Aug. 2014 Vol. LXI, No. 3

Transcription

The Pennsylvania
AUGUST 2014 edition vol. Lx1 no. 3
Arthur James Kurtz
Remembering
1919 - 2014
Establishing
Autumn Day 2014
THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON®
VOL. LXI, AUGUST 2014, NO. 3
©2014 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania
Inside this Issue...
EDITORIAL BOARD
Chairman
Robert J. Bateman, R.W.G.M.
Raymond T. Dietz, R.W.D.G.M.
S. Eugene Herritt, R.W.S.G.W.
Thomas Gamon, IV, 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 Pennsylvania Staff
3 Grand Lodge
(Publication No. USPS 426-140) August 2014 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@
masonicvillages.org. Except by special arrangement, all
articles, photographs and artwork become the property of
the Grand Lodge.
• Grand Master’s Message
• June Quarterly Communication Highlights
• Annual PA-Ohio Brotherhood Night
• A Leap Forward in Online Communications
• Up in the Cloud
• Masonic Education Certificates Update
• Change for the Troops
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.
• Random Acts of Kindness & Community Service
• Congratulations to ...
• Honoring Our First Responders
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) August 1, 2014, 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: Robert J. Bateman. 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 124,000 each quarter.
I certify that the statements made by me are correct and
complete.
Robert J. Bateman, 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.
10 Lodge and District
16 Freemason
• Masonic Book Review
• PA Academy of Masonic Knowledge
• A Super Addition to Autumn Day
• In Memoriam: R.W.P.G.M. Arthur James Kurtz
• Annual Youth Appreciation Day 2014
20 PA Masonic Youth Foundation
• Masonic Youth Group Events
• DeMolay Grants Highest Honor to 36 Leaders
• Scholarship Award History Exceeds $1 Million
• Lodge Supports PMYF
24 Masonic Villages
• Autumn Day 2014
• How to Choose a Retirement Community
• Bro. Tim Templeton Helps Lead Masonic Villages
• Plaque Dedication Memorializes Philanthropist
• 2014 Wish List Items
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Dear Brethren and Ladies,
Summer has arrived, most of the lodges are dark and our brethren
are enjoying a time of relaxation, contemplation and retrospection.
Freemasonry in Pennsylvania has been very busy the past seven
months with our Membership Retention committees working hard,
Grand Lodge and district visitations, lodge banquets, parades, D.D.G.M.
presentations, officer workshops, one day classes, family night programs,
first responders programs, Change for the Troops events at Willow Grove
Air Base and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and our Quarterly
Communication in Erie.
This is a wonderful and proud time for Pennsylvania Freemasonry.
Our brethren and our families are enjoying Freemasonry together, and it
feels good when we, as a family, continue to engage in new and exciting
activities. Our Change for the Troops program is expanding to extend
assistance to those who need help returning to civilian life, along with
the other efforts already in the works. Thanks to the generosity of our
Masonic family, I am proud to say we have collected over $744,000
to assist our military heroes and their families. Please continue your
generous contributions; we still have a lot of help to offer.
Brethren, I have stated in my remarks when attending our lodges
throughout the state, that this is the time to take advantage of Grand
Lodge’s generosity to assist your lodge to increase its financial income.
All you need to do is increase your membership while maintaining
current membership in both 2014 and 2015. These details are stated in
the Inaugural Edition of the “The Pennsylvania Freemason” magazine.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! You never know when the next
opportunity will come your way. Worshipful Masters, you need to make
sure that your membership retention committees are working hard to
assure that our brethren who have been suspended for nonpayment of
dues and those brethren who have resigned in the past three years have
been contacted. This will definitely aid your lodge in membership growth.
Some brethren may say that we need more quality members, not
just quantity. I say to every Pennsylvania Freemason that I believe
no member in our fraternity would recommend any person who they
would not invite as a guest into their home. Brethren, don’t be afraid
to invite a good and worthy man to become a Mason. This way, you
know already that this man is under the tongue of good Masonic report.
All first-line signers on a petition will receive a sunshade for the
windshield of his vehicle as my personal gift. They will also have a
chance to win a $1,000 gift card for being a first-line signer on a petition
for initiation and membership, or for a brother who wants membership
in Pennsylvania Masonry from another jurisdiction. I ask you to please
use this sunshade every time you park your vehicle.
Please don’t forget our Masonic youth groups. We need to support
and get involved with our future. Our Masonic youth groups are very
active and growing. One Rainbow assembly was instituted in Macungie
in April, one will be instituted in September in Concordville, and
a pledge group started in Mount Joy. There is interest in starting a
DeMolay chapter in Pottstown, one in the Monoquesy area, and one
in the White Haven area. Job’s Daughters are working on starting up
a new bethel in Broomall. Brethren, let’s get together and show our
support for the growth of our Masonic youth. If we don’t show them
that we care, then how do we expect them to show us they care? We
now have 690 DeMolay, 295 Rainbow and 181 Job’s Daughters in our
Masonic youth programs. I am sure we all know a young man or lady
who would love to belong to one of our youth programs. Let’s help to
make a difference in a child’s life.
An eternal flame is being installed at the Veterans Grove at the
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown to pay homage to all active military,
our veterans, and all those heroes who gave their lives for our freedom.
The above photo is of the ground breaking for this spectacular project.
We will celebrate this event at Autumn Day, Sept. 20. The dedication
is building up to be a monumental experience for all those who will be
in attendance that day. I assure you this event will not be forgotten in
the minds and hearts of all in attendance. Please make a note of this
occasion on your calendar. All information as to how you can support
this effort is provided on pp. 24-25.
Brethren and ladies, please have an enjoyable, safe and healthy
summer. Let’s all look forward to continuing the rest of our Masonic
journey through 2014. Just remember: if we want Masonry to grow, we
should nurture it with brotherly love and affection; use the blueprints
and designs from the past, the tools of the present and our dreams to
build the future for our great fraternity. God bless the United States
of America, God bless our great and beloved fraternity, and God bless
all of you.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Robert J. Bateman
R.W. Grand Master
4 GR AND LODGE
Pennsylvania Freemason
June Quarterly Communication Highlights
On June 21, 258 members, representing 119 lodges, and one visitor
were present for the June Quarterly Communication at the Bayfront
Convention Center in Erie.
Grand Secretary Mark Haines presented membership statistics
for the Masonic year ending Dec. 27, 2013. With 12 lodge mergers and
one new lodge constituted in 2013, the number of lodges decreased
from 428 in 2012 to 417 in 2013. Membership decreased from 109,790
in 2012 to 107,731 in 2013. While 3,499 members were admitted,
initiated or restored in 2013, the overall membership decreased due to
suspensions, expulsions, resignations and deaths, accounting for the
loss of 5,558 members.
Resolutions were presented to amend the “Ahiman Rezon,”
specifically related to the election of Grand Officers and Masonic
Villages’ Board of Directors, as well as qualifications for becoming a
Past District Deputy Grand Master.
R.W. Grand Master Robert J. Bateman presented the Outstanding
Service Award to Bro. William M. Kratzenberg, P.D.D.G.M.-54 and
Deputy Chief Aide to the Grand Master (top photo).
Grand Master Bateman also presented a Masonic sunshade to
Bro. Brian R. Page, W.M., Lake Erie Lodge No. 347, Girard, for being
a first-line signer on a petition (middle photo).
R.W. Senior Grand Warden S. Eugene Herritt presented Academy of
Masonic Knowledge Masonic Scholar collars to Bros. Shawn M. Gorley,
Wilmington Lodge No. 804, New Wilmington, and Richard F. Muth,
P.M., St. James Lodge No. 457, Beaver (bottom photo - the recipients are
congratulated by Grand Master Bateman).
A eulogy for R.W. Past Grand Master Arthur J. Kurtz was given by
R.W. Past Grand Master Samuel C. Williamson (see pp. 16-17).
Contributions from lodges to the Masonic Charities totaled $14,000.
Grand Master Bateman announced the December Quarterly
Communication will be held at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia
at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014.
Annual Pennsylvania - Ohio
Brotherhood Night
The Annual Pennsylvania-Ohio Brotherhood Night is being hosted by the Lodge of
the Craft/Westminster Lodge No. 433 on Tuesday evening, Sept, 16, at the Valley of New
Castle, Scottish Rite Building located at 110 East Lincoln Ave., New Castle, PA 16101.
Grand Master Bateman requests that brethren interested in attending notify their District
Deputy Grand Master so that Grand Lodge may prepare for the estimated attendance.
GR AND LODGE 5
August 2014
A LEAP FORWARD in Online Communication
To augment our information and communication efforts, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is preparing to enhance our current
technological capabilities, add new ones and expand the reach of our computer systems to put them in the hands of every member who has
such an inclination. Making these changes is necessary to make the tasks involved in running the fraternity easier, to enhance communication
among all members and to help safeguard against information and technology breaches that have become so common in recent times.
We are extremely fortunate to have the services of a talented corps of volunteer IT specialists made up of members from throughout the
jurisdiction who have offered to expend tremendous effort toward the success of this project. However, each member will have a part to play
in making this project successful, and thereby helping to ensure that we pass a vibrant and healthy organization onto the next generation.
Up in the Cloud by Bro. David Koppel, Web Programmer
Technology is constantly coming up with
new gadgets, gizmos, ideas and jargon. Many of
these are little more than fads and disappear
quickly; however, others stick around and
eventually become important enough that
they’re hard to ignore.
The idea of “cloud” technology is one
that seems to be here to stay. More and more
companies are embracing the cloud, and new
services are being offered from the cloud on
a frequent basis.
So what, exactly, is the cloud?
Put at its simplest, a service is “in the
cloud” when you have to connect your computer
(or smart phone or tablet) to computers (or a
server) somewhere else that do all of the work
for you, rather than a local device. The term
“cloud” refers to the fact that the computers
running this software can be located in any
number of geographic areas.
When you check your email, you’re most
likely getting it from the cloud. If you’ve ever
used Dropbox to share files with someone, you’ve
used the cloud. Other examples include Skype,
LinkedIn, Evernote, Salesforce and Workday.
Which leads to another question: What’s
the difference between a website and the cloud?
In reality, the difference isn’t very well defined,
but most people seem to agree that there is one.
Characteristics most commonly associated
with cloud applications or services are:
• You don’t have to be connected to the
Internet the entire time you are using it. For
example, you can compose your email and
then connect to the Internet later to send it.
• You don’t have to use an Internet browser
to use it and can instead use other programs
specifically designed to work with that cloud
application. Opening your email through
Microsoft Outlook or a mail application on
your smart phone is a good example of this.
• You can customize how it looks, feels and
works, and the changes you make remain,
even if you switch from your computer to your
phone to use it.
• Not everything considered cloud-based
has all of these characteristics, but they usually
have at least one.
The burning question many people have
about cloud services is: Is it safe to use? The idea
of sending your user name and password, personal
information or even credit card information
over the Internet is one that raises a lot of
reasonable concerns. However, cloud computing
is no different than any other service on the
Internet. The security and safety of using the
service depends on the company running it
and your personal safety habits.
