Recent Events

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge No. 291

Madeira Beach, Florida

!!! News Flash !!!

W:. O’Neal Awarded Professional Designation

Gulf Beach Takes Part in Golf Tournament

(9-27-08)

Members of Gulf Beach Lodge took part in the annual Masters and Wardens Golf Tournament on Saturday September 27^th. The event was organized by our own W:. Derryl O’Neal, Vice-President of the Association. The hog was prepared by our Junior Warden, Tom Willmot. Thanks to all the participants…..

Br:. Beau Hills Becomes a Fellowcraft

Br:. Beau Hills became a Fellowcraft Mason on September 25^th. Br:. Joe Finocchiaro sat as Master in the East for the first time. Congrats brother Hills !

Br:. Sam Poolson, Newest EA

Br:. Sam Poolson was initiated an Entered Apprentice with Br:. Tom Willmot sitting in the East as Master. Congrats brother Sam !!

District Deputy Grand Master Made Honorary Member

(9-18-08)

RW Mark Fowler, District Deputy Grand Master, was made an Honorary Member of Gulf Beach Lodge on Thursday September 18^th and presented his certificate and card by W:. Sansom.

District Deputy Grand Master Presents Awards

(9-18-08)

(L-R John Henry PM ; Mark Fowler DDGM; Dick Sansom WM ; Br:. Robert Graziani)

R:.W:. Mark Fowler present W:. John Henry and Br:. Robert Graziani their 25 Year Service Award, certificate and pin at his Official visit to the Lodge on September 18^th.

Gulf Beach Lodge renews the Adopt-a-Highway

(9-15-08)

Gulf Beach Lodge once again renews its Adopt-A-Highway program with the Florida State DOT. The Lodge cleans Gulf Boulevard from John’s Pass to the Tom Stewart Causeway and Tom Stewart Causeway to Dhume Road.

Gulf Beach Lodge Adopts-a-Class

(9-9-08)

Worhispful Master Dick Sansom and Secretary Howard Knapp present a check for $100.00 to David Tagliarini of Madeira Beach Middle School for the Adopt-a-Class program.

50 Year Presentation Made to Br:. Bob Dossin

(9-4-08)

Brother Bob Dossin received his 50 year service award from Worshipful Master Dick Sansom on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Michigan.

Br:. Rae Receives Silver Card

(9-4-08)

Senior Warden, Shawn Rae received his Silver Proficiency card for memorizing all the questions and answers in the catechisms of the Three Degrees. He was also presented his Perpetual membership card by the Master at the same time. Congratulations brother Shawn !!

Gulf Beach Wrangles Traveling Gavel From Nitram

(7-8-08)

The Traveling Gavel was removed from Nitram Lodge by members of Gulf Beach Lodge on June 21^st . Everyone in attendance had a great time ! The gavel will have a safe and restful summer at Gulf Beach Lodge. It began it’s vacation with a 4^th of July celebration as pictured above.

Nitram Wins Traveling Gavel

(6-14-08)

(Picture by W:. Derryl O’Neal)

Nitram Lodge and Gulf Beach Lodge both converged on Pinellas Daylight Lodge June 14^th with hopes of retrieving the Traveling Gavel. When final count was made, Nitram bested Gulf Beach Lodge by one, 16 to 17 and took the coveted prize. 55 brothers from at least 4 different lodges attended the “Flag Day” stated meeting. There were only a few empty seats left and there were more brothers than could fit into this picture! Freemasonry is alive and well in District 21

A Night at the Ray’s Game

(5-29-08)

Members, family and friends of Gulf Beach Lodge took in a Ray’s game on the 5^th Thursday of May. A great time was had by all in attendance ! If you didn’t have a chance to make this event, watch the Trestleboard for more fun activities to take part in.

Grand Lodge Legislation Changes 2008

(5-27-08)

Brothers, here is a list of changes made to Grand Lodge rules and regulations at the Grand Lodge Communication on May 26, 27 & 28 2008.

1. District Instructors now will carry the title of “Right Honorable” for life

2. All candidates will be required to undergo a criminal background check at the their expense

3. Duplicate books of the ‘work’ may be distributed to requesting districts

4. Relocation of the books in Pensacola

5. 18 year old men may now become Masons

6. Past Grand Masters can use the same ‘ample form’ as the Grand Master

7. The Grand Lodge is permitted to expend capital necessary to meet the city of St. Petersburg’s requirements for an independent living facility up to the permitting phase.

8. The Grand Master shall enter an order of expulsion from the fraternity any member who is ‘convicted’ of any of the following crimes or enters into a ‘pre-trial intervention program’ or ‘plea bargains’ in which one of the stipulations is to admit guilt, or enters a plea of anything other than ‘not guilty’ when charged with murder, attempted murder, sexual battery, child molestation, terrorism or the use of a firearm during a felony.

9. The Masonic Home rules and regulations on pages 363-369 of the Digest be amended to reflect and clarify those rules and regulations applicable to the Life Care Plan and the Private Pay Plan.

GRAND LODGE COMMUNICATION 2008

(5-28-08)

Picture at left: (L-R) Dick Sansom WM, Tom Willmot JW, Shawn Rae SW, Howard Knapp DI, Barry Loft

Picture at right: (L-R) Tom Willmot JW, Joe Fleites (Grand Master), Dick Sansom WM, Shawn Rae SW

The Lodge Officers and members of Gulf Beach Lodge enjoyed much fellowship and fun at the Grand Lodge Communication in Orlando May 26, 27 & 28, 2008. M:.W:. Joe A. Fleites, pictured in the white tux was installed as Grand Master on Wednesday afternoon. Also installed were District Deputy Grand Master, Mark Fowler (District 21); and District Instructors, Howard Knapp (District 21). Please use the District Info link for contact information on the DDGM’s and DI’s as well as a list of their committeemen.