The Master Mason and The Masonic Traveller

Lesson 4

The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge

of

Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania

3INTERPRETATIONS OF THE MASTER MASONS DEGREE

You have now been raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. It is indeed a sublime degree, one to which a man might devote his whole life in study without ex-hausting it. Undoubtedly, you realized this yourself as you participated in its mysteries, so that now you may appreciate a hint as to its meaning. Almost any interpretation of it, especially one as brief as this, must necessarily be a hint only for the sake of stimulating a man to reflect upon it for himself and to study it more thoroughly in the future.

In the first and second degrees, you found yourself surrounded by the symbols of emblems of architecture. In the third degree, you found yourself in a different order of symbolism, one cast in the language of the soul, its life, its tragedy and its triumph. To recognize this fact is the first step.

The second step is to recognize that the ritual of the third degree may, by its nature and by its purpose, have many meanings. It is not intended to be a lesson written complete, finished, closed up, but rather to be a pointing out of paths, a new departure and a series of inspirations awakening all the facultieslike a great drama, picture or symphony to which one may return to find new meanings as an inexhaustible fountain of truth.

There are countless interpretations of this degree, some true, some imaginative. Most essentially, it is a drama of the immortality of the soul, setting fourth the truth that, while man withers away and perishes, there is that within him which does not perish.

We say a man is initiated as an Entered Apprentice, passed as a Fellowcraft and raised as a Master Mason. By this, it appears that it is the raising that most Masons have found at the center of this degree. If you already know the significance of Raising, you hold the key and will find your way into all the meanings of the degree.

The life of a man is organized in many groups and experiences; some are incidental, while others of disease, sin, treachery, sorrow and loss of life are more tragic. If we can find the wisdom and the strength to deal with these and if we can triumph over and solve our problems, our characters will be secure and our happiness assured. Evil, in the form of tragedy, is set forth in the drama of the third degree. Here is a good and wise man, a builder, working for others and giving others work of the highest caliber we knowas it is dedicated to God. Through no fault of his, he experiences tragedy from associates and fellows. Here is evilpure and simplea complete picture of human tragedy.

The first step the Craft took in meeting this tragedy was to impose the supreme penalty to those who had the will to destroy; they therefore had to be destroyed lest an-

4other tragedy follow. The greatest enemy man has makes war on the good; no merciful consideration can ever be given.

The second step was to discipline and pardon those who acted not out of an evil will, but out of weakness. Forgiveness is possible if a man condemns the evil he has done, since in spite of his weakness he retains his faith in the good.

The third step was to recover from the wreckage caused by the tragedy and save whatever of value it had left undestroyed. Confusion had come upon the Craft but order was restored. Loyal craftsmen took up the burdens left by traitors. It is in the nature of such tragedy that he would suffer for evil and it is one of the prime duties of life that a man must toil to undo the harm wrought by sin and crime otherwise, in time, the world would be destroyed by the evils that are done in it.

But what of the victim of the tragedy? Here is the most profound and difficult lesson of the drama, difficult to understand, difficult to believe if one has not been truly initiated into the realities of the spiritual life. Because the victim was a good man, his goodness rooted in an unwavering faith in God, that which destroyed him in one sense could not destroy him in another. The spirit in him rose above the reach of evil. By virtue of it, he was raised from a dead level to a living perpendicular. If you could raise yourself in spirit, and have faith and forgiveness in similar circumstances, you would emerge a much happier man than ever before.

The secret of such a power is in the third degree symbolized by the word. If the word is lost, a man must search for it. If a man possesses that word, he has the secret of the Masonic art. To rise to the height of spiritual life is to stand on a level above the reach of such tragedy or the powers of evil. To have the spirit rest in God, to have a sincere and unwavering faith in truth and goodness, is the inner secret of a Master Mason.

THE LEGEND OF HIRAM ABIFF During our ceremony of the third degree, which is so well named the Sublime Degree,

you can hardly fail to have been impressed by the tragedy of Hiram Abiff. To understand and appreciate it to the fullest, its profound richness of meaning is something that will remain with you as long as you live. The tragedy of Hiram Abiff is the climax of the Mas-ter Masons Degree, the essence of Freemasonry and the foundation of its philosophy. To understand its symbolism is to understand Masonry.

Hiram Abiff was a widows son of the Tribe of Napthali. He was from Tyre, a cunning workman who was sent to King Solomon by his friend King Hiram of Tyre. Abiff is not a surname as our use of it might indicate. In the English Bible, it is translated my father

5and his father. Taken literally this is confusing, but Masonic scholars are in general agreement that Abiff is a Hebrew idiom indicating superiority in his craft and therefore, in a general way, synonymous with Master.

The first step in understanding the story of Hiram is to realize that the whole of the degree is symbolic. A few facts borrowed from history are used, but they are symbols of what is happening in the life of every man.

Hiram Abiff is the acted spirit of the human soul, yours and mine, any mans. The work he was engaged to supervise is the symbol of the work you and I have in the su-pervision, organization and direction of our lives from birth to death. The enemies he met are none other than the symbols of those lusts and passions, which in our own hearts, or the hearts of others, make war on our characters and our lives.

His fate is the same fate that befalls every man who becomes a victim of those enemies, to be interrupted in ones work, to be made outcast from the mastership over ones self, and at the end, to be buried under all manner of rubbish, which means defeat, disgrace, misery and scorn. The manner in which he was raised from the dead level to the living perpendicular again is the same manner by which any man, if it happens at all, rises from self-defeat to self-mastery. And the Great Architect, by the power of whose words Hiram Abiff was raised, is the same God in whose arms we ourselves forever lie, and whose mighty help we also need to raise us out of the graves of defeat, or evil, and even death itself. Did you wonder, while taking part in the drama, why you were person-ally made to participate in it? Why you were not permitted to sit as a spectator? You were made to participate in order to impress upon you that it was your drama, not anothers, that was being exemplified. No man can be a mere spectator of that drama because it takes place in his own soul. Likewise, because it was intended that your participation should itself be an experience to prepare you for becoming a Master Mason by teaching you the secret of a Master Mason, which is, that the soul must rise above its own internal enemies if a man is to be a Mason in reality as well as in the name. The reality of being a Master Mason is nothing other than being the Master of ones self.

Did you wonder why it was that the three enemies of Hiram Abiff came from his own circle and not from outside? It is because the enemies to be feared by the soul are al-ways from within and are nothing other than its own ignorance, lusts, passions and sins. As the Volume of the Sacred Law reminds us, it is not that which has the power to kill the body that we must shun, but that which has the power to destroy the spirit.

Did you wonder why it was that after Hiram Abiff was slain, there was so much confu-sion in the temple? It was because the temple is the symbol of a mans character and,

6therefore, breaks and falls when the soul, its architect is rendered helpless. Because the craftsmen are symbols of our powers and faculties, they fall into anarchy when not directed and commanded by the will at the center of our being.

The ritual emphasizes that the men of evil within us can be neither trained nor edu-cated out of us. They must die so that the good man in us may live. Viewed in this light, the drama of Hiram Abiff the builder, is a symbol of redemption and redemption is the central theme of this degree.

DUTIES, RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES You will not find all of the duties, rights and privileges of a Master Mason anywhere

fully or clearly stated and numbered. They are scattered here and there, some in the form of symbols, others of customs and others of laws. Some are stated very clearly and explicitly; others are merely implied.

