May 2012 Vol. LIX, No. 2

Transcription

The Pennsylvania
May 2012 • Volume LIX No. 2
The Importance
of an Education
Masonic Learning in a Modern Day
Inside this Issue...
THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON®
VOL. LIX, MAY 2012, NO. 2
©2012 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of PA
EDITORIAL BOARD
Chairman
Jay W. Smith, R.W.G.M.
Robert J. Bateman, R.W.D.G.M.
Raymond T. Dietz, R.W.S.G.W.
S. Eugene Herritt, R.W.J.G.W.
Jeffrey W. Coy, R.W.G.T.
Mark A. Haines, R.W.G.S.
EDITORIAL STAFF
Tina L. Raybold - Production Coordinator
Rich Johnson - Graphic Designer
Thomas R. Labagh - Executive Director, PMYF,
Consultant
Masonic Library & Museum of PA Staff
3 Grand Lodge
• Grand Master’s Message • Annual Grand
Communication & Banquet • Reciprocal
Receptions • Highlights from Dec. 2011 Quarterly
Communication • Historic Joint Quarterly
Communication & Banquet • In Memoriam: Thomas
Hopkins, D.D.G.M. • A Congress of Brothers •
Help for Our Heroes • One Day Masonic Journeys
• Education Gaining Momentum Online! • Support
Masonic Charities with a Longaberger ® Basket
13 Lodge and District
• Community Service Initiatives •
Colonial Lodge Meeting • Meeting in the Hills •
Congratulations to ... • Dorney Park Family Picnic
20 Masonic Library & Museum
• The U.S. Constitution is 225 Years Old!
• Book Review
24 PA Masonic Youth Foundation
• Patriots Class Held in Reading • Jobies Host
Super Bowl Party • Get to Know Us Night • Youth
Unity Weekend • HODEGOS 2012 Class Announced
26 Masonic Villages
• 2012 Wish List Items • Lodge Makes Children’s
Wishes Come True • Ready for THAT! • PA Masons
Reunite in Florida • Mission of Love Indeed!
Correction: In the Jan. 2012 issue, Grand Steward Arthur K.
Armstrong’s name was spelled incorrectly. We apologize for the error.
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(Publication No. USPS 426-140) May 2012 Issue of The
Pennsylvania Freemason ® Published quarterly by the
Masonic Villages, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown,
PA 17022. Articles and photographs to be considered
for publication should be sent with local Masonic
authority to the address above, to the attention of The
Pennsylvania Freemason ® or emailed to pafreemason@
masonicvillagespa.org. Except by special arrangement, all
articles, photographs and artwork become the property of
the Grand Lodge.
Published by the Masonic Villages, owned and operated
by the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Pennsylvania, as a
means of soliciting the physical and financial support of
the members, their families and the public in general.
Periodical postage is paid at Elizabethtown, Pa., and
additional mailing offices.
We appreciate the many submissions we receive for
consideration. We apologize, but due to space constraints
we are not able to publish every submission we receive.
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP
(Act of Oct. 23, 1962; Section 4369; Title 39,
United States Code) May 1, 2012, The Pennsylvania
Freemason ®, published quarterly by the Masonic
Villages, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Publishers: The
Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and
Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons
of Pennsylvania. Editor: Jay W. Smith. Owner: The
Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and
Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of
Pennsylvania. Known bondholders: none. No advertising
handled. Free distribution averages 134,000 each quarter.
I certify that the statements made by me are correct and
complete.
Jay W. Smith, Editor
Mailing address changes
If your address on the back cover of this magazine is not
exactly as you have provided it to us, please be aware that
addresses are modified through the various mailing process
requirements required by the U.S. Postal Service. If you
have any questions or would like to inform us of a change in
address, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at
800-599-6454 or [email protected].
Postmaster: Send address changes to:
The Pennsylvania Freemason®, c/o Masonic Village,
One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2199.
Dear Brethren:
I cannot believe that approximately five months have passed since being installed as your Grand Master. Thank
you for your support of your Grand Lodge, your District Deputy Grand Masters, your Worshipful Masters and me.
The Grand Lodge officers and I have had a very busy schedule. We presented 13 new District Deputy Grand
Masters to their respective districts in January and February. The lodge rooms were filled to capacity at every
presentation; I feel these great turnouts indicate a growing interest in Freemasonry! I also had the pleasure of
presenting 50-year Masonic Service Emblems to Bros. Edward O. Weisser, R.W. Past Grand Master, and his
brother, Bro. William Weisser, along with three other deserving brethren in Newtown Lodge No. 427, Woodside.
I congratulate all of our brethren who have achieved a milestone in their service to Freemasonry.
We are working hard to strengthen and grow Freemasonry throughout the Commonwealth. In order to prepare
our lodge officers for the future, we have conducted seven regional officers’ workshops, five secretaries’ workshops
and seven regional schools of instruction. On March 10, we held the Masonic Congress in Elizabethtown with
the appendant bodies in Pennsylvania. We discussed the challenges that are facing the fraternity today in our
changing society and how we can better help one another be successful.
One of my goals is to reduce the number of suspensions for non-payment of dues. Each lodge labors to produce
programs and opportunities to enrich the lives of every Mason and his family. Please, before letting your
membership lapse, think of what you are giving up. As an example, your membership in Pennsylvania
Freemasonry enables you and your eligible family members access to a full continuum of services at a
Masonic Village, including health care services should you ever need them at some time in the future.
In addition, you have added peace of mind in knowing that these services may be available to those
brethren and ladies with limited financial resources or those who may have exhausted their assets
through no fault of their own. I truly believe that when you consider the great value of your Masonic
membership, you will want to continue to be a member of our great fraternity.
Every lodge will be holding an open house this year to promote Freemasonry within our communities.
I encourage every member to get involved in this endeavor to ensure we make a positive impact on all
those who attend.
One of the most visible and appreciated ways we have been able to show our generosity has been
through our Help for Our Heroes program. I encourage you, brethren, to continue to give from your
hearts to assist those in our military as well as their families, who need our support while their loved
ones are preserving our freedom.
Following are some exciting opportunities I hope you will take advantage of:
For those of you interested in joining Nancy and me on the Alaska cruise next year, the dates,
itinerary, cost and details will be in the August issue of “The Pennsylvania Freemason.” We also will
have information about the trip at Autumn Day on Sept. 22 at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.
The Masonic education lessons are up and running online, and we already have had very positive
feedback. I encourage each of you to participate in our education programs, no matter how long you have been
a Mason. The newly updated ritual booklet is now available through your lodge. If you are ready to learn degree
work, see your lodge secretary about signing one out.
I urge you to plan to participate in a historical joint Quarterly Communication and banquet this June (see p. 6).
The more we work with and support our Masonic family, the stronger our memberships and our offerings will be.
It is with great regret that we say “goodbye” to our devoted Bro. Thomas Hopkins, District Deputy Grand
Master. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of deep loss. I have appointed Bro. Kent
Hackney to serve as District Deputy Grand Master for District B for the remainder of the year.
In closing, I ask each of you to be Master Builders by getting involved in your lodge and community. By working
together, we can have a great influence on moving this fraternity forward.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Jay W. Smith
Right Worshipful Grand Master
4 GR AND LODGE
Pennsylvania Freemason
Annual Grand Communication
& Banquet Highlights
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania’s Annual
Grand Communication was attended by more than
1,500 people, including distinguished guests from
16 Grand Jurisdictions and 15 Masonic bodies.
More than 1,650 guests attended the banquet.
Two highlights of the event included:
R.W. Past Grand Master Thomas K. Sturgeon
presented a check in the amount of $15,393.20
to the Shriners Hospital to purchase a Doppler
ultrasound machine.
R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith was pleased
to accept contributions totaling $12,787.26 for
the Masonic Charities.
Above Photo:
R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith prays at the altar after
his Installation with Grand Chaplain A. Preston Van
Deursen, Ashara-Casiphia Lodge No. 551, Mount Joy.
Photos on right, from top to bottom:
1. Among the distinguished guests attending the event,
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was pleased to
welcome the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge officers
to the Annual Communication, led by M.W. Grand
Master Leonard A. Heard. Bro. Heard was made an
Honorary Member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
during the Annual Grand Communication.
2. R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith’s children presented
him with gifts to celebrate his inauguration. Here, he is
presented a special gavel, made for him by his son-inlaw, Bro. Jesse Spence, Aide to the Grand Master; by his
daughters, Traci and Kristine; and his son, Bro. Steven
Gardner, Grand Sword Bearer; as his wife, Nancy, looks
on. The Grand Master uses the gavel in all his travels.
3. Members of Masonic Youth groups provided musical
entertainment during the banquet as guests were
enjoying dinner.
4. R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith is led out of the
Annual Grand Communication by his son, Bro. Steven,
Grand Sword Bearer.
5. R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith presents the
Pennsylvania Franklin Medal to R.W. Past Grand
Master Thomas K. Sturgeon for his service to the
fraternity.
6. Country music sensation Aaron Kelly sings a duet
with a member of his band, 2nd South, at the conclusion
of the banquet.
7. Members of Job’s Daughters and Rainbow Girls
especially enjoyed Aaron Kelly’s performance!
GR AND LODGE 5
May 2012
Reciprocal Receptions
On Dec. 20, 2011, R.W. Grand MasterElect Bro. Jay W. Smith installed his son,
Bro. Steven J. Smith, as the new Worshipful
Master of their home lodge, Ashara-Casiphia
Lodge No. 551, Mount Joy. More than 75
members and guests witnessed the ceremony
at the Donegal Masonic Center.
Three weeks later, R.W. Grand Master
Smith was introduced and received by his
son, Bro. Steven J. Smith, W.M., during his
official visit to their home lodge on Jan.
10. More than 200 members and guests
attended the open meeting at the Lancaster
Masonic Center.
Highlights from the December 2011
Quarterly Communication
On Dec. 7, 2011, 405 members representing
214 lodges and 17 visitors from other jurisdictions
were present at the Communication, held at the
Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. In addition to the
election of Grand Lodge officers and the Committee
on Masonic Homes, highlights included:
The merger of Osceola Lodge No. 421 with
Cowanesque Lodge No. 351, Knoxville, was approved.
Then-R.W. Grand Master Thomas K. Sturgeon
was pleased to accept contributions totaling
$41,403.00.
Grand Master’s Awards were presented to
University Lodge No. 51, Washington Lodge No.
59, Lodge No. 2, Lodge No. 9, Harmony Lodge No.
52, Frankford Lodge No. 292 and Jerusalem Lodge
No. 506, all of Philadephia; Bluestone Lodge No.
338, Hallstead; Danville-Mahoning Lodge No. 224,
Danville; Sylvania Lodge No. 354, Shickshinny;
Laurel Lodge No. 467, White Haven; and Arbutus
Lodge No. 611, Freeland.
A Masonic watch was presented to Bro. Charles
F. Lanks, Jr., Washington Lodge No. 164.
A recognition plaque was presented to Bro.
James Lloyd, member, Prince Hall Grand Lodge,
and to Bro. Thomas Hopkins, District Deputy
Grand Master of Masonic District B.
6 GR AND LODGE
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Announces a Historic
JOINT QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION WITH
THE GRAND HOLY ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER
The Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania will conduct a Communication, open to all Master Masons, on
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, AT 2 P.M.
Masonic dress is required.
THE FIRST-EVER JOINT BANQUET
of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania
will take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral beginning with a reception at 4:30 p.m., followed by a banquet and
entertainment. There is a cost of $45 per person to attend the event open to all Master Masons and their guests.
Those wishing to attend may place their reservations by contacting Bro. Howard E. Glovier, Secretary of the Valley of
New Castle, at 724-654-5800 or [email protected].
The June Quarterly Communication, open to all Master Masons,
will be held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Valley of New Castle, 110 East Lincoln Avenue, New Castle, Pa., on
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, AT 10 A.M.
Lunch will be provided immediately following the meeting. Masonic dress is required.
In Memoriam
Thomas Hopkins, District Deputy Grand Master
Thomas Hopkins
May 27, 1946 - March 21, 2012
It is with deep sadness that the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania announces the loss of one of
its distinguished members, Thomas Hopkins,
District Deputy Grand Master for District B.
Bro. Hopkins passed away on March 21.
Bro. Hopkins was born in Philadelphia
and most recently lived in Jamison, Pa. He is
survived by his wife, Kathleen Hopkins, and
their children, Audrey, David and William.
Bro. Hopkins graduated from Mastbaum
High School. He was employed as an instructor
for Philadephia OIC.
Bro. Hopkins was made a Mason in Pilgrim
Lodge No. 712, Philadelphia, in 1997 and
served as Worshipful Master in 2003-2004 and
in many other appointed and elected offices.
He received the Grand Master’s Achievement
Award in 2004 and the Legion of Honor Award
from the Chapel of Four Chaplains in 2005.
A member of the Masonic School of
Instruction, Bro. Hopkins served as instructor
and secretary. He was the District Deputy
Grand Master for District B from 2008 until
his passing.
In Temple-Melita Royal Arch Chapter
#183, he served as Most Excellent High Priest
and Order of High Priesthood. In ColumbiaKeystone Royal Arch Chapter #3, he served
as chaplain.
