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Article BELFAST MASONIC CHARITIES. Page 1 of 2 Article BELFAST MASONIC CHARITIES. Page 1 of 2 →
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Belfast Masonic Charities.
BELFAST MASONIC CHARITIES .
THE annual meeting in support of the Belfast Masonic Charity Fund and Belfast Masomc Widows' Fund was held in the Ulster Hall , on the 29 th ult ., and is described by the " Belfast News Letter " as a great success . Bro . Thomas Valentine , J . P ., Deputy Provincial Grand Master Antrim , occupied the chair , aud was received with
enthusiasm . He apologised for the absence of the Provincial Grand Master the Marquis of Hertford , who , he said , had fully intended to be present at the annual meeting of the two Masonic charities , but circumstances over which he had no control had prevented him carrying out his intention . It was most
gratifying to see such a large audience assembled in the interests of the charities , which administered relief to poor and distressed brother Masons and the widows and orphans of deceased Masons . As would be seen by the report , their income for both funds for the past year had been larger than in the previous year , and , of
course , the aid dispensed was proportionately greater . They did not confine their charity to the Masonic province of Antrim , but they aided the Masonic Orphan Schools in Dublin , of which they were so proud , and in which orphans were clothed , fed , and educated in a superior manner , as the results of the Intermediate
examinations showed . Then , again , their charity was not confined to Masonic circles , for as far as his experience went Masons were not behind other citizens in the city of Belfast or elsewhere
in contributing liberally to public charities when called upon to do so . Not only did they render pecuniary assistance to their brethren , but their advice and counsel were given when needed , and this was as important-as financial assistance .
This reports of the two charities , which were in printed form , were taken as read . They are—Belfast Masonic Charity Fund .--In submitting the thirtythird annual statement of accounts of the oldest organised Masonic charity in Belfast the Committee have pleasure in
referring to the continued prosperity of the Trust . The total receipts amounted to £ 429 os lOd . The disbursements amounted to £ 479 4 s 6 d , as against £ 404 19 s 8 d last year , being an increase of £ 74 4 s lOd , showing on the year ' s working an excess of expenditure over income of £ 49 18 s 8 d . From the statement
of accounts it will be seen that although the personal subscriptions and donations have slightly fallen off there has been an increase in the income from other sources . Since the last annual meeting Bro . Wm . M . Bullock has resigned his position as Secretary . For fifteen years he discharged the difficult duties
with fidelity , courtesy , and marked ability , and he will be gratefully remembered for his arduous services . The Committee have conveyed to him their warmest thanks for his untiring efforts on behalf of the poor and distressed . There has been an increase iu the number of subscribing Lodges meeting in Belfast , but there
are still a few blanks in the list , and it is to be hoped that these will be filled up in the coming year , and that with fuller knowledge of the work done will como a higher standard of responsibility , and that Lodge will vie with Lodge and Brother with Brother , who can labour best and do most for the noble cause of Masonic charity .
Belfast Masonic Widows' Fund . —In presenting the twentysecond annual report of the Belfast Masonic Widows' Fund the Committee beg to return their sincere thanks to those members of the Order who have so generously subscribed the funds necessary to carry on the work , and for the liberal support which
has been accorded to them . The year was remarkable ior the increased interest taken in the fund by the various Lodges , as well as for the great increase in the applications for assistance brought before the Committee , amounting to no less than eighteen new cases , and adding £ 73 to the expenditure . How to meet this
urgent cry for help without encroaching upon the invested capital was the task set before the Committee . They felt that the sum invested so carefully during the past twenty-two yearsamounting to £ 5 , 700—should be preserved intact , the interest accruing therefrom making up fully one-third of their income .
The position of affairs was laid before the Lodges , with the pleasing result that the subscriptions were very largely increased , and the total income the largest ever recorded . The income for the years 1893 and 1394 was : 1893 , £ 727 6 s lid ; 1894 , £ 1 , 018 3 s ld . During the year the Committee devoted some time
to the revision of the Bye-laws , and they have formulated a scheme whereby the amount of each grant will be governed by the length of time the deceased Brother was a member of the Order , and which they believe will simplify their labours in the future . Eighty-nine widows and their families were assisted
during 1894 , seventy-two claiming through Lodges belonging to County Antrim , grants amounting to £ 572 12 s ; and seventeen through Lodges belonging to County Down , grants amounting to £ 101 10 s , making a total of £ 674 2 s . Last year the amount was
£ 601 12 s , and the grants voted for the year 1895 up to date amount to the large total of £ 748 2 s . Of this sum £ 617 2 s is for County Antrim cases , and £ 131 for County Down . Brother Wakefield H . Dixon P . P . S . G . W ., in moving the
Belfast Masonic Charities.
