The Pennsylvania Freemason - Spring, 2023

TH E PE N N S Y LVANIA

Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia Home of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania

THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON VOL. LXXI, SPRING 2023, No. 2 ©2023 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania

EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W.G.M. Larry A. Derr, R.W.D.G.M. Robert D. Brink, R.W.S.G.W. P.J. Roup, R.W.J.G.W. Adam C. Heese, R.W.G.T. Mark A. Haines, R.W.G.S.

Inside This Issue

EDITORIAL STAFF Tina L. Lutter - Production Coordinator Megan L. Frame - Graphic Designer Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Staff Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania Staff

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FREEMASONRY TODAY Grand Master’s Message Upcoming Events Call for Entries for the Grand Exhibition Celebrating 150 Years

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EDUCATION 16 Masonic Sites to See

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MEMBERSHIP Masonic Frequent Flyers IRA Funded Gift Annuity: Helping You Increase Your Income and Giving The Formula for Success Fraternal Ambassadors

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PHILANTHROPY A Team We Can All Cheer For: The Donate Life Team 2022 Masonic Charities Gratitude Report Teamwork + Commitment = Success for Youth Girls’ Leadership Camp A New Lease on Life

(Publication No. USPS 426-140) Spring 2023 Issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason is 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) Spring 2023, 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: Jeffrey M. Wonderling.

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 87,000 each quarter. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.

Jeffrey M. Wonderling, Editor

Cover photograph by Brother Timothy L. McKiernan, P.M.

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 Mission Advancement and Development 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.

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FREEMASONRY TODAY

Brethren, I truly believe there’s something for everyone to enjoy through their membership in our great fraternity. If you’re looking to find entertainment, education or social connections, simply peruse this issue for a multitude of opportunities.

Many Pennsylvania Masons marched in the Presidents Day parade with over 5,000 others in Alexandria, Virginia. Afterward, the Grand Lodge of Virginia ceremoniously laid the cornerstone of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in recognition of its centennial celebration. It is one of many interesting Masonic sites to visit; others are listed on pp. 10-13.

On March 18, we held a black tie gala to kick off a yearlong celebration of the 150th Anniversary of arguably the finest Masonic Temple in the world. Brother Mike McKee, Executive Director of the Masonic Library and Museum, and his team, including our event planners at ONE, are to be commended for making the evening a resounding success. We recognized R.W. Past Grand Master Raymond T. Dietz for his vision and leadership in creating a special events venue within the Temple for all to enjoy. Many of our guests had walked by our building for years and wondered what was really behind those closed doors. Once inside, they were overwhelmed by its beauty and elegance. Over the past seven years, ONE has become the #1 wedding destination in Philadelphia. In addition, the Union League, one of the most prestigious clubs in Philadelphia, recently entrusted their banquet to our team.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all our brethren who organized and participated in the 2023 One Day Class. Now is when the real work begins. Mentoring and bonding with our newest members, as well as our existing members, is key to ensuring a positive Masonic experience. Meetings are being held in conjunction with the Ritualistic Schools of Instruction. Our members are encouraged to carpool to the meetings, which enhances fraternal bonding. Many members are taking advantage of the additional educational opportunities by continuing to attend the schools even after their mentoring is complete.

The next Grand Lodge Communication will be held on the morning of June 10, followed by a pig roast for members and prospective members of DeMolay, Jobs Daughters and Rainbow for Girls, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Pennsylvania DeMolay. I encourage

Spring 2023

you to show your support of the centennial by attending a meeting of a Masonic youth group in your area. You will witness, as I have, impressive leadership qualities and a hope in the future of our young people.

On June 24, exactly 150 years since the laying of the cornerstone, a re-dedication ceremony will take place at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. All Masons are encouraged to attend, and free tours will be available.

The Grand Masters’ Benefit Rally will take place in the Pittsburgh area Aug. 4-5. Join us for free entertainment, food available for purchase and a thrilling bike ride with your brethren (see p. 5).

The Grand Master’s Charity Golf Outing will be held at Irem Country Club on Aug. 12 (see p. 6). While I no longer golf, I hope to be grilling for our guests. All proceeds benefit Masonic Charities. Check out the Sporting Clay events on p. 7, and plan to join me at the one nearest you.

On Sept. 23, I will join with the anticipated Worthy Grand Matron of Pennsylvania, Sister Joyce Plonka, in conferring the degrees of the Order of Eastern Star. While only members of the Order will be admitted to the degree, you may join us by simply filling out a petition, and we would love to have you. Following the conferral, the celebration will continue that evening with a cruise on the Three Rivers, open to all.

These events are just the tip of the iceberg. Lodges throughout the jurisdiction are planning picnics, theme park days, mystery theaters, car shows, crab fests, clam bakes, fishing trips, etc. Lodges are also bringing in speakers covering a wide variety of topics. If nothing in your area piques your interest, start your own group! By simply getting involved, you will be exemplifying the lessons of Freemasonry and, to quote R.W. Past Grand Master Thomas K. Sturgeon, cementing “that bond between men that cannot be described and most certainly cannot be purchased.” Through your participation, you will increase your network and become a better man for it.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W. Grand Master

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FREEMASONRY TODAY

June Quarterly Communication TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GRAND LODGE: You are hereby requested to attend the June Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to be held on Saturday, June 10, at 10 a.m., at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. Master Masons may attend virtually. Contact your Lodge Secretary or District Deputy Grand Master for live stream information.

By Order of the R.W. Grand Master.

Mark A. Haines, R.W. Grand Secretary

Pennsylvania Lodge of Research Stated Meeting SATURDAY, JUNE 17, AT 10 A.M. ALTOONA MASONIC TEMPLE, 610 JACKSON AVENUE, ALTOONA, PA 16602 All meetings of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research are open to all Masons. Programs feature general information about the Craft and at least two research paper presentations, followed by discussion and fellowship.

Brethren interested in submitting papers for possible presentation at future meetings of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research, or who have Masonic queries they would like answered, should submit them to the Secretary at Lodge.of.Research@pagrandlodge.org.

Presenters: Masonic dress Officers: Tuxedo (no tails, no gloves) Members: Coat and tie with member jewel Save the date for the next Stated Meeting: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center palodgeofresearch.org

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Grand Master’s Benefit Rally 2023 Hosted by the Widows’ Sons Pittsburgh Tyrians Chapter Friday, Aug. 4

Saturday, Aug. 5

Steel City Branding at The Shiners Free concert open to the public

Infamous Pittsburgh Bridge Tour Motorcycle Run Join us for a scenic ride across Pittsburgh bridges, led by R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling.

Registration: 9 a.m. - Noon Bike Blessing: 11:30 a.m.

Kick Stands Up: Noon Syria Shrine Center, Rte. 28, Pittsburgh, PA Saturday evening concert featuring Molly Hatchet, Tina Daniels Band, Heidi & the Hellcats and The Jason Bridges Band

For tickets and registration, visit pghshrinecenter.com

Don’t Miss Molly Hatchet Live on Saturday evening!

Hotel Reservations (Ask for Widows’ Sons rate) Comfort Inn & Suites 180 Gamma Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412-963-0600

Save the date:

Lodge in the Woods Hosted by the 1st Masonic District, this popular event will be held on Sept. 20 at Edward Mack Campground, Brickerville, PA. Join R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling and 300 or so of your closest friends and brothers whom you just may not have met yet. Enjoy a steak dinner and a meeting held in the Entered Apprentice Degree and led

by Ephrata Lodge No. 665, around an open campfire. There is a roof over the dining pavilion, so this is a rain or shine event.

Spring 2023

Grand Master Wonderling will present numerous awards and recognitions to worthy brothers from all over the state (the Masonic Scouter Award, Master Builder Award, Master Pillar Award and Lewis Jewel).

Tickets are $40. Search for 2023 Lodge in the Woods on Eventbrite.com or reserve yours from one of the Worshipful Masters of District 1. Proceeds will support the Grand Master’s Initiative. Email questions to jfharley09@gmail.com.

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FREEMASONRY TODAY

Innovative Investment Opportunity for Lodges The Grand Lodge is pleased to announce that it has established an innovative investment program tailored to meet the needs of its Blue Lodges. The optional program features: •

Separate accounts for lodge funds

•

Low annual fee of 0.45% (minimum fee of $250)

•

No minimum account balance

•

Seven pre-designed model portfolios matched to risk tolerances (including a cash/short-term option for short-term cash needs, such as capital expenditures)

•

Investment guidance from a dedicated team of investment professionals

•

Online account access with downloadable statements

In order to obtain deeply discounted fees for Blue Lodges, Grand Lodge funded the program with $35 million from the Grand Lodge Consolidated Fund.

