Blue Slipper Stories
Widows’ Guild Newsletter ̵ Fall 2022
The PA Widows Sons was founded in 2001 in Philadelphia. Currently, there are 16 recognized chapters throughout the state with 400 to 500 members. There are between 600 and 700 chapters around the world, but Pennsylvania was one of the first states to have a charter and be recognized by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania as an approved Masonic Club. All Pennsylvania Master Masons in good standing who are motorcycle riders are welcome to petition a local chapter.
WIDOWS SONS Provide Support
When it comes to helping Masonic widows or orphans in their time of need, there’s not much Ray “Zeke” Zekir, president of the Pennsylvania (PA) Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, and his fellow riders won’t do. Whether it’s cleaning out a widow’s home in preparation for a move, replacing a furnace or cutting the grass, they are there to help. The goals of the Widows Sons are to aid and assist Masonic widows and orphans and to introduce Freemasonry to the world of motorcycling. The group also supports various individual charities in the community through motorcycle events, rides and raffles. “We want the community to know we offer a lot of services,” Ray said. “One of my initiatives with the Grand Master [Jeffrey Wonderling] was to get us recognized and more involved with Masonic outreach and the Masonic Widows’ Guild.
“ If they [widows] are alone or have a need, and there’s something we can do to help them, we will do it.”
The Widow Sons host three major motorcycling events each year, one of which, the Grand Master’s Charity Ride, is their largest fundraiser. Each year, the ride is held in the town where the Grand Master resides. This past summer, it was held in Bedford, Pa., home to Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling. About $4,500 was raised for Masonic charities, including the Widows’ Guild. Other events are planned in the future to raise money for the Widows’ Guild. The Widows Sons also hold spring and fall rallies, and all rallies are open to the public. There are regional gatherings across the country. All the money donated from the rides goes to charity. A typical ride is between 75 to 100 miles and can last up to three hours, Ray said. “It’s just a love of motorcycling,” he said. “The way we can tie it into charity and fundraising and benefit people in need is the main reason we’re in existence.
“ We have a love of motorcycles and Masonry that we combine. It’s a very good thing.” Ray hopes widows in the community will become aware of the resources available to them, free of charge. A member of Plum Creek Lodge No. 799, Ray has been a Mason since 1995. He sees his work with the widows as something he “automatically does,” without even thinking about it. Continued on next page