The Members
The
image we would wish to present is of a group, who, by
their works, encourage members of the community to lead
satisfying and
enjoyable lives and who provide our members with a sense
of belonging. Tangible assistance is provided
when needed. Importantly
this support is not dependent on what an individual puts
in rather by what is needed.
The R.A.O.B. at all
levels supports its community and, through its
charitable works, raises many millions of pounds for
most worthwhile causes, far too many to list, all chosen
by the membership locally regionally or nationally. The
range
of charities we support
is very wide as are the internal funds we have for use
for our members in times of difficulty
or need. The support we
provide for our own lodge members and their families is
augmented by a comprehensive
range of benevolent
funds administered by Grand Lodge and includes
educational grants. Aged members and widows
of deceased Brethren
benefit from our annuities or special grants. We are
particularly proud of the system which has
been established to
provide care for widows with young children. Funded
entirely by voluntary contributions they
receive birthday and
Christmas gifts, family holidays, pocket money and
savings. In short we do our best to fill the
material gap left by the
husband and father they have lost. As long as the need
exists our assistance continues.
We are not a secret
organization, our rules and ceremonies are in the public
domain. Our Order is steeped in
history, much more
information is available but to go in too deep at this
stage would only serve to confuse.
Membership is for life
and members can be as active as they wish at whichever
level they choose. All that is
required is that you area
member of a Lodge; further progress is in the hands of
the individual
as is the frequency of
his attendance in his Lodge.
The Minor
Lodge
The Minor Lodge is the
cornerstone around which the Order is built. First and
foremost we are all members of our own
MinorLodge. Brothers
can, if they wish, belong to more than one Lodge; all
Brothers must be part of a Lodge. The
majority of Lodges meet
weekly; though some meet fortnightly or monthly if needs
dictate. Each Minor Lodge
supports its members and
the community at a local level.
The Provincial
Grand Lodge
A
Provincial Grand Lodge collectively administers a group
of lodges known as a Province. Members who have
chosen to be active at this level and have proven their
knowledge of the rules and procedures attend the
P.G.L. to carry this out. P.G.L. meets once a month.
Grand Lodge
Grand Lodge is made
up of delegates from Provincial Grand Lodges
and administers the Order nationally. Grand
Lodge
runs and
maintains the
Convalescent Homes owned by the Order and
supports the community as a whole. The degree of
participation at
any level is entirely voluntary and at the
discretion of each individual Brother. Many
confine their
activities to their
own Minor Lodge and do not seek advancement.
There is no stigma attached to anyone
who does
not wish to
become active at Provincial Grand Lodge or Grand
Lodge. The provision of care and support for our
members works hand in
glove with our support for local, regional and national
charities.
Already a Member?
Has this card given you a prompt for you to return to a
Lodge? Please consider the future in the Order rather
than the past.
Ask the person
who gave you this card to
go with you to a Lodge or suggest a Lodge that is more
local and convenient to
you, remember he can be
the link to your return. If after reading this card you
have questions about the Order, feel free
to speak to the person
who gave you this card. Not only can they tell you more
about our organization, but they can
tell you where there is a
Lodge close by and at a time that may be suitable for
you. Alternatively you can telephone our
Headquarters
and ask to speak to someone about further information on
the Order, or you can
visit our web site,
feel free to leave a message.
Give it a go
You might enjoy it
Published by The Grand Lodge of England
To contact us:
Mr R. B.
Torrie P.G.L. Secretary
Grove House, Skipton Road,
Coventry R.A.O.B. Club
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
1105 Foleshill Rd, Coventry
HG1 41A
CV6
6EP
Tel: 01423 502438
Website:
Grand
Lodge of England
E-mail form:
P.G.L Secretay