Support for Widows

The Widows’ Guild program seeks to identify, honor and assist Masonic Widows

Support for Widows

More than 75 women are widowed each month by a Pennsylvania Mason. The Widows’ Guild program seeks to identify, honor and assist these women in their respective communities through events, communications and by connecting them with one another.

Members of the Guild receive a Masonic Blue Slipper Pin, which is a universal symbol among Masons that identifies the wearer as the widow of a Mason. Members also receive a personalized membership card to the Widows’ Guild. On the back side of the card is the toll-free telephone number for the Masonic Outreach Program. As a Masonic widow (whether or not you are a member of the Widows’ Guild), the Masonic Outreach Program can assist you in your time of need.

Services offered through the Masonic Outreach Program include financial assistance for eligible widows, access to legal and financial counsel and information about local, state and federal programs that can provide assistance. For those needing medical equipment, the Loan Closet offers durable medical equipment for use on a short-term basis.

To become a member of the Widows’ Guild, sign up to receive “Blue Slipper Stories” or to access the Widows’ Guild Directory, contact the Masonic Charities relations administrator at 717-367-1121, ext. 33497 or relationsadministrator@pawidowguild.org.

 

“I became aware of the Masonic Outreach Program when I received a card offering condolences on the passing of my husband.

I am most appreciative of the compassion and understanding by the Outreach staff. The help that followed was vitally important to my wellbeing. My husband would have been thankful for the help I received.

My advice to other widows is “don’t be afraid to ask, you never know what’s available”.

– Priscilla, Masonic Widow

“When I receive ‘Blue Slipper Stories,’ I realize I’m not the only one out there. My husband and I had been together 24/7. It’s taken me years to discover who I am again. I didn’t have anyone really helping me until now. All you have to do is ask. I’m thankful for everything the Masonic Outreach Program and Widows’ Guild have given me.”

– A Member of the Masonic Widows’ Guild

Closeup of Masonic Blue Slipper Pin

The Blue Slipper Pin Story

The pin’s history comes from the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. During the time of Boaz, the next of kin were to look after the widow and offspring. In Ruth’s case, the next of kin refused to honor this requirement for Ruth, so Boaz agreed to take up the task. When Boaz met with the next of kin to seal the deal, the next of kin drew off his shoe and handed it to Boaz as a token for the bargain to take care of Ruth. Boaz held the shoe up for all to see as witnesses of the deal. To this day, the blue slipper is a universal symbol of the obligation Masons have to care for Masonic widows.

Contact Us

To become a member of the Widows’ Guild, sign up to receive “Blue Slipper Stories” or to access the Widows’ Guild Directory, complete the form below.

 

Your Name(Required)
Husband's Name(Required)
Address(Required)
My Interests(Required)

Upcoming Events

Throughout the year, events are held to provide Widows’ Guild members with the opportunity to gather and share fellowship. For more information on these events, contact the Masonic Charities relations administrator at 717-367-1121, ext. 33497 or relationsadministrator@pawidowguild.org.