North Hills Lodge No. 716

Happy Groundhog (Whistle-pig) Day! What do yinz think? 6 more weeks of winter? One holiday that brings thousands of people together from all over the world to celebrate the prediction of a furry forecaster.... What would you rather be doing in the middle of the night, in the middle of the winter in western PA? How about enjoying the ambiance of the brisk night air with thousands of new friends by your side, waiting for the Seer of Seers, Punxsutawney Phil, to make his prognostication sounds like a great thing to experience! Whether Groundhog Day has been on your bucket list for years or it is your birthday, or if you just would like a reason to celebrate Groundhog Day is the event for you. The History The Christian religious holiday of Candlemas Day has become most commonly associated with the current celebration, but it's roots are older than that. The celebration started in Christianity as the day, (February 2nd), when Christians would take their candles to the church to have them blessed. This, they felt, would bring blessings to their household for the remaining winter. As time rolled on the day evolved into another form. The following English folk song highlights the transition to weather prognostication. If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter, and come not again. This interpretation of Candlemas Day became the norm for most of Europe. As you can read, there is no mention of an animal of any kind in the preceding song. It wasn't until this traditional belief was introduced to Germany that an animal was introduced into the lore, hence another evolution of February 2nd. If, according to German lore, the hedgehog saw his shadow on Candlemas Day there would be a Second Winter or 6 more weeks of bad weather. As German settlers came to what is now the United States, so too came their traditions and folklore. With the absence of hedgehogs in the United States, a similar hibernating animal was chosen. This leads us to yet another evolution in the legend and to present day Punxsutawney. The First Celebration In Punxsutawney, 1886 marked the first time that Groundhog Day appeared in the local newspaper. The following year brought the first official trek to Gobbler's Knob. Each year since then has seen a steady increase in participation of the celebration from people all over the world. Today's Tradition Today, Groundhog Day remains what it was when the tradition first came to our shores and found its way to Punxsutawney. A day to take everything a little less seriously, and break up the winter monotony... at least for a little while!

Brethren, take notice: This Saturday, January 29, Right Worshipful Grand Master Jeffrey Wonderling will be holding two meetings at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center (3579 Masonic Way, Pittsburgh). The first is an Open House from 9:00-11:00 am where he will give a presentation for anyone interested in learning more about Freemasonry, the world’s oldest fraternity. Please bring your friends that you think might make good Masons and take advantage of the opportunity to ask q...uestions of the Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania. The Grand Master will be making another presentation at the Masons’ Town Hall meeting from 2:00-4:00 pm, also at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center. He will discuss the current state of the Fraternity, his vision and direction, and answer questions on any subject directly from the members. This meeting is for all members of the Fraternity and the dress code is business casual. Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center 3579 Masonic Way Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Join North Hills Lodge, No. 716 in wishing a very Happy 60th birthday to Faith Assembly No. 150, International Order of Rainbow Girls! On January 20, 1962, Faith Assembly No. 150 was Instituted at the original North Hills Masonic Building at the corner of Route 19 and Ingomar Road. They were Constituted on November 3rd of that year and received our number of 150. A special thank you to all the worthy Matron and Patrons who have supported, and maintained the growth of this o...rganization over the years! Here's to 60 more years of starting young ladies on their path to fraternal leadership!

A Reminder Brethren that we will be having an extra meeting tonight @ 7:30 to confer a Fellow Craft degree. We hope to see you at Masonic Centre North this evening.

Brethren, We will be assembling Friday evening, January 21th Schellhaas & Sons Funeral Home in Sewickley to offer our final respects to one of our brothers. The Masonic Funeral Service will be conducted at 6:30 p.m.... Please join us for this fraternal duty for Brother Myrle F. Webb, Jr. Brother Webb was a member of our Lodge for 60 years and devoted much time and energy to Free Masonry. Schellhaas & Sons Funeral Home 1600 Stone Mansion Dr. Sewickley, PA 15143 PHONE: (724) 934-3000 6:30 pm, Monday January 21, 2022 Here is a link to his obituary: http://www.schellhaasfuneralhome.com/obituary/myrle-webb-jr Please pass this message along to other brethren as not all have email addresses or social media

Fly it high, fly it proud! Happy Flag Day!

meh... why not jump on all the Star Wars stuff flooding Facebook today?

Brethren and friends, wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter! "Easter tells us that life is to be interpreted not simply in terms of things, but in terms of ideals" - Charles M. Crowe _

Happy Opening Day! Lets Go Bucs! "There ain't much to being a ballplayer, if you're a ballplayer." - Bro. Honus Wagner - Centennial Lodge No. 544, Carnegie

Interesting documentary that shed some light on how our ancient operative Brethren earned a living.

Brethren, this is probably one of the most difficult posts your admin has ever had to make. It is my sad duty to announce the passing of PM David O. Whitlinger PM Whitlinger loved Masonry and gave a full and lively 10 years of service to the fraternity. He was loved and respected by many. ... Dave will be laid to rest at Friday evening, 730pm, March 19th at the King Funeral Home in Allison Park. King Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 2841 Woodland Circle Allison Park, PA 15101 PHONE: (724) 443-2500 He will forever be remembered and missed by many. Please keep his family, friends and loving wife Shirley in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy St. John's Day Brothers!

May the Blessings of the season be upon you and your family.

sameach She-Yihye leha hag Hannuka sameach Chag sameach!

Brethren, Please see announcement from DDGM Ballenger. All Masonic activities have been suspended until at least January 31st, 2021. This means the stated meeting that was scheduled for tomorrow evening is CANCELED.... Please, if you should need assistance, please reach out to this page or any officer. Stay safe, and stay tuned to this page for any news or updates

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. We are grateful today and every day. #VeteransDay

Busy, Busy, Busy... This week North Hills Lodge will be graced by our illustrious District Deputy Grandmaster and Worshipful Masters from the 55th Masonic District for his/their official visitation AND we will pay respects to our Past Masters.....AND next week will raise a brother to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. C'mon out this week and next, we have all the COVID protocols in place keep you safe, happy, and healthy. ... 730pm at the Lodge

This is From Brother Ed Dietz from Dallas Lodge. Of anyone is available please Contact. Brethren, It is my sad duty to report that brother James Wood has pa...ssed away. A Masonic service will be held at 5 pm Saturday Oct. 10th 2020 at Bagnato Funeral Home located at 50 Jefferson St. Carnegie PA 15106. Please arrive by 4:30 pm. As of right now we are in need of people to help do the service itself. Please contact Mike Marcus or Ed Dietz to let us know if you can be there to help out. No brother should pass on without a proper masonic send off. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Brethren, be sure to check your email for an important announcement from our dutiful Secretary

Coffee and Donuts provided. Something to do for any and all!