February 2026

A Special Bond

Officers of the Philadelphia Valley of the Scottish Rite conferred the Master Mason Degree on Bro. Michael E. Iezzi, partner of Bro. John D. Mosco, PM of Mozart Lodge No. 436. Brothers Mosco and Iezzi share something many of us don't get to—they are partners who get to share the Masonic Experience together.

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From the Desk of Brother William F. Moree, Jr.

District Deputy Grand Master, Masonic District B

We are also honored to welcome our new Right Worshipful Grand Master, Robert D. Brink, whose vision and programs beautifully weave together the shared ideals of our Fraternity and our Nation. His chosen charity—The Tun Legacy Foundation, Inc.—embodies the values of service, remembrance, and brotherly love that resonate deeply within all of us.

Brothers, this is our moment. A year filled with opportunities to demonstrate what Freemasonry truly stands for:

• Traveling to support our Lodges and each other.
• Including our families in the joy of our fellowship.
• Serving our communities with humility and purpose.
• Giving generously through charity.
• Strengthening our District through engagement and unity.

This newsletter is just the beginning. Together, we will build momentum, create uplifting experiences, and show the world what it means to be a Pennsylvania Freemason—and proudly, what it means to be a member of Masonic District B. I encourage every Brother to step forward this year. Join your Lodge committees. Participate in activities. Get involved in District events. Your energy, your ideas, and your presence can and will make a difference.

Let us make 2026 a year of renewed enthusiasm, stronger bonds, and unforgettable achievements.

Together, we will rise—and together, we will lead.

Brother William F. Moree, Jr.
District Deputy Grand Master

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From the Desk of Brother Nicholas Vettese, P.M.

District Education Chairman

Let's delve into the third option. Because the Lodges are outside of our jurisdiction, there are certain rules that should be followed:

1. Check Recognition: You should always make sure that the Lodge you are looking to visit is recognized by the Grand Lodge of PA. Your secretary has a book of all the Lodges we recognize, so an email with the information on the Lodge you want to visit and await your secretary's response.
2. Traveling Papers (Domestic): If you are traveling outside of the jurisdiction, you should work with your secretary to get traveling papers from the Grand Secretary.
3. Traveling Papers (International): If you are traveling outside the country, and want to visit Lodges in that country, you would need to get traveling papers from the Grand Secretary to visit these Lodges. This will be like your passport in being able to travel.

Always, whenever traveling to a Lodge that is not yours, contact the secretary to inquire about visiting their Lodge. Never show up unannounced. It is a courtesy and a privilege for you to visit another Lodge, and you should always be respectful when doing so.

When emailing the Secretary about visiting the Lodge, some of the questions you should ask are:

• Would it be okay if I attended a meeting?
• What time is the meeting?
• What is the dress code?
• Is there a dinner, and if so, what is the cost?
• I end with my secretary's name and email for verification purposes.

The Educational portion of the SOI will take place in the Lower-Level Dining Room opposite the Mentoring Portion with Bro Michael Ernst, PM. We look forward to seeing you and being able to work with you to help you on your Masonic Journey.

Sincerely & fraternally,
Brother Nicholas Vettese
District B Education Chairman

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Around the District & School of Instruction

District B School of Instruction (SOI)

The Masonic District School of Instruction (SOI) is scheduled to be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month (with exception to June and July) at 7:30 p.m. at the Philadelphia Masonic Temple. Remember to bring your Candidates so they may participate in District B Mentoring.

2026 Temple School Of Instruction Schedule

Monthly SOI Meetings @ 7:30 p.m.

• Feb. 24: TBD / Protocol / Mentoring
• Mar. 24: TBD / Protocol / Mentoring
• Apr. 28: TBD / Protocol / Mentoring
• May. 26: TBD / Protocol / Mentoring
• June. 23: TBD / Protocol / Mentoring
• Sept. 22: TBD / Protocol / Mentoring
• Oct. 27: TBD / Protocol / Mentoring

Regional Schools of Instruction

• Saturday, April 11, 2026 – Philadelphia Masonic Temple, 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Region 1 Officer Training Seminars

• Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Spring Ford Lodge No. 533, Royersford, PA
• Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Charity Lodge No. 190, Norristown, PA
• Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Community Lodge No. 744, Broomall, PA
• Saturday, October 17, 2026 – Newtown Lodge No. 427, Yardley, PA

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Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program

The Masonic Blood and Organ Donor Program promotes Masonic blood drives throughout Pennsylvania, heightens awareness and provides educational materials on sharing the gift of life through blood and organ donation. All Pennsylvania Masons are eligible for membership in the Masonic Blood and Organ Donor Program.

