Wo uld yo u l1ke 10 make a gilt that would keep on benefit ing othe rs tor many, many yea rs 1nto the fu ture? II so, you may wish to consider an o ut righ t g 1ft or a planned gilt tn support of one or more of the endowments that have been established for the Masonic Chanttes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvama
Depending on your orcumstances, an outright gilt of cash, secuntJes . real o r personal property. or hfe insurance may be appropriate On the other hand, If you would l1ke to make such a lasbng grit but are concerned about fu ture 1ncome needs and would appreoate an add1ttonal ncome stream y ou can depend on . you may f1nd the benef1ts offered by a Chantable Gift AnnUity (SS ,OOO.OO m•n•mum) or other method o f planned giving compelling
Con sider the Following Attra c tive Sample Gift Annuity Paym ent R ates*:
One-life
Rates recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities, effective July t , 2004
In add1tion to attractrve payout ra tes, Chantable Gtlt Annuities can provide a hie mcome tor up to two persons and may provide welcome savings in tax es . TW(}-/ife rates are less due t o added life expectancy.
To team more a bout how you can make a difference in the lrves of others and the bene fits you mig ht realize from an outright or pla nned gilt in support of the Masonic Charity (1es) o f your choice, in comple te confid ence and a t no cost or obliga tion. simply complet e and return the accompanying response form or call to speak with one of ou r s taff members In th e geographical region nearest yo u:
Central Pennsylvania (717) 367-1121 , ext. 33460. or (800) 599 -6454
Western Pennsylvania (41 2) 741 1400, ext. 3011 or (866) 872-0664 East ern Pennsylvan a (61 0) 825 -6100, ext 1348
The offiaal r"!jjS!ratJon and finanoal lnfonnatiOfl fe< any ol the Masonoc ChantieS may be oblaJned from the Pennsylvanoa ol State by cafttng toll-free, wrthin Pennsylvania, (800) 732.()999 Aegosl/8tl0fl does noc Imply endorsement. AJ contributions are tax-deducbble to the extent allowed by taw
Co mpl ete and return to the Office of Gi fl Planning
0 Send me you r brochu re o n Gi ft An nuit ies
0 Send me a samp le Gift A nn uity ill ustration based o n th e fo ll owing information : Age(s): Amount: $
0 Send me i nforma tion on the va rious endo\\menls for the benefit of those se rved by the Masonic Chariti es.
0 Send me )'OUr brochure on giving through my Will
0 Contact me to discuss a possible gift .
0 1/We have remembered the following Masoni c Chari t y(i es) in my/our estate plan (s): Name: Address: City: ---------S l ate: ___ Zip :
Outreach Program Seeks
Attorneys to Provide Direction through Legal
Assistance
Asubstantial number of people who contact the Masonic Outreac/1 Program need legal advice and e1ther are not sure how to obtain it or are not financially able to pay for counsel.
fn response, the Outreach Program has teamed up With several attorneys across the state Together, they are in the prefiminary stages of coord1nat1ng a panel of attorneys who will be avwtable to giVe dirE!cllon to diStressed Brethren . thetr spouses. widows and others who are unable to retain counsel Individuals needing legal adviCe With the abthty to reta1n counsel will be referred to the attorneys on the penel who may be able to be of aSSIStance.
How Will if Work?
Calls will be receiVed and Initially screened through the Outreac/1 Program and then referred to an attorney on the panel based on area of specialty needed and region of the state.
What Can YOU Do?
I nitially, we need attorneys who are members of the fratemity, Eas tern Star or family and friends of the Masonic Villages to seriously consider becoming a charter member of this new and exciting venture to serve those In need of legal assistance . Attorneys must be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania to be enrolled in the p rogram A committee will be formed of volunteer attorneys wanting to help shape the program. including creat ing guidelines and operating procedures.
Which Specialties arc Needed?
We are looking fo r general practice attorneys and attorneys in all specialties. includ1ng. but not limited to ;
• Eldercare • Foreclosure & Real Estate • Employment Law
• Commercial Transactions • Social Security & Disability
Interested In leam1ng more or volunteenng to be pan of this excijing new venture? Please return the completed coupon below to: Masonic Outreac/1 Program. Masonic V1llage. One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown PA 17022
,-----------
Admissions to the Masonic Villages are governed by the Committee on Masonic Homes , members of which are elected by the Grand lodge of Pennsylvania The Commhtee on Masonic Homes approves or disapproves applications for admission primarily on the basis of need. Decisions concerning admission, the provision of services and referrals of residents are not based upon the applicant s race , color, religion, disabiiHy, ancest'Y, national origin. familial status age. sax , li mited English proficiency (LEP) or any other protected status.
The Committee on Masonic Homes has approved the following service levels for admission to the Masonic Villages 1n Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley. Warminster and Dallas :
Service Levef 1:
PA Master Mason
PA Eastern Star
Wile of PA Master Mason
Spouse of PA Eastern Star
Widow of PA Master Mason
Mother of PA Master Mason
Daughter of PA Master Mason
Sister of PA Master Mason ,
Service Leve[ 2:
Grandmother of PA Master Mason
Yes. latn an Attorn ey and willing to h e lp , Grandfather of PA Master Mason
Father of PA Master Mason the 1\lasonie Outreach Progratu provide legal a ssistan ce to fri
nds in n
Mother-in-law of PA Master Mason
Father-in-law of PA Master Mason
Son of PA Master Mason
Spouse of PA Eastern Star who is not a Mason
Service level 1 & 2 with less than 5 years membershop
Service Leve[ 3:
Other PA Masonic RelatiVes
Master Mason of Other Jurisdictions
Service Leve[ 4:
Others on
May 2005 1s1uo o1 Freemascnl.,s by lho MucnoV.-_. 0...- Orlvo. Elilabell'4own. Pemsylvanla 17022. GreQCI LQdot pmen -Slater II RW Grilnd- RonoldAAtrngsl. S<., RW. Stephen Gardner, R. W - Grilnd W- Thomas K Slurgeon. R. W. .hnlrJrGrilndJeffrey W Coy. R. W Grilnd T'tHS<Htl< o.n.l<l L Allert. R. W Gnlnd S«m41Y mu:b• A W. Grtnd Lodge F &A y pi Penn•ytvanla Mdes and pholographs 10 bo oon..,.rod to< public:allon lhould bo sene With local Masonic aulhOnty oo 1he EdOol. The P..,..,.,onla Freerna 5415 FIMAY..,UI, SUolo 1028, Pottsburgll, PA 15232·2256. EJc<:epl by spooa1 oD artlclos ptiOIOgrljlhl ond a"-'< booomo tho property of the Gn!nd Lodge l'llblishod by tho Masonic Volloges, owned and by tho Grand Lodge or Fr.., and Accepled Masons o1 PeMSytvan;a. as a means o1 soliciting tho physicAl and tinanclalsuppon of the members. lhoV lamolies. and tho public in -al PorlodiCOls Poslage Paid at Ell..oothlown, PA and 8<16llonal Mailing Offices. Postma*let: Sond eddtHI chengH o: Ma10nlc Villagot c/o The Ponn•ylvanJa Freemason•, One Ortve Ell:zebtlhtown , PA 17022·2199
Tilt l' t. NNSY LVANIA FREEMASON MAY 2005 3 .
Explore Retirement Living at June Open
House in Elizabethtown
'We JUSI Jove il here!" •1 am so glad we made lhe decisoon 10 move here• and ·Yes, we should have done it sooner: These are jus! a few ollhe commenls we hear from residenls who have moved inlo Reliremenluving al Elizabelhtown. Learning from reside nls thallheir expe11ence of residing in our relirement community has exceeded their expectations is a compliment we value.
We have continued to experience growth because of our repulalion as an outstanding reliremenl community. This growth has included lhe constructoon of t 02 new cottages that began in June 2004. Since November, resi<fenls have begun moving onlo the11 new homes and enjoyong "the good lne: Due to the conlinued inlerest among lralemity members tor lhls type ol housing, the new conages welt be featured for the annual June Open House even! on Friday, June 10 Newly completed and furnished collages. in addition 10 existing cottages and apar1ments, will be avai lable tor afternoon tours.
The day will begin allhe Freemasons Cultural Center for an overvoew of Retirement Living. followed by lunch in the Brossman Ballroom. In lhe a he moon. lours wfll be available of our various Ret11emem Living aocommodaloons and our beaut•ful Clubhouse.
Set lhes day aside to expenence for yoursetl why so many other brelhren and ladies are excited about lhe opportunity to hve at lhe beautiful Masonic Village. We oiler spacious aocommodations with second·lo-none services, amenilies and aclivilles . More importantly, however, we ofler you peace of mind and security because of the quality health care services avaolable on campus. lnvesl your ume to reap future benefits for yourself as you plan for 1omorrow. Please RSVP by complet· ing and maehng the anached coupon or conlacteng the Retiremenl Living Marketing Olfice a1 by June 3. Don t miss this event!
