Freemason - February 2019

THE PENNSYLVANIA

VOL. LXVI, NO. 1

Making Our World a Better Place

FEBRUARY 2019

THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON® VOL. LXVI, FEBRUARY 2019, NO. 1

©2018 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman S. Eugene Herritt, R.W.G.M. Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W.D.G.M. Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W.S.G.W. Larry A. Derr, 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 Rich Johnson - Graphic Designer Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Staff Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania Staff (Publication No. USPS 426-140) February 2019 Issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason ® Published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Articles and photographs to be considered for publication should be sent with local Masonic authority to the address above, to the attention of The Pennsylvania Freemason ® or emailed to pafreemason@ masonicvillages.org. Except by special arrangement, all articles, photographs and artwork become the property of the Grand Lodge.

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) February 2019, 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: S. Eugene Herritt. Owner: The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Known bondholders: none. No advertising handled. Free distribution averages 124,000 each quarter. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.

S. Eugene Herritt, Editor Mailing address changes If your address on the back cover of this magazine is not exactly as you have provided it to us, please be aware that addresses are modified through the various mailing process requirements required by the U.S. Postal Service. If you have any questions or would like to inform us of a change in address, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at 800-599-6454 or giving@masonicvillages.org.

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

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Grand Master’s Message • December Quarterly Communication Updates • Where Are They Now? • Newly Appointed D.D.G.M.s • 2019 Leadership Seminars • Upcoming Events • Travel with the Grand Master • Speakers’ Bureau Expands • Spanish-Speaking Members Sought for New Lodge

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Giving the Gift of a Good Meal • Stumbling Upon a Good Idea • Just Doing What Masons Are Supposed to Do • “ONE” Year at North Broad

18 Philanthropy

Help for Our Heroes - At Home and Abroad • History of Masonic Charity • Youth Foundation Seeks New Executive Director • NEW Masonic Eagle Scout Lapel Pins Available • Riding for LifeSkills • Helping Scholars Who Need It • Masonic Youth Charity and Service • Long-term Masonic Villages CEO Announces His Retirement • Making the Best Decisions • You’re Part of a Growing Family • A Dedicated Donor Looking Back and Ahead • Masonic Villages’ 2019 Wish List

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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 www.pagrandlodge.org.

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Brethren, Each January, your Grand Lodge Officers travel throughout the jurisdiction presenting new District Deputy Grand Masters in their respective districts. It is a wonderful opportunity to interact with local lodge officers and to meet and talk with the members of those lodges. The diversity of backgrounds within our ranks is encouraging. It is inspiring when men talk about how they came to be Masons and what the fraternity means to them.

We don’t always know what brings a man to our fraternity. When he first petitions, he may not know of the importance of our ritual and the charges that reinforce the values taught in that ritual. Those are the basis of what makes Freemasonry a force for good in the world. He may not know of our history and how those ethical lessons played such an important part in developing the men who shaped global history. He may not realize how our fraternal history, in many ways, parallels the history of many of the nations of the world.

What he sees, many times, when he decides to petition a lodge, is how that local lodge is making his community better through the charitable acts of good men. What he sees is the good behavior, the spiritual development and the moral understanding of men like yourselves; men he admires and wishes to emulate.

What brought each of us to Freemasonry may vary, but what has kept us as members is a feeling of fulfillment that what we envisioned for ourselves as Masons is what we became as men.

Many of the values we learned early in life, we saw taught again through our ritual and reinforced frequently through the charges designed to remind members of what the fraternity stands for and how to responsibly live our lives.

Our responsibility to our fraternity, to our individual brothers and to the society we influence is to live the lessons we teach. It is important when studying our history to consider how the values we learn and reinforce in our lodges have influenced the advancement of man. It is equally important to look toward the future of the world and of society. Generally speaking, younger Masons have an undiluted vision of what the future may hold. They are not overburdened with what was. They see more clearly what can be. They see how the use of technology may help spread the Masonic word they have embraced. They look to what the world may become with an understanding that what will make it a better world for their children is the values taught in our fraternal family.

Good men of all generations are looking for the answers to life’s questions, and Freemasonry has a path to those answers. Along the path are milestones of good men pointing the way forward.

Brothers who want to see the new man succeed in his quest for a better life and a better world.

We Masons have the answers to a man’s questions. They are not hidden, but displayed in our ritual, in our symbolism and in how we behave in society.

If we continue to teach those values, we can touch the men in our fraternity. If we live the values we teach, we can change the world.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

S. Eugene Herritt, R.W. Grand Master

FREEMASONRY TODAY Photos by Brother Ken Brooks, Grand Lodge Photographer

DECEMBER QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION UPDATES Chester Lodge No. 236 merged with Penn Lodge No. 709, which remains known as Penn Lodge No. 709.

Fraternal Lodge No. 483 merged with Petrolia Lodge No. 363, which remains known as Petrolia Lodge No. 363.

Cochranton Lodge No. 790 merged into Meadville Lodge No. 408, which remains known as Meadville Lodge No. 408.

Eureka Lodge No. 366 merged into Corry Lodge No. 365, which remains known as Corry Lodge No. 365.

Ahiman Rezon Amendment Amendments to articles 5.01 and 8.01 of the Ahiman Rezon were presented and unanimously approved.

Presentations The following is a brief summary of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge at its Quarterly Communication on Dec. 8, 2018, held in Lancaster, Pa. A total of 431 members, representing 147 lodges, attended.

Lodge Mergers Wilcox Lodge No. 571, Elk Lodge No. 379, George E. Wagner Lodge No. 639 and James W. Brown Lodge No. 675 merged into Kane Lodge No. 566, which remains known as Kane Lodge No. 566.

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R.W. Grand Master S. Eugene Herritt made the following presentations: The Grand Master’s Outstanding Service Award was presented to Brother Dennis L. Robinson, P.M., Emmaus Lodge No. 792, and W. Scott Muller, P.D.D.G.M., Harford Lodge No. 445 (pictured to the left).

Master Builder/Craftsman Awards were presented to Master Masons (those present are pictured above) who completed a specific set of requirements, which can be found at https://pagrandlodge.org/masterbuilders/.

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Master Pillar Awards were presented to 14 recipients (those present are pictured above, top left) who completed a specific set of requirements, which can be found at https://pagrandlodge.org/honors/.

Ritual Competition Awards were presented to the following Degree teams, pictured above: 1st Place - District 27 (bottom left), 2nd Place - District 1 (top right) and 3rd Place - Districts B and C (bottom right).

Following a reading of member deaths by R.W. Grand Secretary Mark A. Haines, Grand Master Herritt called on Brother Samuel C. Williamson, R.W. Past Grand Master, to present the eulogy for Brother Edward H. Fowler, Jr., R.W. Past Grand Master.

to visit the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia and his digitization project to preserve our records for future generations to research their family history.

Announcements R.W. Grand Master Herritt announced the following: A public Datestone Ceremony of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will be held on May 30, 2019, at 3 p.m., at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown for the campus’ new retirement living townhomes.

The June Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge will be held on June 8, 2019, at 10 a.m., at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.

Contributions R.W. Grand Master Herritt was pleased to accept contributions totaling $474,454 for the Masonic Charities and Help for Our Heroes.

Remarks Grand Master Herritt reviewed his first year and expressed that he is very pleased with the amount of support that has been given. He reviewed his primary intent to improve awareness of Masonic education, leadership seminars, reduced prices on bus tours to members who have not had the opportunity

February 2019

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FREEMASONRY TODAY

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Jay W. Smith, R.W. Grand Master (2012-2013)

Brother Jay W. Smith and his wife, Nancy, are blessed to have all three of their children (Traci, Kristine and Brother Steve) and eight grandchildren living nearby in Lancaster County. It allows them to attend their grandchildren’s sports activities and have the whole gang home for the holidays.

In the summertime, the Smiths spend a few weekends each month at their summer home in North East, Maryland, where they enjoy boating, fishing and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay. The children and grandchildren also enjoy waterskiing, wake boarding and tubing. One weekend each year, the Elizabethtown DeMolay Chapter visits as one of its activities.

