Skelton (right) with gifts from Stimulus Mart. Photo: provided

Members of the Mason family with Stacy Stoutt (third from left) of the SDD.

According to Rhodni Skelton, Past Master of King Solomon’s Ashlars Lodge #778 (KSA), the Lodges “felt that it was very important to do our part to give wherever and however we could to those who may not be as fortunate as we are”.

He said that his Lodge contacted Taharka Lodge and Stafford Hall Court and collectively they were able to provide well over $2,000 in groceries, toys and gifts to several families in the Territory.

Maurice Donovan, Worshipful Master of Taharka Lodge #579, said that he was “saddened to learn that there are currently over 20 families registered with the Social Development Department and classified as being families in need”.

He went on to say that it was easy for him and his Lodge to partner with King Solomon’s Ashlars Lodge in this charitable effort.

Javier Smith, the chairman of the Charities Committee of KSA, said he met with Mrs. Stoutt-James of Social Development and as a result of this meeting; he was able to identify several families that could use his fraternity’s help. He too was very surprised at the high number of families that are deemed to be “in need”.

Smith said that “at times we just go about our normal lives and think that we have problems because we cannot get a new outfit or the high end phone we wanted, or weren’t able to secure the big plasma screen like our neighbor. But there are others out there who can’t eat…literally do not have any food in their homes! Families with 3 or 4 kids and can’t provide their kids with a simple gift for Christmas or their birthdays. It is very sad and we should all reach out to help our neighbors.”

Skelton went on to list several local businesses, as well as persons, such as Lesmore Smith of Stimulus Mart, Last Stop Sports, Vanterpool Enterprises and Khemoe Foy (also a Prince Hall Mason out of the US Virgin Islands) as being integral in partnering with the various Lodges and Court to provide the various donations.

He stated that, “each of these businesses provided various discounts and donations towards the cause and were very eager to assist. These local businesses are to be commended and I encourage every resident in the BVI to support them. We need more businesses like these in the BVI. We are extremely grateful for their partnership.”

The members of the BVI Prince Hall family, concluded their charitable contributions during this festive season, by making a financial contribution to the Youth Fellowship of the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church, while celebrating John the Evangelist’s Day (one of the days historically celebrated by Masons worldwide).

Skelton, who has been the face of Prince Hall Masonry since its emergence in the VI, heaped high praise and thanks to the Brothers of King Solomon’s Ashlars Lodge and Taharka Lodge, as well as the Sisters of Stafford Hall Court #205 for being a part of the charitable donations and contributions.

When asked about the many criticisms that Lodges and Masonry continue to face, Skelton replied, “we can only continue to follow God’s example. Do unto others what you would have done unto you. We can almost fit all of the Ten Commandments, given to Moses, by God, into that one single Golden Rule that we have all learned. We, as Masons, prefer to leave the judging up to Jehovah. We will simply continue our charitable efforts and remain available to anyone who is truly open minded and willing to learn what Prince Hall Masonry is really about.”