There is nothing about being on the cloud
that makes software inherently less secure than
anything else on the Internet. Most big name
cloud providers have put enough effort into
security that they tend to be safer than other
things you may do on the Internet. Companies
that offer cloud services are often reliant upon
their good reputation. A little research and
good choices about password security can go
a long way toward preventing cloud services
from “raining” on your online parade.
Education Certificates Update
Certificates will be sent out to everyone who completed one or more of the Masonic Law, Masonic History and Mentor Program
courses on the Masonic Education site, www.pamasons.net/education/. In order to complete a course, you must pass each quiz for that
course with a score of 80 percent or better. The certificates will be mailed sometime soon, so keep an eye on your mailbox! If you haven’t
taken the courses, you can still participate; we’ll send out more certificates periodically.
6 GR AND LODGE
CHANGE FOR THE TROOPS
PREVIOUSLY HELP FOR OUR HEROES
Change for the Troops Hosts 2nd Baby Shower
for PA National Guard Service Members
Evelyn Mandel, wife of Bro. Marvin Mandel,
hands out the knit infant hats that she made.
On May 17, Change for the Troops
provided 20 expectant Pennsylvania
National Guard service members’
families (13 Army and seven Air Force)
at Fort Indiantown Gap with much
needed items in anticipation of the
birth of their children. Six families in
attendance currently have a service
member deployed overseas, and the
other 14 families serve within the
Commonwealth full-time. In addition
to learning about the importance of
healthy eating, stress relief and caring for
their baby, the expectant mothers played
a shower game. They received items
including diapers, wipes, clothing, toys,
gift cards and much more. Highlights of
the afternoon included the presentation
to each family of a video monitor and
travel stroller system with an infant car
seat.
Bro. Marvin Mandel, D.D.G.M.-B,
represented R.W. Grand Master Bateman
at the event.
One
expectant
Pennsylvania
National Guard solider could not attend
due to duty responsibilities; however, the
Pennsylvania National Guard and local
Masons partnered together to provide a
surprise baby shower for her on June 3.
A military couple shows off their new infrared
baby video monitor.
“SGT Spangenberg was surprised,
happy and very appreciative,” said Sgt.
Maj. Bro. Mark A. Todero, Pine Grove
Lodge No. 409, who represented the
fraternity at this event.
To all,
I just wanted to thank everyone for
your support and generous gifts to our
service members and their families.
- A
nna Richar
Chuckles the Shrine clown invited any military
and their families to the Shrine circus for free.
Airman & Family Readiness
Program Manager
111th Fighter Wing, Horsham, PA
GR AND LODGE 7
August 2014
Expectant mother and Pennsylvania National Guard solider SGT Spangenberg poses for a picture
with her fellow guardsmen and women, along with Sgt. Maj. Bro. Mark A. Todero, during her
surprise shower.
National Sojourners perform a flag ceremony
during the shower.
Thank you so much for the amazing baby shower! It was so nice to meet all of you and share in the excitement of this joyous time in our
lives! I was overwhelmed by your generosity and support and feel truly blessed. Thank you so much for all of the wonderful baby goodies.
Sofia will look adorable in the baby clothes and I’m sure she will enjoy playing with all of her new toys! I am so excited to try out the baby
monitor; it is so high-tech! And the stroller and car seat was such an unexpected surprise! Our baby will be traveling around in style! Also,
the gift card is very much appreciated – there are still so many things we have to purchase; our list is a mile long, so it will be put to good use.
I can’t wait to have fun choosing lots of cute baby things.
Thank you! Coo-rah!
- Kristin & Maris Hubbard
PA Masons Recognized for Helping Heroes
On April 9, R.W. Grand Master Robert J. Bateman hosted
the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst team at the Grand Lodge
in Philadelphia and was pleased to accept a plaque recognizing all
Pennsylvania Masons for their support of the military who ensure
our Masonic rights to meet in a free country. Also in attendance
were staff from The Veterans Group, who are committed to the
health and welfare of homeless veterans.
First row, l-r: Grand Master Bateman; Amy Thomas, with Family
Advocacy; and Bro. and Col. Harris Brooks, Lodge No. 126, Philadelphia.
Second row, l-r: Cynthia Freier, Michelle Nelson, April Ashjian, Shaleen
Anderson and Brenda Pollack, all with Family Advocacy.
Third row, l-r: Don Divis and Leona Rader with the Military and Family
Support Center; Justin Ashjian, MSgt USAF; Bro. James Wiesensee, W.M.,
Laurel Lodge No. 237, New Jersey; and Andrea Cramer, with the Support
Center.
Fourth row, l-r: Bro. Cliff Skinner, a Prince Hall Mason; Matt Dunphy and
Nicholas Loyle, with The Veterans Group; and Bro. Ricardo S. Pena, MSgt
USAF, Laurel Lodge No. 237, New Jersey.
8 LODGE AND DISTRICT
Random Acts of Kindness
& Lodge Community Service Initiatives
“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.”~ Arthur Ashe
Helping others by performing random acts of kindness and community service has a dual benefit. Not only does it provide support to
those on the receiving end, but it promotes emotional well-being for the helper, too. Each act and service can create great memories that
will last a lifetime. The many benefits of helping others can encourage the continuation of touching the lives of people you may never have
met before. Visit www.pagrandlodge.org/rak to enter your random acts of kindness on the registry.
Riding for a Cause
Members of General James Chambers
Lodge No. 801, Chambersburg, held their
third annual motorcycle ride to benefit the
Masonic Children’s Home on May 31. More
than 40 riders and 12 participants attended
this year’s event, and five of the riders rode
police motorcycles. The ride was approximately
80 miles and stretched from Chambersburg
to Elizabethtown. Along with the Masonic
Children’s Home, the more than $1,600 raised
will support other Masonic youth programs, as
well as the Chambersburg Area Senior High
School Navy JROTC program to assist with
uniform and travel expenses.
Pancake Breakfast
On March 29, Springfield-Hanby Lodge
No. 767’s charity committee held its 53rd
annual Pancake Breakfast in the Springfield
Masonic Temple. Twenty-five members and
visiting brethren helped to prepare and serve
pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages and orange
juice to approximately 400 people. Chester
Pike DeMolay assisted by busing tables and
holding a bake sale. A few breakfast visitors
even walked away with petitions in their hands.
R.W. Grand Master Robert J. Bateman
showed up early in the morning to start
preparing the eggs for the day’s event. Brethren
from Concordia Lodge No. 61, Jenkintown,
and other lodges in the Philadelphia area
also attended.
Adopt a Highway
King Solomon’s Lodge No. 346,
Connellsville, held its bi-annual Adopt-aHighway clean-up on April 26 at the Pleasant
Valley Masonic Center. The team of brethren
adopted a 1.7 mile stretch of highway that
runs in front of their lodge, and they have a
Community Service Committee dedicated to
conducting annual community projects. After
finishing the project together, the clean-up
team enjoyed quality social time.
Bro. Raymond W. Bryant and Grand Master
Bateman prepare eggs for the breakfast.
Helping Hands of
Freemasonry 2014
Join Philadelphia-area Masons for their 4th annual day of
giving to those who are truly in need so they may feed and clothe
the homeless in Center City Phialdephia. If you cannot participate
on Nov. 9, at 2 p.m., in Love Park for the event, you may show your
support by donating the following items: hats, coats, scarves, gloves,
socks, sleeping bags, assorted bags, sneakers, bottled water, granola
bars, packs of crackers and easy-to-open soup. For more information,
contact Bros. Jeff Templeton or Cruz Rivera at 215-254-5157.
LODGE AND DISTRICT 9
August 2014
Congratulations to…
1
2
1. On June 13, the oldest living Past Master of
Ashara-Casiphia Lodge No. 551, Mt. Joy, Bro.
George Endslow, P.M., received his 70-year
Service Emblem. He served as Worshipful Master
of Ashara Lodge No. 398 in 1948. Bro. George’s
brother, Bro. James Endslow, is the second oldest
living Past Master, having served as Worshipful
Master of the lodge in 1951.
l-r Bros. Jeffrey Kauffman, W.M., Ashara-Casiphia
Lodge No. 551; George Endslow, and Larry Derr,
D.D.G.M.-1.
2. On April 8, Bro. Ernest L. Sheets, Covenant
Lodge No. 473, Cambridge Springs, received
his 70-year Masonic Service Emblem from
Bro. Bernard D. Hanmore, D.D.G.M.-25. In
June 1942, Bro. Sheets enlisted in the U.S.
Coast Guard, and two years later, he joined the
fraternity in Hawaii. He transferred to Covenant
Lodge in 1988.
3. Larry Derr, D.D.G.M.-1, presented the 2013
School of Instruction Participation Award
trophy to Bro. Alan Parker, W.M., Lodge No.
43, Lancaster, on March 12. In 2013, a total
of 601 brethren from the district’s 10 lodges
attended the school.
3
4
5
Worshipful Master and Representative to the
Grand Lodge and the District as an Instructor at
the District School of Instruction in Uniontown.
l-r: Bros. Robert Farquahar, D.D.G.M.-31; Joseph
Rode, P.M.; and David Simmons, W.M.
6. Bro. Carl G. Paylor, Mount Zion Lodge No.
774, McConnellsburg, was inducted into the
Fulton County Sports Hall of Fame on April
4. While attending McConnellsburg High
School, Bro. Paylor won the Pennsylvania State
High School Pole Vaulting Championship in
1947, 1948 and 1949. In 1949, Bro. Paylor set
a new state record of 12’ 3.75”. Bro. Paylor also
played baseball, and as a junior, he was invited
to participate in a Boston Braves practice at
Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. By his senior year,
Bro. Paylor was scouted by many major league
teams. In 1949, he signed to play with the
Lockport Reds, a Cincinnati Red’s farm team.
After serving with the U.S. Army in Korea, Bro.
Paylor returned home to continue playing with
the Utah Ogden Pioneers until he retired in
1958 with a career high batting average of .348.
4. Bro. Robert Burdick was presented with a
Grand Lodge certificate for his dedicated years
of service to the fraternity and a Grand Master’s
pin by Bro. Willis L. Stephens, P.M., Titusville
Lodge No. 754.
7. The Harrisburg Chapter No. 76, National
Sojourners, received the Organization/Agency
Award on June 5 from the Pennsylvania
Therapeutic Recreation Society for assisting
in the development and execution of veterans
events at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown,
including the annual Massing of the Colors flag
display and memorial.
5. In April, Robert Farquhar, D.D.G.M.-31,
presented Bro. Joseph Rode, P.M., Brownsville
Lodge No. 60, the Century Award for having
given over 100 degrees. Bro. Rode has been a
member since 1987 and has served the lodge as
Bro. Dennis Malcolm, Indiana-Franklin Lodge
No. 313, Indiana, was recently presented with
the General Douglas MacArthur Youth Award
by the Grand Lodge of the state of New York for
his exemplary service to the youth of New York.
