A Night Celebrating the Right Worshipful Grand Master


The following blog post is from Calista Cavanaugh, Grand Worthy Advisor of Pennsylvania Rainbow.
 

Over the holidays, I had the fantastic honor of attending the Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, accompanied by Steffanie Barth, Grand Faith, Mr. and Mrs. Snedden, and my mom. We had an excellent time traveling to Philly and getting the chance to see some pretty cool sights. We had the opportunity to meet some incredible people and witness the installation of the new Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania. When we first arrived, we went straight to the Vesper Service on Thursday night, which was an excellent service about trusting in God. Immediately following the service, we attended the Grand Master’s Farewell Dinner, where we saw several familiar faces. We heard remarks from the most recent Past Right Worshipful Grand Master, S. Eugene Herritt. He thanked those involved in his term and sent his best wishes to the incoming Grand Master.

 The following morning, Mrs. Snedden and I were introduced at the Open Installation representing Rainbow. They introduced SO many people SO smoothly and quickly; it was quite impressive. We witnessed the new officers be installed including a Past District Deputy Grand Master from my district whom I was excited to see move up the line. The installation of the Right Worshipful Grand Master, Mr. Thomas Gamon IV, was very solemn. He gave his vows, received the jewels for his office, and then had a special moment at the altar with his wife, where they offered a prayer and sang a beautiful song.

 Later that evening, a banquet for the new Grand Master took place, and it was nice to have so many youth members representing their respective groups. We had Job’s Daughters, DeMolay, Rainbow, Knights of Pythagoras, and Ruth Mitchell Tucker, taking up several tables. We had lots of fun and fellowship, bopping to an impressive throwback band playing some awesome classics. After talking with Steffanie, she said that her favorite part of the weekend was meeting and building relationships with members from our sponsoring bodies. I could not agree more. A huge thank you to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and PMYF for allowing the youth to represent their organization and making it such a memorable time meeting some wonderful and inspiring Masons.



Thank you Calista for being our first guest blogger and telling us your story from Grand Lodge. 
Until next time - Joseph Pullin

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

101 Things You and Your Lodge Can Do for Masonic Youth Groups

Image
Not sure what your lodge can do to help the Masonic Youth Groups in your area? Here is a list of 101 things that you can do to show your support. This list can also be found on the PMYF website at pmyf.org .  1. Sponsor or co-sponsor a local chapter, assembly, or bethel.  2. Invite a group to give a program at your lodge.  3. Allow a group to serve or help for lodge dinners as a fundraiser.  4. Tell your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or neighbor about the Masonic Youth groups and encourage them to join.  5. Offer a "scholarship" for attendance at an annual session or other conferences.  6. Send cards of congratulation to newly elected youth group officers.  7. Complete training as an advisor for a youth group and be available as a "back up."  8. Provide transportation to events.  9. Sponsor the printing of their newsletter or other publication.  10. Provide a link on your lodge's website to the youth groups.  11. Offer to buy a meeting suit
Read more

Changes to the Board of Directors: Thank You

Image
Like the saying goes, "change is inevitable." Within the past few months, a lot of things have changed for the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation. Although it would be easy to discuss the current changes in the world revolving around the COVID-19 pandemic, the important changes to be addressed within the foundation in today's post are focused around the PMYF Board of Directors. PMYF would like to say several thank you's to members of the Board of Directors who have recently retired from their positions. Earlier this month, the Founder of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Samuel C. Williamson, retired from his position within the foundation. Bro Williamson created PMYF in 1982 while serving as the R.W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He has served as the Chairman of the Board since the foundation's opening. Bro Williamson has been a dedicated supporter of the Masonic Youth Groups, which was his
Read more

Changes to the Board of Directors: Welcome

Image
On Thursday, we announced a few of the changes to the PMYF Board of Directors. As we have already shown appreciation to the recently retired members of our board, it's time to welcome the new members that will help bring PMYF into the future. We have a new appointment to the role of Chairman and three new members of the board to welcome.  Bro. Glen R. Grell has been elected the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation. Bro. Grell has served on the board for many years, serving as the chairman of the Educational Endowment Committee. He is the Executive Director of the Public School Employee Retirement System (PSERS.) He is a former member of the PA State House of Representatives and an attorney. He is a Senior DeMolay and a former Advisor of Carlisle Chapter, a Past Master of St. John's Lodge No. 260, and resides in Mechanicsburg, PA. We look forward to the leadership that Bro. Grell will provide.  Joining the Board of Direc
Read more