Chairman’s Comments

In 2024, I had the great privilege of being elected to the Chair of this esteemed Charity, succeeding Brother Walter Fergusson. Walter had graciously agreed to extend his tenure to help guide us through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude for his steadfast leadership during such a turbulent time.

Although the most trying days of the pandemic are hopefully behind us, its impact is still being felt. Donations have decreased, and our order's membership numbers have seen a decline, a challenge we continue to navigate. Furthermore, we’ve noticed a shift in the nature of those seeking our help. In the past, the majority of our applicants were pensioners. However, more recently, we are seeing a growing number of younger masons and their dependents reaching out to us, often in deeply distressing situations. With the added pressure of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the demand for assistance has only increased. Together with our sister charities, the Belfast Masonic Widows' Fund and the Masonic Orphans' Welfare Committee, we stand committed to providing support to brethren and their families in need.

We are immensely grateful for the financial contributions we receive from lodges, chapters, councils, preceptories, and individual brethren. Without this generosity, our ability to offer aid to those who rely on us would simply not be possible.