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The History and Role of the Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent
Institution of (RFBI)
In 1880, when the RFBI was founded, no government social welfare programs existed.
Assistance to the poor, the disadvantaged and the needy was left to charitable organisations, including the Freemasons, which provided this form of support.
Now, more than 125 years later, when most people in need receive social service funding from the government, the RFBI still helps where special needs or circumstances exist.
In recent years, the RFBI has diversified its caring and benevolent role through the establishment of residential retirement villages providing comfortable and attractive self care units, hostels and nursing homes.
Currently, the RFBI owns and operates 21 self care unit developments (comprising 886 units),
14 low care hostels (with a total of 854 beds), 3 high care nursing homes(comprising 137 beds) and 3 Community Aged Care programmes (comprising130 funded places), throughout NSW and the ACT.
The diversification of the RFBI’s main role into aged care will continue to expand in the future due to the ageing of the population and the growing demand for this type of accommodation. Indeed, “ageing in place” and the provision of much needed accommodation for persons suffering from dementia are at the
forefront of the RFBI’s main objectives. With the help of the Federal Government, which provides the recurrent funding for this to happen, it is hoped that the RFBI can fulfil its future objectives.
A brief history of Freemasonry
The origins of Freemasonry have been lost in time, but it is known that it arose from the guilds of stonemasons which constructed Europe’s castles and cathedrals during the Middle Ages.
These craftsmen were in possession of highly valuable skills in mathematics,
architecture and in the shaping and positioning of stone for the great
buildings on which they worked. These early craftsmen selected
and trained apprentices who had been accepted as being worthy of learning
the secrets of their trade. At the same time, the young recruits
were taught how to live their lives … to behave morally and
ethically in all their actions.
These trainees advanced, depending on their proficiency, to become
Master Masons.
In the Middle Ages, qualified tradesmen did not receive a certificate
to prove their education and accomplishments, or any documents which
showed that they were of good character. But as they learned
and advanced through their training they were given instruction in
how to identify their level of proficiency and knowledge through certain
handshakes and words.
These were kept secret within the Masonic craft as they were a kind
of “passport” to obtaining new work. Craftsmen worked
in lodges. When work on a cathedral finished in one city,
the lodge moved to find work in another. Even if the architect
or the foreman on the new building site spoke a different language,
the master of the lodge needed only to identify himself by conveying
the handshake and the special word to prove that his lodge could provide
service at a certain level.
Importantly, this “passport” also reassured the new
employer that these men were honest, ethical and trustworthy.
Sadly, because these “secrets” are applied symbolically
to freemasonry, much misunderstanding … even suspicion … has
arisen about the objectives of the Craft. It is not a “secret
society” … indeed you can find all you want to know
about it in books or on the web. But its teachings include some
aspects which are useful in teaching lessons of morality and virtue
to its members.
That Freemasonry is misunderstood in some sections of society and particularly
in the media, is sad, as its purpose has always been to do
good and to teach its members how to behave honestly, ethically and
charitably.
Freemasonry is one excellent and rewarding way to teach people how
to live their lives.
How it all began
We know that much of the symbolic teaching in Freemasonry takes
its rise from the building of King Solomon’s Temple and from the
tools of stone masons which are used as symbols for the education and
behaviour of “free” masons.
Four lodges which existed in England in the early 18th century, decided
in 1717 to create a formal organisation by forming the first Grand
Lodge. Freemasonry then spread across Europe and to other countries
with amazing speed.
In Australia, Freemasonry can be traced to the First Fleet’s
arrival in 1788.
The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales was officially formed in
1888, and later became responsible for Freemasonry in the Australian
Capital Territory.
RFBI OBJECTIVES
To provide varying kidns of retirement accommodation within a village environment to suit citizens' individual needs.
Such accommodation ranges from self care units in which residents can live an independent life, to hostels where staff cater for daily needs, to care in nursing homes with professional medical facilities.
To enter into partnerships and joint ventures with communities, governments, religious, masonic and other charitable and service organisations to promote and effect community projects for retired citizens.
To grant special relief to citizens with emergency and or special needs via the Benevolent Assistance Scheme.
To make special grants and or assistance to charitable entities via the Benevolent Assistance Scheme.
To help needy aged men and women by regular monthly grants when the need is determined and approved.
TODAY "CARING" MEANS
Enhancing the residents' self image by further development of independence and individuality.
Encouraging the residents to take advantage of the opportunities available in retirement.
Assisting residents to adjust to the new social experience of living together in a community, as distinct from private housing.
Compensating residents for their declining ability to freely participate in their environment.
Reducing the fears commonly associated with ageing.