MASONIC CHARITIES of the R.W

2014 ANNUAL REPORT MASONIC CHARITIES of the R.W. Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Pennsylvania “We like to watch out for each other. When one of us is down, the other tries to be strong, but if we ever have any doubts, someone is always right here to take care of us. We couldn’t be luckier.” - Eva and Clyde Jordan, residents of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown THE MASONIC CHARITIES FUND MASONIC CHARITIES FUND AR.W. message GRAND fromMASTER ROBERT J. BATEMAN Our Masonic Charities balance the challenge of providing for current needs with anticipating what the future will bring. The mission of each charity drives us to provide for individuals in need in the name of Freemasonry and to prepare for the needs of tomorrow. The Masonic Library and Museum houses our fraternity’s and country’s historical artifacts, as well as beautiful artwork, enclosed in the architecturally- magnificent Masonic Temple. These items are a resource to us within Pennsylvania, as well as the international community. The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation gives kids a great advantage in life. It teaches them lessons for a successful and altruistic future. It also helps address important issues like bullying and child protection and recognizes adults for their dedication to shaping young lives. The Masonic Children’s Home gives up to 40 youth the chance to reach their goals in life while experiencing structure, guidance and friendship. They receive daily necessities and assistance to succeed in school and become responsible adults. The Masonic Villages are home to more than 2,800 individuals who have found a friendly, caring community. Since our founding through today, some residents receive services as part of our core mission regardless of their financial means, while enjoying the freedom to explore their interests and passions in a secure and loving environment. The Masonic Charities Fund offers help at a local, national and global level for Masonic and non-Masonic projects. You can learn more about each of these charities throughout this Annual Report and hear from those who have been impacted by your generosity. Your continued support is deeply appreciated. If you would like to contribute toward any of the charitable opportunities mentioned in this report, please complete and return the enclosed envelope. If you choose to make a provision for one of the Masonic Charities through your estate plans, we invite you to join the Franklin Legacy Society, described on p. 35. Thank you for supporting our Masonic Charities and for keeping Family and Freemasonry United Together as One. THE MASONIC CHARITIES FUND The Masonic Charities Fund was Philadelphia. The Masonic Temple stands established in 1993 by the Grand Lodge as a monument of the strength, stability of Pennsylvania. Contributions to the fund and energy of the Craft in Pennsylvania. benefit various charitable organizations, It is a significant priority to ensure that both Masonic and non-Masonic. future generations may benefit from the Most recently, the Masonic Charities Fund past accomplishments of Freemasonry has focused its support on the restoration exemplified through and within the Masonic and preservation of the Masonic Temple in Temple. 3 THE MASONIC LIBRARY & MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA One North Broad Street • Philadelphia, PA 19107 • 215-988-1900 • www.pagrandlodge.org The Masonic Temple, home of The Masonic Library London, Florence and Rome, andA Museum Sanctuary and Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, isand and they’re a gorgeous Showpiece and the hallmark of Pennsylvania Freemasonry; a long- magnificent, but our Temple standing symbol of fortitude and craftsmanship. The stands up to them in beauty significance of this structure may be most apparent and splendor any day of the to those who hold monthly lodge meetings in the week.” Masonic Temple, including St. John’s Lodge No. 115, St. John’s Lodge includes Philadelphia. 222 members, some of “Meeting at the Temple is special. The building is whom drive 45 miles to special,” Bro. Robert S. Santoro, Sr., secretary, said. attend meetings at the “It’s an incredible building; a showpiece. Any Mason Masonic Temple. This active lodge supports the who meets there doesn’t want to meet anywhere else.” building financially, in addition to community causes Bro. Robert realizes the impression the Masonic near and dear to its members. They restore Masonic Temple leaves on people, especially those who see it graves in a local cemetery, and hold a clothing drive for the first time. In his almost 25 years in the fraternity, and serve lunch at St. John’s Hospice, among other he can’t count the number of petitions he has gained efforts. In addition, their Motorcycle Riding Club after meeting a person downtown for lunch and then sponsors an annual motorcycle ride to raise funds bringing him to the Masonic Temple. for the Children’s Fresh Air Home in