A Master Masons first duty is to live by, and act consistently with, his obligation. Un-less this is done, he cannot perform his other duties nor should he be able to claim his rights and privileges. With this as a foundation, a number of those duties and rights will be discussed in detail.

It is a Master Masons duty, legal and moral, to pay his share of the financial costs of the Fraternity promptly and ungrudgingly. The payment of your annual dues becomes due and payable no later than the first of January of each year. If it is not paid by that date, you are in-arrears, which causes confusion in the Lodge.

If a Mason is unaffiliated, he has the right to petition for membership at any regular Lodge. He may choose the Lodge to which he makes his petition, but he should seek membership in some Lodge and become a member of the Fraternity.

One may hold his membership where he is happiest, or it is most convenient, pro-vided he is elected to membership in that Lodge. A Master Mason has the right to resign, if he is in good standingto be in good standing means to be current in dues. How-ever, resignation does not release him from the obligation to the degrees and landmarks.

Visiting Lodges in which you do not hold membership is both a right and a privilege for a Master Mason in good standing, though not a duty. It is a right in the sense that he may seek admittance into any regular Lodge; it is a privilege in the sense that his admission into the Lodge is contingent upon his being vouched for or examined, and then permitted to enter by the Worshipful Master.

If you seek to visit a Lodge, you have the privilege of being vouched for if some Brother is present who has sat in an open Lodge with you. This is done so that you are

7not compelled to undergo an examination every time you seek to visit a Lodge.

Masonic Charity, like visiting, is both a right and a privilege. Every Mason has the right to ask for it upon need without injuring his dignity or endangering his standing. It is a privilege in that neither a Lodge nor a Master Mason is compelled to give Charity. The Lodge is not an insurance society, an organized charity or a death benefit association. Nor is a guarantee given any member that he will receive what he asks. Each Lodge and each Mason is under obligation to heed the call for Charity, but each is free to use judgment whether to extend it.

Every Master Mason, in good standing, has the right of a Masonic burial. By previous arrangementa simple request of the familythese rites will be tenderly performed by the Brethren of his Lodge or as a courtesy by Brethren of a nearby Lodge if the deceased Brother is at a location away from his home Lodge.

Among and most important of his rights, though exercised under unhappy conditions, is his right of trial by his peers, under regulated conditions, with complete freedom to present evidence in his behalf. This assures you that no Lodge can degrade you without a fair trial. Neither his Lodge, nor any officer, or any member can remove him through malice or spite. Nor can he be made to suffer the penalties of Masonry out of idle gossip or hearsay. Right of trial, whether as an Entered Apprentice Mason, Fellowcraft Mason or Master Mason, guarantees him all the securities of justice.

If he is brought to trial on charges of un-Masonic conduct (violation of Masonic Law) and found guilty, he has the right of appeal to the Grand Lodge. This right is his guaran-tee against possible injustice or spiteful prosecution by some private enemy.

However, this does not deny a Grand Master from invoking Masonic discipline in ap-propriate circumstances.

Being a speculative Master Mason, you have new responsibilities and new burdens thrust upon you. You are now responsible for others beside yourself. Your duty now is not only to strive to become better yourself but also to teach others, both Masons and non-Masons by instructions and example. In the Lodge, you are able to take part in the work of the Lodge of accepting one of those junior offices, which, with time and diligence, may result in the Brethren electing you to serve as Worshipful Master of your Lodge.

Outside the Lodge, it is expected that the Master Mason will seek to improve the mor-als of men in society. As an Entered Apprentice Mason, he had been instructed to prac-tice charity and to exercise universal benevolence. Now he is not only to do it himself, but he is to inculcate in others the practice of universal benevolence. It is expected that by his own conduct he will demonstrate to the world the highest principles of morality

8and virtue. It is not sufficient to only observe the letter of the law or to conform to the behavior which society finds acceptable.

He must at all times uphold the fundamental principles of Brotherly Love, Charity and Truth, and practice such time honored virtues as Faith, Hope, Charity, Temperance, For-titude, Prudence and Justice. Taking an active part in your community, you must carry these virtues into operation so that your neighbors may know, without your wearing any badges that you are in fact a Master Mason.

Duty, Honor and Gratitude now bind you to your trust. Let no motive therefore, ever make you swerve from your duty, but be true and faithful and imitate the example of that celebrated artist whom you have now represented. Endeavor to convince the world that merit has been your title to our privileges and that our favors have not been undeservedly bestowed upon you.

THE TEACHINGS OF MASONRY In summary, you have discovered that Masonrys teachings will make a Mason study

and learnit will force him to search out the truth, will compel him to take the initiative, as a mature man should, so that the very act of learning is, in itself, a great educational value. The purpose of secrecy is not to keep the candidate in the dark, but to stimulate him to seek the light. The symbols and emblems do not conceal the teaching, they reveal it; however, they reveal it in such a manner that a man must find it for himself.

Freemasonry has three great tenets or teachings: Brotherly Love, Charity and Truth. Freemasonry is a Fraternity devoted to Brotherhood; however, this Brotherhood must be understood in a special sense. Freemasonrys position is that Brotherhood is supported by a religious basis. We are all brothers because God is the Father of us all. Therefore, religion is one of the foundations of Masonry.

Masonry is dedicated to God, the Great Architect of the Universe. It keeps an Altar at the center of every Lodge room, and the Volume of the Sacred Law lies open upon the Altar. It begins and ends its undertakings with prayer. Its petitioners must believe in a Supreme Being. All this is genuine religion, but not a formal religiousness. The religion of Masonry, like all else in its teachings, is not set forth in creeds or in any other form of words. The Mason must come upon it for himself and put it in such form as will satisfy his own mind.

Along with religion, Masonry teaches the necessity of morality, requiring of its mem-bers that they be good men and true, righteous when tried by the square, upright when tried by the plumb, their passions kept in due bounds by the compass, just in dealings

9with their fellows, patient with the erring, charitable, truthful and honorable.

Concerning the theological values of Faith, Hope and Charity, our Craft acknowledges, The greatest of these is Charity. Each of us must stand ready to extend a helping hand in relief of an unfortunate Brother or his dependents. Masonry, however, unlike some of the sects and cults, does not advocate a charity carried to the limits of fanaticism. There is such a thing as a cabletow, the extent of ability and opportunity. We are not expected to give relief beyond the point where it would damage ourselves or create hardship for our families.

Another of Masonrys great teachings is equality, symbolized by the level. The lesson of equality you heard just recently, that in all respects all men are the same and equal, but it is evident in many respects that men are very unequal, as in physique, in talent, in gifts, in abilities and in character. It is, rather, the principle that we owe goodwill, char-ity, tolerance and truthfulness equally to each and all, and that in our Fraternity, all men travel the same road of initiation, take the same obligations, pay the same dues and have the same rights, duties, and privileges.

Consider the lessons taught by the Five Points of Fellowship by using the various parts of the body. The first point is companionshipstanding together, proceeding to-gether, going the second mile, providing spiritual and physical sustenance for one anoth-er. The second point symbolizes fellowship with our creatorwe must have fellowship with both God and man and, therefore, live on both vertical and horizontal planes. This point must remind us that we should daily pray for our fellowman, all our Brethren and ourselves. The third point is further evidence of fellowshipa man needs privacy and companionship. He must be able to confide his private and secret hopes and desires to a close friend or Brother. He must be able to have intimate conversations with someone with whom he has complete confidence.

