Aug. 2012 Vol. LIX, No. 3

Transcription

Aug. 2012 Vol. LIX, No. 3
The Pennsylvania
august 2012 • Volume LIX No. 3
The Masonic
Children’s Home
Planting the Centennial Seed
Inside this Issue...
The Pennsylvania Freemason®
Vol. lIX, august 2012, No. 3
©2012 the R.W. grand lodge F.&a.M. of Pa
Editorial Board
Chairman
Jay W. Smith, r.W.G.M.
robert J. Bateman, r.W.d.G.M.
raymond t. dietz, r.W.S.G.W.
S. Eugene Herritt, r.W.J.G.W.
Jeffrey W. Coy, r.W.G.t.
Mark a. Haines, r.W.G.S.
Editorial StaFF
tina l. raybold - Production Coordinator
rich Johnson - graphic Designer
thomas r. labagh - Executive Director, PMYF,
Consultant
Masonic library & Museum of Pa Staff
3 Grand lodge
• grand Master’s Message • one Day Masonic
Journeys • grand Master’s alaska trip • Help for
our Heroes • Joint Quarterly Communication &
Banquet
10 lodge and District
• Meeting in the Hills • online Masonic Education
• Experience of a lifetime • Random acts of
Kindness & Community service • lodge & District
Events • Congratulations to ...
18 Freemason
• 2012 Youth appreciation Day • Masonic
Children’s Home Centennial Campaign • Book
Review • Bro. Jackson goes to Washington
22 Pa masonic youth Foundation
• Pa Rainbow grows • tall Cedars Join grand
Master in support of Masonic Youth • Pa Chapters
Celebrate DeMolay Month • 75th Celebration of
Masonic Youth • CHIP thrives • Job’s Daughters
March for Babies • DeMolay Returns to altoona
27 masonic villages
• Remembering a servant at Heart •
autumn Day 2012 • Catching up with the Villages
• Home & Community-Based services • Centennial
Campaign Completed • Masonic Village Will
Become a Nonprofit Corporation
• 2012 Wish list Items
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(Publication No. usPs 426-140) august 2012 Issue of
the Pennsylvania Freemason ® Published quarterly by
the Masonic Villages, one Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown,
Pa 17022. articles and photographs to be considered
for publication should be sent with local Masonic
authority to the address above, to the attention of the
Pennsylvania Freemason ® or emailed to pafreemason@
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the grand lodge.
Published by the Masonic Villages, owned and operated
by the grand lodge of F. & a. M. of Pennsylvania, as a
means of soliciting the physical and financial support of
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Periodical postage is paid at Elizabethtown, Pa., and
additional mailing offices.
We appreciate the many submissions we receive for
consideration. We apologize, but due to space constraints
we are not able to publish every submission we receive.
StatEMEnt oF oWnErSHiP
(act of oct. 23, 1962; section 4369; title 39, united
states Code) august 1, 2012, the Pennsylvania
Freemason ®, published quarterly by the Masonic
Villages, Elizabethtown, Pa 17022. Publishers: the
Right Worshipful grand lodge of the Most ancient and
Honorable Fraternity of Free and accepted Masons
of Pennsylvania. Editor: Jay W. smith. owner: the
Right Worshipful grand lodge of the Most ancient and
Honorable Fraternity of Free and accepted Masons of
Pennsylvania. Known bondholders: none. No advertising
handled. Free distribution averages 134,000 each quarter.
I certify that the statements made by me are correct and
complete.
Jay W. Smith, Editor
Mailing address changes
If your address on the back cover of this magazine is not
exactly as you have provided it to us, please be aware that
addresses are modified through the various mailing process
requirements required by the u.s. Postal service. If you
have any questions or would like to inform us of a change in
address, please contact the office of gift Planning at
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Postmaster: send address changes to:
the Pennsylvania Freemason®, c/o Masonic Village,
one Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, Pa 17022-2199.
Dear Brethren:
When you receive this message, most of our lodges will be called off from labor for the summer. I hope each
of you are having an enjoyable summer with your families. As we approach the fall, all of us need to be working to
prepare for our lodges’ open houses and the One Day Masonic Journeys. Many lodges conducted open houses in the
spring and continue during the summer, while other lodges will be conducting theirs in the fall. Any questions about
dates and locations for specific upcoming lodge or district open houses may be directed to your District Deputy Grand
Master or an individual lodge. The statewide schedule for the One Day Masonic Journeys is on p. 4.
With our open houses, let us show the community what Freemasonry is all about and what a great
organization we are. We need to demonstrate that we are not a secret organization. Like many of the lodges and
districts featured in this issue, I encourage all of you to become involved in community events by participating in
parades, county and local fairs, blood drives and Child Identification Program (CHIP) initiatives, and promoting our
activities in local newspapers, Facebook and other social media.
The One Day Masonic Journeys give us the opportunity to provide those potential members who cannot
travel the traditional way, to become members of our fraternity. There are approximately 300 Masons who only have
their Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft degrees. What a great opportunity to make these men Master Masons in order
that they may enjoy all the rights and privileges of this great fraternity.
In the May issue of “The Pennsylvania Freemason,” I stated I was concerned for those members who were
about to be suspended for non-payment of dues, and that my goal is to reduce the number of suspensions. Since
Dec. 27, 2011, we lost approximately 1,600 members due to non-payment of dues, so we fell short of that goal. I
again ask each one of you: if you know a member who was suspended for non-payment of dues, please ask him
to reconsider his decision. No member should be suspended due to ill health or economic hardship, or because
he resides in a nursing home and cannot pay his dues. As Masons, we need to help those who are in need. If
you know of a brother in a situation like one of these, please notify your secretary immediately in order that he
may make sure the brother’s dues are forgiven and he may be returned to a Mason in good standing.
Speaking of Masons helping others in need, this month’s cover highlights our Masonic Children’s Home
during the Annual Youth Appreciation Day, featured on pp. 18-19. With next year being the home’s centennial
celebration, we have launched a new capital campaign and established a new society for generous donors as
described on p. 20. Keep thinking of ways your lodge can support the youth during the home’s milestone next
year.
In June, we had a successful Joint Quarterly Communication with Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
Pennsylvania at the Valley of New Castle. What an historic event! I must thank Most Excellent Grand High
Priest Richard B. Meredith for suggesting this event more than two years ago, for all his help, and for allowing
those who were not York Rite Masons to attend an open meeting of Grand Chapter to learn more about this
body of Freemasonry. I also extend sincere appreciation to all of the officers from the Valley of New Castle
and to our Grand Secretary, Mark Haines, for their hard work putting this event together. Approximately
300 Masons attended both sessions and the banquet. Bro. Richard and I were very pleased with the results. I
feel we accomplished what we set out to do: we established new friendships, renewed old ones and had a great
time at an event that was beneficial to both bodies.
As summer ends and September arrives, I hope you are ready to get involved in your lodge, and together,
we can work toward strengthening our fraternity for future generations.
I encourage you to attend Autumn Day at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown on Saturday, Sept. 22, and
enjoy this annual open house with festivities and fellowship for all ages. For those of you interested in joining Nancy
and me on the Alaska trip next summer, there will be three presentations held in the Deike Auditorium that day
showing the itinerary, and representatives from Holland America will be available to answer your questions. For more
information or to book your trip immediately, learn more about this adventure on p. 5.
Check out what a difference we’re able to make in the lives of our military families on pp. 6-7. Please keep those
donations coming to support our Help for Our Heroes program!
Finally, continue to educate yourself through our online educational portal. This is an excellent resource; the more
we learn about Freemasonry, the better we are able to be Master Builders, Building for Our Future!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Jay W. Smith
Right Worshipful Grand Master
4 Gr and LodGe
Pennsylvania Freemason
inviTe GooD men
To BeCome
masons!
Your lodge’s success depends on YOU!
District
21
A-D
19
17, 22, 33
C
9, 10, 50
16
47, 54, 55
Every district in Pennsylvania will be hosting a One Day Masonic
Journey sometime between June and November, when approved
candidates for membership may receive all three Blue Lodge degrees in
one day. Information regarding other Masonic affiliated organizations
will be available, as well. Reach out to family members, neighbors,
co-workers and friends worthy of joining the fraternity and invite
them to experience this unique event, ideal for quality men busy with
family, military, work and volunteer commitments. If you know of a
quality candidate for membership, put him in contact with your local
lodge leadership, direct him to www.bapamason.com or encourage
him to call the Grand Lodge at 800-462-0430.
Reminder: Throughout 2012 and 2013, the Grand Lodge fee of
$100 and Grand Lodge dues are excused for all men, 18 and over,
who have graduated high school and have either received an official
acceptance letter to or are attending a two-year or four-year college,
who join the fraternity. The Grand Master also has encouraged all
lodges to reduce the initiation fee or lodge dues to attract younger
men to join.
13
52
12
40
1
3 and 42
5
6 and 36
14
18
29
35 and 46
45
49
58
59
60
20 and 41
24
25
26 and 53
27
30
2
34
15
7
8
Date Location
June
23
State College
23
Tacony Temple
September
8
Newport Lodge No. 381, Millerstown
22
Coudersport Consistory
29
LuLu Shrine, Plymouth Meeting
29
Masonic Temple, Allentown
29
Canton Lodge No. 415
29
Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center
October
10
Masonic Temple, Scranton
13
Hobah Lodge No. 276, Brookville
13
Wilkes-Barre area
13
Royersford Masonic Temple
20
Lancaster Masonic Center
20
Carlisle Masonic Center
20
West Chester Lodge No. 322
20
Springfield-Hanby Lodge No. 767
20
Salem Lodge No. 330, Hamlin
20
Masonic Temple, Williamsport
20
Washington Masonic Temple
20
Sunbury
20
Tamaqua Lodge No. 238
20
McKeesport Masonic Center
20
Pulaski Lodge No. 216, Pottsville
20
Acacia Lodge No. 579, Taylor
20
Lebanon Masonic Temple
27
Johnstown Masonic Temple
27
Oasis Lodge No. 416, Edinboro
27
Meadville area
27
New Castle
27
Kittanning Masonic Temple
27
Greensburg Masonic Center
November
3
Harrisburg
3
Mount Zion Lodge No. 774
3
Harford Lodge No. 445, Hop Bottom
10
Reading Masonic Center
10
Newtown Lodge No. 427
August 2012
yes, I would like to explore alaska with the Grand Master.
name _____________________________________________________________________
address __________________________________________________________________
Phone # __________________________________________________________________
email _____________________________________________________________________
I have included a check for $ ______________________________________________
Gr and LodGe 5
*Fuel supplement has been suspended. Holland america Line reserves
the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per
day should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the nYMeX (new York
Mercantile exchange Index) increase above $70 per barrel. Please consult our
website for current information. Fares are for the 14-day CruiseTour. Featured
fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise only. Fares are in U.S.
dollars and include non-commissionable fares. Taxes are additional and vary
according to itinerary. Subject to availability. offers are capacity controlled, and
may be modifed or withdrawn without prior notice. restrictions may apply. Please
refer to the appropriate Holland america brochure for full terms and conditions.
Ships’ registry: The netherlands.
6 Gr and LodGe
Pennsylvania Freemason
helP For oUr heroes
Pennsylvania Freemasons have supported
the Pennsylvania National Guard and Air
National Guard for the past four years and
have established strong relationships. Col.
and Bro. Harris Brooks hosted a meeting at
the Grand Lodge on June 22, at the request
of the Pennsylvania Guard’s State Family
Support program leadership, to discuss new
opportunities to work together in support
of the families of Pennsylvania Guardsmen
who either just deployed or who will be
deployed over the next four to six months.
Thousands are expected to be deployed
from Pennsylvania within that timeframe.
As shown in the photo above, the
meeting was attended by MAJ Ed Shank,
CPT Paolo Sica, SGM Mark Todero and TSgt
Joel Mutschler, all from the Pennsylvania
National Guard and all Pennsylvania
Masons. Representing the Grand Lodge
was Bro. Thomas Long, Col. and Bro.
Harris Brooks, and R.W. Deputy Grand
Master Bob Bateman.
