The Office of Almoner, however, dates to the mediaeval guilds and churches, who had almoners who supervised the distribution of charity to those in need, and often were involved in raising charitable funds. Most modern Masonic Lodges have separated these two roles, with a Charity Steward in charge of raising charitable funds and the Almoner responsible for their distribution.
Notice that the jewel represents the trowel used in early lodges as the ‘sharp object’ presented to the candidate by the mason on-guard in an early lodge, and later turned flat to receive alms for poor and distressed masons and charity.
