YOUTH FOUNDATION
LIBRARY & MUSEUM MASONIC TEMPLE
YOUTH GROUPS
The Masonic Library and Museum showcases the past, present and future of Pennsylvania Freemasonry within the majestic Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. The National Historic Landmark is a stunning world-renowned architectural wonder, which enlightens 14,000+ visitors from around the world each year. Home of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and several local lodges, the ornate structure features seven magnificent lodge rooms, based on themes of the ancient architectural world, and sweeping grand staircases.
DeMolay is dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy and productive lives. Through fun, hands-on activities, young men ages 12 to 21 develop civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills while building important bonds of friendship. Job’s Daughters unites girls and trains leaders. It enables young ladies ages 10 to 20 to learn leadership, responsibility and organizational skills while forming lifelong friendships.
Pennsylvania Masons have kept the Masonic Temple and its mechanical apparatus in excellent condition, overcoming disturbances associated with the connection of the Pennsylvania and Reading Railroads underneath its foundation and demolition and construction projects on adjacent properties. Pennsylvania Masons have also preserved the artistic and symbolic significance of the building and ensured it is still used for the Masonic purposes for which it was intended.
Rainbow for Girls builds character in young women ages 11 to 20 who want to learn leadership and communication skills with a focus on faith, benevolence, hope, charity and service to others through fun, fulfilling and fraternal activities. It also offers a “Pledge” Group for younger girls.
EDUCATION INSTITUTE In addition to providing professional development and education workshops and seminars for educators, human service professionals and school administrators throughout the Commonwealth, in 2020, the institute introduced a new aspect to this incredibly valuable program, the Parent Forum. This program focuses on creating an environment where parents can hear from experts, connect with other parents and find support. The conversations place attention on practical strategies that parents can use to help their children continue to grow and thrive.
SCHOLARSHIPS The foundation offers need and merit-based scholarship, grant and loan opportunities for Masons, their siblings, children, grandchildren and members of the Masonic-related youth groups.
LIFESKILLS & LIFECHANGERS CONFERENCES LifeSkills is an active, creative, experientially-based week of learning and relationship building with other young people, ages 12 to 16, and a talented staff of professionals and volunteers. Through a variety of handson sessions, participants practice principles of respect, responsibility, positive relationships, valuing others and challenging themselves. During the LifeChangers conference, participants ages 17 to 21 explore how to creatively build community by developing group leadership skills, interpersonal communication and listening skills. Attendees build an action plan for using the principles they’ve learned to impact their home, schools, work places and communities.
INSPIRING ADULT LEADERSHIP The foundation recognizes adult leaders not only to acknowledge significant contributions, but to encourage and inspire Pennsylvania Masons and their loved ones to engage with youth. Programs include the national Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award; a specially designed lapel pin for any Freemason who earned the Eagle Scout Award as a youth; and the HODEGOS Award, which recognizes outstanding adult leaders of the Masonic youth programs.
Not just a man. A Mason.
Do Good Unto All
For hundreds of years, Pennsylvania Freemasons have generously supplied time and treasure to improve their communities and the lives of their neighbors. www.pagrandlodge.org
The cost of maintaining and preserving the Masonic Temple continues to escalate. In 2021, it is expected to cost more than $3,000,000. Special events through the brand, ONE, not only introduce more people to Freemasonry, but help fund this mission.
MUSEUM
YOUR MASONIC CHARITIES
Do Good Unto All
Through the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania’s system of blue lodges and charitable affiliates, Pennsylvania Masons assist each other, their families and their communities.
The Museum’s collection comprises 30,000 unique and priceless works of art and fine artifacts of American and Masonic significance.
LIBRARY The Library holds 75,000 volumes, with works dating from 1489 to the present, including rare archival manuscripts and collections on Freemasonry, history, philosophy, religion, architecture and more. A resource for members and academics alike, the Library’s research and lending services advance knowledge and understanding of the fraternity, its meanings and its place in history.
