Lf so, here 's a linle true/ fal se quiz to tes your knowled ge about us in g publicl y traded stock to make a chari tab le gift to Masonic Hom es.
I Only s tocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange can be used to make c haritable gifts.
2. F or tax pwposes, it is normally belle r to sell long -term appreciated s tock and give the cash to Masonic Homes
3. The value ofa s tock gift is d etennined on the date when Masonic Homes r eceives a le lle rfi"om the donor indicating his or he r d ec sion to make the gift.
4. Ifyou buy stock in JanuaJy and in three months it doubles in value, you can give the s tock to Masonic H om es in June and avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation ofthe stock
5. It is normally beller to give s tock that has depreciated in value rather than stock that has appreciated
6 FortcLT purposes, the value ofa s tock gift equals th e amount ofcash received by Maso nic Homes after if sells the sto ck
7. Most stoc k gifts re quire legal assistance to comple te.
Lf you answere d al l of th ese questio ns " false" you may mo ve to the head of th e c lass. On the other hand, if yo u used th e " T wo rd o r w ere unsure of any of your answers use the coupon below to request a free broc hure on Gifts of Apprec iated Property : A Way to Redu c e Taxes. W e want y ou to know the advantages of stock gifts- and how easy it really s.
(Please complete and return this coupon)
( ) Gifts of Appreciate d Property: A Way to Reduce Taxes ( ) How yo u
PENN§YLVANIA
This good news was made possible because of our showing a 40 percent increase in petitions for two consecutive
The Grand Master Speaks •••
Brethren:
I have assured you that my total involvement in Grand Lodg e programs, family opportunities and Pennsylvania Lodges is a goal for my tenure as Grand Master. It is my hope that all Masons become personally involved with the activities offered by our Fraternity so that each of you will reap the rewards of brotherhood, enrichment, and a feeling of worthiness as you exercise charitable works. It has been rewarding to me as I have begun pre sent ing Grand Lodge replica model banks for those brethren completing ten out of 15 noble fraternal activities. Th ese Masons have had many wonderful experiences and are to be congratulated for their efforts.
Charity i s a theme and a n accountability. As you r ead The Pennsylvania Freemason, notice how M aso n s h ave responded. Mason s are involved sin cere ly, wh et h e r it' s th e Big Brother s/Big Sisters program, responding to the m essages of the Blood and Organ Donor Club, or in projects to help their co mmunities and h a ndi capped or distressed neighbor s and friends. Cha rity is being there for another when needed. W e need to be there for our brothers wh e n they need u s.
Let m e re late a n event that I spoke about to those attending the Grand Lodg e Quarterly Commun i cation i n J ohnstow n. The Grand Lod ge Office rs vi sit ed Coatesville Veterans H ospita on the traditional Memorial Day, May 30th. We, in our M asonic r egalia, were welcomed and re ce iv ed by the staff with ope n arms. Our g uides took us to many of the hospital facilities, and I can assur e you that our veterans are getting fi ne care. On one fl oor we noticed two ladies lovingly spoonfeeding their husbands. We stopped to vi si t a nd they informed u s that their husbands had b ee n Ma sons, but wer e put out of the lodg e when they beca m e s ck and
didn't remember to pay their dues. I ask you, brethren, why did we allow this to happen? How many other brethren have been suspended who are in the same condition as the ones fed by their wives? Why aren't we living up to our obligation to help a brother when in need? Why aren't we cognizant of our re spo nsibility as o ffi cers and m e mbers of our lodges when a member is up for suspension? It is your duty to look after your brothers and their families. Remember our Ancient Charge at Initiation when the Worshipful Mast e r told you, "You are to be a man of benevolence and charity " You can make a difference in the lives of your brothers. Do you reali ze that a penny a week from eac h M aso n in your l odge could pay the dues of brothers who a r e ill ? We ca n n ot afford to allow brethren t o be suspe nd ed when they are in the condition of the men we v i sited at the Veterans Ho sp ital. Over 1,600 m e mbers have been suspended for non - paym e nt of dues this year. We must all become co n cerned about th ese brethren. Perhaps the secretary of your lodge could provide the names of th e suspended m embers for the Masons of your l odge so that personal co ntact could be made to show that M asons care . H ave yo u called a sic k broth e r la te ly?
Education, culture, and promot i ng the use ful arts are also our respon sibil ities. We have completed the awarding of scho lar ships for the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation and the High S c hool Senior Talent Sea rch competi ti on and essay contes t promoted by th e M asonic Education Committee The excepti on al talent and the perception s of the essays were tru ly inspirational to those who atte nded the performanc es Please mak e any 19961997 High School Seniors aware that these program s will be available for scholarship opportunities to be awa rded in th e spring of 1997
Be a "lover of th e arts" and visit the Grand Lodge-sponsored Sunday family entertainment programs in October when they resume. Those who attended the shows in the Spring enjoyed the programs and found th em to be afternoons of wholesome fun shared with families and friends. Also, invite a nonMasonic friend to join you at our Masonic Homes for Autumn Day September 28th. There will be games for the children, entertainment, good food , tours, shopping for fruit and crafts and visiting with the Homes residents, which will make a complete and wonderful day.
Finally, I must l et you know how proud I am of th e Grand Master's team. During the first four months of 1996, more than 1,600 petitions w ere re ce ived. Th e Grand Master's team comp ri ses the first - ne signers and they are th e r ec ipients of the purple team jackets whi c h d e n otes their commitment to keep Freemasonry vibrant. The lodges of Pennsylvania are enth u s iastically respo nd i ng to our Friend to Friend program Evid e nce of this response is that Pennsylvania n ow en joys first place in membership among the ju r isdict io ns in North Ame rica I call upon all Mason s to s h are the Friend to Friend bro c hure and newly r e leased 14-minute v id eo with th ose whom you believe to be qualified for membership. It is one of the f inest thing s you can ever d o fo r a friend. I am loo king fo r you t o be part of the team and help make a difference in our Masonic hi story.
Sincerely and fraternally,
C!&n tbe
INVOLVEMENT in the Lodge, the family, and !he COJI/IIlllnity in charilY, routh prog rams e du cation, fi·a t emalisn;, and m embers hip deve lopment
Throughow The Penns y lvania Freemason are r eport s of P e nn sylvania Ma so n s, lodges and dis /rie ls involved in ji-a te rnalism , charity, and ser vice. Representative of the involved Masons, R W Grand J'v!aster Edward 0 W e i sser i s s h o wn on the c ove r of this i ss u e taking part in s ome fi'aternal service, educational and fe llowship ac tivilies
In the lower photo, Grand Master We iss er is ha ving a great time wi th yo uth as h e u as a s mprise vis itor a/ a Rainbow Girls' " Breakfas t with th e Eas te r Bunny." (s ee page 10) In th e pic llire upp er right, h e pr ese nt s th e $ 5 , 000 sc holars hip 10 Amhony Ca rafora, th e firs l-place winne r of the s lale wide /a/en/ searc h (see page 17) In !he upper/eft picture Bro Weis ser i s with 14 n e w m e mbe rs of !h e Grand Ma s t e r 's T e am who ar e w e arin g the purpl e Fr i e nd to Friend ja c k e t s for m e mb e r s hip d e v e lopm e nt that th ey received at th e Com munication in Johmtown (see be /011 )
Edward 0. W e isser R.W. Grand Master
Joining Grand Master's Team
Durin g the Quat1erly Comm u nication in th e Masonic T empl e in Jolmsto w n, R.W. Grand Maste r Edward 0. Weis se r welcomed 14 Masons to the Grand Ma ste r 's T ea m and presented t h em w ith purple Friend to Friend J ackets After the candidate ha s become a Maso n , the jacket is awarde d to the Pennsyl vani a M as on who was the firstlin e signer of his petition.