adoption of the Eeport and statement of accounts , congratulated that large community ou the gathering there that night , which told them how well their Masonic body stood in that land , and he congratulated them on the fact that they had during the year received more money and had spent more money than in the
proceeding year . He did not want to advocate more than was necessary the claims of their Masonic body . They were friends with all the world , and they were friends with everybody who was in distress . Many years ago individual Masons were called
upon to give personal assistance to distressed ones , but a great improvement had been effected since then by the formation of these two Masonic bodies—two bodies which had done their duty well . The reports were adopted .
Brother H . H . Parker , LL . D ., then moved the following resolution : "That this meeting , recognising the continued usefulness of these funds , feels it to be its duty to urge upon Lodges and Brethren the necessity of sustaining them by a liberally increased pecuniary aid , in order to meet their
everincreasing claims , and hereby promote the noble virtue of charity , the keystone of the Masonic Order . " He said they could not have too clearly before them the fact that they were there that night to celebrate the anniversary of two distinct charitable funds . One of them had charged itself with relief of the wants
of the poor and distressed Brethren , and also , as they could see pathetically stated in the report , of performing for those whose means would not allow it to be done out of their own resources the last sad rites demanded by their poor , frail humanity , and seeing they had a decent burial . During the past year that
particular charity had , as they had heard , 'disbursed £ 464 , and they were told that the claims upon that fund were increasing . Now , he thought that was a trumpet call to that meeting to do their best during the year on which they had entered that that helpful fund would be enabled to discharge the functions for
which it was called into existence . It had for fifty years been scattering broadcast works of beneficence and charity , and it was their business there that night , as a meeting , to say , "Go on and prosper , and we will see you are supported in the work you are doing . "
Bro . Eev . J . A . Greer , LL . D ., in seconding the motion , said that the resolution would commend itself to the whole of that
assembly , composed as it was of two classes , those who were Masons and those who were sympathisers with and supporters of the Order ; but he found that their system of charity was one of the reasons why some people took exception to the Institution . They were called selfish people , but they would find that the
persons who described them thus and complained of them constricting their charity made that an excuse for covering individual meanness and uncharity . They would find that the man who did not give in charity this way did not give in charity in any other way , and the apostle had told them to do good unto
all men , but specially unto them that were of the household of faith . They endeavoured to constrict their charity in a narrow circle , and so make it more real and a more living and effective influence . If they would look to the various charitable organisations and societies they would find that the leaders in
this charitable work and those who took part in those good deeds were Masons . Another objection against the Order was that they did not admit ladies into their society . Well , he did think the ladies felt that deprivation , seeing their large attendance that evening . He supposed they knew the Masons were bound
neither by political creed nor by religious sect . They were ready to take all comers , no matter what their politics or religion might be—Home Euler or Unionist , Eadical or Conservative , whether Anglican or Eoman Catholic , Presbyterian or Methodist , but they drew the line at atheists . There was one principle they hold in common with the members of the Eeformed faith , and
that was this : —Angel worship was prohibited within the precincts of the Masonic Temple , and since angel worship was so prohibited they found it would be perfectly impossible to enforce that rule unless they excluded ladies from the precincts . There was one other subject he would like to allude to . It was a danger that
was becoming more and more obvious every day to the existence of these tried charities ; and as an outsider he ventured to speak a word of warning to those in authority . There was a tendency to turn the Masonic Order into a hugh benefit society . People weie joining Masonry not from any adherence to the true ideas
of Masonry , but simply in order to secure a certain provision for themselves in time of sickness , and for their widows and orphans after they were dead . Now that was cutting away the ground from under Masonry altogether . The true object of Masonry waa not that . It was to combine them into a common brotherhood
for truer and nobler ideas of life , for the spread of real love and charity , and to develop a kindly social feeling amongst men who would not otherwise be brought into contact . If this tendency
went on it would tend to place Masonry on a footing with the Foresters , the Free Gardeners , and other societies of that kind , against whom he had not a single word to say , but they made this the main object of their existence , and they did not . After
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Belfast Masonic Charities.
