Grand Lodge Communication Highlights

Approximately 350 brethren attended the June 4, 2025 Communication at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, with more live streaming the proceedings. The Grand Lodge Officers and the Masonic Village Board of Directors were elected for terms beginning Dec. 27, 2025.

Ritual

Seven Pennsylvania DeMolay who have recently become Pennsylvania Masons showcased their ritualistic excellence by presenting “The Ceremony of Light.” The public ceremony demonstrates DeMolay’s seven core values: filial love, reverence, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness and patriotism, ending with the admonition that a DeMolay should make his light shine upon another, setting his flame afire.

Brother B. Tyler Moyer, Brownstone No. 666, Hershey, introduced the team, which included: Mason Barrick, Prince Edwin-Spring Creek Lodge No. 486, Middletown; Logan Johnston, Coraopolis Lodge No. 674; Ian Bellamy, Community Lodge No. 744, Broomall; Christopher Misko, Tacony Lodge No. 600, Philadelphia; Isaiah Sleighter, Orrstown Lodge No. 262, Shippensburg; Kyle Rader, Doric Lodge No. 630, Sewickley; and John Ames, Harrisburg-Snyder Lodge No. 629, Harrisburg.

Presentations

R.W. Grand Master Larry A. Derr presented Master Builder and Master Craftsman Awards and Master Pillar Awards to deserving brethren. He honored the following brethren with Outstanding Service Awards: Zachary E.W. Boyer, P.M., Mount Olivet Lodge No. 704, Lebanon; John D. Cook, P.M., George Washington Lodge No. 143, Chambersburg, and P.D.D.G.M. – District 3; Wendell R. Hunt, P.M., Waymart Lodge No. 542 and P.D.D.G.M. – District 14; and B. Tyler Moyer, Brownstone No. 666, Hershey. He presented a 60-year service award to R.W. Past Grand Master Thomas K. Sturgeon and a 50-year Past Master’s Certificate to Thomas F. Miller, P.M., Pen Argyl Lodge No. 594.

The Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America Supreme Forest presented Grand Master Derr a $150,000 donation to the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program.

Remarks

R.W. Grand Master Larry A. Derr reflected on the virtue of gratitude, a cornerstone of Masonic principles:

“Today, we are thankful for the opportunity to come together, to share in the fellowship and the wisdom of our brothers and to reinforce the bonds of brotherhood that have carried us through generations. As Freemasons, we are called upon to contribute to our communities, to lend a hand to those in need and to be beacons of light and hope. When we do so, we are not simply fulfilling a duty; we are expressing our gratitude for the opportunities we have been given, for the blessings we have received. May we all continue to cultivate this virtue, and may it serve as a guiding light in all our endeavors.”

Liberty Tree Planting

Following the Communication, attendees and Masonic Village residents enjoyed lunch and musical entertainment. In the afternoon, Grand Lodge dedicated a Liberty Tree at the Veterans Grove during a ceremony in conjunction with America250PA .

Following his remarks, Grand Master Derr presented the John Wanamaker Masonic Humanitarian Medal to Beverly A. Sweigart, Chief Administration Officer, and Tina L. Lutter, Corporate Director of Public Relations for the Masonic Villages . The medal honors non-Masons who support and personify the ideals and philosophy of the fraternity.

Upcoming Events

The Business and Open Annual Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will be held on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at 8 a.m., at the Philadelphia Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107-2208.