6
7
Honoring Our
First Responders
Lodges across the state dedicated programming during the
month of May to honoring and celebrating our first responders,
who put their lives on the line daily to ensure our safety. The
following articles feature ways in which brethren recognized
these brave heroes.
Visit by Grand Master Bateman
On May 15, R.W. Grand Master Robert J. Bateman made a
personal visit to the stated meeting of Concordia Lodge No. 67,
Jenkintown, to personally honor and recognize the first responders
of Jenkintown’s police, fire and emergency service departments for
their service to the community.
Grand Master Bateman presented each first responder with one
of his first responder pins to remind them that the Masonic fraternity,
as well as members of the community, are eternally grateful for their
services. Before adjourning for the evening, Worshipful Master James
Day presented donations to the first responder units.
Mock car crash at Riverview High School
25 Years of Service
On May 8, Worshipful
Master Frank Morgan,
Harmony Lodge No. 429,
Zelienople, presented Grand
Master Bateman’s first
responder pin to Bro. Todd
A. Pohuski, who has served
25 years with the Ellwood City
Fire Department (pictured
at right).
Grand Master Bateman awards first responder pins.
“Thank You” from Masons and the Community
At the first responder recognition event held by Verona Lodge
No. 548 on May 6, responders from local fire departments, police
departments and emergency services were presented with Grand
Master Bateman’s first responder pins in recognition of their hard
work. The lodge members and first responders then enjoyed hot
roast beef sandwiches and cake in the lodge’s social room. The event
served as a “thank you” to the local first responders from both the
lodge and the local community.
As one example of first responders’ community service efforts,
the week prior to the event, they organized a mock car crash at
Riverview High School. The mock crash was part of the school’s Safe
Schools Program held during prom week to help students understand
the potential results of making bad choices.
An Evening Dedication
On May 12, officers and members of Manheim Lodge No. 587
honored 38 local heroes from various police forces, fire departments,
ambulance services and the 911 call centers in the Manheim and
Lititz areas. All were recognized with first responder pins and a cake
(pictured below).
August 2014
Honoring while Learning
Over 50 first responders were in attendance on May 17 when
Huguenot Lodge No. 377, Kutztown, held an event to honor their
dedication to the community. First responders from the Fleetwood,
Virginville, Lyons, Kutztown, Walnuttown and surrounding areas
brought 17 pieces of equipment to the event and demonstrated the
use of each one. The first responders allowed kids and adults to sit
in the 10 fire trucks and utility vehicles, four ambulances and two
police vehicles. The lodge received a special visit from the MedEvac
helicopter (pictured below), which the pilot skillfully landed behind
the building. Visitors and lodge members were allowed to sit in the
helicopter for photographs. Also during the day, Huguenot Lodge
processed 17 children during a CHIP event. The first responders
demonstrated how vital CHIP is to them when there is an emergency.
Worshipful Master Jesse L. Tamburino welcomed the first
responders and thanked them for their service to the community,
after which he and his wardens distributed first responder pins in
honor of their service.
A Backyard Barbecue
One hundred people, including 60 first responders from four fire
and EMS companies and six police departments were in attendance at
the Saucon Lodge No. 469, Coopersburg, outdoor barbecue (pictured
below). There were eight fire trucks, two ambulances and six police
vehicles, as well as a police canine unit demonstration.
Ten children won $10 gift cards to a local ice cream store and
all 20 children in attendance were treated to ice cream at the event.
The first responders were very appreciative of the recognition of their
critical role in the community’s safety.
A Joint Celebration
Local responders were honored at a joint program hosted by
Washington Lodge No. 164 and Sunset Lodge No. 623, Washington
(pictured below). The honored guests were from the local ambulance
services, police and fire departments. Each first responder was
recognized with a pin provided by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Dinner and Dogs
Quakertown Lodge No. 512 had 40 first responders from four
fire companies and a police department plus an additional 20 family
members in attendance at its first responder recognition event. Before
the ceremony, the Quakertown police canine unit did a demonstration
with their dogs and answered a variety of questions from an enthusiastic
crowd. All of the guests and members in attendance also enjoyed a
buffet dinner sponsored by the lodge. Unused food was donated to
the women’s shelter in Milford.
A policeman
demonstrates with
a member of the
department’s canine
unit during the
lodge’s first responder
recognition event.
Expert Speaker
Bedford Lodge No. 320 honored both Bedford Fire Department
and Shawnee Valley Volunteer Fire Company during its first responder
event (pictured below). Bro. Thomas Stoudnour, Everett Lodge No.
524, a 43-year-veteran of Saxton Volunteer Fire Company, was the
guest speaker for the opening of the recognition. The lodge treated the
first responders to a meal, followed by a discussion of the emergency
services “then and now.” Each first responder was presented with a pin.
Recognition Nights
Mount Moriah Lodge No. 300, Huntingdon, was pleased to honor
first responders at its recognition event held on May 12. Representatives
from Huntingdon County Regional Fire and Rescue, Petersburg
Volunteer Fire Company, Shavers Creek Volunteer Fire Company
and Pennsylvania State Police attended the event (pictured below).
Fire Chief and President Honored
Mount Zion Lodge No. 774, McConnellsburg, recognized seven
members of the McConnellsburg Volunteer Fire Company and
EMS, including the fire chief and company president, on the night
of May 12 (pictured below). The Grand Master’s first responder pins
were presented.
On June 14, Meridian Lodge No. 411 honored first responders from
Enon Valley (pictured below).
Huntingdon County Heroes Recognized
On May 27, Cromwell Lodge No. 572, Orbisonia, honored 32 first
responders in southern Huntingdon County representing three fire
companies, two emergency medical services, one sheriff’s department
and one police department. The program was conducted in the lodge
room with the presentation of pins to each first responder.
Members of Enon Valley’s EMT and Fire Department and their families, along
with Bros. Levi R. Harding, III, W.M., Meridian Lodge No. 411, Enon Valley,
and Lodge of the Craft/Westminster Lodge No. 433, New Castle; and Wayne
D. Frankenstein, D.D.G.M.-26.
Volunteer First Responders Honored
Hyndman Lodge No. 589 recognized and honored 16 representatives
of Hyndman Volunteer Fire Company and Hyndman Volunteer Rescue
Squad on May 19 (pictured below). Bros. Donald Shaffer, Baron Leap
and Travis Leam performed a brief service and then distributed 28
first responder pins. Afterwards, guests enjoyed refreshments.
Members of the Huntingdon County Sheriff’s Department and lodge officers.
Honoring a Hero
Many first responders have given the ultimate sacrifice to provide
safety for others. Concord Lodge No. 625, Concordville, honored
Bro. Edward A. Wehe, who suffered a heart attack after clearing the
scene of a protest at the Delaware County Prison on Nov. 5, 2013.
Bro. Wehe served as a patrolman for Delaware County Courthouse
and the Pennsylvania Park Police Department for 18 years. He also
served as a part-time officer with the Marcus Hook Police Department.
Bro. Wehe was a decorated Chief Petty Officer who served on the
USS Constellation CV-64 with the U.S. Navy before his retirement
after 21 years.
Appreciation Meal
Prosperity Lodge No. 567, Riegelsville, honored 20 first
responders from Riegelsville and Williams Township fire companies.
Guests were treated to a meal and door prizes including tickets to
the upcoming spaghetti dinners at the lodge.
August 2014
70 Responders Recognized
Following its stated May meeting, Laurel Lodge No. 467,
White Haven, hosted 70 first responders from White Haven and
the surrounding communities (pictured below). Members of Laurel
Lodge met their first responder honorees at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall,
where each first responder was called up in turn and presented with
a pin. Each first responder also talked briefly about his or her time in
service. Many of the first responders honored were Masons, as well.
Lodges Unite for Meeting & Program
For the first time in Pennsylvania Freemasonry in more than
300 years, with permission from R.W. Grand Master Bateman, two
lodges held a joint meeting to conduct their monthly business on
May 7: Kittanning East Brady Lodge No. 244 and Seneca Lodge
805, both of Kittanning, met in the Kittanning Masonic Temple.
Following the meeting, led by Bro. Kenneth D. Long, W.M.,
Seneca Lodge, and Rodney E. Boarts, W.M., Kittanning East Brady
Lodge, the brethren together honored and celebrated the community’s
first responders: firefighters, policemen, EMT personnel, personnel
from the American Red Cross and their families. They were joined by
ladies from the Order of the Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, wives and
families of the brethren from both lodges. The large lodge room was
filled to capacity, and additional seating was required (pictured below).
The first responders were welcomed by Bros. Emilio V. Sforza,
D.D.G.M.-27, and Roger A. Johnson, P.D.D.G.M.
Bro. Roy E. Williamson, P.M., Seneca Lodge, was Master of
Ceremonies. The honorees proudly stated their department affiliation
and years of service to the community. Bros. James H. Fulton, who
has served 63 years as a fireman, and Clarence R. Snyder, Jr., who
has served 65 years as a fireman, were among the honorees.
Robert Neff, D.D.G.M.-45, presents first responder pins.
Dinner and a Ceremony
On a Monday evening, Duquesne-McKeesport Lodge No. 731,
Duquesne, held an event to honor the first responders serving in and
around their community. Members of the lodge served a barbecue
dinner, presented pins to each first responder and offered lodge tours
(pictured below).
“We want to thank the local first responders for the service
they provide to us and our community. It’s also a great way for the
Freemasons to share what we do,” Bro. Gerald A. McGrew Jr., P.M., said.
First Responder Organizes Event to Honor Others
On June 5, Spring-Ford Lodge No. 553, Royersford, celebrated
67 first responders from eight different municipalities: Montgomery
County Bomb Squad, Sheriff’s Department and Detectives Office;
Limerick Fire Company, Rescue and Police officers; and the Spring
City and Royersford Police and Fire Departments (pictured below).
More than 200 people gathered in the lodge for the introductions
and pin presentation, then headed outside to enjoy hamburgers and
hot dogs and a moon bounce for the kids.
The event was organized by Bro. Brandon Unruh, a policeman
in Pottstown, who joined the lodge in 2012.
Great Appreciation
When a fellow member suffered a
severe heart attack at a March meeting,
retired police officer and David H.
Gilpin, W.M., Waverly Lodge No. 301,
Clarks Green, (pictured) immediately
took vitals and started CPR to keep
him stable until an EMS crew arrived.
Due to the recent event,
recognizing first responders became
even more important. In May, members
of the lodge invited community first
responders to be honored.
14 FREEMASON
“Earning Freemasonry:
A One Day Class Redemption”
by Adam T. Osman, Past Master • Reviewed by Cathy Giaimo, Assistant Librarian, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania
One day classes have
become an accepted method
to bring candidates into
the fold of Freemasonry.
While these classes have
been productive, they may
leave some new members
with loose ends. To counter
this problem, Bro. Adam T.
Osman, Pennsylvania Mason
and Past Master of Juniata
Lodge No. 282, has written
a book to help the newly
initiated find their way and
to suggest how to become a
more productive Mason in
“Earning Freemasonry: A
One Day Class Redemption.”
