A father-son team at Glen Innes’ Masonic lodge is planning a campaign of fundraising for the shire’s hospitals.
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On Saturday Jim Donald handed over the rains of the lodge to son Jim Donald. He will become the new worshipful master of the masonic lodge, which is a title equivalent to president in the freemason system.
They made a start last month, handing three wheelchairs to Emmaville hospital on January 15. The lodge raised some $3000 to pay for the wheelchairs, and additional chairs for Glen Innes hospital.
“The nurses in both hospitals tried them out – they’re very light, very maneuverable and quite strong so they’re a good wheelchair.”
Official charity Masonicare gave a total of some $300,000 worth of chairs statewide.
But they’re planning to continue a program of fundraising for the health services, through raffles, dollar-for-dollar subsidies from Masonicare and in other ways. Jim said he expects to be led by the needs of the hospitals.
Meanwhile there has also been a change of leadership at masons – from father to son.
“My son and I joined on the same day,” said Jim.
“To be put into the chair you have to fulfill a duty in each office. it takes about six years.
“He has followed me all the way through. We had the chairman of the board of Freemasons with us on Saturday and said it was such a unique event – not only a father installs his son but also that the father and son have follows each other through the chairs.”
Masons are “installed”, which essentially means promoted.
James Donald has become the new worshipful master of the masonic lodge.
“They call me the featherduster now – I used to be the rooster, but now I sit on the left side.”
Jim said he has an official duty to give his son guidance through his term. James plans on continuing the fundraising agenda, helping local health services. James said he couldn’t be more proud.
“It was a very emotional day for both of us,” he said.
The Masons are also planning to upgrade their lodge on Church street to make it wheelchair accessible and also to improve wiring and electronics. The 84 year old building needs a lot of work. Jim estimates a $30,000 fee just for starters.
“We have a lot of elderly and infirm brethren who can’t get up stairs to our lodge meeting room.
“It’s a dichotomy I guess – yes we are a charitable organisation we’re trying to raise money for the community, but we’re also in need of money!”
