Outreach & Almoner Support Assists Brethren with Severe Flood Damage
In August 2024, catastrophic flooding caused by remnants of Hurricane Debby ravaged areas of Tioga County, triggering harrowing rescue efforts and extensive destruction.
“It was devastating to the community, which for some reason, was hit really hard,” said Brother Brian J. Tevlin, District Deputy Grand Master of District 17.
Several brethren were among those severely impacted, and some of the local lodge buildings sustained water damage, as well. As expected, members who were able immediately offered to help, either with cleanup and recovery efforts or through financial support.
“Three of our lodges tapped into their Almoner’s funds to make donations without anyone asking,” Brian said.
They included Friendship Lodge No. 247 and Bloss Lodge No. 350, both of Blossburg, and Ossea Lodge No. 317, Wellsboro.
Anticipating additional needs, Brian took the advice of R.W. Deputy Grand Master Rob Brink and contacted Brother Nick Mahler, Vice President, Office of Mission Advancement and Development, to seek assistance through the Masonic Outreach Program. Nick requested information about each of the brethren’s needs, which Westfield Lodge No. 477 Secretary Alex Kulish provided promptly.
The brethren affected suffered extensive damage to their homes, including flooding in their basements and first floors. Two brothers lost their heating systems, and two had damage to their businesses. One brother’s truck was destroyed while he was helping with recovery efforts in town. A 50-year member of the lodge who suffered extensive damage to his home is on oxygen.
Nick offered to expedite a check for $10,000 through the Outreach Program so Brian, Alex and Westfield Lodge Worshipful Master Timothy Swann could determine the best ways to support the impacted members as quickly as possible. Brian responded with appreciation:
“Thank you so much for the quick turnaround. We will get to work to help out our affected brothers.”
The Outreach and Almoner’s funds were used to assist 16 members of Westfield Lodge, a member of Ossea Lodge and a Masonic widow. The immediate needs were to repair furnaces, electrical boxes and hot water heaters.
The Outreach Program was also able to assist others who applied individually with additional needs, including hardships not covered by insurance. Through this tragedy, the fraternity and its Masonic Charities came through with various forms of support.
If you would like to contribute toward future mission work like this through the Masonic Charities, please scan visit MasonicCharitiesPa.org.