Masonic Charities Fund Undertakes New Responsibilities
Masonic Charities Fund is the fund-raising arm for the charities of the R. W. Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Pennsylvania.
The administrative, promotion, collection, and distribution activities associated with fund-raising will be accomplished through one office for the benefi t of the following existin g Grand Lodge Charities:
The Masonic Homes:
This includes the Masonic Homes in Elizabeth town, th e Masonic Easte rn Star Homes in Warminster and Pittsburgh, and the Valley Care Masonic Center in Sewickley. All the Masonic Homes serve the Fraternity, their family members, yo uth, and the community through a continuun1 of quality care services en compassed in its "Mission of Love." Also included in t h e vital work of the Masonic Homes are the Adult Daily Living Center, the Maso ni c Outreach Progran1, and the Masonic Children 's Home.
The Pennsylvania Youth Foundation:
The Pennsylvania Yo uth Foundation is headquartered on the Masonic Conference Ce nter in Elizabethtown and provides support and programs for the Masonically-related youth organizations including the Order of the Rainbow for Girls , the Order of DeMolay for yo ung men, and the Order of Job's Daughters. In carrying out its mission , the Foundation promotes t h e Masonic youth groups, fostering interaction with th e Masonic lodges, and e mphasizing service to God, family, and co mmunity.
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0 Please send me infonnation about remembering the Masonic Charities in my will.
The
Pennsylvania Masonic Foundation for Children:
The Penns ylvania Masonic Foundation for Children seeks to preven t drug , alco h ol , and other abuses by children through education, intervention, and counseling. This work is carr ied out through the support of we ll-establishe d programs of the Pennsylvania Department of Education , the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and oth er existing group s concerned with juvenile addictions. The Foundation is als o committed to the Fraternity and the corrununities of Pennsylvania in providing and supporting addiction awar eness.
The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania:
This facility and staff serve the Fraternity by being an outstanding resource for Masonic edu_ •• _ _. cation and re search. Its extensive rare book col!1: lection and thousands of valuable manuscripts , broadsides , prints, p h otograp h s, and minute books makes the Library and Museum an indispensabl e tool for r esearc h er s and sc h o lars. An extensive circulatio n library of books, audio tapes, and video tapes accessib le by mail or throu gh the Internet is availab le to members of Pennsylvania Lodges on loan and without cost. The Masonic Gift Shop, also availab le by mail or t hrou gh th e Internet, carri es a large inve ntory of Masonically re lated items. The Museun1's collection may be seen during tours of t he Masonic Temple in Philadelphia.
All funds received by the Masonic Charities Fund will be distributed to the several Masonic Charities by the trustees of the Fund. When a donor designates a particular gift for the b enefit of a specific Masonic Charity, that designation will b e honored. Gifts in m emory or in honor ofloved famil y members or respected friends are welcomed and encouraged.
The Masonic Ch arities F\md is recognized by the Internal Revenu e Service as a 50 1(c)(3) c h aritabl e or ganization. Accordingly, a gift to the Masonic Charities Fund may result in a c haritable contribution deduction from F ede ral income tax depending on the circumstances of th e donor and the specifics of the gift.
Co ntributions may be forwarded to the Masonic Charities Fund in care of th e Development Office, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. For information on P larmed Giving opportunities and how you might r e m ember the Masonic Charities in y our Will, please co nta ct Bro. Fred D. Rissinger or Bro. John R. McFadd en They will be h appy to assist you and your advisors at no cost or obligation. They may b e contacted at the a ddress previo us ly indicate d or by telephonin g them at (800) 599-6454 or (717) 367-11 21,
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My Brethren:
It has been histori c fo r all of us to participate in the eve nts of yesterday and today and to l ook forward to tomorrow, mos t especially, those events that will transpire in just a few days of welcoming a new millennium. At this point though, you probably are wondering where are we going from here. What's this new administration all about?
First and foremost, it is necessary to answer the most burning question you have, other than when's lunch. And that, I'm sure is, "Where's Elysburg?" The best answer to that is to look due north from this room in Hershey approximately 60 miles and you will find Elysburg. With that out of th e way, your n ext burning question probably is, "What is this administration going to do?" Perhaps the best description is that which it i s s aid a bride should bring to her wedding - and, with three daughters, one of whom was recently married, I h ave some firsthand knowledge about that!
This administration is going to offer to th e Frate rnity "something old, something new, s omething borrowed, and some thing b lue."
Something Old : The old , tried and tme principles of the Frate rnity of Freemasons. We all have a rich history and heritage in Pe nnsylvania as being the oldest Grand Lodge in America. We intend to preserve these traditions, but also to r e me mber the current age and world in whic h we live.
Something New: Yes, we h ave a few ideas that will bring a n ew view to things. I assure you, though that this will b e don e in the context of the historical background in w hi ch we have been raised.
Something Borrowed: Over the last number of years our Past Grand Masters, to whom we have paid r espect and who so richly des e rve it, have individually and collectively had the wisdom, the foresight, and the fortitud e to e ngage in programs that r ecognized the importance of Freemasonry internally and externally. We will try to co ntinue this type of activity as w ell.
Something Blue: Everything that we do is base d on the tim e-tested principles of Free masonry that we learn in a lodge that we call "Blu e." We have done a fair amount of research into this Frate rnity - it is, what it means , what it does. All that we have p lanned will be conducted within that context, utilizing the prin cipl es of Freemasonry.
How are we going to do this ? Ove r the years, you have told us, your Grand Lodge officers, two thin gs First, that every two years all new programs take place and you can hardly keep up with one until it c hanges again. Second, that you will only utilize those programs that you feel apply to you. As a r es ult, we are going to try to respond to w hat you have tol d us.
We are going to emphasize the programs of our Past Grand Masters that yo u have told us, or s hown us, that you will support. Many of yo u have asked and, our friends on Wall Street pennitting, Matching Grants will continue, but with an additional level of charitable giving. That is, the Matc hing Grants Program is one of the fin est programs conceived for this Grand Lodge in many years - a tlibute to Past Grand Master James Ernette and also Past Grand Master Samu el C. Williamson, who has administered th e program and will continue to do so. It has allowed us to show our communities that "Masons do care "
We ask you to continue that caring, bu t e xpand it b y actually giving of yo urselves and y our charitable fund s. This was the goal of the Prutne rs in Progress and will continu e to be our goal as well We want you to roll up your s leeves and donate your time and work, as we ll as giving funds to support charitable efforts for the b e n efit of our members and our communities. While we ru·e not a service organization, we do pledge ourselves in servi ce to those in need of assistance. What be tter way to fulfill our obligations than b y not only giving of yo ur funds , but also your tim e and yourselves, as well. Help the members who, for some r eason, cannot mow their lawns or shovel their snow. How man y times have we actually done th at in recent memory.
To r ecognize yo ur service, th e Grand Lodge will provide a visible tribute to thos e who engage in outstanding service when pruticipating in a Matching Grants or s ervice program. Nominatio ns will b e made by a District Deputy to t h e Matching Grants Co mmittee, who will th e n sele ct truly outstanding m em bers for Grand Lodge Service Awru·ds. This eve ning at our banquet, t he first three of thos e Grand Lodge Setvice Awards will b e presente d.
We also are going to ask that yo u consider a pruticular method of suppott for your Matching Gran ts activities. We have entered into an understanding with the P ennsylvania affiliate of the Am erican Herut Association to support a program that li terally saves lives. This program involves working in coope ration with your local emergency services agenci es , including the p olice, fire, and ambulan ce units to provide an automated external defibtillator (AED), to your community
The de fibrillator is a device that can literally shock a person b ack to life. The Heart Association's goal is to have 1,000 of these units in Pennsylvania. At a cost of $3, 00 0 to $5, 000 a piece, w e obviously cannot meet the b e n chm ru·k; but we can galvanize a community to get tog ether to try to make it happen. Your Distri ct De puties will be provided with furth er inforn1ation tomorrow t o assist yo u in l eruning how to pruticipate in this progran1.
To assist our lodges, the mission of the Lodge Loan Program will be enhanced. Under the guidanc e of R. W. Past Grand Master W. Scott Stoner as chainnan, l odges will be s urveyed to detemline critical n eeds. Interface will then take place with a n ew c ommittee to b e known as a District Deputy Resource Committee, to develop stl·ategies de aling with those ne e ds . These co mmittees will serve our lodges directly in he lping them not o nly to exist, bu t to e xce l.
A major program of the past also will return in a slightly different fashion. I speak, my Brethre n, of none other than FRIEND TO FRIEND That program will be under the tutelage of its c r eator R. W. P ast Grand Maste r George Hohenshildt, and allow us to feel comfortable with our membership in th e fra te rni ty and t o utilize a simple brochure to tell others about Freemasonry. Most importan t though, this committee will conduct an in-d epth analysis of our members, their strengths, w eaknesses, and how to improve membership ge nerall y
Next, we h ave had many excelle nt educational programs and opportuniti es for our lodges; but, frankl y, have found that many of them have sat idle on t he shelf. In re cognition of this, the word "OPTION-
AL" will becom e "OPERATIVE ." Masonic Education is me ru1t to b e n efit you as a member in better unders tanding your mem bership in the fraterni ty, the fraternity itse lf, and eve n in le runing the ritual. We ru·e establishing a new concept that will allow you to accomplish this. In March and Oc tober, a one-day Academy of Free masonry will tak e place at our Maso nic Hom es campus in Elizabethtown. This Acad e m y w ill h ave th r ee tracts wher ein you, as a m em ber, can pruticipate and e nlighten yom-se lves while enhancing your knowledge.
The fu-st o ·act will be a Gr and Lodge Sch ool of In struction, r eplacing seve r al r egional schools. It also will be a school condu cted by t h e Ritualistic Instructors and the ptincipals of th e various Distlict Schools of Instru ction. We want to e mp h asize EXCE LLENCE in our wor k to make it meaningful, not only to the candidate, but also to those who confer the degrees. Ofttim es, we don't intentionally tlivialize th e work, but also we don't do it at our best. The Ritual pottion of the Academy will s ho wc ase the best of our ri t ual and ritu ali sts and will be an excelle n t opportunity to see the wo rk perfotm ed the way it is s upp osed to be.
