Page 12 - Keystone Spring 2021 Issue 6

MBF and The Festival Coming To Somerset

The Mark Benevolent Fund came into existence in 1868 on the suggestion of
the Reverend Canon George Raymond Portal, Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Mark Master Masons. His view was that for a Charity to be effective it
had to be disbursed swiftly and without too much bureaucracy. This has been
well demonstrated over time with the Province following the lead during these
difficult times.
The Fund receives its income via Annual Festivals hosted on behalf of the
M.B.F by a different Province each year. Donating to fund is extremely easy

and can be done via regular giving which for many will have the additional
benefit of gift aid which boasts their contribution by 25% which is credited
towards the amount donated and the Festival Stewardship jewel, which is
entirely separate from the Mark Benevolent Fund.
What honorifics can your donation achieve.

Patronage Award Brethren Ladies/Lewis Lodges Province/
District
Life Governor £100

Vice-Patron £250 £125 £25 per sub mem £50 per sub
mem
Patrons £500 £250 £50 per sub mem £100 per sub

mem
Grand Patron £1000 £500
There are also a Grand Patron Gold and Grand Patron Diamond for additional
contributions for individuals. Lodges can achieve Grand Patron status by a

further one off payment of £1000, Grand Patron Gold, £2500 one off payment
and Grand Patron Diamond, £5000 one off payment.
Regular giving forms can be found here.

In 2028 Somerset will be holding the festival on behalf of the Grand Lodge of
Mark Master Masons. It is 38 years since we last hosted the festival so for many
it will be our first opportunity to be involved. Raising a regular amount of money
is obviously vital to allow the fund to operate efficiently and coming up with
novel fundraising ideas not only helps to bring in much needed cash but can
also raise the profile of the charity itself. It is also important to include wives,
partners friends and family whenever possible and social events are to be
encouraged.

Many ideas are tried and tested but the really great fundraising comes about
when people think outside the box. If any member has a novel fundraising idea
or a tweak on an existing one, please contact me at
pcs@somersetmarkmason.co.uk

Spring Issue 2021 Page12