The Founding of Ancient Philadelphia

Ptolemy II was a Greek king who ruled Egypt from March 282 BC to January 246 BC, succeeding his father, Ptolemy I Soter —one of Alexander the Great’s generals. Between 279 and 274 BC. 

                                               Ptolemaios II married his full sister Arsinoë II, a practice normal among Egyptian pharaohs but shocking to                                                 the Greeks living in Egypt, as sibling marriage was considered morally wrong within Greek culture.

                                                As a result of this union, Ptolemy II was given the epithet Φιλάδελφος (Philádelphos), meaning “the                                                           Sibling-Lover,” derived from the Greek verb φιλέω (philéō, “to love”) and the noun ἀδελφός (adelphós,                                                       “sibling”). Despite the scandal, Ptolemy II was known as a successful and prosperous king, renowned for                                                   his patronage of the Library of Alexandria and the Mouseion, contributing significantly to Alexandria’s                                                         status as an intellectual center.

More than fifty years after Ptolemy II’s death, Eumenes II, the king of Pergamon, had a brother named Attalos II who was exceptionally loyal to him, earning the same epithet, Φιλάδελφος. Unlike its original mocking  use, the epithet became a mark of honor for Attalos II. Shortly after 189 BC, Eumenes II founded the city Φιλαδέλφεια (Philadélpheia) in Lydia, in present-day western Turkey, to honor his brother. Located about seventy miles east of Smyrna (now Izmir), this city still exists today under the name Alaşehir.

Philadelphia in the Book of Revelation

Centuries after its founding, Philadelphia was mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The Christian writer John of Patmos wrote letters to seven churches of Asia Minor, with the sixth addressed to the church in Philadelphia—the city founded by Eumenes II for his brother. In Revelation 3:7–13, John praises the Philadelphians for their faith, promising them an open door and protection from future trials. Of all the churches addressed, only Smyrna and Philadelphia receive only praise, with Philadelphia especially promised exemption from temptation due to their steadfast faith.

This letter contributed to Philadelphia’s reputation among Christians in the Early Modern Period (c. 1450 – c. 1750) as a utopian city where faith and brotherly love flourished, although this image is more symbolic than historical reality.

The Founding of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

                                              When William Penn founded Philadelphia in 1682, he envisioned it as a place where                                                                                  people of all religions could live together in peace, brotherly love, and faith. He named                                                                                the city after the ancient Philadelphia praised in the Book of Revelation, reflecting both                                                                                the meaning “City of Brotherly Love” and the Biblical praise associated with the name.

​                                             This connection to the ancient city mentioned in the Bible is often overlooked in discussions about the etymology of Philadelphia, but it played a key role in Penn’s choice. As a devout Quaker, Penn intended Philadelphia to be a place of religious coexistence and harmony, inspired by the Biblical ideals unlikely that Penn was aware of the full historical connection between the name Philadelphia and Ptolemaios II Philadelphos; if he had known, it is uncertain whether he would have chosen the name for his new city.

Congratulations to our newest Master Mason Brother Adam Leese.

Brother Adam was raised to the EA degree, but shortly thereafter received unfortunate news about a health issue that required him to return to the VA in Pennsylvania for treatment. The Brothers of our Lodge worked diligently to ensure he became a Master Mason before his departure. We held degrees on consecutive weeks and tutored Brother Adam so he could pass his proficiency. All the Brothers who helped Adam achieve this honor invested time in practice and independent study, truly exemplifying Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

This reflects the ideals of its founder, William Penn, a Quaker leader who envisioned a place of harmony and brotherhood. 

*** Special Note from WM Hurtt ***

I have been diving into historical stuff from the 3 lodges that formed Central AZ Masonic Lodge 14. I have found so many cool things, including a lot of old pictures from Sedona Red Rock 63. I found a book of old petitions dating from 1917, when they were UD, until the 40’s, from Clarkdale 25, along with all the old minutes from Verde 14 dating back to 1902. I am still working on a Historical book and display case, and if anyone has pictures or stories they would like to share, I would be happy to include them.

 534 S 12th St
                      Cottonwood  AZ                       (928) 339-0188

Brother, Adam Leese, was Passed to the degree of Fellowcraft.

The Tun Tavern: Birthplace of Pennsylvania Freemasonry

Many people enjoy claiming they were “there from the beginning” or that “I knew them when,” but the Freemasons can genuinely make this claim regarding The Tun. Originally constructed in 1686 as a brewery and gathering place, The Tun eventually became the most popular and fashionable pub and eatery in Philadelphia, attracting some of the most influential figures of its time. It emerged as the central hub for open exchange of ideas and collaborative planning, making it an ideal meeting spot for Freemasons.

