The Pennsylvania Freemason - Summer, 2022

THE PENNSY FREEMASON

VOL. LXXX

©2022 The R.W. Grand Lodg Pennsylvania

EDITORIAL BOARD

Chairman

Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W.G.M.

Larry A. Derr, R.W.D.G.M.

Robert D. Brink, R.W.S.G.W. P.J. Roup, R.W.J.G.W.

Adam C. Heese, R.W.G.T.

Mark A. Haines, R.W.G.S.

EDITORIAL STAFF

Tina L. Lutter - Production Coordinator

Megan L. Frame - Graphic Designer

Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Staff

Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania Staff

(Publication No. USPS 426-140) Summer 2022 Issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason is published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Articles and photographs to be considered for publication should be sent with local Masonic authority to the address above, to the attention of The Pennsylvania Freemason or emailed to pafreemason@masonicvillages.org.

Except by special arrangement, all articles, photographs and artwork become the property of the Grand Lodge.

Published by the Masonic Villages, owned and operated by the Grand Lodge of F.& A.M. of Pennsylvania, as a means of soliciting the physical and financial support of the members, their families and the public in general. Periodical postage is paid at Elizabethtown, PA, and additional mailing offices.

We appreciate the many submissions we receive for consideration. We apologize, but due to space constraints, we are not able to publish every submission we receive.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

(Act of Oct. 23, 1962; Section 4369; Title 39, United States Code) Summer 2022, 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: Jeffrey M. Wonderling. 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 87,000 each quarter. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.

Jeffrey M. Wonderling, IV, 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 Mission Advancement and Development at 1-800-599-6454 or giving@masonicvillages.org.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Pennsylvania Freemason, c/o Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2199.

3 Freemasonry Today

Grand Master’s Message • June Quarterly Communication Highlights • Meeting in the Hills • Call for Entries for the Grand Exhibition • 5th Annual Sporting Clays Events •Help for Our Heroes: Military Baby Shower

10 Membership

Brother Raises Autism Awareness Among First Responders •Coming to a Brother’s “AED” • A True Lifesaver • Brother Knighted by the Queen • Conferring Degrees is a Frederick Family Affair • Serbian Grand Master Visits Masonic Temple • R.W. Past Grand Master Appointed as South Atlantic Division Commissioner

20 Education

Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge • 2022 Grand Lodge Leadership Seminars • Masonic Library & Museum Speaker Series • Widows Honored and Flag Captured

24 Philanthropy

Youth Appreciation Day: A Success Story in Progress •Lodge Provides for Technology to Enhance Residents’ Lives • Forging the Future: From Parents’ Point of View

You may notice that this issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason feels a little lighter; that’s because it is. Printer companies are facing paper shortages, so we had to use a lighter stock than usual. There is no indication when this challenge will end. On the plus side, we realized some cost savings; however, the quality may not be what you’re used to. Thank you for understanding.

View the magazine online!

pagrandlodge.org/magazine

If you would prefer to receive an electronic version of the magazine for your convenience and/or to save the fraternity printing and mailing costs, please make your request by emailing pafreemason@masonicvillages.org. An electronic version of the magazine is also available online at pagrandlodge.org

Grand Master’s Message

Brethren,

Six months into my term as your Grand Master seems the perfect time to reflect and reaffirm the plan we set for the next two years. The first leg of the stool has focused on encouraging Membership. We have done that through open house events, social media marketing and a consistent message of decency and respect, relative to a divisive America. That focus will remain. If fact, we have made the Open House Membership PowerPoint available to every member through the District Deputy Grand Masters, who are responsible for ensuring that the material is presented in a professional manner. Additionally, the Masonic Awareness Committee is a valuable resource at your disposal. We intend to continue full throttle in exposing our fraternity to quality men who share our values.

The second leg of the stool is Mentoring, with emphasis on educating not only new members, but existing members, as to the tangible and intangible benefits of membership. It is paramount to our success that current and potential members understand who we are, what we do and what’s in it for them.

Today, however, I want to talk about the third and final leg of the stool: Engagement. The lodge experience. An experience which, in some lodges, is less than stellar. I offer some ideas to improve in this area.

It is no great revelation that the success of a lodge is a direct result of the participation of its members. It must be a village approach. Leaders who are one-man bands are likely to fail. The more members who get involved, the more successful the lodge will be. Lodge leadership must identify individuals who excel at a specific task and engage them in personal conversations to enlist their support.

Many lodges struggle with coming up with engaging programs. The solution: appoint a committee with innovative idea men to bring in suggestions. The Worshipful Master has the final say on which programs make the grade. Once a program is selected, task engaged members to promote it to less active Masons. The Call-Em-All program is a valuable tool, as well.

I share with you the June TrestleBoard from a very successful lodge; in fact, I cannot recall the last time a month went by without a degree conferral. Upcoming events include, but are not limited to: a monthly night out for the entire family; monthly summer picnics for members only, which may include libations, cigars, poker, etc.; a family picnic at Idlewild Park; a lodge sporting clay event; the Worshipful Master’s outdoor

cookout and picnic; the Meeting in the Hills; a widows’ night; two chicken barbecues; a cash elimination dinner; four car cruises; and an annual Christmas party. These events are successful because no one person does it all; therefore, no one suffers from burnout because everyone pitches in.

There many other factors contributing to the success of this lodge. Back biting and petty bickering is prohibited (they act like Masons should). New members are thoroughly educated through a comprehensive Mentor Program. Any Past Master will go above and beyond to help, but they only get involved when they are asked by the current officers. Lodge members go to great lengths to support each other and their families.

The result? This lodge had 326 members in 2000 and stands at 482 members today. That’s an increase of 156 members (in the midst of a pandemic), which equates to a net increase of 7.8 members per annum after deaths and suspensions. That’s just shy of a 50% increase. Brethren, that’s a recipe with all the ingredients you need to have a successful lodge.

My suggestion: if your lodge is struggling, reach out to a successful, vibrant lodge for assistance. Fortunately, there are many across our jurisdiction. It is as simple as mirroring their recipe for success.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for your fraternal love and support thus far. I extend a huge thank you to the District Deputy Grand Masters for their support of the Open Houses and Town Hall meetings, which were very well received. Next, we must direct that energy and excitement into action. While we are seeing encouraging signs, I know we’re not even beginning to scratch the surface of our potential. However, I know 100% without equivocation, “We can do this!”

My question to every Pennsylvania Freemason, not as Grand Master, but from Mason to Mason, from American to American: Will you stow your apathy in the closet and throw away the key? Brethren, I hope and pray daily for the sake of our fraternity and our country, that your answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W. Grand Master

June Quarterly Communication Highlights

JUNE 11, 2022 | JOHNSTOWN, PA

Those who attended the June Quarterly Communication will attest that the event literally commenced in darkness (due to an unexpected power outage in the city), but once R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling brought attendees into true Masonic light (and power was restored), the event was spectacular!

After receiving reports from the Grand Lodge Committees, Grand Master Wonderling presented the Pennsylvania Franklin Medal to Brother Brian A. Maxwell, Pleasant Hills-Guthrie Lodge No. 509. He also presented the Master Builder Awards to deserving brethren.

R.W. Grand Secretary Mark A. Haines read the member deaths.

Grand Master Wonderling gave remarks (which are reflected in his message on p. 3), announced upcoming events and accepted donations from lodges and Masonic groups totaling $52,763 to support the Masonic Charities.

That evening, attendees enjoyed an outdoor barbecue dinner with country music and dancing. Brethren gathered into a square and compasses formation for the aerial photograph above.

