011k<> or Girt Planning or the lion>("! Is loc01rd in the tl\.--en\:L'..ot' f"ullurnl Center :u tht• t:bzab<'1hlo•m Campus. The pnmruy nussion or the Oflice or Gill I'I.'IJU\IIIg "' 10 pro11de ln!ormalion co our memlx'"' and abotn opponurulK'S 1.ha1 a.n_> available lo""""" b1 lilt' o !Lo\r" ohlw Mn.onic Homes.
Opponw\lll<"' IO g11 <' an• pro1id<'Cl in 1" o n"')or "">"-
Firs!. " Is lloe n .'SjlOII>Iblhly or lit;> Offie«> ur wn Manning 10 communicatt' 10 tht' nwntbt'rs and mdt,1dunls nbout the norul)' act11 1IlM, pi'OftJMlS, and nl't'd• or lhe Masonic 1-fomcs thai UN ava.ilu.bW for 1\mdutg. 0) communi· <"'.ltutg •och "'!>pon IQ Gi•·••10 our membe"' and UldividuaJ donors, gills can b<" nmdr- to exH'Jld, and suppur1 the MMOI\1(' l lomt--s' mnn,y chmi tabl(' acei\ities ln its mls..c;-ion to prO\idr tht• taunli1y c;ontinmun care to its tmd va uable M'n lt-cs U,) our f'ricn<l"i In lht• community cJuough our Ouwn<'h. Aduh Oay ('(U\', :md Rr.spl l i' St"JViet's
Sc><Vnd iy, tho Offie<• or Gift Plnmoing JUuvides custon111A•d ro 1·lndl· ln l crcstro in ('()ntribu11ng to 1hls mission. T his suppo1t eon tw In t h r fonn Of Wl inclivlduai Jn 111Uk· i.ng o curtenl giO to SUJ)I)011 lh(• Ma.onic Homt'S through tl glft or CI\Sh, securities, or through u memorial or honorary <'Onuibution. are also de• e iopod ror mnking gins limo provide lncome to contributors ror nrc or a !><'nod or time with tht• n•malnhl!( funds al dealh or expln1tion or the
P<'riod bemg conlribuord th(' Mnsonlc flom ml.,. sion. Such plru\."j C'"an mclude a gao rulmlit), pooh.'<l mc::ome fund. or charitable n•nmi.JKI'l·r tntSt.
For the }Oar 200l, u ()ffi('(' or Gin Planning ,.;u elllj)l\asize two llof'\\ l}rogram.'> \\ 1th U\\' SUJ)IJOr1 or tht' ll<"Y. Right Worshipful ll&'>lt..-, Man Ul A. Cunn1ngll.'ll1l. Sr. ,..,. progr.un.'.t(n('lu(k- tJ1e (OI'IU..'\1100 or UIW\\ n.'('Ognhton SOCietl !or lioos<> mdJ\-.duab 10h0 ha'e 1>n>1 Jdrd lhe uhunale giJ\ o!
remembering the Maso nic Ho mes in t h e r estate p lans. T his soclety, known as the •Frankl in SocleL,y,'" p rovid es nn 01\going way ror lhe Masonic flomes to say "t hank you"lo such ioodl· viduals and provide lhem w ith lhe opportunity 10 be pan or a group that has similar intereslS. MembeiS or this society will rece ve va1u 1.b te infoml ation about the Masonic Uomes nnd wiD be in>vited to Speci31 evenls throughout the yt>ar.
Tile second nU\iOr initiative ror 2iKr2 involves commwli· ..W.g :;pecllk opponunlties IO giw to lhe Masonic Bomes and its many ch.'Vitable se..-·. icei. lnlerestod indi\iduals ¥.ill re<:ei\-e a regular communication or those items an<Vorprogrnms that need assisoance or funding. 1be Oflice or Gill PlaJullng will work in a confidential, and indh·idual "ilh imer· ostrd indi'iduals to prepare a CUSIOn\lzed pl an ror funding such opportunities to gi,·e ruld rece•'ing propt•r n.."'Cognitiun, If desired.
The Offi C<' o r Gift l'lruuo ing also pi:U\< IO hold gatherings throughout the Contnton wralt h 10 discuss these OJ>J.><>rtunitics to g i\'t' with htdl· vid ual and lodge
For m o re l nfo m uulon o n Offict or C ln PJruuting prog rmm; nnd t h e OJ)J)() rtuulti(IS co gi ve to t h e M nson lc ll omos * M ission or Love; pleast" con tact ei ther Bros. Al vin II. Bli !Z or John R M ct'ad dcn ao o r complete Wld return the t'OUJ>O il beiO\\ .
Send me lnlonnation about:
0 Speelfk: OpportunfUes o Give.
a Types of Gifts t hat Give e ac,k such as ChalftabM Gift Annuities or Charitable Remainder Truth.
a Participation in tile new Franklin Soc:..ty.
aPlease contact me fot a vhft to discuss • customlted plan ro. me on cJ'ring to tile Maoonk Homes.
o.at a day thh hJ>
1><:<·111 ro he •• ., th"' 114th H.\V. Gr.uod of M•som In Pl'nnsylvanla is .t 'il'rY humbling e;.perlencc.
1 Jill honored .-.nd tal..e
so much pnd\' in \t.•f\·ing In thh pO\ilion . I lnO\\ that the two )'l"drS will be rt:nauJing (or me, because I ,,,ould r4th-:r srn.·e than be se'rved, .mcJ th.U '' 1\31 1 will tu dn wl'll ,.., your Gr.md Md,h."r Brethren , 111) thl'llll' for tiH.· fir,t )\'.If 1\ lh lp•ng O thNs P ursue £.\:ccllenre."' In tht' p,l)t , w<.· h ,l\'4.' '-,lid , 1n IA:.tdc,...hip ., ThJt hut I ht•lteve hy exttmhng prindpl\' w<' <":Ill all c.Kh other a new 1<"\'{' 1 of oltt•nlx'gilu drf.\llll, a vhlon that Spl"Cific form. \Vr ran t hoH dream lndlv1dually, wit h )'Ou r kru '" h,'\l ll'-' u HI '' 'Pl"lirnrr, it t:an tO'kt' on an ident i fl:tb)(' dC£i ll itiO JI o( lh 0\\lfl f>.t.dh.' IIC (• h.'((Uill'\ dtf',1fWi o l a beucr t omorrow. \.Vl' h:avt' '' NJl'31 Ml''ouir JM\1, ,1 Hrt'dt i tagc, omd W<' 11 10n..• knuw l,•d}!.._. J,."''d till our JMSt.
l'vr us t o we m u st hnv<' in O\l r o dv th nt, w(' h:wr to X'II<.•vc I n ouro.c vc-:. lbward I hilt end , evt!ry IJH'IIJ hcr IH1 , pur pd'\' ,)Jl<lt hr oppo •tunity I:, there (or you to he lp. I p m pow ll' ll Oft lO ll ' by WUilh tha t illl or us can •l(.lop t omd v'-''Y c."lly:
lJy t h e S\V.a t Of your brow;
l1y run h cring, app lying, ilnd your Ol\1<-h ••ul(.· by your by :o,harir1g >·uur
lJy sharing your tinw;
lJy setting goals for yourwlf; IJy climinating incompetence;
l.1y C"'f hdplng to make, lodge rt-wardmg nnd bent:'r'rc:•..al;
lJy just betng a friend - e\lend your kllcoMhll>; by 3CCCptlng 3 pO)ition 111 thl' locJKt. thJt llldlt.ht"\ )Our illiCCIL"\1 and skills.
