Hamilton Masons

Board of Relief

During the 1860 era the Hamilton Masonic Districts’ Board of Relief was in its formative years, providing leadership in establishing this very necessary arm to administer and provide Masonic Charity and Benevolence.

Through the support of the Grand Lodge Committee of Benevolence and the four city lodges of the period, The Barton Lodge No. 6, The Lodge of Strict Observance No. 27, St. John’s Lodge No. 40 and Acacia Lodge No. 61, funds were provided to the Hamilton Masonic Board of Relief for extension of aid and financial assistance to needy brethren, their wives, widows and orphans. At that time each lodge had an elected representative on the Board to administer the affairs. In subsequent years funds were received from subscribing lodges and proceeds from semi-annual Divine Services.

From the humble beginnings the Board of Relief has grown to include the lodges within the Hamilton Districts of which each has a representative on the Board. The Board is also a registered charity and maintains burial plots for indigent Masons and their wives in Woodland Cemetery overlooking Hamilton Bay and in Hamilton Cemetery on York Boulevard.

“The objectives of the Hamilton Masonic Districts’ Board of Relief shall be the extension of aid and financial assistance to brethren, their families and such other charitable purposes as the Board shall determine.”