The Smiths continue to enjoy camping, and at home, Brother Jay exercises his green thumb in his garden, growing tomatoes,

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Grand Master

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eggplants, cabbage, string beans, lima beans, onions, sugar peas and black raspberries. When they have time, they work out in the wellness center at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

They have been members of Chiques United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

In the fall and winter, Brother Jay and Brother Steve enjoy hunting at the family’s cabin in Franklin County and have been on some fishing trips to Canada.

In addition to attending Grand Lodge events they’re invited to, Brother Jay remains active in Ashara-Casiphia Lodge No. 551, Mount Joy, and its activities, such as the annual ox roast and other fund raisers throughout the year. He also serves on the board for The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania and on the board of governors for the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Lancaster. He was installed in December as Sovereign Master of Constans Council No. 239, Allied Masonic Degrees, an invitationonly Masonic affiliated body that meets quarterly to present research papers. The Smiths recently joined a group from the Harrisburg Consistory that traveled to Aruba to meet with brethren there who are members of the Scottish Rite Club in Harrisburg.

Reflecting on his term as Grand Master, Brother Jay said, “I miss the camaraderie with all the members; as Grand Master, I felt it was very important to get involved with the membership, and it’s something I cherished,” he said. “It’s great because you make friends with members, deputies and wives, and those friendships continue even when you’re out of office. Nancy misses it, too.”

Brother Jay’s advice for those seeking to get the most of their membership is simple. “You’ve got to get involved,” he said. “It’s

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members. “My lodge encourages new members to take it – they have a year – and we’ve realized that most of the brethren who have taken it tend to stay very active in lodge,” he said.

Brother Jay is proud that the Master Builders program he established is still successful. The program recognizes newly made Master Masons who complete several courses through the online education system, as well as a personal Masonic journey through other avenues of the fraternity. He continues to believe brethren need to be “Master Builders - Building for Our Future.”

Dipping Easter eggs for Job’s Daughters’ annual fund raiser especially important for new members to become active within their lodges – not necessarily by going through the chairs, but in activities and fund raisers. In my lodge, we’re getting younger members, and we all need to work together. We have to be open to new ideas. Many people think Freemasonry is slow to change, but we have to compromise sometimes.”

During his term in office, Brother Jay established the online Masonic education program for new Master Masons and existing

Newly Appointed District Deputy Grand Masters

Samuel Freeman

Lodge No. 126, District C Presentation: 1/25/2019

Ben E. Ball

Lodge No. 388, District 22 Presentation: 1/19/2019

Robert J. Slater, Jr.

Lodge No. 544, District 47 Presentation: 1/11/2019

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Ryan D. Knopf

Lodge No. 241, District 24 Presentation: 1/13/2019

Keith B. Doyle

Lodge No. 622, District 50 Presentation: 1/27/2019

Steven A. Fulton

Lodge No. 437, District 27 Presentation: 1/12/2019

Richard A. Yeager

Lodge No. 389, District 53 Presentation: 1/18/2019

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FREEMASONRY TODAY

2019 LEADERSHIP SEMINARS Due to the success of last year’s leadership seminars, the Grand Lodge has expanded their offerings from three locations to four this spring.

According to Brother Darrin D. Catts, D.D.G.M.-42, the seminar topics are being refreshed for 2019. “We are using a great deal of the feedback we received from last year to update the program for this year. All the breakout sessions will cover different topics as well,” he said. “We received very positive feedback from last year’s attendees, and we are looking forward to providing this important information to more brothers in new areas of the state.”

The following topics will be presented in an interactive format: • What is Leadership?

• Effective Communication • The Art of Motivation and Persuasion • Conflict Management • Valuing Generational Differences

After these topics, there will be three-to-four different breakout sessions that promote a more intimate environment for interactive discussion on a variety of leadership topics.

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 at each location.

The cost remains at $25 per attendee. This registration fee may be paid by the member’s lodge if properly motioned and approved by the membership.

Those interested in attending may register online at https://pagrandlodge.org/seminars/.

March 2 Masonic Conference Center, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown April 6 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill April 20 Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple May 4 Valley of New Castle

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Florida Masonic Reunions WILL NOT be Held in 2019.

We are making plans to host the events in 2020.

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SAVE

TO TOUR YOUR THE DATE MASONIC AUG. 17 TEMPLE

PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF MASONIC KNOWLEDGE The 2019 Spring Symposium of the Academy of Masonic Knowledge will be held on Saturday, March 16, 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.

Pre-registration is required. Please register at https://pamasonicacademy.org/meetings/. If you do not have access to the internet or email, please register

SAVE THE DATE

through your Lodge Secretary. Please recognize that a cost is incurred to the program for your registration.

If you pre-register and subsequently determine that you will be unable to attend, please have the Masonic courtesy to cancel your reservation by the same method and providing the same information.

On the day of the symposium, a live stream of the event will allow individuals to view it from wherever they may be via the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania YouTube Channel.

Save the date! The next Academy Symposium will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019.

The Biannual “Lodge in the Woods� event, hosted by the 1st Masonic District, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Edward Mack Camp Ground, Brickerville, Pa. As in the past, there will be a steak dinner and a meeting around an open campfire.

Please contact Brother Ronald Carson, D.D.G.M.-1, for details and tickets via email ddgm01@pagrandlodge.org or phone 717-475-5847. This event is usually a sellout!

SEPT. 18

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MEMBERSHIP

Gene & Sally Herritt invite you to join them on the following excursion!

“CAPTIVATING RHINE” RIVER CRUISE August 3 - 14, 2019

Itinerary includes tours of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cologne, Rudesheim, Mannheim, Strasbourg and Breisach, Germany; and Basel and Zurich, Switzerland

CRUISE INCLUDES: • • • • • • • • •

Spacious accommodations in riverview stateroom or suite Fine dining, including unlimited wine & beer Daily cocktail hour with complimentary beverages Cocktail reception and Captain’s Gala Dinner Complimentary WiFi access on board Guided tour excursions in every port Live entertainment, cooking demonstration and more Complimentary bicycles Services of a Professional Cruise Manager

LAND PROGRAM INCLUDES: • • • • • •

2 nights pre-cruise in Amsterdam 1 night post-cruise in Zurich Transfers between hotel & ship/ship & hotel Daily breakfast Guided city tour Portage service

Starting from $5,275 per person Category CB, French Balcony Rates include: cruise, land program, port charges and gratuities.

Airport transfers are additional; ask for details.

CALL TODAY! Space is limited. Don’t miss out on this wonderful trip! Reserve by March 15. For additional information, contact: Chris at Professional Travel at 215-355-4050 or Chris@BookAndGoNow.com 10

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SPEAKERS BUREAU EXPANDS Interested in learning more about how to manage mental illness or combat the opioid epidemic? Have you ever been curious about Freemasonry in other jurisdictions or the meanings behind religious symbolism in Freemasonry?

Perhaps you’re interested in learning more about financial planning, investments and investment fraud, or the psychology of decision-making. Are you a history buff? If so, you may find it fascinating to learn about Freemasonry during the Holocaust, during the anti-Masonic period or in relation to

the Underground Railroad. Perhaps you’ve been perplexed by the age-old question, “How Many Freemasons Does it Take to Screw in a Light Bulb?”

The good news is that thanks to an expanded Speakers’ Bureau, you may get to hear about some or all of these topics at your upcoming lodge meetings. By visiting https://pagrandlodge.org/speakers/, you can find presenters on various topics, including community service, education, finance, history, psychology, religion and writing.

SPANISH-SPEAKING MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR NEW LODGE A group of Masons from multiple jurisdictions, along with members of Alto Meridiano Masonic Club, are working to constitute the first Spanish-speaking lodge under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to be held in the Philadelphia area. If you are a Spanish-speaking

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brother, this is an excellent opportunity to aid in establishing something new in the Commonwealth. If you are interested, contact Brother Basil Veiga, P.M., at basilio.veiga@gmail.com or 610-255-0134.