“I truly wasn’t surprised to find out that
the leadership of the organization within the
Pennsylvania National Guard responsible
for caring for the families within their own
military community would all be Pennsylvania
Masons,” Col. and Bro. Brooks said.
At the meeting, CPT and Bro. Paolo
Sica presented the Grand Lodge with a
beautiful flag in a special Pennsylvania
National Guard display box in gratitude for
all the past support of the National Guard
by the Grand Lodge. R.W. Deputy Grand
Master Bob Bateman accepted the flag on
behalf of R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith.
Together, the group has planned various
ways to provide Help for Our Heroes. This
summer, Pennsylvania Masons will sponsor
a bus trip for the families of our military
members who are unable to take their
own family to a theme park. We will send
110 children who have at least one parent
deployed overseas to enjoy a fun-filled day
at Great Adventure.
Last December, Pennsylvania Masons
contributed to support a Christmas party
for the military families with children with
special needs. This year, we will be the sole
sponsor of this event.
The “Help for our Heroes” program
continues to support the veterans court in
Pennsylvania with mentors. After the last
issue of “The Pennsylvania Freemason,”
many brothers contacted Bro. Thomas Long
for information about the program. Thank
you for your responses! The immediate
need of the courts is for qualified mentors
to support the court in the Wilkes-Barre/
Scranton area. Please continue to contact
Bro. Long at (215) 520-8826.
R.W. Past Grand Master Thomas K. Sturgeon
presents Bro. Tom Long a certificate of
appreciation from the Grand Lodge for all his
efforts on the veterans court project.
Gr and LodGe 7
August 2012
Already this year, the Grand Lodge has held two baby showers
at the McGuire-Ft. Dix-Lakehurst military base. Altogether,
through Help for Our Heroes, we were able to support almost 60
new military families. As in 2011, we continue to financially help
our most junior military members as they prepare to welcome their
first child into their families. The March of Dimes continues to
work with the Grand Lodge by providing an educational program
and supporting the showers in many other ways.
The underlying theme in all the thank you letters from the
families we have touched is that we have eased the stress of how
they are going to support their new baby during his/her first year
of life, as reflected in the following letter:
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Photos: Moms and some of the Pennsylvania Masons who attended the June military baby
shower including Col. Jon Spare, Vice Wing Commander at the 514th AW and member of
Brotherhood Lodge No. 126, Philadelphia. Several Masonic ladies, including Mrs. Cheryl
Brooks, wife of Bro. and Col. Harris Brooks, (shown in bottom photo) help at each shower.
8 Gr and LodGe
Pennsylvania Freemason
historic Joint June Quarterly Communication
& Banquet is a success!
The June Quarterly Communication of
the R.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of Pennsylvania was held on June 16
at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, New Castle.
Grand Lodge approved the merger of
Monessen Lodge No. 638, Donora, into Tri
County Lodge No. 252, Donora, effective
June 30, to be known as Tri County Lodge
No. 252. Also approved was the merger of
Temple Lodge No. 248, Tunkhannock, into
Nicholson Lodge No. 438, effective June 30,
to be known as Nicholson Lodge No. 438.
Membership for the Masonic year ending
Dec. 27, 2011, was 111,661.
The resolution relative to the structural
reorganization of the Masonic Villages was
adopted.
Resolutions to amend the “Ahiman
Rezon” were offered, deleting Honorary and
Life memberships and revising Grand Lodge
dues and fees.
The Thomson Award for Saving a Human
Life was awarded to Bro. Eric H. Sowers,
Kedron Lodge No. 389, West Middlesex, by
R.W. Past Grand Master Thomas K. Sturgeon,
Oakdale Lodge No. 669.
The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic
Scouter Award was presented to Bro. Harold
E. McWhertor, P.M., Ellwood Lodge No. 599,
Ellwood City; and Bros. Richard K. Bates,
Robert J. Bruce and Marvin S. Lebby, all
members of Lodge of the Craft Westminster
Lodge No. 433, New Castle.
Bro. G. Kent Hackney, P.D.D.G.M.,
Lodge No. 72, Philadelphia, was appointed
District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic
District B effective March 27, replacing Bro.
Thomas Hopkins, Pilgrim Lodge No. 712,
Philadelphia, who died March 21.
Bro. Gordon M. Conniff, P.D.D.G.M.,
Lodge No. 339, Scranton, was appointed
District Deputy Grand Master of the 13th
Masonic District effective May 15.
Bro. Adam C. Heese, P.M., Melita Lodge
No. 295, Philadelphia, was appointed as
a member of the Committee on Masonic
Homes, effective May 25, replacing Bro. James
F. Standish, Jr., Lodge No. 298, Springfield,
who died April 20.
Other deaths reported to Grand Lodge
were read, including Bro. David K. Johnstone,
Lodge No. 318, Pittsburgh, Past District Deputy
Grand Master of the 55th Masonic District,
who died Dec. 3, 2011, and Bro. Garold M.
Oakes, Lodge No. 566, Kane, Past District
Deputy Grand Master of the 22nd Masonic
District, who died March 2.
The Grand Lodge was pleased to receive
contributions totaling $12,063.
Bro. Richard B. Meredith, Most Excellent
Top Photo: Members of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania being received by the Grand Holy Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania.
August 2012
Gr and LodGe 9
Grand High Priest, the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania,
gave remarks.
In his closing remarks, R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith
announced that the December Quarterly Communication of the Grand
Lodge will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Marriott Lancaster
and Convention Center, 25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, at 10
a.m. He also extended his appreciation to Bro. Robert F. Trimble,
P.M., New London Lodge No. 545, West Grove; Bro. Jeffrey P. Lees,
Thomson Lodge No. 340, Paoli, Grand Lodge Organist; and Bro.
Raymond E. Foose, Newtown Lodge No. 427, Woodside, soloist, for
their presentations.
Most Excellent High Priest of the Grand Holy Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania
Richard B. Meredith escorts R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith to the East
during the open meeting of the Grand Chapter.
Front row, left-right: Brothers Jeffrey W. Coy, R.W. Grand Treasurer; S. Eugene
Herritt, R.W. Junior Grand Warden; Robert J. Bateman, R.W. Deputy Grand
Master; Jay W. Smith, R.W. Grand Master; Raymond T. Dietz, R.W. Senior
Grand Warden; and Mark A. Haines, R.W. Grand Secretary
Middle row, left-right: Brothers Thomas W. Jackson, R.W. Past Grand
Secretary; Ronald A. Aungst, Sr., R.W. Past Grand Master; Charles R. Nebel,
M.E. Past Grand High Priest; Charles L. Klingaman, M.E. Grand King;
Richard B. Meredith, M.E. Grand High Priest; Wayne C. Faupel, M.E.
Grand Scribe; and Gary M. Gehringer, M.E. Grand Secretary
Back row, left-right: Brothers Marvin G. Speicher, R.W. Past Grand Treasurer;
Robert L. Dluge, Jr., R.W. Past Grand Master; Stephen Gardner, R.W. Past
Grand Master; Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr., R.W. Past Grand Master;
Thomas K. Sturgeon, R.W. Past Grand Master; and Leon Byers, M.E. Past
Grand High Priest
The Grand Lodge officers enjoy fraternal fellowship with Bro. Richard B.
Meredith, Most Excellent High Priest of the Grand Holy Arch Chapter of
Pennsylvania, over lunch.
10 LodGe and dISTrICT
Pennsylvania Freemason
15th annual meeting in the hills
With the rap of the gavel, Bro. Raymond
E. Oldland, Sr., W.M., Marion Lodge No. 562,
Connellsville, opened the 15th Annual Meeting
in the Hills. There were 680 brethren in
attendance representing 70 different lodges from
Pennsylvania, 11 states and one Jurisdiction
from Canada.
This ever-popular Masonic gathering is
held under special dispensation in a secluded
spot near Dawson, Pa. The event is organized
by the lodges that share the Pleasant Valley
Masonic Center in Connellsville: King
Solomon’s Lodge No. 346, Marion Lodge
No. 562 and James Cochran Lodge No. 614.
With an impending storm fast approaching,
the special meeting to honor our brethren who
served overseas in our military during the past
10 years (shown at right) went off without a
drop of rain during the meeting.
Bro. Oldland asked CDS President Bro.
Alan R. Sandusky, P.M., to speak on behalf
of a new program called the 200 Club, which
will hopefully retire the debt on the Pleasant
Valley Masonic Center.
Bro. Oldland then called on Bro. Timothy
L. Shumar, District Deputy Grand Master
for District 30, to address the gathering.
Bro. Shumar thanked the lodges of the
CDS Building Committee and especially
the property owners, the Christner family, for
their dedication and hard work to continue
this wonderful event. He then called on
Bro. Raymond T. Dietz, R.W. Senior Grand
Warden, for comments (shown at top, right).
Prior to the event, the brethren were
served a N.Y. strip steak dinner accompanied
by a baked potato, corn and salad. The evening
concluded with hot apple dumplings and
ice cream. The top left picture shows the
tremendous effort put into serving the large
number of brethren attending the event.
online masonic education is Gaining momentum!
Since the debut of the online Masonic Education site, 988 members have created logins, 219 have taken the first Masonic law quiz,
168 have taken the second Masonic law quiz, 177 have taken the quiz on the Masonic history video, 221 have taken the quiz on the written
Masonic history document, 190 have taken the Entered Apprentice Mason Mentoring quiz, 166 have taken
the Fellowcraft Mason Mentoring quiz and 161 have taken the Master Mason Mentoring quiz.
The website and course offerings will continue to evolve and expand to provide additional learning
opportunities for members. If you haven’t checked it out yet, visit www.pamasons.net/education.
If you already have signed up for the Member Services portion of the pagrandlodge.org website,
you can log in to the Masonic Education site using the same username and password. If you have not,
then first you will need to register with Member Services, at the lower right-hand side of the Grand
Lodge website’s home page, www.pagrandlodge.org. You will need your member number and lodge
number (for your primary lodge) in order to register. If you do not know your member number,
contact your lodge secretary.
If you are still having difficulty logging in, please email dkoppel@
masonicvillagespa.org. Please be sure to check the Site News located at the
bottom of the first page, where some introductory information has been provided.
LodGe and dISTrICT 11
August 2012
a one Day masonic Journey
leads to the experience of a lifetime
Bro. Eric Teasdale, North Hills Lodge
No. 716, Wexford, has a lot on his plate:
managing golf operations and a retail golf
shop, giving golf lessons, conducting events
and tournaments (and occasionally competing),
and raising three children ages 5, 7 and 9,
with his wife, Nicole.
His free time is limited and valuable.
For him to become actively involved in a
community organization says a lot not only
about his character, but also about the caliber of
the organization. Fortunately, the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania was able to accommodate his
unique schedule (and that of 1,936 others)
through the One Day Masonic Journey on
Oct. 30, 2010.
Many of Bro. Teasdale’s relatives on his
mother’s side of the family were affiliated
with one or more Masonic organizations. He
was not unfamiliar with the fraternity before
joining, but he had his share of misconceptions.
“My initial perception of the fraternity
was that of most non-educated Masons – that
it is a secret society,” he said. “Once I became
a Freemason, I realized that Masonry is an
organization with secrets, not a secret society,
and that it has a rich, storied, honorable
tradition. I have come to realize that Masonry is
about friendship, brotherly love and fellowship.”
Through his work (and play) at the
Shannopin Country Club, he became
acquainted with several Freemasons who
spoke very highly of the fraternity. His decision
to join was finalized after talking with Bro.
G. James Wehrheim, North Hills Lodge No.
716, who was his first line signer, and Bro.
Raymond T. Dietz, R.W. Senior Grand Warden.
“The decision to join through the One
Day [Masonic Journey] is a personal decision,”
he said. “For me, I have a very busy work
schedule and a very young family and didn’t
think I could take the time to join via the
traditional route at this stage in my life. I’m
glad they continue to offer the One Day
[Masonic Journey] to attract good candidates
and brothers whom the fraternity might not
have been able to attract before.”