The fourth point indicates our backs must be strong enough and willing to support each others burdensthis calls for loyalty, character and discretion. It further stresses the importance of fellowship. The fifth point is meant to teach us that we should be ever ready to whisper good counsel in the ear of a Brother, tenderly remind him of his faults, and give him due and timely warning of approaching danger.

Masonry, my Brother, according to the general acceptance of the term, is an art, directed to the service and convenience of mankind.

A Freemasons Lodge is a temple of peace, harmony and brotherly love. Nothing is allowed to enter which has the remotest tendency to disturb. A calm inquiry into the beauty of wisdom and virtue and the study of moral geometry, constitute the chief em-

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ployments within the tyled recesses of the Lodge. The lessons of virtue, which proceed from the East, like rays of brilliant light from the rising sun, illuminate the West and the South, and as the work proceeds are absorbed by the workmen. Thus, while wisdom contrives the plan, strength lends its able support to the moral fabric, and beauty adorns it with curious and cunning workmanship. All this is accomplished without any com-pulsory or coercive means but on the principle of friendship and Brotherly love, which guards the precincts of our temple, that nothing may enter or disturb the peaceful sanc-tity of that holy place.

PROFICIENCY IN THE THIRD DEGREE Your Mentor Program has now planned the third and final study lesson on Proficiency

in the third degree. This meeting will deal with questions related to the Master Ma-sons Degree. You have shown your proficiency with the first and second degrees. You should be proud of this accomplishment. By this time, you must realize that an active and accomplished Mason will continue to educate himself in vast knowledge related to Masonry.

Having received the Master Masons Degree, you are beginning to realize you have been raised to the sublime degree. This degree outlines the duties and responsibilities of a Master Mason as he goes on through his life. By his conduct, he will demonstrate to the world the highest principles of morality and virtue. Your committee has exposed you to the nature of Masonry and they have asked you to show proficiency in these degrees. Now these Masons will expect you to join and ranks of the craft and function as a Master Mason.

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THE MASTER MASONS DEGREE PROFICIENCY

1. Describe how you were prepared for the third degree.

2. What is the story of the lecture in the East?

3. Give the hailing sign and words of distress.

4. Explain what took place when you were Raised.

5. How is the apron worn in this degree?

6. Relate portions of the obligations you took. What have you sworn to and what is the penalty?

7. Give steps, signs, grips and word of a Master Mason.

8. What are the five points of Fellowship?

9. Name the working tool used in the Master Masons Degree. What is its Symbolic significance?

10. Describe position of Square and Compasses upon the volume of Sacred Law.

11. What is required to visit another Lodge?

12. Where and when was the first official symbolic Grand Lodge formed?

13. Are any degrees higher than Master Mason?

14. Describe the proper way to take the Lions Grip.

15. What is the Ahiman Rezon?

16. Describe the balloting procedure.

17. How do you leave the Lodge room when the Lodge is in session?

18. What ways can you become involved in your Lodge?

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RECOMMENDING A PETITIONER Recommending a man for the degrees of Freemasonry is a serious matter. The rec-

ommenders are staking their own reputation on the character of the petitioner. Hence, it is not wise, nor can a member afford to be so careless as to sign a petition just to accommodate a friend or another member.

Recommenders should have knowledge of certain basic facts and requirements rela-tive to the procuring and processing of a petition. These are available from the Lodge secretary when the blank form of the petition is requested. The petitioner should be informed of the initiation fee and the current annual dues of the Lodge. He should be informed that the Masonic Fraternity is not a beneficial or insurance type society.

The recommenders must make certain that the petitioner comes of good report and is mentally and morally qualified for the degrees of Freemasonry. They should assure themselves that the petitioner comes of his own free will and accord and that he can financially afford this step without injury to himself or his family. He must reside in this Jurisdiction (Pennsylvania) for one year before making application to be made a Mason.

Both recommenders should be in attendance at Lodge when the petition is presented and when the petitioner is balloted upon. It is an appropriate responsibility of the recom-menders to accompany their candidate when he appears for each degree and introduce him to the various Brethren. It is particularly proper that the recommenders stay with the candidate until the guide takes him for preparation.

The recommenders should feel free to advise the candidate, after he has been elect-ed, along the lines of proper dress and cleanliness, so as to avoid any embarrassment when he is notified to appear at the Lodge meeting. He should also be informed by his recommenders, before receiving his degrees, that every word spoken and every phase of the degree has a definite significance, which will become clearer to him as he pro-gresses.

He should be assured that there will be no levity, by either word or act, during the conferring of the degrees.

When recommenders consider it a sincere Masonic duty to properly process a peti-tioner and then personally see their candidate through the degrees, both a wholesome effect and a lasting impression will result in the life of any newly made Mason. You have then acquired another Brother to add to your equity in Freemasonry and strengthened the Masonic fraternity as a whole.

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INQUIRY OF A PETITIONER FOR FREEMASONRY Of all the committees appointed by the Worshipful Master of a Lodge, the most im-

portant to the Lodge in particular and to Freemasonry in general, is the Committee of Inquiry. The Committee of Inquiry isthe Masonic sentryappointed to conduct a full and searching inquiry on a petitioner. In their investigation, they must make sure that any man who is not fitted for the teachings of Freemasonry shall be unable to gain admit-tance to the Fraternity.

The duties and responsibilities of the Committee of Inquiry are many. However, if the recommenders have fulfilled their responsibilities, the task confronting the committee can be somewhat reduced. Although the inquiry of a petitioner is a most important mat-ter, the qualifications of the members on that committee are equally important and per-haps more so. As a member of the Committee of Inquiry, you are answerable only to your own conscience. Your Lodge in particular, and Freemasonry in general, are dependent upon your efforts and judgment. You are screening a person who can make the structure of Freemasonry strong or weak.

As soon as the Worshipful Master appoints the Committee of Inquiry, the chairman should assemble his committeewithout delayto afford as much time as necessary for investigation. An inquiry of a petitioner should never be considered as routine but as a serious matter that should command every effort and concern of all committee members. The Committee of Inquiry is, in a sense, the eyes and ears of the Lodge and Freemasonry as a whole. The decision by the Brethren at the ballot box is usually influ-enced by the report of this committee.

Each member of the Committee of Inquiry should be thorough, but unbiased. The committee should work independently and collectively in carrying out the inquiry of the petitioner. The inquiry should be pursued in every possible way.

It is important that whenever possible, each member of the committee visit and meet the petitioner where he resides. Explain to the petitioner that a full and searching inquiry is normal procedure in the processing of a petitioner for the degrees of Freemasonry.

While keeping the visit informal, maintain a concern that reflects the seriousness of your mission. Encourage the petitioner to ask questions. If a petitioner is married, sug-gest that his wife join the interview and ascertain whether she concurs with the step her husband is taking. During this interview, the petitioners motive to join Freemasonry should be determined. Why did he petition your Lodge? What are his ideas of the char-acter of Freemasonry? Has he any Masonic relatives? What does he expect to obtain from his membership in Freemasonry? What does he expect to give as a member of Freemasonry? Of what other organizations is he a member?