Special thanks to Brother Joe Sbafonni, Valley Lodge No. 459, Masontown, for his Quecreek Mine rescue presentation and tour over the weekend.

The December Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 1 North Broad St. Philadelphia, PA, at 7 p.m.

Pennsylvania Freemason

The 25th and final MEETING IN THE HILLS

Held Outdoors at Christner's Grove, Near Dawson, PA (Follow Uncle Hiram’s Picnic Signs)

All Master Masons Welcome

Casual Dress: No shorts, blue jeans or collarless shirts

4 p.m.

Dinner will be served promptly, including a 12 oz. New York strip steak, baked potato, corn, tossed salad, rolls, butter and beverage.

5:30 p.m.

A Special Meeting of King Solomon’s Lodge No. 346, Connellsville

A special program is being planned. Dessert will be served after the meeting.

Tickets: $20 each Deadline is Aug. 13. Make checks payable to CDS Building Corporation. Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment. Directions will be included with your return ticket order.

Saturday, Aug. 20

The Grand Master has personally planned a SPECTACULAR event you won’t want to miss!

CONTACT:

Alan R. Sandusky, P.M. 303 Narrows Road, Connellsville, PA 15425 724-557-1441 sandusky4@verizon.net

Call for Entries for the Grand Exhibition

Embodying Masonic Values

Criteria

All artwork entries must display a visual interpretation of some aspect of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, whether it be philosophical, historical, scientific, social, fraternal, charitable, architectural, etc. Selected artwork will be exhibited in the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia.

Jurors

Brother Travis Simpkins, Artist John McDaniel, Artist Elaine Erne, Artist/Teacher

Eligibility

Any amateur or professional artist or college art student may enter, but all will be judged as equals for competition purposes. Artists must be at least 18 years of age. All submissions must be original; they may have been created within the past two years and may have been previously exhibited. No work previously produced on a commission will be accepted. All submissions must be available for purchase.

Categories

Oil, Three-dimensional, Drawing and Print-making, Water-Based Medium, Digital Imagery

Awards

$200 Prize per winner, per category $500 Grand Master’s Prize $1,000 Best in Show Prize

Auction

If the artists in the Grand Exhibition choose to participate, their entered works may be auctioned off at the Exhibition Gala, with 80% of the auction value going to them and 20% to The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania.

The artist may set a reserve price, as well as a direct purchase price, for the original work to be revealed AFTER the auction.

Calendar Entry Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 11, by midnight, E.S.T. Submissions must be made through CallForEntry.org

Jury selection announced: Friday, Aug. 26.

Opening Reception: The Grand Exhibition Gala will be held at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia on Friday, Oct. 7, featuring a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, live music, announcement of winners and a silent auction of selected artwork.

Exhibition: The Grand Exhibition will be open to the public to view starting on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., TuesdaysSaturdays, until Nov. 12.

Masonic Temple, One N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19107-2598

For more information, visit PaGrandLodge.org/news.

An open art competition sponsored by The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania

ANNUAL SPORTING CLAYS EVENTS

WESTERN EVENT

Sunday, Aug. 21

Register by Aug. 15 Highland Sporting Clays 777 Waterwheel Drive Seven Springs, PA 15622 800-452-2223

For more information, contact Ed Aiello at edaiello57@gmail.com or 412-496-4635.

EASTERN EVENT

Sunday, Sept. 11

Register by Sept. 5

Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays 2750 Limestone Street Coplay, PA 18037 610-261-9616

For more information, contact Alan Beidel at alanbeidel@gmail.com or 717-658-3477.

SCHEDULE FOR BOTH EVENTS:

8:30 a.m. Registration and warm up 10 a.m. Shooting will begin promptly

Cost per person (includes breakfast & lunch):

Western event: $175 Eastern event: $155

$25 cost for non-shooter lunch, either event

Winners will be determined by the Lewis Class system. Chinese Auction, 50/50 and more!

Please check the event you wish to shoot:

□ Seven Springs Sporting Clays on Aug. 21 ($175)

□ Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays on Sept. 11 ($155)

Opportunities

Total

Each event will be capped at 150 attendees. Shooters must provide their own ammunition. All proceeds benefit Grand Lodge operations.

Mail coupon below with payment to: Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania c/o Harry Rutter

Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: Shooters

Shooter 1: Shooter 2: Shooter 3: Shooter 4: # of shooters ______ x $175 or $155 = $___________

# of lunch only x $25 = $

Total: $

Help for Our Heroes: military baby shower

Thanks to Pennsylvania Freemasons, moms-to-be who are in the military or whose partners are in the military were treated like “Queens for the Day” during a baby shower held on April 30 at the Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. Attendees came from all over the base and Pennsylvania for the shower.

Many of them are stationed far from their homes, and often, their partners are deployed.

The shower included brunch, maternal and baby health information, shower games with prizes and expressions of gratitude for their service, as well as a great opportunity to network with other moms-to-be.

Masons provide gifts to support these military families to be used during the first year of their child’s life, including a travel system (stroller and infant car seat), a convertible car seat to use when the baby grows, a baby monitor, diapers, a box of toys and a $200 gift card to buybuy BABY®

Masons volunteer starting the day before to help wrap gifts and decorate, and they assist throughout the shower at the registration table, meeting and greeting the moms-to-be and distributing surprise gifts. They’re also invited to sit with the guests at their tables.

Special thanks to Brothers Harry Rutter, Executive Director of Grand Lodge Operations; Mark Perlman and Sam Freeman, P.M. and D.D.G.M.-C, both of Richard Vaux Brotherhood Lodge No. 126, Philadelphia; Sam’s wife, Barbara; and members of the National Sojourners (Masons who have served in the military and dress in authentic military uniforms) for making this a successful event.

Dei Lynam, a veteran sports reporter in Philadelphia, has been the Mistress of Ceremonies for the past few baby showers. She said she feels privileged to be a part of this wonderful gathering and loves to meet and talk with the moms-to-be.

Brother Marvin Mandel, P.M., ShenikahFernwood Lodge No. 246, Philadelphia, and D.D.G.M.-B, spoke on behalf of R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling, thanking the moms-to-be for their service and dedication.

Lt. Col. John Smith expressed appreciation on behalf of the military for their sacrifices. He thanked the Masons for their continued generosity and kindness in sponsoring and hosting these showers. Attendees shared letters of appreciation after the event.

“I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you from the bottom of my heart. This event was absolutely amazing and such a blessing to our family. The gifts were nothing short of amazing and helped us in so many ways.

“My husband is a PA Mason and so is my fatherin-law, and I knew as a whole the Masons do some amazing work for people, but I never truly understood just how amazing and just how generous and giving the Masons are. So again, thank you so much for all your generosity and for supporting me and so many other spouses. We are all truly blessed by this event.”

- Kalynn Fair

Brother and Col. Harris Brooks, 33°, Brotherhood Lodge No. 126 and USAF (Ret), developed the shower concept more than 12 years ago as a part of the Help for Our Heroes program and has been its driving force.

The next baby shower will be held on Oct. 30, at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. Please continue to support Help for Our Heroes at your next lodge event!

Brother Raises Autism Awareness Among First Responders

Autism Awareness Month took place in April, but for Brother Brian Focht, Lieutenant of the Horsham Fire Company, the entire year is about autism.

A member of Lodge No. 9, Warminster, Brian spends much of his time providing autism awareness training for members of the local EMS, fire department and police communities. His son, Daniel, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the age of 3. Today, he is 21 and thriving, but there were many challenges along the way.