After observing the degree work at the
One Day Masonic Journey, Bro. Teasdale
was amazed at how the conferring officers
were able to remember all the dialogue. He
immediately wanted to become involved. The
following month, his lodge was conferring
a First Degree and two Third Degrees and
he asked his second line signer, Bro. Grant
McLaughlin, to attend the meeting with him.
During the meeting’s fellowship time, he
introduced himself to several lodge officers
and expressed an interest in joining them on
the floor. He was appointed a seat on the floor
the following month, and at the end of his first
year as a floor officer, he started conferring
degrees. To date, he has conferred three long
first degrees and two short second degrees.
“Conferring a degree in the lodge is a
great sense of accomplishment, and I respect
all who have done so before me,” he said. “The
amount of study required is tremendous and
the pressure of delivering motivates me to
want to confer degrees. I have not delivered
a perfect degree yet – I don’t know if it’s
possible – but that’s what I’m striving for.”
Bro. Teasdale attributes his ability to
learn the first degree so quickly to the recent
introduction of the ritual manual. “With the
ritual manual, I learned the first degree and
delivered it in an open practice within one
month,” he said. “I could never have learned it
mouth to ear in that time frame, if at all, with
my time constraints. It has also standardized
the ritual, which I believe is a good thing.”
He is somewhat fortunate to have more
time off from his job in the winter months
when the weather prohibits golfing, but his
plate still remains nearly full trying to be as
involved in his children’s lives as possible.
“There is never enough time in the day
to do everything you want to do,” he said. “It
is a delicate balance that is ever-changing. I
always try to go to my children’s appointments
– doctor, sporting events, school activities, etc.”
Freemasonry has much to offer members
whether they are seeking knowledge,
enlightenment, friendship, responsibility or
the opportunity to help others. In return,
brethren are able to give back to the fraternity
through their eagerness to learn and grow
within the brotherhood, commitment of
time and energy and advocacy on behalf of
Freemasonry.
“To me, the secret of Freemasonry is
that people of greatly different backgrounds
can sit down in the lodge and enjoy each
other’s company,” Bro. Teasdale said. “My
involvement in the lodge has allowed me to
meet many new good people who I might not
have met without joining.”
12 LodGe and dISTrICT
Pennsylvania Freemason
random acts of Kindness & Community service
Random acts of kindness and community
service opportunities often “find” you when
you least expect it. It may be a favor for a
friend or stranger, a challenge to think fast
in an emergency or an anonymous gesture
to help people in need. Freemasons’ random
acts of kindness and lodge community service
initiatives are reaching individuals, families
and neighborhoods worldwide. In the name
of the fraternity, members are opening their
hearts to help make the world a better place.
Visit http://www.pagrandlodge.org/rak/
index.html to enter your lodge community
service initiatives and random acts of kindness
on the registry or for inspiration on how you
can make a difference.
Leaving a Good Tip
Bro. Tom Stewart, Argyle Lodge No.
540, Chicora, was eating breakfast at a local
restaurant with his wife when, while waiting
in line to pay, he heard an elderly man tell the
cashier he forgot his wallet and only had two
dollars. Bro. Stewart told the man he would
take care of his bill and not to worry about it.
“The cashier thanked me and told me
not many people would do that,” he said. “I
told her I was a Mason and that’s what we do.”
Answering a Call for Help
At 4:30 one morning in March, Bro.
Pierce Wagner, Lehighton Lodge No. 621,
received a phone call from his neighbor, an
82-year-old widow. There was a stray dog at
her home that just bit her on the hand. It
had a collar, but no tags.
Bro. Wagner and his wife both put on
heavy coats and heavy welders gloves and
went to help her. They were able to catch
the dog and got a lead on the collar. They
took their neighbor to the hospital, where she
received eight stitches on her thumb. Later,
they turned the dog over to Animal Control
for evaluation.
“Maybe this is not so random, but I’m
glad she thought of me when she needed help,”
Bro. Wagner said. “I was only happy to help.”
Joining Lodge Forces
For the second year, North Star
Lodge No. 241, Warren, joined with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Warren
Lodge #339 to host a community Easter
egg hunt on April 7. More than 300 people
attended the event.
Left-right: Bros. Rusty L. Barr, W.M.; Ryan
D. Knopf, Jr. Deacon (Easter Bunny); Karl L.
Wiler; Sr. Deacon and Chairman of the event;
C. Donald Nelson, P.D.D.G.M.; Paul O. Walker,
P.D.D.G.M.; and Michael R. Keister, P.M.
Borough’s “May Fest” celebration, a street
festival with entertainment, food and vendors.
Washington Street in downtown Huntingdon
was closed from traffic for this day-long event.
Parents and children were invited into
the Borough Municipal Building for finger
printing and photographing beginning at
9 a.m. Members had to stop just after 4
p.m. when they ran out of supplies. Fifteen
volunteers helped to “CHIP” 203 children – a
great turnout for the lodge’s first-time effort.
Honoring Local Students
Since 1999, Mount Zion Lodge No. 774,
McConnellsburg, has been sponsoring a
banquet for National Honor Society members
from three local school districts. Thirty-two
students and school advisors from Central
Fulton School District, Forbes Road School
District and Southern Fulton School District
attended the most recent banquet with more
than 70 family members.
The lodge provided entertainment
and the McConnellsburg Volunteer Fire
Company Auxiliary ladies cooked food for
the event, which also included an invocation,
introductions of the students and a benediction.
Lodge members thanked the students for
their hard work and dedication.
Back row, left-right: Bro. Roger Strait, W.M.;
Bro. Mike Crampton; Bro. John Daniels, J.W.;
Jessica Vollbrecht, Honor Society Advisor; and
Denny Richards, Chaplain. Front row, left-right:
Tristan Gelvin; Olivia Mills, Secretary; and Kyle
Schoen.
Photo Credit: Jean Snyder/Fulton County News
Helping Protect Local Children
Mount Moriah Lodge No. 300,
Huntingdon, in cooperation with the
Huntingdon Borough Police Department,
held a CHIP event on April 28. The event
was held in conjunction with Huntingdon
CHIP photography crew: back row, left-right:
Ralph Shultz, P.M., and his lady, Deb Shultz, and
front row, left-right: Bros. David Wessels; Jobe
Glenny, J.M.C.; and Mike Kemp, Pursuivant.
A Homerun for Charity
On March 6, Bros. Brian T. Wilding,
W.M., and Robert L. Eckbreth, P.M., Secretary,
both of Lodge No. 45, Pittsburgh, traveled to
Eisenhower Elementary School to present
a check to former Major League Baseball
player Sean Casey, of Casey’s Clubhouse, a
charitable foundation. The lodge was honored
to have Chloe Kondrich hand over the check
for this noble project. Chloe is the daughter
of Kurt Kondrich, a friend of Bro. Eckbreth,
who presented the idea to the lodge’s Charity
Committee, which decided Casey’s Clubhouse
was a worthwhile charity to support.
Casey’s Clubhouse recently completed a
ball field to accommodate kids with special
needs. Miracle League Field is located at the
Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation
Center in Boyce-Mayview Park. It is available
to all Pittsburgh Pirates Charities Miracle
League Players, “dedicated to giving children
with special needs the opportunity to hit,
throw and take the field just like their peers.”
LodGe and dISTrICT 13
August 2012
Left-right: Bro. Robert L. Eckbreth, Secretary,
P.M.; Chloe Kondrich; Sean Casey; and Bro.
Brian T. Wilding, W.M.
Concerts for a Cause
Valley Lodge No. 797, Valley View, held
its second annual benefit concert at Tri-Valley
Jr./Sr. High School in Hegins on March 3.
Approximately 800 people attended the two
shows, with proceeds going toward various
charities including the local public library
and food closets and to purchase textbooks
for second graders. The final amount raised
is estimated to be more than $10,000.
The concerts featured The Bretts from
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater
in Branson, Mo. They performed “a range
of classics from the ages, as well as a bit of
comedy, and a patriotic, veterans’ tribute,”
according to “The Citizen-Standard.”
“One of our members visits Branson
once a year and talks with the musicians to
find ones suitable for our area,” Bro. Don
Bixler, W.M., said. “It was a risk the first
time through, but it has been very successful.”
The lodge already has scheduled a group
from Branson, Mo., for March 2013.
To support Army SSG Earl Granville, a
local veteran who soon will be receiving a new
home, Masonic Motorcycle Club Chapter 38
arranged for a sign to designate the home’s
location and ask for volunteers to help build the
house. Club members provided the materials
for the frame, the labor to build it and installed
the sign, which was donated by Fast Signs.
Bros. Todd Whitmyer, Lewisburg Lodge No.
144, and Andy Kline, Watsontown Lodge No.
401 and Mifflinburg Lodge No. 370, drove
from Williamsport to Carbondale on June
8 to deliver and install the sign. Masonic
Motorcycle Club Chapter 38 also participated
in a ride/fundraiser on July 29 at Horsepower
Harley-Davidson sponsored by the Combat
Vets in support of the project.
In June 2008, SSG Granville was on his
third deployment in Zormat, Afghanistan. While
returning to the Forward Operating Base after
a mission, a roadside bomb exploded, throwing
him from the vehicle and killing two of the
other passengers. Landing unconscious in a
ditch, SSG Granville awoke to find the team
medic working to stabilize him for Medevac
transport to a Combat Support Hospital. Later
transferred to Bagram for surgery, SSG Granville
was eventually sent to Landstuhl, Germany,
where his left leg was amputated. Arriving at
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he spent
nearly two months in the hospital before being
released for therapies and treatments. Another
surgery was performed on his right foot 18
months after his initial injuries, requiring
additional time spent at Walter Reed. He
continues to receive treatment.
SSG Granville enjoys spending time with
his young daughter, Alexandria. He is a member
of the USA Warriors Sled Hockey Team and
enjoys participating in many adaptive sports.
A business student at Lackawanna College,
he is looking forward to living in a speciallyadapted home that will help him focus on his
recovery and his future.
Left-right: Bro. Don E. Bixler, W.M.; Andrea
Brett; Tom Brett; Bro. Leon P. Maurer, Jr.,
Valley Lodge No. 797; and Brydon Brett.
Photo Credit: Vicki Terwilliger/The CitizenStandard
Home Sweet Home
Homes for Our Troops is a national nonprofit which assists severely injured veterans
by coordinating the process of building, at
no cost to the families, a home that provides
maximum freedom of movement and the
ability to live more independently.
Bros. Todd Whitmyer and Andy Kline display
the sign that was donated by Fast Signs and
built and installed by brethren to encourage
help for building a home for an injured veteran.
Teaming Up to Feed the Community
Members of Tri-County Masonic Lodge
No. 252, Donora, teamed up with the Salvation
Army in Monessen, Pa., the Westmoreland
County Housing Authority and Order of the
Eastern Star members to host a free dinner for
the community. On March 3, they served 30
guests and prepared 90 dinners for takeout and
delivery. Ed Sedlar, pianist; and Billy Evans,
guitarist, singer and song writer; volunteered
their time and talents. The lodge also donated
$250 to the Salvation Army.
“Given the success of the dinner, everyone
seemed in favor of continuing the community
dinner once per month,” Bro. Denny Gutierrez,
P.M., said. “It was a great feeling to see their
faces light up when delivering the food on
behalf of the Salvation Army and Tri-County
Lodge.”
Freemasons Fight Hunger Worldwide
Lodges from Districts 19 and 34 cooperated
to support the Central PA World Hunger
Association (CPWHA) in Belleville during
their annual fund raising effort. Presenting a
check to Brent King, treasurer, CPWHA, are,
front row, left-right: Bros. Arthur Stanton,
S.W., McVeytown Lodge No. 376; David E.
Kleinfelter, J.W., Lewistown Lodge No. 203;
Donald W. Weirich, W.M., Mt. Union Lodge
No. 688; David W. Peterson, W.M., Union
Lodge No. 324; and back row, left-right: John
E. Snyder, P.M., Mt. Union Lodge; Shawn A.
Vaughn, W.M., Cromwell Lodge No. 572;
James A. Ardrey, W.M., Mt. Moriah Lodge
No. 300; and Merrill L. Peterson, G.T.C.,
Juniata Valley Forest No. 88.
