Of Mature Age
The decision to lower the age to 18 years when men may petition Lodges is popular for older DeMolay members. There are at least 15 who have had the Masonic Degrees conferred. They included State Master Councilor Gregory G. Deal in Cedar Lodge 800, Grove City, and Deputy State Master Councilor Stephen L. Prazenica in Abraham C. Treichler Lodge 682, Elizabethtown. The Master Mason's Degrees were conferred on them two days apart in their respective Lodges by Thomas R. Labagh, DeMolay Executive Officer, and a Degree team made up of Pennsylvania DeMolay staff members. The first meeting that Bro. Deal attended after he became a Master Mason was the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on Dec. 4, where he was greeted and introduced by the R.W. Grand Master, Bro. Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr.

A Companion-At-Sight!
Also, Bro. Deal was invited to attend the banquet of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter the evening after the Grand Lodge session. It was a huge surprise for him and the assembled Royal Arch Masons when Ronald L. Pennell, Most Excellent Grand High Priest, declared him to be a Royal Arch Mason At Sight -- something that had never been done before. Greg will receive the Capitular Degrees in Mound Chapter 212, Greenville.

The newest Bethel of Job's Daughters in the state, Bethel U.D. (Under Dispensation) of Birdsboro, was instituted Aug. 31, 2002. This is the first new Bethel in the state since 1983. Located halfway between Reading and Pottstown, the Bethel serves a large regional area that has never had Job's Daughters.

Pennsylvania DeMolay is rebuilding in Bellevue, Pittsburgh, through the dedicated efforts of Dennis Sneddin, the 47th Masonic District's Youth Chairman, Joe Schrock, P.M., Avalon Lodge No. 657, and several other Brethren. The group already has enthusiastic new young members. The young men decided "Steel City Chapter" is a name that fits them and they wholeheartedly endorsed it.

Establishing local scholarship programs is a "hot topic" in many Lodges these days. The Pennsylvania Youth Foundation can help your Lodge with the process, even if you choose not to establish them as part of the P.Y.F. Educational Endowment Fund. Call or write for a copy of our helpful step-by-step booklet, "Nine Steps To Establishing A Scholarship Program."

"Masonic Youth Month" in 2002 was a great success, with more than 250 Lodges reporting on use of the videotape. It is known that other Lodges showed the video, but didn't return the program evaluation. A number of Lodges have placed the video into their Masonic Education program. If you haven't seen the video, and can't get to Lodge, P.Y.F. will be glad to send one to you, or you can view it on-line by clicking here.