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(by Malena Charur, Laredo Morning Times, March 9, 2025)   The Laredo Masonic Lodge 547 celebrated its annual Awards Night on March 1. During the event, 11 outstanding students from public high schools were recognized. The students received the Lamar Medal. The Lamar Medal is awarded to graduating seniors from local high schools for their dedication to the community, academic achievements and desire to further their education at a college or university. Charles Whitfield, Laredo Masonic Lodge past master and treasurer, said students were selected by their schools for their academic achievement, moral character, citizenship and community service. Each student will also receive a $1,000 scholarship, which… read more:    

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(by Cindy Stevens, Waushara Argus, February 26, 2025)   he Wautoma Freemason in conjunction with the Waushara County American Legion held a session teaching volunteers how to Question, Persuade, and Refer individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. It was a valuable opportunity to learn life-saving skills and making a positive impact in our community. An anonymous questionnaire from students in Waushara County found that nearly 20% have considered suicide with 11% admitting they have attempted it. Another 21% have indicated they have self-harmed themselves as well. Topics covered were signs within the youth and adult population of those struggling or in a crisis, the right questions to inquire about the situation, and how to not be afraid to ask people how they are doing. Participants were encouraged to… read more:    

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(by editorial board, Cumbria Crack, 7th March 2025)   A group of Freemasons from West Cumbria have donated £4,000 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The donation, a combination of money from Cumbria Freemasons and The Masonic Charitable Foundation, will be spent in the Cumbrian community. The association’s support group in the region covers a wide area, from Carlisle in the north to Appleby in the east, and as far south as Gosforth. Currently, there are 26 individuals in the area living with MND, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The West Cumbria MND group, primarily made up of volunteers, is… read more:    

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(by editorial board, InYourArea, 6 March 2025)   A Masonic Gala Ball, hosted by Essex Freemason, Paul Palmer, on behalf of Nore Lodge at Saxon Hall, Southend, proved to be an unforgettable evening of celebration, charity, and community spirit. The event, filled with lively cabaret and goodwill, culminated in the unveiling of a remarkable donation, an impressive £3,210 presented to the much-respected St Vincent’s Centre. St Vincent’s Centre, Southend-on-Sea, a vital community support project of the St Vincent de Paul Society (England and Wales), provides invaluable assistance to vulnerable individuals. Their wrap-around services include a foodbank, hot meals, outreach support, household essentials, clothing, counselling, dementia support, and befriending services. Additionally, they… read more:    

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(by editorial board, err.ee, March 5, 2025)   A divorce case last year involving two relatively prominent individuals in Estonia attracted further public attention not only due to a custody dispute associated with it, but also as one of the parties referenced the Freemasons, “Pealtnägija” reported. “Pealtnägija” went to investigate further the often misunderstood organization. Paul Himma is a former deputy director of Eesti Raadio and the director of the Estonia Theater, but also one of the more experienced public Freemasons in Estonia. At 71, he has passed through almost all the ranks of the brotherhood over his more than 30 years of membership. While now in retirement, he showed “Pealtnägija” around the lodge in his role as its guide. A lot of masonic symbology, including the most well-known square and compass, as well as hammers and other construction implements, and of course the famous aprons, derive from the organization’s origins as a professional guild for the highly skilled craft of stone-masonry. Over time, members were admitted from other professions, meaning the focus gradually shifted from practical skilled construction know-how to building of a more spiritual nature, researchers Meelis Piller and Toomas Abiline, who… . read more:    

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(by Stuart Pearcey, LincolnshireWorld, 4th March 2025)   Lincolnshire’s Mark Freemasons have given almost £7,600 to help villagers in North Kelsey set up a hub-cum-shop to help restore community spirit in the village. The donation was made by Lincolnshire’s Mark Provincial Grand Master Steve Hallberg and Charity Steward Mick Stocker, who handed over the funds from the Mark Benevolent Fund ‘Worthy Grants’ initiative. Steve said: “The last shop in the village closed in 2019, further isolating the village, with Brigg and Caistor being the closest towns to… read more:    

