The Pennsylvania Freemason - November 2020

THE PENNSYLVANIA

VOL. LXVII, NO. 4

NOVEMBER 2020

Seeking Enlightenment:

Masonic Connections Throughout History

THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON® VOL. LXVII, NOVEMBER 2020, NO. 4

©2020 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W.G.M. Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W.D.G.M. Larry A. Derr, R.W.S.G.W. Robert D. Brink, 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

3

Freemasonry Today

Grand Master’s Message • Stewardship: Your Trustees of the Consolidated Fund

(Publication No. USPS 426-140) November 2020 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.

6 Membership

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.

10 Education

The Connection Freemasons Have to Modern Sports •

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) November 2020, 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: Thomas Gamon, IV. 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 94,000 each quarter. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.

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

National Sojourners Honors its Chapters & Members • 3rd Annual Masonic Charities Sporting Clays Results • Brothers Give Back to Those in Need on Thanksgiving • Random Acts of Kindness

December Quarterly Communication • Washington Starts the Thanksgiving Tradition • A Memorial to George Washington: the Man, the Mason, the Founding Father • Outreach Program Helps During Pandemic

20 Philanthropy

Masonic Art Contest Winners Announced • Giving the Gift of Life After Death • Taking Up the Call to Lead • It’s Scholarship Time! • Board Member Feature • Reducing Taxes with the Help of a Gift Planning Professional • Gift Ideas for a Loved One in a Long-Term Care Community • Five Ways to Give to the Masonic Charities this Holiday! • Masonic Villages’ 2020 Wish List

View the magazine online! pagrandlodge.org

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.

Save a Tree

Brethren, I remain thankful for your patience and your understanding during this challenging and unprecedented time. I know how difficult it is to have to go so long without meeting with our lodge brothers in person. Some of us have resumed meetings and activities with precautions in place, and while it’s not ideal to have to wear masks and social distance, it’s certainly worth being able to gather safely in person. For those who are not yet comfortable or able to return to lodge, I encourage you not to give up hope, but to continue to think outside of the box with new ideas to meet with your brothers to maintain your fraternal connections.

All over the news, in social media and even around the water cooler at work (if you are even able to go to work), people tend to talk about what COVID-19 has caused us to lose: many schools are going virtual or hybrid; attendance at sporting events is limited; restaurants are operating at 50% capacity; special events, fairs and concerts are canceled or postponed; and even Hollywood has halted productions. It appears at times that life has been put on hold as we make sacrifices to prevent the spread of this virus. Instead of looking at the negatives, what if we focused on those things that this pandemic CANNOT take from us?

One of the things I’ve appreciated as life has slowed down is more quality family time. For some, it may be more time to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, read, garden, fish, take on some overdue renovations or learn new technology. It has given us a fresh perspective on what is really important in life, such as caring for others who are struggling and helping our brethren and their families, our neighbors, coworkers and even strangers in their time of need.

We have various resources to assist members of our family of Freemasonry during challenging times: through the Lodge Almoner’s Fund, the Masonic Outreach Program, the Masonic Villages and scholarships through the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation.

One of the best ways to demonstrate our fraternal goodwill is by performing Random Acts of Kindness whenever an opportunity presents itself to make a difference in another’s life. This is especially important during times of societal, racial and political division in our country. These small, thoughtful gestures give others a glimpse into what it means to be a Pennsylvania Freemason – what makes us different, special.

When I began my term in December, I shared that my vision for Pennsylvania Masons is to focus on Protecting Our History to Serve Our Future. The way I have seen our fraternity respond during this healthcare crisis has convinced me that membership in the oldest and largest fraternity is, and always has been, a privilege. It’s an honor that I am truly grateful to be a part of, as I am sure you all are also!

Our world needs Freemasonry now, more than ever, and it is our charge to ensure that it lives on to benefit the world and serve the Craft for eternity! I have challenged each Pennsylvania Mason, through selective invitation, to replace himself by introducing one good man to our brotherhood. Identify someone who has stood out to you as a quality man who would make an ideal brother and invite him to explore our fraternity! If we want to ensure our existence for future generations, we must not be afraid to recommend worthy men become part of our beloved fraternity.

I invite you all to our December Quarterly Communication, which will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. Please see p. 13 for more details on how to join this event.

As we usher in the holiday season, may we remain grateful for our many blessings. I count every one of you among mine. Please stay well and committed to the outcome of our fraternity’s journey as we navigate these difficult times together. I am confident that we will emerge stronger than ever!

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W. Grand Master

FREEMASONRY TODAY

GRAND LODGE PENNSYLVANIA

CHARITY

Consolidated Consolidated Fund Fund

Title

FRATERNITY

Finance

Landmarks

BOARDS

COMMITTEES

MASONIC CHARITIES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA Grand Lodge of PA Masonic Charity Foundation

Library & Museum

Youth Foundation

BLUE LODGES

Blood & Organ Donor Program

Hall Associations

Masonic Villages

Stewardship: Your Trustees of the Consolidated Fund In the August of issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason, we

performed well over the years. Since inception, on a net-of-fees basis,

highlighted the history, function and continuing contributions of our

performance is nicely ahead of its benchmarks and has consistently

Grand Lodge Committee on Finance. In this issue, we turn to our

placed in the top quartile of peer funds. However, the true art of our

investment program.

sophisticated investment program is the Trustees’ commitment to

For hundreds of years, Pennsylvania Masons and their loved ones have generously supplied the financial contributions necessary

manage the Consolidated Fund in a way that allows Grand Lodge to carry out its charitable and fraternal missions.

to operate the Grand Lodge and its Masonic Charities.

Substantially, all of the assets in the Consolidated Fund are

In 1971, upon the recommendation of the Committee on

restricted for charitable purposes, including our Masonic Villages,

Finance, the Grand Lodge marshaled more than 200 separate funds

Masonic Children’s Home, Masonic Youth Foundation, Masonic

entrusted to the Grand Lodge and consolidated them under the

Library and Museum (including the maintenance and preservation

direction of the Trustees of the “Consolidated Fund.” Ahead of its

of our Masonic Temple in Philadelphia) and the Grand Lodge of

time, the Grand Lodge created the Consolidated Fund as a unitized

Pennsylvania Masonic Charity Foundation. You might think that

investment pool, like a private mutual fund, to capture the benefits

the size of the Consolidated Fund means the Grand Lodge and

of modern portfolio theory under a uniform investment policy and

its charities are “fully endowed.” However, the reality is that the

obtain efficiencies of scale.

continued financial support of our members is as important now as

Pursuant to Article 13.01 of The Ahiman Rezon, Grand Lodge’s

ever. The substantial charitable and fraternal activities of our Grand

Constitution, the Trustees of the Consolidated Fund are appointed

Lodge have substantial budgeted operating losses. This deficit is

by the Grand Master and are responsible for adopting and regularly

only made up through the continuing generosity of Pennsylvania

reviewing and updating the investment policy for the Consolidated

Masons and their loved ones.

Fund, selecting investment advisers to carry out the investment

In the next issue, we will describe how we own and manage

policy mandates, evaluating the performance of the Consolidated

our real estate through the Trustees of Title to the Masonic Temple

Fund and adopting a spending policy for the Consolidated Fund.

and Other Real Estate of the Grand Lodge.

Under the direction of the Trustees, the Consolidated Fund has

4

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

Pennsylvania Freemason

Asset Allocation

Consolidated Fund

as of September 30, 2020

as of September 30, 2020

Below Investment Grade Bonds 5.0%

Cash 7.2% US Large Cap. 36.2%

Fraternal $8,916,147 (1%) Investment Grade Bonds 25.5%

Charitable $772,477,255 (99%)

Non-US Developed 18.3%

US Small Cap. 3.0%

Non-US Emerging, 3.2% Private Equity, 1.5% 10.0%

Performance 8.1% - Net of Fees

8.5% 8.5%

7.8% 7.5%

6.3%

6.3% 6.3%

7.8%

6.7%

7.5%

5.7%

5.0%

1 Year

3 Years

Consolidated Fund

10 Years

60.0% MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), 40.0% Barclays Aggregate 2 Morningstar 50%-70% Global Equity Allocation 1

Market Value $781,393,402 $654,702,339

$668,451,151

$661,961,334

$665,041,533

$700 Million

$781,393,402

$800 Million

Balanced Average

2

$774,351,154

$900 Million

5 Years

$689,155,002

$1 Billion

Blended Target

1

$745,969,532

0.0%

2013

2014

2015

2016

Consolidated Fund -3.4% -10.2% 20.8% 10.0% 5.4% 11.5% 7.2% -24.4% 25.0% 13.4% 1.2% 13.0% 17.4% 6.2%

0.4%

5.9% 17.1% -4.4% 19.3% 2.6%

$0

Benchmark

2001

2002

2003

2004

-4.9% -8.5% 20.3% 9.6%

November 2020

2008

2009

2010

2011

$587,245,632

$552,688,651

$579,876,000

2007

$516,888,659

2006

$437,889,449

$547,477,408 2005

$565,550,643

$100 Million

$574,954,435

$200 Million

$341,530,228

$300 Million

$390,813,184

$400 Million

$468,860,453

$500 Million

$521,869,452

$600 Million

2012

2017

2018

2019

2020

4.9% 11.7% 6.7% -21.9% 20.2% 12.0% 1.7% 11.6% 15.5% 5.0% -1.0% 5.9% 15.4% -5.5% 19.2% 2.9%

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

5

MEMBERSHIP

National Sojourners Honors its Chapters & Members (Army); Bryan L. Hill, Barger Lodge No. 325, Stroudsburg (Army); Benjamin Hoenich and Fred Kaylor, both of Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown (both Army); Glenn Kurzenknabe, Robert Burns Lodge No. 464, Harrisburg (Air Force); Craig Lady, Brownstone Lodge No. 666 (Air Force); Alan Saylor, Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682 (Navy); Michael Wertz, Lodge No. 62, West Reading (Army); David Willmann, Carlisle Lodge No. 260 (Navy); Winton E. Hewitt, Cassia-Mount Horb Lodge No. 273, Ardmore (Navy); and Kenneth Womack, Carlisle Lodge No. 260 (Air Force).