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GIVING THE GIFT OF A GOOD MEAL Living in a world where it’s possible to order almost any kind of food you want just by making a phone call, going online or opening an app on your smartphone, it’s easy to take the value of a home-cooked meal for granted.

However, brethren from lodges in Masonic Districts B and D recently rediscovered that the way to a person’s heart really is through the stomach.

It started with a handshake – or rather, the absence of one. When Brother Jonathan Liu, J.W., William PennHarmony Lodge No. 52, Philadelphia, met Brother Bill Soloway, Joseph H. Brown Lodge No. 751 and Lodge No. 2, Philadelphia, he stood out because of his deviation from the standard greeting. Instead of the classic Masonic grip, he offered up a fist bump.

“I initially thought he was trying to be cool and playful, but he kept doing it to me every time I met him,” Brother Jon said.

This habit earned Brother Bill the nickname “Bro-fist bro” from Brother Jon and some of his close brethren.

However, when Brother Jon learned the sobering reason behind the fist bump, it wasn’t so funny anymore. Brother Bill had received a heart transplant in June 2015. As a result, he swapped handshakes for fist bumps to protect his delicate immune system and avoid the simple diseases often transferred from skin-to-skin contact – things that wouldn’t be so simple for him to shake off. Brother Bill is on the board of the Masonic Blood and Organ Donor program and an ambassador for Gift of Life, an organ procurement organization (OPO) that covers Eastern PA.

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(Western PA is covered by the Center for Organ Donation and Recovery [CORE].) He is also an advisory board member for the Gift of Life Family House – a facility similar to the Ronald McDonald houses, except only for transplant patients and their families – in Philadelphia. When he told Brother Jon and the other lodge officers about the Gift of Life Family House’s “Home Cook Heroes” program, Brother Jon knew it would be a great opportunity for his lodge to support a cause that mattered to them and give back to the community.

“I wanted to book several dates to do multiple dinners.

It was suggested to schedule one and plan more if it goes well,” Brother Jon said.

For “Home Cook Heroes,” small groups of 10 or fewer bring, make or serve brunch, dinner or baked goods for the Family House occupants – usually 50-60 people. Some might find cooking for that many people daunting, but knowing Lodge No. 2, Philadelphia, had prepared a meal, Brother Jon figured it was doable for his lodge, as well.

While his friendship with Brother Bill certainly drove his enthusiasm, it was Brother Jon’s passion for cooking that made the “Home Cook Heroes” program so appealing.

It started while he was studying architectural and civil engineering at Drexel University and trying to eat well on a college-student budget by adding inexpensive flavorings like corn and sesame oil to ramen noodle packets. His culinary skills have progressed beyond that, and, when reviewing the list of meals made by past volunteers on the “Home Cook Heroes” web page, he rose to the challenge.

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“A large majority of the food being made was generic dishes such as burgers, tacos or lasagna. It seemed too simple – almost like takeout – so I decided to create a more special and diverse menu.”

On Friday, Sept. 21, three brothers from William-Penn Harmony Lodge No. 52 – Brother Jon, Worshipful Master Eugene Spuglio and Brother Michael Milord – and Brother Jon’s girlfriend, Jewel, went to the Gift of Life Family House for the first of what they hoped would be many meals made. As promised, they delivered a unique and diverse menu: salad, corn soufflé, Brazilian-style cheese puffs, Japanese-style chicken curry, meatloaf and meatless meatballs made from button mushrooms. For dessert, they served blueberry Clafoutis (a French custard) and orange slices.

“The menu I had chosen was both diverse and very easy to make. Most of these dishes had very simple instructions like mixing the ingredients in a bowl, and then popping it into the oven. The Gift of Life Family House kitchen has four ovens, and we used each one extensively.”

After cooking and serving the food, the group was able to sit down and have conversations with the families as they ate, learning about what had brought them to Gift of Life. Since Brother Jon and Brother Michael were wearing their lodge grilling aprons which had the square and compasses on them, it also inspired conversations about Freemasonry. They served 45 people that night.

“The staff told us that our menu was the most unique meal that they have ever had. At the end of the event, we were given a card signed by all the different families we had served. I happily presented it to our lodge members during our October stated meeting,” Brother Jon said.

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Since that first “Home Cook Heroes” dinner, two additional Philadelphia lodges have taken to the kitchen to make meals: Joseph H. Brown Lodge No. 751 and Washington Lodge No. 59. Brothers Bill and Jon would like to see even more lodges get involved.

“As Freemasons, providing for our community is one of many steps to making our world a better place. For me, cooking is something that I love to do, so being able to serve my community while doing something I thoroughly enjoy made this event even more of blast. It’s a great bonding experience for a good cause – and it’s delicious, because you get to eat it afterward,” Brother Jon said.

As further incentive, the Gift of Life Family House AllStars Program recognizes those who provide 12 or more meals yearly with a plaque on the wall.

“It’s my goal to have the square and compasses up on that wall,” Brother Bill said. Joseph H. Brown Lodge No. 751, Philadelphia, has since contributed to that goal.

To him, the commitment to serving meals at the Gift of Life Family House exemplifies the expanded efforts of the Masonic Blood and Organ Donor Program.

“The Masonic Blood and Organ Donor Program is not just about blood drives anymore. It’s about doing good works in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Masonry is now becoming known for our involvement with organ donation,” Brother Bill said.

For more information on getting involved with the “Home Cook Heroes” program, visit https://www. giftoflifefamilyhouse.org/bridge-volunteer/home-cookheroes-program/.

For more information on the Masonic Blood and Organ Donor Program, visit https://pagrandlodge.org/ bloodprogram/.

If your lodge is interested in volunteering with Gift of Life Family House, please call Brother Bill Soloway at 215-518-9097.

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STUMBLING UPON A GOOD IDEA Convincing friends to dress as Santa, visit local bars and donate $5 to charity was not a hard sell for retired salesman Brother Pete Ruggieri, P.M., Christiana Lodge No. 417 and Lamberton Lodge No. 476, Lancaster. As he’s watched the event, designated the Santa Stumble, grow to 40 times its original size, he’s learned a few secrets to leading a successful community service effort.

The first year of the event, in 2009, the Santa Stumble, held in downtown Lancaster, raised $500 with 100 participants. The next year, participants spread the word about the event, and 300 joined in the festivities, along with more bars and restaurants, raising $1,500. It continues to grow exponentially, and in 2018, more than 4,000 people raised $43,000. The event has raised a total of more than $100,000 to date.

Knowing the Lancaster City Mounted Police and K-9 Units are funded entirely by donations, Brother Pete chose them as the recipient of the funds raised. When the Lancaster City Police created the Mounted Patrol in 1979, the Chief of Police was a member of Lamberton Lodge.

Legend has it the mayor at the time saw that Wilmington, Delaware, a city of similar size, had a mounted patrol and decided Lancaster could benefit from one. City officials didn’t want the mounted unit to be a line item on the budget that could be eliminated in the future to save money, so they set it up to be funded through donations only, not using any city funds.

“I know that the officers of the Mounted Patrol and the K-9 officers truly appreciate the financial donation, and they have sincerely and personally thanked us,” Brother Pete said. “Also, for many of the downtown bars and restaurants, the Lancaster Santa Stumble is by far their highest grossing sales night of the year, more than Saint Patrick’s or Thanksgiving Eve. Those business owners and bartenders also personally thank the volunteers, which makes it worth it. An obscure Masonic saying I like is, ‘Do it for the cause, not the applause.’ The handshake, thank

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you and occasional free pint means more to me than any certificate or headline.”

Organizing the event includes contacting businesses, promoting the date, distributing official Santa Stumble buttons and giving the police a courtesy heads-up. While the Santa Stumble is not an official Masonic event, many of Brother Pete’s Masonic friends volunteer for the event, donating their time and money. Lamberton Lodge and Lodge No. 43, both in Lancaster, have members who belong to the police force, although none are on the Mounted Patrol or K-9 units.

“I have a firm belief that Freemasonry doesn’t make men charitable, but that charitable men join Freemasonry,” Brother Pete said.

For charitable lodges and members looking to organize their own community events, Brother Pete recommends to start small, but have fun.

