The Masonic Homes' Three Loaves Café opened on April 9 in the Freemasons Cultural Center to serve residents, staff, and visitors. The name for the café was chosen to acknowledge an event in Bro. Benjamin Franklin's life that epitomizes the Masonic Homes' Mission of Love and the ideals of Freemasonry. (Bro. Franklin was twice Grand Master.)

In 1723, at the age of 17, Bro. Franklin decided to end his apprenticeship at his brother's Boston printing house, hoping to continue his apprenticeship in New York City. Unable to find a suitable mentor in New York, he booked passage on a small sailing vessel headed to Philadelphia. In 1723, the 100 miles from New York to Philadelphia was a challenging journey. En route, young Bro. Franklin saved a drunkard from drowning and ended up rowing almost the entire 100 miles. Upon arrival in Philadelphia, Bro. Franklin paid a copper shilling "to the people of the boat, who first refus'd it on account of my rowing; but I insisted on their taking it, a man being sometimes more generous when he has but a little money than when he has plenty."

Bro. Franklin landed on the Market Street Wharf on a Sunday morning. "I was fatigued with traveling, rowing and want of rest. I was very hungry. I met a boy with bread. I had made many a meal with bread and inquiring where he got it, I went immediately to the baker's he directed me to in Second Street. I bade him give me three penny's worth of any sort. He gave me accordingly three great puffy rolls. I was surprised at the quantity but took it and having no room in my pockets walk'd off with a roll under each arm and eating the other. Thus I went up Market Street as far as Fourth Street. Being filled with one of my loaves I gave the other two to a woman and her child that came in the boat with us and were waiting to go further."

Most Americans appreciate Bro. Franklin for the vital role he played in founding, organizing, and fighting for our young nation through sweeping acts of intellect, creativity, and resourcefulness. At the young age of 17, his seemingly small acts of philanthropy revealed his lifelong character and prophesied a life of service. The first two actions that Bro. Franklin took in his new community enriched people's lives through acts of benevolence. In honor of Bro. Benjamin Franklin's memory, and his simple acts of charity, the Masonic Homes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania hopes the café will serve as a gathering place where people can enjoy good food and companionship.

The café is open seven days a week, and offers omelets, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and pastries for breakfast; soup, sandwiches from the grill, wraps, salads, and fruit cups during lunch and dinner; as well as ice cream and beverages.

(Excerpts from Benjamin Franklin: The Autobiography And Other Writings.)