We also will b e announcing guidelines for member and officer proficie n cy that will be a little diffe r e nt than that curre n t ly require d. We r ecognize th at so me wor k more t han one job an d that we can't continually require tim e wh e n i t just can't be give n . This is no t to say we will r equire less. But, we will seek quali ty of knowledge as opposed to rote memorization One-day classes will retmn , but on a strictly optional and llinited basis. Degree tean1s of a l odge, distlict, or even employme nt-related b as is will b e encouraged. You have tol d us t h at yo u ru·e interested in QUALITY - and s o ru·e we.
The second o·ack will be a retm·n of the Wru d ens Serninars that were established by R. W. P ast Grand Master Ed wru·d 0. Weisser. Thos e seminru·s r eceived many positive responses when they too k place and now will be a one-day cond ensed vers ion of a three-day seminru· that literally will t eac h and t rain a Wru·den how to b e th e Master of his lodge. A portion of this prog ram will show a lodge, t hrou gh its l eadership, how to prese r ve i ts future financially in an innovative, but easy way.
Th e third track is something new, unique, and an effort to permit om members to have a tme cultural expe ti ence. R. W. Past Grand Secretruy Thomas W. Jackso n has e mpaneled a tean1 of Masonic scholars
who will p resent a cul tm·al perspective of w hat Freemaso m y really i s what Freemasonry me an s, and where we, in Pennsylvania, actually stand in relation to the world and the world of Freemasonry at lru·ge. This sho uld be most interesting and inforn1ative and allow those who want to imp r ove t hemselves through knowle dg e, the opportunity to do so.
A part of this program also will be a home stud y comse t o broaden o ne's understanding of th e Fraternity. Brother J ackson also will be establishing something else that's new - the first Pennsy lvania Lodge of Research, of which he will serve as WruTant Master. This lodge will be dedicated to t hose w hose inte r est is in r eseru·ching Masonic topics and presenting the results of their research to others. The ultimate goal of all of these projects is to perntit those who wish to learn to have the ability to do so in the context of a free exchange of ideas, much as was done a t the time of the formal formation of om orgrulization .
Each lodge will be given an educational, self-improvement oppottllltity to p resent at one, an d possi bly a series, of progrruns to help om members as well. These progrruns are directed towru·d protection and personal safety. We suggest that, to the extent possible, we utilize our members who are in law enforcement and emergency services in the presentation of these progt·runs. They will involve the ru·eas of safety a t home, on the stl·eet, on the road, in the workplace, and while o·aveling. We also request that all lodges offe r a CP R course as we ll. We p l ed ge to he lp each other and what better way can we d o that than by trying to make yo u b etter aware of what may save yo ur life or yom fantily's life.
As mentioned earlier, we ru·e going to tly to lintit the amoun t of time t h at you have to go to meetings Earlier this year, the Grand Lodge offi ce t-s attended a seminru· where an exec uti ve of the Girl Scouts said, "Freemasons: you're the only o r g3.llization that meets once a month, every night of the month. " Think about that. How true it is!
As many of you already know, we have a rran ged fo r combined lodge anniversaries. Of t h e seve ral r easons for doing this, one stands above the others. When 100 or 200 gathe r, t h e media will pay some, but little attention. If several thousand appear, the situation may be different. We need to co ndu ct these events fo r others to see what Freemasons can accomplish. As an inducement to attend the banqu et
phase of any lodge anniversruy, we ru e go ing to do so me thing a little different, so mething that hasn't been done in at l east 100 yeru·s in Pennsylvania. We will conduct an "open" Grand Lodge Table Lodge a t these events, utilizing a specially produced commemorative "filing" gl ass. We will ask the Grand Lodge officers who can attend to be t he presenters f or the ceremony. It i s hoped t h at the presentation of the l odge videos that ru·e cmrently being processed, as well as the Table Lo dge, will encourage increased attendance at these events.
Fo r the you t h, we have asked the Pennsylvania You th Fo undati on t o establish a student exchange program. Through the efforts of Brother Jackson, Grand Lodges in Spain, France, Gr eece, Getmany, and Brazil have expressed a willingness to pruticipat e in a Masonic Student Exchange Progrrun fo r summers, as well as the school year. What can be better for a Masonic fantily than to entrust their child or grandchild to other Masons world wide?
In addition, we h ave asked the Youth Foundation to create a smnmer can1p for Masonic yout11 at om Patton Campus. It is anticipated that this crunp would be related to career, guidru1ce, and personal development. It will be a leruning experience, but also FUN. The camp will teach life skills such as ru·e not always provided in formal schooling
Grand Master's Message CONTINUED ON
Grand Master's Message continued from page 3
The Pennsylvania Masonic Fotmdation for Children will be aske d to include in its activities a program that will help identify and deal with juve nile fire-starters. We will approach the Pe nnsylvania Fire Commission er, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education for consideration of this in a mru.mer sin1iJru.· to that of the Student Assistance Progrru.n that we currently sponso r.
To answer yet another ques tion that many of you have posed: Yes, t h ere will be a Masonic train. We have en ter ed into an agreement with Weaver Quality Craft Models of Notthumberland, Peru1Sylvania, the third largest manufacturer of model trains in the United States. This train will consist of a Pennsylvania A-5 Atlantic steru.n engine with four cars and a caboose. The train is mru.·ked with Masonic symbols and each group d epicted o n the train will rece ive a portion of the proceeds from sales for its charitab le end eavors. The balance of the sales will be placed in t he Masonic Charities Fund. Tllis is definitely an advance sale item, and the prototype will be available for viewing this aftern oon and at the banquet this evening. We also will make a special offer available to lodges and Grand Lodges t hat want to personalize a cru.· of this train as well
What a re you go ing to do with the funds generated from this project?
We have pledged ourselves to yet another effort that we h ope will mee t not only with your approval, but with your enthusiastic support.
We have pledged the sum of $500,000 to s u pport an organization that s p eaks for all the best of t he American dreru.n - an organization th at encourages youth worldwide to do and be the b est, both individually and as a teru.n effort. This organization is not a governme n t, or gove rnmen t-re lated; but i t has fostered international cooperation on an unprecede nted level. Most pru.ticularly, t his organization was founde d b y a Pennsylvania Mason. I refer, my Br ethren, to Little League baseb all, an organization in w hich I run sure many of you in this room have pru.ticipated. Little League curren t ly is engaged in a major expansion program that will , in 200 1, offer an entirely new stadium so t hat ad diti onal t eams may play in an expanded wo rld setie s. Pennsylvania Masons will don ate the sco r eboru.·d t hat will grace the new stadium, whic h will be marked with Masonic sym bo ls - symbols t hat will be shown o n every international t eleviso n broadcast that takes place from the stadi um. h1 addition, we will co mmission a statue of Brother Carl Stotz , the found er of Little League, to be placed at the entrance to the stadium complex We hope tl1at tllis will be dedicated in a Masonic cornerstone-laying ce remony t h at will be pru.t of th e Wo rld Series in 2001. We also hop e that all of you will be present in South Williru.11Sport at that time for what is sure to be a memorable event.
Yes, my Brethren, this is somewhat of an ru.nb itio us agenda; but, one which we feel is attainab le with your pruticipation and s upport. By using the tried and t ru e principles of Fr eemasonry, by adopting and updating existing effective progr anlS, and by applying th e p hr ase, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, and so mething blue," we, th e Freemasons of Peru1Sylvania, can enter the ne w millennitml truly exe mplifying our precepts t h at say, "Whenever Fr eemaso ns join together, they go hand-in-hand with unanimity, and su ccess generally crowns their effmts "
My Brethren, on behalf of all your Grand Lodge officers, thallk you for the oppmtunity to serve; thank yo u for the opportunity to be a Fre emason. S9 mote it b e!
The Medallion: A
Story of the Old and The New
A tribute to Masons on every continent
An honor to Pennsylvania Masons!
The medallion ofthe 113th R.W. Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania is a reflection of the world of Freemasonry to remind Freemasons worldwide , wh erever dispersed, of their membership in this ancient and honorable Fraternit y.
Its unique features depict a world with an emphas is on the state of Pennsylvania. Insid e the world is a go ld en Lady of Justice standing beside the name and term of office of R.W. Grand Master Robert L. Dl uge, Jr. The world rests upon a keystone-shaped base made of Pennsylvania anthracite coal, a representation of our historical past. The medallion of the Grand Master is imbedded on the front and reverse of the coa l base. The world , itself, is made of a compound of space-age ac r ylic, symbolizing the technology of today. Thus, the medallion is a blend of the old and the new.
Grand Master and Other Elected Officers Being Installed at Annual Communication
MASONS SERVING MASONS SERVING MANIOND
Grand Master Dluge
is an Attorney Active in Community and Masonry
Emergency Command Ce nter. He is active in the Northumb e rl an d County Fire Chiefs Association
The list of his community, area, and state civic invo lve m e nts, past and present, is length y. Notably, h e is a former Director of th e State Board of th e American Herut Association He is a m e mb er of St Mark's Lutheran Church of Elysburg and
sented him w ith the Grand Cross of Honor and The Order of DeMolay conferred the Honorary Legion of Honor Degree.
Robett L. Dluge, Jr. , R. W. Grand Master
Robert L. Dl uge, Jr., P.M. , an attorney in Elysburg, was elected to become the 113th Grand Mast er of Masons in Pennsylvania dur in g t he Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge in Philadelphia on Dec. 1. He is to be in st alled at noon, Dec. 27, duri ng the Annual Grand Com muni cation of th e R.W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Maso ns of Penn sy lva n ia in Hershey.
