Royds Lodge No. 1204
Antient Free and Accepted Masons of England
Charity is at the Heart of Freemasonry
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 channelled through four main charitable organisations, they are: the Grand Charity, the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and the New Masonic Samaritan Fund.
The Grand Charity
The Grand Charity was formed as an independent charity in 1980 to take over the functions of the United Grand Lodge of England's Board of Benevolence, which itself had its origins in the Committee of Charity set-up in 1725. Like its predecessor, the Grand Charity has a threefold function: relieving distressed Freemasons and their dependents; making grants to Masonic charities and making grants to non-Masonic causes.
The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
In 1982 the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls, formed in 1788, and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys, formed in 1798, were combined to form the Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys in order to continue nearly two hundred years of care for the children of poor families. On the 1st May 2003, the Trust became the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.
The prime objective of the Trust is support for the children of distressed or deceased Freemasons, the aim being to offer them the start in life they would have received had distress not befallen their families. The second objective is to provide help to children not connected to Masonic families and to support charities connected with children.
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of older Freemasons. These services include sheltered accommodation and residential care in homes throughout England and Wales, together with practical and financial support for those who wish to remain in their own homes.
The Institution faces a daunting challenge in providing these services to an increasingly large number of older Freemasons and their dependents.
The New Masonic Samaritan Fund
Established in 1990 with the active support of the United Grand Lodge of England, the New Masonic Samaritan Fund is an independent charity, which provides support for sick and infirm Freemasons, their families and dependents. The Fund gives relief to those applicants who cannot afford the full cost of private health care and who are unable to obtain their treatment on the UK's National Health Service without undue delay or hardship.
