Update: Communication from Ronald B. Carson DDGM

June 4, 2020

Worshipful Master and Brothers,

Recently, Governor Tom Wolfe announced that Lancaster County & Lebanon County will be moving to the “Yellow Phase” on June 5th, 2020. While our restrictions do change, as in accordance with our R.W.G.M. directive, we are still under Masonic Suspension for all activities until July 1st, 2020 or until otherwise notified. I strongly encourage all the Officers to please familiarize themselves with the requirements of the “Yellow Phase”.

As a result of the Commonwealth moving to the “Yellow Phase”, we are still not permitted to have Stated Lodge Meetings, Extra Meetings, gatherings, etc. While I am the first to acknowledge missing the entire Fraternity and gatherings, I too, must abide by these rules. I trust that each of you are utilizing social media and “zoom meetings” to help keep our Brothers informed and such.

As each of us are aware, our society is under distress in many ways. While a large majority of society is protesting and demonstrating their rights, these gatherings bring many challenges to innocent people that are becoming collateral damage. Recently we have been witnessing to firsthand accounts of what is transpiring in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, York and most recently Lancaster City. What started out as challenges from crowds that gather to what appears to be more peaceful, we must keep in mind that there are “groups” that are causing more harm than good and carrying out agendas that cause chaos in what is supposed to be peaceful.

As a result, I CANNOT permit Lodges and Brothers to go out into the City of Lancaster without appropriate permission to participate as a Mason or Fraternity in any fashion. I understand that each of us feel like we should be doing more to help, however, we are also under directives set forth by the R.W.G.M.. Very soon, we can and will partake in coordinated events to make our communities cleaner and better. However, until then, we must continue to follow these directives.

I continue to thank you for being innovative and following our oaths as Masons. I am very appreciative and grateful for each of you and cherish the bond of Fellowship and Fraternity. There is an old saying that goes extremely far. That saying is “Conversations produce change, Arguments produce division”. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.

Fraternally,
Ronald B. Carson, DDGM