S ho wn wi th Grand Mas ter Weisser after they received their jackets are: Front row (1r) - Grand Sword Be are r William W. Weisse r (left) an d R.W. Past Grand Master John K. Young (rig h t); Center ro wC l arence S n y der, Jr., P au l L. Zeipicick, La w renc e So ll enberger, P. F r a n kl in Hat1zell , Sr. , Brooks L. Breakey, and John D. Ladik ; Back row- D.D.G.M. Dann y M cKni g ht , Loui s Ludwi g , Emery D ave A nden , Jr. , G ary E. Moody , Ja mes Miller, and Robet1 Zett lemoyer.
Special Message continuedfrom cover
I wou ld like to see evety Freemason co n gra tulate eve ty brother he sees who is wearing a F riend to Friend Builders Pin o r the Grand Master 's purp le team j acket. Those bretlu·en are making a difference in a most criti ca l pe tiod of Masonic history. Brethren, Friend to Friend is working; but our work has just begun! We have slowed the pace of membership losses dramatically; but we need the involvement of all members - NOW. As we join hands in unanimity, success will crown our efforts. The Masons of Pennsylvania have joined hands and we are No. l. Are you committed to keep Freemasonry alive and wel l?
W ith the Friend to Friend brochure and the newl y released 14-minute Friend to Friend v ideo, we have the most effective tools ever developed to enlighten our worthy non-Masonic friends about Freemas onry. It is s imple; it is easy; and we are doing it without so licitation.
I urge y ou to s hare th e Friend to Friend brochure and video with those whom you honestl y believe to be qualified for membership. It is one of the finest things yo u can ever do for a friend . It is a message of kindness that lasts a lifetime!
Sincerely and fraternall y
Know what is going on in the Grand Lodge. Beginning August 1, you can ca ll toll-free to hear a weekly message from the Grand Master. CALL 1-888-440-1500
Dodson Earns 1st Replica Bank
Pau l Dodson (left), a Past M aste r in Hermann Lodge No. 125, Philadelphia, is the first Pennsylvania Mason to be awarded th e Grand Lodg e rep lica b a nk for having verified his exemplary Ma so nic record. He completed 11 of the 15 fraternal achievements list ed on th e "B a nking on You, Broth e r" verification card.
R.W. Grand Ma ste r Edw a rd 0. W e i sse r pr esented the award to Bro. Dodson "on the job at Grand Lodge." He has been an employee on the Maintenance Staff at th e Ma so nic T e mpl e for 13 years. For the presentation, Dodson wore the purple Grand Master's Team jacket that he earned for b e ing the firstline petition-signer for an initi ate during Grand Master W e i sse r' s t e rm. He a lso holds the bron ze, silver, and gold lapel pin award s. Dod so n, who has been a Mason for 23 years, said that he has signed 15 p et itions.
The awardwinner, who celebrated hi s 60th birthday in June, is constantly busy with M aso nically r e lat ed activities. He tile s for 11 lodge s or bodies; he is a "Dad" in Rainbow Assembly 47 , Philadelphia; and is the Sentinel of Covenant Chapter 199 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Also, he is sexton for New Greenwich Light Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
The award can be earned by a Pennsylvania Mason who completes ten of fiftee n fraternal activities during 1996 an d 1997. Eve ry Pe nn sylvania Mason ha s received a card on which to track his progress toward earning a bank. When he has ten tasks accomplish ed, e ither the Secretary or the Tyler of hi s lodg e will initial the card to verify the achievements.
Lodge No. 337 Finds a New Friend
[Th e following is exce1 ptedji·om an article by Elizab eth Ho rne, s taff writer fo r Th e Valley Independent, Mo nongahela.]
"A third grade Bentleyville elementary student (Brennan Shemasek) loves to draw, but because of a disease she is confined to a wheelchair and was having trouble reaching the d es k in her favorite class ....
" It only took one phone call for the Henry M. Phillips Lodge No .- 337 in Monongahela to jump into action (and to purchase a special desk).
Bentl eyv ille Elem e ntary t eac her Joy Bellicini said (that) the members dug into their own pockets when they heard of Brennan Shemasek's situation.
"(Brennan) was born with muscular dystrophy art is her favorite class and a n ew wheelchair placed her much higher than her art table. The new desk will grow with Shemasek and be moved from school to school with her The Shemasek family, their third grade daughter and the entire staff of the school are grateful to the men w ho made the gift possible. "
48 More Officers Complete D.A.R.E. Training
Forty-eight police officers from throughout Pennsylvania were graduated May 3 from the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) two-week training at the Masonic Conference Cent er on the Patton Campus in Elizabethtown The training, made pos s ible by the Pe nnsylvania Ma so ni c Foundation for the Prevention of Drug and Al co hol Abu se Am o ng Children, is conducted in coordination with the Pe nn sy lvania Commi ss ion on Crime and Delinquency, D.A.R.E. and the Grand Lodge of Penn sylvania.
Upon completing the training, the officers were certified to teach a 17- week course on drug and alcohol abuse resistance in their local elementary schools. Since 1994, Pennsylvania Masons have hosted the training at no cost to the state, participating municipalities, or individu a l officers. The Masonic Conference Ce nte r ha s b ee n d es ignated the Pe nnsylvania D.A.R.E Training Center. Thi s c la ss bring s th e total of D.A.R.E. officers trained at the facility to 177.
Kids Save Cop Cards
Kids love heroes And kids love to collect picture cards of th e ir heroes.
The Pennsylvania Masonic Found at ion for th e Prevent ion of Drug and Alcohol Abu se Among Children supp lie s each law enforcement officer who is graduat e d from t h e D.A.R.E Tra ining Program with 2, 000 pe r sona l "cop trading c ards ." The fac e of eac h ca rd has the officer 's picture in color, a long with his or her name and that of t he police d e p a rtm e nt. T he Squar e and Com passes s imprinted in a c orner On the back s the career re cord of th e officer, a p e rsonal m ess age from the officer and th e Squa r e and Compa sses with "Complim e nts of T h e Fr ee and Ac ce pted Mas on s of Penn s ylvania ."
