A Win-Win Situation.
The Grand Master's Message
COMMUNITY
·United in the Common Goal to Serve Mankind•
AddTessing the BrethTen and theiT ladies at the banquet after the QuaTterly C01nmunication, R W Grand Ma s te r Jm nes L ETnette spoke of Preemasomy's involvmnent in the community and se-rvice to mankind stTengthened by the vitality inherent in unity among Masons and the Family of Freemason1-y. Following is the majo1· portion of the message that made it cleaT: We a1·e "United in the Common Goal to Sen;e Mankind. "
Brethren, Ladies and Frie nds:
We all know the old saying that tells us to stop no w and then and smell the roses. The satisfaction of progress can invigorate your spirit.
I r eceive d an e-mail message a s hort time ago that bubbled over with enthusiasm and prompted me to "stop and smell th e roses" - to pause and r eflect on w here we have been recently as a Fraternity. We have reason to f eel good about what we have achieved together - and, that progress should invigorate our spirit
This is w hat a 33-year-old Mason from Pittsburgh wrote: "First, I want t o say that I really eJ\joy being a Mason I mean, I love it! I am Senior Warden of my Lodge and I have made many friends and re newed some old ones through the Craft. This is truly a wonderful thing. I f eel that it has changed my life and made me a better p erso n. I want nothing more than to see that our Fraternity and all its good works are perpetuate d, not just into th e new millennium, but all the way [to th e millennium) after that. Thank yo u Grand Master for making this a great time to be a Mason. "
Today IS a great tim e t o b e an active part of this wonderful w orld of Freemasonry- especially in Pennsylvania The first five months of 1999 were extremely busy, highl y productive, very promis.ing, and most gratifying for me and the Grand Lod ge Officers. Every P ennsylvania Mason - and all of us in our Family of Freemasonry - can share in the gratificatio n . I t is your d edi cation , sup po rt, and perso nal effort that propels us to achieve "all those good works" that our brother highlighted in his email message. Hand-in-hand with unanimity, we are "Partners for Progress" in serving mankind
On Jun e 1, the Masonic Hom es and th e Freemasons of Pennsylvania took another vital step toward our goal to extend full quality c are services conve nien t to our bre thr en , th e ir loved ones and the communi ty statewide. A 128-b e d Medicare- and Medicaid-approved nursing hom e at Sewickley bec am e th e Vall ey Care Masonic Center.
The Co mmittee on Masonic Homes has announced a building plan there that will add 60 beds of assisted living at Valley Care Master planning will start immediately and we will be workin g closely with community l eaders there to establish an early construction date in order to plan an opening two years from now, in June 2001 (see story on page 3).
Almost a year and a half ago I was telling our lodges: "The community is the place to b e - we should be involve d ." The Grand Lodge Matching Charity Grants Program provided an inspiration and assistance for each lod ge to make a meaningful impact in its own hometo wn. I can tell you that to day, a maj ority of the lodges are involved actively in their communi ties - and every day more join the team.
Already this year, as of May 20 more than 40 per cent of the lodges had applied f o r 405 grants with an estimated valu e we ll o ver a quarter of a million dollars, or about $523,000 when matche d. At the tim e of that report, grants had been mad e to 28 1 of the applicants with an unmatche d val ue of $ 158, 000, or well over $300 000 w he n put together with th e lodges' commitments. (See "Matching Gran ts" on pages 6 and 7.) 2
I wish everyone in the Family of Freemasonry could have bee n with us at the Veterans Hospital in Pittsburgh on Jun e 2. It was a special honor for us as Masons of Pennsylvania to present a full y equipped pavilion, landscaping with walkways, and a monum ent as a gift to honor all veterans who served our country through the years. Many were Masons, but all were veterans bonded as a brotherhood struggling to gain and preserve the freedom and justice we ch e rish so de arl y. The Freemasons Pavilion says: "We will never forget the veterans." (See "Cover Story" on pages 4 and 5.)
Soon (Aug. 7), a new partnership will come togethe r at a Unity Banquet in the Harrisburg area AIL P ennsylvania Masons - that is th e Grand Lodge of P e nnsylvania and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge - are joining with the P e nnsylvania State Police and the Pe nnsylvania Liquor Control Board in an impressive new substance abuse education program for high schools. When th e program is on the road n ext year, it will demonstrate unity in action.
Each year about two-thirds of the residents in th e Masonic Health Care Center and about half of th e residents in Congregate Care c annot pay for their care in its e ntirety. Fraternal care- the res ult of generosity that is prudently investe d and applie d - makes up the differenc e.
The youth programs are unex celle d in Pennsylvania Th e Pennsylvania Youth F o undati on supports and guides DeMolay, Rainbo w for Girls, Job 's Daughters and the Knights of Pythagoras, helping yo ung people to prepare for adulthood by teaching them responsibility. In 1998, alon e, the Foundation provide d programming, meals, and housing for more than 2,600 yo uth in 39 programs at the Masonic Confer en ce Center on the Patton Campus. The Grand Lodge and Found a tion scholarship programs, as well as thos e mad e availab le by other organizations, are coordinated by the Foundation
"Partners for Progress" is a most appropriate d esignation for th e goo d works of The Pennsylvania Masonic Foundation for Childre n I'm s ure you are aware of the partne rship with the Pennsylvania De partment of Edu cation that has made th e Student Assistance Program a reali ty in th e s chools across the Co mmonwe alth. And th e partnership with D.AR.E . that helps to train la w enforcement officers to go into elementary schools where they h elp fifth and sixth grade students l eam ho w to cope with p ee r stress, conflicts, and addiction. There are th e scholarships for grad uating high school seniors w ho have s uccessfull y complete d a Student Assistance Program and scholarships f o r graduates see king a career in law enforcement.
Free mas onry is at labor o n th e road to the 21st Ce ntury. I'm in tune with that writer of the e-mail- and I hop e you are too, when he says; "I want nothing more than to see that our Fraternity and all its good works are perpetuated, .... n
Sincerely and fraternally,
Masonic Homes and Valley Care Association Are "Partners for Progress;" Assisted Living and Independent Living to be Constructed at Sewickley
In March , the Masonic Homes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania signed a purchase agreement with the Valley Care Association for the acquisition of the Valley Care Nursing Home in Sewickley and its 47 acres of property. On June 1, the 128-bed Medicare I Medicaid - certified facility became a part of the continuum of care provided by the Masonic Homes.
Officials from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, the Grand Chapter of Eastern Star, and the Masonic Homes joined officials from the Valley Care Association and the Valley Care Nursing Home to celebrate the transaction on June 1, at Sewickley. Joining together to unveil a sign revealing the new name of the home was: R. W. Grand Master James L. Ernette; M.W. Grand Master Lawrence
Grand Master Ernette greets Grand Master and Mrs. Harris at the sign unveiling ceremony for the Valley Care Masonic Center.
E. Harris, Prince Hall Grand Lodge; Associate Grand Matron Jean D. Fey and Associate Grand Patron H. Lin Jones of the Order of the Eastern Star; Bro. Joseph E. Murphy, CEO; William C. Davis , Jr, COO, and Mrs. B. J. Franks, Exe c utive Director of the Valley Care Masonic Center, all of the Masonic Homes; James Alexander, President of the Valley Care Association; members of both boards of directors; and President of Valley Care Masonic Ce nter's R es ident Council, Louise Rollin. Susan Laughlin of th e 16th Legislative District also attended.
R.W. Grand Master James L. Ernette said, "We are excited to work with Valley Care Association as a 'Partner for Progress' serving the Sewickley area."
According to Bro. Murphy the Masonic Homes' search to purchase a nursing home offering services with Me dicaid certification in the Pittsburgh area began when it was determined that the Pennsylvania Departme nt of Welfare would not grant Medicaid certification for additional nursing beds in Allegheny County, which affected the Masonic Eastern Star Home-Wes t in Pittsburgh. Since Valley Care Nursing Home is locate d within e ight miles of the Masonic Eastern Star Home-West and shares the Masonic Homes' values and mission, Bro. Murphy said that the Masonic Homes f ound Valley Care Nursing Home to b e an alternate means of providing quality, c ost-e ffe ctive nursing
services for members in the western part of the state
Based on the Masonic Homes' recent market demand analysis and market study of local Masons and residents of the Sewickley community, the Committee on Masonic Homes has d e cided to move forward with plans to develop assisted living accommodations, and to design and market independent living accommodations at Valley Care Masonic Center. The final decision to build the independent living accommodations will depend on pre-sal es of the units. These plans are contingent upon approvals from the appropriate county and township authorities.
The independent living and assisted living units of the project will be open to Masons, Eastern Star members, and the Sewickley community. The existing nursing component will be filled internally with independent living and assisted living residents moving through the continuum of care, and direct admissions by the existing Masonic Homes admissions policy.
Those interested in having their names on an information or priority list for assisted living at the Sewickley site should call (412) 741-1400 or write to: Mrs. B. J. Franks, Executive Director, Valley Care Masonic Center, 1190 Merriman Road, Sewickley, PA 15143. Anyone interested in having their names on an information or priority list for independent living should call 1-80 0-676 -6452 or write to: Don Romberger, Marketing Manager, Masonic Homes , One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
Current residents at the Masonic Eastern Star Home-West receiving nursing care will be given priority to transfer to Valley Care Masonic Center, or may choose to remain at the Masonic Eastern Star Home-West. Residents will continue to receive assisted living services at the Masonic Eastern Star Home-West.
