St Paul's Lodge charity trust

The St. Paul’s Lodge No. 374 Charity Trust was established in 1992 as a public foundation and has obtained a charity number from both Revenue Canada and Revenue Quebec. Its purpose is to give formal expression to a value that has guided St. Paul’s Lodge & bodies since their earliest days: a commitment to helping others and contributing positively to the wider community.

While charitable giving has always been an integral part of the Lodge’s and bodies’ activities, the creation of a dedicated Charity Trust ensured that this work could be carried out in a structured, transparent, and enduring way.

Origins and Purpose

From its foundation in the eighteenth century, St. Paul’s Lodge has encouraged its members to support those in need, both within the Lodge and in the broader community. As Montreal grew and social needs became more complex, the Lodge recognized the importance of establishing a separate charitable body to manage funds responsibly and to support causes in a sustainable manner.

The Charity Trust was therefore formed to receive, manage, and distribute charitable funds in accordance with the Lodge’s & bodies’ long-standing principles of compassion, responsibility, and service.

Charitable Focus

The St. Paul’s Lodge Charity Trust supports a range of causes, including assistance to individuals and families in need, contributions to community organizations, and support for educational and humanitarian initiatives. While its work is often carried out quietly, the Trust has played a meaningful role in helping address both immediate hardship and long-term community needs.

The Trust operates independently but remains closely connected to the Lodge, reflecting the shared values and sense of responsibility held by its members.

Stewardship and Continuity

A key purpose of the Charity Trust is to ensure good stewardship. Funds are administered carefully, with an emphasis on accountability and long-term sustainability. This approach allows the Trust to continue its work across generations, ensuring that charitable support remains available well into the future.

Through prudent management and thoughtful giving, the Trust honours the intentions of past donors while remaining responsive to present-day needs.

Since its inception, the Charity Trust has received donations from and through St. Paul’s Lodge No. 374, St. Paul’s Chapter No. 374, St. Paul’s Mark Lodge No. 131 and St. George’s Lodge No. 440, exceeding $90,000.00 and the disbursements by the Trust to charities have exceeded $75000.00. The principal recipient over the years has been Montreal Hospital Foundation, Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation, the West Island Palliative Care Residence, Vaudreuil Soulanges Health Care Foundation, Quebec Veteran’s Hospital and the Lachine food bank.

In response to the disaster in Haiti the Trust disbursed $3,000.00 in 2010 to the Canadian Red Cross to be matched by the Canadian Government.

In September 2013 to mark the occasion of the Shriner's Hospital Cornerstone Laying Ceremony a special donation was made of $2,000.00 to the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Montreal on behalf of St. Paul's Lodge No. 374 and St. George's Lodge No. 440

In November 2013 in response to super typhoon Haiyan in the Phillipines the trust disbursed $1,000.00 to Global-Medic to be matched by the Canadian Government.

In response to the devastating explosion in Beirut, Lebanon in August 2020 the trust collected donations amounting to $5,552.25 for the Canadian Red Cross from the Lodge benevolent fund and members and brethren from different jurisdictions, following lectures presented by the Master. Companies donated to our trust through the Benevity platform such as RBC, Bell Canada, Sunlife and many others.

The Charity Trust is administered by five trustees appointed annually; three by the Craft Lodge, one by the Chapter and one by the Mark Lodge. 

A Living Commitment to Service

Today, the St. Paul’s Lodge No. 374 Charity Trust continues to reflect the Lodge’s belief that service to others is a fundamental responsibility. It stands as a reminder that traditions endure not only through ceremony and fellowship, but through practical acts of kindness and generosity.

The history of the Charity Trust is therefore not merely a record of donations made, but a continuing story of care, responsibility, and community engagement—one that remains as relevant today as it was years ago.

How to Support Our Work

The work of the St. Paul’s Lodge No. 374 Charity Trust is made possible through the generosity of individuals who share a commitment to compassion, responsibility, and community service.

Support for the Trust may take several forms:

• Donations, whether one-time or ongoing, enable the Trust to support charitable activities and respond to community needs.
• Memorial or honorary gifts provide a meaningful way to recognize the life or service of a loved one while contributing to charitable purposes.
• Bequests and planned giving allow supporters to create a lasting legacy by including the Charity Trust in their estate planning.

All contributions are administered with care and accountability, ensuring that funds are applied solely toward the charitable objects of the Trust. Official donation receipts for income tax purposes are issued for eligible donations in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency regulations. Donors are encouraged to contact the Charity Trust for information regarding receipting, donation methods, or the Trust’s charitable activities.

Every contribution, regardless of size, helps continue a long-standing tradition of charitable service associated with St. Paul’s Lodge and bodies.