The other R.W . Grand Lodge officers to be in sta lled that day are: R.W Deputy Grand Master, Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr , of Warren Lodge No. 310, Collegev ill e; R.W. Sen ior Grand Warden, Wil ia m Slater II , of Lodge No. 45, Pittsburgh; R.W Junior Gr and Warden, Ronald A. Aungst, Sr. of LaBel e Va ll ee Lodge No. 232, Jer sey Sho r e; and R.W. Grand Secretary, Dona ld L. A lbert, of Euclid Lodge No. 698, Harri sburg. Mar v in G. Speic her, of Williamson Lodge No 307 , Wom el sdo rf, was reelec ted to the off ic e of R.W. Gr and Treasurer.
Robert L. Dluge, Jr. R.W. Grand Master
Along the main street in his h ometown there is an etched woo den sign shape d muc h like a coat of arms that proclain1s "Robert L. Dluge, Jr. , Attorney-at-Law." Set back abo ut the length of a football fie ld is a rustic log cabin. ills ide, an1id mod ern office furnis hings and appointments, are t h e c omfortable law offices.
Bro Dluge is an attorney, practicing law in Elysburg s ince 1976. He is a m e mber of the Pennsylvania Bar Assoc iation and through the years served as an o ffic er , com mi ttee c hairman, a n d Zo n e Governor of t h e Yo un g Lawyer s Divis ion. He also is a m ember of th e Northumberland Cou nty Bar Association where he is a committee chairman and a past director.
He is runong t h e most active leade r s in his co mmunity. The fire call radio is always buzzin g in his office, o r t h e pager is a l ways a ctive o n his b e lt. For many yea r s, he h as been a mainstay of th e Elysburg F i re Co. He is th e Ass istant Chi ef and commands th e department's we lle q uippe d mobi l e
the Elysburg Lutheran P arish, w h ere h e served as Presiden t of t h e Chur ch Council and in a numb er o f other positions. Despite being busy at his profession, in his Masoni c activities, and his com munit y i nvolvement , he is a n avid railroad buff and m odel train en thu s iast.
He h as been active in th e Boy Scouts of America ever since his yo uthful days in Cub Pac k 3247. He was a member of E lysburg Troop 247, ac hi eving all ranks, earning 40
Bro. Dluge setved as Worshipful Master of Elysburg Lodge No. 4 14 in 19 78 and as t h e Disttict Deputy Grand Master for the 58th Masonic District from 1986 through 1992. He se1ved as R. W Junior Grand Warden in 1994 and 1995 and the s u cceeding Grand Lodge line offices until his installation this Dec. 27.
He is a Scottis h Rite Mason in th e Vall ey of Bloomsburg w h ere h e was Co mmande r-inChief of Cald well
Bro. Dluge (right) discusses plans for Supreme Council sessions in Pittsburgh in 2 000 with (1-r): Robert 0. Ralston, Sovereign Grand Commander, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, N.M.J.; Luther J. Black, Secretary, Valley of Bloomsburg; and Marvin G. Speicher, R W. Grand Treasurer.
illsp ector Ge n eral, 33°. He is the Deputy's Represe n tative for the Valley of Bloomsburg.
ill Yo r k Rite , h e ser ved as High Priest of Shan10kin Royal Arch Ch apt er No. 264 in 1983; Thric e Illustrious Mas t e r o f Sh an10kin Council No. 68 in 1985; and Emin en t Co mm a n der of S han10 k in Co rnmandery, Knights Templru· in 1986 and 1987. He is a m emb er of St. Jrunes Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Penn Priory No. 6, Knig h ts of t h e York Cross of
continued at the top of page 6
Consis tory in 1993 and 1994. He also is a P ast Sovereig n Prince of Zerubb abe l Council , P r in ces of J erusalem. He serves th e Pennsy l va nia Co un c il of Deliberati on as a m e mb e r of the J uris pruden ce Co mmittee. In 1991 , h e was coro n e teel a Sovereign Gr and m erit badges and that of Eagle Scout with three palms. He was a memb er of t h e Susqueh a nna Council contingent atte ndin g th e Vall ey Forge Nation a l Jan1bore e in 1964 and Philmont Scout Ranch in 1965. ill 1968, he was a member of th e Regio n Three co ntingent attending th e World Jan1boree, Cour de lane, Idah o. From 19 65 t o 1968, h e serv ed as a staff member at Camp Karoondinha s u ccessively as Scout Craft Director, Assistant P r ogram Directo r , and Conmtissioner. He was an Explorer in Elysburg Post 2247 and atte nd e d t h e U. S. Explorer Confere n ce at t h e U. S. Naval Academ y, se rving on th e P lanning and Ste ering Committee in 1965 to 1967. He is a Vigil Memb er of the Order of the Arrow and was a District Chi ef, Dis ttict Dance Team Chi ef, Lodge Vice Chief, Chief of t h e Hill, and h eld all ceremonial positions. As an adult , h e was a c o llege Sco u t e r, then served as a Meri t Badge co unselor, Distlic t Committee member, and Explorer Post Co mmittee m ember.
His invo lveme nt with yo uth has b een recog ni ze d a mon g th e Family of Free m as onry. Rainbow for Girls p re -
He is the son of Bro. Earl J. and Myrl M. Speicher and a 1955 graduate of Conrad Weiser High School He was graduated from Reading Business Institute, the Cades C.P.A. School, and Gross C.P.A. School.
Bro. Spei cher was made a Mason in Williamson Lodge No. 307, Womelsdorf in 1967 and served as Worshipful Master in 1976. He served ten years as the D.D.G.M. of the 60th Masonic District. He was elected R.W. Grand Treasurer in 1989. Prior to that, he was a member of the Grand Lodge SubConunittee on Audits and today he chairs the Masonic Homes Financial SubCommittee
The easy-going R. W. Grand Treasurer, Marvin G. Speicher, is a busy Mason and a family man who lives in the Berks County town of Robesonia where he has resided all of his life . Professionally, he is a senior partner in the certified public accounting firm of Schulze, Speicher and Co. with offices in Pottsville and Reading. He is a member of the Regional Board of First Union Bank
While he is not a member of every appendant body, he comes pretty close. He is a memb er of all of the York Rite Bodies in Reading where he is a Past Sovereign of Constantine Conclave of the Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, and is presently the Intendant General for PennsylvaniaEast of Red Cross of Constantine. He is a Past Governor, an Associate Regent, and the recipient of the Order of the Purple Cross in the York Rite Sovereign College of North America. He also serves on the Conunittee on Finance of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania. He is a
Past Master and Past Secretary of Excelsior Mark Lodg e No. 216, Philadelphia.
Bro. Speicher is a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is a member of the four Scottish Rite bodies in the Valley of Reading, where he served as Thrice Potent Master of Reading Lodge of Pelfection in 19 91-92. This past year, both the Valley of Allentown and the Valley of Harrisburg recognized him by naming classes of candidates in his honor. The special class in Allentown was a one-day reunion of the Valley and a joint Shrine ceremonial of LuLu Temple of Philadelphia and Rajah Temple of Reading, where Bro. Speicher is a member.
In addition, he is a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. He was inducted, along with his fellow Grand Lodge officers into the Franklin Chapter of the Acacia Fraternity. He is a charter member of two High Twelve Clubs: Pennsylvania Masonic Homes Club No 629 in Elizabethtown and Fellowship Club No. 669 in Reading.
Ask him what his hobby is and he'll tell you quickly that Masonry is his greatest love after his wife, Shirley, their two sons, Terrance L. and Robert G. , and three grandchildren.
coached wresting at all levels with the Jersey Shore School District.
In the community, he has been a township supervisor and served as the zoning officer, Chairman of the Board for six years , Road Master for eight years , and township secretarytreasurer for 14 years. He has been on the township's Recreation Board, coached the area Little League team, and co-chaired the implementation of a recycling center for the Pine Creek Valley. He has been recognized for his efforts as a co-chairman of United Way of Lycoming County Educators. He was an active member of the Jaycees and the Lions Club
In Trinity United Methodist Church of Jersey Shore, he has served as Chairman of the Finance Committee, a trustee for two terms, a member of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, the choir, and currently is assisting the Major Contributions Building Fund Committee.
Bro. Aungst was made a Mason in LaBelle Vallee Lodge No. 232, Jersey Shore, and served as its Worshipful Master in 1986 He also served his Lodge as the Temple Association President and as the Stewards Chairman. He served as the 18th Masonic District Deputy Grand Master from 1997 tmtil becoming the R.W. Junior Grand Warden. He had been both the District and Region Masonic Education Ch airman. In York Rite, he is a member of Lycoming Royal Arch Chapter No. 222 , Baldwin Commandery No. 22, and Adoniram Council No. 26. He is a Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Williamsport.
He is married to the former Norn1a J. Eddy. The couple has four children: Randall J. currently in a Doctoral program at Penn State majoring in Synthetic Organic Chemistry; Rachelle, recently graduated from Lock Haven University with a B.S. degree in Education; Renee, enrolled in t he Bradley Art Academy, and Ryan is a senior in high school.
New R.W. Grand Secretary is Dedicated Student of the History of the Civil War
On Dec. 27, Donald L. Albert will be installed R. W. Grand Secretary of the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He succeeds the retiring R. W. Grand Secretary, Thomas W. Jackson.
Bro. Albert is well known by Masons across the Commonwealth. For six years, h e has been the Grand Marshal who has efficiently guided, with precision and decorum, the Masonic procedures and movements during Grand Lodge activities. Whether it was at a Grand Lodge communication, visitation, cornerstone-laying, dedication ceremony, or banquet, Bro. Albert set the pace for Masonic protocol and maintained the Fraternity's exacting traditions.
History and tradition are important to him. He is a student of the history of the Civil War and defmes it as more than a hobby - it's serious research that h e dearly loves. In his pursuit of every bit of information he could track down, h e has traveled throughout Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania to tour battlefields and search cemeteries and records to find the final resting p laces of men of both forces of the Civil War - the Army of the Potomac (Union) and the Army of Northern Virginia (Confederate). His great-grandfather, William Albert, was a Union veteran. Bro. Albert is a Past Commander of the Capt. J.P. Brendle Camp No.5, of the Sons of the Unio n Veterans of the Civil War, and a member of the Camp Curtin Historical Society and the Harrisburg Civil War Roundtable.
