NOVEMBER 2017VOL. LXIV, NO. 4

Our Proud Heritage Brotherly Love, Charity & Truth

THE PENNSYLVANIA

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The Pennsylvania Freemason magazine staff is looking for photographers and writers to contribute their talents! Please email a link to samples of your work to pafreemason@masonicvillages.org to be considered as a contributor for the publication. Contributors will receive a photo credit or byline. The Pennsylvania Freemason reserves the right to use submissions elsewhere, such as on the Grand Lodge website, Facebook page, as a blog, etc.C

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3 Freemasonry Today Message from the Grand Master • Leading by Example • Where Are They Now? •

December Quarterly Communication • Our Brothers’ Keepers • When Tragedy Strikes

16 Masonic Education A Brief History of Masonic Charity • Sending a Message of Unanimity • Annual Grand Communication • Raising a Reader • Masonic Book Review • PA Lodge of Research

22 Philanthropy Scholarships for Masons and Their Family Members • The Charitable Nature of Our Youth Groups • Help for Our Heroes • Community Festival & Autumn Day • Give a Child a Chance Campaign • Giving Catalogs • Loyalty Club • Holiday Shopping? • Rediscover YOU • It’s Time ... • Masonic Villages’ 2017 Wish List

Brotherly Love, Charity and TruthFreemasonry is founded upon these three Grand Principles. In light of the hurricanes that recently ravaged part of the United States and the Caribbean, this issue focuses on those core values as practiced by our Brethren, both past and present.

Subscribe to the online edition! pamasons.orgIf you would prefer to receive an electronic version of the magazine for your convenience and/or to save the fraternity printing and mailing costs, please make your request by emailing pafreemason@masonicvillages.org. An electronic version of the magazine is also available online at pamasons.org.

It has been quite a journey. I have spent the last two years visiting Lodges and Brethren in all four corners of this great Commonwealth and many of the places in between. I have passed hours talking to hundreds of you about your Masonic experiences, your concerns and your hopes for this Fraternity that we love. We have had these conversations at pancake breakfasts, spaghetti luncheons, an oyster night, a steak fry in the woods, an anniversary, a picnic, a fund raiser or a funeral. One thing never changed, though: the fundamental goodness of you, my brothers. Goodness is our heritage.

Over the last 23 months, I have tried to live up to that goodness that I have witnessed in so many of you. I have tirelessly sought to be worthy of the position of Grand Master and work my hardest to make the changes I thought necessary to ensure that Freemasonry would outlive all of us.

I wanted us to be more transparent. To that end, I encouraged open houses and family events. As a result, more men learned about Lodges in their hometowns that they had never paid attention to before. Even better, Lodges began taking more pride in themselves. Buildings were spruced up. Repairs that had been put off were done in an effort to put our best foot forward for those new people coming through the doors.

Another aspect of transparency was the rebranding. It may have seemed trivial, but calling ourselves the Pennsylvania Masons instead of the older sounding, Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, along with the updated Square and Compasses, made us subtly more

THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON® VOL. LXIV, NOVEMBER 2017 NO. 4 ©2017 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania

EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Raymond T. Dietz, R.W.G.M.

S. Eugene Herritt, R.W.D.G.M. Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W.S.G.W. Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W.J.G.W. Jeffrey W. Coy, R.W.G.T. Mark A. Haines, R.W.G.S.

Paul J. Roup, P.D.D.G.M.-54

EDITORIAL STAFF Tina L. Raybold - Production Coordinator Rich Johnson - Graphic Designer Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Staff Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania Staff (Publication No. USPS 426-140) November 2017 Issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason® Published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Articles and photographs to be considered for publication should be sent with local Masonic authority to the address above, to the attention of The Pennsylvania Freemason® or emailed to pafreemason@masonicvillages.org. Except by special arrangement, all articles, photographs and artwork become the property of the Grand Lodge.

Published by the Masonic Villages, owned and operated by the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Pennsylvania, as a means of soliciting the physical and financial support of the members, their families and the public in general. Periodical postage is paid at Elizabethtown, PA, and additional mailing offices.

We appreciate the many submissions we receive for consideration. We apologize, but due to space constraints we are not able to publish every submission we receive.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

(Act of Oct. 23, 1962; Section 4369; Title 39, United States Code) November 2017, The Pennsylvania Freemason®, published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Publishers: The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Editor: Raymond T. Dietz. Owner: The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Known bondholders: none. No advertising handled. Free distribution averages 124,000 each quarter. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.

Raymond T. Dietz, Editor

Mailing address changes If your address on the back cover of this magazine is not exactly as you have provided it to us, please be aware that addresses are modified through the various mailing process requirements required by the U.S. Postal Service. If you have any questions or would like to inform us of a change in address, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454 or giving@masonicvillages.org.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Pennsylvania Freemason®, c/o Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2199.

My beloved Brethren,

Sincerely and fraternally,

Raymond T. Dietz, R.W. Grand Master

accessible and welcoming to the young men we want to attract. The reformatting of the magazine had the same effect.

Because I didn’t want to ask the Lodges to do anything that the Grand Lodge wasn’t willing to do, I embarked on a large-scale renovation of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. We analyzed our electric usage, replaced most of our lighting with LEDs, renegotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, and spent money on making the Grand Lodge banquet hall a true work of art. More than half of the $1.9 million has been pledged from Lodges and other donors, and we have more than $400,000 in anticipated rental revenue in the next two years. Tours are up, and the Lodges that meet there are using the facility more than they had in the past. That investment will begin to realize gains within the next three to five years, and along with the revenue growth, we have made our Fraternity recognizable to countless visitors who come through our doors.

I am grateful for the support for my programs. Every Grand Master seeks to make a difference in the lives of the Masons and communities in Pennsylvania, and I am no different.

With your help, the Raising A Reader program has helped plant the seeds that will foster a lifelong love of reading for more than 2,000 children in our state. Children in under-performing districts now have access to quality books they can bring home and read with their families. It has made a difference, and of that we should be proud.

Our Lodge Almoner’s Funds are well established and have helped Brethren, their widows and their orphans in their time of need: they’ve paid electric bills to keep the lights on, remodeled bathrooms to make them more accessible, paid for funerals so families can say a respectable farewell, and bought college textbooks to ensure the future of a Masonic orphan.

We recently dedicated the Veterans Garden in Sewickley. This garden is a permanent tribute to the men and women of our nation’s armed forces who keep our country safe. The benches, waterfall and pond are there for all of our residents to enjoy. It is a place of peace to remember those who fought to preserve it.

From the bottoms of our hearts, Lynn and I thank those of you who have already contributed to our dream of building a Masonic Children’s Home in Sewickley. The need is great, and we look forward to more supporters coming forward to answer this call.

As another part of our mission of taking care of each other, I expanded our Outreach program, as well.

I never realized how quickly my time in the Grand East would fly. I have enjoyed visiting our Masonic Villages and meeting with our residents. I have been truly honored to meet with so many of you on the level. Most of all, it has been my pleasure to use every day of my term doing the best I could for this Fraternity that we all love so much.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has been the single greatest pleasure of my Masonic life. I wish Brother Gene Herritt the best as he assumes the role as our next Grand Master. With your support, he will have an excellent term.