Ashara Lodge Presents Check
Past Master Terry L. Sheppard, of Ashara Lodge No. 398, Mt Joy, prese nts a check for $2,000 r e prese nting the proceeds of its annual spaghetti f und - raising dinner to Jo sep h W. Witt e, Dir ecto r of The Penn sy lvani a Ma so nic Foundation for th e Prev e nti o n of Drug a nd Al co hol Abu se Am o ng Childre n
Scottish Rite Research Society Offers "Nickel's Worth" Deal
T he Scottish Rit e Resea rc h Soc iety has grown fro m 400 me mbers fo ur years ago to nearly 2 ,000 tod ay. It now has a g oal o f 5,000 members. To put th e Society on th e road to ward its goal, there is a spec ia l 1996 membership pro motio n For the first year's d ues of$2 0 th e Society w ill wa ive th e ini tiation fee , g ive a n ew book on Masonry, and place the new member on th e m a il ing li st fo r th e Soc iety's newsle tte r, Th e Plwnblin e.
The Society call s it, " ge ttin g your nick e l 's wo rth - and more," beca use the book, Bro Jim Tres ne r 's A lbert Pike: The Man Beyo nd the Monument , - a lr eady in its seco nd printing- is a $ 19 95 value. Al so, t he first I ,000 new me mbers wiJJ recei ve a bon us copy of a poste r wi th 32 i llustrations of Scotti sh Rite Re ga lia pa in t ings tha t are di spl ayed in th e Ho use of the Te m p le, headqua rters of th e A.A. S .R. , S. M.J., in Washingto n , D.C.
To becom e a me mbe r of th e Scotti sh Rite Re searc h Society, a Maso n s hould send a note of ap pli cation including his na me, ad dress, lo d ge, Scottis h Rite Val ley (if a ppl icable) a lon g with hi s c he ck for $2 0 for 1996 dues to: Scotti s h Rite Researc h Soci ety, 1733 16th S t. , NW,
NORTH TO ALASKA
Memb ers of HemJ M. Phillips L odge No 33 7 are shown with their new fi' iend, third -grad e a rt st udent Brennan Sh emasek, a/ th e sp ec ial desk they bo ught fo r her. Shown (/-1) a re: Edward Ramos, W.M ; William P owis ; Brennan 's mothe r Beckie Shemasek; Albert E. R ob inson, P M ; Andre Bellic ini ; Alex Popp; and Lena Baslianin, P.M
ORIENTAL HALL: JOOth ANNIVERSARY
ne hundred years ago, decoration of Oriental Hall , described as one of the finest, most colorfully designed lodg e rooms in the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia , was completed and formally opened. Throughout the century, the stately hall has served Masonry well and today is the meeting place of five Blue Lodges and two York Rite Bodies.
Looking wes t- 1890 's
Oriental Hall, a superb exemplification of Moorish architecture , is one of the sma ll est among th e seven magnificent lod ge halls in the Masonic Templ e Ori e ntal Hall i s 53 feet long , 41 feet wid e and 23 feet high. As described in The Keystone , a Masonic publication of the time, "Oriental Ha ll i s the work of Bro Murray Gibson, Sr. His plans we r e reproductions of the
seve ral parts of the famous Alhambra, at Grenada, Spain all of it in the raised relief characteristic of the Saracenic style. The design of the main panel of the ce iling is from the Hall of the Ambassadors and is subdivided into seven thousand smaller panels [with] interlacing golden lines that culminate into larger star-shaped clusters, out of the centre of each buds an e lectric light enclosed in a stalactite globe " The border around the ceiling is from the Salon of the Tribunal. The larg e wall spaces between the shafts of the co lumn s are from the Court of the Lions .... to the height of about fiv e feet, the wall is covered with semiglazed tiles .... This is from th e Court of the Fis h Pond. The borders are from th e H a ll of the Abenc e rrages
The ornamentation of th e spandrels of the a r ches is from the Hall of the Two Sisters "
Clearly no d etail in de co rating the h a II was left to cha nce !
Friend to Friend Lucite Award
William A. Laughlin, Sr. (right), of Glasgow Lodge No. 485, Shippingport, receives the Lucite award from 37th Masonic District Deputy Grand Master William R. Marvin. The Lucite award is earned by being the first-line signer on the petitions of six initiated Masons. Bro Laughlin wears his gold Friend to Friend lapel pin that he had previously ea rned for having been the first-line signer on three petitions.
A Mason for 84 Years
Few Masons celebrate their 84th Masonic anniversary. Bro Th omas Farrell, who wi ll be 106 on October 21, was entered in Pollock Lodge No. 502, Tarentum, on April 18, 1912. In honor of the anniversary, he received specia l recognition from his Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. William M. Kratzenberg (left), 54th Masonic District Deputy Grand Master, awards a Grand Lodge certificate of recognition and Robert M Armstrong (right ), Worshipful Master of Po llock Lodge, presents a Grand Lodg e achievement award to Bro. Farrell. While the prese ntation was being made at Bro Farrell 's residence in Belair Nursing Center, Lower Burrell , R.W. Grand Master Edward 0. Weisser telephoned to extend special fraternal greetings.
The honoree retired in 1955 after 50 years as a shearman with Allegheny Ludlum Steel Co. He is a World War I veteran, having r ece ived a medal for bravery while serving as a corpsman in the 319th Infantry, Co. H, Medi ca l Detachment.
ASERB Masons Confer Degree
A team of American Serbian Eastern Rite Brothers (ASERB) conferred the Master Mason's Degree on Daniel P. Gojsovich in John A. Brashear Lodge No. 743, Baldwin Township , Pitt sbu rgh. Forty American Serbian Masonic brethren attended the February 14 meeting.
Conferr in g th e d e gre e w e re: As W.M., Milan M. Tomich , P.M., Lodge No. 743; S.W., David Vranesevic, P.M., East McKeesport Lodg e No. 765; J.W., Sam Prisuta, P.M., Monaca-Center Lodg e No. 79 1; S.D., Stevan Drobac, Sec'y, Union Lodg e No. 259, New Brighton; J .D., Th eodore J. Erdel, Jr., Lodge No. 743; S .M. C., Rudy Karas, Jr., P.M ., Franklin-St. John 's-Trinity Lodge No. 221; J.M.C., Milan Drakulic , Jr., P.M. , Forbes Trail Lodge No. 783, Export; and Guide, Marko Godich, P M ., Lodge No. 783
Plaque For Contest Winner
The w inn er of the 1995 Masonic Educ at ion Media Con t est, William Wineberg (second fr om right) of J ohn W. J enks Lodge No. 534, Pun xs uta wney, was presented with the first-place trophy by the Reg ion 3 Masonic Edu cat ion Chairman, F. Rick Knepper (second from left), th e 39th District Deputy Grand Master Frederick T. H emp hill ( left) , and Worshipful Mast e r Ralph R. Sm ith . Hi s award - winning photo of the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial at Gettysburg now hangs in the Masonic Edu cat ion Office of Grand Lodg e in Philadelphia and s the picture for this month (August) in the Grand Mast e r' s 1996-97 commemorativ e ca le nd a r
ASERB is a group of m e n of Se rbi an ancestry (or married to Serbs) who share th e common bond of Freemasonry. It now numbers more than 320 brethren. They organized in 1963 for friendship, fe llows hi p and to establ ish a sc hol arsh ip fund. In 1965, t wo $250 scholarships were awarded ; for the past s ix years $1 ,000 scho larsh ip s h ave been awarded. Over 31 years, ASERB has awarded 146 sc holarship s amountin g to $89,350.
