Freemason - August 2017

THE PENNSYLVANIA

VOL. LXIV, NO. 3

Conspiracy and the Craft

AUGUST 2017

CONTRIBUTE THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON® VOL. LXIV, AUGUST 2017 NO. 3

©2017 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Raymond T. Dietz, R.W.G.M. S. Eugene Herritt, R.W.D.G.M. Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W.S.G.W. Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W.J.G.W. Jeffrey W. Coy, R.W.G.T. Mark A. Haines, R.W.G.S.

The Pennsylvania Freemason magazine staff is looking for photographers and writers to contribute their talents!

Please email a link to samples of your work to pafreemason@masonicvillages.org to be considered as a contributor for the publication. Contributors will receive a photo credit or byline. The Pennsylvania Freemason reserves the right to use submissions elsewhere, such as on the Grand Lodge website, Facebook page, as a blog, etc.

Conspiracy and the Craft

For almost two centuries, misunderstandings have led to Anti-Masonic sentiments here in the United States. Public opinion about the world’s oldest, largest and most benevolent fraternity in the world has risen and fallen during times of political, social and religious turmoil. Why are Masons often the topic of conspiracy theories? We may never know. But education is the best solution.

Paul J. Roup, P.D.D.G.M.-54 EDITORIAL STAFF Tina L. Raybold - Production Coordinator Rich Johnson - Graphic Designer Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Staff Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania Staff (Publication No. USPS 426-140) August 2017 Issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason ® Published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Articles and photographs to be considered for publication should be sent with local Masonic authority to the address above, to the attention of The Pennsylvania Freemason ® or emailed to pafreemason@ masonicvillages.org. Except by special arrangement, all articles, photographs and artwork become the property of the Grand Lodge.

Published by the Masonic Villages, owned and operated by the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Pennsylvania, as a means of soliciting the physical and financial support of the members, their families and the public in general. Periodical postage is paid at Elizabethtown, PA, and additional mailing offices.

We appreciate the many submissions we receive for consideration.

We apologize, but due to space constraints we are not able to publish every submission we receive.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP (Act of Oct. 23, 1962; Section 4369; Title 39, United States Code) August 2017, 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: Raymond T. Dietz. Owner: The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Known bondholders: none. No advertising handled. Free distribution averages 124,000 each quarter. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.

Raymond T. Dietz, 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.

3

Freemasonry Today

essage from the Grand Master • Leading by Example • June Quarterly Communication • M Where Are They Now? • Annual Grand Communication • A Fraternal Sanctuary • 107 Years Young, 70 Years a Mason • Our Brothers’ Keepers • Academy of Masonic Knowledge

16

Masonic Education

The Morgan Affair & the Anti-Masons • The Case Against the Craft • Masonic Book Review • Scholarship Awards

22 Philanthropy

PA Masons Foster Lifelong Learning Habits • Help for Our Heroes • Education Helps Youth Refute Misunderstandings • Honoring Youth Leaders • Serving Children in Western PA • Youth Appreciation Day • Community Festival • Autumn Day • Empowering Technology • A Friendly Face of Philanthropy • Masonic Villages’ 2017 Wish List

The diagram accompanying “The Well Dressed Man” article in the May issue mistakenly labeled the Four-in-Hand Knot as a Windsor Knot. We apologize for this error.

Subscribe to the online edition! pamasons.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 pamasons.org.

Save a Tree

Brethren, At one time or another, we have all encountered someone who has a misinformed notion of what Masonry is all about. We might ask ourselves how, in this day and age of instant and prolific communication, people don’t have a better understanding of who we are and what we do. In order to enlighten individuals, it’s important to understand some of our history and where people may get their erroneous impressions of Masonry. I encourage you to educate yourself by reading pp. 16-19.

The charge falls upon us to project the accurate image of Masonry by sharing with others the many wonderful things you’ll read about in the ensuing pages of this issue: Masons helping other Masons, children in need, the military and aging seniors. By making good men better, through education, service and commitment, Pennsylvania Masons indeed make a major impact on our communities in many meaningful ways.

Since we launched One at the Masonic Temple, many more people have come to learn more about Masonry. Tours of the building have increased. This summer, after we unveiled the new sculpture of Brother Benjamin Franklin handing a Masonic apron to Brother George Washington and inviting him to Lodge, hundreds of people each month have stopped by to take pictures with the statue. When previously, they may have simply walked by, not recognizing our National Historic Landmark for the gem it is, they are now posing for pictures with these historical icons and posting them to social media – greatly increasing our exposure and generating interest in our fraternity and our Masonic Library and Museum. My hope is that this renewed interest will grow our ranks and knowledge of our great deeds.

Sincerely and fraternally, Raymond T. Dietz, R.W. Grand Master

I congratulate our Brethren who achieved honors and recognition at the June Quarterly Communication (pp. 8-9), as well as those who are Leading by Example (pp. 4-7) in their efforts to bring quality candidates into our ranks.

On pp. 12, 14 and 15, you’ll read about Brethren who have both given to and been blessed by the brotherly love they’ve received through our great fraternity. The Raising A Reader program we’ve sponsored has had tremendous impact on hundreds of youth across the Commonwealth, as shown on pp. 22-23. We’re helping our military not only as they raise families by supporting them with supplies at our baby showers, but we help them rebuild their lives, as you’ll learn about on p. 24.

Our Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown has impacted so many young lives, we’re raising needed funds to add a home in Sewickley to help children in western Pennsylvania, as described on p. 26. These are just a few of the many causes Pennsylvania Masons support every day.

For more highlights, accomplishments and events, follow the Grand Lodge on Facebook.

Our One Day Masonic Journey is quickly approaching on Saturday, Sept. 23, in 13 locations across Pennsylvania. Please plan to participate and add to the success of this exciting event. On Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., the Masonic Village at Sewickley will host its annual Community Day. Of special interest this year is the dedication of the Veterans Garden. Autumn Day at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 28, the Academy of Masonic Knowledge will host some excellent presenters.

All of these events, as well as other local and regional opportunities, offer options for education, fun and fellowship.

Ultimately, we all get out of Masonry what we put into it. There are numerous opportunities to enrich your life and the lives of others, whether it be through continuous learning opportunities; service to your fellow Brethren, Lodge or community; or contributing to one of our Masonic Charities’ rich missions. I would like to challenge each and every one of us to launch a true Masonic conspiracy: to strive to live up to our Masonic ideals each and every day, to vow to become more involved in some meaningful way, and to live our lives so that others have no question as to the integrity and benevolence of this great fraternity.

FREEMASONRY TODAY

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Inviting new candidates to join Pennsylvania Freemasonry ensures the future of our great fraternity. We are pleased to spotlight these Brethren who are first-line signers on four or more petitions. This recognition is in addition to the incentives and ties Brethren can earn as an additional “thank you” for their dedication to our Craft.

Dennis E. Cottrell Jr. Lodge No. 649 12 petitions

Craig V. Madonna Lodge No. 587 12 petitions

Thomas Gamon IV Lodge No. 595 11 petitions

Alvin E. Just Lodge No. 538 11 petitions

Larry A. Shaffer Jr. Lodge No. 363 10 petitions

Jordan W. Settle Lodge No. 281 10 petitions

David M. Howells Jr. Lodge No. 673 10 petitions

Robert W. Amend Lodge No. 544 9 petitions

Eugene H. Duncan Jr. David L. Merithew Lodge No. 43 Lodge No. 468 9 petitions 9 petitions

John P. Hayden Lodge No. 347 8 petitions

Donald W. Roa Lodge No. 344 8 petitions

Bruce A. Robinson Lodge No. 331 8 petitions

Shane F. Conner Lodge No. 540 7 petitions

Richard W. Storms Lodge No. 553 7 petitions

Rodney Anderson Lodge No. 3 6 petitions

Heath A. Brewer Lodge No. 343 6 petitions

Larry A. Derr Lodge No. 551 6 petitions

Roxie D. Costanza Jr. Daniel R. Scheetz Lodge No. 259 Lodge No. 67 7 petitions 7 petitions

4

Incentives

Paul E. Shovestull Lodge No. 550 8 petitions

www.pamasons.org/incentives

Pennsylvania Freemason

Raymond T. Dietz Lodge No. 657 6 petitions

Kevin G. DuMont Lodge No. 716 6 petitions

James B. Henkelman Lodge No. 345 6 petitions

Daniel J. Hinds Lodge No. 115 6 petitions

Andrew D. Kurtz Lodge No. 539 6 petitions

Robert C. Moore Lodge No. 291 6 petitions

Michael C. Sachs Lodge No. 628 6 petitions

Richard M. Sullivan Lodge No. 547 6 petitions

Walter J. Brennan Lodge No. 506 5 petitions

Troy A. Burton Lodge No. 799 5 petitions

Kenneth L. Brier Lodge No. 529 5 petitions

Raymond L. Bush Lodge No. 482 5 petitions

Jan M. Cechak Lodge No. 341 5 petitions

Jeffrey L. Frailey Lodge No. 726 5 petitions

Hal S. Gindrow Lodge No. 529 5 petitions

Timothy C. Honey Lodge No. 62 5 petitions

Douglas E. Kauffman Lodge No. 220 5 petitions

Charles P. Margliotti Lodge No. 375 5 petitions

Jeramie D. McLaughlin John F. McCombs Lodge No. 551 Lodge No. 375 5 petitions 5 petitions

