Theoretically, Masons are to look out for the welfare of the widows and orphans of Brother Masons who have passed on to be with the GAOTU. We don't see too many orphans these days, but we see a lot of widows. I find it surprising how Masons quickly forget the widows though. Only a scant few Lodges will hold a dinner for the widows, most simply forget about them.

Shortly after my father passed away in January of last year, I found myself spending more time with my mother performing odd jobs around the house for her; you know, replacing light bulbs, fixing sprinkler heads, changing air filters, removing debris, etc. I am fortunate to live near her so I can help her in this regard but it occurred to me how many Masonic widows are out there who do not have a relative nearby to help out.

To rectify this problem, the SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association (Districts 20 & 21) created the "Masonic Hotline" in our area to provide assistance to widows as required; for info, see:

http://suncoastmastersandwardens.org/Masonic_Hotline.htm

We just started this last year and in addition to helping some very thankful widows in our area, it has helped to raise the consciousness of the Brethren of their Masonic obligation. Those Brothers who have participated in the program generously donate their time and expertise in taking care of odd jobs for the widows. Heck, they even have fun in the process.

We're not alone in addressing this problem. Other jurisdictions are also developing such programs. Of note is Ohio's I-CARE Senior Services program which "serves Masons and their wives and widows by identifying and coordinating community-based services that assist them in remaining in their own home and maintaining their independence." The program is more fully explained at the following web site:

http://www.athensmasons.org/OhioFAM/8inspec.html

The hard part of implementing programs like these is making the widows aware that such services are available to them. For the "Masonic Hotline" we maintain a web page and telephone number; further, we encourage Lodges in our area to print the number and web address in their Trestleboard newsletters and on their web sites. But perhaps a letter campaign where we send a business card with telephone numbers to call would also help.

Regardless of how the program is implemented, I encourage all Lodges to remember their widows. To simply forget them is to dishonor our fallen Brothers and ourselves.

Keep the Faith.

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Article reprinted with permission of the author and "http://www.freemasoninformation.com"