Wh y Did th e Blums Move t o
Hill?
·1 don t have to cook or clean anymore: Marion Blum says wolh a smile. Her huband, Perry a member of Lodge No 9, likes to tell people that he takes his wife ou1 10 dinner every nlghl- allhe dining room. where lhey enjoy scrumptious chel·prepared meals.
The Blums moved 10 Retoremenll.Mng in January 1998 and remain very active. They both volunteer in the villages gel! shop, en the recrealion area and in the nurs· eng cenler, and Mrs . Blum has been a volunteer al The Franklin lnslilule for lhe las! 13 years. Working out in the wellness cenler keeps them fit. and Bro. Perry enjoys bowling at the in-house bowling alley.
A 1rue handy man. Bro. Perry enjoys working wilh ham radios and is involved with a ham radio club that meets at !he Masonic Village. He is also sough! oul by fellow residents who want help from !heir in-house "fix·ll man: as he has a knack for repao11ng walches and electncal equepmenl.
For more lhan seven years, the Blums have enjoyed happy, fulfilling lives at the Masonic Vdlage. They have the time to conlinue lhe hobbies lhey love, since !hey no longer have home mainlenance concerns They don 1need lo worry about hea ll h care secu ri ty eilher, since lhe community oilers assisled living and nursing services, should !hey ever need them
Throughout lhe beauliful campus, residents enjoy ad· dolional amenities, such as lhe walking !rail. bill iards putting green. compuler lab, ceramics and art classes, woodworking, audolonum for live entertammenl, inlergenerational programs. 1nps and worship services.
To experience your re11remen1 years lhe way lhey re meant 10 be, calllhe Marketing Office loday al (61 0) 828-5760 . You. too, can trade in your pols, pans and cleaning suppl ies lor chef· prepared meals and recrealionl
I want to learn more about Retirement Living at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill!
I 0 1/We will attend the June 10 Open House. Send me a Masonic at Eli:abcthto••'ll brochure. complete coupon and return to: Marketing Office, Masonic Village. One Masoni c Driw, Eli:ahcthto•• n, PA 17022
Send me a Masonic at Lafayette Hill brochure l c Call me to arrange a perwnal tour.
1 Plea"' complete coupon and rerum to: Marketing Office, Ma>Onic Village, 801 Ridj':e Pik e, Lafayette Hill, PA
There's never been a beUer time to show your pride in being a Pennsylvania Freemason lhan NOW!
Our greal fralemity has never been stronger The Man-to-Mason One Day Advenlure las! year was lhe mosl sue· cessful membership initialive program lhallhe Grand Lodge has implemenled n 42 years, and il showed thallhere are many men oul !here who wan! 10 be Masons . This year, each district will choose a weekend in October or November to host a membership class. Brethren, I urge you 10 lake advantage ollhese one-day opportunelles to share lhe gilt of membershop woth deserving men Remember, men will join ou r ranks H they see someone in YOU whom they respecl, admire and appreciale- someone who , by example, inspires !hem 10 wan! 10 be betler.
Use the ASK! brochure, which is repnnted in thos issue of lhe Fteemason, on pages 29 and 30 , for your use in talk· ing about Freemasonry and paSSing " on to olhers which you leel would be an asset 10 our Fraternrty
When I see and hear about all of the wonderfullhlngs our Brethren are doing in their communities on behalf of Pennsylvania Freemasonry, il makes me proud to be your Grand Master and renews my oornmltment to lhis great Ira· ternity Your enlhuslasm is conlagious If we work as a learn to Share our pas· seon tor Freemasonry, lhe possibollues are endless Brelhren. look in lhe mirror. How bnghlly does YOUR lighl shine? Is 11 bnllianl enough 10 Change a life. impacl
the world around us? For many of you, the answer is a resounding "Yesl" and I oongralulale you on your commilmenl 10 Sharing the Light within your lodges, families and communities
The Masonic CHIP program is just one example of how we are makong a dofference in our world Lately n seems every tome you tum on lhe news !here is another story about another Child being abducted, molested or killed. Tho only good news that counlers these horror storie s is thai Pennsylvania Freemasons, along wilh many of our Brethren across lhe nation , are stand ing up 10 lhese predators by arming parents and Children with tools lhat can prolect lhe innocent should lhey ever become los! or abducted. In partnership with !he Crime Prevention Association ol Pennsylvania, we have IDed more lhan 100,000 youlh so far, and a! least lhal many are scheduled 10 be CHIP'd this year II you wan1 to be part of the solution, join your lellow Brethren In supportIng lho Masonic CHIP program wllh your time and your finances. To !hose of you who have responded to our request for volunteers to implement lhe program, THANK YOU ! If you haven' answered the call our hard·working llolunleers sllll need more help Togelher, we can make our safer plaoes 10 live , work and play. Do you care aboul lhe lulure ol Pennsylvania Freemasonry, or are you re ying on someone else 10 make II happen? Your altilude almosl always determines your altilude n life II you set your goals high, lhey may be more dolfecutt to reach but you Will anaon grealer teats lhan sel your aspiraloOns low 10 prevenl dosappoontment We !hough! that !Ding 50,000 youlh 1as1 year was a lohy goal, but lhrough teamwork
we almosl doubled ill This year, we sel our goal much higher, and I am confidenllhat we will not only reach "· but exceed"·
The success of lhis program shows lhat a pos.Uve altitude causes a reaction of positive lhoughls, events and out· comes tt es a calatysl lhat creates extraordinary results and a spark lhat bums inlo a bnlloanl torch. Share lhe light with your tamoly and friends and begin lighling !he path for olhers so !hey, l oo, can experience our Brotherhood of dedicaled charllable men. Help make someone's life a little brighter because YO U are a Pennsylvania Freemason! Periodically, 1have lhe privilege of celebrating lodge anneversaries and bestowing so-Year Emblems of Gold on our senior members These events are suCh an honor because lhey are a testament to lhe strength and endurance ol the Craft over hundreds of years. I also have the opportunity to mea l many of the young men and women of our youlh groups and the new members who have joined our ranks over !he pas! year, who represent our promise and our future Freemasonry Win oon1enue to grow ij we mainlain our strong hentage and tradi· lions wllile evotvong 10 Include lhe inter· ests and needs of new generations Brelhren, I love lhe Fraternity, and I believe in the membership and the greal things we can accomplish Believe n yourselves!
Around The STATE
Of The Craft
At the December Stated Meeti ng of St. Alban lodge No. 529, a historic event transpire<!. The Worshipful Master El ect for 2005, Joseph A Fl etcher, Il l was installe<l by his father, Joseph A. Fl etcher, Jr P.M and Treasurer. What also made It a historic and memorabl e even t was the fact that, in attendance were not on y the District Deputy Grand Master for Mason ic District C, Brother Gary Davis, but also in attendance were the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of Mary and , Brother Ronal d G Belanger and a contingent of both present Maryland Grand Lodge Offi cers and Maryland Masons.
(1st row, l r) Gary Davis, ODGM Mas(){/ic District C; Joseph A . Fletcher, Ill, (lllen) WOfShiplul Master Elect Sl Alban Lodge No. 529; Ronald G. Belanger, Most Worshipful Grand Moster ofMIJS{]{/S in Mal)lfond; Gerald E. Piepiora, P.M.. President of the Board of Grand of !he Grand Lodge of AF & AM of Maryland.
(2nd row, f·r) Glen B Cary, P.M., Gmnd lnspoclor, Secmtal)' ofSt Alban tlnivo!SIJI Lodge No. 233. Edward L. Cole, Jr., (then) WorshipfttfMaster St. Alban Lodge No. 529; Joseph A AetOher, Jr P.M. , Treasurer, St. Alban Lodge No 529; Ronald A. Block, P M Junior Oeacan St Alban tlnive!SIJI Lodge No. 233.· Benjamin F. Dyer, P.M., TnJOsumr Sl Alban Universal Lodge No :?:J.J.
St. Alban lodge No . 529 has h ad a un ique bond with the Grand odge of Maryland through Brothe r Fletcher, Jr's Brother-in Law and Brother Fletch er, Ill's uncle, Brother George W. "Skip" lacey. Until his untimely death in an au tomobil e accident a couple of years ago, Brother acey was the Grand Lodge of Maryland Organist and Worshipful Master of Charity Lodge No. 134 in Maryland.