“Our family changed [after the diagnosis] and how we always did things no longer worked,” he said. “My wife became our son’s biggest advocate because anyone who has ever found themselves in need of services – it can be an uphill battle. My son is where he is today because of the relentless search to get him the services he needed.”

ASD is related to brain development and impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing challenges in social interaction and communication. In 2021, the CDC reported that about 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an ASD.

Since 2010, Brian has made it his mission to provide tools that will allow responders to easily communicate with individuals with ASD using calming solutions when faced with an emergency or crisis.

“I’ve been an emergency responder since I was 14. I’m 53 now. I always wondered if I had ever interacted with someone with ASD during a call,” Brian said. “I read an article by a high school senior in New Jersey, which said there’s a better way to deal with someone with autism. I took it to heart and started working on a training program, because there wasn’t much [training] out there.”

Brian put together a program for responders on how to recognize the signs of someone on the spectrum and how to best make them comfortable. Lights and sirens may prove overwhelming for those on the spectrum and may cause or escalate problems in some situations.

Using his life experience, as well as his years as a firefighter and paramedic, Brian was able to successfully train nearly 10,000 responders over the past 12 years.

In 2014, Brian worked with Temple University’s

Institute on Disabilities to create a training video to assist emergency responders when dealing with someone with autism. The video, titled “Autism and First Responders: Seeing Beyond the Smoke,” made its debut on YouTube and is a tool that has helped countless responders accommodate someone with ASD.

More recently, Brian gave a presentation at his lodge, which led to funding and additional donations to the program. Horsham Fire Company Brother Chief Lee Greenberg, also a member of Lodge No. 9, has been a leader and supporter of the program.

“We had seen a high incidence of calls in Horsham Township dealing with ASD, and we wanted to give responders as many tools as possible to try to deal with all of the potential sensory issues someone may be experiencing,” Brian said. He and Daniel worked to put together a “wish list” of what a sensory kit might look like and started researching items on the market.

The Horsham Fire Company ordered and put together 70 sensory kits to be used on calls for those with autism and other sensory disorders. The kits include noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses and sensory toys, as well as items used to communicate, including a whiteboard (for those who are non-verbal).

Currently, all fire and EMS units in Horsham are equipped with the kits, and the rest will be going to other police, fire and EMS units in the surrounding townships. Brian has received substantial local media attention for his efforts.

“This year, we put out 70 sensory kits, all through donations,” Brian said. “Today, it’s a shared mission. Since we started, five other places are trying to mirror our program.”

Empathy is key when dealing with someone with ASD, and that’s what he tries to teach to his peers, Brian said.

“If we have an autistic person in a burning building, we get him out,” he said. “But if it’s not a

Daniel Focht

medical emergency, time and understanding can go a long way. Time creates calm. If you’re calm, they [the individual with ASD] remain calm.”

Often, Brian will join Daniel to train people in the community about autism. In April, they trained 130 first responders in one day. In the week following the training, responders had seven encounters with someone on the spectrum.

Brian said Daniel has come a long way, thanks to getting the services he needed. Today, Daniel works at Urban Air, an indoor adventure park in Willow

Grove. He’s the point person for “autism day,” held as needed at the park, where the lights and sounds are not overly stimulating for people on the spectrum.

“He’s proud – he likes helping people,” Brian said. “Autism is like an invisible disability. When I look at other people and what they’ve gone through, I’m blessed. It was a challenge, but I was able to have conversations with my son and play with him. There are people who will never hear ‘I love you, Dad.’”

“My son was a 3-year-old with autism, and now he is an adult with autism,” he added. “You don’t grow out of it. You just learn how to cope so you can have the best life possible.”

Watch the training video from Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities here: Youtube.com/watch?v=mnua3jeek30

If you have interest in autism training or the sensory kits, please contact Brian at bfocht@horshamfire15.com.

Brother Lee Greenberg, Horsham Fire Company Chief, and Brother Brian Focht, Lieutenant, Lodge No. 9, Warminster

Coming to a Brother’s

resources to help. Heart disease, and the cardiac events it causes, is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Eight out of 10 heart attacks occur in individuals 65 and older, according to the CDC, meaning the likelihood of it affecting lodge brethren was high. Therefore, Steve and Brother William L. Herz, D.D.G.M.-40, felt this program met a critical need.

“Traveling around to different lodges and locations within Masonry, I have not observed an AED everywhere that I would like to see one,” Steve said.

When visiting one of the 40th Masonic District’s seven lodges, you might see a box with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) mounted somewhere in the building. Brother Steven J. Wilson, S.W., Mt. Pickering Lodge No. 446, Upper Uwchland, Education and Mentoring Officer for the district, is partially to thank for the placement of that lifesaving device within the lodge.

In January, the former Army paratrooper and fifth-generation Mason launched the district’s new AED program. The need for this initiative came from realizing the average age of a Mt. Pickering Lodge member was 68 years old, and the lodge had no first aid kit or AED on-site. Should any medical emergency occur on a stated meeting night or at another event in the building, the lodge lacked the

“With the age of our members, it’s a good thing to have – and cardiac response isn’t just for the elderly and infirm, or something that takes place only in a hospital or ambulance. There is a whole category of ‘healthy heart’ issues that impact young and old, healthy and infirm, without discrimination. I can’t imagine how impactful it would be to a lodge if a member or a visitor had a cardiac event or medical emergency that we were unprepared to react to, and a life was lost. That doesn’t fit into what we, as Masons, are about.”

Brother Steven J. Wilson presents an AED to Brother Scott R. Reeser, W.M., Union Lodge No. 479, Birdsboro.

The program donates an AED to the lodge with an initial set of pads and supplies, as well as training on how to operate it. The lodge, in turn, commits to supplying a wall mount box with AED signage and to keeping the supplies current. One feature that makes AEDs easier to use is the voice-operated “Smart Starts.”

“Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, it walks you through it,” Steve said.

Along with the AED program, monthly CPR instruction classes are planned for Masons and community members “to both help those who need to re-certify for their job or volunteer work and to spread the need and knowledge of this life-saving training,” according to Steve. He hopes to see access extend to the district’s Masonic youth groups, as well.

“The CPR we learn today is different from the CPR we learned 20 years ago,” he said.

R.W. Past Grand Master Thomas Gamon, IV, P.D.D.G.M.-40 (2002 – 2010), has avidly supported all these educational efforts.

“[As a fire chief], a lot of that stuff is right up his alley,” Steve said.

Steve’s own interest in first response started with medical response training through the Boy Scouts. (This is now coming full-circle, as his lodge is looking at hosting a local Boy Scout troop which lost their charter and no longer has a meeting place.) He received more training while attending Valley Forge Military Academy, and then serving in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he and his mother became EMTs together and started a local rescue squad at the fire department in New Hampshire. All these experiences have given him the necessary background to launch the AED and CPR training programs.

“There should be someone at every meeting who is First Aid and CPR-certified. I’m just one man, and this program, as it is, can’t really scale outside of my district, but if I can create a model for others to follow, I hope it can grow,” he said.

On top of the medical education efforts at Mt. Pickering Lodge and in District 40, Steve is also involved in Masonic education. As the district’s Education and Mentoring Officer, he revitalized the mentoring program modeled after the support he received when he was raised in 2011. It provides information for new members about everything available to Masons in Pennsylvania, as well as education for past members, to “give them a reason to come back.” One resource for prospective members is the Mt. Pickering Lodge No. 446 podcast, “Men Wearing Aprons,” inspired by R.W. Grand Master Wonderling’s town hall meetings from earlier this year. The goal is “to help people answer that question, ‘Why should I become a Mason?’ and bridge the gap,” Steve said.