Past Master Councilors Made Masons
It was DeMolay night during an extra meeting on George Wa s hington's birthday at H omestead-Am it y-McCand ess L odge No. 582, Dr avos burg , whe n two past mast e r co un c il ors re ceived Masonic degree s. The degrees were conferred by brethren who are "Dads" of T emp l ar Chapter, Order of DeMolay. Th e Mason s occupy in g the stat ion s and places in the l odge were adv i so rs and act ive supporters of the DeMolay chapter. Pictured a r e (1 - r): Lin coln W. Will and his son, Thomas, who r ece iv ed the Entered Apprentice Mason's Degree; Jeffrey S. Henderson, w ho received the Master Ma so n's D egree, a nd hi s father , Ernest W. , Secreta r y of Hom est ead -Amity- M cCand l ess Lodge
Bro. Robe rt Burns , born in 1759, died 200 years ago. Robert Burns Lodge No. 464, Harrisburg, is named for the Scottish poet and avid Freemason. R .W. P.G.M Arthur J. Kurtz is a member of that Lodge and for the Grand Mast er's medallion struck to commemorate his term, 19881989, Bro. Burns and the Lodge name were depicted on the reverse. Bro. John Minott, Assistant Curator, has mounted an exhibit in the Grand Lodg e Mu se um in commemorat ion of the poet's life.
One hundred years ago on May 7, the younger oftwo Past Grand Masters nam ed Nisbet died Michael Nisbet, Jr. (1829 - 1896) , who was Grand Master in 1879-1880, was the son of Michael Nisbet, Sr. (1788-1842), who was Grand Ma st e r 1831-1832 .
Bro. William McKinley (1843-1901), was nominated and e ected to his first term as President of the United States one hundred year s ago. He wa s shot by an ana rch ist on Sept. 6, 1901, in Buffalo, NY and died on Sept. 14
Dedication of Chapel in the Masonic Homes Assembly Room
The all - purpose Assembly Room of the the Village Green area. R.W Grand Master 0. new West Wing of the Masonic Health Weisser and several members of the Comm1ttee on =MH: Care Center was dedicated as a place Masonic Homes were in attendance. Dr. Lacquement's for Christian war- sermon was entitled, " No Baloney. " ship on Saturday, April 13. More
The Assembly Room will be dedithan 300 residents , families, and cated at a future date as a Jewish fri e nds attended the dedication. house of worship. Services are held Ashley Van Deursen led the proces- in the facility during Passover, Yom sian of pastors , followed by the Kippur, Rosh Hashanah , and Acolyte Allison Va n Deursen Chanukah.
Bro and Dr Charles Lacquement , Director of the Pastoral Care Department , began the service of Dedication with a call for reverence.
Bro. and Rev. Ted Bowers , R ev Preston Van Deursen , and Bro. and Rev. George Jackson assisted in the service. Independent Li v ing Community residents, Bros. David Getty and Howard Wittel, offered solos in the ministry of sacred music. The organist for the service was Bro. Stewart Titus, resident of
A Christian service is held in the Assembly Room every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Everyone is invit e d to worship.
The Assembly Room has the capacity to hold 400 residents using wheelchairs. A large stained glass w indow occupies center stage area, depicting The Flood, the Tree of Life , and the Temple or Throne of God.
Bro. Apron Retired
During the Quarterly Communication ....---------------, in Johnstown on June 5, R.W. Grand Master Edward 0. Weisser retired the purple apron of the late James K. Thompson , Instructor of Ritualistic Work. After the evening's banquet, the 41st Masonic District Deputy Grand Master Robert R. Havers joined the Grand Master in presenting the apron, attractively framed and including an engraved plaque , to Thompson 's widow, Marian. In turn, the retired apron will be displayed permanently under Thompson's picture in the Johnstown Masonic Center.
Thompson had served the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania with dedication as the Instructor of Ritualistic Work from 1984 until his death on July 3, 1995.
A Past Master of Johnstown Lodge No. 538, Thompson was a Mason since 1954 He was active in York and Scottish Rite Bodies and his list of services and achievements was lengthy.
Youth Appreciation Day 1996
The Children's H ome ce leb r ated its 73rd annual Youth Appreciation Day with an award banquet in the Masonic He a lth Care Center's Assembly Room on Friday, May 24. All 35 youths were re cog nized for their varied activities throughout the year and seve ral were given spec ial re cogn ition for out standing achieveme nts in the areas of creativity, scho la rsh ip , vocation, athl etics, volunteerism,
Also in attendance were parents , relatives , fri ends, Bro. and Dr . Dale Williams, a nd Mi ss Carol Myers of the Elizabethtown Area School District, members of the Committee on Masonic Homes, and Children's Hom e staff.
R.W. Grand Ma ster Ed ward 0. Weiss e r sh ared so m e personal thoughts. " Today is the day you can start to be and cit izenship. .-------------=-:::....,.....,...,11!! whatever you want in Spec ial focus was on th e two graduates among them: Helen Carbonneau, who w ill attend West Chester Unive r sity to study recreation and l e i su re administration, and David Lyon s, who w ill study electronics design at Bradley Academy of Art in York.
Along with their graduation certifi cates, the t wo graduates were presented with Bible s from Rev. Pr eston Van De urse n on behalf of th e Pastoral Care Department. Bro. Dean Cramer, pr es id e nt of the Patton School Alumni Association, also presented the two graduates with gifts. Mu ch of th e program wa s pre se nted by the young persons. Six acted as us hers, five provided musical entert a inm e nt a nd nine sha red the duti es of emcee and awa rd presenters
life. You can achieve a nythin g and we're proud the Masons ca n help you do it There is not a greater time in your life than you have now." He encouraged them to vi ew every day as a new beginning, and to take any opportunity to do good for th e ir comm unity.
With the help of Bro. Gilson Cash and Grand Master Weisser, the two sen iors co ncluded the ceremonies by planting a tre e o n the grounds of the Children's Home (photo) , th e traditional way graduates symbolize their living and growing ties to the Masonic Children's Home.
Lodge, Appendant Bodies Assist Stricken Mason
The brethr e n of Lab e ll e Vallee Lodge No. 232, Jersey Shore, coo rdinated an effort among themse lv es, I van ho e Chapter of the Order of Eas tern Star, the Tiadaghton Court of Amaranth, and friend s and neighbors to help one of its m em bers r eturn to th e mainst ream of life.
At age 49 , Robert Bra ucht was laid off from his job , so h e decided to ch a ng e careers. Fo ur years late r, in May, 1995, he was graduated with
Bro. Rob er t Brauc h! (ce nt e 1) r ece ives a
$ 1,700 checkji-om (left) Ev ie Frederick and B et ty Eddy, both m em bers of iv anho e Chapter of The Order of Eastern St ar and Tiadagh lon Court of Amaranth , and Ronald A. Aung st, Sr , P.M (right), dinn er chairman.
a four-year engineering degree in addition to three associate degrees from Pennsylvania College of Te chnology in Williamsport. At th e same tim e that he ea rned his co ll ege degree, he also was invol ved with other degrees -those of being made a M aso n.
