Cover of Summer 2024 Freemason featuring man with crossed arms standing in front of The Bagel Place logo.
Portrait of man in front of "The Bagel Place" store logo.
Pennsylvania Freemason logo.

Summer 2024

Photo of men in garden nursery with Square and Compass logo
Closeup portrait of man in his barber shop with icon of hands shaking
Drawing of Ben Franklin and assistant with kite string with graduation cap icon
Group of teens dressed up with heart icon.

Freemasonry Today

Membership

Education

Philanthropy

Freemasonry Today

Get Involved

Visit the main Pennsylvania Masons site for a current list of upcoming events.

Membership

  • Membership

    Two young men standing together in Masonic Temple.

    Bringing a Youthful Energy to the Craft

    Millennial and Gen Z Masons, with the mentorship of long-time Masons, work together to drive membership and reinvigorate their lodges.

  • Membership

    Group of smiling Masons standing together in lodge room.

    DeMolays Embracing Masonry

    In the past 18 months, the number of active DeMolays becoming Masons increased; in fact, there are currently 12 “DeMolay Masons.” Leaders in their home chapters, these young men developed an earnest desire to increase their fraternal experience because of the Masons who have served as their advisors.

  • Membership

    Red, white and blue wreath on stand in front of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

    Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

    The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania celebrated Independence Day by honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

  • Membership

    Men standing around newly planted tree.

    Greater Johnstown Lodge Opens Doors to Growth

    Freemasonry came to Johnstown, Pennsylvania – a small city located about 65 miles from Pittsburgh – in 1854 when Cambria Lodge No. 278 was constituted.

  • Membership

    Group of men in masonic dressed standing together in lodge room.

    A Treasure of a Man

    Brother William (Bill) Lowe, Garfield Lodge No. 559, DuBois, has an impressive attendance record. He was raised in December 2001 and has made almost every stated and extra meeting, only missing one or two due to health or bad weather.

  • Membership

    Group of smiling men with pillars behind them.

    Making Amigos in Mexico

    While vacationing in Mexico, most people enjoy the beautiful beaches or explore the ancient Mayan ruins. But when three Pennsylvania brethren recently visited with their wives, they had another destination in mind- a Masonic lodge.

  • Membership

    Illuminated post with mailbox labeled "letters to Santa" surrounded by snow.

    Spreading Holiday Cheer Through Letters to Santa

    In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brother Ryan Parsons, P.M., St. John’s Lodge No. 435, Reading, and his wife, Amy, found a way to bring some much-needed holiday cheer to their neighbors. Since they were unable to take their three young children to visit Santa in person, they decided to pivot, taking on the roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves.

  • Membership

    Closeup of volunteers handing out food.

    Masons Offer Shelter for Homeless Population

    Imagine facing freezing temperatures and blistery windchill, knowing you have no place to go for the night. Thanks to Upper Bucks Code Blue and Quakertown Masonic Lodge No. 512, local individuals experiencing homelessness have a safe place to enjoy a warm meal and sleep.

  • Membership

    Man in construction hat and gloves sanding drywall.

    Freemasonry Returns to Spartansburg

    Freemasonry is making a formal return to Spartansburg, Pennsylvania, with the newly constituted Spartanburg Traditional Lodge No. 817, a significant milestone after a 50-year absence from the community.

  • Membership

    Group of men in Masonic dress standing under pavilion in front of audience.

    8th Masonic District Celebrates Membership & Charity

    The 8th Masonic District awarded the 75-year Diamond Jubilee to Brother and Dr. William D. Cribbs. Following this ceremony, a ribbon cutting was held for a custom-built pavilion and furniture donated by Lodge No. 9 to Masonic Village at Warminster.

Education

Philanthropy

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