Exceptional Meritorious Achievement Certificate recipients: National Sojourners award recipients Brothers Russell W. Baker (left), Ben Hoenich (second from left) and Jack Heinze (second from right) with fellow National Sojourners members and Masonic Village at Elizabethtown residents at Autumn Day 2019

Brothers D. Mike Cole, Carlisle Lodge No. 260 (Army); John Cook, George Washington Lodge No. 143, Chambersburg (Honorary); Henry Federowicz, Robert Burns Lodge No. 464 (Honorary); Thomas E. Gordon, Harrisburg-Snyder Lodge No. 629 (Army); Robert

National Sojourners-Benjamin Franklin Chapter No. 16,

Hamilton, Robert Burns Lodge No. 464 (Navy); E. Thomas Kuhn

Philadelphia, and Harrisburg Chapter No. 76, including several

Jr., Lowther Manor Lodge No. 781, Lewisberry (Air Force); Robert

members, were recognized for their local and national contributions

Kyler, Sr., Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682 (Air Force); Eugene

to the order at the 2020 annual convention (held virtually this year).

McCaleb II, Eureka-West Shore Lodge No. 302, Etters (Honorary);

Brother Jack Heinze, Brownstone Lodge No. 666, Hershey,

Gene Meashey, Zeredatha-White Rose Lodge No, 451, York (Air

received the Horton-Tourtillott Plaque for having done the most to

Force); George Mehaffie, Robert Burns Lodge No. 464 (Army);

further the National Sojourners’ Americanism Program. A 21-year

Russell W. Baker, Howell Lodge No. 405, Honey Brook (Navy); and

member of the National Sojourners, he has increased the chapter’s

Paul Sheaffer, Harrisburg-Snyder Lodge No. 629 (Air Force).

sponsorship of students attending the Freedom Foundation at Valley

Harrisburg Chapter No. 76 received the Youth Emphasis Award

Forge Youth Leadership Camp (including some from the Masonic

for having the highest percentage of members under age 40 as of

Children’s Home), grown the chapter’s support of high school

Dec. 31, 2019, and, along with Benjamin Franklin Chapter No.

and college ROTC/JROTC programs and enhanced recognition

16, the Odie R. Howell, Jr., Bridge of Light Award for significantly

of veterans and veterans-related holidays at Masonic Village at

contributing to this national program.

Elizabethtown through the Veterans’ Committee.

Kathleen L. Kuhn, wife of Brig. Gen. (Ret.) E. Thomas Kuhn,

Presidential Citations, issued for a specific act or acts outside

Legion of Honor, was designated a Grande Dame of the order. This

a member’s assigned duties which contributed to an exceptional

is a national designation, with only one or two ladies recognized

degree to accomplishing the purposes of National Sojourners,

each year. It recognizes a Sojourner’s lady who has consistently,

and Exceptional Meritorious Achievement Certificates, awarded

dependably and unfailingly provided support, not only to her

for exceptionally noteworthy performances which contributed

Sojourner, but to his chapter and to the national order.

significantly to the accomplishment of the purposes of National

The National Sojourners promotes patriotic aims and activities

Sojourners, were distributed to several members of Harrisburg

in Masonry and beyond. Members are Master Masons who are

Chapter No. 76.

also veterans of or currently serve in the U.S. armed forces. Visit

Presidential Citation recipients: Brothers Thomas Gordon,

https://nationalsojourners.org/chapters/ to find a chapter near you.

Harrisburg-Snyder Lodge No. 629, Harrisburg (Army); Jack Heinze

6

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

Pennsylvania Freemason

GRAND LODGE OF PA F. & A.M. rd

3 Annual Masonic Charities Sporting Clays Results Thanks to our generous sponsors, these events netted $22,251 for the Masonic Charities!

Seven Springs Event Results

Shoot Sponsor

High Overall Winner with a Score of 95: Ken Heese Runner-up with a Score of 92: Dennis Horstick High Overall Female with a Score of 81: Lisa Frederick Winning Team: Joe, Lisa, Cole and Ashley Frederick

Mill Creek Capital Investments

Breakfast Sponsors

Lehigh Valley Event Results

5-Stand Sponsors

High Overall Winners with a Score of 96: Joe Kincinski and Dave Rogers High Overall Female with a Score of 64: Brenda Shumar Winning Team: Joe Kincinski, Dave Rogers, Sam Walker, Jeff Kitchen and Gary Christy

David Galardini, RBC Wealth Mgmt Christenson Investment Partners PA Masonic Youth Foundation Parkwood USA

Ammo Sponsors

Catering By Design Robert Dunkle, P.D.D.G.M.-38 William L. Elkins Tim Pletcher, D.D.G.M.-40 D.D.G.M.s Regions 4 and 5

SAVE THE DATES for next year’s events: SEVEN SPRINGS Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021 LEHIGH VALLEY Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 November 2020

Station Sponsors

Edward Aiello John T. Brobst, Jr., D.D.G.M.-58 Charles Cagle, CPA Chip’s Stove Shop District 10 School of Instruction Keith Doyle, D.D.G.M.-50 Fifth Masonic District Fiftieth School of Instruction Flynn’s Tire Group Joshua S. Freeman, D.D.G.M-30 Hazle Azalea Fellowship King Solomon’s Lodge No. 346 Ryan Knopf, D.D.G.M.-24 Lehigh Consistory Leighton Lodge No. 621 Porter Lodge No. 284 Quandel Construction Harry Rutter SEK CPAs & Advisors Unity Printing

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

7

MEMBERSHIP

Brothers Give Back to Those in Need on Thanksgiving Polaris Lodge No. 375, McKeesport, will continue its efforts to provide Thanksgiving dinners to families in need this holiday

assistance to those in need]. We do this for our lodge members [in need], as well,” Chuck said.

season.

Working on the committee that organizes the Thanksgiving

The program started in earnest about seven years ago.

dinners gives Chuck a sense of personal satisfaction. “I can tell

Brothers Tom Knestaut, S.W. Aliquippa Lodge, and Mike Hansen,

you that once you do it, you feel compelled to continue on a regular

P.M., Youghiogheny Lodge, each coordinated the efforts to purchase

basis,” he said. “There are certainly a lot of benefits to being a

everything families would need to enjoy full Thanksgiving dinners.

Freemason and a lot of rewards, but nothing is more rewarding for

Once the two lodges, which met in the same building, merged to

me or my brothers than seeing the look on people’s faces when

become Polaris Lodge, the program efforts combined, as well.

we show up with a giant bin of supplies for Thanksgiving dinner. A

“Our area was very hard hit by the loss of manufacturing and

couple of these people [we helped] were really down on their luck.”

mill jobs when they [the jobs] moved out of our area,” said Brother

“Oftentimes, dinner recipients will share stories about how

Charles (Chuck) Margliotti, W.M., Polaris Lodge. “There were a lot

difficult it would have been to celebrate Thanksgiving without the

of needy families. The members of our lodge are constantly looking

lodge’s assistance,” Brother Robert J. Slater, Jr., D.D.G.M.-47, said.

to identify people whom they know are being hard hit at the time and

“There are many times when we are brought to tears. We consider

could really benefit from the efforts of the lodge, especially around

this to be one of the most important tasks that we perform each

the holidays. We would do it even if it wasn’t a holiday, but we really

year.”

concentrate on Thanksgiving.”

Monies are allocated, and lodge members set out on a shopping extravaganza to load grocery carts full of turkeys, stuffing,

Chuck hopes to extend the program to Christmas this year, if the lodge can once again identify families in need. “It’s [a program] we’re constantly trying to build on,” he said.

potatoes, rolls, dessert – even aluminum foil and plastic wrap for leftovers. Dishwashing liquid is also included.

Chuck has been a Mason for seven years. A friend introduced him to Freemasonry, and he quickly became involved. “It’s not hard

All the ingredients are packed into large totes and delivered by

for anybody to agree with the principles and values of Freemasonry,”

car to the homes of the families whose names have been submitted

he said. “These are common values that you’d hope most human

by brothers in the lodge. Recipients are contacted ahead of time and

beings would have. I just spoke to a prospective candidate yesterday.

informed that the brothers will be making the delivery.

During our conversation, I could tell how excited he was when I told

“We personally offer our best wishes and holiday greetings and

him what we believe in and our goals. It was refreshing to see that

let them know in the future, if they fall on hard times, we’re always

excitement. I remember when that was me. I’m excited for him, too.

here,” Chuck said. “It’s pretty special.”

I know the journey that he’s about to undertake, and it’s one of the

Last year, eight families received Thanksgiving dinners. Over

most rewarding experiences of my life.”

the years, Chuck estimates between 50 and 60 families have benefited from the dinners. “That’s just for Thanksgiving,” he said.

“That doesn’t count the various endeavors throughout the year that aren’t as organized, but still occur.”

