Freemason - January 2016

THE PENNSYLVANIA

VOL. LXIII, NO. 1

INAUGURATION EDITION 2016

Raymond T. Dietz R.W. Grand Master, 2016-2017

THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON® VOL. LXIII, JANUARY 2016, NO. 1

©2016 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Raymond T. Dietz, R.W.G.M.

The Story Behind the Medallion

R.W. Grand Master of Pennsylvania Raymond T. Dietz’s 2016-2017 Medallion honors the two men who most influenced his life and led him to Freemasonry: his father, Fredrick Dietz, Sr., and his “Uncle” Raymond J. Loichinger, both members of Avalon Lodge No. 657, Pittsburgh. Having witnessed their lifelong fraternal friendship and their respectable, ethical character since his youth, Bro. Ray has striven to emulate these great men and the strong values they represent.

S. Eugene Herritt, R.W.D.G.M. Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W.S.G.W. Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W.J.G.W. Jeffrey W. Coy, R.W.G.T. Mark A. Haines, R.W.G.S. EDITORIAL STAFF Tina L. Raybold - Production Coordinator Rich Johnson - Graphic Designer Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Staff Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania Staff (Publication No. USPS 426-140) January 2016 Issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason ® Published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Articles and photographs to be considered for publication should be sent with local Masonic authority to the address above, to the attention of The Pennsylvania Freemason ® or emailed to pafreemason@ masonicvillages.org. Except by special arrangement, all articles, photographs and artwork become the property of the Grand Lodge.

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

3 Freemasonry Today

Grand Master’s Inaugural Address • Extended Outreach Program • Lodge Almoner’s Fund • Raising a Reader Program • New Member Incentive Program • New Technology Launched • Social & Educational Programs • One Day Masonic Journey • Help for Our Heroes • Saying “Thank You” to Our Veterans • Rebranding the Fraternity • Grand Master’s Biography • Grand Lodge Officers’ Biographies • Newly Appointed Officers, Aides, District Deputy Grand Masters and Chaplains

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.

20 Masonic Education

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

22 Membership

(Act of Oct. 23, 1962; Section 4369; Title 39, United States Code) January 2016, The Pennsylvania Freemason ®, published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

Publishers: The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Editor: Raymond T. Dietz. Owner: The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Known bondholders: none. No advertising handled. Free distribution averages 124,000 each quarter. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.

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

Where Are They Now? • Masonic Book Review

Florida Masonic Reunion • Caring for Our Masonic Widows • Grand Lodge Traveling Gavel • Masonic New Year’s Resolutions • Our Brothers’ Keepers

26 Philanthropy

Arnold Palmer Receives DeMolay Legion of Honor • Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation • Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania • Masonic Villages • Largest Donation Comes from a Child • Celebrating 100 Years with $100,000 • 2016 Wish List Items

Subscribe to the online edition! www.pamasons.org

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

Save a Tree

INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY RAYMOND T. DIETZ, R.W. GRAND MASTER Brethren, It is my honor and privilege to serve as the 121st Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

One of the goals of my administration will be to remember the promises of our founding fathers by reaffirming our core values of integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. We must remember that what binds us together as Masons is not how we can benefit from our membership in this great fraternity, but what we, collectively, can give back to our Brothers and to our communities when they are in need.

We have all obligated ourselves to help, aid and assist our Brothers. It is my goal to reaffirm that solemn pledge through the various initiatives that I will announce today and in the near future.

Our members come from all walks of life and meet as equals without any concern for race, religion or socio-economic position in our society. As Thomas Jefferson stated, “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal,” and our fraternity practices that philosophy to this day.

Masonry today is more relevant and important to society than ever because we teach and embrace all of the fundamental principles of good citizenship. Within our communities, we need to be more transparent. We should be proud to acknowledge our Masonic membership and the many ways we benefit society.

While it is important to continue supporting the secular charities in our communities, we must focus on our Brothers and their families when they need our assistance. With that thought in mind, I am announcing today the creation of the Lodge Almoner’s Fund. Just as the operative Masons who founded Freemasonry did years ago, we must join together to support and financially help the members of our own Lodges who need assistance. This is just one way to bring value back to membership: by making sure we are taking care of our Brethren and their families.

The Masonic Outreach Program administered by the Masonic Villages provides direction, information, education and a myriad of helpful services for our members and families. My administration will enhance this program to include home health care services, care management, personal emergency response systems and a Widows’ Program, among others.

In addition, we will support the nationally renowned early childhood literacy program, “Raising a Reader.” The purpose of this program is to reach out to underprivileged students who struggle with reading and to provide them and their parents with resources to succeed in school and eventually in their life’s work.

To add some special interest to Lodge meetings, I will initiate a Traveling Gavel Program. This is an opportunity for the Lodges to have fun through some Brotherly competition, while at the same time increasing attendance and visitation at monthly Lodge meetings.

Just as we did in 2004 and 2010, we will have a Statewide One Day Class on Oct. 29, 2016.

Bro. Jeffrey Wonderling, R.W. Junior Grand Warden, will chair this event, which will be held at 13 locations across the state. I expect all District Deputy Grand Masters and all Lodges to support this effort, assisting with the rebuilding of our beloved Pennsylvania Masonry. If we all work together, using

FREEMASONRY TODAY the selective invitation that was approved previously, it is my hope that this year, we will take in more new members than either of the previous two statewide One Day Classes.

Along with the One Day Class, we will have a new membership incentive program. Points gained by being a first-line signer on a petition for a candidate for membership can be redeemed for valuable merchandise on a Pennsylvania Mason’s Incentive Program website. I have also designed a new Masonic necktie in four different colors. A Brother can get a new tie for each of the first four petitions on which he is a first-line signer.

To thank our military servicemen and veterans, any active or retired military member who wishes to join our fraternity will have half of the normal initiation fee waived, reduced by both the Grand Lodge and the Blue Lodge.

It is vital that we increase Lodge participation and satisfaction. I authorize all Lodges to continue to open and close the meetings in the prescribed short method to allow time for interesting programming and socialization.

I am also implementing a Lodge Greeter Program to make sure all new Brethren, and those who have not attended in a while, feel welcomed and comfortable. The Junior Warden, or the Senior Warden in his absence, will be present 15 minutes prior to the opening of Lodge to greet each Brother and ensure he has someone to sit with.

To ensure Lodges offer interesting monthly meetings, we will provide numerous options on the Grand Lodge website that can be downloaded and utilized via a television and DVD player for the Lodge meeting.

I am encouraging all Districts to have a social event sometime between June and September with all Lodges sharing in the fun and the cost. These events should be made available to all members, families and non-Masonic friends. District Deputy Grand Masters are responsible for coordinating or chairing the events, and I look forward to hearing about some really interesting social event ideas.

It is imperative that our Grand Lodge keeps in step with this ever-changing technological world in which we live, and I am committed to seeing that happen. We have developed a new, state-of-the-art membership system that will better coordinate communications between Lodges and the Grand Secretary’s office, as well as with the Masonic Charities.

These programs are just a portion of the important agenda that I have created to make the Grand Lodge more effective and efficient. I am hopeful that all our Brethren will endorse and work for the greater goal of making our fraternity stronger.

I thank each of my Brothers for the opportunity to serve as your Grand Master. My wife, Lynn, and my family are committed to supporting me during these two years so I may do the very best job that is expected of me.

In the Book of Romans, Chapter 12, verse 11, it states, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

We are all called to serve the Great Architect and each other. I ask each of you to serve with me, with dedication, zeal and great fervor.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Raymond T. Dietz, R.W. Grand Master

4

Pennsylvania Freemason

GRAND MASTER’S PROGRAMS

EXTENDED OUTREACH PROGRAM The Masonic Outreach Program has expanded to encompass many services to support our Brethren, their families, widows and others in our communities.

