Making a Mason at Sight: A Pennsylvania Tradition The PENNSYLVANIA continued from page 1.

the wrong character would be chosen a Mason came from the candidate him­ Lodge's Committee on Correspondence. for this honor, and there is no record self, who had to petition for a dispen­ Another case was that of well-known of this ever happening in Pennsylvania. sati on from a Grand Master. In later Philadelphia department store entre­ REEI\IASON The custom of making a Mason at practice, however, it became an unre­ preneur, John Wanamaker, made a sight in Pennsylvania was first officially quested honor conferred by a Grand Mason at sight by Grand Master Willian1 AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE RIG HT WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF PENNSYLVANIA authorized by the 182 5 edition of the Master upon a candidate, who had pre­ ]. Kelly in 1898. Wanamaker later Ahiman Rezon, which listed as one of vio usly expressed interest in joining became a member of Lodge No. 400, VOLUME XXXIV AUGUST • 1987 NUMBER 3 the Grand Master's powers: " To cause the Fraternity. Jenkintown, and was active on the masons to be made in his presence, at Since 1855 sixty-two men have been Grand Lodge Committee on Library. any time and at any place, a lodge be­ honored by being made Masons at Other prominent Pennsylvanians to be September Communications to Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of ing opened by him for that purpose." sight in Pennsylvania, as many as in all made Masons at sight included fu ture Unofficially, however, making other American Masonic jurisdictions governor of Pennsylvania, Samuel W. the Constitutional Convention and the Making of a Mason-at-Sight Masons at sight had been done fo r a combined . All were men of high char­ Pennypacker, in 1897 and Andrew W. long time already. In the eighteenth acter who already had, or were about Mellon, secretary of the Treasury, in century for example, Grand Masters to make, outstan ding contributions to 1928. The R.W. Grand Master, Bro. Carl W. Stenberg, Jr., has o riginal colonies have been invited by the Grand Master to routinely allowed candidates to take all society. The record of making Masons at called an Extra Communication of the Grand Lodge for Fri- participate in the celebration along with dignitaries from three degrees in one night, provided of One of the most prominent individ­ sight in Pennsylvania is held by Grand day, September 11, 1987, to be held in Philadel- ---~"1.!"-:;-iilli...... _ Masonic organizations throughout the country. course that they had met the other re­ uals to become a Mason by this method Master Benjamin Page (in office 1932- phia for the purpose of making a Mason-at- The officers of the Shrine, Ancient Accepted quirements. Most often, the types of was Richard Vaux, later mayor of Phil­ 1933) who made nine. He is followed Sight. The meeting w ill take place in the Scottish Rite, Grand Commandery, Grand individ uals who were allowed to pro­ adelphia and United States congress­ by William A. Carpenter (1984-1985) Masonic Temple and will include vis- Chapte r and the youth organizatio ns ceed in this fashion were those who man, who was made a Mason by Grand with seven. William]. Kelley (1897- iting dignitaries and officers of the will also number in the invited held occupations that did not permit Master Joseph R. Chandler in 1842. 1898) and ]. Willison Smith (1928- military who will be in attendance guests along with the military dig- them to remain in one place for too Vaux then petitioned and was accepted 1929) each made five. There is no pat­ to honor a Lieutenant General of nitaries. It is fitting that this his- long, such as a merchant with overseas by Lodge No. 3, Philadelphia, and he tern or rule regarding the frequency of the Air Force, who will be made torical city be the background connections, a seaman or sailor, o r a quickly rose up the ranks of Freema­ making Masons at sight; each Grand a Mason-at-Sight. He is an for the meeting since the his- soldier on leave. Probably several hun­ sonry to become Grand Master himself Master decides this matter for himself. alumni of the former Thomas tory of our country is so im- dred men became Masons in this way. in 1868. For many years Vaux was the Altogether, only twenty-four Grand R. Patton School fo r Boys at portant to us as Freemasons. In this period the initiative to become outspoken Chairman of the Grand Masters of Pennsylvania have exercised Elizabethtown. The making of The Grand Lodge will con- this prerogative. a Mason-at-Sight is the unique vene at 1 :30 p.m. in the Ma- Throughout American Masonic his­ prerogative of a Grand Master. sonic Temple . An interesting tory, Pennsylvania's firmly-established The following day, Saturday, part of the communication·w ill The Pennsylvania Freemason custom of making a Mason at sight has September 12, 1987, a Special be the number o f visiting Ma- Distribution Office been the source of much controversy. Communicatio n will be held in sons d ressed in the regalia of Second Class In various periods some other Masonic Masonic Temple POSTAGE place of the regular September their office coming together to One North Broad Street PAID jurisdictions have questioned the prac­ Quarterly Communication commem- hon·o r ·th0se men who centuries Philadelphia, Pa. 19 107-2598 Philadelphia tice while others have accepted it. Pennsylvania orating the convening of the Consti- ago set down the principles of a new Critics argued that it violated the un­ tutional Convention w hich was held in the Constitution of the changeable Landmarks of the Fraternity; the city of Philadelphia 200 years ago...... _.~:::!!}~!$ defenders said it was an unquestioned Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries of the 13 Continued to page 10. prerogati ve of an absolute Grand Master. Twenty-six American jurisdic­ tions have never had this right exer­ cised by their Grand Masters and five of them have expressly forbidden it. Making a Mason at Sight: A Pennsylvania .Tradition Lff:'Ji\Y******** A CLAY* *******~ . l )- / 5 1 6Zt. On the o ther hand, twenty-three juris­ dictio ns have had Masons made at by Dr. Wayne A. Huss sight, but only eighteen of them within At a special Grand Lodge Commun­ Grand Master o n the autho rity of his not have to wait a month between Ma­ 26£, LdTH\JLJP ~0 the last century. ication to be held on September 11 , position as Pennsylvania's chief sonic degrees as is normall y required, SR~~SE PJIN T f~~ MI 4~436 Perhaps the most notable case of 1987, to commemorate the bicenten­ Masonic official may elect to make a but receives all three degrees in one making a Mason at sight in another nial of the United States Constitution, man a Mason w ithout having him go day. Keeping in mind the high require­ jurisdiction was the Grand Lodge of R.W. Grand Master Carl W. Stenberg, Jr. through the usual process o f petition­ ments of Masonic membership and O hio's conferring this honor upon will make a Mason at sight. In doing so, ing a lodge, submitting to an investiga­ considering a Grand Master's long ex­ President-elect William Howard Taft in he carries forward a tradition of lo ng tio n into his background, o r await the perience as a member of the Craft, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to above. February 1909, several weeks before standing in Pennsylvania Freemasonry. o utcome of a vote of lodge members. there is little likelihood that a man of Please include complete imprint of address on your postal return clipping. his inauguration. According to this procedure, the In addition, the chosen individual does Continued to page 12.

