In the First Degree, it is all about ‘being poor and penniless’ ‘meeting a mason in distressed circumstances, and how we are to treat such a Brother.

It would seem in order to make our Society more PC we are giving up the view that we are there to look after each other, and to help each other in times of need.

Charitable organisations exist in abundance, as do Social membership societies. What makes us different? Because different we most certainly are! That difference should be our protection and caring for our Brotherhood, and if necessary the CHARITY that SHOULD be awarded to that need!! The Charity to others should come as a Bi-product of our Brotherhood, NOT as our sole aim or else we are just on the same level as ‘the Rotarians, the Lions, the Round Table’ etc, etc! Not that I in any way decry these organisations, they do great work.

Let us be a proud organisation that states quite clearly, that we are there to help and assist one another. This does not have to be done in way that prejudices others. But that gives preference of aid to our Membership and their relatives.

I believe that the First Degree makes clearly the things I have said, but feel, all too often, we forget the Charity we owe to each other. What is it we are supposed to do for a ‘poor and distressed Freemason’ give him 50p and tell him to buy himself a cup of tea?

In order to make us more appealing to new membership, we should be able to demonstrate clearly, what we have to offer them, or else we are just allowing to become another charitable institution, or club of old gentleman!!!

Yours fraternally, Alan J Fowler, Esq