January 2026
Happy New Year! We kicked off the new year and our first meeting of 2026 with an evening filled with warm well wishes for the year ahead and reflections on the recent holiday season. It was a wonderful way to start the first stated meeting of the year with our newly installed lodge officers.
We were honored to receive a visitation from District Deputy Grand Master William F. Moree, Jr., who conveyed fraternal well wishes from Brother Robert D. Brink, Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Congratulations and Recognition
The evening included several moments of well deserved praise for our brethren:
- Brother Howard Glickman, P.M., Secretary: Congratulations to Brother Howard on being newly installed as our Grand Chaplain.
- Brother Josh Glickman, P.M., Trustee: The District Deputy Grand Master offered high praise for Brother Josh, specifically noting his humbleness and dedication to the craft. Brother Moree stated that Josh "represented what it is to be a Free Mason".
Annual Memorial Service
We held our solemn Annual Memorial Service to pay tribute to the brethren we have lost. When a name was read, we also noted the significant dates of their Masonic journeys, including when they were entered and the date of their passing. A brother was then escorted by either the Senior or Junior Master of Ceremonies to an empty seat, where a white carnation and apron were placed in memorial.
| Name | Entered | Departed |
|---|---|---|
| Mark S. Kramer | February 26, 1998 | December 21, 2024 |
| Michael L. Gomer | March 11, 1969 | January 19, 2025 |
| Ronald Shestack | January 14, 1985 | February 22, 2025 |
| Albert S. Wiesner | January 17, 1977 | March 4, 2025 |
| Jerome I. Rigberg | October 16, 1966 | March 24, 2025 |
| Norman S. Knee | March 20, 1964 | April 6, 2025 |
| Jack I. Cohen | September 23, 1985 | April 25, 2025 |
| Robert T. Brigati | April 14, 1986 | April 28, 2025 |
| Richard S. Gittis | October 5, 1976 | June 10, 2025 |
| Paul R. Westle | January 26, 1972 | June 27, 2025 |
| Philip A. Goldstein | February 29, 1952 | June 30, 2025 |
| Robert A. Ferris | October 24, 1974 | September 12, 2025 |
THE GIFT OF TRUE MASONIC FRIENDSHIP
Masonic Friendship is a priceless gift that can not be bought or sold
But its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold
For gold is cold and lifeless, it can neither see nor hear
And in the time of trouble, it is powerless to cheer
It has no ears to listen, no heart to understand
It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand
So when you ask God for a gift, be thankful if he sends
Not Diamonds, Pearls or Riches, but the love of true Masonic Friendship
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events
Our calendar is already filling up with fantastic opportunities for brotherhood and community. Please be sure to check the new official Shekinah-Fernwood Upcoming Events page for full details and RSVP deadlines.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 28 | Lodge Plus One Dinner |
| April 9 | Stated Meeting: Grand Master Visitation |
| April 18 | Topgolf (Plus One Event) |
| April 25 | America 250 Celebration & Liberty Tree Ceremony |
| May 2 | 1776 The Musical (Dinner & Show) |
| May TBA | Garibaldi Lodge Visit (New York) |
| June 27 | District B Bowling Event |
| July 8 | Shekinah-Fernwood Table Lodge |
| August 22 | Day at the Phillies Game |
| December 6 | Annual Holiday Party |
Please remember that all events will have firm RSVP deadlines. Be on the lookout for those dates and make sure to RSVP to ensure your spot!
Please also subscribe to our lodge calendar. Its the best way to keep all these events handy when planning!
