2015 ANNUAL REPORT MASONIC CHARITIES of the R.W. Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Pennsylvania “Without the children’s home and the people who give, I wouldn’t be where I am today, that’s for sure. I’ve got everything I need to go forward.” - Shinely, Masonic Children’s Home MASONIC CHARITIES FUND AR.W. message GRAND fromMASTER RAYMOND T. DIETZ Built on a foundation of love and compassion, the five Masonic Charities support those of all ages and needs. Thanks to generously given funds and time, the Masonic Charities give way to a future dedicated to keeping the Masonic legacy alive and continuing to help individuals of all ages evolve and thrive. Each charity symbolizes a different mission, but all have positively impacted countless lives in 2015. The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania has served as a pride piece for Masons since 1873 by educating and inspiring the public, preserving Masonic history and serving as a beautiful backdrop to significant moments in Freemasonry. The Masonic Temple, Library and Museum has continued to be a National Historic Landmark of which we can all be proud. The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation provides education and programs to develop leadership and character among the youth of Pennsylvania. Each Masonic youth group receives educational resources, training and opportunities for scholarships in support of their future goals. Within the Masonic Children’s Home, which is fully supported by donations, up to 40 youth experience the love and care provided within a structured and secure surrounding. With many opportunities for growth, learning life skills, taking on new responsibilities and exploring their interests, these youth are free to dream. The Masonic Villages demonstrate their Mission of Love by providing care and security to residents, regardless of their ability to pay. More than 2,800 individuals call Masonic Village home, where they can discover their passions within a loving environment. The Masonic Charities Fund offers help at local, national and global levels for Masonic and non-Masonic projects alike. These projects may include scholarships or disaster relief, but recently have focused on preserving the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum. You can learn more about each of these charities throughout this Annual Report and hear from those who have been impacted by your kindness. If you would like to continue your support, please complete and return the enclosed envelope. Donors, thank you for supporting our Masonic Charities and for keeping Freemasonry and our philanthropic goals alive. THE MASONIC CHARITIES FUND The Masonic Charities Fund has and disaster relief across the globe to reassured thousands throughout the years, operations and purchases for the Masonic as it provides help where and when a need Library and Museum, held within the beautiful arises. Established in 1993 by the Grand and nationally recognized Masonic Temple in Lodge of Pennsylvania, the fund has been Philadelphia. used to support anything from scholarships 3 THE MASONIC LIBRARY & MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA One North Broad Street • Philadelphia, PA 19107 • 215-988-1900 • www.pagrandlodge.org Each fellow member of Bro. Ed Achilles’ Lodge is considered part of his family. His required attendance at Embodying Masonicmeetings and functions is neverPride seen as a chore, but as an opportunity to spend time with those closest to his heart. Bro. Ed became a Mason four years ago, encouraged after witnessing what the fraternity does for its brothers and community members. As a family and business man, Bro. Ed wanted not only to better himself, but to impact the lives of those around him. After his first year, he began expanding his commitment and advancing through the chairs in Concordia Lodge No. 67, Jenkintown. Now, as Worshipful Master, Bro. Ed leads the Lodge in planning brotherly get-togethers, educational opportunities and community events. With the Masonic Temple, home to the Masonic Library and Museum, so close by, many of these activities center around its amenities. “Standing at the beautiful grand entrance of the Temple makes you proud to be a Mason,” he said. “It makes you want to put more time, energy and love into your role, just like those who came before you. It’s a “The Temple feeling unlike any other.” To Bro. Ed, the Masonic Temple also displays modern signifies what others innovation at its finest. Its builders were forward-thinking, have done before us. preparing for modern conveniences prior to their invention. “It’s amazing what the builders thought of,” he said. Nothing embodies “Ventilation systems were even installed for future heating and air conditioning. These Masons were at least 50 years Masonic pride before their time.” Bro. Ed, fellow members of Concordia Lodge and many better.” others like them know the importance of the Temple’s preservation - that’s why they choose to give. Whether it be funding for new benches, a restored welcome desk or Grand Ballroom, every thought counts in conserving the building that remains a constant icon in an ever-changing world. 