The Pennsylvania Freemason - Winter, 2023

dREMEMBERING GEORGE H. HOHENSHILDT, R.W. GRAND MASTER 1994 - 1995

THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON

VOL. LXXXI, WINTER 2023, No. 1

©2023 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of 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) Winter 2023 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) Winter 2023, 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, 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 • Upcoming Events

• December Communication Highlights • Newly Appointed District

Deputy Grand Masters & 2023 Grand Lodge Floor Officers

• Remembering R.W.P.G.M. George H. Hohenshildt

10 EDUCATION

All Aboard: The Grand View System is Ready for You • The Speakers Bureau: A Gateway to Masonic Education

• Pennsylvania Lodge of Research • Academy of Masonic Knowledge • “Hooked” on Genealogy • Finding Family

Through Genealogy • Librarian Enjoys Digging for Answers

20 MEMBERSHIP

Congratulations to Our Home Cook Hero All-Star Lodges • Brethren Pay Tribute to Unknown Soldiers • Do You Know a Mason or a Loved One in Need? • A Mission with Infinite Possibilities

24 PHILANTHROPY

Help for Our Heroes Military Baby Shower • An Evergreen Commitment • Making Your Retirement a Priority• PMYF 2023 Scholarship Opportunities • Pennsylvania DeMolay at 100 Years

View the magazine online!

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/magazine.

Brethren,

As we usher in the New Year, I would like to reflect on our successes in 2022 and highlight some of the exciting events on tap for 2023.

We spent much of the first three months of this administration crisscrossing the Commonwealth, discussing lodge and Grand Lodge issues, with a special emphasis on Grand Lodge finances. The dialogue was healthy, transparent and fraternal, and I appreciate the candor of the membership. I am thrilled to report that for the first time in many years, we ended 2022 in a positive financial position. While the cost-cutting measures enacted over the past four or five years have garnered the desired result, fiscal responsibility will remain a high priority. During the Town Hall meetings, we presented the Blue Lodge Investment Program designed by Brothers Brian Maxwell, Chief Investment Officer, and Todd Ockovic, Chairman of the Consolidated Fund. Lodges that have entered the program have done so seamlessly, and their monies are professionally managed at costs that wouldn’t be available to them on their own.

In conjunction with the Town Hall meetings, we held Open Houses to introduce Masonry to potential members. To facilitate your own professional membership presentation, a step-by-step Power Point is available through your District Deputy Grand Master. If you are interested in leading membership growth, please consider conducting a presentation in your lodge or district.

The online Mentoring Program is taking shape. Candidates will complete a no-fail quiz at the conclusion of each leg of their journey to help ensure they understand its meaning and significance. In addition, they will be invited to attend a District Mentoring School. While helping the new candidate meet fellow brethren, the mentor is also tasked with assisting him in completing the Mentoring Program to ensure he knows who we are, what we do and the benefits of being a Mason. I encourage all members to attend a mentoring session or school. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised to learn what’s available to you as a Pennsylvania Mason.

Thanks to those who share my sporting clays enthusiasm; the events held in the eastern and western parts of the

state generated over $35,000 to support day-to-day Grand Lodge operations. We will host these fun fellowship events in August and September again this year.

Moving forward, we will continue to assist with ideas to create enthusiasm in the lodges; however, the officers and members must act on those ideas to realize success. We will never quit talking about the positive effect our Masonic civility and decency can have in our communities. And most assuredly, we will be relentless in outlining the importance of bringing quality men into our beloved fraternity. To that end, a One Day Class will be held on March 25, 2023, giving men with time challenges the opportunity to become a Mason. A commitment to mentoring our new members will be critical to the success of our efforts.

This is a year in which celebrations will commemorate two major milestones. The first is the 100th Anniversary of Pennsylvania DeMolay. Visit a DeMolay Chapter meeting near you, get involved in helping our young people, and I promise you will witness the amazing positive effect our programs have on our youth and how excited they are to engage with you. Please also consider lending your support through the $100 for 100 fundraising campaign for Pennsylvania DeMolay. We will formally celebrate this milestone Saturday, June 10, at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, in conjunction with the Communication.

The second milestone is the 150th Anniversary of our Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. While celebratory events will be held throughout 2023 to showcase our magnificent National Historic Landmark and expose good men to Masonry, I highlight just one. On the morning of Saturday, June 24, 150 years to the day, we will hold a public Masonic re-dedication of the Masonic Temple. We are hoping for favorable weather so the event can be held at the Broad Street entrance.

Brethren, our fraternity offers a niche for everyone. Find and explore yours!

May God bless and keep you.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W. Grand Master

Black Tie Gala

SATURDAY, MARCH

Save the Date!

ONE DAY CLASS

The Solution for the “I’m too Busy” Candidates

Saturday, March 25, 2023

It’s a convenient option for busy men who want to join!

The three Symbolic Degrees will be conferred to approved candidates on this day.

Where will they be held?

The locations of the One Day Class will be determined by the District Deputy Grand Masters; one or more districts may join together at one location.

How will it work?

As usual, petitions must be received by the lodge and read at a stated meeting, a Committee of Investigation must be appointed and the petition balloted upon at a subsequent meeting. If these requirements are met, the Masonic month requirement will be waived during the month of the One Day Class. Lodges may have special meetings prior to the One Day Class to receive and ballot

on petitions, provided timely notice is provided to the members. Multiple balloting will be permitted and encouraged on any number of petitioners. Approved petitioners may be held for the One Day Class, regardless of their date of approval, waiving the six-month rule.

There is no maximum number of candidates who can receive their degrees on this day. Degrees can be performed in a group setting, utilizing an exemplar, and all candidates must recite their oath and obligation Proficiency before advancement will not be required; however, lodges are required to have members available to instruct candidates. Mentor committees are responsible to ensure all candidates and members are properly mentored.

December 7, 2022 Communication Highlights

After reports were received from the Grand Lodge Committees and the Masonic Charities, R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling made the following presentations:

• The Pennsylvania Franklin Medal, Pennsylvania Masonry’s highest recognition, to Brother Thomas F. Toscani, Melita Lodge No. 295, Philadelphia (pictured top left on p. 7)

• Outstanding Service Awards to Brothers Michael D. McKee, Jerusalem Lodge No. 506, and John Lanckowski, Pilgrim Lodge No. 712, both of Philadelphia (pictured top center on p. 7)

• Master Builder/Craftsman’s and Pillar Awards (pictured bottom of p. 7)

• Academy of Masonic Knowledge Masonic Scholar Collars (pictured top right on p. 7)

R.W. Grand Secretary Mark A. Haines recognized the following brethren who went to be with the Great Architect:

• R.W. Past Grand Master Samuel C. Williamson, Plum Creek Lodge No. 799, Pittsburgh, on July 3, 2022.

