The Lodge as Relief Organization

The published Masonic discipline on charity records: names of recipients are held by the Almoner and the Charity Committee in confidence, not reported to the general Lodge body. Reports to the Lodge are by case-count and amount, not by name. The published rationale: charity that exposes the receiver to public knowledge is not the gift that was intended; Maimonides' published preference for anonymity (chapter 48) applies institutionally as well as personally. Confidentiality is the rule; rare exceptions require the receiver's consent.