The new sign unveiled
Jam es L Emette, R. W. Grand Master
Parade, Ceremonies, Pr esentation
Grand Master Ernette and flagbeare r Edward Lizewski and the Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Unit prepare to lead the parade.
The Syria Shrine Temple Highlanders Pipe and Drum Corps set the music a l pace for the parade .
On Armed Forces Day, May 15, the Masons of Pennsylvania honored all veterans who s e rved this great count ry by presenting the new, fully equipped Freemasons Pavilion and monument in a l andscaped park area to th e Veterans Administration 's Pittsburgh Health Care Center at Aspinwall. After a parade through the grounds of the VA hospital, R.W. Grand Master James L. Ernette and t he Grand Lodge officers laid the cornerstone , dedicated the facilities , and prese nted th e gift to benefit the residents there.
In the dedication oration, Grand Master Ernette said, "We cannot, must not, and will not ever forget those whose valor made possible the birth of this nation, and those whose dedication and fortitud e sustained liberty and justice for us through more than two centuries. Our veterans are special people to whom we will be forever grateful."
Well before the c eremonies, hundreds of people gathe r e d.
Seating in the new pavilion was filled to capacity and some people stood outside. Many more ve terans, fanillies , friends , and members of veterans organizations lined the curb of the street on a hill overlooking the patio where th e ceremonies were held.
A Pennsylvania State Polic e Mounted Unit, a U.S Marine Corps Color Guard, the Grand Master, and Grand Lodge officer s led the p arad e of dis tlict d eputy grand masters, Blu e Lodge office rs and members through the hospital grounds and pass ed the p avilion and th e a u dience await ing the ceremonies. The Syli a Shrine Temple Highlanders Pip e and Drun1 Corps set the mus ic al p ace for the parade.
It was a stirring pat riotic event from th e moment the Marine Color Guard r a is ed the colo rs and ev erybody joined in the "Pledge of Allegianc e to th e Flag" and "Th e Star Spangled Banne r " during th e c e r e monies , and a t THEY CAME EARLY th e c onclusion when all sang "God Bless America."
With all of the seats occupied in the new Pavilion (with the green roof), veterans , families and friends lined up early on the hill overlooking the patio where the ceremonies were to be held.
Grand Master Ernette declares the cornerstone ready to be placed in the new Freemasons Pavilion.
The Freemasons Pavilion was built on approximately two acres of hospital grounds. A new entrance provides access from the hos pital to the courtyard setting with lighted walkways leading to private , furnished meeting areas and a 3 ,000square-foot, cove r ed pavilion with an additional 1,400-square-foot patio. The pavilion contains a full kitchen and facilities wired t o the hospital nurses stations to e nsure th e comfort and safety of the patients and their families. It will provide a place for residents of the VA hospital and their families to visit, an outdoor plac e for entertainment, and a focal point for special activities. A b e autifully lands caped, fib e r optic-lighted , granite fountain pool with seating areas fronts the granite monun1ent with three bronze plaques that pay "Tribute to Amelican Vet e rans. "
About two years ago a group of Masons who volunteer their time to vis it the ve t erans told the Grand Maste r that the veterans at this VA hospital had no place for social a ctivities out-of-doors. They asked if the Masons c ould do s omething about it Grand Maste r Ernett e s aid , "The more w e looked at the need, the better we lik e d th e ide a until it be came a p ass ion - a de s tiny for the Mas ons of P e nnsylvania to fulfill."
The spectators were two and three rows deep on the hill overlooking the impressive , patriotic cerem onie s on t he patio .
The R W. Grand Lodge officers pay tri bute to vete rans before the unveiled monument (1-r) : Marvin G. Speic her, Grand Tre a surer; Marvin A. Cunningham , Sr. , Sr. Grand Warden ; Grand Ma ster Erne tt e ; Robert L. Dluge , Jr., Deputy Gran d M ast e r; William Sla t er II , Jr. Gra nd Ward e n; and Thomas W. Jackson , Gr and Secreta ry.
The U.S . M arine Colo r Guard present ed and ra ise d t he c olors, after whic h all j oi ned In "The Pledge of All egianc e" and sa ng "The Star Spa ngled Banne r."
William M. Kratz e nb e r g, D.D .G .M ., 54th Mas onic District, was named Proj e ct Director and Chaim1an of a c ommittee t o h ave a pavilion c onstructed and a monume n t place d as a tribute to ve t e rans . Grand Mas t e r Ernette s aid, "The Masons of P e nnsylvani a are highly hon o r e d to be able to und ertake this proj ect. We ar e fill e d wit h th e gratitud e and joy of a c hieveme nt that comes fr om a job w ell don e. May th at fac ili ty and the momunen t that is the re with it s e rve the v eterans w e ll a nd b e a longstanding declaratio n that ' We will n ever for get the veterans who serve d throu ghout th e history of this gr e at nation. "'
Bro Kra tz e nberg s aid th at the contributions r eceived from lodges and brethre n that h elp e d m a k e this pos s ible h ave been ve ry muc h appre ciate d. He noted that contributions c ontinue to b e w elc om e eve n thou gh the facility is in plac e . He a lso noted that the c ontlibutions are not elig ible for partic ipation in the Matching Charity Grants Prog ram b e c a use it is t o a program o f the Fraternity.
Honored guest , Lt . Ge n. Robert D. Sprin ge r, U.S . A.F. ( Ret . ) is flan k ed by Gra nd M aste r Ernette ( left) a nd D.D.G M. Kratzenberg , t he Proje ct Director.
The monument honoring all veterans of the United States is unveiled by Grand Master Ernette .
The Show Must Go On - And It Did!
Because of Masons of Frankford Lodge
The bold four-column headline in the Philadelphia area newspaper proclaimed, "Masons Rescue the Lincoln High School." The subhead went on to report, "The members of Frankford Lodge No. 292 donated more than just money. They also l ent their expertise to h elp the students build sets for a musical review." Withou t the h elp of the Masons, the students' Spring musical review, featuring the hits from "Fiddler on the Roof, " "South Pacific," "Music Man," and "Wizard of Oz," would not have occurred.
The article explained that the only scenery availabl e to the students was the w hite wall at the back of the stage and there was little money availab e to build the framework for l egitimate sets.
That's where Frankford Lodge, in Masonic District D, found a much appreci ated community service project. Past Master Ch arl es Graham, the Arts Initiative coordinator for the school, drew plans f or two-dimensio nal flats and threedimensional dollies for stage sets.
Members of t h e Lodge produ ced them.
Another Past Master, Ted Ewing, w h o h eads the Lodge's Community Project Committee, said " in excess of $2,000 was spent on nin e steel frames for th e sets Th e fabrication was done at Ace Welding Service, who se
owners Joe B erkauzer and Fred Ewing (Ted's brother), are lodge members
Members of the Lodge donated their time and carpentry and painting expertise to finish the sets in time for the show. "
Writing to R. W. Grand Master James L. Emette on behalf of the school's Arts Initiative Program , Bro. Graham cited:
"I want you, as Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania, to know about this project and about the fin e and dedicated men w ho participated in its success. I also want to thank you for encouraging this kind of community service.
Many teachers and parents at the school were pleasantly surprised and grateful for this community project as they were unaware that Freemasonry was active in making a differ en ce in our community."
Masons and students work together to ready the sets for the Uncoln High School musical rewe.
Infinity Lodge No. 546 Helps Neighbors, Students of Forbes Elementary School
The Masons of Infinity Lodge No 546, Penn Hills, have formed a partnership with their next door neighbor, Forbes Elementary Schoo l , to help children in need.
Worshipful Master Charles W. " Buzz" Doege , Jr. , said that after the Lodge learned that the school's principal, Sari McNamara had students with needs and no means to help , " We decided to help out by developing an ongoing project. The project is open ended, meaning whatever supplies or personal items the pupils need, the Masons will try to get them. [It is] an open relationship with the school, so as different programs come up, the schoo l and the lodge can work together to help."
A most recent contribution was a $500 check that Principal McNamara can use at her discretion to help pupils In an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Principal was quoted, "It was like a windfall. We had no prior connections, but it is wonderful.
Masonic Matching Charity Grants Results
In 1998, t he Grand Lodg e of Pennsylvania matched approximately $480,000 ra ised by 322 lodges for 668 different charitab le causes throughout the Commonwealth. Since January 1 , 1999 approximately $300,000 has been matched by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for 354 charitable causes by 222 lodges Since the program's beginning in 1998, approximately 1.5 million dollars ha s been spread thro ughout Pennsylvania communities where Masons saw there was a need.
Ideas for comm unit y projects, the matching c harity grants kit, app licati on form s, g uidelines, rules and cond itions for the prog ram can be found and downloaded from the Grand Lodge web site <<www.pagrandlodge.org >>. All applications and question s are to be sent to the Masonic Matching Charity Grants Committee in the offices of the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation, Elizabethtown.
Masonic Matching Charity Grants Philosophy
The Grand Lodge Masonic Matching Charity Grants program is designed to encourage each lodge to extend its cha rit y into the local commu nity Each lodge is to look into ts local comm unity to see the cha ritable needs of individuals and organizations , which are not be ing met by any other source of funding.
When the lodge members vote to choose a recipient of their charitable donations and efforts, they should work hand-in-hand in unanim ity to successfully support this effort.