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(by Erica Wilson, The Herald-Zeitung , February 28, 2025)   Members of the New Braunfels Masonic Lodge #1109 presented the New Braunfels Professional Firefighters Association with a $3,300 donation Wednesday at Fire Station No. 7 to purchase a sauna for local firefighters. Butch Watson presented the sauna donation idea to his fellow masons after learning about the need for these spas for firefighters in the community, he said. Saunas are primarily used at stations after structural firefighting, said James Sellers, president of the New Braunfels Professional Firefighters Association. “We get exposed to a lot of carcinogens, and those carcinogens, no matter how we try to escape it, it gets in our skin, so we go to the sauna and… read more:    

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(by editorial board, Greenock Telegraph, 1st March, 2025)   Freemasons in Inverclyde have donated over £3,000 to help raise awareness of prostate disease. The sums were raised following an initiative of Bro. Nicholas Stetz, a Past Master of Lodge Firth of Clyde No. 626 in Gourock and The Anchor Lodge of Research No. 1814 in Greenock, under the auspices of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West. The total was augmented by a further donation from The Anchor Lodge of Research No. 1814. The money will go to the Prospack Project, a joint initiative between Prostate Scotland and the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Last week… read more:    

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(by Sophie Day, Hampshire Chronicle, 23rd February 2025)   A Masonic charity event has raised money for a struggling young carers charity. A recent Burns Night celebration at the Kings Court Masonic Centre in The Hundred, Romsey, organised by the Hampshire Freemasons, raised £360 for Romsey Young Carers. The money was raised through a raffle, with Jerry Board presenting the cheque to Chris Hall, the charity manager. Romsey Young Carers, which recently marked 20 years of service, now faces an existential threat to its ability to help youngsters in the area, as reported in the Romsey Advertiser. The charity has seen a surge in demand for its services due to significant development in Romsey in recent years. It urgently needs to raise at least £15,000 by… read more:    

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(by Tomos Evans, Abergabemy Chronicle, 24th February 2025)   MONMOUTHSHIRE Freemasons has provided a £60,000 grant to support the Age Connects Torfaen ‘Dementia Buddy’ project. Nearly 500 local people living with dementia and their carers will be getting help and support from a volunteer ‘dementia buddy’. The project will support people living with dementia to overcome loneliness in the local community. The programme will focus on… read more:    

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(by Newsdesk, Charity Today, 26th February 2025)   Bristol Freemasons have reached an extraordinary milestone, delivering over 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees in need. Over the past two years, five vans filled with essential supplies have made the journey from Bristol, driven by volunteers from the organisation. Continuing their commitment to supporting thousands of people, Bristol Freemasons are set to dispatch another two vans filled with essential aid on 22nd February. These vans, driven by four dedicated Freemasons, will transport nearly three tonnes of supplies, including 40 generators, winter clothing, first aid kits, and hygiene products, to support all refugees. They successfully raised over £10,000 in donations, with more than one thousand in gift aid, ensuring that this vital assistance reaches those in desperate need. A strong turnout of volunteers is expected to assist in loading the vans before departure. These efforts, which have touched the lives of displaced people across Europe, are part of a collaboration with the grassroots charity From Bristol with Love. Based in Southmead, the charity operates out of a small council-owned building for… read more:    

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(by Dave King, SussexWorld, 25th February 2025)   Midhurst, UK – The Chichester District Foodbank has extended heartfelt thanks to the Midhurst Freemasons for their continued generosity and support throughout 2024. Their contributions have played a vital role in helping families and individuals facing hardship across the district. Over the past year, the Midhurst Freemasons have donated an impressive 20.6kg of food, equating to approximately 51.5 meals. These provisions have been instrumental in supporting the foodbank’s mission to provide essential supplies to those in need. “Your kindness and donations mean so much to us,” a spokesperson for the foodbank stated. “Your support allows us to continue offering crucial assistance, not only in the form of… read more:    

