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FIRST MASONIC DISTRICT NEWSLETTER - ISSUE NO. 4 - SEPTEMBER 2019
Special Edition Issue Lodge in the Woods 2019
In this issue: Lodge in the Woods Grand Lodge Membership Initiative Job’s Daughters DeMolay And More... Published by the First Masonic District of Pennsylvania 2019
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Ronald B. Carson, DDGM EDITOR
L. Kenneth Bray III, PM CONTRIBUTORS
David Berry Kimberly Miller Miss Alyssa Kline, Miss Job’s Daughter of Pennsylvania
PHOTOGRAPHERS
L. Kenneth Bray III David Berry Kimberly Miller CONTACT
First Masonic District of PA 213 W. Chestnut St. ATTN: DDGM Ronald B. Carson Lancaster, PA 17603 717-723-9152 DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this publication does not reflect the views or opinions of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Articles are sourced from Masonic publications and given credit when at all possible. Content generated by the contributors are explicitly the views and opinions of the author and not endorsed by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Ronald B. Carson, DDGM Editor-in-chief
Welcome Brethren! I am very excited to be a member of the First Masonic District and our Fraternity. I often wonder what I would do without it. One thing for sure, I would have missed the opportunity to meet all of you. The Fraternity offers us many different avenues to pursue from the time that we are raised. There is something for everyone depending on your interests. No matter what those interests are; they start with fellowship and getting to know one another. I have learned more about myself, life, and the Fraternity from great men that I look forward to seeing each month, the Brethren. I hope that you also find being with our Brethren rewarding and exciting.
Keep working together with pride and honesty and there is nothing that can stop this Fraternity from being the best organization in the world. I truly believe that this world needs our Fraternity now more than ever. If we all lived and looked at life through the values it teaches us, how much different would this world be?
F1RST MASONIC DISTRICT MAGAZINE
In this Issue:
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Lodge in the Woods
Not Just a Man. A
DDGM June Message
2019
Mason.
to the District
Bro. L. Kenneth Bray III, PM
Bro. L. Kenneth Bray III, PM
Bro. Ronald B. Carson, DDGM
This year Ephrata Lodge No 665 hosted the biannual Lodge in the Woods at J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation (aka Camp Mack). If you missed the event we’ve got plenty of pictures!
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is rolling out with a new membership initiative on various social media platforms. This is an exciting time for Freemasonry, READ MORE and see how you can share the word.
This upcoming month will be very busy for the 1st Masonic District, yet again. Read the DDGM’s June Address to stay informed about the future of our district and how you can be involved.
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SEPTEMBER 2019
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1st Masonic School
LifeSkills
Job’s Daughters
of Instruction
Conference
Grand Sessions 2019
Bro. Jeffrey S. Moyer, PM Principle School of Instruction
Bro. David Berry
Miss Alyssa Kline
During the LifeSkills Conference and DeMolay KeyMan University, youth participants, and a few adult volunteers formed an assembly line to create 20,000 meals for the Community Cupboard.
Grand Session is the annual convention of Pennsylvania Job’s Daughters, you might be asking yourself what takes place. Miss Alyssa Kline shares all the details in this article.
All Officers and Members are encouraged to attend our monthly School of Instruction, to learn the proper mechanics of our ritual. Open to all Master Masons.
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DeMolay Installa-
First Masonic
Lodges within
tion of Officers
Upcoming Events
the First Masonic
Bro. David Berry
The First Masonic District is busy with events for the upcoming End of Summer into the Fall season, however, you’ll notice our list is short so SEND IN YOUR EVENTS!
District
On Saturday, June 22nd, Todd Schwartz, Jr., was installed as Master Councilor of Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay. Read about the officers installed and what’s to come.
The First Masonic District is made up of ten (10) lodges within Lancaster County. See the schedule here for Stated Meetings.