Jonathan L. McNelis Lodge No. 391 5 petitions

James E. Monson Lodge No. 363 5 petitions

George S. Reppert Lodge No. 227 5 petitions

Antonio M. Salonga Lodge No. 587 5 petitions

Joseph W. Schanck Lodge No. 684 5 petitions

Zane J. Taney Lodge No. 354 5 petitions

John A. Titterington Lodge No. 368 5 petitions

Albert W. Tripp Lodge No. 138 5 petitions

Jeffrey M. Wonderling Lodge No. 346 5 petitions

Richard A. Valentine Lodge No. 231 5 petitions

Lynn B. Baker Jr. Lodge No. 619 4 petitions

Timothy W. Barnhart Lodge No. 362 4 petitions

Lloyd G. Bier Sr. Lodge No. 361 4 petitions

Anthony J. Bobrowicz Matthew A. Camera Lodge No. 620 Lodge No. 399 4 petitions 4 petitions

August 2017

Incentives

www.pamasons.org/incentives

5

FREEMASONRY TODAY

Lou D. Carbaugh Lodge No. 363 4 petitions

Michael F. Connor Lodge No. 553 4 petitions

Harold E. Conrad Jr. Lodge No. 281 4 petitions

Oliver W. Dambach Lodge No. 229 4 petitions

Gregory E. Gagorik Lodge No. 291 4 petitions

Thomas Gamon V Lodge No. 595 4 petitions

Napoleon Garcia Lodge No. 539 4 petitions

Ronald R. Holden Sr. Lodge No. 325 4 petitions

Paul Nicholas Hudak Lodge No. 362 4 petitions

Anthony R. Liggians Jr. Lodge No. 475 4 petitions

Chad E. Otis Lodge No. 586 4 petitions

6

William M. Evans Lodge No. 282 4 petitions

Joseph T. Fisher Lodge No. 52 4 petitions

Raymond L. Greene Jr. Shawn S. Hentz Lodge No. 711 Lodge No. 666 4 petitions 4 petitions

Robert M. Hillard Lodge No. 546 4 petitions

Rudolph J. Hofbauer Lodge No. 780 4 petitions

Paul E. Humbert Jr. Lodge No. 651 4 petitions

Youssef M. Kabbani Lodge No. 591 4 petitions

Joseph M. Jensen Lodge No. 482 4 petitions

Mark A. Jones Lodge No. 265 4 petitions

James C. Lewis Sr. Lodge No. 526 4 petitions

Francis J. Lorine III Lodge No. 340 4 petitions

Malcolm P. Myers Jr. Lodge No. 199 4 petition

Paul M. Mulcahy Jr. Lodge No. 61 4 petitions

Robert J. Neff Lodge No. 621 4 petitions

Robert D. Nichol Lodge No. 657 4 petitions

Francis A. Norbeck Lodge No. 353 4 petitions

Robert T. Pawlowski Lodge No. 59 4 petitions

Bernard R. Ralston Lodge No. 480 4 petitions

Bradley A. Rinker Lodge No. 688 4 petitions

Harry W. Ritz Lodge No. 3 4 petitions

Jeffrey A. Roe Lodge No. 377 4 petitions

Ben F. Rzicznek Lodge No. 688 4 petitions

Incentives

www.pamasons.org/incentives

David E. Dodson Sr. Lodge No. 539 4 petitions

Pennsylvania Freemason

Dennis F. Shaffer Lodge No. 254 4 petitions

Bradford J. Smith Lodge No. 578 4 petitions

Gerald F. Stevens Sr. Lodge No. 297 4 petitions

Frank D. Stetar Lodge No. 461 4 petitions

Charles J. Sule Lodge No. 440 4 petitions

Boyce E. Warner Lodge No. 364 4 petitions

Robert Dean Weaver Lodge No. 143 4 petitions

William Paul Weber Lodge No. 561 4 petitions

Bradley L. Wolfe Lodge No. 354 4 petitions

Adam C. Zwolinski Lodge No. 61 4 petitions

Thousands of Reasons

to Invite Good Men to Be Masons!

And a Special Gift For You

David Tansey Lodge No. 506 4 petitions

Anthony T. Vincent Lodge No. 67 4 petitions

Member Incentive Program www.pamasons.org/incentives

Invite a worthy man to become a Mason, and not only will you offer him the gift of membership, but you will be rewarded for your efforts as well! After your candidate receives his First Degree, you, as the first-line signer, will be credited with 60 points through the Pennsylvania Masons’ Incentive Program. To be awarded points, the petitioner must have received his First Degree, your Lodge Secretary must have entered his First Degree information AND preferred email address on your member record in the Grand Lodge membership prior to Dec. 1, 2017. No points will be awarded after that date. All points must be redeemed prior to Dec. 15, 2017.

You may choose to do one of three things with your accrued points: 1. Accrue your points to receive a specific gift, 2. Immediately receive merchandise displayed on the incentive program website or 3. Donate your points to the Masonic Children’s Home, where the points will be used to select gifts for the youth who reside there!

Donating your points is easy. Once you’ve logged into the incentive website, scroll down and click the blue “Donate My Points” button and follow the step-by-step instructions. You may donate some or all of your points.

In addition, a member will receive a new Masonic tie for each of the first four petitions on which he is a first-line signer once the candidate receives his Third Degree!

If you have any questions, call 610-301-1582.

August 2017

Incentives

www.pamasons.org/incentives 7

FREEMASONRY TODAY

JUNE QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION

by Brother Mark A. Haines, R.W. Grand Secretary

On June 24, 306 Brethren representing 181 Lodges attended the June Quarterly Communication at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.

Membership

Award Presentations

The membership total as of Dec. 27, 2016 was 99,245.

Lodge Mergers • Effective July 1, Parian Lodge No. 662, Monaca, merged into Ellwood Lodge No. 599 to be known as Ellwood-Parian Lodge No. 599.

• Tennis Lodge No. 371, Thompsontown, merged with Newport Lodge No. 381 to be known as Newport-Tennis Lodge No. 381.

• Cumberland-Star Lodge No. 197, Carlisle, merged with St. John’s Lodge No. 260, Carlisle, to be known as Carlisle Lodge No. 260.

Upcoming Events The Grand Master announced that an Extra Communication of Grand Lodge will be held on Sept. 23, for the purpose of conducting a One Day Class.

The December Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Masonic Temple, 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, at 10 a.m.

8

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine

The Franklin Medal • John W. McNaughton, Sovereign Grand Commander, A.A.S.R., Masonic Jurisdiction, Maumee Lodge No. 725, Fort Wayne, Indiana pictured opposite page, top right Grand Master’s Outstanding Service Medal • Harold L. Knappenberger, Grand Chaplain, Washington Lodge No. 164 pictured opposite page, middle right Master Builders and Craftsman Awards • Shaun M. Paul, St. John’s Lodge No. 260, Carlisle • Joshua C. Green, Bellefonte Lodge No. 268 • Clayton T. Cova, John E. Mair Lodge No. 729, Mars • Rosario Tomasiello, Mount Moriah Lodge No. 300, Huntingdon • Anthony J. Morgan, Union Lodge No. 259, New Brighton • Charles F. Zurcher, Avalon Lodge No. 657, Pittsburgh • William B. Bittinger, Doric Lodge No. 630, Sewickley • Richard W. Storms, Spring-Ford Lodge No. 553, Royersford • Christopher Schaffer, Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336, Gettysburg • Greg Kaserman, Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336, Gettysburg • Thomas M. Shields, East McKeesport Lodge No. 765 • Brian Versetti, Sr., Wilson-Joppa Lodge No. 714, Dravosburg • Benjamin Miller, John W. Jenks Lodge No. 534, Punxsutawney • Michael D. Russell, Dallas Lodge No. 231, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Freemason

Grand Master’s Pillar Award pictured on opposite page • Leslie D. Moore, Beallsville Lodge No. 237 • Kirk B. Thomas, Philanthropy Lodge No. 225, Greensburg • Tracy H. Miller, III, Myrtle Lodge No. 316, Franklin • Wayne R. Minnicks, Duquesne-McKeesport Lodge No. 731, Duquesne Academy of Masonic Knowledge Masonic Scholar Collar • Christian R. Mueller, Perry-Keystone Lodge No. 392, Erie pictured bottom right

Generous Contributions The Grand Master was pleased to accept contributions totaling $37,570 for various Masonic Charities including The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania, Masonic Villages, Masonic Children’s Home and the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation.