Bro. Hopkins served as Thrice Illustrious
Master and recorder for Joppa Council #46,
and received the Cryptic Mason of the Year
Award in 2006 for District #9 and the State
of Pennsylvania. He also was a member of
the Council of Anointed Kings, St. John’s
Commandery #4 K.T., Mary Commandery #36,
Line Officers & Past Commanders Association,
Girard Mark Lodge #214, Allied Masonic
Degree’s James M. Alter Council #446, Penn
Council #13 Knight Masons of the U.S.A.,
Liberty Bell York Rite College #136, Royal
Order of Scotland, Order of St. Thomas of
Acon Novum Eboracum Chapel #51, Joshua
Association, Valley of Philadelphia, A.A.S.R.,
and LuLu Shriners A.A.O.N.M.S.
In the community, Bro. Hopkins served
as a fund raising chairman and a management
team co-chairman for the Special Olympics and
as a logistics team captain for the American
Cancer Society.
Bro. Hopkins enjoyed golf, cooking and
gardening.
GR AND LODGE 7
May 2012
A Congress of Brothers
Bro. Gary Davis demonstrates a
“smart-phone” app
The 9th Masonic Congress was called
on March 10 at the Masonic Village at
Elizabethtown by R.W. Grand Master Jay
W. Smith for the purpose of sharing ideas
and concepts for the betterment of the overall
Masonic family. The Congress included
representatives of Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter,
Grand Council, Grand Commandery, Scottish
Rite, Shrine, Tall Cedars and High Twelve …
and, of course, each representative was able
to speak on behalf of his own Blue Lodge.
Organized by R.W. Past Grand Master
Samuel C. Williamson, who presided over
the 2nd Masonic Congress in 1982 and has
participated in all of them since then, the
innovative program was designed to make the
participants comfortable with speaking their
minds in an open, honest and always respectful
dialogue. This was expertly facilitated by the
moderator, Bro. Larry G. Newhard, Secretary
of the Valley of Allentown, who was also
a delegate to the Congress. Others on the
committee included Brothers Paul J. Roup,
District Deputy Grand Master (D.D.G.M.) for
District 54; Rodney E. Boyce, Past D.D.G.M. for
District 30; and Thomas R. Labagh, Executive
Director of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth
Foundation (PMYF). Additional support was
provided by Brothers David W. Berry and
Seth C. Anthony, also of PMYF, and Bro.
Richard E. Whitman, event manager for the
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.
The 48 participants were divided into
teams and required to mix and mingle with
representatives of other bodies and geographical
areas. The Congress opened with an invocation
by Grand Chaplain A. Preston Van Deursen,
welcoming remarks by the Grand Master and
a presentation on the current status of the
Masonic Villages by Bro. Joseph E. Murphy,
Chief Executive Officer.
After a few interesting and entertaining
ice breakers, the group went to work. Topics for
facilitated discussions included membership,
leadership, finances and communication.
After lunch, breakout groups discussed the
creation of “smart-phone” applications, dues,
database functionality and buildings and
property. Bro. Berry recorded and organized
the comments into Minutes for the benefit of
the participants. Following are a few points
made that might be good for discussion after
your next lodge meeting:
1. We must put an end to internal bickering,
wherever it exists, as it erodes the facade of
brotherhood, which is the reason many men
join Freemasonry.
2. Lodges must take a hard look at their
traditions to see if some of them are hindering
the appeal of Masonry.
3. Our marketing efforts must not be cheap
and amateurish.
4. We must balance our schedule of activities
to accommodate both the retired member, who
prefers not to be out at night, and the younger
working member, who cannot participate in
the daytime or even on weekdays.
5. Know your members, especially the
younger ones, who may be looking for the
father figure they did not have while growing
up. Many need the interest, encouragement
and mentoring of our experienced senior
members.
6. We should offer professional leadership
seminars for ALL Masons, which can help
them in their personal and professional lives,
and, coincidentally, make them more confident
to step up and lead their lodges.
7. Low initiation fees (some at the same
level as charged in the 1950s and 1960s)
and low dues do not project the same sense
of value to new members. When a date night
or a dinner and a show with a spouse can cost
as much as four or five times annual dues,
Freemasonry seems unimpressively cheap.
8. All groups must be careful to set dues
and fees based on their local community,
but some kind of regular increase, tied to
the consumer price index or other measure,
should be annually invoked to avoid further
financial troubles.
9. What would happen if lodges were
permitted to pro-rate what is charged for
dues based on years of membership and age
at joining? What would happen if lodges
eliminated initiation fees and just charged
more for dues?
10. Honest evaluation of our lodge properties
must be done without the emotion attached
to traditional meeting places. We are hurting
ourselves with shabby-looking buildings,
skyrocketing maintenance costs, limited
accessibility, high utility costs and unreasonable
real estate taxes by remaining in prime
locations.
11. Many issues are purely local, and lodges
should not wait for, or expect, Grand Lodge
to take care of their problems.
12. Sharing of lodge membership data on
new members and suspensions in an easy-touse platform continues to be a “hot topic” for
the appendant bodies.
13. The best recruiting of Masons to the
appendant bodies comes when those who are
active continue to participate in their home
lodges, especially as recruiters and mentors
of new Masons.
14. We need to actively utilize Facebook,
LinkedIn and other social networking
opportunities on the Internet, while recognizing
that Masonic decorum is required everywhere
– not just in the lodge.
There are no easy answers to the
challenges that face our Craft, but with
non-confrontational and forthright discussion
held among Masons, there isn’t a problem
that we can’t solve.
Bros. Rodney Boyce, Sam Williamson and
Larry Newhard
8 GR AND LODGE
HELP FOR OUR HEROES
Your Continued Generosity
In December 2011, the Grand Lodge of
is Vital & Greatly Appreciated Pennsylvania helped to sponsor a special
The Help for Our Heroes program has
affected thousands of troops serving overseas,
and their families, over the past four and
a half years. As the needs of our deployed
military change, our support services must,
too. As Pennsylvania Masons are seen more
and more visibly as supporters of our men
and women in harm’s way, we have been
sought out to assist in various capacities.
In order to do so, we need your continued
generous support.
The Program is Expanding in
Exciting New Ways!
R.W. Grand Master Smith is focused on
expanding the program to provide for the
changing needs of our military families, while
also continuing the original intent of the
program by providing pre-paid calling cards
to troops deploying overseas through Joint
Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and all reserve
and national guard units in Pennsylvania
flying out of Harrisburg.
Christmas party at Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst for military families with
children with special needs. Col. and Bro.
Harris Brooks was approached by the base’s
Family Supports Services personnel with a
request to help the party become a reality
because they realized a financial shortfall
while planning it. The Grand Lodge paid
for more than half of the costs. Since many
families with children with special needs are
often uncomfortable among large groups,
this event was intended to accommodate
their needs so they could all enjoy the party.
“This was a wonderful program for
the families and it made me proud to be a
Pennsylvania Mason. I was honored to have
been part of it,” said Tech. Sgt. and Bro.
Kevin Casciano, who attended the event
on behalf of the Grand Lodge.
R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith
attended the March 31 military baby
shower. After experiencing first-hand the
enormous feeling of appreciation from the
families, Grand Master Smith has agreed,
if sufficient funds are raised, to host four
showers at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
this year – one each quarter. He also would
like to begin hosting the baby showers at the
Dover, Del., Air Force Base to accommodate
these military families in need.
Please, keep those donations coming!
These military baby showers ensure that
our young junior enlisted soldiers, sailors,
airmen and marines do not have to worry
about the welfare of their newborn for
the first year of his or her life. Each
shower costs at least $25,000 to provide
the parents-to-be with the formula and
other necessities for their babies. Let’s
care for their families as they keep ours
safe and free!
The Grand Lodge also has been
approached by Joint Base McGuire-DixLakehurst about providing other support
services for military families while moms
or dads are deployed. For example, we have
been asked to consider starting a program to
provide bus trips for families with deployed
parents to places such as Sesame Place,
Great Adventure or the Philadelphia Zoo.
GR AND LODGE 9
May 2012
A Letter of Thanks
The support we have provided to the
Philadelphia Veterans Court already has been
recognized and is greatly appreciated by the
Philadelphia and state court administrations.
Efforts continue to start up veterans courts
in other counties in the Commonwealth,
and Karen Blackburn, with the state courts
administration, has asked for our help,
specifically in the Harrisburg and WilkesBarre/Scranton areas. Col. and Bro. Harris
Brooks (pictured to the right) has been in
contact with judges in both jurisdictions.
If you are a veteran and are interested
in volunteering as a mentor, please contact
Bro. Thomas Long at 215-520-8826. Bro.
Thomas will be working directly with Col.
and Bro. Brooks on this program, and will
place interested brethren in direct contact
with the court in their jurisdiction. After
the application process is complete, training
can begin.
I wanted to express my profound
gratitude for the baby shower today. Just
yesterday, I was stressing about how we
were going to be able to afford everything
we need for this baby. I can’t believe that
people are so generous and willing to help.
... I just really wanted them to know how
much they have touched my life and how
much my husband and I appreciate all
that they have done for us. It’s hours later
and I am still speechless!!
This was such an incredible day and
if their goal was to alleviate some of my
stress ... well ... they’ve succeeded. I feel
like I keep saying how amazing this all is
for me, but I can’t find any other words to
say what I feel.
I’ve never experienced such caring
and generosity from strangers ... people
who really understand what it’s like to
have your spouse deploy, move all over
the country on just a few weeks’ notice
and live with someone who is or be the
person who is on-call at all times, ready
to follow orders. This life isn’t easy, but
I scold those friends of mine who say the
military stinks. There are parts of it that
aren’t fun, but I personally feel like we’ve
always been taken care of. I was grateful
enough to find out about the programs,
classes and home visits that [March of
Dimes] offer. What happened today was
on a whole different level. Thank you so
much for inviting me, again.
With sincere appreciation,
Kristina Reed
10 GR AND LODGE
Invite Good Men to Become Masons!
DO IT NOW
So They Can Take Advantage
of a One Day Masonic Journey
If you know of a quality candidate for membership, put him in contact with your local lodge leadership,
direct him to www.bapamason.com or encourage him to call the Grand Lodge at 800-462-0430.
W W W . B A PA M A S O N . C O M
GR AND LODGE 11
May 2012
Every district in Pennsylvania will be
hosting a One Day Masonic Journey sometime
this fall, when approved candidates for
membership may receive all three Blue Lodge
degrees in one day. Information regarding
other Masonic affiliated organizations will
be available, as well. Reach out to family
members, neighbors, co-workers and friends
worthy of joining the fraternity and invite
them to experience this unique event, ideal
for quality men busy with family, military,
work and volunteer commitments.
Another great way to encourage interest
in your lodge is to take an active part in
your lodge’s Open House. Find out how
you can help plan, organize or assist with
the event … and invite interested men,
18 and over, who believe in a Supreme
Being and want to better their community.
Help promote this opportunity within your
community to tour your lodge building, ask
questions of experienced and knowledgeable
members and obtain applications.
Your lodge’s success depends on YOU!
Throughout 2012 and 2013, the Grand
Lodge fee of $100 and Grand Lodge dues
are excused for all men, 18 and over, who
have graduated high school and have either
received an official acceptance letter to or
are attending a two-year or four-year college,
who join the fraternity. The Grand Master
also has encouraged all lodges to reduce the
initiation fee or lodge dues to attract younger
men to join.
In order to give our lodges the opportunity
to participate in the 2012 Regional One
Masonic Journey, the following decisions
are effective immediately and may be used
only for the One Day Masonic Journey:
•The conferral of all three degrees on one day
is authorized without seeking the approval
of the R.W. Grand Master.
•A petition for the degrees shall be in the
form prescribed by the Grand Lodge, must
be presented to the lodge at a stated meeting,
shall be read, noted in the minutes and
referred to a Committee of Inquiry. The
petition shall lie over to a subsequent stated
meeting and be voted on.
•The Masonic month requirement is waived
during the month of the One Day Masonic
Journey in order to allow the lodges to
facilitate the petition process, providing all
the proper petitioning, investigating and
balloting procedures are completed prior to
the date of the conferral of degrees.
•Lodges are encouraged to conduct stated,
extra and/or special meetings for the purpose
of balloting on candidates during the months
of July and August.
•Lodges may conduct special meetings for
the purpose of presenting and/or balloting
on candidates, provided due and timely
notice is provided to the members.
•Multiple balloting will be permitted and
encouraged on any number of petitioners.
•Approved petitioners may be held for the
One Day Masonic Journey, regardless of their
date of approval, waiving the six-month rule.
•Lodge dues can be prorated for the remainder
of the year.
•Proficiency before advancement will not be
required; however, lodges are required to have
members available to instruct candidates.
•Organizations which have membership in
the Masonic fraternity as a prerequisite
may solicit and receive petitions only from
candidates for the One Day Masonic Journey
for their respective bodies in those locations
that are participating with their degree work
or ceremonials.
Masonic Education is Gaining Momentum Online!
Since the debut of the online Masonic
Education site: 827 members have created logins,
177 have taken the first Masonic law quiz, 139
have taken the second Masonic law quiz, 147
have taken the quiz on the Masonic history
video, 181 have taken the quiz on the written
Masonic history document, 155 have taken the
Entered Apprentice Mason Mentoring quiz, 134
have taken the Fellowcraft Mason Mentoring
quiz and 128 have taken the Master Mason
Mentoring quiz.