BELFAST MASONIC CHARITIES .
THE annual meeting in support of the Belfast Masonic Charity Fund and Belfast Masomc Widows' Fund was held in the Ulster Hall , on the 29 th ult ., and is described by the " Belfast News Letter " as a great success . Bro . Thomas Valentine , J . P ., Deputy Provincial Grand Master Antrim , occupied the chair , aud was received with
enthusiasm . He apologised for the absence of the Provincial Grand Master the Marquis of Hertford , who , he said , had fully intended to be present at the annual meeting of the two Masonic charities , but circumstances over which he had no control had prevented him carrying out his intention . It was most
gratifying to see such a large audience assembled in the interests of the charities , which administered relief to poor and distressed brother Masons and the widows and orphans of deceased Masons . As would be seen by the report , their income for both funds for the past year had been larger than in the previous year , and , of
course , the aid dispensed was proportionately greater . They did not confine their charity to the Masonic province of Antrim , but they aided the Masonic Orphan Schools in Dublin , of which they were so proud , and in which orphans were clothed , fed , and educated in a superior manner , as the results of the Intermediate
examinations showed . Then , again , their charity was not confined to Masonic circles , for as far as his experience went Masons were not behind other citizens in the city of Belfast or elsewhere
in contributing liberally to public charities when called upon to do so . Not only did they render pecuniary assistance to their brethren , but their advice and counsel were given when needed , and this was as important-as financial assistance .
This reports of the two charities , which were in printed form , were taken as read . They are—Belfast Masonic Charity Fund .--In submitting the thirtythird annual statement of accounts of the oldest organised Masonic charity in Belfast the Committee have pleasure in
referring to the continued prosperity of the Trust . The total receipts amounted to £ 429 os lOd . The disbursements amounted to £ 479 4 s 6 d , as against £ 404 19 s 8 d last year , being an increase of £ 74 4 s lOd , showing on the year ' s working an excess of expenditure over income of £ 49 18 s 8 d . From the statement
of accounts it will be seen that although the personal subscriptions and donations have slightly fallen off there has been an increase in the income from other sources . Since the last annual meeting Bro . Wm . M . Bullock has resigned his position as Secretary . For fifteen years he discharged the difficult duties
with fidelity , courtesy , and marked ability , and he will be gratefully remembered for his arduous services . The Committee have conveyed to him their warmest thanks for his untiring efforts on behalf of the poor and distressed . There has been an increase iu the number of subscribing Lodges meeting in Belfast , but there
are still a few blanks in the list , and it is to be hoped that these will be filled up in the coming year , and that with fuller knowledge of the work done will como a higher standard of responsibility , and that Lodge will vie with Lodge and Brother with Brother , who can labour best and do most for the noble cause of Masonic charity .
Belfast Masonic Widows' Fund . —In presenting the twentysecond annual report of the Belfast Masonic Widows' Fund the Committee beg to return their sincere thanks to those members of the Order who have so generously subscribed the funds necessary to carry on the work , and for the liberal support which
has been accorded to them . The year was remarkable ior the increased interest taken in the fund by the various Lodges , as well as for the great increase in the applications for assistance brought before the Committee , amounting to no less than eighteen new cases , and adding £ 73 to the expenditure . How to meet this
urgent cry for help without encroaching upon the invested capital was the task set before the Committee . They felt that the sum invested so carefully during the past twenty-two yearsamounting to £ 5 , 700—should be preserved intact , the interest accruing therefrom making up fully one-third of their income .
The position of affairs was laid before the Lodges , with the pleasing result that the subscriptions were very largely increased , and the total income the largest ever recorded . The income for the years 1893 and 1394 was : 1893 , £ 727 6 s lid ; 1894 , £ 1 , 018 3 s ld . During the year the Committee devoted some time
to the revision of the Bye-laws , and they have formulated a scheme whereby the amount of each grant will be governed by the length of time the deceased Brother was a member of the Order , and which they believe will simplify their labours in the future . Eighty-nine widows and their families were assisted
during 1894 , seventy-two claiming through Lodges belonging to County Antrim , grants amounting to £ 572 12 s ; and seventeen through Lodges belonging to County Down , grants amounting to £ 101 10 s , making a total of £ 674 2 s . Last year the amount was
£ 601 12 s , and the grants voted for the year 1895 up to date amount to the large total of £ 748 2 s . Of this sum £ 617 2 s is for County Antrim cases , and £ 131 for County Down . Brother Wakefield H . Dixon P . P . S . G . W ., in moving the
Belfast Masonic Charities.