The Outreach Program provides free information, direction and education on community services, personal care and skilled care homes, or government and state programs. It operates a free Loan Closet which offers durable medical equipment (such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, etc.) on a short-term loan basis to individuals in need. It also hosts a monthly Dementia Caregiver Support and Education Group in Elizabethtown. Services available only for Pennsylvania Freemasons and their families include home assistance, a panel of attorneys and a panel of financial planners.

Additional services already provided through our Masonic Charities that will be coordinated under the Outreach umbrella include home care, hospice, scholarships for our youth, Help for Our Heroes and the Blood and Organ Donor Club.

Inauguration

New services to be offered as part of the vision for the program include Raising a Reader, home health services, care management, personal emergency response systems and a Widows’ Program.

Strengthening our existing programs and adding needed services will not only improve our ability to honor our oath and obligations – including our promise to assist our Brethren, their widows and families – but will also allow us to better promote our good works within our communities.

To learn more about the Masonic Outreach Program, visit www.MasonicOutreach.org, call 800-462-7664 or email outreach@masonicvillages.org.

Masonic Outreach

www.pamasons.org/outreach 5

FREEMASONRY TODAY

THE LODGE ALMONER’S FUND

I will aid and assist all worthy, distressed Brother Master Masons, their Widows and Orphans.

In order to ensure we are fulfilling our Masonic obligations, the Grand Lodge has developed an Almoner’s Fund program to be implemented by each Blue Lodge.

The Grand Lodge Almoner is Bro. Russell W. Baker, P.D.D.G.M.-5, Howell Lodge No. 405, Honey Brook, who most recently served the Grand Lodge as Assistant Grand Marshal. He is responsible for helping the Almoners who will be appointed to administer the program for each individual Lodge.

Every Lodge that does not already have an Almoner’s Fund in place will develop one dedicated to the relief of worthy distressed members and their families, and will appoint an Almoner to manage the fund.

At least 50 percent of the fund will be paid yearly to qualified applicants who have experienced a hardship. Any member, widow or dependent child may apply to the Lodge for assistance through a member or the District Deputy Grand Master. If an applicant so requests, his or her application will be considered by the Lodge in confidence; the identity of the applicant will only be made known to the Lodge Almoner and the Worshipful Master. The Lodge Treasurer, Secretary and District Deputy Grand Master may be included on an as-needed basis.

6

Almoner’s Funds will only be used as approved by Lodge vote; in emergency cases, the Lodge Almoner may seek approval from the District Deputy Grand Master before Lodge approval, but such circumstances will be disclosed to the membership. The Almoner will ascertain the need of applicants for assistance. He will then decide to either make a recommendation for a monetary grant or refer the applicant to other appropriate committees of the Lodge and/or to other possible resources available through the Grand Lodge (such as the Masonic Outreach Program).

Each year, the Almoner will submit to the Lodge an annual accounting of the Almoner’s Fund. The Lodge will publish in its notice a list of how and why the funds were used to benefit a member or his family at least twice per year. No names will be published unless written permission is granted to do so.

Lodge Assistance Program www.pamasons.org/almoner

Bro. Russell W. Baker, P.D.D.G.M. Grand Lodge Almoner

Pennsylvania Freemason

GRAND MASTER’S PROGRAMS

PENNSYLVANIA MASONS RAISING A READER PROGRAM

Improving Literacy in PA through Family Involvement It’s a well-known fact that children who read with their parents develop language skills more quickly. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics says doing so stimulates early brain development and helps build key literacy and social skills. Unfortunately, according to the academy, more than one in three American children start kindergarten without the skills they need to learn to read, and almost two-thirds of children can’t read proficiently by the end of the third grade.

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, as part of our Outreach efforts, have committed to helping vulnerable, at-risk children and families throughout the Commonwealth through their support of a nationally-acclaimed early literacy program. Through our generosity, Raising a Reader will provide books, materials, parent training and engagement support and library connections that will not only significantly improve child literacy, but strengthen families and empower a generation of children to read, learn and succeed.

Pennsylvania Masons will identify schools near their Lodges and Districts where we can help children at highest risk for educational failure, and look to bring the Raising the Reader

Inauguration

program to them. Since 1999, Raising a Reader has helped more than one million children and families successfully build, practice and sustain literacy skills and routines. By providing vital tools and support to children in need, Pennsylvania Masons will enhance children’s educational experiences as well as their self-esteem and dreams for the future.

The specific objectives of the project are to: •

• •

•

Help low-income families build the home-based literacy routines critical to developing child language and comprehension skills.

Launch Raising A Reader programs in schools throughout each of the seven Masonic Pennsylvania Regions.

Build exposure. Brethren belonging to Lodges close to participating schools will be asked to support the program by visiting the schools, when invited, to be recognized for the support Pennsylvania Masons are contributing to improve the literacy landscape.

If your Lodge or District would like to be one of the first groups participating in this program, call 800-462-7664 or email outreach@masonicvillages.org.

Raising a Reader

www.pamasons.org/reader

7

FREEMASONRY TODAY

NEW MEMBER INCENTIVE PROGRAM Thousands of Reasons to Invite Good Men to Be Masons!

First-Line Signer Ties

If you have identified worthy men whom you know would be excellent Masons, wait no longer to invite them to be part of our great fraternity! Not only will you offer him the gift of membership, but you will be rewarded for your efforts, as well!

With the new membership incentive program, after a candidate receives his First Degree, the first line signer will be credited with 60 points. He can either accumulate his points, or he can immediately receive merchandise displayed on the Pennsylvania Masons’ Incentive Program website.

In addition to the selection of merchandise from the website, a member will receive a new Masonic tie for each of the first four petitions on which he is a first-line signer once the candidate receives his Third Degree!

8

Member Incentives

www.pamasons.org/incentives

Pennsylvania Freemason

GRAND MASTER’S PROGRAMS

ACCUMULATE POINTS ... and these Gifts Could Be Yours!

Inauguration

Member Incentives

www.pamasons.org/incentives

9

FREEMASONRY TODAY

Stay Tuned: Our Mobile App is Scheduled for Release this Fall!

NEW TECHNOLOGY LAUNCHED A New, Modern Website

Follow Us on Facebook!

Our Grand Lodge website has been redesigned to provide useful, easily accessible information for our Brethren. It is designed to appeal to all Brothers and aid in attracting new members. It also promotes the fraternity and educates the community about our values.

The website will include updated content, featuring what your local Lodges are doing. We’ll also be posting news about upcoming events, educational articles and more, so check back regularly!

The following Facebook pages bring you news and information as quickly as possible. Learn what the fraternity is doing, both within Lodges and communities, including charitable efforts and stories that will make you proud to be a Mason!

Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania - Facebook.com/pagrandlodge Masonic Villages - Facebook.com/masonicvillages Masonic Children’s Home - Facebook.com/masonichildrenshome Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation - Facebook.com/pmyf Masonic Temple in Philadelphia - Facebook.com/ masonictemplephiladelphia

Check it out at www.pamasons.org!

SOCIAL & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Haven’t been to Lodge in a while? Or, maybe it’s your first time. Well, rest assured that you will be greeted by your Junior Warden or another officer, who will make sure you’re introduced to other Brethren who will share their experience with you.

Quality programming is extremely important. Your Grand Lodge has been working hard to make sure your Lodge has access to programs that are sure to be of interest, including new programs for honoring first responders in May and veterans in November.

It’s all about building relationships, right? Lodges may continue to open and close the prescribed short way to minimize the length of the meetings and ensure there’s time for socialization.

Speaking of fun, why not broaden your circle? All Lodges will be coordinating district-wide social events open to members and their ladies, and in some cases, to families and friends.