MONUMENT PRESERVATION Pennsylvania Masons support the restoration and preservation of significant Masonic monuments, including the National Memorial Arch and George Washington at Prayer Statue in Valley Forge; the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial in Gettysburg; and the Benjamin Franklin, Craftsman statue in Philadelphia.
MASONIC EDUCATION Various forms of education enable members to seek answers along their personal journey to becoming a better man. Opportunities for enrichment include the Online Education and Mentoring Program, Schools of Instruction, the Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge, Pennsylvania Lodge of Research and annual leadership seminars.
BLUE LODGES COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE Blue lodges provide Pennsylvania Masons with the opportunity to get involved in their communities and provide grassroots help where it’s needed most. From practicing random acts of kindness to organizing fundraising efforts, hands-on assistance and selfless volunteerism, brethren make a difference in the lives of others daily. Our blue lodges have also been asked to support and recognize first responders for their tireless dedication to keeping their communities safe while putting their own lives on the line.
ALMONER’S FUND Each lodge maintains a charitable fund to help members and their wives, widows and children in times of need. Applicants apply for assistance through a lodge member or the District Deputy Grand Master and may request to remain anonymous. Additional services may be available through the Masonic Outreach Program and appendant Masonic organizations.
HELP FOR OUR HEROES From calling cards for those serving overseas to military baby showers, telemedicine, adaptive bicycles for injured veterans and home repairs, Pennsylvania Masons show they care. Over $1.3 million worth of support for military men and women, as well as their families, has been provided since this program began in 2008.
“Thanks to everyone involved who made this fabulous event happen ... my husband and I are both in the military, and my husband is currently deployed ... All the gifts that we received lifted a huge financial and mental burden off [our] family.” – Military Baby Shower Attendee
GRAND LODGE CHARITY FOUNDATION
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Charity Foundation (formerly Masonic Charities Fund) provides support to our Library and Museum and Youth Foundation, along with other important Masonic charitable activities at a national level, including the George Washington Masonic Memorial.
MASONIC VILLAGES Our five Masonic Villages serve more than 2,875 seniors across the Commonwealth. It is a privilege to serve those who have spent their lives giving back to their country, families, jobs and communities. Statewide, more than 50% of nursing care residents cannot pay for the care and services they need, yet through careful strategic planning and the generosity of donors, they live healthy, full lives without worry. To offset rising expenses and declining government reimbursements for health care services, Masonic Villages has expanded retirement living options and explored new partnerships and services including hospice, home care, home health, rehabilitation and pharmacy services. In 2020, Masonic Villages provided $9.9 million in fraternal care and almost $24.7 million in subsidies as part of its continued Mission of Love.
“It’s a wonderful feeling knowing someone is taking care of me. It’s like they can read my mind here sometimes. I love it every day and every hour. There hasn’t been a day where I wished I wasn’t here.” - Carolyn McCampbell, resident
MASONIC VILLAGE HOSPICE Masonic Village Hospice provides services to patients and families on campus in Elizabethtown, as well as in surrounding counties. Hospice provides compassionate care and pain management for patients at the end stages of life, as well as support and bereavement services for their loved ones. In 2020, 326 patients and families received care and support.
“I’ve dealt with many hospices in my career. I speak for my entire family when I say there is no hospice better than this one. It’s who they are as people. It’s that they make it okay to laugh and cry at the same time.” – Theresa, Registered Nurse, whose mother, Carol, was cared for by Masonic Village Hospice
HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES For those needing transitional care, rehabilitation and/or home health services following an illness or surgery, Masonic Villages provide several options depending on the patient’s location and needs. Home care, pharmacy services and wellness programming round out the various service options available through one or more of our Masonic Villages.
