Spring Ford Masonic Lodge #553

The true Mason never hesitates to use the working tools to correct personal flaws.

A Lodge is only as good as its worst member, therefore strive to be a better person.

We're still here selling meals! Swing by the drive-thru to grab some!

Chicken is smoking! Baked goods are here! Come out at noon and get some delicious meals!

William Withers sang one of the most iconic songs “lean on me” i heard this on the radio this am and made me think 🤔 Freemasonry does emphasize the idea of brotherhood and support, where Freemasons are there for each other in times of need. It's like having a strong network of friends who you can rely on.

When times are tough, it's important to have people you can lean on or call upon for support. And in the case of Freemasonry, there's a symbolic aspect to it as well - where Freemasons can literally knock on the door of a lodge for assistance.

Overall, the concept of leaning on others or knocking on doors for help is a powerful and relatable theme, whether it's in music or in the bonds of brotherhood.

Marshall Faulk

He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. He is currently a pro football analyst for NFL Total Access, Thursday Night Football, and NFL GameDay Morning on the NFL Network.

Marshall Faulk is a member of Southern Cross Masonic Lodge 112 in East St Louis. He joined on August 28th 2013.

Congratulations to Brother Larry A. Derr, installed as the 2024-2025 Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania today!
https://issuu.com/pr263/docs/fm_inaugural_2023_issuu_2_

It is with great sorrow we must announce that on December 8, 2023, the Grand Architect, the source of Love, Light & Life, called our brother, Noble Walter G. Newruck, home from his Masonic labors. At age 75, Noble Walt passed away at home, suddenly.

Walt was born April 11, 1948 in Pottstown Pennsylvania. The son of the late Thomas G and Grace Gallagher Newruck
He was married November 19, 1977 to the former Gail L. Ottey.
Walt graduated from Schwenksville High School Class of 1966. He also earned a degree in chemistry from Gwynned Mercy University.
He worked for Merck and Company for 32 years as a biochemical lab technician and retired in 2007
Walt was the consummate volunteer: he served as a scoutmaster to troop 105 in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. He was a fireman, serving Lower Frederick, Harleysville and Upper Frederick. As an EMT, He served Frederick ambulance, volunteer medical services of Lansdale and Bally ambulance.
As the safety officer, he worked on the fire, crew and ambulance at Merck and Company.
As a member of the Raja shrine, Blandon, Pennsylvania, he was a Chanter and enjoyed singing as they traveled raising funds for Shriners Children’s Hospital.
He was also a 25 year member of SpringFord Masonic Lodge, #553
in Royersford, PA.
Walt was an avid trap shooter and a member of Swamp Creek Rod and gun, Lower Marion rod and gun, South end rod and gun and Boyertown rod and gun clubs. He also did the scoring for many other clubs in Montgomery and Berks counties. Walt also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years Gail L Newruck; Son, Jeffrey Adams, and friend, Erika Laspisa, Chalfont. Son,Bryan Newruck, and friend Minnie Utchananan, Thailand; Daughter Shannon and son in law Harry Buler, Gilbertsville
Also,
Survived by sister-in-law, Patricia A. Newruck, Wellsboro. Sister in law Lynn Sacks and Stephen: Tucson,AZ. And
Daughter in law, Allison Adams,Surprise AZ. And Nine grandchildren. Patrick, Ryan, Brendan, Riley, Lennon, Robby, Christian, Giovanna and Gianfranco. Plus many nieces,nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday December 28, 2023
from 1 PM to 5 PM
at the Lower Frederick Fire Company social hall.
137 Spring Mount Road. Spring Mount, PA 19478.
Burial will be private.

Walt was predeceased by brother Thomas W. Newruck, and son CMDR Robert(Trey) Adams. And sister in law Jann A. Ottey.
Memorial may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA 1059 Sweisford Road. Perkiomenville, PA 18074 or to the USO P.O Box 96860 Washington, DC 20077-7677
Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Pennsylvania

Installation of Treasurer, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and Worshipful Master to serve this Lodge for 2024.

Did you know?

The Lodge of Edinburgh, No. 1 is the world’s oldest active Masonic Lodge. Established in 1599, this famous lodge in Scotland is 422 years old!

Don’t forget we will be at Royersford National Night Out on Tuesday! We can always use the extra help manning the table.

Did you know that one of the best resources on Freemasonry in Pennsylvania is available online, for free?

"The Exemplar" was written in the 1980's and recently updated. It serves as a handbook to Freemasonry in Pennsylvania and is a valuable resource to all Brothers in the Commonwealth. Check it out for free, here:https://pagrandlodge.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Exemplar_2019.pdf

(For those who want a physical copy, they are currently unavailable, but a new print run is being discussed. Stay tuned!)

Brother Harry Meitzler receiving his 60 years emblem yesterday at Elizabethtown. Congratulations Brother!

The Phillies rallied for back-to-back wins on Saturday and Sunday. But, even before the Phillies, Freemasonry in Pennsylvania was a part of professional baseball in the city.

Back in 1903, Bro. Charles Albert Bender, joined the Philadelphia Athletics (the A's.) In his first year, he threw more than 200 pitches at only age 19. Bro. Bender played in the 1905 World Series, though the A's lost that year. But, a comeback was in the works, with World Series Wins for Charles and his team in 1910 and 1911, and again in 1913.

By the time Bender's professional career was over in 1918, he had a record of 212-127 and a career ERA 2.46. In five trips to the World Series he had 6 wins during the collective games and completed 9 of the 10 games where he started. He also threw a no-hitter on May 12th, 1910.

Bro. Bender was a member of Lamberton Lodge No. 487 in Philadelphia.

(Thanks to Today in Masonic History for the information!)

The Mighty 40th District held its one day class today. Four new members of the District accompanied by family members and DDGM William L Herz, RWPGM Thomas Gamon IV and PDDGM Timothy L Pletcher.

unionlodge479.com

Who knew??

Richard Christopher “Rick” Wakeman (born 18 May 1949) is an English keyboardist, songwriter, television and radio presenter, and author. He is best known for being in the progressive rock band Yes across five tenures between 1971 and 2004 and for his solo albums released in the 1970s. His art included styles and genres like progressive rock, film music and art rock.

Initiated: 2007 Passed: 2008 Raised: September 2008 / “Chelsea Lodge No. 3098”, London

The Freemasons page

BLUE SLIPPER PIN:

The pin’s history comes from the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. During the time of Boaz, the next of kin were to look after the widow and offspring. In Ruth’s case, the next of kin refused to honor this requirement for Ruth, so Boaz agreed to take up the task. When Boaz met with the next of kin to seal the deal, the next of kin drew off his shoe and handed it to Boaz as a token for the bargain to take care of Ruth. Boaz held the shoe up for all to see as witnesses of the deal. To this day, the blue slipper symbolizes our duty to care for our widows of the fraternity.

Come out for a great time!

Help support the Dyslexia Learning Center.

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F & AM

On Saturday, March 17, join us for the 2018 Academy of Masonic Knowledge meeting.

Bro. Richard (Ric) Berman will present, "Foundations: New Light on the Formation and Early Years of the Grand Lodge of England." Bro. Adam G. Kendall will present, "The Geometry of Mystery: Ancient Egypt, Freemasonry, and Secret Societies."

To register, visit: http://pamasonicacademy.org/symposium-registration/.