The Grand Master thanked the membership for giving so generously to the Lodge Almoner’s Fund, Help for Our Heroes and the Raising a Reader programs. He described the unveiling of a statue at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia, sculpted by Brother James West, Lodge No. 45, Pittsburgh, which depicts Brother Benjamin Franklin handing a Masonic apron to Brother George Washington and inviting him to Lodge. The sculpture was graciously donated by Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246, Philadelphia. Pictured above: Brothers Joshua Goldstein, W.M.; Marvin Mandel, D.D.G.M.-B; Grand Master Dietz and G. Kent Hackney, P.D.D.G.M., Deputy Chief Aide to the Grand Master.

August 2017

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine 9

FREEMASONRY TODAY

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

William Slater II, R.W. Grand Master (2004-2005) When he assumed the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania’s highest post in 2004 at age 45, Brother William Slater II, Lodge No. 45, Pittsburgh, was the youngest to have led the fraternity since Brother Benjamin Franklin, who was 28. Today, he and Stephanie, his lady of 12 years, split their time among their favorite places: Jupiter, Fla.; Conneaut Lake, Pa., and his hometown of Pittsburgh.

Brother Bill is the owner and President of Slater Family Services Inc., which operates six funeral homes in the Pittsburgh area and surrounding counties, a business which his son, Brother Wes, plans to take over someday. In fact, the 19-year-old is working for his father during his summer break and “doing a fantastic job,” Brother Bill says. Brother Wes will enter his sophomore year at the University of Dayton, where he received an academic scholarship to study business administration.

Sydney, Brother Bill’s 21-year-old daughter, will begin her senior year at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, studying wellness and fitness training and playing volleyball, which has earned her an athletic scholarship. This summer, she is working at a gym and as a nanny while taking summer courses.

Brother Bill recently celebrated the 89th birthday of his

10

Past Grand Masters

www.pamasons.org/pgm

mother, Dee Rogers, who enjoys her condo in Juno Beach when it gets cold up north and spends her summers at Conneaut Lake.

Brother Bill attends Masonic events as his schedule permits.

He remains a member of Wallace Memorial Presbyterian Church and has been named a life member of Greentree Rotary Club.

Boating remains his greatest passion, whether at the lake or in the ocean, often with Stephanie at his side. When Stephanie’s not busy with her advertising sales career, she loves to cook and plant beautiful floral landscapes at their homes.

“Masonry opened my world up to many friendships and taught me a lot of leadership skills,” Brother Bill said. Giving his son his First Degree last year ranked among his proudest Masonic memories. Brother Wes received his First and Second Degrees the traditional way, then his Third through 32nd at the 2016 One Day Class. “If your son decides to become a member, it’s a major highlight, right up there with becoming Master,” Brother Bill recalls.

Pennsylvania Freemason

Annual Grand

COMMUNICATION

Wednesday, Dec. 27 The Hershey Lodge Hershey, PA

Spouses, Family & Friends are invited to attend all events along with you!

Live Streaming of the Event

For those who cannot attend, a live streaming link will be available at www.PaMasons.org

10:00 a.m. Anticipated OPEN Installation of

S. Eugene Herritt

as Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania a FREE LUNCHEON will follow the OPEN installation (Reservations Requested) 2:30 p.m.

Special Meeting of Cumberland Valley Lodge No. 315 5:30 p.m.

Cash Bar Reception 6:30 p.m. Banquet Dinner with Entertainment by

Tim Behrens of McManus Comedies

A Family Friendly Comedy Show www.mcmanusplays.com “Outstanding performance! I relished the joy of a performance that obviously knocked the audience out. People should see this show!� - The late Jack Lemmon, actor

Tickets $90 per person (Advanced Tickets Required) For tickets and reservations, please contact:

Forbes Borthwick

Call 717-377-2786 or email forbesb1946@yahoo.com Reservations are due by Nov. 15.

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine 11

FREEMASONRY TODAY

A FRATERNAL SANCTUARY

How One Man Found Help through Brotherly Love Brother Jose Concepcion, Lodge No. 408, Meadville, was born and raised in inner city Philadelphia, surrounded by gangs, drugs, crime and frequent shootings.

“The stuff they show in action movies is a fairy tale compared to what I saw and have been through. There really weren’t any positive role models besides my family,” he said.

Brother Jose has always loved history and arts. One of his sanctuaries in the city was the Masonic Temple, where he always found a sense of peace.

He moved from Philadelphia to Meadville where he met his wife, and they had a daughter, who would eventually lead him on his Masonic journey. After separating from his wife, Brother Jose was left to raise his daughter on his own.

“I have been playing both roles as mom and dad, and I love it,” he said.

His daughter has special intellectual and physical needs. As part of her treatment for scoliosis, she and Brother Jose visited the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Erie. He didn’t have a car, so a transportation van from the hospital would pick up him and Chloe for appointments.

“The driver and his co-pilot were Freemasons and Shriners,” Brother Jose said. “One day I asked about who they really are and how I become one. The driver said, ‘Sir, you just made your first step,’ and handed me a petition. I held on to that petition for several years, but life got busy, and I forgot about it.”

Once he was ready to join, having lost his original petition, he contacted Lodge No. 408. That same day, members brought him a petition, and he signed it after answering a few questions.

“It was the best experience of my life,” Brother Jose said, “Never in my life did I have friends until I became a part of the family of Freemasons. I’m the oldest of my brother and sister.

When people ask me how many brothers I have, I say thousands.

I know wherever I go in the world, there are Masons there, too.”

Soon after joining, Brother Jose wanted to find the Shriner who originally gave him a petition. After some research, he learned that Brother David Mead was residing in a nursing home.

He paid him a visit.

“I was nervous because it had been years since I saw him,” he said. “I walked up and said ‘Hey Brother. Long time, no see!’

He smiled and said ‘How’s your daughter?’ I said ‘You remember

12

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine

me?’ He laughed and said, ‘Yes, of course. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember things, but I remember you.’”

Brother Jose shared his Masonic experiences with Brother David, including how he received the 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite. He continues to visit with Brother David often, and he enjoys visiting other Lodge members who reside in nursing homes and paying his respects to Brethren who have passed away, including those who belonged to other Lodges.

The generosity of his Lodge Brothers never ceases to amaze him.

Last year, Brother Jose’s car broke down, and he didn’t know how he would get Chloe to her doctors’ appointments.

She sees 13 doctors and specialists from Meadville to Erie to Pittsburgh. He took on several side jobs and sold some of his things, but still just couldn’t afford the repairs. He went to one of the Brothers in his Lodge, and despite his embarrassment, shared his situation. At the next Lodge meeting, his fellow Brothers agreed to assist him.

“I was so moved, I was in tears. I didn’t expect anything from joining but friendship and Brotherly love, which I have felt since day one,” he said.

“And I still feel that love. They are such good men. I finally have a sense of belonging and what true friendship is. I told them I am thankful, but I don’t think they truly realize how thankful I am. They made a big impact on me, and I will always be grateful for them coming into my life.”

Pennsylvania Freemason

MEMBERSHIP SURVEY

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! The Pennsylvania Freemason magazine is the quarterly publication for members of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. We would like to hear your opinion about the magazine. Please logon to https://pamasons.org/magazine/ and let us know how we’re doing: what you like, what you don’t like, suggestions for improvements or new ideas. Deadline for completing the questionnaire is Oct. 1, 2017.

Thank you in advance for your constructive feedback.

107 YEARS YOUNG, 70 YEARS A MASON

On June 5, four brethren of West Chester Lodge No. 322 were presented with their Masonic service emblems by Brothers Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W.S.G.W.; Robert J. Bateman, R.W.P.G.M.; and Craig W. Shaffer, D.D.G.M.-5. Approximately 50 Brethren and guests were present.

Brother Kenneth A. Rudert, Chartiers Lodge No. 297, Canonsburg, accompanied by his wife, Marie, received his 50-year service emblem. Brothers Harry D. and Douglas R. Barr, both from West Chester Lodge No. 322, received their

August 2017

60-year service emblems, and Brother Clarence C. “Dutch” Glauner received his 70-year service emblem.

Brother Glauner is 107 years old, lives independently, continues to drive and is possibly the oldest Pennsylvania Mason.

L-r: Brothers Clarence C. “Dutch” Glauner; Douglas R. Barr; Harry D. Barr; Kenneth A. Rudert; and Richard J. Callahan, P.M., W.M. Back row: Brothers Craig W. Shaffer, D.D.G.M.-5; Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W.S.G.W.; and Robert J. Bateman, R.W.P.G.M.

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine 13

FREEMASONRY TODAY

OUR BROTHERS’ KEEPERS

It was January 2016 when Brother Adam Gadsby, Lake Lodge No. 434, Sandy Lake, started to feel sick. The 37-year-old high school wrestling coach was treated for the flu but wasn’t improving as fast as he thought he should.

During a follow-up treatment, his pulse oxygen levels were dangerously low, so he was flown to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Over the next four weeks, his condition deteriorated, and he was placed in an induced coma to buy the doctors time to figure out what was wrong.