To protect the fraternity from public criticism, the Matching Charity Grants Committee must review eac h recipient and any fundraising program, prior to public announcement or presentation, to assure that lodges only support programs which are not cont roversial, and which are consistent with the goa ls of Freemaso nry By suppor ting loca l programs and people, ea c h lodge will become known as a group of ca ring comm unity members who practice the principles of Fr ee ma sonr y in their dail y lives.
Salem Lodge Brings Smiles to Tiffany
Tiffany Swingle was smiling on April 27 when Chad Wilmont, W.M. (left in the picture below) , of Salem Lodge No. 330, Hamlin , presented her with a check for $1,300. Tiffany is a high school student who was afflicted last August with meningococcemia, a bacterial disease that affected all of her body organs. Her life was in severe danger many times during her 59-day stay in Geisinger Medical Center.
Tiffany has completed her school requirements at home and was with her class at Western Wayne High School for graduation on June 11. Her smile, positive attitude, strong religious beliefs, and the support of her family and the community have been an inspiration throughout the area Representatives of Salem Lodge were invited to share in a "ce lebration of life and graduation " scheduled for July 17.
Pictured with Bro. Wilmont and Tiffany for the presentation are ( 1-r) : George and Jeanette Swingle , Tiffany ' s father and mother; C. Carl Peet ; D.D.G.M., 14th Masonic District; and David Toy, S.W.
Grand Master Honored by the Acacia Fraternity
On Saturday, May 1, the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Chapter of the Acacia Fraternity conferred its three degrees of initiation on the chapter's newest undergraduate members in the Egyptian Room of the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center. The day, however, was a special one for five nonundergraduates who were initiated into the Fraternity as Honorary Acacians. Bros. Edward H. Fowler, R.W.P.G.M.; Richard J. Stemmler, D.D.G.M ., 30th Masonic District; D. William Roberts , D.D.G.M. , 47th Masonic District; Howard T. Silbaugh, Aide to the Grand Master; and Robert T. Matasich , President, Masonic Fund Society, Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, were all made Acacians and members of the I.U.P. Chapter.
Arland T. Stein (left) presents R.W . Grand Master James L. Ernette with The Order of Pythagoras.
In an effort to build clos er ties between Pennsylvania Freemasonry and the Acacia Fraternity, Brothers Roberts and Matasich organized a luncheon following the conferral of the Acacia degrees, sponsored by the Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh. R.W. Grand Master James L. Emette , an Acacian from the Franklin Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania, addressed the approximately 30 undergraduate Acacians. He spoke of his desire to see all the Acacia chapters in P ennsylvania have a close relationship with the Masonic Fraternity.
To the Grand Master's surprise, Arland T. Stein, a Purdue University Acacian and r epresentative of the Acacia International Fraternity Headquarters educational foundation, presented Brother Emette with The Order of Pythagoras on behalf of Acacia's
International C ouncil. The Order of Pythagoras is one of the highest honors that the Fraternity can bestow upon an A cacian w ho has "contributed greatl y to the Advancement of A cacia by serving beyond the ordinary call of duty."
Grand Master visiting with a few of the undergraduate Acacians during the A.A S.R. Valley of Pittsburgh sponsored luncheon.
The I.U.P. Chapter of A c acia s currently making plans to work with the Valley of Pittsburgh in community programs under the leadership of Bro. Roberts. The Ch apter also hop es to hav e Masons address future Acacia candidates for initiation about Freemasonry.
PIN Team Confers MM Degree
A degree t ea m of the PIN Club in Western Pennsylvania, which comprise s aw enfo r cement officers, conferred the Master Mason's Degree in Harmony Lodge No. 429 , Zelienople, on March 18, on James J. Knights (second from eft), a Federal Bureau of Inv estigation officer. The conferring officer was Dav id L. Richards, W.M ., Washington Lodge No. 164 ( f ront ce nter). Front l eft is Wayn e D. Frankenstein, W.M. of Harmony Lodge and front right is W. Thom as Mar owe, Jr., D.D.G.M., 26t h M aso ni c Di strict. Al so in front (sec
er Others
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
Progress: Slow, but Sure !
Lodge Leaders Prove
They Have the Right Stuff
It has been more than a year since the fir st OVERTURE Seminar and more than 1,400 Masons in Pennsylvania have heard the same story over and over.
Better get you r skills together as the leader of your lodge or the r esults will be more of the same
Now, that's not a great way to start a Sat urday, either as the participant or the faci li tator; but, for Masons in Pennsylvania, it 's been a way of l ife during the year of OVERTURE
Only a few years ago, one could look across an aud ence of a hundred or more Masons and see the st ar es of resista nce from al m ost all. Not so today! Thanks to a general re-awakening of the importance of some right things, and th e r ecent influx of yo ung men eager to make a difference, some lodges are making real progress toward the future.
To view it fro m afar, it doesn't seem dramati c A lodge partners with a local non-profi t group to provide com munity services ; another lodge uses a lad ies' night as an occasion to host a r ea l ly spec al event. A lodge in the western part of the state dec ides to make a diffe renc e with youth sports and gets a lot of parents as k ing, "W ho are t hese guys?" And, in eastern Pennsylvania, Isaac Hi este r Lodge No. 660, Reading, adopts Jac ksonwald Elementary Schoo l and makes news that attracts two dozen me n to s ubmit petitions for membership.
It's not that Masons hated t he idea of rene wing the i r lodges. It was more tha t the c hange proces s was simply too painful. Remember, those who are c urrently the leaders in many lodges simply l ike things the way they have been, or they would hav e done t hings different ly a long t i me ago
Along comes Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson, co-author of the famous One-Minute Manager. That latest book, according to the Masons who have read it - an overwhe lming number of OVER TURE part i cipants have read it more than once - say that the latest book " was written for us and about us and we need to take a lesson about the joys of f inding new cheese."
The leader of a lodge in Pennsyl vania, may find the ob of turning his lodge toward the millennium too daunting a task to do alone. That's why every participati ng OVERTURE lodge i s asked to appoint a membe r ship chai rm an, form a team , and turn the team loose on the issue of member attraction, enrollment , and satisfaction. The cha irman wi need th e leader's support - but what a d fference one man and a really good team can make.
Lodge membership chairmen seeking help wi th prog r ams ca n turn to their re spective District Membership Chai rman and to 75+ Ways to Attract and Retain Members. The man ual is like th e Boy Scout Handbook: read on ly what you need at the time and save the rest for later.
O.K.! So, the Summer is supposed to be for vacations, time off, and relax i ng with a good book. For the person looking at the prospects of four or more months i n the East or an off cer wondering abo ut his p ans for the fut ure, the tim e can be put to really good use.
" It's a pe r fect tim e for plann i ng," said R.W. Grand Master James L. Ernette.
" Because many lodge s do not meet in the Summer, we can get a lot of pla nni ng and good thinking done. With a Fa l l fil led w ith act ivity, we enco urage every Master to m eet with his team and tr y t o develop a pl an and budget for the lodge. I do that with my business; we do that at Grand Lodge; and I don 't see ho w a lodge can get away with anythi ng less."
Lodges looking for help i n planni ng can turn to their local l ib r ary or they can u se one of the Masonic Renewal Committee of North Ame r ica's books, including the popular A Masonic Lea ders Planning Guide - a seven step appro ac h to pl ann in g and budgeting.
The Grand Lodge Overtu r e Planning Team, consisting of Grand Master Ernette; G. Kent Hackney, Deputy Ch ief of St aff; David 0. Meachen, Administrator; and Dudley Davis, Consultant, are using the summer to pl an the Fall Conductor Series. Some of th e topics being developed are: A report on the hard fac t s about becoming a Mason in Pennsylvania; the role of the Worshipful Master and his team in new member enrol l ment and retention; effecti ve communication; and opportu ni ties for the lodge.
Masons, and others reading this, wi l l realize that we are halfway through the l ast year in this millennium and on the verge of a new century What an opportunity to pause and think about what the future may hold in your life, with you r family, and in your lodge. What a perfect opportunity to get co ntrol of events that shape how we spend time and concentrate on mak ng a difference. The time wi l never be better. Why not ask yourse lf the millennium-shift question: "What s there about my old ife at the end of thi s century that I can most afford to do w ithout and what new behav iors must I embrace to thrive in the future - beg i nn i ng today?"
You'll be surpri sed at the th ngs you wi ll think about.
Fall Series Schedule
The sessions for the Fall OVERTURE Series will be:
Sept.ll Allentown , Holid ay Inn Conference Center
Sept.18 Pittsburgh (South-Region 4).
Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center
Oct. 2 State College, Penn State Conference Center
Oct. 16 Pittsburgh ( North-Region 5).
Early Reservations Recommended
Next Grand Master's Banquet and Show Will Be ADynamic Warm-Up for the 21st Century
Plan now to join the next Grand Master and his ady on Dec. 27 to enjoy the glamour, fun, and excitement of Pennsylvani a's last big Mason ic social event of this century and be part of an early welcome for the Twenty- First Century.
T he Grand Master's Banquet and Gala will be held in the new ba l rooms of the Great American Hall of the Hershey Convention Center. The banquet wi ll be followed by a spectacular show, "It Takes Two," starri ng Mari lyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. T he foundng headliners of the Origin al 5th
Dimension wi l perform songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. " It Takes Two " 1 Name : s a celebration of love- the i rs and thelove the publ ic has for their music. 1 Address: _ _
Make you r re servatio ns early Th e Great American Hall can seat 2,200 for dinner, but, reservations will go fast The cost is $30 per person for the banquet and the show. Seating wi ll be at tables of ten, so you might want to get your group together fo r a great evening of food, fu n and fe ll owship. Use the attached coupon and forward it with your check payable to " T he Grand Lo dge of PA" to: Office of the Grand Master, Masonic Temple , One North Broad St., Philade lph ia, PA 19107-2598 .