Incentives www.pamasons.org/incentivesIncentives www.pamasons.org/incentives

Alvin E. Just Lodge No. 53817 petitions

Jordan W. SettleLodge No. 28117 petitions

Dennis E. Cottrell Jr.Lodge No. 64912 petitions

Craig V. MadonnaLodge No. 58712 petitions

Thomas Gamon IV Lodge No. 59511 petitions

David M. Howells Jr. Lodge No. 67311 petitions

Robert W. Amend Lodge No. 54410 petitions

Bruce A. Robinson Lodge No. 33110 petitions

Larry A. Shaffer Jr. Lodge No. 363 10 petitions

Eugene H. Duncan Jr.Lodge No. 439 petitions

David L. MerithewLodge No. 4689 petitions

Paul E. Shovestull Lodge No. 550 9 petitions

Kenneth L. Brier Lodge No. 5298 petitions

John P. Hayden Lodge No. 3478 petitions

Donald W. Roa Lodge No. 344 8 petitions

Jan M. CechakLodge No. 3417 petitions

Shane F. ConnorLodge No. 5407 petitions

Roxie D. Costanza Jr. Lodge No. 259 7 petitions

Larry A. DerrLodge No. 5517 petitions

Rudolph J. Hofbauer Lodge No. 7807 petitions

Mark A. JonesLodge No. 2657 petitions

Daniel R. Scheetz Lodge No. 67 7 petitions

Richard W. Storms Lodge No. 5537 petitions

Rodney Anderson Lodge No. 36 petitions

Heath A. BrewerLodge No. 3436 petitions

Troy A. Burton Lodge No. 7996 petitions

Raymond T. DietzLodge No. 6576 petitions

Kevin G. DuMont Lodge No. 716 6 petitions

James B. Henkelman Lodge No. 3456 petitions

Daniel J. Hinds Lodge No. 1156 petitions

Joseph M. Jensen Lodge No. 4826 petitions

Youssef M. Kabbani Lodge No. 5916 petitions

Andrew D. KurtzLodge No. 5396 petitions

Robert C. MooreLodge No. 2916 petitions

Michael C. Sachs Lodge No. 6286 petitions

Antonio M. SalongaLodge No. 5876 petitions

Richard M. Sullivan Lodge No. 5476 petitions

Walter J. BrennanLodge No. 5065 petitions

Raymond L. BushLodge No. 4825 petitions

Lou D. CarbaughLodge No. 3635 petitions

Jeffrey L. FraileyLodge No. 7265 petitions

Hal S. Gindrow Lodge No. 5295 petitions

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Timothy C. Honey Lodge No. 62 5 petitions

Ryan J. JordanLodge No. 6555 petitions

Douglas E. Kauffman Lodge No. 2205 petitions

Anthony R. Liggians Jr.Lodge No. 4755 petitions

Charles P. MargliottiLodge No. 3755 petitions

Jeramie D. McLaughlinLodge No. 5515 petitions

John F. McCombsLodge No. 3755 petitions

Jonathan L. McNelis Lodge No. 391 5 petitions

James E. Monson Lodge No. 3635 petitions

Robert D. NicholLodge No. 6575 petitions

George S. Reppert Lodge No. 2275 petitions

Joseph W. Schanck Lodge No. 6845 petitions

Zane J. Taney Lodge No. 354 5 petitions

John A. TitteringtonLodge No. 3685 petitions

Inviting new candidates to join Pennsylvania Freemasonry ensures the future of our great fraternity. We are pleased to spotlight these Brethren who are first-line signers on four or more petitions. This recognition is in addition to the incentives and ties Brethren can earn as an additional “thank you” for their dedication to our Craft.

FREEMASONRY TODAY

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason4 5

Incentives www.pamasons.org/incentives

Matthew A. CameraLodge No. 3994 petitions

Michael F. ConnerLodge No. 5534 petitions

James B. ConnorsLodge No. 4994 petitions

Harold E. Conrad Jr.Lodge No. 2814 petitions

Oliver W. DambachLodge No. 2294 petitions

David E. Dodson Sr.Lodge No. 5394 petitions

William M. EvansLodge No. 2824 petitions

Ricky L. FetzerLodge No. 5384 petitions

Joseph T. Fisher Lodge No. 524 petitions

Gregory E. GagorikLodge No. 2914 petitions

Thomas Gamon V Lodge No. 5954 petitions

Napoleon GarciaLodge No. 514 petitions

Raymond L. Greene Jr.Lodge No. 7114 petitions

Mark A. Haines Lodge No. 5494 petitions

Albert W. Tripp Lodge No. 1385 petitions

Jeffrey M. WonderlingLodge No. 3465 petitions

Richard A. ValentineLodge No. 2315 petitions

Lynn B. Baker Jr.Lodge No. 6194 petitions

Timothy W. BarnhartLodge No. 3624 petitions

Lloyd G. Bier Sr.Lodge No. 3614 petitions

Anthony J. BobrowiczLodge No. 6204 petitions

Shawn S. HentzLodge No. 6664 petitions

Robert M. HillardLodge No. 5464 petitions

Ronald R. Holden Sr.Lodge No. 3254 petitions

Paul Nicholas HudakLodge No. 3624 petitions

Paul E. Humbert Jr.Lodge No. 6514 petitions

Norman D. JamesLodge No. 7634 petitions

James C. Lewis Sr.Lodge No. 5264 petitions

Francis J. Lorine III Lodge No. 3404 petitions

Malcolm P. Myers Jr. Lodge No. 1994 petition

Paul M. Mulcahy Jr.Lodge No. 614 petitions

Robert J. Neff Lodge No. 6214 petitions

Francis A. NorbeckLodge No. 3534 petitions

Frank E OlivieriLodge No. 5914 petitions

Chad E. OtisLodge No. 5864 petitions

Robert T. Pawlowski Lodge No. 594 petitions

Bernard R. RalstonLodge No. 4804 petitions

Bradley A. RinkerLodge No. 6884 petitions

Harry W. RitzLodge No. 34 petitions

Jeffrey A. Roe Lodge No. 3774 petitions

Ben F. Rzicznek Lodge No. 8104 petitions

David T. SekelyLodge No. 6824 petitions

Dennis F. ShafferLodge No. 2544 petitions

Bradford J. Smith Lodge No. 5784 petitions

William M. Spade IIILodge No. 7964 petitions

Gerald F. Stevens Sr.Lodge No. 2974 petitions

Frank D. StetarLodge No. 4614 petitions

Charles J. Sule Lodge No. 4404 petitions

David TanseyLodge No. 5064 petitions

Anthony T. VincentLodge No. 2734 petitions

Boyce E. WarnerLodge No. 3644 petitions

Evan D. Weaver Lodge No. 7254 petitions

Robert Dean Weaver Lodge No. 1434 petitions

William Paul Weber Lodge No. 5614 petitions

Bradley L. WolfeLodge No. 3544 petitions

Adam C. ZwolinskiLodge No. 614 petitions

When ordering a gift box:• Please choose fruit butters & preserves from catalog listings. • We will select the best apple varieties available, unless otherwise specified. • Jarred goods may be replaced with many of our other products.

Prices may vary; please call for details. • Gift certificates available.Customized gift boxes are available year ‘round. However, those containing fruit are only available September - March.Shipping costs vary by destination. Please call for details, 717-367-4520 or order online at www.MVFarmMarket.com

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Incentives www.pamasons.org/incentives

FREEMASONRY TODAY

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason6 7

Ronald A. Aungst, Sr., and his wife of 46 years, Norma, are the proud parents of four children and grandparents of five. One thing hasn’t changed since Brother Ron served as Grand Master: family remains their most important focus.

A lifelong resident of Jersey Shore, Pa., Brother Ron retired from his principal role with the Jersey Shore Area School District, where he was employed for 35 years. The Aungsts remain members of Trinity United Methodist Church, and Norma stays active in the Order of the Amaranth. They enjoy traveling, especially on cruises with friends.

Brother Ron continues to be active in Masonry. A few years after serving as Grand Master, Brother Ron again served as Worshipful Master of La Belle Vallee Lodge No. 232, Jersey Shore, in 2011. He also served as Chairman of the Masonic Education Committee for the past 10 years, just as he had done prior to becoming a Grand Lodge Officer.

“Working with quality officers and regional chairmen dedicated to preparing incoming officers to serve the Lodge was a real pleasure,” he said. He still receives some requests to speak at Lodges and appreciates opportunities to meet new Brethren and

share personal experiences over dinner.Now in his second year as Commander in Chief of the Valley

of Williamsport, Brother Ron enjoys planning social and family activities with Brethren and ladies to keep the organization “alive and vibrant,” including a cruise to the Bahamas, a St. Patrick’s Day party with a nine-piece band, a clam bake and steak outing, a trip to Radio City Music Hall and holiday entertainment. He feels the key to keeping Brethren active, whether in the Valley or in the Lodge, is to take a personal interest in making new members feel welcome, developing relationships and interests and getting them involved in meaningful and enriching ways.

Every year, the Aungsts get together with other Past Grand Masters who served during 2006 and/or 2007 and their ladies, from various jurisdictions. Brother Ron and Norma hosted the first gathering of 12 couples in 2008, and over the years, they have had as many as 19 couples meet in various locations. They’ve met in 10 different states, including this year in Massachusetts.

