Freemasonry encourages members to become better men, better husbands, better fathers, and better citizens. The bonds of Brotherhood formed in the Lodge help build life-long friendships among men with similar goals and values. Beyond its focus on individual development and growth, Masonry is deeply involved in helping people. The Freemasons of North America contribute over two million dollars per d
ay to charitable causes. This philanthropy represents an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment of this great and honorable organization. Some of these charities are vast projects. For example, the Shrine Masons (Shriners) operate the largest network of hospitals for burned and orthopedically impaired children in the country, and there is never a fee for treatment. Meanwhile, Scottish Rite Masons maintain a nationwide network of over 150 Childhood Language Disorder Clinics, Centers, and Programs. Many other Masonic organizations sponsor a variety of philanthropies, including scholarship programs for students, and perform public service activities in their communities. In New York we have several charitable initiatives in which we engage. Among our most successful is the world-famous Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) and their close to 50 years of pioneering research into causes and cures for cardiac arrhythmias. We take great pride in their work and accomplishments. In addition, Grand Lodge operates our Masonic Care Community in Utica, which is a state-of-the-art complex in a rural setting that offers a continuum of medical support – from independent living facilities to assisted living apartments to skilled nursing – with the finest of care and compassion. Moreover, the Trustees recently purchased the former College of New Rochelle campus in order to create a second care community. We also own and operate a residential summer camp for children, ages 8 – 16. Camp Turk encompasses over 1500 acres in the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York. It features a campground with several buildings, a spring-fed lake, and other impressive facilities including a theater, computer lab, a recreational center, crafts center, library, and athletic fields. Masons also enjoy the fellowship of each other and their families in social and recreational activities. At Connetquot, we have hosted pancake breakfasts, pot-luck dinners, summer BBQ’s, and an annual wing competition. We also collect & donate food to the Sayville Food Pantry, as well as conducting special holiday food drives at Thanksgiving and Christmas. In addition, we award a small scholarship to a graduating Sayville High School senior. Several Brothers also volunteer with Veterans programs operated by the Suffolk Masonic District at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Northport and the New York State Veterans Home in Stony Brook.