The purpose of the program is to help officers and trustees be good stewards of their lodge funds. Neither the Grand Lodge nor the Masonic Charities receive any fees or other consideration in connection with the participation of Blue Lodges in the program.

To learn more about this exciting program, please contact your District Deputy Grand Master.

Pennsylvania Grand Master’s Charity

Golf Tournament SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, at Irem Country Club, Dallas, PA 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Registration 11 a.m.

Lunch 12:30 p.m.

Shotgun start 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Social hour 5:30 p.m.

Dinner and awards Cost: $125 per golfer - includes greens fees, cart, lunch, social hour and dinner. Men and ladies welcome!

Each golfer will receive a special gift from the Grand Master!

SPONSORSHIPS Hole Sponsors: $100, Tee Sponsors: $150, Tournament Sponsors: $300 To register golfers or a sponsorship, provide name, cell phone number, address and email, along with sponsorship selection, if applicable, and send with check payable to “Grand Lodge’s Charities” to Grand Lodge’s Golf Tournament, c/o Irem Country Club, 70 Ridgway Drive, Dallas, PA 18612.

Registration must be received by Aug. 1.

Phone: 570-675-7765, ext. 241 All proceeds benefit the Masonic Charities.

For additional information, contact Ron Aungst, R.W.P.G.M., at 570-295-2560 or rwgm0607@verizon.net.

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GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA’S 6TH ANNUAL

SPORTING CLAYS EVENTS

WESTERN EVENT

Sunday, Aug. 20 | Register by Aug. 14

Highland Sporting Clays 777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA 15622 800-452-2223 For more information, contact Ed Aiello at edaiello57@gmail.com or 412-496-4635.

EA STERN EVENT: KENNETH J. RIT TER , P.M ., MEMORIAL SHOOT Sunday, Sept. 10 | Register by Sept. 4

Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays 2750 Limestone Street, Coplay, PA 18037 610-261-9616 For more information, contact Alan Beidel at alanbeidel@gmail.com or 717-658-3477.

S C H E D U L E F O R B O T H E V E N T S: 8:30 a.m.

Registration and warm up

10 a.m.

Shooting will begin promptly

Each event will be capped at 150 attendees.

Shooters must provide their own ammunition.

All proceeds benefit Grand Lodge operations.

M A I L CO U P O N B E L O W W I T H PAY M E N T T O : Cost per person (includes breakfast & lunch): Western event: $175

|

Eastern event: $155

$25 cost for non-shooter lunch, either event

Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania c/o Harry Rutter Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Winners will be determined by the Lewis Class system.

Chinese Auction, 50/50 and more!

Please check the event you wish to shoot:

Name: __________________________________________________

□ Western Sporting Clays on Aug. 20 ($175) □ Eastern Sporting Clays on Sept. 10 ($155)

Address:________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________________ State: _________________ Zip Code: ____________________________

Sponsor Opportunities

□ □ □ □ □ □ □

Phone:__________________________________________________

Station Sponsor

$100

Shooters

5 Stand Sponsor

$500

Shooter 1:______________________________________________

Breakfast Sponsor

$1,000

Shooter 2: ______________________________________________

Ammo Sponsor

$2,500

Shooter 3: ______________________________________________

Lunch Sponsor

$3,000

Shooter 4: ______________________________________________

Shoot Sponsor

$5,000

# of shooters ______ x $175 or $155 =

$___________

Chinese Auction Item

$_______

# of lunch only ______x $25 =

$___________

Total:

$___________

Total $_______ Autumn 2022

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FREEMASONRY TODAY

Call for Entries for the Grand Exhibition An Open Art Competition: Embodying Masonic Values

Sponsored by The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania

CR I TE R I A All artwork entries must display a visual interpretation of some aspect of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, whether it be philosophical, historical, scientific, social, fraternal, charitable, architectural, etc. Selected artwork will be exhibited at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia.

AWA R D S $200 Prize per winner, per category $500 Grand Master’s Prize $1,000 Best in Show Prize

EL I G I B I LI TY Any amateur or professional artist or college art student may enter, but all will be judged as equals for competition purposes. Artists must be at least 18 years of age. All submissions must be original; they may have been created within the past two years and may have been previously exhibited.

No work previously produced on a commission will be accepted.

AUC T I O N If the artists in the Grand Exhibition choose to participate, their entered works may be auctioned off at the Exhibition Gala, with 80% of the auction value going to them and 20% to The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania.

CATEG OR I E S Oil, Three-dimensional, Drawing and Print-making, Water-Based Medium, Digital Imagery

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PaMasonicTemple.org

J URO R S Brother Travis Simpkins, Artist John McDaniel, Artist Elaine Erne, Artist/Teacher

The artist may set a reserve price, as well as a direct purchase price, for the original work.

Jury selection announced: Friday, Aug. 25.

Opening Reception: The Grand Exhibition Gala will be held at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia on Friday, Oct. 6, featuring a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, music, announcement of winners and a silent auction of selected artwork.

Exhibition: The Grand Exhibition will be open to the public to view starting on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesdays - Saturdays, until Nov. 11.

Masonic Temple, One N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19107-2598 For more information, visit PaGrandLodge.org/news.

C A L E NDAR Entry Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 10, by midnight, E.S.T. Submissions must be made through CallForEntry.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

Celebrating 150 Years

Re-dedication & Free Guided Tours In celebration of the Masonic Temple’s 150th anniversary, the Masonic Library and Museum will offer free guided tours to the public on the first Sunday of the month in April, May, and June. Tour times are every 20 minutes, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., and from 1 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. While admission to the Masonic Temple is ALWAYS free for PA Masons as a member benefit, now’s your chance to share this beautiful Masonic landmark with your family and friends!

If you’d like to assist with staffing for the free tour days, please contact Brother Michael Comfort, Director, at MComfort@pagrandlodge.org for more information.

Join us on SATURDAY, JUNE 24, AT 3 P.M., for a public Masonic re-dedication ceremony of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia.

Free tours will be available afterward.

Plan to bring your family, friends and prospective members to celebrate with us.

For more information, visit pagrandlodge. org/events. Contact the Grand Secretary’s office with questions: 215-988-1901.

PAMasonicTemple.org

Spring 2023

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EDUCATION

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Masonic Sites to See

While Pennsylvania Masons are fortunate to have one of the grandest Masonic buildings in the world – the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia – right in their backyards, there are hundreds of significant Masonic statues, libraries, museums, temples and other treasures across Pennsylvania, the United States and abroad waiting to be explored.

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The National Heritage Museum, Lexington, MA

Also known as the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, this museum hosts a veritable wealth of history relating to Freemasonry in general, as well as America. Online exhibitions and educational resources are also available on their website.

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When General and Brother Lewis Addison Armistead was mortally wounded during Pickett’s Charge, Captain and Brother Henry Bingham, an aide to General and Brother Winfield Scott Hancock, helped his brother, despite being on the opposing side, by gathering Armistead’s personal effects to be given to Hancock and promising to relay a message. The statue, made possible by Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336 members and many others, captures this moment.

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George Washington at Prayer Statue, Valley Forge, PA

Located at Freedoms Foundation, the nine-foot-tall bronze statue, donated

by Pennsylvania Masons, overlooks the Congressional Medal of Honor Grove. Over 20,000 Masons and their families attended the dedication ceremony on Sept. 9, 1967.

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Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial, Gettysburg, PA

Scottish Rite of Freemasonry House of the Temple, Washington, D.C. Completed in 1915, the temple includes the Albert Pike Museum (Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction and “Morals and Dogma” author), a library named for Robert Burns (poet laureate of Masonry) and a 1,700-pipe organ.

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carillon tower reaching over 200 feet, the cathedral is among the world’s largest Masonic buildings.

The world-renowned structure includes a ballroom, lounge and auditorium and was designed using only measurements which are divisible by three or 33 to reflect the degrees of Freemasonry and Scottish Rite.