The website and course offerings will
continue to evolve and expand to provide
additional learning opportunities for members.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, visit
www.pamasons.net/education. Here are some
of the comments we have received so far:
“First and foremost, I love the pages! More
exactly, I love the idea behind them. They are
introductory in nature in that they only take
a part of an evening, and that’s a lot of what
makes them appealing. ... this overview is just
right. There is the challenge of finding the
right answer ... without fear of failing, and
still learning a lot in the process.
“The fact that there are many facets to be
explored in Freemasonry is part of the appeal
of these pages ...
“These introductions to topics can be
helpful to the old and new Mason.
“They’re like reading popular science rather
than digging into a Scientific American article.
Sometimes you want one, sometimes the other.”
you have the opportunity to review the tests.
It also gives you the opportunity to retake the
exam. ... I want to thank you and the Grand
Lodge for setting up this program. I firmly
believe that it will greatly benefit the fraternity.”
“I would like to thank everyone who has
made the online education possible. It is a
wonderful educational outlet! I am unfortunately
in a position physically that I cannot get out
and about much and am very thankful that the
online education has provided a way for me
to continue my Masonic journey.”
“I wanted to thank everyone who has been
involved in setting up the Masonic Education
website. What a great idea! Your time and
efforts are much appreciated. It’s a great learning
tool for young Masons such as me… I’m sure
it provides a good refresher for the more skilled
and experienced among our ranks, as well.”
“This website is an excellent source for
Masonic knowledge! All three courses available
provide an applicable and practical means for
expanding an understanding of our Masonic
principles. ... When you finish the assessments,
“I truly believe that Masonic Education
will help the new and old Master Mason find
the heart of Freemasonry.”
“It’s a great way to continue learning. I
took the three options offered online (history,
law and degrees), and look forward to additional
educational opportunities.”
12 GR AND LODGE
Support Your Masonic Charities Through the Purchase of a
Longaberger® Masonic Basket
This small berry basket has a warm brown stain with blue/white color strips. The trim strips are accented by
customized tack covers. The basket also has a tag with the Grand Master’s name and date 2012/2013.
After using these specially-designed baskets as centerpieces for the Annual Grand Banquet, Grand Master Jay
Smith and his wife, Nancy, have received several requests for them. As a result, they made arrangements to have
them available for purchase as a one-time offer, with proceeds benefitting the Masonic Charities.
The cost of the basket, protector and tag is $90 (tax included). The UPS shipping/handling fee is $15. Orders
will be taken through July 30. After that, please allow six to eight weeks for delivery.
ORDER YOUR BASKET TODAY!
Name __________________________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number ___________________________________________________________________________
Small Berry Basket Set $90
Shipping, Handling and Insurance Per Set $15
Total $105
Check or money order only, made payable to Jean Young, Independent Longaberger® Home Consultant, 461 Long Lane,
Lancaster, PA 17603. Please note on the memo line: Masonic Basket Set. Questions can be answered by Jean Young,
717-871-6640 or [email protected].
Longaberger® and other basket and collections’ names are the property of the Longaberger® Company. This fund raiser is in no way
connected with or sponsored by the Longaberger® Company.
LODGE AND DISTRICT 13
May 2012
Community Service Initiatives
Brethren truly have been springing into action over the last few months. Upping the ante for lodge-sponsored blood drives, food drives, community
clean ups and sponsorships, members are increasing awareness of the Masonic fraternity in their local communities. On a personal level, they’re
also offering help and hope for friends and strangers. Don’t forget to enter your lodge community service initiatives and random acts of kindness
on the registry at http://www.pagrandlodge.org/rak/index.html.
A SIGN OF THE TIMES
Thomas Miller, son of Bro. Bill Miller,
P.M., Saucon Lodge No. 469, Coopersburg,
has a long family history with Freemasonry: his
grandfather, uncle and two great-grandfathers
all have been members. His mother and greatgrandmother have been involved in the Order
of the Eastern Star. For his Eagle Scout service
project, Thomas could think of no better way to
honor his family and promote the good works
of Freemasonry than to make a sign for Saucon
Lodge to expose it to the local community.
“The lodge is important to my family, the
members and the community,” Thomas said.
“My hope is that [the sign] will give the lodge a
chance to expand membership and exposure in
the community. … Becoming an Eagle Scout is
a big accomplishment. I am proud of my work,
and one day I plan to join Freemasonry.”
PROJECT BREATHE
Fires cause the deaths of an estimated
40,000 to 150,000 pets each year, primarily due
to smoke inhalation. To prevent such tragedies,
Bro. William J. Sopp, P.M., Oasis Lodge No.
416, Edinboro, and his wife, Patty, have
donated 25 pet oxygen mask kits to local fire
departments through Project Breathe. They
learned about the project through the parent
company of their business, Invisible Fence
Brand® of Erie, which has donated more than
10,000 masks to fire stations nationwide. Each
kit includes a small, medium and large mask
and costs approximately $65. Their goal is to
donate one kit to each of the 200 fire stations
in their area. In early January, one of the masks
they donated helped to save the life of a cat
badly injured and burned in a house fire.
“We are excited to do the program, as
it is just a feel-good, heart-warming project,”
Patty, P.W.M., Albion Chapter No. 22, and
Appointed Grand Chapter Committee
Member, O.E.S., said. “Each time I donate to
the fire departments, I say, ‘I hope you never
have to use them.’ We are not the heroes here
- the true heroes are the firefighters!”
Patty Sopp demonstrates how an oxygen mask fits
over a dog’s snout. Left-right: Karen Churchill; Bro.
John Churchill, Lawrence Lodge No. 708, Erie; and
Jim Rosenbaum, of the Millcreek Fire Department.
A HEROIC EFFORT
Bro. David “Scotty” Bolton, Patmos
Lodge No. 348, Hanover, and Hebron Lodge
No. 465, New Oxford, believes community
cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility. To bring
the issue to light, Bro. Bolton walks along
Main Street in McSherrystown with garbage
bags cleaning up litter. What makes his efforts
attention-grabbing is the Superman costume
he wears to do so.
Bro. Bolton has been making public
appearances as “The HanoverSuperman” since
2005. He usually appears at charitable events,
such as the Hanover Chili Cook-off, which
benefits the Gutherie Memorial Library in
Hanover; Saturdays on Main Street’s “Chalk It
Up” (a sidewalk chalk-drawing competition for
children); the United Cerebral Palsy of South
Central PA fund raisers; and others. He collects
two to three industrial-size bags of garbage in
a “single swipe.” Turkey Hill donates the bags
and allows Bro. Bolton to use their dumpsters.
“As a child, I told my mother that when I
grew up, I wanted to be a professional baseball
player or Superman. Baseball didn’t pan out!”
Bro. Bolton said. “I have since become a
member of the world-wide group ‘The Real Life
Super Heroes,’ an organization of like-minded
(and costumed) people in various states and
countries who go out into their communities
and look for ways to better them while
promoting peace and morality.” COMMEMORATIVE RIFLE SALES
SUPPORT MASONIC CHARITIES
Bros. Kenneth R. Ruch, Jr., and Brian
K. Ruch, both of Eureka Lodge No. 404,
Northumberland, and Bro. David W. Page,
Watsontown Lodge No. 401, designed a
limited edition Commemorative Masonic Rifle
– a .22 caliber Henry Fireman rifle. They sold
100 rifles and donated the proceeds of $7,650
to the Masonic Charities. They presented
a check to then-Grand Master Thomas K.
Sturgeon at the Quarterly Communication
in December 2011. Plans are underway for a
second edition of the commemorative rifle
in 2012 with proceeds again going toward a
Masonic Charity.
Bro. Kenneth Ruch, Jr., then-Grand Master
Thomas K. Sturgeon and Bro. Brian Ruch
HELP DURING THE HOLIDAYS
This past holiday season, members of Old
Fort Lodge No. 537, Centre Hall, helped four
families through the local food bank by giving
$150 in gift cards to each family. One member,
alone, donated $200. The families greatly
appreciated the much-needed assistance.
14 LODGE AND DISTRICT
SAVING LIVES AND SUPPORTING
CHILDREN
Masonic District 1 had a busy year in
2011 raising money for the Children’s Dyslexia
Center of Lancaster through two blood drives
and a Lodge in the Woods event. Bro. Larry
A. Derr, District Deputy Grand Master for
the 1st Masonic District, and Bro. Raymond
P. Greiner, P.M., Principal of the School of
Instruction, presented Charlotte Granito,
director of the Lancaster Learning Center,
with a check for $2,600. The district is hosting
another blood drive on June 23, from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. at the Lancaster Masonic Center and
the Donegal Masonic Center.
Bro. Raymond Greiner, P.M.; Larry Derr,
D.D.G.M.; and Charlotte Granito
COOKING FOR CHARITY
On March 3, Ashara-Casiphia Lodge
No. 551, Mount Joy, held its semi-annual
all-you-can-eat breakfast fund raiser. With
the assistance of the brethren, their ladies,
DeMolay, Rainbow Girls and Job’s Daughters,
approximately 500 meals were served in four
hours. This same group of workers is gearing up
for the Famous “Ox Roast” coming up Aug. 4
at the Donegal Masonic Center. The Ox Roast
is open to anyone who wants to attend; people
may eat in or take out. For details, visit www.
firstmasonic.org. The money raised through
these events will go into the lodge charity
fund and be used for charitable donations
throughout the year.
Bros. Jeffrey A. White, Pursuivant, and Joseph P.
Crawford, help prepare the all-you-an-eat breakfast.
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
To raise money for the Special Olympics,
brethren from the 2nd Masonic District
participated in the Polar Bear Plunge at City
Island in Harrisburg on Feb. 4. The event
raised a total of $175,000, of which the brethren
raised $4,000.
“The water was a tad chilly, but it was for
a good cause, and we are already recruiting for
next year!” Bro. Scott Matincheck, District
Deputy Grand Master for the 2nd Masonic
District, said.
something helpful we could do for our fellow
brothers and their spouses living at Masonic
Village,” Bro. Glenn Kurzenknabe, president,
National Sojourners-Harrisburg Chapter No.
76, said.
Bro. Glenn Kurzenknabe, president, National
Sojourners Harrisburg Chapter No. 76; Gary
Wylde, director of resident services; Bro. Robert
Hamilton Jr., 2nd vice president, Harrisburg
Chapter No. 76; and Tiffany Moyer, social worker.
Left-right: Bros. Colin H. Blair, Perseverance Lodge
No. 21, Harrisburg; Douglas R. Harms, P.M.,
Secretary, Perseverance Lodge No. 21; Jeffrey T.
Shank, P.M., Prince Edwin-Spring Creek Lodge No.
486, Middletown; Scott T. Matincheck, D.D.G.M.2nd Masonic District; Jeffrey M. White, W.M.,
Harrisburg Lodge No. 629; David S. Casher,
Perseverance Lodge No. 21; Patrick R. Grill, W.M.,
Robert Burns Lodge No. 464, Harrisburg; Tracy
A. Bitner, W.M., Perseverance Lodge No. 21; and
Heather Conrad, team member.
SMALL ITEMS MAKE A BIG
DIFFERENCE
The National Sojourners-Harrisburg
Chapter No. 76 collected seven boxes of
toiletries, including toothpaste, shampoo,
shaving cream, hair spray, tissues, liquid hand
soap, bar soap etc., for residents at the Masonic
Village at Elizabethtown who receive fraternal
care. Fraternal care provides nursing, personal
care and children’s services to residents whose
savings, insurance or public assistance does
not fully cover the cost of their care. Masonic
Villages gives these residents a monthly
allowance for incidentals, and this donation
will enable their funds to go a little further.
“These types of items are exactly what
residents are paying significant amounts of
money for, so this donation will be a huge
help to those receiving fraternal care who are
on such a tight budget,” Tiffany Moyer, social
worker in the Freemasons Building personal
care residence, said.
“Funding for people receiving fraternal
care is limited, and we decided this was
RIDE FOR THE CURE
Bro. Bob Earle, Sr., Bristol Lodge No. 25,
was a motorcycle rider who passed away from
brain cancer. In honor and memory of Bro.
Earle, members of Bristol Lodge, the Widows
Sons Riding Association Grand Chapter, the
Sons of Abiff, Bristol, his friends and family
held the 2nd annual Ride to Cure Brain Cancer
on Sept. 25, 2011. The 30-mile ride raised
more than $5,000, and included a picnic at
Newtown Lodge No. 427, Woodside.
KEEPING AMERICA’S PROMISE
Brethren from Tri-County Lodge No.
252, Donora, held their first “America the
Land I Love, Keeping the Promise of America,
Masonic of the Mon Valley” event on July 30
at the Herman Mihalic Boat Launch and Park.
Other lodges in Masonic District 31, Order
of the Eastern Star Chapters, Rainbow Girls
Assemblies, Job’s Daughters Bethels, DeMolay
Chapters, Pittsburgh Shrine Clowns, Hiram
Riders and other Masonic bodies contributed
to the event’s success.