Masonic membership was never much of a question for Steve, coming from a long line of Masonic relations.

“I was in tightly knit fraternal organizations from a very early age. After my years at Valley Forge and a decade in the Army, I had learned to be part of something bigger than myself and to share a common goal, or a mission. Once I was out of the military, I was lost for a long time,” he said.

After exploring various ways to mitigate what he describes as a “rudderless and incomplete” feeling, he went to his father, Brother Donald A. Wilson, a member of Columbia-Doric Lodge No. 149, Greenville, Maine, and Star in the East Lodge No. 59, Exeter, New Hampshire, to inquire about Freemasonry.

“Dad was over the moon. I remember him exclaiming how he was waiting for the day his sons would ask,” Steve said.

Steve’s brother also joined the fraternity; his Master Mason degree was the same day as their father’s 50-year pin presentation at the Wilson family’s historic lodge. There’s an opportunity for five generations of Masons to turn into six: Brother Steve’s 15-year-old son.

“I hope he follows in my footsteps,” he said.

Brother Steven J. Wilson instructs on the proper use of an AED.

A True Lifesaver

Brother Gale Bowen often finds himself in the right place at the right time.

In the early 1990s, he jumped into a frozen pond and helped rescue a woman who was trapped in a car that had turned upside down.

In 2017, he helped save a family from a flooded two-story house by smashing a window

and pulling them through it.

In February 2022, Gale once again found himself in the right place at the right time, when he was credited for helping save a woman’s life.

As Windham Township (PA) Supervisor, Gale was driving his truck at 3:30 a.m. one morning in heavy snow to check on the

roads. Out of nowhere, a young woman appeared in front of his car on the corner of the road. Gale rolled down his window to see what was wrong.

“This girl, who was about four feet tall and probably weighed 80 pounds, literally put her elbows on the door window to hold herself up since her hands were frozen,” he said. “She had been outside since 1 a.m., in seven degree weather. I’m not sure what she was doing. I didn’t ask what happened.”

Gale carried the woman into his truck and brought her over to the township building. There, he wrapped her up in a blanket until an ambulance could pick her up and take her to the hospital. The paramedics said she almost died. Luckily, the woman, who was actually 21 years old, survived, thanks to Gale.

“I don’t think she would have survived another hour outside,” Gale said. “She probably would have been laying on the ground and run over. Her feet and hands were turning black. She was having a bad day, and God put me in her path. It was just a very sad morning, but I’m glad I was able to help her.”

Brother Gale Bowen is a true lifesaver.

It was just another “day in the office” for Gale, who, as an elected official, starts every day at 4 a.m. to accomplish everything he wants to get done.

“We are a small township in Pennsylvania, on the border between Binghamton and Elvira, New York,” he said. “But the smaller [a town] you are, the more you have going on in the town.”

Gale, who lives in Rome, PA, is serving his third, sixyear term as Township Supervisor. His job is to oversee the health, welfare and safety of the community of only 966 residents. He also helps maintain 40 plus miles of highway for the municipality. He still has another five years on his term, and then plans to “semi-retire” if he can find someone to replace him.

“I turned 61 on Easter Sunday,” he said. “It’s a young man’s game, but someone needs to be around to teach the young men.”

Gale has held many roles throughout his adult life. He was a fireman for many years and rose to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. He was also a director of the Windham Ambulance Association before its closure. He served as a member of the board of directors for the Northeast Bradford Area Little League and coached a team. As things evolved, he moved onto the Youth Hunter Educational Program. He was on the board of directors of this organization for several years before taking over the job as President for five years, all while being a township elected official and raising his own family.

“I’ve held many roles, but I was always taught not to blow your own horn,” he said.

The local newspaper ran an article about his most recent rescue after someone posted the news on Facebook, but Gale said he didn’t want the attention.

A Mason for six years, Gale is Senior Deacon of Roman LeRay Lodge No. 418, Rome, PA. He has also attended lodges in New York and Alabama.

Gale comes from a long line of Masons. “My father was a Mason, my two uncles were Masons, my deceased brother was working on becoming a Mason, my [identical] twin brother is a Mason and now my son is a Mason,” he said. “I always had too many things going on in my life. I was always attending meetings for something. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve been able to devote more time to Freemasonry.”

Gale’s favorite thing about being a Mason is the camaraderie among brothers.

“When a person in my position walks through the doors of the lodge, it’s like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” he said.

“You can go in there and have conversations, and you feel so relaxed. Masons hold themselves to a higher standard than most. We’re all subject to everyday life decisions, and sometimes our tempers and attitudes may get the better of us, but if you stop, take a deep breath and think about what Masons are all about, it usually calms you down.”

Gale doesn’t like to think of himself as a hero, but simply a Mason who lives by the mantra of “taking a good man and making him better.”

“We do what we would naturally do to help someone,” he said. “That’s the way I look at it.”

Brother Knighted by the Queen

“Membership in the Order is an honor, but being a Knight is the highest honor, based on long-time service. In America, there are 79 Knights of the Order at this time,” he said.

The London Gazette announced that Matthew was promoted to Knighthood on April 14, and he will attend the Annual Investiture Ceremony in October in Houston, Texas, performed by Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is the Grand Prior.

“I’ve always been this busy,” Matthew said, when asked how he juggles all his responsibilities. “I’m slowing down slightly as I get older. I don’t have the energy at 62 that I had at 30.”

In 1975, his Masonic career started in the North Penn Chapter Order of DeMolay and, as a member of the Legion of Honor, he currently serves as an honorary member of the Supreme Council.

An internationally recognized Freemason, Matthew has served as the national head of several Masonic organizations, including the York Rite and Scottish Rite bodies. He is a Past Master of Shiloh-MacCalla Lodge No. 558, Lansdale, where he was raised by his father, Bernard H. Dupee, P.M., and is a dual member of Holland Lodge No. 8 in New York City. Over several decades, Matthew has earned more than 195 degrees. He received the York Rite Order of the Purple Cross in 2000 and his 33° in Cleveland in 2012.

The number of Masonic organizations, guilds, charitable and cultural organizations that Brother Matthew D. Dupee is involved with makes you wonder when he has time to sleep. His list of activities spans the globe, from Philadelphia and Romania to Portugal and London.

Matthew is one of three Americans to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of England for his outstanding contribution to The Priory in the USA of the Order of St. John, an international family of charities whose mission is to lead globally in first aid and medical responses to community healthcare needs. The organization also supports St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group. Matthew has been a member of the Order for 30 years.

Matthew has received many accolades and awards for his accomplishments over the years, but the latest one is a culmination of his years of service and considered one of his highest honors.

In 2000, Matthew embarked on a campaign to gain entrance for American Freemasons into a select number of smaller Masonic organizations in England. He became the first American member of five Masonic orders: the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon, the Masonic Order of Athelstan, the Hermetic Chapter of Spiritual Knights, the Pilgrim Preceptors and the August Order of Light. Together, with a dedicated group including R.W. Past Grand Master Edward H. Fowler, Jr., Matthew obtained the first charters for these organizations in the U.S., all of which were initially located in Pennsylvania.

Most invitational orders in Freemasonry award an honor known as the “Knight Grand Cross,” typically given to the national presiding officer, or on rare occasions, to a member who contributes at the highest level. Matthew has been awarded this honor in six national organizations within Freemasonry, including the Masonic Rosicrucian Society.

Brother Matthew D. Dupee

In 2014, after concluding his term as Sovereign Grand Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees, Matthew was awarded the rank of Past Grand Master by the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of England and Wales. Never has anyone been given this supreme rank, he said.