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George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria, VA

Dedicated to the first President of the United States and highly revered Freemason, the building towers 333 feet in the sky. Inspired by the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt and celebrating 100 years in 2023, the memorial serves as a community center, museum, research center, library, performing arts concert hall, banquet hall, Masonic meeting site and tourist destination.

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This hidden treasure stands in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, at Black Camp Gap on Blue Ridge Parkway. Its construction began in 1938 by the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of North Carolina.

Stones, totaling 687, were requested from brethren of Masonic lodges and concordant bodies all over the world.

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Scottish Rite Cathedral, Indianapolis, IN

Great Smokey Mountains Masonic Monument, Tallahassee, TN

Masonic Temple Detroit, MI

The world’s largest Masonic Temple, it features three theaters, three ballrooms and banquet halls. It includes a swimming pool, handball court, gymnasium, bowling alley and pool hall. The temple is a major concert and wedding venue, as well as being used to conduct Masonic business.

Home to the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, with its 54-bell

Spring 2023

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EDUCATION

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Iowa Masonic Library and Museum, Cedar Rapids, IA

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The English Grand Lodge for the Americas of the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) headquarters, the park is home to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, the Rosicrucian Research Library, the Grand Temple, the Rosicrucian Peace Garden and the Rosicrucian Planetarium. The park occupies nearly an entire city block.

Regarded as one of the best facilities in the world to perform Masonic research, the library houses over 250,000 volumes, of which thousands are rare Masonic items. It also includes several museums with artifacts, from Babylonian tablets and ancient Egyptian tomb art to historic military items and pioneer collections.

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Masonic Island, Lake Metigoshe, ND

Rosicrucian Park San Jose, CA

Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple, Guthrie, OK

Featuring 16 rooms and auditoriums, the 400,000 sq. ft. building was completed in 1923. One of the largest Masonic centers in the world, it is among the top three Masonic edifices in North America in overall architectural beauty and interior design.

Owned by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, Masonic Island has been the site of summertime Masonic meetings since 1905. Masonic features of the island include a set of three, five and seven steps leading up from the dock; mortared stone chairs and altar; and a large carved square and compasses.

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The Shrine Peace Memorial, Toronto, Canada

Located in Exhibition Place, the memorial was presented to the people of Canada in 1930, on behalf of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, to commemorate over 100 years of peaceful relationships between Canada and the United States. It depicts an angel holding two olive branches in the air, while standing on a globe supported by sphinxes.

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Goose & Gridiron London, England

All that remains of this historic pub is a blue plaque that hangs on the front of a building in the courtyard next to St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. It was at the Goose & Gridiron that in 1717, four lodges came together to establish the Grand Lodge of England.

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Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland

Founded in 1446, the chapel has been the center of much speculation about its connection to Freemasonry.

It features thousands of highly ornate carvings said to depict scenes and symbology in reference to Scottish culture, Christianity and Freemasonry. The 18th century legend of the Apprentice Pillar and the contents of the chapel’s crypt are among the ancient stories.

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Freemasons’ Hall, London, England

Completed in 1933, Freemasons’ Hall stands on a site used to hold meetings for Freemasons since 1775.

Originally built as a peace memorial to honor thousands of Freemasons who died during the First World War, it is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England.

The building comprises 22 lodge rooms, board and committee rooms and offices. The building is open for public events and commercial filming.

Photo credits: Goose and Gridiron - Hania Franek; Great Smokey Mountain Masonic Monument - Cosmos Mariner; Guthrie Atrium - Guthrie Scottish Rite; Guthrie Temple - Guthrie Scottish Rite; House of the Temple DC - Elizabeth A. W. McCarthy, Courtesy the Supreme Council, 33°, A & A Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, USA; Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral - Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis; Iowa Masonic Library and Museum - Grand Lodge of Iowa; Masonic Island - Eric Wittliff; Shrine Peace Memorial - Loozrboy from Toronto, Canada

Sources: masonicshop.com/masonic-tour and “Masonic Tour Guide – Volume 1,” by Dan Hanttula.

Spring 2023

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MEMBERSHIP

MA SONIC

frequent

flyers

At Home Around the World The reach of Freemasonry is worldwide. Temples, statues, monuments, libraries and museums across the globe are dedicated to or inspired by the Craft and offer an awe-inspiring opportunity to further delve into the meaning, philosophies and history of the fraternity. Those who have incorporated visits to Masonic sites during their travels are left with much more than photographs.

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Brother Bryan Hill, Barger Lodge No. 325, Stroudsburg, has traveled extensively to Masonic sites around the world, but it’s not the buildings that have left the biggest impression on him – it’s the people.

degree conferrals, elections, banquets, speeches and other activities. Hosted in Virginia, it attracts proactive Masons from around the country and the world, including many well-known researchers, authors, editors and other personalities. Bryan, who currently serves as the Great Prior of the Great Priory of America, CBCS, has interacted with Masons from Switzerland, Germany, France, Greece, Portugal, Iceland, Australia, Togo (West Africa) and Brazil. He and his wife even hosted Victor Julian Avila Ametller, the director of the National Masonic Museum of Cuba, at their home at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

He’s primarily been to England and Scotland, and during Masonic Week, he has met Masons from all over the world. Masonic Week is a week reserved each year for Masonic appendant bodies, invitational groups, research organizations and others to hold their annual meetings,

“I’ve found that wherever I’ve traveled, wherever I’ve met Masons from other countries, it’s such a fantastic experience to know there are brothers like yourself around the world. When you meet another Mason, you’re equal,” he said. “There are no ranks, no classes. You’re just a Mason.

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Order of Scotland and the first purposely built lodge room in the world in the Chapel of St. John.

The room included an organ, and having been the organist for her church, Eileen was invited by the Grand Secretary to play it. When she was done, the Grand Secretary told them Mozart once played the organ when he visited the lodge.

Brother Bryan Hill in his travels

We all adhere to the same idea that brotherhood is very important to us, especially towards charity and towards your brothers, and that’s always struck me the way they’re very hospitable.”

As Bryan shared at a meeting of the Great Priory of Belgium, “We’re all a part of the worldwide brotherhood of Freemasonry.”

One of the friends he met at Masonic Week took him to visit his lodge during one of Bryan’s trips to England. The lodge building, located in Lewes in South Sussex, was built right into a castle wall. It’s home to several lodges, including the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, or women in Freemasonry.

The most impressive Masonic place Bryan has seen is Freemasons’ Hall on Great Queen Street in London, particularly its beautiful library and museum. He was the only Mason among his tour group, and after the tour, he was invited to talk with some of the other tour guides who were Masons.

He and his wife, Eileen, also had the opportunity to visit the Royal

Spring 2023

“That was a magic moment that I will never, ever forget,” Bryan said. “And, of course, she HAS washed her hands since.”

MASONIC TOUR GUIDE Brother Daniel Hanttula, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, has made Masonic sites such a priority in his travels, he decided to publish a book highlighting popular and obscure spots and everything in between.

He’s on Volume 3 of “The Masonic Tour Guide,” and runs The Masonic Tour Guide page on Facebook.

Daniel was previously in charge of information technology for a worldwide real estate company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany.

During one of his trips overseas, he stopped in London to visit the Grand Lodge of England and wandered down the street to Mark Mason’s Hall on St. James Street, where he was warmly welcomed by the members. It triggered a desire to travel to other Masonic sites.

Lodge Building in Lewes, South Sussex

“I wrote ‘The Masonic Tour Guide’ books because I believe that Freemasons must travel and visit other jurisdictions to truly get the most out of membership,” Daniel said.

“Freemasonry allows us to communicate with men around the world to help meet, talk with and truly get to know people of all walks of life with vastly different viewpoints and a variety of religious beliefs.”

The books are also a way for him to publish historical Masonic information he has researched and to promote the diverse events and access to research materials the various Masonic organizations offer.

Volume 1 of Daniel’s books includes a list of the “Seven Wonders of the Masonic World.” These include the

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MEMBERSHIP

George Washington National Masonic Memorial, House of the Temple, Iowa Masonic Library and Museum, Masonic Island, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (Masonic Temple in Philadelphia), World’s largest square and compasses the Masonic Temple in Detroit and the Grand Lodge of New York. See p. 10 for more about many of these Masonic sites.

“The top Masonic contenders around the world are typically respected for the fact that they aren’t just an ‘ornate auditorium’ but a façade that is truly beautiful, combined with physical beauty throughout the interior. It’s a very Masonic concept that we recognize the interior and not the exterior of a man, and the Masonic Wonders of the World should be no different. [Pennsylvania’s] Grand Lodge building is a perfect example, with lodge rooms based on themes of the ancient architectural world.”

