Freemason - May 2016

THE PENNSYLVANIA

VOL. LXIII, NO. 2

MAY 2016

The Many Faiths of Freemasonry

Christianity Islam

Judaism

Buddhism

Hinduism

CONTRIBUTE THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON® VOL. LXIII, MAY 2016, NO. 2

©2016 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Raymond T. Dietz, R.W.G.M. S. Eugene Herritt, R.W.D.G.M. Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W.S.G.W. Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W.J.G.W. Jeffrey W. Coy, R.W.G.T. Mark A. Haines, R.W.G.S.

The Pennsylvania Freemason magazine staff is looking for photographers and writers to contribute their talents!

Please email a link to samples of your work to pafreemason@masonicvillages.org to be considered for the publication. Contributors will receive a photo credit or byline.

The Pennsylvania Freemason reserves the right to use submissions elsewhere, such as on the Grand Lodge website, Facebook page, as a blog, etc.

Feature Focus

The Many Faiths of Freemasonry

This issue features several articles about how faith in a Supreme Being is important to

Freemasonry, but is a unifying, rather than a dividing, characteristic in our Craft.

Paul J. Roup, D.D.G.M.-54 EDITORIAL STAFF Tina L. Raybold - Production Coordinator Rich Johnson - Graphic Designer Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Staff Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania Staff (Publication No. USPS 426-140) May 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.

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) May 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.

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Freemasonry Today

Message from the Grand Master • Upcoming Events • Where Are they Now? • Our Brothers’ Keepers • The Chain of Union

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Masonic Education

Understanding Leads to Harmony • Freemasonry and the Death of God • Freemasonry through Jewish Eyes • Open to Universal Principles • Masonic Book Review • Why is Freemasonry Unique? • Bring New Life to the Masonic Temple’s Grand Ballroom

20 Philanthropy

Help For Our Heroes • Masonic Youth Practice Religious Tolerance • Improving Literacy in PA • Re-inventing Retirement • Masonic Villages’ Board Approves Strategic Vision for the Future • A $55 Million Transformation • Masonic Villages’ 2016 Wish List • Spreading Kindness • Support Our Dream

31 Accomplishments

New Master Craftsman and Master Pillar Awards • Congratulations!

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

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

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

Brethren, These first few months as your Grand Master have proven to only increase my pride as a Pennsylvania Mason! I thank you for embracing my initiatives with great dedication and enthusiasm – together, we are already making a huge impact on our communities, our military families, our widows, our members and our Masonic Charities.

The Almoner’s Fund has quickly come to the rescue for our Masonic families in need (see p. 6 for a recent example), and the traveling gavel has been so successful that attendance at lodge meetings has raised the roof of numerous temples across the state.

Many of you have already signed on the first line on petitions for membership, inviting your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors into our beloved fraternity. With the membership incentive program, the gift of membership is two-fold. Some of you have already received your gifts, others are saving up for bigger prizes, and now, you have the option of donating your earned points to the Masonic Children’s Home, as Brother Bob Duckett, Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, was the first to do. What a meaningful, generous way to give to our youth!

We have identified the schools in each of the seven Masonic regions that would benefit most from the Raising a Reader program, and with the help of our District Deputy Grand Masters, 41 classes in five school districts have already verbally accepted

the opportunity to adopt Raising the Reader by September. To learn how you can support this initiative, see p. 23. We’ll have more details about this exciting venture in the August issue.

As you will read on pp. 27 and 30, there is yet another way to impact young lives – by supporting our dream of building a Masonic Children’s Home in Sewickley!

Every day is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our brethren, their families and loved ones. Lady Lynn and I enjoyed spending time with residents at the Masonic Village at Sewickley on Easter morning. Their cheerful smiles blessed our hearts, and sharing the holiday with our Masonic family made it that much more meaningful.

I hope you enjoy this feature-packed issue, which not only provides opportunities to get involved, but offers inspiration, education and updates on how you and your fellow brethren are living out our Masonic oath and obligations and making our communities that much stronger for our efforts. I encourage you not only to read through these pages, but to share this magazine with others who may have an interest in or questions about our great fraternity. This is the first of many issues that will focus on important, timely topics – such as how our brethren of different faiths labor together in harmony and unanimity.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Raymond T. Dietz, R.W. Grand Master

UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION

19TH ANNUAL MEETING IN THE HILLS

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 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, 3579 Masonic Way, Pittsburgh, PA.

This meeting will be held Outdoors at Christner’s Grove near Dawson, Pa. Casual dress – no shorts, blue jeans or collarless shirts. All Master Masons are welcome.

James Cochran Lodge No. 614, Connellsville, will host this annual outdoor event at Christner’s Grove.

A New York strip steak dinner will be served at 5 p.m.

A special meeting of James Cochran Lodge No. 614 will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and may be ordered from Brother Alan R. Sandusky (contact info below). Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment. Checks should be made payable to “CDS Building Corporation.”

All ticket orders must be received by June 11. Directions will be included with your return ticket order.

Saturday, June 25 at 10 a.m.

By Order of the R.W. Grand Master.

Mark A. Haines R.W. Grand Secretary

GRAND MASTER’S 2016 EASTERN REGION MASONIC CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Saturday, June 18 at 5 p.m.

Contact: Alan R. Sandusky, P.M. 108 Broadford Road, Connellsville, PA 15425 1-724-557-1441 • sandusky4@verizon.net

June 27, 2016

Lu Lu Country Club 1600 Limekiln Pike, Glenside, PA 19038 10 a.m.

Registration begins 10:30 a.m.

Driving Range and putting green 11 a.m.

Lunch Noon Shotgun start 5 - 6 p.m.

Social hour, followed by an awards dinner.

The fee for the outing is $150 per golfer or $580 per foursome, which includes greens fee, cart, bag drop, use of practice range, refreshments on the course, lunch, social hour, dinner, gifts and awards.

Dress in your vintage 50s best and come out for a great night!

To register golfers or for sponsorship information, contact: Brother Edward Achilles by June 18 (unless 120 golfers are entered before then) 6 Virginia Lane, Horsham, PA 19044 1-267-266-1119 • edachilles@aol.com

Registration is also available at www.concordia67.com or www.grandmastersmasonicgolf.com.

For each golfer, include name, address, phone and email.

Make checks payable to “Charity Fund of Concordia Lodge No. 67,” with note to “GM Charity Golf Outing.”

Please do not send cash.

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June 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

Syria Shrine, 1877 Shriners Way Cheswick, PA

Cost $45 per person

Includes Authentic 50s Foods & an Open Bar!

Call 1-724-274-7000 for Tickets

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Edward H. Fowler, R.W. Grand Master (1992-1993)

Brother Edward H. Fowler, Jr., served as R.W. Grand Master in 1992 and 1993. Just before assuming the Grand East, he retired as a manager of property, sales and excise tax for Pittsburgh-based Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA), where he had worked for 40 years.

The highlights of Brother Ed’s term as Grand Master included taking part in the celebration of the 275th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of England and the dedication of the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial in Gettysburg. In 2014, R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith invited him to take part in the rededication of this memorial. In his address that day, he noted, “The actual clearance to get approval for the building of the monument took a considerable amount of time, effort and the help of a lot of people.” He is incredibly proud that he and his team persevered, and that the monument will be there for people to enjoy for generations to come.