During the year, it’s not unusual for someone to come to a lodge meeting and inform the brotherhood of a family who is in need or requesting aid. “At that point, we may purchase gift cards for them from the grocery store or take money from the Almoner’s Fund [a financial reserve maintained specifically to provide immediate

8

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

Pennsylvania Freemason

1

2

3

Random Acts of Kindness 1. Brother Bobby Hughes, Wilkes-Barre Lodge No. 61, constructed

help this friend. I also take care of his lawn every week.”

a Free Little Library for neighborhood children in his front yard in

3. Understanding the pandemic has caused many to suffer from

Nanticoke, PA, and stained it with recycled iron oxide pigment

isolation, the Master Masons Club at Masonic Village at Sewickley

recovered from a local stream that had been polluted by past legacy

purchased boxes of candy from Sarris Chocolates and presented

mining practices. “It’s just another great way to provide charity

the treat, along with a Masonic “thinking-of-you” card from the club,

and improve educational literacy in our youth in our communities.

to each widowed or single female resident in the retirement living

Literature and reading is stressed to all Master Masons in the Fellow

area. Members received comments ranging from a simple, “Thank

Craft degree, as we know all too well!” he said.

you” to “Why are you giving this to me?”, “What did I do to deserve

2. After Hurricane Michael destroyed a tree in a Vietnam War

this?” and “You made my day!”

veteran’s front yard, it was carved into a beautiful patriotic tribute.

Brethren who distributed the candy and cards included: standing,

Brother William Kunkle, Apollo Lodge No. 437, painted and sealed

l-r: Morrell Dodds, Bob Nichter, Ron McKenzie, Gary Dorning and

it afterwards. “The owner is disabled due to Agent Orange, so he

Tracy Miller and seated, l-r: Don Kemerer and Morgan Hezlep. Not

could not paint it himself,” William said. “I enjoyed this project to

pictured: Bob Herbert

Do Good Unto All

November 2020

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

9

EDUCATION

The Connection FREEMASONS Have to Modern Sports Many know that Masons have been influential in creating the

Because the formation of soccer usually started as a children’s

modern world in which we live. Fewer, perhaps, know that Masonic

game around the world, rules varied even between adjacent

tradition has also been intertwined with the world of professional

towns. Throughout the 19th century, with the expansion of more

sports.

standardized schooling, the rules of the game became more codified

Formalizing the Rules for Soccer

so schools and universities could play against each other without

In a dimly-lit and cozy tavern in London in the autumn of 1863, amateur and collegiate athletes came together to duke out the official rules of a game they called “football” (and what we in America call “soccer”). The meeting location, just north of the River Thames and the London Eye, was The Freemasons Arms, a famous pub that was (and still is) used by Masons.

Games like soccer had been played for thousands of years in countries around the world. They usually had similar elements to how they were played: they mostly included two teams kicking a ball toward the other’s goal, but contested the legality of picking up the ball and actively kicking opposing players’ shins.

10

arguing over rules. As certain forms of the game became popular, however, it created factions between those who wanted to make it a kicking-only game and those who wanted to be able to pick up the ball. These disagreements eventually led to that first meeting in The Freemasons Arms.

It took six of these intense gatherings to finalize the rules and come to a conclusion. What came about from these meetings was less of an agreement, and more of a line drawn in the sand; which side of the line members stood on after the meetings determined what game they would play. One side became the Football Association and followed the rules very close to modern soccer, and the other side formed into what we now call “rugby.”

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

Pennsylvania Freemason

Masons continued their influence within the world of soccer

a devastating fire at their stadium. “The bibs [training jerseys] we

and the Football Association longer than they did rugby. As the

provided all had our square and compass symbols on; we’ve no

formal rules of soccer solidified and became more professional, by

shame about that,” Lallana said.

the 1890s, teams were already rising and falling in popularity. Some

Lallana’s son, Adam Lallana, is currently an attacking midfielder

were also experiencing financial hardship and were on the verge of

for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. He just finished

no longer being a team, such as Ardwick AFC.

a six-year stay with Liverpool, who most recently took home the

In 1894, Ardwick reformed into Manchester City under

Premier League title in June.

manager Brother Joshua Parlby to help get them through their

Adam grew up listening to his father memorize rituals, and

financial troubles. The reorganization also brought the team closer

Lallana, Sr. is confident he will help continue the tradition. “Adam

to Freemasonry, as Parlby was an active Mason. Other managers

knows as much about Freemasonry as me,” he says with pride.

after Parlby also had close Masonic ties, which no doubt influenced

Supporting Modern Gridiron Football

the team further. That year, Manchester City players started wearing Masonic blue with white stripes, representing truth and fidelity.

In a 1955 issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason, Editor and R.W. Past Grand Master William Carpenter explains that “blue is emphatically the color of Freemasonry ... as it is the color of the vault of heaven, which embraces and covers the whole globe, we are thus reminded that in the breast of every Brother these virtues should be equally as extensive. Since Masons are seekers after truth, this color is symbolic of their ardent and active interest.”

Manchester City remains one of the top soccer teams to this day, ranking fourth overall worldwide and second in England. They still wear Masonic blue, but they’ve replaced the stripes with solid blue jerseys and plain white shorts.

Some modern Masons are also helping to propel both Freemasonry and soccer (which Europeans refer to as football) together. Brother David Lallana, a Mason of almost 30 years in England, created the Football Lodge in Southampton to help keep younger members engaged with the Craft.

“What I’m looking for as Master of this lodge is to bring Freemasonry into the community in a way that everybody can understand what our organization is about,” Lallana explained to The Sun, a United Kingdom newspaper. “There’s always been a huge Masonic link to football.”

Specialty lodges in England have become popular over the years, as they can help attract new members who would otherwise never know what Freemasonry is about. Established in 2016, the Football Lodge now joins others like the tennis and bikers’ lodges.

In addition to getting hundreds of new members to join the fraternity, the Football Lodge has also been helping the modern game by supporting local teams and encouraging young people to be active. The lodge raised funds to buy Hampshire football club, Hamble United FC, replacement uniforms and other supplies after

November 2020

The Freemasons were less involved in the formation of rugby after their meetings in The Freemasons Arms. Rugby’s evolution was a bit messier, because the game formed from the input of all of those who didn’t agree with the Football Association’s rules, rather than through a concrete plan of their own.

Eventually, the rules of rugby became more concrete and more professional, and the sport spread quickly to American universities.

In 1875, Harvard and Yale played their first intercollegiate match.

The rules morphed even further over the years in American schools and colleges and started resembling what would become good oldfashioned gridiron football. This Americanized game quickly overtook rugby’s popularity in the United States, and remains what schools, universities and the pros play to this day.

While Masons aren’t very connected to the creation of rugby and its evolution into American football, Masons certainly had their hand in shaping modern leagues such as the AFL and NFL. The work of Brother Ralph Wilson, Jr., is one such example.

Wilson was the founder and owner of the Buffalo Bills and one of the founding owners of the American Football League (which later merged with the NFL in 1970). During WWII, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. After he returned home, he joined his father’s company, invested in different businesses and started Ralph Wilson Industries, making a considerable amount of money.

With his fortune, he invested by starting the Buffalo Bills and helping out other teams, like the Oakland Raiders, to keep the AFL afloat. Wilson helped keep multiple franchises alive during the early years, likely saving the entire league from folding like other leagues before it. The AFL was also unique among professional football leagues in that not a single AFL franchise folded in its history.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Wilson grew up in Detroit. He joined

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

11

EDUCATION During his time as quarterback for the Broncos, he started the John Elway Foundation, which organizes fundraising events to prevent child abuse in America.

After he retired as a player in 1999, he joined the team in a managerial role. He still manages the Broncos today, and they most recently won Super Bowl 50 in 2015.

Elway joined the fraternity in 2002, when he took part in a Grand Lodge of Colorado two-day class. He passed his proficiency a few months later and is described as a “perpetual member” of South Denver Lodge No. 93, a status which is usually termed “a life member” in most grand jurisdictions.

East-West Shrine Bowl One of the biggest ways that Masons play a part in modern football is through the East-West Shrine Bowl. This post-season college all-star game is supported by Shriners International, a Masonic organization whose main public mission is to raise money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is the longest running college allstar game in the nation, being held every year since 1925. The Bowl is an important part of America’s football tradition, giving top college players a chance to showcase their talents to NFL scouts and a national television audience. The Shrine Bowl has been supported Brother John Elway Kilwinning Lodge No. 297 in Detroit as a young man and was a Mason for the rest of his life. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Detroit and received his 33° in 1948. Wilson lived in Michigan until his death in 2014, and was the oldest owner in the NFL at age 95.

His legacy lives on through the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, which supports community organizations in the Western New York and Southeast Michigan regions. Wilson was always committed to his local communities, and the foundation honored his legacy with two $100 million posthumous donations in 2018 – in honor of Wilson’s 100th birthday – to the park systems in Buffalo and Detroit.

Other Freemasons have propelled the game forward with their skills on the field. Brother John Elway is regarded as one of the top quarterbacks ever to play the game. He has one of the best winning percentages in league history (148–82–1), and was tied for the second-most Pro Bowl selections for a quarterback at the time of his retirement. He played his entire 16-year career in the NFL with the Broncos, leading his team to six AFC Championship Games and five Super Bowls, winning two.

12

by players like Tom Brady, John Elway, Allan Page, Brett Favre and Walter Payton, along with coaches Don Shula, Dick Vermeil, Paul “Bear” Bryant and Jerry Glanville.

The event has raised millions of dollars from 95 games and has helped more than 1.4 million kids through their support of 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children healthcare facilities in North and Central America.

