Month: December 2021

It was a great night of Freemasonry last night, and the last meeting for our 2021 Officers — here is what was accomplished:

-The craft enjoyed a southwestern casserole prepared by Br∴ Bobby Burkett.
-Br∴ Jim Wittstruck reported on the success of the Bengston Holiday Food Basket Program.
-Br∴ Joe Sosa reported on the success of the recent Master’s Roast and that $400 was raised for our Charity Fund.
-W∴ Oscar Salazar reported that the property clean-up at one of our elderly brother’s house was completed and that we will be going back to do some exterior painting in February.
-Two members were added to our Emeritus Member list.
-The craft donated $100 from our Charity Fund to Oakhurst Elementary School in honor of W∴ Mark Sawa-Szostak.
-W∴ Mark Sawa-Szostak gave his year end report which was met with a standing ovation.
-It was announced that the Lodge will be hosting the Suncoast Master Mason Association meeting on Jan 19th with a dinner at 6:30 pm.
-It was announced that this Saturday is our 2022 Lodge officer Open Installation at 11:00 am.

The lodge will hold a “Roast the Master” dinner at 6:30 pm. The Master thinks it will be a prime rib dinner and the suggested donation is $10.00 per person. This event is open to families. So, put together your best material and plan to come out and roast the Master!

What a banner day for Freemasonry at Gulf Beach Lodge. We started the morning with the delivery of Christmas food baskets to twelve families in need in our community. The Lodge provided groceries for a full ham dinner with all the trimmings, a true feast.

After the baskets were delivered, brothers from the Lodge met with Brother Pete Bengston and presented him a framed copy of the resolution passed by the craft on December 16th naming our annual holiday basket program the “Bengston Holiday Food Baskets” in honor of brother Pete’s many years of selfless service with this project. Brother Pete served as chairman of this program for over ten years.

Finally, this evening the Lodge presented Christmas gifts to W∴ Guy Wilson at the Masonic Home. W∴ Guy is an honorary member of Gulf Beach Lodge and was a frequent attendee at our meetings prior to Covid.

It was a busy day, but one filled with the very best of Freemasonry.