How To Obtain Relief
Edward W. Hartley, P. M.
Former Representative, Board of Relief, 11th District
The Board of Relief is a committee of the Grand Lodge of Georgia created for the
purpose of relieving the distress of its members and their families. This is accomplished
in response to an application submitted by the individual in need of relief and is
investigated and approved by the District Deputy to the Grand Master of the appropriate
sub district and the Worshipful Master of the appropriate Lodge. The process to apply
for relief is:
1. A Master Mason in good standing with his Lodge in Georgia, his wife, widow or
dependent children are qualified to apply for relief by informing the Worshipful
Master of the Lodge where the Master Mason is a member. If the Master Mason is sojourning
or if the family member does not know the process, any Master Mason may be informed
of the need and it then becomes his responsibility to notify the Worshipful Master
of his Lodge of the request for relief.
2. When notified that a need exists, the Worshipful Master assigns a committee to
determine and confirm the need. Each Lodge is responsible for alleviating the needs
of its members, so long as the ability so does not impact the finances and resources
of the Lodge. If this occurs, the Worshipful Master notifies the District Deputy
to the Grand Master of his sub district of the need for relief, and the two of them
arrange to meet the individual needing relief. The District Deputy has the form required
to document the specifics of the request for relief.
3. The “GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER’S RELIEF REPORT” is an
eight-page form. All of the information requested is important and must be entered
correctly. Financial data must be complete and totaled correctly. This form is the
basis for granting or denying a request for relief and the responsibility for its
accuracy depends solely on the parties involved in submitting it to the Board of
Relief. Any time assistance is needed, the Board of Relief member representing the
particular Masonic District is to be consulted. An incomplete form will delay its
processing by the Board of Relief. Each application for relief is important and must
be treated with expediency and professionalism. Nothing in the process should be
trivialized or delayed. Therefore, it is important that each District Deputy to the
Grand Master, Worshipful Master, and Board of Relief representative educate himself
in the process before attempting to become an active participant in the case. Following
the correct procedure with regard to someone’s request for financial assistance is
paramount to obtaining the assistance requested. We, as Master Masons, are all aware
of our responsibilities to our Brothers where charity is concerned. We are reminded
of this responsibility every time we open and close Lodge. So, no discussion is necessary
here except to say that an examination of our own personal involvement in this facet
of our Fraternity may be in order. We must know how humbling it would be for us to
request financial assistance. Likewise, it is just as humbling for some one to request
it of us.
Therefore, as Masons we must be acutely aware of the needs of our Brothers and make
the necessary plans to assist them when needed. The Lodge is the appropriate source
for this assistance. When the Lodge has exhausted its resources, it is appropriate
to turn to the Board of Relief for assistance. However, any assistance provided by
the Board of Relief is of a short-term nature and is intended only to gain relief
until the recipient can make other arrangement for long-term assistance. This is
not to say that there is a fixed amount of relief to be granted or a fixed term to
receive relief. Each case is determined on its own merit. Due to the similar nature
of the reasons a person may find himself in need of relief, the members of the Board
of Relief have all gained valuable experience over the years to guide an applicant
for relief to the various resources available to alleviate the problems they are
experiencing. These resources include credit counseling, funeral expenses, obtaining
prescription drugs, paying hospital and doctor bills, or filing bankruptcy. Just
remember that full disclosure to a worthy Brother early, before the need become insurmountable,
is the first step to resolving the need. We owe it to ourselves and to our Brothers
to be forthcoming with our burden while it is still manageable and to not wait until
it becomes a disaster. We must all remember, so far as relief is concerned, as someone
has so aptly put it, “There but by the Grace of God, go I.” For further information
on this subject consult the Masonic Code, Section 2-207, Board of Relief, or call
the Board of Relief Representative in your District and arrange for him to come to
your Lodge and speak to the Brethren.
So Mote It Be.
Completed application are due in the Grand Lodge Office
one (1) week prior to Board of Relief Meeting for processing.
The Board meets the following dates in 2010:
January 9, ~ March 13, ~ May 8, ~ July 10, ~ September 11, ~ November 13