Christmas Eve dinner is a special family affair at the Aungst household. While some family members live closer than others, Brother Ron and Norma try to even the playing field in the summertime by inviting the grandchildren to join them at their condo in North Myrtle Beach a week before their parents arrive, to spend some one-on-one time with “Grammy and Poppy.” When they’re not chasing little ones in the surf and sand, Brother Ron enjoys reading and relaxing on the beach or taking in a game of golf.

Remodeling is another pastime that keeps Brother Ron busy. Not only has he almost completely renovated his own home in Jersey Shore, but he recently built and installed a new set of

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Ronald A. Aungst, Sr., R.W. Grand Master (2006-2007)

steps into the secretary’s office of his Lodge and remodeled a bathroom for a friend who is a R.W. Past Grand Master of Delaware. “I’m blessed,” Brother Ron said. “God’s given me the ability to learn and figure stuff out, so I’m glad to be able to do it when I have the chance.”

While he enjoys it now, Brother Ron doesn’t anticipate wanting to do remodeling work forever. “When I tire of mowing

4.5 acres and blowing snow off my 1/3 mile driveway, we’ll look into moving into a Masonic Village,” he said.

“Freemasonry has afforded Norma and me to be deeply enriched with many special friendships that continue,” Brother Ron said. His mother always advised him, “You elevate yourself by whom you associate.” The Aungsts feel elevated by the Masonic relationships they have built over the years.Brother Ron with a group of Past Grand Masters after golfing

in Rhode Island last year

The Aungsts with Brother Steve and Grace Smith and Brother Bill and Jan Stevens Brother Ron and Brother Al Henninger, PDDGM

DECEMBER QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GRAND LODGE: You are hereby requested to attend the December Quarterly Communication of the Grand

Lodge of Pennsylvania to be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, at the Masonic Temple, 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19017, at which the Grand Lodge Officers and Masonic Villages Board of Directors will be elected.

You are also hereby requested to attend the Annual Grand Open Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, on Friday, Dec. 27, 2017, at 10 a.m., at which the Grand Lodge Officers will be installed.

By Order of the R.W. Grand Master.

Mark A. HainesR.W. Grand Secretary

Past Grand Masters www.pamasons.org/pgm Past Grand Masters www.pamasons.org/pgm

FREEMASONRY TODAY

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason8 9

OUR BROTHERS’ KEEPERS

Angels of Mercy

Like most of us, Brother Rick Macklin, Ambridge Lodge No. 701, watched powerlessly as Hurricane Harvey rolled into Texas, leaving devastation in its wake. Brother Rick knew that he needed to help. He is the CEO of Beemac Trucking, a company with 23 terminals and more than 350 units on the road. When a few of his drivers approached him about perhaps sending trucks down with supplies, he jumped at the idea. “We put it out on Facebook and social media that we would be starting to take donations,” Brother Rick said. And the response was overwhelming.

Employees of Beemac, members of the community, and even Beaver County Commissioners stopped by the company’s Ambridge headquarters, as well as their terminal in Cincinnati, with clothing, water, non-perishable food and medical supplies. “It was such a humbling experience,” Brother Rick said, quickly deflecting any credit. “People were suffering. The first responders, the tireless effort of the police, firemen and the National Guard ... those guys did an amazing job. All we did was try and help.”

And they did help. As they prepped the trucks for the trip to Houston, Hurricane Irma made her way up Florida’s

gulf coast, so they began to collect for there, as well. Ultimately, they sent four trailers filled to the top with supplies to the Houston Food Bank, and another to Florida, posting updates on their social media sites along the way. More than 200,000 pounds of supplies were delivered in all, manned by drivers who refused to accept payment for the trips.

Brother Rick said that often we talk about Brothers helping Brothers, but noted that it’s more than that; it’s what we can do as an organization to help society at large. Once their “Beemac Relief Swarm,” as they billed it, caught the attention of the local media, they were swamped with donations. “It was so humbling to see people pull up, and you know they don’t have anything ... but they want to help,” he recalled. One woman dropped by with a package of diapers and wipes, telling him that she didn’t have much, but figured her donation could help someone.

“It brought me to my knees,” Brother Rick said.When he arrived in Florida, Brother Rick was told by

one displaced resident that he and his company were angels. “We’re just the messengers,” he replied.

He witnessed horrible devastation: homes destroyed – some still underwater, lives shattered. Weeks after the hurricanes, and long after the news coverage had ceased, some people were still unable to get to their homes. “We can’t forget about these people,” Brother Rick said. And he is walking that talk.

Knowing that the financial impact to the families will linger into the future, Beemac is now collecting toys to send to both Texas and Florida so the children there will have a Merry Christmas.

Maybe they are angels after all.To participate in Beemac’s Christmas Toy Drive, you

may contact Brother Rick Macklin at rmacklin@beemac.com.

Online Edition www.pamasons.org/magazine Online Edition www.pamasons.org/magazine

by Brother P.J. Roup, P.D.D.G.M. - 54

FREEMASONRY TODAY

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason10 11

WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES, MASONS RESPOND GENEROUSLYHurricane Relief Efforts Underway

Three category 4 hurricanes recently ravaged parts of the United States, starting with Hurricane Harvey, which upon landfall in Houston on Aug. 25, displaced 30,000 people and killed at least 77. Irma followed close behind, causing massive flooding and 132 fatalities in Florida beginning Sept. 10. Then, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, killing at least 45 people and leaving many on the island without power, fuel, food and water.

In response, Grand Master Raymond T. Dietz designated Masonic Charity funds to the Masonic Service Association, which directly distributes donations to the Grand Lodges of Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. He also implored all Pennsylvania Masons to donate toward the relief efforts in the same fashion.

“The last few weeks have seen unprecedented national disasters in our country. While Pennsylvania has been spared, others have not fared so well,” Grand Master Dietz said. “As Masons, we understand the importance of giving

to those in distress. I encourage you to give as generously as you can, since we are called to relieve the needs of our Brethren to the utmost of our power and ability. May God bless those who were affected by these events, as well as those who are able to heed the call of service and relief in whatever way they are able.”

What is the Masonic Service Association?The Masonic Service Association (MSA) of the United

States was created in 1919 by the Grand Lodges of the United States to perform a number of services under one central organization. Some of those services have changed over the years, but MSA remains an organization dedicated to serving Freemasonry, our country and the world.

The initial reason for MSA’s formation was so U.S. Freemasonry could provide aid to our military servicemen near the end of World War I. The War Department (now Defense Department) refused to work with 49 (at that time) different Grand Lodges, but agreed to work with just one

agency. So, Grand Masters gathered in Cedar Rapids in 1918 to discuss and formulate the concept of MSA, and again in 1919 to formally give birth to the new organization. MSA’s goal from the start was to provide services to the Grand Lodges that they could not perform as easily individually.

MSA was given the charge to provide services to our military, create informational and educational materials, to issue disaster relief appeals and distribute funds collected for that purpose.

In the years after its creation, MSA established service centers in numerous cities in the United States and a few overseas. During the World War II years, with the formation of Veterans Administration Hospitals, MSA’s role changed to provide services at the VA Medical Centers. Now called the MSA Hospital Visitation Program, this duty continues today, with MSA volunteers at some 150 VA sites, providing more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service annually to our veterans.

The first disaster relief appeal was issued in 1923 for the Grand Lodge of Japan following an earthquake. Since then, more than 100 appeals have been made on behalf of individual Grand Lodges, and more than $10.5 million in relief donations have been received and distributed

by MSA. Since then, MSA has become a recognized and credible Masonic group in North America, trusted by all Grand Lodges to forward aid around the world when disaster strikes.

How Does it Work?When a natural disaster occurs, the Grand

Jurisdiction(s) affected may request the MSA to make an appeal for assistance to all U.S. and Canadian Grand Lodges.

When a disaster relief appeal is made, all donated funds, in their entirety, are sent to the Grand Jurisdiction involved for its recovery. No portion of donated funds is retained by the MSA; all costs connected with the appeal are absorbed through its regular operating budget. All contributions, donations and bequests to MSA are tax deductible, and every gift is acknowledged by MSA.

Source: www.msana.com

Online Edition www.pamasons.org/magazine Online Edition www.pamasons.org/magazine

FREEMASONRY TODAY

November 2017 13Pennsylvania Freemason12

A BRIEF HISTORY OF MASONIC CHARITYCharity is a universal characteristic of Masonry. It

has been said that “the Masonic Way is to give without remembering and to receive without forgetting.”