14 LodGe and dISTrICT
26.2 Miles for a Miracle
Bro. Brent Graybill, W.M., presents a check to Gail
Fressetta, administrative support for the Children’s
Miracle Network at Penn State Hershey Children’s
Hospital.
At the start of 2012, members of Riverside
Pennsylvania Freemason
Lodge No. 503, Wrightsville, decided they
wanted to reach out to the community to let
them know who Masons are and show they
care about the community.
Combining the desire of Bro. Brent Graybill,
W.M., to run a marathon with their outreach
goal, the lodge used his race as an opportunity
to collect money for charity. Members selected
the Children’s Miracle Network as their charity
initiative and collected donations to help
with specialized bedding, heart monitors and
ventilators for children.
From beginning to end, it took Bro.
Graybill 18 weeks of difficult training and an
accumulated 475 miles of running to prepare
for his 26.2-mile race.
While he finished somewhere in the middle
of the pack, it was an accomplishment not only
for him, but for the lodge. His hard work and
that of other lodge members culminated at the
lodge’s Ladies/Mothers’ Night banquet when
Bro. Graybill presented a check for $500 to a
representative from the Penn State Hershey
Children’s Hospital on behalf of Riverside
Lodge No. 503.
The lodge has other outreach events
planned for the future, including a Valentine’s
Day breakfast, community car wash, blood
drive, spring community clean up, help a
friend, strawberry night, American Cancer
Society walk, spaghetti dinner with DeMolay,
food drive, toy drive and a lodge open house.
Brethren Fly to Florida for 50-year Presentation
Bro. John Jackson, Juniata Lodge No. 282
On Feb. 13, Juniata Lodge No. 282,
Hollidaysburg, awarded 50 and 60-year members
with Masonic service emblems. One 50-year
member in particular, Bro. John Jackson,
living in Florida, was not able to attend the
ceremony.
A few members noting Bro. Jackson’s
service to the fraternity, both as a Past Master
of Juniata Lodge and a Past Potentate of the
Jaffa Shrine, took it upon themselves to make
sure he was awarded his emblem in person.
Typically when a member is not able to
attend the ceremony due to health issues or
other situations, lodge members try their best
to see to it that the emblem is presented in
person, either by a lodge close to the member,
or by officers or members who travel to the
residence of the recipient.
Thirteen of Bro. Jackson’s brethren, many
of whom made the trip from Pennsylvania,
organized and attended the award ceremony.
On March 1, at Mission Oaks Assisted Living
facility in Oxford, Fla., Bro. Jackson was
presented with his 50-year service emblem by
his long-time friend, Bro. Fred Imler, Portage
Lodge No. 220, Hollidaysburg.
During the ceremony, Bro. Jackson was
connected by phone with Juniata Lodge No.
282 Worshipful Master Adam Osman, who
offered his appreciation and congratulations
on his 50 years of Masonic service.
“It was hard for me to hold back the
tears,” Bro. John said. “The fellowship means
so much to me, personally.”
Although not all could attend the
ceremony at the lodge in person, in total,
Juniata Lodge awarded three 60-year service
awards this year to Brothers Reynor Ulery,
Philip Pressler and Edward Plowman. A
50-year service award was also presented to
Bro. John Fissel.
Fraternal Family Fellowship
Mount Moriah Lodge No. 300, Huntingdon, held its first family picnic on June 2 at the Smithfield Township Community Park. More than 40
members, friends and family members attended.
LodGe and dISTrICT 15
August 2012
masonic memorial Day observances
Pennsylvania Freemasonry was on grand display May 26 in the Mount Joy Memorial Day Parade, the largest in Lancaster
County, which draws 10-12,000 spectators.
The Grand Lodge float carried R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith; Grand Lodge Aides Brothers Jay V. Smith and Jesse S. Spence,
both of Ashara-Casiphia Lodge No. 551, Mount Joy; DeMolay State Master Councilor Matthew D. Blaisdell, Riverside Lodge No.
503, Wrightsville; Grand Worthy Advisor for Rainbow Girls Miss Diana Jolly; Miss Congeniality for Job’s Daughters Miss Jennifer
Chappell; Adult Advisor for Job’s Daughters Mrs. Angie Chappell; and the Supreme Deputy for Rainbow Mrs. Helen Snedden. The
driver and owner of the truck was Bro. Howard T. Silbaugh, Chief Aide to the Grand Master and Worshipful Master of Washington
Lodge No. 164.
Brothers Luke Hample and Jason Hoover carried the banner, followed by Bro. Josh Palmer carrying the American flag. Marching
behind the float was District Deputy Grand Master of the 1st Masonic District Larry A. Derr, accompanied by the District 1
Principal of the School of Instruction Bro. Raymond P. Greiner, P.M., and the officers of all the lodges of the 1st Masonic District:
Lodge No. 43, Lancaster; Washington Lodge No. 156, Quarryville; Columbia Lodge No. 286, Wrightsville; Christiana Lodge No.
417; Lamberton Lodge No. 476, Lancaster; Charles M. Howell Lodge No. 496, Millersville; Ashara-Casiphia Lodge No. 551, Mount
Joy; Manheim Lodge No. 587 and Ephrata Lodge No. 665.
Members of Joseph Warren Lodge No. 726, Youngsville, attended Warren
County’s annual Memorial Day Observance along with numerous veterans
groups. The ceremony included the reading of the names of veterans from
Warren County who passed away in the last 12 months, many Masons included.
Joseph Warren Lodge No. 726 placed a carnation at the altar in memory of our
fallen brothers and veterans.
Left-right: Brothers Christopher Evans, S.W.; Douglas White, W.M.; Justin DiPenti,
J.W.; Tim Jordan; Paul E. Lauffenburger, P.M.; Cornelius M. Twist, P.M.; Michael
R. Jordan, Jr. Deacon, P.M.; Franklin Williams, Sr. Deacon, P.M.; and Toby Holland
16 LodGe and dISTrICT
Pennsylvania Freemason
ConGraTUlaTions To...
For his lifetime of dedication to serving the community, Rev. and Bro. A. Preston Van Deursen,
Grand Lodge Chaplain, Director of Pastoral Care for the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown and member
of Ashara-Casiphia Lodge No. 551, Mount Joy, was presented the 2012 Lenoir-Rhyne University (Hickory,
N.C.) Alumni Association Service to the Community Award on April 14.
Bro. Preston’s spirit of volunteering began while attending the university, where he helped children
with mental disabilities, in orphanages and in prison, while he also worked to pay for his education.
After graduation, he pastored various Lutheran churches in Ohio, where he helped increase attendance,
giving and community involvement, and founded various programs, including the Weeblos Scout Troup,
a children’s playground and two soup kitchens that serve more than 200 people every weekday.
At Masonic Village, Bro. Preston established the Congregation of Sell Chapel, a non-denominational
church body that offers numerous ministries and volunteer opportunities and provides more than $50,000
in community outreach donations annually. He also has increased the spiritual offerings throughout the
Masonic Village, leads devotions and prayer on TV and radio stations upon request, speaks at baccalaureate
and graduation ceremonies, coordinates the Logan County CROP Walk, serves as interim pastor for
numerous community congregations and supports the Clare House. He also serves on the boards of
Children’s Play Room, Masonic Children’s Home, a community turnaround program for at-risk youth
in local schools, Logan County (Ohio) Children’s Services and the United Way.
Bro. Richard K. Wanner, Secretary Emeritus and 60-year member of St. James Lodge No. 457,
Bridgewater, recently was honored with the 2012 Lutheran Service Society of Western Pennsylvania
Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2012 Meals on Wheels Volunteer of the Year Award. He was selected
the winner out of five different Lutheran Service Society programs and from more than 3,000 volunteers.
Bro. Dick has been involved in the Lutheran Service Society’s Beaver Area Meals On Wheels program
for the past 30 years. He began by supporting his wife, Patricia, who scheduled delivery volunteers, and
went with her on deliveries to fill in for other drivers. After she passed away in 2001, Bro. Dick still found
ways to help and support Meals on Wheels. Bro. Wanner states, “I look forward each day to delivering
the packaged meals to my home-bound neighbors and spending a little time just saying ‘Hi’ to them.”
Manning Wiley, the Site Coordinator/cook for the Beaver Area Meals On Wheels, considers Bro.
Wanner to be his right-hand man. Chef Wiley says, “Dick is one of the best kept secrets in Western PA.”
Photo: Manning Wiley and Bro. Dick Wanner
Bro. Monty J. Glover, M.W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Hawaii, presented Bro. Michael
A. Sienkiewicz, a member of both Fernwood Lodge No. 543, Philadelphia, and Honolulu Lodge, the
prestigious “William McKee, Jr. Award” for outstanding leadership and distinguished service at the April
21 Annual Communication in Honolulu. Bro. William McKee, Jr., was the first Grand Master of Hawaii.
Left-right: Brothers Dexter Carrasco, Senior Grand Deacon; Michael Sienkiewicz; Alberto P. Alarcon,
Grand Treasurer; and M.W. Grand Master Monty J. Glover. (Note: the Grand Lodge of Hawaii’s Grand
Lodge calendar ended on April 21, so these Masonic titles were effective as of that date.)
Bro. Gerald M. Williams, P.M., Harford Lodge No. 445, Hop
Bottom, was presented with his 70-year Masonic Service Award
on April 22. He had received his Entered Apprentice Degree on
July 23, 1942, and both his Fellowcraft and Master Masons degrees
on Sept. 10, 1942, due to his service in the Navy. He served as
Worshipful Master of his lodge in 1983.
Bro. Gerald M. Williams, P.M., is seated, surrounded by, leftright: Brothers John M. Williams, his son; Richard A. Zick, P.M.;
W. Scott Muller, District Deputy Grand Master for District 15;
W. Meredith Golden, III, P.M.; Daniel Morgan, Secretary; and
Arthur C. Doolittle, P.M., all members of Harford Lodge.
Bro. Harley G. Wells, a 69-year member of Eureka Lodge No.
366, Union City, recently celebrated his 100th birthday and was
presented a congratulatory certificate from R.W. Grand Master
Jay W. Smith.
Bro. Wells displays his certificate with Richard N. Fitzsimmons,
District Deputy Grand Master for District 24, and Bro. Robert G.
Borton, W.M., Eureka Lodge No. 366 and Stillwater Lodge No.
547, Youngsville.
LodGe and dISTrICT 17
August 2012
supporting military membership
Brothers Marlin L. Plymette, P.M, S.W.; John L. Debo, P.M., J.W.;
James C. Young, P.M., Treasurer; James G. Yost, P.M., Chaplain;
Frederick G. Ripka, P.M., Pursuivant; David W. Page, P.M., Guide
(3rd), W.M.; Michael A. Koch, Sr. Deacon; Charlie Fegley, Jr. Deacon;
John W. Bower, Sr. M.C.; Nicholas D. Guzenski, Jr. M.C.; William H.
Cyphers, Tyler; Eugene E. Kline, Guide (1st); and Andrew E. Kline,
Guide (2nd).
On April 21, by special dispensation from R.W. Grand Master
Jay W. Smith, members of Watsontown Lodge No. 401 confirmed
all three degrees upon Air Force Staff Sergeant John Joseph Affield.
Staff Sergeant Affield flew from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
in Tucson, Ariz., on April 20, received all three degrees on April 21
and flew back to Arizona on April 22.
Staff Sergeant Affield became a fourth generation Master Mason.
He is the son of Bro. Andrew E. Kline, the grandson of Bro. Eugene
E. Kline and the great-grandson of the late Bro. Earl M. Kline, all
members of Watsontown Lodge.
As Worshipful Master, Glen E. Paulhamus, P.D.D.G.M., gave
all three degrees that day.
Left-right: Brothers Donald E. Sauer, P.M.; John J. Handshue, P.M.,
A.J.’s father; Lance Corporate A.J. Handshue; Jeffrey H. Heiger, P.M.,
Guide; Ronald A. Plesh, P.M.; and Richard T. Tutich, P.M.
On Feb. 18, Lodge No. 45, Pittsburgh,
conferred all three degrees on A.J.