14

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine

In addition to being the wrestling coach, Adam was a fourth-generation farmer and did the bulk of the work in maintaining his family’s 200 head of cattle. His absence was devastating to the farm. Members of his Lodge put together a rotation to help with the chores in hopes of lessening the burden on his parents, who were unable to keep up with the demands of the commercial farm. Between that and the medical bills, which were already coming in, it was difficult.

Brother Mike Dye, P.M., had been Adam’s best friend since they were 4 years old. He made the (over an hour-long) drive from Sandy Lake to Pittsburgh as often as he could to be there for his Brother. “We’re as close to real brothers as two people can be,” he said, “and I wanted to help him and the family any way I could.”

On February 23, Mike’s birthday, the family was told that Adam’s heart and lungs were unable to keep him alive, and that there was little chance he would survive an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) procedure that uses a machine to take over the work of the lungs and sometimes the heart. They were told to come say goodbye to him. The family came to the hospital and made one last plea with the surgeon to try the ECMO procedure. Several hours later, they were told that it was successful, but that the situation was tenuous.

The machine took enough of the strain off of Brother Adam’s heart and lungs that he began to get better. It also allowed the medical team to make a diagnosis of aspergillosis, a lung infection caused by inhaling fungi, and begin a treatment regimen. One week after beginning that

Pennsylvania Freemason

treatment, they brought him out of the coma.

“It’s hard to express how much love I have for my daughter, Reese. I know she is the one who I fought so hard for,” Brother Adam said. “I tell her all the time that she was in the helicopter with me. And I had no idea I was life flighted when I woke up. She sat beside me the whole time.

Reese never gets in trouble, is a straight A student and is the most responsible person you will ever meet. I enjoy watching her play softball and basketball. We enjoy riding quads, being in the outdoors and going deer hunting. She’s only 13, but has shot two bucks and a doe.”

As these events were unfolding, Brother Rick McCleary, D.D.G.M.-53, made his Official Visit to Lake Lodge No. 434, where he explained the newly established Almoner’s Fund in detail. Immediately following his visit, a Past Master contacted Brother Rick, informed him of Adam’s situation and asked what the Lodge could do to help.

Brother Rick told him that the Lodge was permitted to use the Almoner’s Fund to help. The only problem was that the newly-formed fund had only $200. In an effort to expedite assistance, Brother Rick contacted the Scottish Rite Grand Almoner who immediately dispatched funds to help Brother Adam’s family keep the farm going in his absence and offset the mounting medical bills, even though Adam was not a Scottish Rite Mason. But that’s not where the story ends.

Lake Lodge No. 434 wanted to donate more for their

recuperating brother, so they organized a spaghetti dinner in their small community. Within a few days of announcing the fund raiser, it became apparent that the Lodge wouldn’t be able to accommodate the crowd, so the event was moved to the Junior/Senior High School. Members of Grove City Lodge No. 603 contacted Brother Mike to volunteer their help. They arrived with aprons (cooking, not Masonic) in hand to help cook, clean, set tables and do whatever work was needed.

The boys from Brother Adam’s wrestling team volunteered to help, as well. By the time it was over, their humble little fund raiser served almost 1,400 meals and raised over $20,000.

Help came in many ways. Brothers Tracy Miller and Bill Bittinger, residents of the Masonic Village at Sewickley, visited Brother Adam often while he was rehabilitating.

Brother Adam has made nearly a complete recovery.

Unfortunately, he had to sell the farm since he can no longer be around the particulates, but he has kept four cattle on his own property. “I miss it,” he says. “Farming is in my blood.”

He lives every day like it is a gift, because it really is.

“Through it all, Mike Dye was by my side the whole time,” Brother Adam recalls. “After I was up and around I told him, ‘I didn’t get you a birthday card.’”

“You gave me the best birthday present I could want,” Brother Mike replied. “You survived.”

Brother Adam’s story reminds us that we most assuredly are our brothers’ keepers.

ACADEMY OF MASONIC KNOWLEDGE

Saturday, Oct. 28 Freemasons Cultural Center, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown All Masons are welcome to attend. Dress is coat and tie.

Registration will open at 8:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 9:30 a.m. A lunch (requested contribution of $10) will be served at noon, and the program will be completed by 3 p.m.

Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, please send your name, address, Lodge number and telephone by e-mail to: AMKSecretary@pagrandlodge.org. If you do not have access to email, please make your reservation through your Lodge Secretary. If you pre-register and subsequently determine that you will be unable to attend, please have the Masonic courtesy to cancel your reservation by the same method and providing the same information.

August 2017

Brother Michael Poll will present “The Enlightenment of Freemasonry.” The owner of Cornerstone Book Publishers, editor of the “Journal of The Masonic Society” and a “New York Times” bestselling writer and publisher, Brother Michael travels and speaks on the history of Freemasonry, with a particular focus on the early history of the Scottish Rite.

Brother John Bridegroom is the art director for the Masonic Society and owns and operates The Masters Craft, which creates unique Masonic jewels, medallions, pins, etc.: http://themasterscraft.net/. The title of his presentation is to be announced.

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine 15

MASONIC EDUCATION

THE MORGAN AFFAIR AND THE ANTI-MASONS

by Brother Samuel S. Laucks II, Red Lion Lodge No. 649

The story, however, took on a life of its own, and became known as “The Morgan Affair.” Attempts were made to identify and prosecute the guilty parties, but the case was never solved. As a result, many people became convinced that the Masons had successfully pulled off an elaborate cover-up of a crime.

For several decades prior to the Morgan Affair, a suspicion of Freemasonry had been smoldering in America, waiting to erupt in response to the right catalyst. The Morgan Affair proved to be that catalyst.

Religion and Anti-Masonry In New England and upstate New York, conservative evangelical Protestant churches dominated the religious landscape. These churches had long believed that Masonry was a fraudulent “substitute religion” which conflicted with the true faith. Spurred on by the sensationalism of the Morgan Affair, the religious crusade against Masonry accelerated throughout the region.

In 1826, a unique convergence of social, religious and political forces gave rise to a period of intense AntiMasonic sentiment in the United States. That year, the membership petition of an unsavory character named William Morgan was rejected by the Royal Arch Chapter in Batavia, NY. Angry about the snub and also anxious to make some extra money, Morgan decided to write an exposé of the secrets of Freemasonry. Shortly thereafter, he mysteriously disappeared. His friends claimed that he had been kidnapped and murdered by the Masons in order to assure that their secrets would not be revealed.

Although many theories abounded, his fate was never really determined, and there was ultimately no proof he had been murdered.

16

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine

Politics and Anti-Masonry Others sought to destroy Masonry by legislative and political means. Promising that the workings of government would be wrested away from “the Masonic elites,” an Anti-Masonic political party quickly arose and flourished. In many areas of the country, the Anti-Masonic Party registered political victories, especially at state and local levels of government. In 1835, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania elected an Anti-Mason as Governor.

In the early 1830s, several state legislatures succeeded in placing restrictions on Masonic activities. Some states, including Pennsylvania, convened legislative panels to investigate Masonic activities, hoping to find damaging evidence that would provide an excuse to outlaw the Fraternity.

In order to better understand the ascent of the AntiMasonic Party, it is helpful to appreciate the political landscape of the era. The two major political parties during

Pennsylvania Freemason

those years were the National Republican Party and the Democratic Party. The National Republican Party favored a strong role for the federal government and generally prioritized national interests over regional interests. The Democratic Party, led by Brother Andrew Jackson, was frequently more supportive of state and regional interests.

The National Republicans also tended to support a strict and conservative version of Protestant morality, whereas Jackson’s Democratic Party had a more liberal and populist base.

The National Republican Party recognized that it shared several political interests and sympathies with members of the Anti-Masonic Party’s conservative rural base in New England and upstate New York. Notably, the Anti-Masons and the National Republicans shared a common enemy in Andrew Jackson. While the National Republicans opposed Andrew Jackson on political grounds, the Anti-Masons opposed him because he was an active Mason and had previously served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. In order to advance their mutual agendas, the National Republicans and the AntiMasons formed a political coalition. For a few years, the two parties cooperated on many fronts against the Jacksonian Democrats, and that cooperation rewarded them with victories in several state elections.

Ultimately, however, the National Republican – AntiMasonic coalition failed to defeat the Democratic candidates in the presidential elections of 1832 and 1836. Over the course of the 1830s, most of the country gradually lost enthusiasm for the crusade against Masonry. On a national level, the Anti-Masonic movement gradually faded away.

Anti-Masonry in Pennsylvania Anti-Masonry, however, continued to remain alive and well in Pennsylvania for several more years. This was due primarily to the relentless efforts of one man, Thaddeus Stevens. Stevens was born in Vermont, became a lawyer and eventually settled in Gettysburg, where he was elected to the state legislature in 1833 on the Anti-Masonic Party ticket. Despite his successful political career, he apparently felt as though he had been snubbed on several occasions by “the establishment,” and harbored a lasting resentment for the elite class. Arguably, he would have viewed Masons as classic examples of the elites whom he resented. Those personal emotions, plus his conservative New England Baptist upbringing, along with his stubborn personality and strong moralistic and nationalistic political views, contributed to his hatred of Masonry.

