Temple
Winter 2021
TIMES
Masonic Charities One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022
A Message from Michael D. McKee, Executive Director
The inspiration to write this message came from one of the articles in our library – “Masonic Ideals” by Brother W. Earnest Stockley, in the Masonic Herald, Volume 27-28 (1921-1922). The message reads, in part, “As a ‘progressive science,’ Masonry holds before the vision of its votaries building – a Temple strong and beautiful – and by symbol and allegory, seeks to aid those coming into its ranks to build character, constructed of living stones, which eventually shall serve the double purpose of honoring God and blessing Humanity.” Written almost a century ago in relation to the end of the Spanish flu, this message remains true and relevant today. Our Temple requires constant care to maintain its beauty. Similarly, Freemasons, and all good people, treat their body as their temple and continuously strive
to be better. Their goodness shines like a light in times of darkness, as was illustrated by all the good people who came together to care for those less fortunate in 2020. Sometimes, it was a donor or a caregiver, and sometimes, it was a compassionate ear for someone mourning a loss. History must be preserved to tell the story of our times, so future generations may learn from it. The world experienced a pandemic that came to its close in 1920; here we are again, in 2021, hoping to end a pandemic. History showed us, and we are living proof, that hope lives and humanity will survive.
The Masonic Library and Museum preserves that history and continues to be an outward symbol of our inner values. Our books excite the mind through stories. Our art allows our eyes to drink in the past and perhaps understand that we are the links in a beautiful chain of the past, present and future. Because of your thoughtful support, this knowledge will be here for future generations. There is hope for a brighter future in 2021. We are working on some exciting projects and will provide details in the February issue of the Pennsylvania Freemason magazine. You’ll discover how we plan to use illumination to attract people to the light of knowledge. I encourage you to look at our YouTube channel, where you can watch our speaker series and features about our building and collection. For more about the speaker series and other online activities, visit www.pamasonictemple.org.
A New Way to Connect with Us: The Masonic Charities Planned Giving Website
Learn more about how our office can help you achieve your financial and charitable goals on our new planned giving website, www.masoniccharitieslegacy.org.
Here are just a few of the highlights you will find:
public intellectual several times during his career, writing books about Native American culture for general audiences and attempting to advance awareness of modern Native American identity among the general American public.
1. Wills Planner – For assistance in preparing all your estate planning documents, including your will, Financial Power of Attorney and Living Will. You can also find an attorney network. 2. Bequest Information – Find specific bequest language on how to include a Masonic charity in your estate plans. 3. IRA Charitable Rollover – Discover the benefits of using a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). If you are over 70 ½ with a traditional IRA, a QCD may be the right way to give and save taxes. 4. Gift Options – Find information on giving through bequests, IRA rollovers, charitable trusts and charitable annuities and life insurance gifts. For more information, please call 1-800-599-6454 or email giving@pamasonictemple.org.
FROM THE COLLECTION
American Indian Freemasonry One of the Masonic Library and Museum’s many rare and beautiful artifacts is Brother Arthur Caswell Parker’s (1881-1955) silver Masonic emblem. He was a member of the Seneca Nation, one of the tribes making up the Iroquois Confederacy in New York state, and a 33° Scottish Rite Mason in the Buffalo, NY, Consistory. This brooch is made in a traditional Seneca style dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Parker is among the most important 20th century Native American scholars and intellectuals. Anthropologists still read and use Parker’s writings on the Seneca and Iroquois cultures. Additionally, he filled the role of
Parker was one of the first museum administrators to view the museum as a tool of cultural education and an early adopter of such familiar museum elements as the diorama. He is credited with originating the idea that museums should educate visitors and not simply be collections of “things” tossed into cabinets. While researching this unusual artifact, our staff found an original, autographed copy of his book, “American Indian Freemasonry” (1919). It is now displayed with the brooch in our museum.
Learn More or Donate To learn more about opportunities to support the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania, call 1-800-599-6454 or email giving@pamasonictemple.org. Find us on Facebook at @masonictemplephiladelphia