Among the most interesting places Daniel has visited is the Grand Lodge of Ireland in Dublin. It has a room called “The

Council Chamber,” for Knight Masons (an invitational body of Freemasonry). The room recently underwent an incredible renovation to prepare for the 100-year anniversary of the organization. Members call it “the only one of its kind in the world,” and it is the exclusive venue of the organization that was established by the Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1923.

Of the many fascinating facts Daniel has learned along the way, one of his favorites is where you can find the world’s largest square and compasses: the home of the International Peace Garden Lodge of Freemasons, located in the International Peace Garden on the United States-Canadian border in Dunseith, North Dakota (pictured to the left).

Daniel encourages members to bring family and prospective members to see the sites open to the public as a way to introduce people to Freemasonry.

“The ultimate personal goal of Masonic travel is to connect with like-minded men, and the sublime goal of our Order is to use that connection to improve upon what we do,” Daniel said.

VISITOR PROTOCOL AND DRESS CODE Prior to traveling to any Masonic lodge or Grand Lodge building, event or meeting, check for any visitors’ protocols or dress code. In order to visit lodges and Grand Lodges in other jurisdictions, members are encouraged to request an official Travel Commission from the Grand Master, as issued by the Grand Secretary’s office. A Travel Commission is only valid if it bears the original signatures of the Grand Master and Grand Secretary and the impressed Seal of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

You can request a Travel Commission online by visiting PaGrandLodge.org/member-services. Allow three to four weeks for processing and delivery.

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Pennsylvania Freemason

IRA Funded Gift Annuity Helping You Increase your Income and Giving Do you own an IRA? Would you like to give more to charity but need the retirement income? Have you considered a charitable gift annuity in the past, but weren’t ready?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, now is an excellent time to consider a charitable gift annuity with Masonic Charities. The Secure 2.0 Act provides a once-in-a-lifetime way to do so with a tax-free distribution from your IRA.

What is a Charitable Gift Annuity?

A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is a contract between you and Masonic Charities; in exchange for your charitable gift, we agree to pay you a fixed income for your lifetime.

Upon your passing, the annuity ceases, and the remaining principal is used to further our mission.

Benefits of a Charitable Gift Annuity •

Lifetime income and financial security

•

Attractive payment rates

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Opportunity to support our work

How Does the Charitable Gift Annuity Work?

A CGA is a simple written agreement signed by you and the Masonic Charities.

Once you contribute cash from your IRA, the CGA begins to make monthly or quarterly payments to you for your lifetime. The payment rate is based on your age to your nearest birthday.

What the Secure 2.0 Act Provides •

One-in-a-lifetime taxfree distribution from your IRA for a gift annuity

•

Maximum allowable distribution amount of $50,000

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Lifetime income payments of 5% or greater

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Lowers your taxable estate

•

Under the act’s provisions, you must be 70½ or older to take advantage of this opportunity

•

A CGA is a general obligation of the Masonic Charities and is backed by all of our assets.

May We Help You? To learn more, please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or giving@masoniccharitiespa.org.

We would welcome the opportunity to answer further questions and work with you.

Other Considerations •

Charitable gift annuities may be set up to pay income to you or your spouse

This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation. The names and images shown here are representative of typical donors and may or may not be actual donors to the organization. Under federal rules your benefits may be different from this example. Please contact us for your specific benefits.

Spring 2023

MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org

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MEMBERSHIP

THE

FORMULA for Success The successful growth of Columbia Lodge No. 286 in Columbia, PA, is no secret. Simple steps have led to the lodge’s growth, which was the most of any Pennsylvania lodge in 2021. Lodge officers have a lot planned for the future, but the one thing they are not planning to do is slow down.

Just a few years ago, the lodge was on the brink of surrendering its warrant and merging with another lodge. The lodge had sold its building due to expensive repairs required and had moved across the Susquehanna River from Columbia to Wrightsville (to share Riverside Lodge No. 503’s building).

Lodge officers began evaluating the future of Columbia Lodge.

Realizing the growth of their membership was essential to their future success, the officers set about identifying and attracting new members. During that time, the officers also realized the importance of returning to Columbia, where it all began in 1854, and meeting in a lodge room of their own.

“At our core, we are a fraternity – a group of men enjoying each other’s company,” Brother Jason A. Martin, P.M., Worshipful Master, said. “There are no real secrets here. We like to have social activities and remind ourselves how important they are to our fraternity. As much as I love the ritual and enjoy conferring the degrees with passion and sincerity, they are only one piece of the equation for success.”

Each lodge meeting includes an educational or entertaining program to keep brethren interested and engaged.

Jason looks to balance history and current themes, ranging from a discussion of the Pythagorean theorem to Apollo, the Carmick Manuscript, the importance of logic, Mozart and his musical genius and a program by his wife, Jessica, about forensic nursing, which is her specialty.

Jason always attempts to keep meetings moving along and maintain everyone’s interest. After the meeting closes, members retire to a local restaurant for refreshments and

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conversation. Officers have also hosted several well-planned family events, often with a caterer and entertainment, balancing the Masonic year with meetings and fellowship.

“It builds a brotherhood of lifelong friendships,” Jason said.

Making mentoring and education a high priority ensures members, new and old, can speak confidently in public about Freemasonry in general and Columbia Lodge in particular.

The officers realize that mentoring is more than the esoteric aspect of the degree work. Columbia Lodge educates new brethren about the fraternity, why Freemasonry is different and what makes it a lifelong enjoyable experience using the Grand Lodge mentoring program as a basis.

“Training members to answer simple questions is the first place to start,” said Jason’s father, Brother Robert W. Martin, P.M. “Historically, we were told not to talk about ‘secrets.’

Members used to be afraid to talk

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to their wives or children about Freemasonry. We have general information we don’t share with the public and a few private rituals, but overall, very little is secret. Through education, we can overcome the reluctance to answer questions from the public and avoid being misleading.”

Several of the lodge’s committees have been revitalized by re-educating the brethren how committees will benefit the lodge’s success, and many skilled members have stepped forward, eager to contribute. Every new member is encouraged to get involved with one or more of the committees.

Jason emphasizes that if you don’t make it look like a job, members will want to do it.

“Member involvement is critical to the success of a lodge,” Jason said. “Get to know your members and figure out what they enjoy doing to find the right place for them in the lodge.

Brothers are volunteering their time, so it is important to make everybody feel it is worth his time and effort.”

Lodge members are kept informed through various communications, including social media, posts on Grand View, monthly lodge notices, the Call ‘Em All system, emails, texts and posts on the District One app.

“At a recent Grand Lodge Leadership Seminar, the need to be able to communicate with members from age 18 to 118 was emphasized,” Jason said. “We have to spend more time communicating to reach everyone, but it’s worth it. Adapting to the technology available must be utilized for younger generations to respond.”

The more enthusiastic members become, the more they are willing

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and eager to participate in all aspects of the lodge, from bringing in new members, to committee involvement, to serving as an officer or trustee.

Enthusiasm is contagious; everyone wants to be a part of the movement.

“You don’t want members doing too much and becoming burned out,” Robert said. “You need officers who aren’t afraid to delegate and let brethren learn.

The more each member puts into it, the more he gets out of it.”

Relocating the lodge to Columbia on Walnut Street has been like a homecoming for long-term members.

The lodge rents its new space. It doesn’t have a kitchen or dining hall, but the members are enjoying the less expensive monthly costs and freedom from maintenance.

“All things come into play,” Jason said. “We believe it is important lodge notices contain attractive, informative and personalized content. The lodge also should have a current social media presence, an attractive lodge room and educational and entertaining programs. There should also be lots of opportunities for social gatherings.”

As a 44-year member of the fraternity, Robert said, “It’s fun to be a member of Columbia Lodge. First of all, there is laughter in the lodge. There is a serious side, but we are a fraternity, and laughter should be a part of it.

We want to have fun and fellowship.”

to talk, resolving some serious issues, doing good and having fun.

It’s not much different today.

At lodge events, our goal is to promote fellowship amongst the members and their families and our involvement in the local community. At lodge meetings, we come together to talk about what we are doing outside of the lodge room, have some sort of program and to discuss lodge business.

