Every Master Mason promises to care for distressed Master Masons, their widows, and orphans. For many years – before Social Security, unemployment, Medicare and Medicaid – that meant food and shelter. The leaders of Ohio’s Masonic organizations united to create the Masonic Home over 125 years ago for just such a purpose.
Today, we may not need our own social safety net, but we do need to provide for the personal and emotional needs of our Masonic families and deal with the isolation and loneliness of modern life. It might be a phone call on a birthday, running an errand for someone who can no longer drive, or a similar show of support. One such example that happens across Ohio is remembering our widows at Christmas. Many Lodges contact their widows during the holidays. It happens at many places and in many different ways. Recently, the Grand Lodge received an email from the 23rd District describing their program:
To: OhioLodgeLife@Freemason.com
Subject: Lodge activity in the 23rd District
To my Brothers at Grand Lodge,
We had an event that I'd like to share with you. About 20 volunteers, many of them involved in the Masonic Volunteer Program, from Flushing #298, Friendship #89, Harrison #219 and Point Pleasant #360, all in the 23rd Masonic District, met at Flushing Lodge and packed 100 Christmas fruit baskets for the four Lodge's widows and infirm Master Masons. The baskets contain two apples, a pear, and two oranges, as well as about 20 pieces of assorted individually wrapped candy, in an attractive Christmas bag.
We have been doing this for over 12 years, and it has allowed us to build a solid relationship with our widows and maintain contact with our Brothers who are too frail to regularly attend meetings. Because of this relationship, we are more able to provide assistance to those who are in need. With the advent of the Masonic Volunteer Program, we are better enabled to direct those in need to the OMH's Resource Center. DeAnna Kinney of the Resource Center has worked hard to help our widows and senior Masons in need, and has supported our group's efforts.
This year we needed extra care in handling the baskets; the volunteers used gloves, masks and social distancing to pack and deliver them. The widows and senior Masons always appreciate them; this year they welcomed the contact even more, as many of them have been socially isolated due to their age and condition.
We also donated three cases of fruit to the residents of the Harrison County Home for their enjoyment.
We look forward to this event every year, as it keeps our relationship with our widows and infirm Masons strong.
Fraternally yours,
John Lovejoy, Chairman, 23rd District Masonic Volunteer Program
Well done 23rd District, and well done to all the Lodges across the state who conducted similar programs for their members. Remember that if you found members and ladies in need, you can refer them to the Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center.