4 MASONIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA MASONIC LIBRARY WELCOMING NEW TREASURES EDUCATING THE PUBLIC The Masonic Library and Museum obtained artist In 2015 alone, the Masonic Temple Brad Clever’s painting of the Masonic Friend to Friend received 10,733 visitors from all over the scene at the battle of Gettsyburg (far left) in 2015. nation, many of whom were mesmerized The scene depicts Union Captain Henry Bingham, a by the Temple’s ornate structure and seven Pennsylvania Mason, as he comes to the aid of his themed lodge rooms, which possess unique Masonic brother, fatally wounded Confederate Brigadier design work of unmatched detail and quality. General Lewis A. Armistead of Virginia. The painting will Thanks to those join the more than 30,000 treasured artifacts housed who help keep the within the Temple. doors of the Temple open, the history of the Masonic fraternity can PROTECTING MASONIC HISTORY be outwardly displayed Renovations to the Masonic Temple continued to while demonstrating the preserve the National Historic Landmark, valued at Masonic traditions and more than $1 billion (including the building and its values of today. contents), for future generations. Renovations and improvements in 2015 included the installment of 56 security cameras, the refinishing of the Filbert Street door, fence repair, replacement of floor and ceiling tiles, lobby updates, window sill painting, the installment of Wi-Fi in the John Wanamaker Room and more. CONDENSED FINANCIAL SUMMARY Condensed Statements of Unrestricted Activities for the years ended Dec. 31, 2015 and 2014 2015 2014 Operating revenues $257,150 $289,109 Operating expenses 3,254,851 3,176,615 Loss incurred in the fulfillment of our charitable mission (2,997,701) ( 2, 8 87, 5 0 6) This loss has been historically covered by the following support from the members and friends of the fraternity: Gifts and Bequests 306,184 181,683 Contribution from Masonic Villages 2,221,533 2,124,960 Contribution from Grand Lodge 266,483 - Contribution from Masonic Charities Fund 280,000 100,000 Investment income and realized gains earned on accumulated past 27, 721 30,963 support from the members and friends of the fraternity Excess (deficiency) of revenues, support and gains over expenses $104,220 $(449,90 0) 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 take on leadership opportunities and volunteer in Giving Back their communities. With the help of generous donors, PMYF provides education to its members, as well as programming and scholarships. By organizing their own activities and participating in conferences, youth members also have the opportunity to observe and develop leadership skills, just as Bro. Glen experienced, which will serve them well in any field of work or study. “The foundation demonstrates the commitment of today’s Masons to the next generation,” Bro. Glen said. Throughout his career, Bro. Glen has played a large role in passing several pieces of important legislation including major reforms to Pennsylvania’s pension system and the state’s criminal justice and corrections systems. Prior to becoming executive director of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System, a $48.8 billion public pension system, Bro. Glen served as an elected State Representative for the 87th District in the Pennsylvania House of Since his youth, Bro. Glen Grell, Past Master of Representatives. Prior to his election, Bro. Glen was St. John’s Lodge No. 260, Carlisle, has worked on a practicing attorney. developing a strong work ethic, organization and Amidst his busy career, Bro. Glen finds time to leadership skills. He has seen many accomplishments volunteer his service on the Board of PMYF. A member in both his professional and personal life and credits of the Scholarship Committee since 1990, Bro. Glen his involvement with the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth has served as chairman for years. Foundation (PMYF) for playing a role in his success. “It has been very exciting to watch PMYF’s “My older brother was a member [of Pennsylvania scholarship program grow from nothing to awarding DeMolay] and our parents thought the program would over a million dollars to deserving students,” Bro. be good for me, too,” Bro. Glen said. “They were Glen said. “It’s extremely rewarding to assist deserving right. Masonic youth groups are all about providing youth in the pursuit of their educational dreams.” opportunities for personal development and fun, all By devoting his time and commitment, Bro. Glen is in a wholesome and virtuous environment.” allowing future youth to be positively impacted by the Youth can be quite impressionable. Therefore, to organization, an experience he is proud to pass on.