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

    Group of men holding trophies standing with Deputy Grand Master Larry Brink.

    Sporting Clays Results

    Thanks to our generous sponsors, the Sporting Clays events netted $32,932 to support Grand Lodge operations.

  • Membership

    Well-lit cozy typewriter shop.

    A Lodge of Craftsmen

    With so many people experiencing “digital burnout” right now, Brother Bill Rhoda’s South Philadelphia typewriter business, Philly Typewriter, is thriving, not failing – as one might expect. Bill is one of several members of Lodge No. 52 with a high level of expertise and commitment to his craft.

  • Membership

    Man dressed in revolutionary war costume leaning against a wall.

    America’s Rising Tour Guide

    Brother Stephen Pierce, Cassia Mt. Horeb Lodge No. 273, Ardmore, has been a history buff since he was a young child. As a historical tour guide, he enjoys the challenge of making history interesting to people.

  • Membership

    Group of people in vests, police officer and his dog stand in front of the group.

    From Stagnant to Successful One Lodge’s Journey

    A little over four years ago, Vaux Lodge No. 406 in Hamburg was facing declining attendance and waning engagement, brought on largely by the impact of COVID-19 and the loss of several long-time members.

  • Membership

    Smiling family, including a man, woman, girl and young boy, standing in front of ESPN Big Bracket signage. The girl is holding up a plaque.

    Stepping Up to the Plate

    Brothers Lester Gaunt and Jim Novak, two men from neighboring Masonic lodges, were involved in coaching the Johnstown-area girls’ softball team that went on to win the Little League Softball World Series, the first time for Pennsylvania in almost 50 years.

  • Membership

    The Veterans grove at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, a flag-lined bath leads up to a loggia surrounded by trees.

    Celebrate America’s 250th Honor a Hero with a Commemorative Paver

    Honor a loved one with a commemorative paver to be placed at the Veterans Grove at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown or the Veterans Garden at Masonic Village at Sewickley.

  • Membership

    Large, white cruise ship with a clear blue sky behind it.

    Masons Sail in Solidarity

    A large group of Masons from District 14 bonded during a cruise to Florida and the Bahamas this past May. Members attended from each of the six lodges in Pike County, Wayne County and part of Lackawanna County.

  • Membership

    Smiling men holding up coats.

    District 25 Collects Coats for Kids

    A community-based program for District 25 created by Past District Deputy Grand Master Jack E. Flaugh, P.M., Crawford Lodge No. 234, collected and distributed coats and accessories to area children in need this winter.

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