Most Worshipful Brother Belanger, Brother Gerald Piepiora , P.M. , Presi dent of the Board o f Grand Inspectors of th e Grand lodge of AF & AM of Maryland, and Bro ther Ronald Block, P M., Juni or Deaco n o f St. Al ban Universa Lodge No. 233 , made a surprise and emotional presentation of Brother Lacey's personal gave to Brother F etcher, Il l afte r his installatio n as Worshi pfu Master It was the desire of B rother lacey s wife, Marianne that her nephew have her l a te husband's gavel. .;.
Searc hin g our Website
The website of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvan ia now includes over 3780 pages ol information about the Masonic Fraternity in Pennsylvania. Some of the material locate<! is of a promotional nature , and has little longevity, but the vast majority is i nfonmation that can be used for years to come. Some of the material is not easily lndexe<l or found, even though our n ew Home Page makes it easier to get where you want to go.
Using the small Search window on the home page is the fastest way to lind something you nee<! to know right away Thi s will not search the entire i nternet·· it will limit results to the Pennsylvania Masonic Fam ily of websites, including the Grand lodge of PA, Pennsylvania DeMolay, Rainbow and Job's Daughters, and any lodge or appendant body whose website is hoste<l on our server. This will return a number of relevan t searches , ranked in order of their l ikely va ue to your purpose, base<! on the criteria you originally entere<l. For instance, you will lind 57 references to CHIP, 25 references to Sturgis, and 14 for Mini Grand Prix The top 5 search strings o r word combinations most often entered, and the resutts returned, are masonic temple (276), penny• (15), "masonic' (2086), • masonic lodge' (94), and "masonic village• (428.) Obviously, the more specific your search criteria, the close r you will come to what you are seeking . A recent search string that became popular after the release of the film, National Treasure, is dec aration of independe nce • (10). There is another important search technique you should know. Sometimes you wi ll end up on a very long page on a website , scanning it visua lly for a specific word or a phrase. You can accompli sh this task much easier by pressing the Control Key and the letter F' at the same time, and then fill· ing in the specific word or phrase you are tryi ng to f nd. If it is on the page, this search func ti on, w hich is found in most software, will take you directly to the word or phrase sought.
A quick way around the website s to choose a specific area from the many l in ks now provided on the new home page design. If you are just interested in find ing what is newly posted. or has undergone major revisions, click on the WHArS NEW HE RE link on the lelt. This will give you a
Man to M ason II - Do YOU
Penn sy lvania Freemasonry
The Journey of a Lifetime! One Day One Candidate One Call
• Make a selection from the dales below • Phone the membership Hotline: 1·800·990·1935
O ne-Day C l ass Dates. Locations & Contacts
_QB!§ City/Location Chajrman/Districts
Oct. 1 Springfield Robert J. Bateman DDGM 36
Springtield·Hanby Masonic Hall 610·394·9295 B C. D. 6, 8, 36
Oct. 1 Bradford James D. Gustafson DDGM 22
Masonic Hall 814 642 9929 22, 33
Oct. 8 West Reading Mark A Haines DDGM 7
Masonic Cente r 610·678-9874 t, 5, 7, 11, 40
Oct. 8 Erie Dona l d A. Snyder DDGM 24 J ack E. Flaugh DDGM 25
Masonic Te mple 814 337 0830 24, 25
Oct. 8 Indiana Richard A. Carnes DDGM 39
Masonic Lodge 814·938·5307 39
Oct. 8 Washington Thomas M. Gasmlre DDGM 29
Masonic Temple 724·223·9506 29, 30, 31, 49
Oct. 8 Tamaqua Dona l d W. Weaver DDGM 45 Tamaqua Masonic Temple 570-454 ·21 83 45
Oct. 15 Meadville Dona l d A. Snyder Jack E. Flaugh
Meadville Area Mason c Center 814·724 5954 DDGM 24 DDGM 25 24,25
Oct. 22 Harri sburg Kenneth E. Beard, Jr. ODGM 2 Scottish R ite Cathedral 717·238-8867 2, 3, 19, 60
Oct. 22 Williamsport Richard A. Loreman
quick l ink to new stories, photos, or modules of infonmation adde<l within the past year
II you still cannot find what you are looking for, you can al ways ask a member of the Committee on Internet Services to help you. You can find them listed under the C redits link at the bottom of the home page.
Followi n g these simple tips can make your Masonic Internet experience more h elptul and more user-friend y ! H appy surfing! !·
Around The STATE
Cedar Loc:lge No 800 on Grove City recently conferred the third degree on the third generatioo of the Speer fam ily. Pictured above i s his Grandfather Bro. John B. Speer, PM who conferred the first degree; Bro . JeHrey Allen Spee r, newly raised Mas ter Mason, and his Father Bro Kenneth W Spee r, PM, who conferred the second degree. Not pictured is B ro. David M M inarik , PM , who con· !e rred th e th ird degroe Bro John B Speer, PM , was Ini tia ted on M arc h 15, 1985. Bro . Kenneth w. Speer, PM, w as initia ted on November t t. 1985. Bro. Jeffrey A Spee r was Initiat ed on October 1t , 2004 Cedar Lodge No 800 has now merged with Grove Ci ty Lodge No. 603 Which makes Bro Jeffrey Speer the ast member to be raised In Cedar Lodge No. 800. <•
Firesi d e Fr ater nity
':4n informal char
by Martin M igfiori, PODGM
HelloBrethren I want to thank everyone for the kind words about last month's column. Last time I talked about how Freemasonry makes a good man bolter. This month 1 would like to talk about motivation and ou r Fralernlty. Some of you will recognize the message 1 am writing , but I feet strongly enough about it to say it yet again
If you are reading this, then you should consider yoursell one of the luckiest men on earth lor you belong to the greatesl Fratem•ty that ever existed YOU are a Pennsylvania Freemason ! You are part of an organization that worl<s to Improve the moral va ues of society in a day and age when morals seem to be tossed out with the trash. The Fratemoty Is dedocated to making good men bener through the prlooples of Brotherty Love, Relief and Truth It uses the Volume of the Sacred Law as its Guide and Great Light It uses the working tools of an operative mason to symbolize those principles we should strive to follow during our everyday life It teaches us respect for Our Counlry, Our Fellow Man , and Ourselves It gives us the opportunity to make ourselves better men, thereby Improving the communities in which we live.
Brethren, this opportunity Is only as good as the effort we put into it. I have heard many brethren complain about what they get out of the Fratemoty, but 1charge you to answer the following queslioos and then see Hyou are sbll complaining
Oo yw attendywr bJ!119, or any bll;1o9 on a regular baSis? When was fila last tHTI6 yw sat in a lodge meetmg? Didywparticipate in any part ofthe maebilg or fila social time afterward or wem yw jtJSt a grumpy old man whom no one wanted to be atDUnd?
I have said in the past end I continue to say. you will get out of the Fraternity ten times more than you put into it. However, remember that 0 times 10 I s 0
Oakdale Lodge No 669 will be opening their renovated Lodge Hall on June 20 following eight months of reconstructioo work due to the W. PA flood last fall which put eight feet of water In the interior of the Loc:lge room. The local Rainbow Assembly, White Win Hill Assembly No 87, with eight or nine girts took up a collection at their meeting and donated $25 00 to the Loc:lge to off·set repair costs Pictured presenting the check to (then) Worshipful Master Wilson L. Sturgeon, Sr. PM, and Junior Warden John H. Pelricko, PM (now Worshipful Master) is Sarah Carr, Worthy Advisor. Sarah Is the daughter of Debbie Carr, Mother A dvisor for the White Win Hills A ssembly. •!•
Brethren, I want each of you to think abou t what moll· vated you to become a Mason Was It your fami y or maybe a friend? Was It an upstanding man in your church or business? What really attracted you and how did you find out about the Fraternity? My wile introduced me to the Fraternity. When we lived In Fredericksburg, Virginoa, she took me to the Masonic museum and lodge where George Washington was made a mason 1was so ompressed and awed by what I saw and experienced there that I just had to know more I wanted to know what was so special about an organi zation that so many presidents and famous men were part of My wile sent me to talk to my and the rest Is hi story
I consider myself one of the lucky ones If my wife had not insisted on v i siting that lodge hall , 1 probably
Continued on PB!/8 24.
choice or accommodation, call today!
