During Autumn Day at the Masonic Homes, R.W. Grand Master Robert L. Dluge, Jr. and the officers of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania placed the Date Stone for the Freemasons Cultural Center that is part of the Village Green area construction project. In conjunction with that event, there was an impressive flag-raising ceremony.

The impressive Date Stone Ceremony is an adaptation of the traditional Cornerstone Ceremony performed throughout history by Freemasons for the construction of major buildings or structures, public or private. It is based on the same ceremony that Bro. and President George Washington performed on Sept. 18, 1793, when he laid the cornerstone for the White House.

In the ceremony, prior to the Grand Master's symbolically placing the Date Stone, the Chaplain invokes the blessing of God on the construction work underway, recognizing His work and asking for His protection. The Grand Lodge officers disperse the corn of strength, pour the wine of refreshment, and spread the oil of joy to symbolize brotherhood, unity and harmony, and prosperity in this magnificent undertaking and its service to mankind. Residents of the Masonic Homes participated in the ceremonies: Bro. Stuart Titus, a member of St. John's Lodge, Jenkins Twp., played the organ and the Men's Chorus sang and led the audience packed with residents in singing the anthem in the flag ceremony.

The flag of the United States of America was raised by Bro. George D. Grimes, resident of the Masonic Homes and a member of Lodge No. 62, Reading. Bro. Grimes, who is 103 years old, has been named Chevalier of the National Order of the legion of Honor by the President of the French Republic as a surviving member of the U.S. armed forces who fought in France in World War I. Todd J. Cook, a resident of the Masonic Children's Home and Senior Counselor of the Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay, assisted Bro. Grimes. The flag, which had flown over the U.S. Capitol on Aug. 25, was presented for the Freemasons Cultural Center by Congressman George W. Gekas. Pennsylvania Senator and Bro. Noah W. Wenger, Ephrata Lodge No. 665, presented and raised the flag of the Commonwealth. The flag of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which was presented by the Grand Lodge, was raised by R.W. Past Grand Warden Thomas H. Burgess, a member of Azalea Lodge No. 687, Hazleton, and a resident of the Retirement Living Community of the Masonic Homes.

During the ceremonies, Grand Master Dluge made special presentations. The Grand Master's Service Award was presented to Bro. Titus for his outstanding service to the community. The Grand Master gave Bro. Carl R. Flohr, P.M., George Washington Lodge No. 143, Chambersburg, the prestigious Pennsylvania Franklin Award and a plaque to him and his wife, Arlene, when he named the therapy pool in his honor (to see story click here). The Grand Master gave special recognition to Bro. Jay G. Brossman, Ephrata Lodge No. 665, for his continuous support of the Masonic Homes and announced that the new ballroom of the Freemasons Cultural Center will be named in his honor.