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(by Stefano Ausenda, The Royal Gazette, February 24, 2025)   Two organisations received $2,500 each from the charitable wing of the Freemasons on Thursday. Keith Battersbee, the president of the Freemasons Fund for Bermuda, presented the cheques to Family Centre and the Scout Association of Bermuda. Each Masonic Lodge on the island raised funds through… read more:    

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(by Matthew Crane, DC Dubois County, February 18, 2025)   It’s hard for Eugene Kieffner not to tear up with emotion as he reflects on his 60 years with the Freemasons. “I wouldn’t give it up for the world,” Mr. Kieffner says of his Masonic experience. Mr. Kieffner’s introduction to the Freemasons occurred when he was a young boy and happened to notice his uncle Dennis Kieffner’s Masonic ring. “It stood out. It was shiny,” Mr. Kieffner said. “I said, ‘My you have a shiny ring.’” His uncle looked at him and said, “Yeah, one of these days, I want you to wear one.” The 83-year-old Haysville resident recently received the 50-year Past Master’s Award from the Grand Lodge of Indiana, a rare honor recognizing his decades of… read more:    

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(by Sudbury.com Staff, Sudbury.com, February 19, 2025)   Visit the Masonic Temple on Regent Street on Feb. 23 to find out more about one of the oldest lodges in Ontario. The Nickel Masonic Lodge of Sudbury is hosting an open house for prospective new members on Feb. 23. “Nickel Masonic Lodge is one of the oldest Masonic Lodges in Ontario,” the group told Sudbury.com. “It was formed in 1892 and is as old as the old City of Sudbury itself. The founding ‘master’ was Dr. William Howey, (who was among) the first pioneers and first medical doctor to move to Sudbury Junction – later to become the City of Sudbury.” The Masons are… read more:    

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(by Ian Smith, Northumberland Gazette, 20th Feb 2025)   A residential care home in Alnwick has enhanced its sensory garden thanks to the generous support of the Northumberland Freemasons. The donation has contributed to the addition of a beautifully crafted metal arch, completing the garden space and further enriching the experience for residents at Abbeyfield House. Kerry Riddell, deputy manager at Abbeyfield House, said: “The sensory garden is a fantastic feature for our residents, especially those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. “The new arch has really finished it off, making the space even more welcoming. We also… read more:    

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(by Imogen Barber, The Mail, 19th February 2025)   Cumbrian freemasons came together to show courage, determination and honour, as they raised a ‘tremendous’ amount of money for local charities. Last month, the Furness and South Lakeland Group of Lodges and Chapters held a boxing event. The event, which took place at the Cumbria Grand Hotel, was a huge success and saw boxers from around the county competing with boxers from neighbouring… read more:    

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(by Mike Brooke, Barnet Borough Times, 18th February 2025)   A weekly “warm hub” café is being set up to help 50 elderly people living with dementia and their carers through the winter. The Brent ‘Community Action on Dementia’ charity has been given £4,000 by London Freemasons to run weekly café sessions in Cricklewood as “a warm and welcoming space” to help reduce loneliness and isolation. The charity, started in 2015, supports 600 people in Brent living with dementia, helping with their welfare benefits and running social activities such as… read more:    

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(by editorial board, Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini, The Hindu, February 15, 2025)   A fire broke out at Freemasons’ Hall in south Mumbai on Saturday (February 15, 2025) afternoon, an official from the fire department said. There was no casualty in the blaze that erupted in the three-storey structure around 2.20 pm, the official said. He said the fire started at 2.20 pm and is confined to an office on the second floor of the building, which has been enveloped by… read more:    

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(by editorial board, Muddy River News, February 16, 2025)   Masonic Lodge Hannibal No. 188 held a poker run in July to raise funds for Judevine Center for Autism and raised $1,200, then sent that amount to the Grand Lodge to be tripled. Members of Masonic Lodge Hannibal No. 188 went to Judevine Center for Autism on Jan. 27 to present a check totaling $7,200 to benefit the children/adults who participate in services with Judevine. Children who benefit from the money raised were invited by Hub director Jessica Bramblett to participate in the… read more:    

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