• R.W. Past Grand Master Marvin A. Cunningham, Warren Lodge No. 310, Collegeville, on July 25, 2022

• Brother Donald H. Masters, Manoquesy Lodge No. 413, Bath, P.D.D.G.M.- 9, on Nov. 3, 2022

• Brother Ronald C. Troy, Dallas Lodge No. 231, Pittsburgh, Aide to Grand Master, on Nov. 17, 2022

• R.W. Past Grand Master George H. Hohenshildt, Harrisburg-Snyder Lodge No. 629, Harrisburg, on Nov. 29, 2022

R.W. Grand Master Wonderling stated he is pleased that the cost-cutting measures that began several years ago are beginning to have a positive effect on the operations of the Grand Lodge. He encourages every member to register in the new Grand View membership system, as the information available will enhance the Masonic experience. While addressing current membership statistics, he emphasized he is challenging each member to identify and invite good, quality men who may be interested in joining our great fraternity to be part of our mission of making good men better. “We are all capable of enhancing and increasing our lodge membership,” he said.

R.W. Grand Master Wonderling announced the following:

• A Special Communication of the Grand Lodge will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, for the purpose of constituting Elizabethtown Day Lodge No. 816.

• A Special Communication of the Grand Lodge will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 2 p.m., for the purpose of dedicating the Lodge Room of Columbia Lodge No. 286, 430 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512.

• The June Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, PA, at 10 a.m.

Grand Master Wonderling extended appreciation to Brother Robert F. Trimble, P.M., New London Lodge No. 545, West Grove, Grand Lodge Organist, and Brother Raymond E. Foose, P.M., Newtown Lodge No. 427, Woodside, Grand Lodge Soloist, for their presentations.

Newly Appointed District Deputy Grand Masters & 2023 Grand Lodge Floor Officers

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has been realigning and adjusting lodges and districts for the past several years to equalize the number of lodges in several districts. With the retirements of the District Deputy Grand Masters of Districts B and 36, part of this realignment is to eliminate Districts A and 36 and reassign the lodges accordingly. It is also to restore the former 56th Masonic District. In addition, Lodge No. 532 will move from District 17 to District 22. All changes are effective Dec. 27, 2022.

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Scott W. Williams Lodge No. 763, District 12

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Ethan R. Sykes Lodge No. 392, District 24

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Mark A. Dorunda Lodge No. 338, District 15

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Evan R. Watters Lodge No. 524, District 34

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Ryan D. Knopf Lodge No. 241, District 56

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Don E. Bixler Lodge No. 797, District 58

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Joseph M. Jensen Lodge No. 3, District B

SENIOR GRAND DEACON

Thomas E. Bahney Jr. Lodge No. 346, District 30

JUNIOR GRAND DEACON Mark A. Haffley Lodge No. 362, District 24

GRAND STEWARD Louis E. GrowMiller Lodge No. 9, District 8

GRAND STEWARD Justin D. Killian Lodge No. 682, District 1

GRAND PURSUIVANT Michael R. Bahney Lodge No. 346, District 30

Remembering George H. Hohenshildt

R.W. GRAND MASTER 1994 - 1995

OCT. 23, 1928 - NOV. 29, 2022

Throughout his 94 years of life, R.W. Past Grand Master George H. Hohenshildt served his country, his fraternity, his vocation and his God .

Upon witnessing the horror of the D-Day invasion on the big screen at a local Harrisburg theater, Brother Hohenshildt decided he had to do something about it. So, at age 17, he dropped out of high school and joined the Army. Over the next year and a half, he received medical training in San Antonio, Texas; played the trumpet in a commemorative band; and attended vo-tech school to complete his high school equivalency. Upon being honorably discharged in 1949, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Lena. He graduated from the Smith Technical Institute and Wilson Engineering Corporation and took Penn State Engineering-in-Training courses. He went on to work for Clapp & Holmes Consulting Structural Engineers in 1952 as a professional consulting engineer.

Having been involved in DeMolay as a young man, Brother Hohenshildt naturally returned to the Masonic Temple, where Pilgrim Chapter and the local Harrisburg lodge met. He was raised in what is now HarrisburgSnyder Lodge No. 629, in 1953. He served as Worshipful Master in 1964. From 1984 – 1987, he served as the District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 3.

“I never even dreamed of becoming Grand Master,” Brother Hohenshildt said when interviewed for an article in 2016. And yet, he went on to serve as the 102nd Grand Master of Pennsylvania Masons. Just before taking office, he had completed his charge as Chairman of the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial Monument Committee in overseeing the design, creation and dedication of the statue at the National Military Cemetery Annex in Gettysburg. It was therefore fitting that one of the hallmarks of his administration was the “Friend to Friend” membership initiative to encourage Masons and worthy candidates to learn more about Freemasonry and inspire good men to seek membership.

Active in the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine and other Masonic-affiliated bodies, Brother Hohenshildt served in many leadership positions, including: Thrice Illustrious Master of Harrisburg Council No. 9, Royal and Select Masters, in 1964; Eminent Commander of Pilgrim Commandery No. 11, Knights Templar, 1970 - 1971; Most Excellent High Priest of Perseverance Royal Arch Chapter No. 21, Harrisburg, in 1974; Most Wise Master of Harrisburg Chapter of Rose Croix, 1970 – 1971; Commander-in-Chief of the Valley of Harrisburg, 1982 – 1985; Director of Ritualistic Work for the Valley and as General Chairman of Arrangements for the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation.

In acknowledgment of his service and leadership, in 1973, Brother Hohenshildt was Coroneted a 33° Mason and made an Honorary Member of Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. In 1987, he received the DeMolay Legion of Honor.

Between his professional and Masonic careers, the Hohenshildts traveled to 48 states (all except Hawaii and Alaska) and into Canada. In addition to his love of travel, Brother Hohenshildt was active in various capacities at Lakeside Lutheran Church. He and Lena enjoyed 52 years of marriage before her passing.

A lifelong resident of the Harrisburg area, in 2020, Brother Hohenshildt moved to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

ALL ABOARD

The Grand View System is Ready for You!

Grand View, the new lodge management system of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, has finished its roll out to the lodges.

The next step is to onboard all of our members – that means YOU! This step is important for several reasons:

1. It assures the lodge that your information is up to date.

2. It allows you to choose how to receive communications from the lodge. You can opt into voice, email and text messaging for notifications.

3. It gives you access to your personal portal, where you can pay dues, register for events and more.

Onboarding is a relatively simple process and can be done on a computer, tablet or smartphone. Before you begin, make sure you have your member number. You can find that by looking on the mailing label of any issue of “The Pennsylvania Freemason” or by calling your lodge secretary. Once you have that, visit portal.pamasons. org/users/sign_in or scan the QR code to the right.

Once there, click Sign Up to navigate to a screen where you can create your account. Notice that there is a video tutorial available to help guide you through the process.