To become a member, complete the New Member Form. Dues are not required for membership in the Blood and Organ Donor Program; however, we still have operating expenses. Donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support of this vital program.

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Help Wanted: Broadsheet Writers

The District B Broadsheet is looking for your help! We are looking for Masons that want to improve their Masonic knowledge by researching and authoring articles for the Masonic Insight. This is a great way to improve your Masonic knowledge as well as helping to educate your Brothers.

Please contact the Editor, Brother Craig M. Applebaum, PM, at RWApplebaum@gmail.com if you are interested!

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Official Visit Schedule (February 2026)

Lodge Visitations

• February 9th – Hackenberg Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 19
• February 10th – Mozart Lodge No. 436
• February 12th – University Lodge No. 51

District Visitations

• March 12th – Shekinah Fernwood Lodge No. 246
• September 14th – University Lodge No. 51

*Notes from the Editor: Please submit your inputs for next month by the 15th unless you have pending activities that you want to include.

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Masonic Insight: A Brief History Of Masonic Charity

Charity is a universal characteristic of Masonry. It has been said that "the Masonic Way is to give without remembering and to receive without forgetting."

Shortly after 1717, when Lodges were still associations of stoneworkers and masons, the cessation of cathedral building and the expansion of overseas trade lessened the importance of the masons' companies, and they had to change to survive. From active trade associations whose primary function was the regulation of workers and their qualifications, as well as their working conditions, wages, rights and responsibilities, they gradually became mutual benefit societies concerned largely with charity and relief for the destitute and unemployed.

The earliest surviving Masonic documents, "Old Charges" or "Gothic Constitutions," dating from circa 1390 to the mid 18th century, outline a mason's duties to his God, his master, his family and society in general. Rev. Dr. James Anderson condensed these ideals into the preface of the 1723 "Book of Constitutions." In operative terms, the "Old Charges" called on the stone masons to assist a strange mason with up to two weeks' work and lodging. In speculative terms, they directed masons to aid the needy and act with charity toward all mankind.

In Dorothy Ann Lipson's book, "Freemasonry in Federalist Connecticut, 1789-1835," she describes how:

"Masonic charity differed in its underlying assumptions and in its style from civic charity. In Connecticut, charity was available to the settled members of a town, regulated by law, and invoked in times of extreme need and as a last resort. Persistent vestiges of the older Puritan ethic, which associated misfortune with divine retribution, made appeals to civic charity a painful necessity. Masonic charity, more broadly defined than its civic counterpart, was available to its members in times of personal crisis wherever they were."

She also notes:

"Masonic charity was secret, unlike civic charity whose administration made the entire town privy to the needs of each recipient. The derogation of character implicit in acknowledging poverty must have compounded suffering. In contrast, the Masons asked, 'What has the world to do with private transactions, whether a widow, an orphan or a pilgrim has obtained relief?'"

A touching example of this private, compassionate relief during personal crisis is cited: "Federal Lodge in Watertown, Conn., purchased a cow for the use of a widow and her children, and the cow was carried on its books for several years as a Lodge asset, presumably to spare the family the embarrassment of accepting charity."

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871

An interesting account of the Masonic relief provided after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was presented to the Illinois Lodge of Research by Illustrious Brother Samuel K. Zipp. Six miles long and three miles wide at the time, Chicago had a population of 334,000. The fire destroyed more than half of the city area and sent many thousands into the streets homeless, penniless and desperate.

At the time the fire started, Freemasonry in Chicago was flourishing, with 31 Masonic Halls in operation. Brethren were in dire straits; their families scattered, their homes gone and everything they owned lost. Masonic leaders formed committees to administer relief.

As word of the losses spread, contributions amounting to $83,089.06 in cash and $7,545.44 in supplies were received by the Masonic Board of Relief, hailing from Brethren and Lodges from Maine, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Illinois, Dakota Territory and British India. Appendant bodies donated thousands in addition. In fact, the response was so great that on Feb. 1, 1872, reports communicated that sufficient funds had been received to meet all legitimate needs; yet, still more contributions arrived.

The 1918 Influenza Epidemic

The influenza outbreak of 1918 devastated the world, killing an estimated 50 million people in contrast to the 16 million who died during World War I. One-fifth of the population worldwide suffered from the influenza outbreak to some extent, and one-fourth of Americans contracted it. The influenza epidemic struck the Elizabethtown, Pa., area as severely as other locations.

In a grand gesture of service to the community, doctors transferred the Masonic Homes residents without influenza from the Philadelphia Freemasons Hospital to the Grand Lodge Hall Infirmary and opened the on-site hospital to community members with influenza. "This became a splendid asylum for the sorely stricken families of the vicinity who had no place else to go," the Committee on Masonic Homes reported.

