Membership

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania celebrated Independence Day by honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Freemasonry came to Johnstown, Pennsylvania – a small city located about 65 miles from Pittsburgh – in 1854 when Cambria Lodge No. 278 was constituted.

Brother William (Bill) Lowe, Garfield Lodge No. 559, DuBois, has an impressive attendance record. He was raised in December 2001 and has made almost every stated and extra meeting, only missing one or two due to health or bad weather.

While vacationing in Mexico, most people enjoy the beautiful beaches or explore the ancient Mayan ruins. But when three Pennsylvania brethren recently visited with their wives, they had another destination in mind- a Masonic lodge.

About 15 years ago, McVeytown Lodge No. 376 experienced one of its darkest periods. Members were faced with severe financial hardships, as well as a dilapidated building. Now, the lodge is a thriving space that serves as both a meeting place and history museum.

Millennial and Gen Z Masons, with the mentorship of long-time Masons, work together to drive membership and reinvigorate their lodges.

In the past 18 months, the number of active DeMolays becoming Masons increased; in fact, there are currently 12 “DeMolay Masons.” Leaders in their home chapters, these young men developed an earnest desire to increase their fraternal experience because of the Masons who have served as their advisors.

Masons from several lodges including King Solomon’s Lodge No. 346, Connellsville, St. John’s Lodge No. 435, Teutonia Lodge No. 367 and Reading Lodge No. 549, embarked on a service project on behalf of fellow brothers in need. They cut, split and stacked piles of wood for brothers undergoing medical treatments in order to provide enough wood for the winter months. Read more about their impact.

Homeless and displaced veterans and their children now have a place to call home, thanks to the work of several Masons from Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

United Veterans Billeting of Fayette County (U.V.B.O.F.C.) was formed in 2016 by Ron Metros and took over two homes in Uniontown to provide short-term housing for homeless male and female veterans to help them re-enter society.

Over the years, Milford Lodge No. 344, nestled in rural Pike County, Pennsylvania, has had its share of ups and downs, splinters and mergers. In 2010, facing dwindling numbers, empty chairs and little hope of revitalization, the lodge hit rock bottom. As the only Masonic lodge in the county, this could have marked the end of Freemasonry there.

But people like Brother Mark Gualandi had other plans.