Brother Ed was raised in Avalon Lodge No. 657, Pittsburgh, in 1953, not long after being honorably discharged from the

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Navy. He moved to Belle Vernon in 1972, but always kept his membership in Avalon. “My son, Geary, and my grandson, Geary, both belong there, as well,” he said. “We have been able to share some Masonic experiences, and that’s nice.”

Acknowledging that it can be more difficult for today’s men to commit to coming to Lodge, he said, “The world is totally different today than when I became a Freemason.”

One thing, though, remains the same. “The situation with Freemasonry is that if you don’t put anything into it, you don’t get anything out of it,” says Brother Ed, and he has certainly practiced what he preaches.

Since his term as Grand Master, Brother Ed has been active in several other Masonic bodies. He was Grand Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees; served as Provincial Grand Master of the Royal Order of Scotland, 1997 - 2014; and was the Most Eminent Grand Master-General of the York Cross of Honour.

One accomplishment he is most proud of is having brought several invitational Masonic bodies from England to the United States. “It took us about 20 years to convince the leaders of those bodies that they would be successful in the States,” he said, “but we were persistent, and it has been good.” He worked with several friends who he has made over the years to make it happen. “I was only one person playing my part, but I’m proud of what we accomplished,” he added.

The bodies include The Operatives, The Order of Athelstan and the August Order of Light. All are by invitation and require Masonic membership to belong.

Outside of Masonry, Brother Ed is a retired Rotarian and a member of Lynnwood Lutheran Church. He has been an avid photographer for much of his life but had put it on hold.

“Photography takes a lot of time, but I’m slowly getting back to it,” he said. Slowly may be the key, as Brother Ed has no plans to scale back his Masonic commitments. “I really still enjoy seeing the people I’ve met over the years. I’m not ready to give that up.”

Past Grand Masters

www.pamasons.org/pgm

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FREEMASONRY TODAY

OUR BROTHERS’ KEEPERS

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

Carmen Bigler was at the end of her rope. Glen, her husband of 57 years, had been living with Parkinson’s and dementia, and things were getting difficult. “In September, he was having problems with falling, and was in a nursing home for two weeks in October for rehab,” she said. “We live alone, and I am his primary caregiver. I felt helpless.

There was no way I could get him in and out of the house without a ramp.”

She didn’t know where to turn. “I was sitting at the kitchen table looking for help and some kind of answer.

His Blue Lodge notice was on the table. I picked it up, and looking at the names of elected officers, Tom Heckman [Lewistown Lodge No. 203] was one name I could put a face to.” So she called him.

“I was the Junior Warden when Mrs. Bigler called me and told me about their situation,” Brother Tom recalls.

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Almoner’s Fund

www.pamasons.org/almoner

“Her husband, Glen, was a mechanic and had fixed my motorcycle for me in the past, so I knew about their situation.” Knowing Glen was a veteran, Brother Tom contacted some veterans’ groups to see if they could help as well, but there was so much red tape, he realized it was going to be far easier and quicker to do it himself.

He reached out to then Senior Warden Randy Kibe to enlist his help. “Tom brought up the idea at one of our meetings, and I told him I would help in whatever way he needed me,” Brother Randy recalls.

“I had the lumber I needed leftover from another project, and I’m pretty handy,” Brother Tom said. “So I took the measurements, and within a couple of weeks, Randy and I had the ramp installed. I knew I could count on my Lodge to help her out.”

“I was just so grateful they were willing to help me,” Carmen said. “The hardest two things to do in this life are to ask someone for help, and then be patient enough to wait until you get it. And Tom was just so positive. He said, ‘You asked for help, and I’m going to give it to you.’”

Brother Randy, now Worshipful Master, intends to keep in touch with the Biglers to see if there is anything else the Lodge can do. “The Almoner’s Fund will help us lend a hand to the Biglers and others like them going forward,” he said.

“We just have to know that the help is needed, and we can be there to pitch in.”

It was a beautiful spring day, almost 70° and sunny, and 93-year-old Brother Clyde Jordan knew March 8 would be a day he would never forget. A Masonic Village at Elizabethtown resident, Army veteran, 70-year Mason (member of Kittanning East Brady Lodge No. 244, Kittanning), Brother Clyde took off from Donegal Springs Airpark and flew over the Gettysburg battlefield, enjoying the scenery, while his wife of 70 years, Eva, smiled up at

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the sky. Both Brother Clyde and Eva are facing life-limiting illnesses and receiving care from Masonic Village Hospice.

“He always wanted to fly,” Eva said, “but we didn’t

always have the money. We raised our children first, then, I said, ‘now is your time.’” As a licensed private pilot, Clyde took plenty of flights for fun, sometimes bringing his sons.

Timothy Nickel, Masonic Village Hospice chaplain, arranged the flight with volunteer Masons Larry Derr, Rick Hamm and Wayne Laughner, who have now formed project Brother Flight to help fund, gather volunteers and pilot future flights for Masonic Village Hospice patients.

As Brother Clyde climbed out of the cockpit, he said, “I’ll never forget this as long as I live. I never thought I’d get to go up in a plane again. If I never get out of my chair again, I’d be a happy man.”

Do you have a story of Masons helping other Masons that you’d be willing to share? If so, send it to Brother P.J. Roup at communications@pagrandlodge.org.

To view a recent news story on Masonic Village Hospice’s Last Wish program, visit http://fox43.com/2016/04/18/elizabethtown-masonic-village-helps-patients-and-families-by-granting-final-wishes May 2016

Almoner’s Fund

www.pamasons.org/almoner

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FREEMASONRY TODAY

THE CHAIN OF UNION

by Brother P.J. Roup, D.D.G.M.-54 Politics and religion – two things we are admonished never to dispute in Lodge. It is interesting to note that in the pantheon of the millions of things that could be discussed in Lodge, only these two are forbidden.

Why would that be?

I suspect that while men can find a way to disagree about almost anything, arguments about religion and politics would most likely generate more heat than light, and at the end, both would walk away as entrenched in their own position as when they arrived.

Perhaps, then, you are wondering why this entire issue is devoted to religion – a subject that many would consider taboo. The simple answer is that we need to discuss it.

Freemasonry has been defined as, “kindness in the home; honesty in business; courtesy toward others; dependability in one’s work; compassion for the unfortunate; resistance to evil; help for the weak; concern for good government; support for public education; and above all, a life-practicing reverence for God and love of fellow man.” But you need only to examine the world around you to see that, outside of the walls of Lodge, those things are in short supply.

Kindness, honesty, dependability and compassion are often portrayed as weakness, and on the subject of religion, the message is overwhelmingly, “Beware of them.” Who, precisely, “them” refers to changes depending on who is sounding the cry, but the message is always clear: we are right, and they are wrong (perhaps even dangerous).

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Paranoia and demagoguery have all but replaced reason and restraint. A quick scroll through most Twitter and Facebook feeds will confirm this. Freemasonry, however, teaches us to rise above the noise and to seek similarities which unite, rather than differences which divide. All major religions have some version of The Golden Rule; all espouse love of others; all believe that there exists in the heart of man, the divine spark of God. So perhaps it is not religion that divides, but theology. In his book, The Religion of Freemasonry, Joseph Fort Newton writes, “[Religion] is the truth of life in its warmth and radiance, its joy and pathos; [theology] is a system of reasonings and conjectures, symbols, and traditions by which man seeks to justify, clarify, and interpret the faith by which he lives.