Not r,-cryone com be- or wants to tx: the m ••,. ttr; IJ\11 f01 ('V<"I')' 1ll('n1fx-r lhN<' i\ 3 lob t O be done. Unfortunah:ly, thl'll' '' .Jh'·')' ·' dO\\U\idc In lift.". and lh"t •c; negallvlly It g•h In the w.oy of pmgn·"· lluw many llm<>S ha'e rou Mard sayings
\\'t've never done II that way! llow mudl doc.·' 11 (.CJ\t? think it n<.'Xt )''CM. I really don't hav(' tlmt'. I m too u ld In dtJnge. I hat'; my l>owllng night. It will never ny. Anc.l t l w ht.'lJt goc\ nn!
\Vc have to t h O)l' down\idt.• dkht.•' .lnd movr toward ou r posith·e, obtJinabl(' gotll\ l.t• t \ t.:n t uutd·ln -h.trHI on t h e \Onlt.. l>..1gr" .md mMt'll to \Jin<' drumbrtH lh a hantl uf b ro th rr...
My vis.iou and main Is for' 2002 ZOCH u n d the where I beli<•ve W\' m u>t are:
Our Ulue Lodges: We need to l>ct rid ol the 1<1,.,, Jh,ot don't ha,•e time to hl'lp \.Ve need t:mmnllmcnl\ from our IOOgc members to take on relpnn\ih•lil) ,111d to \\lwn <ailed on by the "orshlplulm.l\tor.
McmbcrsWp G r owlll and R e t entio n : \ pmgr.un formed to !,tt.'t qu.llil)' rt(*W in the fratcmit) .md to r.:t.lin our p1\'Sl"llt membt-r.. ,., ,, - a gool or havln,g "'pha., om:• in members for 2002. \\'e woll use> all o f the r<-.r<'\.'S avaiiJI>I•: for Grand LOdge and you ln 3Crompl•'-h 11\ In dosing. I am asking all membcr:o.- cikh mcmtx·r. 110 mat· t<r what position he holds - lo b.lnd tOK.-thrr a\ the brothrn thott w.._. Jlr'O(('S<; to bcf 10 IKOpel tlw, (Ufl)(.)l(.h(lll tn UN'\' h('lghts In I
\\'e must all be log<·tlll'r dnd go fon\•ard tngt tlu.•r m ttw Family o f all ur u•.ln Ulue ltltt·, Rite, Shrine, l'all Ct'<lar>,lhgh 1\,·clw, youth groul"• l.•dir< just to 11<1me some. Our hope Is onc of ton(•· dl•rKt' that togNhN \\'ill go .111d rrerma)t111r) work to ih fullt" l in
I thank )'Oll for rom \UJ) JXnl dllt.l 1nd , until we 111\."el 11MY the Grt"JI or t l w wntth over )'Oll and kt-'t'p you 'tl(t·
in A. Cu rmin g h tun , Sr.• lt \
,Irvm A Cunningham, Sr. 1 a Pasl Master of W•rren Lodge No 310, Collegeville, and Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 6th MasonK District, wa< installed Dec. 27 as the 114th R. W Gr•nd Master ol the Grand Lodge of
Bro Cunn.,gham. 68, the son ot Robert and Netloe (Uier) Cunningham, was born in B.ltallia, lA and grew up on Carbon Cliff, ll. He is a graduate ot Unoted Townshop High S<hool in East Moline, II., attended vanous st-rw:e schools in the Navy. and s:tudoed several college night courses and corre· cours•s. and Ros..lie Mae (Brackett) Cunnlnc:Jham mamed Nov. 10, 1962, on the Wells Congregational Church in Wells, ME. They now are member'S of the Beth•l Hill Unilcd Methodist Church in The couple has two sons, Jr., and Robert, anct orw daughter, Lori (Cunningham) Shumpert. They also have two 9"ndsons and one granddaughter. The new Grand Ma!lter IS a vety a<Li ve ruld man1 though he has retired twice ir hi s professional careers: (irs*v from t he United St.otes N.wy and then from t h e Penn sylvania Departmen t of Corrections. He enlisted in the N.ovy in May, 1953, served duri n g the Korean and Vietnam w.us, l1nd retired as a Chie f Dental T<><hnidan in September, 1977. In the O<tp.:rrtment of Conections; he was the Mandger of Correctional the State Co.-r<'<tionallnstitution at Graterford, PA whoch tnduded operations of a 1,500acre farm and daory with a staff of 27 and ,lpproximatcly 450 oncarcer•ted personnel. Bro. Cunningham was made a Md>On in lodge No. 898, A.F. &. A M ., Illinois, in t 961 He r•signed from that lodge in 1980 and the y<>ar was elected to member· shop on Warren lodge No. 31 o. F &. A M ., Collegeville, PA He >I'M!(! as 'Mlohtpful Master ot Warren Lodge in 1985.
He served the 61h Masonic District School ot Instruction as the Senior "' 1986-87 and as ots Pre>idenl in 1987 At Ihe >dme he was the District Dore<tor of Proj<Xt Solomon II. Bro. Cunnmghitm h,u been very active in Grand lodqe S<nce 1988 when he began h•s t Prm as D.D.C.M of the 6th Masonic and served unto11995. In 1996, he was eiPcted R W. junior Grand Warden; two yean late<, R.W. Senior Grand Warden; then R W. Deputy Gr.>nd Master, the sta· t lon he filled untol his inst a ll ation as R.W (,,J I'1d Master.
He i> a member or the Grand Lodge Com mi ttfe o n t h e Maso nic; servin g as lh e Ch a i• m an in 1998-99 of bolh t h e
Subcomrmttee lor Admission s, Assistance and Re,identiJI and the Subcommtttee for Humtu' and as a member of the Sub(OinmiHN' lor lie also " a member of Gr•nd Commluees on r on,once, landm•rks, Temple, Jnd Mernbershop and Retentoon He ;er...OO "' Ch,mman of the Board of O.rectO<\ of the MaJO<lk lobrary and Museum of Peno>ytv,mM is a charter member of the Research Lodge ot Pennsytvant.l
He ;, " member ol YO<k Rote Bod•es In Copotular Masonry, he Is a member ol Nornst"'"" Royal Arch Chapter No. 190 and Excel..,.. M•rk lodg<' No. 216; on Cryptic Masonry. Cryploc Couoxol No. S 1. Royal and select Master; and Chivalric, Hul(hinson Commandery No. 12, Knight\ Tenlplar. Ht' al.so is a membe-r of M,uy Conclave, Red Cross ol Co nuantone, Allentown; York R•tc No. II,
Penn Counci l No., 13, Knight Masons of the U.S.A.
