Pennsylvania Masons founded the children’s home and continue to show their support in new, creative ways more than 100 years later.
There were many ways the brothers of Concordia Lodge No. 67, Jenkintown, could have raised money for the Masonic Children’s Home, a cause close to their hearts. However, Brother Stan Pannella never thought strapping into skates and hitting the ice would be one of them.
When brothers from Canada’s Niagara District A came to visit Concordia Lodge, members knew they wanted to show them the heart of Pennsylvania Freemasonry by providing them with a memorable experience. Brother Stan took the lead on planning a hockey game, so each lodge could demonstrate their skills while enjoying a little friendly competition and international fellowship.
“We wanted the Canadians to feel like they were at home with us, and we were excited to host this unique event and raise money for charity at the same time,” Brother Stan said.
Concordia Lodge brothers worked tirelessly to find a rink, hockey gear, volunteers to work the event, corporate sponsors and, most importantly, players to risk it all on the ice. “We all pulled together to make it happen,” Brother Stan said. “A lot of our guys put up their own money, not to mention their time.”
Many of the volunteer players were somewhat confident with their abilities, having played hockey in youth leagues, high school, college and on minor league teams. Brother Stan himself has played goalie on various teams over the last 50 years. The final Concordia Lodge team, made up of 16 men and one woman, worked hard to brush up on their skills months before the game. Despite the mounting pressure, both teams knew the goal was to have fun and support a good cause.
Thanks to social media and word of mouth, the game had support from fellow Masons and their families. Although Concordia Lodge was victorious against the Canadians with a final score of 8 – 3, it was really the children at the Masonic Children’s Home who won. A $5 donation at the door, individual and corporate donations and a 50/50 raffle that was won by a member’s wife and donated back to charity totaled $3,500 for the children’s home, and donations are still coming in.
“All of us believe kids are the future,” Brother Stan says. “All we can do is supply them with the proper tools to afford them a brighter future. If one of those tools is money, we’ll make it happen.”
Brother Stan and many of his fellow Concordia Lodge members are proud fathers and grandfathers, so raising money for charity became a family event. There were many father and son players as well as one husband and wife team.
“At one point in the game, I’m sitting on the bench and watching the smiles of the players, families and friends,” Brother Stan said. “They enjoyed watching us make fools of ourselves, which is great. It was more than just a hockey game. Anyone could see that.”
The event made such an impact that there are already plans in place for a future hockey game with the Canadian Masons. Although, next time, Concordia Lodge may visit Canada.
“This is really a story of several lodges coming together to celebrate what it means to be a Mason,” Brother Stan says. “We’re all on the level to become better men, so why not enjoy the journey?”