10

Pennsylvania Freemason

GRAND MASTER’S PROGRAMS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR & INVITE WORTHY MEN TO JOIN YOU!

ONE DAY MASONIC JOURNEY: SATURDAY, OCT. 29, 2016 13 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH How many men have told you they just don’t have time to join your Lodge?

A One Day Masonic Journey is the perfect opportunity for men who would enjoy being a part of Masonry, but who could not otherwise join in the traditional fashion due to work, family, community and other volunteer responsibilities.

Approved candidates will be able to join a Blue Lodge, the Scottish Rite and the Shrine (all in one day)! Also, Blue Lodge members may expand their Masonic experience to include the Scottish Rite and the Shrine.

The 13 locations for the one-day event will include: Valley of Allentown, Valley of Altoona, Valley of Bloomsburg, Valley of Coudersport, Zem Zem Shrine Center (Erie), Valley of Harrisburg, Valley of New Castle, Lu Lu Shrine Center (Philadelphia), Valley of Pittsburgh, Valley of Reading, Valley of Scranton, Valley of Uniontown and Valley of Williamsport.

Lodges will be responsible for providing mentors to assist in the conferral of Degrees, instruction of candidates between Degrees and for providing a mentor for every two candidates.

Inauguration

Candidates are not required to be proficient before advancement, and mentoring is to continue on an ongoing basis.

Petitions, which can be obtained online or from the Lodge Secretary, are to be presented at a Stated or Special Meeting to be read, noted in the minutes and referred to a Committee of Inquiry. Petitions will be balloted upon at a subsequent Stated or Special Meeting, once all dues and fees are received from the petitioners. The Masonic month requirement is waived if a meeting is called for balloting. Multiple balloting on any number of petitioners is permitted. Approved petitioners may be held for the One Day Masonic Journey, regardless of their date of approval.

Every candidate’s petition on which you are a first-line signer qualifies you for membership incentives for these events as well as for those going through the traditional process.

One Day Masonic Journey

www.pamasons.org/oneday 11

FREEMASONRY TODAY

HELP FOR OUR HEROES

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will continue to support our men and women serving in the military, both at home and abroad, as well as their families. The name for this program has simply changed back to Help for Our Heroes, because the term “heroes” truly describes those who sacrifice so much so we can enjoy the freedoms we too often take for granted.

To date, we have provided almost $1 million toward calling cards; military baby showers; holiday events for families at military bases; programming for children with special needs; telemedicine; amusement park family outings; adaptive bicycles for veterans with injuries; support of veterans’ courts; improvements to veterans’ homes and renovations needed by families of those who are serving overseas.

“Thanks to everyone involved who made this fabulous event happen. I don’t even know where to begin; my husband and I are both in the military, and my husband is currently deployed. Neither my husband nor I know many people here because we just received a Permanent Change of Station less than a year ago. All the gifts that we received lifted a huge financial and mental burden off [our] family.” - Military Baby Shower Attendee 12

Help For Our Heroes

www.pamasons.org/heroes

Pennsylvania Freemason

GRAND MASTER’S PROGRAMS

SAYING “THANK YOU” TO OUR VETERANS FOR OUR FREEDOM Freemasons recognize that our freedom isn’t free. From the first shots of the Revolutionary War to the men and women serving our country today, our nation owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to our veterans.

Pennsylvania Masons will say “Thank You” to every male veteran, including those servicemen who are active duty, in the reserves and/or have been honorably discharged. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the Lodge he chooses to join will each reduce his initiation fee by $50, for a total savings of $100.

Brethren: Please make sure the candidate attaches his copy of Veterans DD214 or his military ID card to his petition to qualify. The first-line signer on a veteran’s petition will still receive 60 points toward the Incentive Program.

REBRANDING THE FRATERNITY Pennsylvania Masons: Our New Brand!

It has been many, many years since the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has updated our “look” or our “brand.” Our commitment to making good men better, based on our cardinal values of brotherly love, charity and truth, will never change.

It’s vital that we remember our roots and focus, as Brothers, on taking care of one another and our families.

At the same time, as we strive to bring more members into our great fraternity, we must listen and HEAR what is important to them as well as to our existing membership. To continue to grow and impact our communities, we must focus

Inauguration

on some fundamental goals: • Helping Distressed Members • Encouraging Member Involvement • Attracting New Members • Raising Awareness in the Community Let’s let our fellow Brethren, their families and our communities know that Pennsylvania Masons are thriving in modern day society. Let’s let them know we HEAR what is important and are here to continue supporting one another and making our world a better place!

13

FREEMASONRY TODAY

Medallion

Brother’s Pin

Raymond T. Dietz R.W. Grand Master, and his wife, Lynn Bro. Raymond T. Dietz joined Davage Lodge No. 374 in 1973. He is a member and Past Master of Avalon Lodge No. 657, Pittsburgh, and a member of Lodge No. 45, Pittsburgh. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 55th Masonic District, 2004-2009. He also served as a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Finance since 2005, as well as on the Committee on Landmarks, Trustee of the Masonic Charities Fund, Director of the Masonic Library & Museum and on Masonic Villages’ Board of Directors.

A lifelong resident of Allegheny County, Bro. Ray graduated from North Hills Senior High School in 1970 and Robert Morris University with a bachelor of science in business administration.

He has been employed as Vice President of Union Home Mortgage since 2011, when the company purchased Allstate Financial, which he founded in 1989 and had served as President. He was previously employed by Bell Federal Savings and Loan for 18 years in various capacities including Sr. Vice President.

Bro. Ray served on the Finance Committee for Northmont Presbyterian Church and as Director on the foundation board for Allegheny General Hospital, Suburban Campus. He also served as the Director, Treasurer and House Chairman for Shannopin Country Club. He is President of Newport Condominium Association, Bahamas.

Bro. Ray has been married to Lynn for 37 years, and they

14

Grand Master

have two daughters, Jennifer Kelley and Jessica Pfansteil. Jennifer is employed by the Attorney General’s Office and volunteers in Search and Rescue. She is engaged to Earl Powell. Jessica Pfanstiel has a master’s degree in Child Life and is married to Bro. Chris Pfanstiel, Dallas Lodge No. 231, Pittsburgh.

In his spare time, Bro. Ray enjoys fishing, golf and racquet ball; he and Lynn both enjoy gardening and scuba diving.

Masonic Resume Bro. Raymond T. Dietz is a member and Past Master of Avalon Lodge No. 657, Pittsburgh, and a member of Lodge No. 45, Pittsburgh. A member of the Valley of Pittsburgh, A.A.S.R., Bro. Ray is an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, 33°, and he served as Director of the Valley’s Children’s Dyslexia Center. He is a member of Hiram’s Scottish Riders; Golden Triangle York Rite College; Royal Order of Scotland; ZerubbabelDuquesne Royal Arch Chapter No. 162; Mt. Moriah Council No. 2; Pittsburgh Commandery No. 1; Syria Shrine; Naco Caravan No. 19; U.S. Premier Conclave; Red Cross of Constantine; Royal Order of Jesters, Court No. 2; Islam Grotto; Tall Cedars of Lebanon and PA Lodge of Research. He is a charter member of the Sewickley High Twelve Club and a member of Masonic Veterans of Western PA. He was awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor in 2011 and the Order of the Purple Cross from the York Rite Sovereign College of North America in August 2015.

www.pamasons.org/grandmaster

Pennsylvania Freemason

Inauguration

Grand Master

www.pamasons.org/grandmaster 15

FREEMASONRY TODAY

S. Eugene Herritt

Thomas Gamon, IV

Jeffrey M. Wonderling

R.W. Deputy Grand Master and his wife, Sally

R.W. Senior Grand Warden and his wife, Cheryl

R.W. Junior Grand Warden and his wife, Sharon

Bro. S. Eugene Herritt is a Past Master of Cumberland Valley Lodge No. 315, Shippensburg, and of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for District 3, 2006-2011; as a Representative in Grand Lodge, 1980-2005; and as a member of the Committee on Academy of Masonic Knowledge, 2007-present. He has been a member of Masonic Villages’ Board of Directors, 2011-present; a Trustee of the Masonic Charities Fund and a member of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Library and Museum. He is a Past Lodge Chairman for the Masonic Culture Committee.