The cohesiveness of our Masonic family has earned us an image as an organization that truly works togeth er for the benefit of humanoty Thi s has gained us the respect of other reputable organizatioos that have partnered with us to share in the success of many of our ventures
and the Mason c Charities who support us If you would like to Share the please contact the Masonic Village closest to you to share some of your time and talent Or, get Involved with a youth group or a C HIP program in your area and truly make a dofference in your community
Jo s eph E Murphy, N.H.A
Chief E-'ft1Ctlfive Officer
Ihaveheard our Grand Master say that Pennsylvania Freemasonry has never been stronger. I would l ke to th nk the same ol our Masonic Charities
It appears to me that as we come together as one Family of Freemasonry, o ur effort s strengt hen o ur good works, and o ur goal s are surpassed by t he reality of our shared vision
Take our Masonic Vill ages, lor instance. Brethren came together in the Philadelph a area in the late 1800s and n the Elizabethtown area in the early 1900s to create homes to serve their families Eastern Star members did the same In the Ph ladelphia and Pittsburgh areas. Over the years we've come together to fulfill a shared Mission of Love , which Is stronger than ever because our efforts are combined
And we 're s till growing If you haven already heard the exc iting news of our newes t opportun ity, you can read a bout It In det ail in t his issue The Grand Lodge of Pennsyl vania and the lrem Shrine are working t ogether on a j o nt ven t ure w hich will allow us t o meet o ur mutual goals of serving mem bers. The Masonic Village at Dallas will be our first golf retirement community and will allow us to serve members in a beautiful set· bng where many have expressed an nterest on retiring We believe the !rem locatioo and Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania s retirement living expert· se Will make this one of the premier golf ret rement communi ties in the country M arketing efforts for t his community have begun, so to ensure your first
Our mutually beneficial relationsh p wi th the Valley Ce re Association has strengthened our Sewickley com munity and the services provided to our residents. The Pennsylvania Masonic Founda tion fo r Child ren 's pa rtnership w i th t he Crim e Prev entio n Association o f Penn sylva nia has made the Mason ic CH IP progra m a n overwhelmi ng s uccess, one that has been augmented by the efforts of lodges, volunteers, schools, our Masonic You th Groups and even our resi den ts at the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill, who have put together hundreds of packets for the program
Thousands of men have joined our family recently, and , of course, much of our growing membership can be attributed to our enha nced membership enrichment programs and efforts, but I believe t hat It goes deeper than that. I belie ve th at more and mor e peopl e are seeing what Masons are abl e to accomplish because of our frat ernal bonds, our ma tchl ess his tory and our com mi tment t o phi l anthropy I've heard of me n who have joined Freemasonry because of se rvices a Masonic Village has provided to a loved one, because of the lessons a son learned through DeMolay, and because a Wlfe recommended i t to him (probably one of the most compelling reasons to join!).
Every Apnl, our Masonic Village family celebrates the volunteers who spend tens of thousands of hours enhancing the lives of our residents. Some are res idents , Masons, Eastern Star members and youth group mem bers who aug ment the serv ces provided by o ur staff Some, however, are those who knew of ou r reput ati on for benevolence and quality se rv· Ices, and who have a sincere des ire to help perpetuat e the care provided to the wonderful people who live in o ur Masonic Villages As I celebrate these caring individuals each year, I think to myself, "How wonderful t Is that everything comes full circle." Freemasons are dedicated to serving others, and When the time comes that they or their famolies need help, the next generatJon s there to volu nteer to meet the need
Who wouldn't want to be part of something so great ? Let s con tinue to st rive to grow and strengt hen ou r Masonic family
Masonic Village at Elizabeth town: (7 17) 387- 11 2 1, ext 33 175
Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill : (6 10) 825-6 100 , ext. 1325
Masonic Village at S ewi ckley: (4 12) 741-1400, ex t. 3200
Maso nic Village at Warmin st er: (215) 672·2500 , ext. 11 5
Pennsylvan a Yout h Foundation Office : (717) 387·1536 or (800) 266-8424
Pennsylvan a Masonic Foundation for Choldren Office: (21 5) 988-1978 •) :z. : fir .rd ec::it:Sm'X:! Grand Master's Charity Mini Grand Prix
June 25, 2005 o-w.. <h d.n:: 2f»SJ Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Benefits the Masonic Children's Home The course, set In the Masonic Health Care Center parking lot, is designed with a variety of hairpin tums. bends and straightaways to ctlallenge the drivers' skills and abilities. The go-kans achieve top speeds of 25 MPH Masonic organizations as welt as companies Will sponsor karts in this yea(s compebtlve race . SCHEPULE FOR RACE DAY ( I<Jbject 10 Change) 7:00am Team RegostratJon
Around The STATE
Raymond T. Georve. DOOM of District E congrai\Jiates Jock W Fenstomaker, W.M. ol Hiram Lodge No 81 for being the fitSI line signer on the petitions of all five
Offlc:ers: Robert J Clark. S W and Peter A Sdvnld, J.W. (foreground). David A. Vahey, S D•• Steven P Ralston, Treasurer. and David w. Hirschbuhl, J M C.(bac*· ground). o
Bro . Randy S. Berridge , Sr.. g.randson ol Thomas Berridge . P.M.. 2nd from leh, received his Master Masona degree on Marti> 9 , 2005 1n W K Bray l odge No 410 which was witr>eSS«< by the best attended extra meeting the lodge has had In yaars Also pictured above are Bro. Wayne F. BltSier, Br P M WO<Shlp!U Master and District Deputy Grand Master of the 8th Oisltlet Bro E Wetterau, P M o
Bro Scott D Slezak, PM ol Polocl< lodge No 5021n Tarentum, PA installed his Father Bro Norbert F. Slezak as WO<Shlplul Master of VICtory lodge No 694 in Buller, PA The unique side of that evoot was Bro. Scott con· !erred the 1st and 2nd degrees on his Father on May 2, 1997 and Sop\. 19 respectively Bro Slezak (Sr.) commented that nwas a very emotionally charged time for both Father and Son o
My Fellow Brethren,
Freemasonry has been good for me, and more importantily, in its fraternal philosophy, has shape<! tradition on each side of my panental ancestry In fact, 10 speak solely of my own appreciation of Masonk: prin· ciple seems indulgent, lest I should forget to mention both my paternal and maternal lineage. Patriotic oon· viction and civic obedi ence guided two great11reat grandfathers in my lineage to risk the ultimate sacrifice throughout the cataclysmic Civil War Each and every time I travel home beneath the Mason-Dixon or view the Masonic memorial at Gettysbu rg, PA, many tears well up from deep inside as I consider their exemplary lives. and ultimately, t heir partisan views as to what "sover· eignty" should constitute socially and polilically, then and now, n t hese Untted Sta tes.
Benjamin F ranklin You ngblood, my Confederat e grandfather and brother in Wesson, M ississippi J. M Lod ge No. 3 17, enl sted in this s tate's cavalry, 4th Regi ment, and founded his own mercantile and dry goods bu siness in the postwar years. He became quite successful, and he eventuall y ran for public office at both the ocal and county l evels And w hile he aspired to even greater parti cipa tion within tho sta te politica aren a, the Reconstruct ion years were nQt al ways hos· pi ta ble to Confederate vete rans In their own home regions Undaunted by this "carpetbagger" backlash, Benjamin Youngb lood remained an active civic fixture In the life of Wesson un til his crossing over In 1927,1nsomuch that his children, following their father s lead, were major contributors to the founding and funding ol Copiah-Lincoln Community College in this same region of southern Mississippi.
On the Union side of this great oonflict stands James Hamitton Davis , my other great-great grandfather Ironically, tt is with pride that through this patriarch and his surname that my family and I are direct km to Jefferson Davis, late president of the Confederate States of America In the postwar years, James Hamitton was raised in Mount Moriah Lodge No 300 near Water Street, Pennsylvania, and became active In political affairs so as to eventually hold the office of county auditor. Like B F Youngblood in the ear1y years of the 20th century, he passed on a well-known and respected Mason, firm both in his adherence to promo!· ing the oommon good, and as a veteran in a reunhed and stronger oountry, ,o making good men better men"
Having seen the horrors of war, both grandfathers as respected oommuntty pillars, strengthened their home environs only to endure more tragedy. Both wou ld bury their first wives , my grea t-great grand mothers, and nearty all of t he ir children to th ese respective marriages Continued on page 18.
J oi n G ra n d Master Willi am Sla t er II & Pote n tate Robert M F l ood at tho
Western Pennsylvania
Masonic Family Picnic
Fr i day, A u g ust 5, 1 0:30 A.M.- 11:00 P. M.
KENNYWOOD PARK
* Ride-Ali - Day
* Free Gift for Kids
* Senior & Youth Games
* Enterta i nment
* Br i ng Your P ic n i c B as ke t s
* Free Butterm il k & Cho co l ate Milk
* Door Pr izes 1
* The G ra nd Pa rad e
- Co-Sponsored byThe Grand L odge of Pennsylvania & Syri a Shri ne
In associ ati on w th
The Blue Lodges of W Pennsylvania - Valley of Pittsburgh, AASR York Rite Bodies - The Grotto -The Tall Cedars - Order of Oe Mofay - Ra nbow
Job s Daughters - Eastem Star - Daught ers of the Nile
A LL MASONS FAMILI ES AND F RIEN DS A RE WELCOME !