12 Grand Lodge of Connecticut Honors Grand Master Stenberg

The Grand Lodge of Connecticut Master for being instrumental in pre­ Jr. , Right Worshipful Grand Master of has presented its highest award for dis­ senting, at the Grand Master's Con­ the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted tinguished Masonic service to the R. W. ference, held in Arlington, Vi rginia, Masons of Pennsylvania and Masonic Grand Master, Bro. Carl W. Stenberg, Jr. February 16, 1986, a resolution ap­ Jurisdiction Thereunto Belonging, The The presentation was made by the proving the establishment of a National Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze for Bro. William G. Rusch, Grand Master of Washington Lodge No. Most Worshipful Bro. Dennis L. Elkins, Masonic Foundation for the Prevention distinguished Masonic service." Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of 164, the Pennsylvania Scottish Rite Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among The Pierpont Edwards Medal was Pennsylvania, died April 22, 1987. Consistory, Pittsburgh; York Rite during the 209th Annual Communica­ Children. conceived in 1939 as a Medal of Honor After service in the U.S. Army bodies; Perseverance Royal Arch tion of the Grand Lodge of Connecti­ The Grand Lodge of Connecticut for Masonic Service and was first con­ Air Corps in World War II he re­ Chapter No. 21; Harrisburg Coun­ cut on March 31 and April 1. continued by attributing Grand Master ferred upon ten outstanding Masons at cil No. 7; Pilgrim Commandery ceived degrees from Washington A four-page resolution detailing Stenberg as being "a prime supporter the 1 50th Anniversary observance of No. 11 of Knights Templar; Gorgas and Jefferson College, Western Grand Master Stenberg's accomplish­ in starting this vital Program, realizing the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Lodge of Perfection; Pennsylvania Theological Seminary and the ments was made part of the presenta­ the Challenge to Freemasonry, and to A.F.&A.M. of Connecticut. Council of Princes of Jerusalem; tion ceremony and cited the Grand each of us as Masons, thoroughly rec­ Ph.D. degree from the University This Medal of Honor derives its Pittsburgh Chapter of Rose Croix; ognizing the impact of drugs and name from the distinguished citizen, of Pittsburgh. and Syria Shrine Temple, Pitt­ alcohol in our society; and that our patriot and Mason who was the first Bro. Rusch was active in his pas­ children are being victimized." Grand Master of Masons in Connec­ sburgh. He was Grand Prelate of torates in Tarentum, Pittsburgh The final paragraph of the resolution ticut, Pierpont Edwards. the Grand Commandery of states, " For his outstanding achieve­ and Washington, all in Penn­ Knights Templar of Pennsylvania. ments as a man and a Mason, and in sylvania. Also, he was very active Rev. Dr. Donald G. Lester, Bro. recognition of his interest in young in various committees of the Rusch's pastor, said: " He was people and the welfare of his Com­ Synod of Pennsylvania of the deeply committed to his church munity, and in recognition of his un­ United Presbyterian Church of the and his Lord. He lived his faith selfish and dedicated service to the U.S.A. right to the very last moment of Masonic Fraternity where so ever dis­ Rev. William G. Rusch his life." bursed, the Most Worshipful Grand He was a member o f, and Past Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Connecticut takes great pride in recognitio n of all his Masonic accomplishments, by awarding Right New Appointment in Philadelphia THE PENNSYLVANIA Worshipful Brother Carl W. Stenberg, FREEMASON Effective May 