It’s just that simple. You are now registered with Grand View. Take a few moments to explore what’s available in the portal. You can pay dues, make donations, find lodges and more all with the click of a button or the tap of a finger.

Click the Resources button to find valuable resource material including the “Ahiman Rezon,” “Digest of Decisions,” mentoring instructions and more.

The Grand View portal was designed to help you keep up with what’s happening in your lodge. The best way to stay involved is to stay in contact, so we encourage you to check back often.

The Speakers’ Bureau: A Gateway to Masonic Education

Are you preparing a program listing for your lodge for the new Masonic year? Are you looking for programs that are new and interesting to put your lodge members on the “fast track” in the study of Masonic education?

Freemasonry’s focus is on the lifelong pursuit of knowledge to enable members to seek answers along their personal journey to becoming a better man. Quality lodge presentations are essential in providing our brethren meaningful Masonic education. To help your lodge fulfill that pursuit of learning, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania offers the Speakers’ Bureau.

The Speakers’ Bureau is administered by the Academy of Masonic Knowledge and offers a spectrum of topics to choose from, presented by subject matter experts located throughout the Commonwealth. The Speakers’ Bureau provides you with the versatility to choose your path: study the past, enhance current leadership skills, delve into philosophy, focus on ritual and symbolism, learn about issues which enhance the community or chart your own way. Visit the site today to see what Masonic educational opportunities await! Pagrandlodge.org/masonic-education/speakers-bureau.

Pennsylvania Lodge of Research 2023 Stated Meetings

Saturday, June 17, 2023

Altoona Masonic Temple 610 Jackson Avenue

Altoona, PA 16602

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023

Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center 3579 Masonic Way Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Programs feature general information about the Craft and at least two research paper presentations, followed by discussion and fellowship.

Brethren interested in submitting papers for possible presentation at future meetings of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research, or who have Masonic queries they would like answered, should submit them to the Secretary at Lodge.of.Research@pagrandlodge.org.

PENNSYLVANIA PAST MASTER’S GOLF SHIRTS

White golf shirt by Queensboro, in 100% performance polyester. Emblem embroidered on left chest, with “Pennsylvania Freemason Past Master.” Order yours from the Masonic Library and Museum of PA Gift Shop by scanning the QR code below, or request a shirt from the cashier when you visit the gift shop in person. Sizes: M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL $22 each, excluding shipping, where applicable.

Academy of Masonic Knowledge

The Spring 2023 Symposium of the Academy of Masonic Knowledge will be held on Saturday, March 18, at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. 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 Chuck Dunning will present “Contemplating the American Masonic Renaissance.” An advocate, facilitator, trainer and consultant in contemplative practice, Chuck has more than 30 years’ experience in the professional fields of higher education and mental health, as well as in Masonry, Rosicrucianism and other currents in the Western esoteric traditions.

Chuck has authored “The Contemplative Lodge: A Manual for Masons Doing Inner Work Together” (2021), and “Contemplative Masonry: Basic Applications of Mindfulness, Meditation and Imagery for the Craft” (2016). He was also a contributing author in “The Art and Science of Initiation” (2019). He is the founding Superintendent of the Academy of Reflection and a co-founder, trainer and facilitator for the Masonic Legacy Society.

Chuck is a member of Haltom City-Riverside Lodge No. 1331, Texas, and Albert Pike Lodge No. 162, Oklahoma, and an honorary member of Sophia Lodge No. 767, North Carolina. He is also a member of the Texas Lodge of Research, the Philalethes Society, the Masonic Society and the Scottish Rite Research Society.

Recently retired from serving as a Student Affairs Administrator and adjunct faculty member at Texas Christian University (TCU) and as a psychotherapist at TCU and in community agencies, hospitals and private practice, Chuck currently works part-time as a counselor and psychotherapist. He holds a master’s degree in counseling and a bachelor’s in psychology, both from the University of North Texas.

Brother John W. Bizzack, Ph.D., will speak on “Quandary in the Quarries: Rediscovering the Business of Our Masonic Lodges.” The author of 16 popular books about Freemasonry, along with dozens of essays, commentaries and other papers about the Craft, John’s other books and writings address the subjects of leadership, criminal investigation, police standards and the behavior of organizations and their administration. He speaks nationwide on a variety of issues related to Freemasonry, the criminal justice system and critical thinking.

John served two terms as Master of Lexington Lodge No. 1, Kentucky, as well as Chair of the Education Committee and the Mission Advancement Committee. He also served as a member of the Education Committee for the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. He is a Fellow and former member of the board of The Masonic Society; a member of the board of the Masonic Restoration Foundation; a founding member and Vice-Chair of The Rubicon Masonic Society; Third Vice-President of the Philalethes Society; co-editor of “The Transactions of The Rubicon Masonic Society, Volume I” and a co-producer of “The Masonic Table,” a documentary released in May 2022 about Masonic festive boards and harmony dining in Freemasonry. He is a member of the Texas Lodge of Research and American Lodge of Research and a life member of Kentucky’s William O. Ware Lodge of Research, for which he was named to the initial class of Fellows and serves as Chair of the Research Committee.

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 Fall 2023 Symposium: Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.

“Hooked” on Genealogy

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill resident Denise Francis has always been interested in history. As a young girl, she loved taking history classes and reading biographies in her spare time.

She spent nearly 17 years as a reference librarian for the Lower Merion Township System/Bala Cynwyd Library in Pennsylvania before retiring in 2000. Like her husband, Jerry, she was also a tour guide for many years at the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park in Philadelphia.

“I have always been very interested in knowing about other people and how they lived in other times,” she said. “I love American history, medieval history and military history. It’s addictive. You get hooked.”

Denise has been working for more than 15 years on a genealogy project involving her and Jerry’s family histories. Jerry is a dual member of PalestineRoxborough Lodge No. 135, Lafayette Hill, and St. Alban Lodge No. 529, Philadelphia.

Denise became interested in genealogy after visiting Belgium, where her grandparents came from, with her sister many years ago.

“My sister got me started on this journey,” she said. “She had cleared out my grandparents’ home and came across numerous photos. We realized we didn’t know much about our family because our grandparents never talked about it.

“We went to the villages where they came from and started seeing where they lived, and when I returned home, I started going to the library and doing research,” she said. “I found information dating back to 1795. On and off, it took about 15 years to complete all the research.”

Denise used a program called Family Tree Maker, where you can print out a family tree using online templates. You can plug in information, from census records to death certificates. Denise keeps paper copies of all her documentation in six large boxes in her apartment and more in storage. She purchased a magnifying glass

so she could read the fine print from all the records.

“Ancestry.com is all work done on the computer, but with Family Tree Maker, you can print things out,” she said. “I’m old fashioned and like to work from paper and print things out on my printer.”

