As we move through this historic year, I want to briefly reflect on what we have accomplished together and, more importantly, where we are headed as Pennsylvania Freemasons.

From the beginning of my term, I have emphasized that the strength of our fraternity begins in our lodges and with the experience of every individual Mason. Membership growth is important, but membership engagement and retention are equally important. We must continue to “Guard the West Gate,” bringing good men into our fraternity while making certain that once they become Masons, they discover the fellowship, mentorship, leadership opportunities and sense of purpose that make Freemasonry so meaningful.

The Master Builder Program remains one of our most effective tools for accomplishing this. I continue to encourage every lodge to appoint dedicated mentors and guide new members through the program. The future Worshipful Masters, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Lodge officers and leaders of our fraternity are already sitting in our lodge rooms. We have a responsibility to prepare them for that future.

I have also been greatly encouraged by the growing spirit of “Lodges helping Lodges.” When one lodge struggles, all of us should care; when one lodge succeeds, all of us benefit. Whether through financial assistance, sharing ideas and resources or simply providing brethren willing to lend a hand, cooperation makes our entire jurisdiction stronger.

We must also continue to tell our story. For generations, Freemasonry has quietly improved communities, supported charities, developed leaders and brought men together in fellowship. Humility is a virtue, but humility does not require invisibility. Every Mason is an ambassador for our fraternity. I saw a message recently that said something to this effect: Wear a Masonic shirt, hat, tie or bumper sticker, and just get caught being a good person.

One of the great highlights of this historic year was our America250 celebration on July 27 and 28 in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania had the privilege of hosting Masonic leaders representing 18 United States jurisdictions and 14 international jurisdictions, bringing brethren together from across our nation and around the world. We were especially honored to welcome Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence of the United Grand Lodge of England.

To gather in Philadelphia and celebrate both the 250th Anniversary of our nation and the principles that unite Freemasons throughout the world was extraordinary. The fellowship shared among our American and international brethren was a powerful reminder that although we may come from different countries, jurisdictions, traditions and cultures, the principles of Freemasonry transcend those differences and bind us together as brothers.

America250 has also provided us an opportunity to remind ourselves of the historic relationship between the principles of Freemasonry and the ideals upon which our nation was founded. As we have said throughout this celebration: “From Masonic Ideals, A Nation Was Born.”

At the same time, we remain custodians of an extraordinary Pennsylvania Masonic heritage. From the founding of our Grand Lodge at The Tun nearly three centuries ago to our magnificent Masonic Temple at One North Broad Street, previous generations entrusted us with institutions and traditions that we must preserve, strengthen and pass forward. Stewardship—of our buildings, our finances, our lodges and our traditions—is not merely a financial responsibility. It is a Masonic obligation.

Your Grand Lodge is here to support you! In dedication to our Temple management, the Committee on Temples, Halls and Lodge Rooms is happy to report that the Temple Association training modules are complete, and the regional instructors have been trained. Each of the regional instructors will be setting up training sessions for respective regions in the 2026 fall season.

If we remain united, optimistic and visible in our communities; responsible stewards of our heritage; and committed to developing the next generation of Masons, I believe the future of Pennsylvania Freemasonry is exceptionally bright.
We inherited an extraordinary legacy. Now, it is our responsibility to build upon it.

Founders Then. Leaders Now!