Bro. Gene graduated from Clarion University and from Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education, respectively. A retired teacher, he has taught as an Adjunct Professor of marketing at Shippensburg University. He is a Sales Executive with Fortney Packages; a role he previously held with 3M and The Beistle Co. Bro. Gene is a member of the Council of Trustees of Shippensburg University, and a member of the Board of Directors of Adams Electric Cooperative and the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association; he has also served as Chairman of both organizations.

Bro. Gene and his wife, Sally, live in Shippensburg and have a daughter, Andrea, and a grandson, Lyric.

Bro. Thomas Gamon, IV is a Past Master of Perkiomen Lodge No. 595, Red Hill, and served as District Deputy Grand Master of District 40, 2002-2008; as a Representative in Grand Lodge and an Aide to the Grand Master, 2012-2013; and as a member of the Masonic Education Committee, 2010-2011.

Bro. Tom graduated from Perkiomen Valley High School, earned an associate’s degree in criminology from the Montgomery County Community College and completed his Pennsylvania state apprenticeship in the electrical field. He is self-employed as President of Gamon Electric, Inc., a full-service electrical contracting firm which he started in 1986.

A member of Lower Frederick Fire Company since 1975, he served as Fire Chief from 19842002 and from June 2012-present. He has earned several professional certifications and licenses and serves on a variety of committees as an electrical contractor and with the fire department.

Bro. Tom and his wife, Cheryl, live in Schwenksville and are members of Jerusalem Lutheran Evangelical Church. They are the proud parents of Bro. Thomas V and Danielle and the grandparents of Shelby Elizabeth and Thomas VI.

Bro. Jeffrey M. Wonderling is a Past Master of King Solomon’s Lodge No. 346, Connellsville. He is also a charter member of Lodge Ad Lucem No. 812, Pittsburgh, and a member of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research.

He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 30th Masonic District, 2000-2005, as Principal of the 30th Masonic District School of Instruction and as a member of Masonic Villages’ Board of Directors, 2007-2014.

He is a recipient of the Grand Lodge Century Award, the Grand Master’s Outstanding Service Award and the DeMolay Legion of Honor.

Bro. Jeff graduated from Gateway Senior High School and the LaDolce Academy of Real Estate. He is employed by Flynn’s Tire Group as a Territorial Manager and has specialized in business development for over 30 years.

Bro. Jeff and Sharon are members of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Delmont, where he has served on the Church Council, the Mutual Ministry and Finance Committees, as an Assisting Minister and as Chairman of two capital campaigns. He also served on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association of Westmoreland County and serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau of Western PA. Bro. Jeff has two stepsons, Thomas and Michael Bahney, and two grandchildren, Julia and Dylan Bahney.

16

Grand Lodge Officers

www.pamasons.org/officers

Pennsylvania Freemason

Jeffrey W. Coy

Mark A. Haines

R.W. Grand Treasurer and his wife, Jo Anne

R.W. Grand Secretary and his wife, Karen

Bro. Jeffrey W. Coy is a Past Master and past Trustee of Cumberland Valley Lodge No. 315, Shippensburg. He was installed as the R.W. Grand Treasurer on Dec. 27, 2003. He serves as Trustee of the Masonic Charities Fund, Administrator of the Pension Fund, Trustee of the Consolidated Fund, Director of the Masonic Library and Museum and as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Masonic Villages. He also has served the Grand Lodge as the Grand Organist for the Central Pennsylvania area.

Bro. Jeff served 11 terms as State Representative for the 89th Legislative District of Franklin and Cumberland counties, having been elected to his first two-year term in 1982. He then served on the Chesapeake Bay Commission and as a Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

He is Vice Chairman of the Orrstown Bank and is a member of many other community organizations.

A graduate of Shippensburg University, Bro. Jeff is a former Chairman of the Shippensburg University Board of Trustees. In 2004, he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service from Shippensburg University.

Bro. Jeff and his wife, Jo Anne, live in Shippensburg. They are members of Memorial Lutheran Church, where he has been the organist for more than 40 years.

Bro. Mark A. Haines is a Past Master of Reading Lodge No. 549 and is a dual member of Teutonia Lodge No. 367, both of West Reading.

He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the 7th Masonic District from 1998-2005.

An advisor for the Reading Chapter, Order of DeMolay, Bro. Mark was awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor. He also served as an advisor for Reading Assembly, International Order of The Rainbow for Girls.

Bro. Mark graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

He was installed as the R.W. Grand Secretary on Dec. 27, 2005. Previously, he was employed as Deputy Grand Secretary and held various management positions within the insurance industry. Bro. Haines was awarded the Pennsylvania Franklin Medal by R.W. Past Grand Master Stephen Gardner during the 2009 Annual Communication.

Bro. Mark and his wife, Karen, have five children and two granddaughters. They live in West Lawn and attend Peace Lutheran Church.

In their spare time, they enjoy going to football games and spending time with their family.

Inauguration

Grand Lodge Officers

www.pamasons.org/officers 17

FREEMASONRY TODAY

Newly Appointed Floor Officers

SENIOR GRAND DEACON

Robert F. Dunkle, D.D.G.M.

Lodge No. 548, District 55

GRAND STEWARD

Michael R. Rosenberry, P.M. Lodge No. 659, District 2

18

JUNIOR GRAND DEACON

Edward W. Dietz, Jr.

GRAND STEWARD

James E. Toward, P.M.

Lodge No. 231, District 55

Lodge No. 657, District 37

GRAND SWORD BEARER

GRAND PURSUIVANT

ASSISTANT TYLER

Lodge No. 663, District 42

Lodge No. 304, District 25

Christopher J. Pfanstiel Lodge No. 231, District 55

Teddy D. Sizemore, P.D.D.G.M.

Kim W. Jeffreys, P.D.D.G.M.

Pennsylvania Freemason

Newly Appointed Aides to the Grand Master

AIDE TO THE GRAND MASTER

Timothy J. Gricks

Lodge No. 231, District 55

AIDE TO THE GRAND MASTER

Richard R. Mort

Lodge No. 231, District 55

AIDE TO THE GRAND MASTER

AIDE TO THE GRAND MASTER

Lodge No. 716, District 55

Lodge No. 231, District 55

Eric S. Teasdale

Newly Appointed District Deputy Grand Masters

Craig W. Shaffer

Lodge No. 343, District 5 Presentation: Jan. 29, 2016

Donald W. Weaver

Lodge No. 327, District 12 Presentation: Jan. 16, 2016

Ronald Troy

Newly Appointed Grand Chaplains

Robert A. Di Palma, Sr.

Lodge No. 338, District 15 Presentation: Jan. 15, 2016

GRAND CHAPLAIN

David W. Morgans, P.D.D.G.M.

Lodge No. 684, District 47

Stephen M. Wertz

Lodge No. 299, District 16 Presentation: Jan. 21, 2016

Inauguration

Steven L. Gee

Lodge No. 247, District 17 Presentation: Jan. 20, 2016

Alvin E. Just

Lodge No. 538, District 41 Presentation: Jan. 22, 2016

GRAND CHAPLAIN

Timothy Rand Reichard Lodge No. 630, District 37

19

MASONIC EDUCATION

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? First in a series of profiles of our living Past Grand Masters

SAMUEL C. WILLIAMSON, R.W.P.G.M., 1982-1983 When asked what he wanted the Craft at large to know about his activity since he left the Oriental Chair of the Grand Lodge in December of 1983, R.W. Past Grand Master Samuel C. Williamson said, “Tell ‘em I rode off into the sunset.” He’s been riding forward for 33 years and is still going strong.