Currently, Matthew is a lawyer with an emphasis on Probate, Trusts and Estates and other aspects of Elder Law. He also serves as General Counsel for the Wolcott Foundation, a Masonic philanthropy which provides full-paid graduate fellowships at George Washington University for those interested in careers in government service, from the local to the international level.

Matthew is President of the Military Society of the War of 1812 in New York and President of the Council of Administration for the Veteran Corps of Artillery for New York, the oldest military unit in the state, where he was commissioned as a Major.

“In 2010, I became very interested in genealogy,” he said. “I discovered I had an 1812 ancestor.

Once I was able to prove my descent, I could join the Military Society, and I was eventually elected President. I’m really proud of this appointment. Since I don’t have a military background, I never thought I would be commissioned as an officer, let alone become President.”

Matthew has also served as Commander of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, an organization composed of descendants of Civil War Union officers, founded in 1865. He is presently working with the Legacy Foundation of the Union League

to restore a banner that was given in 1890 by the former King of France, Louis Philippe II, Comte de Paris, who served as an officer on General McClellan’s staff during the Peninsular War Campaign.

Matthew has spent most of his life in Montgomery County, PA. As an adopted child, Matthew became interested in the genealogies of his natural family and is an active member of 26 hereditary societies, including the Society of the Cincinnati, the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution and the Colonial Society of Pennsylvania.

Matthew earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Penn State University, a master of philosophy in Soviet East European Studies from the University of Glasgow (Scotland) and his law degree from Dickinson School of Law. He is a life member of the Glasgow University Conservative Club, The Dialectic Society and the Glasgow University Union. These experiences started a lifelong love affair for Matthew with both clubs and politics in the United Kingdom.

“Before departing for Scotland as a graduate student, I had never left the country or been on a commercial plane,” he said. “I received my master’s degree in Russian studies, wanting to be a professor, but ultimately, I decided to go to law school.”

Living in Scotland was one of the most formative experiences of Matthew’s life. “It opened my world view,” he said. “I still belong to four or five organizations in Glasgow, including the Merchants House of Glasgow and the Incorporation of Wrights of the City of Glasgow.”

In 2008, Matthew received “Freedom of the City of London” status for his strong connection to the city and is

a life member of the Guild of Freemen. He’s also a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, one of the ancient livery companies of the city of London, chartered by King Charles II in 1628.

Locally, Matthew is involved with many organizations and affiliations in Philadelphia, including the English-Speaking Union of Philadelphia, the Penn Club, the Philadelphia Club and the Franklin Inn Club. He has presided over the Numismatic Antiquarian Society of Philadelphia, the oldest coin collecting society in the U.S., and has extensive literary interests, actively participating in the Shakespeare Society of Philadelphia, the oldest Shakespeare reading group still existing in the world, and the Pickwick Club of Philadelphia.

He recently served on the board of the Lower Merion Society for the Recovery of Stolen Property and Detection of Horse Thieves, one of the many surviving companies that were founded in the early 19th century by farmers and landowners to insure and protect their property from theft. At the recent June Quarterly Communication, he was appointed Chairman of the board of directors for The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania. In addition to his volunteer work, Matthew has cultivated other passions and interests, including learning Pennsylvania Dutch.

In his free time (when there is any), Matthew enjoys playing “real tennis” (the original racquet sport from which the modern game of tennis is derived) at The Racquet Club of Philadelphia and in Aiken, South Carolina. He also enjoys fly fishing, traveling and golfing with his wife, Susan.

Conferring Degrees is a Frederick

Family Affair

The first time he rehearsed it, it took about 45 minutes to recite the whole ritual from start to finish, he said.

“It’s a tremendous amount of memorization and somewhat intimidating, but after a while, I started feeling more confident,” he said. “I think I started getting serious about it back in early March, so I spent two months working on it a couple days a week for an hour or two at a time. I am actually really good at memorizing – I just didn’t realize it.”

On April 27, Chandler Lodge No. 227, Reading, conferred three Master Mason degrees, one given by Victor M. Frederick III, P.M., 33°; one by Victor M. Frederick IV, P.M.; and one by Victor M. Frederick V, W.M.

While it’s not uncommon for fathers and sons to confer degrees together, three generations of Masons conferring third degrees in one night is more unique, said Victor IV. “It struck everyone as something that does not happen a lot, if ever,” he said.

The third degree, or Master Mason degree, is the longest and most difficult degree to learn and memorize, he added. “It takes months to learn the degree,” he said. “No matter how many times you’ve given the degree, you have to stay on top of it, just to make sure you get it right. It’s a big time commitment.”

But one that’s well worth it for Victor IV, a Mason for the past 34 years.

A former police officer, attorney and judge, he has always been involved with charity work. His father (Victor III) introduced him to the fraternity. He began learning degree work when he was only 22 or 23 years old.

“I really enjoyed the ritual work and worked hard on perfecting it,” Victor IV said. “Two months before I became Worshipful Master, my daughter died, so I stopped for a while, and then got back into it at a different lodge. A couple of years later, I finally became Worshipful Master. Then, I brought my son into the lodge five years ago.”

His son, Victor V, said all three generations of Fredericks are very competitive and hold each other to a high standard.

“It almost seemed inevitable that this would happen,” Victor V said, referring to all three men conferring degrees at the same time. “I’ve spent a long time hearing them recite the degree. Since it was my first time [in April], I was nervous, but it went well.”

Victor III has been a Mason since 1979. He was very excited that his son and grandson were able to confer degrees alongside him. He hopes his great-grandson, Victor VI, who is only 3 years old, will eventually carry the torch.

“I think every man thinks about his son being a Master, and now it’s extended to my grandson,” he said. “I gave all three degrees to my son, and I gave my grandson two of his degrees. It was very special.”

Victor III previously belonged to other lodges, but when his son became Master of Chandler Lodge, he joined there. His grandson soon followed in his footsteps.

“I think it’s very cool for the three of us to belong to the same lodge,” he said. “When I sit at a meeting and watch my son and grandson as Masters, I get very proud.”

Brothers Victor M. Frederick III, P.M.; Victor M. Frederick IV, P.M.; and Victor M. Frederick V, W.M.

Serbian Grand Master Visits Masonic Temple

Brothers Richard Bradbury, D.D.G.M.-8; Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling; Grand Master Lukas Rasulić and Brother Joseph Jensen, D.D.G.M.-A

R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling was pleased to meet M.W. Grand Master of the Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia, A.F. & A.M., Brother Lukas Rasulić, during his April 29 visit to the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. M.W. Grand Master Rasulić presented R.W. Grand Master Wonderling the official crest of the Grand Lodge of Serbia. Brothers Richard Bradbury, D.D.G.M.-8, and Joseph Jensen, D.D.G.M.-A, were on hand for the presentation. “True to Masonic tradition, we became friends almost immediately,” R.W. Grand Master Wonderling said.

The following day, Brother Michael G. Comfort, Curator, Masonic Library and Museum of PA, was

talking with a brother who toured the Temple.

In the gift shop, Michael asked the brother where he hailed from. “‘Serbia’” was his reply!” Michael exclaimed.

“I said something like, ‘You aren’t going to believe this ...’ and then told him the Grand Master had been here only the day before. What are the chances?”

The Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia consists of 33 lodges, one of which practices in German and one in English.

Past Grand Master Appointed as South Atlantic Division Commissioner

During the annual meeting of the Masonic Service Association (MSA) of North America, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the Grand Masters Conference of North America, R.W. Past Grand Master Thomas Gamon, IV, was appointed as the South Atlantic Division Commissioner. Brother Gamon is responsible for the following jurisdictions: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, until his term ends in 2023. MSA was formed in 1919 to provide services to its member Grand Lodges that they would find difficult to provide for themselves, including educational publications, the Masonic Information Center, disaster relief and the Hospital Visitation Program.