Religion is poetry; theology is prose. It is the difference between a flower garden and a book of botany, a manual of astronomy and a sky full of stars.”

Religion, and the brotherly discussion of it, need not be the elephant in the (Lodge) room. In this issue, you will find an excerpt from Brother Christopher Rodkey’s paper, “Freemasonry and the Death of God,” which he delivered at the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research. You will also meet Brothers Yasser Al-Khatib, Sankar Subramanian, Michael Epstein and David Caplin. They have all found in Freemasonry ways to enhance the practice of their own religions, while at the same time broadening their understanding of the world by associating with men who have chosen different ways to worship God. The Sufi poet, Rumi, said, “I go into the Muslim mosque and the Jewish synagogue and Christian church and I see one altar.” Freemasonry understands this, and her altar is sturdy enough to support the Sacred Law of all who believe in a Supreme Being.

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“Freemasonry, however, teaches us to rise above the noise and to seek similarities which unite, rather than differences which divide.”

– Brother P.J. Roup

May 2016

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MASONIC EDUCATION

UNDERSTANDING LEADS TO HARMONY Meet Brother Yasser Al-Khatib Brother Yasser AlKhatib, P.M., Fritz Lodge No. 308, Conshohocken, has been a Mason since 2006. He serves as the Chairman of Masonic Education for District 6 and was recently appointed to the Committee on the Academy of Masonic Knowledge.

Brother Yasser moved to Pennsylvania in 2000 after completing his bachelor’s degree in nursing at the American University of Beirut. He works as a Nurse Manager at Temple University Hospital and is an adjunct faculty at Neumann University.

A lifelong scholar, Brother Yasser earned his master’s degree in clinical case management and his Geriatric Nurse Practitioner post-master’s degree from Villanova University in 2001 and 2003, respectively. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Temple University. Brother Yasser resides in Chesterbrook with his wife, Dina, their 2-year-old daughter and newborn son.

Brother Yasser Al-Khatib was born and raised in an Islamic household in Lebanon. His beliefs are displayed via his application of the five pillars of Islam: attestation, or a solid belief in one god, Allah, and Muhammad, as one of his many prophets and messengers; prayer; fasting; zakat, or charity; and pilgrimage to Mecca, if physically and financially possible.

“Demonstrating compassion, earnestly striving for harmony and fostering collaboration with others regardless of their personal backgrounds or beliefs is key to the Muslim faith,” Brother Yasser explains, “A practice which

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grooms the gentle and noble qualities that must govern the daily interactions with human beings.”

Despite the misguiding propaganda and literature that usually mislead the masses, Brother Yasser formed his opinion of Freemasonry based on the “upright Masons whom I was privileged to encounter throughout my early years,” he recalls.

Growing up surrounded by family members and friends of various religious denominations who were Masons, Brother Yasser decided to join Freemasonry. “I realized Freemasonry to be a medium that promotes close friendship ties among men with diverse backgrounds and a noble understanding of the mission of man on earth,” he said. “Across history, communities thrived when their members practiced such level of exchange. I viewed this as essential to leading a successful life. My assumptions turned out to be correct.”

Although Freemasonry is not a religion, Brother Yasser finds that the Masonic emphasis on spirituality and civility has strengthened his belief system. “My faith places a strong emphasis on finding commonalities among humans in order to unite in the pursuit of a greater good,” Brother Yasser proclaims. “This great work in itself is a form of worship and displays a strong belief in the Most High by submitting to His wise will and command.”

Brother Yasser has received few inquiries from enlightened brethren on his Islamic faith. “I am always open to educated discussions that aim at promoting mutual understanding,” he states. “I make every effort to respond scholarly with references to the Islamic Holy scripture and tradition.” In an effort to educate as many Brethren as possible, he authored an article titled “Freemasons United in Peace, Love, and Harmony” which was recently published in the Living Stones Masonic Magazine. The article discusses some of the Islamic and Buddhist principles that are mirrored in Masonic Ritual, and can be found through www.livingstonesmagazine.com.

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“Freemasonry, as a universal brotherhood, has throughout history promoted tolerance and love.

For the most part of my Masonic life, I have encountered enlightened Brethren who have never judged me based on any of my beliefs but rather on the actions and interactions that represent a manifestation of my belief system.”

- Brother Yasser A. Al-Khatib

“The level of mutual respect and the lifelong friendships that were forged through Freemasonry opened the door for me to freely exchange beliefs and ideas,” Brother Yasser states. “The opportunities arose in being able to draw and present the comparisons

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between the tenets of Freemasonry and those of my faith. I am convinced that such exchange helps improve understanding and erase misconceptions.”

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MASONIC EDUCATION

FREEMASONRY THROUGH JEWISH EYES

Meet Brethren from Columbia Lodge No. 91, Philadelphia When Brother Michael Epstein, P.M., joined Columbia Lodge No. 91, Philadelphia, in 1985, the membership was predominantly Jewish. As the lodge has become more diverse over the years, Brother Michael, along with Brother David Caplin, P.M., and other Jewish brethren have embraced the exposure to different traditions and religious practices as part of their Masonic journey.

Brother Michael was raised in a Conservative Jewish home and now belongs to a traditional Orthodox Jewish congregation. He observes many of its rules and traditions, and he studies laws and rituals with his Rabbi and as part of the Partners in Torah program. The Torah lists 613 Commandments, and Brother Michael constantly strives to incorporate more into his daily life. He served as president of his synagogue and on its board of directors.

“I have a strong belief in God and find that this provides me with an inner strength that keeps me grounded,” he said.

Growing up, Brother Michael often heard stories from his uncle and cousins about their Masonic experiences, but he wasn’t immediately ready to join. After his aunt passed away, his cousin asked if he thought of becoming a Mason.

“Remembering back to those stories and the happiness Masonry gave to my family members, I decided to join,” he said. “My relatives, all of whom were Jewish and were involved in the Lodge, were examples that one could be both religious and a Mason.”

Brother David Caplin is also a Conservative Jew. He is active in his synagogue, participating in committees, events, worship services and education, as well as taking part in the greater Jewish community in southern New Jersey where he resides. Being a part of the Jewish

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“family” is important to him and his extended family. While he strives to be observant, life sometimes interferes.

Brother David is a third generation Mason. His grandfather and father were Masons, as were many of their friends, whose children Brother David grew up with.

“I knew as much about Freemasonry as a non-Mason could know. I really looked forward to the day I could be initiated,” he said. “I was assured there weren’t any conflicts, as Freemasonry isn’t a religion. My grandfather grew up in Orthodox Jewry and was moderately observant.

I figured if he had no problem, why should I?” Judaism is a daily practice for Brother David. He looks at everyday life, including Freemasonry, through Jewish eyes and has a similar perspective to Brother Michael’s: “I find so many connections and similarities as both require a certain way of behaving. Both have duties of action. Both require continuing education.

“When discussing Freemasonry, religion invariably creeps in. This gives me the opportunity to compare and contrast. Moreover, it gives me the opportunity to state how Judaism reinforces Freemasonry and vice versa.”

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Member Spotlight

“Judaism and Masonry teach the same or similar moral codes. Therefore, it is easy to maintain both sets of principles in interactions with my Brethren and others with whom I have contact.”

