Freemasonry Today
Freemasonry Today
Grand Master’s Message
Brethren,
As I reflect on the past three months, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the dedication, unity and progress demonstrated across our lodges. From our recent June Communication to vital initiatives in membership, education and community service, these months have reaffirmed our commitment to the principles that bind us together.
Our June Communication was a remarkable gathering of Brotherhood and purpose and was well attended by lodge officers and members from across the state. It was my honor to present numerous awards and recognize great achievements. The spirit of our fraternity was tangible, as we reiterated our commitment to the future and strategized lodge revitalization, membership engagement and educating our leadership.
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Liberty Tree project has been very successful, with 55 trees dedicated in 55 counties. June 4, 2025, was truly a special day to dedicate a Liberty Tree on the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown campus, following the Communication. Afterward, I was pleased to present the prestigious John Wanamaker Masonic Humanitarian Medal to Beverly Sweigart, Chief Administration Officer, and Tina Lutter, Corporate Director of Public Relations for the Masonic Villages, for their many dedicated years of exceptional service to Freemasonry in Pennsylvania.
Traveling within the Commonwealth has been very rewarding, recognizing lodges that celebrated 100-, 125-, 150- and 175-year anniversaries. These enduring lodges exemplify the resilience and tradition of Freemasonry, and their histories serve as inspiring stories of perseverance and service. I have also attended and participated in donor receptions, a Masonic Congress, Eastern Star Unity Day, the annual Amaranth program, Scottish Rite reunions, Youth Appreciation Day, visits to other jurisdictions, board meetings, York Rite meetings and parades, to mention just a few.
On June 28, 2025, I was honored to attend and constitute Spartan Traditional Lodge No. 817. May this lodge “Ignite the Light Within,” and be a beacon of Truth, Charity and Brotherhood. Members also celebrated the 175th Anniversary of North Star Lodge No. 241. What a special occasion for the brothers of Warren and the surrounding areas of Erie!
Our efforts to revitalize struggling lodges continue to be successful with the help of the Revitalization Committee and the Membership Engagement Committee. These brothers are finding ways to engage members, strengthen bonds within their lodges and connect with the community. Over the past several months, numerous training sessions have equipped our officers with knowledge to lead effectively, as education is the cornerstone of a thriving lodge. We are blessed to have dedicated educators on our Organization Process and Strategy Committee who lead and perform quality training.
The Grand Master’s essay project has been completed. Each lodge was asked to write about the three most influential members of their lodge: the one who was the most influential in the community, in the lodge and in Masonry overall. I encourage you to attend your lodge’s stated meeting in September, when these interesting essays will be read.
On July 4, Independence Day, veterans, members and guests boarded two chartered buses from the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia. This was truly a memorable experience for all who witnessed the placing of a wreath by the Grand Lodge Officers.
I am deeply grateful for the incredible generosity and unwavering support shown for my charity of choice, the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program. Your willingness to give reflects the true spirit of charity and community. I am touched to be part of a program that has such a profound and meaningful impact on the lives of so many.
In conclusion, let us all continue to “Ignite the Light Within,” and inspire others to embrace their passion and potential to shine brightly.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Remember to nurture your inner light and share it generously with others. God Bless.
Larry A. Derr
R.W. Grand Master
Freemasonry Today
Celebrating the Birth of Our Nation
R.W. Grand Master Larry A. Derr, R.W. Deputy Grand Master Robert D. Brink and Deputy Grand Secretary Peter M. Kraus traveled to Boston in April to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Brother and Past Grand Master Paul Revere’s historic ride, the ensuing the battles of Lexington, where the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired, and Concord, Massachusetts.
Education
Membership
Highlights from Across the State
DSC04878
During the 2025 Pennsylvania Masonic Congress, Grand Master Larry A. Derr and the Grand Lodge Officers hosted presiding officers and secretaries from 16 Masonic bodies across the Commonwealth. Brother Tony Harvey presented on his book, “Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges,” which outlines key features of thriving Masonic lodges, identifying the elements that make lodges strong, happy and attractive to new members. A member of the Grand Lodge of England for over 30 years, Tony is actively involved in Scouts, as well. Grand Master Derr and Brother David W. Berry, Executive Director of the Masonic Youth Foundation, presented him with the Daniel Carter Beard Scouter Award. im
IMG_4170
Congratulations to Brother Harlan H. Talley, Jr., William L. Elkins Lodge No. 271, Philadelphia, who received his 80-Year Service Award in April. Harlan is 106 years young!
