W. Bro Colin Rist, LGR, a MLO in the Metropolitan Grand Almonry has written a short piece "The Almoner's call of duty – a satisfying and rewarding one" to highlight his own experience of the work undertaken by Almoners…
that the increasing age profile of the membership of lodges is leading to more calls on the time and energy of the Almoner. This in turn leads to demands on the resources available to help those in need. The Almoner's reward, if any be needed,is that it brings the Almoner into contact with many interesting characters and it is rewarding to see the relief useful help brings. As lodge Almoner for three units, this year
has been a particularly busy one for me, but I am sure my experience is not unique. What follows is one example of the Almoner’s work from my own experience. The name of the brother is omitted to preserve his privacy and dignity. Brother Mason, as I shall refer to him, called to say that he was experiencing difficulty from a long-running illness and I arranged to visit him to see what help might be available. Before going I discussed with the Masonic Charities what form any assistance might take and what special additional requirements there might be, for example estimates for medical appliances. I needed to make certain that I had
ALMONER’S ANECDOTES T
he job of the Almoner is both demanding and rewarding. It is demanding in the sense
as much information as possible as the visit involved a round trip of two hundred miles. I arranged to visit Bro. Mason at 11.00 and set out on the day at 8.45. I calculated that two hours should be more than enough time. Five accidents en route delayed me significantly, but I kept Bro. Mason informed of my progress. He was happy to see me whatever time I got there and I eventually arrived at 13.30!!!! We had a good natter, completed the forms and gathered all the other paperwork needed for a complete submission to the Samaritan Fund. The journey home took almost as long due to further accidents. In total I spent 7 hours in the car! The application was duly submitted and in
due time a stair-lift was approved and installed. Bro Mason was delighted. He told me told me that for the first time in nearly a year he was able to go upstairs to bed without the need to spend significant time on oxygen to recover from the exertion of getting up stairs. On his behalf I thank all those involved in bringing his application to a successful outcome including all those Brethren who through their charitable donations and fund raising efforts make it possible to bring relief to others.
SOCKS: THE RED ZONE
Visitors to London Chapters will from time-to-time have seen Companions wearing bright red socks. Puzzled, we asked ME Comp. George Francis, Second Grand Principal to explain the history and reasoning behind this custom and here is his (light-hearted) response:
S
harper-eyed Companions may have noticed in recent years an outbreak of bright red socks being
worn in some Metropolitan and Provincial Chapters and indeed in Supreme Grand Chapter. There have been various theories about this phenomenon and whether Companions should or should not be adopting this practice. As one of those responsible for their introduction, I welcome this opportunity to put the record straight. When I became Second Grand Principal in 2005, it
struck me that the Royal Arch needed a boost in general and a little more colour and interest, in particular. There was no Royal Arch tie in those days, and no way instantly to recognise a Companion from a Brother without regalia. Among other things my eye was caught by one or two Companions wearing red socks, and indeed red handkerchiefs, and it struck me that this would be a harmless and appropriate way of introducing some extra colour and symbolism to the Chapter and its Companions. Technically, the colours of the Royal Arch are blue and crimson (or scarlet) emphasizing its
18
interconnection with the Craft in pure antient freemasonry; but red has somehow become the signature colour of the Royal Arch. I experimented with some other colours, including a forgettable evening in magenta socks, but always I returned to red. I particularly feel that the Sojourners look good in
red socks, provided all three participate, as this complements their white robes and regalia; try it! In my view, any Companion can liven up his appearance in this way. Equally, I accept and respect those who have no such wish to participate, (‘’ I’d rather be seen dead
than...etc.’’). I have heard of Chapters that award red socks to new Companions! So there you have it. If you feel so inclined, wear
red socks and help cheer up a dull evening, or even yourself! It is hardly throwing caution to the winds and I am confident you will enjoy the approval of most of your Companions. I have yet to experience an entire Chapter wearing red socks, but live in hope…
ISSUE 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44