All Mark Master Masons will readily recognize the following paraphrased tale:

One day, during the construction of the new Temple under the leadership of Zerubabel, there was a sudden commotion in the West just as new Masons were about to be inducted into the fellowship. Upon investigation, it turned out that there had arrived in the Temple precincts the unfortunate Widow of a deceased member of the Brotherhood. She had presented her husband's Mason's Mark, and asked for charitable relief. All work on the Temple, and the reception of the new Brethren came to an abrupt halt, as the Mark was inspected and found to be genuine. The Master turned to all the Brethren, both old and new, and exclaimed, "How fortunate we are, Brethren. We have been talking about charity, now here is an opportunity to practice it! After all, we have all sworn the same oath, and are bound under the same obligation!" With that, the Master and other Officers and Brethren each approached the holy altar and placed a coin upon it, and no coin was less than a half shekel of silver. But the Warden noticed that the new Brethren had not contributed, and so informed the Master. "What is this?" asked the Master. "Have you so soon forgotten the obligation you took?" An order was given for the reluctant Brethren to be searched forthwith, and such coins as were found upon them were donated to the Widow's cause. "Let this be a lesson to you," the Master admonished, "for the obligation of Charity is among the most important obligations of any Mason."

A. Our Vision

A cornerstone upon which Royal Arch Freemasonry rests is that of Charity.

The awareness that our fellow man is not always successful in his endeavours, be it caused by a major disaster which affects many, or as small as some misfortune which prevents an individual continuing to support himself and his family, whether temporarily or permanently. While the method of handling such diverse instances may be different, it is the commitment of every Freemason that, as part of his life and membership of the Craft, he will continue to give whatever support he is able inthe form of charitable giving. However, not all relief is about money. Freemasons also give of their time and effort in serving their community in a voluntary capacity, be it on hospital advisory boards, as school governors, helping youth groups etc., It is this spirit,this willingness to help another, which is central to the importance of a Freemason’s membership.

A. Our Task

The Charity Committee of Howell Royal Arch Chapter No. 202, West Chester, Pennsylvania seeks to lead the Chapter in the awareness and performance of Charitable work through education, identification of Charity needs, and the raising and administering of funds. We seek to support Charity on the Chapter, Grand Chapter, and Grand Lodge levels through giving of our time, talent, and treasure

C. The Charities

1. Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania (10%)

Committee on Charitable Foundation
Charles R. Nebel, MEPGHP Chairman
Richard L. Evans, MEGSecretary Wilmer P. Quick, DDGHP
Raymond G. Bagley, Jr., DDGHP Barry Lavinson , DDGHP

Howell Royal Arch Chapter seeks to work in concert with the Committee on Charitable Foundation of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania.

2. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (10%)

Masonic Charities (http://www.pagrandlodge.org/capitalcampaign/index.html)
Charities at the Grand Lodge level include:
Masonic Library and Museum
Masonic Temple
Masonic Villages retirement communities
Masonic Children's Home
Masonic Youth Foundation

Howell Royal Arch Chapter seeks to work in concert with the Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

3. Howell Royal Arch Chapter No. 202, West Chester, Pennsylvania (80%)

Howell Royal Arch Chapter seeks to learn about and support Charitable needs

a. within the Chapter, and
b. in our communities of West Chester, Chester County, and those communities represented by active members of Howell Chapter.

D. Our Procedures

1. For each calendar quarter (January-March, April-June, July-September, October-December) the Charity Committee shall recommend specific disbursements from the Charity Fund, seeking over the year to maintain an approximate giving balance of:

Chapter and Local Charities - 80%
Grand Lodge Masonic Charities - 10%*
Grand Chapter Charities - 10%*

* To be given directly to Charities supported or recommended by these bodies, not to the bodies themselves.

2. The Charity Committee shall make these recommendations based upon both their own research, and donation requests submitted by Companions (see attached form.)

3. The Charity Committee shall prepare educational materials from time to time to increase Chapter awareness of Charity needs. It shall provide, at the request of the Most Excellent High Priest, at least one Stated Meeting Program per year on some topic of Charity.

4.. The Charity Committee shall make monthly reports of plans and/or disbursements at the Stated Meetings, and solicit recommendations from Companions regarding local Charity opportunities.