Handshue, a Lance Corporal in the
U.S. Marine Corps. A.J. was home
from deployment in the Middle East
for only two weeks, and his degrees
were attended by
47 members.
Bro. Richard T.
Tutich, P.M., conferred
the Entered Apprentice
degree, Bro. Ronald A. Plesh,
P.M., conferred the Fellowcraft
degree, and Bro. Donald E.
Sauer, P.M., conferred the
Master Mason degree.
small lodge is Big on
membership retention
On May 7, Friendship Lodge No. 247, Blossburg, held its annual
Past Master’s Night. Including the two 50-year Masonic Service
Emblem recipients, Bro. Duane J. Moore, P.M., and Bro. Clifford
M. Slater, a combined total of 1,021 years of Masonic membership
was represented among the 35 attendees. Very impressive for a small
lodge with 104 members!
Also enjoying the great evening of brotherhood were Bro. G.
Robert Grant, District Deputy Grand Master for District 17 and
member of Galeton Lodge No. 602; 27 members of Friendship Lodge
No. 247, Blossburg; five visiting members of Bloss Lodge No. 350,
Blossburg; and one visiting member of Friendship Lodge No. 663,
Fawn Grove.
18 FreeMaSon
Pennsylvania Freemason
2012 youth appreciation Day
On May 25, the Masonic Children’s
Home celebrated its 89th Annual Youth
Appreciation Day in the Brossman Ballroom.
On this day, themed “Positive Attitude,” the
children’s home recognized the children’s
achievements by presenting awards, scholarships
and certificates.
To kick off the program, four young
ladies performed piano solos while guests
enjoyed refreshments. Boys from Longdon
Cottage led the Pledge of Allegiance and
“Star Spangled Banner” before awards were
presented to 39 children. Rev. and Bro. A.
Preston Van Deursen, alumni and Director of
Pastoral Care at Masonic Village, gave each
of the four graduates a Kindle and gift card
to download the Bible.
Prior to Grand Master Jay Smith
addressing the crowd of youth, families,
employees, donors, Committee on Masonic
Homes members and special guests from the
Elizabethtown Area School District, the four
seniors reflected on their time at the children’s
home and everyone enjoyed a picture video
of the seniors growing up. “When I first came
here, I was under the impression that it would
be a visit and not a permanent stay. Once I
realized that it wasn’t a visit and this was my
new home, I made the best of it. It wasn’t easy
adjusting to this program, but once I did, I
believe this place changed me for the better.
It has been a journey that I will never forget,”
Gabriel, one of the seniors, said.
After the awards ceremony, the program
moved to the Masonic Children’s Home where
graduating seniors Charity, Gabriel, Gerald
and Jorge; Virginia Migrala, Director of
Children’s Services; Grand Master Smith; and
Bro. Thomas Toscani, member, Committee
on Masonic Homes, planted a tree at the site
of the new Centennial Garden to symbolize
the seniors’ lasting impact at the children’s
home.
The Centennial Garden will be an addition
to the current garden which will recognize
members of the Masonic Children’s Home
Centennial Society. Donors who contribute
to the children’s home in honor of its 100th
anniversary in 2013 may join this society.
The Donor Recognition Garden also was
rededicated in honor of the new and faithful
donors to the children’s home.
All of the seniors are sponsored by
Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682,
Elizabethtown, and will pursue higher education
thanks to the fraternity’s financial support.
Charity moved to the Masonic Children’s
Home on April 8, 2005, from Elizabethtown.
She participated in cheerleading, track,
cross-country, yearbook club, varsity club,
Key Club and science club in addition to
working at MoviE-town Cinemas. Charity
attends Lives Changed By Christ Church,
where she participates in the youth group
and has gone on missions trips to Belize and
Haiti. She plans to attend Delaware Valley
College next fall to become a veterinarian.
Gabriel will attend Harrisburg Area
Community College (HACC) before
transferring to another school to major in
exercise science. His goal is to become a
personal trainer. This young man moved to the
Masonic Children’s Home from Elizabethtown
on Dec. 9, 1998. A gifted athlete, he works out
every day, participated on the football team
and served as captain of the track team. In
his spare time, Gabriel participated in science
club, worked at Kmart and served on the
Mini-Thon committee, which helped to raise
more than $18,000 for children with cancer.
Gerald moved to the Masonic Children’s
Home on Feb. 6, 2012, from Mount Joy.
FreeMaSon 19
August 2012
He maintained his academic coursework,
participated in science club and volunteered
at Rainbow’s End Youth Center in Mount Joy.
This young man also enjoys and has played
sports such as baseball, boxing, football and
wrestling. Gerald plans to attend HACC for
two years and then transfer to a four-year
college to become a social worker. “I believe
I could be very good at this job because I
have some experiences in life that could be
similar to some people who are going through
tough times,” Gerald said. “I enjoy living here
at the Masonic Children’s Home. I believe
this is the best thing to have ever happened
in my life so far, and I will never forget all of
what the children’s home has done for me.”
Jorge will take general courses at HACC
and transfer to York College to study nursing.
Ultimately, he hopes to work at a children’s
cancer hospital. On April 13, 2009, Jorge
moved to the Masonic Children’s Home from
Lancaster. The move provided the opportunity
for Jorge to prioritize his schoolwork. At
school, he participated in track, cross-country,
running club and concert choir. He got
involved in the community with activities
such as volunteering at Water Street Rescue
Mission and snow-shoveling driveways of
Masonic Village residents. He also worked
in food services at Masonic Village. “I do not
know where I would be today without the
dedication of my house parents and tutors
directing, encouraging and persuading me
to work hard,” Jorge said.
20 FreeMaSon
Pennsylvania Freemason
masonic Children’s home Centennial Campaign
r e P ly F o r m
In anticipation of the Masonic Children’s
Home Centennial anniversary in 2013, Masonic
Village at Elizabethtown has announced a
fund raising campaign intended to celebrate
by providing support for the boys and girls who
reside there now and in the future.
Freemasonry’s grand Mission of Love is
seldom more clearly seen than in its Masonic
Children’s Home. Since the first child took
up residence in 1913, generous donors have
stepped forward to extend the caring hand
of Freemasonry to those young people most
in need.
Today’s young residents come from
environments which do not provide the security
and support necessary for healthy growth and
development. Entering the Masonic Children’s
Home, they receive the care, guidance and
resources to give them a solid start in life.
Charitable support is essential to the
Masonic Children’s Home operations. The
centennial campaign aims to generate enough
charitable contributions to support the Masonic
Children’s Home in perpetuity. Combined
with support received over the last century,
the amount needed to accomplish this is $10
million, the campaign goal.
Contributions to the campaign will make
a direct impact on children’s lives. While
every gift to the Masonic Children’s Home
is greatly appreciated, the largest support for
the children has always come from charitable
bequests. For this reason, the campaign asks
caring persons to consider a bequest to the
Masonic Children’s Home in their will.
Masonic Charities’ licensed legal staff
can help ensure correct language for a will
or help decide the most advantageous gift
for your circumstances. Staff also may review
your overall estate plan as a complimentary
service, if desired.
To honor those who are able to take this
powerful humanitarian action, a new “Masonic
Children’s Home Centennial Society” has been
established. It is a distinct honorary society
to recognize those who name the Masonic
Children’s Home in their will for a bequest.
It also welcomes those who give other types
of planned gifts such as securities, a charitable
gift annuity that pays donors lifetime income,
paid-up insurance policies or other property
or trust arrangements.
Donors who take this loving action are
a very real, permanent part of the Masonic
Children’s Home. For this reason, we feel that
their names always should be visible there.
To accomplish this, members’ names, at their
option, will be permanently displayed in a
beautiful new outdoor “Centennial Garden”
that has been created beside the existing Donor
Recognition Garden. Visitors a century from
now will see the names of those who became
part of the Masonic Children’s Home in this
campaign.
For information on the Centennial
Society or on a planned gift to the Masonic
Children’s Home, please complete and return
the attached reply form below, call 800-5996454, or email giving@masonicvillagespa.
org. Making a difference in children’s lives is
an extraordinary legacy with reverberations
through generations.
Masonic Children’s Home Centennial Society
Please complete and mail this form to: Office of Gift Planning
Masonic Charities, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or call 800-599-6454
Yes, I would like more information.
 I have questions about the Masonic Children’s Home Centennial Society. Please call me.
 Please send me information on the correct language for a bequest to the Masonic Children’s Home.
 I already have included the Masonic Children’s Home or another Masonic Charity in my will.
Please contact me about recognition benefits.
 I already have included the Masonic Children’s Home or another Masonic Charity in my will, but prefer to remain anonymous.
 I would like more information on the Masonic Children’s Home and its work. Please call me.
 I may consider a charitable bequest, and would like a review of my estate plans. Please contact me.
Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone (
)________________________Email______________________________________________________________
FreeMaSon 21
August 2012
“morgan: The scandal that shook Freemasonry”
by Stephen Dafoe Reviewed by Cathy Giaimo, Assistant Librarian, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania
The kidnapping and disappearance of
Bro. William Morgan in Batavia, N.Y., in
September 1826 by local Masons not only
besmirched the good name of Freemasonry,
it almost caused its demise. Bro. Stephen
Dafoe has tackled this sad story with an
open mind and a willingness to dive into the
historical evidence. By writing this book in a
narrative style, he has made the characters
that populate this historical work living,
breathing human beings.
Morgan was the sort of man who, if he
had not had bad luck, he would have had no
luck at all. He worked hard but had nothing
to show for it. He also enjoyed visiting the
local lodges, and even more, the festivities
(and libations!) that followed. From time to
time, the lodges would help him out financially,
but eventually he soured on Freemasonry
and perhaps more importantly, the members
themselves. With a chip on his shoulder, he
set out to expose the rituals with the help of a
printer friend, David Miller. It was supposed
to be a secret, but when Morgan drank, he
bragged to all who were in the tavern. This
alarmed the local brothers and set in motion
the tragic events that followed.
Morgan’s disappearance put a black eye
on the Masonic community, which was further
damaged by the self-serving interests on both
sides of the issue. Bro. Dafoe, nevertheless,
reveals the injustice done to Morgan in the
name of Masonic brotherhood, as well as the
deeds of the Anti-Masons, making Morgan
a martyr and trying to destroy the fraternity.
Bro. Dafoe has his opinions on Morgan’s
demise, which he shares with the reader in his
final chapter. He also has included, verbatim,
relevant source material that was used in his
research and puts to rest what some members
would rather not know about.
Anti-Masonic feelings continue into
this century, either through misinformation
or ignorance. If you are interested in the
history of Anti-Masonry or in the defense
of Freemasonry, please visit the Circulating
Library website at www.pagrandlodge.org or
call the Library toll-free at (800) 462-0430,
ext. 1933.
Brother Jackson Goes to Washington. yet again!
by Dr. Glenys A. Waldman, Librarian, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania
On the cover of the November 1990 issue of “The Pennsylvania Freemason”
appeared a famous portrait and an article by this author titled, “Bro. Jackson
Goes to Washington. Again.”
This time, the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution has
again honored your Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania with a request
to borrow Bro. Charles Willson Peale’s superb portrait of Bro. and General Andrew
Jackson (1767-1845), our seventh President (1829-1837). This time, instead of
focusing on Bro. Jackson’s life, the exhibition is in commemoration of the War of
1812, in which Bro. Jackson played a crucial role as Commander at the decisive
Battle of New Orleans. Titled, “1812: A Nation Emerges,” the exhibition will
run from June 15, 2012, through Jan. 27, 2013.
Nicknamed “Old Hickory,” Bro. Jackson was wildly popular – a living
legend. In addition to his military and political careers, Bro. Jackson was an
avid Freemason. Although the record for Bro. Jackson has not been located, he
seems to have been a member of St. Tammany Lodge No. 1, Nashville, Tenn.,
as early as 1800. It was the first lodge in Tennessee, organized in 1789, under a
dispensation from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. The name was changed
to Harmony Lodge No. 1 on Nov. 1, 1800. Bro. Jackson is officially listed as a
member in the Lodge Return to the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and Tennessee
for 1805. On Dec. 27, 1813, the Grand Lodge of Tennessee was granted its own
Constitution. Bro. Jackson was the sixth Grand Master of Masons of Tennessee,
serving from Oct. 7, 1822, until Oct. 4, 1824.