Bro. Albert is a member of Euclid Lodge No. 698, Harrisburg, and served as Wors hpful Master in 1974. He is a Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Harrisburg and s erved as Most Wise Master of Harrisburg
Dressed in a 19th century uniform of a Union Army enlisted man, Bro. Albert served as a member of an honor guard for a wedding in Maryland The buttons and belt buckle of the authentic uniform bear the cast seal of Maryland.
Chapte r of Rose Croix, 18°, in 1982 and 1983. He was coroneted a 33° Mason at the Supreme Council session in Boston in 1987. In the York Rite bodies in Harrisburg, he is a member of Perseverance Royal Arch Chapter No. 21; Harrisburg Council No. 7, Royal and Select Master Masons of Pennsylvania; Pilgrim Commandery No. Bro . Albert found this Civil War 11, Knights Templar; Erin cannon while he was searching Council No. 6, Knight f or a landmark of Civil War Masons; and Trinity activities in Pennsylvania. Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He is a Shriner in Zembo Temple, Harrisburg, and a member of the Temple's Color Guard and the Upper Dauphin Shrine Club. He is a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, U.S.A
Prior to becoming Deputy Grand Secretary almost two years ago, Bro. Albert was an en gineer and product manager, retiring after 33 yerars at AMP, Inc., Harrisburg. He was graduated from Millersburg Area High Schol and is a graduate of the In dustrial Management Institute, an affiliate of Pennsylvania State University.
His father was a Mason and so are three of his uncles and his brother-in-law. His two sons, William and Scott, are both Senior DeMolays.
Bro. Albert hunted far and wide for graves of both Union and Confederate generals , such as this one identified with the Union star on the grave marker. His favorite generals were Winfred Scott Hancock of Norristown for the Union and Robert E. Lee of the Confederacy.
Thomas W. Jackson is a giant in service to brotherhood and mankind, a goliath in Masonic knowledge , a titan in dedication to Freemasonry, and stands as ta ll as can be in the esteem of the Masons of Pennsyl va nia There may be no formal title as such, but it would be not out of the quest on to proclaim Thomas W. Jackson to be "Mr. Mason " worldwide.
Brother Jackson is r etiring as the "Right Worshipfu l Grand Secretary of the Right Wo rshipfu Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsy lvania and Masonic Jurisdiction There Unto Belonging " He has done more than do his duty and perform his job. He has been a dr iving force and leve l ing influe nce in ou r Fr aternity. He has been a eader and a mentor He has been indefat igable in the pursuit of fraternal exce l lence and loyal to the causes and pr nciples of Freemasonry
We are fortunate that in his "retirement" he wi cont nue to be involved with the business of the Fami ly of Freemasonry and will be close y associated with the Masons of Pennsylvania n his ensuing endeavors
1727 to 2000
Robert L. Dluge, Jr , R.W. Grand Mast er, Th e Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Mali Honors Bro. Jackson; Also
He Becomes an African Chief
While attending the Consecration of the n ew Grand Lodge in Bamako, Mali, on Mar. 13, Thomas W Jackson, R. W Grand Secretary of Pennsylvania, had the title of Honorary Past Senior Grand Warden conferred on him by the Malian National Grand Lodge. TI1at is the most recent grand lodge to b e consecrated in Africa
Two days later, Bro. Jackson also was made a Chief of the African village of Nigua-saff in the I vory Coast. Although that honor was not Masonic, the village was the home of the Grand Secretary of the G r and Lodge of the Ivory Coast and the Grand Master of that Grand Lodge was presen t for the cer emo n y. "Bro. Jackson's village" is situated on the s h ores of a lagoo n seve ral hoW"S from Ab idjan in the Ivory Coast
When being made a Chief of the African village of Nigua-saff, Bro. Jackson is escorted by his hosts to "his village " in the Ivory Coast.
Brother:
Be a true friend to a good and worthy man -- a relative, a neighbor, or an associate. He deserves the opportunity to be a Freemason ... to benefit from all that our Fraternity offers .. . to be part of its great charities ... to enjoy the fellowship that comes with brotherhood .
Attached is an advance copy of a new brochure, patterned aft er the highly effective Friend to Friend brochure. It will be availabl e soon in quantities; but with this sample, you can be a true friend today.
Just remove it by tearing along the perforation near the centerfold. Lay it face down and fold the bottom up and the top down so the latter becomes the front panel. With this new brochure, you will be all set to do something special for your good and worthy fr iend -acquaint him FRIEND T 0 FRIEND with Freemasonry.
REMOVE THE BROCHURE NOW ... FOLD IT . .. GIVE IT TO A GOOD MAN .. . AND HELP HIM, YOUR LODGE, AND OUR FRATERNITY.
3 Centuries In Pennsylvania
Valley Care Masonic Center - Sewickley
Grand Lodge Hall and Formal Gardens
Homes - Elizabethtown
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But Will Still Be a Busy Freemason
He is a Past Puissant Sovereign of York Conclave, Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and a life member of 'Ihnity Conclave. Prior to being named Grand Chancellor this year, he served as ill. Grand Chamberlain, ill. Grand Orator, and Intendant General for PennsylvaniaEastern.
He is a Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Harrisburg where he served as Most Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix. He was coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, in 1980. He is a Past President of the Shippensburg Scottish Rite Club. He is the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Screening Committee for the Royal Order of Scotland.
He is a Shriner in Zemba Temple, Harrisburg, and an Honorary Life Member of Boumi Temple , Baltimore He is a Past Grand Tall Cedar and former Ceremonial Director of Valley Forest No. 145. He served on the Fraternal Relations Committee of the Supreme Forest in 1980 and 1981.
Bro. Jackson is a De puty Me mb er of the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay and an advisor for George Washington Chapter, Chambersburg He is a Past Sovere ign Mast er of Rex Council No 47, Allied Masonic Degrees, Past Ve ry Eminent Preceptor of Hol y Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and a m ember of Knight Masons of the United States of America He is a Fellow in the Philaleth es Society and a member of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis. Also, h e is a subscribing member of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2 076, London, England; American Lodg e of Re searc h; United Masters Lodge , Auckland, New Ze aland; Te x as Lodge of Research; and the Scottish Rite Research Society
"Mr.
Mason" Recognized Worldwide For Many
and Varied Achievnnents
Thomas W. Jac kson may be well known as "Mr. Mason," but he h as had a life - or should it be "lives" - outsid e of the Frate rnity. Among othe r things , he is, or has been, an educ ator, s cientis t , youth leader, deputy s h e riff, weight-lifting champion, humanitarian, and a big game htmter, to cite a fe w
Bro. Jackson was born Sept. 14, 193 4 in McKeesport. He e arne d his high school diploma from the Shippens burg s chool s ystem, then earne d a Bachelor of Science degree from Shipp ensburg University, Master of Science De gree in Zoology from P ennsylvania Stat e Univer s ity; and c ontinued Doctoral degree work there.
He and Linda were marri e d in Jtme of 1965. Today, they reside in Audub o n, PA, in commuting distanc e to the Masonic Temple in Phila delphia.
He began his vocational career in the public s chool system and from 19 58 to 1961 chaired the Science De partment. He th en move d on to chair the Biology Department of P enn Hall Junior College until 1964 wh e n he left the educational fie ld to b e Sales Manage r for a construction c ompany b efo re becoming the R.W. Grand Secretary in 1979.
Bro . Jackson always has been a part of his conununity, starting with his Boy Scout activities He is an Eagle Scout and holds the Scouters Key, served as a scout master for four troops , held numerous distric t positions, and received the Scouters Training Aw ard. He was ac tive for a numb er ye ars in Conm1unity Chest drives and chaire d the Ame rican Cancer Association campaign
He is a Pas t President of th e Shipp en s burg J ayc ees and a Past State Director. He s erve d on the Franklin County Correction Com mittee and helped to organize the 1-2-1 Asso ciation for Co urt Ac tion and s erve d o n its advisory staff He is a Dep u ty Sh e 1iff fo r Franklin Co unty and a Sp eci al De puty Sheriff for Cun1b erland County. He has b ee n a m e mb er of two fir e c ompanies and th e P ennsylvani a Stat e F orest Fire Crew.
Bro. Jackson has achieve d in his every endeavor and has b een r eco gnize d and honore d for his accomplishmen ts in diverse fi elds - from writing t o wei ght-lifting, from scie n ce t o s ervice to mankind. H er e is a listing of so m e of the sp ecial achievem ents and r ec o gnitions :
• Receive d the Fre edoms F o und ation 's Defender of Free d o m Aw ar d.
• Re c eive d the Chapel of the F our Chaplains Bronze Me dallion for se rvi ce to all people reg ardl es s of r a ce or faith
• Listed in Outs tan ding Yo u n g Men of America.
• Liste d in Outstan ding E du ca t ors of A merica
• Listed in Who s Who in American Education - Leaders in Am erican S cien ce, Communi ty L eade'rs an d N ote wo rthy A merican.
• Included in the DictionaTy of I nternation al B i ogTap hy.
• Liste d in the Nat i on al R egister of S cientific and Techn i cal Pers onnel.
• Listed in Who s Who in Freemasonry.
• Academic a w ards, including one P.P.G. s cholars hip, fou r Na tional Science Foundation grants, and one De p artment of the Navy publicati o n grant.
• Articles publishe d worldwide in e ducational s cientific and Masonic journals and newsp a p e r s . '
• Name d a F ellow of the American Biographic Instit u te.
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/727 FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA
Freemasonry is the world's old largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political , military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead , it is a friend of all religi ons that are based on the belief in one God.
WHO FREEMASONS ARE
Many of our nation ' s early p atriots were Freemasons, as well as th e 13 si gne r s of t he Co nstitution and 14 Pre si dents of th e Un i ted St ates including George Washington .
Today, the more than t hr ee million Freemasons around th e wo rld come from virtu ally every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, the y all meet as equals. They come from div erse political ideo logies , but t h ey meet as friends. They come from virtually every r eligious belief, but they all believe in one God.