Denise proudly displays a giant black photo album containing her complete family history –well, as complete as it can get.

“You’re never really finished when it comes to genealogy,” she said. “There’s always more to learn.

“It’s a never-ending process, and it takes so much work. I love doing puzzles. The historical research is right up my alley, as a former librarian and history major. It’s the digging and putting the pieces together. Why is this? Why isn’t it this?”

Part of the joy of genealogy is the amazing gems of information you discover along the way, Denise said. She recently learned that one of her relatives, an early aviator, died performing in an air show in Spain. He was the first Belgian to attempt a Loop De Loop, and his rudder broke.

“This was my grandfather’s brother, and he had pilot license No. 41 obtained in 1911,” she said.

After completing her family history, Denise began working on Jerry’s. This has proven to be more difficult than doing her own family history, even though his family hails from western Pennsylvania and hers is from another country.

“The records are harder to find,” she said. “The state of Pennsylvania did not require you to register a birth, marriage or death certificate until 1906.”

Denise was able to dig up information about Jerry’s great-great-great-great grandfather, Robert Francis. She visited his grave site in Mt. Pleasant, PA, and his tombstone confirmed his date of birth/death (1797 - 1881).

“He lived a long life,” she said. “Using his death date, I was able to find his will online from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission website. That contained even more information.”

Denise said it’s important that people learn about history. She still attends Main Line Genealogy Club meetings once a month to keep her skills intact.

“Once the information is gone, it’s gone,” she said. “Talk to your family members while they’re still alive. Ask them what it was like growing up. Older people love to talk about when they were young. You just need to ask them about it.”

Finding Family Through Genealogy

Brother John Beiseigel, a dual member of Green Leaf Lodge No. 561, Allentown, and Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, has aways been interested in family history and his family tree.

“I became the custodian of our family pictures many years ago,” he said. “My mother gave them to me. I’ve held onto them all these years, digitized and shared them with my children.”

A fourth generation Mason, John knew his father, grandfather and great-grandfather were all Masons, but he wanted to dig deeper and learn more.

In 2013, John joined Ancestry.com, billed as the world’s largest collection of online family history records. The website helps you build your family tree, understand your genealogy and delivers your DNA results.

“I’d heard about relatives who were Masons and various stories growing up, and I was curious to find out how much of what I learned was true and what was fiction,” he said.

After retiring from his job as a Production Manager for Air Products and Chemicals Inc., in 2014, John,

now a resident of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, began delving into Ancestry.com’s subsidiaries, including Newspapers.com, a 100-yearold newspaper archive used for genealogy purposes, and Fold3. com, offering a premier collection of original military records.

Through Fold3.com, John, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was able to locate military records that showed his great-grandfather had fought in and survived two of the deadliest battles of the American Civil War, Fredericksburg and Antietam.

“Being able to see the military records of when [my greatgrandfather] served was phenomenal,” John said.

“I came to learn that both my grandfathers were Scottish Rite Masons,” he said. “I also learned my great-grandfather was in the York Rite, Scottish Rite and was a Shriner. After moving to Allentown, he started the DeMolay chapter there.”

When he moved to Elizabethtown (from Allentown), John decided to follow in his great-grandfather’s

footsteps and belong to the same appendant bodies in different jurisdictions. He joined the Valley of Harrisburg and began his York Rite journey, culminating with the Knights Templar.

The deeper you go with Newspapers. com, the more the site sends you “hints” containing additional data based on the person’s name you’re searching, John said. Through the site, he was able to locate a newspaper article about his grandfather breaking his arm in a car accident. “I was just scanning the articles, and I found it,” he said. “It was fascinating.

“It [genealogy] takes time and patience, and you have to be inquisitive to use these programs, but you can learn a lot of information,” John said. “My research led me to call Cathy Giaimo [Masonic Library and Museum Librarian] to see what lodges my father, both of my grandfathers and my greatgrandfather belonged to. Cathy has been an excellent resource in my quest for knowledge.”

That knowledge continues to evolve, but is more difficult because the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania only has blue lodge membership records. There is no one database that includes all the appendant bodies.

“We have to remember that these records were never meant for

genealogical purposes to begin with,” Cathy said. “The only information the record has is on the member himself. The petition does not ask for family information. Years ago, membership was never spoken about openly, and family members only found out about it a generation or so later.”

“From a genealogy perspective, it’s a challenge,” John added. “It took me three years to find York Rite records for my grandfather. There’s an endless amount of information. I want to unearth what offices and what time frame my family members served. I’m just going to keep going. You never really get to the end of the research. I just found articles today that weren’t available a few years ago.”

No matter how long it takes, John is determined to keep learning more. He admits he’s “cursed” with the gene of curiosity and feels compelled to continue searching to preserve his family history.

“My oldest son will be a fifth generation Mason,” he said. “I want to be able to pass all this information on to my children and grandchildren. It’s not a chore going through the records – it’s a fun hobby. It does take time, but that’s part of the fun. It’s like a treasure hunt, and then all of a sudden, there’s that gem.”

“In one of her letters, she said she ‘took a stand with the brotherhood,’” Maurice said. “It was unusual for a woman to write something like that. Women can’t be Freemasons, but there may have been some exceptions made back then. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was a Mason, based on her involvement with the church and her husband being a Mason.”

Searching for ancestors can be overwhelming, and Maurice said he learns something new every day.

“Going on Findagrave.com was the first thing I ever did in this journey,” he said. “My great-grandmother died in the flood of 1955. Her mother’s name was Eliza Pearson. I found Eliza’s obituary. Through Findagrave.com, I was able to locate her parents and all her siblings. Then, I used DNA tests to make sure the information was accurate.”

Brother Maurice McGeehan, Barger Lodge No. 325, Stroudsburg, is very interested in genealogy and recently submitted a DNA sample to Ancestry.com to learn more about his grandmother’s past. He also wanted to track his local connections – including Masonic ones – to the community.

“I’ve found a lot of people,” he said. “We had an old [lodge] member who died recently. I went to the funeral and came to find out we had some common relatives.”

Maurice’s family members were Masons who lived in Snow Creek, Virginia. There is a church there where the Masons used to meet. Through his research, Maurice located letters from his great-great-grandmother about what it was like growing up in the early 1800s.

Maurice also learned that through the Virginia part of his family, he is the 14th great-grandson of Thomas Cromwell and a direct descendant of Charlemagne. Cromwell was one of the most powerful proponents of the English Reformation and the creator of true English governance. Charlemagne was the first ruler after the fall of Rome.

“Every once in a while, you get a piece of information that’s mind blowing or you didn’t see coming,” he said. “When I do genealogy, I feel connected to these people and my past. When I find a picture, and it looks like relatives who are alive, it helps to show that although decades and centuries have gone by, we are tied together and part of each other.”