15, 1987, Bro. Robert Publication No. USPS 426-140 A. Pore, P.D. D.G.M. and D.D.G.M. Issued Quarterly Grand Master's Itinerary Liaison Coordinator assumed the posi­ February, May, August and Novem­ ber at the Masonic Temple, Philadel­ AUGUST THROUGH NOVEMBER tion of Assistant to the Grand Master. Bro. Pote is retired from the Jones phia, Pennsylvania, by The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of The AUGUST OCTOBER OCTOBER and Laughlin Steel Corporation where Most Ancient and Honorable Frater­ 15 Masonic Picnic, Valley of 3 Special Communication of the 23 Special Communication of Grand he served in the capacity of General Philadelphia, A.A.S.R. Grand Lodge. Dedication of Lodge. Cornerstone Laying and nity of Free and Accepted Masons of 21 Committee on Masonic Homes, Lodge Hall. Liberty Lodge No. Dedication of the Samuel M. Supervisor. He was educated in Phila­ Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdic­ Elizabethtown 505, Port Allegheny Goodyear Building, Masonic delphia and attended the University of tion Thereunto Belonging. SEPTEMBER 10 I OOth Anniversary, Ashlar Lodge Homes, Elizabethtown. 1:30 p.m. Hawaii. Grand Lodge Officers No. 570, Lykens 24 Masonic Congress Committee Carl W. Stenberg, Jr., R. W. Grand Master 11 Extra Communication of Grand Bro. Pore is a member ofWoo.dlawn 16 Dormont Lodge No. 651, Dormont Meeting, Masonic Homes, Arthur J. Kurtz, R. W. Deputy Grand Master Lodge for the Purpose of Making Elizabethtown Lodge No. 672 in Aliquippa. He has W. Scott Stoner, R. W. Senior Grand Warden a Mason at Sight, Masonic 17 Special Communication of Grand NOVEMBER been a member for 36 years and served Edward H. Fowler, R. W. }11nior Grand Warden Temple, Philadelphia Lodge. Dedication of Lodge Arthur R. Diamond, R. W. Grand Treasurer 12 Special Communication of Grand Room. Homestead-Amity Lodge 5 200th Anniversary, Montgomery as Worshipful Master in 1962. Bra. Thomas W. Jackson, R. W. Grand Secretary Lodge. 200th Anniversary No. 582 and Wilson Lodge No. Lodge No . 19, Philadelphia Pore is an active member of the 37th • 714, Homestead 7 Special Communication of Grand Celebration of the Constitutional Masonic District School of Instruction. Editor Convention, Corinthian Hall, 19 80th Anniversary, Laurel Lodge No. Lodge. Laying the Datestone, Robert A. Pote, Assistant to the Grand Master Masonic Temple, Philadelphia 651, Uniontown Pe rry-Ionic Lodge No. 796, His Masonic Affiliations include the Wexford 18-19 200th Anniversary of the Signing of 21 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program, Royal Arch Chapter No. 167 and the Disrribution Office-Mailing Address the Constitution, Grand Lodge of 10 Trinity Lodge No. 736, Pittsburgh MASONIC TEMPLE Masonic Temple, Philadelphia Valley of New Castle, A.A.S.R. He One North Broad Street, Phila., Pa. 19107 the District of Columbia 14 Annual Fall Reunion , Valley of 21 75th Anniversary, Peter A. B. Wid­ Williamsport, A.A.S.R. received the 33 o in September 1980. Postmaster: 25 Committee on Masonic Homes ner Lodge No. 671, Philadelphia Send address changes to above. Meeting, Elizabethtown 20 Fall Reunion, Caldwell Consistory, He served as D.D.G.M. of the 37th 22 Royal Order of Scotland, Second Class Postage Paid at Phila., Penna. 26- Supreme Council, Boston A.A.S.R. , Valley of Bloomsburg Washington, D.C. Masonic District from 1974 to 1985. 21 Fall Reunion Pennsylvania Vol. XXXIV August 1987 No. 3 OCTOBER 23 Committee on Masonic Homes Consistory, A.A .S.R. Valley of Bro. and Mrs. Pore have two children - 1 Supreme Council, Boston Meeting, Elizabethtown Pittsburgh Bm . Robert A . Pate and four grandsons.