One of the fascinatin g aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men from so many different wal ks of life can meet together in peace, never have any poli tica l or religious debat es , always conduct the ir affair s in harmony an d friendsh ip , an d call each other "Brother !"
QUALIFICATIONS
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men better " Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorabl y consi dered for m embership. Ever y applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists ar e not accepted in the Frat e rnity)
THOSE WHO SEEK MEMBERSHIP
Anyone seeking m embership in Fr eemasonry must ask a Masonic friend t o recommend h im He must sign a petition stating his age, occupat ion , an d place of r es idence . Members of the lodge vo t e b y ballot. To b e accep t ed, the ballot must be unanimous .
WHAT FREEMASONS BELIEVE IN
All Freemasons believ e in one God and in re spect for eac h o ther.
WHAT FREEMASONS DO
Freemason s are respectable citizens w ho a re t au gh t t o conform to the moral laws of society and t o abid e b y the laws of the gove rnment u nder wh ich t h ey live . They are men of charity and good wor ks. They rem a in unchallenged as "the world's greatest philan t hr opy !"
The Freemas ons of America contribu t e m ore t h an one and on e-half million dollars every day t o charit ab le causes which they, alone , hav e established. Th es e services to mankind r epresent an unp ar all eled exa mp le of humanitarianism, commitment , and concern by this unique and honorable Fraternity
THE MASONIC LODGE
The Masonic Lodge meets one evening p er m onth to conduct its regular business and vo t e o n petitions for membership. Here is where the bonds of fr i endsh ip and fellowship are strengthene d
THE MASONIC DEGREES
The candidate for Freemasonry r e ce ives thr e e Masonic Degree s concluding with the Th ird (or Master Mason's Degree ) . The Degrees ar e solemn, enlighten i n g, and enjoyable exp eri ences wit h n o unco m fort ab le or embarrassing moments. It is her e wh er e t h e prin ciples of Freemasonry are taught an d whe re the n ew m ember learns that his famil y and his own n ecessar y vocat i o ns are t o be conside red above Freemasonry.
WHY YOUR FRIEND TALKED TO YOU ABOUT FREEMASONRY
Your friend is proud of Freemasonry and the fine character of its members. He believes that you have the qualities for membership and deserve th e opportunity t o kn ow more about it.
This brochure explains what Freemasonry is, who Freemasons are, what they believe in, and what they do. It is important for you to know that those who desire membership must seek it on their own. Unfortunately, without this understanding, many qualified men have n ot enjoyed the special rewards of membership and fellowship in Freemasonry.
If, after reading this, yo u have any ques ti o ns or desire to know more abo ut Freemasonry, your friend will be pleased to give you answers or obtain answers for you.
Whether or not you decide t o seek membership in Freemasonry, you can be certain that you have a special friend within the Masonic Fraternity who thinks very highly of you. Please consider it to be the highest compliment that he has shared th is information with you It is a message of kindness from FRIEND TO FRIEND!
Honored Worldwide For Service to The Craft
Bro. Thomas W. Jack son has been r ecog ni zed wo rld wide for hi s contributions to Freemasonr y and dedicated service to the Craft. He has been granted 16 outstanding honors from 15 Grand Lodges , i nc ud ing the distinguished Pennsyl va nia Frank in Meda l from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Below are the special honors bestowed upon Bro. Jack son by Grand Lodges worldw ide, li sted al phabetically acco r di ng to the juri sdiction :
• Received the Pier pont Edwards Medal in Bron ze for Di sti nguished Masonic Service from th e Grand Lodge of Connecticut.
• Received the Valen ti ne Reintzel Medal for con tr ibutions to Freemasonry throughout the world from the Grand Lodge of the Distr ict of Columbia.
• Honor ary Member of t he Grand Lod ge of Flor ida
• Cr eated a P ast Senior Grand Warde n of the Grande Loge Nationale Francaise
• Received the Grand Order of Merit for se r vice to Craft Masonry in Europe in gene ra l and th e Fraternity of German Freemasons in parti cu lar from the Unit ed Grand Lodges of Germany.
• Honorary M ember of Grand Lodge of Greece.
• Cr eated an Honorary Member and Honorary Past Grand Directo r of Ceremonies for the Grand Lodge of the Ivory Coast
• Received the Jos i ah Hayden Drummond Medal for cont r ib ution of time, tho ught and se r vice to Mason r y beyo nd t he lin e of duty from the Grand Lodge of Mai ne
• Cr eated an Hon orary Member and Honorary Past Senio r Grand Warden of th e Grand Lodge of Mali.
• Recei ved the Jeremy Ladd Cross medal for outsta nding cont ribution to Freemasonry f r om the Grand Lodg e of New Hampsh ir e.
• Rece ved th e Chance ll or Li v ngston Medal for outsta nding contribu t ions in the f e ld of Masonic literature, writ ing , and public r e at ion s from the Grand Lodge of New York
• Rece ved the Char es Henr y Joh nson meda l for renderi ng unu sua l or dist i ng ui s hed serv ice in furthering the good name of the Craft from th e Grand Lodge of New York.
• Honorary Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Oregon.
• Rece ved the Pe nn sylva ni a Frankl in M eda l for outstanding serv ce to Freemasonry from th e Grand Lodge of Pennsy l vania.
• Received the Phi l ip C Tucker Meda l for distinguished service to soc i ety , the comm uni ty, and to Fr eemaso nry from t he Grand Lodge of Vermont.
• Hono r ar y Member and Honorary Past Grand Sec reta ry of th e Gr and Lodg e of Wyoming.
fraternity Makes Good Men ReHer; Good Men Make Fraternity Better
Bro. Daniel J. Richmond is shown on his D A.R.E card. These cards, supplied by the Foundation, are given to students to treasure like sports picture cards.
Daniel J. Richmond is a 46-year-old policeman who oves to h elp c hildren. H e also is an emerging eader in Freemasonry, now serving as the Senior Warden for Richard-Vaux-I v anhoe Lodge No. 384, Philadelphia. There's an important cau se and effect r e ationship between those two facts.
This native P ennsy vanian s a career law enforcem ent officer with more than 25 years service. He is an officer in the Philadelphia Police Department and has b een assigned as a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer since the program was adopted in the city 12 years ago. He also is certified and teaches in t h e G.R. E. A. T. (Gang Resistance Educ ation And Training) Program. H e is a mentor for both programs, w hich means he teaches other officers the techniques for presenting the programs.
Bro. Richmond was attracted to Freem asonry in 1994 w hen h e saw the work the Pennsyl vania Masonic Foundation for Children (then it was the Pennsylvania Masonic Foundation for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Children ). That was w h en the Patton Campus at the Masonic H om es was open ed to the D.A.R.E. Training Program and became the official site of all D.A.R.E. Training in Pennsylvania H e has stron g fe elings about h ow Freemasonry is making a difference by supporting not only D.A.R.E. , but also the Student Assistance Program and other community-based projects He was so impressed with Masonry, the facility, and the gen erosity and quality of the m embers that h e asked about the Fraternity and wanted to become a Mason.
Bro Richmond became a Freemason in 1995 and b ecame part of the action at once. Not only is h e an officer of his l odge today, he is a vounteer speaker for the Pennsy vania Masonic Foundation for Children and has vol unteered to b e the Masonic Ch apter Advisor for the Franklin Ch apter of the Acacia Fraternity at the University of Pennsy l vania.
Bro. Richmond feels that he is part of an outstanding organization, w hich g ves him another opportunity to h elp children. He h as been married 25 years and the coupl e has four daughters , two of w h om have benefitted from college tuition ass i stance from his odge.
His decision to b ecome a Mason has been a cau se and effect that is exceptionally good for B r o. Richmond and for t h e Freemasonry.
The kids show rapt attention as Bro. Richmond maintains a dialogue with students
Model railroad buffs are working hard , playing hard , and enjoying every mi nut e they spe nd at t he "Ra ilro ad Depot" on the Mason ic Home s cam pu s
Th e "n ew, old-fashioned railro ad station " of th e Masonic Hom es and Elizabethtown Railroad (MH&ERR) has grown quite a lot since it ope ned in the su mmer of 1998 A col lection of passenge r trains and fr eight tra i ns chug along and tro lleys zip aro un d t he andscaped platforms t hat f i three rooms of the depot.
Through v isio n , hard wo r k, and donati ons, t he res idents at the Masonic Ho mes have enginee red and continue to re-engineer the museum and model railro ad into an enthral l ing diorama that transports not just the ra ilroad fans, but all v isitor s, on visua l , fantasy tours across the Penn sy l va nia andscape. Platform s and a ll of the scenery are created and painted by hand by t he members of the Masoni c Homes Model Railroad Club. Li kew ise, all of the co ntrols are assemb led, wi ring installed, and t r ack ai d and se r viced by the members.
The first of the di s pl ays a v s tor to the depot encou nte r s is an HO-gauge l ayout that was recently shi fted to th e opposit e s ide of t s room to g ive visitors a bett er v iew of the scene r y Th ere's a lot to enjoy, but it takes a discerning eye to appreciate many of th e intr icate, often subtl e, features of that diorama. For in st ance, look c lose ly and see a hobo camp w ith a flickeri ng campfi re, find mountain c limb er s or a bike-ri der, even swi mming ducks.
The big display in the mai n area is the 0-gaug e layout w here five tra in s are usua ll y runn ng at th e sa m e t im e, inc uding a nosta lg ic steam eng in e with its Pu llm an, baggage ca r, and observation coach Interspersed among the 0-ga uge train layout s the trolley in e, w hi ch has been ex panded recently. Th ey are re a li sti c miniature s
of the tro lleys used in t he ear y 1900's, before aut omob les became popu la r and affordab le. The trolley car actually receives its operating power through its conductive trolley whee l and pole f rom the energized overhead wire.