[Fo r hote l accommodatio ns for the Annual Meeting, contac t t he Hershey Lodge and Conve ntio n Cente r direct ly. Phone 1-717-533-3311, or write t o P.O. Box 446, Hershey, PA 17033-0446 .]
Oct . 23
Oct. 30
Nov. 13
Nov. 20
Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center Philadelphia , Twelve Caesars
Oil City, Holiday Inn
Wilkes-Barre, Woodlands Inn
Harrisburg, Harri sburg Marriott
The Grand Lodge and R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Robert L. Dluge, Jr. and his wife Debra , invit e you a o ng with your family and friends to a once in a lifetime deluxe vacation to Germany wit h a n option to attend the " Pa ssion Play, " an event that only happens every ten years.
Featuring: Exclusive charter jet, Frankfurt , Koblenz, cruising the Rhine to St. Goar, wine tasting , Munich, Roht enburg , Weimer, Leipzig , Berlin, the " Passion Play," and much more! ( Itine rary a vailable upon request )
Includes: Round t rip air from Philadelphia to Germany on an exclusive charter jet • Eleven night delux e hotel ac c ommodations including taxes • Round trip airport transfers in Germany • Breakfast dai y and two dinners • Full-time profe ssion a escort(s) • " Passion Play " tickets (for those attending) • Special events with our brethren who live in Germany.
Price : (Based o nl y on double occupancy)
$3,900 per person attending play
$3 , 700 per person not attending play
Payment Requirements:
1st Deposit - $1 ,000 per person is due within ten days of confirming reservation.
2nd Deposit - $1,000 per person is due prior to November 30 , 1999.
Final Payment - Due March 30 , 2000.
For information and reservations call Sta c , King Coal Travel , Rt. 61, P.O. Box 446, Mount Carmel, PA 1 7851, (800 ) 33 2 -85 56 or (57 0 ) 3 73-15 2 5.
T he quaint v ill age of Oberammergau is set amidst a mountaintop backdrop and s th e perfect setting for this show of pageantry that has been he l d th r oughout the centu rie s. Oberammergau wil delight you wi th its beauty, breathtaking scenery a nd crisp air. The "Passion Play, " an outstanding cultu ra event and a testimonial of rel igious fa it h , wil enthra l you.
"Passion Play"
A Tribute to R.W.P.G.M.
John K. Young
A special tribute was paid to John K. Young, R.W. Past Grand Master, May 18 by R. W. Grand Master Jan1es L. Ernette and Anthony J. Garvey, the C01mnander-in-Chief of the Scottish Rite Valley of Philadelphia. A luncheon was held in the Wanamaker Room of the Masonic Temple to cOimn emorate his receiving the 50-year membership award in t h e Scottish Rite. Past Grand Master Young received his Scottish Rite degrees in the Valley of Philadelphia in 1948 and served the Valley as Most Wis e Master of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, 18°, in 1960-61. He was coro n ete d a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, in Chicago in 1961, crowned an A cti ve Memb er of the Supreme Council, N .M.J. , in 1978, and el ected an Active Emeritus in 1987. Bro. Yo ung i s con s id er ed P ennsylvania Freemasonry's elder statesman, having served as Grand Master in 1968-69.
State Police Team Confers Degree
The Pennsylvania State Police Degree Team conferred the Master Mason's Degree on Timothy J. Hutchenson (front, second from right ), a Middlesex Twp. Patrolman, on Jan. 19 in Brownstone Lodge No. 666, Hershey. Joseph W. Dows , D.D.G.M ., 60th Masonic District , and a Silver Spring Twp. Patrolman, is front left.
Next to him is Lew is R. Gruber, W.M., Brownstone Lodge. The others pictured are members of the Pennsylvania State Police Degree Team.
It was Really a Family Night!
It was Family Night at Factoryville Lodge No. 341 and almost all of the chairs were fill ed with family members when the Master Mason's Degree was conferred on Kenneth Adam Geary. His father, Kenneth Alan Geary, P.M. , conferred the degree and his grandfather, Willian1 J Geary, Sr. , P.M. , was the Guide. The wardens chairs were filled by his uncles, William Geary, Jr., P.M., and Richard Geary, P.M. One cousin, George Stephen, Jr. , P.M., served as Junior Deacon, and another cousin, Arthur McLaughlin, served as Senior Master of Ceremonies Also pres ent to witness the degree was his great-great uncle, George Stephens, Sr. The Bible upon the altar was presented by the new Master Mason's uncle, Martin Migliori, D.D.G M., 15th Masonic District. The family is pictured O-r): Front - Arthur McLaughlin; George Stephens, Jr.; George Stephens, Sr.; William Geary, Sr. ; the n ew Master Mason, Kenneth Geary; and the conferring Master, Kenneth Geary. Back - Richard Geary; William Geary, Jr.; and D.D.G.M. Martin Migliori.
Masons of No te
JA Bro. and Dr. Charles left ) was pre-
E. Krausz (seco nd from
sented a 75-year Masonic Service Emblem and Certificate recently in his res id ence at Midway M anor Retire me nt Hom e by officer s of William L. Elkins Lod ge No 646, Ph iladelphi a. Presenting the certificate i s the Lodg e Secretary , Carl W. Campbell, P.M. (Second from ri ght). Also attending the ceremo ny are ( 1-r): Roy G. Morgan, P.M. , Chaplain; Leo n ard P. Ulan, J.W.; and Bro and Dr. William J. Zi egler
!A Ronald J. Bowser and Ronald J. Bowser II ar e both Worshipful Masters of their lodges, but one i s in Pennsy lvani a and th e other is in Rhod e I s l and. Th e e ld er B owser s W.M. of Mt. Moriah Lod ge No. 300, Hunt ingdon, PA , and his son is W.M. of Doric Lodge No. 38, A.F.&A.M., Cranston, Rl.
!A Walter R. West (left), of Melita Philadelphia, was presented his 50-Year Emblem of Gold by R.W. Past Grand Master John K. Young, the same man who conferred the Master Mason's d egree in 1949. Bro. West said, "It is truly an honor to have Bro. Young, who ra sed me, present me with
Lodge No. 295,
"Trooper for a Day"
An Altoona Youth was selected to be an " Honorary Police Officer" as the Freedom Township Police adopted Tony Sabatino (sec ond from left ) as a "Trooper fo r a Day." The program started by Jaffa Shrine of Altoona, joined by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and local police departments matches patients of the Shriners with the police for a day to honor them and to expose the patients to law enforcement careers.
Tony is a third grade student at Ebner School and is proud of his accomplishments. He is active in sports, and hopes to complete the black belt in tae kwon-do. Currently, he has seven trophies from competition. Tony and his mother, Sherri (left), are strong supporters of the Shriners Hosp itals, noting "They are the greatest."
The "Adopt A Trooper" Program was initiated by a Colorado Shrine two years ago, and Jaffa became the third i n North America to adopt the program. Dale A. Delozier (right) , D.D.G.M., 20th Masonic District and also a police officer , sa id that, "Most kids look up to the police as their heroes; this program g ives the Shriners ' Kids a chance to be part of their dreams. " Bro. and Chief John W. Reilly, Sr. (second from right) , also a Shriner, commented tha t these kids are special and this program lets them know we are also on their side; in thi s Program, everyone is a wi nner.
This program became reality thanks to the effort s of Potentate Dav id Holland and the Ja ffa Divan, The Grand Lodge of Pennsyl v ania, Chief John Reilly of the Freedom Township Police and Past Master of Portage Lodge No. 220 , other local police, and Attorney and Bro James Eberly
Father Be Son Get Awards
R. W. Grand Master
James L. Ernette was the parade marshal and the Masons of Pennsylvania displayed a dramatic float saluting America in the 30th Annual "July 4th Parade" in Latrob e The Grand Lodge officers are pictured with the float (1-r): Marvin G. Speicher, R.W.G.T.; Robert L. Dluge, Jr., R.W.D.G.M.; James L. Emette, R.W.G.M.; Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr. , R.W.S.G.W.; Willian1
and
Jac kson, R.W.G.S.
Great Day at the Ballparks in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
It was Mason's Day at the ballgame in Ea stern Pennsyl va nia at Veteran's Stadium on Jun e 22 and n Western Pennsy lv ania at Three Ri ver's Stadium on Jun e 30 There was a lot of fun fo r al l as the Grand Ma ster "warmed up " w ith the Phillie Phanatic and the Pitt sbu rgh Parrot b efore to ssing out the first ball at each game. The Grand Master and his a id es distribut ed s pec a b aseball caps to the crowds of Masons, kids from th e Masonic Children's Home and Shrin e rs Hosp it a l, friends.