“It is easy for people to say they are willing to help out and volunteer, but it’s hard for them to actually show up, help out and volunteer,” he said. “If you can’t get the whole lodge to want to participate, do something with the members who are passionate about the same endeavor, have a great time and at a subsequent meeting, present a check or give a report on your fun. I guarantee that if five members had fun, the next time you do it, you’ll have 10 members helping, and then maybe 15 or 20.

“A lesson I learned from sitting in the East of lodge and other appendant bodies is that nobody is going to go out of their way to volunteer to help you. But, if you ask someone for help, they will. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

“Get out there and institute new things. If an event is getting low participation, maybe it’s time to retire it and to try something new. It’s better to have a small event where people had a great time and will talk about how great it was, rather than have a large event that everyone will talk about how lame it was.”

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JUST DOING WHAT MASONS ARE SUPPOSED TO DO When Brother Joseph Norris visits his elderly patients, he cares for more than just their medical needs. A physician assistant with an old-fashioned bedside manner and a bleeding heart to match, Brother Joseph knows many of his patients in southern Philadelphia must choose between the medications they need to stay alive and food to sustain their bodies. They simply can’t afford both. Oftentimes, when Brother Joseph doesn’t have enough pharmaceutical samples to hand out, he covers the cost himself.

And his brothers chip in, too. Knowing the plight of his patients, members of Saint John’s Lodge No. 115, Philadelphia, took up a collection during their stated meeting. The lodge matched the brothers’ contributions, and Brother Joseph matched that. The brethren purchased $3,000 worth of nonperishable food items, divided them into boxes and prepared to deliver them to seniors on Dec. 13, 2018. A brother sergeant who works for the Philadelphia Police Department–39 th District arranged for a police escort, and a few officers also helped with distributing the food.

The police department, in turn, requested help from the lodge. Having held a food drive of its own, the department had dozens of full meals boxed up for families in need but needed help delivering them since they couldn’t use their police cars for the community service project. So, on Dec. 22, about a dozen brethren volunteered to deliver the meals. The department even provided 20 boxes for Brother Joseph’s patients.

“It’s just what we’re supposed to do as Masons,” Brother Joseph said. “We’re not only to make ourselves better men, but also to make the world a better place. One way is feeding those in need.”

For Saint John’s Lodge No. 115, community service isn’t just something they do during the holidays, but throughout the year.

In January, brethren helped feed the homeless at St. John’s Hospice in Center City, something the lodge has done more than once. In addition to giving their time, the lodge has held several clothing drives and raised money to purchase and supply the shelter with bedbug-proof sheets and mattress covers.

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In July, St. John’s Motorcycle Riding Club (MRC), which 32 lodge members are a part of, will again support the Centurions Motorcycle Club (a police motorcycle club) during its ride to the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia to provide a donation. “Giving money is nice, but we want to be hands-on,” Brother Joseph said. “To see the kids’ faces is worth every cent.”

St. John’s MRC is the sponsor and organizer of the annual Ride to Rebuild to benefit the Children’s Fresh Air Home (CFAH) in North Wildwood, N.J., and has raised more than $50,000 for the charity over the past five years.

CFAH is a non-profit organization that provides “a no-cost, enriching summer experience at the Jersey Shore in a safe, positive environment for children who may be living with family or community adversities.” Over the past 120 years, 20,000 children from the Philadelphia and New Jersey regions have found a summer respite in CFAH, but the home is in need of restoration. Last September, 130 motorcyclists rode from Aldelphia Restaurant in Deptford, N.J., to the Inlet Bar in North Wildwood, N.J., where a party and further fund raising took place. The event was a success due to the efforts of sponsors; volunteers; North Wildwood Police, Fire and Rescue; New Jersey state police; and Deptford Police. Last year alone, the ride raised $10,000. Thanks to donors and fund raisers like this one, the home anticipates renovations to be complete by summer 2020.

In addition, the MRC has sent 10 or more packages monthly, paid for by the brethren, to troops overseas.

Brother Joseph also hinted that the lodge is planning “something big” for the Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown this spring.

A 25-year Mason who makes 100 house calls each month, Brother Joseph, Senior Warden, is one of the many brethren in his lodge who know how to make community service and fund raising fun and meaningful.

By incorporating a shared passion, music, food and great friends, events such as these bring the brethren closer.

By fulfilling their Masonic obligations in creative ways, they make their membership experience that much more rewarding.

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Pennsylvania Freemason

February 2019

Online Edition

www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine 17

PHIL ANTHROPY

“ONE” YEAR AT ONE NORTH BROAD You might have taken a tour or attended a lodge meeting at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia, but did you know that it is also a great place for non-Masonic functions? As one of Philadelphia’s finest historic events venues, ONE North Broad and its in-house catering partner, Catering by Design, host weddings, galas, holiday parties, corporate events and more.

This year, they had 60+ Masonic-related, social, corporate and industry events. The smallest wedding had 29 guests, and the largest corporate event hosted 450 guests. Here’s the highlight reel for 2018: Oct. 5: Grand Exhibition Gala This event recognized the winners of the “Embodying Masonic Values” art competition, a juried art show sponsored by the Masonic Temple-Library and Museum of PA. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, live music and an art auction.

Oct. 26: Laurel Hill Cemetery’s 14th Annual Gravedigger’s Ball Laurel Hill Cemetery, where 17 Past Grand Masters are buried, was the first cemetery in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark. The fund raising gala has been a highlight of the Philadelphia nonprofit events season for the last 14 years. Grand Master S. Eugene Herritt was a VIP guest and kicked off the event by sharing the building’s history. The guests, who came dressed to impress in their black-tie finest or elaborate hand-made costumes, enjoyed a variety of live music throughout the building as they took in the decor created by one of the designers for the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl parade.

Nov. 10: Washington Lodge No. 59, 225th Anniversary Gala Brethren from Washington Lodge No. 59 - which has met at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia since the building’s completion in 1873 – celebrated its 225th anniversary with a cocktail reception in the Foyer Under the Stars, followed by dinner and dancing in the Grand Ballroom.

“We had originally booked another venue close by, but when ONE became a reality, we quickly changed plans. History and legacy mean a lot to Freemasons, and the Temple offers both in abundance. The banquet staff and everyone involved at ONE treated the space with the respect such a historic building deserves. Every member who attended remarked how truly special it was to share our history with their families and friends. We couldn’t have done that anywhere else,” Anniversary Committee chair Brother John Nagele, P.M., said.

Dec. 11: National Association of Catering and Events (NACE) Holiday Party – Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware Chapter After planning parties all year long, the staff enjoyed the

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One North Broad www.onenorthbroad.com

fruits of their labor when they hosted the holiday party for NACE, “the premier resource and community for catering and events professionals.” It was a great night of networking with industry peers and just having fun!

Although ONE is an ideal space for Masonic and corporate events, it is also a popular wedding venue. The lodge rooms, Grand Ballroom, Grand Foyer and Foyer Under the Stars are all available for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

“Our couples and their guests could not have been more wowed by the grandeur of this beautiful building, nor more blown away by the history we shared with them. At every event, we hear repeatedly from guests who live, work or visit the city often, that they had no idea what this building was and that they cannot believe they are inside and seeing the magnificence of the Masonic Temple. Everyone is just amazed at what a treasure this is and are so appreciative that they are now able to see and experience it,” Sue Cunnane, Director of Sales and Events at ONE North Broad, said.

There is still availability for 2019 weddings, and staff are booking into 2020.

In addition to all the weddings and events that happened in 2018, it was also a year of professional recognition. PartySpace editors chose ONE North Broad as one of the very best venues in Philadelphia; it was also a Couple’s Choice Award winner on WeddingWire and featured as one of the “Stunning Hotel and Ballroom Wedding Venues Around Philadelphia” in a Philadelphia Magazine article.

ONE will host the Grand Master’s Art Exhibition Gala again in the fall, along with a variety of social, corporate and Masonic events throughout the year.