Proceeds earned by participating groups
went toward individual projects within their
communities. The event was the brain child of
Bro. Robert Dojonovi. Bros. James H. Staff
May 2012
Jr., W.M., P.M., and Dennis Gutierrez, P.M.,
chaired the day’s activities.
The event included color guards and
band boosters from two local school districts,
Monessen Mayor Jo Smith, a Mon Valley Fire
Department’s Battle of the Barrel competition
and car cruisers. Food, entertainment, the
Kennywood Park trolley and Uncle Sam kept
the crowd in good spirits. Bro. Robert Farquhar,
District Deputy Grand Master for District 31,
explained and handed out information about
the different Masonic bodies, their functions
and philanthropies. The Valley of Pittsburgh
performed the Lincoln Degree on stage. The
event concluded with the awarding of trophies
and a fireworks display.
“The basic purpose was to let people in
the area know what the fraternity is all about
and the works that we do in the community,”
Bro. Staff said. “We are hoping to make this an
annual event that grows every year.”
A BROTHER IN NEED
When Bro. Terry Means, Everett Lodge
No. 524, was diagnosed with cancer, his health
caused him to resign from his job and sell his
home. Thirty brethren from Everett Lodge
and Bedford Lodge No. 320 coordinated a
spaghetti dinner fund raiser and sold more than
400 meals. The event raised a total of $3,933
to help with his medical and living expenses.
Unfortunately, Bro. Means passed away on
March 1, but not before having attained one
of his personal goals: serving for a few brief
months as the lodge’s Worshipful Master.
The late Bro. Terry Means, W.M., Everett Lodge
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
Waverly Lodge No. 301, Clarks Green,
made a donation which enabled the Abington
Area Community Parks to purchase an
automated external defibrillator (AED). An
AED is a portable electrical device which
automatically diagnoses, treats and corrects
potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias
(heart beats).
The 100-acre park features a lake for
fishing, nature trails, a dog park, picnic tables,
soccer and football fields and hosts a summer
youth camp. As the temperature rises and
more people gather in the park, having this
valuable piece of equipment on hand could be
the difference between life and death.
Bro. Mark A. Huggler, W.M., Waverly Lodge No.
301; Ronda Schiavone, Abington Heights Civic
League; Tim Rowland, Community Life Support
Ambulance; and Mike Hargrove, Abington Youth
Soccer League
A SIGN OF SUPPORT
A sign was erected in honor of Everett Lodge No.
524 at the Everett Little League field for its more
than 100 years of supporting the local community.
HOLIDAY BREAKFAST FEEDS
HUNDREDS
More than 1,700 people enjoyed 500
dozen eggs, 400 lbs. of sausage and 680 lbs. of
fried potatoes at the annual Holiday Breakfast
hosted by Abraham C. Treichler Lodge
No. 682, Elizabethtown. In addition to full
stomachs, kids enjoyed greeting Santa and Mrs.
Claus, and visitors toured the Elizabethtown
and Masonic Village Model Railroad Club.
Volunteers included 125 brethren and members
of Job’s Daughters and DeMolay. Guests
donated six boxes of toys for Toys for Tots and
canned goods for a local church’s food bank.
Volunteers identified 46 children through
CHIP and 28 donors supported the Masonic
Blood Club.
In 2011, between its annual pancake
breakfast and holiday breakfast, Treichler
Lodge netted approximately $17,000. Overall
last year, the lodge raised just under $20,000,
which it donated to Masonic youth groups,
Masonic Village hospice and rehabilitation
services,
Elizabethtown
Boys
Club,
Elizabethtown Fire Department, Northwest
EMS, and to cover the cost of fuel, electric
bills and groceries for those in need. This year’s
pancake breakfast is scheduled for May 19, and
the holiday breakfast will be held Dec. 19, both
from 6 to 11 a.m. Members also are planning
a car, truck and motorcycle show on June 2
to raise money to cover the cost of the Patriot
Kids Camp. This camp will teach kids about
the great nation in which we live.
Anton Katsch and Daniel Sellers of DeMolay
volunteer their time at the holiday breakfast.
Bro. Jim Forry, Betty Stauffer, Linda Stauffer, Jen
Koppel, Bro. David Koppel and their son enjoy the
holiday breakfast.
A HOT MEAL ON A COLD DAY
During the aftermath of the great
October snowstorm of 2011, many residents in
the Birdsboro area were without power for an
extended period of time. The officers of Union
Lodge No. 479 decided to serve a free breakfast
for those still without electric service. Fifteen
brethren volunteered to help without hesitation.
“Although we expected more people to
take advantage of our offer, we were pleased
to serve approximately 70 people, and each
was very grateful,” Bro. William Herz said. “So
grateful in fact, that we received $140 in
donations pledged for our county food bank.
It goes to show that one kind deed will be
answered by another.”
A YEAR OF GIVING BACK
Throughout 2011, the brothers of
Brownsville Lodge No. 60 have participated
in several examples of “giving back to our
community.” The lodge, chaired by Bros. Ernie
Bradmon and Scott Campbell, sponsored three
blood drives in conjunction with Masonic
Blood Club chairmen Bro. Dave Metheny,
Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275, Latrobe; Bro.
Richard Black, Tri-County Lodge No. 252,
Donora; and the Central Blood Bank. The
drives collected a total of more than 270 units
of blood. One blood drive directly supported
three area youth facing serious medical
conditions. Three more blood drives have been
scheduled for 2012.
Brownsville Lodge also supported the 8th
Annual Oldies Dance to benefit the Pittsburgh
Autism Society through donations of funds
and volunteer time. Last year’s event raised
more than $7,800. Since Bro. Campbell and
his wife, Kathy, started this event in 2004, it
has raised more than $40,000 for the Autism
Society.
A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
As a community service project, Bethel
Lodge No. 789, Lower Burrell, “adopted”
Summit Street Park in New Kingston in 2011.
Nine volunteers spent almost 30 hours cutting
grass, pulling and spraying weeds, landscaping,
cleaning up trash, sanding and repainting
playground equipment, spreading sand in the
bocce court and replacing an old sign.
“As a charitable community service
organization, [we] felt the Summit Street
Park was a diamond in the rough, and with
renovation and maintenance could be a
considerable asset to the families of the Mount
Vernon community,” said Bro. Steve Baksis,
P.M., W.M.
Throughout the renovations, several
community members stopped by to express
their gratitude for the members’ work. The
Mayor of New Kensington honored the lodge
at a city council meeting with a certificate, and
the Valley News Dispatch published an article
about their efforts. Lodge members who live
near the park have since noticed neighborhood
children increasingly visiting the park.
WILLIAM SLATER II MASTER
MASONS CLUB
Individuals at the Masonic Village at
Sewickley and the Masonic Village Child Care
Center, Masonic widows, members of Masonic
youth groups and the greater Sewickley
community all feel the impact of the creativity,
kindness and generosity of the William Slater
II Master Masons Club.
Residents of the Masonic Village at
Sewickley began the club to foster fellowship
and welcome new Master Mason residents to the
campus. They named it in honor of the Grand
Master at the time of the club’s inauguration,
William Slater II, R.W.P.G.M. The club is
comprised of 72 Masons representing 42 lodges.
Any Master Mason residing in the retirement
living area of Masonic Village is considered a
member.
A seven-member activities committee
coordinates programs, such as in-house
games, throughout the year to raise money for
recreational equipment including new pool
table covers; other campus needs and groups,
such as the library, wood shop, Project Linus
knitting group and the Masonic Village Child
Care Center; and the Masonic Charities.
Members also organize events for residents
in the personal care and nursing services areas,
such as fishing trips, baseball games and ice
cream outings, as well as community events
including blood drives in cooperation with the
Masonic Blood Club. A blood drive held on
Feb. 29 resulted in a donation of 28 units of
blood, which, according to the Central Blood
Bank of Pittsburgh, could benefit up to 80
patients depending upon its end use.
The club, in a joint effort with Doric Lodge
No. 630, Sewickley, presents Masonic widows
with a Masonic widow’s pin and a single white
rose in a vase, and sends them Christmas, get
well and bereavement cards.
In 2011, the Master Masons Club sponsored
six members of the Steel City Chapter of
DeMolay who completed the Masonic
Village food services department’s food safety
program. Those who passed the exam received
a certificate valid for five years. These two
groups also collaborate to hold a Sunday
dinner quarterly for Masonic Village residents
with proceeds going toward Masonic Village
Wish List items for the Star Points personal
care building.
One of their most popular efforts is the
Enchanted Evening, an annual event started
in 2008. Ladies residing in Star Points and
the Sturgeon Health Care Center receive an
invitation to a very special evening including
an elegant meal and musical entertainment.
Each woman chooses from a selection of
evening wear and jewelry, has her nails painted
and hair styled, and is escorted to the dining
room by a member of a Masonic youth group.
During the Enchanted Evening, the
Master Masons Club treats men residing in Star
Points Building and the Valley Care Masonic
Center to a party with beer and pizza. Staff and
residents from all areas of campus volunteer to
help with the event, and local Masonic lodges
and Order of the Eastern Star chapters provide
financial contributions.
The group’s inspiration can best be
summed up as, “Masons being Masons,” Bro.
David Rihl said.
Bro. Tracy Miller, R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith
and Bro. David Rihl at the Enchanted Evening
“The Master Masons have had a significant
impact on the residents here at Masonic Village
at Sewickley,” Eric Gross, executive director,
said. “The annual Enchanted Evening event
is a true ‘Senior Prom’ for our female residents
who live in the personal care and nursing
services areas. They are treated like queens.
But the Master Masons don’t stop there. They
have had a tremendous impact on our residents
and have significantly improved the quality of
our residents’ lives. We are grateful for all they
do. They epitomize the Mission of Love that
the Masonic Villages aspire to fulfill.”
Marjory Gleichert is all dressed up for the
Enchanted Evening
May 2012
EYES ON THE SKIES
Bro. Gerald H. Owens, P.M., Corry
Lodge No. 365, may be retired, but he
keeps busy, especially in the winter months,
as an amateur radio operator. As a certified
Skywarn storm spotter for the National
Weather Service, he reports on snowfalls to
the weather service, area news outlets and
other individuals.
on Dec. 2 and 3 during the Fulton County
Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas in
McConnellsburg Celebration. Volunteers
provided parents with 97 CHIP kits. On
the first night, members of Mount Moriah
Lodge No. 300, Huntingdon, joined the
brethren to train for their first CHIP event,
which they held in May.
“They were learning ‘under fire’ since
we identified 68 children in a little over two
hours,” Bro. Robert Snyder, District Deputy
Grand Master for Masonic District 34, said.
Daughters; Bro. John Mumma, Mount Zion Lodge
No. 774; Kayla Cummings, Bethel No. 16; and
Dora Housekeeper, Bethel No. 16.
Second row, left-right: Debra Buterbaugh, Fulton
Chapter No. 519, O.E.S.; Janice Bragunier, Bethel
No. 16; Tiffany Bragunier, Honor Queen, Bethel
No. 16; Jenny Culler, Central Fulton School
District; Bro. Jeramy Culler, Mount Zion Lodge
No. 774; and Bro. Paul M. Johnston, P.M., Mount
Zion Lodge No. 774.
Third row, left-right: Bro. Randall Clever, W.M.,
Mount Zion Lodge No. 774; Koby Bragunier,
George Washington DeMolay Chapter; Bro.
Shawn Cummings, Orrstown Lodge No. 262; Bro.
John Daniels, S.D., Mount Zion Lodge No. 774;
Eldon Martin, County of Fulton; and Bro. Robert
C. Snyder II, D.D.G.M. for District 34.
Bro. Owens, call sign W3GHO, in his amateur
radio room.
CHIP EVENT A SUCCESS
Mount Zion Lodge No. 774,
McConnellsburg, sponsored a CHIP event
First row, left-right: Parker Cummings; Kelly
Cummings, Martha Custis Chapter No. 342,
O.E.S.; Jenny Buterbaugh, Bethel No. 16, Job’s
Colonial Lodge Meeting
On Feb. 21, officers of Plum Creek-Monroeville Lodge No. 799, Pittsburgh,
under dispensation from the Grand Master, held their meeting in colonial
clothing in recognition of the 260th anniversary of Bro. and President George
Washington becoming a Freemason. The lodge was lit by candle light only, as
it would have been in colonial times, and the brethren enjoyed a talk about
what it might have been that drew a man like Bro. Washington to our Craft.
Front row, left-right: Brothers Robert Kording, Jr.; Russell K. Thornton; Donald A.
Meuser, P.M.; P.J. Roup, District Deputy Grand Master for District 54; Troy A. Burton,
W.M.; Leonard J. Hasson; James H. Slimick; and James D. Hagood, P.M. Back row,
left-right: Brothers James E. Smith, Sr., P.M.; Robert B. Kording, Sr., P.M.; Andrew M.
Fernandez, Secretary; Hugh C. Rumbaugh, W.M., Pollock Lodge No. 502; Donald F.
Roberts; Robert Geiger, P.M.; and Thomas Kostelansky, P.M.
15th Annual
Meeting in the Hills
Friday, June 24, 2012
Held Outdoors at Christner’s Grove near Dawson, PA
Casual Dress – No Shorts, Blue Jeans or Collarless Shirts
All Master Masons Welcome
Marion Lodge No. 562, Connellsville, will host this
annual outdoor event at Christner’s Grove. A delicious
12 oz. New York strip steak dinner will be served at 6 p.m.