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While an inquiry should be done with dispatch, it should not be hurried. If additional time is required to conduct a proper investigation, the Worshipful Master should always approve such requests from the Committee of Inquiry.

Before signing your name to a favorable report, be certain that you would be willing to welcome the petitioner into your home and your Lodge, and that you would be proud to greet him as a Brother. Never sign a report in the presence of a petitioner.

The members of the Committee of Inquiry, in a sense, have been honored by the Wor-shipful Master by being entrusted with the character and reputation of the Lodge. This honor imposes a tremendous responsibility. If you make your investigation a perfunctory affair, you may be doing a disservice to yourself, your Lodge and even the petitioner. However, if you attend to the full duty assigned to you, you will distinguish yourself each time you serve, as the guardian of those sacred and cherished portals of Freemasonry.

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The Masonic Traveller

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Welcome, My BrotherThis Travelers Guide will help you experience many of the activities available to

Pennsylvania Freemasons through your Blue Lodge, your Masonic District, and even through the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Many of the activities will be appropriate for your wife and family.

It is the hope of your education committee that you would consider expanding your Masonic experiences by engaging in as many of the activities described in the following pages as you might desire.

Additionally, we would like to know your thoughts on the Mentoring Program you have just completed and any of the Traveler experiences you might choose to experience.

You may send your comments through a letter addressed to: The Committee on Ma-sonic Education, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, or by sending an email to us at committeeonmasoniceducation@pagrandlodge.org. We value your comments and will be kept in confidence as requested.

YOUR BLUE LODGE

Examination of a VisitorIn order to gain admission to a Lodge that you have never visited, you must possess

a signed dues card and be able to pass a short oral examination consisting of words, grips, and signs that prove that you really are a Master Mason. Your mentor and/or Lodge instructors will carefully review these with you. Learn these lessons well as it is your ticket to Freemasonry around the world!

Attend a Stated MeetingStated Meetings of your Blue Lodge are held monthly (with the exception of July and

August). Some Blue Lodges however meet every month of the year.

Attend an Extra or Special MeetingDegrees are conferred by Blue Lodges at Extra Meetings held for that purpose. You

will be amazed at what you will learn by attending a degree conferral. When you were raised, things probably were confusing to you, now is the time to return and concentrate on the words and symbolism of the degrees.

Attend a dinner, special event or fundraiser. Attend a summer event sponsored by your Lodge. Attend a Lodge Family Night or Ladies Night.

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Besides attending regular meetings, your Lodge may have many other events of interest to you and your family. Check your monthly Lodge notice to see what events have been scheduled.

Attend the District Deputys visitationAt least twice a year, the Grand Masters representative, the District Deputy Grand

Master, will visit your Lodge. During his visit, he will share information about Masonic events throughout the District and the Grand Lodge. Attend the District Deputys visita-tion and learn about what is going on in Masonry outside of your own Lodge.

Attend a Masonic Funeral serviceMasonic Brethren stand together in life and in death. The Masonic Funeral Service is

a beautiful and moving tribute that we provide to our deceased Brother. Ask your Lodge Secretary to add your name to the list of Brethren who are called when a family requests a Masonic funeral service.

Fill in a chair at a Lodge meetingDoes the ritual and floor work have a special interest to you?? Ask one of the officers

of your Lodge about filling in one of the chairs in the event an officer is absent. You will learn quickly and you will be doing your Lodge a service.

Provide a program for your LodgeShare your hobby, skill, or profession by presenting a short program to the Brethren

of your Lodge after a stated meeting. Contact the Worshipful Master and tell him about your desire to present a program to the Lodge.

Be a first line signer on a Blue Lodge petitionMembership is the lifeblood of every organization. Your association with a Masonic

Lodge may spur your friends or relatives to inquire about Masonry and membership therein. Be ready to guide them to a willingness to join. Sign that petition when asked and make another good man a Mason.

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DISTRICT ACTIVITIES

Visit a District School of InstructionTaking an interest in Masonic ritual? Want to learn a little bit more? The District

School of Instruction meets at least once a month to provide expert instruction on every aspect of Masonic rituals and degrees. Every Master Mason is welcome to attend and observe the ritual presented in its correct form. Ask any officer in your Lodge for the time and date for your Districts School of Instruction.

Visit a Blue Lodge in your DistrictGet a group of your new Masonic Brethren together and visit other Lodges in your

District or go it alone. Either way you will make new friends, meet new Brothers, and expand you knowledge of Freemasonry. Dont forget your dues card!!

Attend Masonic Family Night at a Baseball game. Attend Masonic Family Day at an Amusement Park. Attend a Masonic District Summer Picnic or Golf event.

Your Masonic District may be sponsoring events of interest to you and your family. District events are usually announced at a Lodge meeting and published in your Lodge notice. This is a great chance to meet Brother Masons and make connections in a more social setting.

GRAND LODGE FUNCTIONS

Visit the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in PhiladelphiaThe Masonic Temple is located at One North Broad Street. Guided tours are held

Tuesday thru Friday at 10 & 11 a.m. and 1, 2 & 3 p.m. and on Saturday at 10 & 11 a.m. and noon. Please call prior to a planned visit to confirm that a tour will be given on the day of your choice. 215-988-1917. Go to www.pagrandlodge.org for further information.

Attend a Grand Lodge Communication Attend the Grand Masters visitation to a Lodge

Communications of the Grand Lodge and area visitations by the Grand Master are listed in your Blue Lodge Notice.

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Visit and tour one of the Masonic Villages1. Elizabethtown Since 1910, the Masonic Village, a not-for-profit continuing care

retirement community, childrens home and community service organization, has offered its residents a fulfilling lifestyle that suits their individual needs. Residents have security in knowing that health care services are available if needed, amidst the finest accom-modations.

Retirement living options include 460 apartments and 218 cottages, available in a variety of floor plans. Residential living has 211 residential suites and studios as well.

The personal care residence accommodates 127 residents, and the Masonic Health Care Center is divided into neighborhoods where up to 453 residents may receive nurs-ing services, including specialized attention for individuals with dementia, focusing on optimizing their interests and abilities to enjoy life to the fullest.

Located on 1,400 acres of picturesque Lancaster County farmland, the Masonic Vil-lage has grown steadily over the years to provide for the daily needs of our Masonic Vil-lage family, while maintaining the vision of the Masons who began our Mission of Love. From the original 11 residents, our population has grown to more than 1,700, with a staff of more than 1,300 providing care and services to our residents, as well as others, in our community.

The long-standing traditions of Freemasonry, which include supporting one another and those in the community, enable the Masonic Village to provide services to eligible individuals, Masons and non Masons alike, as part of our Mission of Love. Come see what the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown has to offer you!

2. Sewickley Our caring community offers quality accommodations and health care services to people throughout the Sewickley Valley and western Pennsylvania.

The Masonic Village offers retirement living apartments and villas, all available in a variety of floor plans. As a lifecare community, the Masonic Village offers residents personal care and skilled nursing services, should they ever be needed, within the same monthly fee structure as they pay for retirement living services. Outpatient therapies also are offered on the campus for residents convenience.

The more than 60-acre campus is conveniently located 15 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, with easy access to interstate highways, the Pittsburgh International Airport and the areas numerous recreational opportunities.

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3. Lafayette Hill Experience the accommodating lifestyle that awaits you at the New Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill. Having completed significant renovations, our look may have changed, but our Mission to provide quality care to our residents remains the same as it has for more than 135 years!