The severa l to wns that the trai ns and tro leys trave r se are varied , wit h life-like figures and landmarks that ar e s uggestive of Philad elphia, P ittsb urgh , Eli zabethtown, and Harr isburg, as we ll as the beautiful rural and mount ai no us reaches of Pennsylvania. The towns are typical of anyw here wi th f ami li ar businesses and landmarks, such as a gas station, a var iety of houses and car styles, a qu arry, a river w it h a cant i lever br dge , a power plant and power lin es, tunne l s, billboards , a hardwa re store, mun cipa building, and more. To make it even more rea listi c, there is a fam ili ar road repa ir project , a bridge under repair on t he turnpike, a traffic acci dent , a fa r mers' co-op, a coa l mine, and cab e ca r s Now, a replica of Eli zabethtown, itself , is taking form, to be complete with replicas of loca l businesses, the Grand Lodge Hall, and the fo r ma l garde ns
In crafting the scenery, the members who he l ped to bui ld the dis plays added t heir perso nal to uc hes by putting thei r names on comme rcial est ab l ishment s such as an industrial park, rea lty company, lumber yard, saw mill and electrca contracting company.
Th e attention t o deta il s makes t he di splays unique. Cl ub President Elwood Sc hmidt said, "By t he tim e we're fini shed, th ere w ill not be any pre-manufactured stru ctures on t he pl atform. We w ill have built the m al our selves."
The newest addit io n to the di sp lays is an N-gauge layout o n a 48-square-foot pl atform set up in a third room of t he Depot. It came to the cl ub in September as a donation by Jo hn Jaeger, P M., Henry A Hou seman Lodge No 717, So m ert on.
Th e Model Railroad Club is appr ec ati ve of t he many val uabl e donations that have been rece i ved. However, due to t he limi ted quarters, at this t im e the Club favo r s cash donation s to assist in financing t he ongoing wo rk Checks m ay be made payab le to "Masonic Hom es." but they must be de signated for the "Mode l RR Club," and sent t o: Masonic Hom es, cjo - Model RR Depot, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtow n, PA 1 7022.
Th e spotli g ht was on the meeting place of th e Club when the Railroad Depot at the Masonic Homes was a sat ellite postal stat ion fo r a day on Aug. 26, when th e U. S. Postal Se r v ice issued five new trai n co mmemorati ve postage stamps. That day, the s pec ial stamps could be purchased there and cance led w ith t he c lub 's ow n uniqu e ca nce ll at ion stamp, wh ic h features an im age of a train , the c lub 's name, and the date of ca nce llation.
The Maso ni c Ho mes Mode l Ra il road Club meets in the RR Depot c lu bho use at 7p.m. of the first Tu esday each month . Membership i s ope n to everyone , not ju st Masons or Masonic Ho m es r es id e nt s, and m arried co u p es m ay belong on one members hip and s hare one vote. Visitor s from t he commu ni ty ar ea are we lco me to attend the Club 's open house the fir st Sat urd ay of each m onth from 2 to 4 p.m. Ch ildren's grou ps and c lub groups are we lcome to make appointme nt s for s pecial tour s.
To acquire an app li cati on for membership to the Masonic Homes and Elizabethtown Model Railr oad, or to obta in more information about the c lub, please contact eith er : Elwood L. Sc hmidt , Preside nt , Masonic Homes Mode RR Club, 2318 James Bucha nan Dr , Eli zabethtow n , PA 17022-3101, Phone 71 7-36 1-0861; or, Walte r Weider, Vice Pres ident, Ma sonic Homes Mode RR Clu b, 3320 Jam es Buchanan Dr. , Elizabethtown, PA 1 70223101, phone 717-367-5328.
Eden Alternative Comes to Masonic Homes, Adds
Personal Caring to a Vibrant Habitat
The Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown is being "Edenize d." Health Care residents won't have to miss some of those inlportant things of th eir home life, like pets, children, and fri ends. They will enjoy the spontaneity, laughter, and relationships that they had in their daily lives. In an Ede nized home, r esidents have the opportunity to care for animals and plants, and to share their experiences with children and friends , just as they had always done.
With the support of the management team at the Masonic Homes , the Eden Alternative was accepted to bring a powerful tool for in1proving the quality of life for the resid ents in the long-term care facility. With the program came birds, dogs , and children - real life things that make the residents feel more co mfortabl e and lively The philosophy teaches people to see long-t e nn care facilities as vibrant habitats.
The Eden Alternative is an effort to address the disturbing fact for seniors that lonelin ess, helplessness , and boredom often brought about the bulk of suffering among res idents in longterm facilities. The effort, based on the principle that everyone deserves "a life worth living ," was pioneered in 1991 by Dr. William H. Thomas and his wife, Judy Meyers, at Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New York That philosophy of care is growing in popularity and acceptance so that today there are more than 100 registered Eden Alternative hom es in the United States and Canada and inquilies about the participation abound from countries worldwide.
This way of thinking also seeks to eliminate unne cessary m edical therapies. It is Dr. Thomas' theory that too often residents in long-term care facilities perish from spiritual malaise and broken hearts because they feel their lives are not worth living. Despite quality h ealth care , a sterile, hospital-like envirorunent can fall s hort of providing for the emotional and spilitual n e eds of residents. Non-medical illnesses can be c ure d b est with a natural habitat w h er e residents can build me anillgful bonds and m ake n ew discoveries daily.
During th e s ununer, three aviaries and several fish tanks were brought into The Masonic Health Care Center in Elizabe thtown. The aviaries house a variety of male fin ch es, j ava rice finches, and love bil·ds that th e residents watc h and enjoy daily. "Such conce rn ," said Kirk Rakos, Recreation Se rvices Supervisor, "has moved persons into a care-giver role, whic h is an antic ip a t ed result of the Eden Alte rnative "
to work" five days a week, warnling the hearts of residents and employees with her friendly greetings, comfort , support, and companionship.
The Eden Alternative e xtends beyond the integration of anilnals , plants, and children into the daily lives of the residents. It's a cultural c han ge in which residents, empl oyees at all le ve ls and disciplines , and volunteers are empowered to work in teams to make decisions about the programs and services.
Ruth Bilheimer, an Independent Living resident, cuddles Daisy, the Masonic Homes first "canine employee" in the Outpatient Department.
Gen erally, it takes 12 to 18 months for a facility to become Edenized because of the education and changes that need to take place. Implementation of the Eden Alternative is a continuing process as employees, volunteers, residents, families , and the community collaborate in its evolution and growth. The majority of the education at the Masonic Homes is provide d b y five of its Eden Associates: Mark Eyer, Social Services Supervisor; Joyce Heisey, Assistant Director of Nurs ing ; Rakos ; Lori Seiders, Manager, Organization Development & Thaining; and Cathy Misiewicz, Nurse Manager. They all completed training in the "Ten Principles of the Eden Alternative," which are the guidelines for implementing the philosophy. The Principles cover such things as : Be havior testing and veterinary needs of cats, dogs, and birds; selection and display of plants ; involve m en t of children with reside nts; quality indi cators relative to the Eden Alternative and more .
An Eden Advisory Team of staff members from across the campus has b een established and is being e ducated monthly on the "Te n Principles" by the Eden Associates. In each of the units of the Masonic Health Care Center, the Advisory Team has formed "neighborhoods " of staff and residents to deternline how to best imple me nt the Eden Alternative.
The Masonic Homes is finalizing its r egistration to become an Eden Alte rnative s ite Using the Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown as a pilot, it is hop e d to eventually Edenize the Masonic E as t e rn Star Home-East, the Masonic Eastern Star Home-West, and the Valley Care Masonic Center. Cats and dogs are b eing integrated into areas of t h e Homes. The first full-time "canille employee" r eported for duty in th e Outpatient/Employee Health Department recently. Daisy, a t e nyear-old schnauze r-poodle mix, "comes
The love birds are very popular with the residents, staff, and visitors in the Masonic Health Care Center
Library and Museum, a Working Tool For Knowledge Throughout Freemasonry
The Grand Lodge Librar y and Museum has been on e of the true examples of a "w orking tool" in Freemasonry for ma ny decades.
The late Bro. John Wanamaker, Chairman of the Library in 1908, had a vision for this Masonic Institution and helped see to its formal establishment in the Masonic Temp le in Philadelphia. Eight y-two years later, in April of 1990 , its Board also had a v ision, and that was of ha v ing the Librar y and Museum become a "notfor-profit institution " and thus it became Th e Masoni c Libr ary and Museum of Pennsylvania.
For some years, there has been a circulating librar y for u se of Pe nns y lv a nia Blue Lodge members. A catalogue is availab le to al l members and is p rovided to newly rai sed brothers in a "Candi date Packet ." That publication had been revised seve ral times w ith add it ion s of new items such as audio and vi d eotapes. Now, thanks to th e modern t ec hnology, th e cata logue is a ls o on the " net. "
One of th e interest ing programs of the Library and Museum was th e establi shme nt of s ix satellite li b rar ies across the Commonwealth. By that means, the Library has been able to help Free m aso ns in their home areas he lp th e ir brethren to enlighten ot he rs in their quest for k no w led ge about w ho Mas on s a re , w hat t hey believe and w h at th ey do
Education in th e Eden Alternative be gan at th e Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown for e mployees last Spring, followed b y sessions for residents and t h e ir families in the Sunun er, and for vo lunteers in th e Fall
While the Librar y and Museum was establ is hed origina lly for Masons , for man y years the faci liti es ha ve been open to the public on five week da ys all yea r and in the mornings on Saturdays from September throu g h J une . Again, thanks to the internet, the Libr ary no w receives requests for information from a ll over the world. It is not unusual to hear from someone in New Zealand, Japan, Great Britain , as well as throughout th e Unit ed States and Canada.