– Brother Michael Epstein

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MASONIC EDUCATION

OPEN TO UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES Meet Brother Sankar Subramanian Freemasonry has played a large role in Brother Subramanian Sankar’s life, both personally and professionally. He has seen the fraternity as a strong way to stay closely tied with his family, community and faith, as well as expand his leadership abilities.

He, his wife, Nrutika; daughter, age 14 and member of the International Order of Rainbow for girls; and son, age 7, enjoy travel, photography and practicing their faith together. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and an MBA, Brother Sankar enjoys the world of technology and manages information technology infrastructure programs at HCL America Inc. A Past Master of Fritz Lodge No. 308, Conshohocken, Brother Sankar joined Freemasonry in 2009.

Though he knew little about Freemasonry prior to becoming a member, Brother Subramanian Sankar had no concerns about the fraternity interfering with his Hindu religion, the teachings of which are based on humans being driven to live long and happily with the understanding that God is knowledge.

Many prayers and teachings of Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures) do not make any distinction between the Hindu religion and other faiths. As an example, Brother Sankar notes a prayer ending in the Sanskrit language, “Lokah Samastha Sukinah: Bhavantu” or “May all beings in all worlds be happy.”

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Brother Sankar says as in Hinduism and in Freemasonry, prayerfulness strengthens one’s own freewill.

The Masons Brother Sankar knew led their lives in admirable ways, and their adherence to their values impressed him.

This was the biggest motivating factor for Brother Sankar, whose father-in-law was active in the fraternity, to become a member.

Also a strong follower of his faith, Brother Sankar’s father-in-law lived a prayerful life.

“He never asked me to join the fraternity for nearly nine years,” Brother Sankar said, “but when I expressed my interest to join, he swung into action. It seemed as though he was waiting for my request all those years.”

Brother Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu scholar who introduced the teachings to the West and inspired millions across the globe, also had a great impact on Brother Sankar’s Masonic journey. This eliminated any fear in Brother Sankar’s mind that Freemasonry would conflict with his religion.

Brother Sankar finds many commonalities between the Hindu religion and Freemasonry, and breaks them into segments including: Compassion: Similar to Hinduism, Freemasonry teaches men to act as friends, with love and compassion, and suggests what is appropriate and righteous to the one in need. “Freemasons handle difficult conversations in a manner that is not hurtful,” Brother Sankar said. “The truth is not compromised, but the Mason achieves the desired end by tenderness.”

Duty Orientation: Within the fraternity, every Mason knows his role well and how important one’s own duty is.

“In relation to Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita, a very important teaching, based on the Vedas, explains duty orientation at length. It has been said a man who delights in his own duty gains success,” Brother Sankar explained.

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Member Spotlight

“All one needs is a discerning mind to understand the universality of one’s own teaching and present it after careful consideration of sensitivities of those who have different faiths. Thus, the sense of brotherly love and healthy exchange of ideas can prevail at the same time.”

-Brother Sankar Subramanian

Giving: A Mason makes a firm commitment to giving from the very early stages of his Masonic journey. “The attitude of giving becomes deeply ingrained in him as a value,” Brother Sankar said. “One Veda states, ‘…overcome your inability to give by giving.’”

In 2014, while Brother Sankar served as the Worshipful Master of his Lodge, he took the opportunity to articulate universal principles found in Hinduism that could be appealing to members of the fraternity.

A sample of his communication reads, “... When the response to a situation is determined by one’s own likes and

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dislikes, it will be mechanical and reactive. A mind in the grip of reaction loses its freedom of will to act. A mind free from reactions is quiet, receptive, objective and serene.”

Brother Sankar believes everyone can educate others about their faith and openness.

“Every Mason is a leader in his own right,” Brother Sankar said. “All one needs is a discerning mind to understand the universality of one’s own teaching and present it after careful consideration of sensitivities of those who have different faiths. Thus, the sense of brotherly love and healthy exchange of ideas can prevail at the same time.”

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MASONIC EDUCATION

FREEMASONRY AND THE DEATH OF GOD

by Brother Christopher D. Rodkey Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Rodkey is a member of Mt. Lebanon Lodge No. 226 and Tyler of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research. He is Pastor of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Dallastown, Pa., and teaches at Penn State York.

His new book is titled “The World is Crucifixion.”

This is an excerpt from a paper delivered at the December 2015 stated meeting of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research, which will be published in its entirety in the next issue of its “Transactions.”

When we take our oaths and obligations in Lodge ritual, we place ourselves upon the altar, above an opened book of sacred law. As a Christian, I interpret this to be a sacrifice of self, an extension of the story of God sacrificing Godself into creation, a sacrifice into the sacred history of the Hebrew scriptures and into the incarnation of Jesus.

This is a God of change and perpetual redefinition or transfiguration. These can all be expressed in the metaphor of the death of God, as understood within the realm of radical Christian theology: God changes over time, and our perceptions and thinking of God must change with the times. In the absence of an interventionist deity, following the Christian tradition of Pentecost, the work of God is now upon us.

Upon the altar, we sacrifice ourselves, and with this

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sacrifice, we release our personal desire for a God who props up and conveniently justifies our own moral actions, “deus ex machina.” By calling upon the name of God for help and placing ourselves upon the altar and volume of sacred law, proclaiming a fraternal bond between all of the children of the one God, our conception of God must change to no longer be a God of therapeutic moralistic deism, but rather one which challenges and lures us into a radically expansive new understanding of God and what it might mean to be the bearer of the divine in this world.

Freemasons do not pronounce a specific doctrine of this divinity. The fact that we are willing to accept, affirm and fellowship with those whose theologies might be very different from my own ... to believe that God may be expressed legitimately in many different forms is blasphemy to those who believe in a God of intolerance, hate and ignorance. Freemasonry promotes the belief that a single deity can be experienced through the presence and human hands and faces of others who are different from ‘me’ in a tyled lodge.

What I am describing is not what some Christians would call orthodoxy, or “right worship.” In fact, it is a recognition of heterodoxy, “other” or “different worship.”

The acknowledgement of heterodoxy, or difference, supports my own internal orthodoxies. But first, we must be sacrificed; we must believe that God really does wish for peace and harmony in humanity; we must ritually remove the element of ourselves which elevates ourselves to that of divinity, and walk with humility with others seeking divine reconciliation together.

A consequence of postmodernity is a lack of religious certainty, the disappearance of the Christian religious “center” as intuitively placed in the center of public discourse, and a rise of atheism. While many Christians interpret these things as the enemy of faith, the fact is

Pennsylvania Freemason

“... we must believe that God really does wish for peace and harmony in humanity; we must ritually remove the element of ourselves which elevates ourselves to that of divinity, and walk with humility with others seeking divine reconciliation together.”

– Brother Christopher D. Rodkey

that these are all direct results of Christianity having passed through the crucible of modernity. An invitation to retreat into the Old Certainties is attractive as a means of resisting the forward movement of culture in history.

This is a primary theme we must understand to approach, for example, the rise of both Islamic and Christian fundamentalism: a retreat into the Old Certainties as a means of combating the New Uncertainty.