2 3 June Quarterly Masonic Reactions to the Constitution by Dr. Wayne A. Huss (Clockwise from right) Bro. Nor­ ton Neil Hamovitz, a member of On September 17, 1787, the Consti­ New York finally accepted the Con­ on supp ressing his subjects' liberties. Solomon-Oakland-Ft·aternity tution of the United States was signed stitution by only th ree votes on July Now that a new American government Lodge No. 231 in Pittsbutgh was by thirty-nine of the fift y-five delegates 26, 1788. was established, Smith believed that all awarded a Project Solomon II who had been meeting in Philadelphia It would be helpful to know how sorts of benefits would occur, includ­ throat medallion as a Master throughout the previous summer. many men attending the state ratifying ing progress in the arts and industry, Builder at the june Quarterly Another seven probably would have conventions were Masons. If the ma­ the advancement of science and phi­ Communication of the Grand signed it also, but they were absent at jority were, this would give additional losophy, commercial prosperity, Lodge of Pennsylvania; Grand the time of voting. The final document evidence of the sympathy of interest religious toleration, and, most impo r­ Master's Dinner; Soldiers and was a masterpiece of compromise between supporters of a strong federal tant, the growth of a free population. Sailot·s Memo1·ial Hall, Pitts­ among reasonable men who, although government and adherents to Masonic In his oration Smith even predicted burgh; Entertainment j o1· the differing in some specific ideas, none­ beliefs. that in the not too distant future the Ladies included a luncheon theless shared a common dedication to It is suspected that Hamilton, blessings of the United States govern­ cruise on the Liberty Belle. republican principles. Madison and Jay were Masons at some ment would extend throughout the Slightly more than half the signers­ point in their careers, but evidence to whole continent and would provide a twenty men, either were Masons at the support their memberships is circum­ civilizing influence " .. . over those time (thirteen), later joined the Frater­ stantial. Hamilton was present at a deep forests which are now accustomed nity (one) or had possible, but un­ meeting of American Union Lodge in only to the tread of the rude savage and proved, Masonic connections (six). Morristown, N.J., on December 27, the yell of wild beasts.'' He thought Three of the absent men favoring the 1 779; Madison, who may have joined that Freemasonry would be essential in Constitution were definitely Masons the Fraternity around 1795, was attack­ bringing this about: "The glorious vir­ and another one also may have been. ed for being a Freemason during the tue of patriotism will grow, with an Although it would be incorrect to say Antimasonic period; and John Jay wrote astonishing luxuriance, upon a soil that the Constitution was a Masonic a letter with Masonic references on nobly prepared and cultivated with document, it is clear that many ideas April 21 , 1779, to George Washington. humanity, benevolence and brotherly expressed therein were consistent with A number of prominent Pennsylvania love." Masonic principles; otherwise so many Freemasons also appreciated the value Smith's appreciation for the United Masons could not in good conscience of the United States Constitu~i on . One States Constitution was shared by have approved it. of these was Charles Smith, a lawyer other Pennsylvania Masonic orators of The Pennsylvania Franklin Medal Awarded Bro. George N. Holmes The process of ratification of the and Master of Lodge No. 22, Sunbury, the period, especially his father who Constitutio n began in the fall of 1787 Northumberland County, who came delivered a Masonic sermon in l 795. The Pennsylvania Franklin Medal is neted to a Thirty-Third Degree in the known as PPG Industries. He is married when special conventions convened in from an important Pennsylvania Ma­ Another was the Rev . Dr. Samuel the most prestigious award of the A.A .S. R. , Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. to the fo rmer Carol A. Thompson and the original thirteen states. By the end sonic family. His father was the Rev . Magaw, Rector o f St. Pauls' Episcopal Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. It is Bro. Ho lmes's Masonic affiliations they have two children and two grand­ of the year three states-Delaware, Dr. William Smith, provost o f the Col­ Church, Philadelphia. For example, in awarded by the consent of the elected include Bellevue Chapter No. 286, Pitts­ child ren. Pennsylvania and New Jersey-had rat­ lege and Academy of Philadelphia and a 1793 Masonic sermon he said: line officials to recognize distinguished burgh Commandery No. 1, Knights ified the document unanimously, and Grand Secretary of the Pennsylvania " . . . happy is our estate in this lettered service to Freemasonry in general and Templar; Mt. Moriah Council No. 2 and by the following June seven others had Grand Lodge (1778-1 782), and his age and in this land of liberty; we pro­ to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in in 1972 he became a member of United followed suit, although some votes brother was William Moore Smith, a fess our sentiments with freedom and particular. Bro. George N. Holmes re­ States Premier Conclave, Knights of had been close. Since only two-thirds future Grand Master of Pennsylvania w i thO~It fear." Undoubtedly, there ceived the Pennsylvania Franklin Medal the Red Cross of Constantine and Ap­ majority of the states was necessary for (1796-1797). On St. John the Evangel­ were many other Pennsylvania Free­ on June 3, 1987 in Pittsburgh. pendant Orders, where he filled the app roval, the new government had ist's Day, December 27, 1787, just two masons who appreciated the Constitu­ In 1945 Bro. Holmes petitioned position of Puissant Sovereign and now been officially established. weeks after Pennsylvania had ratified tion, but who left no w ritten record of Bellevue Lodge No. 530 and later Trustee of the conclave. New York still had not ratified, how­ the Constitution, Charles Smith deliv­ their opinions. became a warrant member of Col. Right Worshipful Past Grand Master ever, and this state's participation was ered an important oration about it to In the late eighteenth century the Bouquet Lodge No. 787 (which merged Bro. John K. Young appointed Bro. essential because of its size, geograph­ the members of his lodge. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania officially with Lodge No. 45). He offi ciated as Holmes on December 27, 1967, to the ical location and economic influence. Smith's address was filled with patri­ took a neutral stand on political issues; Worshipful Master during 1964 and office o f the Grand Marshal and he A great political battle ensued between otic allusions and praise for the federal it did not support any one faction over served thereafter as Grand Lodge continues to hold that appointment. those in fa vor of the Constitution, call­ system of government. In it he enthu­ another nor did it permit members of Representative. Bro. Holmes was active in the United ed Federalists, and those opposed to it, siastically expressed appreciation for the Fraternity to discuss politics within As a past Commander-in-Chief of the States Navy during and after World called Antifederalists. Instrumental to the many personal freedoms the Con­ a lodge. The Pennsylvania Masonic Pennsylvania Consisto ry in the Valley War II and compiled a total of 3 7 years the cause of the former was a series of stitution allowed. Looking back over constitution, the Ahiman Rezon, urged of Pittsburgh, Bro. Holmes currently of service. He received many combat essays published in the local press writ­ the past dozen years of hisrory, Smith Masons to become peaceable citizens acts as Director of Work and Trustee. awards, including the Bronze Star. B-ro. George N. Holmes receives Franklin ten by three men, Alexander Hamilton, justified the American people's revolt and to remain loyal to the enlightened He is a member of Syria Temple, His professional life was spent in the Medal from R. W Grand Master, Carl W James Mad ison and John Jay, who ex­ against Great Britain, which in his opi­ government under which they lived, A.A.O .N.M.S . In 1968 he was coro- employ of Pittsburgh Plate Glass, now Stenberg, jr. plained and defended the new system. nion had been ruled by a tyrant intent Continued to page 8.