August 2017

By 1835, he succeeded in establishing and chairing a legislative committee, with subpoena powers, to investigate the evils of Freemasonry. His committee subpoenaed about 100 witnesses, including all the present and past officers of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Most of the witnesses, however, refused to provide any sworn testimony. Because these witnesses were prominent and highly respected men, the committee was reluctant to force the issue or to hold them in contempt. Ultimately, the witnesses were discharged without further action. After that setback, the legislators had little interest in continuing their investigation of the Craft, and the Anti-Masonic movement in Pennsylvania finally died.

Sadly, though, the Anti-Masonic movement took a sizable (but fortunately, temporary) toll on the Masonic organization. In the state of Pennsylvania, for example, the number of Blue Lodges dropped from 113 in 1826 to 45 in 1839. It took another decade and a half for Pennsylvania Masonry to recover, but by 1856, Pennsylvania had 130 working Lodges.

Fortunately, since the first half of the 1800s, further political efforts to discredit the Fraternity have been infrequent and have caused minimal harm. For Masons of the 21st century, it is both surprising and sobering to realize that our organization was almost destroyed by the Morgan Affair of 1826 and by the hysteria and the political upheaval that resulted from it.

Suggested Reading Williams, P.V. “The Antimasonic Party in the United States: 1826-1843.” The University Press of Kentucky. Lexington KY. 1983.

Eriksson, Erik McKinley. “The Rise of the Antimasonic Party.” Masonic Dictionary. http://www.masonicdictionary. com/antimasonic.html (Accessed Jan. 3, 2017).

Mannino, Ed. “Henry Clay and the American System: A Blueprint for American Business.” Posted May 28, 2013. http://edmannino.com/blog/henry-clay-and-the-americansystem-a-blueprint-for-american-business/ (Accessed Feb. 17, 2017).

Holt, Michael F. “The American System and Whig Political Economy.” Lincoln/Net. http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/message/ americansystem (Accessed Feb. 17, 2017).

This paper was previously submitted to the Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge as partial fulfillment of the Master Masonic Scholar Certification Program.

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine 17

MASONIC EDUCATION

THE CASE AGAINST THE CRAFT A Look at Modern Anti-Masonry

by Brother P.J. Roup, P.D.D.G.M.-54 With the Morgan Affair (see pp. 16-17) safely in the rearview mirror, and the concerted efforts of Grand Lodges to be more open about who we are and what we do, it would be logical to assume that public opinion of the Masons is now completely positive. After all, we contribute large sums to charity; we are accepting of men of different faith traditions; we seek to do good; and many of history’s greatest men are numbered in our ranks. Everything is good, right? Sadly, no. So, what are the primary objections of detractors? Where do they get their information? And finally, what can we do about it?

Some of the more prevalent current objections to Freemasonry are:

Freemasonry is a religion.

They point to things like altars, the words “temple” and “worshipful,” and the use of a Bible or other Volume of Sacred Law in our ceremonies as evidence that we are a religion. They also wrongly use the edicts of other religions against Freemasonry as evidence that we are obviously a religion. The reasoning, “Since Religion A opposes Freemasonry, Freemasonry must also be a religion” collapses upon itself when you replace Freemasonry with words like alcohol, divorce or same-sex marriage.

Even more pervasive is the (mis)use of quotations from Albert Pike’s lengthy, and often contradictory, tome, “Morals and Dogma,” which call Masonry a religion. In the same book, he also says that Freemasonry is clearly not a religion, but why cite that if it doesn’t fit the narrative, right? It would only be a slight hyperbole to state that if one needed to make a case either for or against anything Masonic, he could probably find a Pike quote to support his position.

18

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine

Freemasonry is a cult.

One only needs to jump onto a social media site to see that branding those things that aren’t easily understood is often the first refuge of a scoundrel. Rather than seek to understand something, many choose instead to vilify it.

Facts aren’t important. If you don’t like something, call it evil. Call it a cult.

Merriam-Webster.com defines a cult as follows: 1: formal religious veneration: worship 2: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also: its body of adherents • the cult of Apollo 3: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also: its body of adherents • the voodoo cult • a satanic cult Freemasonry doesn’t fit any of those definitions.

It is not a formal religious veneration or worship. It is not a system of religious beliefs. And, in addition to the reasons outlined above, it is clearly not a religion since it encompasses men of so many differing faiths, contains no doctrine or dogma and does not offer a pathway for salvation.

Masons don’t pray to God. How any man or woman can purport to know to whom a prayer goes once it leaves the lips or mind of the supplicant is beyond comprehension; yet, there are several noted authors who have claimed with certainty that Masons pray to Satan, Lucifer, Baal or some other false gods. It would be laughable if not for the fact that these authors have followers and adherents who believe them.

(I’ll refrain from branding them as a cult here.)

It defies logic to think that a well-intentioned prayer made to God can be hijacked along the way as if the devil put a forwarding order on your spiritual mail, or telephone lines were being crossed by some ill-intentioned cosmic switchboard operator.

Pennsylvania Freemason

PLACEHOLDER IMAGE

Where does all this misinformation come from?

For starters, there are tens of thousands of Masonic publications. Authors speak from their own Masonic experiences and are often misquoted or taken out of context. And frankly, not all Masonic texts are equal. The information is only as good as the source, and with the advent of self-publishing and blogging, there is a lot of less-than-accurate Masonic information available.

There are also several anti-Masonic authors who reference each other. Author A cites author B in his endnotes.

Author B writes his next book on the evils of the Craft and cites author A in an ever-expanding spiral of references.

It may be time to note that I have chosen not to reference any of these anti-Masonic authors or sources by name. Their works and ideologies can easily be found with a Google search should you wish to do further research.

August 2017

So what should Masons do about this?

The short answer is “Nothing.” We are charged not to involve ourselves in quarrels with those, who through ignorance, may speak evilly or spitefully of Freemasonry.

Maybe that’s the problem right there. Ignorance. It breeds contempt. “But we’ve read the rituals. We know what you do,” the anti-Mason may say. Well, I’ve read the rules of golf, but I’m not Arnold Palmer, and I’ve watched a lot of hockey, but I’m no Sidney Crosby.

There is nothing more difficult to change than a madeup mind. The best thing you can do as a Freemason is to live our ideals. Do good, act with virtue and let who you are always reflect the best that Freemasonry has to offer. The rest will sort itself out.

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine 19

MASONIC EDUCATION

EXCLUSIVE PA MASONS MEMBER BENEFIT! Up to $3,000.00* NO COST TO YOU Accidental Death coverage for all Pennsylvania Masons

There is NO COST to you with this member-only Accidental Death insurance plan. Coverage is provided and paid for by the Pennsylvania Masons Benefits Program.

 Pays Regardless of Any Other Insurance

 Gives You World-Wide, 24-Hour Accident Protection

 Benefit Check Paid to You via Mail

Your No Cost to you Accidental Death coverage will continue as long as you remain a Pennsylvania Mason in good standing, and the Master Policy remains in force. But Activation is required.

Activate Your Coverage TODAY!

 NO COST TO YOU! your  Protect loved ones Masons  PA are GUARANTEED COVERAGE**

rage e v o C D A a Add Extr nge up to a h C t e k c for Po 0! $100,000.0

www.pamasonsbenefits.com/aug17 Underwritten by Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids, Iowa * Benefits payable at 50% at age 75 Plans may not be available in all states. Some limitations and exclusions may apply. Please call 1-844-584-0278 for complete details. ** This is a supplemental health insurance plan that requires you to have major medical coverage, Medicare, or other health coverage that meets “minimum essential coverage” as defined by the Affordable Care Act. PV-21604

20

Member Benefits

43425

www.pamasonsbenefits.com/aug17

©2017 AGIA

AT1783699

Pennsylvania Freemason

MASONIC BOOK REVIEW

“George Washington’s Rules for Freemasons in Life and Lodge”

by Mark A. Tabbert, reviewed by Cathy Giaimo, Assistant Librarian, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania Where would we be without rules in our lives? Sometimes we chafe at them; other times we use the excuse, “rules are made to be broken” to try to get away with something. But, if we are honest with ourselves, they also prevent us from going off the rails. Our beloved Founding Father and Freemason, Brother George Washington, copied “The Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation” as a writing exercise as a young teenager, and these rules became the centerpiece of his behavior throughout his life.

Brother Mark Tabbert has adapted these 110 rules into chapters that should govern a Brother’s life and speech in and out of the lodge room. The rules, written over 200 years ago, are interlaced with Brother Tabbert’s interpretations for the 21st century Freemason. In the chapter entitled “When in Lodge,” Rule

011 says, “Shift not yourself in the sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.” Brother Tabbert suggests, “During lodge meeting, sit still, pay attention, respect the work of the evening and do not chew your nails, look at your electronic devices, or otherwise distract your brothers.” This would be a good rule for anyone to follow in or out of the Lodge.

In addition to these rules, Brother Tabbert includes a chronology of Washington’s life and his documented Masonic activities, as well as a list of the Masonic items in Washington’s estate.