A Masonic engagement with postmodernity is not an escape into the old for the sake of the old or as a means of evading the reality of our changing world. Nor

May 2016

is it a dismemberment of past traditions. Rather, it is a reinvention and reinvigoration of the old in completely new ways. To move into these directions requires us to return to the Masonic tradition of seriously contemplating our initiatory ritual within a postmodern context, a context which includes our modernistic past. Where we move next is to recognize that any gods that can be killed, should be; declare the death of those gods – those certainties and fundamentalisms – of the past, and move forward.

The cliff off of which we step is full of uncertainty. This is, on some level, the point.

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MASONIC EDUCATION - Masonic Temple & Masonic Library and Museum

MASONIC BOOK REVIEW

Bro. Brother’s Journal: The Early Years, 1893-1911 Edited and arranged by Michael A. Halleran; illustrated by Ted Bastien Richmond, VA: Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co., Inc., c2011

By Glenys A. Waldman, Librarian This diary of the heir to the Brother Pneumatic Cylinder fortune has been scrupulously edited by M.W. Past Grand Master Michael A. Halleran, Esq., now Grand Librarian of the Grand Lodge of Kansas. During his long, adventurous life, the genteel curmudgeon, Brother Hiram H. Brother (1872-1970), travelled all over the world and met many of its Masonic dignitaries. Very much a child of his times, Brother Hiram could, however, detach himself from his world, observing it with a jaundiced, even baleful, eye. He thus offers insights into the workings of human nature in general and of the Masonic lodge in particular. Enhanced by delightful illustrations from the pen of Ted Bastien, this book will provide hours of entertainment as well as food for serious thought. To borrow from the Masonic Library online catalog, visit www.pamasonictemple.org/library or call 1-800-462-0430 ext. 1933.

Available for $29 plus shipping from the Masonic Library & Museum Shop at www.masonicmuseumgifts.com or 1-215-988-1973.

WHY IS FREEMASONRY UNIQUE?

By Glenys A. Waldman, Librarian, and Brother Seamus Stimpson, Columbia Lodge No. 9, Philadelphia, and Madison Lodge No. 87, Connecticut It’s not just because Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternity in the world. It’s certainly not only because of the socializing or networking for which it is well-known.

That is a characteristic of all fraternities.

There’s an aura around Freemasonry – not a “hard core,” cabbalistic occult one, but an esoteric one of gentle, friendly mysticism.

What is this gentle, friendly mysticism? Part of it is the ritual. When it is well-memorized and well-performed in Lodge, the ritual teaches life lessons allegorically so that they can be more easily learned than they would be from a dry textbook. With each degree conferred, the candidate is absorbed more and more into the fraternity. After he becomes a Master Mason, it is up to him – with the support of his like-minded brethren – to continue his Masonic education and deepen his absorption.

Freemasonry has a true philosophy as its foundation and cornerstone: that of the late 17th and 18th century Enlightenment, whose goals were uplifting the individual by ending the abuses of the church and state, thus: liberty, progress, reason, tolerance and fraternity. These tenets, kept by Freemasonry, together with its relatively simple

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organization, provide a solid base and a respite from the complicated, over-busy world of the 21st century.

For instance, Freemasonry’s ban on the discussion of politics and religion immediately removes two of the greatest bones of contention between people. This provides mental “space” to be filled with discussion and – more important – the practice of reason, tolerance and fraternity. The physical space of the Lodge then becomes and remains one of peace and harmony. As one of our past Grand Masters said, “There are still good people in this world who want to be with likeminded individuals. [They want] to be with people whom they can talk to without fear of reprisal and [in] whose company they not only feel comfortable, but feel their families are safe with them …”

These Masonic tenets, practiced all over the world, provide a transcendental culture overarching the cultural practices of any given country. This enables the members to rise above themselves in solidarity with every other Freemason. A Mason can travel the world and never feel alone, because there is an immediate “click” – a bond – as soon as the Masonic connection is known.

Pennsylvania Freemason

After

BRING NEW LIFE

to the Masonic Temple Grand Ballroom To generate revenue and assist in the cost of maintaining the historic Masonic Temple – Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania, major renovations are transforming the Grand Ballroom to encourage Masonic and public interest in renting the space for banquets, wedding receptions and other special events.

Renovations include: fresh paint; newly installed stained glass windows featuring Presidents and Freemasons Washington, Jackson, Roosevelt and Truman; recessed lighting; restored floor tiles; and electrical and audio/visual updates. Plan a visit after July 1 to witness the transformation first hand!

If your Lodge or District would like to take part in this wonderful opportunity to increase awareness of the Masonic Temple – Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania within the fraternity and the community, please complete the donation form below and send to: Masonic Charities, Office of Gift Planning One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 For questions, call 1-800-599-6454.

Before

Donor Recognition Opportunities: Ben Franklin Statue – $500,000 Rectangle Murals (4) – $75,000 each Half-moon Murals (7) – $50,000 each Stained Glass Windows (4) – ALL SOLD Masonic Clock – $50,000 – SOLD Turkey – $25,000 Transom Window – $20,000 – SOLD Pillars (16) – $10,000 each Flag – $5,000 Support any of these items, and we will place your name on a Corian tile.

RESPONSE FORM Lodge, District or Individual Donor Name: __________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________________ State:_________________ Zip:_______________________ Phone:________________________________________ Email:___________________________________ Donation Amount: ________________________________ Date:___________________  I/we would like to pledge our gift over a three or five year period (staff will contact you to discuss details).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Method of Payment:  Credit Card  Check (payable to: Masonic Charities)  Visa  MasterCard  American Express Account No.:________________________ Expiration Date: ____________ 3-digit Security Code:_______ 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. Registration does not imply endorsement.

MTB2016

May 2016

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PHIL ANTHROPY - Help For Our Heroes

HELP FOR OUR HEROES

ONGOING & NEW PROGRAM INITIATIVES Our focus and new initiatives as we move forward with our “Help for Our Heroes” program are as follows:

We will continue to: • Provide calling cards, as our Pennsylvania Air and Army National Guard units will once again face deployments this year. While not all deployments are to combat areas, they still take guardsmen and women away from their families for extended periods of time and deserve our support. The Special Operations Air National Guard Unit in Harrisburg has already requested and received 100 calling cards earlier this year for their deploying airmen and women.

• Support the “Ride to Recovery” program at the Air National Guard Station in Horsham.

By providing funds to purchase equipment and adaptive bicycles for participants, we will help encourage military members and veterans with brain injuries, post-traumatic stress issues,

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orthopedic injuries and amputations to overcome and attain their goals.

• Assist our young enlisted personnel as they start their careers and new families through our support of military baby showers.

• Provide home repairs for the families of deployed Air and Army National Guard members through the hard and selfless work of our Masonic brothers who are licensed contractors in Pennsylvania.

Our new initiatives will include: • Providing support for our veteran Brothers who are having difficulty obtaining assistance through the Veterans Administration (such as with benefits).

• Offering financial assistance to our active military, Guard and Reserves who are struggling.

Recently, a young senior airman and his girlfriend, both of whom are students, had a baby, and while

Pennsylvania Freemason

his Air National Guard Unit in Ft. Indiantown Gap was trying to assist, they needed additional help. Together, with the March of Dimes, we provided diapers, toys, clothing, a stroller, a baby monitor and a gift card for purchasing formula. In addition, Brother and Col. Harris Brooks had the opportunity to explain Freemasonry and Help for Our Heroes to the entire unit.