4 5 Masonic Homes Events

I

May was named " Older Am ericans the Bainbridge Elementary School. the St. Peter's Parochial School in Eliz­ tainment was p rovided and refresh­ Bro. Carl W. Stenberg, Jr., Right their 1 OOth birthday. Month " by a proclamation issued by The guests of the Masonic Homes abethtown . Each student had been ments were served outside on the Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand This beautiful party was carefully ar­ the President of the United States, were asked to w rite an essay entitled asked to write an essay on "My Adopted patio . Lodge of Pennsylvania, awarded "Cen­ ranged so that each Centurian sat at a thereby focusing national attention on " What the Masonic Homes Means to Grandparent" and the w inner was A " Centurian Club" was o rganized turian Club Certificates" to each mem­ table which bore his or her name, with the elderly in this nation. Me " . The w inners were Nelson Valen­ Anthony Grim. Other guests were vis­ at the Masonic Homes to hono r those ber of this extraordinary club. fam ily and friends. A lavishly decor­ Several activities were held during tine, Evelyn Shaw and Lavinia Regar. ited by third grade students from Mill guests who have reached their 1 OOth Other speakers included Bro. Alithur ated three tier cake w as iced with the month to honor the guests at the " A warm, friendly and cheerful Road Elementary, w ho participated in birthday. Seven guests were a century ]. Kurtz, Right Worshipful Deputy "Centurian Club" o n it. Flowers from Masonic Homes in Elizabethtown. greeting welcom ed me. Instinctively I the essay contest " My Trip to the old, o r older, and they became charter Grand Master, Daniel Mader, Mayor of the Masonic Homes Greenhouse were On May 4th, a balloon launch was sensed I would find contentment, hap­ Masonic Homes", w hich resulted from members of the club. Elizabethtown , and Bro. Joseph E. presented to each guest and also deco­ scheduled to commemorate the occa­ piness and a ho mey atmosphere," an earlier fi eld trip to the Homes, and A special birthday party was held Murphy, Executive Directo r of the rated the tables. sio n, but due to rain was rescheduled wrote first prize winner, Nelson Valen­ the winner was Kirsten Beamenderfer. on May 2 1st in the Grand Lodge Hall Masonic Homes. A player piano sounded througho ut for May 22nd. The other activities tine. His essay radiates his own satisfac­ Other groups who visited the guests Ice Cream Parlor for this select group. Representative Kenneth E. Brandt, the parlor as the company ate cake went on as planned. tion with the Masonic Homes. that day were fi rst grade students from The seven charter members were 98th District, presented colorful cita­ with ice cream and fresh strawberries. Special visito rs for this event includ­ " Frankie Dee" provided music an d E. High Elementary, who participate in ho nored: Elizabeth J. Bachman (age tions from the House of Representa­ On May 22 nd, the "Balloon Launch" ed Arthur Kurtz, Right Worshipful refreshments were served in the Tem­ the " Pen Pal Program" and local 100) , now deceased; Emma L. Metcalfe tives of Pennsylvania to each o f the took place from the Grand Lodge Hall Deputy Grand Master and the Chairman p le Dining Room . Brownie Troops. (age 101 ); Bertha M. Marrett (age 100); Centurians. The Seal of the Common­ Patio. Each balloon contained a note of the Committee on Masonic Homes, On May 5th, the guests at the Mason­ There was entertairunent and refresh­ Eda P. Rosenheimer (age 106); )esse T. wealth of Pennsylvania was prominent inviting the finder to contact and meet Congressman Robert Walker from the ic Health Care Center, w ho participate ments were served. Taylor (age 101 ); Lillie H. Seabold o n each. the guest for a tour of the Masonic Sixteenth District, Mayor Daniel Mader in the " Grandparent Program" were A similar event was held on May 6th (age 100); and, C. Weldy Williams In the future all guests will be in­ Homes and a special treat in the Ice o f Elizabethtown, and students from joined by the first grade students from fo r Masonic Health Care Guests. Enter- (age 103 ). ducted into the "Centurian Cl ub" o n Cream Parlor.