Resources: britannica.com/topic/National-Football-League, southdenver93.org/about/, britannica.com/sports/gridiron-football, history.com/news/who-invented-football, surreyfreemasons.org.uk/ football-and-it-connections-with-freemasonry/, scottishritenmj.org/ blog/sporting-gold-masonic-athletes, knightstemplar.org/articles/1007/ elway.pdf, gnosticwarrior.com/freemasons-created-the-game-offootball.html, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Elway, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ East%E2%80%93West_Shrine_Bowl, shrinegame.com/our-mission, masonrytoday.com/index.php?new_month=8&new_day=8&new_ year=2014, denverconsistory.org/aboutFM.html, mastermason.com/ cny-masonry/famous.html, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Wilson, ralphcwilsonjrfoundation.org, surreyfreemasons.org.uk/football-andit-connections-with-freemasonry/, inews.co.uk/culture/television/ freemasons-adam-lallana-58025, thesun.co.uk/news/1270428/ adam-lallanas-dad-becomes-founding-master-of-football-themedmasonic-lodge/, pagrandlodge.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/ FreemasonMagazine-1955-02.pdf, mancity.com/news/club-news/ club-news/2014/january/sidney-rose, mancity.com/club/manchestercity-history, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History _of_Manchester_City _F.C._ (1880%E2%80%931928), thefa.com/about-football-association/what-wedo/history, freemasonsarmscoventgarden.co.uk, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Rugby _football, historic-uk.com/CultureUK/History-of-Rugby-Football

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

Pennsylvania Freemason

December Quarterly Communication TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GRAND LODGE: You are hereby requested to attend the December Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.

While normally, all Master Masons are invited to attend Quarterly Communications in person,

up a location(s) near you to attend. Attendance may be limited by COVID-19 restrictions. • You can view from your home on any device having the capability to access YouTube videos: computers, smart phones, tablets and smart/ internet access TVs. Go to https://youtu.be/

attendance this December is limited due to

ucPjozbzi5Q OR scan this QR Code with your

COVID-19 restrictions. All members, however, are

device:

invited to attend via a live YouTube Live Stream.

By Order of the R.W. Grand Master Mark A. Haines R.W. Grand Secretary How can I view the YouTube Live Stream? • Your District Deputy Grand Master may be setting

November 2020

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

13

EDUCATION

Washington Starts the Thanksgiving Tradition feasting and family gatherings we know today.

Washington was the Commander of the Continental Army at the time, and the Continental Congress approved other such celebrations over the next few years as more victories and historic achievements were realized.

The first official Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States (as a united nation, rather than colonies) didn’t occur until the 1780s.

On the heels of the American Revolution, America was building itself up as a nation. With the ratification of the Constitution in 1788, our country’s founders were starting to set the groundwork for the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government. After the first federal elections were held in December, the United States, as we know it today, officially began governing in April of 1789 with George Washington at its helm.

Washington, a famously devoted Freemason, started his Masonic journey in what later became known as Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 in Virginia. He received the Entered Apprentice Degree on Nov. 4, 1752, 26 years before the official creation of the Grand Lodge of Virginia in 1778. Lodges in Virginia during that time were usually We all know the traditional story of the first American Thanksgiving:

chartered through the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

in the fall of 1621, the remaining Pilgrims (after almost half of them

Washington passed to the degree of Fellow Craft in March

perished over the first winter in the new world) celebrated their

of the following year, and was raised to Master Mason in August.

fruitful summer harvest with the Native American Wampanoag tribe,

Understandably, his membership was sporadic over the next 35 years

enjoying a banquet of sorts. The celebration included a turkey feast,

due to his involvement in founding our nation. But the wonderful thing

old-fashioned games for the children and playful music and dancing

about Freemasonry is that it waits for you when you get busy, and

as they thanked God for surviving their first year.

will always be there when you get back. That was true for Brother

While historians dispute some claims to the modern story (the

Washington, and it remains true today.

Pilgrims most likely ate wild fowl, like ducks, instead of turkey), the

When Washington was able to return to a more normal life after

transformation of this first celebration into our modern tradition has

the revolution, he remained in constant contact with many members

a long history. There was more than 150 years between the first

and lodges. According to the George Washington Masonic National

Thanksgiving and the Thanksgiving Proclamation that started the

Memorial, in 1788, Alexandria Lodge No. 22 asked Washington to

modern observance.

be its Charter Master under the Virginia Charter from the recently

In celebration and thanks for the historic battle victories during

formed Grand Lodge of Virginia. He agreed, and Washington was

the Revolutionary War, Brother and General George Washington

inaugurated as the first President of the United States on April 30,

declared the first Thanksgiving to be celebrated on Dec. 18, 1777.

1789, while holding the office of Master of Alexandria Lodge. (In

These early celebrations were far from our modern holiday; they

1804, Alexandria Lodge petitioned the Grand Lodge of Virginia to

were more meant as a time of fasting and reflection instead of the

change its name to Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, in memory

14

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

Pennsylvania Freemason

of Washington, which was granted in 1805).

In October 1789, Washington declared the Thanksgiving Proclamation and asked governors to also declare it for their states.

The proclamation was published in newspapers around the country, and it set the date of the first national Thanksgiving for Nov. 26.

In part, the proclamation reads: “Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be – That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks …”

Other such celebrations took place until the very end of the 1790s, when Congress started leaving the decision to declare the holiday to each state. It took another 65 years for the holiday to be observed again across America, with Abraham Lincoln declaring Nov. 26, 1863, a national day of Thanksgiving during the Civil War. Presidents after Lincoln followed tradition and declared the last Thursday in November to be Thanksgiving every year until WWII. Through different acts of Congress over the years, it became an official national holiday without the need for presidential declarations.

Finally, in 1942, Congress passed a bill that set the fourth Thursday of every November as the official day of observance, and it’s been that way

Resources: https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/ thanksgiving/, https://www.mountvernon.org/education/primary-sources-2/article/thanksgivingproclamation-of-1789/, https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/freemasonry/ masonic-associations/, https://georgewashington.org/freemasonry.jsp, https://www.britannica. com/topic/history-of-Europe/The-Enlightenment, https://gwmemorial.org/pages/history, http:// www.midnightfreemasons.org/2012/11/george-washingtons-1789-thanksgiving.html

ever since. As Masons across the country enjoy this national day of thanks, they can be proud of its Masonic connection. Perhaps it can even be a conversation starter around the dinner table.

November 2020

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

15

EDUCATION

A Memorial to George Washington: the Man, the Mason, the Founding Father The Purpose

This unique, local initiative quickly gained interest and

Upon George Washington’s passing in 1799, his wife, Martha,

support among Freemasons across the United States. Rather than

donated his mantle clock, whose pendulum was cut at the moment

memorialize Washington primarily as Commander-in-Chief of the

of his death, to Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, which he had

Continental Army and as the first President of the United States,

chartered. Her donation inspired others to make contributions of

Freemasons sought to celebrate a more complete picture of the

various items, many of which were Masonic. The collection grew in

man, focusing on how Freemasonry had shaped his character and

size and popularity, becoming known as “Washingtonia.” Eventually,

influenced his actions during the Revolution and the establishment

the lodge rooms were deemed inadequate for the display and

of the nation. In 1909, Brother Charles H. Callahan, while Senior

storage of the memorabilia. The lodge’s modest meeting place was

Warden of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, purchased several

destroyed by fire in 1871, and many of the valuable relics were lost.

lots on Shuter’s Hill. He donated this land to the lodge for the site of

In 1896, a new trolley line connecting Washington with Mount Vernon enabled a greater number of tourists traveling the route to Washington’s home to stop in Alexandria. The increase in tourist

a new, fireproof lodge hall. This was the beginning of a movement.

The Process

requests to view the Washingtonia, coupled with growing concerns

Joseph W. Eggleston, Grand Master of Virginia, invited every

over the security of the artifacts, caused the lodge to pursue the

Grand Master representing the independent Grand Lodges of

construction of a building to safely store and display the memorabilia.

the states and territories within the United States to assemble

16

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

Pennsylvania Freemason

in Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 on Feb. 22, 1910,

officers to travel to the grand jurisdictions to bolster communication

(Washington’s 178

Birthday). The purpose was to form what

and support. In September 1918, the association’s officers

became the George Washington Masonic National Memorial

and the Ways and Means Committee members established an

Association to plan and build “a suitable Memorial Temple to George

Advisory Committee consisting of prominent Freemasons. Brother

Washington, the Mason.” Representatives from 26 Grand Lodges

John Wanamaker, who built the famous department stores in

gathered to endorse the erection of the memorial.

Philadelphia and served as Post Master General under President

th

Thomas Shryock, Grand Master of Maryland, was elected the

Benjamin Harrison, chaired the committee, which also included:

first President of the Memorial Association. He led the association’s

U.S. Vice President Thomas R. Marshall; Speaker of the House

efforts until his passing in 1917, the same year the United States

of Representatives Champ Clark; U.S. Senators George E.

entered World War I. Both events could have halted the association’s

Chamberlain of Oregon, Thomas S. Martin of Virginia and Francis

efforts, but at the opening of the 8

E. Warren of Wyoming; Army General and Medal of Honor recipient

th

Annual Meeting of the

Association, Acting President James Johnson, R.W. Past Grand Master of South Carolina, nominated

Nelson A. Miles and Navy Admiral George W. Baird.

At its 10th annual meeting, the

Louis A. Watres, R.W. Past Grand

“Were our memorial to him

concept of a colossal building as a

Master of Pennsylvania, to become

[Washington] as enduring as the

memorial “lighthouse” to Washington

pyramids, it could not exceed the

the United States. Alexandria was the

President, and the brethren unanimously elected him.