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F1RST MASONIC DISTRICT MAGAZINE
Lodge in the Woods, 2019 THIS YEAR EPHRATA LODGE NO 665 HOSTED THE BIANNUAL LODGE IN THE WOODS AT J. EDWARD MACK SCOUT RESERVATION (AKA CAMP MACK)
Ephrata Lodge #665 excited hosted the 2019 Lodge in the Woods, held on Wednesday afternoon into the evening September 18, 2019 at the J Edward Mack Scout Reservation in Newmanstown, PA. The gathering of many masons started in the afternoon around a catered steak dinner, all the fixings, and desserts. It was a great opportunity to mingle, catch up with old friends and see new faces. After the meal and socializing, so began an evening of photograph after photograph as the Lodge
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Officers and Grand Lodge line gathered. Officers from each of the Lodges in the First Masonic District assumed the chairs about the outdoor lodge room. Right Worshipful Grand Master S. Eugene Herritt, along with his host of Grand Lodge Officers, joined in the meeting in GRAND fashion. Brother James Diener and Brother William Null (both of Ephrata Lodge 665) playing traditional Scottish Bagpipes and Drums made way for the Grand Lodge Party.
RWGM Herritt, along with DDGM Ronald B. Carson handed out awards to many deserving brothers. The Master Builder Awards were presented to: Brother William E. Beamenderfer, and Brother Andrew J. Nightingale, both members of Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682. The Master Craftsman Award was presented to: Brother Zach Boyer, of Mount Olivet Lodge No. 704 The Master Pillar Award was presented to Brother Evo. Andreatti,
SEPTEMBER 2019
Worshipful Master of Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682 The Eagle Scout/Mason Emblem was presented to: Brother George J. Grove, III. of Lamberton Lodge No. 476 The Daniel Carter Beard Award was presented to: Brother Jim Fowler of Mount Lebanon Lodge No. 226 Brother Robert J. Mack, The Grand Lodge of Harrisburg (Robert Burns No. 464) Brother Elijah J. Piotrowski and Brother Donald H. Wilson both members of New London Lodge No. 545 Brother Einar J. Lund, Howell Lodge No. 405 David C. Mellema, Skerrett Lodge No. 343 See these pictures and MANY MORE on the First Masonic District’s Facebook Page! 7
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SEPTEMBER 2019
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Ken Bray Photos 10
SEPTEMBER 2019
Membership Initiative: “Not Just a Man. A Mason” THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA HAS TEAMED UP WITH THE ADVERTISE EXPERTISE OF THE SCOTTISH RITE NORTHERN MASONIC JURISDICTION
When asked, members will tell you how they joined the fraternity. You’d be amazed, yet not surprised by what you’ll hear. Some members will tell you they asked a friend about lodge after seeing a Masonic ring on their friend’s hand or hearing about Freemasonry in a conversation. Some might include their local lodge had an open house and they wanted to check it out. Some may even comment they found out about lodge through a funeral for a relative, these are some of the common answers you may hear. As you can image, as newer and younger men are turned onto the craft the method in which they discovery Freemasonry is changing. You can almost tell the difference between generations mostly on
the answers above alone. Now as the Millennial, and Gen Z’s become interested in the Freemasonry, they turn to the internet. Google will generate 100’s of 1,000’s of answers on the craft. Some of the results are good, but most of them involve “fake news” about Freemasonry due to the secrecy of our ritual and what takes place behind closed doors. Take the test: Have you googled your lodge? Have you searched social media for your Lodge? What results did you find? And finally, more importantly: What results would you like to see? Online recruitment, branding, and getting information out to the public has a large influence on gaining new members. This is no secret, and the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl-
vania has noticed. Recently the GL has announced they were teaming up with the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, to create a new face for the branding of the craft. If your lodge is considering a website, or Facebook page and don’t know where to turn, the GL has the tools to get you started. From the Grand Lodge: The images from the “Not Just A Man. A Mason.” Pride and Awareness campaign created by the Scottish Rite, NMJ, are available for you to download and use on your lodge website and social media channels, print materials for the lodge (newsletters, etc.) and personal social media accounts for the purpose of promoting Pennsylvania Freemasonry. Please do not alter the images in any way. See art-info for specifics.