!A Bro. Richard Masters, the second longest serving member of Harford Lodge No. 445, Hop Bottom, 15th Masonic Di st rict, and his wife of 67 years, Eloise, were highly honored by the Greater Susquehanna Area Chamber of Commerc e on April 10. They were n ame d the "1999 Citizens of the Year" in recognition of their strengths of family, leaders hip in church, community, and business, and as President Bill Clinton wrote in a letter of congratulations, " he lping to shape a brighter tomorrow for generations to come." Nearly 200 people attended a dinner in their honor , including many Masons. A special surprise guest was a former Rotary Exchange st udent from Holland , who was one of many whom the M asters had ho ste d through the y ea rs
Three awards for service were presented at the June stated meeting of Carbondale Lodge No. 249. Garfield Thomas , Sr. (left) received a 75-Year Certificate of Service and his son, Garfield Thomas, Jr. (second from right), r eceived a 50-year Emblem of Gold. Al so receiving a 50-Year Emblem of Go ld was Al Willis (right). Making the presentations were Richard T. Griffith s, W.M (second from l eft), and Randall A. Thorn, Sr., P.D D .G.M (Center).
! Grand Master Ernette (right) and Junior Grand Warden S ater with the Pittsburgh Parrot
this pin."
Slater II, R.W.J.G.W. ;
Thomas W.
Pastor Charles H. Lacquement, D.D.,
t• ·ng
Rev. and Bro. ChaTles H. Lacquement, D.D. , Director of Pastoral Care, will retire on Sept. 1, 1999. Although he has many p l ans fo r his free time, Bro. Lacquemen t is no t l ooking forward to leaving after his 26 years of service. But, he says, he has to do it sometime.
"I have truly enjoyed the privilege of serving the residents of the Masonic Hom es of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvan ia," Bro. Lacquement s aid. "My work as Director of Pastoral Care h as b een a satisfying and rewarding ministry." When Bro. Lacquement c an1e to the Masonic Homes on Jtme 15, 1973, he was the Home's first fulltime pastor. Prior to that, the Masonic Homes had visiti ng pastors deliver th e worship services.
But pastoral care was only one aspec t of Bro. Lacquement's responsibilities at the beginning. At one time, Bro. Lacquement said his peers joked t hat h e had t h e longest t itle at the Masonic Ho mes. For 14 years, he served as the
wife, Conni e Jo, also look forward to traveling to see their son in Gr eensburg, NC, who is a pilot for US Airways. The Lacquem ents also have three dau ghters in th e Harrisbmg area, and stay busy with t h eir ten grandchildre n.
One of the m ost rewarding aspects of Bro. Lacquement's career h as been his preaching After 45 years as an ordained minister, Bro. Lacquement says he feels like he's b een a preacher all of his life. "I find real joy and fu lfillment in preaching, from its spititual and social benefits, " he said. He would lil<e to keep his preaching skills s harp b y becoming active in a small chmch
Bro. Lacqu ement is also an old car enthusiast. He has three classic cars. He keep s his "babies " so clean that you can see yo m reflection in them
Bro. Lacque m ent said it will be extr emely difficult to say "goodbye." In fac t, he do es not plan to give a farewell sermon, but has asked Pastor A Preston Van Deursen, Associate Pastor, to do it for hin1.
Masonic Homes' Expands Services at Respite and Residential Cottage
For a year and a half, the Mason ic Homes' Respite Cottage has provided qua lity respite services for ca regivers, p roviding a tempora r y home fo r adu lts w it h mi ld to modera t e mental retardation and sim il ar deve lopmental d is abilities. The cottage staff provides care-givers peace of mind with the assurance that their loved ones will e nj oy a vacatio n of thei r own at the cottage, whi le they themse lves e njoy persona l t ime from their care giving res ponsibilities. With in the safe, nurtu ring environment of the Masonic Homes, the cottage offers 24-hour personalized care in a comfortable, beautiful home-awayfro m home.
This program has bee n so successfu l, having al ready served many repeat customers, that the Masonic Homes has expanded upon its respite serv ices to include residen tial accommodations. By mid-summer, the cottage had four full-time residents . The four remaining beds at the cottage con ti nue to be made available for those receiving short-term respite serv ices.
Masonic Homes Opens Brossman Pool with a Splash!
After Youth App reciation Day festivities on May 28 , the Committee o n Mason ic Hom es, led by R.W. Grand Master Ja mes L. Ernette and Bro . Jay G. Brossman, Ep hrata Lodge No . 665, offi c ially ope ned the ne w pool which Bro. Brossman made poss ible th rough his cha ri table g ift to th e Masonic Homes.
Grand Master Erne tte a nd Br o . Bro ssman unvei led a plaque officially dedicating the poo l in me mory of J. Glen Brossma n, Bro Brossman's son, w ho passed away s ix year s ago.
Grand Master Ernett e than ked Bro. Brossman for "c ontr ibu ting something to our Maso n ic Ho mes wh ic h our young people, and those young at heart, w ill enjoy for many seaso ns t o come." He said, " It is because of Brot her J a y Bross ma n' s generosity and comm itment to our residents and chi ldren , that we have a new swi mmin g pool on the campus. "
Bro. Brossman sa id , " I'm as hap py to do t his for the residents and chi ldre n as th ey wi ll be to use it."
Br o . Brossman, Gra nd Master Ern e t te , and Bro . Will iam S late r II, R.W. J un ior Gra nd Warden, were the first to jump into the new pool and to "test out " the large s lide.
extends a personal " thank-you " to Bro. J ay Brossman upon his unveiling the sign officially dedicat ing the pool in memory of Bro. Brossman ' s son.
Grand Master Ernette , R.W.J .G.W. William Slater II, and Bro . Jay Brossman , are the first swimmers in the Brossman Pool on May 28
The Masonic Homes Loves to Hear from Families!
Almost ever y day, the Mas onic H omes Teceives letter-s of thanks fmm fa?n ilies of Tesidents and othe'rs who Teceive services Th e following is a letter fTom the daughter of the late Charlotte B anhingm; a former r-esident of the Masonic Homes:
Dear Masonic Homes Committee members and staff,
Thank you very much for t h e lovely floral arrang eme nt sent in m e mory of my mother , Charlotte Barshinge r, at her funeral December 22 , 1998
Dit·ector of Spiritual Rev. and Bro. Charles Services, Social Services, D 0
"There is no r e latio n ship on earth that is closer than a pastor a nd his congregation," Bro. Therapeutic Recreation, H. lacquement, Vo lunteers, a nd Resident Serviceswhic h included the Beauty/Barber Shop and transportation services. At the same time, he was petiorming the weekly worship services and up to three funerals a week As the facility grew, many of the disciplin es tmder hi s dir ec tion be came their own departments, and Pastoral Care evolved into a department of fom employees dedicate d solely to spiritual services.
Upon his retirement, Bro. Lacquement p l ans to stay active as a Grand Chap lain of t h e Grand Lodge of Pennsy lvani a, Grand Pryor of the Council of Delib eration, and Chaplain of the local High 12 Club. He and his
Lacquement sai d "As a pastor, people see you as a represe n tative of God, and are at ease to bare th eir very so ul. This rests heavily on a pastor to know that individuals hold you in such high es t ee m." Bro. Lacquement says that the key to being a successful pastor is one's ability to identify with people ... to touch th em emotionally and sp iritually with words, but also physically, with co mpassion. "I' ve n ever offered a praye r with out laying my hand on a person's shoulder," Bro. Lacquement said. "I think it would b e hard to pray without the mffiistry of to u ch; otherwise, you're s howin g th e co mpassion of an iceberg."
Anyone interested in adding his or her name to the waiting li st for residentia l service, or in terested in res pite care, call B rian Luzie r, Program Specialist: (7 1 7) 367-1 121, ext. 33751.
II would also like to co mplin1ent every member of the wondeliul staff on Ben Franklin, third floor. My mothe r had been with me in Maryland, temporarily, when she was hospitalize d in November of 1997. When she left the hosp ital, she had to live in a nmsing home near my hom e in Annapolis. My husband and I visited the Masonic Healt h Care Center in December of 1997 . We were so impressed, not only with the facility, but even more so with t h e staff that we asked to put her on the waiting list for a room.
February 10, 1998, I move d her t o BF 3 and visited h e r several times a month . Each time I was greeted wit h a sincere we lcome from all the staff. I n ever worrie d about mother ( even as far from me as she was) since I kn ew she was receiving professional and tender c are Small strokes from an irregular heartb eat over man y years had finally tal<en mother s abili ty to communicate her desit·es which made it ve ry frustrating for her. Everyone made a special effort to understand her t hro ugh b ody language, and t h ey d i d it with extreme patience in a very trying situ ation. She always nodded "yes" when I asked h er if t hey were taking good care of her.
She b ecame very ill December 13 with an inoperable abdominal blo ckage We all (the staff, my fan1 ily, and I) came to a compassionate decis ion to begit1 "comfort care ." I was with her continuously for her last several days and had a chance t o observe the staff durin g all shifts They truly lived up to my observation since last F eb ruary that they are very special people. T hey let me have my quiet tin1e with mo t her, provided me with a cassette tape of hymns, a recline r t o sleep on, and yet were there instantly if mother or I needed help. Those last few days , I felt th ey we re my cl ear friends and not only mother's loving care givers .
The most itnportant compliment to tl1e s taff came from my husband . He had only visited several t itnes, but in those few short homs, he saw something extremely special besides a beautifu l, clean facility-a thoro ughly compete nt and extremely caring staff! My hus ban d, Dave, has bee n in the health care business for 29 ye ars, has been in eve ry department in hospitals and h as m et htmd.recls of health care staff. He told me he has ne ve r seen a better facility than Masonic Homes-you can be very proud of yo m staff on BF 3 !
Thank you again for yom t houghtfulness and helping to make mother's last few months as comfortable and peaceful as possible
Since rely,
Justine Disboro ugh daughter of Charlotte Barshinger
Ms Susan Dale, the cottage's first resident, enjoys a summer cook-out with Brian Luzier, Program Specialist, on the back porch of the cottage.