Watres knew that asking over two

was approved by the Grand Lodges of

esteem in which we hold him in

obvious location for the monument, as

memorial to George Washington during

our hearts as one whose name

Washington helped charter and was

a world war and great social upheaval

has glorified our land for all time.”

also the town where he attended church

- Brother Louis A. Watres

site followed the ancient tradition for

million American Freemasons to build a

was an incredible challenge. Even after the war ended with an Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918, societal challenges were

it was home to a Masonic lodge that

and maintained a business office. The the location of temples on hilltops or

far from over. In 1919, steel workers and coal miners held national

mountains.

strikes, Chicago suffered major race riots, the U.S. Army invaded

The association approved a resolution to “secure tentative plans

Mexico in pursuit of Poncho Villa and federal agents arrested

for the construction of a Memorial at a cost of not less than one

thousands of alleged Communists and anarchists as the “Red Scare”

million dollars.” The plans were to be submitted on May 21, 1921,

gripped America. On Jan. 17, 1920, prohibition of alcohol became

and must be “in keeping with the character of and achievements of

the law of the land. Despite these challenges to their goal, Watres

George Washington.” They were also to provide free quarters for

responded: “If we had not begun it [the Memorial], that would be one

Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, a fire proof repository for the

thing, but we have begun it, and Masonry, having put its hand to the

Washington relics, “suitable quarters for a great Masonic library,”

plow, never looks backwards.”

an auditorium to seat 1,500 persons and administrative offices for

On the plus side, the project launched during what many

the association. The association next approved the purchase of an

considered a “Golden Age of Freemasonry” in America. Between

additional 22 acres of Shuters Hill at a cost of $8,500. Combined

1917 and 1920, membership increased by more than 500,000,

with the lots donated by Callahan and those purchased by

or over 25%. Watres and his association had to convince over 2.4

Washington-Alexandria Lodge No. 22 in 1915, 36 acres were plenty

million members in more than 14,000 lodges nationwide to channel

for the intended memorial.

their energy to honoring Washington.

The five largest contributors to the memorial were the Grand

Watres organized the states’ Grand Lodges under 10

Lodges of Michigan ($21,881), Illinois ($21,600), Pennsylvania

administrative divisions to strengthen coordination between the

($20,519), Oklahoma ($15,181) and Kentucky ($14,825). Adjusted for

Executive Committee and Grand Lodges and foster friendly

inflation, today, the total 1920 contributions would equal nearly $1.5

fundraising competition. He appointed a squadron of association

million.

November 2020

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

17

EDUCATION In 1922, the association hired the well-known New York firm of Helmle & Corbett to design the memorial. Architect Harvey Wiley Corbett designed a striking skyscraper memorial deemed a modern, dramatic adaptation of an ancient lighthouse form. The memorial was constructed of concrete and granite, using modern technology and engineering. The 333-foot-tall monument is oriented to the east, atop

Brother Louis A. Watres R.W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association President

Shuter’s Hill, and commands expansive views of Alexandria and the Potomac River Valley. While considered young for the job, Brother Carl Rust Parker designed and led the landscape architecture.

Born near Scranton in 1851, Watres left school at age 10 and worked as a coal picker. He and his wife, Effie, had four

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 5,

sons. Self-educated, Watres was admitted to the Lackawanna

1922. Brothers Watres and Charles H. Callahan, Past Master of

Bar in 1878. He founded Scranton’s trolley lines and the Spring

Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 and a future Grand Master of

Brook Water Company; he was President of a number of banks,

Virginia, participated in the ceremony. Despite the great expense,

trusts, coal, lumber and railroad companies; and he published

the Memorial Association was determined not to borrow money.

two local newspapers. He served as Judge Advocate of the

Construction only proceeded as money was collected for each stage

Pennsylvania National Guard and later, as Colonel of the 13th

of the project.

Infantry Regiment. A Republican, he served in a variety of

On Nov. 1, 1923, the Memorial’s cornerstone was laid.

President Calvin Coolidge, former President and Chief Justice

local, county and state offices, including state Senator (18831891) and Lieutenant Governor (1882-1890).

Brother William H. Taft and numerous other dignitaries performed

Watres’ extensive charity included founding a junior

the Masonic ceremony before a crowd of thousands of Freemasons

college, financing a South America research expedition

from around the nation.

and donating land for city parks. He served on the board for

The onset of the Great Depression did not stop work on the Memorial. For over 10 years, Freemasons steadily and faithfully

Scranton’s Home of the Friendless, Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts, YMCA and Symphony Orchestra.

contributed to its construction. On May 12, 1932, the bicentennial

Watres joined Freemasonry in Peter Williamson Lodge No.

year of George Washington’s birth, the dedication of the memorial

323 in 1872 and served as its Master in 1877. He served as

took place with President Herbert Hoover participating.

the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1916

After World War II, work on the Memorial’s interior became a major focus. By 1970, the memorial was completed. In 1982, a new entry was developed, featuring a concrete retaining wall

and 1917 and was a member of the Masonic Home Committee, 1908-1917 and 1920-21.

Masonic square and compasses emblem was installed upon the

Other Washington Masonic National Memorial Association Advisory Board Members from Pennsylvania

terraces in front of the memorial, and in 2000, more than 600 trees

James M. Lamberton, Vice President, 1911-1916

were planted. In 2015, the Memorial was designated a National

John Wanamaker, Chairman, 1919-1922

Historic Landmark.

Andrew W. Mellon, 1929-1938

inscribed with a quote and adorned with a sculpture relocated from the Washington Monument in 1976. In 1999, a 4,000-square-foot

Samuel M. Goodyear, 1938-1953 George H. Deike, 1953-1964 Resources: The Memorial Association 1918-1919 and Securing the Men and

Sanford M. Chilcote, 1964-1974

Materials: President Louis Watres at Labor, 1918-1921 by Mark Tabbert, Director of

John K. Young, Vice President, 1973-1979

Collections for the George Washington Memorial; https://tclf.org/landscapes/george-

John L. McCain, 1982-1985

washington-masonic-national-memorial; https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/va2095/, http://aw22.org/documents/Anecdote7_AW22_Rent.pdf, pages/history

18

https://gwmemorial.org/

Winfield Scott Stoner, President, 1991-2006 Thomas K. Sturgeon, Vice President, 2011-present

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

Pennsylvania Freemason

Outreach Program Helps During Pandemic Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Pennsylvania midMarch, the Masonic Outreach program began receiving a greater number of requests for assistance from Masons and their families communicating a variety of challenging situations. As the result of Governor Tom Wolf’s order for all non-essential businesses to close, many lost their jobs and faced new obstacles. Fortunately, as part of the core mission of the Masonic Villages, the Outreach Program was able to continue to support not only those already receiving a steady flow of resources, but dozens of additional requests in a compassionate, responsive manner.

Upon anticipating the growing needs from the family of Freemasonry, Brother Nicholas Mahler, Director of Outreach, checked in with the volunteer members of the program’s legal and financial panels to determine whether the pandemic would affect their ability to help those in need of assistance. “Thankfully, we have a committed group of professionals who affirmed they would be ready to help, despite the impacts COVID-19 may have had on their practices,” Nicholas said. The volunteers assisted Outreach clients with negotiating hospital bills, reviewing debt-related situations and many other varied needs.

“During those very challenging times, it was important for us to deliver outreach support to those in need without disruption, to assure those we already had our arms around continued receiving support, and to be accessible to those who needed us to provide reassurance and attention for their needs,” Nicholas said.

Working closely with the Masonic Villages’ board of directors to evaluate and grant requests for aid, the Outreach Program extended home assistance for members and their loved ones to purchase essential items, such as hearing aids and food, and to pay the rent.

In one instance, an existing client reached out after becoming the victim of a house fire in June. The 85-year-old retired truck driver, who has had recent health issues, supports five young family members in his home. Fortunately, none of them were injured, but the brother and his family were temporarily staying in a hotel while the insurance company was handling the claim and repairs.

Another brother reached out for help upon being diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. While he was receiving short-term disability, his income was sufficiently decreased, and he requested assistance

November 2020

to help him support his wife and 7-year-old daughter, as he expected his medical bills would cause a deficit. Outreach supplied the family with $300 in grocery gift cards a month for six months.

A friend of a 100-year-old Masonic widow called Outreach for help on her behalf. The widow had run out of money to pay for her care in a personal care home, and prior to her daughter passing away, she had asked the friend to be her mother’s power of attorney.

The friend and her husband had been helping to pay for the widow’s personal care and medical bills, but were running out money.

Although the widow was on the waiting list to move to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, it was anticipated she would need to wait another nine to 12 months until a room would be available. Since the widow is blind and enjoys volunteering at her current home, it was decided it would be best for her to remain there rather than to initiate a transition that could be disruptive to her relationships and routine.

Instead, Outreach offered to subsidize the widow’s monthly room and board for the rest of her life.

It takes a committed group of members, leaders, volunteers and staff to provide our fraternity and our families with care and support during times like these. Thanks to the Masonic Villages’ culture and structure, members can be assured that even during tough situations and circumstances, Outreach will continue to serve our great fraternity, now and in the future, with the compassion and sensitivity our members deserve. Feel free to contact Outreach with questions at 1-800-462-7664 or email outreach@masonicvillages.org.

Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine

19

PHILANTHROPY

Masonic Art Contest Winners Announced Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 “Embodying Masonic

to prior sale. Prices do not include shipping, handling and insurance.

Values” art competition sponsored by The Masonic Library and

Buyers may choose to pick up their purchase at the Masonic Temple,

Museum of Pennsylvania! Both amateur and professional artists, 18

One North Broad Street, Philadelphia. Please contact the gift shop

and older, were invited to submit original entries to the contest by

at 215-988-1977, Tuesday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., to make

Aug. 6. Thirty entries were submitted this year. Jurors included Travis

a purchase and arrangements.

Simpkins, artist; William Scott Noel, painter; and Moe A. Brooker,

BEST IN CATEGORY - $200 AWARD

painter. The presiding judge is Jeff Dion, artist. All entered artwork

Oil - HakChul Kim for Origin White Night 1

displayed a visual interpretation of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania.

Three-dimensional - Dmitrii Volkov for Bow 2

Due to COVID-19, the Grand Exhibition Gala was canceled.

