First Almoners Blog

Brethren

Welcome to the first of what I intend to be regular updates. I'm really pleased to have been given this opportunity by our Provincial Grand Master, Brother Jim Ellis. For those of you who may not know me I'm Kenny McMaster, a Past Master of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No.85. If you see me around the province, please come and say hello.

Our Almoners deserve great credit for the work they do and what they have achieved over the five years during the term of my predecessor Brother Ian J Russell, MBE. I'd like to thank Ian for his hard work and dedication and look forward to Ian's advice over the coming year. I also look forward to working with the Almoners.

Announcement

Please join me in welcoming Brother Tom Chymolowski, Provincial Grand Chaplain whose role will be to strengthen the link to the Commissioned Officebearers. Tom’s wealth of experience in masonry means he is well placed to provide guidance and counsel to the Almoners Committee.

Benevolence

Benevolence is one of the conerstones of our Order, blessing those who give as well as those who receive. Our Provincial Grand Lodge is committed to upholding this principal but perhaps due to being to proud to ask for assistance or being unaware that help is available some of our Brethern, their Widows and dependants may be missing out on a much needed helping hand.

As Provincial Almoner I would appeal to everyone not just Lodge Almoners to keep their ears and eyes open for deserving recipients. We should be more active in seeking out those in need of a helping hand.

The criteria for an application to Provincial are simple. The person in need must be a Brother in good standing or a dependant and the Lodge itself must have already granted benevolence. Please remember that if Provincial grants benevolence, an application can be made to Grand Lodge as well.

Please note each case is considered on its own merits and confidentiality is assured.

What would we rather being be doing brethren, counting our blessings having granted benevolence or counting our brass.

Diary Dates

Almoners Fete – 30 April 2016 from 10-1pm within the Premises of Lodge Polkemmet No927

Almoners Concert - 19 October 2016 from 7-10pm within the Premises of Lodge Polkemmet No927

Children's Halloween Party – 29 October 2016 from 11-1pm within the Premises of Lodge Lord Bruce No1601

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Kenny