22 PennSYLvanIa MaSonIC YoUTH FoUndaTIon
Pennsylvania Freemason
Pennsylvania rainbow GroWs
Bow Stations on the east side of the Altar,
teaching the lessons of Love, Religion, Nature,
Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism and Service.
There also are lessons of Faith, Hope and
Charity. The lessons follow an obligation
assumed at the Altar. Initiation meetings
take about 75 minutes from start to finish,
and the girls become full voting members
at that time. When a girl with a Masonic
relative joins, it is very meaningful to have
that Mason present for the ceremonies, and
it is something that she will never forget.
More detailed information is available
either at www.parainbowgirls.org or through
Mrs. Helen Snedden, Supreme Deputy,
[email protected].
The Rainbow Girls of Pennsylvania
had a 20.4 percent increase in total initiates
in 2011. Statewide, 65 new members were
initiated during the year, bringing the total
membership to 325 after all losses, showing
total annual growth for the first time in many
years. Butler Assembly No. 25 initiated the
most new sisters with eight, and Altoona
No. 188 was a close second, having initiated
seven new sisters in 2011. In December,
Philadelphia Assembly No. 47 initiated four
new members and reactivated its charter.
They will be meeting at the Tacony Lodge
with the support of Lodge No. 2, Lodge
No. 9, Tacony Lodge No. 600 and Sarah E.
Collins Amaranth Court. On Feb. 11, 2012,
Wilkes-Barre Assembly No. 45 initiated the
first new member of 2012 for PA Rainbow
during an official visit of Grand Worthy
Advisor Diana Jolly.
The joining process for Rainbow Girls
parallels the traditional process established
by Freemasonry. When a girl wants to join
the International Order of Rainbow for
Girls, she is given a petition by the Mother
Advisor. The completed petition is signed by
the petitioner, a parent, two Rainbow Girls
and a Majority Rainbow Girl or a Mason,
Eastern Star, Amaranth or White Shrine
member. While many Rainbow Girls come
from Masonic families, Masonic affiliation
is not required for membership.
The petition is first read at a Rainbow
stated meeting. A committee of visitation is
assigned to meet with the girl and her family
and inform them of the rules, customs and all
the opportunities available in PA Rainbow.
The Advisory Board approves the petition,
which is then given to the Assembly for a
ballot. When approved, the petitioner is
notified of the date of Initiation.
When a girl attends her Initiation, she
is encouraged to dress formally, in a long
white gown for the occasion, in accordance
with the PA Rainbow dress code. Some girls
cannot immediately afford a new gown, and
many Assemblies share a collection of gowns
that members have outgrown. Regardless, all
new sisters are welcomed with open arms.
During Initiation, there are seven degrees
presented by the seven officers seated at the
Top: District Deputy Grand Masters Richard
N. Fitzsimmons, Masonic District 24 (left)
and Bernard D. Hanmore, Masonic District
25 (right) joined Supreme Deputy Helen
Snedden in reopening Northern Star Assembly
No. 122, which is sponsored by Western Star
Lodge No. 304, Abion. Rainbow Girls from
the Grand Assembly presided at the ceremony,
where four new girls were initiated into the
Northern Star Assembly. Parents and guests
were on hand to witness the reopening and
installation. Mrs. Leeann Doritty, (3rd row,
right) was installed as Mother Advisor.
Bottom: In December 2011, Philadelphia
Assembly No. 47 initiated four new members
and reactivated its Charter.
PennSYLvanIa MaSonIC YoUTH FoUndaTIon 23
August 2012
Tall Cedars Join Grand master in support
of masonic youth
On May 12, 77 Masonic youth group
members and 40 of their advisors assembled
in Wildwood, N.J., for the annual Tall Cedar
Parade. They received their marching orders
from R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith and
Supreme Tall Cedar Harvey A. Willard,
Jr. Following a warm welcome from Bro.
Willard, Grand Master Smith encouraged the
participants to represent their organizations
well and to, “Have a great time at the parade
and at Morey’s Pier.”
Youth group leaders marching in the
parade included DeMolay State Master
Councilor Matt Blaisdell, Job’s Daughters Miss
Congeniality Jenny Chappell and Rainbow
Grand Worthy Advisor Diana Jolly.
Through the generosity of the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania
Masonic Youth Foundation and the Supreme
Forest of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, the
youth and their adult chaperones were bussed
to Wildwood, treated to lunch and dinner
and enjoyed six hours of fun at Morey’s Piers,
a three-pier amusement center with rides,
games and fun for all.
“Bud” Willard, a Past Master Councilor
and Senior DeMolay from the former
Norristown Chapter, has made support of
the youth groups – DeMolay, Job’s Daughters
and Rainbow for Girls – a priority during
his year as Supreme Tall Cedar. This focus
complements the efforts of Grand Master
Smith, making for a memorable weekend for
the young women and young men.
During the opening session of the
Supreme Forest on May 11, Bro. Willard
presented the Past Master Councilor’s
Meritorious Service Award to Adam Neubauer,
the most recent DeMolay to preside over
Westmoreland Chapter, of Greensburg. The
Tall Cedars of Lebanon have been sponsoring
the PMC-MSA program nationally for more
than 30 years. The following morning, Adam
and fellow PMC-MSA winner Isaac Holtzer,
also from Westmoreland Chapter, wore
kilts in honor of the Supreme Tall Cedar
and assisted with the cedar tree planting
ceremony in Wildwood’s Cedar Park.
As the Annual Convention wrapped up
with the closing banquet, Grand Master Smith
and Supreme Tall Cedar Willard reaffirmed
their continued support for Masonic youth
and encouraged everyone to join them in
visiting, supporting and making these youth
groups a priority in the years to come.
Top: A group photo of many of the Masonic
youth and their adult leaders at the end of
the parade.
Top right: The Masonic youth group
members marching in the parade.
Middle right: Rainbow Girls from the
Philadelphia area also attended and carried
the banner for Bro. Willard’s home Tall
Cedars Forest.
Bottom right: Supreme Tall Cedar Willard
and Grand Master Smith.
24 PennSYLvanIa MaSonIC YoUTH FoUndaTIon
Pennsylvania Freemason
Pa Demolay Chapters Celebrate Demolay month
Marking the 93rd anniversary of the
founding of the Order of DeMolay in Kansas
City, Mo., and the 89th anniversary of the
Order of DeMolay coming to Pennsylvania,
seven Pennsylvania DeMolay Chapters
celebrated March 2012 as DeMolay Month.
The Chapters participating in the annual
DeMolay Month Competition, sponsored
by the Grand Council of Royal and Select
Master Masons of Pennsylvania, included
Allentown, Chester Pike of Prospect Park,
Elizabethtown, Erie, Freedom of Oxford,
Pilgrim of Harrisburg and Susquehanna of
Wilkes-Barre.
Membership recruitment was brisk during
the month, with 11 new members joining
DeMolay Chapters in Pennsylvania, several of
them at the annual Rose Croix Class sponsored
by the Valley of Pittsburgh, A.A.S.R.
Spreading fraternalism through visits
to other DeMolay Chapters has long been a
vital part of the DeMolay Month celebration,
and this was widely recognized when five
chapters visited Erie Chapter for their March
24 Installation of Officers in West Springfield:
Elizabethtown, Joppa from Washington,
Lorraine from Butler, Steel City from Bellevue
and Westmoreland from Greensburg. There
were 12 different visitations reported during
March.
A number of government officials
recognized DeMolay Month by meeting
with DeMolay members and signing official
proclamations to praise the work of the young
men. The members of Chester Pike Chapter
were visited by State Representative Nick
Miccarelli; the members of Elizabethtown
Chapter participated in the Elizabethtown
Borough Council meeting with Mayor and
Bro. Chuck Mummert and visited State
Senator Mike Folmer at the Pennsylvania
Capitol in Harrisburg; Erie Chapter visited
Erie County Coroner and Senior DeMolay
Lyle Cook, Erie County District Attorney
Bro. Jack Daneri and Trial Judge, Senior
DeMolay and Bro. William R. Cunningham;
and Pilgrim Chapter attended the Swatara
Township Board of Commissioners meeting.
Twelve proclamations were received from
government officials by the various DeMolay
Chapters.
Service projects, an important part of
the DeMolay program every month of the
year, were numerous throughout March.
Erie Chapter helped CHIP 42 children at
the Waterford Elementary School and served
as ushers at the Erepa Grotto Tartan Ball.
Allentown Chapter assisted Jordan-Martin
Lodge No. 673 with a highway clean-up and
assisted with the Masonic District 10 Blood
Drive, where 50 pints of blood were donated.
Freedom Chapter picked up trash at the
Oxford Cemetery; Chester Pike Chapter
assisted with the Muscular Dystrophy Walk
with the Tall Cedars of Lebanon; Pilgrim
Chapter served meals for three lodges and
helped at the Zembo Shrine Circus; and
Elizabethtown Chapter sponsored the back
page of the printed program for the high
school musical production.
Devotional Day, one of DeMolay’s seven
Obligatory Days, had the members of most
Pennsylvania DeMolay Chapters attending
worship services at the churches of their
members. Allentown held a very special
Devotional Day prayer service at the George
Washington Chapel for Prayer at the Valley
Forge National Park, followed by a tour of
the park and a tailgate party.
Susquehanna Chapter also incorporated
history and Masonic heritage into their
celebration with a visit to the Gettysburg
National Military Park for a tour and wreathlaying at the Friend-to-Friend Masonic
Memorial.
The month also included a number of
Masonic recognition and sponsoring body
programs, Senior DeMolay recognition
activities, social events, membership
recruitment prospect parties and presentations
of “Hi Dad,” the biography of DeMolay founder
Frank S. Land, to various libraries.
One of the goals of DeMolay Month
is to help heighten public awareness of the
organization, and 2012 provided a great
opportunity for this. Many of the activities and
programs were highlighted in local newspapers,
on radio and television cable stations.
March was a great month for Pennsylvania
DeMolay, and many Chapters are already
making plans for March 2013 and the 90th
anniversary of the founding of DeMolay in
Pennsylvania.
Top, left: Erie Chapter hosted visiting
DeMolays from five other chapters as a part of
their March 24 Installation of Officers.
Top, center: Allentown Chapter toured Valley
Forge National Park and held a prayer service
at the George Washington Chapel for Prayer.
Top, right: Chester Pike Chapter DeMolays
(left-right) Tristan Berrien, Tucker Daland,
Noah O’Brien and Richie Shanahan, met
with State Representative Nick Miccarelli,
who presented them with a DeMolay Month
Proclamation.
PennSYLvanIa MaSonIC YoUTH FoUndaTIon 25
August 2012
75th Celebration of masonic youth
Milestones are measured in years, and
Job’s Daughters is embarking on a significant
75th anniversary here in Pennsylvania.
When Job’s Daughters came to
Pennsylvania, it started in York on Dec. 11,
1937, and has gone as far west as Butler and
as far east as Fairless Hills. Over the years,
there have been 21 Bethels scattered across
the state. Today, there are eight Bethels, all of
which meet at Masonic lodges: York, Manheim,
Gettysburg, Elizabethtown, Chambersburg,
Hershey, Mechanicsburg and Butler.
Pennsylvania Job’s Daughters celebrated
its diamond anniversary with a formal tea on
May 20 at the Patton Campus of the Masonic
Village at Elizabethtown in conjunction with
its Grand Bethel Weekend. The gathering
featured a worship service, highlights of
significant events over the years, memorabilia
and a congregation of members from over
the years. A cameo appearance was made by
the Order’s founder – Ethel T. Wead Mick –
portrayed by Majority Member Katrina Hake.
Job’s Daughters was founded in 1921 in
Omaha, Neb., by a woman who wanted to
give her daughters and other young ladies
an organization that would teach them to
be leaders of tomorrow with strong moral
standards, love for their country and respect
for their parents and guardians. Though these
ideas are omore than 80 years old, they are
still the backbone of the Order today.
