By Alvin S. Goodman, P.M., William S. Snyder Lodge No. 756, Harrisburg

When Darwin J. Moyer of Dillsburg went to Oklahoma City earlier this year to receive an artificial leg, replacing one amputated because of cancer, he hoped to visit Masonic lodges during his three-week stay. What he received was the helping hand of brotherhood and a red carpet treatment by Oklahoma Masons.

Prior to the trip, Bro. Moyer, 60, of Robert Burns Lodge No. 464, Harrisburg, asked John E. Adams, Jr., P.M., Secretary of the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Harrisburg, about lodges in Oklahoma City. Bro. Adams put him in touch with his Scottish Rite counterpart in Oklahoma City, T. Max Tatum, who also is the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M., Oklahoma.

The helping hand of brotherhood was extended the moment Bro. Moyer got off the plane. He was met by four Oklahoma brethren, Fred Dittman, Marc Garriott, Bob Acuff, and John Karayianis. "Am I ever glad to see you," Bro. Moyer said, adding that he would never have been able to handle his two carry-ons and suitcase while walking with two metal Canadian crutches.

Bro. Moyer had to travel to Oklahoma because the clinic there is the only one holding the patent for the unique spring-loaded prosthesis that he needed. It took a week to construct his prosthesis and two weeks of physical therapy. "I couldn't believe that three weeks went so fast," Bro. Moyer said. While there, he was given a tour of the city, including the site of the infamous federal building bombing, taken to meetings and dinners and helped in so many hospitable ways. First, his four greeters invited him to attend their lodge, Bethany Lodge No. 529. Then, C.W. "Pete" Peterson, Chaplain of Siloan Lodge No. 236, invited him to attend his lodge's dinner and meeting. Before he left Oklahoma City, both lodges voted to make him an honorary member.

Despite his medical problems, he is very active. He works in the office of the Majority Leader of the Pennsyl-vania House of Representatives, John M. Perzel. In 1997 he was elected to Dillsburg Borough Council and named its President. He is a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Zembo Shrine, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, all in Harrisburg.