Pavilions 8/8 reserved toryour picnicf PkJnty of Free Parking! G!1ll1d Master IWii8m Slater If and Syria Potentate Robert Flood lead lhB coloffulpatsdel NetK!Infonnlltlon?
CaD Dom Santaguida at 4 12 561- 1()()9 or William Roberts at 412-683.()35$ or Va86y of Piltsbutg/1 office at 412·939-3579 or Syria Slldne olficea1724 2?4·i'OOO.
Adults 0 $17
S Senior Crtizen (55 & Older)
At a C ass named In his honor, th e R.W Grand Master, William Slater II was made a Tall Ceda r at Sight by the Supreme Tall Cedar, A. Ralph Horfbeck The ceremonies took place in Wa -Che-Gree Forest No I 49 in Washington, PA A t the same class t he Supreme Tall Cedar, himself , was made an Honorary member of Syria Temple Class members are pictured with the Local, D strict and National officers who offi· ciated at the Class.
1st row Chri stopher C ark ; s. n mothy Warco U; W Frank Pryor, Sqxsme Orrector lkgion 6; Habibol ah K Tatebl; James W. Sn l - ; H.L " Sammy• Knappenberger, Jr., Grand Till Csdst; Wa-Cha-Gree Forest No 149 (2nd row l·r) Dona d Ki ng ; Robert L Clifford : Robert L Clifford Ill ; James Ert inger; E lis P Updeg raff, Jr , Past SUpreme TIJ6 Cedar. (3rd row k) William Raymond Bosley, SUpreme Deputy TiiH Cedar; A Ralph Hor1beck, SUpreme TaH Cedar; William Slat er II, fl. W. Grand Master; William F. Shultz, Junior Oepury Supr9111e Tall Cedar. o
Freemasons' Hall
Contintmd from page 7. Hall In the 1860s , to designs by Frede ric Pepys Cockerill. Property had been acqu red t o t he west of the existing Hall and Cockerill produced a classical desi gn, incorpo rating Sardly's 1775 Grand Hal · l'kich survived und 1930 wh en seve re s tructural damage result ng from a fire in 1883 led to ItS demolition. Cockerill's Freemasons' Hall was largely demolished to make way for the cu rrent bu ilding but its eastern end survives as part o f the Connaught Rooms.
Central to the present building is the Grand Temple, meeting place for Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter and the annual meetings of a number of the Home Counties Provincial Grand Lodges. Masonic bronze <loots, each weighing one and a quarter tonnes, open on to a Chamber 123 f eet tong, 90 feet wide and 62 feet high capable of seating 1,700. The ceiling cove is of Mosaic worl< and in addition t o figures and symbols from Masonic ritual Includes , in t he oorner, fi gures represent ing t he fou r cardina virtues • Prude nce, Temperance, Fortnude and Ju stice • and t he Arm s of HAH A rthur, Duke of Connaugh t (youngest son of Queen Vic tori a) Grand Master 190 1· 1939, a whose s uggestio n t he Mason c Pea oe memorial was b uiH . <•
Allison Stains crowned Miss Job ' s Daughter
The Thi rty-S xlh Annual Miss J ob's Daugh ter Pagea nt was held on Satu rday, Ap ril 2nd at the Freemasons C u ltura l Center in Elizabethtown, PA. T here we re 16 cand idates compet ng fo r the t itle and the respons i bil ity to represen t th e orga n ization for the next 12 mo nths. A panel of judges cond ucts e xtensive int eNiews , and lhe gir s compl ete a variety o f tests to d e te rmin e wh o is best prepa red to speak in public and l ead the ir peers in promoting Job's Da ughte rs In th e photog rap h , Allison Stains o f C h ambersburg , weari ng the crown, sash a n d red cape o l Miss J ob' s Daughter, and Christi M ille r o f Elizabet htown, M ss Congen iality, sta nd with an hon or g ua rd consisting of nine Di st rict Deputy Grand Maste rs who escorted a ll of th e girl s duri ng th e ceremo nies . M iss St ains i s t he daughter of Bro. John Sta ins, DDGM of D i strict 3, stan d ng at th e far right In the p h otog rap h This pageant raises mon ey fo r a sch o arship fund to ass ist th e academic achievemen t o f me mbe rs o f Pennsyl van i a Job s Daughter Beth els
Franklin D Caltagirone, Oirector
Th e best kept secret of Freemason ry is located at One North Broad Street in Phi ade ph ia . Experience the mysteries of the Masonic Te mp l e with th e magnificent archi· lectu re. Every d eta il was desig ned and is maintained to p res e rve our anc ie nt h e ritage as bu ilders -once o f g rand structures- now of high ch aract er.
ART
Walk th rou gh the splen did corri dors and majestic Lodge Halls and be awed by their gra ndeur An i mpressive collection o f oi l paintings. Statu ary sta i ned g lass, m urals and exq uis te f urnish ings enhance t he ri ch ness of the inte rior
HISTORY
Many o f th e items fo u nd in the museum a re as much a pert of Am erican H istory as th ey are Masonic H istory Notabl e pieces in the collecti on incl ude the 'apron' o f B rother & Genera George Wash ngton. Th e sash o f B roth er Benjami n Fra n kl in , wh o seNed as Grand Ma ster o f Pennsylvan a, and the portrait of Brother & General Andrew Jac:kson.
LODGE ROOMS
In t he fina a n a lysi s, !heirs s a d g n ity of ch a ract e r 1 cou d onl y h ope to possess; t h e i rs i s a Maso nic ega cy I a m b lessed to kn ow and be ak n to I am h o n o red • so mote i t be •:·
- K evin G Young
St. J ohn's l odge No. 260, F & A M Cart isl e, Pe nnsylvan a
Ed Not e: Reflect o n s! Will bee regularleaturs of the Pennsylvania Freemason IIyou would like to reflect on how Freemasonry has affectedyour life and family; or if you would like to reflect on a Bmther of the Cmfl, please write to: editor, The Peonsy/ vania Freemason, 54 15 Fifth A ve., Suite 1028. PJl/sburgh, PA 15232-2256.
T he seven e ega nt halls in the Masonic Templ e a re , Egyptian, Renaissance , Orie ntal , Corinthi an, Ion ic, Norman a nd Gothic The G ran d entrance gate to the templ e is formed by wide portal s from North Broad Street open· ing into a Norma n porch The i mposi ng doo rs of th e G ra nd entrance gate a re e a c h seven· teen feet high , sev en feet wid e and s ix inch es thick The doors a re o rnam e nted w th beauti· ful No rman decorations in k eeping with the po rch.
T h i s s why we m ust con ti nue to support the Gold Book a n d Philanth rop ic Societ es by be ng ve ry g enerous. Donati o n s !ro m both individ uals and lodges a re wel come You can donat e ye a rly, mo nth ly o r weekl y Please call me if you have any questio ns a t 610 777-7549 o r e -mail me a t f rankdcal @cs.com •!•
A Woman's Touch
by Deb Phillips
"Summer ahernoon - summer ahemoon/ toms those have s/wsys been lht> two most bsaut i/u/ words in the Engl ish language. "
-Henry James
Ah ! Lazy summer afternoons and evenings spen t climbing trees , splash ng in the nearby creek, riding my b ke for mi les blowing soap bubbles, catching firell ies or g iding through the air on the porch swing that was the way to spend a summer
Now, I can't wait to get from my air-conditioned office to my air-<:ondltion ed c:ar to my a r-conditioned house And I don t think I m alone Besides be ng older and having more responsibilities, what has changed?
More i mportantly, how can I get some of that youthful ' carelree·ness" back?
Sometimes the same phenomena s true of our involvement i n our Mason ic family organ i zations We begin th e -youth" of our membership enthusi astic, wanti ng to learn and e xplore the all there i s to see and do n the "world ' of this new o rgan za· tion. And then, as time goes by, we grow more "mature' in our membe r· ship, forgetting or los ng that original enthusiasm. How do we get that e n thusiasm back?
I m sure the leade rs of many
organi
zations ask themselves that same question quite often , unfortunate ly Bot lhe true answer lies i n each member because each perso n has a d ifferen t reason as to why they joi ned
Start you r journey to a more enthusiastic membership by attending meetings, gett ng involved on commit· tees, invite a f riend (or two) t o join your organization and share the r -youlh fu r membership enthusiasm! It all begins with YOU, as you "Share the light" with o thers
And maybe spend an eve n ing catch i ng f reflies!
