[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 102 (Friday, June 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1380]]
          TRIBUTE TO WARREN LODGE NO. 310 OF COLLEGEVILLE, PA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2007

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a local 
Mason's Lodge, the Warren Lodge No. 310 located in Collegeville, PA, 
for its 150th anniversary this Saturday, June 23, 2007. Dr. J. Warren 
Royer, a well-respected doctor who was educated at the University of 
Pennsylvania, founded the Warren Lodge in 1857. Since its inception, 
the Warren Lodge has held a position of distinction in American 
Freemasonry. Most recently, one of Warren Lodge's officers, Mr. Marvin 
A. Cunningham, Sr., was elected to the highest position in Freemasonry, 
that of Right Worshipful Grand Master of Pennsylvania from 2002-2003. 
Throughout his term, he helped fellow Masonic Villages improve their 
organizations and uphold the traditions and customs of the Freemasons, 
including those located in Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill and Sewickley, 
PA. He also supervised the restoration of the historic Memorial Arch 
located at Valley Forge National Park.
  The Warren Lodge continues to maintain an impressive facility called 
the R.W.G.M. Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr. Museum. One of the many 
treasures on display is an exact replica of the 1752 Philip Syng 
Inkstand, the original of which is currently on display at Independence 
Hall in Philadelphia. Philip Syng was the R.W.G.M. of Pennsylvania in 
1743, and it was his inkstand that was used by the signers of the 
Declaration of Independence. In addition, George Washington called for 
its use once again when the U.S. Constitution was signed in 
Philadelphia.
  At this year's anniversary celebration, the Warren Lodge's special 
guest of honor will be the current Right Worshipful Grand Master of 
Pennsylvania, Mr. Ronald A. Aungst, Sr. The members and officers of 
Warren Lodge will present to Mr. Aungst, Sr. an exact replica of the 
Syng Inkstand, honoring his exemplary service and dedication to 
upholding the ancient tradition of Masons helping Masons daily.
  Madam Speaker, I am sure my fellow Members join me today in 
congratulating the Warren Lodge, No. 310 for this historic milestone 
and wish them 150 more years of honorable service to their lodge and 
community. Thank you.

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