7 minute read
EDUCATION
Preserving Masonic History and Its Lessons
The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania restores, preserves and maintains monuments representing the heritage of Freemasonry throughout Pennsylvania, including Benjamin Franklin at the Press in Philadelphia, the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial in Gettysburg, the Masonic Monument in Valley Forge, the “Ben Franklin at Work” statue in Philadelphia and the Washington at Prayer statue at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (FFVF).
More than 20,000 Masons and their families witnessed the dedication of the [Brother George] Washington at Prayer statue in “ancient Masonic custom and tradition” at FFVF in September 1967. Not only was it one of the largest gatherings of Masons in the history of the Grand Lodge, it was also one of the largest crowds ever to witness the unveiling and dedication of a statue in the United States.
The nine-foot bronze statue, by sculptor Donald DeLue, was a gift to FFVF from Pennsylvania Freemasons. FFVF was established to create and build an understanding of the spirit and philosophy of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. To that end, FFVF provides immersive programs for students and graduate-level professional development courses for teachers.
“When the statue was donated, we were in the height of building our campus to serve as a place for teachers and students to learn about American history and civic responsibility,” said Jason L.S. Raia, Chief Operating Officer at FFVF. “Everything we do today is about exploring how we are free, why we are free and what we need to do to remain free.”
The statue overlooks FFVF’s 42acre Medal of Honor Grove, the oldest living memorial honoring all 3,500+ Medal of Honor recipients. (The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force.)
The statue depicts Washington kneeling in prayer in the early morning hours at Valley Forge. It refers to the story told by Isaac Potts that he once came upon General Washington praying in Valley Forge during the winter encampment.
The statue had restoration work done to it from August - October 2022 by a crew from Kreilick Conservation LLC, in Oreland, PA. Brother Michael Comfort, Director, Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania, invited the company to assist with the project. Portions of the statue had been discolored (pictured above) due to age, wear and tear and runoff from acid rain,
said Scott Kreilick, President and CEO of Kreilick Conservation. Crews cleaned the statue and reintegrated color where necessary. They applied a wax coating to protect the bronze surface and cleared small weepholes in the statue so rainwater could drain properly. The masonry pedestal and the terrace that surrounds the statue were also restored. The entire base was disassembled, the old mortar cleaned off the stones and concrete core, and reassembled in the same configuration using all new mortar. New signage was installed at the site.
“We are thrilled that the Masons wanted to do this project,” Jason said.
“I’ve been bragging about how smart the Masons are as an organization because as far as I know, of all the people who have made donations of monuments, the Masons are the only ones who have put in funds for restoration work. We are thrilled that they had the foresight to say, ‘We’re going to help these organizations when it comes time to do restoration work.’”
Michael echoed that sentiment.
Stay tuned for photos on the finished product on social media.
Masonic Library & Museum SPEAKER SERIES
Monthly guest speakers present free programs open to the public. Reservations are required: call 215-988-1917 or email templeevents@pagrandlodge.org. The programs are live-streamed as well; for more information, visit PaMasonicTemple.org/events. If you have an idea for a speaker series program, contact Brother Mike Comfort at 215-988-1977.
Let’s Have a New Masonic Temple: A Case Study in Courage and Stewardship
Nov. 19, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
The presentation will examine the vision, courage and perseverance of the Grand Lodge in constructing our “New Masonic Temple” (18651873) in the face of daunting financial risks, inclement weather and unforeseen impediments on the site. It will also explore the covenant of trust placed in future generations of Pennsylvania Freemasons to improve, maintain and preserve the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia and the remarkable stewardship of the fraternity in honoring this commitment over the past 150 years.
Presenter:
William L. Kingsbury, CEO, Masonic Villages, is responsible for the management of the Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, including the Masonic Villages, the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation.
Brother Bill earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and finance from Villanova University and his juris doctorate from the university’s School of Law. He joined the law firm of Peck, Young & VanSant, Philadelphia, in 1995 and was promoted to partner in 1997. In 2001, the firm merged into the national law firm of Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP, where Bill served in various leadership positions, including on the Management Committee and as the Chair of the Business Department. Bill served as outside general counsel to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and its charitable affiliates from 1995 – May 2019. Bill has served on various Grand Lodge committees, including as Chair of the Consolidated Fund and the Pension Plan from 2009 – 2019. A Past Master of Melita Lodge No. 295, Philadelphia, and P.D.D.G.M.-C, Bill is a recipient of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Benjamin Franklin Medal and the DeMolay Legion of Honor. He received his 33° in Freemasonry in August 2012.
Researching & Writing Doneraile Court: The Story of The Lady Freemason Dec. 17, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
During this presentation, Kathleen will detail what is known and not known about the life and times of The Lady Freemason, Elizabeth St Leger Aldworth. Her journey in Freemasonry began in the pre-grand lodge era and ended when she died in 1775 at the dawning of the American Revolution. During this time, Mrs. Aldworth went from her emergency initiation to being an active lifelong member. She made public appearances in full regalia and received a full Masonic funeral. Kathleen explains the process of her 15 years of writing and research; her personal genealogical quest; the Aldworth family connections in England, Ireland and the U.S.; and overcoming the immense self-doubt that can stop so many writers of both fiction and nonfiction from completing their work.
Presenter:
Kathleen Aldworth Foster is the author of Doneraile Court: The Story of The Lady Freemason Although classified as historical fiction, the author went to great lengths to uncover the true story of Elizabeth St Leger Aldworth, who was known as The Lady Freemason in 18th century Ireland. As a young woman in 1712, St Leger was caught spying on Freemasons in the middle of an initiation ritual in her family’s home. Legend has it the men, including her own father, were forced to make a life or death decision. They chose life, and to this day Elizabeth St Leger is the only female member of regular Freemasons recognized in Ireland, where her portrait hangs in the Grand Lodge in Dublin. Her childhood home, Doneraile Court, is in what’s now County Cork. It’s owned by the state of Ireland and open to the public.
Lodges Provide a Touch of Tranquility
For residents of the Masonic Village at Warminster, the outdoor courtyard is a favorite spot to enjoy some sunshine, visit with family and friends and relax.
Thanks to a donation from Masonic Lodge No. 9, Philadelphia, combined with significant support from Concordia Lodge No. 67, Jenkintown, and Newtown Lodge No. 427, Woodside, a brand new koi pond and waterfall is bringing a splash of excitement for residents, staff and visitors. “This is the perfect touch to enhance the courtyard, where residents sit in the garden and enjoy fresh air and friendly conversations every day,” Kelly Shrum, Executive Director, said. “The sounds of the waterfall make for a relaxing environment, and residents can feed the fish.”
The community also recently completed renovations to the building’s exterior and front foyer.
Farm Fresh for the Holidays!
Give the perfect gift! When ordering a gift box:
• Choose delicious fruit butters & preserves from catalog listings. • We will select the best apple varieties available, unless otherwise specified. • Jarred goods may be replaced with many of our other products. Prices may vary; please call for details. • Gift certificates are also available.
