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.