Temple Times - Winter 2024

Temple

Winter 2024

TIMES

A Message from Michael D. McKee, Executive Director

Masonic Charities One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022

The weather is getting colder in Philadelphia, and the Masonic Temple is preparing to welcome visitors from around the world to our beautiful building during the holidays.

also looking to rotate our displays to educate the public about Pennsylvania Freemasonry.

We are working with the city to install the last two light poles to finish the lighting project. The building is now illuminated at night, with the exception of the iconic tower.

Because of your generosity, we have been able to preserve countless books and records that otherwise would have been lost forever.

We are excited to partner with the Philadelphia French Alliance and are planning to celebrate Marquis de Lafayette’s return to America. In the new year, we’re

Please visit us at the Masonic Temple, and see the magnificent works made possible by you. Thank you for all your support.

Norman Hall Renovations

New Tour Guide: William Drewes

We recently completed renovations to the outside of Norman Hall. The pointing (space between the bricks in the wall) was wearing, letting moisture inside, above the window.

Maintenance crews re-plastered the area.

Molds were made, and the pointing around the outside window was repaired.

William Drewes is one of our newest skilled tour guides. He also works as a maintenance associate. Prior to coming to the Temple, William was a docent at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia.

“I’ve always loved history,” he said.

“I like telling people about history and getting them interested in it.”

William earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Temple University. In his free time, he enjoys playing bass and collecting 80s toys and technology.

Seeking Speakers and Volunteers

Monthly guest speakers present free programs open to the public. The programs are live-streamed as well.

If you have an idea for our speaker series program, please contact Mike Comfort at 215-988-1977.

We are also seeking volunteers to help preserve and organize historical records and artifacts. If interested, please contact head archivist Mike Laskowski at mlaskowski@ PAGrandLodge.org.

Support the Masonic Library & Museum Today!

Estate Planning/ Bequests Start planning your legacy today.

Charitable Gift Annuity New higher rates!

Clothing Drive for Those in Need We are hosting a clothing drive for our neighbor, Arch Street United Methodist Church. We need warm winter clothing, men’s jackets, coats, sweatpants, sweatshirts, T-shirts, shoes, sneakers and jeans. No used socks, underwear or suits, please.

Women’s clothing is welcome, although there is less of a need for it. Donations can be dropped off through Dec. 31 at the Masonic Temple.

Anyone who makes a donation will receive a free guided tour.

Qualified Charitable Distribution

Cornerstone Circle Give monthly and make a difference!

Obtain the tax benefit.

For planned giving opportunities or questions, contact the Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development at: 1-800-599-6454 • giving@masoniccharitiespa.org • MasonicCharitiesPA.org