This includes hearing committee reports, recognizing brethren who are in sickness or distress and how we can assist them, conducting Masonic education, supporting our troops, paying the bills, planning future events and conferring degrees, all of which remind us to live a good and moral life.

“Before you know it, you are becoming a better Mason, citizen, husband and father, and more aware of the virtues illustrated in Freemasonry.”

As a member for over 25 years, Jason said, “At the end of the day, what were men at the time doing 300 years ago? It was a group of like-minded men of good, moral character gathering at a pub

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FR ATERNAL

Ambassadors

When facing questions about the Masonic fraternity, members’ responses are typically based upon their own experiences and reasons for joining. A few members across the state shared their answers to frequently asked questions about Freemasonry to help guide others about the kind of information prospective members may find useful.

Brother Barry Wagner is a Past Master (2005 and 2009) and Secretary (since 2012) of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531, Dallas.

He was also recently appointed as a Prospect Manager for Masonic District 12 to assist District Deputy Grand Master Scott Williams with properly vetting new member inquiries.

What’s the best way to approach someone about joining/how do you start the conversation?

“First, I usually only approach someone I know or who I have recently met who I believe has the right character to be a Freemason. My start to a conversation is typically a thoughtprovoking question, such as, ‘Have you ever thought about being a Mason?’ Most of the time, they already know

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somebody in their life who is a Mason or was a Mason and has passed on. I usually follow up with, ‘What kind of person was that male figure in your life?’ Usually, the response is a positive one, like ‘He is/was a great family man,’ or ‘He liked to volunteer or was always willing to help someone in need.’ From here I would ask, ‘Have you ever considered being a Freemason, as you are a good man as well?’”

How do you respond to the question, “What is Freemasonry all about?”

“Other than being the world’s oldest and largest fraternity, we are basically a great group of men who believe in the same philosophy of maintaining good moral character in society and kindness in our homes, and we strive to help our communities through volunteering in our places of worship, food pantries, hospitals, with the Boy Scouts and other community organizations.”

What is it like to be Worshipful Master/Lodge Secretary? What are your duties, what skills are needed and how do you balance your time?

“I have been fortunate to have served in both roles. I always kid the current Worshipful Master that the Secretary runs the lodge, and the Worshipful Master runs the meetings.

Organization and leadership skills are needed in both roles.

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A Worshipful Master needs to ensure his officers are proficient in their work, and you want to have meaningful programs for the attending brethren at stated meetings. Organizational skills are key for the Secretary to ensure monthly communications are received in a timely manner, member dues are processed, membership cards are timely sent to the brethren and all other secretarial duties are completed. With a lodge of 670 members, it can be time consuming at certain times of the year. Behind every successful man is a great woman – special thanks to my wife, who helps me with our monthly mailings!”

What are some of the best lodge programs/activities you’ve enjoyed?

“Each year, our lodge has a charitable golf tournament. I am not a golfer; however, I do enjoy the day working with other brethren to help prepare and cook for the golf tournament. It is a day where we roll up our sleeves to raise funds to help others in our community. Our lodge Chaplain keeps us educated in Freemasonry with some great topics, such as the Holy Bible, the Length of the Cable Tow, ‘Masons are Good Company to Keep’ and the Lewis Jewel, to name a few. I also enjoy hearing programs on men’s health, Consistory degrees, the State Police and other community organizations.”

Brother Donald Cramer is Worshipful Master of Brownstone Lodge No. 666, Hershey. He’s relatively new to the fraternity, having joined in 2017,

Spring 2023

but quickly realized what a significant impact Freemasonry has on those who experience and embrace it.

What’s the best way to approach someone about joining/how do you start the conversation?

“I’m not sure there’s any one best way, but I’ve found that showing a genuine interest in the other person and being willing to talk and answer questions about Freemasonry is key.

“Since relationship-building is at the heart of Freemasonry, I approach any conversation with the mindset that I want to learn more about the other person’s background, life, interests and values, as well as what interests or intrigues him about the fraternity. I’m proud to be a Freemason and happy to talk about the positive impact it’s had on my life, so it’s pretty easy to make a good connection with the other person, which opens the door to discussing ways Freemasonry can help him grow as a person and provide a support system of like-minded men.

“For example, music is one of my hobbies. I can’t tell you how many times I end up in a conversation with another musician or concert goer and find out that we also share a Masonic connection because someone they know is or was a Mason. Most times, the other person volunteers that they don’t know a lot about Freemasonry, and they’re happy for me to talk about it or answer questions. It’s a great way to foster interest and put a friendly face on the fraternity.”

How do you respond to the question, “What is Freemasonry all about?”

“There are so many ways to respond to this question based on who’s asking and in what context. It’s easy to talk about Freemasonry’s long

history and meaningful traditions, but what impresses me most about Freemasonry is how it provides a friendly and engaging community of men who help each other become better people and work together to make their community a better place.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that every day, I think about the men who are part of my Masonic journey, and I’m grateful for how they enrich my life and serve as an inspiration to keep working on becoming a better person.”

What is it like to be Worshipful Master? What are your duties, what skills are needed and how do you balance your time?

“It’s a lot of fun and very rewarding.

It’s also a great opportunity to contribute to the work and direction of my lodge in a unique and impactful way. Balancing time can be a challenge, but planning ahead, staying organized and keeping people informed make a difference. There are a lot of skills which can be helpful, but three that really stand out are attentiveness, thoughtfulness and responsiveness. These are what tune me into the great insights, useful skills and often unspoken needs of the members. Lastly, I can’t express how grateful I am for the officers and amazing group of dedicated and wise volunteers who are always happy to lend insight and a hand.”

What are some of the best lodge programs/activities you’ve enjoyed?

“I have several in mind, but most recently, a neighboring Prince Hall Lodge joined Brownstone Lodge for a stated meeting. They brought several carloads of brethren, and we enjoyed a meal together and got to know one another a little. Then the dean of their School of Instruction

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offered a great historical program on the origins of Prince Hall Freemasonry, and another brother taught us about some of their ritualistic work. It was really a special evening, where our members felt they learned a lot, as well as made some great connections with new brothers and friends!”

Brother Joseph “CAB” Whitaker is Worshipful Master of Coraopolis Lodge No. 674 and has served as Worshipful Master of three different lodges, which has provided him with unique experiences, all of which have increased his enthusiasm for the fraternity.

What’s the best way to approach someone about joining/how do you start the conversation?

“I very rarely have to approach someone about Freemasonry. A majority of the time, the broach in conversation comes from my constant discussion of it. I usually incorporate Freemasonry in general conversation.

Almost every aspect of my life is related, and I enjoy expressing that. I believe if we truly live a moral, God-fearing life, Masonic morals are unavoidable. The relationship is so close, it is easy to make the connection. We live by example! Other people see Freemasonry through my behavior, so it is important to set the proper example.”

How do you respond to the question, “What is Freemasonry all about?”

“This question gets a different response based on the situation. Most of the time, I talk about fellowship.

I love the saying, ‘We make good men better men!’

What I like most about that statement is the possible explanations of it. I like to describe making men better by the relationships they create with other brothers.

Most people prefer to hang out with and get personally involved with like-minded people. Freemasonry allows the ability to do just that through fellowship. I always end up saying my closest friends in the world are all Masons!

“I also include the service and charity work we do.

Every person has a different purpose for seeking out Freemasonry. Putting these different ideas together creates an undeniable positive outlook on the fraternity.”

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What is it like to be Worshipful Master?

What are your duties, what skills are needed and how do you balance your time?

“I am currently serving my fourth term as Worshipful Master. This is my third different lodge. Each time has come at a different point in my life and has had a separate reason, focus and outcome.

“The first time, I was so excited – scared even! Each time, it was a wonderful honor to serve the fraternity and the lodge specifically. Being Worshipful Master takes a lot of planning, courage and, most importantly, trust. You have to trust the other members to assist you. A Worshipful Master cannot do it all; he needs help. He leads but doesn’t do all the work!

“As for how to balance my time, that is only possible due to a loving wife at home. Masons are always fathers, husbands and sons first. Keeping in due bounds is important, but having an understanding wife is paramount!”

What are some of the best lodge programs/ activities you’ve enjoyed?

“My favorite programs usually involve the Masonic youth groups. To watch these boys and girls turn into men and women is wonderful, and to help in their journey is special. Some of my other favorites include working with community organizations, like the Boy Scouts, and other youth groups, like horse clubs, etc.”