Continued on p. 18

Brother Jeffrey R. Smith, Mitchell Lodge No. 81, Chestnut Hill, was a history major at the University of Delaware. When he met his wife in 2004, she had a subscription to Ancestry.com. They bonded immediately.

“You don’t give history majors that type of information,” he joked.

“Tracing my family history is a passion because they [my family members] said I couldn’t do it with a last name like ‘Smith,’ which is so common.”

When Jeff got involved with Freemasonry, he wanted to know if any of his family members were Masons. Through his research, he discovered that his greatgrandfather, great-great-grandfather and greatgreat-great-grandfather were all Masons. He was also able to obtain his great uncle’s Masonic ring.

“My grandmother had a drawer of gold items she wanted to melt down and make into gold nuggets,” he said. “I found the ring and said, ‘No, I’m going to keep this one.’ My grandmother was getting ready to throw it out, and inside [the ring], I saw an inscription from the Scottish Rite, so I kept it.

“I also learned that on my mother’s side, I had a greatgrandfather who was in the Kensington Royal Arch chapter. I found out about all of this from an obituary in Newspapers.com. Funeral services are also a big deal in Freemasonry. They always mention a lodge connection in the obituary, even small ones.”

Like his fellow genealogy “searchers,” Jeff said his quest for knowledge is endless. Every day, he is looking up something new. There are always new records or databases to sift through.

“My wife is into it now, too,” he said. “We just completed her Daughters of the American Revolution [a lineage-based membership service organization for women] application.”

Jeffrey helps several lineage organizations, including new potential members for the Colonial Society of Pennsylvania, finds eligible ancestors. He spends several hours a week at night working on these projects, in addition to his day job as an insurance agent.

“I do it because it’s fun,” he said. “They [the Society] could probably do the research on their own, but what would take them months I can do in a week or so, so why not? I find it quite enjoyable.”

For people interested in genealogy, Jeff suggests first interviewing family members “while they are still alive to tell their stories.” Once you gather the information, visit Ancestry.com to build the framework for your family tree. Once you’ve got the outline for a family tree, explore DNA next.

“There’s no way to use DNA to its fullest potential unless you have the family tree framework done,” Jeff said.

Just recently, Jeff was able to locate an ancestor who was at the First Battle of Bull Run (the first major land battle of the American Civil War) and others who fought battles in the American Revolutionary War and most of the other American conflicts.

“The most fun I have is finding the [family] scoundrels,” he said. “They are the ones who get the most newspaper coverage. I find them to be the most interesting. I’ve found a few in my own family.”

The real fun in genealogy is peeling back the onion. There’s always more to a story than you think, he said.

“When it’s a family connection, it really brings the history home to you. These individuals shaped important things in our country and our family. It’s important that their stories are not forgotten and some part of them lives on,” Jeff said.

Librarian Enjoys Digging for Answers

birth and death dates, middle name or initial, or they know what lodge they were a member of. But other times, it’s more complicated.

“As a librarian, I enjoy the work, but it can be like detective work,” she said. “It’s not always as simple as going to the record books or the now-digitized records. Sometimes, I need to look in other places to find the information. If I know the lodge, I can look at the old bylaws, depending on when the person was initiated as a member. Sometimes, they’ll give information on how long that person was a member.”

circumstances, include information concerning the names of fathers, mothers, grandparents, etc.

Most of the record books are handwritten in quill or fountain pen ink. “It’s interesting to decipher some of their penmanship from back then,” Cathy said. “We do our best.”

Some people wrongly assume that Cathy’s research will reveal a wealth of information about a person. While it is true that some individual lodges may have kept detailed records, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania can only verify if a man was a member in good standing.

As the Librarian for the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum of Pennsylvania, Cathy Giaimo spends her time purchasing books, managing materials for the online catalog and fielding questions from Masons and the public about early Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania history and manuscripts or historic journals in the collection.

Oftentimes, she will receive inquiries from people trying to find information about a family member who may have been a Mason. Sometimes, they have the person’s

Masonic record books go back to 1789 and up to the present time. Cathy receives at least five or six genealogy requests a week to investigate.

“Genealogy research is challenging, but any type of historical research is never straightforward or easy,” she said.

If the records are accurate, they will include a person’s name, age, the date they received their degrees, possibly their occupation or where they lived, the name of the lodge and any lodge offices they might have held. Records do not, under normal

In addition, the Grand Lodge only has information on members in the Pennsylvania jurisdiction. If a man was made a Mason in any other jurisdiction, there are no records to verify that. There has never been a national or central membership database for Freemasonry in the United States, Cathy said.

If you have a genealogy request, visit the Grand Lodge website at pagrandlodge.org or email GIR@pagrandlodge.org.

Congratulations to Our Home Cook Hero All-Star Lodges

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was recognized for providing 13 meals in 2022 at the Gift of Life Howie’s House, a home away from home for transplant patients and family members staying in Philadelphia awaiting a life-saving solid organ transplant.

Prior to the December Communication, R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling and the Grand Lodge Officers toured the facility, saw firsthand the involvement of the local Philadelphia lodges that cook the meals and met the Masons who volunteer as shuttle drivers.

The lodges that qualified collectively as a “Home Cook Hero All Star” included: St. John’s Lodge No. 115, Richmond-Solomon Lodge No. 3, William L. Elkins Lodge No. 271, Tacony Lodge No. 600, William Penn Harmony Lodge No. 52, Lodge No. 9, Lodge No. 2, Joseph H. Brown Lodge No. 751, Newtown Lodge No. 427 and SouthamptonRadiant Star Lodge No. 806. Congratulations!

Pictured are: Brothers Tim Radtke, P.M., Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Board Member; Efrain Rivera, P.M., District D Blood Chairman; PJ Roup, R.W. Junior Grand Warden; Larry Derr, R.W. Deputy Grand Master; Jeffrey Wonderling, R.W. Grand Master; Rob Brink, R.W. Senior Grand Warden; Joe Jenson, D.D.G.M.-B; Bob Baur, Organ Donor Ambassador and shuttle driver, and Bill Soloway, Executive Director of the Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program. (Not pictured are Brothers Len Juliani, D.D.G.M.-D, and Richard Bradbury, D.D.G.M.-8.

Brethren Pay Tribute to Unknown Soldiers

On Dec. 3, 2022, 40 members of the Fifth Masonic District, as well as Brother James R. Hanby, R.W. Senior Grand Warden of Delaware, participated in a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath laying party consisted of four brothers who all are veterans: George March, P.M., Brandywine-Goddard Lodge No. 383; David Tatum, Thomson Lodge No. 340; John K. March, P.M., Williamson Lodge No. 309; and Francis Norbeck, P.M., Oxford Lodge No. 353 (pictured). Although it rained all morning, the weather cleared in time for the 11:15 a.m. ceremony. After the changing of the Tomb Guard, two brethren laid the wreath, “Taps” was played, and the attendees came to attention and shared a moment of silence.