MASONIC CHILDREN’S HOME
SUPPORTING MASONIC WIDOWS
The Masonic Children’s Home provides a caring, safe, supportive environment for up to 40 school-aged children from unstable socioeconomic environments. Ensured healthy food, clothing, medical care, tutoring and guidance, the youth are given a chance to become successful, well-rounded, contributing members of society. The program receives no government funding, yet thanks to contributions from selfless donors, provides high school graduates of the program the opportunity to pursue continuing education.
In 2020, $59,100 worth of support was provided to widows of Pennsylvania Masons in need. Oftentimes, in the midst of their grief, widows must face financial and health challenges alone. This is when the Outreach Program offers a helping hand, whether it be with future planning, legal or financial guidance, health needs or through gift cards to afford groceries and essential household items.
“I wouldn’t be here without the [children’s] home … I would be on drugs, in prison or dead. I know it.” – Brother Greg Moore, Riverside Lodge No. 503, Wrightsville, children’s home alumni, U.S. Army veteran, father
BLEILER CARING COTTAGE The Bleiler Caring Cottage is a safe and caring home on the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown campus for eight adults with intellectual developmental disabilities. Upon retiring from a local school district, Don, the son of a 60-year Mason, looked for a place that could accommodate his special needs. Don’s aunt had resided in the personal care area of the campus, and his brother, Bill, and his wife are on the waiting list to move into the retirement living area. Don enjoys riding his bike and volunteering at the fire station and in the Masonic Health Care Center.
“When Robert passed, I lost most of the income we had been living off of,” one widow shared. “There were a lot of bills coming in and so forth. The financial help that the Masonic Outreach Program provided was so meaningful. The help they provided was above and beyond my expectations. The friendliness from everyone I talked to meant a lot to me.”
SUPPORT FOR VETERANS To ensure veterans are aware of the benefits available to them, the Outreach Program coordinates with the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer clinics at our Masonic Villages for veteran residents, members, employees and neighbors. The Massing of the Colors and other celebrations honor and memorialize our nation’s heroes at the Veterans Grove and Eternal Flame at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, just as the Veterans Garden at the Masonic Village at Sewickley pays tribute to our men and women who serve our country – past, present and future.
OUTREACH PROGRAM
The Masonic Outreach Program provides free information, direction and education on community services, personal care and skilled care homes, or government and state programs. Staff can explain what services may be available and make referrals to an appropriate agency. In addition, the Outreach Program coordinates several additional services.
HOME ASSISTANCE In 2020, more than $94,911 worth of support was provided to Pennsylvania Freemasons, their wives or widows to help them through financial hardship. The Outreach Program provided financial assistance to a brother who was the victim of a house fire. The 85-year-old retired truck driver, who had recent health issues, was supporting five young family members in his home. Fortunately, none of them were injured, but the brother and his family had to temporarily stay in a hotel while the insurance company handled the claim and repairs.
PANEL OF ATTORNEYS Brethren, who are attorneys, volunteer to offer direction for distressed brethren, their spouses and widows who are unable to retain counsel. Attorneys on the panel may also be able to assist individuals needing legal advice who have the ability to retain counsel.
PANEL OF FINANCIAL PLANNERS Brethren, who are financial planners, volunteer to help brethren and their family members who need assistance developing or improving budget skills. The Outreach Program supported a brother in his 80s as he cared for his wife through cancer treatment complicated by Lou Gehrig’s disease, while struggling with his own diabetes and heart complications. Upon his wife’s passing, a financial advisor assisted him in making important decisions in order to remain in his home.
BLOOD+ORGAN DONOR PROGRAM
Pennsylvania Masons, their families and Masonic youth group members are eligible for membership in the program, which offers cost-free blood replacement on a nationwide basis. In addition, the program provides support and education to members and their families going through the organ transplant process and encourages Pennsylvania Masons and others to consider becoming organ donors.
“Every person in need of an organ transplant needs an advocate like Bill. Doctors who put you on ‘the list’ decide the direction of your life. If you don’t ask the right questions, they won’t give you answers, and you won’t progress.” – Brother Bill Birtle’s wife, Jean, describing the help received from ambassador Brother Bill Soloway