Each of us stands upon the shoulders of those who came before us—men who made sacrifices, lived their lives in their own day, and truly lived. We read about them now. We hear and see their names. And if we take a moment of silence, we can almost hear the echoes of their voices—whispers carried forward through time.
Read MoreTonight we are joined by Bros. Muraldy Gustave and Julian Skodzinski, who currently serve as Lodge No. 2’s Junior Master of Ceremonies and Masonic Outreach Ambassador, respectively. Bros. Gustave and Skodzinski kick off the conversation by recounting what first drew them to Freemasonry in general before delving into how the Craft can help younger generations forge new friendships in the age of social media.
Read MoreWelcome to the New Year! In case you missed it, the newly elected officers have been installed, and we all look forward to serving you in this Masonic year. Bros. Michael J. Vivas and O. Steven Schneider, Jr. did an excellent job with their obligations, and I know they will continue to do great work as the torch is passed into their care.
Read MoreFirst and foremost, thank you to all the officers who have served our Lodge, and to the brethren who are stepping up to carry the mantle as Lodge No. 2 moves forward into the future. It has been—and continues to be—a pleasure working with each and every one of you. As I write this, the sun has yet to rise above the horizon, and I find myself filled with excitement as I think about our Lodge’s future and our role in celebrating our Nation’s 250th Birthday. Fair warning, Brethren: we will be busy! There will be much to do—both within our Lodge and throughout our community.
Read MoreAs I sit at my dining room table, as many have, sipping my tea,--Earl Grey and lemon, no sugar--with my crazy cats surrounding me, I ponder on the past two years, and the sacrifices many have made to ensure Lodge No. 2 progresses in a positive direction. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year a success. Without your support, I would not have been able to make this happen while sitting in the East. Your tireless devotion to the Craft, has enabled Lodge No. 2 to move the needle way past the expectations of the vision that was presented back when I took office in 2024.
Read MoreTonight we are joined by Bros. William C. Soloway and Nathan R. Hill, who currently serve as Lodge No. 2’s Senior Master of Ceremonies and Pursuivant, respectively. Bro. Soloway begins by recounting his family’s connection to the fraternity spanning multiple generations before delving into the Craft’s history, organizational structure, appendant bodies, and the many ways that Masons can get involved in their local communities. We then pivot to how Freemasonry helped Bro. Hill find camaraderie in Philadelphia after moving from the United Kingdom and then wrap up by discussing the current and forthcoming philanthropic endeavors he is spearheading in Lodge No. 2.
Read MoreThis is not the usual message, so please bear with me.
On Mon., 15-Sep-2025, my mother passed away. Last year in April of 2024, my biological father passed away. These are the people that brought me into this world, ultimately making it possible for me to be of service to our lodge. Though sometimes fraught, my relationship with my parents nevertheless had a lasting impression on my life and helped shape me into the man I am today.
Read MoreIn anticipation of the United States Semiquincentennial celebration in 2026, Lodge No. 2 of the Free & Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania are conducting a series of interviews of the membership to speak to their experiences of Freemasonry in general and Lodge No. 2 in particular. Today, we are joined by Bro. O. Steven Schneider, Jr., Junior Warden of Lodge No. 2, who discusses his familial connection to the fraternity and how he made his way to Lodge No. 2, as he advanced his Masonic career from an appointed chair to elected office.
Read MoreIn anticipation of the United States Semiquincentennial celebration in 2026, Lodge No. 2 of the Free & Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania are conducting a series of interviews of the membership to speak to their experiences of Freemasonry in general and Lodge No. 2 in particular. Today, we are joined by Bro. Peter B. Lavelle, P.M., Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 2, and his son, Seth P. Lavelle, as they discuss what brought them to join the fraternity and how their membership in the same lodge has strengthened their familial ties.
Read MoreIf you have ever attended Lodge No. 2’s Stated or Extra Meetings, you might recognize him as our Senior Deacon or as our resident videographer, carefully filming, editing and curating footage for Lodge No. 2’s Interview Series in preparation for the United States Semiquincentennial.
Read MoreHopefully everyone enjoyed their summer as we called off from labor for the months of July and August. First and foremost: Bro. Muraldy Gustave, and soon-to-be Bro. Justin A. Rodriguez will soon depart for my alma mater, Fort Benning, to serve our country in active duty service in the United States Army. All the best to them…and beware of that Georgia red clay.
Read MoreA few updates as we are called off from labor. Unfortunately, we lost a pillar within Masonic District D, Bro. Norman Walsh, P.M. Norm was the epitome of what our Fraternity is and should be; he will be missed by many.
Read MoreLodge No. 2 - Free & Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania
1 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