He Is a 33° Mason in the Ancierll Accepted Scottish Rite, having been coroneted an Honorary Member of Supreme Council, N.M.I. in September 2000 in Pittsburgh He is a member ol Scotli$h Rite Bodoes on the V•lley of Allentown : Muhlrnberg lodc:Jc ol Perfection, Lalayeue Council, Princes ol le<usalem; Bethlehem Chapter ot Rose Croix; and Lehigh Consistory. lie •s a ShrinPr in lulu Temple, Ancient Arllbtc Orde<, Nobles ot the Mystic Shrine, Plymouth Meellng
His other Masonic affiliations are: Tall Cedars ot Lebanon, Norristown Forest No 31; Royal Order ol Scotland; Peti<oomen Valley High Twelve Club, where he was the Pre>odent; Hal and Gavel Club ot the 6th Mason•c District, where he was Pre,dent In 1985; Franklin Chapter No. 16, Na t iona l Sojourners and H•rocs ol '76, Poor Richa rd Camp. C hapter No 101
Bro Cunoif•gh.lm has bee:n recogniled with the Honowy legion ol Honor, Order of OeMolay; as a n Ho n o rary Me m ber ol the Grand Lodge o f Nevada; in th e Grand Lodge or Wisco n sin Skunk Pa t rol; a n d as an Honorary O klahoma Mason o f th e Mo<t Grand Lodge or O kl a h o m a. In mlclition t o his Masonic affilia ti on), h P i) (1 nwl'nber o f t he Fl eet Rese-l've Assocoation; Natio n a l C hi e f Petty Officers' Association; and Amel'ican Leg ion Post No. 203, SchwenksVllle.
Grand Master's Medallion
a Commemorative Of All of The Grand lodge Meeting Places
Lapel P in Refl ects I Iisto r y
Freemaso nry in Pe n nsylvania Is u niquely represented In the com memora tive bronze lapel p in d esign e d b y R.W.
Master Marvin A. Cunnin g ham, Sr f h e one-inch wide pin is a t o ken to be given to Masons at occasions w h en the Grand Maste< Is present.
The pin's artwork is Indicative of the proud history o f Pennsylvania and Freemasonry's rela t ionship t o it.
Within the ouUone of Penns)llvania, the histone USS Niagara pile> a cou"e from tile W6t across Commonwea lth toward square and compassts ol Freemasonry which are inset 111 a keystone rising in the E.lst.
Recognizing hos career on the u.s. Navy, it h ea>y to apprroate why Bro. Cunnongham the USS Niagara to be representa""" ol the histo<y ol Pennsylvania
Trad it ionally, t he (;ra n d Masll'r's m!.'d<t l llon Is " t oke n dc>lg twd at hh directio n to Identify his admlnl>tratl on on one s ide and refloct h istory, p h ilosophy anel vision for the fraterni t y In the Jurl>dlctlon on the reverse. The Grand Master traditionally preS<?nts or awards tht medallions at his visitations, Sl:te· clal ttremonll"S, 3nc.J recognitions, and to visiting dignitaries and others wonhy of special recognition for adtle,·emcnt The bronze medallion of R. W. Grand Master Marvin A. C unningham , Sr., conuncmorJte> the 200th anniversary or the time In 1802 when the Grand Lodge of Pcnn>ylvanla, the oldest Mosonlc ju risdiction In North America, llrs t owned Its own building. Fro m Us C;trllcst days a Provincia l G rand l.odgc In 173 1 u ntil It acq u i red Its own bu ild i n& were he d In var. lous plae<!s, hrst In taverns and ln tlS, t h en In meeting h ouses T he 200Z COII II IIC n i O· ra li ve p iece re fl ec t s t>e n nsylva n la'> Masonic h is t ory showing a ll t he ph•ces wh ere Gra nd Lodge h as he ld Its mcc tl t tgs. Th e 12 m ee t i n g p l aces preced in g th e prese nt Ma<onlc Tem p le arc d ep le t e d on t h e reverse o r t h e lour-I n ch dlanwt c r medallion like t he on a c loc k dial, st;trtlng with th(• '1\mThvern t h e bottom and 1>rogresslng clockwise. Today's Masonic Temple Is In the ce nt er. Shown In very detailed bronze relief, they a rc: t 73 1- 1734: T un n t vc rn - This building situated on what was then King St., now Water St at the COIII('r or Wilcox which alterward became 1\m Alley (as of 1887, Ton Alley), between C hestnut and Walnut Sts. It also was known as •p.,ggy Mullen's ll<efsteak llousc.• The address today is 10 S. Water St.
177.S- 1 748: lndlun Kln 11 1nvern and 1749 - 1754: Ro ya l S t ondurd Tavern - Both taverns wrre located on Ulgh St. (now St.) below Third, at the corner of Biddle's Alley. The Indian King Tavern at M:lrkct and 83nk Streets, to the right of the Hrst Presbyterian Church, and the Royal Standard, Ill Market near S..'<:ond St wa, to the left.
1 7SS - 17 6R f< 1 7711- 1 7115: 1 h e Frce m n<o n < Lod ge - This building
s t ood on l.odgc Alley, west or Seco n d St. ;;:: and north of Walnut St. T h e l' reemasons' Lodge w;as the flr>t Masonic 1Julld il1g e roct cd and ded icated t o Freemason ry In
t he West<•rn Wo rld. Th e t itle was he ld hy Of t h e three lodge< that were rn l:..eting in f'h il ode lph ia. It was dedicnt(-'d by t he "Moderns" In 1755 and sold in 1785 It was again occupied by t he "Ancients" from 1778 to 1785. 1769 - 1790: Dulld.lng in Vid el l 's A ll ey - Meetings were held sporadically In a building In Vidcll's Alley (altenvard l.odge Alley) off Second St. below Chestnut St. It was there that the Grand Lodge of free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania declared Its independence from the Grand l.odge of England on September 25, 1786.
1 777- 1778: The City Tavern - City Tdvern wa.s on the south,V"esl comer of S...vnd Gold (Mora,•ian) Strff!s and S<?rved as temporary headquarters for the Grand Lodge during the British occupation.
1 790- 1 799: rrcc Q uaker Meetin g llv"' e - The buildi n g sti ll stands on t he cornN of Fifth and Arch Sttl..:ts.
IIS00 - 11!0 2: T h e State H ouse ( lnd e J•euden ce Hall) - The lodge room on the second floo r of ' llte Sta t e Ho use o n t he south side of Chest n ut St ., between Fi l t h a n d Si xt h Streets It rare d ist i nc o n t o h a.vc its sUII t'<l mee ti ngs within " build ing so sa cred In the his t ory of t h e Uni t ed St ates. 11102 - 11110 & 11119 - 11120: l eou sy l · vu nlo Free mas ons Hall - T h is bu il dIng was a t t 4 F llt)C rt St. It was ded ica t ed Decem b e r 27, 1802.