The Tun holds particular significance as the Birthplace of Pennsylvania Freemasonry. One of the earliest minute books from any Masonic lodge in North America is that of St. John’s Lodge (of the Moderns) in Philadelphia, dating back to 1730. Brother Ben Franklin, who would become the third Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, was initiated into the Freemasons at The Tun in 1731. The Tun also hosted several key Masonic milestones during the 18th century, including the establishment of Tun Lodge No. 3 in the 1740s. The Tun Tavern is also considered the birthplace of the U.S. Marine Corps, where the first recruits were enlisted on November 10, 1775, at the direction of the Continental Congress, making it a sacred site for Marines.

Arizona Grand Master
Most Worshipful Leigh Creighton

February Historical Events


February 7, 1981 – Grand Lodge of Alaska was established in Anchorage, Alaska

February 19, 1811 – Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia founded

February 22, 1732 – George Washington born, first President of the United States

February 24, 1853 – Grand Lodge of Minnesota founded

Light from the East

Being a Mason in Life, Not Just in Lodge

 To be a Mason is not merely to attend meetings, memorize ritual, or hold office. Those are tools, but the true labor of Masonry begins when we step outside the lodge room and return to the world. The lodge is the quarry; life is the temple we are building.

A better Mason in life begins with self-examination. Just as we are taught to square our actions, we must regularly measure our thoughts, words, and intentions. The working tools remind us that rough edges remain long after initiation. Humility is not weakness it is the awareness that the stone is never finished.

Integrity is the Mason’s true reputation. In lodge, our words are guarded and our conduct observed. In life, no gavel calls us to order but  our obligations remain. A Mason keeps his word when it costs him something, chooses the right path when no one is watching, and acts with honor even when it is inconvenient. This is how the internal temple is strengthened.

To be a Mason in life is to practice charity in its highest form. Charity is not limited to alms; it is patience with others, forgiveness of faults, and kindness without expectation of return. The Mason does not ask who deserves help he asks where help is needed. In this way, relief becomes a daily discipline, not an occasional act.

Brotherly love extends beyond the fraternity. While we share a unique bond with our brethren, Masonry teaches us to recognize the divine spark in all people. A better Mason listens more than he speaks, seeks understanding over judgment, and builds bridges rather than walls. The world is divided enough; the Mason is meant to be a unifier.

The Mason also learns to govern himself. Anger, pride, and ego are among the roughest stones we face. True mastery is not dominion over others, but command over one’s own passions. A calm tongue, a steady heart, and a measured response reflect a man who has truly absorbed the lessons of the Craft.

Finally, to be a Mason in life is to leave things better than we found them, our families, our workplaces, our communities, and ourselves. Titles fade, offices pass, and aprons are laid aside, but the example we set endures. The question is not whether we were seen as good Masons in lodge, but whether others experienced Masonry through how we lived.

When Masonry becomes a way of being rather than something we do, the lessons cease to be symbolic and become transformative. In that moment, the Mason is no longer merely attending the work he is the work!

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Brother Christopher Hurtt

Master 2026

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The Tenets of Freemasonry: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth

An Examination of the Significance, Historical Background, and Freemasonry in Philadelphia

 By Sr. Warden Ed Arico

The core principles of Freemasonry are encapsulated in its three chief tenets: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Each tenet represents a fundamental aspect of the Masonic tradition, shaping the character and conduct of every Mason. This being February I want to focus on Brotherly Love and where this saying originated. First let’s look at why Brotherly Love is important to Mason’s and why all Masons should never lose sight of the meaning of Brotherly Love and how we apply it in Lodge to our Brothers and in our daily lives.

Brotherly Love

Brotherly Love, the first of these principal tenets, signifies placing the highest possible value upon another person. It involves valuing others not for the advantages, usefulness, or personal gain they may offer, but for who they are as individuals. This kind of love is evident in the deep bonds we form with family members, close friends, and loved ones, where we willingly make sacrifices, work for their well-being, and take joy in their company. In practice, love means cherishing another for their own sake, without expecting anything in return.

Within Freemasonry, Brotherly Love extends to the relationships formed among members. It means placing the highest valuation on another Mason as a friend, companion, associate, neighbor, or fellow. The true essence of this relationship lies in the privilege of spending time together and working side by side, without seeking personal profit or selfish gain. The connection itself is its own justification and reward.

Brotherly Love is regarded as one of life’s supreme experiences—without it, life can become lonely, unhappy, and dreary. This is not merely an aspiration or ideal, but a reality as fundamental as natural laws. Freemasonry recognizes this truth, takes it as a given, and actively fosters opportunities for fellowship among its members. It encourages understanding and practice of Brotherly Love, making it a guiding law of existence for all who belong to the fraternity. In every sense, Brotherly Love stands as one of the principal tenets of Freemasonry.

Philadelphia translates to "City of Brotherly Love," a name derived from the Greek words philia (love) and adelphos (brother). 

Central Arizona Masonic Lodge #14

Worshipful Master

Chris Hurtt