Widows Guild Offers Comfort & Connections
On July 17, 128 widows and guests attended the annual luncheon at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown to recognize and honor Masonic widows residing on the campus and in the surrounding community. Brother Joe Pullin, W.M., Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, presented Blue Slipper pins to 19 new Widows’ Guild members. Brother Nick Mahler, Vice President, Office of Mission Development & Advancement, offered some remarks at the event, hosted by Linda Jackson, Director of Philanthropic and Widows Support.
For Susan Wollyung, it was her first time attending a Widows’ Guild event.
Her husband, Christopher, was a member of Arbutus Lodge No. 611 (now part of Laurel Lodge No. 467, White Haven). The Wollyungs were married almost 37 years, served in ministry together and have three children.
“When my husband passed, the first card I received was from the Widows’ Guild, which was very touching,” Susan said.
“It let me know I was not alone; I don’t think there is anything more moving, uplifting and encouraging you can hear at a time like that.”
While Susan had not previously been aware of the Widows Guild, “I could tell it was associated with the Masonic lodge,” she said. “I recalled he [Christopher] had mentioned at some point we should look into retirement [at Masonic Village]. The card was just incredibly powerful and significant. It’s been just over seven years, but I remember that sensation like it was yesterday. It’s what triggered me to consider looking into relocating to Masonic Village for myself.”
While working through her own grief, Susan embarked on one last ministry venture, followed by several years caring for her mother. She continued to receive newsletters from the Widows’ Guild periodically, and eventually moved to the Masonic Village in July 2023.
When she received the invitation to the widows’ luncheon this past July, she recognized the Blue Slipper.
“I immediately got this overwhelming sense of peace,” she said. “I looked forward to the opportunity to meet other members and share with the staff how significant their communications were to me and the tremendous amount of appreciation I feel.
“It was an incredibly awesome experience. I didn’t expect to know anyone there, but when I walked into the room, a group of ladies I’ve grown close to were there. I didn’t realize they were a part of [the guild] too, so we all sat together.”
In addition to sharing her story at the luncheon, Susan offered to say grace before the meal. She described the event as beautiful, warm and welcoming.
“God’s hand is in all things,” Susan said. “I pinch myself daily to think I’m actually here. I feel richly blessed beyond what I deserve, for sure.”
This event was one of several held throughout the Commonwealth over the past year. For more information about the Widows’ Guild, please contact Linda Jackson at 717-367-1121, ext. 33497, or lmjackson@masonicvillages.org. Or, visit pagrandlodge.org/outreach.
