Freemasonry Today
Freemasonry Today
Grand Master’s Message
Brethren,
Your Grand Lodge officers and I have been busy traveling to lodges throughout the jurisdiction, participating in anniversary celebrations and parades, to promote the fraternity and to hear from members how Grand Lodge can assist with their success. The Grand Lodge float is in the process of being upgraded but is available for lodge use by contacting the Grand Secretary’s Office.
I am proud to announce that for the first year since 1971, we have not had a lodge merger or a lodge go dark. This is a direct reflection on the dedicated work
of two key committees. Blue Lodge Revitalization Committee Chairman Brother Joseph Reuter, P.M., provides lodges and districts with creative ideas for planning and promoting quality events and increasing participation. Membership Engagement Committee Chairman Brother Steven Shimp, P.M., assists lodges with membership recruitment and retention. Both brethren are excellent resources for helping your lodge thrive and enhance membership satisfaction.I was very pleased that all R.W. Past Grand Masters were able to attend the June 2024 Communication in Erie (pictured below). At the December 2024 Communication in Philadelphia, we were honored to have R.W. Past Grand Master Ben Franklin provide inspiring remarks, and Santa
Claus made a surprise appearance! (see p. 7).We completed about half of our Liberty Tree plantings across the Commonwealth in preparation for America’s 250th Anniversary celebration in 2026 (visit PAGrandLodge.org/resources/libertytree-plantings to see our progress). We look forward to planting many more this year, including at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown during the Grand Lodge Communication on June 4.
This issue is full of examples of how our brethren care for each other in their time of need. Our hearts go out to all who suffered loss from hurricanes last year, both in our own jurisdiction and in others in the south (see stories on pp. 24-27).
If you are looking for a way to make an impact, ask your lodge how you can help with the new Restoration Initiative (see p. 6) or inquire about how you can volunteer with our Masonic youth in your area. When you Ignite the Light Within, it shines upon others, as well!
Sincerely and fraternally,
Larry A. Derr
R.W. Grand Master
Freemasonry Today
Announcing New Logos for the Masonic Charities
"We are excited to unveil new logos for each of the Masonic Charities to be implemented throughout 2025. This follows the rebranding of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Masons in 2024. The rebranding aims to create cohesive, modern logos that reflect each charity’s unique mission while strengthening their collective identity.
December Communication Highlights
Dec. 4, 2024, Masonic Temple Philadelphia
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Lodge Essay Statewide Award Recipients: 1st Place: Peter Williamson Lodge No. 323, Scranton; 2nd Place: Fayette Lodge No. 228, Uniontown; and 3rd Place: Columbia Lodge No. 91, Philadelphia
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R.W. Grand Master Larry Derr greets special guests Santa Claus and R.W. Past Grand Master Benjamin Franklin
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Master Pillar Awards were presented to Brothers David Ravegum, Harrisburg-Snyder Lodge No. 629, Harrisburg, and Stephen Wilson, Mount Pickering Lodge No. 446, Upper Uwchland.
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Master Builders and Craftsman Awards were presented to: Brothers Alan Cave, Richard Vaux Lodge No. 126, Philadelphia; Mason Barrick, Prince Edwin- Spring Creek Lodge No. 486, Middletown; Michael Ravegum, Harrisburg- Snyder Lodge No. 629, Harrisburg; Joseph Boccarossa, Jordan-Martin Lodge No. 673, Allentown; and Charles Smith, II, Lehighton Lodge No. 621.
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The Grand Master’s Outstanding Service Award was presented to Brothers Steven R. Shimp, P.M., St. John’s Lodge No. 435, West Reading, and Abram M. Shaffner, P.M., Mt. Lebanon Lodge No. 255, Lebanon.
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Congratulations to the District B & C Degree Team on winning the State Regional Ritual Competition.
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The toast to the flag was performed by Brother Bryan Hill, P.M., Barger Lodge No. 325, Stroudsburg, member of The National Sojourners.
Education
Education
Artificial Intelligence: Risks & Rewards
The term “AI” describes a wide range of technologies that power many of the services and goods we use every day – from apps that recommend TV shows to AI chatbots (a computer program designed to simulate human conversation with users) that provide customer support in real time.
AI even offers opportunities and implications for Freemasonry, particularly in terms of aligning with core Masonic values like enlightenment, knowledge and growth, said Brother Freddy Lebron, Eureka-West Shore Lodge No. 302, Mechanicsburg.
