've been associated with all have a discretionary fund set aside for the WM to use as he sees fit, without approval or coordination of the lodge. More than once it's been used to help a brother when needed. It's a budgeted item.
And yes, here too, talk about money (unless said brother brings it up) isn't done. None of my business.
>>>but the lodges I've been associated with all have a discretionary fund set aside for >>>the WM to use as he sees fit, without approval or coordination of the lodge.
Yes, every Lodge I've ever been a part of has had this. Even my primary Lodge years ago when it was barely scraping by for funds itself had money to help Brothers available.
>>>As a British mason, our lodge regularly assists Brethren in distress; regardless of >>>government assistance
We do the same here. A Lodge here wouldn't not help a Brother in distress just because he was receiving help from a government program.
But, it seems to me that this is a more unique situation in that we may have elderly Brothers who are counting on regular assistance, and perhaps have done so for years, that is now not arriving.
>>>In England asking a man whether he is financially secure is something of a faux pas (one >>>does not enquire into the finances of another man), however if he asks, he should receive
Again it is the same here. In normal situations a Lodge would not ask, but does stand ready to assist if asked.
But, many men are too proud to ask. And again, this is a unique situation in our country, so I believe that now, in relation to this situation, Lodges must ask instead of wait.
We have promised to befriend and relieve every Brother who needs our assistance. WE have promised. I'm not aware that any LODGE has taken this obligation. If the Lodge has a charity fund, or if its members approve charitable disbursements that's great. If not, we individually still have an obligation.
Either way, recent policy and legislative turmoil is creating new levels of hardship. It's a good time to remember that every human being has a claim upon our kind offices.
Technically, I don't disagree with you. Practically, I don't think that an individual Mason can do it without the help of the Lodge, so therefore, the Lodge must be involved.
The Lodge, through the Secretary has the contact information for all of the members of the Lodge, and as such, can ask all of the Brothers if they need help, and if they do, encourage them to seek that help. I don't imagine that individual Lodge members have contact information for all of the members of the Lodge. Therefore, I do believe it must be an organized effort.
I guess that I'll take it a bit further too. It doesn't matter, in my mind, if the Lodge has a charity fund or not. If the Lodge becomes aware of an elderly Mason unable to meet the basic needs of life because of this, the Lodge needs to immediately relieve that need out of whatever funds might be available. It can raise the moneys needed to replace whatever was used for that by asking the Brothers to contribute later.
Lastly, I think that every Lodge should have funds available for emergency charitable purposes available to the WM. Sometimes waiting a month for a meeting so that the Lodge can approve a disbursement just doesn't cut it. I would argue that a situation like this, if a Lodge member was facing it, would be one of those occasions.
So, yes, I agree it is an individual obligation. But, for practical reasons, I don't believe it can reach everyone potentially in distress as such.
Yes to everything you've written WM. My initial reaction is based on my frequently observed reaction of Masons of calling upon the Lodge to act rather than examining the length of their cable tow.
My Lodge gives generously, because we can. But we've also adopted a program for individual giving: "Tip the Hat". At every meeting a top hat is placed on our bar and the members are encouraged to donate to the Tip the Hat fund. For the last two years we've donated the funds to the local food bank at the end of the year. This year, in light of the SNAP situation, we're donating early. Later this week the food bank is getting about $2,200 from the members and another $2,000 from the Lodge.
It's hard for me to describe how proud I am of our individual members.
>>>My initial reaction is based on my frequently observed reaction of Masons of >>>calling upon the Lodge to act rather than examining the length of their cable >>>tow.
I agree. This can be a real problem. I too have certainly seen it.
I think that our own reactions to things like this are always going to be based on our own experiences.
My own reaction is based on what I've observed through the years at a Lodge that I'm not a part of, but isn't too far from my home. That particular Lodge always seems quite eager to ask the GL, WMC, and MSB for funds to help its members, but seems never willing to kick in a nickel of its own funds, or even to pass the hat. That's always struck me as just about the most ridiculous thing.
I really like your Lodge's "Tip The Hat" plan. It is seems similar to the Scottish Rite Almoner's Fund in a Valley at each meeting. That always struck me as a really good way for everyone to help, as they are able.
Centralia Lodge has always had WM discretionary charitable funds that he can provide on his own authority, and provide extremely quickly. Even back in the days when the Lodge itself was pretty much broke. (It is financially stable now, years later.) But, we've also passed the hat as needed through the years, and I've often been pleasantly surprised at how much money that can bring forth.
