Temple TIMES
A Message from Michael D. McKee, Executive Director
Spring is coming, when the beauty of nature unfolds and offers hope. This is a time for reflection and appreciation. This year is the 150th anniversary of the construction of the Masonic Temple, home of the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania. To celebrate, on the first Sunday of March, we opened the Temple exclusively to members and their families for free tours. We will now offer free tours to the public on the first Sunday of April, May and June.
Because of your support, we have been able to complete major projects and maintain our collection for future generations.
We have started restoring several books that have been worn.
We are also in the process of preserving the carved statues that represent our Masonic virtues. These include masterpieces by Joseph A. Bailey and William Rush. The statues represent Beauty, Wisdom, Virtue, Hope, Faith, Silence, Strength and Charity. It is only through your generosity that we have been able to start these projects. Thank you.
Staff Profile: Michael Comfort
Original Temple Designs on Display for 150th Celebration
In 1867, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania approached six prominent Philadelphia architectural firms to participate in a design competition for the new Masonic Temple.
Four of them submitted designs, which became the property of the Grand Lodge and are still in our archives today. Some of the designs were recently put on display to celebrate the Masonic Temple’s 150th anniversary.
The final design of the Masonic Temple came from the mind of 27-year-old architect and Freemason James Windrim. His contest entry was chosen over those of more established architects and architectural firms of the day.
It was revised several times before construction began in 1873. The building would come to be known as “one of the great wonders of the Masonic world.”
Thanks to your support, we have a talented staff here at the Masonic Temple. Did you know that Michael Comfort, director of the Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania, worked in newspaper retail advertising sales for 37 years, traveled to the jungles of Guatemala three times and has been a Civil War and World War I reenactor for decades?
These are just a few facts we learned about Mike, who earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and advertising. He has loved history and collecting throughout his life, which is one reason he enjoys working at the Temple. He also loves to travel and is an avid hiker, backpacker and bird watcher. He has been active in the Boy Scouts for over 52 years and has published seven books about the local history of scouting. In his spare time, Mike enjoys working on his Victorian house/“museum” in Norristown, including his garden and fish pond.
Charitable Gift Annuity
New Higher Payments
Gift annuities can be created to pay you, or you and a loved one, for life. Once you fund a gift annuity, your rate and payment will never change.
Tax benefits include a tax deduction and possible capital gains benefits.
Payments for Two: When you fund a gift annuity for two people, such as you and your spouse, payments will continue at the same rate and amount for as long as you live. Rates are different than a one-life annuity.
Big Impact: You receive fixed payments and tax benefits. After a lifetime of payments to you (and
your spouse), all funds remaining in your gift annuity support your favorite Masonic Charity.
Obtain a sample illustration to learn what your exact rate and tax savings will be: call 1-800-599-6454 or email giving@masoniccharitiespa.org.