Following dinner, a special meeting of King Solomon’s
Lodge will be held.
Tickets are $25 and may be ordered from Bro. Richard E.
Bigley, P.M., at 107 Ashton Drive, Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666.
Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment.
Checks should be made payable to: CDS Building Corporation.
All ticket orders must be received by June 22, 2012.
Phone: 724-547-2367 or Email: [email protected].
Directions will be included with your return ticket order.
Congratulations to...
One hundred years is an impressive amount of time. Conferring 100 degrees is an equally
impressive feat in our fraternity, one deserving of the Century Pin.
On Oct. 13, 2011, Bro. Morton Kovalsky, P.M., Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 19,
Philadelphia, was honored for performing this feat. The formal presentation of the Century
Pin and accompanying certificate was made by Bro. Chuck Holloway, District Deputy Grand
Master for District C. Bro. Bart Davis, P.M., reviewed Bro. Kovalsky’s ritualistic career, which
included: conferring degrees in 35 of the 38 years since he started the work, conferring
two different degrees on the same night on three separate occasions, conferring 52 degrees
after the age of 69 and teaching the ritual to many brethren. More than 20 of the brethren
upon whom Bro. Kovalsky conferred degrees were in attendance. The lodge presented Bro.
Kovlsky with a list of all of the degrees he has conferred, letters from brethren who could
not attend and a personal gift.
Bro. Bart Davis, P.M., and Bro. Mort Kovalsky, P.M.
Manoquesy Lodge No. 413, Bath, has achieved the distinction of winning a Twain
Award for 2011. The Masonic Information Center (MIC) sponsors the Mark Twain Masonic
Awareness Award to recognize lodges that have demonstrated exemplary work in constructing
a positive Masonic identity within the lodge and community. Out of approximately 10,000
lodges in North America, only 18 received this distinction in 2011. Manoquesy Lodge No.
413 is proud to be one of the elite few.
The MIC Award Task Force evaluates participating lodges’ initiatives and activities that
create a positive Masonic identity within the lodge and in the community with exemplary
skill, creativity and resourcefulness. Lodges also must demonstrate exceptional commitment
to Freemasonry’s philosophy of self-improvement and enlightenment.
On Dec. 19, 2011, Bro. H. Barton Myers, a resident of Masonic Village at Warminster,
was presented with his 75-year Certificate and Diamond Jubilee Award. Bro. Myers, now 99,
was Entered and Fellowcrafted in 1933 and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason
on Jan. 15, 1934. He received his degrees in Michael Arnold Lodge No. 636, which merged
into Richmond Lodge No. 230, Philadelphia, in 1988.
The presentation ceremony was hosted by Southampton Radiant Star Lodge No. 806,
Warminster, and was conducted by Bro. Robert Bateman, then-R.W. Senior Grand Warden,
with the assistance of Bro. Robert Burns, District Deputy Grand Master for District A.
Front row, left-right: Brothers Michael Panzer, W.M., Southampton-Radiant Star Lodge No. 806, Warminster;
Robert Bateman, then-R.W. Senior Grand Warden; H. Barton Myers; Robert Burns, District Deputy Grand
Master for District A; and Carl Swope, District Deputy Grand Master for District 8. Back row, left-right: Paul
Myers, son; Donna Myers, daughter in-law; and Kyle Myers, grandson of Bro. H. Barton Myers.
Hermann-Humboldt Lodge No. 125, Warminster, the oldest German-speaking lodge
in the United States, celebrated 200 years of German Freemasonry in Pennsylvania in
2011. Constituted Jan. 25, 1811, the lodge met for 191 years in the Norman Hall within the
Masonic Temple in Philadelphia and now meets in the Frey Southampton Masonic Center
in Warminster.
The lodge celebrated its anniversary with a festive lodge meeting in Corinthian Hall
of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia on Feb. 12, 2011. Then-R.W. Deputy Grand Master
Jay W. Smith presided and received the Grand Masters from New York and New Jersey,
and several District Deputy Grand Masters and brethren from other jurisdictions as well,
including Canada and Germany. In all, with more than 300 brethren attending, 39 lodges
were represented from three countries and six states. Afterward, the participants attended
a typical German reception and dinner complete with celebratory speeches and traditional
accordion music.
On June 12, 2011, a formal Johannisfest /Jubilee took place at Spring Mill Manor, where
all German-American Clubs and Associations were invited to celebrate. The brethren were
honored with a visit of the M.W. Grand Master of the United Grand Lodges of Germany,
Bro. Rüdiger Templin. The German-American, American and German press wrote many favorable accounts of the lodge’s year-long
anniversary celebration.
Brothers Bob Burns, District Deputy Grand Master for District A, and Pierre H Rausch, P.M., Herman-Humboldt Lodge No. 125.
May 2012
On Feb. 29, five members of Newtown Lodge
No. 427, Woodside, received their 50-year Masonic
Service Emblems at a special, open meeting with
more than 200 people present.
Recipients included twin brothers Bros. Edward
O. Weisser, R.W. Past Grand Master, and William
W. Weisser, Sr.; and Bros. Elmer G. Albright,
P.M.; Wayne F. Eisele, P.M.; and John M. Nay,
P.M. Assisting with the set-up and serving of the
banquet following the meeting were members of the
Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth,
DeMolay and Rainbow Girls.
R.W. Past Grand Master Weisser presented the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award
to Bro. George Stockburger V for his years of service to the Boy Scouts, as well as the Eagle Scout
Award to his son, George VI. Bro. Robert W. Puckett, W.M., presented R.W. Grand Master Jay
W. Smith with a $500 donation to the Masonic Children’s Home on behalf of Newtown Lodge.
At a stated meeting of Prince Edwin-Spring
Creek Lodge No. 486, Middletown, Bro. Stanley T.
Hollinger was presented with his 70-year Masonic
Service Emblem by Bro. Scott T. Matincheck,
District Deputy Grand Master for District 2. Bro.
Hollinger stated that he is proud to be a Freemason
and that it has guided his life.
Left-right with Bro. Hollinger are Bros. Jeremy J. Kring,
S.W.; Scott T. Matincheck, D.D.G.M.; Theodore V. Evans,
W. M.; and Edward T. Barrick, J.W.
On Nov. 14, 2011, Bro. Donald D. Nicewonger,
P.M., (center) received the Century Pin at a
ceremony at Olive Temple Masonic Lodge No. 557,
Tionesta. Presenting the certificate was Bernard
D. Hanmore, District Deputy Grand Master of
District 25 (right). Looking on is Bro. Larry E.
Osten, W.M. (left).
Annual Eastern Pennsylvania Masonic Family Picnic at
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Mail your ticket requests to: Linda Matthews,
139 W. Richardson Ave., Langhorne, PA 19047-2827
Rain or Shine
Dorney Park 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Wildwater Kingdom 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
“All You Can Eat” menu served 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fried Chicken, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Potato Salad,
Soda, Ice Cream, Condiments and more!
All Tickets $35.00
Children ages 2 years and under are admitted free of charge.
ADMISSION PRICE PAYS FOR BOTH PARKS
Covered pavilion for meals
Make Checks Payable to “Masonic Picnic”
_________ No. Tickets at $35.00................................ $_________
Total Amount Enclosed $______________________________
Check#____________________________________________
Name______________________________________________
Address____________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Phone _____________________________________________
Lodge___________District_____________________________
Absolute Deadline for Ticket Reservations - May 31, 2012
20 LIBR ARY & MUSEUM
The U.S. Constitution is 225 Years Old!
… and 13 Freemasons signed it! Five were from Pennsylvania Lodges (sort of…)
By Dr. Glenys A. Waldman, Senior Librarian, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania
1. Gunning Bedford, Jr.
(1747-1812)
Born in Philadelphia, Bro. Bedford
graduated from Nassau Hall (now Princeton
University) with distinction. He studied law
in Philadelphia, then practiced in Delaware.
Bro. and Col. Bedford was an aide to
Bro. and Gen. George Washington during
the American Revolution. Bro. Washington
appointed him the first judge of the U.S.
District Court of Delaware in 1789, a position
he held until his death. He was also Attorney
General of Delaware from 1784-1789 and
Presidential Elector in 1789 and 1793. He was
made a Mason in 1782 in Christiana Ferry
Lodge No. 14 under Pennsylvania (as of 1806,
Washington Lodge No. 1 of Delaware)1. It is
said that he served as Master of the lodge,
but the date is not recorded. He was the first
Grand Master of Delaware, 1806-1808.
Bro. Bedford led the heated debate
concerning representation of large and small
states that determined equal and proportional
representation in a bicameral legislature:
two U.S. Senators for each state, but the
number of representatives based on each
state’s population.
2. John Blair, Jr.
(1732-1800)
Bro. Blair graduated from the College of
William and Mary, of which his father, the
Rev. James Blair, was one of the founders.
He studied law at London’s Middle Temple,
after which he practiced in Williamsburg, Va.
In the years 1766-1770, he served in
the Virginia House of Burgesses; then, from
1770-1775, served on the colonial Governor’s
Council, but he supported independence from
England. In 1776, he took part in the Virginia
Constitutional Convention as a member of the
committee that framed a declaration of rights
as well as the plan for a new government. He
next served on the Privy Council from 17761778. In 1778, the legislature elected him as
a judge of the General Court, and he soon
became Chief Justice. In 1787, he served as a
delegate from Virginia at the Constitutional
Convention.
Bro. and President George Washington
nominated Bro. Blair as one of the initial
six members of the U.S. Supreme Court
in September 1789. Blair’s most important
opinion was in Chisholm v. Georgia (1793),
which held that a state could be sued in
federal court even if it objected to the suit.
He was raised as a charter member of
Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, having signed the
lodge bylaws on July 6, 1773. Bro. Blair was
elected Worshipful Master in May 1774 and
served as the first Grand Master of Virginia,
1778-1784.
LIBR ARY & MUSEUM 21
May 2012
3. D
avid Brearley, Jr.
(1745-1790)
Born near Trenton, N.J., Bro. Brearley
practiced law in Allentown, N.J. He took an
early part in the controversy with England,
for which he was arrested for high treason
but set free by a mob of his fellow citizens.
Having seen action in the battles of
Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth,
he resigned from the Army in 1779 to serve as
first Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme
Court. Bro. Brearley decided on the famous
Holmes v. Walton case in which he ruled that
the judiciary had the authority to declare
whether laws were unconstitutional or not.
He served until Sept. 25, 1789, when he was
nominated by Bro. and President George
Washington to be the first federal judge for
the District of New Jersey.
While at the Constitutional Convention in
1787, he chaired the Committee on Postponed
Parts, which concerned itself with questions
related to taxes, war making, patents and
copyrights, relations with Indian tribes,
and Bro. Benjamin Franklin’s compromise
to require money bills to originate in the
House of Representatives. However, the main
concern was the presidency. The committee
adopted the earlier plan for choosing the
president by electoral college and settled on
the method of choosing the president if no
candidate had an electoral college majority.
The committee also shortened the president’s
term from seven years to four, freed him to
seek re-election and moved impeachment
trials from the courts to the Senate. They
also created the vice president, whose role
was to succeed the president and preside
over the Senate.
After signing the Constitution in 1787,
Bro. Brearley was chairman of the New
Jersey committee that approved it.2 In 1789,
Bro. Brearley was a Presidential Elector. He
was one of the compilers of the Protestant
Episcopal Prayer Book of 1785. His lodge is
not known: it was possibly Military No. 19
of Pennsylvania, but there is no record. He
was, however, the first Grand Master of New
Jersey, serving from 1786 until his death on
Aug. 10, 1790.
4. Jacob Broom
(1752-1810)
In addition to being a school teacher,
real estate dealer and surveyor, Bro. Broom
was a member of the Delaware legislature
from 1784-1788 and the first postmaster
of Wilmington, Del., from 1790-1792. Two
weeks before the Battle of Brandywine, he
drew a map of this area for the use of Bro.
and Gen. Washington. Bro. Broom was an
early member of Christiana Ferry Lodge No.
14 (Washington No. 1 of Delaware), already
a Master Mason by 1780.3 He was elected
Secretary and Treasurer on June 24 of that
year, Junior Warden on June 25, 1781, and
again Treasurer in 1783.
5. D
aniel Carroll
(1730-1796)
A member of the Continental Congress
of 1780-1784 and a delegate to the convention
that framed the U.S. Constitution, Bro. Carroll
was also a representative in the first Congress
in 1789-1791. Bro. and President George
Washington appointed him commissioner
for surveying the District of Columbia in
1791, serving until 1795. He was a cousin of
Charles Carroll, signer of the Declaration of
Independence. Bro. Carroll received all his
degrees in Maryland Lodge No. 16, Baltimore,
Md., between May 1780 and May 1781.
6. Jonathan Dayton
(1760-1824)
Born in Elizabethtown, N.J., Bro. Dayton
was the son of Bro. Elias Dayton, a General in
the Revolution in whose regiment (3rd New
Jersey) Bro. Jonathan served as paymaster.
