The office of Almoner established itself in the Continental Lodges of Europe, where an officer was chosen to oversee charitable relief 1. A physician was frequently preferred for the position 1. While the office was later adopted in English lodges, lodges in the United States traditionally delegated these functions to a Committee of Charity rather than maintaining an individual Almoner 1.
The Almoner's duties historically entailed taking charge of the alms-box contents, executing the lodge's charitable resolutions, and visiting sick or destitute brethren 1. Looking after the welfare of members and their families remains the primary obligation of the role, as the United Grand Lodge of England notes, extending to visits to brethren, widows, and orphans as well as coordination with institutions such as the Masonic Charitable Foundation. The post is classified as an additional officer appointed by the Worshipful Master, the Grand Lodge of India states.
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