Promoting the Fraternity across the World
One of the many casualties of Covid-19 and the lockdown has been charitable organisations such as Freemasonry.With gatherings not permitted, the social aspect of such organisations was the first to be suspended, but the philanthropic work carries on. Ruapehu Masonic District Grand Master Ash Williamson says Freemasonry New Zealand responded immediately to the pandemic.
William Perry II, past master Eddie Tosh and senior warden Jim Higgins pose with bicycles donated to Caldwell County primary and elementary schools. Clinton Lodge #82 donated 20 bikes this year to students as rewards for perfect attendance records. Efforts are part of a statewide program through the Grand Lodge of Kentucky to spur educational motivation in students.
Chevin Lodge of Freemasons has been working with Lincolnshire based charity His Church to bring the initiative to Yeadon. Each pallet costs £240 and provides goods worth £1800.
Donations from Lodge Members to the initiative, which was led by Bro Chris Fraser, totalled £1500 and one of Oriental Lodge’s younger members, Bro William Cheung, drove down to the Midlands to collect essential N95 masks. Lodge Secretary, WBro Kam Wah Mak, volunteered to distribute the masks to six Care Homes over the weekend, which were proposed by the Lodge members involved in the initiative..
Freemasons donate hundreds to Children’s Hospice South West
Rick was initiated into the London-based, Chelsea Lodge in 2008 becoming its Worshipful Master in 2014. The video below describes part of his journey into the fraternity and why he became a freemason.
Safeline, which helps and supports those affected by sexual abuse and rape, recently received a donation from the Order of Women Freemansons Lodge 159.
As part of the effort to combat the ill-effects of Covid-19 upon the health and welfare of the most vulnerable in the area, Bath Freemasons have launched the ‘ Square Meals ’ initiative by re-opening their kitchen to provide wholesome, pre-cooked frozen meals for delivery by Social Care staff to vulnerable citizens through the B&NES Food Parcel distribution channel.
Since UGLE closed down masonic meetings until the lockdown is over and the nasty virus of Covid-19 is under some level of control. How does the fraternity of Freemasonry continue? Zoom meetings are becoming the way forward and Masonic brethren that usually tour Lodges and Chapters giving lectures now offering webinars to keep the Masonic spirit alive amongst the Brethern and Companions.
The lockdown which has taken place in recent weeks has caused worry and difficulties for many people – getting groceries and keeping the household in essential supplies has been of major concern and stress to many. Our meeting halls in Derbyshire also face difficulties – we have catering staff who rely on our meetings for their income.