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.