Official crest of the Grand Lodge of Serbia

R.W. Past Grand Master Thomas Gamon, IV

Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge

The Fall 2022 Symposium of the Academy of Masonic Knowledge will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, in the Deike Auditorium of the Freemasons Cultural Center at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

Registration will open at 8:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 9:30 a.m. A lunch (for a requested contribution of $10) will be served at noon, and the program will be completed by 3 p.m. All Masons are welcome to attend. Dress is coat and tie.

Brother Thomas D. Worrel will present “An Early and Unknown Esoteric Order of American Freemasonry.” Thomas holds an M.B.A. from the University of San Francisco and a master’s degree in theology from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, Calif. He has had articles published in Masonic and non-Masonic journals, as well as a chapter in Brother Jay Kinney’s book “The Inner West.” Thomas currently lives in New York City. A Past Master of Mill Valley Lodge No. 356, Mill Valley, Calif., and Past Celebrant of the Golden State College of the SRICF in California, Thomas is a member of the Valley of San Francisco and the Philalethes Society and an associate member of the Lodge of Living Stones No. 4957 in Leeds, United Kingdom.

Brother David J. Hosler will present “Building Servant Leaders.” David has worked in Information Technology (IT) for 20 years, having spent the last 15

years in the aerospace and defense industry. He is currently employed as an IT Manager for an aerospace engineering company in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Grand Steward and Tyler of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, David serves as the Co-chairman of the Technology and Communications Committee and as a Masonic Educator for his district. He is the current Worshipful Master of Battle Ground Lodge No. 313 and the Senior Warden of the Dwight L. Smith Lodge of Research. David is also an active member of the York Rite and the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite.

Pre-register at PaMasonicAcademy.org/meetings or through your lodge secretary. Please recognize that a cost is incurred to the program for your registration. If you pre-register and subsequently determine that you will be unable to attend, please have the Masonic courtesy to cancel your reservation by emailing amksecretary@pagrandlodge.org.

Unable to attend in person? A live stream of the symposium will be available on the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania YouTube channel, and those viewing remotely may ask questions of the presenters via the live stream chat feature, the Academy Facebook group and Reddit.

Save the date for the Spring 2023 Symposium: Saturday, March 18, 2023.

2022 Grand Lodge Leadership Seminars

Topic 3: The Art of Motivation and Persuasion

Learn how to create buy in and align efforts toward a common goal.

Topic 4: Conflict Management

Learn how to identify and effectively deal with conflict that exists in every organization.

Topic 5: Valuing Generational Differences

Participate in in-depth discussions about how each group really wishes to work together toward accomplishing the goals of the team. This section has received extremely positive feedback from past attendees.

The Grand Lodge Leadership Seminars provide valuable information in an interesting, interactive format, followed by breakout sessions that promote a more intimate environment. The presenters encourage participation from attendees. Feedback on this program has been overwhelmingly positive, and it is adjusted each year based on input received from attendees.

Topic 1: What is Leadership?

Learn about the many different styles of leadership, as well as leadership qualities and traits.

Topic 2: Effective Communication

Learn the importance of communicating with team members, how to identify barriers to effective communication and how to overcome these issues and challenges.

Afterward, attendees divide into smaller groups for breakout sessions where they delve into participantled discussions on various leadership challenges.

Oct. 1, in the Brossman Ballroom at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown

Oct. 15, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Allentown Oct. 29, at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center

Registration will open at each site at 7:45 a.m., with a continental breakfast offered. The seminar will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a full lunch served. The cost is $25 per attendee and may be paid by the member’s lodge if properly motioned and approved by the membership. To register to attend one of the sessions, visit PaGrandLodge.org/ seminars.

Spring-Ford No.

Royersford, chicken BBQ

Corry Lodge No. 365 helping to distributefood at the Second Harvest Food Bankof Northwestern Pennsylvania

Reservations are required: Call 215-988-1917 or email templeevents@pagrandlodge.org.

Masonic Library & Museum Speaker Series

Monthly guest speakers present free programs open to the public. The programs are live-streamed as well; for more information, visit PaMasonicTemple.org/events.

If you have an idea for a speaker series program, contact Brother Mike Comfort at 215-988-1977.

What Made You Join Freemasonry, and What Did You Expect?

Aug. 20, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Freemasonry as an institution promises nothing – absolutely nothing – but returns with interest – compound interest, if you please – all that we commit to her care. What do YOU expect to get out of Freemasonry?

What are you putting IN? Let’s explore together these profound questions together!

Presenter: The Honorable Rev. Dr. William Rocky Brown 3rd, a public servant, preacher, counselor, author

and consultant, is an International Conference of Police Chaplains Master Police Chaplain. He graduated from Cheyney University in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He also holds a master’s degree in religion from the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctor of divinity degree from Jameson Christian College. Prince Hall fraternalism has been a part of Dr. Brown’s family heritage for three generations. He is a Past Master of Franklin Lodge No. 58, Chester, and a member of Charles E. Gordon Consistory No. 65, Grand Inspector General 33° and Minaret Temple No. 174, A.E.A.O.N.M.S. He is a Grand Chaplain Emeritus and a Past Grand Worthy Patron, Order of Eastern Star, P.H.A.

The History of Order of the Eastern Star

Sept. 17, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Learn about the history of the Order of Eastern Star, including how

it formed through Freemasonry and Prince Hall Freemasonry.

Presenter: Brenda WilkersonMonroe is a Past Worthy Matron of Louisa S. Rumford Chapter No. 15 and Grand Historian of Deborah Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Inc., P.H.A., Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Brenda received a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Art degree from Drexel University. She earned a master’s degree in business from University of Phoenix, where she is pursuing a doctorate of business. Brenda has been a structural engineer and an architect for over 20 years. She is currently employed with the Internal Revenue Service and is the owner of B.M.W. The luxury Experience Event Space. She is involved with various community service projects, including Raising Others Children, as a Girl Scout troop leader and as an instructor at Sharon Baptist Church.

Illuminati, Freemasonry and the Psychology of Conspiracy Theories: Protecting the Craft

Oct. 15, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. This presentation will discuss Freemasonry and Illuminati: the real Illuminati, who are long gone, and the fake Illuminati, who never existed and won’t go away. Learn about the psychology of conspiracy theories and why

Freemasonry can be such a frequent target of them, as well as ways Masons can respond when accused of being Illuminati or engaged in other conspiracies.

Presenter: Brother Brendan Hickey, P.M., Thomson Lodge No. 340, Paoli, is a Master Masonic Scholar, a Hauts Grades Academic and Pursuivant of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research. He is also a book reviewer for the Journal of the Masonic Society. Brendan holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology.

Save the dates for the final two Speaker Series presentations in 2022:

November 19, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

December 17, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

ANDWidows Honored Flag Captured

by Brother Larry Bernabe Hudson III, W.M.

On March 1, Millersville Lodge No. 476 presented Blue Slipper pins to the Masonic widows of the lodge. After enjoying an Amish roast prepared by Chef Sandy Hoover, attendees had the opportunity to learn about each of the ladies, followed by the pin presentation from Brothers Ronald B. Carson, P.M., D.D.G.M.-1; Richard Miller, P.M.; and Chad Binderup.