If you are interested in borrowing “George Washington’s Rules for Freemasons in Life and Lodge,” please contact the Library at 800-462-0430, ext. 1933, or visit The Masonic Library & Museum online catalog at www.pamasons.org.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation (PMYF) issued over $118,000 this year in new scholarships and pledged over $156,000, with some recurring awards contingent upon continued good academic performance in college. The program will open again on Oct. 1 with new applications available at www.pmyf.org that are due by March 15, 2018. The Foundation has presented over $1.5 million in scholarship awards since 1990.

Left: Miss Megan Polash, Windber, Pa., was presented a $3,000 PMYF A. Ralph Taylor Scholarship by Brother Alvin E. Just, D.D.G.M.-41.

Above: Brother Cody Swab received a $2,000 PMYF A. Ralph Taylor Scholarship from Brother Terry I. Elliott, D.D.G.M.-19, in Union Lodge No. 324, Mifflintown, on June 19, at the extra meeting where he also received the Master Mason’s Degree.

August 2017

Masonic Temple, Library & Museum

www.pamasonictemple.org 21

PHIL ANTHROPY

Daniel J. Flood Elementary School’s kindergarten graduation and Blue Bag Ceremony

PA MASONS FOSTER LIFELONG READING HABITS IN YOUTH Thanks to PA Masons, 668 children and their families spent quality time last school year away from electronics, TV and other distractions. They shared good quality books that encouraged them to learn to read, think and learn.

Brother Robert “Bobby” Hughes, Lodge No. 61, WilkesBarre, applied for a grant application that enabled the program to be offered in several Wilkes-Barre Area Elementary Schools.

On May 15, at the end-of-the-year Blue Bag Ceremony, he and Brother Robert Gaiteri, Lodge No. 61, Wilkes-Barre, read to 125 kindergarteners at Heights/Murray Elementary School who have benefited tremendously from the program.

“Heights Elementary is my alma mater, so this effort to give back holds a special place in my heart. Literacy is on its way up, and reading has been encouraged inside and outside of school by all the supporting teachers and the administration.”

Brother Bobby said.

At the event, Lodge Brothers shook every child’s hand and gave them a blue bag that they may take to the library over the summer. Prizes were awarded to one student from each class who read the most books throughout the year. In return, the Brethren received several thank you cards signed by the students and a bunch of hugs. The parents, guardians, teachers and reading aides were extremely supportive.

Two weeks later, Brother Bobby and Brother Brian Gallagher, Lodge No. 61, joined three kindergarten classes from Dodson

22

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine

Elementary School at their Blue Bag Ceremony. Brother Bobby read several books to the children and thanked the parents for encouraging their children to read often.

“Our Lodge is doing a great educational service to the youth of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area School District with this program that is desperately needed to increase the literacy of hundreds of kids throughout the district,” Brother Bobby said. “We NEED this program in our region. I’ve witnessed it firsthand and my conversations with the teachers make me want to support the program even more.”

Heights Elementary students show off their Blue Bags.

Pennsylvania Freemason

Miss Caitlin Robinson’s Mapleton-Union Elementary School kindergarten class, as well as Michele Grove, Head Teacher, Kistler Elementary School and Mapleton-Union Elementary School; Vickie McMullen, Mount Union Community Library volunteer; Matthew Franks, Elementary Principal; Brother Gregory A Dimoff, P.M., W.M., Mount Union Lodge No. 688; Caitlin Robinson, Kindergarten Teacher, Mapleton-Union Elementary School; Cinda Imperioii, Vice-President, Mount Union Community Library Board of Directors; and Brother Robert C. Snyder II, D.D.G.M.-34.

In early June, Brother Bobby and Brother Robert again passed out blue bags, this time to 80 students during Daniel J. Flood Elementary School’s kindergarten graduation program. Brother Hughes discussed with attendees the importance of taking the children to the library over the summer. Many parents personally thanked the Brethren following the event, and the school was very appreciative of the support PA Masons provided to the school and the students. Before leaving, the Brethren read two books to the students.

Lodge No. 61 also made a $200 donation toward a flash card box set for every kindergarten student in the schools participating in the program in the fall. Brother Bobby reached out to his former 1985 classmates for donations to purchase the box sets, which are usually paid for by the teachers personally.

In celebration of National Library Week in April, six kindergarten classes with 668 students in the Mount Union School District visited the Mount Union Community Library to kick-off their Blue Bag Campaign. Brothers Robert Snyder, II, D.D.G.M.-34, and Gregory Dimoff, P.M., W.M., Mount Union Lodge No. 688, joined two of the classes.

At the library, the students were read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” sang a song, received their blue bags containing a book and a library card application and were encouraged to borrow books to read over the summer. School staff expressed their sincere appreciation of PA Masons’ generosity in bringing

August 2017

Brothers Bobby Hughes and Brian Gallagher read to students of Dodson Elementary School and handed out their Blue Bags. the program to the district, which has been a very positive influence on the kindergarten students and their parents.

In addition to those school districts mentioned above, 175 children in 11 Woodland Hills (North Braddock, PA) kindergarten classes benefitted from the program.

“Your commitment and participation has ensured that these families are getting the maximum benefit from the program … This collaboration between the Masons and the school is exactly what we aim for in this partnership,” said Kristen Anderson, Senior Manager, Grant-funded Programs for Raising A Reader. “You are helping to foster a love of reading that will last a lifetime. These families and schools are lucky to have your support.”

Looking ahead to the 2017-2018 school year, Pennsylvania Masons will serve an additional 12 kindergarten classrooms in the Pottstown School District, serving an additional 300 children, and 26 kindergarten classrooms in the Harrisburg School District, serving 650 additional children. Schools that participated in the Raising A Reader program last year will receive refresher materials to continue the program.

Online Edition

www.pamasons.org/magazine 23

PHIL ANTHROPY - Help For Our Heroes

HELP FOR OUR HEROES

Your Support is Rebuilding Lives

Around 4 a.m. on April 2, Pennsylvania Army National Guardsman SGT Frank Miller awoke to a smoke-filled house.

Within minutes, the living room where he and his 6-year-old daughter Sophia had been sleeping, was engulfed in flames.

SGT Miller raced his daughter to safety in the front yard, then returned to the burning house to retrieve his fiancé, Noelle, from where she had been sleeping in the upstairs bedroom. Minutes later, the fire had spread to the upstairs. Although SGT Miller and his family made it out safely, the house was a complete loss.

SGT Miller is a 25U Signal Support System Specialist with C Company 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Beaver Falls, Pa. He has served for seven years and is currently a retransmission team chief, master driver trainer and equal opportunity advisor for the unit. SGT Miller has received numerous coins for his dedication to the unit and an Army Achievement Medal as a guardsman. He is a professional, dedicated leader and role model. And now, he’s also proven himself a hero.

The fire was determined to have been caused by a space heater on the lower level of the home. A proud individual, SGT Miller did not want to seek any assistance, but he eventually requested school supplies and clothing for Sophia, some clothing for Noelle and work boots so he could go to work.

SGT Miller’s unit has assisted with whatever it can. He and his family are renting a property nearby. They hope to rebuild

24

Help For Our Heroes

a home on their property and pick up the pieces of their lives.

When Brothers SGT Tom Long and Col. Harris Brooks were notified of SGT Miller’s plight, they established several needs with which Brethren could assist. Initially, it looked like SGT Miller was going to have a major short fall between the cost to rebuild his home and the funding estimated from the insurance company. Brother Joe Shubert, Lodge Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246, Philadelphia, a public insurance adjuster, will work with the insurance company to ensure the situation is handled fairly. Brother Brian Seeger, Ellwood-Parian Lodge No. 599, Ellwood City, a general contractor with experience working with fire damaged homes in western Pennsylvania, will submit a bid to complete the reconstruction of the house and repair the garage. Brother P.J. Roup, P.D.D.G.M.-54, will keep an eye on the building project to help those trying to manage it from the eastern side of the state.

SGT Miller’s home was an older, smaller house. Installing a fire alarm system and an upgraded heating and cooling system will make the home safer, and increasing the square footage of the home will improve the quality of life of SGT Miller’s family.

Thanks to your generous donations, Help for Our Heroes will underwrite the cost of these improvements for SGT Miller.

Please, keep your contributions coming so we can continue to provide Help for Our Heroes!

www.pamasons.org/heroes

Pennsylvania Freemason

EDUCATION HELPS MASONIC YOUTH REFUTE MISUNDERSTANDINGS For over 40 years, members of the Masonic youth groups – Rainbow, DeMolay and Job’s Daughters – have encountered anti-Masonic fervency and accusations that they are just junior Masonic “cults.” Although they know, instinctively, that these accusations are empty, they can, nonetheless, be difficult to answer logically and compellingly. Since the year 2000, the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation has offered a seminar on what cults are and how Masonic youth groups are radically different from them (and, consequently, how Freemasonry is also nothing like a cult.)