Having just celebrated his 89th birthday this month, Bro. Sam enters his 10th decade with a list of people to visit, places to go and dreams to accomplish.

Bro. Sam was working full-time for U.S. Steel as Superintendent of the Chemical Works at Clairton when he was installed as Grand Master, but when the opportunity to take an early retirement came to him, he jumped at it. And now, he says, “I’ve been retired longer than I worked!” This was of great benefit to the Masonic family, because he has been able to stay involved in the work of the Grand Lodge and the Masonic youth program ever since.

Since that time, he has consistently traveled to attend Grand Lodge events whenever possible; coordinated projects for Grand Masters, such as the Matching Charity Grants program

20

Masonic Temple & Library and Museum

for Grand Master Jay Ernette, the creation of the Thomson Cup Award for Grand Master Bob Dluge, the compilation and editing of the first published ritual for Grand Master Tom Sturgeon, and moderating the Masonic Congress for Grand Master Jay Smith. He has also co-chaired numerous Annual Grand Communications and the 2000 Scottish Rite Supreme Council Session in Pittsburgh. When asked why he has stayed involved so long when others have taken a less active role, Bro. Sam said, “Because they asked me to!” Bro. Sam isn’t one to dwell on what happened in the past or wish things were the same as they used to be. When queried about which project he enjoyed the most, he responded, “The next one.”

Known as “Dad” Williamson to thousands of present and former DeMolay members, Bro. Sam served 13 years as the Executive Officer of DeMolay in Pennsylvania and then six years as Grand Treasurer of DeMolay International. He is completing his 26th year as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation.

Bro. Sam’s continual service to the fraternity at large has not

www.pamasonictemple.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

gone unnoticed. In 2002, he was one of the first to receive the DeMolay International Grand Cross for Distinguished Service.

In 2005, he was in the charter class of 16 recipients of the Grand Lodge of PA’s HODEGOS Award for long-term commitment and service to Masonic youth. In 2006, the renowned Colonel Daniel Coxe Medal for Distinguished Service was conferred on him by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. In 2013, he was created an Honorary Member of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation, Prince Hall Affiliation, A.A.S.R., for his efforts to create and sustain a permanent relationship between the Grand Lodges. This year, Illustrious John Wm. McNaughton presented him with the Sovereign Grand Commander’s Distinguished Service Medal for exemplary service to the Scottish Rite. He just learned that the latest recognition to come to him will be induction into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame in June.

Bro. Sam enjoys excellent health, eating right and exercising under the rigorous direction of his personal trainer. His personal fitness regimen contributed significantly to his quick recovery after triple bypass coronary surgery last June, and he still drives himself from Pittsburgh to Elizabethtown. He enjoys a good crime novel and participates in an informal monthly dinner club with close friends. He can often be found attending Lodge and Scottish Rite meetings and a variety of DeMolay activities. He uses his computer to conduct his finances and

handles his iPhone with proficiency, keeping track of his grandchildren and friends on Facebook. 2016 will find him cruising to the Bahamas with Ubar Grotto, spending time in San Diego, Calif., at the DeMolay International Annual Session, and he is contemplating some international travel. Past Grand Master Williamson is still riding toward that sunset, keeping his eye on the future and never looking back.

MASONIC BOOK REVIEW

Masonic Perspectives: the Thoughts of a Grand Secretary

By Bro. Thomas W. Jackson Reviewed by Glenys Waldman, Librarian, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania With a painting of the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia

by Bro. Ryan J. Flynn gracing its front cover, this tidy little volume is an anthology of 44 excellent articles, most of which were originally published in “The Pennsylvania Freemason,” beginning in 1988. The author, who served from 1979-1999 as R.W. Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, included some addresses and essays not specifically related

Inauguration

to Freemasonry, but indicating how his involvement in the Boy Scouts and Freemasonry influenced him.

Of the many topics, a few are: Freemasonry in Pennsylvania and the rest of the world; Freemasonry’s universal constancy; responses to anti-Masonic criticism; and the impact of Masons on history, membership and brotherly love. Among others, one of the great points that Bro. Jackson makes is of the impact that many Masons have made on history. This is not because of Freemasonry, but because of the men themselves. It is they who have made Freemasonry great.

An excellent gift for Masons and their families, “Masonic Perspectives” is available for $14.99 in the Masonic Temple gift shop or by visiting www.masonicmuseumgifts.com.

21

MEMBERSHIP R.W. Grand Master Raymond T. Dietz and his wife, Lynn, Invite You to Attend a

Masonic Reunion

For Pennsylvania Masons, Wives and Widows who now reside permanently in Florida or who visit there during the winter months. Grand Master Dietz will present 50-Year, 60-Year and 70-Year Masonic Service Emblems and 75-Year Diamond Jubilee Awards. He will also preview upcoming programs. Please send in your response card to make your reservation by Feb. 12, 2016. If you have any questions, please call 717-367-1121 ext. 33382.

REUNION SCHEDULE Thursday, March 10, 2016 Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Sarasota

Friday, March 11, 2016

Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, Tampa

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, Palm Beach Each reunion features a reception (11 - 11:45 a.m.) followed by lunch (11:45 a.m.) and a program (1 - 2 p.m.)

CARING FOR OUR MASONIC WIDOWS The Masonic Villages recently launched a Widows’ Guild program to recognize and assist all widows of Pennsylvania Masons. The program is being rolled out at limited group events throughout Pennsylvania and certain locations of the United States. Widows who attend certain events will receive a Masonic Blue Slipper Pin and personalized membership card to the Widows’ Guild. On the back side of the membership card is the toll-free telephone number for the Masonic Outreach Program with a list of the many services available to any widow of a Pennsylvania Mason.

Bro. Joseph E. Murphy, CEO for the Masonic Villages, said, “It is the right thing to do for our spouses who have supported us through all our years in the fraternity. This is our way of honoring them with this special pin and card, and letting them know that we care through the services we can provide to them.”

The Masonic Blue Slipper Pin, which is universally recognized among Masons, serves to identify the wearer as the widow of a Mason. Its history comes from the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. During the time of Boaz, the next of kin were to look after the widow and offspring. In Ruth’s case, the next of kin refused to honor this requirement for

22

Ruth, so Boaz agreed to take up the task. When Boaz met with the next of kin to seal the deal, the next of kin drew off his shoe and handed it to Boaz as a token for the bargain to take care of Ruth. Boaz held the shoe up for all to see as witnesses of the deal. To this day, the blue slipper symbolizes our duty to care for our widows of the fraternity.

The fraternity owes a true obligation to assist our widows. The Masonic Outreach Program provides financial assistance, attorney/ legal support, durable and medical equipment and a variety of educational information and referral services, such as pharmaceutical assistance programs, services for those with low income and services specific to the disabled and senior population. Help is only a phone call away at 800-462-7664.

If you know a widow who would be interested in receiving a Masonic Blue Slipper Pin and becoming a member of the Widows’ Guild, please contact the Masonic Outreach Program to find out when the next available event in your area will take place.

Pennsylvania Freemason

GRAND LODGE TRAVELING GAVEL To encourage more brethren to visit other Lodges, the Grand Lodge has initiated a Traveling Gavel in each of the seven Masonic Regions. Want to get your hands on a gavel?

Well, you better get traveling!

Rules:

The Grand Master will initially present the gavel to a Lodge of his choice in each Region. A Lodge retains possession of the gavel until a new Lodge gains control.

The gavel changes hands in any one of three ways: 1. The gavel may be taken from any Lodge during any Lodge Meeting of the host Lodge.