Afterward, a Tomb Guard provided a history of the Tomb and outlined the requirements and duties of the guards. The group then adjourned for a picnic lunch before they took a trolley tour of Arlington Cemetery, visited the location of the Eternal Flame and toured the Arlington House.

Brother George had served as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from 1963 to 1965, and he assisted President John F. Kennedy in laying a wreath at the Tomb just prior to his assassination.

Do You Know a Mason or a Loved One in Need?

The Masonic Outreach Program provides Pennsylvania Masons and their loved ones with free information, direction and education on community services, as well as financial, educational and support benefits offered through the missions of the Masonic Charities.

What Outreach programs are available for PA Masons and their loved ones?

• Home Assistance - Financial support available to Master Masons (five years of membership in good standing), their wives or widows

• Needs Assessment for Care and Services

• Panel of Attorneys

• Panel of Financial Planners

• Widows’ Guild

What are the steps to receive help and support?

1. Consult with dedicated Outreach team members.

2. Determine what programs and support are needed.

3. Complete an application/design a support plan.

Contact Information: 1-800-462-7664 outreach@pagrandlodge.org PaGrandLodge.org/outreach

Where caring is a tradition

The MASONIC VILLAGE AT WARMINSTER provides residents comfort, companionship and a life of dignity and security. The staff is dedicated to providing each resident a gratifying lifestyle while accommodating individual needs. Offering quality nursing care and personal care services, the mission of the Masonic Village at Warminster includes serving individuals who are eligible to receive Medicaid upon admission, provided they have not made transfers of assets prohibited by Masonic Villages’ admissions policies.

For a tour or for more information, call 215-672-2500, or email MVWadmissions@masonicvillages.org.

850 Norristown Road • Warminster, PA 18974

MASONIC VILLAGES’ ADMISSIONS POLICY

Decisions concerning admissions, the provision of services and referrals of residents are not based upon race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age (where minimum age for admission is met), sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, 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; PA Masons and their loved ones maintain complete control of them. Generous donations enable Masonic Villages to offer financial assistance to those who qualify. It is required that your financial resources are preserved for the cost of your care and services, and our staff will help you to identify all available financial assistance when needed. Fraternal care offerings vary by community. Contact the Admissions or Marketing Office at the Masonic Village of your preference for information on the living area desired. Visit www.masonicvillages.org.

a mission with Infinite Possibilities

With 550 members, a mission statement and passionate officers, Infinity Lodge No. 546, Penn Hills, continued to grow their lodge in 2022 after welcoming the second most new members across the state in 2021.

Following a team building outing at a local Escape Room, the lodge officers penned the following mission statement: “Freemasonry is about making good men better by facilitating personal growth through education, mentorship, leadership, service and social development.” They agree it sets the tone for the lodge’s ambitious membership and recruitment goals.

“We said, ‘Well, why do we exist?’” Brother Lyon Zeibak ( pictured right in the tux), Worshipful Master, said. “What is Freemasonry? Every officer contributed, and we came up with that statement as a lodge and presented it at a lodge meeting.”

Seeing new members come in the door is a motivation. Once someone has submitted a petition, the real work begins. Each new member is assigned a mentor.

“We know that a mentor is going to teach them, first what they need to know, but second of all, be there for any questions they have,” Brother Craig Blauser, Senior Warden and Membership Chair for the 54th Masonic District, said. “We’re able to make sure the mentor has the resources he needs and somebody else to reach out to if he needs help finding an answer.”

New members also attend monthly mentorship classes at the lodge, where they’re educated on the requirements of each degree and have time for fellowship.

“We have snacks and beverages at the classes, and they’re very informal,” Lyon said. “Half of the discussion is not so much on the education, but just about life. Over the course of them going through the degrees, they’re not just getting the Masonic education, but growing their connections; us getting to know them,

and them getting to know us gets a lot deeper.”

The lodge holds regular open houses for the public, featuring food, refreshments, lodge tours and question and answer sessions. If a guest Mason is visiting the lodge for the first time, they receive one of the lodge’s challenge coins as a token of friendship and brotherly love.

“It’s very cool to see the different types of people who come in,” Craig said. “You know you can become friends with them and talk with them.”

Infinity Lodge’s stated meetings typically feature a speaker; for example, in September, a brother who is a retired Chief of Police spoke about identify theft. The lodge also hosts socials, like a campfire and cookout at a member’s house, a meet up at a Pirates game or family picnics.

“It’s great to be part of this brotherhood, this network,” Lyon said. “It’s not just coming to lodge meetings, although lodge meetings are even more fun when you hang out with people at the ballpark, for example, and then you see them at a meeting. It just makes lodge even more special.”

Within the local community, the lodge contributes to a scholarship for high school students every year and donates to three different food banks in the area. Members have planted trees in the community and built benches at a local park.

“We’re a fraternal order, but the impression in the local area is that Freemasons are a service organization,” Lyon said. “Building your communities is certainly a Masonic activity. That’s a good reputation to have.”

Planning events, mentoring new members, coordinating community service projects and dealing with budgets and building upkeep takes more than just a few officers.

“It is a big team effort,” Lyon said. “The secretary is very important, and every officer and people who aren’t officers are involved in different committees to help ease the burden.”

Infinity Lodge seeks to enrich current members and enlighten new ones, and ultimately, be there for each other and those in need. More members mean more mentors and increased opportunities to help the community, a win-win for members, the municipality of Penn Hills and beyond.

“Becoming a Freemason was probably one of the best things I did in my life,” Lyon said. “It’s beautiful. You meet people from other states who come to visit, and then you visit their lodges and spend time with them outside of lodge. And when I need help, I know who to ask, and brothers know to ask me for help, too.”

Brother and Col. Harris Brooks, Brotherhood Lodge No. 126, Philadelphia, and USAF (Ret), developed a military baby shower concept more than 13 years ago as a part of the “Help for Our Heroes” program sponsored by Pennsylvania Freemasons.

As part of the event, moms-to-be who are in the military or whose partners are in the military are treated like “Queens for the Day,” receiving prizes and gifts during a beautiful luncheon.

“I started this program because I wanted to take care of the families,” Col. Brooks said at the baby shower held on Oct. 30 at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. “A baby shower is an important milestone when becoming a mom. But when you are part of a military family, doing without a baby shower is often another sacrifice that is made. We are here today to make sure that isn’t the case. We are all your family, and we wanted you to have your shower.”

Maj. Gen. Jay Barry echoed these sentiments during his remarks. “This is all about the moms today,” he said.

More than 50 moms-to-be from all branches of service across Pennsylvania attended the shower, including two moms who were expecting twins. The shower included brunch, maternal and baby health information, shower games with prizes and the opportunity to network with other moms-to-be.

