PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF EAST LANCASHIRE   

We have received into Freemasonry, numerous candidates whose knowledge of the ELMBI is, understandably, hazy, therefore this is an attempt to introduce them to the Institution and to answer one or two questions which may occur to them and hopefully serve to refresh the memories of our longer serving brethren.

1: WHEN IT WAS FORMED AND WHY

As long ago as 1815 Grand Lodge ordained "that a Province could establish a LOCAL FUND for charitable purposes and other Masonic purposes".

For many years prior to and after that date, charity had been disbursed through Sick and Burial Benefit Clubs run by the individual Lodges on behalf of their members, as was the case in Lodge of Relief No. 42, which meets at Bury Masonic Hall.

 

OCTOBER 28th 1853

At a meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in Blackburn a resolution was passed "that a local Fund of Benevolence would be advantageous".

 

OCTOBER 24th 1856

At a meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge held at Bolton a local fund of Benevolence was formed and the first award to a petitioner was made, a sum of £10, to be paid quarterly.

 

MAY 1858

An Annuity Fund was established and the first annuity of £20 was granted at a meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in June 1858.

 

SEPTEMBER 1858

A Charity Committee was formed "to promote interests of Charity". This Committee included one representative from each Lodge in the Province. This was the origin of the Lodge Charity Representative now known as Charity Stewards.

 

JANUARY 18th 1876

"The East Lancashire Systematic & Educational Masonic Benevolent Institution" was established to administer the growing work of helping needy masons and their families in the Province.

 

FEBRUARY 5th 1904

The Institution was Incorporated and registered under the Charities Acts which put it on a legal footing.

 

JANUARY 28th 1910

The Institution was finally named "The East Lancashire Masonic Benevolent Institution (Incorporated)".  The need for the Institution was great, since at that time there was no State Welfare Benefits, no National Health Service and no Old Age Pensions.

The education of children of Masons also formed an important part of the Institutions' work and in continuing their education up to the age of 14 years, the Institution was well in advance of the State, for the school leaving age was not raised to 14 until well after the First World War.  It should also be noted that in 1893 the maximum grant from the Institution was raised to £26 per year.  This was quite remarkable for it was in 1913 that Old Age Pensions were introduced by the State and fixed at Ten Shillings (5Op) per week, the same amount as the Institution laid down in 1893.

2. WHAT ARE IT'S AIMS ?

The question cannot be better answered by reference to the declaration made when the Institution was founded in January 1876... "the education and advancement in life of the children of indigent masons of East Lancashire and afford relief or assistance where considered desirable, in aid of Freemasons and their families in the said Province, and generally to promote the cause of Masonic Charity"...

These are still the aims of the Institution, and the work of providing for masons and their families who may be in need goes on today.

 

3: HOW DOES IT CARRY OUT IT'S WORK ?

This is done by the following Committees:-

 

Committee of Benevolence:

The Committee receives petitions for financial assistance from Lodge Almoners on behalf of Masons, their widows and dependants in need.   An average of 250 beneficiaries are helped annually in this way

 

Hewlett Court Committee:

Hewlett Court is a residential home for aged Masons, wives and widows.  It is a modern development built in March 1979 and situated in very pleasant surroundings in Greenmount, Bury.

The home is very attractive with excellent facilities for the residents and is well worth visiting to see the excellent work done by the Committee and staff at the home.

There are 6 Double rooms and 29 Single rooms in the home at present and the average age of the residents is 85 years.  They all speak highly of the standard of comfort this home provides.

Comforts Fund Committee:

The Comforts Fund was established in 1947 after it was found that many beneficiaries were having problems replacing items like clothing, domestic effects etc. The fund receives grants from the institution, also gifts from brethren and many other sources.

It is administered by a small committee. Gifts in kind which are distributed include bedding, clothing, house repairs, smoke detectors etc.

Young Peoples Committee:

The Committee actively looks after the welfare of our young people who are beneficiaries of the Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys, by arranging a Christmas event such as a day out, visit to a Pantomime followed by a meal; a Summer Outing and Adventure Holidays, Pony Trekking etc.

In addition the Young People receive £50:00 at Christmas and a £25:00 birthday gift.

HOW CAN YOU HELP SUCH A WORTHY CAUSE?

There are two methods by which you can help

1. Direct Donation:

Your Charity Steward is always more than happy to receive donations from you, large or small, whether it be at Lodge Meetings or Practices.

2. By Covenant:

Two forms of covenant are available, Annual or Deposit.

An Annual Covenant can be effected for a period of four years:- The minimum donation is £10:00 per year payable by Bankers Order (1st year payable by cheque or cash followed by 3 years on Bankers Order).

A Deposit Covenant means that a Brother can deposit the full amount immediately, i.e. 4 x £10:00 (for example) with nothing further to pay.

Both methods enable the Institution to claim Income Tax which would normally be due.

WE HOPE THIS INFORMATION HAS GIVEN YOU AN INSIGHT INTO THE WORK OF THE ELMBI AND FEEL IT IS WORTHY OF YOUR FULL SUPPORT—REST ASSURED IT WILL BE APPRECIATED