In order to take the gavel, a visiting Lodge, with at least 10 Brethren attending, must declare its intention to claim the gavel during the meeting. If an equal or greater number of Brethren from another Lodge present announce their intention to take the gavel, the gavel will be awarded to the Lodge with the most Brethren present. In the event of a tie, the visiting Lodge with the greatest percentage of its membership present will win control of the gavel.

2. The gavel may be given away to any Lodge during any Stated Meeting.

In order to give the gavel away, at least five Brethren from the giving Lodge must visit a Lodge in their Region and present the gavel during the meeting. The receiving Lodge is required to accept the gavel.

Inauguration

3. T he gavel may be reclaimed by the Grand Lodge.

In order for the Grand Lodge to reclaim the gavel, the Grand Master and four Right Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers will conduct an unannounced visit to the Lodge. The Grand Master will then present the gavel to a Lodge of his choice.

Whichever Lodge is in possession of the gavel at the end of November must present it to the Grand Master during the December 2016 Quarterly Communication. At that time, the Grand Master will retire the gavel and return it to the Lodge so that it may retain the gavel permanently. He will present a new gavel to a Lodge of his choice in each Region.

• The gavel may only change hands once during any meeting.

It cannot be both given and taken during the same meeting.

• A Lodge cannot take the gavel during its own Stated Meeting, nor can it be taken during a District or a joint Meeting with another Lodge(s).

• The gavel travels with a documented history. Whenever the gavel changes hands, both the presenting and receiving Lodges must complete the documentation certifying the exchange within 24 hours. The Grand Lodge website will also track the progress of each of the traveling gavels.

• Final decision on all rules is made by the Grand Secretary.

Final decision on all matters during a Lodge meeting, including those involving the gavel, are to be made by the sitting Worshipful Master of the host Lodge.

23

MEMBERSHIP

MASONIC NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

By Bro. P.J. Roup, D.D.G.M.-54

I’ve never really been one for New Year’s resolutions. I always assumed that anything worth doing is worth doing immediately, rather than delaying until some arbitrary point in the time continuum. If, however, replacing one wall calendar with another gives one a reason to reflect on past behaviors with an eye toward improving them, then perhaps they serve a purpose.

As Masons, what can we resolve to do differently for ourselves or our Lodge? This is not an all-inclusive list, and it will, of course, be different for each of us, but allow me to make a few suggestions: 1. Learn a part of the ritual that you don’t already know. Let’s face it, there are few among us who know every piece of the ritual. Commit to learning the work of a different office, a new degree, some portion of the funeral service or the mechanics that have always confounded you. If you’re one of the few who knows all the work, pick a section to hone to perfection.

2. Do something with a Brother outside of Lodge. Ask a Brother to go golfing or bowling. Take him to breakfast or dinner. (Your Lodge’s spaghetti dinner or pancake breakfast does not count.) The bonds of Brotherhood should stretch beyond the outer doors of the Lodge building.

3. Attend more Lodge meetings in 2016 than you did in 2015.

I probably don’t need to elaborate here.

4. Call a Brother from your Lodge who hasn’t attended recently just to introduce yourself. Both of you will be better for it. He will feel loved and remembered by his fraternity, and you will have met another man you can call Brother.

And if you can do it once, you can do it once a month.

5. Visit one Lodge you’ve never been to before. To compete for the new Traveling Gavel, gather a group from your Lodge and make an impromptu visit. You’ll meet new people, see new places and have an excuse to hone those skills necessary to visit unfamiliar Lodges.

6. Read a Masonic book. If you think esoteric Masonry may be too deep or beyond your ability, start with fiction. It may pique your interest and give you the courage to tackle a more academic tome. Just remember to keep the facts

24

7.

8.

9.

10.

separate from the fiction.

Visit another Grand Jurisdiction. Though our Landmarks are the same, Masonry is practiced differently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Maybe something you see will shed new light on what you already know.

Visit the Grand Lodge in Philadelphia. It is truly one of the Crown Jewels of Masonic architecture in the world and no matter where you live in Pennsylvania, it’s not much more than a six-hour drive. It can be toured by Masons and non-Masons alike. Don’t like to travel alone? See point number two. (If you time it right, you may be able to scratch number three off your list, as well.)

Get more involved in your Lodge. The Grand Master has announced several new programs for the Lodges this year.

That means that there will be more opportunities to help, as well as more roles available to you at the Lodge. Go into the community and see where the Raising a Reader program is needed. Be a part of the Almoner’s Fund, chair the District social event, or strive to earn all four neckties.

Be present. Few of us need to be accessible to the world 24 hours a day. When you are doing numbers one through nine, silence your phone. Commit yourself (all of yourself) to the task at hand. Admire the Grand Lodge, not through the $5 lens and 4-inch screen of your iPhone, but with your own eyes and in all three dimensions. Be with your Brothers – and only your Brothers – for that all too brief time that you are together. True fraternity requires presence, and that presence is marred when you put a phone up to your face. Turn off your phone. The emails, texts and Facebook memes will still be there after you have bid your Brothers good night.

I know it sounds like work. It is. But those things that we don’t work for don’t have value, and we esteem them accordingly. I plan to do better at each and every one of these – starting with number 10. It won’t be easy, but I know I’ll be better for it.

My New Year’s wish is that each of us ends 2016 a better man and Mason than when we began it.

Pennsylvania Freemason

OUR BROTHERS’ KEEPERS

By Bro. P.J. Roup, D.D.G.M.-54 Welcome to Our Brothers’ Keepers. This column was created to highlight some of the works of charity that we do both for our Brothers and their families (charity begins at home, after all), as well as for the community as a whole. So where did the title of the column come from? I’m glad you asked.

What’s in a Name?

The phrase, “my brother’s keeper” is taken from the Book of Genesis. Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve. At one point, Cain became jealous of his brother because the Lord had looked more favorably upon Abel’s offering than his own. In a fit of rage and jealousy, Cain led his brother into a field and killed him. When God asked Cain where his brother was, he answered, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

While Cain’s question was an effort to deny any duty toward the welfare of his brother, the message to us is to the contrary.

As Masons, we understand that it is our responsibility to use what we have to ease the path for others who are less fortunate. In short, we are called to be our brothers’ keepers.

To Help, Aid and Assist . . .

Too often, we don’t see the value in being a Mason. We think that the dues are too high and that there is no real return on the money that we pay the Lodge every year. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Are you aware that the Masonic Villages, with its five campuses statewide, is the gold standard for retirement living, and that they donate more than $35 million worth of free care every year?

Did you know we have an Outreach program? It’s administered by the Masonic Villages and helps link Masons and their families with services and information that they may need. Whether it is a lawyer that will provide advice at a

Inauguration

reduced fee, a trustworthy handyman, assistance in dealing with social services, or just a place to start sorting out a problem, the Masonic Outreach staff is there to help.

And what about our youth? The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to our young men and women. They also provide leadership training to both youth and their adult volunteers.

Beyond the organized programs of the Masonic Charities, Blue Lodges and individual Masons are doing their part every day to help their Brothers, widows, families and children. They cook meals, cut lawns, make repairs and offer rides. They do it with neither expectation of compensation, nor thought of accolade. They do it simply because they know they should.

Here’s Where You Come in.

There are hundreds – even thousands – of touching, compelling and inspiring stories that go untold. Sometimes it is out of respect for the privacy of the recipient, or it is to protect the identity of the one who did the good deed. Too often, it is because the deed is only known to a few besides the doer and the recipient, but these stories need to be told.

Not in a self-aggrandizing, puffed-chest kind of way, but rather to serve as an example of what Masons should be. Perhaps,in the telling, it will inspire others to do the same.

