Temple Times - Summer 2020

Temple

Summer 2020

TIMES

A Message from Michael D. McKee, Executive Director

Masonic Charities One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Most people see the beautiful displays that illustrate the Masonic Temple’s unique history and character, and the priceless artifacts and books in our archives. Together, these items tell a story of the United States’ development from Philadelphia’s perspective. Freemasons were a part of this journey, which continues today.

What people do not see is equally amazing. The archivist in the archives identifies the items that need to be saved so they are not lost forever. The librarian cares for our precious books that contain thousands of pages waiting for a curious person to read their special stories. The museum associates conduct research to identify

some of our mysterious objects’ true origins. The tour guides serve as researchers when they are not giving tours, thereby committing themselves to constant improvement. The employees - affectionately known as the “Blue Shirts” clean and repair the building as a matter of pride, not just a simple task. They regulate the building temperature and humidity level, as it must be in an acceptable range to preserve our artwork, and are proactive and ready in case of a mechanical emergency.

The Executive Administrative Assistant keeps everything on schedule. The Internal Event Coordinator serves the lodges with care and diligence. The Venue Sales & Events team of ONE North Broad dedicate themselves to sharing the Masonic Temple with as many guests, visitors and prospective clients as they can. By working closely with every client to create a vision and produce extraordinary social, corporate and Masonic special events, they provide a positive impression of our building and Freemasonry.

Our team is a family where everyone works together to make the Masonic Temple experience seamless. We collectively understand that we are the caretakers of this beautiful place of intellect and art, and we are fortunate to have donor support from those who have chosen this Masonic Temple as their legacy.

When we reopen, come visit the Masonic Library and Museum and feel our passion. Take a virtual tour on our website (https://pamasonictemple. org/temple/) or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see our activities. To all who support us, the Masonic Library and Museum Family thanks you.

in New Orleans and spread up the Mississippi River through the summer, finally ending in October with the cooler weather.

Between 13,000 - 20,000 lives were lost and local economies ruined.

From the Collection: Examples of Pennsylvania Masonic Charity During an Epidemic Just as the COVID-19 virus was starting to gain attention across the globe, the librarian discovered a folder of Grand Lodge documents containing receipts and letters from many Pennsylvania lodges donating what the lodges could afford to the victims of the 1878 Yellow Fever epidemic. There had been earlier Yellow Fever epidemics most notably in Philadelphia in 1793 - but this was by far the worst. It began in the spring

The Grand Lodge sent out a circular after the September Quarterly Communication to the lodges requesting donations.

This small folder contains examples of the generosity shown by the Pennsylvania brethren to their fellow Freemasons, their families and many others adversely affected by this outbreak. In addition to the lodge correspondence, there is a five-page booklet of lodge names and amounts donated thus proving that one can count on the Masonic brotherhood in time of need.

Charitable Gift Annuities Avoid the Uncertainty of the Investment Market As we all adjust to changing times here at the Temple, we continue to focus on projects to protect and preserve the numerous treasures our collections hold.

Thank you for your support; know that our special relationship with you is important to us.

Market gains and losses have been big news, and it is becoming difficult to predict the outcome of the volatility of the investment market. Please know that fluctuation is not a threat to the security of your Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) payments from the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum, which is why CGAs are such an excellent way to support charities. A CGA is an agreement between a donor and their charity of choice whereby the donor transfers cash or property to the charity in exchange for a partial tax deduction and a lifetime stream of annual income from the charity.

Because of people like you, we are able to imagine a bright future. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. You are at the very heart of our success! If you would like to talk with a gift planner about setting up a CGA, please reach out to the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454 or email giving@masonicvillages.org.

Learn More or Donate To learn more about opportunities to support the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum, please call the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454 or email giving@pamasonictemple.org.

Find us on Facebook at @masonictemplephiladelphia