A product of a one day
class, Bro. Osman candidly
relates his personal experiences as he learned, sometimes the hard
way, what Freemasonry is about and his desire to really understand
its philosophy and how to shape his life, or, as he puts it, “earning
Freemasonry.”
The book is divided into three sections. The first is “A Path
to Freemasonry,” in which Bro. Osman explains what led him to
Freemasonry, his thoughts on the one day class experience and the
reasons for writing this book. Section two, “Different Freemasons
Earning Freemasonry,” looks at the different levels of experience in
Freemasonry from the newly-minted brother to the long-standing
member, and how each member can and should have an impact on
another. The final section, “Where Are We Headed?” examines
modern trends and technology and their impact on the lodge and
Freemasonry. It also looks at the appendant bodies and what they
bring to the Masonic experience, and includes an explanation of
what a “Mason at Sight” means.
Any brother who has gone through a one day class, either as a
candidate or a participant, will find this book useful. Even better,
this book will benefit anyone seeking to get more out of Freemasonry.
If you wish to borrow this book, please contact the library
at 800-462-0430, ext. 1933, or visit The Masonic Library online
catalog at www.pagrandlodge.org. This book is also available
for purchase from the Museum Shop in the Masonic Temple at
www.masonicmuseumgifts.com.
Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge
Saturday, October 18, 2014 • Freemasons Cultural Center • Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
The 2014 Fall session of the Academy of
Masonic Knowledge will be held on Oct. 18
in the Deike Auditorium of the Freemasons
Cultural Center on the campus of the Masonic
Village at Elizabethtown. Registration will open
at 8:30 a.m., with the program beginning at
9:30 a.m. A lunch (requested contribution of
$10) will be served at noon, and the program
will be completed by 3 p.m. All Masons are
welcome to attend. Dress is coat and tie.
The program for the day includes:
• Professor David G. Hackett will
speak on topics from his recently published
book, “That Religion in Which All Men
Agree: Freemasonry in American Culture.”
Prof. Hackett is an Associate Professor of
Religion at the University of Florida, having
received his Ph.D. from Emory University in
1986. He has published numerous books and
articles and has received fellowships from the
National Endowment for the Humanities
and the Louisville Institute for the Study of
American Protestantism in American Culture.
In addition, Prof. Hackett has been a resident
scholar at Princeton’s Center for Theological
Inquiry and the Collegeville Institute for
Ecumenical and Cultural Research.
• Bro. William Stephen “Steve” Burkle
will speak on the topic: “Early Adoption of
Paracelsus’ Alchemical Catechism by the
Craft.”
Bro. Burkle is a metallurgist by profession
and works in the oil and gas industry. He
has traveled widely throughout the United
States, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle
East teaching, lecturing and consulting. He is
also an ordained Deacon in the Presbyterian
Church. Bro. Burkle’s academic interests include
Masonic symbolism, Alchemy and esoteric
Freemasonry, upon which he has published
numerous articles. He recently completed his
Master of Arts, and is currently a Doctoral
Candidate in Religious Studies.
The great objective in Freemasonry is
to gain useful knowledge, and the Academy
provides a great opportunity for the brethren
to learn and to understand more about the
significance of the Craft. Plan to attend and
bring a brother or two along with you.
Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, please send your name, address, lodge number, and telephone by
email to: [email protected].
If you do not have access to email, please make your reservation through your Lodge Secretary.
Please recognize that a cost is incurred to the program for your registration. If you pre-register and subsequently determine
that you will be unable to attend, please have the Masonic courtesy to cancel your reservation by the same method and
providing the same information. We look forward to seeing you on Oct. 18.
FREEMASON 15
August 2014
A Super Addition to Autumn Day
New last year to the Autumn Day array
of activities was caricaturist Bro. Al Wiesner,
Shekinah Lodge No. 246, Philadelphia. From
the time he sat down at his stand at 10 a.m.,
until the music had long ended and the food
stands closed up, he was busy drawing large
heads with slightly exaggerated features. He
completed almost 50 drawings throughout
the day and had to turn people away. He’ll be
returning to Autumn Day in Elizabethtown
on Sept. 20, 2014.
“It’s really massive,” he said of his
impressions of Autumn Day and the Masonic
Village at Elizabethtown. “I had no idea it
was this large.”
A Superhero is Born
Bro. Wiesner attended college to become
a commercial artist and has been drawing ever
since. He is best known for his comic book
character Shaloman. He completed his last
issue of the series in 2012, having drawn 40
editions over 27 years.
“Superman was the first comic book
hero back when I first learned to draw,”
he said of his inspiration for the character.
“Because I have a modern Jewish background,
I was looking for a superhero with a Jewish
background. Years went by. I went into the
Air Force, started a job, married and raised
my children. Finally at one point, after all
those years and still no Jewish superhero,
I decided to create one. It was a lifelong
ambition. Everyone feels the world is better
off because superheroes are here.
“Many Jewish artists did not sign their
work with their name. Captain America’s
artist signed his name Jack Kirby, but his name
was Jacob Kurtzberg. Stan Lee [co-creator of
Spider-Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four,
Iron Man, Thor and the X-Men] is really
Stan Lieber. I decided I would sign my work
with my own name.”
Shaloman is a superhero with powers
similar to Superman. He is also known
as “The Man of Stone,” “Defender of
the Downtrodden” and the “Kosher
Crusader.” In the storyline, three wise
men used magic to give a rock the
power to become Shaloman and stop
the evils of the world. They named
him Shaloman because Shalom
can mean “peace” in Hebrew.
Shaloman
remains
an inanimate rock until
someone yells, “Oy vey!”
for help. These words
transform the rock into
a muscular, curly-haired
man with superhuman
strength and an
undefined level of
invulnerability.
Shaloman can
fly, and is so
fast, he creates
vortexes. He
does not need
to breathe and has
super hearing, “sensor vision”
and other superhuman senses. Only
a substance called shinite can weaken him.
Distinguishing Caricatures
Bro. Wiesner attended art school,
although there’s no formal training for drawing
caricatures. He picked it up naturally. “You
have to know how to do it yourself,” he said.
“If the person is older, they have more lines
in their face that you can use to distinguish
them, and there’s more resemblance. I find
children have the least attention span.”
No matter the subject’s age, Bro. Wiesner
enjoys sharing his talents with others. The best
part of completing a caricature is “hearing
the surprise in a person’s voice when they
realize how much it looks like them,” he said.
Bro. Wiesner joined the Masonic fraternity
in 1977. He heard good things about the
fraternity and had just become a widower.
“I’ve met a lot of nice new people I wouldn’t
have met otherwise,” he said. He is also a
DeMolay Legion of Honor recipient.
Look for Bro. Wiesner among the many
games, food stands, family of Freemasonry
information tables, crafts sales, live music
and much more at Autumn Day!
16 FREEMASON
Eulogy for Brother
Arthur James Kurtz
R.W. Past Grand Master
1988-1989
Given by R.W. Past Grand Master Samuel C. Williamson at the June 21
Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
Writing about the group of men and women who grew up during
the Great Depression and fought in World War II, NBC News reporter
Tom Brokaw wrote, “It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society
has ever produced.” He argued that these men and women fought, not
for fame and recognition, but because it was the “right thing to do.”
It is a fitting description of our deceased brother, Arthur James
Kurtz, R.W. Past Grand Master, who died on Sunday, May 18, at
the venerable age of 95 years. On that date, Bro. Kurtz lay down
his working tools, having tried all his life to do the right thing to
prepare his spiritual temple “for that house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens.”
Bro. Kurtz spent his lifetime in preparation for this day by serving
his God and his fellow man. A life-long Harrisburg resident, he was
born to William Sherman Kurtz and Myrtle (Bender) Kurtz on
Jan. 3, 1919. He was educated in the public school system of Harrisburg.
During high school, he worked in the family moving and storage
business driving trucks and learning all aspects of the business. He
graduated from John Harris Senior High School in 1937.
Less than a year after graduation, he married his high school
sweetheart, Dorothy Jane Dunkle, on March 28, 1938. It was a
marriage that celebrated 76 years of faithfulness and love. Jane
survives, along with his son, Richard, his sister, four grandsons and
seven great-grandchildren.He was predeceased by his daughter,
Nancy Jane Harris, and a grandson, Richard Kurtz.
Bro. Kurtz worked for the federal government in the procurement
division in Harrisburg. At the outbreak of World War II, he went
to work in a steel mill.
In 1944, Bro. Kurtz was drafted into the U.S. Army and served
in Europe in Company F, 315th Regiment, 44th Infantry Division,
Transportation and Corps of Engineers. He participated in several
very intense combat operations during World War II, earning the
Combat Infantry Badge and three Battle Stars, the Bronze Star and
the Purple Heart after being wounded in action. After long stays in
Army hospitals, he was honorably discharged but sought and received
a reserve commission as a first lieutenant, and rose to the rank of
captain in the U. S. Army Reserves, before resigning in 1954.
Bro. Kurtz was proud of being a part of “the Greatest Generation,”
although he never dwelled on his military service and sacrifice ...
choosing, rather, to look forward and enjoy the freedoms he had
fought so hard to preserve.
Following his active military service, Bro. Kurtz joined the family
business as a partner. Upon the death of his father in 1954, he became
the President and Chief Operating Officer of Kurtz Mayflower, Inc.,
and retired from the business in 1972.
Bro. Kurtz led a very active religious life as a member of Epworth
and Calvary United Methodist churches. He served in many
capacities over the years, teaching adult Sunday School, serving on
the finance committee and leading the pastoral relations committee.
After moving to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, he and Jane
became members of the Sell Chapel Congregation.
Outside of Freemasonry, Bro. Kurtz was active in his community
in the Harrisburg Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Hill
Businessman’s Association, the P.T.A. and the Central Y.M.C.A, of
which he was President in 1961.
Bro. Kurtz was made a Mason in Robert Burns Lodge No. 464,
Harrisburg, in 1950. He served as Worshipful Master in 1967 and
as Treasurer in 1972 and 1973. He was appointed as District Deputy
Grand Master for the Second Masonic District, serving from 1973
to 1979. Elected R.W. Junior Grand Warden in 1982, he continued
through the Grand Line and was elected and installed as the 99th
Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania on Dec. 28, 1987, serving
until Dec. 27, 1989.
Bro. Kurtz set many goals for his term as Grand Master, focusing
on teamwork, the continuation of the Solomon II Project, a visit
to the Grand Lodge of Ireland, shorter meetings and an expansion
of services at the Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown. Additionally,
he supervised the creation and publication of the third book in
“The Master Builders” series by Dr. Wayne Huss, which included
biographies of all of the R.W. Past Grand Masters of the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Perhaps the greatest legacy of his tenure as R.W. Grand Master
was the establishment of the Independent Living Community at
the Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown. A model home was opened
for inspection on Oct. 22, 1988, during Autumn Day. This was to
significantly change the operation of the Masonic Homes, as it set
the stage to dramatically expand its “Mission of Love” and service to
the 190,000 members of the fraternity over which he presided.
