The Committee meets on the last Friday of each month (excepting June, July, August, December) at 7:30 p.m.
For the relief of poor and distressed masons or their families. No matter were they live, Brethren of every Masonic Lodge in the Province of Antrim, and Brethren whose Lodge is in the Masonic Province of Down, and meets within a six mile radius of Belfast, are eligible to seek assistance from the BMCF via their Lodge Almoner, immediately they receive their first degree.
The fund works on the principal of the persons definable income, that is: wages, mortgage, rates etc, and any social security benefits they may receive.
The fund is renowned for its quick response to needy Brethren or their families and in addition to the regular monthly meetings in cases of emergency , financial assistance can often be issued within 48 hours.
The fund is the oldest existing Masonic Charity sitting under the Irish Constitution of Freemasonry.
A general charity fund was initiated by Lodge No. 272 which led to the formation of the fund in January 1862. The first chairman was James McCracken 1862 -1863 from lodge 609 whose portrait hangs in Arthur Square Masonic Hall, Belfast. The inaugural meeting took place at 9 Donegall Place Belfast (The old Anderson and McAuley building on 17th March 1862, Charles Longford, Lodge 51 in the chair). In 1870 the fund moved to new premises in Arthur Square Belfast designed by famous architect Sir Charles Lanyon , a member of the order.
May 1876 saw a joint initiative with Belfast Masonic Widows Fund purchasing two graves in Belfast City Cemetery in order that any entitled individual could avoid the indignity of a paupers grave. In 1877 a very handsome obelisk of Goragh Wood granite with Masonic symbols was erected at the plot which is situated on the main drive of the cemetery nearly opposite the mortuary chapel.
After the Belfast Blitz, April-May 1941 several applications to the fund were the result of the German Air Raids.
To this day , we are called upon to relieve financial and emotional distress through accidents illness and death amongst brethren or their immediate family and with your continued support to the fund , we will strive to emulate the legacy left by our distinguished forebears and continue the service for which The Belfast Masonic Charity Fund is renowned.
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The committee have commissioned a lapel badge (pictured left) celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the fund at a cost of £2.00 each.
Badges have already been issued and are available through your Lodge Secretary, or in packets of 10 badges from the office (02890 451020). Due to requests for the Belfast Masonic Charity Fund Jewel (pictured right), the committee have placed a final order for 100 Jewels, for delivery by December 2012. The cost of each Jewel is £30.00, and with the pin badge attached is £32.00 including UK postage. Please use contact details at top of page for more information. |
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The 150th anniversary culminated in a gala dinner in Belfast's prestigeous City Hall.
Full details of this event are covered in issue No. 5 2012 of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim Newsletter.
Please download the issue here.