6 7 Meyersdale Lodge No. 554 Project SOLOMON II Handbook Revised

Bro. Robert E. Walker, A revised Directors Handbook for tiona! content will be provided to Dis­ his own lodge and to himself to pre­ Worship ful Master of Mey­ Project SOLOMON II was issued in trict Directors and Lodge Directors of serve our great fraternity united for the ersdale Lodge No. 554, an­ May 1987 in time for the May Directors Project SOLOMON II throughout the future. To sit by idly while the Masonic nounced that the Lodge had Workshop . The new manual will be coming year. Suggestions for Lodge lodges dwindle and ultimately die, provided a float in the used by your Lodge Director to assist programs will be provided on a regular each Master Mason fails in his oath and Maple Festival Parade. the Worshipful Master, the Lodge Sec­ basis . obligation to bring help to the widow's The theme of the spec­ retary and the Lodge Officers in meet­ In his opening letter of the manual, son. " taet!lar float was " The ing the goals of Project SOLOMON II. the Right Worshipful Grand Master, Do you know your Project SOLO­ American Constitution and The revision of the Handbook was Carl W . Stenberg spoke of the task of MON II Lodge Director? His name is in the Masons Who Signed It." done by Dr. Elvin G. Warfel, a member all Masons. the Lodge notice. Will you help him The United States Constitu­ of Newtown Lodge No. 427 with help " Each Master Mason in Pennsylvania with his important responsibilities in tion was displayed on a from members of the committee. Addi- has a duty to the Masonic fraternity, to making your lodge grow? huge scroll in the center of the float and on small scrolls beneath the Masonic Emblems were the names You and SOLOMON II of the signers who were Masons. The first copy of the newsletter You shared among the brethren. As this 1987 distribution. This float exposed around and SOLOMON II was issued in June, message is spread individual Masons Do you have a news brief that could 2,000 people to the fact that 1987 and has been well received. should realize they are the strength of be shared with the Masons of Pennsyl­ Masons had an important Masons from many areas of the state the fraternity. vania? Send any news to the fo llowing part in the w riting and the have been showing appreciation for a A second issue of You and SOLO­ address: signing of the Uni ted States short publication that celebrates the MON I I will be mailed to the Lodge Dr. Elvin G . Warfel, Editor Constitution . "good deeds" men of the fraternity are Secretaries early in August. The second Box 224 doing. newsletter will be included with the Chalfont, PA 1891 4 Your SOLOMON II committee be­ September, 1987 lodge notice. A third Your input is needed to share the good 75 Year Membership Certificate Awarded Requests for Information lieves there are many good things to be issue will be prepared for December, work of Masonry. Director Drew W. Washabau reports the Project SOLOMON II Brochure " What is it Masons Do" has brought over I 500 requests for information. Project SOLOMON II®Master Builders Many people asked about the Masonic ·' BRO. STUART KAHN, Athelstan Lodge No. 482 Homes and the Education Loan. Each BRO. D. REED ANDERSON, Friendship Lodge No. 663 request for information w ill be an­ BRO. CHARLES R. BEARD, Mt. Lebanon Lodge No. 226 BRO. HENRY W. KOCHER, Whitfield Lodge No. 622 swered. Have you sent your reques t?