August 2014
Bro. Kurtz was proud of his service on the Committee on
Masonic Homes for eight years, and it was no surprise when he and
Jane eventually chose to reside there.
Because of his travel and circulation among the brethren, his
term became known as a “Celebration of the Family of Freemasonry,”
which was the theme of his Grand Master’s Medallion. Bro. Kurtz was
proud of his affiliations with the appendant and concordant bodies
of Freemasonry and was fervent in showing respect for all brother
Masons, regardless of where they chose to be active in the fraternity.
In the York Rite, Bro. Kurtz was a member of Perseverance
Chapter No. 21, Royal Arch Masons; Harrisburg Council No. 7,
Royal and Select Master Masons; and Pilgrim Commandery No. 11,
Knights Templar. He was an active participant in Trinity Conclave,
Red Cross of Constantine; the Royal Order of Jesters; and Harrisburg
Chapter No. 76 of the National Sojourners.
Bro. Kurtz presided as Thrice Potent Master of the Harrisburg
Lodge of Perfection in the Valley of Harrisburg, and was coroneted
an Honorary Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the 33° of the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, on Sept. 27, 1978, in Cincinnati,
Ohio. He was elected an Active Member of the Supreme Council
on Sept. 29, 1983, in Milwaukee, Wis., and was appointed to serve
as Deputy for Pennsylvania on Sept. 25, 1991, at Indianapolis, Ind.
On Sept. 27, 1994, he assumed Active Emeritus status in Cleveland,
Ohio. He was also active in Zembo Shrine Temple, serving as
President of the Zembo Luncheon Club in 1976 and as Illustrious
FREEMASON 17
Potentate in 1983.
Bro. Kurtz received the 33° Cross of Honor, the Chapel of the
Bronze Medallion, the prestigious Pennsylvania Franklin Medal in
1990, and most recently the Medal for Distinguished Service from
the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite in 2011.
Bro. Kurtz was buried with military honors on May 21 at Indiantown
Gap National Cemetery. Masonic services were conducted by Robert
Burns Lodge No. 464, and memorial services held at the Masonic
Village were officiated by Grand Chaplain A. Preston Van Duersen.
A man of honor, faith, thoughtfulness and humor, Bro. Kurtz
loved and cared deeply for his wife and family, as well as his beloved
fraternity. In closing his Inaugural Address, Bro. Kurtz paraphrased
the letter of the Apostle Paul to the Philippians, fourth chapter, 8th
verse, and therein summarized the path of his own life, in these words:
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
gracious, if there be any excellence, if there be anything worthy of
praise, think about these things.
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in our
fraternity, do these things, and the God of Peace will be with you.”
Amen, and so mote it be.
Then-Grand Master Arthur Kurtz (holding the shovel full of dirt) during the groundbreaking for the Independent Living Community at the Masonic
Homes in Elizabethtown on March 9, 1989.
18 FREEMASON
Annual Youth Appreciation Day 2014
On May 30, a day filled with smiles, the
youth of the Masonic Children’s Home and the
donors who give their support were honored
at th 91st Annual Youth Appreciation Day.
The event began in the Brossman
Ballroom with light refreshments, musical
performances by the children and an invocation
by Grand Chaplain A. Preston Van Deursen,
director of pastoral care at Masonic Village
at Elizabethtown. The audience was then
led in the Pledge of Allegiance by the girls
from the Balliet Cottage. The presentation
of awards then took place, followed by senior
presentations and graduation certificates.
The awards presented this year recognized
youth for everything from scholarship and
good behavior to athleticism, creativity and
citizenship.
To complete the program, the audience
viewed a beautiful video of the six seniors’
years at the children’s home. Jeanne, Andre,
Jacob, Steve, Arthur and Conrad each spoke,
sharing some of their experiences at the
children’s home.
Jeanne is looking forward to completing
her state exams and practicum hours to
become a licensed cosmetologist. She will
continue her cosmetology training at the
Empire Beauty School in Lebanon. Jeannie
joined the children’s home in ninth grade.
She is grateful for the career opportunities
and the support that the children’s home has
given her. Jeannie has been sponsored by Mt.
Lebanon Lodge No. 226.
Andre has learned how to build character
and the importance of instilling trust in
others through playing varsity sports and
living at the Masonic Children’s Home. He
enjoys public speaking, and will study political
science at West Chester University. Andre
was sponsored by Perseverance Lodge No.
21, Harrisburg.
“I want to thank Masonic Village for
giving me the opportunity to dream and make
a difference,” Andre said during his speech.
Since being sponsored by Abraham C.
Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, and
moving to the children’s home in 10th grade,
Jacob’s dedication to his academics has won
him the Underclass Award for U.S. History
II. Jacob was also selected for membership in
the National Society of High School Scholars
and awarded the Northwest Regional Police
Scholarship. He will pursue his dream of
becoming a police officer by attending Penn
State Harrisburg’s criminal justice program.
During his speech, Jacob said, “I am
thankful for my house parents and the
friendships I will take with me as I graduate.
I am very grateful, and I am sure the other
children are, too.”
Throughout his high school years, Steve
participated in plays, talent shows and pep
rallies. He choreographed his own hip-hop
dance routine that he performed at several
talent shows. Out of the spotlight, Steve
played varsity basketball and soccer. Steve
will be attending Central Penn College to
continue enhancing his theatrical talents.
He joined the children’s home in tenth grade
and was sponsored by Lamberton Lodge No.
476, Lancaster.
During his senior year, Conrad attended
a full-day program at the Lancaster County
Career and Technology Center focusing on
automotive repairs. He came to the children’s
home eight years ago, sponsored by Lamberton
Lodge No. 476. He intends to become a
military mechanic, a career path which will
combine his patriotic pride and his interest
in a hands-on environment. “I want to thank
those at Masonic Village for their direction
and friendship,” Conrad said.
Inspired by his love of sports and writing,
Arthur is looking forward to attending
Bloomsburg University in the fall, where
he plans to major in mass communications.
A strong athlete, Arthur was recognized by
the Lancaster Lebanon League two years
in a row as a football all-star. He also broke
FREEMASON 19
August 2014
Elizabethtown Area High School’s record for
the long jump. He was sponsored by Lodge
No. 9, Philadelphia, to come to the children’s
home in ninth grade.
These seniors have the opportunity to
pursue higher education because of funding
from generous donors and the Masonic HomesPatton School Alumni Association.
Later in the afternoon, Jeanne, Andre,
Jacob, Steve, Arthur and Conrad planted a
tree on the grounds of the children’s home,
a lasting symbol of their ties to the Masonic
Children’s Home and the community in
which they grew into fine young adults. The
tree also commemorates all those who helped
them achieve their goals.
Centennial Campaign Goal Reached
During the Youth Appreciation Day
awards ceremony, Grand Treasurer Jeffrey Coy
announced that a donor had made a generous
pledge that week, which meant the Masonic
Children’s Home Centennial Campaign
reached its goal of raising $10 million! The
Masonic Children’s Home thanks everyone
who contributed to this campaign’s success.
While the campaign has come to a close,
donors still have the opportunity to join the
Masonic Children’s Home Centennial Society
by making a planned gift to the children’s
home. Members of this honorary society are
recognized permanently through the inscription
of their name(s), or their honoree’s name(s),
in the Centennial Society Garden, which
was added to the children’s home in 2013.
Please contact the Office of Gift Planning
at 800-599-6454 or giving@masonicvillages.
org to receive more information about joining
the Centennial Society.
Left: Masonic Children’s Home youth gather for a
group photograph prior to Youth Appreciation Day.
Above: The graduating seniors, along with
Children’s Services Director Virginia Migrala,
Board Member Bro. Thomas Toscani and Grand
Master Robert J. Bateman, plant a tree on the
grounds of the children’s home.
Below: Rev. and Bro. A. Preston Van Deursen
shares a message with the seniors before presenting
them with a gift.
20 PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATION
Food Drive Partnership
Pilgrim Chapter, Order of DeMolay, Harrisburg, recently
partnered with Masonic District 2 to hold a food drive in the
Harrisburg area for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Thanks to the cooperation and support of Scott Matincheck,
D.D.G.M.-2, and the local lodges, over 300 pounds of food was
collected between Jan. 1 – March 1, and donated.
The young men decided on this community service initiative
as part of observing DeMolay Month in March. When they
delivered the food, they stayed and helped to pack 600 boxes
for homebound seniors.
Jobie’s Sensational Summer
Louesa Piatak, Grand Bethel Honored Queen, is driven in the Gettysburg
Memorial Day parade, while Scott Fair, D.D.G.M.-42 and several lodge officers
walk behind.
year, Job’s Daughters from Bethel No. 7, Manheim, helped Manheim
Lodge No. 587 register local children for the CHIP program.
Community Lodge No. 744, Broomall, wants to give young
women in their area the benefits of an organization such as Job’s
Daughters International. The Freemasons and young women in the
area are on their way to chartering a new bethel, and are already
looking forward to the activities that they can hold together, just as
other lodges and bethels do in Pennsylvania.
Time spent together is what makes for a stronger bond between
the girls and the Masons who provide them with their heritage, for
Job’s Daughters International is the only organization for young
women that requires all of its members to be related to a Master
Mason. The Daughters cherish this unique relationship.
Job’s Daughters enjoy the time spent with their Masonic family,
and bethels across the state participate in an array of activities with
their local lodges.
The lodges in Butler hold a family picnic each summer at Alameda
Park and Pool, and the Daughters of Bethel No. 21, Butler, are always
excited to be invited. In Gettysburg, Daughters of Bethel No. 12
and members of Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336 walk together in
the Gettysburg Memorial Day parade, a tradition they have had for
many years. Job’s Daughters and Freemasons even get together to
host fund raisers. In Hershey, Brownstone Lodge No. 666 held its
chicken barbecue fund raiser in conjunction with Bethel No. 17’s
bake sale. Job’s Daughters also love when their local lodges invite
them to participate in community service events with them. This
Job’s Daughters and members of Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336 formed
the Masonic delegation in the Memorial Day parade.
New Rainbow Assembly Constituted
On April 6, Lehigh Valley Assembly at Macungie was constituted. The assembly is
sponsored by the Eastern Star chapter and lodge that meet in the Lehigh Lodge building.
Bro. Eugene Herritt, R.W. Senior Grand Warden, represented Grand Lodge, and Mrs. Helen
Beth Vilcek, Associate Grand Matron, represented The Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern
Star of PA. Rainbow Grand Officers, Rainbow Girls, parents, Masons and Eastern Star
members were part of the 100 in attendance. It was a beautiful ceremony, and the official
Charter was presented. Diana Jolly, Past Grand Worthy Advisor, was the acting Supreme
Officer and delivered excellent ritual work. Following this ceremony, the assembly was
officially declared Lehigh Valley Assembly #190. The Grand Officers then had the honor
and privilege of installing the first officers of the assembly.
