Grand Lodge of Ireland Masonic Charities

There are approximately 170 Lodges within the Masonic Province of Down making it the second largest Province in the Irish Constitution. The Province is divided into 9 Districts, four within a six mile radius of the centre of Belfast and five in the rest of the Province.

There are 43 halls in the Province of Down, each of the 9 districts have a Provincial Grand Steward of Charities, and a Provincial Grand Almoner, who report from Provincial Grand Lodge to the relevant Charity District Committee and then the Lodge representatives report back to their own Lodges. It is a basic method of communication that works very well in this instance.

The Down Masonic Widows Fund is the main Fund which is available to the Brethren and their families within the five Districts comprising Bangor, Banbridge, Downpatrick, Newry and Newtownards.

Other Masonic Charities which are available to Brethren within these five Districts are as follows:

Masonic Boys Benefit Fund.

Give provision for the cost of maintenance, education, advancement and benefit of sons of deceased Freemasons or financially distressed Freemasons.  

Contact:    Grand Lodge, 17 Molesworth St, Dublin 2.

Masonic Girls Benefit Fund.

Give provision for the cost of maintenance, education, advancement and benefit of daughters of deceased Freemasons or financially distressed Freemasons.   Contact:    Grand Lodge, 17 Molesworth St, Dublin 2.

Masonic Welfare Fund.

For Brethren and Dependents In need whose circumstances prevent them being helped under other Masonic Charities.  

Contact:   Grand Lodge, 17 Molesworth St, Dublin 2.

Provincial Grand Lodge of Down Masonic Charity

Margaret Elizabeth Daniel Respite Fund; established in 2007, to provide assistance towards the cost of temporary respite care, for Freemasons or their immediate family members.

Contact:    115 The Mount, Belfast BT5 4ND.  028 9045 9694              

To Download an Application form on pdf format click here.