During the several months the hospital took patients from the community, 82 people with no Masonic affiliation received the best treatment possible. As a result of quarantines and precautions, no Masonic Homes residents or guests died from the influenza epidemic.

Modern Relief Efforts

Following the formation of the Masonic Service Association in 1919, Masonic relief was provided to numerous countries and within the United States following natural disasters including earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes/typhoons, tsunamis and wildfires, as well as terrorist attacks.

Following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, medical professionals from Shriners Hospitals, including Dr. Robert Sheridan, Assistant Chief of Staff at the Boston Shriners Hospital, helped to provide emergency care for victims in New York City. They were part of the Burn Response Team of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team which is activated by the Office of Emergency Preparedness under the oversight of FEMA.

Shriners Hospitals are also a part of the National Disaster Medical System, a first-response network of hospitals across the United States pre-identified to help in crisis situations. Although Shriners Hospitals are pediatric hospitals, dedicated to treating children, Shrine leaders stated that in light of the scope of this tragedy, they would assist adult victims, if needed.

Charity is at the core of Freemasonry. It has been since the founding of this great fraternity, and continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of society.

(Sources: www.msana.com; Short Talk Bulletins, May 1962, November 1979, May 1991, July 1997; Emessay Notes, December 2001, March 2013. Photo backdrop note: Statue by William Rush, 1756-1833, Masonic Temple, Philadelphia)

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DeMolay Northeast Chapter News

1. NE Chapter of DeMolay celebrated Bro. Thomas J. Phipps, PM as a 75-year member of NE DeMolay.
2. Newly Initiated member Cianan Clark joins Caleb Clark as a member of NE Chapter of DeMolay.
3. Bro. Tom was joined by Bro. Wayne Clark, PM, Chapter Chairman, and Bro. Amit Dinesh Vyas of Lodge No. 3 in celebrating the anniversary and initiation of membership.
4. The Event was very well attended by DeMolays from Pennsylvania as well as New Jersey.

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Richmond - Solomon's Lodge No. 3

1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Meeting: Third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Worshipful Master: Brother Rich Toliver, PM

Greetings Brother,

I hope this message finds you warm and well. I look forward to seeing you at the Temple for our Instruction, Stated and Extra meetings; it is important to keep our Lodge healthy by preserving our rituals. Brother, as I stated in last month's message, our activities committee and service committees are working diligently to coordinate events that I hope you will find interesting enough to come out and socialize as a lodge and serve the community as all good Masons do.

Dear Brother, I'd also like to take this opportunity to remind you that the dues for the 2026 Masonic Year are now due. If you have paid your dues, please disregard this portion of my message; however, if you have not paid your dues, I encourage you to do so to avoid transitioning to the status of not being in good standing. As a reminder, you can pay your dues online via Grand View, mailing the check to our secretary, or if you are able, come to a lodge meeting, break bread with the brethren, be enlightened by a program and pay your dues directly to the Secretary.

Best Regards and Be Well,
Bro. Rich Toliver, PM
Worshipful Master

• Stated Meeting: Tuesday, February 17th, 7:00 p.m. at the temple.
  Program: Freemasonry and the Civil Rights Movement. Presented by: WB Moises Gomez, PM; Past Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey.

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Hackenburg - Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 19

1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Meeting: Third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Worshipful Master: Brother Kyle McGarry

Greetings from the East,

After an incredibly productive meeting in January focusing on Lodge Revitalization, I invite you to join me for our February Stated Meeting, which will be held on Thursday, February 12th, 2026. This evening will serve as a significant occasion for our Lodge as we conduct our Official Visitation.

We are honored to welcome Brother William F. Moree, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master, who will perform his official duties and provide us with vital updates from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. This visitation marks an important transition as we begin the term of our new Right Worshipful Grand Master, Robert D. Brink. I look forward to hearing the vision and direction for the upcoming Masonic year.

Following the close of the Lodge, we have arranged a special program that celebrates our Lodge's unique heritage. We will move to the Museum located within the Masonic Temple. This session will highlight specific artifacts from the history of Lodge No. 19, offering us a rare opportunity to connect with the legacy of the Brethren who traveled the same road before us.

I encourage all members to attend this Stated Meeting to show our support for the District Deputy Grand Master and to share in the fellowship of our historic Lodge.