Drawing and Print-making - Jess Hess for Then, Now, Forever 3

The annual Grand Exhibition is now on view for two months,

Water-Based Medium - Brother Joseph Shawn for Hiram’s

from Oct. 6 through Dec. 5, in the Grand Ballroom and

Last Glance 4

other areas of the Masonic Temple. It can also be viewed at

Digital Imagery - Valerie Lang for Making of Men 5

https://pamasonictemple.org/open-art-competition/.

GRAND MASTER’S PRIZE - $500 AWARD

Some Grand Exhibition artists have chosen to offer their works

Brother Ryan Flynn for The Master and the Apprentice 6

for sale, with 80% of the sale value going to them and 20% to The

BEST IN SHOW - $1,000 AWARD

Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania. All pieces are subject

Mark Schreiber for Philadelphia 2018 from the Schuylkill River 7

Masonic Temple is Open for Tours

Nov. 14, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Brother John Minott: “Freemasonry and the American Revolution” A graduate of Stanford University, John, a member of Lodge No. 2, Philadelphia, has been a tour guide at the Masonic Temple for 27 years. His presentation will provide a brief overview of the Freemasons who contributed toward achieving the United States’ independence, including Brothers John Paul Jones, Baron Von Steuben and Benjamin Franklin.

Dec. 5, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Brother Daniel Rivers: “Masonic Connection with Apollo 11” Daniel holds dual doctorate degrees in Metaphysics and a master’s degree in Divinity. He has over a quarter century of experience in the Hermetic, Rosicrucian and Martinist sciences. A Past Master of Athelstan Lamberton Lodge No. 482, Philadelphia, Daniel is also a member of the The Masonic Library and Museum of PA staff.

Daniels’ presentation will connect the links between the Masons and Apollo 11, touching on key aspects of this alleged conspiracy theory.

Jan. 16, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Brother Michael Laskowski: “Journey to the Archives” Worshipful Master of Columbia Lodge No. 91, Philadelphia, Michael is the Archivist for the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in European and American History and a master’s degree in History for Educators.

The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia has reopened with limited guided tours available for individuals and groups of up to 10 people, Tuesday - Saturday, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 215-988-1917 to schedule a tour or for more information.

ONE is Open for Events ONE North Broad, the corporate event and wedding venue housed in the Masonic Temple, is available for reservations.

Call 215-988-1936 for more information.

Save the Dates: Speaker Series The Masonic Library and Museum will be hosting guest speakers on a monthly basis, presenting free programs on a variety of topics of both a Masonic and non-Masonic nature.

These presentations are open to the public, but will be limited to 24 guests, plus the speaker. Reservations are required. Call 215-988-1917 or email templeevents@pagrandlodge.org to reserve your place. The programs will be live-streamed as well; the link will be posted on https://pamasonictemple.org/.

20

Library and Museum www.pamasonictemple.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

6

1

4

7

5

2

3

November 2020

Library and Museum www.pamasonictemple.org

21

PHILANTHROPY

Giving the Gift of Life After Death

by Brother Jack Rockwell Wheeler, P.M., Rural Amity Lodge No. 70, Athens, and Trojan Lodge No. 306, Troy; Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program Ambassador and Chairman for Masonic District 16 In 1992, my wife, Carol, was diagnosed with hyper-tense

her tissue could help burn victims and that her major bones could

kidneys: high blood pressure caused by poor kidney function, which

benefit others now, and through research, into the future. I agreed to

was made worse by her high blood pressure. This endless cycle

the retrieval and know that Carol smiled down from Heaven. CORE

was systematically decreasing her kidney function. We were told

has informed our family that two people can now see, thanks to

that she would need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Carol’s older

Carol’s love and donation. Research can be continued, and possible

brother, Mike Fisher, volunteered to be a living donor. Their match

treatments or cures may be found, thanks to these gifts. Carol lives

was exceptional – to the point that the doctor, Dr. John Najarian of

on, and we know others are blessed and benefit because Carol

the University of Minnesota Medical Center, said it was as if Carol

cared enough to help others throughout her life and after.

was receiving a kidney identical to her own.

I asked Brother David R. McGuigan, D.D.G.M., if I might be

After her transplant on Nov. 4, 1993, Carol enjoyed 26 years

Masonic District 16’s Blood+Organ Donor Chairman, given my close

of life until Feb. 20, 2019, when she died of a massive coronary as

personal experiences with organ donation. Since it was a logical fit to

we were leaving her doctor’s office. Despite immediate care from a

have someone speak to the district lodges, he agreed. At one point,

team of eight doctors and nurses there, she was gone. Her years of

prior to becoming the district chairman, I had an experience which

fighting the good fight were over, and she had gained her reward for

brought home the value of organ donation and the sad waste that

a life well lived. I spent the evening grieving and fielding calls from

unrecovered organs can be. I call this my “Jimmy Story.”

across the country and internationally. Carol was much loved by

Jimmy was the sexton at our church. He was in his late 40s

all. Our family was saddened but knew it was inevitable. She had

but had the awareness of a 10-year-old. Jimmy did a fantastic job

lived a good life – able to see both of our sons married, our three

mowing the grass, shoveling snow and vacuuming the sanctuary.

grandchildren born and their progression through their religious

Every morning, he would stop at the manse and ask Pastor Bill what

education. We were blessed.

he should do for the day. Pastor Bill almost always made breakfast

When I went to bed that night, I had my cell phone on the

for the two of them and instructed Jimmy on the day’s needs.

nightstand in case a family member might call. At midnight, I

Pastor Bill, a Mason, was planning a two-week trip to Ireland for his

received a call from Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh! I didn’t know anyone

vacation and shared his excitement with everyone. One morning, just

in Pittsburgh, so I rejected the call and went back to sleep. At

before Pastor Bill’s trip was to start, Jimmy arrived at the manse to

4:30 a.m., the phone rang, and it was Pittsburgh, again! I decided to

find Pastor Bill sitting in his chair, with a book about Ireland in his lap,

stop this once and for all. The lady on the phone said, “Mr. Wheeler,

deceased. Jimmy came to me at my business, in tears, and told me

please do not hang up. I am calling you from CORE regarding

what happened. I called 911 and the church officers and went to the

Carol’s wish to be an organ donor.” [CORE stands for Center for

manse.

Organ Recovery and Education, one of two Organ Procurement

Pastor Bill had an exceptionally well-attended Masonic funeral

Organizations (OPOs), in Pennsylvania. The other is Gift of Life

service, and the whole area mourned his passing. About three days

Donor Program, both valued partners of the Masonic Blood+Organ

after the funeral, Jimmy came to me and asked when Pastor Bill’s

Donor Program].

body would float up to Heaven. I explained to Jimmy that when

Those were magic words. I agreed to discuss Carol’s wish

we die, our soul goes to Heaven, and what he saw in Pastor Bill’s

and medical history with her. She explained that time was of the

coffin was only the shell he left behind. Jimmy was satisfied with this

essence, and a team would be dispatched to the hospital to recover

explanation, which caused me to wonder, “How many people leave

some of Carol’s tissue and organs. I asked how she could even

behind a ‘shell’ with perfectly usable parts that could benefit others?”

be considered, given her condition, 18 daily medications and 26

When speaking with my Masonic brethren, I reflect on the

years of dialysis. I learned Carol’s corneas would help others see,

“Jimmy Story” and the fact that we are a rural district, with many a

22

Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program

Pennsylvania Freemason

farming background. I liken organ donation to having a 60-year-old

perfect, selfless example of doing good for everyone, even those

John Deere Model A tractor out behind the barn that is not being

we do not know. This is the essence of pure charity. I encourage

used. If a neighbor were to come along and needed a solenoid for

every brother and their family members to become blood and organ

a John Deere A, they would probably say, “There is one out back.

donors.

Go take what you need.” Organ donation is the same. After your

If you have not previously registered as an organ donor on your

soul is in Heaven, if there are spare parts someone can use, tell

Pennsylvania driver’s license, please consider doing so by visiting

them, “There are some out back; take what you need.” This actually

the Donate Life PA website, https://donatelifepa.org/, or learn more

resonates with most of the brethren, as they realize they can’t take

on our Organ Donation page, https://masonicbloodandorgandonors.

their organs to Heaven, and God knows we need them here.

org/organ-donation/.

I am blessed to be an Ambassador for the Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program as well as the CORE Representative

Visit

our

Blood

Donor

page, https://

masonicbloodandorgandonors.org/blood-donation/, for additional resources and information on blood donations.

for Bradford County, PA, and Chemung County, NY. As Masonic District 16’s Blood+Organ Donor Program Chairman, I get to share this valuable opportunity with our brethren to give the gift of life, long after they are already in Heaven.

As Masons, we are taught to do good to everyone, especially those who are of the household of the faithful. Organ donation is a

November 2020 Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program MasonicBloodAndOrganDonors.org

23

PHILANTHROPY

Taking up the Call to Lead It takes a strong organization to be

Their planning also helped regain a lot

around for 100 years, but even more so if that

of inactive members who just couldn’t find

organization started during one pandemic and

the time for DeMolay before. Leaders tried to

is currently thriving through another.

make it fun and lift members’ spirits during

“DeMolay was started in 1919, right at

the hard time. “We ended up bringing more

the end of the Spanish flu,” Tyler Moyer, past

people back than we lost,” Tyler said. “We

International Master Councilor, said, “and now

got down to brass tacks and found other

we find ourselves, right after our centennial

ways to engage people. We did social media

celebration, in another outbreak. But, we’re

takeovers and answered questions and just

still here.”

made ourselves open.”

