Almoner
Freemasonry encompasses the basic principle of caring for others. For centuries, Freemasons have supported orphans, the sick, the elderly and many others during times of distress. One of the core values
instilled in each member is the importance of looking after the welfare of fellow Freemasons and their loved ones.
Central to the provision of Masonic pastoral care is the lodge or chapter almoner, originally appointed to look out for Freemasons who fell ill, and to act as a source of support and contact for the widows of deceased members over the festive period.
An Almoner is key to providing care to our members, their families, widows, dependants and resigned Freemasons who may be experiencing difficulties in their life.
To define the Almoner’s role and the necessary qualities that are essential in the person. Some of the skills which are paramount in being able to fulfil the office of almoner are:
- Be of a caring nature (empathetic not sympathetic)
- Understanding and maintaining of confidentiality and safeguarding
- Maintain contact with all Lodge and Chapter members
- To be aware of and in contact with ailing or distressed members of the
Lodge or Chapter - Make contact with the family of a deceased member
- To be aware of and keep in regular contact with the widows
- Be aware of the Masonic charities and how to contact them
- Be a good ‘listener’, this is a skill. (The skill can be developed: it is about being an ‘active listener’, rather than a passive one)
This role is normally given to a Past Master of the Lodge as he will have been involved for some time and will know a great many of the members and their families.
As Lodge Almoner in Strong Man Lodge, I stay connected with our widows regularly by phone and send them cards and letters at Christmas and Easter. I also check in with members of the Lodge and Chapter reported to me as being ill, under the weather or needing support this includes making contact with brethren who have not attended lodge meetings recently to check on their well-being.
In our Lodge the Almoner has a caring fund which allows him to react promptly (on his own initiative without reference to the lodge and its members) to situations that arise between meetings, and send out cards, flowers and gifts to lodge members and their families at times of illness and death and also for happy occasions like weddings, significant anniversaries and birth within the lodge/chapter members family.
Many are unaware of the work the Almoner does behind the scenes on behalf of our Lodge, as discretion may be required at certain times.
The Almoner will report on his activities between meetings at the next available lodge meeting to keep the brethren informed.
With people now living longer, and typically remaining in their own homes, the work of the Almoner will continue to expand. The Almoner’s duties include keeping in touch with all Lodge members, especially those who for various reasons are unable to attend Lodge. To provide help and support to those members and their families who are ill, providing additional support via the Masonic Charities if required.
The Jewel worn by the Lodge Almoner is a script purse on which is a heart.
The Almoner plays a vital part in the life of every Lodge and Province. The role has in recent times been recognised and acknowledged by Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodges to be of great importance.
We normally nominate the Almoner to be our Chapter Almoner as well, as many of our members are in both and it adds to consistency of keeping in touch and reporting.
In Masonry as in most forms of voluntary service, a job is what you make it. You can have the glory of the title without doing much to justify it, or you can strive to improve the quality of life for those within your lodge or chapter and their dependants who have suffered hardship.
We all hope that we will not have to face financial hardship or major health problems, need help in supporting our children or requiring extra care in our old age. In reality, 1,000s of people every year need a little extra assistance, we as Freemasons, are fortunate to have that support at hand, and this initiative is there to make sure Freemasons and their dependants who are in need of support receive it.
Useful links to the Almoners role and resources available to him.
https://mcf.org.uk/resources/the-almoners-guide/
https://mcf.org.uk/resources/almoner-resources/?lm-page=1
Bruce Manning
Strong Man Lodge and Chapter Almoner
April 2025