There are those who will tell you that our world, our country and our people are so widely polarized that they fear for our children’s future.

I wish all who fear could witness anytime Freemasons meet, because they would see how vastly different people CAN and DO get along, enjoy one another and build great things together, through unity.

That doesn’t mean we share the same politics, religion or financial status. No; we are very different people, but we are above our differences.

I have hope for our future because our great Masonic institution demonstrates how people should care for and treat one another.

Our lodge friendships enrich our lives and strengthen our purpose: to make good men better through honor, integrity, tolerance and duty to our country and our fellow man.

It all starts with the firm foundation of our blue lodges, the vital grassroots of all Masonic memberships. Without blue lodge membership through the Grand Lodge, we cannot be members of other Masonic organizations such as York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine and numerous other appendant bodies that enhance our individual journeys and unique experiences.

When you step back and look at what Freemasons have accomplished through the centuries, it’s a breathtaking measure of the unity of our membership. Each of our lodges recently submitted their rich histories to preserve for perpetuity, and every single one is impressive and inspiring.

I am so proud to be part of this brotherhood, and you should be, too.

Freemasons truly change lives. Our mission is worthy. That is why it is vital that we – today’s Freemasons – assure our traditions continue long into the future.

While some of our younger generation believe they are too busy to participate, those who join the fraternity when they get older wish they would have decades prior. This trend underscores the value of being a Freemason: we share a brotherly love that people desire and need in their lives.

As humans, we are designed for community, and our brotherhood promises that you are never alone. If you’ve ever been lonely, you know this promise means everything.

As a Freemason, you can travel the world, find a lodge and participate, even if you don’t speak the same language.
You always have a place to go and a brother who will help you. We are one. I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel good.

I would like to share with you a poem written by the brethren of Newtown Lodge No. 427:

Brethren, I challenge you to
Ignite the Light Within
To do your best, to guard against
Its precious glow going dim
Fan the flame and you will see
What our fraternity can truly be
Remember when you came to the light
The joy you felt … oh, the high that night
It can be rekindled as you rededicate self
To brotherhood, fraternity and Masonic wealth
So Ignite the Light for the world to see
How Pennsylvania Freemasons ought to be
As your journey continues
On this path of light
Remember always
Without a flame, it’s surely night

If you know a good man who exemplifies the qualities of an ideal Freemason, I encourage you to invite him to consider the gift of membership. It may be just the nudge he needs to

“IGNITE THE LIGHT WITHIN.”

Sincerely and fraternally,

Larry A. Derr
R.W. Grand Master