The Provincial Grand Lodge of Aberdeenshire East Caring and Sharing Programme:

A Masonic Initiative for Mutual Support and Enrichment

Within the Masonic tradition, the principles of brotherhood, mutual support, and continuous improvement are deeply cherished. These values are exemplified in the ‘Caring and Sharing Programme’ – an initiative that has quietly but effectively brought lodges together for mutual benefit across the Province.

The essence of the Caring and Sharing Programme lies in its simple yet powerful concept: lodges with an abundance of candidates (the donor lodge) support those with few or none (the recipient lodge) by offering one of the donor’s candidates to be the subject of a worked degree at the recipient lodge. Typically conducted within the latter’s own Masonic Temple, this arrangement enables the hosting lodge to conduct a live degree ceremony, necessitating the full complement of ritual and floor work. This not only sustains the vitality and practice of Masonic ritual but ensures a high standard of performance for the benefit of all participants.

The advantages of this approach are numerous. For the host lodge, it revitalises engagement among members, maintains proficiency in ceremonial work, and fosters an atmosphere of learning and collaboration. For the donor lodge, it allows one of their candidates to progress more swiftly through the degrees than might otherwise be possible, helping to manage their often lengthy pipelines.

Moreover, these events frequently attract visiting brethren, increasing lodge attendance and enhancing the sense of community and fraternity across the Province. Perhaps most importantly, the shared experience between lodges, candidates, and office bearers often leads to lasting inter-lodge relationships that enrich the Masonic journey for everyone involved.

The Caring and Sharing Programme has proven itself over many years and continues to deliver tangible and meaningful results to this day. A recent example of the programme at work carried out between The Fraserburgh Lodge of Freemasons 1055, and Lodge St. 1188, which is a living example of Freemasonry’s enduring strength when its members come together in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

If your lodge would like to participate – either by offering a candidate or by receiving one for the purpose of working a live degree – please contact the Provincial Grand Lodge using the contact form below. We will be pleased to facilitate introductions and coordinate accordingly.

Let us continue to build bridges between lodges, share in each other’s successes, and keep our Masonic light burning brightly – together.