Located on more than 21 scenic acres, the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill is ap-proximately 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia. Enjoy the cultural, recreational and artistic attractions this historic city has to offer and take advantage of trips we provide, ranging from shopping to attending sporting events to spending the day in Cape May.

Our residents spend their days participating in an array of social and recreational opportunities on campus including an in-house bowling alley, computer lab, Wellness Center, wood shop, ballroom dancing and so much more. At the Masonic Village, the responsibility of home maintenance falls on us so you have time to enjoy the best years of your life.

4. Dallas Located high atop the Endless Mountains Region of Northeast Pennsylva-nia, the Masonic Village at Dallas is the Masonic Villages newest retirement community, built on the grounds of the beautiful Irem Country Club.

Residents enjoy access to the country clubs premier golf course and a new club-house. The clubhouse features a restaurant with an outdoor patio, a pub, a ballroom for special events and a game room, with the potential for a wellness center.

The Masonic Village at Dallas is approximately 15 minutes from Wilkes-Barre, al-lowing residents to take advantage of the citys recreational and cultural opportunities. The regions mountains, streams, lakes and valleys provide many outdoor recreational opportunities at nearby state parks. The Masonic Village at Dallas also is minutes from Harveys Lake, the largest natural lake in the Commonwealth.

5. Warminster The Masonic Village at Warminster provides residents with comfort, companionship and a life of dignity and security. The staff is dedicated to providing each resident a gratifying lifestyle.

A conversation under a tree in the courtyard, a laugh shared with a friend, a caring smile from a staff member residents enjoy all of this and more at the Masonic Village at Warminster.

If youre looking for a comfortable, quaint and friendly place to call home, the Masonic Village at Warminster is perfect for you! Charming in aesthetics as well as ambiance, the Bucks County community is the smallest of our Masonic Villages, yet big on relation-ships, as residents and staff become like family.

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Apply for a Masonic License PlateShow your pride in belonging to the Masonic Fraternity and display a Blue Lodge

license plate on your car. Applications can be obtained from your Lodge Secretary.

Join the Masonic Blood Donors ClubAll Pennsylvania Masons are eligible for membership in the Masonic Blood Donors

Club. A donation of one unit of blood provides coverage for the immediate family.

Forms and other information about becoming a member of the Masonic Blood Do-nors Club can be obtained from your Lodge Secretary or the Grand Lodge website (www.pagrandlodge.org).

Give the gift of life by donating blood.

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VISIT THESE HISTORIC MASONIC PLACES

George Washington National Masonic Memorial www.gwmemorial.org

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a Masonic building and me-morial located in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to the memory of George Washing-ton, the first president of the United States, and a Mason.

The tower is fashioned after the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt), in part because of the common names of both cities (Alexandria, Virginia was named for John and Philip Alexander, the citys founders), and the Masonic interest in great buildings of the ancient world. It sits atop Shuters Hill (named after a Union fort on the same location), near King Street and the Old Town district.

It is the only Masonic building supported and main-tained by the 52 grand lodges of the United States. This is counter to common Masonic practice, where a build-ing is only supported by the Grand Lodge of the state in which it resides. The building also houses the collection

of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, which contains most of the fraternal artifacts of George Washington, including the Watson-Cassoul apron, sash, past master portrait, working tools and trowel used to lay the cornerstone at the United States Capitol.

George Washington belonged to Alexandria Lodge 22, and was named the lodges Charter Master in 1788. Records of Washington presiding over the lodge are non-exis-tent, possibly due to a fire at the lodges original location in Alexandrias city hall, which is where the lodge met until moving to the memorial in the early 1940s. Ground was broken in 1922, the Cornerstone laid in 1923; it was completed in 1932.

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Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial, Gettysburg, PA www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/friendZtoZfriendZmonument

www.dcmemorials.com/indexZindiv0007044.htm

The memorial conceived and sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, centers on a monument of two sculpted bronze figures atop a large granite base. The figures portray the historically verified encounter between Confederate Brigadier General Lewis Addison Armistead and Captain Henry Harrison Bingham. Bingham was an aide to Union Major General Winfield Scott Hancock on Cemetery Ridge during Picketts charge of July 3rd, 1863. This attack became known throughout the world as the High Tide of the Confederacy.

Although Armistead and Hancock had been friends and fellow officers for many years, their political differences came be-tween them at the outbreak of the Civil War. Armistead joined the newly formed Confederacy while Hancock chose to stay by the flag of the United States. Both officers served their countries well and were promoted into leadership positions.

After the two men went their separate ways, it was twenty-seven months before they were to meet again. This meeting took place on the battlefield remembered forever as Gettysburg. During Picketts charge, both officers were wounded. Armistead was mortally wounded and Hancock received a wound from which he would be in hospital care for many months. Armisteads cries for help were heard by several officers nearby, and it was a fellow fraternity brother, Captain Bingham, who arrived and offered aid to his fallen comrade-in-arms.

Armistead spoke of his close relationship with Hancock and he asked Captain Bing-ham to relay a message to his old friend. He entrusted his personal effects to the captain. Armistead died two days later at the George Spangler farm hospital site.

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National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge www.nps.gov/vafo/historyculture/arch.htm

Almost 91 years ago, in March 1912, ground was broken for the construction of ... a memorial arch within Valley Forge Park, in commemoration of the patriotism dis-played and the suffering endured by Gen. George Washington, his officers and men. Completion was delayed to wait for funding. The National Memorial Arch was dedicated on June 19, 1917.

The 60-foot high, 49-foot by 18foot granite Arch was designed as a simplified version of the Triumphal Arch of Titus in Rome. On the inner walls of the Arch are bronze plaques with the names of the general officers at Valley Forge.

The National Memorial Arch stood for more than 80 years until it was closed to the public for safety reasons.

The Masons of Pennsylvania determined to pre-serve the Arch in the grandeur it deserves and on Mar. 15, 1996, R.W. Grand Master Edward O. Weiss-er signed an agreement with the National Park Ser-vice at Valley Forge for a restoration project. On Aug. 24, 1997, the Grand Lodge unveiled the restored National Memorial Arch.

At the base of the American flagpole facing the Arch, the Grand Lodge also erected a new monument that pays tribute to Bro. George Washington and the Freemasons who were among the soldiers of his Continental Army encamped there in 1777-78.

The United States Memorial Arch, is located at the intersection of Outerline Drive and Gulph Road. It was designed by Paul Philippe Cret.

In 1907, the Valley Forge Park Commission developed a plan for the construction of two arches, a Washington Arch at the Valley Creek entrance to the park, and a von Steu-ben Arch at the park entrance at the opposite end on Port Kennedy Road (North Gulph Road and Route 23). These were to serve as entrance gates (the park was enclosed with an iron fence at this time) as well as monuments honoring the two generals and the troops. The bill for the two arches at $50,000 each was approved by the House of Representatives in March 1910, but failed in the Senate. A bill for one arch was approved in October 1910 for $100,000. Funds were appropriated in 1911, construction began in 1914 and dedication ceremonies were conducted on June 19, 1917.