After an evening of catch ng firellies, coo down with a refreshi ng Watermelon CoolerW at ermelon C ooler 1 112 cups cubsd, seeded watermelon Juice of one lime
1 teaspoon gl'llnulated suger Mint sprigs (lorgamish )
Place waterme on, me juice and sugar i n a b le nder and process at h gh speed until smoolh. F ll a 12-ounce g l ass with ice cubes; pour waterme on mixture over the ice and garn sh wilh m int. Makes 1 seNi ng. •:•
• H s daily job 1S i n seN ce to his Community as a Frref ghter for the C i ty of W lliamsport
• He now seNes Freemasonry as Worshipful Master of Ivy odge No. 397 in Williamsport.
• He and h is wife Sara are the proud parents of their 6 year old son Warren
Ed Note : Bro Aungst was inadvertently omitted from Oistrict !8/isting of lodges and Worshipful Masters in the last issue of the Pennsylvania Freemason We apologize to Ivy lodge No 397 and to Bro Aungst.
Coming Soon: Masonic Village at Dallas!
On
behalf of the Grand lodge of Pennsylvania and the I rem Shnne R.W G M Wolham Slater II and Potentate Wolloam A Patton annoonce a JOint venture- Masonoc Village at Dallas trem teadershop has been onterested in developong an active golf course communoty to benefit their current and future members At the same ume the Masonic Voltages recognoze that the Irem area is an underserved part of our Commonwealth as otos more than two hours Jrom a Masonic retirement community By working together as Brethren , we hope to accomplish both goats at this time.
on March 9, 2005, members of the lrem Shrine in Dal· tas. Pa ., unanimously voted to approve pre-marketing of 97 apartment and couage homes by lhe Masonic Vill ages These newest proposed relirementliving accommodations will Include various floor plans to be constructed on the grounds of the beautolul Irem Country Club in Dallas.
Residents of our newest community would have an oppor· tunoty to love on one of the premoer golf retirement communotoes in the country They would enjoy the same peace of mond and securoty on knowtng qualoty heahhcare services would be able , should they ever need them, through preferred access to regoonal skolted and assosted IMng proVIders_ along wtth access to any of our Masonoc VIllage healthcare facdotoes on Elizabeth· town. Lafayeue Hill. Sewickley and Warminster.
You are encouraged to complete a pnority onterest aPJl!oca · loon for an accommodatoon of your choice as soon as possobte due to the limoted number of units being planned for construe· lion. Following approva l of the community by au thorities , a $1,000 deposit will be requi red and, a t your name wil be prioritized in the order in which we rece oved your priority inte rest application.
If you want to enJOY a dynamic lifestyle, peace of mond and security, high atop the endless mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania Masonic Village at Dallas is for you! To add your name to the pnonty onterestlist or learn more aboutlhos oroce· in-a-lofetome opportunoty please call the Marketing offoce at 1-866-85 1-4243 or complete and mail the coupon below
H o me
SPECIAL MAsONIC GIFT ITEMS
Recommended Reading from the Gift Shop
Cathy
Ev
Introduclng the new 100% leather Buxton Masonic BIIHokl Wallet. This beautifully crafted black wallet is embossed with the square and compasses togo emblem prominently dosplayed on the front side. Manufactured woth the quality of all BUJ<lOn products, this billfold features a fully loned currency section, six credit card pockets, eight-place window book, and a removable two-sided pass case. Reasonably priced at 524.95, it will be a highly de sir· able accessory for any Mason and is exclusively available through the Masonic Library and Museums of the Grand Lodge of Penn sylvani a s Gift Shop Order th s and all gift shop items through our webs te at www.pagrandlodge.org/glltshop or by calling toll free &11·800·336·7317.
Purc h ase yo ur Offic ial
Share the Light Golf Shirt Now
"'T"he new Masonic Share the Ught Golf shirt is still I available in 2005 exdusivety through the GHI Shop of the Masonic Library and Museum 01 Pennsylvania.
Let your Masonic ligh t shine when you wear this handsomely embroidered goll shirt with navy accents. Available in sizes M, L, XL. and 2XL fo r $ 34.95 . (S. 3X L end 4XL may be special ordered) These 100% cotton polo shirts feature the colorful
togo of R.W Grand Master William Stater It's Share the Light program. Don't let this opportunity pass you byOrder yours today !
ery Freemason should try to build his own personal Mason ic li brary The Gift Shop offers a vanet y of Masonic -related books, one be ing Freemasonry in American History by Allen E Roberts Mr Roberts was a distinguished and pro!Hic Masonic author whose love lor the Fratemoty os obvious in his writings
Freemasonry in American History Is a one-volume book that weaves !he story of American Freemasonry into the his· tory of the United States It begins with a chapter on 18th century Masonry in England and some theories on its early beginnings. From there Mr Roberts examines early colonial Freemasonry and proceeds to take the reader on a h storic march through the American Revolution, the Anti·Masonlc period, the westward expansion of thi s country, the Civil War and the ups and downs of the 20th Century ending In the ea rl y 1980 s, as he introduces to the reader (to Masons and non-Masons) those who were an important part of our history. Allen E Roberts has written a book that Is both readable and a valuable resource to any Freemason who is interested in h story. v
The library has many books on the subject of Knights I Templar from The Knights Temptar (C.G. Addison), Dungeon Fire and Sword (John J. Robinson) to the popular The Da Vtnci Code (Dan Brown). A book entitled The Knights Temptar Chronology by George Sman has recently been pub· llshed which will help readers understand Temptar History Mr smart has written a helpful resource in the form of a · timellne olt hree centuries olthe rise and Chronology fall o f the Knig hts Temptar. He has includ· ed maps of th e areas In Europe and the ..,.._,.- Midd le East where importa nt Templar events occurred Each chapte r has a syn· opsis of the year's events starting with "Prelude to war" when Europe emerged from the Dark Ages and prepared for the Crusades. and concluding with chapter .,:::.,_,..... five "Down fal l," the Knights Temptars lall i rom grace and eventual demise. It is very informative to see what is takong place In the same year in d fferent parts of the world
The history of the Knights Templer wi ll continue to intrigue and fascinate, and The Knights Temptar Chronology woll help with our understanding of events that took place centunes ago This book and others are available In the circulating li brary. Request, read, enjoy! v
Giaimo, Assistant Librafion
Hi stori c
Pr e ser v a t i o n
We have a tendency to record the history of our lodges In terms of who was or is a member, when and where we meet, what activities the lodge has been engaged in and other Masonic events that involved the members.
Atlhough thi s informs· lion is of great mportance, we need t o ask oursel ves, "Have we spent any time In recording the detailed history olthe lnan i· mate objects within our lodge rooms?"
Through the years the Grand Lodge has been cognizant of the importance of keeping records of the various lodge rooms within the Temple. The Master's chair in Gothic hall serves as an excellent example of records kept within our archives. Upon enter· ing Gothic Hall you are immediately taken by the grandeur of the room. Your eyes fall upon the beautifully carved seats and sofas reproduced in the English • late perpendicular style." You look at the many portraHs of past R.E Grand Commanders and, as you continue to survey the hall, you cannot but notice the large American mi d·Victorian Gothic carved oak throne chair that sits in the East.
The cathed ral styl e c hair Is a copy ol the one used by the Archbishop of
Canterbury and was made in 1855 fo r the Grand Lodge Room of the New Mason ic Hall located In Philadelphi a (Chestnut Street between 7th and 8th). This Master's chair, along with the other furniture in the Lodge rooms of the New Mason c Hall, was conceived and carved in a Gothic motif according to specifications of the atthitect Samuel Slooe.
Crafted in sensitive detall wHh cricketing, scrollwork, tracery and other Gothic devices, this chair has a tall back with open grillwork and Is punctuated with a row of cusp-and·foil roundels carved between uprlghts suppotting a steep canopy. The chair Is 115 Inches high, 4t t/2 inches wide and 37 inches deep. II is a magnifi· cent piece of furniture and truly unparal · leled In its splendor.
What makes this chair even more unique is that Joseph Bai lly and Charles Buschor carved it. These are the same sculptors who carved the figures Strength, Wisdom, Beauty, Hope and Faith, which adorn the second lloor hall of the Mason c Temple In Philadelphia Th e Grand Lodge has been fortunate over the years to have peop le who took the lime and effort to record , not only the fraternal activities of the Grand lodge, but also the details of inanimate objects which provide such a rich and vivid history of ou r past.