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District Deputy Grand Master’s September Address BROTHER RONALD B. CARSON, DDGM OF THE FIRST MASONIC DISTRICT SHARES HIS INSIGHT AND MESSAGE FOR THE UPCOMING MONTH AND BEYOND
Fraternal Greetings Brethren. I hope that you found the summer break as refreshing as I have. I enjoyed seeing many of you at family picnics, golf outings, and social events. As much as I look forward to the summer break and the different activities available, I am even more excited to get back to our Lodge Meetings and events. Keep attending and supporting your Lodge’s Social Events, your Brothers look forward to seeing you. September is a great month to get back to work. Lodge in the Woods will be held at Camp Mack this Wednesday, September, 18th. Autumn Day’s is Saturday, September, 21st, come out and enjoy the day with your Family, Friends, and Brothers. The Legion of Honor will be held at the Masonic Villages, Sunday, September 22. Check your Newsletter for other events and details. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has begun a new membership initiative across social media. Please be sure to follow the Grand Lodge on Facebook and share what it means to be a mason! The Grand Lodge wants to encourage 12
those of us to share in our experiences in Masonry, over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing videos and images on the First Masonic Facebook page and look forward to seeing your replies and reading your stories! During the last four months of 2019, I ask you to bring the excitement that you had when you were initiated into the Craft and spread it throughout your Lodge. Support your Lodge and the Officers. See what is new and available. There is a lot changing in our Craft, and for the better Brethren. Although there are, and will be many more changes to the “way we use to do it,” we need to adapt and change to ensure the perpetuity of our Fraternity. Keep supporting your Lodge and the Fraternity. I look forward to seeing you this month.
Fraternally, Brother Ronald B. Carson, DDGM
SEPTEMBER 2019
Master Mason Degree TO BE EXEMPLIFIED BY LODGE. NO 43 Monday September 23, 2019 Beginning at 7 PM MANHEIM LODGE NO. 587 30 SOUTH LINDEN STREET MANHEIM, PA 17545
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F1RST MASONIC DISTRICT MAGAZINE
Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation THE PA MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATION MADE 20,000 MEALS FOR THE COMMUNITY CUPBOARD OF ELIZABETHTOWN, PA
During the LifeSkills Conference and DeMolay KeyMan University, the youth participants, and a few adult volunteers, formed assembly lines to create meals for families in need. A combined 20,000 meals were made between the two conferences. Today, the staff at PMYF delivered those meals to the Community Cupboard of Elizabethtown. Thank you to all of our youth for making this possible. Source Link
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Pennsylvania Job’s Daughters head to Kansas! GRAND SESSION IS THE ANNUAL CONVENTION OF PENNSYLVANIA JOB’S DAUGHTERS, WRITTEN BY ALYSSA KLINE, MISS JOB’S DAUGHTER OF PENNSYLVANIA,
In August, 5 adults and 3 daughters traveled to Overland Park, Kansas for Job’s Daughters International Convention. At this convention the girls have the opportunity to run for a state officers or get selected as a Supreme Bethel Officer or Representative.
competition, Ritual competition. Formal opening, formal banquet, Supreme Bethel meeting and selection of Officer and representatives for 2019 - 2020. We were fortunate enough that each of girls in attendance received a position within Supreme Bethel.
I as Miss Job’s Daughter had the opportunity to compete for Miss international Job’s Daughter. The competition consisted of written test which consisted of ritual and music, supreme by laws and constitution, Ritual memorization and recitation, personal interview, stage appearance and a finalist question. I participated in an ice breaker, formal luncheon, practice. The experience was priceless.
We were able to visit the Kansas zoo during our time at convention.
In addition to the Miss International Job’s Daughter competition it was a packed full week of opportunity and experience. There was preforming arts competition, arts and crafts competition, music
Friday, the Cincinnati Bengals stayed at our hotel for their game with the Kansas City Chiefs. It gave us girls the opportunity to secure some autographs from the players. Next year is the 100 anniversary of Job’s Daughters, we look forward to the Kick off of our celebration in Nebraska. Alyssa Kline, Miss Job’s Daughters
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F1RST MASONIC DISTRICT MAGAZINE
Pennsylvania Job’s Daughters around the District BETH NO. 15 PENNSYLVANIA JOB’S DAUGHTERS PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN ASSISTING WITH VARIOUS EVENTS AROUND THE DISTRICT
Ox Roast! Ashara - Casiphia Lodge #551 had their annual ox roast. The girls from Bethel No.15 helped with the corn and providing table cleanup.
Autumn Days! Saturday, September 21, Job’s Daughters was represented at Autumn Days at the Masonic Villages of Elizabethtown. The girls had two canopies setup sharing information about HIKE and about the organization to anyone looking for more info on Job’s! Behind the canopies the girls had games setup for participants to play and win candy!
