Lafayette Lodge #199 F&AM

Have you read through your most recent PA Freemason magazine? There's a wonderful article about brother Clyde Hoch - his struggles with PTSD after Vietnam, and the work he's doing through his organization, Veterans Brotherhood. He's also written NINE books and does public speaking. https://issuu.com/pr263/docs/fm_may2020/10

We've received an update from Grand Lodge - Dear Brethren: Due to all of the uncertainties surrounding this health crisis, the Grand Lodge will be extending the suspension of all Masonic activities until July 1, 2020 at the very earliest. We will continue to monitor the ever-changing situation and make a determination around June 1st as to whether we will be able to safely resume some activity sometime mid-summer. ... I understand that while our lodges are dark, many fellowship, fundraising and community events are often held during the summer months. Please realize that these decisions have not been easy to make, but our concern is first and foremost for you, our members of this great fraternity. Please continue to reach out to your brethren and offer assistance and support. Reassure them that we are all in this together, that their health and welfare are paramount and that we will be back in lodge enjoying the fraternal bonds that we all so love real soon! Please stay safe and stay well!

Click to read the official letter regarding current outbreak protocol from Right Worshipful Grand Master Thomas Gamon, IV. We will continue to post any updates as the situation progresses.

Good things happening at the lodge. Working on bringing our lodge and our community together.

Car cruise season will soon be here. Please come out and show your support.

Happy birthday to RWPGM Benjamin Franklin! Today is the founding father and Freemason's 314th birthday. Here at Grand Lodge, we have several of Franklin's Masonic and personal effects in our Museum's collection. Here are six of our favorites ... what are some of yours?

Mark your calendars...

We're now a couple of weeks into Brother Thomas Gamon, IV's term as Right Worshipful Grand Master. Learn more about his plans for the next two years of Pennsylv...ania Freemasonry in the inaugural issue of the Pennsylvania Freemason magazine. https://issuu.com//freemasonmagazine-vol-lxvii-no1-2019-12 See more

Merry Christmas to all brethren and their familiesMerry Christmas to all brethren and their families

Many years ago, I had the privilege of conducting a Masonic funeral service for an active, longtime member of our lodge. As is my custom, after completing the ...service, when all of the attending brethren left the room, I approached the widow and family and very quietly expressed our lodge’s condolences and that he will be missed by our brothers. Afterwards, I explained the contents of the funeral book and then thanked her for allowing us to come and say goodbye to our departed brother. After the service, the brothers and I retired to an adjoining room to remove our regalia. I had just removed my Master’s Collar when the widow and her daughter entered the room. She walked over to me and put out her arms around me and hugged me. She stepped back and said, ‘After all these years, I think I see why my husband was so passionate about the Masonic fraternity and why he enjoyed going to his lodge functions and meetings.’ She then told us, ‘Thank you all so much for coming and for the beautiful Masonic service.’ When she left the room, I turned around to the brothers to say something. When I saw their faces, I knew I didn’t need to say a thing. I was looking at the faces of a large group of very proud Masonic brothers who had just represented our beloved fraternity with dignity and pride. - James A. Young, Sr., District Deputy Grand Master, 18th Masonic District See more

If you are planning on coming to the catered dinner on the 12th, please contact Michael Brown WM today or tomorrow (Tues) as we need to get a count to the caterers.If you are planning on coming to the catered dinner on the 12th, please contact Michael Brown WM today or tomorrow (Tues) as we need to get a count to the caterers.