GRAND MASTER’S COMMITTEE OF ENQUIRY

HRH the Duke of Kent, as Grand Master, set up a Committee of Enquiry that reported in 1973 under the Chairmanship of the Hon Mr Justice Bagnell. The enquiry was into the rationalization of Masonic charities. At that time there were five Masonic charities operating for the poverty-stricken:

Royal Masonic Institution for Girls (RMIG) Girls’ welfare and education
Royal Masonic Institution for Boys (RMIB) Boys’ welfare and education
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) Annuities for the aged, and some accommodation
Royal Masonic Hospital (RMH) In-and out-patients, on a means-tested basis
Fund of Benevolence - Donations to any charitable purpose

Eventually the first two became the RMTGB; the Hospital was sold and care for the sick was vested in the Masonic Samaritan Fund, the last mentioned became the Grand Charity, leaving only the RMBI as it had been.