Tours of the Temple are quite popular and educationa l. Severa l thousand people take enlightening tours of th e magni ficent Masonic Te mp le in Philade lphia each year and leave awed at its beauty and inform a tion about Freemasonr y. One of the wi d ely used features on the " net" is the vir tual tour of the Temple. Thous ands more have "vis ited " the Temple in that manner
In 1998, a new three-manua l Rodgers o rgan was installed in Co rinthi an Hall. Wi th that, the "Music at the Mason ic Temple Recital Series" began. The s e ri es, ope n to t he publi c, is co-s ponsored by the Gra nd Lodge of Pennsylvania and the Mason ic Li b rary and Museum of Pen nsy lvan ia. More than 600 persons attended th e dedicatory re ci t a l by Dr. John Weaver in November, 1 998. There we re thr e e recita ls in 1 999 by art ists Go rdon H. Turk, Mark Chaben, Mont e Maxwe ll, and Donald H. Mc Farla nd . The fol lowin g excerpt f rom a letter sent to The Phil ade lphi a Inquirer afte r one of the rec ita ls clearly defines th e s uc cess:
" Th e s etti ng is Corinthian Hal l in the Mason ic Te mpl e across f ro m Cit y Hall. The room is a mast e rpiece of d eta il (as a re the other hall s in th is most amazing building). The in strument is a Rodgers electronic organ, which on ly a pu rist can distinguish from a real pi pe organ. Th e performer is Mark Ch a b en of De laware The program is varied - Ba ch, Bizet, Joplin, Ge rshwin -one that ap pe als to many t astes."
The outstanding Museum in the Masonic Temple, Philadelphia.
One w ay in which both Masons and the public can help to suppo rt The Masonic Li brary and Museum of Pennsy lvan ia is by becoming a member of Friends of the Library and Museum. Indi vi duals may join in severa l categories and lodges and Masonically related organizations ma y nominate perso ns to the Presidents Circle. (Fu ll details are available in the brochure entit le d Welcome to the Masonic Library and Museum or ca ll 215-988-1934.)
Recital Series To Continue in 2000
"Music at th e Mas o ni c Te mple" se ries will c ontinue in 2000 with two r ecitals sch e dule d .
The first will be a t 2 p. m. on Sunday, Ap r 9, f eaturing inte rn a tionall y kn own Diane Bish Ms Bish is a concer t and recording artist, c ompose r, and in te rnational television p e rsonality. (Tic k ets will be r equired f or this r ecital.)
The second r ecital in 2000 will b e at 3 p. m . on S und a y, Nov. 5, featuring Ken A Cowan who is among th e "N atio nal Young Artist Comp e tition in Or g an P e rfo rmance Official Co m petitors 1999-2000 ." He received his Bach e lor of Music d egree from th e Curtis Institute for Music in Philadelphia, w h e r e h e w as a s c h o larship s tude n t of Dr. John Weaver, th e de di ca tory r ecitalis t for th e Ro dgers organ in Corinthian Hall.
The r e will b e more complete info rmatio n in th e F e bruary issu e of The Pennsylvania Freemason .
Corinthian Hall.
Dr. John Weaver opens the dedicatory recital for the new Rodgers organ in
"Pennsylvania Academy of Freemasonry" To Open in Elizabethtown in March
Look for the "Pennsylvania Academy of Freemasonry" with three "schools for learning" to begin sessions this spring at the Masonic Homes and the Masonic Conference Center at Elizabethtown. The Pennsylvania Academy will consist of three vital tracts of learning whereby the individual Mason will be able to improve his personal knowledge and his knowledge of the Fraternity. Those tracts will be: a school for ritual, seminars for for the excellence in our ritualistic work that is so vital to the philosophy, motivation, and traditions of our Fraternity."
PENNSYLVANIA
The program for leadership will be the return of the effective Wardens Seminars. Junior and Senior Wardens of all lodges in P ennsylvania will be given an opportunity to learn what their jobs entail and be able to plan fully for their service to the Fraternity in a co ncise, one-day meeting. The ladies of the leadership, and an academy for Masonic lmo wledge. The dates for the sessions are Saturday, Mar. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 14.
wardens will be invited to travel to Philadelphia and Elizabethtown to see our Fraternity in action and to enable them to understand more fully their supporting roles. Bro . Robert L. Dluge, Jr. developed plans for the Pennsyl vania Academy in anticipation of serving as R. W. Grand Master, and explained, "The purpose is to strive for excellence in our Fraternity by offering our members an opportunity to broaden their knowledge of FYeemasonry, its 01igins, history, and ritualistic work and to impart skills and p lanning information for their lodge leadership."
ACADEMY OF FREEMASONRY
Youths Need Leadership; P.Y.F. Helps Masons Give the Service
Young people need the atte ntion and leadership that Masons can provide. Youth thlive on the encouragement and acceptancy by adults. They respond to those who care about them. Young people need the help and motivation from adults to find and seize the opportunities to grow and develop leadership s kills.
In addition, the Academy sessions will be preceded on Friday by a special educational sem-
"The Academy of Masonic Knowledge" is a new concept being introduced to the Fraternity. It is a learning opportunity based on the 'Academy of Ancient Greece," Bro. Dluge said. This Academy will present the finest of Masonic scholars and speakers under the direction of one of Masonry's best-known scholars of our time , Bro. Thomas W. Jackson, R.W. Past Grand Secretary. The speakers will offer a dialogue on inar for attorneys, certified public accmmtants, trust officers, and insurance professionals on charitable giving and the relationship of our Masonic Homes and Masonic Charities to that endeavor.
In the Grand Lodge School of Instruction, Regional Instructors and Principals of the Schools of Instruction will exemplify the ritualistic work. This exemplification will replace several of the Regional Schools of In struction. Bro. Dluge emphasized, "Through the Grand Lodge School of Instruction, we are striving
the otigins of Freemasonry and its relationship and relevancy in today 's society. Written material will be distributed which, along with suggested reading lists, could serve as a home study guide for those interested in expanding their knowledge.
Following the Academy sessio n , a home study course will be offered. Up on completion of the home study, the Mason may become a "graduate" of the Masonic Academy, not just by receiving a certificate, but also by improving his knowledge of Freemasonry.
Masonic Scholar, Author To Keynote Academy
John Hamill, the Director of Co mmunication fo r the Grand Lodge of England and one of today's foremost Masonic scholars and authors, will be the keynote speaker for the opening session of the Pennsylvania Academy of Freemasonry on Mar. 11. Bro. Hamill authored th e History of English Freemasonry, the History of World Freemasonry, and several other histories and he served as a co-author of Celebration of the Craft. Previously, he was the Librarian and Curator for the Grand Lodge of England for 16 years.
REGISTRATION FOR PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF FREEMASONRY
To facilitate planning and arr angements for the Pennsylvania Academy of Freemasonry, p lease complete this coupon and send it to t h e Office of the Grand Maste r, Masonic Temple, One Nmth Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19107- 2598.
0 I plan to attend th e Pennsylvania Acade my of Fre emasonry in Elizabethtown on Sa turday, Mar 11.
The tract in which would like to participate is (se lect one):
0 School fo:r: Ritual 0 Seminar for Leadership 0 Academy for Masonic Knowl edge
I will need lun ch on Mar 11 0 Yes 0 No
An "End of the Summer Bash"
Two new gas grills and outdoor playground equipment donated by Perseverance Lodge No. 21, Harrisburg , were put to good use Aug. 22 for a Masonic Children ' s Home "End of the Summer Bash " at Brossman Pool. The Children's Home greatly appreciated the gifts and as a way of saying "thank you," members of the Lodge were invited to the barbecue picnic. The youth and seven members of the Lodge had a "su per " time swimming and enjoying the food.
The Pennsylvania Youth Foundation brings youths together with Masons, giving the brethren and their lodges unique , fulfilling ways to serve the fraternity and the community. Those brethren who give of their time, talent, and concern fmd their efforts satisfying and serve because of their own special motivation.
Some serve because of their own experiences with youth groups. Robert R. Nye, Jr., a Senior DeMolay and a Mason in Abral1am C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, said "... the er\ioyment I received from being a DeMolay member provided me with unbelievab le memories, valuable leadership skills, and lifelong fiiends."
Some see their involvement as being inlportant in the proliferation of the fraternity. Kurt J. Duryea, of Tytian Lodge No. 362,
Elie, explains, "Masonic youth can be the link that provides our most vital resource - Blue Lodge prospects ... people who would never have any contact with Freemasonry if it were not for the Masonic youth programs." Jeffrey R. Koyton, of Monongahela Lodge No. 269, Bethel Park, and a Past Patron of Canick Chapter No. 23 1, O.E.S., adds, "To make our fi aternity grow, we must give to our yo uth and show them how to b e better people."
There are brethren who became Freemasons because of their associations with youth. Christopher M. Brumbach , of Chandler Lodge No. 227, Reading, said, "I actually got involved in lodge... (because) one of my friends invited me to help coach the DeMolay basketball tean1. Less than a year after my initial DeMolay experienc e, I requested a petition for lodgeand the rest is history."
For some, "it's all in the family," like Dennis Snedden who said, "I got involved through my girl friend 16 years ago. She's now my wife. We ch ose Rainbow as the one co nuuunity service we do together.... I lmow that we make a difference for all of our 'adopted daughters.' For a f ew, we are just dlivers ; but for
Stichter Lodge No. 254 Has an Orchestra That Entertains After Every Stated Meeting
Charles L. Clayton , P.M., the soft-spoken fiddle-playing leader, doesn 't know if any other lodge has its own orchestra, especially one th at is more than s ix decades old and hasn't missed perform ing a stated m eeting of their lodge in all that time. In add on, it is tradition for the orchestra to enterta in banquet the first Wednesday in November. asion, they will play for special occasi ons in 40th Masonic District.
The unique musical group was founded ) - by Raymond S. Elliott, P M., in 1 ..- 1939 and has been active continuously ever since. While th ere is no recollectio n of how m any brethren were in the original orchestra, it is known that at its peak there were 20 musicians. That number fluctuated from year to year, but there always has be e n a mple talent to provide good ente rtainm e nt. As of t he traditional June "strawberry night," there were 16
Kenneth Harms, P.M. , Perseverance Lodge No. 21, HalTisburg, said, "I have always felt , as a parent; that I should b e involved.... I quicldy found that advisors can have as much fun as the DeMolays."