Adding to the fun and excitement of the evening, brothers from Manheim Lodge No. 587 surprised the group with a visit to capture their flag. A special thanks to Brother Bob Mellott from Manheim Lodge No. 587 who was the creator of The Capture the Flag program designed to improve travel, goodwill and fun among the lodges of the First Masonic District.

Youth Appreciation Day: A Success Story in Progress

also excited to close this chapter in my life, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Noelia arrived at the Masonic Children’s Home in second grade, four years after her older brother, Nestor. During her time at the children’s home, she has participated in sports and other extracurricular activities, while working part-time in the dietary department of the Masonic Health Care Center.

For the first time in three years, the 37 youth at the Masonic Children’s Home gathered for Youth Appreciation Day on May 20. Staff, donors, family members and alumni recognized the youth, including four high school seniors, for their personal, scholastic and extracurricular achievements.

The four seniors reflected on their time at the children’s home and what the future holds for them, thanks to the teachers, house parents, tutors, administrators, mentors and donors who made it possible.

Since arriving at the Masonic Children’s Home at age 9, Techeal (Tech) has transitioned from a little boy to a strong, confident young man.

“These 10 years have flown by, but these last four years have really helped me grow into the man that I am today,” he said. Throughout high school, Tech played basketball.

“With sports, I learned how to

work in a team environment and to persevere during tough times on and off the court,” he said. “I truly believe that high school basketball has helped prepare me for the next step in life.”

His next step is to attend Penn State Berks, where Tech received the Penn State Provost Award, providing him a four-year scholarship. He hopes to become a physical therapist in the future so he can help fellow athletes.

Tech also worked part-time as a busser at the Masonic Health Care Center and for the Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation and Community Services, which provides activities for children.

He said it is bittersweet to be leaving high school and the children’s home and moving on in life.

“My time in high school and the children’s home has been really special,” he said. “Masonic was more like a family. But I am

Noelia played softball, where she learned new skills and developed a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. In addition to other activities, she was copresident of the Pep Club and a member of Student Council, where she developed a weekly teacher recognition program. She was also the media design captain for Mini-THON, a studentrun philanthropy that helps support children and families impacted by childhood cancer.

“I can personally relate to this [cause] because a childhood friend in Philadelphia lost her fight with leukemia,” she said. “If I had a chance to make an impact, I wanted to help in any way possible.”

Noelia will attend Northampton Community College, in Bethlehem, to major in radiology. She learned about the field while taking photography classes in high school. The details from the photographs caught her attention, and she decided to become more familiar with radiology and take science classes.

She said she will miss the friendships she has made at the children’s home, where she has

Graduates (l-r): Tech, Cassie, Rina and Noelia

come out of her shell and developed as a person.

“When I’m around the kids, it is so much fun and easy. When I leave, I know I’ll have to focus on ‘adulting,’” she said.

“Because of donors, I’ve been able to get the things that I need for college, like books, electronics and clothing. I don’t have to worry or stress about it ahead of time. I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

Cassandra (Cassie) came to the children’s home when she was 7 years old. She spent her senior year at the Mount Joy campus of the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center and plans to attend Millersville University, where she is interested in working with children.

Cassie has enjoyed many of the opportunities she has been given at the children’s home, from summer vacations at the beach and a trip to Disney World to receiving help with academics.

“None of these trips would have been possible if it wasn’t for all the generous people who donated the funds to make some of my greatest memories,” Cassie said.

Cassie isn’t the same little girl who arrived at the children’s home.

“I’ve definitely grown as a person,” she said. “Back when I came here, I was a lot more shy, but being here has helped me come out of that shell and become a very social person.

“I have a lot to be grateful for. I have learned so much in my 11 years here at the children’s home.”

Rina grew up in southwest Philadelphia, where she attended an inner-city school. Her father decided to move her and her brother to Elizabethtown in 2015 to get a better education. At first, she felt out of place, but the school offered her the opportunity to participate in track and field, and she took karate classes.

“Once I joined sports, I felt more involved in the school, and I had the opportunity to meet new people,” she said.

She later traded sports to focus on schoolwork and prepare for college by taking nursing courses at Harrisburg Area Community College. She also works at a Subway restaurant.

Rina will attend Lincoln University and major in nursing, with a minor in psychology. After earning her degree, she plans to pursue her master’s degree in nursing science. She hopes to become a pediatrician.

“My aunt told me I was really patient and good with kids and said I should go into the nursing field because we need more nurses,” she said.

She will miss the house parents at the children’s home. “I talk to them daily and tell them my problems,” she said. “I’ll definitely keep in contact with them.”

Rina said she’s learned over the years to express herself and not be afraid to be herself.

“Nobody will judge you here,” she said. “You will fit in anywhere. There are people at Masonic who truly love you and make you feel safe.”

Each child is a success story in progress, and Youth Appreciation Day is like an unveiling of the next chapter as the seniors shared how

Children and staff pictured at the 97th Youth Appreciation Day

they’ve chosen to pursue their dreams in front of all those helping make them happen.

During his closing remarks, R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling asked all the houseparents and Masonic Children’s Home staff to come up on stage to be recognized for their outstanding efforts during the pandemic, ensuring the children were safe, healthy, up-to-date with schoolwork and entertained.

Do You Know a Child or Family in Need?

Nearly 109 years ago, Pennsylvania Masons created the Masonic Children’s Home for orphans. Since then, Masons have continued to support the children’s home as it has grown and evolved to help children from various situations.

From individual and lodge fundraisers, donations and planned giving, Masons have devised unique ways to ensure the 40 youth living at the children’s home are taken care of. Located on the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown campus, the children’s home is open to school-aged children across Pennsylvania. The children live within five cottages and attend Elizabethtown Area School District.

Thanks to donors (as the Masonic Children’s Home receives no government funding), the children receive shelter, food, medical care, personalized academic tutoring and opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities within a safe and supportive environment.

If you know of a child or family who you think may be in need of our children’s home, please provide them with the contact information below. You can also call the children’s home to discover whether that child or family may qualify.

To think of a child or family who may benefit from the children’s home, ask yourself: Do you have friends who are raising their grandchildren or even great-grandchildren? If you are an educator, guidance counselor or social worker, do you know a child who might need help? If your church or community has an outreach program, is there a child who could thrive if given a chance?

“We help to provide children with a life they otherwise wouldn’t have,” Director of Children’s Services Brother Mark Kurzenknabe, Robert Burns Lodge No. 464, Harrisburg, said, “so I’m asking Masons out there to consider whether the families and the children they may know would be a good fit. You can change their lives forever.”

To be eligible for admission, the child must be school aged (1st - 12th grade), a U.S. citizen and have a guardian who resides in Pennsylvania. In addition, the child must have a need for placement; for example: the child is being raised by aging grandparents; living in an unsafe environment; has a parent(s) incarcerated; has a financial need or has experienced loss of housing.

Children who have the following characteristics are not eligible for the children’s home: aggressive behaviors, has been in an in-patient treatment/ residential program, is currently pregnant, has a history of fire starting or running away, has any involvement with the police or has been in a detention center, has substance abuse problems or has major school discipline or attendance issues.

For more information, call 717-367-1121, ext. 33301, email children@masonicvillages.org or visit MasonicChildrensHome.org.

Lodge Provides for Technology to Enhance Residents’ Lives

objects to arouse one or more of the five senses with the following goals: evoking positive feelings and improving overall mood; helping residents cope with negative emotions, communication and behaviors; increasing independence; improving activity level; lowering blood pressure; decreasing muscle tension; providing a relaxing environment for residents experiencing overstimulation; providing stimulation before mealtime for residents who may not eat well to increase their appetite; and providing opportunities for choice.

