Charity
is at the
heart of Freemasonry
The three Great Principles by which we stand are
Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Freemasons are taught to practise
charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community
as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and
works as individuals.
From
its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of
orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition,
large sums are given to national and local charities.
Masonic
charity is exercised at every level, individual Lodges make
gifts and give aid to their own communities and every Province also
gives large sums of money to regional causes. Nationally, our efforts
are chanelled through four main charity organisations, they are:
Province
of Devonshire 2012 Festival
in aid of the Royal
Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
The word "Festival" is used here to define an extended period of
giving, by
Lodges and individual Brethren in a Province, in support of one of the
4 national Masonic charities and usually lasting between 5 and 7 years;
in our case, it is The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys
(RMTGB).
At our December (Installation) 2008 Meeting we received a Certificate
stating our Lodge Status as a Patron Lodge for donating/pledging
£15,000.
