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Pennsylvania Masonic News
Masonic Widow’s Guild Program Announced
The Masonic Villages recently launched a Widows’ Guild program to recognize and assist all widows of Pennsylvania Masons. The program is being rolled out at limited group events throughout Pennsylvania and certain locations of the United States. Widows who attend these events will receive a Masonic Blue Slipper Pin and personalized membership card to the Widows’ Guild. On the back side of the membership card is the toll-free telephone number for the Masonic Outreach [...]
Why do we use a Lodge seal?
The word “seal” appears in the “Ahiman Rezon” more than 80 times (not counting the index). That means seals are talked about on one out of every three pages in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. For many, seals seem like quaint anachronisms of an age prior to electronic communication. For others, they represent a cultured experience that is longed for. Obviously, seals are important to our Grand Lodge and to our Fraternity, [...]
Applying the 24 Inch Gauge
The August 2016 issue of the Pennsylvania Freemason magazine deals with time management and the Masonic symbolism of the 24 inch gauge. The issue will be delivered to mail boxes during the first month of August. Masonic ceremonies are designed to make a Brother think. Many of the rituals of Freemasonry make reference, either directly or indirectly, to man’s mortality and our shared time on this Earth. Every person has a finite number of years, [...]
Philly Freemasons Unite to Save Cemetery
Mt. Moriah Cemetery, located in Philadelphia, had a long history of interring the residents of the City of Brotherly Love. Along the way, however, the cemetery fell on hard times. The last remaining member of the cemetery's governing board passed away in 2004. From that time, until 2011, a lone employee attempted to take care of the hallowed grounds. The community learned of the problems affecting the cemetery and formed a group to take action [...]
Freemasons Connect with Civil War
Credit: Bro. Lee Edgar, Bethel Lodge No. 319 A.F.&A.M. - Garner, IA & Ft. Hunt-Skidmore Daytime Lodge No. 353 A.F.&A.M. - Springfield, VA In the above photograph, Union soldiers are assembled at the McLean House in Appomattox, Virginia on April 10, 2015 to commemorate the Sesquicentennial (150 years) of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. These notable Civil War reenactors, calling from north to south, each share one thing [...]
Young Brother Teaches the Joy of Music
Credit: Old Forge School District Students of Old Forge School District's kindergarten class were serenaded recently when violinist and composer Bro. Brendan Bordick-Lesavage performed. Besides playing for the children, Bro. Brendan also made sure to teach the students about the violin, its parts, and all of the sounds that it can make. “I believe that it’s important for young students to be given as many opportunities to explore the world as possible,” he said. “Many [...]
Freemasons Support Veterans and Community
Credit: Bro. Edward A. Fox This spring, Masons in south-central Pennsylvania have been working together to help local residents get through some tough times. In the past few weeks, Brothers from District 2 have been visiting hospitals and homes to answer requests for assistance, and to provide some relief. Bro. Matt Dohner, of Brownstone Lodge No. 666, Hershey, took an envelope full of grocery store cards to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. There, he [...]
Reflecting on the Freemason Magazine
Credit: Bro. and Rev. A. Preston Van Deursen, Grand Chaplain I am not sure that there could be a more appropriate time to highlight the different faiths within Freemasonry than now. The articles in the most recent edition of the Pennsylvania Freemason Magazine remind us, according to the Laws of Freemasonry, religion and politics are to be kept out of the Lodge as we focus on what unites us and not what divides us; especially [...]
Bedford and Everett Lodges Improve Community
Credit: Bro. Robert C. Snyder, D.D.G.M. 34 The brethren of Bedford Lodge No. 320 and Everett Lodge No. 524 recently made donations to the Everett Recreation Board and to the Everett Sportsmen’s Club’s Junior Rifle Club. Each lodge donated $250 to each of the organizations. Everett Recreation Board is comprised of a group of volunteers organized to maintain and improve Tenley Park, a 77 acre community park owned by the Borough of Everett. Land for [...]
Joining Freemasonry 101
To the public, one the most confusing and mysterious parts of Freemasonry is the process of joining. Because the process is only open to members, it is often assumed that it contains something mystical or inscrutable. For someone looking to join the fraternity, the idea of a becoming a member can be a mix of exhilarating, nerve inducing and self-reflective. In truth, it’s all of those and none of those, at once. The article “Who [...]
McConnellsburg Masons Honor Early Leader
Credit: Robert C. Snyder, II, D.D.G.M. 34 The Brothers of Mount Zion Lodge No. 774, in McConnellsburg, gathered at the McConnellsburg United Presbyterian Church Cemetery on Monday, April 11, 2016 prior to their April Stated Meeting. The purpose of the gathering was to dedicate a new grave monument for Brother Andrew Lindsay, Past Master of Mount Zion Lodge No. 210, in McConnellsburg. Brother Lindsay was one of five warrant members of Mount Zion Lodge No. [...]
Lodge 2 Supports Ronald McDonald House
Credit: Bro. Ariel Gonzales, Lodge No. 2, Philadelphia, PA They say hospitality is a dish best served from the heart and never is that more true than during the 4th annual Ronald McDonald House Guest Chef Charity Event sponsored by Lodge No. 2 of Masonic District D. A cornerstone of the fraternity’s pledge to promote community outreach, this charity drive is one example of how Freemasonry, fraternity and fellowship can be used as a force [...]