A Source Of Masonic Profit.

A SOURCE OF MASONIC PROFIT .

ONE shilling a week in aid of the Charitable Institutions of the Craft does not sound a very extravagant outlay on the part of a Brother who desires to accomplish something on behalf of the three Funds which are doing so much good around us , but small as it sounds it would be sufficient to

maintain them , and even allow of their being greatly extended , if every Mason in England who could afford it set aside that small amount week by week in their behalf ; and it is a

matter of extreme satisfaction to many who are interested in the three Funds to know that this feeling is widely extending , and steadily growing in the Craft .

We are accustomed to hear , as year by year the Festivals of the three Institutions come round , most satisfactory announcements as to the totals contributed in connection with

those Festivals , but we think the satisfaction would be greater , and the enthusiasm more marked , were we able to discover how much of the immense totals which are raised are the result of the weekly shilling subscriptions to which we have

referred , and which are now so widely fostered and encouraged by the different Associations working for this special purpose in all parts of the country . Without any disrespect to the large number of Brethren who are ranged under the

banner of Freemasonry , we think we may say there is a considerable section of the members who are hardly in a position to pay out the five or ten guineas their heart prompts them to give to one or other of the Institutions just at the moment

the desire is strong upon them , and it is to help this class , and others who prefer to make regular and continued effort on behalf of the Charities , that Benevolent Associations were introduced , and are now being worked in connection with

many of our Instruction and other Lodges . On many occasions in the past we have applauded their work ; it is only necessary to know how much they accomplish to wish them continued and even greater prosperity .

To some of our readers it will appear superfluous to explain the system on which these Associations are managed ; on the other hand we know it would not be very difficult to find a large number of Brethren—and not necessarily the

latest additions to our ranks—who are wholly ignorant of the scope and management of the Associations ; while another large number might b ' e collected together who know all about

them , have probably been members of one of the Associations in years gone by , but now forget the work they are doing , not a few among the number only requiring a gentle reminder to ensure their once again joining the ranks of active workers .

In the majority of cases the Associations are formed to run for about four years , the subscription being at the rate of one shilling per week , which allows of a ten guinea Life Governorship being secured for each share taken up . As

soon as there are sufficient funds in hand a ballot is taken , and one of the members becomes entitled to a Life Governorship of ten guineas , though he may only have paid

a single month ' s subscription , and gives , his promise to complete the payments until the closing up of the Association , by which time the turn of each subscriber has come

A Source Of Masonic Profit.

round , and as a result all of the members have secured a Life interest in one or other of the Charities of the Order . The simplicity of the system is its chief merit , and , as we have said , if it were possible to find out how much of the

amount annually sent to the Institutions is raised by this means it would cause surprise , and induce further admiration and support for the different Associations . Some years back we urged the desirability of making

these Associations permanent . As at present managed they are invariably wound up at the end of the four years it takes to raise the Life Governorship by weekly payments of one shilling , and as a consequence all the organisation

which has carried the Association through is dissolved , and a new start is necessary . Besides all this it is next to impossible to admit new members after the first few months , as later entrants are required to pay the back subscriptions

from the start , and if this could be obviated an additional advantage would doubtless accrue . We recognise the difficulties in the way of such an alteration , but believe they could be surmounted were a number of Brethren , imbued

with the true spirit of Freemasonry , to combine for the purpose . It would probably happen that a late c . omer would secure a ballot in advance of the older members , but the turn of each would come when his payments were completed , and we think the few votes needed to tide over affairs

could be managed , especially as the ultimate results would be so beneficial to the Charities themselves . But whether permanency is possible for these Associations or not , it is

very certain they do an immense amount of good , and play no insignificant part in the support of the three Masonic Institutions .

Supreme Grand Chapter.

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER .

THE Quarterly Convocation was held on Wednesday , at Freemasons' Hall , under the presidency of Comp . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., Grand J . of England . Comp . E . Letchworth Grand Scribe E . read a letter , written by Sir Francis Knollys , on behalf of the Prince of

Wales , acknowledging and thanking the Companions for their vote of sympathy and condolence with Flis Royal Highness , passed at the last meeting of Grand Chapter on 1 st August , on the loss he had sustained in the death of his brother , the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha . The other business before Grand Chapter was of a formal character .

Bro . Tom B . Liddicoat has been elected W . M . of the Duke of Cornwall Lodge , No . 1529 , St . Columb ; Brother Thomas Gatley P . P . A . G . D . C . Treasurer , for the eleventh year in succession ; and Bro . S . Liddicoat Tyler .

The meetings of the Crusaders Lodge of Instruction , No . 1677 , are now neld at the old quarters , the Northampton Arms , 205 Goswell Road , E . G ., on Friday evenings , at 8 . 30 . Bro . E . Dimes is the Secretary .

The St Anne Lodge , Looe , have unanimously resolved to make a presentation to Bro . John G . Henwood P . P . G . D ., in recognition of his services as Secretary during the past twenty-one years .