Shortly after 1717, when Lodges were still associations of stoneworkers and masons, the cessation of cathedral building and the expansion of overseas trade lessened the importance of the masons’ companies, and they had to change to survive. From active trade associations whose primary function was the regulation of workers and their qualifications, as well as their working conditions, wages, rights and responsibilities, they gradually became mutual benefit societies concerned largely with charity and relief for the destitute and unemployed.

The earliest surviving Masonic documents, “Old Charges” or “Gothic Constitutions,” dating from circa 1390

to the mid 18th century, outline a masons’ duties to his God, his master, his family and society in general. Rev. Dr. James Anderson condensed these ideals into the preface of the 1723 “Book of Constitutions.” In operative terms, the “Old Charges” called on the stone masons to assist a strange mason with up to two weeks’ work and lodging. In speculative terms, they directed masons to aid the needy and act with charity toward all mankind.

In Dorothy Ann Lipson’s book, “Freemasonry in Federalist Connecticut, 1789-1835,” she describes how: “Masonic charity differed in its underlying assumptions and in its style from civic charity. In Connecticut, charity was available to the settled members of a town, regulated by law, and invoked in times of extreme need and as a last resort. Persistent vestiges of the older Puritan ethic,

which associated misfortune with divine retribution, made appeals to civic charity a painful necessity. Masonic charity, more broadly defined than its civic counterpart, was available to its members in times of personal crisis wherever they were.” She also notes: “Masonic charity was secret, unlike civic charity whose administration made the entire town privy to the needs of each recipient. The derogation of character implicit in acknowledging poverty must have compounded suffering. In contrast, the Masons asked, ‘What has the world to do with private transactions, whether a widow, an orphan or a pilgrim has obtained relief?’” A touching example of this private, compassionate relief during personal crisis is cited: “Federal Lodge in Watertown, Conn., purchased a cow for the use of a widow and her children, and the cow was carried on its books for several years as a Lodge asset, presumably to spare the family the embarrassment of accepting charity.”

An interesting account of the Masonic relief provided after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was presented to the Illinois Lodge of Research by Illustrious Brother Samuel K. Zipp. Six miles long and three miles wide at the time, Chicago had a population of 334,000. The fire destroyed more than half of the city area and sent many thousands into the streets homeless, penniless and desperate. At the time the fire started, Freemasonry in Chicago was flourishing, with 31 Masonic Halls in operation. Brethren were in dire straits; their families scattered, their homes gone and everything they owned lost. Masonic leaders formed committees to administer relief. As word of the losses spread, contributions amounting to $83,089.06 in cash and $7,545.44 in supplies were received by the Masonic Board of Relief, hailing from Brethren and Lodges from Maine, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Illinois, Dakota Territory and British India. Appendant bodies donated thousands in addition. In fact, the response was so great that on Feb. 1, 1872, reports communicated that sufficient funds had been received to meet all legitimate needs; yet, still more contributions arrived.

The influenza outbreak of 1918 devastated the world, killing an estimated 50 million people in contrast to the 16 million who died during World War I. With soldiers trekking across battlefields and returning home, the virus spread rapidly. One-fifth of the population worldwide suffered from the influenza outbreak to some extent, and one-fourth of Americans contracted it. The influenza epidemic struck the Elizabethtown, Pa., area as severely as other locations. In a grand gesture of service to the community, doctors transferred the Masonic Homes residents without

influenza from the Philadelphia Freemasons Hospital to the Grand Lodge Hall Infirmary and opened the on-site hospital to community members with influenza. “This became a splendid asylum for the sorely stricken families of the vicinity who had no place else to go,” the Committee on Masonic Homes reported. During the several months the hospital took patients from the community, 82 people with no Masonic affiliation received the best treatment possible. As a result of quarantines and precautions, no Masonic Homes residents or guests died from the influenza epidemic.

Following the formation of the Masonic Service Association in 1919, Masonic relief was provided to numerous countries and within the United States following natural disasters including earthquakes, tornados, floods, hurricanes/typhoons, tsunamis and wildfires, as well as terrorist attacks.

Following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, medical professionals from Shriners Hospitals, including Dr. Robert Sheridan, Assistant Chief of Staff at the Boston Shriners Hospital, helped to provide emergency care for victims in New York City. They were part of the Burn Response Team of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team which is activated by the Office of Emergency Preparedness under the oversight of FEMA. Shriners Hospitals are also a part of the National Disaster Medical System, a first-response network of hospitals across the United States pre-identified to help in crisis situations. Although Shriners Hospitals are pediatric hospitals, dedicated to treating children, Shrine leaders stated that in light of the scope of this tragedy, they would assist adult victims, if needed.

Charity is at the core of Freemasonry. It has been since the founding of this great fraternity, and continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of society.

Sources: www.msana.com; Short Talk Bulletins, May 1962, November 1979, May 1991, July 1997; Emessay Notes, December 2001, March 2013.

Statue by William Rush, 1756-1833, Masonic Temple, Philadelphia

Online Edition www.pamasons.org/magazine Online Edition www.pamasons.org/magazine

MASONIC EDUCATION

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason14 1514 15

SENDING A MESSAGE OF UNANIMITYBROTHER TOM JACKSON PUTS HIS STAMP ON THE WORLD, ONE JURISDICTION AT A TIME

Brother Thomas W. Jackson has traveled to all 50 states and Canadian provinces and met Masonic leaders and presidents around the world in the name of Freemasonry. He’s received numerous honors and awards for his contributions as a mediator and advisor. But this summer, at age 82, he experienced a first: his likeness on a Brazilian stamp.

“I’ve been to Brazil about 15 times,” he said. “There are three different Masonic groups, and although they relate to each other, they don’t acknowledge each other or recognize each other, and I’ve been working for years to get that rectified,” he said. On the last day of a Masonic Conference in Brazil, on June 24, leaders presented Brother Tom with the stamp, which states in Portuguese that it is given in recognition of his service in promoting universal Freemasonry.

Brother Tom and his wife of 52 years, Linda, reside on a 30-acre farm in the Village of Middle Spring, which he bought in 1966. Displayed inside are an array of medals, signed photographs of well-known figures, numerous certificates, swords, art, hand-carved knives, historic rifles, a guitar and much more. All are gifts of appreciation from those he has

helped, both home and abroad. In 2015, Brother Tom retired from the job that sent him on

many of these ventures. The first time he was elected as the first Executive Secretary for the World Conference, he initially did not want the position. After he was unanimously elected by Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries from around the world a second time, he agreed to accept. He never expected to serve for 16 years.

His role was to coordinate and run the world conferences, held every 18 months in a different country; the most recent one was held in May in Madagascar. But Brother Tom expanded it over the years, visiting Grand Lodges in many different countries, mediating disputes, trying to reconcile differences and serving as an adviser. “I’m supposed to be retired,” he said, with a laugh. “When I stepped down as executive secretary, I thought now I’ll be able to spend time on my farm. It hasn’t happened yet.”

Brother Tom now serves as Honorary President of the World Conference. He continues to receive calls to travel and advise on various situations. The key to the successful

mediation, he says, is trying to listen to reason.“I’m generally out of the country half the year. I’ve been to

15 countries so far this year, and quite a few more to go,” he said. “I’ve really been fortunate. I have traveled to much of the world.” He has met the presidents of Portugal, Chile, Romania, Mozambique, Mali, Gabon, Chad and Congo, as well as former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. He’s also been hosted by several prime ministers.

Brother Tom, who was born in McKeesport, moved to Shippensburg when he was 12 years old. “I grew up in a relatively poor environment,” he said. “Neither of my parents went past eighth grade.” Brother Tom graduated from Shippensburg High School in 1952, and from what is now known as Shippensburg University, where he studied biology and chemistry, in 1958. He then earned a master’s degree in zoology from Penn State University.

At age 29, just before getting married, he joined Cumberland Valley Lodge No. 315 because he admired the local men who were Freemasons. “I saw men who I wanted to be like,” he explained. “It was almost a natural progression for me, because I was active in Scouting,” having earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He said the two organizations are similar because they both focus on patriotism, a belief in God and commitment to the betterment of mankind. “Our goal is to take good men and make them better. Then we expect those better men to lead society,” he said. “It’s not our goal to change the world; it’s our goal to change the man. It’s up to the man to change the world.” Brother Tom is a recipient of the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award for his service to Boy Scouts of America.