BRO. ARTHUR R. BELTZ, SR., Orrstown Lodge No. 262 BRO. HOWARD E. NICKLAS, JR., Wm. H . Miller Lodge No. 769

Masonic Reaction to BRO. LEE A. BILGER, Mount Union Lodge No. 688 BRO. NORMAN E. ROGERS, York Lodge No. 266 Constitution BRO . W ILLIAM R. BUCCHI, SR. , Whitfield Lodge No. 622 continued from page 5. BRO. HERMAN. T. ROSE , Perkiomen Lodge No. 595 BRO. KENNETH]. COREY, Prospect Lodge No. 578 T he new federal system of govern­ BRO. DOMINICK ]. SALAMATIN, · Richmond Lodge No. 230 ment established by the United States BRO. LEROY]. DAVIS, Cumberland Valley Lodge No. 315 Constitution clearly proved to be a BRO. JOHN H . SHAFER, Lodge No. 106 positive benefit to all Americans gener­ BRO. ROBERT A. DELP, Fort Washington Lodge No. 308 ally and to Masons in particular. Unlike BRO. JOSEPH M . SHANHOLTZ, Rising Star Lodge No . 126 some European countries which, be­ BRO. GARETH G. DIEM, Manheim Lodge No. 587 cause o f the arbitrary whims of hostile BRO. ROBERT D. SPANGLER, Hermitage Lodge No . 8 10 rulers, followed determined policies o f BRO. MILTON L. FRAZIER, Prospect Lodge No. 578 Bro. Ernest Otto Henning, ]r., member of Lodge No. 45, was awarded persecution of Freemasons, the Amer­ BRO. THEODORE G. STOUT, Whitfield Lodge No. 622 BRO. CLAIR W . HEATH, Maclay Lodge No. 632 a 75 year Membership Certificate on April 2, 1984. Bro. j ohn P. ican government encouraged the join­ Fleming, Worshipful Master, and Bro. Malcolm F Lovejoy, Secretary, ing o f voluntary associations as one BRO. JAMES S. HERR, Manheim Lodge No. 587 BRO. LARRY P. WALTERS, Wm. H . Miller Lodge No. 769 ofB ethel Lodge No. 761 made the p resentation. Bro. Henning lives in means of ind ividual expression. In this Bethel Park and bas attended Bethel Lodge No. 761 f or m any years, so atmosphere of personal freedom the BRO. JEFFREY D . HERSHEY, Acacia Lodge No. 633 BRO. DANIEL P. WILKINSON, Saucon Lodge No . 469 be is looked upon more as a member than as a visitor. Pennsyl vania Masonic Fraternity flourished.

8 9 New Masonic Temple of Tamaqua Lodge No. 238 District Directors Workshop at Elizabethtown

A workshop for District Directors of was drilled and the ground broken . Pt~ ojec t SOLOMON II was held at the Bro. Irving W. Bachman , D.D.G.M. Patton Campus, Elizabethtown, Pennsyl­ of the 45th Masonic District which in­ vania o n May 30, 1987. Seventy m en cludes Tamaqua, also attended many were in attendance. The day began w ith o f the meetings befo re and during the a worship service in the Wm. A. Carpen­ constructi on. ter Chapel. Reverend Kenneth E. Buck­ Vaal E. Kester, the current Worship­ walter set the tone fo r the day through ful Master, praised Bro. Bachman fo r a meaningful talk o n wo rking together. the help he had given the Lodge. The worksho p activities began w ith Bro. Russell Dietrich was selected to an inspirational talk by Bro . Dean construct the Temple and Bro. Paul F. Vaughn, author of Project SOLOMON Kunkel, P.D.D.G.M. , a representative II. The rem ainder of the morning was of the Grand Lodge and a member of spent in regio nal workshops. District the Committee o n Masonic Temples, Directo rs repo rted o n the work of the Halls and Lodge Rooms, visited the site lodges in membership retentio n, espe­ in Project SOLOMON II and to the pro­ slides will be shown to you in October. during the construction to determine cially dealing w ith the number of cedures used in the project. Dr. Warfel Bro. Arthur]. Kurtz, R.W. Deputy On May 2, 1987, Bro. Carl W. The first meeting of Lodge 238 was that all requirements of the Grand members suspended. gave attentio n to a section of the man­ Grand Maste r, spent the entire day in Stenberg, Jr. , R.W. Grand Master with held in the rooms of Ringgold Lodge Lodge were being m et. After sharing lunch in Memo rial Hall ual dealing with ideas fo r p rograms in attendance at the workshop. He favored the assistance of the Grand Lodge Of­ No. 318, 1.0. of F. , on July 13, 1849. This new Masonic Temple is a single w ith members of the High Twelve In­ the lodge. New material will be the men with kind remarks at the end fi cers, laid the cornerstone of the new Asa Packer, the famous railroad builder, story, brick building w ith a full base­ ternatio nal the workshop resumed. produced by Project SOLOMON II of the day stating the workshop was in­ Masonic Temple of Tamaqua Lodge congressman and philanthropist, at­ ment. The Lodge Room is o n the Each regio nal directo r gave a summary throughout the year. teresting and Project SOLOMON II held No . 238 F. & A. M. About seventy tended that meeting and the first three ground level and the basement area of activity in his region. Direct evidence Bro. Edward Weisser, P.D.D.G.M., promise fo r the future. Bro. Samuel C. District Deputy Grand Masters and degrees of Masonry were co nferred contains recreation and dining space. was given of hard work and success in and Region 2A Director, presented the Williamson, R.W. Past Grand Master other lo dge dignitaries accompanied upon him . The building is fully air-conditio ned keeping men in the fraternity. Follow­ second set of slides about Project spent a large portion o f the day with the Grand Lodge Officers. The laying In 1983 Lodge 238 considered aban­ and has ample space for entertainment ing the regional reports Dr. Elvin G. SOLOMON II. Brother Weisser pre­ the District Directors Workshop. of a cornerstone, o r datestone, is one doning the old building and erecting a in the recreatio n and dining areas. Warfel, a mem ber of Newtown Lodge pared the slides and the accompanying Director Drew W. Washabau sum­ of the few Masonic ceremonies per­ new one and the p resent building was Open house tours of the building No. 427, Editor, presented the revised narratio n as one of his contributions to marized the day's work and reviewed fo rmed in public. begun in 1985 when an artesian well were enjoyed by all. Directors Handbook. Emphasis is being getting the story of Project SOLOMON the challenges of the future for Project given to the responsibilities of officers II to the fraternity . The second set of SOLOMON II.

