Philanthropy

After the passing of his wife, brothers rallied around Brother Ken Nute to support him in his move to Masonic Village.

Our Masonic Charities provide reflections on the past and hope for the future. While each charity focuses on a unique mission, together they improve the lives of those within our care, building stronger, brighter communities and bettering humanity.

A few years ago, members of the Tall Cedars Norristown Forest No. 31 decided to sell the Norristown Cedar Club and meet at Norristown Lodge No. 620.

Thanks to proceeds from the sale, the Forest is able to generously support multiple charities, including the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program, Shriners Children’s and the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Reading. Thanks to proceeds from the sale, the Forest is able to generously support multiple charities, including the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program, Shriners Children’s and the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Reading.

Zeredatha-White Rose Lodge No. 451, York, donated $75,000 to York County Child Abduction Response Effort (CARE) to fund the county’s next bloodhound, aptly named “Mason.” It will also cover his specialized training, a new K9 vehicle and equipment.

Brother Ed Hoover reflects on the support he's received from the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor program while on his transplant journey.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.