On right: “Mother Mick,” as portrayed by
Majority Member Katrina Hake from Bethel
#1 York, surrounded by Victoria Madonna
from Manheim (left) wearing regalia of the first
Honored Queens; Lauren Nace from Butler
(right) wearing regalia of modern day Honored
Queens; Miss Job’s Daughter Louesa Piatak
from Gettysburg (top) and future Jobies –
Delaney and Alyanna (bottom center).
ChiP Program Thrives in s.e. Pennsylvania
The CHIP Program is so important to
the 6th Masonic District that it recently spent
more than $2,000 to refurbish its CHIP Trailer,
a converted mobile office unit that enables
members to provide Child Identification
Program services throughout Bucks, Chester,
Delaware and Montgomery counties.
This mobile unit features two distinct
carpeted, heated and air-conditioned private
photo studios. It is the only one of this kind
in Pennsylvania. The normal complement
of equipment carried aboard this traveling
studio consists of cameras, height charts,
Purple Packets, administrative forms, tables,
chairs, directional signs, safety cones and
even a pop-up canopy, with side curtains,
to shield all participants from sun or rain. It
will be on display and in use at Autumn Day
on Sept. 22 this year.
During the past two seasons, thanks to
our 55 volunteers, including Rainbow Girls
and DeMolays, we CHIP’d 1,353 children,
supported 31 district events, and the CHIP
Trailer traveled more than 670 miles.
CHIP not only protects our children, but
gives parents and guardians peace of mind
should something unforeseen occur. The
entire CHIP program is AMBER ALERT
compatible.
26 PennSYLvanIa MaSonIC YoUTH FoUndaTIon
Pennsylvania Freemason
Job’s Daughters march for Babies
For the second consecutive year, Bethel 15 of Elizabethtown formed
a team for the March of Dimes “March for Babies” in honor of Owen
Zeager. Owen is the son of Majority Member Kristi Zeager, Director
of Epochs for Bethel 15. Owen was born on Jan. 17, 2011, 14 weeks
early at 1 pound, 9 ounces, suffering from chronic lung disease and
multiple complications from his premature birth. The Bethel, under
the leadership of new Honored Queen Kelsey Osborne, participated
in the three-mile March for Babies at the Greenfield Corporate
Center in Lancaster on April 29, 2012. While the final total has yet
to be determined, Team Oz has already exceeded $2,800 this year.
Last year, the daughters of the Bethel, led by Honored Queen
Courtney Osborne, worked hard to form Team Oz. They started fund
raising and designed shirts for the walk. The shirts were personally
sponsored by Grand Master Jay W. Smith and his wife, Nancy, to allow the team members each to have a team shirt at no cost to them.
Nicole Baker, granddaughter of the Grand Master, took this worthy cause to her school and raised $200 in donations. The team also
convinced local businesses to donate to their charity project. On May 1, 2011, Team Oz participated in the Lancaster March for Babies
and was recognized with a plaque for being the top new team for raising more than $4,000.
Demolay returns to the altoona area
March 25 started with the obligating
of the 17th member of al-Aksa Chapter,
Order of DeMolay, in the Masonic Temple
lodge room in Altoona and ended with a
full-fledged celebration for more than 75
members, advisors and guests.
By the start of the formal ceremonies, the
lodge room was packed when al-Aksa Chapter
officially received its Letters Temporary and
installed its first corps of officers. State Master
Councilor Matthew Blaisdell presided over
the Ceremony of Institution and proudly
presented the framed Letters Temporary to
Master Councilor-Elect Dustin Beckwith,
Chapter Advisor “Dad” Ian Lang, and to
representatives of the sponsoring bodies.
The sponsoring bodies for al-Aksa Chapter
are the Valley of Altoona, A.A.S.R., represented
by Past Commander-in-Chief and District
Deputy Grand Master for the 20th Masonic
District “Dad” Jack Speece, and Mountain
Lodge No. 281, Altoona, represented by
Worshipful Master Lawrence Bilotto. Bro.
Blaisdell also presented Bro. Beckwith and
“Dad” Lang with a check from Pennsylvania
DeMolay for $500 to help the Chapter with
its early expenses.
Following these presentations, the
Advisory Council was installed by Deputy
Executive Officer “Dad” Dave Berry. Bro.
Blaisdell and an installing team made up of
Pennsylvania DeMolay State Officers then
installed Bro. Beckwith and the officers of
al-Aksa Chapter.
Bro. Beckwith offered his inaugural
remarks, sharing his goals and plans for the
future, reviewing the upcoming activities and
introducing the guests who attended the special
day for al-Aksa Chapter. Guests included
DeMolays and advisors from Elizabethtown
and Westmoreland Chapters, members and
advisors of Altoona Rainbow Girls, officers
and members of the lodges that meet in the
Altoona area and Senior DeMolays and Past
Advisors of al-Aksa Chapter. “Dad” Ian Lang
presented Bro. Beckwith with his gavel and
beautifully crafted presentation box.
A number of special presentations were
made during the installation, including a 50year DeMolay pin and certificate to “Dad”
Speece, who then assisted Bro. Blaisdell in
presenting 10-year pins and certificates to
three advisors who have been instrumental
in bringing the DeMolay Chapter back to
the Altoona area: “Dad” Ian Lang, “Dad”
Patrick Lang and “Dad” Christopher Ferguson.
“Dad” Ian Lang was presented with the
DeMolay International Advisor Honor Key
in recognition of his work and the successes
of al-Aksa Chapter in 2011.
MaSonIC vILL aGeS 27
August 2012
remembering a servant at heart
Bro. James “Jim” Standish Jr., P.M., George
Bartram-Paul Sands Lodge No. 298, Springfield,
entered heaven unexpectedly on April 10,
2012, but the impact of his selfless service and
extensive knowledge will continue his legacy.
Bro. Standish served since 2004 on the
Committee on Masonic Homes, where he
utilized his vast knowledge and health care
experience to cast vision which prioritized
residents, staff, excellence and service. Prior to
that, he served for eight years on the board of
directors for the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania
and was integral in the union of the two
organizations.
Bro. Standish acted as the liaison between
the committee and the residents at the Masonic
Villages in Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill and
Warminster. In this capacity, he sincerely
listened to residents, heard their ideas and
concerns and followed up with their needs.
For his dedication, he was nominated for and
selected to receive the 2012 LeadingAgePA
Trustee of the Year Award. He was honored
by family and colleagues at the association’s
annual conference and awards ceremony in June.
“Jim’s expertise in the field of senior living
extends over multiple decades of research,
service and education,” said Bro. Joseph E.
Murphy, Chief Executive Officer for the
Masonic Villages. “He was involved nationally
with many organizations to help them gather
information from a marketing perspective and
to analyze data, while constantly searching for
better ways to help create a resident-centered
system. His immense amount of professional
experience in the senior industry was extremely
valuable and made him a great board member.”
Bro. Standish was born in Steubenville,
Ohio, in 1937. He graduated from the University
of Toledo and pursued post-graduate courses at
the University of Pittsburgh. His professional
career included working at Blue Cross of Western
Pennsylvania; Third Age, Inc., where he was
the president and principal from 1989–2009;
and Larson Allen, for which he worked as an
independent consultant.
An active Mason, Bro. Standish was a
member of the Chester Royal Arch Chapter
No. 258, the Riblah Council No. 59 of Royal
and Select Master Masons, the Pennsylvania
Lodge of Research and the Scottish Rite
bodies in the Valley of Philadelphia. He also
served on the Committee of the Academy of
Masonic Knowledge.
In September 1960, he married Nancy L.
Getz, and they were blessed with three children,
seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He belonged to Middletown Presbyterian
Church, Elwyn, where he served as an Elder
and on several committees. In his free time,
Bro. Standish liked to play golf and travel
with his wife.
Autumn Day 2012
September 22, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Autumn Day 2012
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.
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
For Handicap and Bus Parking Only
taken at the blood bank stand from
Name____________________________________________________
9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Anyone 17 years
Lodge No. _______________________________________________
of age or older, who is in good
No. of Adults _____________ No. of Children ______________
health and weighs at least 100 lbs.,
Address _________________________________________________
is eligible to donate blood. Anyone
City _______________________State ______Zip ______________
interested in donating blood should
 Need Handicap Parking*  Charter Bus
make an appointment by calling
Complete and return to: Autumn Day, Masonic Village
(800) 771-0059 between 7:30 a.m.
One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
- 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. Please
*Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with this coupon.
do not call the Masonic Village
A special parking permit will be sent to you, which must be presented upon arrival.
for these appointments.
28 MaSonIC vILL aGeS
Pennsylvania Freemason
Catching Up with the villages
masonic village at elizabethtown
Options abound at the Masonic Village
at Elizabethtown! The popularity of the brand
new retirement living cottages being built
between the formal gardens and the veterans
grove have caused the project to move along
quickly. Thirty-eight have been completed
and another 24 are under construction due
to high demand. Up to 100 cottages may be
built at this site, all with two bedrooms, two
bathrooms and a sunroom with options for
a den, two-car garage and a select number
with basements.
There’s also immediate availability in the
Sycamore Apartments. Those interested in
moving soon may be able to take advantage of
a $10,000 monthly service fee credit incentive
currently being offered on two-bedroom
apartment reservations.
For more information, to schedule a
tour or to attend the following event, call
800-676-6452.
Explore Retirement Living Open House:
Friday, Oct. 26, 3 – 6 p.m. & Saturday,
Oct. 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is a joint effort
with 17 other local continuing care retirement
communities which are all opening their doors
and celebrating the many qualities that make
each unique. The goal is to provide a day of
information-sharing where you can stop by with
your friends and family, meet current residents
and casually explore the communities that interest
you most. Masonic Village will have apartments
and cottages available for touring, and people
may stop by at their leisure.
masonic village at lafayette hill
Growth is on the horizon for the Masonic
Village at Lafayette Hill! The community is
pre-marking 45 brand new retirement living
apartments to meet the growing need for active
60+ living in the Philadelphia area. The new
building will include a mix of one-bedroom,
1½-bath apartments with approximately 800
sq. ft. of living space and two-bedroom, twobath apartments with approximately 1,120 sq.
ft. of living space. All of the apartments will
feature a patio or balcony, walk-in closets and
stainless steel appliances. This addition will
bring the total number of retirement living
apartments on the campus to 143.
Connected to the original building, the
more than 62,000 sq. ft. addition provides
convenient indoor access to amenities and
activities throughout the campus, as well as
common areas and an interior courtyard for
residents’ enjoyment.
At the same time as the new building
is being constructed, the façade of the
existing building will be updated to match
the significant renovations made to the
interior in recent years and to give it a more
contemporary look.
Construction will begin once 70 percent
of the apartments have been reserved, and
the project is expected to be completed in late
2013 or early 2014. Residents have access to
on-campus amenities including two restaurants
MaSonIC vILL aGeS 29
August 2012
and varied recreational options including an
in-house bowling alley, wellness center and
trips to local attractions. With security and
convenience among friendly neighbors, you’ll
experience options for everything from the style
of your home to the clubs you participate in
and amenities you enjoy. Enjoy life’s vibrance
with maintenance-free retirement living so
you have time to appreciate all the people
and moments that matter most.
Reserve a brand new apartment now for
just $2,000 and be one of the first to move in!
For more information, to schedule a tour
or to attend one of the following events, call
610-828-5760.
Katie Eagleson Concert: Thursday, Sept.
13. Tours and refreshments from 6 – 7 p.m.;
performance from 7 – 8 p.m. Katie Eagleson
has been singing in the Philadelphia area for
more than 25 years. Her varied performance
experiences have led to a diverse repertoire, but
it is in her interpretation of the Great American
Songbook where she truly shines. She studied
music and voice at Temple University, Neupauer
Conservatory and privately, and released her
debut CD, “Once Upon A Time,” in May 2007.
Open House Presentation & Tours:
Thursday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. with tours
& lunch to follow.
masonic village at sewickley
Come tour the model apartment and villa,
featuring a designer’s touch, so you can start
to picture how perfectly your current lifestyle
will fit in at Masonic Village at Sewickley.