Four months lat e r, he su ffered an apparent stroke which left him in a coma for 15 days. When he awoke, he was unable to swallow, talk, or walk, but suffered no paralysis. After severa l month s of therapy that still cont inues, he has r ega in ed those capa biliti es and is concentrating on a downward focus so he ca n see a computer keyboard.
In add ition to ongoing h e lp of friend s and neighbors, members of the lodg e, Easte rn Star and Am a ra nth he ld a Sunday afternoon fund-rai sing dinner, se rving approximately 335 meal s and raising $1,700 for th e Braucht family. Speaking for Braucht, hi s wife Joyce sa id , "In a small town like Jersey Shore, one really can appr ec i ate the lov e a nd ca r e ex pre sse d, Friend to Friend ."
First Lodge Meeting in New Pittsburgh Center
first-ever meeting of · . lodge was held in Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center o n April 24. To commemorate the event, a medallion was issued and eight 50-year members were honored by Lodge No.45, the oldest permanent odge west of the Allegheny Mountains. R.W. Deputy Grand Master James L. Ernette presented the 50 -y ear Emblem s of Gold and was joined in h onor ing the recipients by R.W Past Grand Master Hira m P. Ball , w ho is a member of Lodge No. 45, and R.W. Pa st Grand Masters John L. McCain , Samuel C. Williamson and Edward H Fowler
Lodge No. 431 Helps SADD Chapter
In the photo that was published in the Indiana (PA) Gazette, Worshipful Master John Ma gu i re (left), of Williamson Lodge No. 431, Saltsburg, presents a $2 00 contribution to Kathy Muir, the advisor to the SADD (Students Ag a in st Drunk Driving) Chapter of Saltsburg High School, and Richard Lowman, Saltsburg Prin c ipal. That donation allowed representatives of the SADD chapter to attend the Pen n sy lvania Aware L eadership Conferenc e At right is 39th Di s trict D e puty Grand Master Fred T. Hemph ill.
Look Who Came to Breakfast!
All the expected "guests of honor"- the Easter Bunny, Donald and Dai sy Duck, and the Slu·ine Clowns - showed up at Woodside Masonic Temple to thrill more than 120 c hi ldren and their parents at the annual "Brealifast With the Easter Bunny " for Morrisville Rainbo w Girls Assembly No. 107. Suddenly, there was a s urpri se g uest (center of the photo): R.W. Grand Master Edward 0. Weisser.
Masons of the lodges that meet in Woodside Masonic Temple and the Advisory Board for Ra inbow work togeth er each year to entertain the girls at Easter and serve the pancake and sa usage breakfast. The lodges that mee t in Woodside Temple are: Newtown Lodge No. 427; P enn MorTis Lodge No. 778 ; and C. Grant Brittingham Lod ge No. 788.
Work Progresses in Restoring Arch
In a cocoon of scaffolding, the National Memorial Arch , now in th e process of being restored by the Mason s of Pennsylvania, presents an imposing sight for visitors to the Valley Forge National Park . As of the end of June, restoration of the Monument was slightly more than 18 per cent complete. The National Memorial Arch has stoo d for more than 80 years as a tribute to Brother and General George Washington and his army as a sy mbol of the accomplishments they achieved there. Recently, the Arch, which is 60 feet high and 30 feet wide, ha s stoo d in disr epair, cordoned off, and closed to th e public for safety reasons. Freemasons are restoring it to the grandeur it deserves.
Dedi cat ion ceremonies and a parade past the restored Arch in Valley Forge Nat io nal Park are being planned by the Grand Lodge for August 24, 1997.
the spirit of charity, Hany Feld, (seco nd from left), of Athelstan Lodge No. 482, donated a display of gavels to the Masonic Homes on behalf of his uncles, the late Bro . Max Brody and Bro. Sam Brody. R.W. Grand Master Edward 0. Weisser (second fi·om ri ght) and Bro. Joseph E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Masonic Homes, received th e gift Max, who had made four of the displays which include all of the tools used in Masonry, asked that they be given to the Masonic Homes. Max established a tradition of giving a handmade gavel to each new Master of Lodge No. 482, a custom still canied on in his memory. Dani e l P. Martin , W.M. (left), is the most recent rec ipient of a gavel.
please see th e attached brochure
The National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge has stood for more than 80 years as a tribute to Brother and General George Washington and his beleaguered so ldiers who , at this site , suffered the terrible hardships of the historic winter of 1777. With renewed spirit, tllis same army emerged to successfully engage the British army in June of 1778.
Today, the Arch , which is 60 feet high and 3 0 feet wide , stands in disrepair. It is closed to the public for safety reasons.
The Restoration Project
During 1996-1997 the Freemasons of Pennsylvania will restore the Arch to its o riginal grandeur at a cost of $1.5 million dollars. The und erlying brick work will be reconstru c ted , s tru ctural steel w ill be placed in the.existing attic area and the ornamentation and le ttering will be restored and e nhanced.
Be a Part of History!
You can be a pat·t of this great histo-rical event! With a donation of only $5 , your name will be inscribed in the GOLD BOOK w hich will be placed in the time capsule on the day of the dedication. A duplicate copy of the GOLD BOOK will be placed in the library and Museum at the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
To contribute to the restot·ation of the Arch, use this side.
Please p lace the following names in the to be placed in the Time Capsule at the Na ti onal Memorial Arch at Valley Forge in support of the restoration of the Arch by the Freemasons of P e rm sylvania. It is understood that these names will appear in th e to be placed in the Library and Museum at the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. (Please send c h eck in the enclosed envelope made payable to th e Grand Lodge Charity Fund/National Memorial Arch in th e amount of $5 for each name to be in cluded.)
Total e ncl ose d : $ ______ (Contributions are tax deductible) ame (Please print) ··rn Honor of / "ln Memory of (if applicable) Lodge # or Organization (if applicable) - - - -
R. W Gmnd Maste1· Edward 0. Weisser ojfe1·s the p1·esentation address pri01· to the signing of the agreement for Pennsylvania Masons to restore the National Memorial A-rch at Valley Forge.
A Day of Celebration!
A great day of celebration is scheduled for Sunday, August 24 , 1997 when the dedication of the r es tored Arch will take place. Plan ahead to attend an o ld fashioned picnic with you r family and also enjoy a parade , the dedication ce remo nies and laying of the capstone.
Why the Freemasons of Pennsylvania are restoring the National Memorial Arch
"Freemasons have always been there to answer the call, " said R. W. Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania , Edward 0. Weisser. "Certainly, Brother Washington and his embattled troops did when they endured that brutal winter encampment in 17 77 and 1 778 " "We, as Freemasons, believe our children and their children need to know that the men in 1 777 cared about freedom. They need to know that Freemasons in 1996 still care about freedom."
