Freemasonry Today
Freemasonry Today
Grand Master’s Message
Brethren,
There are those who will tell you that our world, our country and our people are so widely polarized that they fear for our children’s future.
I wish all who fear could witness anytime Freemasons meet, because they would see how vastly different people CAN and DO get along, enjoy one another and build great things together, through unity.
That doesn’t mean we share the same politics, religion or financial status. No; we are very different people, but we are above our differences.
I have hope for our future because our great Masonic institution demonstrates how people should care for and treat one another.
Our lodge friendships enrich our lives and strengthen our purpose: to make good men better through honor, integrity, tolerance and duty to our country and our fellow man.
It all starts with the firm foundation of our blue lodges, the vital grassroots of all Masonic memberships. Without blue lodge membership through the Grand Lodge, we cannot be members of other Masonic organizations such as York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine and numerous other appendant bodies that enhance our individual journeys and unique experiences.
When you step back and look at what Freemasons have accomplished through the centuries, it’s a breathtaking measure of the unity of our membership. Each of our lodges recently submitted their rich histories to preserve for perpetuity, and every single one is impressive and inspiring.
I am so proud to be part of this brotherhood, and you should be, too.
Freemasons truly change lives. Our mission is worthy. That is why it is vital that we – today’s Freemasons – assure our traditions continue long into the future.
While some of our younger generation believe they are too busy to participate, those who join the fraternity when they get older wish they would have decades prior. This trend underscores the value of being a Freemason: we share a brotherly love that people desire and need in their lives.
As humans, we are designed for community, and our brotherhood promises that you are never alone. If you’ve ever been lonely, you know this promise means everything.
As a Freemason, you can travel the world, find a lodge and participate, even if you don’t speak the same language.
You always have a place to go and a brother who will help you. We are one. I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel good.I would like to share with you a poem written by the brethren of Newtown Lodge No. 427:
Brethren, I challenge you to
Ignite the Light Within
To do your best, to guard against
Its precious glow going dim
Fan the flame and you will see
What our fraternity can truly be
Remember when you came to the light
The joy you felt … oh, the high that night
It can be rekindled as you rededicate self
To brotherhood, fraternity and Masonic wealth
So Ignite the Light for the world to see
How Pennsylvania Freemasons ought to be
As your journey continues
On this path of light
Remember always
Without a flame, it’s surely nightIf you know a good man who exemplifies the qualities of an ideal Freemason, I encourage you to invite him to consider the gift of membership. It may be just the nudge he needs to
“IGNITE THE LIGHT WITHIN.”
Sincerely and fraternally,
Larry A. Derr
R.W. Grand Master
Freemasonry Today
June Communication Highlights
R.W. Grand Master Larry A. Derr presented 17 Master Builder Awards, one Master Pillar Award and one Century Club Award, as well as the Region Ritual Awards at the Grand Lodge Communication on June 1 in Erie, PA. He also presented Outstanding Service Awards to Brothers Eric S. Berger, P.M., Union Lodge No. 324, Mifflintown; and William E. Rabbitt, P.M., Perry Keystone Lodge No. 392, Erie.
Freemasonry Today
Planting Symbols of Freedom
Since the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania committed to supporting the Liberty Tree Project in 2021, America250PA faced an unexpected challenge: acquiring enough propagated trees to plant. While six Liberty Trees had been planted by the end of 2023, plenty more were needed to cover all 67 counties in the Commonwealth.
Membership
Membership
Small But Mighty: A Lodge Making Its Mark
Western Crawford Lodge No. 258 resides in Conneautville, PA, a rural farming community with a population of about 736. Located in Crawford County – about 40 miles south of Erie – the lodge has about 52 members.
Founded in 1852, the lodge is small, but mighty, said Brother Ryan Cottrell, Secretary, who along with Brother Douglas Carr, Worshipful Master, is working to grow membership back to what it was many years ago (about 100), when a lodge could survive on just dues alone.
Membership
Fueling an Entrepreneurial Spirit
Running a small or family business is filled with daily challenges that test knowledge, abilities and patience. Entrepreneurs are often responsible for managing everything in front of and behind the scenes, while ensuring they’re surrounded by people they trust. The satisfaction of doing it their way and growing as businessman and Mason makes the hard work worth it for several brothers across the state.
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.
Education
Education
Membership Engagement & Lodge Revitalization Efforts
Brother Steven Shimp, P.M., St. John’s Lodge No. 435 and Teutonia Lodge No. 367, both of West Reading, has been traveling to various districts within the Commonwealth sharing helpful information, processes and tools to assist lodges with membership growth and engagement.
Education
James Buchanan: The President and the Mason
On paper, Brother James Buchanan was highly qualified to be president of the United States. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, as Foreign Minister to both Russia and Great Britain and as Secretary of State for President Polk.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy
Ready and Eager for What’s to Come
Four seniors at the Masonic Children’s Home are getting ready to spread their wings, leave the nest and explore new opportunities. They are primed for success, thanks to their time spent at the children’s home, made possible by generous donors who invested in their futures.
Philanthropy
Boy Scouts & DeMolay: A Perfect Pair
It’s been a memorable year for Mason C. Barrick, Past Master Councilor of Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay. The 18-year-old joined Prince Edwin – Spring Creek Lodge No. 486, Middletown, with his proud father conferring all three of his degrees; he’s been appointed Chaplain of his lodge; he’s served Pennsylvania DeMolay as State Junior Councilor; and he earned his Eagle Scout in the fall of 2023. At his Eagle Scout Court of Honor, he was presented with several special awards including the Masonic Eagle Scout Lapel Pin, and a large representation of his DeMolay family was in attendance.
Philanthropy
Power 5 Leadership Weekend
The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation (PMYF) held a Power Five Leadership Weekend for nearly 80 youth and adult leaders from the five Masonic youth organizations it supports: DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, Knights of Pythagoras, Rainbow Girls and Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls, at the Masonic Conference Center-Patton Campus.
Philanthropy
Rainbow Launches New Program
The two years of isolation during the pandemic caused a lapse of mentorship, resulting in a leadership void within the Rainbow Girls assemblies in Pennsylvania. Supreme Inspector Helen Snedden and her team of adult leaders have developed a plan to address this by providing opportunities for the younger girls to get together to learn about Rainbow through games, fun activities, food and fellowship while engaging in service projects.
Summer 2024 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