Standard upgrades now include stainless steel
appliances and granite countertops, even
though many residents choose to dine in
the on-campus restaurant and café because
of the chef’s culinary talents and the social
atmosphere.
Just 10 miles from Pittsburgh, Masonic
Village at Sewickley offers the security, serenity
and peace of mind of the suburbs with a view
of the city skyline from the villas. Residents
can easily enjoy urban recreational, cultural
and social opportunities.
For more information, to schedule a tour
or to attend one of the following events, call
866-872-0664.
“Retirement: A Financial Perspective:”
Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. in the
Clubhouse. Gary Fleming Sr., CLU, ChFC,
AEP®, president and founder of Fleming Financial
Services, will help you prepare for retirement. It
takes more than money to live a “rich life,” so
start considering how you want to spend your
time and money during the best years of your life.
Fall Festival: Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m.
in the Clubhouse. You live a life all your own,
so when it comes to choosing a home, you need
a place that fits your lifestyle, budget and sense
of style. Tour the many types of homes Masonic
Village offers, compare their features and talk
to the people who live in each one. While you’re
here, enjoy a craft fair, ask about the immediate
availability of select spacious one-bedroom
apartments and learn how Lifecare can protect
your nest egg.
Lunch & Learn: Thursday, Oct. 25 at
10 a.m. (coffee served at 9:30 a.m.) in the
Clubhouse. As a Lifecare community, we
help you protect your hard-earned assets and
provide peace of mind should you ever need
health care services. Life at Masonic Village is
dynamic, convenient and secures your nest egg.
While you’re here, enjoy a light lunch and tour
our campus to discover the many benefits of
retirement living at Masonic Village.
masonic village at Dallas
While some select villas are still available
for immediate occupancy, a waiting list has
developed for retirement living apartments.
Whether you’re looking for financial security,
peace of mind, options or amenities, Masonic
Village offers it all to make your retirement
as unique as you! Ask about the clubhouse
dining plan that offers residents the freedom
from cooking and the opportunity to enjoy
daily and weekly specials.
Touring our model villa will help you
discover options to customize your home,
including granite countertops, hardwood
flooring, crown molding and much more.
For more information, to schedule a tour
or to attend one of the following events, call
866-851-4243.
Barbecue Lunch: Tuesday, Aug. 7. Lunch
will be served at noon on the Irem Clubhouse
patio, followed by a brief presentation and
tours. Enjoy Irem Clubhouse’s delectable cuisine
while taking in some fresh air with friends and
learning more about retirement living.
“The Dog Dessert Days of Summer:”
Wednesday, Aug. 22 at 4 p.m. on the Irem
Clubhouse patio. Enjoy a variety of delectable
desserts created by our in-house pastry chef.
Desserts and refreshments will be followed by a
brief presentation and tours at 4:30 p.m.
Brunch Open House: Tuesday, Sept. 18
at 11 a.m. at the Irem Clubhouse. Enjoy a
brunch buffet followed by a brief presentation
and tours.
2nd Annual Octoberfest Open House:
Tuesday, Oct. 16 at noon in the Irem
Clubhouse.
Rendering of the addition and new façade planned for the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill
30 MaSonIC vILL aGeS
Pennsylvania Freemason
What’s New at Masonic Village
masonic village home & Community-Based services
ADULT DAILY LIVING CENTER
Elizabethtown: 717-361-5353 or adlc@
masonicvillagespa.org
A cost-effective alternative for adults who live
at home, but need structure and assistance in
the daytime.
BLEILER CARING COTTAGE
Elizabethtown: 717-361-5080 or 800-462-7664
or [email protected]
A home for eight adults with mild to moderate
developmental disabilities.
HOME CARE
Elizabethtown: 717-367-1121, ext. 33700 or
[email protected]
Sewickley: 412-741-1400, ext. 3096 or
[email protected]
Personalized care or individualized services
provided in an individual’s home. Provides the
assistance needed for some people to remain
independent for as long as possible.
HOSPICE
Elizabethtown: 717-367-1121, ext. 18449
A special way of caring for patients and their
family unit at the end of their lives in the familiar
surroundings of home.
MASONIC CHILDREN’S HOME
Elizabethtown: 717-367-1121, ext. 33301 or
[email protected]
A home for 40 school-age youth who come from
various socioeconomic environments which do
not provide the security and support necessary
for healthy growth and development.
OUTREACH PROGRAM
800-462-7664 or [email protected]
Provides free information, direction and education
to individuals and families throughout the United
States. Services include a Loan Closet, which
makes durable medical equipment available for
short-term use, as well as the following services
for PA Freemasons and eligible family members:
Home Assistance, financial assistance for
those in need; a Panel of Attorneys who may
volunteer to give direction to those unable to
retain counsel; a Finance Panel of professionals
who may volunteer to assist those in need of
developing or improving budget skills.
SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION
Elizabethtown: 717-361-4552 or 800-422-1207
Inpatient services designed to help people
recover from a stroke, hip fracture, total joint
replacement, amputation or other injuries or
illnesses, with the goal of helping them attain
their maximum level of functional independence
so they can return home and resume their
regular routines.
masonic villages’ Centennial Capital Campaign
Comes to a successful Completion
To celebrate the Masonic Villages’ 100th
anniversary in June 2010, it was a shared vision
and focus to increase the Endowment Fund
to continue the Mission of Love to benefit
future generations through another Century
of Service. The first-ever Masonic Villages
three-year Centennial Capital Campaign began
on June 1, 2009.
The campaign began with R.W. Past Grand
Master Stephen Gardner and continued with
the steadfast commitment of R.W. Past Grand
Master Thomas K. Sturgeon and now, R.W.
Grand Master Jay W. Smith.
At one of the annual donor dinners held
in May, Grand Master Smith heralded the
completion of the campaign as he said, “I am
proud to announce that the Masonic Villages’
Centennial Capital Campaign, which began three
years ago, has raised more than $29½ million
dollars! Our original goal was $25 million, but
YOU, and other compassionate donors like
you, helped to exceed that goal by $4½ million.
What an accomplishment! These dollars will
make a tremendous difference in the lives of
our residents across this great Commonwealth,
particularly those who cannot afford to pay for
the quality, loving care they so need and deserve.”
The contributions received through this
campaign are mostly deferred gifts which will
help Masonic Villages in the future.
masonic villages
Will Become a Nonprofit Corporation in 2013
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has
owned and operated the Masonic Villages as
an unincorporated charitable unit since 1910.
After careful review, in December 2011, the
Grand Lodge determined that it would be
beneficial to operate the Masonic Villages
through a nonprofit corporation, and directed
the governing committee and officers of the
Masonic Villages to accomplish this in a way that
would cause as little disruption to the Masonic
Villages’ employees and residents as possible.
The Masonic Home of Pennsylvania,
a Pennsylvania corporation, was formed by
several Freemasons in 1871, and operated a
long-term care facility in the Philadelphia area
independent of the Grand Lodge until 2004.
In 2004, the Grand Lodge acquired the assets
and assumed control of the corporation and its
operations. This facility is our Masonic Village
at Lafayette Hill.
It was determined that the simplest way
to accomplish the objective is to transfer all
operations (including all assets and liabilities)
to the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania, effective
Jan. 1, 2013. When this occurs, our corporation
will then have 142 years of Pennsylvania Masons’
involvement in our Mission of Love. Masonic
Villages’ staff is working to conclude the
transaction, which requires a lot of changes
with names on licenses and other documents
that we use every day, in a seamless way.
As we make this legal form change, our
focus remains on our dedication to services for
our residents and support for our employees who
bring our Mission of Love to life.
MaSonIC vILL aGeS 31
August 2012
Qty Capital Need
Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill
57
Televisions
Dutch Apple Dinner Theater Outing
1
Stand Up Garden
Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise Outing
District of Columbia Museums with Lunch and Transportation
1
Wind Jammer Machine
Cost per Item
$400
$1,500
$1,799
$1,950
$2,400
$3,000
Baltimore Aquarium with Lunch and Transportation
$3,150
1
Sit-to-Stand Lift, with Power Base
$3,500
1
Van with Lift
$45,000
Masonic Village at Dallas
1
Gazebo
$3,970
Masonic Village at Warminster
7
Wheelchairs
$275
1
Chair Scale
$1,000
1
Stereo Sound System for Dining Room
$1,500
Masonic Village at Sewickley
1
Photosmart Compact Printer with Extra Cartridges
$250
1
Hand Rail Tilt and Roll Scale
$1,550
2
Outdoor Tents (size 20 x 20)
$1,800
1
ARJO Sit-to-Stand Lift
$4,100
1
4-Channel E Stimulation (Electric)
$4,400
1
ARJO Maxi Lift
$7,400
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
20
Christmas Trees for Festival of Lights in Nursing/Personal Care
$135
1
Wii
$500
6
Carpet for Bedrooms
$1,000
1
Camel Lifting Device System - to be placed & inflated under injured
$1,800
person
1
Life Fitness Recumbent Bike
$2,532
1
MV Television Editing Equipment
$4,000
1
NuStep
$6,332
4
Merry Walkers
$350
24
Wheelchair Cushions - Specialty
$500
14
Thermometers
$650
15
Wheelchairs - Specialty
$1,000
87
APM2 Mattresses 80 x 35 - to prevent skin breakdown
$1,200
3
Wheelchairs - Tilt & Space
$2,000
5
Wheelchairs - Broda - for comfort seating at end of life
$2,100
1
Vital Sign Machine
$3,200
9
Lifts (Sit-to-Stand) - including estimated shipping
$3,800
5
Lifts (Sit-to-Stand) with Scale and Shipping
$5,100
Massages or Healing Touch for Pain
$65
40
Wireless Headphones for TV - used for semi-private rooms w/ two TVs
$80
3
Blanket Warmers
$400
10
Massage Chairs - Heated - to assist with easing pain
$2,000
2
Keyboards - Digital
$2,500
1
Steps, Ramps & Curbs
$3,000
1
Disc Golf Course
$10,000
Musical Instruments - Castanets, Drums, Shakers, Bells, Tambourines, etc.
$5-$500
Horticulture Gardens - Raised - depending on the size and materials used $500-$1,000
10
Masonic
Villages’
2012
Wish list iteMs
oFFice oF giFt Planning
800-599-6454
Thank you to those who have provided for the
following items since the beginning of 2012:
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
Bro. Jeffrey and Nancy Hoyt: Wheelchairs
Eleanor Homisak: Hospitality Cart for Hospice
Bro. Archie Robinson: 46” flat screen TV
Retirement Living Residents’ Association:
Wheelchairs
Donald Macbeth: Two healing massages and a
wireless headphone for a TV
Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill
Bro. John Himes: Resident Outings to PA
Renaissance Fair and Atlantic City
Julia Haldeman: Resident Outings to Atlantic
City and Harvest Ball
Lodge No. 2: Bingo Machine and Resident
Outings to Harvest Ball
Anonymous: TVs
Masonic Village at Dallas
Bro. John and Thelma Smith: AED
Please note that if funds donated for any item
listed is over subscribed, the funds will be used
for additional wish list items or needs in the
same service area.
Lifetime
G
GUARANTEED
INCOME
You can receive
GUARANTEED
Lifetime Income
from Masonic Charities
through a charitable
gift annuity.
Hundreds of donors do!
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 & 82
5.4%
77
6.2%
78 & 81
5.6%
81
7.0%
83 & 83
6.3%
85
7.8%
85 & 87
7.0%
90+
9.0%
85 & 90
7.3%
Note: This is a partial listing. Rates exist for any combination of ages.
Minimum contribution $5,000. Minimum age 65.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please Complete and Mail this Form to:
Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Dr.,
Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or call 800-599-6454 or
Email [email protected]
I would like more information, with no obligation. Please:
 Send me a benefits illustration.
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.
 I prefer not to give during life, but may consider a bequest.
Please:
 Call me to answer my questions.
 Send me information about charitable bequests.
 I have already included Masonic Charities in my estate plan.
Please let me know the benefits.
Name__________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
Phone _________________________________________________________
Email __________________________________________________________
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.