Provincial Grand Lodge of Down

In 2004 the widow of a Bangor Mason, bequeathed her estate to the Province of Down, with a caveat that the capital should be invested, and the accruing interest employed to provide temporary respite care for Masons, (or their close family relatives) who are or were subscribing members of Lodges sitting within the Masonic Province of Down.

The Fund became operational in 2009.

Respite care is defined as: “a temporary interval of mental or physical rest”.  In this context it may cover such diverse extremes as assisting with a short term stay in a nursing home to a home visit from a chiropodist.

Beneficiaries are not means tested.

The MEDRF Mission Statement concludes by stating:

THE TRUSTEES WILL AT ALL TIMES ENDEAVOUR TO DISPLAY HIGH LEVELS OF COMPASSION AND COMPETANCE AND WILL CONSTANTLY STRIVE TO EXCEED THE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE BRETHREN OF THE PROVINCE.

In this respect we sincerely welcome all applications and undertake to give each case submitted, prompt and sympathetic consideration.

Application Forms may be downloaded from the foot of the page.  Once completed and signed by the Lodge Secretary or Almoner it should be forwarded to the MEDRF Trustees, c/o 115 The Mount, Belfast. BT5 4ND

If any further guidance is required please e-mail your query to the Trustee Chairman:  johnc.clarke@virgin.net