George Washington and Freemasonry
George Washington was a great Freemason. He served as Master of his Masonic Lodge in Alexandria, Virginia at the same time he was President of th e United States.
Freemasons are most proud of George Washington , whose leadership , strength and courage gave his army the will to survive against t errible odds at Valley Forge and helped give birth to our nation.
To Find Out More A bou t Freemasonry
Freemasonry is "The World 's Premier Men's Organization. " Its singular purpose is "to make good men bette1:" It accepts only th ose believed to be of the highest char ac t er. To inquire about how you my be considered for memb ers hip , calll-800-234-9213 or write to:
T h e Gr a nd Lo d ge of F&AM of P e nn sy lvania
One Nor th Br oad St ree t Philad e lphia , PA 19 107- 2 5 98
"It is my hope that every Pennsylvan ia Freemason will support out· restoration of the Nationa l MemoTial Arch at Valley Forge - one of the 11zost visible sym bols of out· nation 's fi ··eedom "
-Edward 0. Weisser R.W Grand Master
Use this side to contribute to the Perpetual Care of the Arch
Enclosed is a contribution in the a mount of $ m a de p aya ble to the Grand Lodge Charity Fund/ National Memorial Arch to help the Freemasons of N orth America suppo rt the p e rpetual care of the Na tional Memorial Arch a t Valley Forge. ( A r e turn envelope is e ncl osed for your convenience.) Lodgej Organizationjlndividual State Amount Contributed
1997 Essay Contest Announced
The seventh annual Senior Essay Competition for 1997 has been announced by the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education. R.W. Grand Master Edward 0. Wei sse r has selected the competition topic: "What Benefits Do You Receive from Working with Charities in Your Community?" Each applicant will be asked to write a 1,500 word essay on that topic
The contest is open to all senior students in public, parochial , and private high sc hools in Pennsylvania. Announcements and applications will be sent to all schools in the state this August. Essays must be received in the office of Masonic Education, Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2598 by February 1, 1997
Masons of Pennsylvania support the youth of our state in many ways. Th e scholarships to be awarded in 1997 will help seven students to further their ed uc ation. Ma so ns are asked to encourage seniors they know to submit essays in this competition.
R. W. Gra n d Master Edw ard 0. Weisse1· offe1 s the presentation address prio1' to the signing of the agreement for Pe n n sylv ania Maso n s to 1·estore the Na tio nal Memo1·ial A1·ch at Valley Forge.
A Day of Celebration!
A great day of ce lebratio n is schedu led f o r Sunday, August 24 , 1997 w hen the dedication of the restore Arc h w ill t ake place. Pla n ahead tc attend an old fas hio n ed picnic wi tl your fam ily and a lso e nj oy a parad<: the dedic a ti on ceremo nies and layi n g of th e capst o n e.
Use this side to con
Enclose d is a c ontribution in Grand Lodge Charit y Fund/ 1'
Ame ri c a support th e p e rp e tu al c (A return en velope is enclos ed f Lodge/ Organizationjindivi<
NOTE: Send
1997 Essay Contest Announced
Th e seventh annual S e nior Essay Competition for 1997 ha s been announced by the Grand Lodg e Committee on Ma so nic Edu ca tion . R.W . Grand Ma s ter Edward 0. W e isse r has selected the c ompetition topic : " What Ben e fit s Do You Rece ive from Working with Charities in Your Community?" Ea ch applicant will be asked to write a 1, 500 word essay on that topic.
2,500-Plus Enjoy Family Picnic Day
Mor e than 2,500 brethr en with their families and friends enjoyed the " Family Picnic Day for M aso ns " at seven amusemen t parks across the s tate o n Saturday, June 8 . There was good food for everybody, exciting rides for the young and young at heart, an d plenty of fellows hip for all.
It was "Family Picni c Day for Ma s ons " in Dorney Pa rk at All e ntown, Hershey Park, Knoebels Park near Elysburg, Waldam eer Park in Erie, Idlewild Park at Ligoni e r, Sandcastle in Pittsburgh, and Kennywood in W est Mifflin .
Th e co ntest is open to all se nior students in public , parochial, and private high sc hool s in Pennsylvania. Announ ce m e nts and applications will be se nt to all schools in the s tate this August. E ssa y s mu s t be re ce i ve d in the office of Masoni c Edu ca tion , Ma so nic Temple , Philadelphia , PA 19107-25 98 by Feb ru ary 1, 1997. Ma so n s of Penn sylvani a s upport the youth of our st ate in m a ny ways. The sc hol a rshi ps to b e awarded in 1997 will help seven s tudent s to further their ed u cat ion M aso n s a re asked to e n co u rage sen ior s th ey know to s ubmit essays in this com p etition All in the Family
A father, Dona ld H. Beag le, a nd his five s o ns are members of E lys burg Lodge No. 414, w ith t hree of the m curre ntl y se rvi n g as Worshipful Master, Se ni or Ward en, and Jun io r Warden . T he e lected offi cers are in front (1 -r): Brian J. , S W. ; Ka rl D. , W.M. ; a n d R
Team In Bavarian Attire Confers The First Degree
The traditional Past Masters' Night on the third Thursday of April was extra special this year for the German-speaking Teutonia Lodge No. 367 in West Reading
An Entered Apprentice Mason's Degree was conferred in German with the stations and places occupied by brethren in original and authentic Bavarian costumes - lederhosen , vests, knee socks, ties, and other traditi o nal parts of the tracht (costume). The candidate was Karl Wolter, the son of the Worshipful Master , Dieter Wolter, P.M. Serving as Senior and Junior Wardens were two of the cand idate 's uncles , Rain e r Wolter, P.M ., and Robin Printz, P.M
The candidate and all of the those serving on the Degree Team are memb ers of the G.T.V. Edelweiss Schuhplattler group, which is the reason that the Grand Master granted a special dispensation to have the degre e conferred in authentic Bavarian attire.
Teutonia is one of three G e rman-speaking lodges in Pennsyl va nia Traditionall y, the
Surrounded by Breth r en who also are m e mb ers of t he G. TV Edel weiss Schuhp!attlers in authentic Ba varian attire, Ka rl Wolter (center r ight) is congratulated by 7th Masonic District Deputy Grand Master Frank E. Dani els. Picture d (1-r) are : Front row- Charles Miller III; R obin Printz, P .Jvf; Raine r Wolt e r P .M.; D.D.G.M Dani e ls; Can d idate Wolter; D iete r Wolt er, P.M. and W M ; and George Allmendinger Back ro w - Walter H o lz man; Walter Leibac h; Rich ard Billma n; Uwe P e te rsen, P.M. ; William A//ushuski; Richard Ho c h; H e inrich Schlarb, P.M.; A(fi·ed Much P.M.; and Russel Yo ungwirth.
Past Mast e rs Night attracts many v isitors. This year, there were 144 visitors from 39 lodges in four states. They came not only from Hermann Lodge No. 125 and Humb o ldt Lodge No. 359 , Pennsylvania's other two German -s peaking lodg es (in Philadelphia) , but a so from across the state, N ew Jersey, N ew Hampshire, and Kentucky.