Considering the Importance that people through the years have placed upon detalled records within the Temple, perhaps you might do research to determine how much information your Blue Lodge minutes or atthives contaln regarding the furniture in your lodge room. Is there an accurate record of thei r appear· ance, age, manulactur· er or other detailed description of the pieces? II not, consider putting together a report lor your lodge detail ing the many pieces of Masonic history that adorn your meeting room. This information, entered as a committee report into your minutes or placed with your lodge history/archives will then be recorded lor posterity and some·
one in the fu ture will be very apprecla· l ive of you dedication to the history of your lodge <•
Ken McCarty Oirector. Masonic Ubrary
and Museum
Fir es id e Frate rnity
Con/Jnued ltrJm tO would not be 1n the Fraternity today. Think about where you would be today Hno one was there to assist you and lead you on the path
I have heard a great deal of talk about history and tradrtion being ignored or put on a shell But are you willing to do something about preserving those trad•tions and the history of the Fraternity? Our lore· lathers gave us a great organize· lion, yet all we want to do is talk about What Is wrong w1th it. I ask each of you to take time from your busy life for one hour this month and talk to someone about the Fraternity. I don't care If It's your wife , your neighbor, a brother, or even your dog . Talk about why you joined the Fraternity and what made it special lor you. Renew your Masonic spirit. Recommit yourself to your lodge and the Fraternity Those good men who have gone before us are counUng on us to preserve the Fraternity All I ask you to do is look Inside yourself and make sure you are doing your part Keep the faith and Keep Sharing the Light. See you in Lodge
Keep Shanng tile Llgllt and I'll talk to you next bme o Frstemally, Matty
Ed. Nor.: BlrJ MJg/loff Is II Past Oistnct Deputy GIB/1d Master ol fh/1 15111 Masonic OislhCI and11 Past Master o1FK!oryWfe LodfJ6 No 3-/t, His coi1H1111 FlrttsltM Frsfllmlty W1lf btl apptNiflflg regufatfy In thtl Pennsylvania FltMm8son BlrJ. Migliod Is a ghlduare ollhe 1/S Nal'tll Academy, cfass olt98S. Y011 moy contact him via tho lntomot st.· mkmlga O ptd.net ,
Fteemasons
P ennsyl vania Masoni c Fo und a ti o n for C hildr e n by Ed Miles, DOOM at Large
It is my pleasure to update you on the progress of one of the most exciting programs that has ever been launched by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Brother William Slater II, R. W. Grand Master, has provided every member of this fraternity, their family, friends, and neighbors the opportunity to protect every child in Pennsylvania.
Thirty thousand kids were protected in the first three months of this year alone. Demand is increasing and we are working hard to add ress the issues of this growth
We ask you to nvite others to go to the Grand Lodge websi te and see t he CHIP sec ti on. All CH I P even ts lor the s tate are listed there. We are adding new information to he p you hold successful evenls. The Foundation i s working hard to nsure the q uality of t he program. On Apri l 20, 2005, a meeting was held with our partners, the Crime Prevention Association of Pennsylvania, and a representative of the Pennsylvania State Police , who is Involved in the Amber Al ert system Our approach in this review was to make sure we were producing an effective kit - useful lor the recovery of children while meeting our obligation of cost control.
Du ring this meeting, the kit was reviewed. Improvements were discussed. We received valuable insight from the Pennsylvania State Police The recommendations offered are being reviewed right now for implementation. Please continue to use the current process until we finafize the improvements. The process we use Is very good but we are going to make it BETTER.
On April 29, 2005, Brother Raymond Brown, Executive Director, and I met with the faculty at the College of Communications at Boston Un iversity.
Boston University has an award win· ning Communications program and Is one of the top ranked schoo s In the nation Their PR lab group and adver· Using lab group produce professional work used by major corporations Which is seen everyday on television, heard on radio, and seen on billboards and newsprint.
The Communications Department faculty has offered to review CHI P with us. If they accept us as a project, they will provide the same professional level of PR and advertising for Which major corporations pay large sums of money. The difference being that their talent will be provided to us f or free Work on
our program would begin in t he fall lor the next semes ter. Their expertise covers a broad range of mediu ms. The success o f thi s program, in the for· mat that we have produced in Pennsyl\lania, Is recognized by Grand Lodges outside of our jurisdiction The Grand Lodge of Washington D C and other Grand Lodges are discussing with us about using our system to protect chit· dren in their areas. We talk about how good our program is but our talk cannot compare to the acceptance by others out· side our jurisdiction.
Thank you Brethren for working with us to make this program successful.
The 2005 Annual Grand Committee and Ronald A. Aungst, Sr.
R. W. De puty Grand Ma s t e r cordially invites you to The Annual Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Hershey Lodge
il <"f'hc:).I\::M\)h aru&
Make plans NOW - Lodges will be perm111ed to use lodge funds for bus transportation . For room reservabons call the Hershey Lodge atl -800-HERSHEY. Annual reservatK>n coupon and adclibonaJ inlorma tion will be 1n the September ossue of the Pennsylvama Froomns011
ORDER YOUR SCULPTURE TOD:\Y QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED \t..l " (..l,r,f\ol-r '""' - (Wrt Ctrotn £., 1ft RJ II[ !'A.,'\ r.\ ., \1 l.W. ..,...Jtt :w.w Ortt\.,.,_. )......_.. hai.:nltn.t """''"" !4 '-•kinc .II -.dwNICJn I f"'dd w,..., • .....,.., IS 'E.'f['..'T \t\Y.\"Tli..Y r.-\,1-lL,.,... 0..., Sl-4.5.."" "" .hlff'UIIr .-1 Owt.Y the- W'1 lll a. Ill\ \IC\Irr "-" Jown f".&'llndll '" S!o.1. ,.$14 tl• oh"('f'tnc•nJ hmJicnc.. I-.;""'" tuM rf.r '"I I'm onthl\ f'onliW'I'ItJ.l'iSS7_so. C'Mh. r''"'lflh •hm Nllnl IN FUU. t\T 11 11 .., TIM( J h mv unkr b SJSC!.(\,... rM t.ot ohif'rltll ,.,\J cu Grtlt•,l'UI'( a.....r.n; '"""'•, •tJ rb SH.SOt S...JH •rA {Sll i\l) ''" Scillle OCn-d•c CNd (Ol«k
Thomas W. Jackson, R WPGS Chairman
A Meeting of the Minds
II is a meeting of the minds when the Academy of Masonic Knowledge galhers for its semi-annual meel· ings, and nol all are like-minded, but you can be sure on one th ing ·· th e minds are challeng ed ! At lh e
meellng on March 191h al the Freemasons Cullural Cenler in the Masonic Village al Elizabethtown. nearly 150 members of the Academy heard two excellent papers on the state of the Crall.
In the moming. Bro Will iam J. Moliere, Past Grand Masler and Past Grand Secreta!}' of the International Supreme Council of the Order of OeMolay, as well as
Deputy for the Supreme Council ol the Scottish Rite Southam Jurisdiction. tor the State of Louisiana, spoke on Freemason!}' In Louisiana He Informed the audience about the diverse his· tO I}' of Freemason!}'
Th80I]I ofMasonic HistOty. He suggesl· ed that there are plenly of books avail· able about Freemason!}'. but that some are just a collection of ridiculous unproven theories. without any founda· lion or scholarly basis Responding to a question about the customs end laws of the Grand Lodge of California. and how they diHer from Pennsylvania, he stated, (somewhat tongue-In-cheek) that there is •nothing in our law that prohibil s a one-day-class •• as long as a man can retum his obligation in open Lodge between the degrees • The
Education Credhs by reviewing approved Masonic books. presenting Masonic edu· cational papers and writing articles for publication. AI present there are 15 Master Masonic Scholars who have
queslion and answer Bro. Ronald A. Aungst. Sr.. presented a level 1 Masonic Scholar session followed c:ertifocate to Bro Paul D Balzer, Eureka Lodge No 302.
each presentalion, Mechanicsburg. with the usualthoughlfuf queries and Insightfu l comments from lhe speakers and the panel.
II was repo rted lh al over 350 Pennsylvania Masons had auended a l leasl one meeting of the Academy, over 200 had signed up to participat e in the Masonic Scholar Program and that over 25% are actively pursing certification by having already submitted at least one paper. Since the Academy began. there heve been 38 articles for publication and over 80 Lodge presentations and talks
compleled all three levels o f reading and research required for that desig nalion. Details can be found at www.pagrand · odge.org/prog rams/academy
The next meeting o f the Academy of Masonic Knowledge will be at the Freemasons Cultural Center on October 8, 2005. Any Master Mason may attend Registration Is necessal}'. but there is no cost for the program or the luncheon To register oontacl Bro. Jim Standish al stndshOc:omcast net or at 1 Pierce Court, Glen Mdls, PA 19342·1787. Be sure to provide your name, address. Lodge number. telephone number, and e-mail address <>
rli.: 'Pe ltlt$yl\•allia
MAGAZINE
In Louisiana. where some ol the earty Lodges were char· lered by the Grand Bros. William J. M<lllere and Thomas W Jackson Lodge ol Pennsylvania Even today, the given as a result of the Academy's worl< ritual varies from Lodge to Lodge across Bro Ronald A Aungst, Sr. , R. W. the slate. Oepuly Grand Master. presented certifi· In lhe afternoon session, Brother and cates to those who had achieved the Doctor John L Cooper 111. Right Worshipful Level One Masonic Scholar status. To be Grand Secreta!}' of the Grand Lodge of recognized as a Level 1. 2 or 3 Masonic Californ ia, spoke on Tile Garbage Can Scholar. a man musl acquire Masonic
2005 Pu blicatio n Dat es :
A u g ust 1 Novem ber 1
Dead 1ne lor submiSSIOO ol articles features. and poctures for publicallon must be receoved by the Editor frve weeks 1n advance ol the publlca!IOn elate Deadline lor the next issue 1s:
June 27 , 2005
Around The STATE Of The Craft
Bro.