Membership
Membership
Knocking on Wood – Brothers Aid Brothers in Need
Masons from several lodges including King Solomon’s Lodge No. 346, Connellsville, St. John’s Lodge No. 435, Teutonia Lodge No. 367 and Reading Lodge No. 549, embarked on a service project on behalf of fellow brothers in need. They cut, split and stacked piles of wood for brothers undergoing medical treatments in order to provide enough wood for the winter months. Read more about their impact.
Membership
A Shelter in the Storm
Homeless and displaced veterans and their children now have a place to call home, thanks to the work of several Masons from Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
United Veterans Billeting of Fayette County (U.V.B.O.F.C.) was formed in 2016 by Ron Metros and took over two homes in Uniontown to provide short-term housing for homeless male and female veterans to help them re-enter society.
Membership
The Little Lodge that Could and Did!
Over the years, Milford Lodge No. 344, nestled in rural Pike County, Pennsylvania, has had its share of ups and downs, splinters and mergers. In 2010, facing dwindling numbers, empty chairs and little hope of revitalization, the lodge hit rock bottom. As the only Masonic lodge in the county, this could have marked the end of Freemasonry there.
But people like Brother Mark Gualandi had other plans.
Grand Master Travels the Commonwealth
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W.K. Bray Lodge No. 410 at the 2024 Hatboro Veterans Day Parade
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Grand Master Derr in the Grand Lodge float at the McVeytown Parade with Lodge No. 376
General Session Convention 2024, © 2024 Bob Hahn, OM-1 Mark ll,
Tall Cedars International Annual Convention, Sept. 19-21, 2024
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Day Lodge No. 816, Elizabethtown, Nov. 11, 2024
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Grand Master Larry Derr receiving his 50-year service emblem from the Harrisburg Consistory at the 33° Dinner, Nov. 17, 2024
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Armstrong Lodge No. 239, Freeport, 175th Anniversary Celebration, September 2024
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Prince Hall Anniversary, Oct. 14, 2024
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Annual Fall Reunion, Lodge of Perfection, Valley of Lancaster, Oct. 15, 2024
Friend to Friend Convention 2024, © 2024 Bob Hahn, OM-1 Mark ll,
Tall Cedars at the Friend to Friend Monument in Gettysburg
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Tall Cedars at the Friend to Friend Monument in Gettysburg
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Valley of Reading Fall Degree, Nov. 16, 2024
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Veterans Day 2024 Celebration at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
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Grand Master’s Visit to Teutonia Day Lodge No. 367, West Reading
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Grand Lodge of Virginia Annual Communication with 2023-2024 Grand Master Jack Kayle Lewis
Philanthropy
Philanthropy
“Showering” Military Moms with Love
More than 50 moms-to-be who are in the military, or whose partners are in the military, were invited to a Help for Our Heroes Baby Shower event held at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey on Nov. 2, 2024. Since 2008, Pennsylvania Masons have contributed $1.6 million to support military members, veterans and their families through the Help for Our Heroes program.
Philanthropy
Brother’s Service Saves Lives
Brother Harry Woods, 95, hosted his last blood drive on Oct. 8, 2024, at Eureka-West Shore Lodge No. 302, Mechanicsburg.
Having served as the lodge’s Blood Chairman for over 35 years, Harry was integral in the collection of over 1,700 units of blood, which translates into saving up to 5,100 lives. In addition, the lodge donated the $10 per pint it received from the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program to the Children’s Dyslexia Center in Harrisburg. The lodge celebrated Harry’s service with cake and ice cream, and Harry received numerous accolades for his dedication.
Philanthropy
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.
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.
Philanthropy
Lodges Send Aid to Hurricane-Ravaged North Carolina
When Worshipful Master Cliff Rigby received an email from R.W. Grand Master Larry Derr encouraging lodges to support relief efforts in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, he added the request to the agenda for that evening’s stated meeting of Trojan Lodge No. 306, Troy. The lodge decided to organize a donation collection on the weekend of Oct. 19-20.
A professional truck driver for 27 years, Cliff owns a semi-truck and immediately got to work contacting potential supporters.
Philanthropy
Murals Provide Calming Reminiscence
Thanks to a generous donation from Concordia Lodge No. 67, Jenkintown, two elevators in a memory care area at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown were painted to reflect a gorgeous view of the campus.
For those living with dementia, colors are important, with green being one of the last colors to be recognized.