If you have a story of Brotherly Love in action, I ask you to share it with me. You don’t have to use the real names of the people involved if you don’t want to, but I ask that you include your contact information so that I can follow up with you if I have any questions. What we do matters, and the difference we make today will inspire those who follow to even greater deeds. We are our brothers’ keepers, after all.

Send your stories to Bro. P.J. Roup, District Deputy Grand Master, at pittmason@yahoo.com, or by mail to The Pennsylvania Freemason, c/o Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2199.

25

PHIL ANTHROPY

ARNOLD PALMER RECEIVES DEMOLAY LEGION OF HONOR On Sept. 24, 2015, Pennsylvania DeMolay State Officers and members from Westmoreland Chapter, Greensburg, had the privilege of presenting golf legend and Pennsylvania Mason, Bro. Arnold Palmer, with the Honorary Legion of Honor. His colleague, Bro. Donald “Doc” Giffin, a Senior DeMolay of the former Fidelity Chapter, Crafton, was also recognized with the Active Legion of Honor. Both men were nominated for the honor by Westmoreland Chapter for their unyielding support of youth throughout their lives and significant contribution to the welfare of young people in Pennsylvania.

The ceremony was conducted at Arnold Palmer Enterprises in Latrobe. Bro. Rodney E. Boyce, P.D.D.G.M., Deputy Member of DeMolay International, presided, assisted by Bro. Samuel C. Williamson, R.W.P.G.M. Conferring this honor was a particularly poignant opportunity for Bro. Boyce to personally thank the man who endowed the Arnold Palmer Cancer Center, where his own treatments have been administered.

Part of the ceremony includes the signing of the Legion of

Honor Vow Book, and Bro. Palmer looked at all the signatures of recipients going back to the first conferral in 1926. He expressed his appreciation and sincere humility at receiving this honor from the young men of Pennsylvania DeMolay, and was particularly moved by the ritual as presented by the young men. Bro. Giffin related some of his experiences as a DeMolay member and how it led him to join a Lodge. He explained how important DeMolay still is to him, as it laid a firm foundation for this success throughout his life. Bro. Palmer, who is still very competitive by nature, jokingly insisted that his white Legion of Honor cordon and medallion was bigger than Doc’s.

Bro. Palmer gave an extended tour through his offices and museum, and then stood for group and individual pictures with everyone present. For all his fame, amazing golf titles and achievements, Bro. Palmer remains a gracious and humble man, happy to share his good fortune and warm personality with his Masonic family. His exemplary life is one we gladly place before our young DeMolay members as worthy of emulation.

CHIP TO END Since 2004, the Masonic Child Identification Program (CHIP) has brought comfort to countless parents who were concerned about the safety of their children. Unfortunately, economic reality and cultural changes in the past 12 years have put pressure on the efficacy of the program. The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Board of Directors determined it is time to cease promotion and support of this tremendously successful program as of Dec. 31, 2015.

26

Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation

www.pmyf.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

MASONIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUM ADDS FRIEND TO FRIEND PAINTING TO ITS COLLECTION On Oct. 20, R.W. Past Grand Master Robert J. Bateman and fine artist Brad Clever unveiled a new painting that depicts a significant event in American and Masonic history. To be on display in the Masonic Temple’s Library, the painting portrays vividly the Civil War battlefield scene during Pickett’s Charge on Cemetery Ridge on July 3, 1863. Union Captain Henry Bingham, a Pennsylvania Mason and aide to Union Major General Winfield S. Hancock (also a Mason), came to the aid of his Masonic brother, fatally wounded Confederate Brigadier General Lewis A. Armistead of Virginia. Like the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial in Gettysburg, the painting brings to life the eternal bonds of friendship and brotherhood that transcend political differences, even amidst the tragedies of war.

The commissioned painting was funded by the Maxwell Sommerville Trust.

Clever had seen the Friend to Friend Memorial during visits to Gettysburg, but “… Freemasonry just put it into another dimension, another level of interest for me,” he said at the unveiling. He was so impressed with what he’s learned about the fraternity that he’s petitioned Cumberland Valley

Inauguration

Lodge No. 315, Shippensburg. “I’m looking forward to joining with the Masons,” he said, “and I’ll be even closer to what’s happening here.”

An illustrator for 38 years, Clever has painted still life themes for over 25 years. From the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown, Md., to galleries and exhibitions in New York City, Washington, D.C., South Carolina, Florida, California, Illinois and Ohio, Clever’s work has gained national recognition in galleries spanning the country since the early 1980s. His skills include oil, watercolor and acrylic painting.

He has won several awards for his work, including the 2013 Best of Show at the Cumberland Valley Artists Exhibition at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. In addition, his work has been featured in “American Artist” magazine and “The Artists Magazine.”

Masonic Temple & Library and Museum

www.pamasonictemple.org 27

PHIL ANTHROPY

MEET OUR MASONIC VILLAGES The Masonic Villages are home to more than 2,815 residents across the state. Each person brings a wealth of life experiences to share with others. In a series of articles, we’ll highlight some of these unique individuals and how their move to Masonic Villages has changed their lives.

Vacation Destination Bro. David Aeberli, John E. Mair Lodge No. 729, Mars, and his wife, Carol, both worked in careers which took them inside many retirement and long-term care communities. When it came time to choose a retirement community for their future home, they had high standards.

Fortunately, Masonic Village at Sewickley has more than exceeded their standards.

“We were so comfortable here with the way the personnel treated us,” Bro. David said. “The campus looks like a country club. We’re 100 percent satisfied. I know every nursing home in the Pittsburgh area, and Carol worked in long-term care, so one of the first things I wanted to look at here was longterm care. I was very impressed with the nursing facility. It is state-of-the-art.”

“People told us before we moved here that this is the biggest decision in life,” Carol said. “At this point in life, it is.

We lived in our house where our kids grew up for 40 years.

This is the last stop. It was a big decision, but not difficult.

Part of what makes it unique is the fact that it is Masonic supported and not a big for-profit organization that we are leery of. It’s a more caring facility than others.”

“When marketing staff called and said, ‘We have a villa with three bedrooms,’ it was just the ticket,” Bro. David said.

“We feel at home. People can visit and stay with us.”

“We’re meeting so many interesting people all facing the same thing,” Carol said. “Everyone is so interesting. We look forward to going to dinner – not just for the food, which is outstanding – but to meet new people.”

Without having to worry about cooking and home maintenance, they’re embracing their new found free time.

Bro. David joined the Master Mason’s Club on campus and assists with taking residents from the personal care and nursing care areas on bowling and fishing trips. In addition to volunteering with Family House, a hospitality house for people

www.masonicvillages.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

28

Masonic Villages

receiving extended medical treatment, Carol is spending time at Masonic Village enjoying the part of nursing she misses most.

“As a nurse, I know what it is like not to have time to spend with patients,” she said. “You want to talk, but you can’t. When we came here, they had just started a program to visit with residents in the Star Points Building [personal care residence]. I go up once a week and just talk to residents. I always wished I could do that when I worked, and now I have the time, so I do.”

Until 2003, Bro. David ran his family’s funeral home business, started by his grandfather in 1844. He didn’t always plan to take over the family business and attended school to become a forest ranger. After his father became ill, he realized the importance of family-run businesses to the community.

“A lot of places have sold out to conglomerates, but it was important to keep the business family owned,” he said.

“I was always concerned with making every detail nice for people and easing their grief.”

Family influenced Bro. David to join the Masonic fraternity 50 years ago. His grandfather was Master of his Lodge, and many of his friends and relatives belonged to the fraternity.

Bro. David and Carol also spend their time traveling to see their daughters, two who live in California, and one who is in Virginia with their two grandsons. Beyond the United States, they’ve been to Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Ireland and England.

They’ve recently found their favorite vacation destination: Masonic Village at Sewickley.

“A friend here said she wakes up every morning, and it’s

like being on a cruise,” Bro. David said. “Every day seems like a vacation.”