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Jobie Bootcamp 2019 BETH NO. 15 PENNSYLVANIA JOB’S DAUGHTERS HELD ITS ANNUAL JOBIE BOOTCAMP AT THE PATTON CAMPUS IN ELIZABETHTOWN, WRITTEN BY ALYSSA KLINE, MISS JOB’S DAUGHTER OF PENNSYLVANIA,
Jobie Boot Camp 2019… where girls learn to Bloom and grow within the Masonic family, Lead their organization, soar using their skills to achieve their goals. Jobie Boot Camp is a week long program held at the Masonic Conference Center, where Job’s Daughters across Pennsylvania spend the week becoming proficient in ritual and Bethel music. They volunteer at Masonic Village during their summer music program. They attend several classes while on campus, learn to paint class, public speaking, planning a term to name a few classes. But of course girls like to have fun too... they play sports, water balloons, yoga, healthy eating and exercise. Alyssa Kline, Miss Job’s Daughters
Job’s Daughters is an organization created to unite girls and train leaders. Job’s Daughters enables young ladies between 10 and 20 to learn leadership skills, organizational methods, and the importance of fulfilling individual responsibilities within a group. By planning their own activities the members have fun doing what they want to do and at the same time creating life lasting friendships. See for yourself what Job’s Daughters can do! For more information contact Bethel No. 15 Gaurdian Traci Baker or https://paiojd.org/
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F1RST MASONIC DISTRICT MAGAZINE
Huge Convention for Elizabethtown DeMolay THE ELIZABETHTOWN CHAPTER, ORDER OF DEMOLAY ATTENDED THE ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA DEMOLAY CONVENTION, BY BRO. DAVID BERRY
The annual Pennsylvania DeMolay Convention was held in Cranberry Township (North of Pittsburgh) from July 19-21. Representing Elizabethtown DeMolay was Adam Baker, Mason Barrick, Jake Beers, Patrick Eiswerth, Holden Green, Todd Schwartz and Martin Stoner; and Advisors Chris Fry, Gary Schwartz and Jesse Spence. The exciting news started with the announcement that Holden Green was selected as the Representative DeMolay of the Year in the Junior Division; Daniel Sellers was selected as the Representative DeMolay of the Year in the Senior Division; and Patrick Eiswerth was selected as a Representative DeMolay of the Year Finalist in the Middle Division.
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Past Master Councilor Jake Beers was presented with the Phyllis and Charles Schaeffer PA Masonic Youth Foundation Scholarship (bottom left) that is sponsored by PMC and Advisor Greg Schaeffer to honor his parents in the light of the first precept of the Order; and the Clarence R. Uhland PA Masonic Youth Foundation Scholarship that is give in memory of long-time Pilgrim Advisor “Dad” Uhland. Patrick Eiswerth was appointed and installed Regional Representative (bottom right) to represent new State Master Councilor Andrew Santilli, of Chester Pike Chapter. Patrick will assist with programs and projects at Elizabethtown and Riverside Chapters.
As was announced earlier this year, Chris Fry was presented with the Grand Lodge of PA HODEGOS Award by Right Worshipful Grand Master S. Eugene Herritt, recognizing his 15 years of outstanding service as an advisor. And greeted with a standing ovation was the surprise announcement by Executive Officer “Dad” Rodney Boyce that “Dad” Jesse Spence was selected to receive the DeMolay International Guild of the Leather Apron recognizing him as the Advisor of the Year in Pennsylvania! Congratulations to all these outstanding individuals!
(Continued on next page...)
SEPTEMBER 2019
Continued from Previous Article:
The Chapter was also awarded: •
First Place in the DeMolay Month Competition
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First Place in the Newsletter Competition
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First Place in the Community Service Competition
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First Place in Most New Members Initiated
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Second Place in Outstanding Chapter in the Large Chapter Division
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Second Place in 100% or more of Membership Goal (exactly 100%)
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Second Place in the Visitation Competition
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Second Place in the Representative DeMolay Competition
So, it was a huge year for the members and advisors of our Chapter, and when you see them next be sure to congratulate them!