Bro. Jonathan graduated from the College
of New Jersey (Princeton University) in 1776,
then studied law. He was in many battles,
including Yorktown, and had a command
under Bro. and Gen. Marquis de Lafayette.
After serving in the New Jersey State
Assembly from 1786-1787, and again in 1790
when he was the Speaker, Bro. Dayton was
elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
from N.J. in 1791. He was re-elected for three
consecutive terms, serving until 1799, some of
that time as Speaker. He was a U.S. Senator
from 1799-1805. Arrested for alleged conspiracy
with Aaron Burr, Bro. Dayton was not tried.
Bro. Dayton was probably a member of
Temple Lodge No. 1 at Elizabethtown, N.J.,
and was present at the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey on Dec. 30, 1788.
7. John Dickinson
(1732-1808)
Known as the “Penman of the Revolution,”
having written the “Letters of a Pennsylvania
Farmer,” among others, Bro. Dickinson
was born in Maryland. He studied law in
Philadelphia and England, then practiced
in Philadelphia. He was a member of the
Pennsylvania Assembly in 1764, the Colonial
Congress, which convened in New York to
oppose the Stamp Act in 1765 and the first
Continental Congress.
In 1776, Bro. Dickinson opposed the
adoption of the Declaration of Independence
and refused to sign, deeming it premature.
During the Revolution, he served as a militia
officer. On Nov. 13, 1781, Bro. Dickinson
became the fifth President of Delaware,
serving until Nov. 4, 1782, when he resigned
to accept the presidency of Pennsylvania,
serving until 1785. Dickinson College and
Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pa.,
are named for him.
Bro. Dickinson was raised Jan. 11,
1780, in Lodge No. 18, Dover, Del. (under
Pennsylvania).
8. Benjamin Franklin
(1706-1790)
Born in Boston, Bro. Franklin was
apprenticed to his brother, James, a printer,
when he was only 12 years old. Leaving
James five years later after disagreements,
Bro. Franklin settled in Philadelphia. First
employed as a printer, he became proprietor
of a printing business and published “The
Pennsylvania Gazette” from 1730-1748 and
gained wide recognition with his “Poor
Richard’s Almanack,” 1732-1757.
In 1727, he organized the “Junto” club
(today, the American Philosophical Society);
and in 1731, founded the Library Company of
Philadelphia, which is still going strong. He
was instrumental in improving the lighting of
city streets; invented a heating stove around
1744 (which, in many variants, is still made);
and, becoming interested in electricity, tried
his kite experiments in 1752.
In 1748, having sold his printing business
to the foreman, Bro. Franklin retired to
devote himself to public life. In 1754, he
was Pennsylvania’s delegate to the Albany
Congress, and from 1757-1762, he was in
England representing Pennsylvania against
efforts to enforce taxes on proprietary estates.
In 1766, he was called before the English
House of Commons to explain colonial
opposition to the Stamp Tax. Returning to
Philadelphia when war became inevitable
in 1775, Bro. Franklin was a member of the
22 LIBR ARY & MUSEUM
second Continental Congress of 1775 and was
on the committee to draft the Declaration
of Independence, which he also signed. In
1776, he was sent as one of a committee of
three to negotiate a treaty with France. Bro.
Franklin became immensely popular during
his stay in France, during which time he was
U.S. Minister to that country. In 1781, Bro.
Franklin was named, with John Jay and John
Adams, as negotiators for peace with Great
Britain. Upon his return to Philadelphia in
September 1785, he served as President of
the Pennsylvania Executive Council from
1785-1787.
Bro. Franklin received his Masonic
degrees in St. John’s Lodge of Philadelphia,
which met at Tun Tavern, in 1731. He was
Secretary of the lodge from 1735-1738; elected
Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania on June 24, 1732, and Grand
Master on June 24, 1734. In the same year, he
printed Anderson’s “The Constitutions of the
Free-Masons,” the first Masonic book printed
in America. Bro. Franklin was (Provincial)
Grand Master again in 1749. In 1777, he
affiliated with Lodge of the Nine Sisters in
Paris, assisted at the Initiation of Voltaire
into that lodge in 1778, and at Voltaire’s
Masonic funeral there later the same year.
On May 21, 1779, Bro. Franklin was elected
Worshipful Master of the lodge and served
two years. By July 7, 1782, he was a member
of the Respectable Lodge de Saint Jean de
Jerusalem and on April 24, 1785, was elected
honorary master of the same. He was also
elected honorary member of the Loge des
Bon Amis of Rouen, France, in 1785.
9. Nicholas Gilman
(1755-1814)
Born in Exeter, N.H., Bro. Gilman received
his education in local schools and worked at
his father’s general store.
Having enlisted in the New Hampshire
regiment of the Continental Army, he soon
became a Captain and served throughout the
war, also as part of Bro. and Gen. Washington’s
“military family.” Bro. Gilman returned
home, again helped his father in the store
and immersed himself in politics.
He was a member of the Continental
Congress from 1786-1788, and in 1787,
represented New Hampshire at the
Constitutional Convention. He served (with
Bro. Brearley) on the Committee on Postponed
Matters. He helped shepherd the Constitution
through the Continental Congress and was
instrumental in obtaining New Hampshire’s
acceptance of it. Later, Bro. Gilman became
a prominent Federalist politician, serving
in the U.S. House of Representatives from
1789-1797. He was elected U.S. Senator in
1805 and served until his death.
Bro. Gilman was a Presidential elector in
1793 and 1797, served in the New Hampshire
legislature (1795, 1802 and 1804) and was
State Treasurer from 1805-1808 and again
from 1811-1814.4 By March 20, 1777, Bro.
Gilman was a member of St. John’s Lodge
No. 1, Portsmouth, N.H.
10. Rufus King
(1755-1827)
Born in Scarborough, Maine, Bro. King
graduated from Harvard University in 1777.
Bro. King accompanied Gen. Sullivan on his
expedition into Rhode Island and was later
honorably discharged from the Continental
Army. Admitted to the bar, Bro. King was
a member of the Continental Congress
from Massachusetts, 1784-1787, and of the
Constitutional Convention of 1787. He was
one of the committee members assigned to
make a final draft of the Constitution.
Moving to New York City in 1788, he
served a term in the state Assembly; a short
time later, he was elected to the U.S. Senate,
serving from 1789-1796, and again from 18131825. Bro. King twice served as U.S. Minister
to Great Britain, 1796-1803 and 1825-1826.
He was an unsuccessful candidate for Vice
President of the U.S. in 1804 and 1808, and
for President in 1816.
He was fairly certainly a member of St.
John’s Lodge in Newburyport, Mass., as records
indicate that Bro. Rufus King was Treasurer
and Junior Warden, but there seem to be
no degree dates. His brother, Bro. William
King, was both first Governor and first Grand
Master of Maine.
11. J ames McHenry
(1753-1816)
Born in Ireland and educated in Dublin,
Bro. McHenry moved to Philadelphia in
1771, where he studied medicine under Dr.
Benjamin Rush. He accompanied Bro. and
Gen. Washington to the camp at Cambridge,
joined the Army as assistant surgeon in
January 1776, and later was surgeon to the
5th Pennsylvania Battalion.
He was made prisoner at Fort Washington
and exchanged in the spring of 1778. On
May 15 of that year, Bro. McHenry was
made Secretary to Bro. Washington, and he
remained a trusted friend and advisor to him
the rest of his life. In 1780, however, he was
transferred to Bro. and Gen. Lafayette’s staff,
where he remained until the end of the war.
A member of the Maryland Senate from
1781-1786, he was also a member of the
Continental Congress from 1783-1786. In
1787, he was a delegate to the Constitutional
Convention. In 1796, he became a member of
Bro. and President Washington’s cabinet as
Secretary of War. Fort McHenry was named
in his honor.
Bro. McHenry was made a Mason in
Spiritual Lodge No. 23 of Baltimore, Md.,
in 1806.
12. William Paterson
(1745-1806)
Born in Ireland, Bro. Paterson was a
graduate of Princeton University in 1763
and was admitted to the bar in 1769. He was
a delegate to the New Jersey Constitutional
Convention of 1776 and was elected state
Attorney General the same year, a role he
served in until 1783. While elected a delegate
to the Continental Congress, he could not
serve because it overlapped with his duties
as Attorney General.
Bro. Paterson was a U.S. Senator in 1789,
but resigned in March of the following year to
become Governor of New Jersey. In 1793, Bro.
and President Washington appointed him to
the U.S. Supreme Court, and he served on
that bench until his death on Sept. 9, 1806.
A member of Trenton Lodge No. 5,
Trenton, N.J., he was made a Mason in 1791.
13. G
eorge Washington
(1732-1799)
Renowned as the First President of the
United States, Supreme Commander of
Continental Forces in the American Revolution
and “father of his country,” Bro. Washington
was born at Bridges Creek, Westmoreland
County, Va.
He was initiated in 1752 in the lodge at
Fredericksburg, Va., and the records of that
lodge, still in existence, show that on the
evening of Nov. 4, “Mr. George Washington
was initiated as an Entered Apprentice.” He
was passed on March 3, 1753, and raised
Aug. 4 of the same year. It is possible that he
received some additional degrees (perhaps the
Mark Master), or was re-obligated during the
LIBR ARY & MUSEUM 23
May 2012
French and Indian War in a military lodge
attached to the 46th Regiment. It is also
speculated that he received the Royal Arch
degree in Fredericksburg Lodge.
Soon after the start of the Revolution,
several of the provincial grand lodges declared
themselves independent of the Grand Lodge
of England. In 1777, a convention of Virginia
lodges recommended him to be Grand Master of
the independent grand lodge. Bro. Washington,
however, declined. The idea of a grand master
for all the colonies also became popular. On
Feb. 7, 1780, a convention of delegates from
Army lodges met at Morristown, N.J., and
suggested to several grand lodges that “one
Grand Lodge in America” be established. On
Jan. 13, 1780, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
had declared that Freemasonry would benefit
by “a Grand Master of Masons throughout the
United States,” and elected Bro. Washington
for the position. They then sent minutes of the
election to the other grand lodges, but when
some failed to come to any determination on
the question, the matter was dropped.
The next Masonic record of Bro.
Washington is in 1788 when Lodge No. 39 of
Alexandria, Va., which had been constituted by
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, transferred its
allegiance to Virginia. The charter to the lodge
was issued by Bro. Edmund Randolph, then
both Governor of Virginia and Grand Master
of the Grand Lodge, naming Washington
as Master of “Alexandria Lodge No. 22.”
In 1805, the lodge was permitted to change
its name to that of Washington-Alexandria
Lodge in his honor.
References
Much of the information for this article
is from Denslow, William R. “10,000 Famous
Freemasons” (Trenton, MO: Missouri Lodge
of Research, ©1957-1961) and Heaton, Ronald
E. “Masonic Membership of the Founding
Fathers.” (Washington, DC: Masonic Service
Association, 1965).
1
Membership Book 1, p. 163
2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Brearley
3
Membership Book No. 1, p. 162
4
http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/
constitution/bio16.htm
BOOK REVIEW:
“Man and Mason – Rudyard Kipling” by Richard Jaffa
Reviewed by Cathy Giaimo, Assistant Librarian, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania
Bro. Rudyard Kipling was many things: acclaimed writer, poet, Nobel
Laureate and world traveler are among some of his many accomplishments.
Richard Jaffa, British Freemason and Kipling devotee, has written about
another side of Kipling’s life: his love for Freemasonry and its influences
on his writings.
Bro. Jaffa begins with a brief biography of Bro. Kipling, from his early
childhood in India and education in England to his return to India as a
young man (barely 17) to begin his career as a journalist - which led to his
life’s work as a celebrated author. In 1886, he joined Lodge of Hope and
Perseverance No. 782, E.C., of Lahore, by dispensation. He was underage
(20) at the time, and the lodge was desperate for a good secretary! As a young
man, Bro. Kipling had a curiosity about the life and country of India, and
having absorbed the local color, made good use of it in his writings. In such
a stratified society as India, what better place than in lodge to meet men
of all stripes, national and ex-patriots, Hindu, Muslim, Jew and Christian,
where these differences could be put aside for a few hours?
The book continues with each chapter devoted to Bro. Kipling’s books
such as “The Man Who Would Be King;” “Kim;” his short story collection,
“Debits and Credits;” and his poetry. Bro. Jaffa discusses the Masonic
references found in his works, the probable influences and more biographical
background. The chapters may even pique your interest to read Bro. Kipling’s
works. The Masonic references in “The Man Who Would Be King” are
rather obvious, but in “Kim” and others, they may be more subtle. Once
Bro. Kipling left India for good, he rarely stepped into a lodge meeting, but
the lessons he learned in the lodge stayed with him for the rest of his life.
“Man and Mason” is written with the Freemason in mind, but in the
Masonic Notes and Glossary, Bro. Jaffa spends time explaining a bit of the
history of Freemasonry and some of the inner workings of an English lodge
for those less conversant in the fraternity.
For this book and other biographies on Bro. Kipling and others, please
check our website, www.pagrandlodge.org, or call the library, 800-462-0430,
ext. 1933.