Tyler has been very active in DeMolay

Each year, DeMolay has a theme that

International and his local and regional

they rally around to inspire members. The

chapters for 10 years. His first major role in

theme for 2019-2020 was “Carry the Flame,”

the organization was becoming the Master

which encouraged the young men to renew

Councilor of Pilgrim Chapter, located in Harrisburg, in 2013, when he

and uphold the tenets of DeMolay. “Because of the pandemic, there

was 14 years old. Since then, he has worked his way through various

wasn’t a clear path forward,” Tyler explains, “but we were able to use

positions, most recently serving as International Master Councilor

the values of DeMolay, and they helped guide us.”

from 2019-2020.

For his work at unifying the organization in the midst of

Tyler had a pretty normal beginning to his term, starting in July

the pandemic during his term, Tyler, along with the International

2019. He traveled to many different chapters across the country,

Congress Secretary Jared Replogle, was bestowed the highest

meeting with members, partner organizations and sister groups

honor that a DeMolay member can receive. At the 100th Annual

like Job’s Daughters and Rainbow Girls. His general role was to be

Session, Grand Master of DeMolay International John Whitaker

the spokesperson for DeMolay, making sure that chapters stayed

presented them each with a Grand Cross, representing their

updated on what plans the organization had for the coming year.

exemplary work in public service.

However, with all in-person events being canceled starting in

Although his tenure as International Master Councilor has

mid-March, Tyler took up the call to lead and started planning online

ended, the values and drive that DeMolay helped cultivate will

events. Throughout this time, he faced many challenges in keeping

continue with him. Tyler is a senior at Penn State University studying

members interested, involved and hopeful about their future.

information systems management. He decided to follow this career

He organized a large online meeting early into the COVID-19

path because of his work at DeMolay: having to organize where,

shutdown to plan how to move forward. He brought the chapters

when, how and who for the organization prepared him well for supply

together for a “youth town hall,” a 2½-hour long conference where

management.

they connected by discussing plans, answering questions and playing games.

The values also follow him through the final words of his favorite DeMolay ritual, the Ceremony of Light, which he recited

It ended up being a success, and hundreds of members from

from memory: “Yet each of you, as a DeMolay, holds within your

many different chapters were able to attend. The town hall required

heart a flame, a beacon to guide you through the darkness. If you

a large amount of work to be executed properly, and Tyler said it was

can make this light shine upon another, if you can reach into the

one of the most difficult things he did during his term. But the work

innermost depths of his soul and set his flame afire, then therein lies

paid off, and he says that “it provided a sense of calm – that things

the purpose of the Order of DeMolay, and therein lies your purpose

were going to get better.”

for living.”

24

Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation www.pmyf.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

It’s Scholarship Time!

As the school year begins for our students, whether they are attending virtually or in person, it’s time to start thinking about higher

all of the requirements and application details are included in the guide.

educational opportunities. It can be difficult for a student to know

The Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide for the 2021

how they will pay for school, and the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth

program and the 2021 PMYF scholarship application are available at

Foundation (PMYF) is here to help. Since its beginning, PMYF has

www.pmyf.org or by contacting PMYF at 1-800-266-8424, ext. 2 or

been able to offer scholarships for young adults connected to the

Assistant Executive Director Dave Berry at dwberry@pademolay.org.

Masonic fraternity, whether through family relations or by being a

Start planning now to decide which scholarships fit your needs.

member of a Masonic youth group.

There are many scholarships available, which all can be found in the Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide. The guide provides information on nearly 70 scholarships, grants and loan opportunities for Masons, their siblings, children and grandchildren; members of the Masonic-related youth groups; and residents or graduates of the Masonic Children’s Home. Most of these additional scholarship opportunities require the submission of a separate application, and

November 2020

Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation www.pmyf.org 25

PHILANTHROPY

Board member feature:

Robert C. Snyder, II Bobby pulls on his experience in insurance and as a business owner in serving on the Masonic Villages’ admissions, home assistance and resident services, and building and grounds subcommittees. He also serves on Grand Lodge’s Committee on Masonic Education.

“When I was very young, I remember my father wearing a tuxedo and heading off to lodge,” Bobby recalls. “I didn’t really know what it meant, but I remember him saying, ‘If I had to give up every organization I am involved in except one, the Masonic fraternity is the one I would keep.’” Bob served as Worshipful Master in 1966.

Because of the love and respect he had for his father, Bobby joined Mount Zion Lodge No. 774 to follow in his father’s footsteps. He served as Worshipful Master in 2006 and as District Deputy Grand Master for Masonic District 34 from 2008-2017.

While currently consumed with his Masonic activities, Bobby previously served his community as President of the Fulton County Brother Robert “Bobby” C. Snyder, II, did his homework before

Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, which named him “Man of the

joining the Masonic Villages family in December 2017, when he was

Year” in 2002, as a board member of Central Fulton School District,

elected to the Board of Directors.

and as the Secretary of the McConnellsburg Lions Club. He has

“Before I was elected, my wife, Cathy, and I toured each of

served as bookkeeper for Saint Stephen Church for 20+ years.

the Masonic Village campuses and visited with staff and residents,”

“Cathy and I have met so many wonderful people during

Bobby said. “Those trips were invaluable in understanding our

our travels and while I’ve served on the board,” Bobby said. “It is

‘Mission of Love.’ Everyone was so positive, from the residents

especially hard right now with the current restrictions. We have so

who truly appreciated being there, to the staff’s desire to serve with

many friends on the campuses we are looking forward to visiting with

compassion and understanding. For Cathy and me, the Masonic

again.”

Villages felt, and were, like home.”

Avid fitness enthusiasts, Bobby and Cathy work out together

After graduating from McConnellsburg High School, Bobby

every morning. They will be celebrating their 40th wedding

attended Penn State University, where he ran competitively on the

anniversary this December. They are the loving parents of

track and cross country teams, earning All-American honors four

Christopher Snyder and his lady, Tina Dipaola, who are expecting

times. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education, but

their first child in December, and Matthew Snyder and his lady,

decided to join the family business.

Shannia Robertson, who have blessed them with adorable 1-year-old

Bobby is the commercial insurance producer, agency manager

granddaughter, Oaklyn.

and partner at Robert Snyder Agency, an independent insurance

The Masonic heritage is strong in the Snyder family. After a 47-

agency in McConnellsburg. The agency was founded by his father,

year break in performing any Masonic degree work, Bob conferred

Brother Robert C. “Bob” Snyder, in 1961. Bobby joined the agency

the Entered Apprentice Masons Degree upon both Christopher and

in 1979, followed by his sister, Heidi Newman, in 1982. Today, Bobby

Matthew on Oct. 4, 2014, with Bobby serving as their Guide.

and Heidi are the principal owners.

26

Masonic Villages www.masonicvillages.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

Reducing Taxes with the Help of a Gift Planning Professional An IRA Case Study

By Brother Alvin H. Blitz, Esq., Chief Gift Planning Officer, Masonic Charities

The Office of Gift Planning for the Masonic Charities first opened

investments in Microsoft and Apple in the 1990s. Bob’s advisor

on the Elizabethtown campus of the Masonic Villages in 1989 with a

suggested that this account go to his son, Tom, at death, since

staff of one. Since then, it has grown to a staff of four that provides

Tom would get the stock with a basis value based on the fair market

gift planning services for individuals desiring to support the Masonic

value at Bob’s death and avoid all the unrealized capital gains on

Charities. These four gift planning professionals assist individuals in

the stock. In essence, Tom was getting the stock free of any taxes.

attaining their charitable and family goals with tax savings in mind.

After I explained to Bob that any gift to a qualified charity from his

I am proud to say that during my 20 years as the Chief Director of

IRA after his passing is not subject to taxes, he then asked his

the Gift Planning Office, we have assisted over 1,000 individuals

advisor to have $250,000 designated from his IRA to the children’s

in realizing their life financial goals with charity in mind. Let’s talk

home upon his death.

about one recent story of success.

Bob, a fellow Mason, had a love for the Masonic Children’s

Tom in case he falls on hard times or spends the stock account.

Home. It started when he made his first gift to buy school supplies

I recommended that they consider using the remaining $750,000

for the children. But Bob wanted to do more. So, I met with Bob

in his IRA to fund a charitable remainder unitrust at Bob’s death,

and his advisor, and we discussed how Bob could help underwrite

which would pay Tom 5% of the value of the trust, as determined

the cost of renovating some of the children’s home buildings. Bob

each year, for the rest of Tom’s life. When Tom passed, the funds

had a large IRA, which required him to take distributions each year

remaining in the trust could go to the children’s home and would meet

because he was older than 70½. These distributions were taxed as

his $1,000,000 goal for the children’s home while still providing for

ordinary income on money Bob did not need at the time. I suggested

Tom during his lifetime. Bob liked the idea and met with his attorney.

to Bob that instead of taking these distributions from his IRA, he

His attorney agreed the proposal was in Bob’s best interest and

consider using them to underwrite the cost of the renovations. I

contacted me to work through the details. I was happy to help Bob

explained that if these distributions went directly to the Masonic

accomplish his personal tax, estate and charitable goals.

