Lodges Find Great Programs Presented By Youth Groups

Youth programs were presented on the stated meeting dates in nearly one-third of the lodges in Pennsylvania in 1997, according to reports received by the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation. The reports verify that they were well received.

Most of the programs by the Order of DeMolay were ritualistic presentations of the Flower Talk, which is a tribute to mothers; the Ceremony of Light, which describes in a dramatic fashion the seven cardinal virtues of the Order; or the Shield Talk, which describes the significance of the DeMolay emblem.

The programs by the Rainbow Assemblies included the Ribbon, or Rainbow Colors Talk; exemplification of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Assembly; and the Cross Ceremony.

The Job's Daughter Bethels conducted Flag Presentations, opening and closing ritual exemplifications, the Robe Talk, and general information about the Order.

Almost all of the presentations were rated "Excellent" or "Very Good." Here are samples of comments in the reports:

"It's a shame more parents don't get to see the wonderful work the youth groups do. Perhaps then (they) would want their children to join." -- Kenneth Vandergriff, W.M., Howell Lodge No. 405, Honey Brook.

"Rainbow Assembly No. 158 and Williamsport DeMolay youth gave presentations on history, ritual and activities of their groups (that were) very well received ... made our Lodge feel very proud of our Masonic youth groups." -- Larry E. Maynard, W.M., Watsontown Lodge No. 401.

"The Rainbow Girls led the Lodge in singing patriotic songs. They also discussed their duties and the Cross formation." -- John L. Warsing,21st Masonic District Youth Chairman, Moshannon Lodge No. 391, Philipsburg.

"I have to support the youth because I have seen many youth in our area ... become Master Masons in my lodge. By supporting the youth, I have increased the rolls of my lodge by at least a half a dozen good men." -- John Muzina, Jr., W.M., Wilson-Joppa Lodge No. 714, Dravosburg.

"The Greenville Rainbow Girls presented the lessons of the Rainbow stations. The program demonstrated the poise and dignity of these exceptional young ladies." -- Mark F. Hills, Youth Chairman, Greenville-Eureka Lodge No. 290.

Blood, Organ Donor Poster Contest Entries Excellent

Of 17 excellent entries in the statewide Masonic Blood and Organ Donor Club poster contest, the one created by Carla Liddle, a member of Pottsville Rainbow Assembly No. 75, Schuylkill Haven, won first place for which she earned a $300 prize.

Second place was won by Emily Dodson, of Ohio Valley Assembly No. 157, Pittsburgh, earning $200; and third place by Jenna Wichterman, of Martha Mathers Assembly No. 28, Roslyn, earning $100.

The winning poster is reproduced and sent to every lodge for posting. Judging of the entries was done by the Masonic Education Committee.

Henry L. Lesher (photo above), 11th Masonic D.D.G.M., presented the first place prize to Carla during the annual Ladies Night of Page Lodge No. 270, of which her father is a member. Additionally, it was a fitting occasion to make the presentation because the Rainbow Assembly helps to serve the banquet and many of Carla's Rainbow friends were there.

The annual poster contest serves an important role in promoting an awareness for the importance of blood and organ donations and it involves the Masonic youth groups in fraternal activities.

For a related story on Blood and Organ Donor see Organ Donor Families Thanked at Harrisburg, Philadelphia Meeting in the Grand Lodge News section of The Pa Freemason On-Line Edition or click here.

Haag Scholarship Winner

Jill Place, a second-year student at Kutztown University receives the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation's Donald Haag Scholarship Award from Lorne A. W. Bachelder, W.M. of J. Simpson Africa Lodge No. 628, Stroudsburg. With the recipient are her parents, Bro. Horton and Cassandra Place. The winner's father, grandfather, and uncle all are members of J. Simpson Africa Lodge.