One thing that I am truly impressed with right now is our area's small business community, particularly our independent restaurants. It started with one offering free meals to people impacted by this, and it grew from there. Lots of our local independents have jumped on that bandwagon. I can't help but notice that none of the chain restaurants, nor muti location restaurants are participating.
We also mustn’t forget our widows and orphans, who, I believe we frequently forget.
I agree that we must, and I agree that we frequently forget.
In my experience as a Mason, the biggest problem we have is that the Lodge doesn't have contact information for the widows. And that is 100% the fault of their husbands, our Masons in 2025.
Our Grand Lodge databases have lots of space for Masons to go in and put all of the information needed for their wives. But, very few Masons actually fill that out, and I presume that even fewer tell their wives that they should keep the information updated if they move or such.
I imagine we all like to think that our own death is a long way off, so just don't get around to doing this, but by spending five minutes updating our profile in the database to include information about our wives, and explaining to them to remain in contact with the Lodge after we croak, we could help ensure that the Lodge could be there for our widow after we are dead.
MW Brother, in order to help Lodges funds go further while assisting more of our worthy Brethren, their widows, and orphans perhaps Lodges might consider requesting a match from Washington Masonic Services. If they should they find themselves needing to offer relief?
I agree, with a huge caveat.
In my mind, the Grand Lodge's charitable arm can't be used as an excuse for the local Brothers, local Lodge to not get involved.
Far too many times when I was Grand Master and in a position to see requests for charitable relief come in from Lodges, the Lodge would be seeking relief for one of their members, but refusing to provide any relief of their own. Usually claiming that the Lodge was poor or some such nonsense.
Here in Washington we have funds available to help our Brothers from the Grand Lodge's own charitable funds, Washington Masonic Charities funds, and the Masonic Service Bureau. Putting those three together it can significantly help a brother in need.
But, in my mind, the Lodge must help as well, and that means that the members of the Lodge are helping.
The 'our Lodge is too poor' excuse is a bunch of crap. Pass the hat, raise the funds. Help your Brother as we've all promised to do.
The other thing about a Lodge helping is speed. A Lodge can help today. If I as WM am contacted by a Brother in bad distress today, I can relieve that distress today. The Masonic resources I mention above are remarkably quick for large organizations, but certainly not as quick as a Lodge can be.
So, yeah, if need be, make the funds go further by seeking help from these other organizations, but first we must help our Brother.
We had a brother years ago stuggling to go see his daughter's graduation in Florida. We passed the hat around, and raised enough money to get him a round trip ticket to visit her (was $400 dollars).
Brothers will break out a wallet when asked, as long as it's for a good cause for a brother in good standing.
I think you hit on it here. Brothers are willing to help, but the Brother needing assistance needs to be worthy of it, and the cause right.
Freemasonry can't become a financial crutch that a man relies upon for life. But it can relieve immediate needs for a brother with a temporary need.
And what comes around goes around. Many times these Brothers who needed assistance and received it, come back when they’re situation’s back on track and contribute to the next Brother in need. I’ve seen that as well.
Oh, yes, without a doubt!
“Here in Washington we have funds available to help our Brothers from the Grand Lodge's own charitable funds, Washington Masonic Charities funds, and the Masonic Service Bureau. Putting those three together it can significantly help a brother in need.”
This paragraph reminded me of when my family was in a bad situation, with the storm and the associated Flood of December, 2007 doing significant damage to the properties of my Grandparents and Uncle (a Past Master of Tenino 86), the Worshipful Master of Chehalis Lodge No. 28 and Centralia Lodge’s Musician. In these cases, the word got out, and Tenino Lodge helped out WB’s Nick and Baxter, while the Brethren of Harmony Lodge 18 came out to WB Spencer’s house and did work party duty to help clean up his property. The Deputy of the Grand Master and the Grand Secretary got MSA and GL funding to get all three Brothers back on track. But even in that case, the Brothers pay back into it, as WB Nick returned the donation money that wasn’t needed, as insurance covered some of the damaged appliances, etc. But it was a rough time, and the Brothers came through.
Thank you for sharing this, I think it is a really important reminder that giving, closest to us, is probably the most important giving of all. Our Lodge Brothers, our community, and then the broader world.
For if we don't take care of ourselves, we can't take care of anyone else. Sort of like the oxygen masks on airplanes.
This post highlights what we are obligated to…charity of our brethren. The big charities get the focus, but we should ALWAYS check on the needs of our own membership first. This is a topic that I get passionate about.
As a part of this, I think that most of our Brothers who might be in need are very reticent about asking the Lodge for help, or letting the Lodge know about their need. I think we have to proactively ask.