David S. Pratt
Provincial Grand Master
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FLOODINGAN APPEAL FROM THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER |
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Flooding - Our Communities have been hit hard again. "Cometh the Hour - Cometh the Freemasons" Anyone who has experienced being flooded will appreciate the long-term distress and anxiety that this type of natural catastrophe causes. It's not just the shock of the initial rush of the dirty water and watching property and precious possessions being destroyed. It's the utter despair caused by the clearing up and the time it takes to repair the home. It's often the clear up phase that demands even more physical and emotional support long after the water has receded. I am also aware that some in our Communities could no longer afford the vastly increased insurance premiums following previous deluges. |
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What Are We Going To Do? My message is the same as the last time. No Brother or Widow or Family will be without a dry roof over their head or be hungry or be lonely or be cold. Brother Almoners in the areas affected - Please double check that all is well with everyone. Please escalate urgent cases immediately through the Provincial Almoner Team. Our Communities? I ask every Brother to look to see if we can assist anyone in distress caused by the floods. In the past Masonic Halls have generously opened their doors to provide temporary shelter and a hot meal. If we come across anyone in distress, please extend the hand of friendship. A hot drink and a friendly word show that we care. Ancient Charge - "To your neighbour: By acting with him "On the Square", by rendering him every kind office that justice or mercy may require and by doing to him, as in similar circumstances, you would wish he would do to you". Money Matters - Yes, it certainly does to make a difference. West Riding Masonic Charities is arranging an immediate relief donation of £5000. The Masonic Charitable Foundation is involved and has historically been very generous in cases of such a natural disaster. Individual donations - Please do what you can Brethren. A final thought - Money does matter; however, often practical assistance can be even more important to confirm that, as Freemasons, we practice out of the Lodges those duties we are taught within. Thank-you. David Provincial Grand Master |
