The History of Masonic Charity Jewels

In 1908 the Widows, Orphans, and Aged Masons Institution, was founded by the Grand Lodge of Queensland for the aid, assistance, and relief of incapacitated members over the age of 60, who have been members for 5 or more years. It was also for their Wives, Widows, Orphans and for children under the age of 14. At this time the Institution, looking inward, introduced two Charity Jewels:

Governor, eligible to any subscribing member of a Lodge under the Grand Lodge of Queensland, and

Life Governor, by a donation of 10 Guineas within 12 months.

1912, saw new jewels added, they were:

Vice Patron for a donation of £31,

Vice President for a donation of £21

Life Governor, changed from 10 Guineas to £10 within 5 years

1927, further changes:

Existing Vice Patrons became Vice Presidents

All other member classes remain for life

1946, there were ultimately four jewels, representing the membership levels and rights, for the new amalgamated single Masonic charity. After years of consolidating individual Masonic Associations – The Board of Benevolence and of Aged Masons Widows and Orphans fund was formed. Those four jewels remain today, as a fundraising mechanism, to support our fellow Freemasons who may find themselves in Necessitous Circumstances. The Jewels are:

Purchase a Charity Jewel

Charity Jewels

The Masonic Fund Of Benevolence offers 4 levels of Jewels for Lodges to purchase on behalf of their members. The usual approach is to award the Brother the entry level jewel, the Life Governor, in the first instance. As that Brother continues to contribute to the Lodge over the years, this jewel is upgraded to the next level, Life Vice President, then to Life Vice Patron, and then finally to Life Patron.

It could be that the Brother has made such a contribution to the Lodge, that the Lodge wishes to “fast track” this acknowledgement of the Brother’s service. In such a case, the Lodge can pick a higher entry level for a Brother who doesn’t have a jewel i.e. come in at Life Vice Present, Life Vice Patron or Life Patron or, for a Brother who already has a Charity jewel, jump the next level or two. e.g. A Brother currently has the Life Governor jewel, he can jump directly to the Life Vice Patrol or Life Patron jewel.

Whichever jewel or upgrade is purchased, the funds enable MFOB to continue help our Brethren and their families.