24 PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATION
Patriots Class Held in Reading
On Feb. 11, Pennsylvania DeMolay held
the annual Patriots Class at the Scottish Rite
Cathedral in Reading. This class, sponsored by
the Valley of Reading, A.A.S.R., for the past five
years, has traditionally honored Patriots from
the past, including Bros. George Washington
and Benjamin Franklin. This year, Pennsylvania
DeMolay chose to honor a living patriot, Bro.
Russell W. Baker, 33° and Scottish Rite Deputy
for Pennsylvania, who has an outstanding record
of service to his country, to Freemasonry and
to the Order of DeMolay.
New DeMolay members pose with State Master Councilor Matthew Blaisdell, Honored Patriot Russell
Bro. Baker, Assistant Grand Marshal for
Baker and Commander-in-Chief Herbert Swisher of the Valley of Reading, A.A.S.R.
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, served in
the U.S. Navy for 20 years and has lived a life
Following the presentation of patents of of the Pennsylvania DeMolay leadership team.
that is demonstrative of the DeMolay Precept of membership to the members in the class, State
Patriotism, which encourages “patriotism of peace Master Councilor Matthew Blaisdell presented
as well as heroism of war.” His service to DeMolay Bro. Baker with a copy of the Patriot’s Edition
includes support of statewide inductions with of the 1599 Geneva Bible that was signed by
make-up and costuming assistance, participation the new members and all of the DeMolays
in Legion of Honor Conferrals, service as Dean participating in the program. The Bible, a
of the William J. McCulley Legion of Honor copy of the one that was brought to the U.S.
Preceptory, portraying Benjamin Franklin at Colonies on the Mayflower, includes copies
the 2007 Patriots Class and continued support of important historical documents from the
of various DeMolay activities and programs.
“Magna Carta” and the “Mayflower Compact”
The induction ceremonies for the day to the “Declaration of Independence” and the
were organized by the Pennsylvania DeMolay “Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior.”
State Officers, with State Scribe Alexander
Also attending the ceremonies for the day
Temple serving as event chairman. The class were Bro. Herbert Swisher, Commander-in- State Master Councilor Matthew Blaisdell and
included new members from seven different Chief of the Valley of Reading; Bro. Raymond Honored Patriot Russell Baker present a patent of
DeMolay Chapters in Pennsylvania and three Gottschall, III, and Bro. James Ray, Deputy membership to Alexander Pittaro of Chester Pike
new members from Newport Chapter that Executive Officers for Pennsylvania DeMolay; and Chapter, Order of DeMolay, that meets in Prospect
meets in Delaware.
a number of officers of the Valley of Reading and Park.
Jobies Host Super Bowl Party
Bethel 15, Job’s Daughters, Elizabethtown, hosted a Super Bowl party for a crowd of
residents at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown of about 170 people! The usual tailgate
foods of wings, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and chips and dip were served. Lots of fun
was had while watching the teams play it out on the field. Many residents left with full
stomachs and great memories of time spent with the girls.
Behind the table: Katherine Price, Casie Bahn and Marcy Bahn. In front of the table: Corrie Jo Baker,
granddaughter of R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith
Get to Know Us Night
Elizabethtown DeMolay hosted a “Get to Know Us Night” Prospect Party on March 16
in the Masonic Lodge Dining Room of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. The event
included a pizza party and two hours of video games in the Game Truck. Open free of charge
to young men between the ages of 11 and 20, the event yielded eight prospects.
Elizabethtown Chapter isn’t the first DeMolay Chapter to employ the Game Truck as
a fun way to welcome potential members; it also has been successfully used by FriendshipBray Chapter in the Hatboro area and Pilgrim Chapter in Harrisburg.
PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATION 25
May 2012
Youth Unity Weekend
On the weekend of Feb. 24-26, members
of several Masonic youth groups converged
on the Masonic Conference Center-Patton
Campus in Elizabethtown to participate in
the second Masonic Youth Group Unity
Weekend. This event aims to bring together
five Masonic youth groups operating within
the Commonwealth: the Order of DeMolay,
the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, the
Order of Job’s Daughters, the Prince Hall
Grand Council of Knights of Pythagoras,
and the Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls Youth
Department, O.E.S.-P.H.A.
The youth group members met together
in several sessions, learning and applying
lessons that were useful to all involved. Topics
included charitable giving, appropriate dress
for all occasions, Masonic history and time
to get to know more about the customs and
culture of each group. It wasn’t all learning,
though! The group also enjoyed co-ed sports
and crafting activities, a “Jeopardy”-style
game and a dance.
The weekend provided a great opportunity
for the organizations to learn and grow by
taking the best practices from each group
and adapting them to fit their specific
circumstances. The sharing of ideas remains
an important part of this event, and everyone
came away learning something that they can
apply in their youth group. More importantly,
friendships were formed with a commitment
to continue to support each other. A Facebook
group was formed just for those who attended
the 2011 and 2012 Unity Weekends, and for
the purpose of planning for 2013.
HODEGOS 2012 Class Announced
In an effort to recognize the outstanding
efforts of volunteers for the Masonic youth
groups in Pennsylvania, the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania created the HODEGOS Award in
2005. Administered by the Pennsylvania Masonic
Youth Foundation (PMYF), the HODEGOS
Award recognizes truly outstanding adult leaders
of the youth programs.
The award takes its name from a Greek
word hodegos, meaning “a leader, a guide and an
instructor of the inexperienced.” It is awarded
to volunteers who have a minimum of seven
years of service to a Rainbow Girl Assembly,
a Job’s Daughter Bethel or a DeMolay Chapter
in Pennsylvania.
The award consists of a solid gold oval
pin or necklace charm drop bearing the word,
“hodegos,” written in Greek. Its simplicity
and uniqueness is designed to be elegant and
eye-catching, so that recipients will wear it in
their daily activities. It is intended that they
will have the opportunity to explain the youth
program sponsored by the Grand Lodge when
the inevitable question about it comes.
Since the inception of the award, there
have been 50 deserving recipients, and the
class of 2012 includes four more outstanding
youth group volunteers.
The DeMolay honoree this year is R.W.
Grand Master Jay W. Smith, who has been an
Advisor for DeMolay for 28 years and will receive
the HODEGOS Award at the Pennsylvania
DeMolay Convention in York in July.
The 2012 honorees for Job’s Daughters
are Mrs. Deborah Ehrhart, with more than
20 years of service to Bethel No. 1, York, and
Bro. Andrew Freiberg, Brownstone Lodge No.
666, Hershey, who has had 12 years of service
to Bethel No. 17, Hershey. Mrs. Ehrhart and
Bro. Freiberg will receive the award at the
annual Grand Session of Job’s Daughters in
York in June.
The 2012 honoree for Rainbow Girls is
Bro. Donald P. Line, St. John’s Lodge No.
260, Carlisle, who has 35 years of service and
is a Senior Grand Executive for Pennsylvania
Rainbow for Girls. He will be presented with
the award during Pennsylvania Rainbow’s
Grand Assembly in Altoona in July.
HODEGOS nominations will be accepted
from the youth groups for the 2013 class
through the submission deadline of Oct. 15.
A maximum of two volunteers per organization
will be selected. The Masonic Youth Leader
Recognition Committee of the PMYF will
review the nominations. Their selection will be
based upon the record of service provided by the
nominees to the youth groups and testimonial
letters submitted as part of the nomination
process. At least one of these letters must come
from the youth members themselves. Full details
on the nomination procedure are available on
the PMYF web page, www.pmyf.org.
26 MASONIC VILL AGES
MASONIC
VILLAGES’
2012
WISH LIST ITEMS
OFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING
800-599-6454
Thank you to those who have provided for the
following items from last issue’s Wish List:
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
Bro. Jeffrey and Nancy Hoyt: Wheelchairs
Rose D. Weiss: Balcony furniture
Masonic Children’s Home
Evelyn Hunter-Longdon: Theater show tickets
for Longdon Cottage children
Bro. Wayne M. Garafola: Wish list items in
general
Qty Capital Need
Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill
60
Televisions
Dutch Apple Dinner Theater Outing
1
Stand Up Garden
Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise Outing
District of Columbia Museums with Lunch and Transportation
1
Wind Jammer Machine
Baltimore Aquarium with Lunch and Transportation
1
Sit-to-Stand Lift, with Power Base
1
Van with Lift
Masonic Village at Dallas
1
AED with Case
1
Gazebo
Masonic Village at Warminster
7
Wheelchairs
1
Chair Scale
1
Stereo Sound System for Dining Room
Masonic Village at Sewickley
1
Photosmart Compact Printer with Extra Cartridges
1
Hand rail tilt and roll scale
2
Outdoor Tents (size 20 x 20)
1
ARJO Sit-to-Stand Lift
1
4-Channel E Stimulation (Electric)
1
ARJO Maxi Lift
20
Christmas Trees for Festival of Lights in Nursing/Personal Care
1
Home Theater System with I-pod Cradle
1
Wii
2
46-inch Flat Screen Televisions
6
Carpet for Bedrooms
1
Camel Lifting Device System (to be placed & inflated under injured
person)
1
Life Fitness Recumbent Bike
1
MV Television Editing Equipment
1
NuStep
4
Merry Walkers
24
Wheelchair Cushions - Specialty
14
Thermometers
15
Wheelchairs - Specialty
87
APM2 Mattresses 80 x 35 - to prevent skin breakdown
3
Wheelchairs - Tilt & Space
5
Wheelchairs - Broda - for comfort seating at end of life
1
Vital Sign Machine
9
Lifts (Sit-to-Stand) - including estimated shipping
5
Lifts (Sit-to-Stand) with Scale and Shipping
Massages or Healing Touch for Pain
50
Wireless Headphones for TV - used for semi-private rooms w/ two TVs
3
Blanket Warmers
10
Massage Chairs - Heated - to assist with easing pain
2
Keyboards - Digital
1
Steps, Ramps & Curbs
1
Disc Golf Course
Musical Instruments - Castanets, Drums, Shakers, Bells, Tambourines, etc.
Horticulture Gardens - Raised - depending on the size and materials used
10
Cost per Item
$400
$1,500
$1,799
$1,950
$2,400
$3,000
$3,150
$3,500
$45,000
$1,687
$3,970
$275
$1,000
$1,500
$250
$1,550
$1,800
$4,100
$4,400
$7,400
$135
$200
$500
$800
$1,000
$1,800
$2,532
$4,000
$6,332
$350
$500
$650
$1,000
$1,200
$2,000
$2,100
$3,200
$3,800
$5,100
$65
$80
$400
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$10,000
$5-$500
$500-$1,000
MASONIC VILL AGES 27
May 2012
Lodge Makes Children’s Wishes Come True
On March 31, each of the 39 youth
residing at the Masonic Children’s Home in
Elizabethtown, Pa., received a customized
bicycle and helmet courtesy of the 340
members of Jerusalem Masonic Lodge No.
506, Philadelphia.
The lodge paid more than $9,000 from
its charity fund to purchase the gifts for the
children, who range in age from 6-18.
“We are very excited,” Virginia Migrala,
director, children’s services, said. “This
obviously took a lot of time, effort and money
to accomplish, and we’re so grateful.”
Masonic District D has a history of
benevolence when it comes to both the youth
and the senior residents of the Masonic Villages.
Every year, the district hands out chocolate
candy to the senior residents at Christmas
time, and Jerusalem Lodge gives each of the
children a $50 gift card to Kmart. Usually,
Bro. David Tansey, P.M., District Deputy
Grand Master for District D, delivers the gift
cards, but last year, Bro. Robert Stringer, III,
P.M., Jerusalem Lodge, handed them out to
the youth. While talking to Ms. Migrala, he
asked if there was anything the youth really
needed, and she said that she planned to place
new bikes on their Wish List. Bro. Stringer
discussed this request at a meeting with the
lodge’s past masters and incoming Worshipful
Master, Bro. Gerald T. Lienert. They agreed
it was only fair to buy enough bikes for every
child, and that in order to safely ride them,
the youth needed helmets, too. Bro. Tansey
was appointed chairman of the committee to
obtain quotes from several specialty bike shops
and coordinate the purchase and delivery.
According to Bro. Tansey, a co-worker,
Michelle Jones, referred him to the Lancaster
Bike Shop. Not only did the owner of the
shop offer good prices and excellent customer
service, but assisted in the sizing and selection
of the bikes and helmets for each child based
on measurements and made sure they were
individually labeled. Each child was able to
choose the type and color bike that he or
she wanted.
The challenge of transporting them from
the shop to the children’s home was met when
Bro. Tansey reached out to his fellow Widows
Sons Motorcycle Club members, and Bro.
David Poli, Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge
No. 19, Philadelphia, arranged to borrow a
tractor trailer from his employer, All State
Career School, Lester, Pa. He even offered
to drive it himself.
Twenty brethren came along to help
distribute the bikes and helmets to the children.
“The children were so happy we were
here delivering the holidays gifts. I didn’t
know you could see bigger smiles, but after
seeing the bikes being delivered today, I really
believe it,” Bro. Stringer said.
“We were able to come here on this most
beautiful day, and every one of these kids –the
smiles on their faces – make the smiles on
our faces just beam,” Bro. Lienert said. “If it
weren’t for the members of Jerusalem Lodge
No. 506 being 100 percent in favor of this
event – going far beyond what either [myself
or Bro. Stringer] thought it could’ve been ...
I’m so proud of the members of my lodge.