Gifts included baby blankets hand-crocheted by Rona Kornfeld and Audrey Stahl, a Fisher Price Kick & Play, a baby video monitor, an ear and forehead baby thermometer, a Vtech sitto-stand walker and a convertible car seat.

At the end of the day, the moms-to-be were truly surprised when they learned each of them would be going home with two additional large gifts: a travel system and a $200 buybuy BABY gift card!

Mom-to-be Hanna Hyon, an active-duty medical administrator at Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, PA, said she was thrilled to attend the shower.

“The Freemasons are so thoughtful for supporting us as a community,” she said. “It takes a village to raise a baby. We received so many amazing toys and critical devices that will help us when the

baby’s born. It takes some of the financial burden off us, too. It’s just a wonderful event.”

Lucy Bustamante, morning news anchor for NBC10 and breaking news anchor for Telemundo62, was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the baby shower. Lucy is passionate about serving the Hispanic/ Latinx community and serving military families. She has been involved with the Naval Officers Spouses Association as well as the NBC Universal Veterans network. Her husband is a retired Naval veteran.

She said she felt a special kinship to the moms-to-be and was happy to be part of the wonderful gathering.

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 the event a success.

Since 2008, Pennsylvania Freemasons have contributed over $1.5 million to the “Help for Heroes” program.

The program has also provided calling cards for Pennsylvania soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and to injured soldiers in hospitals, as well as financial assistance for military members facing costly medical bills and job loss, among other needs.

The next military baby shower will be held April 29 at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill. Please continue to support Help for Our Heroes at your next lodge event!

COMMITMENT

When your loved one is nearing end of life, you only want the small things ...

To be together as a family.

To love and hold one another.

To have the privacy to laugh, cry or grieve together.

Recognizing the importance of quality end-oflife services, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown has been providing hospice services since 2009. Masonic Village Hospice serves residents and individuals in residential homes, nursing homes, retirement communities and skilled facilities throughout Lancaster, Dauphin, Lebanon and Eastern York counties.

Declining census due to the pandemic provided an opportunity to re-imagine the way end-of-life services are provided in the Masonic Health Care Center, which provides nursing and memory support care.

Staff proposed a concept for a dedicated end-of-life area specifically designed for residents needing comfort care. The Ben Franklin 3 neighborhood was converted into the new Evergreen neighborhood, providing personalized, convenient and advanced care and monitoring. The new space is tailored to help residents and families create special and lasting memories together in a comfortable, homelike environment. Thoughtful details were incorporated into the design to serve the

unique needs of residents and their families.

Evergreen includes 16 private, spacious rooms featuring amenities for visiting family members, such as a pull-out couch, live plants, a television and a refrigerator. Each room has an Amazon Alexa Echo Show device donated by Amazon and set up by Aiva Health, which can play residents’ favorite music, offer a prayer of the day, receive messages from staff or even review the day’s menu.

Private rooms are available for families to grieve and meet with staff counselors. Other rooms for visitors and gatherings include a dining room; a living room; a chapel for prayer and spiritual needs; a children’s space with toys, books and games; a library for resources; a screened-in patio and an office for families working remotely. A designated parking lot offers ease of access.

A Private Evergreen Room

Residents of Evergreen may utilize Masonic Village Hospice or the hospice provider of their choice. Masonic Village staff working on Evergreen receive specialized end-of-life training.

Renovations to Evergreen were made possible thanks to many generous donors. Two wings of the Evergreen neighborhood were dedicated in honor of significant contributors. Brother Thomas Shott, Mount Olivet Lodge No. 704, Lebanon, contributed in memory of his wife, Dolores, who was a patient in the hospice program when she passed away in 2018. Brother James McCall, Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, and his wife, Virginia, contributed in memory of James’ mother, Julia McCall, and his niece, Jennifer McCall Bailey. A ribbon cutting, with the unveiling of the donor recognition plaques, and open houses were held in October, with the first residents moving in afterward.

“Thanks to generous donors, residents will have the opportunity to spend their last weeks, and even hours, in comfort, surrounded by those who love them, making lasting memories their

families will cherish forever,” said Matthew Mayo, assistant executive director.

The name Evergreen was chosen based on the traditional Masonic funeral in which reference is made to Evergreen as the symbol of faith in the immortality of the soul, a part within us which shall continue to exist beyond our physical death.

If you would like to help patients and families create special and lasting memories in a comfortable, supportive, homelike environment, you may make a gift online by visiting masonicvillages.org/donatenow. For more information on other ways to give, call 1-800-599-6454 or email giving@masonicvillages.org.

Pictured above: One of Evergreen’s family spaces; The handcrafted alter and lectern made for the chapel by members of Masonic Village’s Rooster Woodshop (shown with Pastor and Brother Preston Van Deursen, Director of Spiritual Care, and Matt Mayo, Assistant Executive Director); Evergreen ribbon cutting performed by (l-r): Matt Mayo, Brother Thomas Shott, R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey Wonderling, Virginia McCall and Brother James McCall

Make Your Retirement a Priority

longer each day. Even if you’re considering a move years from now, join the list today, so we’re ready when you are.

This small step now can help you get the home of your choice in the future.

A Sweet Retirement

It was several years in the making, but Brother Herb Cook and his wife, Helen, finally settled into their home at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown last year. As the couple glances out their sunroom window at the view from their cottage, they agree it was worth the wait.

For more than seven years, the Allentown natives knew they wanted to move to Masonic Village, just not yet.

Of the astonishing 10,000 people who turn 65 every day, only 60% have a retirement strategy.

This strategy doesn’t just include Medicare benefits or retirement accounts, but where you’ll spend your retirement years. Masonic Village can help by offering a single sheet

of paper that may guarantee a stress-free future: a Priority Wait List application.

Those 10,000 retirees aren’t all heading to sandy shores. Most are flocking to continuing care retirement communities, many of which have a lengthy waiting list.

Masonic Village’s Priority Wait List grows

They added their names to the Priority Wait List eight years ago, which allowed them to prepare for the move at their own speed, as well as wait for the cottage they really wanted. They received multiple calls from the Sales and Marketing team with available options before choosing the one with an idyllic vantage point from the backyard.

“That’s the secret,” Helen said. “If I had to share one piece of advice with people, getting your name on this list is the secret. Just give an estimate when you’re ready to go.”

Helen’s other advice includes developing a good relationship and staying in contact with Sales and Marketing staff throughout the process. Anytime Helen or Herb had a question, staff were available to answer it, even after they moved to Masonic Village.

Not that their move was without challenges. They found getting rid of things to be a tremendous effort but were pleased to toss their landscaping equipment and snow blower. As soon as the Cooks knew they had their cottage, they started packing easy things and hired a moving company to assist. This made the process manageable and was well worth the expense.