The controlled environment promotes a calming and safe setting that incorporates a combination of seating options, vibration mats, projectors, bubble tubes, music, colors and lighting. The technology allows each resident to create their own individualized experience to suit their preferences and needs.

This specialized therapy is especially beneficial for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, as well as those suffering from brain injury and chronic pain.

At Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, a need to upgrade facilities became an opportunity to incorporate new treatments, innovative design and stimulating technology to support the healing and caring for residents receiving skilled nursing care, memory support, short-term rehab and personal care services.

Certified recreation therapists

regularly help residents through relaxation programs, physical and cognitive exercises and alternative therapies, such as music and pet therapy and aromatherapy. The recent addition of two new multi-sensory rooms and a mobile cart offer an integrative approach for meaningful and productive one-on-one sessions.

Sensory stimulation uses everyday

Liz Eargle, recreation/music therapist, recently brought resident Ruth Barkley into one of the multi-sensory rooms for the first time (pictured above). As a green geometric shape twirled around the walls and music played from a large speaker, Liz placed a board in front of Ruth with different colored tiles. As Ruth moved her hand over each tile, a different sound, whether drums, a guitar or even a baby’s laugh, played along with the rhythm of the background music. Ruth’s toes

“We want our residents to continue to do the things they love, even if we have to adapt those activities. Having specialized multi-sensory rooms available enables us to help our seniors find joy and purpose each and every day.”

- Emily Connors, Therapeutic Recreation and Life Enrichment Supervisor

began to tap as she “conducted” the music with her finger and hummed along.

“They start to move to the music with intentional responses,” Liz said. “I wait to see how they move to control the sounds. It engages higher thought processes.”

Liz also asked Ruth where she’d like to “travel.” Within minutes of Ruth replying, “Florida,” an entire wall of the room filled with the image of a Florida beach. They discussed what Ruth enjoyed about her past visits to the Sunshine state.

Masonic Village sought philanthropic support for the renovations and technology required to make the two multi-sensory therapy rooms and mobile cart a reality. A plaque was installed outside the rooms to recognize the generosity of Washington Lodge No. 156, Quarryville.

“We know what Masonic Villages does for a lot of people, and it’s a good cause to support,” said Brother Richard L. McMinn, P.M., Washington Lodge No. 156, which recently merged with Lodge No. 43, Lancaster.

Joe Fialko, of Soundbeam USA, has designed dozens of multi-sensory rooms, but not like the ones at Masonic Village.

“This much equipment, the interactive madefrom-scratch elements and the complexity of the features in the rooms were made possible because of the donor,” Joe said.

The support of Masonic donors have resulted in several projects at the Masonic Health Care Center, which have enhanced residents’ quality of life. These include a therapy pool, thanks to the late Brother Carl Flohr and his wife, Arlene; renovation of a turtle/fish pond in the courtyard, with the support of Palmyra Chapter No. 402 and Hershey Chapter No. 509, Order of the Eastern Star; and a new chapel, made possible because of Zeredatha-White Rose Lodge No. 451, York.

The multi-sensory rooms and mobile cart have made such an impact already, the Masonic Villages would like to be able to replicate the project in the health care areas in Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster. Any lodges or individuals who would be interested in supporting these projects should contact the

Office of Mission Advancement and Development at 1-800-599-6454 or giving@masoniccharitiespa.org.

“Technological innovation is an impactful way to shape the future of the aging services we offer, and there are many new life enhancing possibilities available. We are very thankful for friends who help fund our mission so ALL our residents are served in significant, meaningful ways that make a difference in the quality of their lives.”

- William L. Kingsbury, Chief Executive Officer

Above: Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling, members of Washington Lodge No. 156 and Masonic Village staff dedicate the sensory rooms and mobile cart. Below: The Grand Master learns about the science behind the rooms.

Forging the Future: From Parents’ Point of View

Teachers, coaches, instructors and guidance counselors all help guide youth and inspire them to be the best version of themselves. Although a parent is the best influencer a child will have, it sometimes takes other adult role models to motivate our youth even further. In this article, we will look at the role of an adult volunteer in our Masonic youth groups from the viewpoint of a parent.

The role of an adult volunteer is to be a guide, an instructor and a leader. In some cases, they provide a parental figure from outside the home environment. For many, they become a second mom or dad, continuing to provide support and guidance when youth are away from home. Although quite a few of our adult volunteers are parents themselves, the role is more about being a supporter and an encourager. Parents trust these volunteers with their children, knowing their daughters and sons are in a safe environment and that these adults will look out for their child’s best interests.

Q: HOW HAVE THE ADULT VOLUNTEERS IMPACTED YOUR CHILD’S LIFE?

Jona Green is the mother of two DeMolays from the Elizabethtown Chapter, Holden and Kenton, and a Majority Member of Job’s Daughters. When asked this question, she stated, “It is a special thing as a parent to know you can trust someone with your children. To know the lessons you teach at home and the structure and rules that are in place are reinforced by someone who is not their parent is a great aspect of this organization.”

Dianne Swogger is a Majority Member of Rainbow and the mother of the most recent Grand Worthy Advisor of Pennsylvania Rainbow, Ashley Swogger, a member of the Penn Valley Rainbow Assembly. “The adult volunteers have believed in Ashley when she was not so sure of herself,” Dianne said. “She has looked up to many of these leaders and strives to be a better person.”

Kenton Green (right) rehearses the Flower Talk, a special DeMolay ceremony that pays tribute to a boy’s mother, before presenting it to one of the many lodges he has visited in 2022.

Holden Green takes his oath as Master Counselor over the Bible from the same chapter his uncles belonged to.

Q: HOW HAS YOUR CHILD BENEFITED FROM MEMBERSHIP IN THE MASONIC YOUTH GROUPS?

“Being a Rainbow Girl has helped Ashley in so many ways,” Dianne said. “It has taught her to be a leader and to serve others. She is now a confident speaker and can speak in front of large groups. She gained confidence and can help others.”

Jona stated, “Watching our boys grow in confidence, maturity and leadership has been one of the greatest joys of our association with DeMolay. The progression from mentee to mentor is powerful.”

Q: WHAT MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE COMES TO MIND WHEN THINKING ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE MASONIC YOUTH GROUPS?

“Our involvement with DeMolay has provided many special occasions and memories to cherish,” Jona said. “Holden was able to take his oath as Master Councilor over the same Bible that was from the chapter my brothers belonged to.” Dianne stated, “I can’t think of just one memorable experience. For me, it has been wonderful to see her love an organization that I also was a member of. I have enjoyed watching her be Grand Worthy Advisor.”

Q: WHAT CHARACTERISTIC IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE ROLE OF A MASONIC YOUTH ADULT VOLUNTEER?

Jona summed it up: “Almost all of the great adult volunteers I know have an excellent sense of humor and a lot of patience.” Dianne noted, “Adult volunteers need to have empathy. They need to be able to listen to youth and ‘hear’ what they are saying to know what each particular youth needs. Adult volunteers need to be able to be a leader but also be able to step back and let youth lead in certain situations.”

Have you ever thought about being an adult volunteer for one of our Masonic youth organizations? Would you consider giving a little time to mentor some deserving young people? Our youth organizations need you. Our youth need you. They are worthy of having positive role models, patient mentors and understanding guides on this journey they are forging.

For complete information on becoming an adult volunteer with one – or more – of our youth organizations, please reach out to Brother Joseph Pullin, Masonic Youth Program Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, at 717-367-1536 ext. 8, or japullin@pmyf.org.

As a member of Rainbow for Girls, Ashley Swogger has learned confidence, leadership and servanthood.