111 11 - 11\1 9: M•uonic Hall - T hi s H:t l l, at 225-231 Chestn u t St. (now wo u ld be 715-7 19) was ded icated on )1111e 24, ISIL and was destroyed by fire o n 9, UH9.
11120-11135: Masonic Ha ll Masonic Hall was rebuilt at the same location at a cost of $55,333.05 ond dedicated on November 1. 1820. 1835 1855: Washington H a lllhl> building was >iluated on the '''til side of lltlrd St. above Spruce, at what is now 249 South Third St. 1855 - 1873: 'New ,. HallBuilt on the slle or the former Masonic Hall at 715·719 Chestnut St., this magnil· lr.!nl Gothic stmcture was dedicated on September i5, 11.!55. ihe cost for buildIng furnishing It was $185,328.03 11173- l're$ent : Ma«utic TempleThe Masonic Temp le at One North Broad St., across from t>hiladelphia's City Hall, Is comldered one of the wonders or the Masonic world. Since its dediC'atiou in 11173, this arch i tectural jewel has attracted hu n dreds of thousands of brethren and vis i tors to t h e Mot h er City of Freemasonry.
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS
\lllliam Slater 11
It\\". Orputy Orand Mnstcr
Th e R. W. D eputy Grand Master is William Slater II, the owner ar1d Pl'esident of Wm , Slater & Sons, Inc., w hi ch operates a series of mortuaries in the Pittsburgh area. He was graduated from the Valley Forge Military Academy in 1976, Thiel College in 1980, and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science In 1980. He served as Worshipful M aster of Lodge No. 4S, Pittsburgh in 1987 He is a m ember of the Scottish Rite bodies in the Va ll ey of Pittsb<orgh and presently is servi n g as Commander-inChief of the Consostory. In York Rite, he is a member of Royal Arch Chapter No. 268; Liberty Valley Council No. SO, Royal and Select Master M asons; and Duquesne Comma ndery No 72, Kni ghts Templar He is also a member of Syria Te mple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; the Royal Order of )esters, Pittsburgh Cour No. 2; Islam Grotto; and the Cinosam C lub, where h e served as Preside nt.
RouaJd A. Aungst. Sr.. R.\\'. Senior Omnd \\'ard rn
The R.W. Senior Grand Warden, Ronald A. Aungst, Sr., has been an Innovator a fad motivator in public education, a pillar in his church, a champion high school wrestler and coach, and a dynamic civic leader. He Is an elementary school principal i n the Jersey Shore Schoo District wh ere he has originated and introd uced innovative and progressive programs. Prior t o becomIng an admi n istrato r, he taught in the seco nd ary level as a technica l education instructor for 27 years. In the comm unity, he has been <I Township Supervisor and the Zoni n g Officer, Chairman of the Soard for six years, Road Master for eigh t and Township Secretary for 14 years.
Bro. Aungst served as Worshipful Ma ster of La Belle Vallee Lodge N o 232, Jersey Shore, in 1986 and as the 18th Masonic District Deputy Grand Master from 1997 until he became R.W. Junior Grand Warden. In York R te, h e is a m embe r o f Lycoming Royal Arch Chapter No. 222, llaldw n Commandery No . 22, and Adoniram Counci No. 26. He is a Scottish Rite Mason in th e Valley of Willia m sport.
Donald L .\I bert. R.\\'. Grnnd Seae1ary
Th e R.W Gra nd Secretary is Donald L. Albert. Prior to b ecoming the Grand Sec re tary in 1998, Bro Albert was an engineer and product manager at AMP, Inc., Harrisburg, retiri ng after 33 years of service Prior to being elected Grand Secretary, he had been the Grand Marshal, so he was well known to Masons across the Commonwea lth Bro. Albert is a member of Euclid Lodge No. 698, and served as Worshipful Master in 1974. He is a Scottish Rite Mason in th e Valley o f Harrisburg and served as Most Wise Ma ster of Harri sburg Chapter of Rose Croix, 18•. in 1962-83 He was coroneted a 33• Mason at the Suprem e Council session In Bo ston in 1987. In York Rile bodies in Harrisburg, he is a member of Perseverance Royal Arch C h apter No. 21; Harrisburg Council No. 7, Royal and Select Ma<ter Mason s of Pennsylvania; Pilgrim Command ery N o 11 , Knights Templar; Erin Counci No. 6, Knight Mason s; and Tr inity Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He Is a Shriner in Z.embo Templ e, Harris· burg , and a member of the Color Guard and the Upper Dauphin Shrine CIU Q.
l GRAND LODGE OFFICERS
n. SllCidwr.
R.\\'. Orand Trea surer
The R.W Grand Treasurer is Marvin G. Speicher, of Robesonia, a senior partner in the certified public accountin g firm of Schulze, Speicher and Co., with offices in Pottsv lle and Reading. He also is a member of the Regional Ro<lrd o f rirst Union Sank He i s a graduate of the Reading Business Institute, the Cades C.P.A. School, and Gross C.P.A. School.
Bro. Speicher served Williamson lodge No. 307, Womels· dorf, as Worshipful Master i n 1976 and serwd ten yea" as the D.D.G.M of the 60th Masonic District. He was e lect· ed R.W. Grand rreasurer In 1989. Prior to that, he was a member of the Grand Lodge Sub-Committee on Audits and today he cha irs the Masonic Homes Fil'lt'Hl cia l Sub·Comm· ittee. He is a m ember of all of the York Rite Bodies in Reading, where he Is a Past Sovereign of Constantine Conclave of Knights of the Red Cross of Con stantine and is presently the Intenda nt General for Pennsyl· vania East of Red Cross of Constantine He also serves o n the Committee on Finance of the Grand Holy Roya Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania He is a Past Master and Past Secretary of Exce sior Mark Lodge No 216, Philade phia Bro Speic h er is a SCM!reign Grand Inspector General1 33°1 in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is a member of the l o ur Scottish Rite bodies o f the Valley o f Reading, where he served as the Thrice Potent Master of Reading Lodge of Perfection In 1991 -92.
lnsta ll cd as R..W JlllliOI' G1'8 nd \Vcu•den
Stephen G.1rdner P.M and P.D .D.G.M.. i nstalled R.W. Junior Grand Wtorden o f the Gr<l<ld lodge of Pennsylvan ia during the annual meeting, Dec. 27.
The SO-year-o ld Philadelphia native and current res dent of Catasauqua Is a Vietnam era veteran, havIng enlisted In the u.s. Navy upon graduation from high school in the OMby-Co lwyn School District After active service from f969- 1973 in the U.S. Nav,ol Secu rity Croup, he attended East Stroudsburg Slate College (now East Stroudsburg University) where he ea rned a Bachelor of Sc ence Degree in Computer Science in 1977.
