Freemasons Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning 47-Palmerston North

Freemasons Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning 47-Palmerston North Freemasons Lodge in Palmerston North, with a rich and unique Scottish history, opening in 1883.

We are a diverse Freemasons Lodge with over 6 nationalities represented and hugely varied backgrounds and occupations.

17/08/2026

Charity and Benevolence -one of the cornerstones of Freemasonry. freemasonsnz.org Please like, follow and share our posts.

Charity and Benevolence. They are closely related, but in Freemasonry they carry distinct meanings, and understanding the difference deepens our appreciation of the lessons we teach, especially at the North-East Corner.

In everyday language, charity and benevolence are almost interchangeable. But in our Masonic practice—particularly under the New Zealand Constitution—they serve different purposes.

Charity is one of the great universal virtues of Freemasonry. It is the outward expression of Brotherly Love. It extends to all humanity, not only to Masons. When we speak of charity, we speak of compassion, kindness, and generosity of spirit. It is not limited to money. It is the willingness to help, to comfort, to support, and to uplift anyone in need. This is why the lesson of charity is introduced so early in the Entered Apprentice Degree. At the North-East Corner, the candidate learns that charity is measured not by the amount given, but by the heart with which it is offered. Even the smallest gift, when given freely and with sincerity, carries the full weight of Masonic virtue. Charity is universal. It is the Mason’s duty to the world.

Benevolence is our internal system of relief. It is directed specifically toward Brethren, their widows, and their families. It is governed by the rules and regulations of our Constitution. Benevolence is how we ensure that no Brother suffers distress without the support of the Craft. It is practical, structured, and accountable.

Where charity looks outward, benevolence looks inward. Where charity is a virtue, benevolence is an obligation. Where charity is universal, benevolence is fraternal.

Both are essential. Charity expresses our duty to mankind; benevolence expresses our duty to each other.

Charity and benevolence are two sides of the same coin—one universal, one fraternal; one moral, one administrative; one taught at the North-East Corner, the other practiced in the quiet work of the Lodge Almoner.

Brethren, as we reflect on these two virtues, let us remember that both begin in the heart. Whether we are supporting a Brother in need or extending kindness to a stranger, we are laying the stones of our own spiritual temple. Charity and benevolence are not simply actions—they are expressions of who we are as Freemasons.

May we continue to practice both with sincerity, humility, and love.

17/08/2026

Freemasonry in New Zealand. freemasonsnz.org Please like, follow and share our posts.

Freemasonry has been in New Zealand since 1842, and The Grand Lodge of New Zealand was constituted in 1890, initially from lodges of other constitutions in NZ that joined us and then many lodges since in our own right.

We have been around for a very long time, and many thousands of men have benefited from everything that Freemasonry offers.

If you are curious, seeking more from life, want extra personal development or are genuinely interested, go to this link https://freemasonsnz.org/join
You need to live in New Zealand to join Freemasonry in New Zealand.

Also check us out at our Freemasons New Zealand website and on Freemasons New Zealand social media.

17/08/2026

Famous Freemasons Series. freemasonsnz.org Please like, follow or share our posts.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (22 May 1859 - 7 July 1930), M.D., Kt, KStJ, D.L., LL.D., Physician, Writer, Sportsman, Artist, Poet, Politician, Businessman, Justicer, Inventor, Patriot, Spiritualist, was a Scottish-born English Mason, born 22 May 1859 and would go on to become famous as the creator of the detective Sherlock Holmes.

He studied at the University of Edinburgh's Medical School, where he achieved the Bachelor of Medicine and Master of Surgery qualifications. Whilst he was a medical student, Conan Doyle was profoundly captivated by the skill of his professor, Dr Joseph Bell, in observing the minutest detail regarding a patient's condition. This approach of diagnostic deduction inspired Conan Doyle's literary creation, Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes made his first appearance in 'A Study in Scarlet', and its success encouraged Conan Doyle to write more stories involving the detective. Successively, Conan Doyle focused his work on non-fiction, including military writings, such as The Great Boer War (1900) and The British Campaign in France and Flanders, 6 vol. (1916–20).

An interesting Masonic Career.
1887: Initiated into Phoenix Lodge No. 257 in Southsea on January 26.
1889: Resigned from his initial stint with the lodge.
1901: Accepted honorary membership in the Lodge of Edinburgh No. 1 (Mary's Chapel).
1902: Re-joined Phoenix Lodge No. 257, maintaining membership for nearly a decade.
1905: Accepted an additional honorary membership at Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2 in Edinburgh.
1911: Resigned permanently from Phoenix Lodge No. 257 without advancing past the third degree.

You may not know, but some of the filming for the 2009 Sherlock Holmes film starring Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law took place at the United Grand Lodge of England’s headquarters, Freemasons’ Hall in London.

Benevolence and CharityCharity and Benevolence. They are closely related, but in Freemasonry they carry distinct meaning...
28/07/2026

Benevolence and Charity

Charity and Benevolence. They are closely related, but in Freemasonry they carry distinct meanings, and understanding the difference deepens our appreciation of the lessons we teach, especially at the North-East Corner.

In everyday language, charity and benevolence are almost interchangeable. But in our Masonic practice—particularly under the New Zealand Constitution—they serve different purposes.

Charity is one of the great universal virtues of Freemasonry. It is the outward expression of Brotherly Love. It extends to all humanity, not only to Masons. When we speak of charity, we speak of compassion, kindness, and generosity of spirit. It is not limited to money. It is the willingness to help, to comfort, to support, and to uplift anyone in need. This is why the lesson of charity is introduced so early in the Entered Apprentice Degree. At the North-East Corner, the candidate learns that charity is measured not by the amount given, but by the heart with which it is offered. Even the smallest gift, when given freely and with sincerity, carries the full weight of Masonic virtue. Charity is universal. It is the Mason’s duty to the world.

Benevolence is our internal system of relief. It is directed specifically toward Brethren, their widows, and their families. It is governed by the rules and regulations of our Constitution. Benevolence is how we ensure that no Brother suffers distress without the support of the Craft. It is practical, structured, and accountable.

Where charity looks outward, benevolence looks inward. Where charity is a virtue, benevolence is an obligation. Where charity is universal, benevolence is fraternal.

Both are essential. Charity expresses our duty to mankind; benevolence expresses our duty to each other.

Charity and benevolence are two sides of the same coin—one universal, one fraternal; one moral, one administrative; one taught at the North-East Corner, the other practiced in the quiet work of the Lodge Almoner.

Brethren, as we reflect on these two virtues, let us remember that both begin in the heart. Whether we are supporting a Brother in need or extending kindness to a stranger, we are laying the stones of our own spiritual temple. Charity and benevolence are not simply actions—they are expressions of who we are as Freemasons.

May we continue to practice both with sincerity, humility, and love.

(Extracted from the excellent newsletter of VWBro Crafts)

Address

28 Amesbury Street
Palmerston North
4410

Telephone

+64274493139

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Freemasons Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning 47-Palmerston North posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Freemasons Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning 47-Palmerston North:

Shortcuts

Share

Category