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Washington at Prayer StatueThe impressive nine-foot bronze statue of George Washington at Prayer at the Free-

doms Foundation vividly portrays the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man in which the heritage of Pennsylvania Free-masonry is imbedded. Robert E. Deyoe, the R.W.G.M. in 1966, authorized the statue to be sculpted by the world-renowned artist-sculptor, Donald DeLue, of Leonard, NJ, to stand at the entrance to The Congressional Medal of Honor Grove at the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

Bro. Deyoe said: It was at Valley Forge that Bro. Washington and the remnants of his army suffered through the bitter winter of 1777-78 in order to obtain freedom. The heroic spirit and devotion to freedom which burned in the hearts of Bro. Washing-tons Army must again be aroused in the hearts of our people..

At the Dedication on Sept. 9, 1967, the Chair-man of the Directors of the Freedoms Foundation proclaimed: ..that all the world may come to see the devotion which we hold for George Washington, the Father of our Country, and may God bless the Masons of Pennsylvania, who have made all this possible.

During 1976 when the nation was celebrating the Bicentennial, Pennsylvania Freemasons held four Bicentennial Day Ceremonies, the last of which was at the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. Despite the worst October storms in history to that time, John L. Mc-Cain, R.W.G.M., led more than 1,000 persons in a wreath-laying at the statue. The howling gales and sheets of rain on October 9 forced ceremonies to be moved inside. Fortunately, later the rain paused to permit the wreath-laying.

A quarter of a century after the original dedication, Pennsylvania Freemasons refur-bished the statue and on Sept. 5, 1992, R.W. Grand Master Edward H. Fowler, Jr. and the Grand Lodge officers conducted well-attended re-dedication and wreath-laying cer-emonies. At that time, Grand Lodge had an audio wayside display installed that provides visitors with a taped message about Brother Washington.

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Freemasons Pavilion and Monument at the Pittsburgh Area VA Medical Center

On Armed Forces Day, May 15, 1999, the Free-masons of Pennsylvania honored all veterans who served this great country by presenting a new, fully equipped, 3,000 square-foot Freemasons Pavilion with an additional 1,400 square-foot patio and a mon-ument in a landscaped area of the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Aspinwall,

north of Pittsburgh.

The facility and its equipment provides a place for residents of the VA hospital and their families to visit, an outdoor place for entertain-ment, and a focal point for special activities.

In the dedication oration, R.W. Grand Mas-ter James L. Ernette said, We cannot, must

not, and will not ever forget those whose dedication and fortitude sustained liberty and justice for us through more than two centuries. Our veterans are special people to whom we will be forever grateful.

Benjamin Franklin CraftsmanBrother Benjamin Franklin Craftsman is the heroic contemporary bronze sculpture

directly across the street from the front door of the Masonic Temple on the northwest corner of Broad St. and John F. Kennedy Blvd. in Phila-delphia. The statue, which shows a young Franklin in the process of printing on a hand press, was sculpted by Joseph Brown in his studio in Princeton, N.J.

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania commissioned the work and

presented it to the City on June 24, 1981 as a fea-ture of the memorable five-day celebration commem-orating 250 years of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania.

According to reports, a sea of people applauded the gigantic parade led by R.W. Grand Master Joseph E. Trate along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Masonic Temple that preceded the presentation of the sculpture to city officials.

An identical sculpture is in front of the Freemasons Cultural Center on the grounds of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

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Carl E. Stotz Monument Founder of Little League BaseballOn August 18, 2001 marked a historic day in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, as

the life-size six-foot Rock of Ages granite statue of Little League Founder Carl E. Stotz was unveiled to a crowd of several thousand. It was also a celebration of the generosity of the Freemasons of Pennsylvania who contributed $500,000 to underwrite the com-missioning of the Rock of Ages statue as well as underwriting the cost of the big league style scoreboard at the Little League Stadium. Brother Robert L. Dluge, Jr., Right Wor-shipful Grand Master, Brother Douglas Hayhurst of Hayhurst Memorials, and Brother Ronald A. Aungst, Sr., Right Worship-ful Junior Grand Warden and project chairman, along with the other Grand Lodge Officers and members of the Pennsyl-vania Freemasons, were among the dignitaries responsible for creating, organizing and commissioning this Little League project.

This historic event marked 62 years since Carl Stotz, a Pennsylvania Freemason and member of Lodge No. 707, founded the Little League in South Williamsport in 1939. The statue of Carl Stotz was placed at the entrance of the Little League Stadium complex.

From modest beginnings of a single league in 1939 with three managers including Mr. Stotz, George Bebble and Bert Beeble, Little League has now expanded to 110 coun-tries around the world with 8,000 teams and 3,000,000 players.

Douglas Hayhurst, a Pennsylvania Freemason and member of Lodge No. 299 and noted memorialist in the area, commissioned Rock of Ages to handcraft the statue of Founder Carl Stotz. Mr. Hayhurst, along with members of the Stotz family, commented that The full size statue is so lifelike and the quality of the sculpture is so perfect that Mr. Stotz really comes alive. Mr. Hayhurst also noted that John Hanna, the Rock of Ages master sculptor who crafted the statue, took such pride in his work and it shows in the quality of the result. The finished statue weights nearly 9,200 pounds and is crafted from world famous Rock of Ages Sealmark granite.

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MASONIC TEMPLE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA

The Masonic Temple, home of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, is located at One North Broad Street, in the center of Philadelphia. Since its dedication in 1873, this architectural jewel has attracted hundreds of thousands of brethren and visitors.

According to architects, artists, structural engineers and scholars, this magnificent temple is unlike anything else in the world. Our mystic ancestors in Egypt, Greece, Italy, Germany, France, Scotland and England are all suggested by the designs which distin-guish the lodge rooms.

The building is comprised of the Grand Masters Suite; offices of the Grand Master, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer and Masonic Education; the Masonic Library and Mu-seum of Pennsylvania; the Grand Banquet Room; Oriental, Corinthian, Renaissance, Ion-ic, Egyptian, Norman, and Gothic halls; the Temple Treasures gift shop; a large kitchen; banquet rooms and other offices.

Located within the Masonic Temple, the Masonic Library and Museums collection of books, documents, manuscripts, artifacts and photos can assist a person with navigating through the extensive history of Freemasonry within Pennsylvania, as well as its impact on our nation.

The Masonic Temple provides a meeting place for members to hold special rec-ognitions such as lodge anniversaries or even weddings; for visitors attending events which celebrate art and history; for students looking for real world experiences; and for professionals in the field to converge ideas and practices. Through these community connections, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania is furthering its profes-sional reputation as a cultural benefit for the fraternity, the city of Philadelphia, the state of Pennsylvania and visitors worldwide.

The Library, founded in 1817, is considered to have one of the finest collections for the study of Freemasonry. It holds 75,000 volumes, 30,000 documents and manu-scripts, and a vast number of print and photographic works. One treasure is Brother Benjamin Franklins 1734 printing of The Constitutions of the Free-Masons, the first Masonic book printed in America. The collection is available for public use within the building. Pennsylvania Masons may borrow books from the circulating library.

Founded in 1908, the Museums collection consists of more than thirty thousand items. Some prominent pieces on display are the Masonic apron presented in 1784 by Brother Marquis de Lafayette to Brother General George Washington and Brother Ben-

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jamin Franklins 1779 Masonic sash. There are also hundreds of portraits and various other works of art, including statuary, antique glass, porcelain, china, antiquities, jewelry, regalia, timepieces, curiosa, and Masonic history.