Veterans are Invited to Join the PA Masons Veterans Incentive Program www.pamasons.org/incentives Freemasons recognize that our freedom isn’t free. Every male Veteran, including those servicemen who are in Active Duty, Reserves and/or Honorably Discharged, will have his initiation fees reduced by $50 from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the Lodge he chooses to join, for a total savings of $100.

May 2016

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PHIL ANTHROPY - Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation

MASONIC YOUTH PRACTICE RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE Just like Freemasonry, our Masonic Youth Groups – Rainbow, DeMolay and Job’s Daughters – all require belief in a Supreme Being as part of their membership eligibility. While a Holy Bible is the most common book found on the altars in a DeMolay Chapter, a Rainbow Assembly and a Job’s Daughters Bethel, candidates may choose to take their obligations and make their promises on a book that more specifically represents their faith tradition such as a Jewish Tanakh, a Koran, a Holy Vedas, a Book of Mormon or other sacred text on an altar in a Masonic youth group meeting.

The Christian nature of many of the ritual ceremonies is only a local preference, as determined by each youth group; however, they can and will adapt to match the faith traditions professed by their members.

Our Masonic Youth groups were all formed in the early part of the 20th Century and received their structure and values from the Masonic fraternity. Thus, the emphasis on religious tolerance is a hallmark of each organization.

Tolerance doesn’t mean that we all agree on matters of faith; it means that we all share a common respect for people of faith. This broad acceptance of the understanding that God can be worshipped as the same Supreme Being, but under different names as revealed to each member in his or her own

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faith tradition, creates a profound common ground on which the youth members stand. When young people figure out that this is the means of peaceful coexistence in a world filled with religious strife, they realize how powerful a concept religious tolerance, as practiced by Freemasonry, can be.

For youth members, the expression of religious tolerance sometimes comes easier than the actual expression of true faith, perhaps because religion confounds young people more than any other subject. Many youth group members have grown up in a family that does not participate in any faith community.

Over the past 20 years, it has become more common to hear a youth member say, “I don’t know what I really believe,” or “I don’t know what to believe.”

At the Masonic Conference Center - Patton Campus in Elizabethtown, which is the center of our Grand Lodge’s support for our youth program, the young people are required to participate in a worship service in the William A. Carpenter Interfaith Chapel, which features powerful symbols of the importance of religion in the Masonic fraternity. Through its sponsorship of Rainbow, DeMolay and Job’s Daughters, Freemasonry in Pennsylvania is providing our young people with a practical exposure to the true value of living a life that includes a regular expression and practice of religious faith.

www.pmyf.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

PENNSYLVANIA MASONS

Improving Literacy in PA through Family Involvement

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation and the Masonic Villages, as part of our Outreach efforts, have committed to helping vulnerable children and families throughout the Commonwealth through their support of a nationally-acclaimed early literacy program. Through the generosity of Pennsylvania Masons, their families and friends, Raising a Reader (RAR) will provide books, materials, parent training and engagement support and library connections. The program not only significantly improves child literacy, but strengthens families and empowers a generation of children to read, learn and succeed.

By launching programs in schools throughout the seven Masonic regions, the objectives of this project are to: • Help families build the home-based literacy routines critical to developing children’s language and comprehension skills.

• Build exposure. Brethren in lodges close to participating schools could 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 to participate in this program, please complete the donation form below and send to: Masonic Charities, Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Please also share this opportunity with any businesses in your community that would like to provide support.

Please be sure to indicate your support is for the RAR program.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Masonic Outreach Program by calling 1-800-462-7664 or emailing outreach@masonicvillages.org.

RESPONSE FORM Lodge, District or Individual Donor Name: __________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________________ State:_________________ Zip:_______________________ Phone:________________________________________ Email:__________________________________ Donation Amount: ________________________________ Date:___________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Method of Payment:  Credit Card  Check (payable to: Masonic Charities)  Visa  MasterCard  American Express Account No.:________________________ Expiration Date: ____________ 3-digit Security Code:_______ 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. Registration does not imply endorsement.

RAR-2016

May 2016

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PHIL ANTHROPY - Masonic Villages

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.

Re-inventing Retirement

Strong concentration, quick reflexes and a high degree of hand eye coordination; maybe the game of table tennis isn’t for everyone, but for Brother Merr Trumbore, it’s his passion. As a youngster, Brother Merr, member of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531, Dallas, Pa., played table tennis in a friend’s attic, but at that point, it was considered more “goofing around” than anything. Still, as the friends ate snacks and dueled each other, Brother Merr was learning the rules of the game, discovering and advancing his talent one afternoon at a time.

At age 13, Brother Merr moved from his friend’s attic and discovered a “first-class” table tennis club located two blocks away from his home in Bethlehem. Needless to say, he became “hooked.” To Brother Merr, this experience turned “ping pong” into “table tennis,” a much more sophisticated game, at least by the sound of it. He played at the club between 20 and 25 hours each week.

“After my homework was done, of course,” Brother Merr said with a smile. “Thousands of hours I spent practicing.”

Brother Merr often accepted advice from the players

who practiced endlessly. Little did he know he would one day master the sport, just as they had.

Brother Merr went on to play in several professional leagues, challenged several former national and international champions and became a life member of the U.S. Table Tennis Association. He has been an active tournament player for nearly 60 years. His best accomplishments include winning a silver medal at the 1993 Senior Olympics in Baton Rouge, La., and ranking eighth, nationally, in the over 70 age division.

The secret to being successful at table tennis? “Having a first-class coach and hitting thousands of balls,” Brother Merr said. “Always spend as much time as you can behind the table.”

Bro. Merr moved to Masonic Village after losing his wife of 50 years. The 10-acre Maryland farmette they owned and operated together became too much for him. He chose Masonic Village at Dallas, in part, because of its level of activity and close proximity to Misericordia University. As a still-avid sports fan, he and some of his neighbors attend college games together.

Once in a while, Brother Merr practices with Misericordia’s women’s and men’s tennis teams. He often gives the teammates a “run for their money” by hitting with them and giving some pointers, though admittedly, he says he learns more from them. According to Brother Merr, table tennis and regular tennis are not so different. Both involve that strong concentration, quick reflexes and coordination.

Tennis is on a larger scale, seemingly harder, but actually allows more time to react.

Based on his national rankings and love for life, Brother Merr has continued his passion well into his years at Masonic Village, where he’s been enjoying meals at Irem Clubhouse and the comfort of his villa. “The combinations of activities here are more than enough to satisfy even those residents with the most diverse interests,” Brother Merr said.

At Masonic Village, Brother Merr can continue his life’s passions, making sure to re-invent the word “retirement” every day. “I’m surrounded by pleasant folks, and that’s all you really need.”

www.masonicvillages.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

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Masonic Villages

EXPLORE THE MASONIC VILLAGE OF YOUR CHOICE AT AN UPCOMING EVENT (RSVPS REQUIRED): MASONIC VILLAGE AT DALLAS 36 Ridgway Drive, Dallas, PA 1-570-675-1866 or 1-866-851-4243 MVDmarketing@masonicvillages.org Contact us to schedule a personal tour.

MASONIC VILLAGE AT ELIZABETHTOWN One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 1-800-676-6452 MVEmarketing@masonicvillages.org Open house: June 8 at 11 a.m.