“The building’s stunning beauty, coupled with the history like no other building in Philadelphia, are just two of the reasons to host an event here. Additionally, the versatility in the ways we use the spaces, guests being invited to see so much of the building, our staff’s enthusiastic and hospitable engagement with guests, and our amazingly central and accessible location are what make ONE North Broad so unique and powerful,” Sue said.

Brother John agrees, highlighting the building’s history and its importance.

“The halls and lodge rooms of the Temple are alive with Masonic history that we are proud to share with non-Masons, and this is a wonderful way to do so. Opening the home of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to be enjoyed and experienced during events will help ensure that legacy will continue in the future,” Brother John said.

Pennsylvania Freemason

February 2019

One North Broad www.onenorthbroad.com 19

PHIL ANTHROPY

HELP FOR OUR HEROES

Baby Shower at Willow Grove Help for Our Heroes had the honor of showering 46 mothers-to-be (pictured above) during a military baby shower on Nov. 3, 2018, at the Horsham Air Guard Base. Three of the honorees are expecting twins! The attendees came from the Joint Base in New Jersey and from all corners of Pennsylvania: Avis, Berwick, Dillsburg, James Creek, Ligonier, Northampton, Carlisle, Collingdale, Oreland, Lansdale and Warminster. In conjunction with the March of Dimes, Help for Our Heroes supplied the attendees with generous gifts to support their newborns throughout the first year or two of life, as well as education on child care and parenting.

House Flood

Red Lion Lodge No. 649, to help make repairs to the brother’s flooded basement. The brother came home as Brother Brian was finishing the job, and they worked together on the final sanding of the drywall. The brother was very grateful for all the assistance and finished repainting himself.

No More Baby Blues In the last issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason, it was reported that Help for Our Heroes assisted Spc. Coty Gladfelter and his wife, Lisa, with vehicle repairs and rent while their newborn baby was being prepared for a heart operation.

Driving from their York area home to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was challenging, but the good news is that baby Wes’ surgery was a success! He was moved to Hershey Medical Center, and was home in time for the holiday season.

He is doing well, and his family is grateful!

With all the rain we had over the summer, a brother’s house was flooded while he was stationed overseas in the National Guard. Upon hearing about the situation, Brother and Col. Harris Brooks, Brotherhood Lodge No. 126, Philadelphia, had his wife call the Family Readiness Group, which supports the brother’s troop. With the help of the Red Cross, the brother was granted an emergency leave. Brother Darrin Catts, D.D.G.M.-42, contacted a contractor, Brother Brian Doud,

Please, keep those donations coming in support of our troops!

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Help For Our Heroes

www.pagrandlodge.org/heroes

Pennsylvania Freemason

HELPING OUR HEROES AT HOME AND ABROAD Elise Rush, Past Worthy Advisor of Aurora Assembly No. 189, Waymart, always loved the service projects she did with her Order of the Rainbow for Girls Assembly, so when it came time to choose the focus of her senior project – a graduation requirement for all students at Western Wayne High School in Lake Ariel – it’s not surprising that she chose a service project instead of the job shadow that many students do.

“I saw it as a way to give back to the community,” she said.

Inspired by the experiences of her grandfather and aunt, both veterans, Elise focused on fund raising to provide events and supplies for veterans and active duty service members, raising almost $3,000. She used some of the funds to host a dinner and bingo night for local veterans and active duty members to show appreciation for their service.

“I made sure everyone got to go home with a prize,” she said.

With the funds left over from the dinner event, she bought supplies and put together 50 backpacks to send to men and women serving overseas. The remaining funds went to “Help for our Heroes,” which has raised more than a million dollars for veterans and military families since R.W. Past Grand Master Stephen Gardner established it in 2008. Brother Wendell R. Hunt, DDGM-15 and a member of Waymart Lodge No. 542, presented a check for $500 on her behalf to R.W. Grand Master S. Eugene Herritt during the December Quarterly Communication.

The Western Wayne School District awarded Elise an Outstanding certificate for her work on the project. While she was ecstatic to receive the award, it was being able to serve others through the project that meant the most to her.

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“There’s no better way to honor those who served our country and make sacrifices,” she said.

Elise says that her time in Rainbow built essential leadership skills, specifically public speaking and self-confidence, that helped her make it successful.

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was established in 1922. Pre-teen and teenage girls are eligible for membership, but, unlike Job’s Daughters, where they must be related to a Master Mason, girls do not have to have any relatives with Masonic affiliation to join Rainbow.

Elise started her Rainbow journey as a member of the Little Dippers pledge group for the Rainbow Assembly sponsored by Waymart Lodge No. 542 and Laurel Chapter No. 67, Order of the Eastern Star. Her term as Worthy Advisor allowed her to be an example to the pledges – just as the members and officers were to her during her time as a pledge.

“I loved showing the younger girls in my assembly the principles of Rainbow and how to be young women and adults in this world,” she said.

Elise plans to attend a four-year college or university and major in business administration – a field she chose because of the business her family owns. She says her project taught her organization, time management, budgeting and communication skills – building on what she had already developed through Rainbow – which are all essential for success in business.

“It was a lot of work, but it paid off for a good cause,” she said.

For more information about International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, visit https://parainbowgirls.org/

Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation www.pmyf.org 21

PHIL ANTHROPY

HISTORY OF MASONIC CHARITY The importance of charity as a fundamental value of Freemasonry is clearly shown even in the earliest Masonic document – the Regius Manuscript, the constitution of the Masons’ Company of London. This was the model for the Gothic Constitutions, or Old Charges, pertaining to masonry in the medieval and early modern periods. Over 100 of these manuscripts from 1390 through the mid18 th century survive today. They outline a mason’s duties to his God, his master, his family and society in general.

The earliest versions of the Old Charges were operative in nature, instructing stone masons to assist a strange mason with up to two weeks’ work and lodging. In later speculative terms, they urged a mason to help the needy and act with charity toward all mankind. In the days of the guilds, before lodges were formed, on each Patron Saint’s day, masons provided funds for the less fortunate.

Rev. Dr. James Anderson compiled these Old Charges into the preface of the 1723 Book of Constitutions, or code of Masonic laws, which were followed by those members of the Grand Lodge of England, founded in 1717, who later became known as “Modern Masons.” Masonic charity was carried out on a casual basis until 1727, when the Grand Lodge of England formed the Committee of Charity.

Comprised of the Grand Officers and the Masters of lodges, the committee received petitions for and granted assistance, made possible by lodge donations.

In 1751, a second faction of Masons arose, referring to themselves as “Antient Masons.” Brother Laurence Dermott, Grand Secretary of the “Ancient” English Grand Lodge, authored the Ahiman Rezon in 1756, which is

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understood to mean “to help a brother” in Hebrew. In breaking from Anderson’s Constitutions, the Ahiman Rezon focused on the proper functioning of the fraternity, including regulations for the Grand Lodge charity fund. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania operates in accordance with the Ahiman Rezon.

The two groups mostly disagreed over differences in the Ritual, having to do particularly with the Third Degree.

Their rivalry ended when they merged in 1813 to form The United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England.

Down through the ages, Masons have adopted the importance of providing various forms of charity or relief through financial support, philanthropic work and humanitarian service to all in need. It’s become part of our Masonic heritage to extend compassion by giving of our time and talents to help the weak, the poor, the sick and those requiring care and comfort – to serve not only our brethren and their dependents, but our communities as a whole.

Individually, within lodges, through districts or via Grand Lodges, Masons help make this a better world to live in and set a strong example of moral character and values for others to emulate.

Sources: The Master Builders: A History of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, Volume I: 1731-1873; The Short Talk Bulletin: Masonic Charity, Volume 75; The Short Talk Bulletin: Masons: Knights of Charity, Volume 60

www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

Pennsylvania Freemason

YOUTH FOUNDATION SEEKS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR At the conclusion of 38 years of service in December 2019, Brother Thomas R. Labagh, P.M., will retire from his role as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation. The Board of Directors has begun a search for the right person to fill this position and lead the foundation into its fifth decade of service to the youth of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Applications are being accepted between now and April 5. After that, a series of telephone or videoconference interviews will take place with semi-finalists, to be followed up by in-person interviews for the finalists. The goal is to fill the position

by July 1 and allow for a smooth transition of duties and responsibilities.

