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I Am Symbolic Masonry I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days when men first dreamed of God. I have been tried through the ages and found to be true. The crossroads of the world bear the imprint of my feet, and the cathedrals of all nations mark the skill of my hands. I strive for beauty and for symmetry. In my heart is wisdom and strength and courage for those who ask. Upon my altars is the Volume of the Sacred Law and my prayers are to an Almighty God. My sons work and pray together, without rank or discord. By signs and symbols I teach the lessons of life and of death, and the relationship of life and death, and of man with man. My arms are widespread to receive those of lawful age and good report who seek me of their own free will. I accept them and teach them to use my tools in the building of men, and thereby, find direction in their own quest for perfection so much desired and so difficult to attain. I lift up the fallen and shelter the sick. I hark to the orphan's cry, the w idow's tears, the pain of the old and destitute. I am not a church, nor a political party, nor a school, yet my sons bear a full share of responsibility to God, to country, to neighbor and themselves. My sons are free men , tenacious of their liberties and alert to lurking dangers. At the end I commit them as
THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON Distribution Office MASONIC HOMES Elizabethtown, Pa. 17022 (Send FORM 3579 to Above Address)
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The PENNSYLVANIA
FREE1WASON AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION Of THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS Of PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUME XXVI
MAY • 1979
NUMBER 2
Pennsylvania Ladies' Pin Approved by. Grand Lodge Architect's drawing in.dicat~s furnis.hings to be used when renovation ofresidential guest quarters at Masonic Homes is completed. See story on page 6.
Circulating Library Increases in Popularity A number of requests for the rules and regulations and list of the books available at the circulating library of the Grand Lodge were received as a result of the information contained in the last issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason. each one undertakes the journey beyond the vale into the glory of ~ve_r lasting life. I ponder the sand w1thm the glass and think how small is a single life in the eternal Universe. Always have I taught immortality, and even as I raise men from darkness to true Masonic Light, I am a way of life. Yes, I am Symbolic Masonry.
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The articles appearing from time to time have produced a steady increase in the number of readers , but the response to the last issue far exceeded all previous responses. This may be due to our members increasingly becoming aware of the ease by which books may be borrowed and that the mails may be used in borrowing and returning the books as well as in applying for them. All mail inquiries receive prompt attention. Regardless of the desires or needs of any Freemason- whether it be history, biography, symbolism or the romance of the fraternity - outstanding works by distinguished Masonic authors are available. Books are loaned for a period of three weeks, no charge being made for the service. Every Master Mason is invited to use the facilities of the circulating library - especially the newly raised brother.
Father Installs Son Bro. Clyde 0 . Burns, a past master of Cassia Lodge No. 273 held at Ardmore, had the honor and privilege of installing his son, Bro. Richard C. Burns, as worshipful master at the stated meeting of December 7, 1978. It was the first time in the 125 year
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history of Cassia Lodge that a past master has installed his son to the office of worshipful master.
Following many months of research and design work, the desire of Pennsylvania Masons to provide to their ladies a tangible expression of appreciation for their understanding and devotion has resulted in the creation of an attractive new ladies' pin. In announcing the creation of the pin, Grand Master Walter P. Wells expressed his hope that it will be worn by wives, widows of Master Masons, and all ladies of families with Masonic connections. The Grand Master also suggested that the lodges consider presenting the new pin to widows of former members as a means of recognizing their contributions to the fraternity. "Too often the wives of our deceased members feel that their connection to the fraternity has ended," he said, adding, "They remain a vital part of this fraternity and the presentation of this pin may provide the opportunity to regain contact where it has been lost." The Pennsylvania ladies ' pin is comprised of Masonic symbols.
Designed in a metal of gold color, it is three-quarters of an inch in diameter and features an unbroken wreath of acacia with a Masonic emblem overlaid on a keystone. The unbroken wreath of acacia, or evergreen, esteemed as a sacre d wood, symbolizes the mysteries of life and death; of time and eternity, and of the present and future. The square and compasses with the letter "G," for God, is recognized worldwide as the mark of a Master Mason. The center area of blue enamel is the color of symbolic Masonry, the "Blue Lodge," and stands as a sym-
ACTUAL SIZE
bol of virtues as expansive as the blue arch of heaven itself. The keystone has long beeq the symbol of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and specifically identifies the pin with Freemasonry in Pennsylvania.
Freemasonry is a fraterm;tl organization, universal in scope, teaching through symbols the garnered wisdom of the ages. It has as its purpose the gathering of men from all strata of life that they may meet on a common level, and strive to live together for the predominance in the human race of the ideals of brotherhood, trust, altruism, charity, honesty, morality and education, that the progress of man be onward and upward. J. H. Highsmith
The purchase price of the pin has been established at $3.00, covering the actual cost of manufacture and distribution. The Grand Lodge adopted a resolution during the March Quarterly Communication that provides the necessary sum for the initial purchase of the pins, with the proceeds from sales to be used as a rotating fund to replenish inventory. Those lodges or indivisuals wishing to purchase pins may do so by completing the order form on page 4 of this issue. Checks should be made payable to the Grand Secretary. It is expected the pin will gain wide acceptance and provide the opportunity for ladies of Pennsylvania Masons to recognize one another and know that they share a common bond. They will know they share the patience and the sacrifice of time and companionship that allows us the opportunity to practice the principles of this great fraternity.