August 2014
PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATION 21
DeMolay Grants Highest Honor to 36 Leaders
The 2013 Eastern Legion of Honor Conferral was held in Reading on Oct. 5.
By the unanimous vote of DeMolay International, 11 Pennsylvania
Masons will receive the Honorary Legion of Honor and 25 Senior DeMolays
will receive the Active Legion of Honor.
The Honorary Legion of Honor is conferred upon a Master Mason who
has performed unusual and meritorious service on behalf of DeMolay or
who has evidenced a spirit of cooperation and appreciation for the Order of
DeMolay. The Active Legion of Honor is conferred upon a Senior DeMolay,
recognizing outstanding leadership in some field of endeavor or success in
fraternal life. Recommendations were received from DeMolay Chapters by
Bro. Thomas R. Labagh, Executive Officer in Pennsylvania, who makes the
official nominations to DeMolay International.
The Honorary Legion of Honor Designates for 2014 include:
Gary L. Dukeman, D.D.G.M.-5
Larry M. Miller, P.M., George Washington Lodge No. 143, Chambersburg
Donald C. Wobb, P.M., Duquesne-McKeesport Lodge No. 731, Duquesne
Nicholas Vaccarello, P.M., Grand Commander of Grand Commandery,
Knights Templar in Pennsylvania
William F. Harner, P.M., Chairman of Northeast Chapter Advisory
Council
David A. McDade, J.W., Prince Edwin-Spring Creek Lodge No. 486,
Middletown, & Advisor for Pilgrim Chapter
James R. Shaw, D.D.G.M.-7
James S. Roberts, P.M., Westmoreland Lodge No. 518, Greensburg
Jerry J. Hamilton, P.M., Past Grand Commander of Grand Commandery,
Knights Templar in PA
Edward J. Stumm, P.M., Grand Tyler for the Grand Lodge of PA
William H. Weichsel, P.M., Most Puissant Past Grand Master of the Grand
Council Royal & Select Master Masons of PA
The 2014 Class of Active Legion of Honor
Designates includes:
Ronald J. Norcross, P.M., Senior DeMolay of Wilbur Chapter &
Commander in Chief of the Valley of Allentown, A.A.S.R.
Kevin L. Yarnall, Senior DeMolay and Chairman of the Allentown
Chapter Advisory Council
Craig A. Kern, Secretary of St. John’s Lodge No. 260, Carlisle, and Senior
DeMolay of Carlisle Chapter
Timothy J. Settlemyer, P.M., Senior DeMolay of Tiadaghton Elm Chapter,
Jersey Shore
Jay M. Laser, Senior DeMolay of Riverside Chapter
Jerry Richards, Jr., P.M., Senior DeMolay of Friendship-Bray Chapter and
Chairman of Chester Pike Chapter Advisory Council
Christopher M. Fry, Senior DeMolay of Elizabethtown Chapter &
Chairman of Elizabethtown Chapter Advisory Council
Robert F. McCabe, Jr., Senior DeMolay of McKinley Chapter
Ronald E. Bush, Senior DeMolay of Reading Chapter
Scott E. Levy, Senior DeMolay of Somerton Chapter and Assistant
Director of PA DeMolay Athletics
Charles H. Johnston, Jr., Senior DeMolay of Westmoreland Chapter
Rexford F. Cox, P.D.D.G.M.-30, Senior DeMolay of Westmoreland Chapter
Matthew D. Dupee, P.M., Senior DeMolay of North Penn Chapter, Grand
Master General, Convent General, KYCH
And the following Past State Master
Councilors of PA DeMolay:
1971-72 - Stephen R. Logan, Sr., Pilgrim Chapter, Harrisburg
1973-74 - Daryl R. Sycher, Allentown Chapter
1975-76 - William S. Shillady, Reading Chapter
1979-80 - Pete C. Elliott, Allentown Chapter
1985-86 - Brian K. Shaffer, Carlisle Chapter
1986-87- Andrew H. Kauffman, Friendship-Bray Chapter
1989-90 - David C. Santini, Joppa Chapter, Washington
1990-91 - William L. Reed, Garfield Chapter, DuBois
1992-93 - Steven J. Smith, Lancaster Chapter
1995-96 - A. Nathaniel Croumer, Elizabethtown Chapter
1996-97 - Robert R. Nye, Jr., Elizabethtown Chapter
1998-99 - Rakesh R. Kumar, Allentown Chapter
Some of these honors were conferred at the annual DeMolay Convention
in Reading in July. Two additional Legion of Honor Conferrals are scheduled
for this fall. The Eastern Legion of Honor Conferral will be held on Oct. 19
in the Lodge Room at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. The Western
Legion of Honor Conferral will be held on Sept. 26 at the Masonic Village at
Sewickley. The public ceremony will start at 2:30 p.m. at both locations, with
the Secret Vow Ceremony for Legionnaires only at 2 p.m. Light refreshments
will follow both conferrals, and everyone is invited to attend. More information
is available by contacting the Pennsylvania DeMolay Office at 800-266-8424
ext. 4, or emailing PA DeMolay Executive Secretary Bro. Dave Berry at
[email protected].
Richard J. Stemmler,
Past District Deputy
Grand Master of the
30th Masonic District,
received the Honorary
Legion of Honor at the
2013 Western Legion
of Honor Conferral
held at Greensburg on
Nov. 2.
22 PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATION
Scholarship Award History Exceeds $1 Million
The Educational Endowment Fund
Committee of the Pennsylvania Masonic
Youth Foundation exceeded $1 million in
scholarship awards since the inception of the
program in 1989. For 2014, the committee
selected 55 students out of 168 applicants to
receive $125,500 in scholarship awards. The
annual program runs from Oct. 1- March 15,
when applications may be submitted. This
year, the applicants represented 49 counties
in Pennsylvania. Recipients were:
Recurring Scholarships
$2,500 Grand Lodge Higher Education
Fund Four-Year Scholarship
Kylene Callander and James R. Conway, III
Fund Three-Year Scholarship
Alexandria Polash and Aaron J. Crown
Fund Two-Year Scholarship
Kelsey Schlegel, Sarah M. Morrison and
Kayla K. Richwine
$2,500 Harry E. Ormston Four-Year
Scholarship
Tyler Mays
$1,500 Lawrence Dietrich Smith Memorial
Scholarship
Robert W. Miller and Branden Glass
$1,500 Pennsylvania Masonic Youth
Foundation Scholarship
Alexandra Geise and Alexandra Kozak
$2,500 Raymond A. Krome Scholarship
Sarah Yorks, Alexandra Agesen, Amber Rae
Moody, Kristin Hayashi, Stephen D. Lane,
Lacey B. Gilber and Katherine R. Berfield
Robert M. Stover, III
Nicole McFarland
Additional awards granted or
recommended are as follows:
Gabe Ackman
$3,000 A. Ralph Taylor Scholarship
Adam Saubel, Brynn M. Masten, Timothy
Kile, Sharon E. Nelson, Amanda Harvey,
Marissa E. Stasik and Romaynse Smith
$2,000 David A. Bondzio Scholarship
Sara B. Winter and Heidi D. Peters
$1,000 Herman Witte Scholarship
Tiffany K. Bragunier
$1,000 James H. Booth Scholarship
Kayla Herr
$1,000 Theodore K. Warner Scholarship
Brittany S. Smeltz
$1,000 Clarence R. Uhland Scholarship
Steven Stewart, Jr.
$2,500 Harry E. Ormston Three-Year
Scholarship
Morgan McMurtrie and Zachary T. Metkler
Antonio Tatano and Lindsay Finnegan
$2,500 Harry E. Ormston Two-Year
Scholarship
Matthew Felix and Amanda Lewis
Brett J. Powell, Jeffrey C. Adams, Megan
Waleff, Sari I. Buckley, Brandon Best, Tyler
J. Newcomer, Brandy Shrawder and Erin
Hage
Single Year Scholarships
$3,000 Grand Master’s Scholarship
Jennifer Bush, Meredith Wagner, Rebecca L.
Colwell, Keith Means and Shelby Goldie
Kristin Hayashi, granddaughter of Bro. Martin
H. Bayer, Hermann-Humboldt Lodge No. 125
l-r: Alexandria Polash; William J. Huston,
D.D.G.M.-41; and James Conway III
$500 Charles & Phyllis Schaeffer
Scholarship
Branden Glass and Colton M. Swindler
$500 Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682
Scholarship
Kylee A. Bair
$250 Loretta N. Scheirer Memorial
Nursing Scholarship
Erin Hage
$500 Job’s Daughters Stillman Leadership
Scholarship
Romaynse Smith
$500 Irene Gottschall Memorial
Scholarship
Jeffrey C. Adams
There were many deserving students
who applied, but the awards are limited to
the income generated by specific funds and
the Educational Endowment Fund, which
grows annually through your contributions.
Applicants are evaluated on a combination
of academics, financial need, community
service and fraternal activity. The application
and Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide
for 2015 will be available for download from
www.pmyf.org after Oct. 1.
l-r: Bro. Max D. Lane, S.M.C., Mount Union
Lodge No. 688, Stephen’s father; Mrs. Vickie
Lane, Stephen’s mother; Stephen D. Lane,
scholarship recipient; Bro. Michael Kipphan,
W.M., Mount Union Lodge No. 688; and Bro.
Robert C. Snyder, II, D.D.G.M.-34
August 2014
PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATION 23
Lodge Supports PA Masonic Youth Foundation
Williamson-Corinthian Lodge No. 368,
Philadelphia, recently contributed $8,500 for
the installation of two additional flag poles
at the Masonic Conference Center-Patton
Campus. On a daily basis, these flag poles
will fly the Pennsylvania state flag and the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania flag. On special
occasions, other flags may be flown there at
the request of the youth group meeting on
the campus. When the youth groups host
visitors from other countries, they will have
the option of sharing those flags in a display
of international cooperation and fraternalism.
Over the years, the lodge has contributed
tens of thousands of dollars to the Pennsylvania
Masonic Youth Foundation:
• Sponsored the creation of the film,
“TRANSITIONS,” about the beginning of
the foundation
• Purchased the Allen Electronic Organ
for the William A. Carpenter Chapel
• Sponsored the top two panes (the allseeing eye of God) in the stained glass window
in the Carpenter Chapel
• Assisted in the dedication of the Torah
Ark in the Carpenter Chapel
• Furnished the conference table and
chairs in the Witte Conference Room, named
for Herman Witte, P.D.D.G.M., a member
the lodge
• Sponsored the restoration of a historical
painting from the 1920s for DeMolay
International, which is featured in DeMolay’s
national headquarters
Williamson-Corinthian Lodge also
supports the Philadelphia area Masonic
youth groups by sending DeMolay members
to the annual Key Man Conference, assisting
to fund the academic Honor Roll Challenge
program and contributing to each of the
local groups.
Fortunate to have a well-endowed charity
fund, the lodge also gives generously each
year to the Masonic Children’s Home and the
Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania. Whenever
asked, the lodge has always been there to
financially and morally assist, and it sets a
worthy example of what ALL lodges should
do, proportional to their means.