Position Description The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation is seeking a dedicated, energetic and self-motivated person to lead our organization in the role of Executive Director. The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity which supports several independent youth organizations for young men and women that teach public speaking, leadership and morality in their programs. The foundation conducts an expansive scholarship program and administers a number of support programs to enhance the supervisory skills of teachers and adult leaders who conduct local chapter-based activities for young people. The Executive Director is expected to bring creative leadership, supervision and coordination to all activities sponsored at the foundation’s headquarters, located in Elizabethtown, Pa., as well as promote the organization and its goals at workshops, speaking engagements and related

youth activities throughout the Commonwealth. The Executive Director manages a staff of four full-time and two part-time employees and works under the purview of a Board of Directors, reporting directly to the Chairman. The Executive Director should have at least three to five years of relevant management experience, preferably working with youth organizations, and have strong written and verbal skills, as well as an aptitude for servant leadership, financial management, teamwork and creative problem solving. An understanding of, and experience with, fraternal organizations, values and customs is helpful, but not essential for this position. Experience with youth protection and safety protocols is also an advantage.

Introductory letters, resumĂŠs, salary requirements, writing samples, two professional and two personal references may be submitted to: pmyf1982@gmail.com.

SERVING OTHERS FIRST Spearheaded by Brother David Brett, P.M., Tacony Lodge No. 600, Philadelphia, brethren came together at Tacony Masonic Temple to host a Thanksgiving dinner for those members or widows who, for whatever reason, had no one with whom to celebrate the holiday.

Several dinners were delivered to shut-ins, as well. Attendees enjoyed a complimentary meal with all the trimmings, pumpkin pie and other wonderful desserts. Plans are already in the works for hosting the event next year, too.

February 2019

Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation www.pmyf.org 23

PHIL ANTHROPY

NEW MASONIC EAGLE SCOUT LAPEL PINS AVAILABLE At the request of R. W. Grand Master S. Eugene Herritt, the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America’s National Eagle Scout Association, has designed and created a lapel pin which can be worn by any Freemason who earned the Eagle Scout Award as a youth. These are available exclusively from the PA Masonic Youth Foundation, because of its careful and faithful administration of the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award since 2002.

To receive a pin, you must complete the application that can be found at www.pmyf.org and send a copy of your current year blue lodge dues card and a copy of any documentation proving that you are an Eagle Scout. This could be your Eagle Scout certificate, Eagle Scout wallet card, National Eagle Scout Association

Membership certificate or card, or anything else issued by the Boy Scouts of America signifying this achievement.

There is a $10 fee, payable by personal check, to “PA Masonic Youth Foundation” to cover the cost of designing, manufacturing, processing, packaging and mailing the pin. Please note that electronic payments or submissions will not be accepted. Incomplete and duplicate submissions will be returned. Only one pin will be issued per person.

Mail check, application, and copy of documentation to: PA Masonic Youth Foundation 1244 Bainbridge Road Elizabethtown, PA 17022

HELPING SCHOLARS WHO NEED IT

RIDING FOR LIFESKILLS The Sons of Abiff Widows Sons, Masonic Riders Association, from Bristol, Pa., held a motorcycle ride/fund raiser on Aug. 5, 2018, to raise money to sponsor participants in the Masonic LifeSkills Camps held at the Masonic Conference Center-Patton Campus in Elizabethtown. On Sept. 22, 2018, several members rode to Elizabethtown to visit the Masonic Village for the first time during Autumn Day. Brother Jim “Grizz” Ryan (right) presented a check for $1,200 to Brother Thomas R. Labagh, Executive Director of the PA Masonic Youth Foundation (center) along with Brother Michael “Irish” Ryan, Sgt.-at-Arms for the group (left).

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The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation’s annual scholarship program is now open for applications from good students who show a strong financial need. The applications are available online at www.pmyf.org. Also available online is the Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide, which describes which programs applicants may be eligible for. A major program change this year is that FAFSA financial data printouts will no longer be accepted. All applicants must include a copy of their most recently submitted IRS tax return. In 2018, over $165,000 was granted in 61 awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, and some were granted for multiple years, contingent on maintaining a high GPA. Grants are not guaranteed to all applicants.

This is a competitive program that takes into account academics, financial need and service.

Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation www.pmyf.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

MASONIC YOUTH CHARITY AND SERVICE The Masonic youth groups have long been involved in charitable and service activities as a part of their service leadership and civic engagement training.

Each local group has its own pet projects. Some have a Masonic character, and others are related to community organizations that affect or interest the youth.

In 2000, Pennsylvania DeMolay formally adopted a state charity project that all the chapters would support, in addition to the local projects and programs on their annual schedule. By vote of the delegates, they chose to support the Children’s Dyslexia Centers (CDC) of the Scottish Rite. At their annual convention last July, they presented a gigantic check representing accumulated contributions of $12,008 to their closest CDC. Since 2000, they have presented over $182,000, enough to support the complete life-changing training of 36 students across the Commonwealth.

In addition, DeMolay chapters are devoted to various Masonic and community service projects.

The Rainbow Girls have been active in a volunteer program at the Masonic Villages for many years. Mrs. Helen Snedden started a program in western Pennsylvania 33 years ago, and she later became the Supreme Inspector for Rainbow in PA. The Rainbow Girls conduct six to seven themed parties at the Masonic Village at Sewickley every year. The girls decorate the assembly room, escort the residents to and from the party, conduct the program, serve a snack and enjoy fellowship with the residents. The girls also participate in the Walks for Dyslexia, serve lodge luncheons and dinners, assist with Veterans Hospital bingo and other programs,

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help lodges with blood drives and open houses and support resident activities at Autumn Day. Through fund raisers, Rainbow Girls have raised over $17,400 for their state charity, the My Stuff Bags project. Each Grand Worthy Advisor also selects a personal charity for the year and sells pins to raise funds for the project. In the past 11 years, these charities have included Reach Out and Read, Make-A-Wish, Animal Rescue, Linus Foundation, Jr. Diabetes, 4 Paws, Operation Smile and Special Olympics in PA, which collectively received over $50,000 in support.

The Job’s Daughters are the smallest of the three Masonic youth groups, but they make a big impact with their service and charity. During the year, Bethel 15 participates in many activities at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. The bethel hosts a Super Bowl party each year, providing around 150 residents with tailgate party foods to enjoy while they watch the game on the big screen.

The Daughters also scoop and serve ice cream to 200+ residents during the Strawberry Social in June. In October, they serve hot dogs and refreshments and participate in the entertainment during the resident bonfire, which brings together about 250 residents.

The Bethels from Gettysburg, York, Chambersburg, Mechanicsburg and Butler have been known to help lodges with their Ladies’ Night programs, breakfast fund raisers and Relay for Life teams. When asked, they are willing to jump in and help wherever needed.

For many years, the Job’s Daughters have had two major fund raising efforts: their Scholarship Pageant, which raises funds to provide academic and service scholarships to their members, and the Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment (H.I.K.E.) Fund, which provides hearing devices to young people who could not otherwise afford them. H.I.K.E. is a national project for the international organization, and Pennsylvania has always supported it well.

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PHIL ANTHROPY

LONG-TERM MASONIC VILLAGES CEO ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT

Brother Joseph E. Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of the Masonic Villages and Ashlar Creative Solutions, has announced his plans to retire on Dec. 1, 2019.

S. Eugene Herritt, R.W. Grand Master and Chair of the Masonic Villages’ Board, shared that since Masonic Villages has been working on succession planning for the past eight years, the board has a plan to select a qualified leader to be Brother Murphy’s successor.

Brother Murphy has been employed by the Masonic Villages since 1974. He served as Executive Director from 1983 to 1997, as Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 2000, and as Chief Executive Officer since 2000 of the Masonic Villages’ operations at Dallas, Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster, Pennsylvania. He also became CEO of Ashlar Creative Solutions, a consulting and management group, in 2013.

Through Ashlar Creative Solutions, Brother Murphy became part of the Masonic Village at Burlington, New Jersey, team.

