Two months ago, Larry A. Derr of Mount Joy was installed as the 125th Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Masons of Pennsylvania. The role is an honor, he said, and offers him an opportunity to promote an organization that's had a major influence on his life.

"Being the 125th Grand Master means you are a part of a very long tradition of service, one I am extremely honored to continue," he said. "I have been a member for more than 50 years, so Freemasonry has been a significant part of my life and significantly shaped the man I am today. This is a way for me to give back for the lifelong learning, friendships and experiences this journey has afforded me."

In this role, Derr is responsible for leading the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which oversees 388 lodges and approximately 87,000 members across the commonwealth, as well as the Masonic Charities, which include the Masonic Villages, the Masonic Children's Home, the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, the Masonic Blood + Organ Donor Program and the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania.

A graduate of Manheim Central High School, Derr earned a bachelor's degree in industrial technology and drafting from Northwest Missouri State University. He began his career as an estimator and construction manager for a firm in Mount Joy and, after 40 years in commercial masonry, retired as vice president.

He will hold his current position with the Masons for two years, and his goals include membership growth, enrichment and retention. He shared his theme for his leadership term: "Ignite the Light Within," a reference to the knowledge/enlightenment each Mason experienced when he joined Freemasonry.  

"We will seek to strengthen community partnerships and reinvigorate lodges across the state that phased back their engagement during the pandemic," he shared. "We will expand and enhance our educational programs, mentorship opportunities and charitable service. By demonstrating the kindness and civility our world desperately needs, it is my hope that more good men will see what we are about and want to join our ranks and efforts to improve our communities."

A lifelong resident of Mount Joy, Derr has been married to Rochelle for 46 years, and they have a son, Dustin. Derr enjoys staying active, walking and exercising daily, spending time outdoors and watching sports. He also serves as vice chairman of the Mount Joy Borough Water Authority.

But it's the Masons who truly have Derr's heart, and he loves that the organization is an international fraternity with a centuries-old history of service.

"What I find incredible is that as a member, you can travel to ... just about any country in the world and visit a Masonic lodge," he said. "I have heard countless stories of members who have encountered challenges while traveling across the country or abroad and received assistance from a local lodge or Mason. I've also heard numerous stories of members accidentally meeting a fellow brother - we call fellow members our 'brothers,' as that is how we treat one another - and building an instant friendship based on an innate trust based on our shared values."