Since then, h e has been employed by Mack Trucks Inc./A. 8. Volvo l nforrnation
p resently is the Research and Development Ana lyst, Project M anager/ Proj ect Leader, su pporting th e man · ufacturing a reas of Mack Trucks Inc
He is a member of Porter lodge No. 284, North Cata.sauqua, where he served as Worshipfu Master In 1987 and a Representative 1n Grand Lodge in 20002001. He served as District Deputy Grand Maste r lor the 1Oth Masonic D istrict from 1992 through 1998 a nd since 1999 has been the District's Blood Donor Co-chairrn .l n He also >erved the Grand Lodge M a te<:hnic.1i advisor in 1996 and 1997 and has been on the Comm ittee o f Masonic Ed ucation and Trctining, the Committee on Appeals, and the District Deputy Grand Masters Resource Committee.
In York Rite, he is a member of Catasauqua Royal Arch Chapter N o. 278, having served as Hig h Priest in 1986 and p resen tly is a tru st ee. He is a m ember of Allen Council Royal and Select Master M asons No. 23 and of Allen Commao)dery N o. 20, Knights Templar. He Is a Knight Companio n In Mary Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine He I s also a member of the leh gh Valley Joshua Society
In Scottish Rite, he is a member In the Valley ol Allentown ;.nd is active as a cas t in the degree work .
He is a m ember of the C•tasauqua Presbyterian Church, w h ere he Is s('fVIng on the Board of Deacons as the Moderator and on the Nominat ng Committee He has served on the Business Affairs Comm ittee of th e Church. He also is a member of Men ol ((} l asauq u a.
Bro. Gardner and hb wife. the former Patricia have been married for 27 years She i\ a t eacher at Sa nt Mich ael the Archangel School in Co e>vi le and a Sunday Schoo teachj!( at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Br!thl<.hem . TMy are the parents ol two sons: John Stephen Gardner, 22, a May 2001 graduate or Elit.abethtown Colll>ge; and Peter Stephen C•rdne<, 19, now at the u.S Air Force Academy. Co orado Sp<ing s.
John Is o Senior OeMolay from Allentown Clii>pter and a member o f Porter Lodge No 284 Peter s a m ember of Allentown Chapt er, Order of OeMolay
and past Ulstritt l)('put y Mo:•>ll'rs of th('
M:tsonlc District (b elow: 1-r) : l l ul E. Zweihack1 th e curre nt lJ.lJ. G. M., w ho has hccn servi ng sinte 1996 ; A. C unningh lhn , S1 · , w h n from 19 8 8 t o 1996; " ' " Ne l son M ll:o ird, )r P.D.D. G. M., \\1h O lltCCC<I cd Un...,. Cunning ham.
Homes: Vision of Excellence
V\11 any ur lt oml'' of lht• c;r.lnt l t.od);c of l'ctuh y lv,ull ,t, ;_n ul you will vis ion t!mhrafcd hy ('ac h communH)':
luming this vision into r\•,JIIt)· a 1oumf'y, '"hlch may llMt he ttH through the (.'IHbuduncnt of Mhston (tf I AW<' Value;;:
tlunlity of Life
• Adu l t res ident' of t h e o mcs at Co ung(l , who have varyln,A d cg n'l(';; o f mrntal retard3 tlon. 01 1 1h <' ir nhili t i<':S ra t h er Ihnn t h l'h limtl,tlions by lnh, , vu lu nl (-cring, nwo:mingful living 11wir livcs to the fulle\1.
• While nur,ing and asslstrd lh·ing residents in long tcm1 care communitu.."' .1crn« I he nallon reportedly )uffC'r rrom loneliness. :tnd boredom, thl Eden Al ternative t• mhr al_\."ll by rcsidcnh ;md \taU a t t;>vt·ry Ma son ic I lome' ktt.dtlon, C<' Jl la<"cs fcclhlh) wilh vl&ri..t y, spO ilti.HlCily, ,utd
• Thc /\d u l l D.lil y at o ft en lb p4tr l ic'ip.l n t' a env i romnent whrrc.• rh ey ma y re<"<'iV<' ""in I nn<l medica l s upporl whllt· parrld · 1>aling in an ti e njoyable activities am i ()rngrams.
• Tiu· Mourning M;tr progr;un at th e Ma sonic llit.JIX'thtown , romJ,rlS4."t.l of rMic1cnt and community voluntl'-'f"S, cnsunos lh :u ht•r\.'ll\'l' m cnt wn ices arc ofr(•rrcl to irlthcir fina l hour\, a\ wt•II<IS to ch ose e"'pcr1t.•tu.· lng 0\'C'r 'hl IO\S or ,, IOVl'(l om.·.
lt es pec-t f or th e lud h •idu a l
• St"nior rcs id enh '' 111 l lonws htr:•linn s ilr(.\ t,·nt:o u r.1ged to rc!oi<lcnt cou n c il s ;mel art pru· videO o t her mt:lll li o f impmtant dcc bluu' rq;Md · l nR llwir tare and th \' )l'rvh.l' rC"cc ivc. In turn , mauy groupli htwr lcl t•ntifit•c.l w.•y' that t h C)' r:tn and cart• fur oth<'f'\. for rxamp le, wmt.• \Crve as tut ors, mentor'\ , m ,l'\ adnp ti\•e fur rllildren; other\ IM\' r.IIS('d fum.b for c.-harit.lhlc r.lu.st's; .and manr more , ·nluntrrr in various caJJ.lt ltl '-"' t o \('t\"e o th er.; in chclr fOm tuumlu •o:;, 1h (' yn ulh UJ> t'l llw M,l,onic C hildre n 's I hml(' In hliLclb(' tht own .m.• (l rtco ur<lgL"fl to rea i ze the ir po l c ntlal lhrnugh <1GidC'tnln. ilthiN IC\, volun tec aism, IC'ildcr.,hlv nm l ulh<:r Sfhol:us hi p:-. aud co n · tlnuous su ppmt provlclr d th rough th e bcru.:vn lf'ncc o f t h e l=r:U('rnlty offer lh' \(' )'oung OPJXlrhmil "'\ 1H higher education or tMtl t• 'l)('('ia lties so thm till')' t.tll txxornc rlll7t•n,
Qu nUt y Ser v i ce
• 1he O utre;u:h Pro,.vam informa t ion, edur-a· tio n rcfermh ,md hom<' Jl!ri.S15t:1nce t o friends Wil h ln l•amil)' or •• , well a.s t o lndivi cl llil l\ It lU I r.unl· lin t hro uglto ulr tw 1111111"<1 St.11 cs.
• l'otrt u( t h e m iss io n of the Mlt\tu\ic Eastern Star II OII Il'·f.:l'l to ,Nvc in dlvld u nh In Coun l )' who :vc th•y· ont' Mlxlic:.id ' l'lll IIO ill l' con!: istcn tl y pro vide.•"> qua li ty and living fur scnlor) with ,J,:ill and cmnpit\\iun.