THE MASONIC CHILDRENS HOMEThe Masonic Childrens Home, located on the Masonic Village at Elizabethtowns

1,400-acre campus, has been caring for children since 1913 and now has the capacity to serve 40 youth within its five cottages. Our children have a unique opportunity to grow and succeed through a supportive, homelike environment that gives them a chance to receive friendship, care and guidance. As they mature, we provide the resources to pre-pare them to live on their own through our independent living program.

The Masonic Childrens Home is an ideal alternative for children who are orphaned, being raised by aging grandparents, or who come from environments which do not pro-vide the security and support necessary for a childs healthy growth and development.

Children admitted to the Masonic Childrens Home attend the Elizabethtown Area School District. Upon graduation, higher education is an opportunity provided through the Masonic Charities and is strongly supported by the Masonic Homes/Patton School Alumni Association.

The Masonic Childrens Home is funded solely through generous contributions to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. No charges are made to individuals, organizations, or any units of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or federal government for the services provided by the Masonic Village to children accepted for care.

Through the generosity of Masons, the Masonic Childrens Home has always given children in need the chance to succeed that they may not have been given otherwise. Throughout the years, this mission has never changed.

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THE PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATIONThe Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to

developing leadership and character among the youth of Pennsylvania. The foundation provides resources, training, conferences and adult leadership to a variety of Pennsylva-nia sponsored Masonic youth groups.

The Mission of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation is to lead the Masonic Fraternity in providing services on behalf of young people and training for adults who work for the betterment of youth. To accomplish this Mission, the Foundation enhances the programs of the Masonic youth groups, supports initiatives to keep children safe

from violence, abuse and exploitation, and provides specialized education for adults who offer leadership to youth in the Commonwealth.

MASONIC YOUTH GROUPSPennsylvania DeMolay DeMolay is a youth leadership and service organization

open to young men from the ages of 12 to 21. The Order takes its name from Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the historic Knights Templar, who suffered a martyrs death rather than betray his fellow Knights. Members must profess a sincere faith in God, and be of good moral character. The teachings of DeMolay center on 7 Car-dinal Virtues: Love of Parents, Reverence, Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness, and Patriotism

Pennsylvania Rainbow The Order of the Rainbow for Girls is open to young ladies from age 11 to 20 who believe in God and are of good moral character. Founded in 1922 by Reverend W. Mark Sexson, the moral lessons of the Order are taught in beautiful cer-emonies based on the 7 colors of the Rainbow. There are Rainbow Assemblies located in many areas of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Jobs Daughters The Order of Jobs Daughters is open to young women from 10 to 20 who believe in God, are of good moral character, and are related to a Master Mason. The les-sons of Jobs Daughters are based on the Biblical book of Job, and especially Job 42:15: In all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job; and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.

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CHIPThe Pennsylvania The Pennsylvania Masonic Child Identification Program (CHIP) gives

law enforcement and recovery officials the necessary materials to find missing children, while giving parents peace of mind. Almost 320,000 children have participated in this valuable program. A childs family is given a small vinyl Purple Packet that contains a video, still pictures, and fingerprints, of their child. A DNA kit is also pro-

vided to parents for completion at home. No copies are retained by the Masons or given to any government agency. The Purple Packet is fully compatible with, and has been adopted by, the Pennsylvania AMBER ALERT system.

The CHIP program is provided for free as a result of generous public and private do-nations. CHIP events are coordinated through the Masons of Pennsylvania, and all events are sponsored by the Grand Lodge or by a local Masonic lodge.

THE MASONIC CHARITIES FUNDThe Masonic Charities Fund is general in its name, but very special in the way it

quietly provides help where and when it is needed. Not only does it epitomize the mean-ing of charity, but it also exemplifies in deeds a principal characteristic of the Masonic fraternity, the Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of God.

A not-for-profit charitable organization, the Masonic Charities Fund was created in 1993 by the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsyl-vania as part of its mission to distribute charitable donations to entities that qualify as charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Most recently, the Masonic Charities Fund has focused its support on the restoration and preservation of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. The Masonic Temple stands as a monument of the strength, stability and energy of the Craft in Pennsylvania. Efforts to raise funds for this Masonic treasure are now a significant priority of the Masonic Charities Fund in order to ensure that future generations may benefit from the past ac-complishments of Freemasonry.

The Masonic Charities Fund also supports The Masonic Library and Museum situated within the Masonic Temple.

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TALL CEDARSwww.tallcedars.org

Tall Cedarism is to promote wider acquaintances and friendship among men already bound together by fraternal vows: To perpetuate itself as a fraternal and social organiza-tion, and to provide for its orderly government.

Being incorporated on March 18, 1902 they were known as the Tall Cedars of Leba-non of the United States of America. However, on November 13 1971 in their 70th year of existence they instituted a Forest in Canada, and became known as the Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America. While our strength of membership lies in the eastern section of the United States they are slowly expanding westward.

It was some time around 1846, after the meetings of the Grand Lodge and some of the Blue Lodges in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area that they would have the Tall Cedar Degree performed. The Degree at this time was perceived as a form of hazing and was eventually revised by Rev. George S. Gassner who was instrumental in making up the current ritual. It comes directly from the first book of Kings Chapter 5 verses 1 though 10, and the second book of Chronicles, Chapter 2 verses 8 and 9. Of the two passages, the first book of Kings, Chapter 5 is more specific. It revolves around the building of the Temple of Jerusalem, and that King Solomon had to rely in the help of King Hiram of Tyre who send his Hewers of Wood into the forest of Lebanon to strike down and shape all the tall cedars for use in the Temple thus the Tall Cedars of Lebanon have a biblical background and performance of the Tall Cedar Degree in the Blue Lodges at the conclusion of their meetings brings us closer to our Masonic forbearance.

All down through the years the Tall Cedars of Lebanon had in one way or another, on occasion contributed to worthy causes, However they really became of age when they decided that no organization could continue to prosper unless it had a definite uplifting objective for the benefit of humanity. These were the remarks of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Harry Campbell of Washington, DC in 1933. After years of investigation and research in 1951 they found not only a worthy cause but one which desperately needed support muscular dystrophy.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association of America submits monies in the form of re-search grants to various universities and colleges in the search and cure for muscular dystrophy. It was decided that the Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America would be-come a part of this project with the Jerry Lewis Tall Cedar Day Camp in the summertime and to provide for a little bit of fun for these children in the summertime.

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YORK RITEwww.yorkrite.org

When you join Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, you are told that it is a lodge of free and accepted ancient York masons. York Rite Masonry is based, historically, on the ancient York Constitutions, which King Athelstan of York, is said to have given in 920 AD to the Guild of Stonemasons for their governance. Centuries later, the organization of Freema-sonry in England, Scotland and Ireland adopted those Constitutions, which eventually made its way to this country.

In the belief that Master Masons are interested in further light and knowledge beyond just the first three degrees, one might consider the search in the bodies of the York Rite; i.e., a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a Council of Royal and Select Master Masons, and a Commandery of Knights Tem-plar

Chapter The degrees of a Royal Arch Chapter focus on the building and completion of Solomons Temple, its dedication, the decision to confer the Mas-ter Masons word on the more meritorious of the Fel-lowcraft, the destruction of Solomons Temple and the loss of that word, and its discovery at the rebuilding of the Temple. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Penna. supports local charitable work, and focuses on support throughout Penna. of the Ronald McDonald Houses.