After teaching for 17 years and serving as a sales manager for a construction company, in December 1979, he was elected Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Brother Tom said he never imagined living such an interesting life, full of travel and meetings with dignitaries. He wrote and published a book a few years ago called “Masonic Perspectives: The Thoughts of a Grand Secretary.” In addition, he has published articles in educational, scientific and Masonic journals, as well as newspapers and publications throughout the world. Some of his papers have been translated into more than a dozen languages and printed in over two dozen countries.

In addition to having served as a master of his own Lodge, he was a representative in Grand Lodge, the Warrant Master of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research, Grand Secretary for Foreign Relations and Chairman of the Academy of Masonic Knowledge and the Committee on Foreign Recognition.

Not only does Brother Tom hold Lodge memberships in Wyoming, England, Italy, Peru, Morocco and Cyprus, but he has been granted honorary memberships in 107 Grand Lodges. He holds grand rank in 30 of these Grand Lodges, 14 of which as honorary Grand Master.

He has received awards and medals for distinguished service from nine Grand Lodges in the United States and 19 international Grand Lodges, including Yugoslavia, Romania, South Africa and Russia. The Thomas W. Jackson Award is presented annually by the Valley of Rochester, NY, to recognize individuals who have transformed the message of Freemasonry into an educational inspiration at a state, regional or national level. The Organization of Masonic Arts annually presents the Thomas W. Jackson Award for leadership to an outstanding Grand Master as determined by the board of directors.

Brother Tom’s wise counsel continues to be sought, and he is by no means slowing down his mission to spread the light of Freemasonry. In so many ways, he has placed his stamp on the world.

Online Edition www.pamasons.org/magazine Online Edition www.pamasons.org/magazine

MASONIC EDUCATION

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason16 17

RAISING A READER“I’m really excited about this program, and I want to say thank

you to the Masons of Pennsylvania for making this investment in our students,” Dr. Sybil Knight-Burney, superintendent of Harrisburg School District, said. “Many of our students enter our doors with little or no experience in reading. We want to offer them the opportunity to expand their vocabularies and open a world beyond their wildest imaginations.”

More than 600 kindergarten students in the Harrisburg School District will each have access to approximately 100 books to read at home and help develop lifelong literacy habits, thanks to Pennsylvania Masons’ support of the Raising A Reader program.

The program kicked off on Sept. 27 at Harrisburg High School, where approximately 30 teachers were receiving training to implement the program in their classrooms. Rep. and Bro. Ed Neilson, Houseman Lodge No. 211, Bristol, and Rep. and Bro. Barry Jozwiak, Williamson Lodge No. 307, Womelsdorf, attended the kick-off in support of the program.

“Preparing children to become successful adults is a team effort, of which schools, parents and the community are a part,” Raymond Dietz, R.W. Grand Master, said. “Pennsylvania Masons are proud to be part of this team, and we take the role of shaping young lives seriously.”

Bro. Matthew Krupp, Perseverance Lodge No. 21, Harrisburg, serves as a board member on the Harrisburg School District, and brought the Raising A Reader program to the attention of school administrators. As the father of a young daughter, he understands first-hand the importance of reading and education.

“When we were approached by some members of the

Pennsylvania Masons, we were absolutely thrilled to learn more about the program,” he said. “I was happy to make the connection, and glad to see it come to fruition. I’m excited to see the impact it has on students and their families.”

The students will each receive a Raising A Reader bag with several age-appropriate books to take home and read with their family. Every week, the bags will be rotated into children’s homes, with approximately 100 books passing through the child’s home every year. The program also provides support and guidance to help families develop, practice and maintain home-based literacy habits.

“The Masons are the lead supporter of Raising A Reader here in Pennsylvania, as well as other states around the country, serving over 2,500 children here in this state since last year,” Rebecca Armstrong, assistant vice president, program quality and advancement at Raising A Reader, said. “The program and materials we’re bringing here today to the Harrisburg School District have the potential to serve over 17,000 children over the lifetime of the materials. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.”

Pennsylvania Masons have donated $291,820, which has been used to bring the Raising A Reader program to more than 85 public elementary school classrooms across the state.

“This is huge for connecting families with school,” said Lynn Ziegler, kindergarten teacher at Ben Franklin Elementary School, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. “Home is the first educator for families, and getting books in their hands is important, especially for those who sometimes feel they don’t deserve a book. It’s great to see the connection between the Masons, schools and families. It shows we’re all here for each other.”

Online Edition www.pamasons.org/reader

10:00 a.m. Anticipated OPEN Installation of

S. Eugene Herritt as Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania a FREE LUNCHEON will follow the OPEN installation (Reservations Requested)

2:30 p.m. Special Meeting of Cumberland Valley Lodge No. 3155:30 p.m. Cash Bar Reception6:30 p.m. Banquet Dinner with Entertainment by

Tim Behrens of McManus Comedies A Family Friendly Comedy Show www.mcmanusplays.com “Outstanding performance! I relished the joy of a performance that obviously knocked the audience out. People should see this show!” - The late Jack Lemmon, actor Tickets $90 per person (Advanced Tickets Required)

Online Edition www.pamasons.org/magazine

Spouses, Family & Friendsare invited to attend all events along with you!

Live Streaming of the EventFor those who cannot attend, a live streaming link will be available at www.PaMasons.org

Annual GrandCOMMUNICATIONWednesday, Dec. 27The Hershey Lodge Hershey, PA

For ticketsand reservations,

please contact:

Forbes BorthwickCall 717-377-2786 or email forbesb1946@yahoo.comReservations are due by Nov. 15.

MASONIC EDUCATION

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason18 19

British Freemasonry is celebrating 300 years of the founding of the Premier Grand Lodge this year. Quite a bit of history has happened in those intervening years and even more leading up to that momentous year of 1717. It is a bit of a mystery as to how Freemasonry went from “operative” or working Masonry to “speculative” or philosophical Masonry. Even more of a conundrum is how the ritual developed and changed into what is practiced today. Brother Gandoff, a British Freemason for more than 30 years, has taken his intellectual curiosity and tries to make some sense of it all.

Brother Gandoff opens the book with a brief chapter re-counting 1,800 years of British history. His justification is to give the reader a bit of historical context for the next chapters on the development of Freemasonry.

The chapters on Craft history are divided into segments of one or two hundred years each. Though the first chapter technically begins with the 1400s (1400-1620), Brother Gandoff actually begins with a brief history lesson of the early builders in the 13th and 14th centuries,

how they were probably organized, and some of the early statutes that regulated them. With that behind him, he begins looking at the Old Charges, the “Regius Poem” being the most prominent one. Throughout his discourse, Brother Gandoff examines the evolution of Freemasonry, historical events and persons that influenced its development, how rituals changed over time, the “Moderns” and the “Ancients” and the union of these two Grand Lodges, ending with an examination of ritual variations found in the various U.K. jurisdictions.

After the reader has completed this book and his interest has just been whetted, the final chapter includes a helpful list of websites, trustworthy authors and research papers that will be of great interest to him, some of which can be found in The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania.

If you are interested in “Over 300 Years of Masonic Ritual,” please contact the library at 1-800-462-0430, ext. 1933 or The Masonic Library & Museum online catalog at www.pamasons.org. This book is also available for purchase at www.macoy.com.

MASONIC BOOK REVIEW “Over 300 Years Of Masonic Ritual” by Brother Martin GandoffReviewed by Cathy Giaimo, Assistant Librarian, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania

Over $116,000 in scholarships were presented this year, with an additional $38,000 allocated as recurring awards (conditional upon maintaining a 3.0 GPA) by the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation (PMYF) through its Educational Endowment Fund. In 2018, an estimated 55-60 students will be selected to receive awards ranging from $1,000-$3,000, some of which will be multi-year awards. The annual program runs through March 15, 2018, which is the final submission date for applications.

Applicants must plan ahead to file on time, as copies of school transcripts and current completed FAFSA forms must accompany the application. The committee requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and strong financial need to make an award. Fraternal activities and community service also matters, when the other conditions have

been satisfied. The program is competitive, and the current year’s applicants are measured against each other to determine need and likelihood for success.

