Old Esthameians Lodge 7693

SIC PARVIS MAGNA

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by Peter Low © Dec 2011

Last Updated 15:23 24/12/2011

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almoner

THE ROLE OF THE LODGE ALMONER

 

It is very important that the Lodge Almoner is a person who possesses considerable tact, courtesy, discretion, patience and humour, together with a sympathetic demeanour, charitable heart and time to devote for the benefit of Lodge members and their dependants. The office is one that benefits from continuity and it is suggested that a term of five years minimum is appropriate.

 

They should live local to most of the brethren and the heart of the Lodge and should call to see the widows at least once a year, possibly at Christmas or Easter, to assess their demeanour because this simply cannot be done over the telephone. Poverty is not an easy thing to admit to. Health worries are often kept hidden. It is often painful to admit to others what may seem to be a failure and an inability to cope. Confidentiality and a caring approach can be the key to relieving those worries.

 

The Lodge should support the Almoner by allowing him to have his own bank account with sufficient funds to enable him to meet essential expenditure through the year such as flowers, or charitable donations at funerals. The Lodge should also support the Almoner in his fund raising activities during the year.

 

 

The Almoner’s duties may be summarised as follows:

 

· To be the catalyst or eyes and ears of the Lodge.

 

· To maintain regular contact with all sick or distressed Lodge members

 

· To maintain regular contact with Lodge widows

 

· To Informing the Lodge brethren of members and widows funeral arrangements and to make sure that the Lodge is represented

 

· To make immediate contact with the family of a recently deceased brother

 

· To report to all the members at each Lodge meeting on all the above matters, while still preserving due confidentiality

 

· To maintain a range of accurate records as outlined below

 

· To make welcome all new members in conjunction with the Proposer, Seconder and Lodge Mentor

 

· To have a knowledge and understanding of the aims and objectives of the 4 main Masonic Charities – The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys and The Masonic Samaritan Fund

 

· To have a basic knowledge of the financial and other support available from non-Masonic Charities e.g. Armed Forces Charities and  State Benefits through the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

 

· Where possible to attend training events and other events to keep up to date with developments in the Masonic Charities.

 

· In addition to the above, a good Almoner will also make himself aware of happier events such as birthdays, births, silver and golden weddings so that the Lodge can send appropriate greetings

 

· He should never feel alone in his work and should not hesitate to seek assistance from other members when required.

Update From The Almoner

 

The lodge widows and their chaperons attended the Broken Column Christmas lunch on 16th December at Chingford Masonic All had a  wonderful time. The Lodge received a letter and a phone calls of thanks from them respectively. The Old Esthameians will be supporting this event next year.

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