Inauguration

Masonic Villages

EXPLORE THE MASONIC VILLAGE OF YOUR CHOICE AT AN UPCOMING EVENT: MASONIC VILLAGE AT DALLAS 36 Ridgway Drive, Dallas, PA 570-675-1866 or 866-851-4243 MVDmarketing@masonicvillages.org Lunch and Learns: April 7 and May 5 MASONIC VILLAGE AT ELIZABETHTOWN One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 800-676-6452 MVEmarketing@masonicvillages.org Open houses: March 15 and April 27 MASONIC VILLAGE AT LAFAYETTE HILL 801 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 610-828-5760 MVLHmarketing@masonicvillages.org Lunch and Learns: March 10, April 12 and May 17 MASONIC VILLAGE AT SEWICKLEY 1000 Masonic Drive, Sewickley, PA 412-749-6862 or 866-872-0664 MVSmarketing@masonicvillages.org Lunch and Learns: Feb. 17 and May 18; Retirement Planning seminar: April 20

www.masonicvillages.org 29

PHIL ANTHROPY

LARGEST DONATION COMES FROM A CHILD In 1914, a young Dorothy Ilgen Shaffer needed help.

The Masonic Children’s Home welcomed her, along with her brothers and sisters, and gave them all a chance to learn, grow and succeed. Because Pennsylvania Masons took her in and gave her a chance at life, when she passed away at 101 years of age, Dr. Shaffer provided through her will one of the largest gifts a Masonic Charity ever received: a generous gift of $10.9 million dollars!

Every day, our Masonic Villages not only change lives they change hearts. Of all the philanthropic organizations to which Dr. Shaffer could have left her legacy, she chose the one that impacted her when she was most vulnerable. Almost a century later, she fondly remembered the good deeds of Masons and others and wished to ensure that children facing similar circumstances to what she did all those years ago will be taken care of for years to come.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS WITH $100,000 As part of its 100th Anniversary Celebration, Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, donated $50,000 to Elizabethtown Area Education Foundation’s capital campaign and $50,000 to the Masonic Villages. The campaign, “Investing in Our Children, Our Community, Our Future,” was launched to improve the Elizabethtown Area School District’s athletic fields.

“We believe in supporting the community,” Bro. H. Eugene Geib, Worshipful Master of Treichler Lodge, said. “What better way to make an impact on our neighbors than to assist public schools in providing quality education and top notch facilities?”

Michelle Balliet, school superintendent, school board members, members of the Elizabethtown Area Education Foundation and several students attended Treichler Lodge’s 100th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. The event also included inspirational remarks from Bro. Robert J. Bateman, R.W. Past Grand Master, presentations from local youth groups and more.

Treichler Lodge members raised $100,000 for charitable purposes through several years of fund raising efforts in honor of their anniversary event.

www.masonicvillages.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

30

Masonic Villages

Qty. Capital Need Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Wi Fi (monthly fee) 12 Digital cameras 13 Hair dryer stations for spas 5 iPads 5 Computer tablets 1 Expresso machine 4 Electric lift recliners 23 Wheelchairs - Specialty 11 Bose stereo systems 1 Refrigerator 5 Shower chairs 2 TVs for spas (wall-mounted) 1 Eva Pneumatic platform walker 2 Wheelchairs - Tilt & space 5 Wheelchairs - Broda 4 Sleeper chairs with casters 15 Specialty mattresses 1 Portable sound system 22 Vital signs machines for AOD 2 Beds - Pivot 1 Jukebox 1 Lift - overhead 2 Piano (Roland - acoustic) 4 Wheelchair glider swings 1 Golf cart (street legal 6-passenger wheelchair) Masonic Children’s Home 40 Holiday gift fund 6 College books (stipend) 1 HersheyPark trip Camps/excursions 1 Wildwood trip Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill District of Columbia museums with lunch and transportation Harvest Ball event Drama lessons/activities for residents Masonic Village at Sewickley 4 Piano Dollys 1 Hand rail tilt and roll scale 1 ARJO sit to stand lift 1 4 Channel E Stimulation (electric) 1 Occupancy sensors for apartment hallway Masonic Village at Dallas 1 Wii game set 1 Golf fund 2 Handicap accessible picnic tables Gazebo Masonic Village at Warminster 10 Wood working kits 1 Pergola with awning

Inauguration

Cost Per Item $40 $150 $600 $600 $700 $800 $900 $1,000 $1,100 $1,300 $1,500 $1,600 $1,800 $2,000 $2,100 $2,500 $2,500 $2,502 $3,500 $3,700 $4,500 $4,667 $6,000 $6,000 $15,000 $50 $1,000 $2,250 $3,500 $4,450 $2,400 $2,500 $3,000 $400 $1,550 $4,100 $4,400 $20,000 $300 $500 $900 $10,532

MASONIC VILLAGES’

2016

WISH LIST ITEMS OFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING

800-599-6454

Thank you to the following individuals who have provided for the following items since the last issue: Masonic Village at Elizabethtown: Bro. Gerald W. and Jacqueline H. Groff: Various items Bro. Lance W. and Rachel Savidge: Pivot beds Elaine Bleiler: Various items for Bleiler Caring Cottage Masonic Village at Dallas Mary Ann Size: Refrigerator Masonic Village at Dallas Residents Assoc. – Various items Masonic Children’s Home: Anonymous: Picnic tables Bro. Al Asheur and Gloria Hodgert: College books Bro. Ronald McKnight: Various items Bro. Arthur and Dorothy Wert: Grills Masonic Village at Sewickley: Bro. Paul Heckman and Bro. David Nimick: Yamaha digital piano There is an all-inclusive wish list posted on the Masonic Charities website at www.MasonicCharitiesPA.org, or feel free to contact the Office of Gift Planning at 800-599-6454. Please note that if funds donated for any item listed are oversubscribed, the funds will be used for additional wish list items or needs in the same service area.

$100 $6,000

Masonic Charities

www.masoniccharitiespa.org 31

INCREASE YOUR RETIREMENT INCOME Did you know you can make a gift to one of the Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and actually increase your retirement income? If you have CDs that are maturing, and you are reluctant to take out another one because of the low rates, a charitable gift annuity may be for you.

Consider the attractive gift annuity rates listed on the table below. For a minimum gift of $5,000, you can receive income for life. What’s more, because a gift annuity is irrevocable, you will receive a federal income tax deduction, receive a portion of your payments tax-free for a period of time and receive satisfaction in the knowledge that you have provided a gift that will strengthen and enhance the important work of the Masonic Charity you have selected. You will be making a difference in the lives of others!

Depending on your circumstances, you may find a gift annuity to be an ideal way for you to realize important personal, as well as charitable, objectives. For more personalized information regarding the benefits of a gift annuity, at no cost or obligation, please call the Masonic Charities at 800-599-6454, or mail the reply form below.

COMPLETE AND MAIL THIS FORM TO:

Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Telephone 800-599-6454

___ Send me your brochure on charitable gift annuities. ___ Send me a sample haritable gift annuity illustration based on the following information: Age(s):________ Amount*: $_______________ *If you are considering a gift of appreciated stock, please estimate your cost basis: $________________ Name:_________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________ City:_________________________________ State:______ Zip:__________ Telephone:_____________________________________________________ Email Address:__________________________________________________

Consider the following sample payment rates: For One Life Age 70 75 77 81 85 90+

Rate 5.1% 5.8% 6.2% 7.0% 7.8% 9.0%

For Two Lives Age 70 & 75 75 & 80 78 & 81 83 & 83 85 & 87 85 & 90

Rate 4.8% 5.3% 5.6% 6.3% 7.0% 7.3%

Note: This is a partial listing.

Rates exist for any combination of ages.

WWW.MASONICCHARITIESPA.ORG 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.