Arland T. Stein (left) presents R.W. Grand Master James L. Ernette with The Order of Pythagoras.

On Saturday, May 1, the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Chapter of the Acacia Fraternity conferred its three degrees of initiation on the chapter's newest undergraduate members in the Egyptian Room of the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center. The day, however, was a special one for five non-undergraduates who were initiated into the Fraternity as Honorary Acacians. Bros. Edward H. Fowler, R.W.P.G.M.; Richard J. Stemmler, D.D.G.M., 30th Masonic District; D. William Roberts, D.D.G.M., 47th Masonic District; Howard T. Silbaugh, Aide to the Grand Master; and Robert T. Matasich, President, Masonic Fund Society, Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, were all made Acacians and members of the I.U.P. Chapter.

In an effort to build closer ties between Pennsylvania Freemasonry and the Acacia Fraternity, Brothers Roberts and Matasich organized a luncheon following the conferral of the Acacia degrees, sponsored by the Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh. R.W. Grand Master James L. Ernette, an Acacian from the Franklin Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania, addressed the approximately 30 undergraduate Acacians. He spoke of his desire to see all the Acacia chapters in Pennsylvania have a close relationship with the Masonic Fraternity.

To the Grand Master's surprise, Arland T. Stein, a Purdue University Acacian and representative of the Acacia International Fraternity Headquarters' educational foundation, presented Brother Ernette with The Order of Pythagoras on behalf of Acacia's International Council. The Order of Pythagoras is one of the highest honors that the Fraternity can bestow upon an Acacian who has "contributed greatly to the Advancement of Acacia by serving beyond the ordinary call of duty."

The I.U.P. Chapter of Acacia is currently making plans to work with the Valley of Pittsburgh in community programs under the leadership of Bro. Roberts. The Chapter also hopes to have Masons address future Acacia candidates for initiation about Freemasonry.

Grand Master visiting with a few of the undergraduate Acacians during the A.A.S.R. Valley of Pittsburgh sponsored luncheon.