This is what Freemasonry is about, and this
is what we do.”
The youth were very appreciative. “I’m
excited to get this bike because I’ve been
waiting for this moment,” Shinely said. “I’m
very excited you guys donated these to us.”
“I think it’s a great thing what they’re doing
– giving these bikes to people who don’t
have any,” Breana said. “I really thank them
a lot for doing this for us. For spending their
money on us, just showing how much they
really care for us.”
After the children received their bikes
and had an opportunity to test them out on
the children’s home property, the children,
staff and donors enjoyed a celebratory lunch
of pizza and cake together.
Ready for
THAT!
With five locations, thousands of people,
unique architecture and countless activities,
it’s easy to get wrapped up in the allure of the
Masonic Villages. But from all the excitement
emerges one focus: impacting lives.
Mary Ellen Tarman, Hershey Chapter
No. 509, O.E.S., and her husband, Jim, moved
to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
in January 2012. As she explores Masonic
Village, Mary Ellen has volunteered to share
her experiences in a weekly blog so others can
discover what real life looks like at Masonic
Village.
When my husband, Jim, and I told friends
and family we were moving to Masonic Village
in Elizabethtown, the reaction was typically,
“I’m not ready for THAT!” The word, “that,”
sounded as if we were looking forward to a
painful medical procedure. My impression after a month of living here
is that I am ready for THAT, and the change is
welcome and wonderful. …
I joke that Masonic Village is like Penn State
for mature adults. The countryside and buildings
remind me of my University Park days and how
I viewed its campus as a freshman. There was
no other place to “retire,” and a determination
to live at Masonic Village never wavered.
Our “game plan” had four major requirements:
being able to garden, keeping our dogs, having
adequate swimming facilities and continuing
our Internet book business.
Green Thumb
We didn’t move until Jan. 11, 2012, but
a need to begin planting garlic, rhubarb and
heirloom iris was not going to wait until spring.
We were assigned a large garden plot in October
2011, when we began planting early crops and
readying the bed for spring. It was joyous to be
in the fresh air putting in our crops and turning
over the soil!
Man’s Best Friend
After our move-in date was set, one of our
dogs died, and we moved here with our Chinese
Shar Pei, Charlotte. Our dogs were used to a
fenced yard, and Masonic Village would have
allowed an invisible, underground fence, but we
opted for a leash.
A Fish Takes to Water
I am used to swimming seven days a week.
Here, we have the Patton Pool which is open in
the afternoon and evening for lap swimming.
That was an adjustment, as I am used to a
6:30 a.m. swim and a heated sauna! But the
pool is large and the water is at a comfortable
temperature. The smaller Flohr Pool is for water
exercises and soaking, and I’m excited to try the
outdoor Brossman Pool this summer.
Down to Business
We were fortunate to get a Garfield Drive
cottage with a basement we outfitted with our
book shelves holding 4,000+ books and mailing
supplies. We have been selling books since the
1980s, when we started with catalog sales. In
the 1990s, we expanded to selling books at local
antique co-ops, and from 1994 to 2000, we
operated a used book shop in Hummelstown. By
the time we closed, Internet sales had overtaken
the amount of shop business. Books have been
an important component of our lives, and we
were pleased and grateful that the needs of our
book business were more than admirably met.
Services and amenities offered here definitely
make it possible for us to maintain our lifestyle
without the burden of tasks and responsibilities
we don’t mind leaving behind. ... Perhaps you
will agree you are “ready for that!”
Learn more about retirement living at
the Masonic Village straight from a resident
who is living it by visiting www.facebook.
com/masonicvillages and following Mary
Ellen’s blog in the notes section. The blog is
also on the Masonic Village’s website, www.
masonicvillagespa.org, on the Elizabethtown
page, for those who do not use Facebook. From
moving tips to puppy problems and a Saint
Patrick’s Day experience, Mary Ellen touches
on all aspects of life at Masonic Village.
May 2012
Masonic Village at Dallas
Located in the hills of the Northeast Mountains, Masonic Village at Dallas provides retirement living
apartments and villas in a quaint community. Touring the upgraded model home can give you ideas for
your own villa, whether it be granite counter tops, crown molding, hardwood flooring or so much more!
Connections with local colleges and universities expand residents’ lifelong learning, fitness, recreational
and social opportunities to provide a fulfilling lifestyle.
For information about upcoming events, call 570-675-1866.
Villa Open House: Sunday, May 6 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Evening Open House: Wednesday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m.
With its location amidst an award-winning farm, within walking distance of the center of town and next
to the railroad station – which provides easy access to local cities – Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
provides the prime location for every lifestyle. Whether you like to travel or stay close to home, enjoy
peace of mind and security in a spacious apartment, suite or cottage. A variety of accommodations are
available for immediate reservation, including brand new cottages.
Walking Tour & Open House: Thursday, May 10 at 1 p.m.
Annual Open House: Wednesday, June 6 at 10 a.m.
Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill
As a close-knit community, residents at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill see friends everywhere they
go. Amenities, such as a bowling alley, wood shop, library, computer lab, wellness center and frequent
events provide bountiful recreational opportunities. Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, residents
also can explore the city’s cultural appeal, while returning home to a tree-lined campus.
Open House Presentation: Wednesday, May 16 at 10 a.m.
Cello Concert & Tours: Tuesday, June 12 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Open House Presentation: Thursday, July 12 at 10 a.m.
Masonic Village at Sewickley
As a Lifecare community, Masonic Village at Sewickley protects your hard-earned assets after retirement.
Even more, this community’s culture exudes friendship; neighbors gather regularly, and strangers come
together over dinner. Nearby Pittsburgh provides opportunities to enjoy the arts and recreation of the
city, while the on-campus apartments and villas in various floor plans provide options for everyone.
Flower Forum: Wednesday, May 23 at 10 a.m.
Antique Roadshow: Wednesday, June 27 at 10 a.m.
Lifecare Seminar: Thursday, July 26 at 10 a.m.
Masonic Villages’ Admissions Policy
Admissions to the Masonic Villages are governed by the Committee on Masonic Homes, members of which are elected by the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania. The Committee on Masonic Homes approves or disapproves applications for admission primarily on the basis of need. Decisions
concerning admission, the provision of services and referrals of residents are not based upon the applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, ancestry,
national origin, familial status, age, sex, limited English proficiency (LEP) or any other protected status.
Regardless of your financial situation, you can afford to move to a Masonic Village! When you choose to live at the Masonic Villages, you are
not required to turn over your assets; you maintain complete control of them. Fraternal support enables the Masonic Villages to serve all eligible
individuals as part of our Mission of Love.
Please contact the Admissions or Marketing Office at the Masonic Village of your preference for information on the living area desired. For
more information, visit www.masonicvillagespa.org.
Masonic Reunion
PA Masons
Reunite in Florida
More than 700 Pennsylvania Masons, their wives and widows who reside permanently in Florida or who visit there
during the winter, attended the Florida Masonic Reunions. Held in March in Tampa, Sarasota and Palm Beach Gardens,
the reunions provided opportunities for the attendees to receive information
on services provided at the Masonic Villages. R.W. Grand Master Jay W.
Smith presented eligible members in attendance with their years of service
emblems and awards.
Bro. Gerald C. Berry, Joseph Warren
Lodge No. 726, Youngsville, (center) is honored
by the Grand Lodge officers at the Tampa Airport Marriott on
March 15 after being presented his 70-Year Masonic Service Emblem.
Where Caring is a Tradition
The Masonic Village at Warminster’s Masonic Eastern Star Home
provides residents with comfort, companionship and a life of dignity and
security. The staff is dedicated to providing each resident a gratifying
lifestyle while accommodating individual needs.
Offering quality nursing care and personal care services, the mission
of the Masonic Village at Warminster includes serving individuals in
Philadelphia County who are day-one Medicaid recipients.
For a tour or for more information, call 215-672-2500,
or email [email protected].
850 Norristown Road • Warminster, PA 18974
Autumn
Day
2012
Mark Your Calendar
Saturday, September 22
at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
May 2012
Mission of Love Indeed!
Everyone connected with Freemasonry
in Pennsylvania can take tremendous pride in
the Masonic Village’s Mission of Love. It has
over a century-long record of compassion and
practical help that is matched by few charities.
Visionary Masonic leaders in the early
20th century created the Mission of Love as
the expression of the fraternity’s values of
brotherly love, charity and truth. Holding
fast to these values, generations of donors
have stepped forward to support the Mission
of Love.
The cornerstone has always been
compassionate caring for the dignity of human
beings. This has taken practical form over
the years in a range of charities, including
the Masonic Villages and Masonic Children’s
Home. These have made a difference in
thousands of lives, and continue to do so
day in and day out.
For a resident of the Masonic Villages
whose funds have been depleted, the Mission
of Love provides dignified living. For a resident
needing health care who lacks the resources
to pay, it enables the highest quality care. For
a child whose future is in doubt, the Masonic
Children’s Home is truly a life giver. These
Masonic Villages examples are but a few of the
many ways that the Mission of Love reaches
into lives, and helps where needed most.
As a major charity under the Mission
of Love, the Masonic Villages must be an
excellent steward of donors’ contributions.
It must be financially healthy, accountable
and transparent in its operations. In these
criteria, Masonic Villages is proud to have
received the highest rating of “Exceptional”
from Charity Navigator, America’s leading
independent charity evaluator. This rating
means “Exceeds industry standards and
outperforms most charities in its Cause.”
From the beginning, the Masonic Homes,
as the jewel in the Mission of Love crown, was
a whole fraternity effort. As the Committee
on Masonic Homes wrote in 1909, “… we
solicit the zealous co-operation of the whole
fraternity … (to) present to each other and
the world the highest development of our
fraternity and philanthropy.”
Today thousands of donors, through
outright contributions, gifts that pay lifetime
income to donors or planned gifts such as
bequests, continue to support the Mission
of Love through the Masonic Villages and
Masonic Children’s Home. In doing so, they
demonstrate the importance in their own
lives of this principal Masonic value, and
help to ensure its continuation after our
generations pass.
When preparing your estate plan or
changing your will, please consider supporting
the Mission of Love by including the Masonic
Villages or Masonic Children’s Home for a
charitable bequest. For information on how
to do this, please call us at 800-599-6454,
email [email protected], or visit
www.masonicvillagespa.org/giftplanning.php.
Knowledgeable staff are available to listen
and respond to any questions you may have.
Thank you!
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
IN SEASON
Hundreds of jarred goods including preserves,
jams, fruit butters and much much more.
Visit our online catalog and ship directly to
your home at MVFarmmarket.com
Follow us on Facebook
to see what is in season.
Hours: Mon. - Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • 717-361-4520
MVfarmmarket.com • One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown
Located on the grounds of the Masonic Village • We accept FNMP checks
MasonicVillage
FARM MARKET
The world’s #1
procrastination?
(next to paying taxes)
Preparing
(or changing) your will.
REPLY FORM
Complete and mail this form to:
Office of Gift Planning, Masonic Charities, One Masonic Dr.,
Elizabethtown, PA 17022 • Telephone: 800-599-6454
 I have questions about estate planning. Please call me.
 Please send me your four-part series of articles on estate planning
and a simple listing of the free estate planning services you offer
to Masonic families.
 I have one or more of the following questions about planning.
Please call me.
 Can I take care of my family first, and still make a charitable
bequest?
 My spouse and I own property jointly. Does this affect planning?
 I’ve heard of “Living Trusts.” Are they useful?
 Can planning arrange for extended income for my children?
 How can I best avoid taxes on my estate?
 Are there benefits of a Masonic bequest?
Name:___________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________
City:_______________________ State:______ Zip:_________
Telephone:________________________________________________
Email:___________________________________________________
Masonic Charities can help.
“I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.”
Preparing or changing your will and estate planning documents
is all too easy to put off ... and just as risky to your legacy and
to your heirs.
As a complimentary service for our Masonic families, Masonic
Charities can help you get off the dime and set the process in
motion. We’ll tell you:
•the main components of a proper estate plan
•how to prepare for a meeting with your attorney
•common pitfalls to avoid
•if your current documents will achieve your goals
•how to include charitable gifts if you desire
•if we can help further
We would welcome a call 800-599-6454 or email,
[email protected], whether or not you are planning
to include Masonic Charities in your estate plan. Or, visit our
website http://www.masonicvillagespa.org/giftplanning.php.
Note: The educational information Masonic Charities can provide
is not intended to be a substitute for retention of your own attorney.
Financial information about Masonic Charities can be obtained by contacting us at 1-800-599-6454. In addition, Masonic Charities is required to file financial information with several states. Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of
registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, (303) 894-2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us/. Florida: SC No. 00774, A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. Georgia: full and fair description of the programs and activities of Masonic Charities and its financial
statement are available upon request at the address indicated above. Illinois: Contracts and reports regarding Masonic Charities are on file with the Illinois Attorney General. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (800) 825-4510. Michigan: MICS No. 11796 Mississippi: The official registration
and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS
CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES
NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. New York: A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North
Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA
23218. Washington: The notice of solicitation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of Masonic Charities is available from the Secretary of State,
and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305.
REGISTRATION IN THE ABOVE STATES DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION OF MASONIC CHARITIES BY THE STATE.

May 2012 Vol. LIX, No. 2

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