[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 168 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE MOUNTAIN LODGE NO. 281, F.&A.M. AND THE JUNIATA LODGE 
                            NO. 282, F.&A.M.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2003

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mountain 
Lodge No. 281, F.&A.M. and the Juniata Lodge No. 282, F.&A.M. on their 
150th Anniversary and to thank them for their service and dedication to 
their community.
  From its home town of Edinburgh, England, the Honorable Fraternity of 
Freemasonry came to Pennsylvania in 1730 on a mission to spread the 
Masonic vision of a ``Brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God.'' 
Out of this need for brotherhood, the Mountain Lodge and Juniata Lodge 
were founded on December 8, 1853. Since that date these two lodges have 
consistently exhibited the qualities to which they are committed, 
sharing with their community a moral code based upon honesty, strength 
of character, and the highest standard of ethics.
  The Freemasons lead their communities by the example that they set in 
their own lives as they work to uphold the very pillars of the American 
society. Each Freemason is taught to be true, the crucial attribute 
that provides the basis for all virtues of man, and to maintain a 
devotion to spirituality and intellectual growth. Additionally, they 
bear a strong commitment to artistic and cultural excellence. While 
cultivating all of the above characteristics, a freemason's family 
values remain strong and devoted. These organizations have not only 
enriched the lives of their members, but of those in the surrounding 
communities who have undoubtedly benefitted from the charity, education 
and service that they have repeatedly provided.
  This nation was built by a group of men, bound by brotherhood under 
the direction of God, who believed in the natural rights of freedom and 
democracy. The members of these Masonic lodges have worked daily for 
150 years to preserve that ``Brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of 
God,'' and the standard of excellence upon which it was founded. The 
growing and active memberships of these organizations are a symbol of 
the community's devotion to success and the promise that is to come. As 
a proud member of the Juniata Lodge, I congratulate these two Masonic 
lodges on their 150th Anniversary and thank them for all their hard 
work and service.

                          ____________________