Our experience of Charity as freemasons will testify to the exceedingly generous gifts that our fraternity gives to our communities. We ask nothing in return and hope that our contributions will assist people in need, especially for those who are involved in the care of others. Although the Biblical book Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 doesn’t particularly allude to the above headline, it might construed be that even in our selfless giving there may be a reciprocity which is unexpected. However, we do find the phrase in the Bible that, “it is more blessed to give than to receive” which is found in Acts 20:35 (New Testament). This sentiment is also echoed in Hindu Scripture.
E. Comp John Eynon, Deputy Provincial Grand Superintendent in the Royal Arch Province of Middlesex recently lost his wife Sue who during her last days received compassionate care at Michael Sobell House, which is part of Harlington Hospice. Care is provided free of charge meeting individual needs and as an organisation relies heavily on support from the community.
A Time To Give
This is where Middlesex Masons enter the arena. John wanted to give something back for the amazing compassionate care that Sue had received during her short term at the hospice over the Christmas period. To this end he garnered the support of the many friends and masons who made individual, personal donations towards supporting the Hospice amounting to £1916, which was a magnificent achievement. This was bolstered up by generous donations from the Middlesex Province relief Fund who gave £5000 and the Round Table Lodge of Middlesex No 8301 who gave £5500. This was matched funded by the Masonic Charitable Foundation thus realising a gift of £11000 to the hospice. Not only that but other Lodges gave generously including, Norman Moore Lodge No 7976, Middlesex Masters (Uxbridge) Lodge No 9292, Christopher Wren Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 861 and an additional gift from Round Table Chapter as well. The total amount was £18816. This was an amazing achievement and a testimony to the efforts and generosity of Middlesex Masons in support of charities who have impacted our personal lives.
A Time To Receive
That moment when we discover the fullest extent of our “masonic family” not only in the monetary support for the hospice, but in the expressions of love and goodwill from those who been a part of Sue Eynon’s life. There had been tremendous goodwill towards John shown in the abundance of letters, cards, emails, texts and phone calls that he had received offering support. These are testimony to the kindness of those whom John and Sue had met during their life together. John said that the passing of Sue became a catalyst of generosity which would help others who were on the same path as their lives draw to a close.
A Time To Say Thank You
Naturally John offers his sincerest thanks to all Middlesex masons who have contributed to this cause. He knows the donations are gratefully received and faithfully applied. Equally, the hospice has extended its thanks to Middlesex Masons as it through their giving that the hospice is able to provide vital services. Therefore, a thanks for the devotion to those in their care and a thanks on behalf of the hospice for the financial support in making this possible. Perhaps a new definition of synergy. The hospice Chief Executive wrote the following letter of thanks to members of the Province see letter
The hospice in addition to expressing their thanks for the outstanding donation wished to share information on the unique and highly valued end of life portal. This was a place where people could search for answers when they or a loved one were approaching death and offered a “one stop” website for information, not just clinical, but also financial and practical support.
Please see:
https://www.harlingtonhospice.org/michaelsobellhouse/
Edit by W. Bro Stan Marut PPrJGD SLGR – Provincial Communications Team