Brother Kyle McGarry
Worshipful Master

• Stated Meeting: Thursday, February 12th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Egyptian Hall.
  Topic: Museum with Lodge 19 Artifacts
• Extra Meeting: Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Ionic Hall.
  Work: Enter Entered Apprentice Degree

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University Lodge No. 51

1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Meeting: Second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Worshipful Master: Brother Aaron R. Kelley

Greetings from the East,

It was an absolute delight to see so many of you at our Stated Meeting and Festive Board last month. Thank you for helping to make our first gathering of the year a success!

During the business portion of the meeting, we discussed many important topics related to Lodge finances. Ensuring we are fiscally responsible is one of my top priorities this year, and I appreciate all who contributed to that conversation. I look forward to continuing these discussions and ensuring that we remain sensible and transparent regarding our use of Lodge funds.

From my perspective, our Festive Board—or Agape Feast—was a wonderful way to end the night. It was incredible to see so many of you there and I truly enjoyed the food, music, conversations, and conviviality we shared following the presentation. I hope you found the event to be a pleasant surprise and enjoyed the ceremonial aspects of the evening.

I would like to highlight two service opportunities in February: First, we are considering contributing to the 2026 Special Olympics Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 21 and are seeking individuals to "take the plunge." Do you have the willpower to do so? How about while wearing a Tuxedo coat? Please notify Bro. John D. Mosco, III, P.M. as soon as possible if you are interested in "taking the polar plunge" or if you are simply interested in attending to support our fellow Masons.

Secondly, the Lodge will be conducting an inventory of its property in the lockers at the Masonic Temple at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, prior to the School of Instruction & Lodge Instructional Meeting. Please notify Bro. Mosco if you can assist. If you are an Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, or new Master Mason, this will fulfill your Service requirement.

Thank you for all that you do to make this Lodge so great. I look forward to seeing you at our Stated Meeting and at the various other events we have planned this month.

Very Respectfully and Fraternally,
Brother Aaron R. Kelley
Worshipful Master

• Stated Meeting: Monday, February 12th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Egyptian Hall.
  Topic: The Many Meanings of Love
• Extra Meeting: Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., Ionic Hall.
  Work: Raise Master Mason Degree

Benjamin Franklin Celebration Sponsor

University Lodge No. 51 is one of the annual sponsors for the Celebration of Benjamin Franklin, Founder, held every year in January near his birthday. We had a good showing this year with the brethren turning out for the guest lecture at the American Philosophical Society, the procession to Franklin's grave at Christ Church Burial Ground, and the luncheon following.

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Saint John's Lodge No. 115

1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Meeting: Second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Worshipful Master: Brother Adin Michelen

Greetings from the East,

As we continue our labors together in this new year, we reaffirm the guiding theme that will shape our work, our conduct, and our purpose: Obedience to the Will of God. This principle is neither abstract nor passive. It requires intention, humility, and disciplined alignment with the moral framework entrusted to us through our Craft. When we order our lives in harmony with the Divine Will, our actions gain clarity, our decisions gain weight, and our labor gains meaning.

Freemasonry provides us with a system of values designed to refine the individual and strengthen the collective. The Square reminds us to act justly. The Compasses teach us to govern our passions. The Level calls us to recognize the inherent dignity of every human being. Obedience to the Will of God demands that we do more than admire these symbols—it requires that we live them, consistently and without compromise, both within the Lodge and beyond its doors.

February is traditionally recognized as a month of love, and it offers us a timely opportunity to reflect on how we express that love as Masons. Our obligation is not limited to affection or sentiment, but to brotherly love, relief, and truth in action. Brotherly love binds us together in mutual respect and support. Relief calls us to respond to human need with compassion and generosity. Brotherly love challenges us to extend our care beyond our immediate circle, bringing light, patience, and kindness into a world that often lacks them.

Let us therefore commit ourselves this month—and throughout the year—to being living examples of our principles. May our words be measured, our actions deliberate, and our intentions sincere. Through obedience to the Will of God, and in alignment with the timeless values of our Craft, may our labor be worthy, and may our influence be a quiet but powerful force for good.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Adin Michelen, WM

• Stated Meeting: Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
  Topic: "1810, The Birth of St. Johns Lodge" Presented by: Brother Harvey Sokoloff, PM
• Extra Meeting: Monday, February 16th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. (Dinner at 6:30 p.m., Lower Level Dining Hall)
  Work: Raise Master Mason Degree

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Shekinah - Fernwood Lodge No. 246

1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Meeting: Second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Worshipful Master: Brother Craig M. Applebaum, PM

Brethren,

Freemasonry played a quiet yet meaningful role in the birth of the United States. During the American Revolution, Masonic lodges served as places where men of differing colonies, faiths, and backgrounds could meet on equal footing, united by shared principles rather than divided by politics or rank. In an age of unrest, the values of Freemasonry—liberty of conscience, personal responsibility, moral virtue, and brotherly love—resonated deeply with those seeking independence and self-government.