Wildwood, N.J. “By the time the tour is over, they’re asking for a Brethren like Bro. Robert find the motivation petition,” he said. “They’re in awe. I think it’s one of to continue helping others in part through their the fraternity’s best assets.” inspirational surroundings. For Bro. Robert, the most impressive part of “When I walk through those doors, nothing the Masonic Temple is the architecture, carefully follows me through – no business problems or family constructed over five years (1868-1873) and problems,” he said. “It’s a sanctuary. I’ve felt that way meticulously preserved over the last 142 years with since the first time I walked inside.” the help of excellent management, attentive staff and Thanks to the support of generous donors, The supportive donors. Masonic Library and Museum has continued to “The quality of the rooms, the condition of the preserve and spread knowledge of Pennsylvania building – it’s so well maintained,” he said. “It’s always Freemasonry throughout 2014 and beyond. immaculate and always shines. I’ve visited lodges in The mission of The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania is to maintain and operate a library for the use of Freemasons and the general public and to maintain and operate a museum for the display of items of whatever character dealing with Freemasonry and related subjects. 4 SPREAD KNOWLEDGE SHINED IN THE SPOTLIGHT AND MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC LIBRARY The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania In October, NBC’s “Allegiance” series filmed two staff are working to make its collection available episodes in Philadelphia, taking viewers inside the online through the SydneyPLUS software and have Masonic Temple and making it the focus of the story completed the addition of the Masonic Village at line. “Allegiance” star Scott Cohen described the Elizabethtown library collection. A researcher can Masonic Temple as a “truly fascinating place to be access titles from Philadelphia and see if they are … The history, number one, is phenomenal, and I’d also available in Elizabethtown. never been in a Masonic temple, ever.” Library staff addressed questions from Masons, Including the stars of “Allegiance,” researchers and the general public, including more approximately 10,783 visitors walked than 377 genealogical and general inquiries. through the Masonic Temple for tours and events, generating more than $64,000 in revenue. RESTORED MASONIC TREASURES Museum staff led tours for 15 Renovations to the Masonic Temple continued to descendents of decorative painter preserve the National Historic Landmark, valued at Bro. George Herzog, who created more than $1 billion (including the building and its 80 percent of the Masonic Temple’s contents), for future generations. original mural art. University of the Improvements included refurbishing the fountain Arts Museum in the main foyer, scaffolding Corinthian Hall to allow Exhibition Planning touch-up painting repairs, refinishing the Filbert Street & Design students, doors and upholstering the Wanamaker benches and staff and in the lower level hallway. All 174 stairs and two board members landings on the east staircase received new treads, from The Speed a new sound system was installed in Corinthian Hall Art Museum also and the Museum was enhanced with new window toured the Temple. curtains and shades. The Broad Street entrance is a little brighter thanks to rewiring and new LED lights. CONDENSED FINANCIAL SUMMARY Condensed Statements of Unrestricted Activities for the years ended Dec. 31, 2014 and 2013 2014 2013 Operating revenues $289,109 $304,836 Operating expenses 3,176,615 3,047,313 Loss incurred in the fulfillment of our charitable mission ( 2, 8 87, 5 0 6) (2,742,477) This loss has been historically covered by the following support from the members and friends of the fraternity: Gifts and Bequests 181,683 132,007 Contribution from Masonic Villages 2,124,960 1,906,559 Contribution from Grand Lodge - 23,000 Contribution from Masonic Charities Fund 100,000 500,000 Investment income and realized gains earned on accumulated past 30,963 35,884 support from the members and friends of the fraternity Deficiency of revenues, support and gains over expenses $(449,90 0) $(145,027) Any excess of revenues and support over expenses is reinvested so The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania can continue to provide services. 5 PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC YOUTH FOUNDATION 1244 Bainbridge Road • Elizabethtown, PA 17022 • 717-367-1536 • www.pmyf.org Bro. Bill Glose, P.M., Jordan-Martin Lodge No. Executive Officer’s staff. A673, Allentown, Respectable was just four merit badges away from “DeMolay Life is still high on becoming an Eagle Scout when he attended his first my list because of what it DeMolay function. He instantly recognized the value of taught me and what it gave being a part of a Masonic youth group and committed me – a respectable life,” he all his time and energy to it.

Load more