,------~--- Celebrating the Constitution I Want to Know . .. Special The Master Builders:· September 1987 is a time fo r all bration? Project SOLOMON II is p re­ mittee o n Masonic Educatio n in devel­ Communication A History of the Grand Lodge ofFr ee Masons to celebrate the Constitution of paring a pack of materials on the o ping Lodge programs for September, We believe that there are many Ma­ to Make and Accepted Masons ofPenn sylvania the United States. What is your Lodge Constitutio n to be used along with 1987. Packets w ill be sent to your o ns in Pennsylvania w ho have ques­ a Mason at Sight Enclosed is my check or money order in doing? Will you be there for the cele- m aterials from the Grand Lodge Com- Lodge Director in August. tions about their Fraternity, but do not the amounr of S fo r __ copies know where to find the answers. Some Friday, September 11, 19 8 7 @S22.95 each payable to: of these questions may be thought­ R.W. Grand Secretary. New District Deputy Grand Master Appointed September Communication provoking, some may relate to terms, Sbip to: continued from p age 1. items o r procedures used in the Lodge Name Lddge No . The R.W. Grand Master, Bro. Carl W. and its ceremonies. There is nothing in Stenberg Jr. , has appointed Bro. An­ The schedule fo r Friday, September Freemasonry that does not have true Address Name Lodge No. thony R. Azzaro, Past Master of George 1 1, 1987 fo llows: Masonic signification. What do you G . Wagner Lodge No. 639, St. Marys, want to know? Ci ty/Sta te/Zip Address PA, District Deputy Grand Master of 10:00 a.m. Grand Lodge convenes. We are beginning a column in the the 33rd Masonic District, vice Bro. First and second degrees Pennsylvania Freemason to answer Telephone (area code) City/Sta te/Zip William A. Northey, resigned, effective conferred. Grand Lodge your questio ns. May 11 , 1987. called off from labor. Send them to: Number o f Meal Tickets Requested Telephone (area code) Bro. Azzato served as Worshipful 12: 30 - Luncheon in the Grand The Pennsylvania Freemason Master in 1958, chairman of the Build­ Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed The :!l)(l\'C prices indudc t;lxcs. pos t~1gc and h~ndl i ng costs. 1:1 5 p .m. Banquet Hall, Masonic Masonic Temple ing Committee and trustee. enuelope and send witb coupon to: Temple (by ticket o nly) O ne North Broad Street Mail to: He is married to Daisy Mae Oskorus Philadelphia, PA 19 107-2598 The Office of the Grand Master The Library & Museum and has twin daughters and a son. He is 2:00 p .m. Grand Lodge called on The Masonic Temp le T he Masonic Temple presently em ployed as Plant Manager to labo r. Third degree A w ell-informe d Mason is an One North Broad Street One Norrh Broad Street of Quality Components Inc., St. Marys. conferred. effective Mason . Philadelphia, PA 19 107-2598 Philadelphia, PA 19 107-2598

10 I 1