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Pacific Stars and Stripes, Jan. 6, 1952

Mason Place Kindness Over Charity in Korea

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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