Pacific Stars and Stripes,
Jan. 6, 1952
By William G. Newbold
WITH 2D LOG COM- Philanthropy
More than Charity," is the working motto of a group of master Masons
in Pusan who have contributed much to the happiness, health and good
will of many thousand South Koreans, both young and old.
The Pusan Masonic club owes it origin to a small
group of master Masons who gathered in this port city in November
1950. Almost immediately the group dedicated itself to "kindness toward
mankind, rather than outright charity." At once they set about the
support of various orphanages, homes and a children's hospital in
the Pusan area.
THAT THEY accomplished their "dedication" mission
is attested in the long record of tasks undertaken and accomplished
by the group, whose original roster of 18 has increased to a membership
of over 500 members, and which reads like a United Nations assembly
roster, boasting members from the 48 States, England, Canada, China,
Korea and many other nations.
The Hahn orphanage was the first to benefit from
the efforts of the group, when they were guests of the club at a little
party. Candy, nuts and fruits, saved from rations were served.
FROM THAT MODEST beginning, the "benefits" began
to skyrocket. Members started writing to the folks back home, their
lodges, churches and other organizations asking for clothing, medical
supplies, and other badly needed articles. The incoming response was
phenomenal.
To date the philanthropic Pusan Masonic club has
collected and distributed over $10,000 in cash to needy organizations,
over 7,000,000 won worth of rice has been donated to orphanages, homes
and schools, and in excess of ten tons of clothing, totaling more
than 25,000 garments have been distributed.
A PROJECT was undertaken to provide each child
at the Hahn orphanage with clothes; suits for the boys, dresses for
the girls. For this purpose the cash was raised from the membership
and the adult staff made the clothes.
Early in 1951, the Masons adopted the Happy Mountain
orphanage and orthopedic hospital and set this organization as their
first priority. Tons of clothing, supplies and toys have been given
to these children. Often they are the guests at large parities, with
ice cream, cake and presents being their lot. A huge Christmas party
was slated for the Happy Mountain charges.
FUNDS TO actively support a children's' hospital
are sought. At the present time a building in Pusan is being renovated
and rehabilitated for this purpose. It will serve the sick and injured
children from all of Pusan's orphanages.
Officers of the Pusan Masonic organization include,
Capt. Eugene N. Ball, Atlanta, Ga., chairman; SFC Charles G. Reisinger,
Aberdeen, Md., M/Sgt. Eugene F. North, Detroit, Mich., and Lt. Emmett
Caraker, San Francisco, vice chairmen; Lt. Col. Ralph N. Harvey, Fort
Lewis, Wash., treasurer and M/Sgt. Lawrence R. Hendrickson, Lawton,
Okla., secretary.
Regular weekly meetings are held each Wednesday
night at the chapel on Pier One, Pusan, and all qualified master Masons
are invited to attend.
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