With Cottage Construction Compl at B
The Masonic Homes in El izabethtown completed its Ind ependent Living cottage co nstruction project last February.
The project began in August 1996 as part of the Masonic Homes' continuing care retirement community, now comprises 100 cottages designed for persons ages 65 and older.
The project was accomplished in three phases. The first phase, which included 36 cottages with varied floor plans, began in August 1996 and was comp leted i n October 1997. The second phase, also consisting of 36 cottages , began in May 1997 and was completed in May 1998. The third phase, consisting of 28 cottages, began in May 1997 and was completed in February 1999.
The Masonic Homes now has a total of 450 In dependent Living units, including apartments and cottages offerin g varying styles and payment plans: 116 cottages and 220 apartments are offered under an entrance fee plan, and 114 apartments are offered under a rental option With the entrance fee plan, res id ents pay an entrance fee, which provides them lifetime use of th e r apartment or cottage, plus a monthly service fee for a full array of services, such as housekeeping , maintenance, etc Residents wh o choose an apartment under the renta l option pay a monthly rental and service fee. Al l residents have access to health care serv ices on the Maso nic Homes campus on a fee-for-service basis, including outpatient, cl ni cal, subacute, or rehab litat io n serv ic es.
The Masonic Homes began offer ing Independent Li ving accom modations in October 1990 , with the comp leti on of the 1ndependent Li ving Community , which in c l udes the fi rst 220 a partments and 16 cot tages built on campus . There is also a clubhouse within th i s area, which i nc lude s administrative offic es, formal dining room, coffee shop, genera store, hair ca r e center, craft room, me et ing room, bank, and outdoor courtyard.
In 1 993, the Masonic Homes began offering I ndependent Living apartments under a renta payment plan. Five granite buildings and one brick building on campus were renovated to offer a tota l of 114 apartments .
Th e expansion project allowed residents c hoosing an Inde pendent Living cottage not only th e opportunity to choose t hei r preferred cottage site, but also the chance to customize their unit. The cottages range in size from 1,100 square feet to 1,800 square feet, at the cost of $110,000 to $163,000, depending on the options chosen.
An Independent Living cottage at the Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown
The Masonic Home s offers almost limitless versatility. Residents can choose from a variety of floor plans and can custom ize their cottages. If people choose to have wo rk done on th eir own, they have that option as wel l.
"Our comm itment to creating a customerfocused community really allows residents the flexibilit y to add upgrades and options for their preference and interest s," said Bro. Raymond E. Tiern ey, Administrator of Independent Living. One of the most innovative and flexible services is the dining program. Residents can choose either to participate in the sta nd ard meal plan, or they may walk into one of the Home's two dining rooms or the coffee house and pay for their meals.
Independent Living residents enjoy the Boardwalk theme buffet
Masonic Eastern Star Home-East Appoints New Administrator and Director of Nursing
Anne M. Maher has be en appointed Administrator for the Masonic Eastern Star Home-East in Warminster. She is r esponsible for ensuring th e provision of quality care services to the r es idents and for the overall manag ement of the facilty. Prior to associatin g w i th Masonic Eastern Star HomeEast , Maher worked as Administrator of the Presbyterian Home, 58th Street, Philadelphia Sh e holds a B. S degree in Sociolo gy from Temple U niversity and s a licens ed Nursing Hom e Administrator (NHA).
Bonnie Y. Stuet z, R.N. , has been appointed Director of Nursing for the facility She is responsible for t h e planning, organization, utilization, and evaluation of all nursing servic es provided in the facility. Prior to joining the staff at the Masonic Eastern Star Home-East, Stuetz worked as an Assistant Director of Nursing for the Rydal Park Medical Center. Stuetz holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Nursing from Gwynedd-Mercy College. She is a certified laboratory assistant and is a member of the Association for Professionals in W ection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Stuetz is al so a memb er of Sigma Theta Tau, the national nursing honor society
Meet Masonic Homes' Men's Chorus
The Masonic Homes' Men's Chorus began in 1992 with about a dozen men w ho enjoyed singing and would gather for a monthly hymn sing. They decided to begin a men's chorus and practice in a resident's apartment. This small group sang at hym n-sin gs and in Sell Chapel. Bro. Harr y Miller came on board as their directo r in 1994.
Now, in addition to the hymn sings and Sell Chapel, the group sings at va rious churches in the comm unit y and for senior citizen groups. Their numbers have swelled to 34 members with an average age above 80 years yo ung!
The Choir, pictured left to right, are:
First row : Harr y Miller, Director, Columbia Lodge No. 286; Norma Kehrli, Pianist; William Godshall, Union Lodg e No. 324, Mifflintown; Tom Glidden, Narrator, Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown; Robert Li ndema n , Leonard Forman Lodge No. 782, Phi l adelphia; Howard Wittel, Manheim Lodge No. 587; Stew art Titus, St John's Lodge No. 233, Jenkins Twp; John Ga lbraith , Thomas R. Patton Lodge No. 659, Philad el phia ; Ralph Taylor, Warren Lodge No. 240, Montrose; and Fred Fechter, Richmond Lodge No. 230, Philadelphia.
row: Richard Wa lk er, Lodge No. 43, Lancaster; Will am
573, Pittsburgh;
Hornickell, Mt. Lebanon Lodge No. 226, Lebanon; Wi lliam Moore, Abraham C. Tre ic hl er Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown.
Third row: Walter Baleau, Shiloh Lodge No. 558, Lansda e; Ric hmo nd Sutt on, Acacia Lodge No. 355, Blairsville; William Pedr ick , Covenant-Excelsio r Lodge No. 456 , Philadelphia; Donald Gregg, Grove City Lodge No. 603; Matthew Gallagher, Concordia Lodge No. 6 7, Jenkintown.
Back row ( left to right): Rev. Charles H. Lacquement, D.O., Abra h am C. Trei c hl er Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown; Wil li am Treager, Westmo r eland Lodge No. 518, Greensbu rg; Luther Uteg r aff, Eureka Lodge No. 335, Montoursvil e; Ralph Barici, Canby Lodge No. 520, St. Petersburg; Fred Ettline, York Lodge No. 266; Robe r t Steck, Spri ng Creek Lodge No. 802, Hershey; Alton Kirkpatrick, Perry Lodge No. 458, Marysville; At l ee Shank, Cumber l an d Star Lodge No. 197, Carlisle; Robert Hotchkiss, North Hill s Lodge No. 716, McCandless; Wiley McElwai n, Shrewsbury Lodge No. 423; Pastor Va n Deurson, Associat e Pastor.
Not pictured: Richard Emrey , Charity Lodge No. 190, Jeffersonvi le; Eve rett lander, Solomon's Lodge No. 3, Philadelphi a; Rob er t Johnson, Perry Lodge No. 392, Erie; Wil l iam Long, Community Lodge No. 744, Broomall; Charles M etcalf, Elk Lodge No. 379, Ridgway; John Van Horn , St. James Lodge No. 457, Beaver; John Wa li zer, Washingt on Lodge No. 265, Bloomsburg; Jim Zarfoss, Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No 682, Eli zabethtown
Nursing Positions Available At Masonic Homes Statewide
The m edia reports that health care or ganizations nationwide are experiencing a sh ortage of nursing personnel. This dilemma particularly affects long-term care facilities.
The Masonic Homes are working hard to continue the provision of quality care by ensuring the maintenance of a higher ratio of staff to resident care than required by governmental standards. The Nursing Department has hired a full-time Nurse Recruiter to ensure that staff l evels are maintained and t hat the most caring, professional, and ethical personnel are employed by the Masonic Homes.
If you have family members or friends residing near one of the Masonic Homes - in Elizabethtown, Warminster, Pittsburgh, or Sewickley - w h o are interested in the health care field, please encourage them to experi ence our "Mission of Love." Provide t h em with the follo w ing telephone numb er for our Human Resources Office: (717) 36 1-4522.
The Mason ic Eastern Star Hom e-West offers pr ofessional ass i sted iving services with n a beautifully l andscaped setting. The home i s comm itted to providing a secure environment where residents can live to th ei r fu ll potential w ith the assurance that assistance w i l l be provided w hen needed. The home ' s staff provide co mpanionship, and qual ity ca re se rvic es to enha nce the quality of life of each of its res dents.
Persons who are basic all y ndependent, but w ho require assistance for some of the ir dail y activ itie s such as bathing and dre ssing, can benefit from assisted living services with n thi s secure, comfortable living env ironme nt.
For more information, con tact: Masonic Ea ste rn Star Home-We st 226 Be l levue Ro ad, Pitt sburgh, PA 15 229 ( 412) 931-8300
Second
Herd, Cori nt hian Lodge No.
David Getty, Lodge No. 9, Tacony (Philadelphia); Ch arl es
Act
at Once for Limited Tee limes Remaining For Grand Master's Three Charity GoH Outings
Time is short for signing up for any of the Grand Master's thre e Regional Chruity Golf Outings to benefit the Masonic Children's Home of Pennsylvania. There is a limited number of te e times still available, so you will have to act at once.
All tournaments will be shotgun starts at 12:30 p.m. Registration and luncheon from 10:45 a.m. Aft er golf, there will be a reception at 6 p.m. and buffe t dinn e r at 7 p.m. , followed by a progran1 to award prizes.
Entry f ee : $125 includes gree ns fe es , carts, refreshments on course , lunch, reception, dinner, and program. For non-golfers , $30 includes r eception, dinn er, and program.
