Charity: Making a Difference

The following blog post is from Brother Tyler Moyer, Deputy State Master Councilor of PA DeMolay and PMC of Pilgrim Chapter. 

Charity is a principal tenet of Masonry. As DeMolays, we too are taught of its importance. While the installation of Almoner is one not too commonly seen, the lessons it teaches are quite valuable and important for all to know. The following is the part for installing the Almoner, “It is your province to remind us, in the performance of your official duties as Almoner, that charity, not the ostentatious and unmeaning doling out of alms, but the charity which has been translated ‘Brotherly Love,’ is a virtue which all should practice. The cry of need is ever sounding in our ears and to it our ears must never be closed.” My brothers, while we may not directly see the effects that our charitable contributions have on those they go to, we know that there are many who need it nonetheless, and thus our contributions must continue.

For the past 19 years, our State charity has been the Children’s Dyslexia Centers of Pennsylvania. In total there are eight centers scattered around our Commonwealth and they each offer selective services to children who are affected by Dyslexia. These services typically come to an annual total of $6,000, per child. While that may seem like a lot, it’s something that the centers make sure that no family has to pay.

Each year our goal is to see 100% participation from all Chapters, and this year is no different. We currently are at 50%, though there is still time to get your Chapter on board and make a donation to the State Charity. Even the smallest donation will go a long way and there are several opportunities available to make your donation. One of the more popular being Elizabethtown Chapter’s Dodgeball for Dyslexia on May 13th, there’s still time to sign up, donate, and have a fun time playing dodgeball with your brothers. Expect to see more postings on our Facebook page with more programs and opportunities to donate to our State charity. I’d like to leave you with this line from the 9 o’clock interpolation prayer, “We are all brothers of the helpless and suffering and rejoice in every call to the relief of pain or the alleviation of sorrow.” While we may not associate children with dyslexia as suffering or being in pain, there is still a call and an opportunity for us to answer.