Holden Green (upper right) selected as the Representative DeMolay of the Year in the Junior Division. Cry Fry (lower right) was presented with the Grand Lodge HODEGOS Award
Todd Schwartz with RWGM Herritt (bottom left), “Dad” Jesse Spence with DeMolay International Guild of the Leather Apron (bottom right)
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F1RST MASONIC DISTRICT MAGAZINE
Local DeMolay Wins Big at Ritual Competition THE ELIZABETHTOWN CHAPTER, ORDER OF DEMOLAY ATTENDED THE ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA DEMOLAY CONVENTION, BY BRO. DAVID BERRY
Mason Barrick, an 8th grader at Lower Dauphin Middle School, competed at the 2019 Mid Atlantic Tournament of Champions DeMolay Ritual Competition that was held the weekend of September 6th in Gettysburg, winning three first place ribbons for his efforts. Competing with over 60 DeMolays from the jurisdictions of Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Mason, representing Elizabethtown DeMolay, won the open level contests for the Ceremony of Light, Chaplain Prayers and Historical Lecture; there we also champion level contests for previous competitors and jurisdictional champions in the various contests. One of the principal goals of the Order of DeMolay is to help young men become better and more confident public speakers through the memorization and recitation of ceremonies and presentations. Mason joined Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay on November 4, 2018 and serves as chaplain for the chapter.
Photo: Mason Barrick
DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide. For further information, please contact Chapter Advisor “Dad� Jesse Spence at 717-209-0843 or etowndemolay@gmail.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2019
DeMolay Welcomes New Members IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, ELIZABETHTOWN DEMOLAY HAS WELCOMED FOUR NEW MEMBERS, BY BRO. DAVID BERRY
In the past few months, Elizabethtown DeMolay has welcomed four new members. On Sunday, June 9th Jessie F. Carter of Manheim was inducted into Elizabethtown DeMolay; and on Sunday, September 8th Angel, Edward and Miquel PeĂąa of Lancaster were inducted. Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay, is a fraternal organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21 years of age for young men from Elizabethtown, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lititz, Lower Dauphin, Manheim, Marietta, Middle-
town, Mount Joy, New Providence, Quarryville, and Lebanon areas. Through its varied activities, the Order of DeMolay teaches the principles of good citizenship, fraternalism, and leadership. A basic Chapter program includes public speaking, athletics, social functions, travel, and civic service projects. Elizabethtown Chapter is sponsored by Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682 Free and Accepted Masons, Corinthian Royal Arch Chapter No. 224 and Lancaster Commandery No. 13 Knights Templar.
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F1RST MASONIC DISTRICT MAGAZINE
Calendar of Upcoming Events THE FIRST MASONIC DSITRICT IS BUSY WITH ACTIVITES FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, PLEASE BE SURE TO REACH OUT TO THE RESPECITVE LODGE SECRATARY IF YOU HAVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT CALENDAR EVENTS!
Join your fellow Brothers and Runners for the
Harrisburg Marathon Sunday, November 10th, 2019 Have you ever wanted to run in a marathon but were afraid of the distance? We will be running the relay portion of the race Four Brothers to each Team Each Brother will run approximately 6 to 8 miles Proceeds of the race support the Harrisburg YMCA Each runner receives a finisher’s medal & finisher’s shirt We will be getting special Masonic shirts to run in for the event! Costs per team:
For more information go to:
•July 1st to August 31st – $260 plus processing fee
http://ymcarun.com/info-marathon/
•September 1st to October 31st – $280 plus processing fee Masonic shirt will cost approx. $10 per person 22
Contact Brother Justin Kleinfelter at: Secy0587@PAGrandLodge.org to join a team and to coordinate your shirt. **We will have additional information closer to the event**
SEPTEMBER 2019
Lodges of the First Masonic District Lodge No. 43 - 2nd Wednesday of the Month - September 11, 2019 Mount Lebanon Lodge No. 226 - 3rd Thursday of the Month - September 19, 2019 Columbia Lodge No. 286 - 1st Thursday of the Month - September 5, 2019 Lamberton Lodge No. 476 - 1st Tuesday of the Month - September 3, 2019 Charles M. Howell Lodge No. 496 - 2nd Wednesday of the Month - September 11, 2019 Ashara-Casiphia Lodge No. 551 - 4th Tuesday of the Month - September 24, 2019 Manheim Lodge No. 587 - 2nd Monday of the Month - September 9, 2019 Ephrata Lodge No. 665 - 2nd Tuesday of the Month - September 10, 2019 Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682 - 3rd Monday of the Month - September 16, 2019 Mount Olivet Lodge No. 704 - 2nd Monday of the Month - September 9, 2019
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www.firstmasonic.org
Published by the First Masonic District of Pennsylvania 2019