Council The degrees of a Council of Royal and Select Master Masons continue to bring to light the ancient truths and moral values taught through the lessons of those degrees. In the Royal Degree, one gets to meet Hiram Abiff and learn of the secret vault beneath the Temple where the ancient relics of Masonry were stored. We learn also of the consternation caused by his death and the decision of King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre the change the plans for conveying the secret word. The deree of Select Master Mason continues the story of the building of that secret vault and the preservation of the secret mysteries of our ancient brethren. A newly-made Select Master is justly informed that he has passed the circle of perfection in Ancient Craft Masonry. The Super Excel-lent Degree, intensely dramatic and spectacular, drives home a great Masonic truth. The Grand Council of Royal and Select Master Masons of Pennsylvania encourage local char-ity support, while encouraging all members to support the Special Olympics by donations and direct help. God.

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Commandery The York Rite journey continues to a Commandery of Knights Tem-plar. While tracing their historial lineage back to the Crusades of the 11th and 12th Centuries, modern Masonic Knights Templar emerged in the 18th century as a part of the Masonic fraternity. It is Christian in nature, dealing with lessons taught in the New Testament. While they are semi-military in order and appearance, their degrees, or Orders, promote the noble principles of Love, Truth, Charity, Hospitality and Universal Benevolence. The Grand Commandery and its national counterpart support a national Education Foundation, which gives scholarship grants to college students, and a national Eye Foundation, which provides for individual eye care for those who cannot afford it, as well as supporting research projects for the cure of eye diseases. Knight Templary was instrumental in sponsoring early chapters of the Order of DeMolay.

A Master Mason is eligible to petition a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. You must be a Royal Arch Mason to petition a Council of Royal and Select Master Masons and/or a Commandery of Knights Templar.

ANCIENT SCOTTISH RITEwww.supremecouncil.org

The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite is an appendant Masonic organization that a Master Mason may join in order to continue a quest for Masonic education beyond the third degree. The Scottish Rite consists of the 4th through 32nd Degrees along with an honorary 33rd Degree awarded for exceptional service to Freemasonry or humanity. Each Degree in the Scottish Rite presents a dramatic lesson regarding mans service to God, his Brethren, his Family, or his Country. Pennsylvania is part of the Ancient Ac-cepted Scottish Rites Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, which is governed by a Supreme Council, located in Lexington, Massachusetts. The Northern Masonic Ju-risdiction is composed of fifteen states north of the Mason-Dixon line.

The true origin of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite has been obscured by the passage of time, but most Masonic scholars tend to agree that the Scot-tish Rite had its origins in France, not Scotland. Many Scottish Masons had fled to France during the political upheavals in the 17th and 18th centuries, and became active at a time when the Degrees of the Rite were evolving in French Freemasonry. One of these degrees was known as Ecossais, or Scotch Master Degree. This degree is possibly the nearest connection Scotland had historically with

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the Scottish Rite and has caused some to think mistakenly that the Rite originated in Scotland. In reality, a Supreme Council for Scotland was not even established until 1846. By the mid-eighteenth century, a group of twenty-five different degrees were assembled into what is often called the Rite of Perfection. Estienne Morin, a Freemason in southern France, was given the authority to carry these Rites to the New World. By the mid-to-late 1700s, Morin and his appointed Deputies had established the first Scottish Rite Lodges of Perfection in Albany, New York and Charleston, South Carolina.

The Scottish Rite also practices charity. It supports the 32 Masonic Learning Centers for Children. These centers, spread out across the entire Northern Masonic Jurisdic-tion, provide professional individualized tutoring at no cost to the parents, for children disabled by dyslexia. The Scottish Rite provides money in the form of fellowship grants for research to alleviate and cure the effects of schizophrenia. The Scottish Rite pro-vides college students with scholarships through the Abbott Scholarship Fund. Finally, the Scottish Rites National Heritage Museum, located in Lexington, Massachusetts, was founded as a gift to our nation during its bicentennial year. It houses one of the finest collections of materials and artifacts relating to Freemasonry in the world, along with a collection of fine art and documents relating to the Revolutionary War. The museum also contains the Van Gorden-Williams Library and Archives which serves as a repository and research facility for Masonic history.

SHRINERS INTERNATIONALwww.shrinersinternational.org

Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and philanthropy, and their best-known symbol is the distinctive red fez. Currently, there are 7 temples (chap-

ters) located throughout Pennsylvania. Men who wish to become Shriners must be members of Freemasonry and achieve the status of Master Mason.

Within each temple, there are clubs and units for members with various interests and hobbies. The frater-nity may be best known for its colorful parades, circuses and clowns. However, there are also many other partici-pation options for members, from leadership develop-

ment and public speaking to networking and special interests.

Shriners International was founded in 1872 and continues to support Shriners Hos-pitals for Children as its official philanthropy. The first Shriners Hospitals for Children

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opened in 1922, and today, there are 22 hospitals throughout North America providing specialty care without financial obligation to patients or their families.

The Shriners are active supporters of the health care system thousands volunteer as drivers, transporting patients to and from the hospitals for care, and many others visit and entertain patients. Shriners also serve as tour guides and volunteer in various departments at the hospitals. Many temples organize fundraisers to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Shriners voluntarily serve on the local and international boards for the hospitals and health care system.

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record of activities Date

1. Examination of a Visitor .................................................. ___________

2. Attend a Stated Meeting ................................................ ___________

3. Attend an Extra or Special Meeting ................................. ___________

4. Attend a dinner special event or fundraiser .................... ___________

5. Attend a summer event sponsored by your Lodge ............ ___________

6. Attend a Lodge Family Night or Ladies Night ................... ___________

7. Attend the District Deputys visitation .............................. ___________

8. Attend a Masonic Funeral service ................................... ___________

9. Fill in a Chair at a Lodge meeting ................................... ___________

10. Provide a Program for your Lodge .................................. ___________

11. Be afirst line signeron a petition ................................... ___________

12. Visit a District School of Instruction ................................. ___________

13. Visit a Blue Lodge in your District ................................... ___________

14. Attend Masonic Family Night at a Baseball game ............. ___________

15. Attend Masonic Family Day at an Amusement Park ......... ___________

16. Attend a District Summer Picnic or Golf event ................. ___________

17. Visit the Grand Lodge of PA ............................................ ___________

18. Attend a Grand Lodge Communication ............................ ___________

19. Attend the Grand Masters visitation to a Lodge ............... ___________

20. Visit and tour one of the Masonic Villages ....................... ___________

21. Apply for a Masonic License Plate .................................. ___________

22. Join the Masonic Blood Donors Club .............................. ___________

23. Visit a Masonic Historic site ............................................ ___________

Send comments to committeeonmasoniceducation@pagrandlodge.org

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Check out these Masonic websites

www.pagrandlodge.org

www.gwmemorial.org

www.supremecouncil.org

www.yorkrite.org

www.tallcedars.org

www.nps.gov/vafo/historyculture/arch.htm

www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/ friendZtoZfriendZmonument

www.dcmemorials.com/indexZindiv0007044.htm

www.shrinersinternational.org

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania One Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19107-2598

215-988-1900

e-mail: gsoffice@pagrandlodge.orgweb: www.pagrandlodge.org