1Commemorating the 282nd anniversary of the establishment of the
2Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons is the
4oldest, largest and most widely known fraternal organization in
5the world; and

6WHEREAS, In 1717, four lodges of Freemasons meeting in
7London, England, formed the first Grand Lodge; and

8WHEREAS, The first Grand Lodge chartered Symbolic Lodges and
9Provincial Grand Lodges in many countries, including the United
10States; and

11WHEREAS, Today, there are 51 Grand Lodges in the United
12States and approximately 1,600,000 Freemasons; and

13WHEREAS, The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of
14Pennsylvania (Lodge) was established on June 24, 1731, by
15delegates from the 13 lodges holding charters from the
16Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; and

17WHEREAS, The Lodge is one of the oldest Grand Lodges in this

1country; and

2WHEREAS, The Lodge is of the Ancients' tradition and its
3ancestor Grand Lodge is the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
4Masons of England, which was founded in 1751; and

5WHEREAS, The headquarters of the Lodge is in the Masonic
6Temple at One North Broad Street in Philadelphia; and

7WHEREAS, Mr. Jay W. Smith is the current Grand Master of the
8Lodge; and

9WHEREAS, Freemasonry is a way of life that teaches tolerance
10towards all mankind; and

11WHEREAS, According to the Lodge, "Freemasonry is kindness in
12the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in
13work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance towards
14evil, help for the weak, forgiveness for the penitent, love for
15one another and above all reverence and love for God"; and

16WHEREAS, It is fitting to recognize the long history and
17positive contributions of the Lodge and its members to this
18Commonwealth; therefore be it

19RESOLVED, That the Senate commemorate the 282nd anniversary
20of the establishment of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
21Masons of Pennsylvania.