With our early January Installation cancelled, it fell on one of Lodge Abbey 180’s fortnightly Zoom meetings to come up with a plan to raise well needed funds for Masonic Charities. As always, a whole range of ideas were presented before our decision was confirmed by our Worshipful Master WB Joe Corr.
As a Lodge we contacted all members to ask them to bank transfer a similar amount that would be donated at our installation, to our Treasurer WB Marshall Duncan. We emphasized that the figure was if affordable, as we were aware of the current environment. Other methods of payment were also accepted. We set a closing date as the 28th February. Bro Hugh Blair our Lodge Steward of Charities collated which charities the brethren’s donations were to go to and made out a masonic envelope for each donation. Upon the 28th he finished off the paperwork which was all sent off to the Carrickfergus and District Charity Committee at around the same time as every year.
Abbey 180 are proud to have sent £655 for Masonic charities, which was mostly Gift Aided as well as £80 specifically for our Lodge Widows. £735 was raised in total.
It would have been so easy to have done nothing, so I would encourage all Lodges to endeavour to try and donate to our Masonic charities as the monies are needed more than ever.
If any Lodge wants to get the details on how we organised it, please contact myself on
WB Ian Eachus – Secretary, Abbey Masonic Lodge No 180.