YOUTH FOUNDATION
LIBRARY & MUSEUM MASONIC TEMPLE
YOUTH GROUPS
The Masonic Library and Museum showcases the past, present and future of Pennsylvania Freemasonry within the majestic Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. The National Historic Landmark is a stunning world-renowned architectural wonder, which enlightens 14,000+ visitors from around the world each year. Home of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and several local lodges, the ornate structure features seven magnificent lodge rooms, based on themes of the ancient architectural world, and sweeping grand staircases.
DeMolay is dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy and productive lives. Through fun, hands-on activities, young men ages 12 to 21 develop civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills while building important bonds of friendship. Job’s Daughters unites girls and trains leaders. It enables young ladies ages 10 to 20 to learn leadership, responsibility and organizational skills while forming lifelong friendships.
Pennsylvania Masons have kept the Masonic Temple and its mechanical apparatus in excellent condition, overcoming disturbances associated with the connection of the Pennsylvania and Reading Railroads underneath its foundation and demolition and construction projects on adjacent properties. Pennsylvania Masons have also preserved the artistic and symbolic significance of the building and ensured it is still used for the Masonic purposes for which it was intended.
Rainbow for Girls builds character in young women ages 11 to 20 who want to learn leadership and communication skills with a focus on faith, benevolence, hope, charity and service to others through fun, fulfilling and fraternal activities. It also offers a “Pledge” Group for younger girls.
EDUCATION INSTITUTE In addition to providing professional development and education workshops and seminars for educators, human service professionals and school administrators throughout the Commonwealth, in 2020, the institute introduced a new aspect to this incredibly valuable program, the Parent Forum. This program focuses on creating an environment where parents can hear from experts, connect with other parents and find support. The conversations place attention on practical strategies that parents can use to help their children continue to grow and thrive.
SCHOLARSHIPS The foundation offers need and merit-based scholarship, grant and loan opportunities for Masons, their siblings, children, grandchildren and members of the Masonic-related youth groups.
LIFESKILLS & LIFECHANGERS CONFERENCES LifeSkills is an active, creative, experientially-based week of learning and relationship building with other young people, ages 12 to 16, and a talented staff of professionals and volunteers. Through a variety of handson sessions, participants practice principles of respect, responsibility, positive relationships, valuing others and challenging themselves. During the LifeChangers conference, participants ages 17 to 21 explore how to creatively build community by developing group leadership skills, interpersonal communication and listening skills. Attendees build an action plan for using the principles they’ve learned to impact their home, schools, work places and communities.
INSPIRING ADULT LEADERSHIP The foundation recognizes adult leaders not only to acknowledge significant contributions, but to encourage and inspire Pennsylvania Masons and their loved ones to engage with youth. Programs include the national Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award; a specially designed lapel pin for any Freemason who earned the Eagle Scout Award as a youth; and the HODEGOS Award, which recognizes outstanding adult leaders of the Masonic youth programs.
Not just a man. A Mason.
Do Good Unto All
For hundreds of years, Pennsylvania Freemasons have generously supplied time and treasure to improve their communities and the lives of their neighbors. www.pagrandlodge.org
The cost of maintaining and preserving the Masonic Temple continues to escalate. In 2021, it is expected to cost more than $3,000,000. Special events through the brand, ONE, not only introduce more people to Freemasonry, but help fund this mission.
MUSEUM
YOUR MASONIC CHARITIES
Do Good Unto All
Through the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania’s system of blue lodges and charitable affiliates, Pennsylvania Masons assist each other, their families and their communities.
The Museum’s collection comprises 30,000 unique and priceless works of art and fine artifacts of American and Masonic significance.
LIBRARY The Library holds 75,000 volumes, with works dating from 1489 to the present, including rare archival manuscripts and collections on Freemasonry, history, philosophy, religion, architecture and more. A resource for members and academics alike, the Library’s research and lending services advance knowledge and understanding of the fraternity, its meanings and its place in history.
MONUMENT PRESERVATION Pennsylvania Masons support the restoration and preservation of significant Masonic monuments, including the National Memorial Arch and George Washington at Prayer Statue in Valley Forge; the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial in Gettysburg; and the Benjamin Franklin, Craftsman statue in Philadelphia.
MASONIC EDUCATION Various forms of education enable members to seek answers along their personal journey to becoming a better man. Opportunities for enrichment include the Online Education and Mentoring Program, Schools of Instruction, the Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge, Pennsylvania Lodge of Research and annual leadership seminars.