Above: Members of Williamson-Corinthian Lodge
No. 368, Philadelphia, and LaFayette-DuPont
Lodge No. 19, of the District of Columbia, recently
toured the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown and
the Masonic Conference Center-Patton Campus.
They stopped for a group photograph in front of the
new flag poles at the Patton Campus, sponsored by
Williamson-Corinthian Lodge. (Photo courtesy of
Bro. Rick S. Freedman, P.M., W.M.)
24 MASONIC VILL AGES
AUTUMN
Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join members and friends in celebrating Autumn Day at the Masonic
Village at Elizabethtown. The event will feature entertainment, information,
delicious food served from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., farm market stands, children’s
games, lots of Masonic family organization booths and much more.
This year, we will focus on honoring our veterans. The special highlight
will be the 11 a.m. dedication of the eternal flame in the Veterans Grove,
including a special program honoring our military and thanking those
who have sacrificed for our freedom.
Autumn Day provides the perfect opportunity to visit with family
members, reunite with friends and tour parts of the 1,400-acre campus.
The Masonic Village is unable to provide wheelchairs, so please bring
your own, if needed. Handicap parking is available; however, you must
advise the Masonic Village on the coupon below if handicap parking is
needed, so a special parking pass can be forwarded to you in advance.
The Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank will be holding a
blood drive to benefit Masonic Village residents on Autumn
Day. Donations will be taken at the blood bank stand from
9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Anyone 17 years of age or older, who is in good health
and weighs at least 100 lbs., is eligible to donate blood. Anyone interested
in donating blood should make an appointment by calling 800-771-0059
between 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. Please do not call the Masonic
Village for these appointments.
11 a.m. program will honor veterans. Because a large attendance is expected, plan on
arriving by 10 a.m. Fill out coupon to register to attend.
For Handicap or Bus Parking or Veterans Reservations Only
Address_________________________________________________________________________________
City_____________________________________State_____________Zip___________________________
 Need Handicap Parking*  Charter Bus
Complete and return to: Autumn Day, Masonic Village
One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
*Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with this coupon. We will send you a special parking permit, if needed, which must be presented upon
arrival. Veterans will be recognized.
AUTUMN DAY 2014
Name____________________________________________________________________________________
Lodge No._______________________________________________________________________________
No. of Adults_______________ No. of Children______________ No. of Veterans_______________
How many from each service branch?
__ Air Force __ Army __ Coast Guard __ Marines __ Merchant Marines __ Navy
MASONIC VILL AGES 25
August 2014
DAY 2014
join us in lighting
AN ETERNAL
FLAME
honoring all active
military and veterans
You can still help cover the construction and maintenance of
the eternal flame monument at the Veterans Grove at the Masonic
Village at Elizabethtown. If you would like to make a donation toward
the cost of the monument, please call 800-599-6454.
There are still pavers available, as well, although they might
be inscribed and placed after the dedication on Autumn Day, Sept.
20. If you would like to honor or remember a beloved veteran,
12” x 18” pavers around the eternal flame can be inscribed with a
special message for a $500 donation. Additionally, 8” x 12” pavers
leading to and around the monument can be inscribed for a $250
donation. Contributions to the Masonic Charities are tax-deductible
to the extent of the law.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to become a part of
this meaningful tribute for posterity.
Eternal Flame Donation Form
As a way of honoring or memorializing
an individual, a paver surrounding
the eternal flame or on the pathway
to the Veterans Grove can be inscribed
to permanently honor an individual(s)
service to our country. Please complete
this form and send it along with your
check payable to the Masonic Charities.
Name (donor) _______________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________ State __________________________ Zip ________
Phone (
) _____________________ Email ____________________________________
Choose a paver size:
 12”x18” Paver ($500) will accommodate 5 lines with no more than 20 characters per line
 8”x12” Paver ($250) will accommodate 4 lines with no more than 14 characters per line
Please print paver inscription below exactly as you would like it to appear; spaces are included in character count.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please return both completed form and check payable to the Masonic Charities to:
Office of Gift Planning • Masonic Village • One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 • 800-599-6454
How To Choose A Retirement Community
Based on Your Priorities
With so many choices, selecting the right retirement community
may not come easily. It is important to take time to research, find
and visit a community that allows you to embrace all life has to
offer; to better yourself; to express your individuality; and to explore
possibilities while feeling confident in your future.
The good news is you can’t go wrong with the Masonic Villages!
Each active 60+ community provides maintenance-free living,
security for the future and high-quality amenities so you can choose
the community that best matches your priorities.
Priority: “I want to know what I’m getting into.”
Even before residents move into their new homes, they’re treated
like family at Masonic Villages. Everyone who calls is matched with
a sales team member who walks them through the moving process
and answers all of their questions.
Priority: “I’ve taken care of my home for years; I want freedom.”
Comprehensive, maintenance-free living is the key to enjoying
the good life. At Masonic Villages, residents trade in daily chores
like cleaning, cooking, landscaping, snow and trash removal, and
general fix-it projects for entertainment, new hobbies and relationships,
volunteer opportunities, restaurant-style dining, lifelong learning
and wellness programs.
Priority: “I don’t want to worry about the future.”
Masonic Village residents gain peace of mind knowing that
no matter what the future brings, they will have access to services
and care to help them keep living a fulfilling lifestyle. Access to
short-term rehabilitation services and home care partners can help
residents enjoy the maintenance-free comforts of their home, even
if they desire a little additional help.
Residents always have priority access to health care services.
In Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Elizabethtown, residents receive
health care services on site in homelike neighborhoods. In Dallas,
residents have priority access to nearby providers through strong
community partnerships.
Priority: “I need space.”
Whether you’re looking forward to the freedom of downsizing or
wish to keep everything you own, you have options. Masonic Villages
offers homes in more than five dozen floor plans across the state.
Styles range from studio apartments to two-bedroom/den apartments
with patios and almost everything in between. Select locations offer
villas or cottages with two bedrooms or two bedrooms with a den, a
garage, a patio, some finished basements and/or most with sun rooms.
August 2014
Priority: “It has to be the right price.”
With many payment and financial planning options, Masonic
Villages has choices to fit a variety of budgets. The chosen floor
plan and payment structure – which includes rental, entrance fee,
declining balance and refund options throughout the state – both have
an impact on the final cost of living at Masonic Villages. Residents’
personal sales team members can help them to choose the option
that best meets their needs.
In retirement living throughout the state, one monthly service
fee simplifies everyday financial planning while providing access
to a host of amenities. One thing is for certain: no matter what
payment option residents choose, they all have access to the same
quality care and services.
Priority: “I want the community feel.”
With campus populations ranging from less than 100 to more
than 1,800 residents across the state, each Masonic Village offers a
unique environment. It’s best to visit the communities to experience
the lifestyle for yourself. Each location offers a variety of unique
amenities geared toward building a close-knit community among
people with diverse interests.
Priority: “I want protection.”
While living the good life, residents want to feel financially
secure. With a strong history dating back more than 140 years,
Masonic Villages provides the ultimate protection for residents’ assets
while giving them access to the maintenance-free lifestyle they love.
Thanks to the fraternal care program, residents whose funds deplete,
through no fault of their own, can remain in retirement living and
enjoy life their way at Masonic Villages.
Priority: “The location has to be perfect.”
Close proximity to friends, family or a childhood home may
be just as important as the physical beauty of a community. Dallas,
Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill and Sewickley were carefully selected
as prime locations to give Masons throughout the state convenient
access to services and captivating lifestyles at the Masonic Villages.
Each community offers the beauty and safety of suburban living, while
providing access to bountiful cultural and recreational opportunities
in nearby towns and cities.
Priority: “I want a full life!”
Residents are encouraged to expand their horizons by joining
on-site clubs, classes, trips, volunteer opportunities and wellness
programming. Residents can always share their interests with one
another by creating new groups and clubs. Each Masonic Village
offers a calendar of events that capitalize on the locations’ amenities,
features and highlights.
With a little exploration, you can choose the community that
best suits your lifestyle and satisfies all of your priorities. Learn how
your priorities specifically apply to each Masonic Village campus by
visiting www.masonicvillages.org or www.facebook.com/masonicvillages.
You may also call to schedule a personal visit or attend an upcoming
open house:
Dallas: 866-851-4243
Lunch & Learn: Sept. 4, at 10:30 a.m.
Octoberfest: Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Elizabethtown: 800-676-6452
Autumn Day: Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Explore Retirement Living Open House: Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lafayette Hill: 610-828-5760
Lunch & Learn: Sept. 18, at 10 a.m.
Octoberfest: Oct. 7, from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Sewickley: 412-749-6862
Ice Cream Social: Aug. 20, from 5 – 7 p.m.
Community Festival & Open House: Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: Oct. 22, at 10 a.m.
Sewickley Community
Festival & Open House
Saturday, September 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Masonic Village at Sewickley, 1000 Masonic Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143
Free festival open to the community. Tickets for refreshments available for purchase.
Live entertainment by the Shriner’s Chanters & the Pittsburgh Banjo Club
Wing cook-off featuring local restaurants
Activities for kids include a petting zoo, bounce house, the Pirate Parrot & face painting.
Craft show featuring a variety of vendors including crafts, jewelry & home items
Tours of the community will be available.
Local business participation
Masonic Lodge, Shrine, Eastern Star and Masonic Youth participation
Proceeds benefit Children’s Dyslexia Center, Inc.
Masonic Village
at Dallas
Masonic Village
at Sewickley
Masonic Village
at Warminster
Masonic Village
at Lafayette Hill
Masonic Village
at Elizabethtown
Brother Tim Templeton
Helps Lead Masonic Villages in
Expanding its Mission Across the Map
Bro. Timothy P. Templeton, P.D.D.G.M.,
of Sharpsville, became a member of the
Masonic Villages’ Board of Directors in 2009,
just when the world was going through the
great recession. “We were very conservative
at that time until our investment funds came
back,” Bro. Joseph E. Murphy, CEO for the
Masonic Villages, said.
Once the economy looked up, Bro.
Templeton’s expertise came into play as
a member, and now as Chairman of the
Building and Grounds Committee. He brings
his experience as President of Templeton
Construction to the table, and out to each
Masonic Village location.
He also serves on the Admissions,
Home Assistance and Resident Services
Subcommittee and the Financial and Gift
Planning Subcommittee, as well as on the
Committee on Masonic Temples, Halls and
Lodge Rooms.
“As District Deputy (of District 53, from
2001-2007), I enjoyed meeting people in the
district and across the state and developing
friendships,” Bro. Templeton said. “But I also
realized, like never before, what our Mission
of Love stands for, and that it is much larger
than all of us combined. It became very
clear and important to me, and I thought, if
there’s a way I can help grow it and make it
successful, I want to do that, especially being
from this (western) part of the state.”
