Freemasonry, we say, is founded upon three Grand Principles–Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth which are commonly referred to as the points of our profession. Let us look at the second of these Grand Principles, Relief. In simple terms our early brethren understood Relief to mean the alleviating of the suffering of a brother, or the dependents of a deceased brother, by giving money or sustenance until circumstances improved. In modern terms we see Relief in its wider context of Charity that is not simply providing money to relieve distress but actually caring and giving of our time and talents in the service of our communities as a whole and not just to our brethren and their dependents.

Although Masonic ritual varies between jurisdictions, a consistent message conveyed to every candidate is that Charity is an essential part of Freemasonry. From this philosophy comes much of a ‘Mason’s work’, given freely and willingly. Charity comes in many forms, both large and small. Whether it’s something as simple, but appreciated, as a holiday basket delivered to the sick and shut-in by local Lodge officers, something much larger such as a donation of funds to support a community project or an on-going scholarship fund, or something as enormous as a chain of hospitals which provide totally free care to burned and crippled children, Masons regularly engage in charitable work as part of their Masonic membership.

To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men.  To sympathize with them in their misfortunes, to console them in their sorrows and to restore peace to their troubled minds – these are the great aims we have in view.  We, as Freemasons, must be alert to recognize these opportunities and offer our services in the way that will best bring relief.

On the principle of Brotherly Love, masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and causes true friendship to exist among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance. Brotherly Love is a principle, and Charity, in Attitude and Actions, is the outward expression of that affection.

Charity is found throughout the ritual of degrees and teachings of Freemasonry to relieve the distressed is a duty taught and is one of the first lessons of the Ancient Craft.  Nothing in Freemasonry is more touching, more solemn or more beautiful than the Rite of Destitution. All brothers remember that moment in the Lodge when they were in a destitute condition and indeed an object of Charity–almost naked, not one cent, no, not even a button or pin to bestow on the Lodge. We all remember this lesson and the lasting effect it had on our mind and conscience and just how closely it nestles in the hearts of all who experience it; the reputation which the Masonic Fraternity has for assisting the needy and being charitable toward all mankind, more especially a brother Mason.

As a Universal Brotherhood we must remember, what induced you to become a Master Mason? We became Master Masons, in order that we might travel in foreign countries, work, and receive The Master’s wages, being better enabled to support myself and family, and contribute to the relief of worthy distressed Master Masons, their widows and orphans.

We give all praise to The Most High, the one sent, our Supreme Most Worshipful Grand Master, The Sovereign Grand Commander H.E. Rev. Dr. Malachi Kobina York(e) 33°/720°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Yamas-u (Sabaean) Worldwide Masonic Lodges. For HE is that object of Charity and has given us the Grand Hailing Sign of Distress!  There is Help For The Widow’s Son.

The Sabaean Grand Lodge is the first Freemasonic body to work hand in hand with Shriners (Al Mahdi) & affectionately refer to ourselves as a part of Al Mahdi Shrine Temple Family. 

Remember The Masonic Way
“Give Without Remembering and Receive Without Forgetting”.

The Nuwaubian Grand Lodge
donates to The United Nuwaupians Worldwide, LLC

Continuing the Charitable Work Of
The Supreme Grand Master
H.E. Rev. Dr. Malachi Kobina York(e) 33°/ 720°
The Sovereign Grand Commander

Of

The United Nuwaupian Nation Supreme Grand Lodge Of Free Masons