The document outlines the expansion of benevolent work within Masonic institutions during the 19th century, highlighting the establishment of a Girls' School in Wandsworth Common in 1852 and a Boys' School in Wood Green in 1856, both of which faced high demand for enrollment. In 1836, a proposal for an 'Asylum for aged and decayed Freemasons' faced opposition from the Grand Master, leading to the formation of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in 1850, which combined the Asylum and an existing annuity scheme. This institution, along with two other major Masonic charities, relies on donations and legacies, holding annual festivals for fundraising. The Board of Benevolence, under Grand Lodge oversight, meets monthly to review petitions from members and their dependents and continues to support disaster relief efforts domestically and internationally. Additionally, it maintains a longstanding partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, contributing to lifeboat services.
December 16th, 2025
February 10th, 2026
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The work of the Girls' and Boys' Institutions continued to expand in the 19th century. A new Girls' School was built at Wandsworth Common in 1852 providing places for over one hundred girls. The first Boys' school was built at Wood Green in 1856. Competition for places at the Schools was fierce but welfare grants could be provided for unsuccessful petitioners.
In 1836 a plan for an 'Asylum for aged and decayed Freemasons' was announced but met with fierce opposition from the Grand Master, HRH the Duke of Sussex, who believed that monies raised should be spent in providing annuities not in supporting bricks and mortar. A Grand Lodge annuity scheme had been in existence for some time and, happily, the Asylum at Croydon and the annuity scheme were combined to form the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in 1850. The three great Masonic Charities were funded entirely by donations and legacies. Each held an annual celebration of their foundation which in the 1860s became formalised into an annual Festival sponsored by a Provincial Grand Lodge.
The Board of Benevolence, under Grand Lodge control, met monthly to consider petition from brethren or their dependents. It also continued Grand Lodge's long established practice of contributing to appeals after natural disasters both at home and abroad. It also began its long connection with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, either providing new lifeboats or contributing towards the cost of establishing lifeboat stations.
Launching a Masonic Lifeboat