“It’s been a blessing to be part of an organization that cares for so many people who otherwise would have no place else to go to receive the quality care and services they need and deserve,” Brother Murphy said.

Brother Murphy is a member of Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, Harrisburg Consistory, York Rite Chapter and Council and Zembo Shrine. He is a past

President of the Elizabethtown High Twelve Club and served on the Advisory Council of the Elizabethtown Chapter of DeMolay. He received the 33° in Freemasonry in August 1996; the Pennsylvania Franklin Medal in December 2005; and the Chapel of Four Chaplains Humanitarian Award in 1988. Brother Murphy also received the 2007 LeadingAgePA (formerly PANPHA) Paul P. Hass Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2018, he was awarded the Daniel Coxe Medal from Brother Roger Quintana, Grand Master of New Jersey.

Brother Murphy was appointed by the Governor and served on the Intra-Governmental Council on Long Term Care from 1998 to 2005 and on the Pennsylvania Senior Care and Services Study Commission from May 2008 to November 2010.

Brother Murphy is a past President of the Masonic Communities & Services Association; he served as a member of the House of Delegates for LeadingAge; and is a past President of the Board of Directors for LeadingAgePA. Brother Murphy and his wife, Barbara, are members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Elizabethtown. They have two children and four grandchildren.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for providing visionary leadership, efficient administration and long-term viability of all Masonic Villages’ facilities and services, and for maintaining expectations of excellence in the attainment of the organization’s mission and goals. This position provides leadership support and assistance to all Grand Lodge charities.

www.masonicvillages.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

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Masonic Villages

MAKING THE BEST DECISIONS FOR PERSONAL AND NURSING CARE OPTIONS Navigating options for care can leave you with more questions than answers. At Masonic Villages, we provide the guidance you need to make the best decision for you and your loved ones.

High quality care provided by dedicated staff amidst beautiful accommodations makes Masonic Villages an ideal choice.

Around-the-clock nursing care offers peace of mind so individuals can focus on their interests. Daily rates cover three cooked-to-order meals, housekeeping, spiritual services, entertainment and leisure activities. Loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias can receive individualized care in residences tailored to maintain the dignity, respect and safety of each resident within a secure environment.

“My dad has Alzheimer’s disease, which is hard on both the person and the family,” said Evelyn Masters, daughter of Brother Donald Grier, Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, and Joan Grier, a long-time member of Elizabethtown Chapter No. 407, O.E.S. “Dad always took pride in his career in military and law enforcement, believed in respect and loyalty and cared about his appearance, especially when in uniform. As Alzheimer’s progressed, he lost the ability to care for himself. When Mom developed cancer, they knew they needed more care and made the move to Masonic Village.

“It’s been the best thing they could have done. Staff look past Dad’s disease, see him as a person and respect him. He looks and feels good once again. We are grateful Mom is in remission and has leisure time to enjoy the benefits of Masonic Village, with peace of mind in knowing Dad is taken care of.

What more could my brother and I ask for than for our parents to be safe and happy?”

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At Masonic Villages, individuals can often be accommodated within a short time frame. Even if long-term care isn’t immediately needed, you can fill out an application at any time and keep it on file to save time in the future.

Helping your loved one feel at home and providing the best quality of care are Masonic Villages’ top priorities. Staff from social services, nursing, therapeutic recreation, housekeeping, maintenance, food services and other departments all assist new residents with adjusting to their new environment. Residents and families are encouraged to bring photos, books, comforters, pillows and any small personal items to help them feel more comfortable.

Programming and activities, which may include music therapy, worship services, creative arts and ceramics, games and trivia, picnics, holiday events, exercise programs, trips to local restaurants and volunteer opportunities, provide residents with socialization, engagement and purpose. Families may visit whenever they wish and are involved in all aspects of their loved one’s care.

For answers to all your questions, please contact the location of your choice today: Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Personal Care & Nursing Services: 717-287-0045 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill Personal Care & Nursing Services: 484-534-2278 Masonic Village at Sewickley Personal Care & Nursing Services: 724-242-7019, ext. 3600 Masonic Village at Warminster Personal Care & Nursing Services: 267-317-7633

Masonic Villages

www.masonicvillages.org 27

PHIL ANTHROPY

You’re Part of a Growing

Family

Surrounded by friendly neighbors and staff here to help, at Masonic Villages, you are never alone. In fact, there are so many activities to share, your days could feel like an extended vacation with family and friends.

Want to host a holiday get together or have some family over for dinner? We can take care of all of the preparations so that you can relax and enjoy making memories.

Want to have company and conversation over lunch? You’ll have plenty of friends who have interesting life stories to tell.

Need a helping hand or some good advice? Our staff thrive on being there to support you.

Brother Robert Nichter, Emmaus Lodge No. 792, and his wife, Shirley, Elizabethtown Chapter No. 407, Order of the Eastern Star, moved into Masonic Village at Sewickley in 2013. They quickly felt at home.

“Everybody – not just in the dining room, but maintenance, the administration office, everywhere – knows your name.

From the moment you walk in the door, they make you feel extremely comfortable here,” Shirley said. “When we moved in, one of our neighbors took us under their wing and drove us around and got us acclimated. The people here are just the greatest. We’re all friends. You never know when you go to the dining room who you might be eating with, and it doesn’t matter. You just strike up a conversation.”

“It’s the volunteers who, in coordination with the staff, make this place run as efficiently as it does,” Brother Robert added. “Having trained experts on staff who know where to go, what to do and how to get things done makes it more enjoyable.”

In our close-knit communities, all the comforts of home are here waiting for you. Your family is about to get a whole lot bigger at Masonic Villages!

www.masonicvillages.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

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Masonic Villages

RETIREMENT LIVING OPTIONS Masonic Village at Dallas features villa homes and spacious apartments surrounded by the splendor of the Back Mountain of Northeast Pennsylvania. Join us on March 28, April 25 or May 16 for a presentation on our community amenities and services. To RSVP, call 570-446-5658.

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill offers one-bedroom, one-bedroom den and two-bedroom apartments, amidst the quaintness of the suburbs. Discover more at an open house on April 9 or May 8. Call 484-535-3119 to RSVP. Masonic Village at Sewickley includes apartments and villas situated on a picturesque hillside with the skyscrapers of Pittsburgh rising in the distance. Our newest neighborhood of 10 villas offers many layouts to suit your personal design style and preferences (limited villas are still available). Take a tour and learn more on Feb. 7 or April 16. For more information, call 724-242-5099.

At Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, residents can choose from 13 different floor plan options, ranging from studio apartments to two-bedroom/den cottages. Our brand new townhomes, now under construction, offer one-level living with contemporary finishes and modern smart home design concepts. Enjoy the flexibility of selecting either the traditional plan, including access to all amenities and health care options, or a modified 60+ plan with a lower monthly rate. Both plans offer 100 percent maintenance-free living and

February 2019

access to unrivaled dining, fitness and social opportunities.

Hear more about our rental apartments on March 14 or May 22, or join us for bus tours on March 20, April 17 or May 15. To RSVP, call 717-473-0614.

MASONIC VILLAGES’ ADMISSIONS POLICY Admissions to the Masonic Villages are governed by the board of directors, members of which are elected by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The board of directors approves or disapproves applications for admission primarily on the basis of need. Decisions concerning admission, the provision of services and referrals of residents are not based upon the applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, familial status, age, sex, limited English proficiency (LEP) or any other protected status.

Regardless of your financial situation, you can afford to move to a Masonic Village! When you choose to live at the Masonic Villages, you are not required to turn over your assets; you maintain complete control of them. Fraternal support enables the Masonic Villages to serve all eligible individuals as part of our Mission of Love. Fraternal care offerings vary by community.

Please contact the Admissions or Marketing Office at the Masonic Village of your preference for information on the living area desired. Visit www.masonicvillages.org.

Masonic Villages

www.masonicvillages.org 29

PHIL ANTHROPY

A DEDICATED DONOR LOOKING BACK AND AHEAD

As the oldest son of 11 children, during the Great Depression, Brother Jack Llewellyn, Shamokin Lodge No. 255, had a lot of responsibility. He had to step up even more when his father was injured on the job and had to spend a year and a half in the hospital – a trying time financially for his family.