MASONIC VILLAGE AT LAFAYETTE HILL 801 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 1-610-828-5760 MVLHmarketing@masonicvillages.org Lunch and Learns: June 7 or June 22 at 10:30 a.m.

MASONIC VILLAGE AT SEWICKLEY 1000 Masonic Drive, Sewickley, PA 1-412-749-6862 or 1-866-872-0664 MVSmarketing@masonicvillages.org Lunch and Learn: June 23 at 10 a.m.

May 2016

MASONIC VILLAGES’ ADMISSIONS POLICY Admissions to the Masonic Villages are governed by the board of directors, members of which are elected by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The board of directors approves or disapproves applications for admission primarily on the basis of need. Decisions concerning admission, the provision of services and referrals of residents are not based upon the applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, familial status, age, sex, limited English proficiency (LEP) or any other protected status.

Regardless of your financial situation, you can afford to move to a Masonic Village! When you choose to live at the Masonic Villages, you are not required to turn over your assets; you maintain complete control of them. Fraternal support enables the Masonic Villages to serve all eligible individuals as part of our Mission of Love.

Please contact the Admissions or Marketing Office at the Masonic Village of your preference for information on the living area desired. www.masonicvillages.org.

AUTUMN DAY 2016 SAVE THE DATE

September 24, 2016, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Join members and friends in celebrating Autumn Day at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. The event will feature entertainment, information, delicious food served from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., farm market stands, children’s games, tours, Masonic family organization booths and much more.

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PHIL ANTHROPY - Masonic Charities

MASONIC VILLAGES’ BOARD APPROVES

VETERANS’ GARDEN IN SEWICKLEY

Masons have long supported our military who sacrifice daily to preserve our freedom. With the extensive interest shown in the Veterans Grove and Eternal Flame in Elizabethtown, the board of directors have approved the construction of a Veterans Garden and Pond at the Masonic Village at Sewickley to recognize and honor veterans on the other side of the Commonwealth. A life-sized bronze statue of Brother George Washington in his military regalia will be prominent in the Sewickley design. An unveiling and dedication ceremony will take place in May 2017.

Several featured items such as the statue, water fountain, pond and benches are available for individual recognition on a bronze or Corian tile. Contact the Office of Gift Planning for more details at 1-800-599-6454.

Individuals and Lodges may purchase pavers to be inscribed with the name of donor(s), veteran(s) or loved one(s) serving in the armed forces. The sale of the pavers support the construction and maintenance of these sacred areas at either the Elizabethtown or Sewickley locations. See donation form to the right.

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Masonic Charities

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Pennsylvania Freemason

STRATEGIC VISION FOR THE FUTURE

CLUBHOUSES RENAMED The board of directors have recognized two R.W. Past Grand Masters for their leadership during critical times of growth for the Masonic Villages. They honored the late Brother Arthur J. Kurtz with a plaque on the Clubhouse in Elizabethtown for his role in establishing retirement living at that location in 1989. In addition, they honored the late Brother James L. Ernette for his part in the founding of the Masonic Village at Sewickley in 1999.

Because both brethren played integral roles in expanding the Mission of Love services Masonic Villages provide, the clubhouses have been named after them, respectively.

A NEW CHILDREN’S HOME The Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown has served youth for more than a century.

To expand this charitable offering to more children in the western part of the Commonwealth, the board of directors has approved for the Office of Gift Planning to solicit funds for a potential Masonic Children’s Home at the Masonic Village at Sewickley.

Anyone who wishes to help develop positive futures and endless possibilities for children who need it most are encouraged to send a check, made out to “Masonic Charities” and mail it to: Masonic Charities, Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Note in memo section: “MCH at Sewickley.” Or, donate online at www.MasonicCharitiesPa.org.

If you have any questions, call 1-800-599-6454.

DONATION FORM

As a way of honoring or memorializing an individual, Name (donor) _______________________________________________________________ a paver can be inscribed to permanently honor an Address____________________________________________________________________ individual(s) service to our country. Indicate the City ______________________________ State __________________________ Zip ________ location where the paver is to be installed:

 Sewickley Veteran’s Garden  Elizabethtown Veteran’s Grove

Phone ( ) _____________________ Email ____________________________________ Choose a paver size:  12”x18” Paver ($500) will accommodate 5 lines with no more than 20 characters per line  8”x12” Paver ($250) will accommodate 4 lines with no more than 14 characters per line

Please print paver inscription below exactly as you would like it to appear; spaces are included in character count. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Credit Card  VISA  Mastercard  American Express Card#_______________________________________________ Exp. Date _____ /_____ /_____ Security Code (3 digit) __________

Please return both completed form and check payable to the Masonic Charities to: Office of Gift Planning • Masonic Village One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Phone _______________________________________________ VG16

Signature___________________________________________

Masonic Charities May 2016

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PHIL ANTHROPY - Masonic Charities

A $55 MILLION TRANSFORMATION Renovations to the Masonic Health Care Center and Freemasons Building at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown have transformed residents’ neighborhoods (units) from institutional models into household designs, enhancing residents’ health and well-being.

The $55 million project, which began in October 2011 and will be completed this year, includes renovations to 10 skilled nursing neighborhoods and one personal care neighborhood, which together are home to 577 residents.

Work was finished in phases to provide the least amount of disruption to residents. The project included a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability and will finish several million dollars under budget.

The project earned a first place Award of Excellence in construction from the Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors in 2013.

Replacing dining rooms, new country kitchens in each skilled nursing neighborhood provide residents more variety in what they’re eating. They are able to select from two entrées, and dining attendants prepare their meal upon ordering. The aroma from the fresh meals enhances the experience and has led to a decrease in supplement use.

Residents’ suites in the Masonic Health Care Center received new paint and décor, and some expanded suites are no longer separated by a curtain, but by a windowed partition with drapery for privacy. European bathrooms feature new fixtures, walker-accessible showers and granite tiles. Common

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spaces have been refurbished with new furniture, a fireplace and décor. Larger living rooms offer more room for gathering.

Nurses’ stations were previously located in the center of each neighborhood. Now referred to as care bases, they have been reconfigured, leaving fewer walls and more open living space. A new call bell system links to cell phones rather than pagers and allows entire departments to communicate. All renovated neighborhoods are equipped with the new system.

The entire Freemasons Building, which is home to personal care residents, underwent a major renovation and now features the Terrace View Restaurant (shown above) in place of three separate dining rooms. All common areas and suites have also been updated, with eight new suites bringing the number of accommodations to 135. A new hair salon was added, and outdoor areas have been enhanced.

Renovations also included a new Transitional Care Unit, comprised of 28 private and 10 semi-private suites, for shortterm rehabilitation. This unit is open for residents of Masonic Village and the community who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery. The goal is to strengthen and prepare patients to return home.