The 2018 Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide provides information on 66 scholarships, grants and loan opportunities for Masons, their siblings, children and grandchildren; members of the Masonic-related youth groups; Acacia Fraternity members; and residents or graduates of the Masonic Children’s Home. Most of these additional scholarship opportunities require the submission of a separate application, and all of the requirements and application details are included in the guide.

The Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide for the 2018 program and the 2018 application are now available at www.pmyf.org.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MASONS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS

Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation www.pmyf.orgMasonic Temple, Library & Museum www.pamasonictemple.org

PA LODGE OF RESEARCH MEETINGSaturday, Dec. 2, 2017, at 10 a.m.Altoona Masonic Temple, 600 Jackson Ave, Altoona, PA 16602Scholarly papers on Masonic topics will be presented.Brother William L. Britton, Cumberland Valley Lodge No. 315, Shippensburg, will present: “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Its Possible Masonic Relationship.” An additional presentation will be given.Officer elections and installation will be held.Dress: Coat and tie with member jewelIf you plan to attend the luncheon, please email Brother George R. Haynes, P.M., Secretary, at Lodge.of.Research@pagrandlodge.org in advance of the meeting. The cost for the luncheon is $10 per person, to be paid at the door.

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November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason20 21

Taking a lesson from the Masonic bodies that serve as their sponsors and supporters, the Masonic youth groups have embraced the importance of charitable outreach and are quietly supporting some charities in an outstanding fashion.

Since the inception of the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Pennsylvania DeMolay has made them its state charity, and in the past 18 years, the DeMolay Chapters have raised and contributed over $170,000 to the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in Pennsylvania. Along with fund raisers that have included dinners, fall leaf raking, sub sales and dodgeball tournaments, many of the DeMolay Chapters support the centers by participating in their annual walks and making donations of books, electronic equipment and school supplies directly to the centers. The State Sweetheart for PA DeMolay, usually assisted by the Elected State Officers, promotes the charity, encouraging all Chapters to participate. In addition to the Dyslexia Centers, many DeMolay Chapters support other charities as well, both Masonic and community-based agencies, which help the poor and needy.

The Job’s Daughters of Pennsylvania support the HIKE program, which stands for the Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment Fund. This charity helps provide hearing devices for children with hearing impairments from newborn to age 20. This has been the primary charity for Job’s Daughters International for 30 years. Every year, a Daughter has been assigned to oversee the program and has received recognition for raising over $1,000 for HIKE during her year. In the 2016-2017 year, $3,000 was donated. In September, a Dance-a-Thon was held, raising nearly $1,200 for the 2017-2018 year. Also, this year, the Daughters are selling Flamingo Flocking and, for those who want to avoid this migration of pink plastic birds landing on their front lawn, “flocking insurance” can be purchased. Since 1986, Pennsylvania Job’s Daughters have presented 110 awards totaling almost $150,000 for children needing hearing devices.

The primary state charity of Pennsylvania Rainbow for Girls is the My Stuff Bags program, which is designed to create bags for young children going through tough times in their lives so that they can be made to feel comfortable and happy. In the first seven years, Rainbow Girls raised nearly $16,000. The girl who serves in the office of Grand Charity is responsible for providing programming to support this charity. The Grand Worthy Advisor of Pennsylvania Rainbow

for Girls also selects a charity during her term, which is mostly supported through the purchase of the Grand Worthy Advisor’s pins. Last year, this charity was the Special Olympics; this year, it’s the Animal Rescue League. This charitable outreach has raised nearly $70,000 in the last 10 years. Innovative fund raisers are used to make this fun and exciting for the girls, and can involve such things as pies in the face, dunking elected youth leaders, filling M&M tubes and piggy banks, and “pop” versus “soda” contests.

Pennsylvania Masonic Lodges donate thousands of dollars to charitable causes every year, and have set the example adopted by the Masonic youth groups. If you’d like to show your appreciation by supporting, visiting or recommending a new member to one or more of the youth groups, please contact the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation at 1-800-266-8424.

THE CHARITABLE NATURE OF OUR YOUTH GROUPS

HELP FOR OUR HEROES

A soldier is trained to deal with adversity and loss on the field of battle, but both can be just as difficult to handle when they strike off the field. Jeremy Pellitier, a Sergeant in the Pennsylvania National Guard Alpha Battery 1/107th Field Artillery unit based in Hermitage, Pa., faced two such challenges within a one-week time period. First, he found out that he was going to be laid off from his job. Then, his wife, who was 8 ½-months pregnant, suffered the loss of their unborn child. These devastating losses left the family in immediate need of assistance.

Thankfully, Sgt. Pellitier spoke with Pennsylvania National Guard Family Assistant Center Specialist Dorothy Staub. She looked for possible sources of financial assistance, but many funds for soldiers in need were not available because he had not been deployed. Being familiar with Pennsylvania Masons, Mrs. Staub recounted hearing a Mason say, “…if you’re ever in need, give us a call.” And that’s what she did.

Mrs. Staub contacted Brother J. Ernest Bernice, Secretary of Shenango Valley Lodge No. 810, Hermitage. She asked if the Masons could provide any financial assistance while the soldier’s family dealt with the grief of their loss. Brother Bernice contacted Brother Rick McCleary, D.D.G.M.-53, who contacted the Grand Lodge. The response was lightning fast, thanks to the Help for Our Heroes fund.

REBUILDING LIVESContinued from August issue

l-r: Brother J. Ernest Bernice, P.M., Secretary, Shenango Valley Lodge No. 810; Brother Charles Wallace, PR Coordinator, Masonic District 53; Sgt. Jeremy Pellitier; and Brother Richard A. McCleary, D.D.G.M- 53.

Brother Brian Seeger, contractor, marks the outline for the new house’s foundation.

After SGT Frank Miller’s home was completely demolished by fire, Brother Joe Shubert, Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246, Philadelphia, was able to get the insurance company to significantly increase its original settlement offer. Brother P.J. Roup, P.D.D.G.M.-54, enlisted the assistance of Brother Brian Seeger, Ellwood-Parian Lodge No. 599, Ellwood City, to bid on the project and serve as general contractor. The former home has since been demolished, permits obtained and plans for the new structure submitted. Construction is expected to begin shortly.

The original two-bedroom, two-bath home house was 1,400 sq. feet. The new home will be expanded to 1,525 sq. feet with three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, plus an extra room to be used as an office. Thanks to Brother Brian’s hard work and generosity, all the work is being accomplished within the funding provided by the insurance company.

“Providing a new home for the Miller family is the largest single project undertaken by the Help for Our Heroes program,” according to Brother Col. Harris Brooks.

Looking forward to moving into their new home, the Miller family is extremely thankful to PA Masons for turning their devastation into a wonderful future.

During a recent meeting at his PA National Guard unit in Hermitage, Sgt. Pellitier expressed his gratitude to PA Masons for their assistance during his family’s personal crisis. And thankfully, he found a new full-time job.

SUPPORT IN TIMES OF LOSS

Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation www.pmyf.orgHelp For Our Heroes www.pamasons.org/heroes

PHILANTHROPY

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason22 23

Masonic Village at Sewickley October 7, 2017

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown October 21, 2017Autumn Fun October was a very busy month at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown! Grand Master Ray Dietz enjoyed a pizza party with the youth at the Masonic Children’s Home and ice cream sundaes with the residents of the Bleiler Caring Cottage after touring the newly renovated homes. The grand opening for the newly renovated Cafe 1911, Cornerstone Restaurant and Goose and GridIron Tavern in the Grand Lodge Hall was held on Oct. 18 (Right: Brother C. DeForrest Trexler enjoyed the first beer in the Goose and GridIron Tavern, which he generously funded.) Autumn Day on Oct. 21 drew more than 7,000 Pennsylvania Masons, their families and friends, to the campus.

Veterans Garden DedicationRecognizing and honoring veterans in a meaningful, lasting way, the Veterans Garden is a place for loved ones to pray for, celebrate and memorialize those who have, and those who continue, to serve our country.The dedication ceremony featured patriotic music; a parade with Masonic and Shrine Units, numerous police departments from the Pittsburgh area and the Quaker Valley High School Band; the unveiling of a plaque for Brother and Officer Scott Bashioum and the unveiling of the George Washington statue.

