The Hamilton Masonic Districts’ Board of Relief
” A good exercise for the heart is to bend down
and help someone up.” – Anonymous
Executive Committee – February 2024 – February 2026
President
Bro. Kevin E. Vance
Vice-President
None at this time.
Secretary-Treasurer
R.W. Bro. Raymond Corrin
Past-President
R.W. Bro. Raymond Corrin.
On behalf of the Members of the Board and the Executive Committee we wish to thank R.W. Bro. Robert Kerr for his years of experience and dedication to the Hamilton Masonic District’s Board of Relief, as our Secretary/Treasurer
Brethren, you can be proud of the work of your Board of Relief. Through your support we will continue the good works formulated by our rich heritage.
Remember, Masonry is not a “Service Club”, however Masons can be of service.
Spring Divine Service
Location: TBA
April 28, 2023
Time: 7:00pm
Hosted By: Electric Lodge No. 495
The Hamilton Masonic Districts’ Board of Relief
Presentation of “Travelling Volumes of the Sacred Law”
On Sunday October 19, 2014 three “Travelling Volumes of the Sacred Law” were presented to Hamilton Masonic Districts A, B & C by The Hamilton Masonic Districts’ Board of Relief. These Bibles will be dedicated to the memory of a Past District Deputy Grand Master from each District, who has passed to the Grand Lodge Above.
Hamilton Masonic District A – Dedicated to the Memory of R.W. Bro. John A. Muir
Hamilton Masonic District B – Dedicated to the Memory of R.W. Bro. Keith D. Cosier
Hamilton Masonic District C – Dedicated to the Memory of R.W. Bro. Donald L. Jagger
The Bibles will be presented to the Lodge, in their respective District, which has the greatest attendance at the District Divine Service. It will then be the Lodge’s responsibility to return the Bible to the next Divine Service, where it will again be presented to the respective Lodge with the greatest attendance in their District. It is hoped this will be away to not only remember these three Brethren, but to remember all Brethren who have passed on to the Grand Lodge Above before us.
Hamilton Masonic District A
Dedicated to the Memory of
R.W. Bro. John A. Muir
Hamilton Masonic District B
Dedicated to the Memory of
R.W. Bro. Keith D. Cosier
Hamilton Masonic District C
Dedicated to the Memory of
R.W. Bro. Donald L. Jagger
As an added incentive, attendance at the Divine Service can be counted towards one of the pre-requisites for your Lodge to obtain its Cornerstone designation
District B Travelling Volume of the Sacred Law
Dedicated To The Memory Of
The Late R.W. Bro. Keith D. Cosier, P.D.D.G.M.
St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 62
Sunday October 19, 2014
R.W. Bro. Thomas R. Young, District Deputy Grand Master, Hamilton Masonic District B and Mrs. Karen Cosier, widow of the late R.W. Bro. Keith D. Cosier, P.D.D.G.M., are holding the Travelling District B Volume of the Sacred Law dedicated to the memory of her late husband R.W. Bro. Keith D. Cosier. The Bible will be presented to the District B Lodge which has the greatest attendance at the District Divine Service. It will then be the Lodge’s responsibility to return the Volume of the Sacred Law to the next Divine Service, where it will again be presented to the District B Lodge with the greatest attendance. It is hoped this will be away to not only remember the late R.W. Bro. Keith D. Cosier, P.D.D.G.M., but to remember all Brethren who have passed on to the Grand Lodge Above before us.
HAMILTON MASONIC DISTRICTS’ BOARD OF RELIEF
During the 1860 era the Hamilton Masonic Districts’ Board of Relief was in its formative years, providing leadership in establishing this very necessary arm to administer and provide Masonic Charity and Benevolence.
Through the support of the Grand Lodge Committee of Benevolence and the four city lodges of the period, The Barton Lodge No. 6, The Lodge of Strict Observance No. 27, St. John’s Lodge No. 40 and Acacia Lodge No. 61, funds were provided to the Hamilton Masonic Board of Relief for extension of aid and financial assistance to needy brethren, their wives, widows and orphans. At that time each lodge had an elected representative on the Board to administer the affairs. In subsequent years funds were received from subscribing lodges and proceeds from semi-annual Divine Services.
From the humble beginnings the Board of Relief has grown to include the thirty-eight lodges within the Hamilton Districts A, B and C of which each has a representative on the Board. The Board is also a registered charity and maintains burial plots for indigent Masons and their wives in Woodland Cemetery overlooking Hamilton Bay and in Hamilton Cemetery on York Boulevard.
“The objectives of the Hamilton Masonic Districts’ Board of Relief shall be the extension of aid and financial assistance to brethren, their families and such other charitable purposes as the Board shall determine.”
In 1978, the phrase “and such other charitable purposes as the Board shall determine” was added to its objectives. In so doing we are able to address a wider field of human needs beyond the purview of masonic relief. Over the past twenty-six years various grants totaling approximately $393,981 have been provided for the relief of distress to the needy, both masonic and non-masonic alike.
During the past year total grants of $6,200.00 have been provided to assist individuals in circumstances of need and various District supported programs.
To the Brethren of Hamilton Masonic Districts’ A, B and C your support will allow for the continuation of the charitable works formulated by our rich heritage.
Information Updated as of April 30, 2015
R.W. Bro. Robert E. (Bob) Kerr
Secretary-Treasurer
The following article appeared recently in a Hamilton Health Sciences and Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation publication, under the heading “Celebrating Donor Generosity”
Masons Support Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
The Freemasons of Hamilton and area have been actively involved in our community for a very long time. For those who are unfamiliar with the fraternity, one of the underlying principals of Masonry is charity. Their mandate is to give of oneself to help another who may be in need.
McMaster Children’s Hospital has been fortunate enough to be the recipient of this charitable group’s generosity over many years.
The connection between the Masons and McMaster Children’s Hospital started in 1987 when several Masons, including R.W. Bro. Paul Reeve*, sincerely believed that there was a need to acknowledge the dedicated work of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The financial support began with a series of walkathons sponsored by the “Masters’ and Wardens’ Association” (which, upon Reeve’s untimely death, became known as the “Paul Reeve Memorial Walk-for-Charity in Support of the Neonatal Unit”.) This event continued until 2002.
Although the walkathon hasn’t been staged since then, the Hamilton Masonic Districts’ Board of Relief stepped in and continued the generosity resulting in a total contribution of $12,625.
“We must point out that we’re merely the vehicle,” says Allan Hale, President. “The credit goes to the various Masonic Associations, Lodges and individual Masons who contribute to this worthy appeal.”
Since 1987, the Masons of the Hamilton Districts have raised a total of $159,590 in support of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. By living their fraternity’s tradition of caring, they have helped save the lives of hundreds of children.
*R.W. Bro. Paul Reeve was a member and Past Master of Union Lodge #7 in Grimsby, Ontario. He served the office on District Deputy Grand Master of Hamilton Masonic District “B” in 1995-96.