Since 2004, the Foundation has provided a written document entitled “Isn’t That a Cult?” that can be printed from its website. Youth groups have used this publication to give to parents of prospective members who are hesitant to allow their children to join, simply because they’ve heard rumors or seen groundless negative stories on television about Freemasonry.

It may also be a good refresher for Masonic members to review to help them counter arguments that Freemasonry is a cult: https://pmyf.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/isntthatacult.pdf.

HONORING YOUTH LEADERS

HODEGOS is a modern Greek word meaning “the driver” or put another way, “the one who makes things happen.” It can also mean mentor and teacher of the inexperienced. It is a word many are not familiar with, and people will often say, “Haagen Dazs?” Thus, the Job’s Daughter honorees of the past welcomed the newest HODEGOS in their midst by presenting each, and Brother Gottshall, with a pint of ice cream.

The HODEGOS Class has been announced for 2017. Many Masons will never see this prestigious award of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania presented, because it is only given at the annual conventions of the Masonic youth groups. Only two

August 2017

per group, or a maximum of six per year, are granted to youth leaders who have worked for a minimum of seven years, and who have been nominated by adults and youth who admire and appreciate their service. This year’s recipients are: Brother Raymond Gottschall, III, 33 °, P.M., served for more than 25 years as an Advisor for Reading Chapter, Order of DeMolay.

Lana Karl has served as Past Bethel Guardian, Past Bethel Secretary and Past Bethel Treasurer and is serving a third term as Deputy Grand Guardian for Job’s Daughters Bethel #17 in Hershey.

Sarah Stains, Bethel #17, Hershey, has served Job’s Daughters for 16 years as an adult, including as Past Bethel Guardian for Bethels #12 and #16, Past Grand Guardian of Pennsylvania and trainer of certified adult volunteers.

Thelma Antis, Irwin Rainbow Assembly #42, served PA Rainbow for more than 33 years, including 23 as Mother Advisor. She is also a Representative of Youth for Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.

Deanna Quay, Past Mother Advisor of Allentown Rainbow Assembly #40 and Mother Advisor of Lehigh Valley Rainbow Assembly #190, Macungie, has served the Order for more than 41 years.

Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation

www.pmyf.org 25

PHIL ANTHROPY - Masonic Charities

Masonic Village at Sewickley

Masonic Children’s Home

SERVING CHILDREN IN WESTERN PA

Fund raising efforts are underway to build a Masonic Children’s Home on the Masonic Village at Sewickley campus.

Since 1913, Pennsylvania Freemasons have provided a safe haven and changed the lives of more than 2,100 children at the Masonic Children’s Home on the campus of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, Pa. Since then, children have come to the Masonic Children’s Home with many varied needs: shelter, nutrition, health care, security, clothing, education, guidance and love. Each child is cared for as an individual, valued for his or her strengths, skills and unique personality.

For children growing up in an unstable environment, finding a secure home with love, support and guidance is

life-changing. A children’s home in Sewickley would meet the needs of 16 children, with eight girls and eight boys housed on the campus. The youth will receive food, clothing, complete medical care, academic tutoring and opportunities to participate in worship and extracurricular activities of their choosing. Upon graduation from high school, the youth would continue to receive support in college.

Anyone who wishes to help develop positive futures and endless possibilities for children in Western Pennsylvania who need it most are encouraged to complete the form below with their payment option and mail it to: Masonic Charities, Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

Checks should be made out to “Masonic Charities,” with a note in memo section: “MCH at Sewickley.” Or, donate online at www.MasonicCharitiesPa.org/donate-now. If you have any questions about the project or would like to support it with a major gift, please contact Heather Mason, Director of Gift Planning - Western Region, at hmason@masonicvillages.org or 1-412-741-1400, ext. 3011.

Cut reply form and mail to Masonic Charities at address above.

Sewickley Children’s Home Donation Form Donor Name: ___________________________________________________________ Donor Address: _________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________________ State:______ Zip:_______________ Phone:__________________________ E-mail:_________________________________ Donation Amount: ________________________________ Method of Payment: � Check payable to Masonic Charities � Credit Card: � Visa � MasterCard � American Express Account No.:_________________________ Expiration Date: ________________ Security Code_______

26

Masonic Charities

www.masoniccharitiespa.org

MVS-CH

Pennsylvania Freemason

YOUTH APPRECIATION DAY 2017 The achievements of the 36 young men and women of the Masonic Children’s Home were celebrated on May 19 at the 94th annual Youth Appreciation Day. Recognized for their athletics, citizenship, creativity, scholarship and vocation, each child received personalized awards.

Grand Master Raymond T. Dietz spoke of the “winner” inside of each child: “For over a century, Pennsylvania Masons have helped young people find the winner inside and given them the tools and confidence to stand tall. Winners are not people who never fail, but people who choose to never quit. Don’t ever sell yourself short or be ashamed of who you are. Believe in yourself, reach high and dream big.”

The four graduating seniors spoke in admiration and appreciation for children’s home staff and donors, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future.

Anderson was placed in foster care at age 3. Before arriving at the children’s home in 2015, he was bumped from home to home.

“Living at the children’s home for the last two years has allowed me to achieve and participate in more things than I have in my entire life,” Anderson said. “It gave me a new life and a second chance. I truly believe it saved me.”

In high school, Anderson maintained good grades, played basketball, held a job bussing tables at a local restaurant and volunteered in the community at a summer camp for intellectually disabled individuals. He will go on to study graphic design at California University of Pennsylvania.

Autumn came to the children’s home when she was 10 years old.

She will attend Douglas Education Center for a degree in Special Effects, pursuing a career interest she has grown since

August 2017

she was a little girl. Autumn also works at a local amusement park and volunteers in the community.

“I have learned how to be a leader and express myself through art. I hope to make everyone proud,” she said.

By the time Curtis made it to the children’s home in 2012, he had already lived on three different countries, including South Africa, where he recalls, “Basic necessities were hard to come by. Life was hard, but everyone here made it all so easy for me ...

The children’s home has given me the tools I need to succeed.”

Curtis will begin studying Sports Management at Millersville University in the fall. He played varsity soccer for three years, and, during his senior year, his team made it to the State Championships.

“Growing up at Masonic has helped me so much. It’s given me a stable place to live, create friendships and build memories that I will never forget,” Curtis said.

When Sarah came to the children’s home in 2013, she was a struggling student who was working hard to overcome a lot.

Over the past four years, Sarah participated in clubs and marching band and works part-time as a lifeguard.

Sarah will pursue her childhood dream of becoming a veterinary technician at Northampton Community College.

Sarah is grateful for the opportunities she’s received thanks to staff and donors. “Without you, we wouldn’t have a place to call home,” she said. “For us, every day was a family reunion, and I will miss having the people closest to me 40 steps away.”

Donors who have made a cumulative donation of $1,000 or more in 2017 to the Masonic Children’s Home or are members of the Masonic Children’s Home Centennial Society for planned giving will receive an invitation to 2018’s annual Youth Appreciation Day.

Masonic Charities

www.masoniccharitiespa.org 27

Save The Date

ADMIT ONE

SEWICKLEY

Community Festival Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Parade beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Pittsburgh Police Emerald Society Pipes & Drums Numerous police departments from the Pittsburgh area Dedication of the NEW Veterans Garden Tours of the community Vendor craft show Wing cook-off Kids’ activities: petting zoo, bounce house and face painting

2017

PHIL ANTHROPY - Masonic Villages

Food and refreshments Musical guests: Donna and Mark Groom, the Quaker Valley Marching Band and DJ Phil Lenz Local businesses, fire and rescue and Masonic groups Masonic Village Farm Market

A u t umn D ay 20 1 7

ADMIT ONE

ELIZABETHTOWN

28

Save The Date

Autumn Day Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

2017

The Veterans Garden at the Masonic Village at Sewickley will recognize and honor veterans in a meaningful, lasting way. It will be a place for loved ones to pray for, celebrate and memorialize those who have, and those who continue, to serve our country.

The statue of Brother and President George Washington, water fountain, pond and benches are available for individual recognition on a bronze or Corian tile.

Individuals and Lodges may purchase pavers to be inscribed with the name of donor(s), veteran(s) or loved one(s) serving in the armed forces. The sale of the pavers supports the construction and maintenance of this sacred area. Contact the Office of Gift Planning for more details at 1-800-599-6454 or visit MasonicCharitiesPa.org.

Join members and friends at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown for entertainment, information, food served from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., farm market stands, children’s games, music, model trains, classic cars, farm animals, Masonic family organization booths and much more.

Autumn Day provides the perfect opportunity to visit with family members, reunite with friends and tour parts of the 1,400-acre campus.

For Handicapped or Bus Parking Only

Name________________________________________________________________ Lodge No.____________________________________________________________ No. of Adults_____________ No. of Children______________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________ State____________ Zip__________________  Need Handicapped Parking*  Charter Bus Complete and return to: Autumn Day, Masonic Village One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 * Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with this coupon. We will send you a special parking permit, if needed, which must be presented upon arrival.

