The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 7 - Rituals 623
7.3.3 Comparison of Masonry with Rituals
of Fraternal Insurance Organizations
As stated in previous chapters, Masonic charity should reach as far as the
Mason's "cabletow's length," which means that it is universal. It has also been
shown that Masons maintain homes for their widows and orphans, and are
obliged to help a brother in distress. Is Masonry, therefore, comparable with
profane insurance companies? It would be easier to confirm that Masonry is not
a mutual benefit association if the Masonic sources would not so often contradict
each other on this topic. Thus, the Masonic Review of 1879 states that
Freemasonry could do much more for its members in the sector of mutual
benefit:
The Masonic Institution is, in principle, a Mutual Benefit Association,
but in practice it is so to but a very limited extent, - limited to what it
should be, and is capable of being. In this feature of the Order it is
excelled by other associations, when it ought to be foremost in all
efforts to ameliorate misfortune. Every lodge could and ought to secure
a certain benefit to its members, in case of misfortune, sickness, or
death. There is no reason why such provision should not be made in the
by laws of every lodge, and we should be glad to see one lead off in
such a noble effort. It would win for itself a reputation and popularity
that would be envied by all the Craft, and accomplish a good that enters
into the very design of the Institution. Who will move in such a 'noble
and glorious undertaking?' 1560
The above-mentioned article further states that since the lodges do not make
these provisions, their members have "associated themselves together, outside of
lodge organizations, to secure these benefits: hence the numerous 'Mutual
Benefit Associations' among members in almost every State." 1561 The author of
that article then refers to the distinguished example of the Odd Fellows in the
United States, who are advanced in the field of insurance and have "appointed a
committee charged with the duty of inquiring into the true relations that should
subsist between dues and benefits." 1562 Hereafter, the author gives an example of
how the relations could be in a Masonic lodge. It has to be considered that the
text of the following calculation stems from the end of the 19 th century:
Now suppose we consider the ratio as 1 in a 100. Then say there are 500
members in the association. Then, at the ratio of 1 death in 100, there
would be 5 deaths in a year. This would cost each member $5,00, while
1560 The Masonic Review, vol. XXXVII, from 1870, p. 57.
1561 Ibid.
1562 Ibid, p. 59.