Many leaders of the Revolution were Freemasons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and others. Their Masonic teachings reinforced ideals of freedom, justice, and the dignity of the individual—principles that would later be woven into the fabric of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. While Freemasonry did not direct the Revolution, it helped shape the character of men who did.

Lodges also offered a rare space of unity during wartime, where respect and fraternity could transcend political conflict. Stories of Masonic courtesy shown between opposing sides remind us that even in times of division, honor and humanity can prevail.

The American Revolution was ultimately a struggle for the rights and responsibilities of free men. Freemasonry, with its emphasis on moral improvement and enlightened thought, stood alongside that struggle—not as a political force, but as a steady influence on the minds and hearts of those who helped found a nation dedicated to liberty under law.

Please join us at our stated meeting for an in-depth program by Bro. Ryan Gomez on Freemasonry & the American Revolution.

Sincerely and fraternally,
Bro. Craig M. Applebaum
Worshipful Master

• Stated Meeting: Thursday, February 12th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Egyptian Hall.
  Topic: "Freemasonry & the American Revolution" Presented by: Bro. Ryan Gomez

• Extra Meeting: Thursday, February 26th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., Ionic Hall.
  Work: Enter Entered Apprentice Degree

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Mozart Lodge No. 436

1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Meeting: Second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Worshipful Master: Brother Thomas W. Van Osten IV

Greetings from the East,

Thank you all for your continued support of Mozart Lodge No. 436. Serving as your Worshipful Master is a humbling and rewarding experience, and the first meeting went very well.

Please forgive the quickness of the notice going out; however, we are going to have an Extra Meeting this month, to Raise our Brother Ron Anderson, and I wanted to make sure Due and Timely Notice was received by all.

The extra meeting will be held Thursday, January 29, with dinner before, at the Temple. Our next Stated Meeting will be Tuesday, February 10, and in accordance with our new RWGM will be Master Masons only. We will work diligently to raise the Fellowcraft that are ready to Master Mason as best as we can.

Later in February, on the 26th, we will have another extra meeting, where we will enter one of our newly elected candidates, Daniel Wagner. We will also be raising another brother, Brendon Kretschmer, to Master Mason.

I hope to see you all at the upcoming meetings.

Fraternal Greetings,
Brother Thomas W. Van Osten, IV
Worshipful Master

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Pennsylvania Lodge of Research

Semi-Annual Meetings at Various Locations
Worshipful Master: Brother Jack H. Speece
Website | Facebook Group

Greetings from the East,

The Pennsylvania Lodge of Research is a unique occurrence in the history of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, as this is the first Lodge constituted within our Jurisdiction solely for the purpose of Masonic study. The Pennsylvania Lodge of Research holds only two Stated Meetings each year, with Special Meetings to be held at the discretion of the Worshipful Master. Meetings are held at various Masonic sites throughout the Commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Lodge of Research celebrated its 25th year in 2025. In an effort to accommodate more Masons in Pennsylvania, the mid-year meeting will be held in Central Pennsylvania (Altoona) on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Masonic Hall, 600 Jackson Avenue.

Two speakers are scheduled: Jerry Hamilton will speak on the "Regius Poem or Halliwell Manuscript" and Ronald E. Stuver will present "Exactly Different - Masonry in Pennsylvania and Ohio". A special presentation from RWPGM Eugene Herritt for the 25th Anniversary of the Lodge of Research will be made. Lunch will be provided for a $15 donation.

The annual meeting will be held on December 13, 2025 at the Scottish Rite Center in Harrisburg at 9:00 AM. Scholarly papers are being prepared for presentation at these meetings. The Lodge is also supporting a special lecture to be presented at the upcoming Academy of Masonic Knowledge. All Masons are invited to join with us in our effort to seek greater light and knowledge.

Membership is open to all Master Masons who are members of Lodges recognized by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. To become a member of the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research please use their online links to download a petition. The joining fee is $75, and dues are $25 per year (Total of $100 must accompany the petition).

Questions regarding membership can be emailed to: Lodge.of.Research@pagrandlodge.org. Completed petitions should be sent to:
Bro. Michael L. Moran, Secretary, Attn: Lodge of Research, c/o The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F. & A.M., 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

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Copyright & Masthead

Copyright 2026 Masonic District B of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania

• District Deputy Grand Master: Brother William F. Moree, Jr.
• Editor: Brother Craig M. Applebaum, PM (RWApplebaum@gmail.com)

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