PA Widows Sons In The Media
Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation
The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation was a beneficiary for funds raised by members of Sons of Abiff Chapter, Pennsylvania Widows Sons, and supporters during the group’s sixth annual “Covered Bridge Charity Ride for Children.” Executive Director Dave Berry accepted a $7,000 check from the chapter at Bristol Lodge No. 25. Thanks for your support!
Originally posted via Facebook by Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation
photos by: Brother Jim Ryan
Widows Sons and Veterans Day
Pennsylvania Freemasons do much to support veterans and active duty military in their lodges, districts and communities throughout the year. In recognition of Veterans Day tomorrow, here’s a story of one recent project….
Brother Richard Storms, PM, Spring Ford Masonic Lodge #553, Royersford, is a member of the Pennsylvania Widows Sons. He and other motorcyclists recently had the honor of escorting the Vietnam Veterans Wall through Chester and Montgomery Counties for a ceremony, with the support of first responders in the area. On Veterans Day 1996, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund unveiled a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., designed to travel by truck to communities throughout the United States. “The Wall That Heals” was on display at Anderson Farm Park in Collegeville, PA, for a few days before moving on. “It was a real honor to participate in this event,” Richard said. “It was an opportunity to give back and pay tribute, not only to the Vietnam veterans, but to veterans in general. It’s important to make sure they feel like we care and are there to support them.”
Originally posted via Facebook by The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
photos by: Brother Richard Storms, PM
Widows Sons at the PA Grand Lodge Rededication
Philadelphia’s Masonic Temple celebrates its 150th anniversary this year with a series of special events and free tours. The Masonic Temple opened in 1873 and contains artwork, frescos, stained glass, murals, and sculptures which connect Freemasons and non-Freemasons to an inspirational world of art, architecture, and history.
This National Historic Landmark building, located at One North Broad Street, is a treasure that has been hidden in plain sight, despite its prominent location next to City Hall.
On June 24, 2023 a public rededication of the building occurred in Corinthian Hall. During the rededication ceremony, the Right Worshipful Grand Master – Jeffrey M. Wonderling acknowledged the Pennsylvania Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association. The RWGM acknowledged the Pennsylvania Widows Sons MRA for their dedication to supporting the Masonic Widow’s Guild as well as Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown.
Prior to the rededication ceremony, the PAWSMRA members present enjoyed a private lunch with RWGM Wondering. After the conclusion of the ceremony a private tour of the building was provided to the Widows Sons.
It was truly a day to remember!
RIDING for Masonic Charity
reprinted from Freemason Magazine, Autumn 2022 edition
More than 164 bikers motored through western Pennsylvania July 17 during the Grand Master’s Charity Ride. The largest fundraiser for the Pennsylvania Widows Sons, this year’s event raised $4,500 for the Masonic Children’s Home and other Masonic Charities, according to Brother Jonathan DeLuca, state Vice President.
Pennsylvania members, as well as members from out-ofstate chapters, participated in a large rally following the ride, which lasted about 1½ hours.
Riders are already looking forward to next year’s event on Aug. 5 in Pittsburgh.
“What a great group of Masons,” R.W. Grand Master Jeff Wonderling said. “It’s the first time I was on a motorcycle in 44 years, and they took good care of me. We rode from Bedford through the countryside to the Flight 93 Memorial. They made a nice donation to the Masonic Widows’ Guild, a charitable arm of the Masonic Outreach Program to ensure Masons’ widows are taken care of. I am truly impressed with the organization.”
For a chapter locator and more information on the Pennsylvania Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, visit pawidowssons.org.
Widows Sons Ride for Charity
reprinted from Freemason Magazine, Spring 2022 edition
Members of the Pennsylvania (PA) Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association enjoy riding their motorcycles and giving back to the community.
They accomplish both through the annual Grand Master’s Charity Ride. All proceeds from the event go to Masonic charities within the state, mainly the Masonic Children’s Home of Pennsylvania.
The goals of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association are to contribute to the aid and relief of Masonic widows and orphans and to introduce Freemasonry to the world of motorcycling. The group also supports various individual charities in the community through motorcycle events, rides and raffles.
The Grand Master’s Charity Ride is the largest fundraiser for the PA Widows Sons. Last year’s event, held on July 17, raised a record $14,000 for the Masonic Children’s Home, said Brother Jonathan DeLuca, state President of the PA Widows Sons and Past Master of Mozart Lodge No. 436, Philadelphia.
More than 100 Pennsylvania members, as well as members from out-of-state chapters, participated in a large rally following the ride. Nearly 200 bikes were represented in the ride, which lasted about an hour and a half and took participants through downtown Harrisburg and past the Fort Indiantown Gap Military Base.
“Last year was a stellar year – it blew everything we’ve ever done out of the water by thousands of dollars,” Jonathan said. “Everything stopped [in 2020] for COVID. Last year, people wanted to come out because they hadn’t seen anyone in a while. We had 50/50 raffles and charity baskets. It was just amazing.”
The PA Widows Sons presented the check for $14,000 to the Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown in November 2021.