• In November, o.nd statr of the 1.:..1s1ern St ar llomc·\\'C$ t tr.w,ft·rn><l to the Masonic Vill.•gl' at Scwi(klcy's S1or l'olnl> Huilthng. llte two homr< haw torm<-d llll C family dl'dlralcd In pmvitling for the me nt. a"i,i\tl'c.l livinR. health carr. and rdl ahilil .l tl on nt."t.'(h o r :mtl uth('rS I n th e Vallf'y.
These ''"'a ft•w cAamplcs of ho\\ th e \llslon of the Ma.sonlc If orne' " vi-sible In tho,-.· "·hom we as reach their personal HO.ll,, they ar<' ahlc t o h elp ochers reallll" th eir f}()lrutr.al ror cx<:e ll t' ll l\'. 'I hi;:, ll!ri. J c h :tin r('actmn, which pt,:rpclu· o u r Mh\lul\ 0 1 tovc.
The Pennsylvania Youth T
hrough I he Pennsylvania Youlh
IVisit any u( n u r M.a,onic 1-IOillC)- al F.lltahc tht own, Sew ckley, or ;md you will'''<' f or yo ursclr t he renlllfe ttl ll h.'vt'rnents nH3Incd wt· tO IHin ue t o pursue o u r vhlon. Excelle n ce is cl(•fhwd not by finan("(•l!ri. n r but by th E" )nti lt'\, CMC, and l ovl' Ihat w<.• with out: ano th er. for n lnrr infomlation about any of tht• o r S<'-rvlces hsh."< l ahovt", or to leam nwn· .1hout how rnu can h elp Jthlc.·vt: uur 'iosion , pi<"J'Ol' nmcact. u t
• Admls,lou) ,u1 t1 flc,idt"' lll Servlt.'t'\ (Residential ll ea lt h Clue• (ROO ) •122·120 7
• Adull O•lly l .lvl ng Center (7 17) :161 ·5 IS I Ourrc•ch (1!00) -l-MASON IC Mns uni c F.n.\ t crn Shtr l:l o nu.-:. f.a"d
• Living :1 n d l l rn llh Ca re Servi ro<) (2 15) 672-25 00
M asu ni c V ilh\);C Sewickl ey
• Livi ng, Hea lth C;,n• :md Rch.lhllil>llvc Scrvlrcs) (41 2) 74 1- t lOCI
• Kctm•n>rnl l.lvlng (!166) 872.(1(.t\4
Or. visit our '"--fxlle at '.£"'"' 1'-,gr§!ndlochw/etmul. html
Foundallnn ( I'. Ma>nn< nrr helpteenagers th e Co mm o nwl·.•lt h t o pursue ex(clll'llCC, M:. so n k princip les with lh (' ll1 " " d pre paring t hem fo r th eir "' fu ture ritbens of our nation. roul('PI' cen tra l to Freema:\Onry, and n(.oct.•.,.,.try ror the surviva l of '>O<'iNy a' we know 11 IO<I•'Y• are s h ared with young llMflle who l"rlicip;ue In programs sponwrt•d by the Pennsylvania Yc'H.Ilh foundation. Ma\On lc prlnctptes <uth ., toleration, c haril}. Jnd lhc or man under 1hc fJthcrhood of God, are t:.ught through the many actlVIht"\ '\J)OO'SOfCd by th e roundali o n Thl' Jl,V, E co ndut·b :11 th e M a,n nl c Conference Ccmrr a<Jjltl"C III IC) th e Masonic Ho rn e\ a t E.ll 7 . fur mem bers or the Mil so n ktt ll y !!l)()rlSOred yo uth th e- Order o f th e Halnbow for Gir ls, the Ord<'r of and t h f' Order of DcM olay fot young men. The progr. 11l1' offer exce llent uctivith."" lllat m ec: t the of lh e Founda t ion tUtti prov ide opportunilit•, rnr , ('lf-imprm·rrnent m young adulls' ment.- 1 , ' plrllual, MHt phy,ic;al d<"Vtlopnwnt through In ollhlcliCs, sportSnl311.,111p, charily, tllltcnship, m oralily, public SJK'diJng dll<llhe ans. J hl' MaU)nically related rou th national in scope. were rhe corly pari o( la<t cenllny hy Ma>Ons anti arc Slll l spomort-<1 hy lhC Fralernity f•llh O( lh OS<' grnnp< h," progr:lnh thil1 lndud c tmlnlnJ.!., ...:xlal skil l d t've1o pm <'rll, puh· lie ;m<.l c·om pc tilivc ac h lcv\' lll l'lll Ge n e rally, ip opt• tt to tccn.1gcr; wh() arc or good morHI dHHi'ICIC r , in r.ott, and arr 'iJlUnsorcd Uy 1\t 1h(l M:.so nlc Co nfcrenH' Ce nt er, 1lw t•cnnsy lvania Youth l'ou ndatlon the co<r ur rood ond lodging for all I""" gram• 01 11th IOI>-quality f"•dli ry. Youth programs at the ConfNence Center- one nf lh (' prrntl<"r Masomt.. facilities of Its kind tk"CCic:ttOO to OOucation,ll acth I ticwo for young and ancludt edurn t lonal, re<r('at•on:tl. healthful o1nd spirit u a l actlvltle<. Sud 1 programs havr •rldudl' l dCIII OI\SirJIIOilS o f o;elf-<le(CilS<' ICChll i<lllt"' • public <elf· lmpmvr nl c l11 skllb, cn un"ic l hlh• orgo n l1ational d evelopment, budgctiiiS Mld personal finan Ct' , p mh lcm sol ving nnd phy\ita l h c.•a llh tra in Ill); l .ll e Ski ll< <p<ll t snrt·tl lly th e l'<•nnsy lvnnla You lh Found;,tl o n ' m1 ac1ivc , creativC' and ac1vcnturc·based ll·arning ri<•nce OJK'Il 10 all youth hl'l\\'('('n Ih e ages o( 12 and 1(, yt·art. 11 concentral c.""S on t eachi ng re"SJX'(I, l l"SI>Onsibillty ancl t<'lll building In unforseuable e>pcrl enll•l learning. I'.Y.I. ,11..0 adrnlnlstrntt'S a competitive f d uralional EndownlNll Fund Sch o lar>hip program 10 rnovlde as.lslance 10 child ron and gr.md · children or Mas rcr Mason>, and memiK'M of I h e Ma son ically rtlatl'l youlh &roup>. More rhan $4 7,000 ill '' holarshlp aid wero Hrnnled In 200 1, and more than $350,000 havl•llce n grn nr cd since 19119. l n :ul cl lllo n to awtndi n& t he Foundatio n produ ces, a Mfl\tJHit' Sclwlllrsltip (; ulftt•, w hi c h :.ll of th e schnl:\r· s h ip, .111 d loi.ln avallnblc to you n g m en a n d wwurn . The arc mailed lo all hig h sc h oo l guidanc.: clorarrnwnl s in 31'1d the en tirt• l <.'xt joe; :.vallable at lodge,oroluyf
The t'cnn<ylvania You th Fotmdatlon Is O\\ nl'd and opNale<l hy llw Gm11d l.odgc o( Free and Accepted of Pennsylvania a< a nO(t· profu , tax cAcmpt, rharitah le inoe;titution with l"X('(uli\'e nrrict"\ I<X.lted at tlu: Confert•n ce Center, 1244 Rainhcidge HuJd, Ellzallcthlown, Pennsylvania, "felcpho n e:(l\00) 266·11424.