One of the Masonic Villages’ goals is to
ensure that a Mason doesn’t have to travel
more than two hours to come to a Masonic
Village. While there are now five locations,
Bro. Templeton feels that many in western
Pennsylvania aren’t aware of what is available
to them, and how exceptional the villages
truly are. He often hears Masons ask why
they should live in a Masonic community
over any other. “I tell them, ‘Not only do
we have beautiful campuses and buildings,
professional services and staff, but our Masonic
Villages are well run and organized,’” Bro.
Templeton said.
But most importantly, it’s the people who
make the Masonic Villages special.
“Masonic Villages’ leadership, like the
Grand Lodge leadership, starts at the top and
works its way down. The staff is willing to
do whatever it takes to make our residents
as happy and our services as professional as
they can possibly be. That’s leadership you
can’t teach … it comes from within, and is
something I see we have across the board in
the Masonic Villages.”
This is exemplified, for example, every
winter when snowstorms blanket the campuses
with ice and snow. It’s not unusual to see
leadership personnel driving vehicles to
transport staff to and from work safely so
care and services continue uninterrupted. In
some cases, staff stays overnight. This past
Easter, the electricity went out at the Masonic
Village at Lafayette Hill. Executive Director
Adrienne Staudenmayer came in to discuss
the process with the electric company and
the staff personally, and made the decision
to order a generator. She spent the holiday
with the residents instead of at home with
her family, where she would have had the
comfort of electricity.
“For many organizations, this would
be extraordinary, but it’s ordinary for our
Mission,” Bro. Templeton said. “You don’t find
leadership like that every day. That comes
from Joe (Murphy) … He sets that example;
the staff know Joe, and he knows them. In
western PA, we always say, ‘Neighbors are
friends, and friends are considered family’
– that’s what we see with staff and residents
(at the Masonic Villages).”
According to Bro. Templeton, most
Masons don’t realize that across the state,
the Masonic Villages has invested over $533
million in land, facilities and equipment for
the Mission. It’s a massive undertaking to
house, serve and care for 2,776 residents, as
well as hundreds of others through home,
community-based and outreach services, with
various needs across the Commonwealth.
In addition, the Masonic Villages provide
August 2014
more than $31 million yearly in fraternal care
and services through its Mission.
Since 2009, Bro. Templeton has been
involved in almost $130 million worth of
construction and renovation projects.
The $23 million state-of-the-art project
at the Masonic Village at Sewickley has
transformed the nursing residence from a
clinical facility into warm neighborhoods.
“It’s fantastic; I believe it will make this one
of the top five facilities in the country when
all is said and done,” Bro. Templeton said. “We
constantly strive to stay ahead of the curve.
For the Board of Directors and the Grand
Lodge Officers, the residents always come
first. Our Mission of Love is first, foremost
and paramount.”
At the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill,
the $22 million expansion is “another fantastic
project,” according to Bro. Templeton.
He also has been involved with the
renovation of the Masonic Health Care
Center and the construction of cottages in
Elizabethtown, as well as planning for the
Dallas and Warminster campuses.
After graduating from Clarion University
in 1984 at age 21, Bro. Templeton joined
Hermitage Lodge No. 810. He served as
Worshipful Master in 1991. In 2001, his lodge
merged to become Shenango Valley Lodge
No. 810, Hermitage. He currently serves as
a Trustee.
While serving on the Masonic Villages’
Board requires an extensive amount of his
time, Bro. Templeton feels the experience has
made him “extremely proud to be a Mason
and a member of this great fraternity.”
# OF RESIDENTS AT
EACH MASONIC VILLAGE
Dallas112
Elizabethtown1,890
Lafayette Hill
216
Sewickley497
Warminster61
TOTAL2,776
Left: The new Sturgeon Health Care
Center at the Masonic Village at Sewickley
Below: Construction at the Masonic Village
at Lafayette Hill
Plaque Dedication Memorializes Philanthropist
Linda Haller, wife of Bro. Henry E.
Haller, Guthrie Lodge No. 509, honored her
late husband with a plaque located above
the fire place in the clubhouse at Masonic
Village at Sewickley.
After his retirement, Bro. Haller devoted
his talents to philanthropy, and with Linda,
established the Haller Foundation in 2000.
Bro. Haller was recognized for the support
he gave to the Shriners Hospitals, several
universities and other philanthropic causes.
He also spread his generosity to the Masonic
Village at Sewickley. The plaque was unveiled
on May 1, with Joseph Murphy, chief executive
officer of Masonic Villages, and Eric Gross,
executive director of Masonic Village at
Sewickley, in attendance.
Numerous additional naming and
recognition opportunities are available at
Masonic Village at Sewickley, as well as at the
Masonic Villages in Dallas, Elizabethtown,
Lafayette Hill and Warminster. For more
information on how you can honor or
memorialize a loved one or provide a naming
gift that will support the Masonic Villages’
Mission of Love, contact the Office of Gift
Planning at 800-599-6454.
AUTUMN DAY 2014
Available in August and September:
Apples, Apple Cider, Peaches, Fall Mums, Pumpkins and much more.
AUTUMN DAY 2014
1 OFF
$ 00
Your purchase of
$
1000 or more.
Valid Sept. 2023. Redeemable
at the tent or in
the Farm Market
during the
Autumn Day
Festival.
Shippable anywhere in the USA:
Apples, Fruit Butter, Jam, Jelly, Salsa,
Salad Dressings and much more.
Check out our online catalog for more
information: www.MVFarmmarket.com
MasonicVillage
FARM MARKET
Hours: Mon. - Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun., Noon to 4 p.m. (through August) • (717) 361-4520 • MVfarmmarket.com
310 Eden View Rd., Elizabethtown • Located on the grounds of the Masonic Village • We accept FNMP checks
Follow us on
Facebook.
August 2014
Qty. Capital Need
Cost Per Item
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
Musical Instruments
$5-$500
1
Digital Keyboard Accessories
$1,000
10
Specialty Mattresses
$1,000
11
Stereo Systems
$1,000
23
Wheelchairs - Specialty
$1,000
15
Wheelchairs - Specialty with Customization
$1,500
5
Bariatric Mattresses
$1,600
1
Eva Pneumatic Platform Walker
$1,800
4
Sleeper Chairs
$2,000
2
Wheelchairs - Tilt & Space
$2,000
5
Wheelchairs - Broda
$2,100
2
Bariatric Ceiling Lifts
$2,500
1
Portable Sound System
$2,502
1
Golf Cart with Weather Cover
$3,500
2
Beds - Pivot
$3,700
1
MVTV Software & Hardware
$4,000
2
Trees - 12 ft. High Black Olive Trees
$4,500
2
Lifts - Overhead
$4,667
1
NuStep Machine
$5,600
2
NPWT Machines (Wound Care)
$6,000
2
Pianos (Roland - Acoustic)
$6,000
4
Wheelchair Glider Swings
$6,000
Bariatric Equipment
$10,000
1
It’s Never 2 Late Computer System
$10,000
1
Treadmill for Rehab Dept.
$10,200
1
Wheelchair Shuttle Cart
$14,000
1
Piano (Roland - Grand)
$15,000
1
Hearing Aid Loop
$18,000
6
Whirlpool Tubs
$22,000
1
Dental Digital Imaging
$25,000
1
Call Bell System (Replacement)
$146,300
1
InspectRX
$186,495
BLEILER COTTAGE NEEDS
1
Refrigerator
$1,300
Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill
District of Columbia Museums w/lunch and transportation
$2,400
Harvest Ball Event
$2,500
Drama Lessons/Activities for Residents
$3,000
Broadway Shows with Transportation Outing
$3,700
Masonic Village at Sewickley
1
Hand Rail Tilt and Roll Scale
$1,550
1
ARJO Sit to Stand Lift
$4,100
1
4 Channel E Stimulation (Electric)
$4,400
1
ARJO Maxi Lift
$7,400
Occupancy Sensors for Apartment Hallway
$20,000
Masonic Village at Dallas
1
Handicap Accessible Picnic Table
$900
1
Gazebo
$10,532
Masonic Village at Warminster
1
Fish Aquarium
$300
1
Pergola with Awning
$6,000
1
Gazebo
$8,000
MASONIC
VILLAGES’
2014
WISH LIST ITEMS
OFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING
800-599-6454
Thank you to the following individuals who have
provided for the following items since the last issue:
Masonic Children’s Home:
Bro. Jack and M. Ellen Koehler: Adirondack Chairs,
Cameras, Computer Chairs, Bedroom Door, Kindles,
Laptops, Mattress Covers, Movie Screen, Patio, Shutters and
Educational Trips to include Juniata River Float, Hershey
Park and Wildwood, N.J.
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown:
Bro. Joseph Darlington: Tablecloth
Albert and Betty Hoehn: Door Alarm
Bro. Richard Holt: Bariatric Shower Chair, Tablecloths,
Washer/Dryer Set, Tilt and Space Wheelchair
Bro. Richard and Donna Kellenberger: Tablecloth
Bro. Ronald McKnight: Various Non-specified Items
Rosemary Merwin: Golf Cart, Supplies for Hospitality Cart
Retirement Living Resident’s Council: Hospitality Cart
Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill:
PA Meridian Lodge No. 2: Baltimore Aquarium Trip
There is an all-inclusive wish list posted on the Masonic
Charities website at www.MasonicCharitiesPA.org, or feel
free to contact the Office of Gift Planning at 800-599-6454.
Please note that if funds donated for any item listed are oversubscribed, the funds will be used for additional wish list
items or needs in the same service area.
Guaranteed
Lifetime
Income
What Is It?
A
“Charitable Gift Annuity”—a special
type of irrevocable charitable gift that
pays donors for life
What Are The Benefits?
 Guaranteed, fixed lifetime income
 Tax savings
Who Has Participated?
H
undreds of Masonic and non-Masonic
donors
Why?
 Payouts benefit the donor; and
A
fter the donor passes on, whatever is left
in the gift annuity goes to the Masonic
Charities.
What Are The Minimums?
 $5,000 gift in cash or appreciated securities
 Age 65
SAMPLE GUARANTEED LIFETIME RATES
For One Life
For Two Lives
Age
Rate
Age
Rate
70
5.1%
70 & 75
4.8%
75
5.8%
75 & 80
5.3%
77
6.2%
85 & 85
6.7%
81
7.0%
85 & 90
7.3%
85
7.8%
90 & 90
8.2%
90+
9.0%
90 & 95
8.8%
Note: This is a partial listing. Rates exist for any combination of ages.
COMPLETE AND MAIL THIS FORM TO:
Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Telephone 800-599-6454
I would like more information, with no obligation. Please:
S
end me a Charitable Gift Annuity illustration.
Name(s)__________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________
My birth date____________ Spouse’s birth date____________ (if two lives)
Dollar amount(s) to be illustrated (up to three amounts)_________________
_________________________________________________________________
If using appreciated stock, estimate cost basis__________________________
 Call me to answer my questions. Phone_____________________________
Where Can I Get Information?
C
all Masonic Charities at 800-599-6454,
or mail attached reply form.
www.MasonicCharitiesPa.org
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.

Aug. 2014 Vol. LXI, No. 3

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