adoption of the Eeport and statement of accounts , congratulated that large community ou the gathering there that night , which told them how well their Masonic body stood in that land , and he congratulated them on the fact that they had during the year received more money and had spent more money than in the
proceeding year . He did not want to advocate more than was necessary the claims of their Masonic body . They were friends with all the world , and they were friends with everybody who was in distress . Many years ago individual Masons were called
upon to give personal assistance to distressed ones , but a great improvement had been effected since then by the formation of these two Masonic bodies—two bodies which had done their duty well . The reports were adopted .
Brother H . H . Parker , LL . D ., then moved the following resolution : "That this meeting , recognising the continued usefulness of these funds , feels it to be its duty to urge upon Lodges and Brethren the necessity of sustaining them by a liberally increased pecuniary aid , in order to meet their
everincreasing claims , and hereby promote the noble virtue of charity , the keystone of the Masonic Order . " He said they could not have too clearly before them the fact that they were there that night to celebrate the anniversary of two distinct charitable funds . One of them had charged itself with relief of the wants
of the poor and distressed Brethren , and also , as they could see pathetically stated in the report , of performing for those whose means would not allow it to be done out of their own resources the last sad rites demanded by their poor , frail humanity , and seeing they had a decent burial . During the past year that
particular charity had , as they had heard , 'disbursed £ 464 , and they were told that the claims upon that fund were increasing . Now , he thought that was a trumpet call to that meeting to do their best during the year on which they had entered that that helpful fund would be enabled to discharge the functions for
which it was called into existence . It had for fifty years been scattering broadcast works of beneficence and charity , and it was their business there that night , as a meeting , to say , "Go on and prosper , and we will see you are supported in the work you are doing . "
Bro . Eev . J . A . Greer , LL . D ., in seconding the motion , said that the resolution would commend itself to the whole of that
assembly , composed as it was of two classes , those who were Masons and those who were sympathisers with and supporters of the Order ; but he found that their system of charity was one of the reasons why some people took exception to the Institution . They were called selfish people , but they would find that the
persons who described them thus and complained of them constricting their charity made that an excuse for covering individual meanness and uncharity . They would find that the man who did not give in charity this way did not give in charity in any other way , and the apostle had told them to do good unto
all men , but specially unto them that were of the household of faith . They endeavoured to constrict their charity in a narrow circle , and so make it more real and a more living and effective influence . If they would look to the various charitable organisations and societies they would find that the leaders in
this charitable work and those who took part in those good deeds were Masons . Another objection against the Order was that they did not admit ladies into their society . Well , he did think the ladies felt that deprivation , seeing their large attendance that evening . He supposed they knew the Masons were bound
neither by political creed nor by religious sect . They were ready to take all comers , no matter what their politics or religion might be—Home Euler or Unionist , Eadical or Conservative , whether Anglican or Eoman Catholic , Presbyterian or Methodist , but they drew the line at atheists . There was one principle they hold in common with the members of the Eeformed faith , and
that was this : —Angel worship was prohibited within the precincts of the Masonic Temple , and since angel worship was so prohibited they found it would be perfectly impossible to enforce that rule unless they excluded ladies from the precincts . There was one other subject he would like to allude to . It was a danger that
was becoming more and more obvious every day to the existence of these tried charities ; and as an outsider he ventured to speak a word of warning to those in authority . There was a tendency to turn the Masonic Order into a hugh benefit society . People weie joining Masonry not from any adherence to the true ideas
of Masonry , but simply in order to secure a certain provision for themselves in time of sickness , and for their widows and orphans after they were dead . Now that was cutting away the ground from under Masonry altogether . The true object of Masonry waa not that . It was to combine them into a common brotherhood
for truer and nobler ideas of life , for the spread of real love and charity , and to develop a kindly social feeling amongst men who would not otherwise be brought into contact . If this tendency
went on it would tend to place Masonry on a footing with the Foresters , the Free Gardeners , and other societies of that kind , against whom he had not a single word to say , but they made this the main object of their existence , and they did not . After