Philanthropy
Historic DeMolay Legion of Honor Conferrals
On Oct. 8, 1926, Pennsylvania DeMolay founder Ralph C. Minehart made history when he conferred the DeMolay International Legion of Honor to the first class of Pennsylvanians to be so honored. Oct. 20, 2024 was an equally historic day when the Civic Legion of Honor, approved by DeMolay International, was conferred for the first time upon a class of 14 deserving current or former “Mom” Advisors in Elizabethtown. This notable event was repeated on Oct. 27 when another three “Mom” Advisors were recognized in a conferral in Butler.
Philanthropy
Scholarship Application Reminder
The clock is ticking down on the opportunity to apply for the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation’s Educational Endowment Fund Scholarships. Applications and required attachments must be postmarked by March 15, 2025 to be considered. With as much as $200,000 available in funding for these highly competitive scholarships, all eligible students are encouraged to complete and submit an application for the scholarships.
Philanthropy
“Dad” Williamson Memorialized
On Oct. 19, 2024, members, advisors and friends of Pennsylvania DeMolay gathered at the Masonic Conference Center–Patton Campus in Elizabethtown to dedicate a Kwanzan Cherry Tree in memory of the founder of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, R.W. Past Grand Master and Past Executive Officer of Pennsylvania DeMolay Samuel C. Williamson.
Franklin Legacy Society
The Franklin Legacy Society recognizes and honors individuals who believe in and support the mission of one or more of the Masonic Charities through planned giving.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Members help ensure the good works of one or more Masonic Charities by committing to one or more of the following methods of support:
- Naming a Masonic Charity as a beneficiary in their will or trust
- Purchasing a Charitable Gift Annuity to benefit a Masonic Charity
- Establishing a Charitable Remainder Trust naming a Masonic Charity as a remainder beneficiary
- Including a Masonic Charity as a named beneficiary of an IRA, life insurance policy or the like
- Including a Masonic Charity as a named recipient of a bank account or brokerage account through a Transfer on Death (TOD) or Paid on Death (POD) designation
MEMBER BENEFITS
Members of the Franklin Legacy Society are recognized in the following ways:
- Invitations to special events
- Recognition on a special donor wall*
- Recognition in the Annual Report for the Masonic Charities*
- Recognition with a special gift for joining
QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Members help ensure the good works of one or more Masonic Charities by committing to one or more of the following methods of support:
- Naming a Masonic Charity as a beneficiary in their will or trust
- Purchasing a Charitable Gift Annuity to benefit a Masonic Charity
- Establishing a Charitable Remainder Trust naming a Masonic Charity as a remainder beneficiary
- Including a Masonic Charity as a named beneficiary of an IRA, life insurance policy or the like
- Including a Masonic Charity as a named recipient of a bank account
HOW MAY I JOIN?
For an application, visit MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org, email us at giving@PAMasonicCharities.org or call 1-800-599-6454.
*Persons who wish may remain anonymous while participating in the activities of the Franklin Legacy Society.
NEW GIFT!
New members to the Franklin Legacy Society will now receive a brand new, meaningful gift as a token of our appreciation: a leather-bound journal, embossed with the Franklin Legacy Society logo, accompanied by a wooden, engraved pen handmade by members of the Rooster Woodshop at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown – crafted from a tree on the beautiful campus!
Current Issue Issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason is published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Articles and photographs to be considered for publication should be sent with local Masonic authority to the address above, to the attention of The Pennsylvania Freemason or emailed to pafreemason@masonicvillages.org. Except by special arrangement, all articles, photographs and artwork become the property of the Grand Lodge. Published by the Masonic Villages, owned and operated by the Grand Lodge of F.& A.M. of Pennsylvania, as a means of soliciting the physical and financial support of the members, their families and the public in general. Periodical postage is paid at Elizabethtown, PA, and additional mailing offices. We appreciate the many submissions we receive for consideration. We apologize, but due to space constraints, we are not able to publish every submission we receive.
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP
(Act of Oct. 23, 1962; Section 4369; Title 39, United States Code) Summer 2024, The Pennsylvania Freemason, published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Publishers: The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Editor: Larry A. Derr. Owner: The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Known bondholders: none. No advertising handled. Free distribution averages 82,000 each quarter. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.
Larry A. Derr, Editor
Current IssueKelly Gleason2024-08-01T14:53:39-04:00