For more information about newly-renovated nursing, personal care and transitional care accommodations available now, please contact 1-800-422-1207 or MVEadmissions@ masonicvillages.org.

www.masoniccharitiespa.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

Qty. Capital Need Cost Per Item Masonic Village at Elizabethtown 2 Door alarms $50 12 Digital cameras $150 114 Silent alarm systems $174 13 Hair dryer stations for spas $600 5 iPads $600 4 Computer tablets $700 1 Espresso machine $800 4 Electric lift recliner $900 1 Digital keyboard accessories $1,000 11 Bose stereo systems $1,100 5 Shower chairs $1,500 1 Eva Pneumatic platform walker $1,800 1 Portable sound system $2,502 22 Vital signs machines for AOD $3,500 2 Pianos (Roland - acoustic) $6,000 4 Wheelchair glider swing $6,000 Hospice 8 Tickets to local baseball game $13 5 Gift cards to local diner $20 2 Gift cards to local restaurant $50 5 Donations for transportation costs $100 5 Gift Cards to local spa $100 5 Hospitality cart supplies $100 2 Special events bus trip cost $150 1 Week at the shore $1,500 Children’s Home Needs 40 Holiday gift fund $50 4 Chairs - office $100 4 Computer chairs $100 2 Computer desks $200 1 Soccer net $300 1 Barnstormer’s game $1,500 12 College books (stipend) $1,000 Camps/excursions $3,500 Bleiler Cottage Needs 1 Refrigerator $1,300 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill 1 LifePack CR Plus $1,900 District of Columbia museums with lunch and $2,400 transportation Harvest Ball event $2,500 Drama lessons/activities for residents $3,000 Masonic Village at Sewickley 1 Hand rail tilt and roll scale $1,550 1 ARJO sit to stand lift $4,100 1 4 Channel e-stimulation (electric) $4,400 1 Occupancy sensors for apartment hallway $20,000 Masonic Village at Dallas 1 Cot or Roll Away Bed $250 2 Awnings (retractable) $2,300 1 Sound System $600 Masonic Village at Warminster 10 Wood working kits $100 1 Pergola with awning $6,000 May 2016

MASONIC VILLAGES’

2016

WISH LIST ITEMS OFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING

1-800-599-6454

Thank you to the following individuals who have provided for the following items since the last issue: Masonic Village at Elizabethtown: Joseph H. Brown Lodge No. 751: Computer tablets Margie Brown: Wheelchair cushions Brother Robert and Eileen Duckett: TVs for spas Friendship- Williams Lodge No. 400: Wheelchair cushion Patti Kinder, Dawn Roser, Ann Anstadt, Debi Hoover, Martha Hodges, Pam Fogle, Kenneth and Kay Matthews, Jennie Taylor:

Musical instruments Mozart Lodge No. 436: Wheelchairs Masonic Children’s Home: Renee Dragotta: Various items Brother Gerald and Patricia Kemmerer: College books Masonic Village Travel Club: Various items Brother Richard and Judi McKnight: Various items Brother Louis and Rose Marie O’Brian: Various items Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill: Anonymous: Hospital pillow, yoga blocks and mats, foam roller Masonic Village at Sewickley: Margaret Headland: Music therapy Brother William and Marlene Moisey: Dining room food cart and

birthday linens and centerpieces Brother Richard and Michelle Muth: Piano dollies Masonic Village at Warminster: Friendship-Williams Lodge No. 400: Woodworking kit 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 1-800-599-6454. Please note that if funds donated for any item listed are over- subscribed, the funds will be used for additional wish list items or needs in the same service area.

Masonic Charities

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PHIL ANTHROPY Together, we can touch hearts, encourage dreams and change the lives of future generations.

- Lady Lynn

SUPPORT OUR DREAM ... O F A MASONIC CHILDREN’S HOME IN WESTERN PA

Passionate about supporting today’s youth, Grand Master Ray and First Lady Lynn Dietz envision a Masonic Children’s Home at the Masonic Village at Sewickley to make a difference for all youth across the state. Their desire is that one day there will be enough financial support from caring individuals to build this dream into a reality. The board of directors has agreed to make this part of its strategic vision.

“My hope is that we may someday build a loving place in Sewickley, much like the one we operate in Elizabethtown, that children can call “home” and escape life’s hardships” Lady Lynn said, “... where they will find support, guidance, opportunity and love.”

In lieu of purchasing Ladies Pins during Grand Master Dietz’s term, Lady Lynn has donated those funds toward a future children’s home in western Pennsylvania.

SPREADING KINDNESS Brother Marion Mort, Lamberton Lodge No. 476, Lancaster, recently received his 70-Year Masonic Service Emblem and the Grand Master’s medallion (shown right). At 100 years young, Brother Marion has been blessing various charities with the fruits of his lifelong labor – one being the Masonic Children’s Home, to which he gifted $100,000 for educational scholarships.

“I never thought I would be able to do this, but I came through rather successful,” he said. He had a vision and worked hard to achieve it. Over 53 years, he grew what started as a fledgling wholesale paper business without ever buying a single ad. All of his customers came through word of mouth by satisfied customers until he sold it in 1989.

One of six young children whose father died of the flu pandemic in 1919, Brother Marion knows what it’s like to be in need and benefit from the kindness of others. Now it’s his turn to be the benefactor.

“Money is like manure,” says the bright-eyed, humble gentleman. “It’s no good unless you spread it. It’s gratifying to realize you can help people become more independent.”

Brother Marion and his late wife, Louise, have two children, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Their legacy will carry on through them, as well as through countless others who will benefit from their generosity.

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Masonic Charities

www.masoniccharitiespa.org

Pennsylvania Freemason

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CONGRATULATIONS!

Brother D. William Roberts, P.D.D.G.M.-37, Doric Lodge No. 630, Sewickley, was presented the Grand Master’s Outstanding Service Medal at the Annual Grand Communication on Dec. 28, 2015. This honor is presented to Masons who have distinguished themselves through service to their community, Lodge or Grand Lodge.

Brother Elisha Fields, age 106, Adelphic Lodge No. 424, Jamestown, recently received his 60-year Masonic Service Award from Grand Master Raymond T. Dietz, in the presence of his daughters (shown above). He is the former owner of the Westford Milling Company, a feed and grain supplier to local farmers in the Pymatuning Lake area.

NEW MASTER CRAFTSMAN AND MASTER PILLAR AWARDS Grand Master Raymond T. Dietz has announced the following new awards programs to enhance the current Master Builders Awards: Master Craftsman Award

Master Pillar Award

To attain the Grand Master’s achievement recognition award, a Master Mason must satisfactorily complete this three-part program: Part 1: Mentor Program – An internet based learning program Part 2: Masonic History – An internet based learning program Part 3: A personal adventure in Masonic fellowship and learning

To attain the Grand Master’s highest achievement recognition award, a Master Mason must satisfactorily complete all of the requirements set forth for the Master Craftsman Award, plus: Part 4: A personal adventure in Masonic leadership

For additional information about and criteria for these awards, visit www.pamasons.org/honors.

May 2016

Incentives

www.pamasons.org/incentives 31

Thousands of Reasons

to Invite Good Men to Be Masons!

And a Special Gift For You

New Member Incentive Program www.pamasons.org/incentives

Invite a worthy man to become a Mason, and not only will you offer him the gift of membership, but you will be rewarded for your efforts, as well! After your candidate receives his First Degree, you, as the first line signer, will be credited with 60 points through the new Pennsylvania Masons’ Incentive Program.

You can choose to do one of three things: 1. Accrue your points to receive a specific gift, 2. Immediately receive merchandise displayed on the incentive program website or 3. Donate your points to the Masonic Children’s Home, where the points will be used to select gifts for the youth who reside there!

In addition, 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!

Join us for a One Day Masonic Journey October 29, 2016 www.bapamason.com