Golf Reservation Form
Please enter th e golfers liste d be low at $125 per pers o n i n the Gran d Master's Go l Tournament( s ). Enclo sed s my c hec k made payable to "M asoni c Charit ies Fund " in the amoun t of$
Indivi dual g olf en rant s wi ll be as signed to a four som e
Deadli ne for golf reservat ons is one w eek before each tournament, unless the maximum numbe r of golfers is rea c hed before then.
Indicate Tournament(s)
Payment must accompany your reservations.
Se nd reservations with check payable to "Masonic Charities Fund" to:
• Western Pennsylvania, Aug. 16, at Quicksilver Country Club, Midway. Willian1 Hartland, 2030 North View Dr. , North Huntingdon, PA 15642 (Phone : 724-863-6469).
• Central Pennsylvania, Aug. 23, at Felicita Resort, Harrisburg area. John L. Winkelman , 513 N. Fourth St., Reading, PA 19601 -2836 (Phone: 610-374-1286)
• Eastern Pennsylvania, Aug. 30, at Lulu Country Club , Plymouth Meeting. William Greet, 2125 Parkdale Ave., Glenside, PA 19038 ( Phone: 215-887-4915)
MOAJonic Library an'JMLUeum
lntro'Juce.:J
New Gift Shop I'JeaBook.
Final 1999 Organ Recital at Masonic Temple November 7th
The last organ recital in the 1999 Music Series at th e Masonic Te mple , Philadelphia sponsored by The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will be held Nov. 7 at 4:30p.m. in Corinthian Hall. There will be tours of the Temple at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. prec eding the Recital.
More than 1,000 Pennsylvania Freemasons , their spouses, widows, and family members living in Florida attended a Masonic Reunion at one of three locations: the Araba Shrine Temple in Fort Myers on March 25 ; the Egypt Shrine Temple in Tampa on March 26; or the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Winter Park on March 27. Approximately 7 ,500 Pe nn s ylvania Freema s ons re s ide in the "Sunshine State. " The four-hour events included a reception, lunch, program , and social hour. Special highlights of the reunions included the Grand Master's presentation of 50-year
Bro. Joseph E. Murphy, CEO of the Masonic Homes, enjoys a conversation with a few guests at a l eunion in Fort Myers
Emblems of Gold , door pri zes, and mementos from the Grand Master and his wife
The reunions were hosted by R.W. Grand Master James L. Ernett e and his wife, Brenda. Grand Lodge officers and their wives, as well as Masonic Homes staff, also greeted the brethren and their guests. The Masonic Homes' staff shared important information about the continuum of quality care services provided through the Masonic Homes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Emblems of Gold recipients with the Grand Lodge Officers in Tampa
Included with this issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason you will find a copy of the new Masonic Library and Museum Gift Shop Idea Book. This edition has been up-dated and many new items have been included. We are happy to announce that we have secured a new toll free number (1-800-3367317) for the convenience of those desiring to make purchases from the Gift Shop.
Many of the needs of our lodges can be fulfilled through the many pages of items in this idea book. We hope that you will help support The Masonic Library and Museum through your purchases in our Gift Shop.
Immediate Availability in the Village Green Area
There are two Rodgers organs in this hall, and our two recitalists will present a truly interesting program. Monty Maxwell, Organist for the Chapel of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD , will be joined by Donald H. McFarland, Director of Music for Richardson Park United Methodist Church, Wilmington, DE and representative for th e Rodgers Organ Company for the Philadelphia area, will p e rform in this dual organ recital.
Museum Displays Exhibits on Governors and on 18th Century Masonic Symbols
Two exhibits were displayed in May in th e Museum at the Masonic Temple, Philadelphia. One is a pictorial history called "The Masonic Governors of Pennsylvania, 17261971." The other is "18th-century Masonic Songbooks," showing almost all of the music books of that era in th e c ollection of The Masonic Library and Muse um.
Grand Master Ralph M. Lehr on March 3, 1955); and Raymond P. Shafer, 33°. The last two are still living.
A Fifty-year Emblems of Gold recipients with the Grand Lodge Officers in Winter Park
Fifty-yeru· Emblems of Gold recipients with the Grru1d Lodge Officers in Fort Myers
The Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown has immediate availability for Residential Living in the beautiful Village Green Area. Residential Living is an independent option for those looking for a carefree lifestyle.
For additional information about the Village Green Area, or to schedule a tour, please call the Admiss ion s Offi c e at 1 -800-42 2 -1 2 07.
There have been 108 Governors of Pennsylvania to date (1 999) , of whom 31 are known or pre sumed to have bee n Masons. The exhibit includes provincial governors , born in England, and thought to have been Masons, even thou gh the re are no re c ords available from the Grand Lodge of England to prove or disprove their membership in the Fraternity. Some of the betterknown Masonic Governors were: John and Richard Penn ( grand s ons of William P e nn, who was n ot a Mason; John was th e son-in-law of William Allen, Grand Mas t e r 173 1-1732; and 1747-1761), James Hanlllton (Mayor of Philadelphia 1745-1 746, Grand Maste r 1735-1736) ; Benjan1in Franklin (Grand Master, 1 734 -173 5 and 1749) ; John Dickinson; Joseph Hie ster; Andrew Gregg Curtain (Me mber of Congress and Ministe r to Russia) ; General John Fre d e ric k Hartranft; Samuel Whitaker Pennypacker (who had been made a Mason-at-Sight by Grand Maste r William J. Kelly on Jan. 29 , 189 7) ; William Came ron Spro ul ; George M Lead e r ( a lso made a Mason-at-S ight b y
The Seven Liberal Arts were , and still are, the greates t part of a well-rounded e ducation. The seven - grammar, rhetoric , logic, arithmetic, geometry, musi c, and astronomy - are s p ecific ally mentioned and extolle d in th e F e llow Craft Degree of Masonry Music, as one of the m , has always h a d a firm place in Masonic lodge life. Eve n today, e v ery lodge hall in the Mas onic Temple, Philade lphia has an organ. AB e xplained in"18th-c entury Masonic Songbooks," the conunon practic e was to sing lyrics to w e ll-known m e lodies like those of th e patriotic "Rule Britannia," "God Save the King (My Country, 'tis of thee)" or other popular (mostly love or drinking) songs, ofte n writte n by great compos ers like Purcell and Clarke Since eve ryone lme w the tun es, the music did not have to b e written out, thu s k eeping the pric e low. Some s ongbooks , h o w eve r, wer e publishe d with musical notation, whi c h was a very e xpensiv e proposition, s ince s taff lines, notes , and othe r markings had to be e ngrave d on s te el or copper. Mas onic songs were u s ually printed at the end of monitors, constitutions , or rituals . The Ah man R ezon, for ex an1ple, co ntains some Mas onic songs, as it has through all its editions There ru e, however, so me pure son gbooks, calle d s ongs ters, which usually c ontain son gs of an a ppropriate ly high-minde d Maso nic nature , the n a tr e m e nd o u s number of "r efr es hm e nt" s ongs of varying degr ees of bawdin ess.
The Grand Master's Itinerary
Organ Recital, Corinthian Ha l, Masonic Temple, Philadelphia- 4:30 p.m.
Western Pennsylvania Masonic Picnic, Kennywood Park, Pittsburgh
Unity Banquet - Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Radisson Penn Harris, Camp Hill - Social Hour, 5 p.m.; dinner, 6 p.m .
Syria Golf Outing, Latrobe Country Club.
DeMolay Key Man Conference, Masonic Conference Center, Patton Campus, Elizabethtown- 6 p.m.
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16 Aug 21
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24 Aug. 30 Aug 31
150th Anniversary, Armstrong Lodge No 239, Freeport, 27th Masonic District.
Grand Master's Charity Golf Out ing Quicksilver Country Cl ub, Pittsburgh.
Concert on the Green, Masonic Homes , Elizabethtown.
Gr and Master's Charity Golf Outing , Felicita Resort, Harrisburg.
PIN Club Picnic, Schenley Pa r k, Pittsburgh.
Grand Master's Charity Golf Outing, Lu u Country Club, Plymouth Meeting.
Meetings at Masonic Temple, Philadelphia: M&R Presentation, 9 a.m.; Consolidated Fund , 9:30 a.m ; Administrators of the Pension Plan, 11 a.m.; Committee on Finance, 1 p m.
Sept. 1 Meetings at Masonic Temple, Philadelphia: Committee on Landmarks, 10 a.m.; District Deputies' Meeting, 1 p.m.; Rehearsa l for Grand Lodge Elec ted and Appointed Officers, 3 p m.; Dinner, 5 p.m.; Quarterl y Communication, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 Garfield Lodge No. 559, DuBois, Receive M .W. Grand Master of District of Columbia at Stated Meeting.
Sept. 8-10
Mid-Atlantic Shrine Assoc at ion, Virginia Beach, VA
Sept. 11 Appreciation and Test imonia Banquet for R.W. Grand Master aboard Gateway Clipper, Pittsburgh. OVERTURE Series, Holid ay Inn, Allentown.
Sept. 13 Plum Creek -Monroeville Lodge No. 799, Pittsburgh , conferra l of Master Mason's Degree upon Trooper s Brian F. Gross and Robert DePew, II, 7:30p.m
Se pt. 15 Cha r les M. Howel l Lodge No. 496, M ille r sv ille, Master Mason's Degree for Trooper Noel Velez - 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 Ded icat ion of George Washington Statue, Waterford, Erie Cou nty, 24th Masonic District, 1 p.m.