“These were tough times for many families. We had to do whatever we could to survive during that period,” he said.

Because of those circumstances, Brother Jack learned an important lesson: the value of hard, honest work.

“I’ve had a full-time job since age 14 and retired from IBM as a senior planner, where I started out repairing typewriters,” he said.

One of his first jobs was setting pins in a bowling alley.

He left high school December of his senior year to enlist in the Navy and served during World War II. Although he was eligible to join the “52/20 Club” – a government benefit which allowed unemployed veterans to receive $20 a week for a year as they looked for jobs – after his discharge, Brother Jack was anxious for full-time work again. Only eight days out of service, he was driving trucks in strip mines.

Later on, while working as a mail carrier, he was impressed by the character of the men whose Masonic newsletters he delivered and became a Mason. As in his childhood, he saw many children in dysfunctional families who weren’t getting the resources, care and support they needed to thrive. He saw how they benefitted from aid programs, which ultimately drove his initial decision to give to the Masonic Children’s Home and other Masonic charities.

After all, under different circumstances, he could have ended up like them.

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Masonic Charities

In 1958, Brother Jack made his first gift to the Masonic Charities. Since that first gift 60 years ago, much has changed – both in his life and with the nonprofit organizations he supports – but his commitment to giving hasn’t.

“Growing up with strong parents, I learned the value of doing what’s right. I’ve been very fortunate, and now that I am able to, that’s the main reason I support the Masonic Charities. It’s one of the best charities. You know where the money’s going,” he said.

Brother Jack has given smaller annual gifts for the past 60 years, but he had been considering making a larger planned gift for a while. In 2017, he completed a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) to benefit the Masonic Children’s Home, with his younger daughter as the beneficiary. After 23 years of employment, she was laid off and has been working part-time jobs since 2001, which made a CRUT a perfect fit.

“The CRUT is something that’s going to help many people for years. It’s a win-win situation because it immediately helps my daughter and then helps the children’s home down the line,” he said.

In 2018, Brother Jack is setting up another CRUT - this time with his older daughter as the beneficiary.

“I’ve visited the children’s home, so I’ve seen how it improves the children’s lives and gives them the foundation for a good life – now, and for the future,” he said.

By donating to the Masonic Charities, Brother Jack can feel secure that his hard-earned funds are going to a worthy cause: changing a child’s life. He encourages other Masons to make this same difference and consider planned gifts.

“If you’re successful in life, you should give back,” he said.

www.masoniccharitiespa.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

Qty Item Unit Cost Masonic Village at Dallas 1 Gazebo $5,000 Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Tickets to local baseball game for Hospice $13 patients 50 Special meal service events for residents $15 Mobility shuttle rides $15 Fluoride treatments $20 Local restaurant gift certificates $20 Hair care service gift certificates $25 10 Folding chairs for gatherings at Bleiler $30 Caring Cottage 1 Smart DVD player $50 Clothing gift certificates $50 Massages or Healing Touch™ for pain $65 20 Wheelchair ponchos $75 12 Portable CD players $85 Transportation for Hospice patients $100 Hospitality cart supplies for Hospice $100 Wellness memberships $120 Special events trip $150 10 Jigsaw puzzle spinner and stand $200 2 Sharp sweepers for Bleiler Caring Cottage $225 WiFi (semi-annual service fee) $240 3 Wheelchairs $400 8 iPads $500 23 Specialty wheelchairs $1,000 Week at the shore $1,500 4 Blanket warmers $2,800 Camping trips for Bleiler Caring Cottage $5,000 1 Health Services Response Team vehicle $15,000 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill Winter Ball event $1,250 Drama lessons/activities for residents $3,000 Masonic Village at Sewickley 8 Trash/linen carts $350 3 Vital sign towers $2,000 10 Beds and mattresses $2,500 1 “It’s Never 2 Late” computer system $9,000 technology Masonic Village at Warminster 1 Wheelchair scale $2,500 1 Stand-up/Hoyer lift with scale $9,600 Masonic Children’s Home 1 Flag and stand for indoors $300 1 Electronic equipment $500 1 Sports equipment $500 1 Day trip $1,000 February 2019

MASONIC VILLAGES’

2019

WISH LIST

OFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING

1-800-599-6454

Thank you to those who have provided for the following items for residents between Aug. 1 - Oct. 31, 2018: Bleiler Caring Cottage Elaine K. Bleiler: Activities and vacations Masonic Village Piecemakers Quilting Club: Activities Masonic Village Rooster Woodshop: Activities Walter C. and Susan Service, III: Sharp sweeper Masonic Children’s Home Ronald A. and Judy A. McKnight: Various items Dorothyann M. Rowland: Sports equipment Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Anonymous: Quilt Barn project Stuart L. Brown: Quilt Barn project Maureen Cornell: Hair care gift certificate H. Lawrence and Wendy H. Culp, Jr.: Blanket warmer and electric lift recliner Timothy M. Desalis, III: Hair care service gift certificate Rosemary M. Merwin: Golf cart for Hospice and mechanical therapy pets Masonic Village at Sewickley Dorothyann M. Rowland: Shower chairs Masonic Village at Warminster Advisory Council: Thermal pallet system, flooring, kitchen fryer, AED and various other items There is an all-inclusive wish list posted on MasonicCharitiesPA.org, or feel free to contact the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454. Please note that if funds donated for any item listed are over- subscribed, the funds will be used for additional wish list items or needs in the same service area.

Masonic Villages www.masonicvillages.org 31 Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org

Guaranteed Lifetime Income The need for a reliable income source is of special importance.

Why not consider replacing that low rate CD or money market fund with a higher payout rate from a charitable gift annuity? For greater savings, you can transfer any stock or mutual fund (except from an IRA or tax-deferred annuity) to fund your annuity and avoid taxes you would have incurred on the sale of such holdings.

Because the amounts transferred to fund your annuity are irrevocable, you receive a charitable tax deduction which, in most cases, is equal to more than half the value of your annuity. Best of all, any remaining funds available at the conclusion of the annuity will go to the Masonic charity of your choice.

It doesn’t get any better than this! You get: 1. A great payout rate.

2. Possible avoidance of capital gain taxes.

3. A charitable tax deduction.

4. The satisfaction of supporting the Masonic charity of your choice.

Sample rates for single or joint life annuities are listed in the box below. Contact us today or send in the coupon below to get a personal illustration of the benefits you can receive with a charitable gift annuity from the Masonic Charities.

Age 70 75 77 81 85 90+

SAMPLE GUARANTEED LIFETIME RATES For One Life For Two Lives Rate Age Rate 5.6% 70 & 75 5.2% 6.2% 75 & 80 5.7% 6.6% 78 & 81 6.1% 7.5% 83 & 83 6.8% 8.3% 85 & 87 7.6% 9.5% 85 & 90 8.0%

Note: This is a partial listing. Rates exist for any combination of ages.

Minimum contribution $5,000. Minimum age 65.

COMPLETE AND MAIL THIS FORM TO:

Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Telephone 1-800-599-6454 I would like more information, with no obligation. Please:  Send me a Charitable Gift Annuity illustration.

Name(s)________________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________ Telephone: ( )_________________________________________________________ Email:___________________________________________________________________________ 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__________________________

www.MasonicCharitiesPa.org Financial information about Masonic Charities can be obtained by contacting us at 1-800-599-6454. In addition, Masonic Charities is required to file financial information with several states. Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, (303) 894-2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us/. Florida: SC No. 00774, A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. Georgia: full and fair description of the programs and activities of Masonic Charities and its financial statement are available upon request at the address indicated above. Illinois: Contracts and reports regarding Masonic Charities are on file with the Illinois Attorney General. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (800) 825-4510. Michigan: MICS No. 11796 Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. New York: A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: The notice of solicitation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of Masonic Charities is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. REGISTRATION IN THE ABOVE STATES DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION OF MASONIC CHARITIES BY THE STATE.