What we do – Almoner

So much more than a ceremony and a good dinner – the role of The Almoner

No-one leaves university in anticipation of hard times, but throughout life disaster can strike unexpectedly.

For Freemasons, through our money raising and charitable donations, there is a safety net there to call on in times of difficulty.

When you become a member of Caius Lodge, you are not just joining an institution whose tenets date back to the construction of temples in the ancient world but a community that aims to looks after its members and their families in every way.

At Caius Lodge we contribute both to our own charitable fund and also to the Masonic Charitable Foundation which in 2019 supported 486 local & national charities and 237 hospices with £5.7M in grants.

Close to home at Caius Lodge we support The Howard Gillies Bursary, in honour of the Caian who pioneered plastic surgery, which provides financial help for students at Caius.

We also have an appointed officer within the Lodge, The Almoner, whose job is to make sure that all members of the Lodge and their families are looked after in times of distress, bereavement and illness.

The Almoner is not only there for a friendly chat but can call on both Caius Lodge’s charitable reserves and the Masonic Charities Fund to help provide finance, in times of need, for members, their widows and children. As Mason’s we have 18 care homes for the elderly across the country specialising in Residential Care, Nursing Care, Residential Dementia Support, Sheltered and Independent living, and for Learning Disabilities for members’ dependents.

Should any member personally encounter some catastrophe, the Masonic family is there to help our families too. They can apply for grants to support scholarships, IT equipment, school uniforms, course materials, even school trips. There is support for domiciliary assistance, respite care and residential care. We can apply for medical treatment, dentistry, healthcare and support, help if suffering sudden loss of income and even funeral expenses.

The Almoner is to first point of contact to call on in all these circumstances.

At every meeting we collect alms to raise funds for all these good causes, and we conclude with the Tyler’s Toast:

“To all poor and distressed brethren, Wheresoever they may be, On the land, the sea or in the air. Wishing them speedy relief from their suffering, and a safe return to their native land, should they so desire it.”