Lehighton – Officers 2 (Medium)
Congratulations to members of Lehighton Lodge No. 621 on their 125th Anniversary! R.W. Deputy Grand Master Robert D. Brink joined the brethren to celebrate and present various milestone and individually earned awards.
DSC04886
Philanthropy
Philanthropy
Pennsylvania Masons Shower Military Parents-to-Be with Support
Leandra Garcia, an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force stationed in New Jersey, was excited to attend the “Help for Our Heroes” Military Baby Shower in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, in April because she wanted to meet other moms-to-be who understood the struggles of being pregnant and in the military. She did just that and more, thanks to the event hosted by the Pennsylvania Masons and run with the help of generous volunteers.
Philanthropy
Brother Honored for Promoting “the Purest Form of Charity”
Brother Jack R. Wheeler was inspired to become Masonic District 16’s Blood & Organ Donor Chairman for personal reasons.
Back in 1992, his wife, Carol, needed a life-saving kidney transplant, and her older brother, Mike Fisher, volunteered to be a living donor. After her successful transplant the following year, Carol enjoyed 26 years of life until 2019, when she passed away from a severe heart attack.
Philanthropy
Is it Time to Consider
Nursing Care?As we age, everyday tasks become more difficult. Sometimes, they signal a greater need for daily care.
Have you noticed a loved one relying more and more on friends or family for help with personal care or mobility?
Is a loved one experiencing memory issues?
Do you worry about the physical safety or overall well-being of a loved one?
If any of these questions resonate with you, now may be the right time to explore nursing care options.
As a Pennsylvania Mason, you and your eligible family members have priority for admission at the Masonic Villages.
Nursing care provides around-the-clock services and is ideal for those who need assistance with:
- Bathing, dressing and toileting
- Eating
- Ambulation and mobility
- Medication management
- Monitoring of vital signs
Residents receive three meals daily, housekeeping services, recreational opportunities, social events and spiritual care. Rooms offer attractive furnishings, and residents have access to shared living areas, amenities and a spacious dining room.
We encourage people to plan ahead by joining our waiting list if they foresee needing nursing care in the future, including those diagnosed with conditions such as cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and other progressive conditions.
For more information about nursing care at the Masonic Village of your choice, contact:
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
717-361-4552
MVEadmissions@masonicvillages.orgMasonic Village at Warminster
215-672-2500
MVWadmissions@masonicvillages.orgMasonic Village at Sewickley
412-741-1400, ext. 43600
MVSadmissions@masonicvillages.orgFind Masonic Youth Groups Near You
Masonic Youth Groups at a Glance
Organization Age for Membership Number in PA DeMolay Chapter 12 – 21 14 Squire Manor 9 – 11 4 Contact: Mike Larkin | 717-512-2367 | mlgarden@verizon.net
Organization Age for Membership Number in PA Job’s Daughters Bethel 10 – 20 5 Jobie-to-Bee 8-9 5 Contact: Angie Chappell | 717-487-7845 | chris5255@aol.com
Organization Age for Membership Number in PA Knights of Pythagoras Council 7- 20 8 Contact: Kevin Mahoner | 215-747-3710 | mahoner412@msn.com
Organization Age for Membership Number in PA Rainbow for Girls Assembly 11-20 24 Rainbow Pledge Group 6-20 20 Contact: Helen Snedden | 412-279-7595 | hsnedden@aol.com
Organization Age for Membership Number in PA Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls Unit 8-18 9 Contact: Cheree Brown | 215-694-2469 | cnbpwm93@gmail.com
As a Pennsylvania Mason, the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of young people are numerous. Each of the five youth organizations, and their 61 satellite groups meeting across the Commonwealth, needs adults to assist as advisors and mentors. For more details, visit pmyf.org or contact the Masonic Youth Foundation office at 1-800-266-8424.
Support Your Favorite Masonic Charity Monthly
JOIN THE CORNERSTONE CIRCLE PROGRAM
Make giving easy and meaningful by authorizing a set monthly donation, automatically transferred from your checking account or credit card. It’s as simple and convenient as paying a bill, and you’ll receive a year-end giving statement to simplify your tax preparation.
To enroll, call 1-800-599-6454 or visit MasonicCharitiesPa.org.
Summer 2025 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 Gleason2025-05-27T13:08:14-04:00
