The Almoner in a Private Lodge
Notes for guidance
The office of Almoner is one of fairly modern origin; no mention of it is to be found in the Book of Constitutions until 1910. During the ceremony of Initiation we are reminded that we have ranged under our Banners Brethren who are reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress. In the simplest of terms, therefore, it is the duty of the Almoner to bring relief to such distressed Brethren. However, today the remit of the Almoner is much wider and his is a heavy but rewarding responsibility.
It is essential that the Brother who is appointed to this office, which is a compulsory but additional office in the Lodge, must be a paragon of tact, discretion, understanding and confidentiality. He should be a Past Master of some several years standing.
The Almoner needs to have a good grounding in the work and procedures of the principal Masonic Charities – the Grand Charity, the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, the New Masonic Samaritan Fund, and of the Provincial Charities. These charities provide their own leaflets of guidance and useful information about their schemes, procedures and contacts may be found in the Warwickshire Yearbook.
He will also need to have a grasp of the various benefits available from the State and those to whom they apply. Good information about these can be found in most Post Offices. There may also be charities in the locality of the Lodge or of the distressed Mason or his dependants and the Almoner would do well to make himself acquainted with these; lists are often available in local libraries.
The Almoner will be in regular contact with ailing or distressed members, advise the Master and the Brethren of progress or problems and ask for assistance from other Brethren, such as visiting, as appropriate. He will discreetly and with compassion offer his services immediately to the family of a newly deceased brother. His continued contact with widows of deceased Brethren is one of his most important duties.
He will deal with any Petition for assistance quickly and efficiently with no undue pressure or stress on the brother concerned or his dependants, but will maintain confidentiality at all times.
The Almoner will provide appropriate reports on these and all other matters within his jurisdiction at each Regular Meeting of the Lodge.
His accounts will be kept in an impeccable manner and in a way approved by the Lodge Treasurer and submitted to the Lodge annually, duly audited, at the time stipulated by the Lodge bylaws.
The Provincial Grand Almoner is always available to assist Lodge Almoners with any of their duties, particularly in the making of applications for assistance to the Masonic Charities.