THE FAMILY OF FREEMASONRY
The Ma sonic Service Association
The old saying, "Necessi ty is the mother of invcn Lion," was oevel' lf uet than it was n t h e CIISe of the founding of the Masonic Service Association. World War I saw a huge outpouring of patriotism and, of course, Freemasons wefe at the fore front. Grand lodges w"nted
to do something to help our m ilita.y personnel, both at home and overseas There was a great feeling of frustration because the federa government woo d not dea with 49 indl · vidual Grand Lodges Their response was, " If you ca n h ave one organization to represent Frcema sonry, we will be more than glad to work with you.N
So to m eet that need, i1l 1919, the MM.onic Service Association of the United States was fonned. In 1996, delegates at the annua l meeting of MSA voted to change its constitution to read "Masonic Service Association or North America," thus including Canadian Grand lodges as fu ll voting members.
"' the very early yc.us, MSA was to represent th e Masoni c Fratem ily lO those in the 11'1ilitary service. In World War II? MSA had Masonic Service Centers all around the United States c•nd overseas. At th e end of World War II, th e Service Centers program was changed to b<."Come how it is known today, the "flospital Visitation Program." There are Masonic volunteers in 157 hospitals, numerous scare veterans hom es, and many milit ary hospital s. In the year 2000, the MSA Hospita l Visitation Program con tri bu l ed more than 250,000 voltmteer hours servin g ve terans' needs.
"In 1923, MSA e•panded i ts scope of hel p ing others. especiall y in the pursuit of Masonic knowledge, by in cludIng Masonic Ed ucation and The Short Tal k Bulletin, a monthly publi cation devot ed each issue to a subject of Masonic interest," explained Richard E. fletcher, P.G.M., Vermont, Execu tive Secretary of MSA . Or course, other l"'late.-ials and publications have been pfin ted as well Over the yeMs, MSA has become well known a> an excellen t source of Masonic information . Al so in 1923, the Disast er Reli ef r>rograrn was begun l he first appeal by MSA responded to the urgent needs of peop l e in Iapan after they had suffered a devastating earthquake and co ntin ues even tOday wHh an appeal through th e Grand Lodges of New York and Virginia as a result o f the Sept 11 ten·orist attacks. Apr.ea l.s from that ea di es t Disas ter Relief Program until early in 200 I have generated more than $4 million to help Masons and their families and the general publi c recover from disasters.
The Masonic nfonnation Center was formed i n 1993, supported by t l1e n oted Mason i c author, the fate Bro. 10h 11 Robinson. The Center providPs information to the genera l public, directly and through l)t\lional and loca l media; responds to criticism of the Masonic Fratern ity; and assists Gra nd Lodges and their members In disseminating accurate and authorit ative information about Freemasonry withi n and without the CrMl.
"There is no stronger supporter of Grand Master Cunni.-,ghafn's theme, 'H .O.P.E. - Helping Others Excellence; t h an the Masonic Se<V ce Associ at on o f North America The words hope' and 'helping others pursue excel· cncc' arc the very reason MSA exists," concludes Bro. f letch er.
Nation a l Leag ue of Ma son ic Clubs
Almost everything has cha•1gect in nearly 100 years since th e National League of Masonic Clubs, Inc. was lormed, but their purpose and objectives are still the same. Representing Maso ni c clubs or all types throu ghout the United States, the Leag u e > a char tab l e organization of Freemasons that en courages the stu dy o f the lunda· mental pri nciples and idea ls of Americanism as laid down by the founding faLh ers of the ··epublic, many of whom were Master Masons. It fosters a ad herence to the duties of Masonry, obedience to Masoni c principles of conduct and the propagation of universal brotherhood, promoting <loser fraternal and social ties am on g aff il iat ed Masonic c::lubs and individua l Masons .
Th e need for the Mason i c club wa s f i rst su ggested in D ecember 1901. By Apr. 3, 1902, t h e Masonic Templ e Club o f Syra cuse w as rom,ed. Three yeMs later, other M aso•)ic dubs from N ew York met and form ed the Nationa l Leag u e of Masoni c C lubs and the f rs t nat onal co nvention was held in Syracuse in 1906. Si nce th en, conventions have been held in most all of the l arge cities of the United States. Th e next nationa l convention w ill be in Lancaster, PA, hosted by the current National Preside n t, fack Sc h ofiel d o f York
At its 23rd con vention, '111e Chel'ry B ossom Plan" was approved, selling fo rt h t hree objec ti ves : To express esteem fo r Geo rge tl•e rnan and Mason; to give employment to many crippled sol diers o f Worl d Wa r I; and to raise funds for scholarships. Today, it supports and assists worthy youth organizat ons in spon sor ng a character-building program tha t succeeding genera ti ons may become inspired with the American way of life and protect and defend i t h onorably. It offers s<holarshi ps to worthy chi dren and grandchildren of M asons. At its 20th nati onal convention in 1926, th e Leag ue agreed to Cl fund of $250,000 to endow scholarships. For inform ation on m embership or activities, co ntact l ack Sc h ofield, President, at 310 Starview Dr., York, PA 17402, or <lick on www hometown,aol,com/fSchofj863.
Th e National Sojourners
Staunchly ded i cated to Americanism, patriotism, and the M asonic fraternity, National Sojou rn ers promote good fel lowship among its members, assist those who may be ove(taken by adversity or tion, further lhe mil itary need or nat ional defense, and oppose any infl u. ence whatsoever calcul ated to weaken th e na tional sec\u ity. They work to achieve their purposes by recog ni zing students with military in terests and by proc ai ming, demonstrating and teaching Americanism and pat ri oti sm.
Its arc MJstcr Masons who are U.S. citizens and commi ssioned or warrant officers, and senior non-commissioned orf icers, past and p•·ese•)t, of th e uniform ed sefVices of the United States, having served honorably in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Publ ic Hea l th Service or N ationa l Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. Across Pennsyl vania, there are eight chap t ers of the National Sojourners: Benjami n Franklin No. 16, Philadelphia; Fort Pitt No. 38, Pittsburg h; Harrisburg No. 76; Carlisl e No, 130; ancast er No. 292; Va ll ey Forge No. 444, Phoenixville; Ly<oming No. 509, W i lliamsport; an d Penmar No 532, Waynesboro
THE FAMILY OF FREEMASONRY
Grand Master Cunningham, a member of Benjamin Franklin Chapter of the National Soioumers, is greete<l by the John Roberts (center), and the Secretary, Hugh McGinni s (rigl1tj, before a meeting at the Orion Club, Willow Grove.
