I am honored to serve as the 126th Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania. During my Masonic journey, I have learned a lot about the origins, history and modern operations of this great fraternity. I stand in awe of its accomplishments, both internally for our membership and as a positive and constructive influence in the world.

I feel privileged to be included in the ranks of some truly great men who have served as Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania before me. Many of these men provided Masonic inspiration as founding fathers and leaders in our great nation.

I want to express a special thank you to the Grand Masters under whose leadership I have served during my time as a District Deputy Grand Master and as a Grand Lodge officer. Many of the excellent initiatives they have started will continue and grow during my term.

I would also like to acknowledge Brother Earl Dundore, P.M., my primary petition signer, for introducing me to the fraternity in 1997, and my dear departed brothers Kenny Ritter, P.M., and Larry Schwalm, P.M., for many years of friendship and mentorship throughout my journey.

Lastly and most importantly, when I was 19 years old at Drexel University, I was lucky enough to catch the eye of a captivating “brown eyed girl.” It was literally love at first sight. Allison is my soulmate and has been my loving and supporting partner ever since.

I want to recognize the America250PA organization and thank them for their partnership with the Liberty Tree Program, where we honored our national anniversary by planting Liberty Tree saplings in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. The program, started under R.W. Past Grand Master Thomas Gamon IV in March 2021, will reach its conclusion with the dedication of the Liberty Tree in Washington Square Park, near Independence Hall, on April 25, 2026. I want to thank the Grand Lodge officers, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Lodge staff and membership for their incredible support of this program. It was a shining demonstration of Masons working hand-in-hand in unanimity and success crowning their efforts.

As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our country, I believe it is important for us to acknowledge Freemasonry as one of the primary sources of the foundational concepts in the Declaration of Independence. I thank and give credit to Brother Richard Berman, P.M., Quator Coronati Research Lodge, United Grand Lodge of England, for contributing the following parallels between Masonic principles published in Anderson’s Constitutions in 1723 and the founding principles of the United States of America.

Those Enlightenment principles are easily recognizable today, but were new and radical at the time:

• Religious tolerance: faith in a divine being, but not in any specific church or religious doctrine;
• Constitutional government, turning away from the absolutism of a divinely anointed absolute monarchy;
• Meritocracy and aspiration as the means for societal improvement;
• Interpersonal civility or politeness;
• An appreciation and advocacy of the benefits of education and science – of a world interpreted through rational observation and fact rather than religious diktator superstition;
• The election of officers subject to democratic accountability, with one member wielding one vote; and
• Majority rule

Modern Freemasonry was openly advocating for these concepts for more than half of a century before they were enshrined in our Declaration of Independence with signatures from at least 16 known or likely Freemasons. We can truly say that “From Masonic Principles, A Nation Was Born.”

We are here today, an amazing 294 years after our Grand Lodge was first formed in a famous colonial brewpub at the corner of Water Street and Tun Alley in Philadelphia, commonly known at that time as the “Tun.” Although the original building was lost, the legacy of the Tun was forever engraved into the history of Philadelphia, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the founding of the United States.

I ask my fellow Pennsylvania Masons to join me in rallying to reestablish the place where our Grand Lodge was founded and the principles of Freemasonry and our great country took root. Just as the rebuilding of King Solomon’s Temple symbolizes renewal and the enduring power of Masonic labor, The Tun Legacy Foundation, Inc.’s effort to raise The Tun® once more reflects our commitment to preserve the foundations upon which our fraternity – and our nation – were built. I refer you to pp. 16 – 17 in this issue for more on that topic.

Today, our Grand Lodge is nearly 70,000 members strong with 344 lodges meeting all over Pennsylvania. Our fraternity continues to thrive in ways that would make our founders proud. We are united in friendship and guided by the same principles that inspired Franklin, Washington and countless others who found in Freemasonry a framework for moral and civic leadership.

Through our Masonic Charities – the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum in Philadelphia, the Masonic Villages, the Masonic Children’s Home, the Masonic Youth Foundation, the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program and many other membership-supported programs, including the Masonic Outreach and Widows’ Guild programs – we demonstrate every day that Freemasonry is a gift to be shared with each other and the community.

To ensure the future health of our fraternity, we must also be wise stewards of our resources. We will assist our lodges in planning for the decades ahead with the same prudence that our forebears showed in 1873 when they built our magnificent Masonic Temple at One North Broad Street. I am placing renewed emphasis on Masonic real estate management, fiscal responsibility, lodge investment oversight and “lodges helping lodges,” where we will facilitate cooperation among lodges to solve problems and provide financial and physical assistance when possible. These efforts, together with the Blue Lodge Investment Program, will strengthen both our finances and our fellowship, ensuring that no lodge stands alone.

I am especially enthusiastic about promoting the Master Builder Program. This program is one of the most effective tools we have for engaging new members and preparing future leaders; every completed journey builds stronger lodges and more engaged members.

In the area of Masonic Law, I will propose several refinements designed to strengthen participation and accountability. Some of these initiatives will be presented and voted upon by the members, respecting their wishes for the good of the fraternity.

Membership maintenance and growth are key to the continuation of our Masonic principles and the huge impact they have had and will continue to have on our society. There are many high quality men who are not acquainted with our great fraternity but could find opportunities for personal growth, leadership, charity, mentorship and friendship if they joined. I strongly encourage every member to consider approaching those family members, friends and business associates to explain the benefits of membership they can experience. I implore you to take this challenge and responsibility seriously – those you introduce to Freemasonry today will be the Worshipful Masters and Grand Masters of tomorrow.

Looking ahead to 2026, we will celebrate not only America’s semiquincentennial but also the enduring influence of Freemasonry upon its foundation. Special events in April and July and throughout the year will unite our Pennsylvania brethren with our counterparts across the country as we reaffirm the ideals that built this nation.

Finally, I extend my heartfelt thanks to every brother, officer and volunteer who gives of their time, their means and their heart to this great fraternity. Together, we inherit a legacy of integrity and fidelity – and together, we must keep it vital and strong in perpetuity. The work before us is the same work begun at The Tun® nearly three centuries ago: to build better men, and through them, a better world.

Founders Then. Leaders Now!

May we prove worthy of both titles.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Robert D. Brink

R.W. Grand Master