Brother Michael Ernst, P.M., University Lodge No. 51, Philadelphia, served as Worshipful Master in 2022. While he prefers the traditional method of men coming to him of their own freewill and asking questions about the fraternity, he’s open about his membership and wears a large Masonic ring that brothers in his lodge joke “can be seen from a mile away,” often sparking conversations.

What’s the best way to approach someone about joining/how do you start the conversation?

“I find directly soliciting membership to be something that detracts from the appeal of the organization. It is my belief that men today join Freemasonry for two reasons: 1) The mystique of the organization and 2) The camaraderie and fellowship. If we start inviting everybody to join, the organization will lose its appeal.”

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How do you respond to the question, “What is Freemasonry all about?”

“Freemasonry is very hard to explain without giving its history. In general, I start by telling how the organization has its origins in the Medieval stonemasons of Northern England, and that it was essentially a trade guild, what we would call a union nowadays, for operative stonemasons. I then talk about how the organization began admitting ‘speculative Masons’ in the 17th and 18th centuries, including intellectuals like Sir Isaac Newton and Elias Ashmole. The Masons of that time frequently met in taverns, and Freemasonry was both a social and intellectual organization. From here, I transition into the Revolutionary Era, the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War and talk about the greater realization of a need to care for injured brethren and the widows and families of brethren who had died in battle, and thus Freemasonry also became a benevolent society. Lastly, I talk about the men who served in WWI and WWII, looking to recapture the camaraderie they experienced in the military and then finding it in Freemasonry.

“I suppose I could add that in our modern era, men are fascinated by the conspiracy theories and the mystique of the organization, and this has become a draw; however, I think this is something that has been true all along.

The difference between our own times and the past is that male-only spaces are being increasingly taken away, despite this being something healthy for men to have. I can point to a few psychological studies that show men are happier when they have access to regular malebonding activities. Freemasonry helps to fill this need.”

What is it like to be Worshipful Master?

What are your duties, what skills are needed and how do you balance your time?

“I remember one day, I had stayed up all night preparing an online presentation for work. After I delivered the presentation, I ate lunch and finally got to sleep around noon. When I woke up at 5 p.m., I had 68 new text messages and 34 new emails all related to University Lodge No. 51. That was just one afternoon!

“The new Worshipful Master is looking into ways to help alleviate this workload by forming more committees. I wanted to do that last year but just didn’t have time. I’m now Treasurer, Chair of the Prospective Member Committee and Co-chair of the Committee on Instruction. We have about 30 prospective members right now, and we have each prospective member come to seven dinners before we discuss giving him a petition to allow members to get to know him better. We give him a petition if we feel he is a good fit for our lodge. If we feel he is a good fit for Freemasonry, but might be a better fit for another lodge, we pass on his name. As part of this process, we have to send out regular emails and reminders about events, take attendance, make sure the brethren know the prospective members and then ensure guys get petitions when they’ve attended their seven events. Continuing to do this helps alleviate some work for the new Worshipful Master.”

What are some of the best lodge programs/ activities you’ve enjoyed?

“This past summer, we had our own lodge event at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays. About 30 members turned out, and everybody said they wanted it to be an annual event. We also had a joint road trip with Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246 to Washington, D.C., to see Masonic sites, and the trip helped to spark a few inter-lodge friendships. I have a lot of good memories of road trips to Elizabethtown for the Academy of Masonic Knowledge. I also have a lot of fun just going to local bars with my brethren.”

“University Lodge No. 51 is a medium-sized lodge, 170 members and growing, with a very active younger membership. We have a lot of guys in their 20s, 30s and 40s who get together regularly outside of lodge to hang out, and that’s in addition to three or four meetings a month.

During my year, I spent about 20 hours a week on lodge business, which includes anything from meetings to phone calls to emails. We also have a lot of assets to manage, so we began to look into diversifying our assets, and we also saw the number of prospective members grow exponentially.

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PHILANTHROPY

Steelers player T.J. Watt presents Jim Zimmerman (center) with Fan of the Year Jersey

“Just being a lifelong Eagles fan, and then I get a heart transplant from a Steelers fan … truly I am a Steelers fan at heart.” – BROTHER BILL SOLOWAY (left)

Photograph courtesy of Karl Roser, Steelers’ Team Photographer

A Team We Can All Cheer for:

THE DONATE LIFE TE AM A lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, Brother Bill Soloway may bleed green, but he admits his heart is pure gold … and black.

That’s because it once belonged to an avid Steelers fan.

Approximately nine years ago, Bill, a member of Frankford Brown Lodge No. 751, Philadelphia, was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart defect that took the lives of his brother and his mother. The disease put him into congestive heart failure and now threatened his life, as well.

As the primary caregiver for his 85-year-old father, Brother John Soloway, P.M., Bill feared what would happen if his life was cut short like his loved ones’.

With few options, Bill met with doctors and experts at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia about the potential of obtaining a heart transplant. Knowing the odds were stacked against him, it was his last hope.

“Twenty people die every day waiting for a life-saving organ transplant,” Bill said. “I didn’t want to be a statistic.”

An avid long-distance cyclist, Bill’s quality of life deteriorated drastically.

“I just kind of existed,” he recalled. “I was limited in what I could do. Just to walk five steps was a major undertaking … I would get winded.”

Faced with the reality of his situation, Bill opted to make the most of the time he had with his father, having lost his mother just two years prior. Despite their health struggles, father and son re-traced the honeymoon trip Bill’s parents took decades prior. They watched the Phillies’ spring training in Clearwater, Florida; ate at their favorite restaurants; rode his mother’s favorite ride at Disney World, ‘It’s a Small World”; and visited other favorite sites like the mermaid lagoon in Weeki Wachee Springs.

In June 2015, Bill received a call from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania that they had a heart for him.

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“It’s surreal when you get the news,” Bill said. Yet he knew while he was being blessed with a heart, the donor’s family was devastated to have lost their loved one.

After the transplant, Bill saw instant improvement. He felt immensely better and could ride long distances again. “I never dreamt that I would ever be riding my bike again,” Bill said. “It’s my therapy, my stress relief.

When I’ve had a rough day, I take it out on the pedals.”

He was determined to tell his donor’s family how grateful he was to receive the life-saving heart and reclaim his life.

Five months after his transplant surgery and recovery, Bill embarked on the required process. He wrote a letter, excluding any personal details, and sent it to the donor’s family through the Gift of Life Donor Program.

Some families read the letter immediately, some wait and some never open it. Jim Zimmerman opened Bill’s letter immediately and responded within a few weeks.

Jim is the father of Bill’s donor, James Zimmerman Jr., a 38-year-old retired Marine and father. James had become an organ donor after Jim told him he was listed as one. That decision saved Bill’s life when James died unexpectedly in Philadelphia.

After several communications, Bill and Jim agreed to share their contact information and sign a waiver so they could communicate directly. After speaking on the phone, the men formed an immediate bond.

Since Jim lives in Mount Pleasant (near Pittsburgh) and Bill in Yardley (near Philadelphia), the two agreed to meet halfway at an organ donation “Celebration of Life” at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, four years ago.

“Bill is a real good man,” Jim said. “I felt so blessed meeting him. It was tragic after my son passed away. I don’t have much family. I feel like he is family. He reminds me so much of my son. My son was a very good-hearted person. He was kind and always helping people. Bill honors my son so much. He is a really good guy.”

According to Bill, only about 20% of organ donor families

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PHILANTHROPY

Karl Roser Photography

communicate with the recipients; less than 5% meet in person.

Bill and Jim spoke often of their love for their hometown sports teams, but it was when they met in person that Bill saw how passionate Jim was about the Steelers.

“When I first met Jim, he had a Steelers Ben Roethlisberger shirt on,” Bill said.

Each year after his transplant recovery until his father passed in 2020, Bill and John retraced their steps of that Florida vacation. One year, as they overlooked the ballpark, Bill thought how blessed he was for his new lease on life and how his donor’s father might enjoy a similar opportunity.

He shared their story with the Pirates, and they invited Bill and Jim to join the team for batting practice prior to a game. After the fourth inning, a message on the scoreboard from Bill thanked James for the gift of life.

“Jim was touched by that,” Bill said.

