FREEMASONRY
"a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) is the main governing body of Freemasonry within England and Wales and in some countries, predominantly ex-British Empire and Commonwealth countries outside the United Kingdom. It is the oldest Grand Lodge in the world, deriving its origin from 1717.
The three Great Principles by which we stand are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Freemasons are taught to practise charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole � both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.
Masonic charity is exercised at every level: individual Lodges make gifts and give aid to their own communities and every Province also gives large sums of money to regional causes. Nationally, our efforts are channelled through four main charity organisations. They are:
The Grand Charity
The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
The Masonic Samaritan Fund
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham under the authority of UGLE administers all masonic activites in the Durham Privince.
The RMBI has been caring for older Freemasons and their dependants for over 160 years. They operate 17 residential care homes across England and Wales offering high quality care. Many of the Homes are registered for both residential and nursing care and a number offer specialist dementia care.
The Province of Durham launched it�s 2010 Festival for the R M B I at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham. The aim of the Festival is for all Durham lodges to raise money through events over a period of 5 years this is to be collected by the provincial grand lodge and handed to the R M B I and this will help the R M B I in their cash flow.