Brian Bellinger Considers Those In Need

We learn from St Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians that ‘now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity’.
     I hope that every proposed candidate for initiation is informed of our three Great Principles, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
     Thus, right from the start of his masonic journey he will realise the importance of charity. If not, he will soon receive a dramatic reminder in the north-east corner at his initiation. Who could fail to be impressed by this exhortation to care for Brethren in need?
     The new-made Brother should soon learn of our four great national masonic charities, indeed, he will already be contributing to the Grand Charity! He may contribute to one in particular, perhaps through past family experience such as assistance from the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, but a brother’s main involvement with a national charity is most likely to be when his Province is in Festival or when the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London has a special appeal.
     Festivals provide substantial income for our charities and equally require great commitment from the Brethren of the Province.
     Hopefully, a spirit of friendly competition will evolve among the lodges, although some object to ‘targets’ whilst others clamour for ‘guidelines’! Gift Aid Pledges are, of course, the simplest and most effective means of Festival fund raising, but other methods, hopefully with a ‘fun’ element can provide the ‘icing on the cake’. As a Deputy Provincial Grand Master I was persuaded to exit a perfectly serviceable aircraft at 12,000 feet. One lodge – I hope jokingly – offered double sponsorship if I did not use a parachute!
     Whilst ‘arm-twisting’ is to be deprecated, there is no doubt that some Brethren feel pressurised in the bid to achieve a substantial Festival total whilst many others most certainly give freely. Any doubts a brother may have as to the need for our national charities should be quickly dispelled by hearing case histories and by knowledge of the sums received by Brethren and their dependents in his own Province each year – figures which my Provincial Grand Charity Steward ensures are communicated to all lodges.
     The national masonic charities, concentrating in the main on the ‘charity begins at home’ principle, are however but part of the picture. The Grand Charity is, of course, a major benefactor to non-masonic causes – always have a copy of its Annual Report handy to give to any detractors of the Craft! At a more local level I never cease to be amazed and humbled by the generosity of Brethren and lodges to charities and groups in their area. Just a few hundred pounds can make a substantial difference to, say, a Scout Troop, children’s group or a support organisation. Frequently the donors can see the immediate effects of their generosity and experience true appreciation from the beneficiary.
     Good publicity for our non-masonic giving is more often received at local level, although I do not believe that publicity should be the reason for our giving. I recall one case where an intended recipient organisation made it clear that it would not acknowledge a gift from Freemasonry. My advice to the lodge concerned was ‘if you still think it is a worthwhile cause, then give the money!’ In our charitable giving we face a great balancing act – the needs of our masonic charities and what seems a natural desire to support those less fortunate than ourselves in the community at large.
     No Brother should be expected to give beyond his means and the needs of his own family but I can only think that most Freemasons have very deep pockets and warm hearts because somehow they seem to satisfy both needs. In times of Festivals, however, I believe it is reasonable to concentrate on the masonic side.
     Charity, however, is not just about writing cheques, dropping coins into alms bags or buying raffle tickets. There can be no doubt that many Brethren also give freely of their time and talents in the support of local good causes and providing care in their communities – the full extent could never be known as they never seek recognition.
     Thus far I have reflected on the practical side of charity within our institution, but what of the motivation for it? I suspect that few men come to Freemasonry without charity already being an element in their lives. The Craft then provides a vehicle to nurture and focus that virtue. Indeed, is not charity in its widest sense embraced by all three of our Great Principles? Brotherly Love is obvious, as is Relief, but Truth, too, requiring us to achieve high moral standards in our own lives, also points to the need for compassion in our dealings with our fellow beings.
     These closing words are not mine, but formed part of Lord Northampton’s last address as Pro Grand Master in Grand Lodge.
     ‘...I interpret our ritual to mean that if the candidate comes knocking on our door with an open mind – a perfect freedom of inclination – then the system of Freemasonry will open his heart and make him a wiser and more compassionate person. Charity is therefore an effect of our masonry, not a cause...’

Brian Bellinger is the Provincial Grand Master for Hampshire and Isle of Wight. He is donating his fee to ‘Help for Heroes’.