4th Charity Tourney A nnounced
After the April I 0 s tated meetin g, Co ncord Lodge No 625 , Concordville, inv ited r e presentativ es from tlu·ee sc hool di stri cts co mmuni ty groups , a nd law enforceme nt officials to the Lodge to a nnoun c e plan s for their fourth annual golf to u rnamen t (October 14 at P e nn Oaks Coun try C lub) to benefit student an tidm g and alcoho l programs
Grand Master of D C. Visits
The same evening, R.W G rand Master Edward 0. Wei sser vis ited the Lod ge and spoke of the many good works perfom1ed by Mason s across the state. Joseph W. Witte , the Director of The Penn sy lva nia Ma sonic Foundation for th e Pre ve ntion of Dru g a nd Alcohol Abuse Amon g Chi ldren (left in photo) , a long with 36th Mas onic Di strict D e puty Grand Master L y n wood J. Dixon (right) , pre se nte d a "Mas on s Ca re About Ch il dren" plate to Worshipful Maste r Edward D. Miles (center) in r ecognition of the Lodge 's support and community pmtnersh ip in th e fi ght to kee p the future of childre n dru g-free.
William E. Chaney , Jr. (front eft ), the M.W. G r and Master of Masons in the District of Columbia, was an honored visitor on March 7 at Leh ighton Lodg e No. 621. He s pictured with Lehighton Worshipful M aste r L e roy E. Leibenguth (front cente r) and 45th Ma sonic District De pu ty Grand Master William J. Ray, Sr. In the middle row are: Da rryl W. Arner; Bruce A. Strausberger, Purs uivant; Glennis G. Windbeck, P.M., Acting Secretary; Melvin E. Muffl ey, J .W.; Herbert A. Henry, S.W.; and Pa ul J. Eberts . In the back row: Verno n L. Fritz, J.D.; Harold C. Long, P.M ., act in g Tresurer; William H. Ravert, S.D.; David B. Mantz, P.M. , Acting Chaplain; and Duane A. Dellecker.
Autumn Day 1996 at the Masonic Homes
Mark you r calendar now to attend Autumn Day at the Masonic Homes on Saturday, September 28. Come experience first-hand the beauty of the facility and learn about the variety of caring services provided at our annual open hou se for Mas ons, family members, and friends. The fun and festivities will begin at 10:00 a.m., and continue until 4: 00p.m.
sure to stop by a Masonic Hom es' fruit stand.
Many re s idents of the Village Green area (Congregate and Personal Care sections) will open their rooms for you to see the services and accommodations available at the Masonic Homes In the Independent Living areas, you may vis it and v iew many residents apartments and cottages so you can observe first-hand the excellent living arrangements provided by the Masonic Homes.
T ou rs also will be available at the Masonic Hea lth Care Center, including the new Pha se 4 additions: Assembly Room , Meditation Room, gift shop, library , therapy pool, beauty and barber shop, therapeutic r ec r eat ion rooms, and three floors of nursing services.
The following is a preview of Autumn Day highlights:
Deliciou s food will be provided at several locations on the grounds until 4:00 p.m. Just wait until you taste the Hom es - made sausage and baked beans, plus saue rkr a ut , hot dogs, r efresh in g ice c ream, and beverages!
Visit our many stands where you can find answe rs to questions regarding our Masonic organizations. Don't forget t o take a ook at the Masonic Homes' num ero us gift display tables of handmade craft item s pr ov ided by our re sidents. Before yo u leave, be
Bands w ill perform throughout th e day for your entertainment Also planned are wide varieties o f activities especially for chi ldren, including spin art and face painting. Visits from mim es, jugglers, and clowns ar e anticipat ed! (And ... remember to keep an eye in the sky for skyd ive rs! )
If yo u and your family are planning to att end Autumn Day, take a mom e nt right now, comp et e the co upon o n this page, and send it to the Masonic Hom es. The Masonic Hom es i s unable to provide whee cha ir s, so bring your own if n eeded. Handicapped parking will be available;
however, you must advise the Masonic Homes on your coupon if handicapped parking is required so that special tickets can be forward ed to you prior to Autumn Day.
e" of bygo ne d ays w ith a typica l we ddin g of th e 19 90 s. Wo r s hipful Ma s te r Willi a m L. G lad fel te r, Jr. is s ho wn at t he fun c ti o n w ith th e se n ior g u est, Marga ret Webste r, 85.
Children "S Home Anticipates Openings
The Maso ni c Ho mes Ch ildre n 's Ho me ope ned a fift h cottage on Janu ary l , 1996, because of an increase in ap pli ca ti o ns fi·om yo uth who ex pressed a n inte rest in li ving th e re. T he faci li ty c urren tl y has th e capacity to ho use 40 youths. Acco rding to Bro. G il son Cas h, Directo r of C hi ldre n 's Serv ices, the Ho me may h ave two to three ope n ings for boys to begi n the 1996 -97 s chool year. If any me mbe r kno ws of a boy w ho co uld benefit from th e pos iti ve expe ri e n ces pro vi ded at th e C hildre n 's Home in Eli zabe thto wn pl ease co nta c t yo ur local lod ge sec retary or fo n .va rd a re fe ren ce to : Mason ic H omes, Chi ldren 's Ser vices, On e Ma sonic Drive, Elizabe thtown, PA 17022-2 199.
There are three c riteria for a yo uth to be acce pted into th e C hildre n 's Ho me:
I. The y outh mus t des ire to co me to th e Ho me.
2 The C hildre n 's Home staff must, throug h a thorou g h assess me n t of the app licant 's n ee ds, fee l that th e y outh wo uld be a good ma tch with th e Hom e's se rv ices an d e nvironme nt.
3. Al th o ug h th e yo uth does n ot have to be affi li a ted with a Mason , he o r sh e mu st be spon sored by a lod ge.
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PYF Foundation Awards Scholarships
After reviewing 221 applications, the Educational Endowment Committee of the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation awarded 16 scholarships totalling $21,750. Scholarships were awarded to children or grandchildren of Penns y va nia Masons, or members of Pe nnsylvania Rainbow, De Molay, or Job 's Daughters. Awards are determined on the ba s is of competitive rev iew of academic dev elopment, financial n ee d , fraternal inv o lvement , and other activities.