After several seasons of Jim wearing Pittsburgh Steelers Photography Steelers’ gear to the Pirates’ games they attended together, last year, Bill finally asked Jim if he’d ever been to a football game. Jim replied that growing up, he’d never had

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the opportunity to go to a Steelers game with his father, so he was determined to take James. They had gone to Pirates games and always talked about seeing the Steelers, but that dream never materialized. After high school, James had joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in Hawaii; then, he served overseas.

“I looked Jim in the eye and said, ‘James is going to take you to a Steelers game.’ He looked at me like, ‘What are you talking about?’ I told him, ‘I am going to take you to a Steelers game, with James’ heart in me.’”

True to his promise, Bill took Jim to see the Steelers play the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium in the 2022 home opener. Bill also purchased a stadium tour, wanting to give Jim the full fan experience. Knowing they were coming, R.W. Grand Master Jeff Wonderling, and his wife, Sharon, who are season ticket holders, invited them to tailgate with them beforehand.

Upon hearing their story, one of the Steelers’ Public Relations staff provided Jim and Bill with goody bags and upgraded their seats from the 400 section to the ADA seating in the end zone, making it easier for Jim to navigate with his mobility scooter.

“It was something out of this world,” Jim said. “Just to be there with him, be in that stadium. It meant a lot to me. It was so exciting. I was so happy. I thought it was the only game I would ever go to.”

Bill was even happier to provide the experience.

“We were right down there near the field,” Bill said. “Jim was like a little kid. He had his Terrible Towel, his Steelers’ shirt and hat … Here I am, a lifelong Philly sports fan, avid Eagles fan, and now I’m taking Jim to Pirates’ and Steelers’ games.”

Soon after, Bill completed the application process to nominate Jim to be the Steelers NFL Ultimate Fan of the Year, which required writing several essays. Their story touched many hearts, and Jim was selected.

The Steelers invited them to watch their game against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in October, reserving them a room in the same hotel where the Steelers players were staying in downtown Philadelphia.

Bill helped coordinate the surprise.

“We talked about it being a rarity for both of our teams to play,” Bill said. “I explained to Jim that I talked about

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Jim’s title as Steelers Fan of the Year earned the duo a trip to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona, including airfare and hotel accommodations.

“We stayed with all the NFL Fans of the Year from all over,” Bill said.

“You can imagine the rivalry, but we all hung out together and hit it off.”

our story, and the Steelers wanted to send us to the game. That people were so moved they wanted to do something special for us. The city was hopping, as the World Series was also going on. Jim was in heaven,” Bill said.

The only time Jim had been to Philly was when James died, so he did not have good memories of the area. “But there are things he wanted to do and see, including getting a Philly cheese steak,” Bill said. “He was really excited.”

On the field before the game, Jim’s favorite player, linebacker T.J. Watt, presented him with a jersey and told him that he was selected as the Steelers 2022 Fan of the Year and one of 32 finalists for the NFL Fan of the Year contest.

“I almost cried,” said the 68-yearold machine shop retiree. “I never expected anything like this in my life. That was the most exciting thing that ever happened to me.”

The Steelers then invited them to their last home game on Jan. 8 against the Cleveland Browns, where they got to lead the Pittsburgh fans in the ceremonial twirling of the Steelers’ Terrible Towels before the game. A video clip of their story played on the score board.

Spring 2023

On Feb. 9, they walked the red carpet to Symphony Hall for the NFL Honors event, where the Seattle Seahawks’ representative was announced as NFL Fan of the Year.

“The Steelers’ organization texted us saying, ‘We want you to know how proud we are of you representing our organization’ and that Jim was the winner in their eyes,” Bill recalled.

Bill was a good sport; he had donned Steelers gear and twirled his towel for his friend, but that evening, he wore his Eagles socks underneath his Steelers’ suit.

“It was a fabulous experience – just the trip of a lifetime,” Bill said. “I never dreamt I’d be there, and to see the Eagles was even better.”

Although Bill bought Jim some Eagles attire to wear to the Super Bowl, he opted to remain in his Steelers Fan of the Year gear.

Bill has committed to sharing the rest of his life with James, having met multiple members of his family in addition to Jim. James’ name is on the bike Bill rides in races.

“Had it not been for James saying, ‘yes,’ to organ donation, I wouldn’t be here today,” Bill said. “Every time I see Jim, I give him a big hug, because then his son’s heart is next to his heart.”

“My son would’ve wanted it this way,” Jim said of his friendship with Bill.

Bill and Jim are on the same team when it comes to the passion that brought them together. Bill now serves as the Executive Director of the Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program, encouraging everyone to give the precious gifts of blood and organ donation. And while Jim did not win NFL Fan of the Year, he’s far from disappointed.

More than anything, he wishes for people to become organ donors.

“When it comes to life, it’s not about which team you root for, but rather being on the Donate Life Team,” Bill said. Jim agrees wholeheartedly.

Bill’s and Jim’s plans to celebrate Donate Life Month in April included attending their annual Pirates game together and the Face of America Ride, benefiting non-profit World T.E.A.M. Bill honors James annually during this two-day, 106-mile event through Maryland to Gettysburg’s historic Civil War battlefields, and his fundraising proceeds benefit injured servicemen and women. Jim will be greeting cyclists at the finish line.

The Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program promotes Masonic blood drives throughout Pennsylvania, heightens awareness and provides educational materials on sharing the gift of life through blood and organ donation. For more information on how you and/or your lodge can help, visit MasonicBloodandOrganDonors.org.

Sources: steelers.com/news/a-connection-like-noother, audacy.com/kywnewsradio/local-sports/ steelers-fan-saves-eagles-fan-organ-donation and nfl.com/honors/fan-of-the-year/

Online Edition PaGrandLodge.org/magazine

27

PHILANTHROPY

2022 Masonic Charities Gratitude Report “ Donors take the mission of each Masonic Charity and elevate it to new heights, providing enlightenment, comfort and hope.”

A Note from R.W. Grand Master Jeffrey Wonderling:

Caring for the vulnerable.

Protecting the weak.

Empowering the young.

Educating the curious.

These are the values of Pennsylvania Masons. And these are the missions of our Masonic Charities. While each Masonic charity has its own mission, at the core of each organization is Pennsylvania Freemasonry, and at the heart is our generous donors.

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania continued to tell the story of Pennsylvania Masonry through the preservation of artifacts, artwork, books, records and more.

Many items await discovery and restoration in the archives, all of which have shaped the history of Freemasonry. Thanks to donors, the nearly-complete lighting project will spotlight the Masonic Temple, inviting members, visitors, scholars and students to come inside and explore the 150-year-old building.

The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth

28

MasonicCharitiesPa.org

Foundation supported youth groups in leading community service projects for neighbors in need. The scholarship program, made possible through donors, helped young scholars pursue their goals through college, career or vocational opportunities.

Participants were impacted by bullying prevention workshops, the LifeSkills Conference and the Girls’ Leadership Camp, where they learned skills to enrich their communities.

The Masonic Children’s Home provided 40 children with a clean, safe and loving home. For many of the children, it’s the first time they’ve experienced stability in their young lives. With the support of donors, house parents and tutors ensure all the necessities of a good childhood, from healthy foods to extracurricular activities, are available, including the chance for kids to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.

The Masonic Villages cared for and served more than 2,800 residents, focusing on engagement and

fulfillment, as it has for the last 150 years. The organization has endured wars, economic depressions and pandemics and continues to face challenges. Government funding falls significantly short of the rising costs to provide services for residents unable to afford their care. With donors’ generous support, these shortfalls will never impact the quality of care provided, and with the addition of the Evergreen end-of-life care neighborhood and activities like the multi-sensory rooms, staff continue to enhance residents’ well-being.

The Masonic Outreach Program continued to be a lifeline for Pennsylvania Freemasons, their wives or widows facing hardships.

The missions of our Masonic Charities are only successful because of YOU. Thank you for supporting our charities in 2022 and spreading the values of Pennsylvania Freemasonry to those in need.

