Temple Times - Fall 2023

Temple

Fall 2023

TIMES

A Message from Michael D. McKee, Executive Director

Masonic Charities One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022

We had a great rededication event in June. The Grand Lodge officers led the ceremony with the honor, respect and fraternal warmth that illustrates the dignity of our Masonic Temple and Pennsylvania Freemasons as a whole.

As we preserve our collection, we want it to be available online for all to view. This requires us to purchase a large, highresolution scanner in 2024, once funds become available. We have a variety of items to share, ranging from letters written by Brother George Washington and Brother Marquis de Lafayette, to a contract signed by Brother P.T. Barnum when Brother Tom Thumb performed at one of our previous Masonic temples.

Preservation of these precious documents requires they be kept

away from the light to avoid fading and eventually disappearing. The preservation of these various portraits and frames is an ongoing effort to ensure they do not become damaged beyond repair.

The Library & Museum team are always appreciative of your support.

Without you, our history would be lost for future generations.

New Freemason’s Lodge is Built in 1775

By Michael Comfort, Director, Masonic Library & Museum of PA By 1752, the lodge brothers of Philadelphia were growing weary of meeting in public houses and decided to build their own meeting place. In the late 18th century, Philadelphia had one tavern for every 25 men living in the city, so the need for more privacy and space drove this decision. As the number of lodge members began to climb, space in the tavern was simply too limited. Moving away from the taverns also promoted a better image to the public.

This led the brothers to erect the first building in the western hemisphere, built solely for Masonic purposes.

Known as Freemason’s Lodge, it was dedicated in 1755. The building was located in what

Masonic Temple Celebrates 150 Years On June 24, 2023, the Grand Lodge held a public rededication ceremony of the Masonic Temple to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Free tours of the building were available all day prior to the ceremony.

Due to the event coinciding with Wawa Welcome America’s “Free Museum Day,” more than 700 people lined up outside the building’s doors to visit this National Historic Landmark building. It was amazing to see so much activity in our building.

Consider a QCD Today!

Maximize Your Charitable Impact to the Masonic Library & Museum ...

Benefit from the Advantages a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Provides Pre-tax retirement accounts, such as a traditional IRA or 401(k), are incredibly valuable methods for planning for your future! However, the required minimum distributions (RMDs) mandated once you reach age 73 can be frustrating.

is today the parking lot behind the U.S. Customs House, just off Second Street in Philadelphia. A procession traveled from the lodge building to Christ Church, and a banquet was held back at the lodge, which was used from 1755 to 1768 and again from 1778 to 1785.

Financial difficulties following the American Revolution, due to the

large amount of money being distributed to the widows and orphans of brothers killed in war, led the building to be sold in 1785.

The Masonic Library & Museum recently acquired an original auctioneer’s broadside from the sale (pictured above). It is currently undergoing conservation efforts, thanks to your support.

What are the benefits of making a QCD? •

Maximize your charitable impact – Support the Masonic Library & Museum, plus your bottom line.

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Reduce your taxable income – QCDs could considerably reduce your income tax obligation.

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No impact on your adjusted gross income – Adjusted gross income (AGI), including Medicare premiums, net investment income and certain tax credits, can be impacted by an RMD, but a QCD means your AGI remains unaffected, which may permit you to be eligible for additional benefits.

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Up to $100,000 can be given per year, per taxpayer – QCDs allow a married couple filing jointly to donate up to $200,000 per year.

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Flexibility – During a year, onetime large or multiple smaller contributions can be considered.

QCDs can be planned from several account types such as traditional, inherited, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs.

Office of Mission Advancement and Development 1-800-599-6454 | giving@masoniccharitiespa.org