T EMPLE IMES
A MESSAGE FROM Michael D. McKee,
Executive Director
As we kick off the start of summer with several patriotic holidays, the colors red, white and blue are projected onto our building, illuminating the features of our beautiful Masonic Temple. This magnificent lighting project was funded by generous donors.
We have now focused our attention on the health of the building, developing a plan to ensure this structure dedicated to Freemasonry is around for future generations to experience and enjoy.
We are simultaneously evaluating our collection of books, letters and artifacts and planning preservation efforts. We will determine what can be completed internally and what we must send to outside professionals. Keeping the building structurally sound and its contents safeguarded for posterity is our team’s passion. Thank you for supporting this worthy cause. None of our progress could be accomplished without the selfless contributions from our supporters.
Presentation trowel from John Wanamaker
Remembering
JOHN WANAMAKER
In conjunction with the closing of the Macy’s store in Philadelphia’s Wanamaker building, the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum is displaying a special collection of John Wanamaker artifacts.
In 1876, John Wanamaker, a member of Friendship Masonic Lodge No. 400, founded the Wanamaker Department Store, one of the first to be constructed in the United States. Located within the Masonic Temple are numerous references to Wanamaker, including the John Wanamaker Resource Center, founded in 1908.
The more than 20 Wanamaker items highlighted for the museum display include books; a program from the dedication of the old Masonic Temple in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, presented by Wanamaker to his fraternity on Jan. 11, 1913; a trowel (stone mason’s tool) gifted by Wanamaker to Brother George Orlady, associate justice of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in 1909; and more.
“John Wanamaker was a staple in Philadelphia for his Wanamaker Department Store, as well as his engagement with Freemasonry and the Masonic Temple, so it makes sense to display these items in conjunction with the closing of the Macy’s store in the Wanamaker building,” Carly Sewell, museum archivist, said.
The Macy’s store on Market Street has long been the home of the Wanamaker Organ, which John Wanamaker purchased for
the store in 1909. It’s the largest fully functioning pipe organ in the world and has been played free for the public twice a day since 1911. The organ has over 28,000 pipes and is expected to be preserved in some capacity. Masons from William Penn Harmony Masonic Lodge No. 52, Philadelphia, have worked tirelessly for years with Macy’s and The Friends of the Wanamaker Organ to maintain and preserve the pipe organ.
Curt Mangel, a Mason and curator of the Wanamaker organ, said Masons are taught to do their “highest and best work” in anything they do, and to value tradition and beauty.
“Being a Mason, once again, we inculcate the love of the arts, and it just made sense to him [Wanamaker] that because of the grandeur of the [department store] space, they should have a magnificent organ to go with it. Now, I have the honor of taking care of this incredible instrument … it just kind of goes with the way we think about art, science and all the beauty of it.”
Masonic Temple Restoration Project
Welcome our New Director
Rick S. Freedman has been named the director of the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum. He provides managerial support and direction for museum and library operations and assists with the development and execution of various projects, including dedications and exhibits. In addition, he oversees the gift shop. He is responsible for managing and supervising employees, including the librarian, curator, archivist, tour guides, docents and volunteers.
As dedicated stewards of our more than 150-year-old National Historic Landmark, we are working closely with the esteemed historical architectural firm Atkin Olson Shade and prominent engineering firms Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates and Bala Consulting Engineers to conduct a thorough survey of the Masonic Temple’s condition.
Their findings will form a 10-year capital improvement and investment plan to ensure the continued preservation of this iconic structure.
Sequenced based on priority of need, this comprehensive plan will focus on essential upgrades and replacements, including securing the roof trusses over the front staircase, replacing substantial elements of the plumbing system, repairing areas of the façade, installing new fire alarm and sprinkler systems and upgrading and replacing failing humidity control and chiller systems.
Prior to joining the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum, Freedman served as senior director/vice president at an accounts receivable management firm, where he managed corporate state and employee licensing, corporate insurance, compliance and risk management. He studied communications and theater at Temple University in Philadelphia.
A Past Master of Williamson-Corinthian Lodge No. 368, Philadelphia, and Palestine-Roxborough Lodge No. 135, Lafayette Hill. Freedman serves as Senior
Grand Deacon for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He also serves on the Masonic Youth Foundation Board of Managers, among other appointments.
Above: roof truss that needs secured; Right: piping in need of replacement
Masonic Charities
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
EMPLE IMES
Qualified CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows individuals 70 ½ or older to donate to the Masonic Temple, Library & Museum from a taxable IRA instead of taking their required minimum distributions. Doing so will reduce your taxes and provide lifetime fixed payments for you and, if you choose, for your spouse.
Contact the Office of Mission Advancement & Development for more information about QCDs at MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org or call 1-800-599-6454.