Sept. 18 LaBelle Lodge No. 232, Jersey Shore, Special Communication of Grand Lodge for Lodge Room Dedication and Cornerstone Lay i ng Ceremony
Sept. 21 Lowther Manor Lodge No. 781, Camp Hill, Pennsylva nia State Police Deg ree Team, Master Mason's Degree for Capt. Co l eman J. McDonough- 7 p.m.
Sept. 22 Stephen Bayard Lodge No. 526, E izabeth, conferral of two Master Mason's Degrees upon Troopers Jeffrey Jone s and Joshua Giron at McKeesport Masonic Temple.
Sept. 23 Staff Meeting with Grand Lodge Officers, Harrisburg Marr iott - 7 p.m.
Sept. 24 Meetings at Masonic Ho mes, Eli zabethtown: Buildings and Grounds Sub-Committee, 8 -9:45 a.m.; Financial Sub-Committee, 10-11:45 a.m.; Committee on Masonic Homes, 1 p.m.
Sept 25 Grand Master's Day at Masonic Homes, Elizabet htown, 10 a .m.-4 p.m.
A UGUST THROUGH NOVEMBER
Sept.26-28 Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Sept 29
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Rite, N.M.J., Atlantic City.
Royal Order of Scot l and, Atlantic City.
75th Anniversary, Duquesne Lodge No. 731, McKeesport, 49th Masonic District
Royal Order of Scot and, Washington, DC.
50th Anniversary, Bethe Lodge No. 761, Pittsburgh, 57th Masonic District.
OVERTURE Series (South-Region 4 ), Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.
Mac Sanders-Rising Star Lodge No. 126, Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, Receive M .W Grand Master of Arizona.
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Staff Meeting with Grand Lodge Officers, Ha r risburg Marriott- 7 p.m.
Meetings at Masonic Homes, Elizabethtown: Buildings and Grounds Sub-Committee, 8-9:45 a.m ; Financia l SubCommittee, 10-11:45 a.m ; Committee on Masonic Homes, 1 p.m.; Board of Directors of The Pennsylvania Masonic Foundation for Children.
Oct. 23 175th Anniversary, Lafayette Lodge No. 194, Selinsgrove, 46th Masonic District.
Oct. 24 Chape of the Four Chaplains, Philadelphia, Legion of Honor Award.
Oct. 27 Banquet of Joseph Warren Lodge No. 726, Warren, and presentation of 50-Year Emblem of Gold to Bro. William E Yeager, Jr.
Oct. 29 D.A.R.E. Graduation Ceremonies, Masonic Conference Center, Patton Campus, Elizabethtown - 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 30 50t h Anniversary, Andrew Hershey Lodge No. 764, Lancaster, 1st Masonic District.
Nov. 6 Int ernational Order of Rainbow for Girls Honor Day, Honoring R.W. Grand Master, Carlisle- Noon .
Banquet of the Eastern Regional Assembly of the United Grand Imperial Council of the Red Cross of Constantine, Holiday Inn, Grantville, 6:30 p.m
Nov. 7 Organ Recital, Corinthian Hal l , Masonic Temple, Philadelphia - 4:30 p.m.
Nov.12-13 Valley of Pittsburgh, A.A.S.R. Reunion.
Nov. 16
Meetings at Masonic Temple, Ph ilade lphia: M&R
Presentation, 9 a.m.; Consolidated Fund, 9 :30a.m ; Administrators of the Pension Plan, 11 a.m.; Committee on F nanc e, 1 p.m.
Universal Brotherhood: That is reemasonry!
By : Thomas W. Jackson, R. W. Grand Secretary
Brethren:
You will recall a quotation from our ritual stating that "Freemasonry has endured the moral test of ages." This is a great credit to our Craft which few organizations can claim. But, Freemasonry has done more - much , much more - than having endured during those ages. One thing it has done is spread around the world. Almost evetywhere that freedom exists, and even in some areas where it does not, Freemasonry may be found .
In a world of changing values, in a world wracked with tensions , wars and threats of wars, in a world where spiritual values and ethics are declining, there has been for several hundred years a bright and shining constant - Freemasonry.
Oh, maybe our membership figures are not shining as brightly as they once did; but our philosophy is our purpose is our goal is our very reason for existing is still shining and has not diminished one iota. The basic precepts of the Fraternity today are as they were in 1717 when we had our stmctural origin.
Perhaps it would behoove us to examine more fully those precepts which have led to our longevity and our worldwide distribution. Why do we continue to survive when so many organizations have failed?
It is my feeling that the primary factor affecting our success is inherent in the very fotmdation of our admission process. That single requirement of a belief of God and not in any specific theo logy has b een primary. This character provides a means of promoting a form of brotherhood that no single theology could ever hop e to promote. It is th e reason for the universality of our Fraternity. There are those who have a problem with this philosophical precept and condemn us for it, but it is a universal found ation sto ne of our Craft
There is no doubt that differences exist in Freemasonry around th e world. There are differences existing in Freemasonry even within this country; but it is the similruities, not th e differences, which make Freemasonry what it is. The universal feeling of brotherhood from grand lodges around the world is impressive.
Pennsylvania Franklin Medal Presented to Blaine Fabian
At the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania held in the Greater Pittsburgh Maso n ic Center on June 2, R. W. Grand Master James L. Ernette (left) presented the Pennsylvania Franklin Medal and a Grand Master's Medallion to Blaine F Fabian, P.M., Editor of The Pennsylvanic£ Freemason.
The Franklin Medal, the most distinguished honor awarded by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, is presented to those who have rendered outstanding service to the Craft. It is named for Bro. Benj amin Franklin who served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodg e of Pennsylvania in 1734 and 1749.
Bro. Fabian was made a Mason in Ephrata Lodge No. 665 in 1956 and served as its Worshipful Master in 1965. Through the years, he served t h e Grand Lodge on th e fonner Masonic Culture and Masonic Education Conunittees, and various publications , and public relations projects. He first helped on the predecessor FTeemason in the 1960 's and 1970's and has been invol ved with the current production of The Pennsylvania FTeemason since 1990.
Nov.19-20
Nov 20
Nov. 27
Val ley of Wil iamsport, A.A.S.R. Reunion. OVER TURE Series, Woodlands Inn , Wi kes-Barre.
Pittsburgh Ho l iday Parade- 9 a.m.
30th Masonic District Appreciation Dinner, Stahlstown.
Nov. 30
Meetings at Masonic Temple, Phi adelphia: Committee on Landmarks, 10 a.m.; District Deputies' Meeting, 1 :30 p.m.; Rehearsa l for Grand Lodge El ected and Appointed Officers, 3 p.m.; Socia Reception, 5:30 Di nner, 6:30 p m.
Dec. 1 Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge and Election of Officers, Masonic Temple, Ph ilade lphia - 10 a m.
I had the great privilege of s itting recently in a s ubordinate lodge in Mali, Africa, where almos t all of the members present were of the Muslim faith and where a Turu·eg was being made a Mason. The feeling of total broth erhood which permeated that hall was as universal as any I have experienced anywhere else in the world This, my Brothers, is Freemasonry.
Our Craft seems to have retained this character of brotherhood in some areas more than in others, but perhaps th e ne ed is greater there. The principles upon which it was founded do not vary, how ever. They are as old as civilization, itself: un changed and unchanging.
We are part of the fortunate few, the relatively small percentage, who have had the opportunity and privilege to be Freemasons. Dr. No rman Vincent P eal e expressed his membership this way: "Ou tside of my relationship to the church of Almighty God, this is the most valued fellowship of my entire expetie nce."
My Brothers, I co ntinue to encourage you to become more cognizant of this great exp erience, mor e aware of the influence and significance of the Craft and more thankful that this is a privilege that h as been afford ed yo u. Then, and only then, will you truly appreciate it.
He is a Scottish Rite Mason and Past Sovereign Prince in the Valley of Reading and an Honorary Member of Supreme Council, 33°, N. M.J., havin g been co ron ete d in Grand Rapids in 1988. He also e dits th e publication of the Valley of Reading He is a Pas t Presid ent of both the Lancaster County Club and the Pagoda (Reading) Club of Reading Con s istory. He is a member of the York Rite Bodies in Reading, including Constantine Co ncl ave of the Red Cross of Constantine. He is a memb er of Excelsior Mark Lodge No. 2 16, Philadelpia and Benjan'lin Franklin Chapte r No. 16 of the National Sojourners. He is a Sluiner in Rajah Te mple , Reading, and a Past President of the Lancaster County Shrine Club. He is Past President of Fellows hip High Twelve Club, Reading, and e dits the club 's bimonthly n ewsletter. Additionally, he h e lp e d establish the quarte rly Newsletter of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association in Alexandria, VA.
Bro. Fabian began his caree r in journalis m as a te enag er Wiiting for the weekly Ephmta Review. After four years in the Navy as a Journalist, h e was a Wiiter and editor for The Lan caster Sunday News for e ight years. He join ed Metropolitan Edison Company in Reading as a publicity assistant in 1962 and r etired from the electric utility as th e Director of Communication (Public Relations) in 1991.
The recipient of t h e Franklin Medal and his wife, Loretta, re s id e in Wilshire n ear Sinking Spring. They are t h e parents of twin daughters, Lori Skrin cosky and Mrujorie Ketner, and have one g randdaug hte r , Stefanie Ketn e r.