Pennsylvania Freemason

LIBRARY & MUSEUM

MASONIC VILLAGES

•

Cataloged 3,500+ objects in the archives

•

Provided a home to 2,837 residents*

•

Added 92 new books

•

Supported 2,105 staff

•

Answered 398 RESEARCH REQUESTS

•

•

Cataloged 2,492 manuscripts

Made $48.5 MILLION** in charitable care and services possible

•

Welcomed 11,040 visitors

•

Assisted 65 employees facing hardships through the Helping Hands Fund

•

Cared for 329 hospice patients and their families

•

Provided $100,220 in Home Assistance through the Outreach Program

•

Supported 1,550 WIDOWS through

CHILDREN’S HOME • Completed 1,480 hours of in-service staff training • Cheered on 11 kids in sports • Welcomed 5 NEW CHILDREN • Supported 5 students in college • Celebrated 4 high school graduates and 1 college graduate

the Masonic Widows’ Program * This includes residents of nursing, personal care and memory care areas; retirement living residences; the Bleiler Caring Cottage; and the Masonic Children’s Home. **This amount consists of approximately $11.6 million (at cost) of free care and services and $36.9 million (at cost) for care and services above the amount reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payers.

MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATION •

Granted $35,500 to youth-led service projects throughout the Commonwealth

•

Trained 1,455 individuals at virtual and in-person Educational Institute workshops

•

Awarded $177,500 IN SCHOLARSHIP funds

•

Empowered 580 youth through leadership development programs

Spring 2023

Online Edition PaGrandLodge.org/magazine

29

PHILANTHROPY

TEAMWORK + COMMITMENT = SUCCESS FOR YOUTH One of the best recipes for success is teamwork, whether the goal is a joint social activity, a district fundraiser, a community service project or the formation of a new Masonic youth program.

PA DeMolay Executive Officer “Dad” Michael Larkin met with the group to help them learn the process to form the chapter, including the steps it takes to become an advisor. Their passion and commitment is making this opportunity possible for the youth of their community.

Led by Brother Eric Downs, D.D.G.M., the 5th Masonic District has progressed in starting a new DeMolay chapter in the Honeybrook area. They reached out to Pennsylvania DeMolay and inquired about starting the process. The district pulled together the 15 Masons and other adult volunteers interested in working with youth needed to open a new chapter.

★

Girls’ Leadership ★ Camp J U LY 25 -28 For girls ages 11-17 Masonic Conference Center 1244 Bainbridge Rd., Elizabethtown, PA

★

DOES YOUR DISTRICT HAVE A MASONIC YOUTH PROGRAM?

If not, your district can do this, too. All it takes is an understanding of the best location for the program to succeed and a team of dedicated adults willing to work hard.

If your district has that and would like to get started, contact Brother Joseph Pullin at JAPullin@pmyf.org, and we will help you bring a Masonic youth organization to your district.

The overnight camp includes a full curriculum aimed at providing encouragement and fun, as well as opportunities to connect, discover and learn. Discussions will focus on: •

Communicating effectively when faced with challenging situations

•

Standing up for oneself, while remaining kind

•

Developing interpersonal strength in order to be authentic and positive in various situations

•

Setting positive, appropriate personal boundaries

•

Fostering healthy relationships

•

Utilizing social media in a positive way

•

Exploring goal setting and future aspirations

•

Identifying one’s unique strengths and how to share them with the world

•

Being comfortable with oneself, alone and with others

Participants will have full access to the conference center’s recreational facilities, including an indoor pool, indoor gym/basketball court, media center, cafeteria and more. Interactive games, projects and hands-on activities, including a scavenger hunt, charades, relay races, board game/make-your-own sundae night, popcorn and movie night, yoga, origami and puzzles, will offer opportunities to practice self-assessment and other skills learned in group discussions.

The cost is $150, with assistance available. For more information on the curriculum, what to bring and how to register, visit pmyf.org/girls-leadership-camp.

★

★

A NEW LE ASE ON LIFE Masonic Villages in Dallas, Elizabethtown and Lafayette Hill offer an array of rental apartments featuring benefits and amenities without an “up-front” fee.

Rental apartments allow residents to rid themselves of excess space, while enabling them to gather with friends and neighbors in the common recreation areas located inside each building. Masonic Village offers a variety of apartments to suit nearly every budget and move-in time frame. Rental apartments generally have a much shorter waiting time than entrance fee apartments with all the same benefits. Residents have access to personal care and nursing care services, should they need them in the future.

Rental Option Advantages 1.

No entrance fee

2.

Additional storage included

3.

Ample parking included

4.

Pet-friendly, with no extra fees

5.

Monthly service fees include phone, cable and internet (optional)

6.

Meal plan included

7.

Variety of floor plans

8.

Shared campus amenities and outdoor areas

9.

Shared common recreation space in each building

10. Immediate availability at some locations Frances Lindsey knew she wanted to move to Masonic Village at Elizabethtown ever since her parents were residents in the late 1990s.

“When they moved in, and I saw the care they received over their lifetimes and the amenities available to them, I made up my mind that if it was possible, when my husband and I retired and no longer wanted to live in our house, we’d end up at Masonic Village,” she said.

Frances’ husband passed away eight years ago, which is something she wasn’t planning for. While she initially wanted to move into an entrance fee apartment and be near her sister who lived at Masonic Village, after putting her house up for sale, she received an offer she couldn’t refuse. Her time frame for moving had to be fast forwarded.

Spring 2023

Jennifer Adams, Sales Associate, advised a rental apartment would be available immediately and shared several floor plans with her. She recommended an apartment in Smith South, which Frances moved into last July.

“I love where I am,” Frances said. “I have beautiful windows and light. I’m in a small building with only eight apartments, and everyone who lives here seems to get along.”

She gathers with neighbors to do puzzles and to dine in the campus restaurants when she doesn’t cook for herself at home. Frances also frequents the Baird Wellness Center, which is a short walk from her apartment, and enjoys the Masonic Village Farm Market and doing crafts at home.

“Being able to be outside, the whole atmosphere, is wonderful,” Frances said. “Everyone is friendly and welcoming. I’m amazed at the amount of work landscape does, housekeeping is fantastic, and if there’s a maintenance issue, you just put a request in.”

Frances came to Masonic Village knowing the quality care available. Every aspect of her apartment and the lifestyle offered has only exceeded her expectations.

“It’s just comfortable,” Frances said. “Being here takes a lot of worry and stress away from life.”

Learn more by visiting MasonicVillages.org or calling your preferred Masonic Village location.

Masonic Village at Dallas: 570-466-5658 Masonic Village at Elizabethtown: 717-473-0614 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill: 484-535-3119

MasonicVillages.org

31

Plant a Gift Annuity Grow a Lifetime of Benefits A charitable gift annuity is a permanent spring season for you. When you fund a gift annuity, you begin receiving payments back. That is a payment you can see and will return to you season after season, as long as you live. Part of your payments are tax-free for several years. Just as spring brings reasons to celebrate, so does your gift annuity (minimum of $5,000). In addition to your fixed lifetime payments, no matter what the economy does, you also receive an income tax deduction when you fund it. If you fund your gift annuity with an appreciated asset, like stock, you also receive capital gains benefits. You can choose to receive

FOR ONE LIFE Age Rate 65 5.4% 70 5.9% 75 6.6% 77 7% 81 7.8% 85 8.7% 90+ 9.7%

FOR TWO LIVES Age Rate 55 & 65 4.3% 70 & 70 5.2% 75 & 80 6.1% 85 & 85 7.7% 85 & 90 8.3% 90 & 90 9.4% 90 & 95 9.5%

NEW Higher Rates!

Note: This is a partial listing. Rates exist for any combination of ages.

the payments yourself or for you and another person. The minimum age for a single beneficiary is 65, and for a two-life, ages 65 and 55.

A Garden of Benefits: A gift annuity is a great way to support the Masonic Charities while also receiving significant benefits in return. After a lifetime of payments, any remaining funds automatically support our Mission. Because of that, a gift annuity offers you important tax benefits.

To learn how a charitable gift annuity can help you achieve your goals, please contact us at MasonicCharitieslegacy.org, call 1-800-599-6454 or return the card to the right. We can help you turn the seed of an idea into a garden of benefits.

MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org

COMPLETE AND MAIL TO: Office of Mission Advancement and Development, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 • 1-800-599-6454

I would like more information, with no obligation. Please:  Send me a Charitable Gift Annuity illustration.

Name(s) Address Telephone: ( ) Email: My birth date Spouse’s birth date Dollar amount(s) to be illustrated (up to three amounts)

(if two lives)

If using appreciated stock, estimate cost basis  Call me about using my credit card to purchase my annuity.

Phone ( ) 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 OBTAINED 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 available 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 Secretary 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.