The Gavel: The Monthly Trestle Board of Monticello Lodge No. 532, F. & A. M., Vol. IX, No. 1, February 1950

Bro. Rose Speaks at Area Meeting




Bro. William G. Rose, Director of Masonic Benevolence, reminded the this Lodge officers and brethren who attended an area meeting at Monticello Lodge on Tuesday, January 31St, that times have changed from the days of old when many of us lived in large houses. "We are living in 1950," he asserted, and many changes have taken place in recent years. Housing has changed and the average age of a Mason now is 57 years. He pointed out that due to the housing shortage the demands have become greater on the Masonic home which can accomodate only 575. Bro. Rose said that changes in the welfare set-ups had resulted in children being taken care of in other ways and because of this an important children's program has been discontinued. This was annual program for District Deputies and others who visited the home on St. John's day in June.

Bro. Rose stressed the need for an infirmary at Utica and said this could be provided at a cost of $1,000,000 which would mean that the brethren would have to donate only the cost of half a pack of cigarettes each day.

Bro. Rose pointed out that there are two types of benevolence which consists of outside as well as home relief, and appealed to the brethren to give generously.

He said when the Masons started research on rheumatic fever there was a great upsurge of activity in such fields by other organizations which strengthens grcatly the cause for which we are working. "The Beacon light of Masonry is burning bright," Bro. Rose said, "Let's keep it glowing."

R.W. Silvieus spoke on the importance of loyal support of the Masonic fund. He asked that brethren specify that a portion of their contributions on benevolence go to the home.

R.W. Bro. Silvieus expressed satisfaction over a "great improvement in the ritualistic work in Lodges" and stressed the importance of further study of the ritual as well as Lodge procedure and Masonic history. He urged the brethren to read the history of our Lodge and of Sullivan County Masonry, which is now available.

(This book is now being sold by the Lodge at $2.00 per copy. There are only a few copies left. The money received for them will be deposited in the organ fund.)

Rose Cites Cases; Richmond Reports



The importance of our lending full support to the Grand Lodge Masonic Benevolence program has been brought forcefully to our attention during the past few months while our Lodge with cooperation of Grand Lodge, has helped considerably in relieving the feelings of loneliness and despair which presents itself when hardships and illness rears an ugly head in the lives of the old.

The incident to which we refer concerned a member of our Lodge, whom we were happy to assist.

This unhappy case was mentioned in the December issue of the Masonic family Magazine and appeared under the title "As A Child".

As a Child

I think perhaps one of the most pitiful cases we have known concerns a Brother who has been a Mason and a good one for many years. During the time he had a small business of his own, he was always generous to his Fraternity and to others who needed his help. He and his wife had no children; they lived frugally and saved enough to buy "a small home, where they intended to spend the rest of their days.

Then, without warning, the blow fell. A great, big, husky man, he suddenly became as a child, unable to make his decisions, pathetically anxious to please but vague even about his own comfort. The neighbors importuned his wife to have him sent to an institution, but she could not bear the thought of having him sent among strangers. She could get work, but she cannot leave him, and the washing she was able to take in did not support them.

This was the picture when the Committee, together with her husband's Lodge, took over. She wept as she told of her efforts to keep her husband with her, and brokenly tried to express her thanks for the aid we had given her. She was gently brought to see that her husband must have an examination by a competent psychiatrist, and has agreed to accept his verdict, if he believes her husband needs institutional care."

Wor. Bro. Hugh Richmond, chairman of the Brotherhood Fund reports having received to date contributions from 63 of the brethren amounting to $563.00. If the remainign 226 will send in their donations in proportion we will go over the top.

Make your check to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund and mail to Bro. Richmond of Smallwood, N.Y.

DEDUCT BROTHERHOOD GIFTS FROM TAX RETURNS

The following is a portion of the letter dated January 5. 1948, addressed to Judge Froessel from the Treasury Department and signed by E.J. McLarncy, Deputy Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Department:

"It is the opinion of this office that under the circumstances stated. contributions to the fund will be deductible by the donors in arriving at their taxable net income in the manner and to the extent provided in section 23(o) of the Internal Revenue Code."



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