Children’s Home, they would be nontaxable to him as a “qualified

charitable distribution.” Bob was delighted to hear of this method to

these tax planning topics for your IRA by visiting Masonic Charities’

save taxes and help his favorite charity, so he directed his advisor

website at www.masoniccharitiespa.org and clicking on the “News”

to have a check cut from his IRA to the Masonic Children’s Home

tab at the top of the page.

for $35,000 to cover the renovation costs. It was a win-win for Bob

and the children’s home.

in realizing your tax, estate and charitable goals, there are several

Later that year, Bob asked to meet with me again to discuss

ways to reach out. Contact our office at 1-800-599-6454 and ask to

his IRA while it was rather large, because it included all the monies

speak to a gift planning professional. Or, visit the new Planned Giving

he rolled over from his retirement plan when he retired. He wanted

website for the Masonic Charities, www.masoniccharitieslegacy.org,

to know how he could make a $1,000,000 gift from the IRA to the

to seek more information on how to be a savvy planner, and then

children’s home when he passed. We met with his advisor again

set up an appointment with a gift planning professional through our

and worked on a game plan for Bob to accomplish his goal. Bob had

“Contact” page on the website.

a brokerage account worth more than $1,000,000 from his savvy

November 2020

Bob then asked if he could provide a source of income for

You can view a PowerPoint video presentation I led on each of

If you would like to meet a gift planning professional to assist you

Thank you for the supporting the Masonic Charities!

Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org 27

PHILANTHROPY

Gift Ideas for a Loved One in a Long-Term Care Community •

Snacks like soft cookies, raisins, peanut butter crackers, cupcakes and cereal they can enjoy and share, if desired

•

Crossword puzzles

•

Word search books

•

Seek-and-find books

•

Adult coloring books and colored pencils

•

Photo albums or scrapbooks

•

Framed pictures of family, or digital frames with photos uploaded

•

Toiletries such as body wash, lotions or shampoo and conditioner

•

Hats, gloves and scarves for going out on trips

•

Sweaters

•

A music player with CDs of their favorite singers or music downloaded onto them

Finding the most useful gifts for a family member who lives in a

•

Restaurant gift certificates they can use for a meal trip

long-term care community to enjoy can be challenging. Older adults

•

Playing cards

have received a lifetime of gifts, but over the years, their needs and

•

Large piece jigsaw puzzles

interests may change. They may be dealing with physical health

•

Cards, notepaper, envelopes and stamps

issues or memory loss and appreciate everyday items that wouldn’t

•

Jewelry sets for women

normally come to mind.

•

Holiday decorations

What most people want is TIME with their family members over

At Masonic Village’s Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill and

anything else. If you can’t be there in person, a phone call or video

Warminster locations, ask about gift certificates for the campus gift

chat is the next best thing. If your loved one can’t make it home for

shops.

the holidays, bring some of their favorite foods and decorations to them.

If you would like to bless a resident who may not have family to provide gifts this holiday season, consider sending a gift or gifts to

In addition to giving your time, Masonic Village team members

the Masonic Village nearest you or browse through items in Masonic

offer the following suggestions for appropriate holiday gifts for loved

Villages’ Holiday Giving Catalog by visiting https://MVGivingCatalog.

ones residing in a nursing or personal care home:

org. For more information about the most needed/desired items,

•

Slipper socks

please visit https://masonicvillages.org/sending-smiles/. If you have

•

Robes

time to spare and would like to build a relationship with a resident

•

Pajamas

via letters, emails, phone calls or video chat, please visit https://

•

A quilt or blanket, especially memory blankets with pictures on

masonicvillages.org/pen-pals-and-phone-friends/.

them •

28

Watches or clocks designed for people with visual deficits

Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

Life is unpredictable.

Let Us Be Your Foundation.

Your retirement years should be all you've hoped and planned for.

Masonic Village can provide peace of mind during trying times, so you can continue to thrive and enjoy life, even amidst a pandemic. Put your concerns to rest, because you have a team of people who care about you. Inside the safety and security of our beautiful campuses, all necessary services are available - and if needed, delivered to your doorstep - so you can live worry-free.

In good times and bad, it takes a Masonic Village.

Contact us to visit in person or online!

Call the community you’re interested in below for available times: Masonic Village at Dallas: 570-446-5658 Masonic Village at Elizabethtown: 717-473-0614 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill: 484-535-3119 Masonic Village at Sewickley: 724-242-5099 *Each community’s availability for in-person visits is subject to local guidelines.

November 2020

Masonic Villages www.masonicvillages.org

29

PHILANTHROPY

1.

Five Ways to Give to the Masonic Charities this Holiday!

Make the Season Brighter for Those in Need

GIVING CATALOGS

Purchase items to benefit residents of our Masonic Villages and Masonic Children’s Home. Visit MVGivingCatalog.org and MCHGivingCatalog.org to view and purchase items, including books, games, clothing, holiday gifts and more.

2.

MASONIC VILLAGES’ WISH LIST

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION (QCD)

If you are 70½ or older, you can use your individual retirement account (IRA) to support the mission of any one of the Masonic Charities. Call 1-800-599-6454 and ask for our QCD planning kit or to speak to a gift planner.

4.

CORNERSTONE CIRCLE FOR MONTHLY GIVING

5.

3.

AMAZONSMILE

When you shop at AmazonSmile for your holiday gifts, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the Masonic charity of your choice. Bookmark one of the following links, so all your eligible purchases will benefit your selected charity every time you shop!

Pennsylvania Masonic Charities Foundation: smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2720910 Masonic Villages: smile.amazon.com/ch/23-0846955 Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation: smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2188997 Masonic Library and Museum: smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2608317

Authorize a specified amount of money to be electronically transferred directly from your checking account or credit card monthly. This is the easiest form of giving – plus, you will receive a year-end statement of monthly giving for easy tax preparation.

You can cancel your authorization at any time. To join the Cornerstone Circle, call 1-800-599-6454 or visit MasonicCharitiesPa.org.

30

Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

Qty Item Unit Cost Masonic Village at Dallas 1 Park bench $800 1 Phillips HeadStart AED (defibrillator) $1,275 Masonic Village at Elizabethtown 244 Fluoride treatments $20 13 Hair care service gift cards for residents who $25 exhausted funds 3 Massages for pain $65 5 Annual Wellness Memberships $120 10 Donations for residents in a healthcare $250 neighborhood to eat at a restaurant or order take-out 4 All-weather courtyard armchairs (set of 4) $400 1 Sensory LED bubble wall $425 1 Living room matching end tables $500 6 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) $1,200 1 Clubhouse Library $1,268 4 Gliders $1,650 1 Masonic Health Care Center Library $2,000 1 Grand Lodge Hall Library $2,000 1 Chair scale $4,300 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill 10 Service for Eversound headset systems $200 1 Upright piano $8,000 Masonic Village at Sewickley 1 Portable sound system for Retirement Living $1,000 Dining Room 1 Outdoor movie screen and projector $2,000 1 Recording technology system $3,000 1 Nordic wellness chair $8,500 1 Replace Assembly Room projector $10,000 Masonic Village at Warminster 1 Enlarge small pond in courtyard $34,750 Masonic Village Home Care 20 Home Care gift certificates $50 Masonic Village Hospice Gift card to local diner $20 Gift card to local restaurant $50 Gift card to local grocery store delivery $75 Gift card to local spa $100 Donation for transportation cost $100 Hospitality cart supplies $100 Week at the shore $1,500

November 2020

MASONIC VILLAGES’

2020

WISH LIST

OFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING

1-800-599-6454

Thank you to the following individuals, lodges and organizations that have made a difference in the lives of our residents through the Wish List. Gifts were made between May 1 - July 31, 2020: MASONIC VILLAGE AT DALLAS Clayton J. and Theresa Karambelas MASONIC VILLAGE AT ELIZABETHTOWN John Floyd Dominicis Claude L. Foreman Todd L. Hineline and Cynthia L. Bartynski Susan K. Joines Donald B. Kreitz and Shirley Tackett Walter C. and Susan Service, III Marilyn E. Sheldon John S. and Phyllis E. Switaj Ken R. and Phyllis E. Zimmerman MASONIC VILLAGE AT WARMINSTER William C. and Donna Kinkle MASONIC VILLAGE HOSPICE Robert D. and Lisa A. Geer MASONIC CHILDREN’S HOME Wayne M. and Nancylee Garafola Evelyn Hunter-Longdon Ronald A. and Judy A. McKnight Timothy B. and Marcia L. Spangler 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 oversubscribed, the funds will be used for additional wish list items or needs in the same service area.

Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org

31

“With the help of the Office of Gift Planning, I was able to purchase a charitable gift annuity that produced enough income to cover a significant part of my monthly bills, while resting assured that what is left of the annuity when it ends will go to help the kids at the Masonic Children’s Home.” – Brother Donald Wood, Polaris Lodge No. 375

Why a Charitable Gift Annuity with Masonic Charities?

If you are like Brother Donald, you may be tired of the fluctuating stock markets, tired of paying high income taxes and concerned that if you sold your appreciated assets, you would pay taxes on the capital gains.

Here is a Solution!

A Charitable Gift Annuity with the Masonic Charities is simple, versatile and accessible to many donors over the age of 65. It provides you with secure, partially tax-free fixed income for your life and/or a spouse or child over the age of 55 AND provides a tax deduction. Plus, it’s an easy way to create a meaningful legacy to your favorite Masonic Charity by passing the remaining balance from your annuity at its completion to support the work of the Masonic Charities.

It’s easy:

1. D ecide on the amount of your gift (minimum $5,000) and the type of asset you will use to fund your gift annuity (cash, stocks, mutual funds, etc.) or if you would like the convenience of purchasing an annuity with your credit card to gain rewards.

2. Call 1-800-599-6454 to speak with a Gift Planning Officer or email us at Giving@MasonicCharities.org.

SAMPLE GUARANTEED LIFETIME RATES For One Life For Two Lives Age Rate Age Rate 70 4.7% 70 & 75 4.3% 75 5.4% 75 & 80 4.9% 77 5.8% 85 & 85 6.5% 81 6.7% 85 & 90 7.1% 85 7.6% 90 & 90 8.2% 90+ 8.6% 90 & 95 8.4% Note: This is a partial listing. Rates exist for any combination of ages.

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__________________________  Call me about using my credit card to purchase my annuity.

Phone (

) __________________________

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.