Supporting families, strenghtening bonds, building legacy
iNTRODUCING The Care Initiative
Organized by the MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE of washington
Letter to all members
January 1, 2025
Dear Brothers of the Lodge,
Our Masonic Lodges have always valued the importance of supporting one another and providing care for our members’ families, especially during difficult times. In the past, we have offered modest benevolence to assist with final expenses. However, we recognize that we can do more to support our members' families and strengthen the stability of our Lodges.
After thoughtful consideration, we have a solution to enhance this support while also contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of our Lodges. We have collaborated with an insurance agency that has identified cost-effective life insurance options specifically tailored to our needs.
Here’s our vision: The Lodge will facilitate the purchase of $10,000 whole life insurance policies on each member aged 60 and younger. (Members 60+ are encouraged to look into the optional annuity plan). This will provide vital funds to assist families with final expenses and allow each Lodge to continue its valuable community programs and cover essential upkeep costs.
The estimated cost of this coverage is $75 per member per quarter, which would be assessed to each Lodge based on its membership (for example, a Lodge with 30 members would contribute approximately $750 quarterly). Each member will have the option to allocate the death benefit to their family or Lodge by whatever percentage they deem best for their family and Lodge. Naming your Lodge as the primary or secondary beneficiary allows your legacy to contribute to the strength and sustainability of the brotherhood, ensuring the Lodge can continue its benevolent work and community support.
In addition, any member interested in acquiring additional life insurance or supplementary health, dental, vision, or disability insurance can do so during the application process and will be responsible for paying those premiums.
We believe this initiative will not only provide meaningful support for our members’ families in times of need but also bolster the financial resilience of our Lodges. We trust you will see the value in this endeavor and join us in strengthening the bonds of our fraternity.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Julius Brown
Past Grand Master
Our Care Initiative Vision:
The Care Initiative embodies the timeless Masonic principles of unity, benevolence, and sustainability, which have guided our brotherhood for centuries. Rooted in the Masonic mission to support one another and serve the greater good, this initiative reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that no brother’s family faces hardship alone. By providing meaningful financial support to grieving families during life’s most challenging moments, the Care Initiative upholds our values of compassion and charity.
At the same time, this initiative strengthens the long-term stability of our Lodges, allowing us to continue our vital mission of service to our communities. It ensures the resources needed to maintain our sacred spaces, fund benevolent programs, and extend our outreach to those in need. By aligning the immediate needs of our members with the enduring legacy of our Lodges, the Care Initiative fosters a future where our principles are not only upheld but thrive.
Through this collective effort, we create a legacy of care, compassion, and financial security that benefits our families, strengthens our Lodges, and empowers our communities. This initiative represents the very essence of Masonry—a brotherhood united in purpose, dedicated to service, and committed to leaving the world better than we found it.
5 ways we all benefit from the care initiative
1. Support for Grieving Families (30%)
Providing financial assistance to families during their time of loss demonstrates our unwavering commitment to caring for one another and easing the burden of final expenses.
2. Strengthen Lodge Financial Stability (25%)
The initiative ensures that Lodges have the resources needed to maintain operations, support programs, and preserve their legacy for future generations.
3. Enhance Community Impact (20%)
Funds generated can bolster the Lodge’s ability to contribute to charitable efforts, outreach programs, and community betterment initiatives.
4. Encourage Unity Among Members (15%)
Participating in this shared effort fosters a deeper bond of brotherhood and collective purpose among members.
5. Long-Term Sustainability for Lodges (10%)
By creating a reliable financial foundation, the initiative secures the Lodge’s mission and vision, ensuring its continuity and positive influence for years to come.
5 Easy Care initiative steps
1.
Complete this online form to start the application with profile and health information.
3.
Lodge’s franchise code connects the policy to the Lodge for billing.
4.
Member is taxed by the Lodge for the policy premium.
5.