Community Festival The annual event kicked off with a parade, and the fun continued throughout the day with entertainment, kids’ activities and vendors offering crafts, handmade jewelry and baked goods for sale.

PHILANTHROPY

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason24 25

MasonicChildrensHome.org

Easy Reader Book p. 6

Tutoring Session p. 8

School Outfit p. 15

Giving Catalog2017-2018 MASONIC CHILDREN’S HOME Giving Catalog

Pair of Glasses, p. 6

Sweater, p. 10

2017-2018 MASONIC VILLAGES

Order catalogs: 1-800-599-6454 | View items and donate online: MCHGivingCatalog.org & MVGivingCatalog.org

Giving Catalogs

one hour ofTUTORING$15

warm CARDIGAN

SWEATER$25

Check out the Giving Catalogs for the Masonic Children’s Home and Masonic Villages, full of great gifts

for our children and residents!

Thank you in advance for your support.

Rethink holiday gift-giving. Start a new tradition.

Purchase a gift in honor of a loved one and receive

FREE cards to help you spread the word! To:

From: Felicia

A Gift Has Been Made

In Your HonorPAIR OF GLASSES

This pair of glasses will give a resident the ability to participate in activities, read books and see

family members and friends!

Bridget and House Parent Susan

Jane and Shirley

Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org

- Masonic Charities

Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org

Masonic Village at Sewickley

Masonic Children’s Home

GIVE A CHILD A CHANCE CAMPAIGN

For children growing up in an unstable environment, finding a secure home with love, support and guidance is life-changing. Since 1913, Pennsylvania Masons have provided a safe haven and changed the lives of more than 2,100 children at the Masonic Children’s Home on the campus of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, Pa. Today, the children’s home cares for up to 40 school-age children. Through the years, children from all over Pennsylvania have been served at the Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown. More recently, due to distance, the needs for children in Western Pennsylvania are not being met. A children’s home in Sewickley could meet the needs of 16 children, with eight girls and eight boys housed on the campus. Amenities would include: spacious bedrooms; nutritious home-cooked meals; clothing; skilled child care; complete medical care; social worker on staff; academic tutoring; resources to pursue hobbies, organized sports and activities; annual vacations and trips; opportunity for higher education, and an independent living program. We invite you to join us as we embark on this $15 million Capital Campaign and help make a meaningful impact for the children who need us most. FOUNDING GIFTSNamed Campus $5 MillionNamed Cottage $1 Million (2 available)Advanced Education Scholarship $2.5 MillionMAJOR GIFTSPlayground $250,000Donor Recognition Garden $100,000

SPECIAL LEVELS OF SUPPORTThe Masonic Children’s Home is most grateful for every contribution and plans to recognize visionary donors in a beautiful outdoor donor recognition garden. The formal levels of support below recognize and honor generous donors or their honorees at respective giving levels on a specifically designed permanent display.Scholar $1,000 – $4,999Educator $5,000 – $9,999Author $10,000 – $24,999Mentor $25,000 – $99,999Associate’s Circle $100,000 – $249,999Bachelor’s Circle $250,000 – $499,999Master’s Circle $500,000 – $999,999Doctorate Circle $1,000,000 or moreGENERAL FUNDContributions are unrestricted and for immediate use to cover the cost of the Masonic Children’s Home’s general operating costs, utilities and salaries.ENDOWMENT FUNDContributions to the endowment are invested, and the income earned assists in providing educational, social and recreational needs.

CONTACT USFor more information about giving opportunities, please contact Heather Mason at HMason@masonicvillages.org or 412-741-1400 ext. 3011.

Authorize a specified amount of money to be electronically transferred directly from your checking account to your favorite Masonic Charity monthly.

Join the Loyalty Club TodayCall 1-800-599-6454 or visit MasonicCharitiesPa.org/contact/

Benefits• No worries of checks getting lost, stolen or destroyed.• Meet annual giving levels with ease by making smaller

monthly gifts instead of one large annual gift.• The monthly electronic transfer or credit card charge will cost

you NOTHING.• Receive a year-end statement of monthly giving for easy tax

preparation (your bank or credit card statements will also confirm transfers).

• Recognition in the Masonic Charities Annual Report.• No longer receive annual appeals.You can cancel your authorization at any time by notifying the Masonic Charities Office of Gift Planning in writing. But, once you have enjoyed the convenience and savings of this program, you won’t want to go back to the “old fashioned” way of donating!

Give Two Gifts for the Price of One! If you plan to do some online shopping this holiday season, why not support our Masonic Charities with your purchases, at no additional cost to you? A gift for a loved one, a gift for a Masonic charity.

Here’s how it works. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the Masonic charity of your choice. Simply bookmark one of the following links so all of your eligible purchases will benefit your favorite Masonic charity every time you shop:MASONIC CHARITIES FUNDsmile.amazon.com/ch/23-2720910MASONIC VILLAGESsmile.amazon.com/ch/23-0846955 PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATIONsmile.amazon.com/ch/23-2188997 MASONIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIAsmile.amazon.com/ch/23-2608317

Monthly Giving Has Never Been Easier

LOYALTY CLUB Support Your Favorite Charity Monthly

HOLIDAY SHOPPING?

Items in these catalogs are currently being provided for our residents and kids. Your continued contributions make certain all

their daily needs continue to be met.

PHILANTHROPY

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason26 27

REDISCOVER YOU at Masonic Villages

You’ve raised kids, built a career, given back to your community and saved for your future. For years, you’ve had to put your hobbies and passions on the backburner. Now, it’s finally time to concentrate on YOU.

At Masonic Villages, residents are reinventing themselves every day by making new friends, learning new skills, uncovering new talents, and picking up old hobbies they’d given up for other priorities.

That’s because at Masonic Village, we take care of your home and much more. Here, you can feel secure about your future, both financially and knowing your future health needs will be met. So your focus can be on YOU.

For Brother Terry Ziegler, Lehigh Lodge No. 326, Macungie, and his wife, Elaine, their move to Masonic Village at Elizabethtown has allowed them to focus on their long list of interests and rekindle some favorite pastimes, but most of all, it has enabled Brother Terry to enjoy more time with his bride of 55 years.

“We were high school sweethearts,” he said. “Raising a family, working and all the other chores of keeping a home and involvement in community kept us individually busy. Since we moved here, we have more quality time to spend with each

other and do the things we both like to do.”Brother Terry started as a factory worker in 1960, and

worked his way up to a draftsman and estimator until 1972. Then he spent 10 years as an assembler and materials inspector for a trucking company before returning to his original role as an estimator and doing trade shows throughout the country. He became a plant manager and project manager before retiring in 2006.

In addition to working a full-time job, he and Elaine raised a family and maintained a 2 ½ story Victorian-style home built in the early 1900s.

“There was always maintenance which needed to be done,” he said, “including painting the outside using a 40-foot extension ladder, plumbing repairs and everything in between.”

He also volunteered on the ambulance corps, as a first aid instructor and firefighter and served as Worshipful Master of his lodge for two years. When he found the time, he fished, golfed and hunted.

Brother Terry’s list of interests expands much beyond what his time previously allowed. His sense of adventure inspired him to try sky diving, bungee jumping and whitewater

canoeing, and he likes to bike, hike, walk, garden, geocache, cook and even dabble in guitar playing, all of which he’s able to do since moving to Masonic Village.

He retired his 40-foot ladder, and instead has discovered more time for reading. He was introduced to pickle ball at Masonic Village and now plays weekly. He and Elaine used to do a lot of country line dancing and have found all dancing even more enjoyable in retirement.

“We are busy but pick and choose what we want to do and when we want to do it,” he said. “I still have my things I like to do and she has hers.”

One of the best features they’ve found at Masonic Village is the people.

“I never thought we would live to see such a great life, getting here at an age where we can enjoy all this place has to offer and not having to worry about what the future may hold,” Brother Terry said. “At Masonic Village, we’ve found so many nice people, so many friendly people, so many people enjoying life, and we’re so glad we are among them.”

Enjoy Life YOUR way. Let us take care of the rest.Masonic Village at Dallas features villa homes and spacious

apartments surrounded by the splendor of the Back Mountain of Northeast Pennsylvania. For information or to schedule a personal visit, call 1-570-446-5658.

At Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, residents can choose from 13 different floor plan options, ranging from studio apartments to two-bedroom/den cottages, including 72 new cottages currently being constructed. Attend a holiday open house on Dec. 4, at 4 p.m., to learn more about our rental apartments, tour the newly-renovated Grand Lodge Hall and enjoy our annual tree lighting ceremony. For more information, call 1-717-473-0614.

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill offers options including one-bedroom, one-bedroom den and two-bedroom apartments, amidst the quaintness of the suburbs. For information or to schedule a personal visit, call 1-484-535- 3119.

Masonic Village at Sewickley includes apartments and villas situated on a picturesque hillside with the skyscrapers of Pittsburgh rising in the distance. For information or to schedule a personal visit, call 724-242-5099.

Masonic Village residents Elaine, Terry, T.J. and Jessie

- Masonic Villages

Masonic Villages www.masonicvillages.org Masonic Villages www.masonicvillages.org

PHILANTHROPY

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason28 29

MASONIC VILLAGES’2017WISH LIST ITEMSOFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING 1-800-599-6454Thank you to those who have provided for the following items:

Bleiler Caring Cottage Masonic Village Art Association: Activities Masonic Children’s Home Logan Lodge No. 490: Hersheypark tripDavid Nimick: Various itemsRichard Vaux Ivanhoe Lodge No. 384: RenovationsWilkins Family: Hersheypark tripMasonic Village at Elizabethtown Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, O.E.S.: Various items Janet Poth, John Poth, Jodie Webster: Bariatic reclining shower chair, therapeutic supplies, gift cards to gift shop and Village Café, art and music supplies, Christmas partyMasonic Village at Lafayette HillRobert Carwithen: Healthometer chair scale and two Litman Master cardiology stethoscopes Hermine Chern: Resident tripsGrand Chapter of Pennsylvania, O.E.S.: Various itemsMasonic Village at WarminsterGrand Chapter of Pennsylvania, O.E.S.: Various itemsMasonic Village at SewickleyGrand Chapter of Pennsylvania, O.E.S.: Various items

There is an all-inclusive wish list posted on MasonicCharitiesPA.org, or feel free to contact the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454. Please note that if funds donated for any item listed are over- subscribed, the funds will be used for additional wish list items or needs in the same service area.

Financial information about Masonic Charities can be obtained by contacting us at 1-800-599-6454. In addition, Masonic Charities is required to file financial information with several states. Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, (303) 894-2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us/. Florida: SC No. 00774, A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OB-TAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. Georgia: full and fair description of the programs and activities of Masonic Charities and its financial statement are avail-able upon request at the address indicated above. Illinois: Contracts and reports regarding Masonic Charities are on file with the Illinois Attorney General. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (800) 825-4510. Michigan: MICS No. 11796 Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. New York: A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: The notice of solicitation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of Masonic Charities is available from the Secre-tary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. REGISTRATION IN THE ABOVE STATES DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION OF MASONIC CHARITIES BY THE STATE.

Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org

- Masonic Charities

Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org

IT’S TIME…to Review Your Will and Beneficiary Forms and to Think Intentionally about the Purpose Served by Every Dollar

Recently, one of our Pennsylvania Brothers passed away. Like many Masons, this Brother’s will and beneficiary forms left everything to his only relative, a sister. Unfortunately, at the time of our Brother’s death, his sister was herself receiving hospice care and about to pass away. On the 28th day after our Brother’s death, his sister also passed away. In this particular case, our Brother’s will and beneficiary forms also included a contingency providing that if the sister did not survive our Brother by 30 days, the estate would be given to the Masonic Villages, where both seniors and youth are cherished and served with tenderness. If the sister had lived two more days, our Brother’s estate would have been assessed a Pennsylvania inheritance tax of 12 percent, and the balance would have been distributed to a dying woman without any financial needs or desires.

An estimated 90 percent of all gift revenue to the Masonic Charities comes in the form of planned estate gifts. If Pennsylvania Masons intentionally align every dollar in their estate with the needs of those they love and with their Masonic values, the possibilities for positively impacting lives and the world in general are boundless.

One of the outreach benefits provided to Pennsylvania Masons and their widows is consultation services provided by any one of four professional gift planners serving Pennsylvania Masons within the state and throughout the country. Most individuals have never worked with a gift planner and probably don’t know what a gift planner does. Gift planning, as provided by the gift planners of the Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, is

an opportunity to reduce the risk of unintended estate expenses, and to intentionally plan how the blessings you have received will be stewarded for the benefit of others. There are four simple steps in the gift planning process:1. Reflect upon your life experiences, the people you love and the values you hold.2. Evaluate your current plans and documents.3. Update your plans to reflect current laws and your loves, values and priorities.4. Decide if charitable plans should be publicly acknowledged or remain anonymous.

Some of the most common objections to gift planning are: “I’m too young (or too old),” “There won’t be anything left when I die” or “I already made my plans many years ago.” Gift planning is not just for persons of a particular age, nor is it just for persons of a certain wealth or income. Brother Alvin Blitz, Chief Gift Planning Officer of the Masonic Charities, tells us: “Gift planning is a lifelong process for people of all ages, assets and incomes.”• Upon retirement• Upon the graduation, marriage, divorce, illness, aging or death of a current beneficiary• Upon changes in tax laws• Upon anticipating a purchase or sale of real estate• Upon changes in investment values

To have a free consultation with a professional gift planner nearest you, call toll free: 1-800-599-6454.

Qty Item Unit CostBleiler Caring Cottage 5 Folding chairs for gatherings $150

New office furniture $2,000 New window blinds $2,500 New family/living room furniture $3,500

Future camp trips for residents $5,000Masonic Village at Dallas3 AED/Defibrillator packs $1,20024 Retractable awnings $3,5001 Gazebo $5,000Masonic Village at Elizabethtown12 Clothing Co. certificates for nursing and

personal care residents$50

65 Massages or Healing Touch for pain $65 Hospitality cart supplies $10042 Specialty wheelchair cushions $50030 EZ repositioners $70023 Specialty wheelchairs $1,0005 Electric lift recliners $1,20020 Specialty mattresses $2,5001 Blanket warmer $2,80010 Vital sign machines $3,5005 Specialty beds for resident mobility $3,7001 EKG machine $4,0007 Bariatric/transfer lifts $5,0001 Patio set for Personal Care $5,0001 NuStep exercise machine $5,6005 Ceiling mounted lifts $7,50010 Stand-up lifts with scale $8,5006 Total lifts with scale $8,5002 Pharmacy and dining delivery vehicles $15,000Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill1 Ping pong table with accessories $8001 LifePack CR Plus $1,900

Harvest Ball event $2,500 Drama lessons/activities for residents $3,000

Masonic Village at Sewickley1 Hand rail tilt and roll scale $1,550 1 Camel lift $3,000 1 4-channel electric stimulation $4,400 Masonic Village at Warminster2 Digital vital sign monitors $1,8641 Broda wheelchair $2,5501 Pergola with awning $6,000Masonic Children’s Home Renovation Wish List1 70” TV for projection/events $1,700

Dining room/kitchen stools $3,000Living room/basement set $5,50030 stackable chairs/8 tables $20,000

8 Bedroom sets $21,500

PHILANTHROPY

November 2017Pennsylvania Freemason30 31

Turn Your Required Minimum Distribution

into a Qualified Charitable Distribution!

www.MasonicCharitiesPa.org

ARE YOU AGE 70 ½ OR OLDER AND...• Own an IRA?• Haven’t taken all of your required minimum

distribution (RMD) this year?• Don’t need all or part of RMD to live on?• Hate to pay taxes?• Enjoy helping others?

THEN CONSIDER THIS! Give all or part of your RMD to a Masonic Charity and you will:• Make a child smile at the Masonic Children’s Home• Give comfort to a resident of the Masonic Villages

that he or she will always have a place to live• Help fulfill the dream of a Masonic youth through a

scholarship from The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation

• Forever preserve George Washington’s Masonic apron, and other artifacts, at the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum of Pennsylvania

ACT NOW! Call Masonic Charities at 1-800-599-6454 to find out how you can:• Give part or all of your RMD to one of the Masonic

Charities listed above• Avoid taxes on your RMD• Make the world a better place• Put a smile on your face