Friendship-Williams Lodge No.400 F&AM

Spring weather brings more opportunities to visit local sites with natural beauty and/or historical significance, like Gettysburg National Military Park. Thanks... to Brother Bill Parise, 45th Masonic District of Pennsylvania, for sharing these beautiful pictures of our "Friend to Friend" statue! See more

What's the difference between a Masonic degree and a Masonic rite? A degree is a single initiatory step, designed to impart knowledge and impel personal reflec...tion. A rite is a collection of degrees that expand on each other and teach a cohesive set of ethical and moral lessons. Shown here is a chart depicting the Scottish Rite and the York Rite, along with several other organizations that confer specific degrees. (Source: An Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry by S. Brent Morris.)

To honor the recent passing of Past Grand Master Edward O. Weisser, Newtown Lodge #427 F. & A.M., his portrait will be displayed in the Grand Foyer for 30 days.... This teacher, small business owner, Philadelphia Mummers String Band Hall of Famer and family man served as Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F & AM from 1996-97. Major accomplishments during his term include expanding services offered at Masonic Villages and restoring the National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge National Historical Park. He is greatly missed; we extend our condolences to his family and friends during this time. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Children’s Dyslexia Center, Children's Scholarship Fund, Reading Chapter, PO Box 6013, Reading, PA 19610 or at www.cdcinc.org; or to the Grand Lodge of Alaska, Edward Weisser Arts and Music Scholarship Fund, 518 E. 14th Ave #6, Anchorage, AK 99501. See more

The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia's iconic entrance has been greeting visitors and making tourists stop in their tracks since 1873. In 2016, it got an upgrade ...with the addition of "The Bond," a statue of two iconic Freemasons and historical figures crafted by Pennsylvania Freemason Brother James "Jim" West. If you've never visited this historic site, add it to your Masonic travel bucket list! See more

Beautiful winter day!

One of the longest running debates amongst Freemasons is how a Brother should wear a Masonic ring. Should the points of the compass point toward the wearer or a...way from him? Some say that wearing it with points-out is used to share one's membership with others, while points-in is a reminder of a Mason's obligation. Since a ring is not an official piece of regalia, most Grand Lodges don't offer official rulings or guidance. What do you think? (Hat tip to The Midnight Freemasons for the graphic!)