Masonic Villages

www.masonicvillages.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

EMPOWERING TECHNOLOGY Masonic Villages has entered into a strategic, multi-year partnership with K4Connect, a mission-centered technology company, to deploy a platform called K4Community that provides residents with automation, engagement and continued independence. This initiative helps Masonic Villages expand its services and provide greater access to technology for its residents, customers and patients through home and community-based services.

K4Community integrates the latest in smart technologies into a single responsive platform. With a single touch, community residents can control their homes; stay connected with loved ones through voice calling, video chats and photo sharing; and stay more engaged in community activities through event calendars and newsletters.

Following a successful pilot at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, the plan is to implement the technology in stages on campus and in Dallas, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and potentially in Warminster.

According to F. Scott Moody, Co-Founder, CEO and Chief Advocate Officer of K4Connect, “It has been an absolute

pleasure to work with such a committed group of people who share our sense of mission and focus on serving others. It makes residents’ lives simpler, healthier and happier, while providing Masonic Villages’ staff access to world class content management, facilities management and resident engagement capabilities.”

K4Community enables Masonic Villages to offer its residents value-added amenities, while increasing revenues and lowering costs. New technologies can be continually integrated into the future, something that is critical as the pace of technology development accelerates.

“We thoroughly researched our options and feel K4Connect offers the latest technology, convenience and safety,” said Brother Joseph E. Murphy, CEO for Masonic Villages. “This technology allows our residents to control their home environment, connect with loved ones on campus and across the world, and when additional needs arise, to assist them to remain independent as long as possible. It provides us with the technical foundation for continued innovation and growth.”

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown resident Brother Bryan Hill (pictured above) considers K4 another amenity that makes life easier and more convenient. As President of the Retirement Living Residents Association, he uses it as a resource to help him find information to assist his fellow residents. He also sees it as another tool to help him remember things as he ages.

August 2017

Masonic Villages

www.masonicvillages.org 29

PHIL ANTHROPY - Masonic Charities

A FRIENDLY FACE OF PHILANTHROPY

When you speak with Maggie Headland, it feels like you’ve known her forever. Her down-to-earth personality, patience and witty humor have led her through a lifetime of caring, which the soon-to-be-99-year-old continues today through her gifts to the Masonic Charities.

In the 1940s, she began teaching health and English to teenage students. During her career, Maggie was proud to be more than “just a teacher.” She was a confidant for her students and an advocate for life-long learning. She wore many hats in her lifetime, but her favorite was being a wife to her best friend and late husband Howard “Budd” Jr. The two met while Maggie was in college, and the rest was history. “He had the most magnificent blue eyes,” she says. “When I saw those eyes, I said, ‘I want that guy.’”

She appreciated more than his beautiful blue eyes. He was kind and always willing to put others before himself. It was something they both shared.

“He was a born giver, and nothing would have held him back from that,” she recalls.

Since their early twenties, she and Budd were involved in Masonic organizations - she a member of the Order of the Eastern Star’s Century Chapter No. 100, and he a member of Eureka Lodge No. 290, Penn Hills. Through their experience, they learned great things can happen because of the time and financial commitment of Masons and their families.

30

Masonic Charities

“If you have any kind of money, you want it to go to good use, because, for most people, it doesn’t come easy,” Maggie said. At one point in her teaching career, she was earning $7,200 a year.

Her confidence in the Masonic Charities putting her and Budd’s hard-earned money to good use was never questioned.

When Budd passed away in 2009, Maggie decided to continue giving in his honor as a way to carry on their tradition.

“You just know your money is going to where it’s needed most and will make someone’s life better,” she said. Whether that be a Masonic Village resident, a child at the Masonic Children’s Home, a member of a Masonic youth group or visitors to the precious Masonic Temple, it doesn’t matter to Maggie.

“My hope is that my gifts change someone’s life,” she says.

Despite her age, there isn’t much that can stop Maggie from enjoying her passions. Whether it’s playing the church organ, which she’s done for over 40 years, or volunteering in her community, her mind is always asking what she can do for others.

Maggie is even planning for the future, when she will not be able to help others personally.

Maggie has arranged to leave an estate gift to the Masonic Charities and is a member of the Franklin Legacy Society, which recognizes those of the same vision and foresight.

If you have provided for one or more of the Masonic Charities in your financial plans, through a bequest, revocable trust, life insurance policy or retirement plan, please contact the Masonic Charities Office of Gift Planning so you may be recognized as a Franklin Legacy Society member and receive unique gifts, recognition on a donor wall and an invitation to special events throughout the year.

“It should be important to everyone to leave a legacy that other people can benefit from,” Maggie says. “Take it from a 99-year-old.”

www.masoniccharitiespa.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

Qty Item Masonic Village at Dallas 2 Retractable awnings Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Gift card to local restaurant 12 Portable CD players Gift cards to local spa Hospitality cart supplies 5 Annual wellness memberships 12 Conference room chairs 42 Specialty wheelchair cushions 30 EZ Repositioners 23 Specialty wheelchairs 4 Bose Stereo systems 5 Electric Lift Recliners 20 Specialty Mattresses 1 Blanket warmer 1 New family/living room furniture 10 Vital sign machines 5 Specialty beds for resident mobility 1 EKG machine 1 Future camp trip for residents 7 Bariatric/transfer lifts 1 Patio furniture set for personal care 1 Ceramic kiln for health care/personal care residents 1 NuStep exercise machine 5 Ceiling mounted lifts 1 Simulation mannequin and system 2 Gazebos for memory support neighborhoods 10 Stand up lifts with scale 6 Total lifts with scale Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill 1 LifePack CR Plus Harvest Ball event Drama lessons/activities for residents Masonic Village at Sewickley 1 Hand rail tilt and roll scale 1 Camel lift 1 4-channel electric stimulation Masonic Village at Warminster 2 Digital vital sign monitors 1 Broda wheelchair 1 Pergola with awning Children’s Home Renovation Wish List 1 70” TV for projection/events Dining room/kitchen stools Living room/basement set 4 Study room tables/chairs 30 stackable chairs/8 tables 8 Bedroom sets August 2017

Unit Cost $2,300 $50 $80 $100 $100 $120 $180 $500 $700 $1,000 $1,100 $1,200 $2,500 $2,800 $3,500 $3,500 $3,700 $4,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,600 $7,000 $7,500 $8,000 $8,500 $8,500 $1,900 $2,500 $3,000 $1,550 $3,000 $4,400 $1,864 $2,550 $6,000 $1,700 $3,000 $5,500 $6,650 $20,000 $21,500

MASONIC VILLAGES’

2017

WISH LIST ITEMS

OFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING

1-800-599-6454

Thank you to those who have provided for the following items: Masonic Children’s Home Wayne Garafola: Various items Evelyn Hunter-Longdon: Cottage makeover and furnishings for Resource Center Richard and Donna Kellenberger: Various items Ronald and Judy McKnight: Various items Marion Mort: Kitchenette Fred and Mary Jane Sample: College books James and Frances Stark: Renovations for Children’s Home Judith Wolf: College tuition for student attending Bloomsburg University Donald Wood: Makeover for Wood Administrative Building and cottage Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Stuart and Barbara Brown: Clubhouse library books Richard Holt: Blanket warmer, pressure guard air mattresses Rosemary Merwin: Sell Chapel sound/visual system Arlene Von Nieda: Sell Chapel sound/visual system Masonic Village Hospice Eureka-West Shore Lodge No. 302: Brother in Flight Program Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill Robert Carwithen: Healthometer chair scale and two Litman master cardiology stethoscopes Masonic Village at Sewickley Family of Donald Carmichael: TouchTown computer system Masonic Village at Warminster Kensington-Kadosh Commandery No. 54: Chapel sign Ray and Annette Tierney: Raised planters There is an all-inclusive wish list posted on MasonicCharitiesPA.org, or feel free to contact the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454. Please note that if funds donated for any item listed are over- subscribed, the funds will be used for additional wish list items or needs in the same service area.

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.

Masonic Charities

www.masoniccharitiespa.org 31

Guaranteed Lifetime Income What Is It?

• A “Charitable Gift Annuity” - a special type of irrevocable charitable gift that pays donors for life.

What Are The Benefits?

• Guaranteed, fixed lifetime income • Tax Savings

Who Has Participated?

• Hundreds of Masonic and non-Masonic donors

Why?

• Payouts benefit the donor; and • After the donor passes on, whatever is left in the gift annuity goes to the Masonic Charities.

What Are The Minimums?

• $5,000 gift in cash or appreciated securities • Age 65

Where Can I Get Information?

• Call Masonic Charities at 1-800-599-6454 or mail the reply form.

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 to answer my questions. Phone (

) _______________________

Age 70 75 77 81 85 90+

SAMPLE GUARANTEED LIFETIME RATES For One Life For Two Lives Rate Age Rate 5.1% 70 & 75 4.8% 5.8% 75 & 80 5.3% 6.2% 85 & 85 6.7% 7.0% 85 & 90 7.3% 7.8% 90 & 90 8.2% 9.0% 90 & 95 8.8%

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

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.