Mark Charities
The Mark Fund of Benevolence
The Mark Fund of Benevolence, affectionately known as the MBF, was established in 1868 by the then Grand Master, Reverend Canon G R Portal, for the purpose of rendering financial assistance to Mark Master Masons in distress, their widows and children. It was his belief that it was necessary for the Mark Degree to have its own Benevolent Fund as he was convinced that financial assistance could only be effective if it was dispensed quickly and efficiently. He introduced the Latin motto 'Bis dat qui cito dat' - 'he gives twice who gives promptly' - and this has been the principal guideline since.
The fund is administered by Mark Grand Lodge and is acknowledged throughout the Fraternity for its clear and distinct charitable motive. It has been at the forefront of charitable giving for over 130 years and is something with which all Mark Master Masons can readily identify as over and above the ritual and ceremonial of our Order.
Since it was first established a sum in excess of £3.2 million has been distributed in relief. The first grant of just £5 was made in 1868 to a shipwrecked Mark brother who had lost all he virtually possessed. A further £10 million has been made in grants to other charities, including those outside of Freemasonry. This included the sum of £1.5 million donated to the Hospice Movement in 1994, when every Lodge throughout the country was given £1,000 to donate to a Hospice of their choice
Monies to the Fund are received from each Province, in turn, generally collecting over a set period of years and culminating with them hosting a 'Festival' in July of each year under the Chairmanship of the Provincial Grand Master of that Province. In 1999 it was the turn of Hertfordshire to host the Festival which was held at the Royal Masonic School for Girls at Rickmansworth on 17 July. The final total of £448,191.28 was the second highest ever raised by any Province and is one of which all Mark Masons in Hertfordshire can be justly proud. This year, the Festival will be hosted by the Province of Cornwall.
In 2001 a grant of £2 million was made to the St John Ambulance, enabling every Mark Province throughout the country to donate a 'state of the art' ambulance to each St John Ambulance District. Click here for a picture of the Hertfordshire ambulance being presented at St Albans Abbey Cathedral in May 2001. For more pictures from the Order of St John's own website click here.
Hertfordshire Provincial Mark Benevolent Fund
This Fund was established in 1985 to allow the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hertfordshire to provide financial assistance to its members and dependants along the same lines as that of the Mark Fund of Benevolence administered by Mark Grand Lodge.
It is a Charity registered with the Charity Commissioners under number 291376, with three Trustees appointed by Provincial Grand Lodge, together with a Custodian Trustee appointed by the Provincial Grand Master, at the present time this is V W Bro District Judge Seymour M Samuels, PGJO.
Monies to the Fund are provided by the generosity of individual Brethren and Lodges, and fund raising activities
Administration
Provincial Grand Charity Steward: W Bro Warren Vinecor, PProvGJD
Provincial Grand Treasurer: W Bro Duncan Beardsley, PAGSwdB. Also acts as Secretary to the Trustees of the fund and is responsible for making annual returns to The Charity Commissioners.
Lodge Charity Steward: Appointed each year by the Master and to whom all charitable collections are made.
Provincial Almoner: W Bro James Innes, PProvGJW. Readily available to offer advice and help to all Lodge Almoners, particularly in seeking support from the Hertfordshire Benevolent Fund and in submitting petitions to the Mark Fund of Benevolence in suitable cases.
Lodge Almoner: Appointed each year by the Master. All Lodge members are encouraged to report cases of sickness or financial hardship to him so that appropriate action can be taken.
Provincial Grand Secretary: W Bro Chris Radmore, PAGDC. Fully responsible for all Provincial administration. In conjunction with the Provincial Charity Steward and Provincial Almoner, will oversee all petitions submitted to both the Province and to Grand Lodge.
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