Community Service Committee

“… I know that education and the rational use of the mind are the keys to facing the problems of humanity;

… I know that charity is the distinguishing human virtue, and that personal community service is the best demonstration of one’s commitment to humanity;

… I know that leadership is best demonstrated by commitment to serving others;”

At this year’s Metropolitan Region Interfaith Breakfast, we will honor a man and an organization that both exemplify all of these important characteristics from our Masonic Compact. We will present our DeWitt Clinton Award to Mr. Angelo Catalano, the President of the Francis X. Pendl Nassau County Firefighters’ Museum and Education Center.

Making a Difference Every Day

Most men join the Masonic Fraternity primarily for the opportunity to perform meaningful community service. Freemasonry is the most charitable fraternal organization in the world — in both our philanthropy and our time.

Masons donate over $1.5 million a day to charity — that’s half a billion dollars a year going to support national, regional, and local community organizations.

National Level

Masonry has many branches, all of which have special charities that they support:

• The Shrine Masons are responsible for 22 hospitals, three burn centers, and 19 crippled children’s hospitals. This is the largest network of crippled children’s hospitals in the country — and there is never a charge for treatment. These hospitals also do not accept any money from insurance companies or the government.
• Scottish Rite Masons support learning centers for children with dyslexia. These centers help them to read and eventually to navigate the world. This group also supports research in schizophrenia.
• York Rite Masons help people with serious eye problems.
• Many states sponsor the MSAT program, which trains teachers to identify and refer children who are at risk for or involved in substance abuse.

New York State Level

Freemasons established and maintain the world-renowned Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, which works on basic research for heart disease and aging. The lab is part of a 15 building complex that also houses the Masonic retirement home. It’s located on 340 acres of land in Utica. The New England Journal of Medicine recently featured the lab for its work in discovering a link between a certain cardiac arrhythmia and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

IRS 990N Filings

• IRS notification letter
• IRS to Notify Small Tax
• New Annual Electronic Filing Requirement for Small Tax
• FAQ Final

George Peter Medal for Educational Achievement