Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Hertfordshire

Provincial Grand Almoner's Annual Report

It is now three years since I was appointed to the office of Provincial Almoner and on reflection, as I begin my fourth year in office, it can only be considered a most rewarding experience. To be involved with others in assisting those of our members who need help is in one sense the essence of freemasonry.

I have continued to make new friendships with brethren in the Mark and Craft Provinces, and I would like to thank those lodge almoners and lay brethren who have acted as visiting brothers for their efforts and the caring way in which they kept a weather eye out for their lodge members.

During the year we have been able to assist several members and their families who have needed help. Several petitions amounting to £11,000 in total have been relieved by the Mark Benevolent Fund and the Province has also provided small amounts relief from our own funds. To enable this to happen brethren, I would stress that I am available on the end of a telephone, or the Internet, to assist where and when I can.

By the time this report is published we will have held, in early July, yet another meeting of lodge almoners in the province.

Finally may I say thank you to all those members of the Provincial Executive and members of the GP Committee who have provided support and advice and I look forward to serving the members of the Province in the future.

James R Innes, PAGDC
Provincial Grand Almoner
July 2009