Perhaps the most over-riding r eason might be what is almost a spilitual experience as expressed by James A. Ray, P.M., Hil am Lodge No. 81, Chestnut Hill. "The flrst time a young person laughs with you, or talks excitedly about getting a driver 's license, it's a lot of fun. But, when they s hare theil· fears abo ut struting life, then you realize the awesome gift you have been given. Advisors have the fortunate role of in1parting . Masonic principles to young people w h o are seeking order among chaos and finding a path in a that surrounds them with mixed signals for choices that ru·e not always the best....''
The reason doesn't really matter. Serving Masonic yo uth is a duty that all Masons should fulfill at some point in their Masonic cru·eers. The Pennsylvania Youth Foundation is committed to helping every Mason perform that duty.
It 's toe-tap pin ' tim e at refresh ment in the s oc ia l hall after every stated meeting at Stic hter Lodge No. 254, Pottstown. The Lodge has had its own orc hestra for more than 60 yea rs and, without fail, Stichte r mu s icians have given their brethren an enjoya bl e rh ythm at each monthly repast . musicians in the orchestra, nine of whom ra rely miss a gig and perform ed t hat eve ning. The other seven of the brethre n mos t of the girls we are good examples, if not role models."
have played frequently, but could not make ev ery session. In the fall, the Lodge mourned the Oct. 1 death of one of them, 92 year-o ld Ear l S. Yohn , who ha d been the oldest , long-time loyal member.
Th e cur rent active musicians of the orchestra are: Front- · at the piano, Stanley L. Emery and stand ing with the violin , .the leader; Bro. Clayton; and {1-r) - Raym ond B. Ell iott, bass; Victor J. Mease, P.M. , tro mbonium; James W. Miller, t rombone; Fred W. Kern, trumpet; Ge rald G. Rich a rds, Clarinet; C. Linford Richard, violin; and C. Conrad Snell, clarinet and saxophone.
Not present for the pictu re that was take n du ri ng the strawberry night entertainment were: Cha rles F. Crummy, cello; Rob e rt L. Emer y, d r ums; Leonard A Huff, violin; Kennet h C Jacob, tenor saxopho ne; Rand all L. Krause, trumpet ; Kenneth K. Moyer, t rum pet, and t he late Bro . Yohn .
Bro. "Bucky" Walters Deserves to be in Hall of Fame
In Mozart Lodge No. 436 in Ph i ladelphia, he was known as Brother Wi liam Henry Walters. Everywhere during the '30s, '40s , and '5 0s, just about everybody knew him as "Bucky" Walters, the outstanding baseball player, pitcher, coach, and manager.
Bucky Wa lters is in the record books with a ong i st of accomplishments, a host of honors and impressive awards such as Most Va uab l e Player and All Around Player, and was hono red a ong with great players like Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams . As a pitcher, he led the major leagues in victories over a 15-year period (1935 through 1949). More than onefifth (42) of h is life-time wins were shutouts; he comp leted 61% of the games that he started; he played in six All-Star Games; and more.
Bucky Walters should be in Baseball's Hall of Fame. But, he is not - yet!
The Press Sports
He w i l l be, if his grandson, Jeffrey L. Walters, a member of Perry Lodge No. 458, Marysville, i s successfu l. He is working hard to get Bucky Walters the recognition th at he feels is long ove rdue. He's writing, calling, or visit ng everyone that he canpr es id e nts, governors, baseba l dign it ar i es and other sports figures, and lots of dyed-in -the-wool fans - and urging t hem to contact the members of Veterans Comm ittee who vote to elect pl ayers to
The National Baseball Hall of Fame. He says anyone who remembers Bucky Walters and his accomplishments can he p by writing to the Veterans Committee, cjo The National Baseball Ha l l of Fame, P.O. Box 590 , Cooperstown, NY, 13326.
Bucky Walters' extraordinary career in basebal established a standard of excellence that to this day is emulated throughout the sport. Hi s versati ity, l ength of time as an act ve ath ete, and leadersh i p in the sport has been noted through the years. For each of 20 years, his name appeared on the Baseball Writers of America Association's ballot for inc usion into the Hall of Fame. He nearl y achieved the vote for inclusion, but not quite. The younger Walters said, " It's time that Bucky be granted the recognition he deserves," and he's finding a ot of people w ho agree.
Bucky Walters p ayed in the major leagues from 1931 through 1950. During his career, he pl ayed at every position except catcher. He began in Boston in 1931 to 1934; then in Philadelphia, 1934 to 1938, where he played in the fir st night baseball game, May 25, 1935 aga nst Cinc i nnati ; then n Cincinnat i , 1 938 to 1949, where he played in the first t e levi sed baseball ga me, Aug. 26, 1939 against Brook lyn; and back to Bo ston in 1950. He continued his career various ly as a major and m nor leag ue manager, coach, pit c hing coach, and scout through 1960. He he ld the uniqu e di st in c tion for a baseba ll player by ump i r ing a major league game duri ng t he ra re ump i re strike i n 1946
In a summary of Bucky's achievements, Jeffrey Walters co nc l ud es: "This is an unusua l ly well rounded career. What does it real ly take to be inducted into The Nationa l Basebal Hal l of Fame?"
The Committee on Masonic Homes
The m e mb er s of the Committee on Masonic Homes are ( -r ) : SeatedMarvin G. Speicher, R.W. Grand Treas urer, Williamson Lodge No. 307, Womelsdorf; William Slater II, R.W. Senior Grand Warde n, Lodg e No. 45, Pittsburgh; Robett L. Dluge, Jr., R.W. Grand Master, Elysburg Lodge No. 414; Marvin A. Cunningh am, Sr., R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Warren Lo dge No. 310, Collegeville ; Ronald A. Aungst, Sr. , R.W. Junior Grand Warden, LaBelle Vallee Lodge No. 232, Jers ey Shore; and Donald L. Albert, R.W. Grand Secretary, Euclid Lodge No. 698, Harlis burg. Standing - Norman A. Fox, William B. Hackenberg-Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 155, Philadelphia; Robert L. Engle, Armstrong Lodge No. 239, Freeport; Guy T. Matthews, Tacony Lodge No. 600, Philadelphia; Samuel C Willian1son, R.W. Past Grand Master, Valley Lodge No. 6 13, Turtl e Cree k ; Edwin P. Cove r, Ligonier Lodg e No 33 1; C. DeForrest Trexle r, Barger Lodge No. 333, Allentown; and Richard J. Stemml er, Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275, Latrobe.
Grand Lodge Internet Page Brings Brethren Together All
Around the World
You only need to read the "gu est book" of the web site of the Grand Lodge of Pennsy l van i a at www pagrandl odge. org to see how Masons from far and wide are attracted to share their Masonic experiences. Thittyseven countlies are represented among the hun-
To The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania !
dreds of messages left like business cards on a p u b lic bull etin board for others to see and be abl e to correspon d with them.
Even more exciting are the stolies of men being brought together with their long-los t fiiends and families through the use of the Internet. Bro. Nathan W. Sh eff was featured in a photo recently on the DeMolay portion of the web site as an advisor-in-training for a n ew chapter in Easton Little did he know that an old Army buddy was searching fo r him. As he tells it:
"Unfortunately he was not a Mason and was not looking at Masonic things. He was looking specifically for me - and, l ow and behold, the picture came up. Larry was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and I was in Vie tn am at the same time. He went out west and got married and, after a few ph one calls, we l ost touch with each other. I h ad tlied to find him on the net and never could - until the DeMolay picture and then he found me!"
Through the Grand Lodge web site men have been introduced to the fraternity in their own communities where they never knew lodges existed. Men have been able to get in touch with
The Grand Lodge and R.W. Deputy Grand Master Robert L Dluge, Jr. and his wife Debra , invite you along with your family and friends to a once in a lifetime deluxe vacation to Germany with an option to attend the "Passion Play," an event that only happens every ten years.
Featuring: Exclusive cha rter jet, Frankfurt , Koblenz, cruising the Rhine to St. Goar, wine tasting, Munich, Rothenburg , Weimar, Leipzig , Berlin, the " Passion Play," and much more! ( Itinerar y available upon request.)
their "mother lodges" after t h ey moved out of the state.
Masons have l earned about t h e history, customs, and practices of this worldwide fraternity. They have been given irnmediate access to the charitabl e services per-
formed by the frate rnity. People in need of assistance h ave been helped, or h ave been connected with t h ose who could h e lp t h e m .
The Internet eve n crosses barliers of war. During the recent NATO action, Bro. Sasa Damjavanovic of Pobratim Lodge No. 1 in Belgrade, of the Regular Grand Lodge of Yugoslavia, used the Internet to s h are his views of the situation between his country's governmen t and NATO. His appeal for prayers by Masonic brothers around the worl d for peace and understanding reached hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Maso n s. In Ju ly, he wrote:
"My dear Brother: Thanks to the GAOTU, finally we can talk about our usual Masonic things. War is over (I hope) and I am glad to invite you to visit us when you can."
The Internet is good for business, communications, e ntertainment, news and information, personal finance , genealogy, medical reasearch, and h undr eds of other special interests. But, for Freemasonry, it is blinging p e ople together, sharing our s tory of fraternalism and charity, and strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherly love.
Includes : Round trip air from Philadelphia to Germany on an exclusive charter jet • Eleven night deluxe hotel accommodations including taxes • Round trip airport tran sfers in Germany • Breakfast dail y and two dinners • Full-time professional escort(s) • " Passion Play " tickets ( for those attending) • Special events with our brethren who live in Germany.
Price: ( Based only on double occupancy)
$3,900 per person attending play
$3,700 per person not attending play
Payment Requirements :
1st Deposit - $1,000 per person i s 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 ca ll Staci, King Coal Travel , Rt 61, P.O. Box 446, Mount Carmel, PA 17851, (800) 332-8556 or (570) 373-1525
"Passion Play"
The quaint vi l lage of Obe rammergau is set am dst a mountaintop backdrop and is the perfect setting for this show of pageantry that has been held throughout the centuri es. Oberammergau wi ll de ight you w i th it s b eauty, breathtak i ng sce nery, and crisp air. The " Passion Play, " an outstanding c ultural event and a testimo n ia l of r elig ious f a t h , will ent hral l you.
