[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF CASSIA MOUNT HEROB LODGE NO. 273

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2003

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cassia Mount Horeb 
Lodge #273 of Ardmore, Pennsylvania on their 150th anniversary. Cassia 
Lodge has the distinction of being the first permanent establishment of 
Freemasonry in what is now known as the ``Main Line.'' Since their 
founding, the Masons of Lodge 273 have made invaluable contributions to 
their community and to Pennsylvania.
  Faith, honor, integrity, responsibility for one's actions, the 
absolute right to intellectual and spiritual freedom and self-control 
are the Masons' core values and principles. After the first Grand Lodge 
was founded in England in 1717, Masonry's rich history was solidified 
in America by such patriots as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, 
Paul Revere, and John Hancock. Many would argue that the Masons and 
Masonry played a significant role in the Revolutionary War and an even 
more important part in the Constitutional Convention. For 150 years, 
the Masons of Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge have worked to maintain this 
tradition and standard of excellence while producing many prestigious 
community and professional leaders of their own.
  The members of Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge have been proven and active 
leaders in our community, providing a wide range of services to a wide 
range of people. They have hosted numerous Sunday school groups, one of 
which went on to found St. Mary's Church, which is now located just 
across the street from the Lodge. On another occasion, they opened 
their doors to the students of a neighboring school when their 
schoolhouse suffered severe damage from a fire. Acts of kindness and 
compassion like these have been commonplace in the history of Cassia 
Lodge and I am sure that they will continue to be an exemplary 
organization for years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, the Masons of Cassia Mount Horeb Lodge have served as a 
model for all Masons for 150 years. Their commitment to God and 
country, emboldened by their brotherhood, has set a high standard for 
all Masonic lodges.

                          ____________________