Each year, the Grand Master’s Charity Ride is held in the town where the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania resides. Last year, the ride was held in Philadelphia in deference to R.W. Past Grand Master Thomas Gamon IV.
Brother Mike Rosenberry is President of the PA Temple Guard Chapter (Harrisburg) of the Widows Sons, which sponsored the charity ride last year. A 33° Mason, Mike is a member of Harrisburg- Snyder Lodge No. 629, which has about 50 members. He called the event “a huge success.”
“Our chapter members and state officers helped out a great deal with the event,” he said. “It was more money than we ever dreamed we’d be able to raise. So, the bar is set. I hope this year it will be even better.”
The Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association was established in the late 1990s. Today, there are chapters across the globe.
The PA Widows Sons was founded in 2001 in Philadelphia. Currently, there are 16 recognized chapters throughout the state. Each chapter holds a monthly meeting to conduct business and plan upcoming events. All Master Masons in good standing, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, who are motorcycle riders, are welcome to petition a local chapter. For a chapter locator and more information on the Pennsylvania Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, visit pawidowssons.org.
Helping Others One Mile at a Time
reprinted from Freemason Magazine, Spring 2021 edition
“We spread the cement of Freemasonry from the saddle of a motorcycle.” – Jonathan DeLuca, State President, PA Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association
Brother Dale A. Peters enjoys Freemasonry, riding his motorcycle and giving back to the community. Thanks to his involvement with the Pennsylvania (PA) Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, he’s able to do all three things simultaneously.
“I love riding motorcycles, especially with other Freemasons,” said Dale, Worshipful Master of Western Star Lodge No. 304 in Albion. He also serves as President of the Pennsylvania Noblemen Chapter (Albion) of the PA Widows Sons. “When I get on my bike, it’s just a feeling that’s hard to explain … there’s nothing else that can bother you because you just feel free riding into the wind.”
The Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association was established in the late 1990s. Today, there are chapters in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Russia, Europe, the Far East, Australia and New Zealand.
The goal of the organization is to contribute to the aid and relief of Masonic widows and orphans and introduce Freemasonry to the world of motorcycling. The group also supports various individual charities in the community through motorcycle events, rides and raffles.
“Our purpose is to help our fellow brothers’ wives and kids,” Dale said, noting that they have assisted widows at the Masonic Villages in Elizabethtown and Sewickley. “We do whatever we can for them. If they are older and need a ramp built in front of their house, we’ll do it. If they need help getting places, we will pick them up. Sometimes, we’ll have a lodge dinner and bring them to the dinner. All you can do is keep reaching out to them. If they want us to do something, we do it.”
The PA Widows Sons was founded in 2001 in Philadelphia. Currently, there are 16 recognized chapters throughout the state. Each chapter holds a monthly meeting to conduct business and plan upcoming events, said Jonathan DeLuca, State President of the PA Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association and Past Master of Mozart Lodge No. 436, Philadelphia.
All Master Masons in good standing, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, who are motorcycle riders, are welcome to petition a local chapter.
The PA Widows Sons is governed by the Pennsylvania Presidents’ Council. The council is made up of the presidents of each of the recognized local chapters throughout the state.
“We’re Freemasons first and Widows Sons second,” Jonathan said. “Our organization is made up of Past Masters, Worshipful Masters, District Deputy Grand Masters, etc. If we’re aware of a Masonic charity, we’re going to be there to help and support it. Our goal is to do good for others while we’re having a blast.”
“Having a blast” to Jonathan means spending a day riding his motorcycle at 65 mph, just a few feet away from his fellow brothers. “Trust is born that way,” Jonathan said. “When something happens, we come together. I know when my chips are down, I can call my brothers, and they will be there.”
Every year, the PA Widows Sons chapters come together to host the “Grand Master’s Charity Ride.” All proceeds from the event go to Masonic charities within the state, mainly the Masonic Children’s Home of Pennsylvania.
“We are fortunate and grateful to have the support of the Grand Lodge when it comes to holding this event,” Jonathan said.
The chapters are also raising money to purchase computer tablets for patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children. Dale said his chapter has already raised about $600.
Dale was formerly a member of a chapter of the Ohio Widows Sons. When he moved to Pennsylvania, he joined the Brothers of the Trowel Chapter in Meadville. Since there was no presence in northwestern Pennsylvania, where he lived, Dale decided to start a chapter there. The Pennsylvania Noblemen Chapter was chartered in 2019.
The Noblemen Chapter participates in motorcycle rides each year for various charities, most recently raising $400 for the Northwest Food Pantry in Albion.
“For every dollar raised, the food pantry can purchase approximately $17 worth of product,” Dale said. “The buying power they have with the money you give them is unbelievable. It’s a good feeling to help them, and they were really grateful.”
The Noblemen Chapter also donates money to Project NEED (Northwestern Extended Emergency Dwelling), a small non-profit organization in Albion that provides housing for people who are displaced. “We’ve raised anywhere from $500 to $600 for them over the past two years. I was with the brothers of the Trowel Chapter when we started the project, and I took it over with this chapter,” Dale said. “It’s a great organization.”
For a chapter locator and more information on the Pennsylvania Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, visit pawidowssons.org.