Th e Ord e r of the Rainbow For G irls in P e nn sy lva nia
Becomi ng a Girl changes a girl 's life for the bett er! Girls become members of an organizatio n with oU'cr gi rl s \vho sha re lheit hopes an d dreJms. n)ey associate with other yolmg women who "look to th e end of the Ra in bow" !or a f>OSitive and rewarding future Rainbow teaches the im portance of belier in a Supreme Being, the value of the grea t truths taught in the Holy Bible, dig nity of character, and to strive for t he hig h er things In fife. Rainbow also teaches l eadership skill s, patrioti sm, and service to others, all empha sized in a ritu al or ceremoni es presented from memory by the members. M efnbers of Rainbow au tomatically become a part or the rich heritage or The International Order of the Rai n bow or Girls, which was founded in 1922.
To be a Rainbow g rl, sh e mu st be between t h e ages of 11 an d 21 years, o f good mora chara cter, and profess an abid · ing fait h in Cod. She may be diH.Ig hter of·' Master Mason, or the daughter o f " m ember of the O rder of Th e Eastern Star or Amaranth, a ma ori ty member, or the friend of a Rainbow Girl All applica nts mu st be sponsored by a M aster Mason or by a member of th e Eastern Star or Amaranth.
Rainbow Gi rl s are active in many l und-raisers for charity including bowl.a-thons.. dancc-a- lhons, roc k-a-thons, wa lka-t h ons, and selling all var eti es of foods and gifts Ra nbow Girts find fun and sa ti sfacti on enterta ining chil dren in hos· pita Is, playing bi•)go with th e elderly i1) nursifl9 homes, and servi ng as at the Masonic Homes . socia events, sports, choirs, talent shows, skating parties, picnics, and visitations to other Ra inbow assemblies are all a pa rt of their program. The Ra in bow program i ncludes an a<tive competition schedule In bowling and softball. Many assembli es participa te in ritual compe titions. At the Annual Grand Assembly, or statewide convention, the assemblies enter their choirs.. drill teams. scrapbooks, banners and growth cha rts into competition
Any member W'illing to accept responsibility can serve as an offi<er The leader of the assembly is the Worthy Advisor w ho is elected to a f oor-month tenn and presides In all ceremonies, p l ans the activ ties, and organizes t he service projects. Rainbow Girl s have many other opportunities to e.xcel, ir..g mel'it bars for servke attenda nce1 fefigion, fund · raising, recrui trnen t, visitatio•), athletics, sc.hol.:'\Slic.s, choir a•"'d many other categories. for Rainbow G rls seeking h igher education are available from a variety o f sources and
are awa rded for academic ability. financial need and Rain bow service.
Q ua lity adu lt volunteers arc members of Eastern Star, Al"''l(lr(H)lh, Mason s, or former Rainbow Girls who work with the of Rainbow to teach them how to be effective leaders. They se t a proper example for the girl s, and p rovide guidance a''d stability to the assem. b ly. In addi t ion, parents of active Rai1"1bow Girl s ate invited to attend all meetings and progtams.
Additional Information is availab le on the I ntern et at www pag rmooge..oJl)lpyl/.m
32nd D eg ree Scottish
"M ASONS REALLY CAREl" is only one of rlumerous tes tim oni als from grateful parents of children enrolled in 32 nd Degree Mason c Learn in g Centers for Children. Thirty four Learn ing Centers currently are in operation providing one-o n- one tutor ial instruction, free or charge, to approximately 900 schoo chi dren with dyslex ia. Dysl exia is a leaming diso rder lh at reading ability. It affects an estima t ed 15 percen t of Ameri can school childre n Five learning Centers with an enrollment of more than I 00 children presently arc operated by 32nd Degree Masons in Pennsylvania. A total o f 56 earning Centers is projected, 13 of which arc to be located in Pennsylvania .
Results o f Children's Lea,•ning Centers have been un iform ly favorable, with most stude nts demonstrating a reading ability at or above grade leve l Mter one or two yeats of tutorial instruction . AmOf'9 the ma •)y suc· cess stories is that of Dan iel, a fifth grade student enrolled in a Pennsylvania learning Center. Daniel received an award from the President of th e United States for outstanding academic achievement. "Da ni el was b l essed with th e gift of literacy; thanks to the Mason ic organization/' wri tes his mother.
Charity is nol new to 32 nd Degree Masons, nol' is it lim ited to helping children overcome dyslexi a The Rite lms <•n extensive hi story of h el ping oth ers strive for e xcellence i n their lives.
For nearly 70 years, 32nd Degree Masons h ave fu n ded research to discover the cause ot schizophreni a, the mo st widespread and serious form of menta l illness
Upon app lication to th e Abbott Schola rship program, financial gra nts for higher educat ion are available to qualified ch ild ren and grandchildten of 32nd Degree Maso ns. In Pennsylvania, alone, more than S1 mill ion in Abbo tt Scholarshi p grants ha ve been awa rded.
In obsciVance of the Bkentenn al ol the American Revolution, 32nd Degree Masons established the National Heritage Museu m at Lexington, MA. The m useu m, w hid 1 is open to t he general pu blic, free of charge, fea tu res a broad range of e.h ibits illustrating American History and cultu re. Tile Sco tti sh Rite chariMble progtams have an annual budget of nearly S.9 million . In addition, foll owi•' 9 the Sept. 11 terrofist attacks, 32nd Degree Masonry throughout the United States has pledged S2 .3 •nill ion in d i saster relief funds.
Scotti sh Rite M asonry origin ated In Fra n ce, based u pon ritual practi ced in t h e Lodge Ecossaise, and appeared i n North Am erica as early as 1 767. The Supreme Council i s th e govern ing body of a 32nd Degree Masonic ju ri sdiction. Pennsylvania and 14 ot her states are indudcd in the Supreme Coun cil of the NOJthern Masonic Jurisd iction, orga ni zed in 1813. The core of 32n d D eg ree Freemason ry is a system o f 29 degrees, num· consecutively from the 4° to th e 32°, wh ich expand upon the first three symbolic degrees and are intend ed to inspire moral character and responsi bility to God and society. The degrees are conferred progressively i n dra mat c form by four coordinate subordinate bodies: the Lodge of Perfection, 14•; the Council of Princes of Jerusa lem, 16"; th e Chapter of Rose Croix, 18•; and the Consistory, 32•. The 33° is conferred only by invitation once a year by the Su preme Counci l Membership in 32 n d Degree Freemason· ry i s open, upon appl cati on, to all Master Masons in good standing in a regular sym · boli c lodge under the jurisdi ction of a recog ni zed Grand lodge.
Atutor helps Daniel pursue his goals in the 32nd Degree learning Center in Allentown .
