Brethren,

I hope you are enjoying your summer and looking forward to returning to lodge next month.

We had many milestones to celebrate in June. First, we commemorated the 100th Anniversary of Pennsylvania DeMolay with a banquet, fireworks, picnic and pig roast at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown (see pictures on p. 5). Hearing about and witnessing the impact DeMolay has made on so many of our young men fills me an indescribable pride and gratitude for all those men and women who have influenced their lives in meaningful, productive ways. I wish to extend a huge thank you to M.W. Past Grand Master of South Carolina, Ron Mitchum, who towed his custom cooker to Pennsylvania in support of the boys. He is a renowned cook, and we appreciate his commitment to all Masonic youth groups. Over the years, he has raised more than $300,000 for them and even has a kitchen named in his honor.

Second, history was made at the Grand Lodge June Communication when everyone (except the floor officers) was permitted to attend in casual dress. The meeting was so well attended, we had to livestream the meeting into an overflow room. At both of these events, I had the honor of awarding special medals to individuals who have given so much of their time and talents to Freemasonry and our youth. See p. 4 for highlights.

Third, we celebrated the 300th Anniversary of the publishing of Anderson’s Constitution of the Freemasons in Washington, D.C. Each Grand Lodge of the original 13 states was represented, and a Proclamation was signed by Brothers Annas Fadludeen Kamara, M.W. Grand Master of Washington, D.C., and Jonathan Spence Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England. A Universal Brotherhood meeting was held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial focusing on inclusion and tolerance. Many other Grand Masters and dignitaries from across the United States and around the world participated in the festivities. Anderson’s Constitutions of the Freemasons was the first document that outlined the Masonic charges and rules which became the basis of Masonic law as Grand Lodges were formed. Brother Benjamin Franklin thought this Constitution so profound that he published it verbatim in 1734. As settlers began migrating west and Masonic lodges began popping up in cities and towns along the way, this document was a critical influence in formulating the principles and tenets of America, a truly Masonic experiment.

The fourth observance was the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Masonic Temple at One North Broad Street in Philadelphia, arguably the grandest Masonic edifice in the world. During the re-dedication ceremony (pictured on p. 7), we were reminded of why the magnificent building was constructed: to accommodate the rapid growth of the fraternity. When the building was originally dedicated in 1873, more than 13,000 Masons, including 30 brass bands, processed down Broad Street throughout the day. Recently, the tours of the Temple have been sold out, and over the last 25 years, I have never seen so many people exploring not only the now-National Historic Landmark, but more importantly, our fraternity. The home of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has been a beacon of Masonic light to tens of thousands of visitors over the past 150 years, and it will continue that tradition well into the future.

Finally, at the 128th Annual Session of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, Order of Eastern Star, I was pleasantly surprised and gratified to see the number of men who have joined and support the Order. As a proud member and Past Worthy Patron of Irwin Chapter No. 400, I can attest that it is an outstanding organization to be involved with, as is the Order of Amaranth. Brother Robert Trimble, Worthy Grand Patron (and accomplished Grand Lodge Organist) will hold a concert in Corinthian Hall at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia on Sept. 9. Sister Joyce Plonka, Worthy Grand Matron, and I will make history by conferring initiatory degrees at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center on the morning of Sept. 23. The conferral will be followed by a Three Rivers dinner cruise that evening (see p. 9 for details).

I hope to see you at any of our upcoming educational, cultural, social, fundraising or fraternal events. I encourage you to peruse the many varied opportunities listed in this issue, as well as on our website and social media channels. Better yet, bring a relative, co-worker, neighbor or friend along with you to meet your fellow brethren and learn more about the greatest fraternity in the world.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Jeffrey M. Wonderling R.W. Grand Master