Helen and Herb have been active with the Masonic fraternity for many years. Herb is a member of JordanMartin Lodge No. 673, Allentown; Lehigh Valley Day Lodge No. 813, Macungie; Valley of Allentown; Rajah Shrine and High 12, as well as other Masonic bodies. Helen is a member of New Temple Chapter No. 298, Order of the Eastern Star, and was secretary for Brother C. DeForrest “Chuck” Trexler, a former Masonic Villages’ board member and current resident of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. It wasn’t just that Masonic Village was founded by Masons, and they have friends from the fraternity here — it was the continuing care retirement community’s reputation which really sold them on a move.

“We always knew it was a firstclass care facility,” Herb said.

“We wanted to limit any burden on our family, friends or fraternal brothers. We can stay here if our life deteriorates, and we don’t have to move again. If one of us needs additional care in the health care center, we can easily visit each other. It makes a lot of sense.

“After we joined the Priority List, I brought a woman here to look at the memory support unit for her husband. I was so impressed. My mother had Alzheimer’s, and her care facility was terrible in comparison. It was a good sign we were making the right decision.”

The Cooks moved to Masonic Village in June 2021. Other selling points for them included the woodshop and the

pet-friendly policy. Herb still has his woodworking tools from high school and has made all their furniture, and membership in the Masonic Village Rooster Woodshop is definitely in his future. They also wanted to bring their two dogs, one of which has since passed away.

“There’s a good support system here,” Helen said. “We feel like we have a sense of family. We take our dog for a walk to meet other people. In fact, we meet so many people, we can’t always remember names.”

Herb serves as Worshipful Master of his Masonic lodge (his fourth term), and Helen works parttime as an au pair coordinator for foreign exchange students. Thus far, they have joined the Masonic Village Pet Club and Penn State Club and enjoyed the Rhine River Cruise in October sponsored by the Travel Club. They look forward to whatever else their future in their new neighborhood holds.

“I want to have a purpose that contributes to society locally or beyond,” Helen said. “And we don’t mind having fun.”

The Cooks have found more than just a home, and that’s no secret.

If you’d like to plan for your future and are at least 55 years of age, you may submit an application for Masonic Village’s Priority Waiting List. (This application does not guarantee an accommodation, but indicates you’re interested.) A deposit is required (the amount depends on the living option selected), which will be credited to your application deposit when you apply for a retirement living option. Contact the location of your choice through MasonicVillages.org or by phone.

Masonic Village at Dallas: 570-466-5658

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown: 717-473-0614

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill: 484-535-3119

Masonic Village at Sewickley: 724-242-5099

Photo, opposite page: Herb and Helen Cook

PMYF 2023 Scholarship Opportunities

The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation needs your help!

We’re in the midst of our 2023 Scholarship Application season, which runs until March 15, 2023, and we need your help in growing participation in this exciting opportunity for undergraduate students. Last year, 117 applications were received from students representing 43 counties, and our goal is to grow the number of applications submitted, as well as the counties that are touched by our program. Please see the map below for the 2022 distribution of applications.

Basic eligibility for a PMYF scholarship requires that an applicant be a member in good standing of a Pennsylvania Masonic lodge, his child, step-child, grandchild, greatgrandchild, sibling or dependent (as defined by the IRS); or

a present of former member or one of the Masonic-related youth groups; or a resident or graduate of the Masonic Children’s Home. The applicant must be a high school graduate or a high school senior who is pursuing higher education. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. The grants are only applicable to undergraduate tuition and fees. Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2023.

The application for the PMYF Scholarship and a Scholarship Resource Guide is available at pmyf.org by clicking the “Scholarships” button. The Resource Guide lists over 50 different scholarships that are available this year. If you would prefer a copy of the guide or application be mailed directly to you or your student, please contact Brother Dave Berry, Assistant Executive Director for PMYF, at dwberry@pmyf.org or 717-267-1536, ext. 4.

PA DeMolay at 100 Years

In March 1919, DeMolay International was formed in Kansas City, Missouri.

The organization is named for Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Templar. When tortured to reveal secrets and names, DeMolay refused to betray those he considered his brothers. It was upon this principle that “Dad” Frank S. Land, employee of the Scottish Rite in Kansas City, Missouri, and nine young men decided to form the organization we know as the Order of DeMolay.

DeMolay became a worldwide organization in 1919. Pennsylvania DeMolay was formed when the first induction ceremony was held in Pittsburgh on Feb. 12, 1923, with another in Philadelphia only a few days later. In 2023, we celebrate 100 years of existence in the Commonwealth.

There will be many opportunities to celebrate throughout the year. We started with an induction class in December 2022, celebrating all of the Past State Master Councilors of Pennsylvania DeMolay. The leaders who served the Commonwealth throughout the years welcomed several young men to DeMolay. They had the chance to communicate with the new DeMolays and share stories that these young men can look back on for years.

As a tribute to the celebration, R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling, a DeMolay Advisor and Honorary Member of DeMolay International, filled his 2023 Grand Line of Officers with Senior DeMolays from all across Pennsylvania. This took effect at the December Communication. The 2023 Grand Master’s Medallion is struck in honor of Pennsylvania DeMolay’s anniversary. Another celebration will take place in conjunction with the Grand Lodge Communication in June at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. A banquet will be held, and Grand Master Wonderling will host a special celebration with past and present members of DeMolay. PA DeMolay will also hold another celebration at its annual Convention the weekend of July 15 in Cranberry Township. The celebration will continue with a commemorative 100th

anniversary book, special merchandise, such as ties, and social media and website posts reminding us of our history. Our celebration will come to a close with a statewide induction of new members to be held in honor of Grand Master Wonderling on Dec. 2. Celebrate with us, as we remember 100 years of one of the greatest youth leadership organizations in Pennsylvania.

Governor of Pennsylvania declaring DeMolay Week in March 1963.

A group photo following the Legion of Honor conferral on the late Brother Arnold Palmer.

This year, give yourself the gift of peace and predictability. With so much uncertainty in the world, would you like the comfort of beginning this year (and every year) with a more certain future?

We have tools and ideas that will help you bring more reliability and dependability to your year and your life.

A more dependable new year gives you:

• Income tax savings

• Capital gains tax savings

• New payment streams for you and your spouse

Fund a charitable gift annuity with us and receive favorable fixed rate payments for life. You also receive an income tax deduction this year.

BIG IMPACT: You receive the fixed payments and tax benefits, but you also do something more. After a lifetime of payments to you (and your spouse), all funds remaining in your gift annuity support your favorite Masonic charity.

Learn what your exact rate and tax savings will be: Call 1-800-599-6454, visit MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org or cut out and return the card to the right.

COMPLETE AND MAIL TO: Office of Mission Advancement and Development, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 • 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

 Call me about using my credit card to purchase my annuity. Phone ( )