Lawrence Dietrich Smith Memorial Scholarships:
William P. Higgins, Harrisburg (DeMolay) - $2,000
A ngela Marie Gemy, Fall s (Rainbow) - $2 ,000
Elizab eth A Fraser , Lansdowne (Rainbo w) - $1 ,000
Rob ert Allan Englem a n , Pottsv ille - $1 ,000
Emily J Staman , Elizabethtown (Jo b' s Daughters) - $ 1,000
Grand Master's Scholarships:
Pam ela C. Ly nd, Cranben·y Townshi p (Ra nbow) - $2 , 500
Ju li e Ann R egal, Parkersburg, WV - $2,5 00
Michelle Ann Lake, Saegerto wn ( Rainbo w) - $1 ,000
A n na Marie V Z a mbito , York - $1,000
Jo seph A Bachman, Ill, Co l umbia (DeMolay) - $1 ,000
Herman Witte Scholarship:
Va nessa R enee K rauser, Flushin g, NY- $2 ,500
Pennsylvania Youth Foundation Scholarships:
Kris ten Ford, York - $2, 500
Ge01gia Lyn n Mitch ell Erie - $ 1,000
Loretta M Scheirer Memorial Nursing Scholarships :
M ichelle A. Krisfalusi, Latrobe (Job s Daughters) - $25 0
Carin M Kremenik, Girard - $250
Natalie K Weaver, Knoxv i ll e - $2 50
S in ce sta rting awa rd s in 1989, th e Pennsylvania Youth Foundation ha s give n over $ 104,000 in 82 sc holar ship s
awa rd ed by th e Edu ca ti o n a l End ow m e nt Comm ittee Th e 1997 Scholarship Awards Progr a m will begin in Sep t e mb e r with th e di s tributi on of the Masonic Sc ho lars hi p Resource Guide a nd applications. Resource Guides and app li cations may be requested from th e PYF.
As a service to those who need information about the Masonic youth or scholarship programs, the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation now has a toll-free phone number in Pennsylvania.
It is 1-800-266-8424 . Outside ofPennsylvania, call the regular PYF number, (717) 367-1536.
PA Youth Wins National DeMolay Scholarship
M ark G. Tracy , 20, a Past Master Co uncil or of Eli zabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMo lay , w on the $ 1,200 first-place scholarship in the Paul R. Ka ch DeMolay Essay Contest sponsored by the Sup r eme Cou nci l , 33 °, A.A.S .R , Southern Ma sonic Jurisd i ct on Hi s topic w as " Civil Ri ghts. " In th e photo , C DeForre st Trexl er , 33°, Deputy for Pe1ms y lvan ia of A.A.S.R., Northern Masonic Jurisdiction , prese n ts t he aw ard check. Joining them are his fat her, Bro. Gerald Tracy (ri ght), and R.W. Grand Master E dw ard 0. Wei sser , 33 °. M ark w ill con t i nu e stud y ing an ma l bi oscience as a unior at Penn sy lvan i a State Uni ve rsity. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
7 Earn Essay Contest Scholarships
Scholarships were awarded to senior high school students from each of the seve n Masonic Regions of Penn sy lvania in a ceremony on May 9 at th e Indep endent L ving Center, Ma so nic Homes, Eli zabethtown, attended by the winners and their parents. Each entrant in the Senior Essay Contest was required to prepare a 1,500-word essay on " How Important Charity is to Me. " The state winn er and recipient of a $2,500 Grand Lodge Scholarship was Nicole Koneffko, of Belle Vernon in Region 4 Six Regional winners, who each received a $1,000.00 Grand Lodge Scholar ship , were
Jessica Wells , Maple Glen, Region 1; Adam Alford, Camp Hill, Reg ion 2; Kathryn Pecht, Blair Mills, Region 3; Kelley Cawthorne, Butler, Region 5; Brian Buck, Jersey Shore, Region 6; and Kristi McClintock, Berwick, Region 7.
R.W . Grand Master Edward 0 . Weisser, Chairman of the Masonic Education Committee, conducted the awards ceremony and presented the scholarships. Dr. Elvin G. Warfe , Sec ret a ry to the Masonic Education Committee, assisted the Grand Master. Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr., R.W .J .G.W .; Gl enn Olsen, Region 5 Chairman; Thoma s Eynon, D.D.G.M. , Region 1 Chairman ; Ronald A. Aungst, Sr., Region 6 Chairman and Kenneth R. House, D.D.G.M of the 34th Masonic Di strict, attended the award s ceremony.
Grand Master Weis ser asked each of the recipients to relate the many activities in which he or she is involved in school and community. The state winner presented her essay to the audience.
Scholarships Awarded in Statewide Talent Search; Second Annual Competition Announced for 1997
Anthony Carafora, a saxophonist from the Pittston Area High Sc hoo l in Reg ion 6, was the first - place winn e r and recipient of a $5, 000 sc hol ars hip in the s tatewide Ma so ni c Musi ca l Tal e nt Sea rch Competition. The finals, in which the top winn e r from eac h of the seven Ma so nic Region s co mpeted, were held in the Harri sburg Consistory o n Sunday afte rnoon, Jun e 9.
R.W. Gr a nd Master Edward 0. Wei sse r ha s a nnoun ced that th e Second Annu a l M aso ni c Musical Talent Search for high schoo l senio rs will be held in May and June of 1997. Appli ca tion s to participate in the 1997 co mpetition must be s ubmitted to the Office of Ma so nic Education, Masonic Temple , One North Broad St., Phil a d e lphia, PA 19107-2598, by Feb ru ary 1, 1997.
Rainbows Spruce Up Monument
Memb e rs of York Assembly N o . 92 of the Int e rnation a l Order of Rainbow for Girls spe nt a day cleaning up and l a nd sca ping a t the Friend to Friend M ason ic M e morial in Gett ysburg. The se rvi ce project, o rg anized by Worthy Advi so r Amanda Beck, h ad m em bers, fri e nd s, a nd families working so me e ight hours clearing lea ves, weeding, mulching and planting s hrub s . Th e group spent the weekend in Gettysb urg , working during th e day a nd e njoying one of Getty s burg' s g ho st tour s i n the ev e ning.
Mimi Song, a pianist from Milton Hersh ey High School in Region 2, was th e seco nd -pl ace winn er and rece ived a $3,000 sc holar s hip. David Crawford, a barito ne vocalist from Quaker Valley High School in Reg ion 4, wa s the third - place winn e r a nd rece ived a $2,000 sc holarship.
Masons of Pen n sy lva ni a a lway s h ave been inte r ested in s upp o rting act iviti es f o r youth. Th e Masonic Mu sica l Tal e nt Searc h s a new scho l a r ship program introduced this year by R.W . Grand Maste r Edward 0. W eis se r for hi g h sc h oo l se niors with tal ent in all mu s ica l a r ea s of da n ce, vo c a l , a nd in stru mental.
Appli ca nts from th e seve n Ma so ni c Regions of Pennsylvan a will be notified of the times a nd loca tion s of the Regiona l compe titi ons to be h e ld in May . Again, Region winn e rs will earn sc hol arsh ip s of $5 00 for first place; $300 for seco nd; and $200 for t hird
The winner from each of the seven Reg i o n s will go o n to a sta t e final compet ition in Harri s burg in June. Statewi de winners will ea rn scho lars hips of $5,000 for first place; $3, 000 for seco nd ; and $2,000 fo r third.
:
The seven reg ional winners in the Senior Essay Contest a wait the awarding of their scholarships from R W. G rand Mas ter Edward 0. Weisser The winners are (1-r): Sh elly Cawthorn e Reg ion 5; J essica Wells, Region 4; Kristi McClintock, Region 7; Adam Alford, R egion 2; Grand Mast
r We is s er; Kathryn
cht ,
Koneffko, Region 4; and Brian Buck, Region 6
Grand Mas ter We isser pres e nts check to firs tp la ce winn er Antho ny Carafora.