Mic hael Shawn Hardy received all three degrees by special dispensation lrom the AWGM Bro. William Slater II on Janual)' 15, 2005. Brother Hardy was leaving lor his tour of duly with the US Army In Iraq the following week. (l·r) Bro. Kevin J Leondl. P M., Who conferred the EA Masons degree. Bro . Michael Shawn Hardy, Bro Mark A Burrowbridge, W.M. Who conferred the Master Masons Degree, Bro Shawn A. Fuller, P.M. , who conferred the Fellowaa« Masons degree Back row: Bro. Elwood E. Davidson, P.M , S W., Bro. Peter A Treinb e, P.M., Guide and Bro. David M Troutman , J W •:•
P o tp o urri
Washi ngt on Lo dge No 164 and B lu o Kn igh t s Chapt er XVI are jointly sponsoring the annual motorcycl e B ue Ride f o r Charity on Sunday, July 31 . Cost is $15 (single) $25 (double) . Make checks payable to 81/18 Ride Fund, PO Sox 422. E/gllty Four. PA 15330. For more information , contact Bro Dav i d Ri c hards , PM by e-mail wddr@bentcom net or by phone at 724·748-8474. Rooms are available at the Holiday Inn, Meadowlands , PA - call 724·222-6200 or by e-mail at hollday-lnn comtwashpe -ask for the Blue Knig/1/s Blue Ride special rate Lodges of Masonic District D, Char es T Graham , DOOM , are hosting the members of OeMolay Chapters, Rainbow lor Girls, Job s Daughlers as well as the Youth from the Masonic Village al Elizabethtown, wtth ccmplimenlal)' tickets to the 14th Annua l E Pennsylvan i a Ma son ic Famil y Picnic at Dorney Par1</Wildwater Kingdom on Saturday, June 11 See page 18to order tickets for you and your family. Dist rict 57 Youth Chairman , Bro Clyde W Zl mmenna n, J r.'s niece Natali e Blake, a ninth-grade visualar!S major at Pittsburgh s High School for the Creative and Perlormng Arts has completed her term as worthy advisor lor the International Order olthe Rainbow lor Girls. She will receive her Silver Award in Soouting and she helps out at "Brentwood cares" meetings and Is a member of the National Honor Sociely and Who s Who In Poet!)' She recently attended the inauguration of President Bush and sat In the VIP section thanks to a pass given to her by U.S Congressman llm Murphy and dOnated by councilman Ed Haney of Brentwood Bro George M Barclay of York Lodge No 266 writes, " In read ng this i ssue (February 2005) I was struck by the article and photo on page 13 In November 1917, my late Father, Captain Millon A. Barclay received his three degrees In one evening In Marion Lodge under specia l dispensation from the Grand Master. He was under overseas shipping orders for France where he served with the Third Division <•
Plan to JOin us agam on lhe beaubful Masonoc Temple
One North Broad Street "' Pholadelphla for the second nme, lor aD 10 enjoy a gala black lle donner and holiday celebration that wlll support children >n cornmun>t>es across Pennsytvania.
Patrons wolt ell!O)' a reoepbon entertamment by many local talented personabbes
An educational tour of the Masomc Temple Will amaze and enlighten the guests and giVe them a glimpse >nto tho World of Mason!)'.
The overwhelming 1nterest and success ol CHIP has created a unique opportu01ty for Freemasons to oxpand the program throughOUt the Commonwealth Proceeds from the Gala black-be even1ng w1ll go dlfect· ly to the Masonic Foundabon for Children to further the CHIP program.
Sponsored by the Pennsylvania M asonic Foundation for Chlldron
Prescription for Health Care Se r vices
People do not usually anticipate becoming ill or needing nursing services. M any limes , life is going along jus l fine, and then suddenly, !here is a health crisis For most, lhat can mean a trip to the and a need tor nursing services. The big question becomes, "What do we do now?·
Residents of Masonic Village at Efizabelhtown do not face those worries. When lhey move on campus, they know that whatever heallh issues may arise , we are able to assist them.
A good example is of a woman living in the Residential Uving area enjoying her time at craft classes and day trips. One day, she wakes up wilh a tightness in her chest. Concerned, she pulls the emergency cord convenienUy located on her floor. This alerts the emergency response leam, which is dispatched to her An ambulance is called, and she is admitted to lhe local hospital, where is determined she suffered a heart attack. When ready lor discharge, she is t ransported to the Masonic Heallh Care Center for a rehabilitation stay. After complellon of her rehab stay, she transitions back to her resi· dential suite.
That sounds so easy, doesn tit? However, for the person living alone in a house or apartment, this scenario can be a nightmare. Many t imes. muc h t me i s lost in getting the ambu· l ance to the home and lhen l ransporting to lhe hospilal. Near· lng t he end of the hospital s tay. a social worker t ries to assi st lhe patient in locating a nu rsing hom e for rehabili tation That socia l worker will find the f irst open room and arrange transport for the rehabilitation stay. While at rehab. the pat en t is often not able to go directly back home because he or she needs some support services to finish the path to complete wellness Then In -home care or family assistance must be arranged.
If you find yourself in the hospital in need ol rehabilitation , Masonic Village can be the place to come to get back on lhe road IO well ness. A full range of subacute care is available. w1th an interdisciplinary team establishing a treatment process for each patient. Care management will follow the patient from hospitalization to discharge. Most of all, you are cared about as a person as well as a patient.
We also offer nursing services on a long·term basis. If someone has progressed to the point in lffe where these ser· vices are needed. our nursing neighborhoods are ideal. Staffed with canng doctors, nurses and aides, we can make Jije com· fortable and worry free.
Masonic Village at Efizabelhtown offers a full range of ser· vices Opting to move into one of our active areas, such as lhe Residential Living area, can alleviate worries about future care needs. When you need care, we are there for you
A completed application is a good first step to take. The information we receive allows us to offer options If you or someone you care about is interested in Residential Living or Assis ted Living or may need nursing care, call 1·800-42:2:·12:07 to obtain an appl cation or to ask questions. There is no fee to apply, and applications can be mailed, e·mailed, faxed or picked up. Call today and leam more about how we can make your life easier.
Building on Faith & a Vision
Ma s onic Village at Sewickley
When prospective resi· dents vislled Masonic Village back in 200t, all they could see was a lot of mud, a couple of fields and some trees •u was diffocull to visualize back then. since all we could look a1 were a few drawings." said Ed Beaman, who, along with his wife , Catherine, reside at Masonic Vollage. "Since I have been involved In construction proj· ects. I may have had an advantage."
What a diHerence a few years can make! Now Masonic VIllage stands as one of the premier retirement in Western Pennsylvania. Nearing full the community has baen nationally recognized for its architectural design and construction technique.
When the Seamans help lead tours at lhe village s monthly open houses, thoy like to share that coming to Masonic Village was originally a gift to their children. "We p an to live long, happy and healthy lives a t M asonic Village, but if something does happen to our health down the road, ou r children are never going to be burdened w ith searching for quality care- it s all here!" Catherine said. ·we view It as t ak ing responsibility for our lives." The Seamans know about q uality ca re since Cathe· nne s mother, Agnes Combs, spen t her final yea rs livi ng a t t he commun i ty s nursing facility, Va lley Care Mason ic Center Now, as Jhe beautifully landscaped campus greets new prospects dally, the ability to envision the future is no l onger necessary. The future Is here. and those early pionee rs who visited the construction trailer coukf not be more pleased -we knew that we had to plan for our futures, and we had in lhe Masonic Villages organization." Ed added. "The fact that this is a lifecare community is just icing on the cake."
You owe It to yourseH to visit Masonic Village at Sewickley and tour lhe campus. Call the Marketing team today at 1·866872-0664 or complete and mail the coupon below.
Tell me more abou t Reti remen t Living at Ma so n ic Village at Sewick ley! , City _ _ State __
Send me :1 Masonic Village at Se wic kley Brochu re
Call me tO a r r:.tni:C a pe rso na l to ur. Please co mplete cou po n nnd re turn to : Mark e tin g Offi ce, L _ .J