Member chooses allocation of death benefit between surviving family and Lodge. (see below)
Deciding your care initiative beneficiaries
Choosing the beneficiary for your Care Initiative policy is a deeply personal decision. You have the option of dividing your death benefit from 0% to 100% to either your family or your Lodge. Naming your family member ensures that they are directly supported during a challenging time, helping to cover final expenses and provide financial relief. On the other hand, naming your Lodge as the beneficiary allows your legacy to contribute to the strength and sustainability of the brotherhood, ensuring the Lodge can continue its benevolent work and community support. Some members may even choose to split the benefit, providing for both their loved ones and the Lodge. Whatever you decide, this initiative reflects your values and ensures your impact will be felt where it matters most.
Most Worshipful Grand Master
Leader Testimonials
Deputy Grand Master
RW Antonio Graham
"The Care Initiative exemplifies the true spirit of Masonry—uniting us in purpose to provide for our families and ensure the long-term strength of our Lodges."
Grand Senior Warden
RW Wallace "Rocky" Nelson
"By supporting final expenses for our members’ families, the Care Initiative upholds our values of compassion and service. Additionally, it enables Lodges to maintain their operations and continue their vital community programs."
Grand Junior Warden
RW Larry B. Opher
"The Care Initiative is a testament to our commitment to take care of one another, ensuring no family faces hardship alone. It also creates a sustainable path for our Lodges to remain vibrant and impactful in their missions."“
Grand Treasurer
RW Gene A. Smith Jr.
"The Care Initiative ensures that grieving families receive much-needed support during one of the most difficult times in their lives. At the same time, it strengthens the Lodge's financial foundation, allowing us to continue serving our communities for generations to come.“
About the Life Insurance Plan
This American National $10,000 whole life policy offers lifelong coverage with both living and death benefits. Members will apply and purchase their plan using a Lodge purchase code.
The Lodge will purchase policies for each member aged 60 and younger. (Members aged 61 and above may purchase the Strategy Index 10 Annuity - see below).
The estimated cost of this coverage is projected to be $75 per member per quarter, which would be assessed to each Lodge based on its membership. For example, a Lodge with 30 members would contribute approximately $750 quarterly.
Each member will need to complete a health questionnaire to determine eligibility. Once approved, these policies will be held by the Lodge Treasurer for the benefit of each member’s family and the Lodge.
About the Optional Annuity Plan
This optional American National Strategy Index 10 annuity is suggested for members 35 and above. It features a flexible premium, lifelong income, safety and growth potential. We are specifically offering this annuity option for members 60-plus when age-based life insurance gets substantially more expensive.
The annuity offers seven indexed crediting options that provide the opportunity for potential interest growth. Even in the event of a market decline, the policy's principal amount is protected by a minimum guarantee. The optional lifetime income rider ensures that the insured receives a guaranteed income for life.
About our insurance agency partner
Insureous is a one-stop health, life and annuity insurance brokerage licensed in 24 states.
We salute the important and honorable work of the Masonic Lodge and look forward to working with each of you. Together we can change the world for the better.
We are available to assist with any of these:
Group and Individual Medical Plans
Life Insurance (Term, Whole Life, Indexed Universal Life)
Annuities and Pension Plans
Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement
Prescription Drug Plans
Vision and Dental
Accident, Hospital, Cancer
ACA Marketplace and Medicaid assistance
And so much more!
Insureous.com | 904-295-8498
About Shelia Gerstner, President
As a social worker licensed in life, health and annuities, I am uniquely qualified to provide health and financial solutions to individuals, families and businesses.
My diverse background and genuine care for people led me to launch Insureous Health Solutions. Serving the public gave me insight into the many physical, emotional, and financial ways people can suffer because they are unprepared and unprotected for life’s calamities.
My goal is to educate individuals and business owners on the many options available to reach their financial goals. I promise to spend time fully understanding your situation. I will then devise a strategy to meet your goals and educate you on the best options available in a simple and transparent way.
Whether you are looking for financial solutions (learn about infinite banking, rollover an IRA, set up your own retirement plan) or just want to protect your loved ones or find the best health or Medicare plan, I’ve got you covered. And I answer my phone.
904-295-8498 | shelia@insureous.com