Month: January 2024

Gulf Beach brothers visit Tarpon Lodge No. 112 for an EA Degree. Worshipful Master, Bobby Burkett, Junior Warden Tim Delaney and EA Brother Jon Reed visited Tarpon Lodge tonight to witness Christopher Todd being Initiated. A great time was had by all.

43 Masons from as far away as Newfoundland attended tonight’s EA Degree at Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291. Prior to the Degree the members and visitors enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by our Junior Warden, Tim Delaney. Following the meal, Mr. Jon Reed was Initiated an Entered Apprentice. Attending the Degree were local Masons from East Gate, Dunedin, Northside, Tampa Bay, Star, Clearwater and Hillsborough Lodges. There were 11 first time visitors.

The lecture was delivered by R∴W∴ Derryl O’Neal, the Charge by W∴ Mark Sawa-Szostak and the Lambskin Poem by R∴W∴ Howard Knapp.

Welcome Brother Jon Reed as our newest Entered Apprentice.

The 2024 Lodge officers held their first tiled meeting this past Thursday and a great time was had by all in attendance. Here is what was accomplished.

• The Junior Warden, Brother Tim Delaney, prepared a delicious lasagna meal.
• Brother Brian Marshall was installed as Junior Steward.
• Cards were sent to our sick and distressed brothers and family members.
• $300.00 was donated for a brother seriously injured in a motorcycle accident.
• A Petition for Reinstatement was read.
• Mr. Jonathan Reed was elected to receive the 3 Degrees of Freemasonry.
• The annual audit of Lodge books was completed and were found to be in order.
• Approval was given to purchase supplies to paint the newly refurbished fire escape.
• W∴ Bobby Burkett spoke on what constitutes Masonic education.
• The brothers donated $222.00 to the Mite Box for all Masonic Charities

Our officers performed a very beautiful courtesy funeral service today at Mohn Funeral Home for a Past Master of Fraternal Lodge No. 155 in New York. Thank you to all who participated

A wonderful celebration of our 74th Annual Installation of Lodge Officers was topped off yesterday with the most delightful reception afterwards. We want to thank Gulf Beach Chapter No. 241, Order of Eastern Star (OES) for preparing the delicious refreshments, something they have done for our Lodge for many years. Especially Allison Blanchet for spear heading their team.

Congratulations to our newly installed 2024 officers. The day started stormy but the clouds parted and the sun came out and we enjoyed a wonderful installation.

The brothers enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship last night at our regular stated communication. Here is what we did:

• Brother Jim Tizzano made homemade Firehouse style Sloppy Joe’s for dinner
• Brother Al Yoder returned his MM Catechism
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp delivered the Apron presentation to Brother Yoder
• W∴ Joe Sosa presented Brother Yoder his Catechism proficiency card
• A Petition was read and accepted for Reinstatement of a member.
• The Lodge donated $150.00 to the St. Pete Free Clinic.
• R∴W∴ Knapp and W∴ Sosa gave their year end reports
• W∴ Sosa was honored with a standing ovation for his year in the East
• R∴W∴ Knapp presented Masonic Education on the various Grand Lodge Proficiency Cards available.
• It was announced that the Lodge now accepts Zelle donations for meals, Mite Box, etc. – usegro.e1791279509gdolh1791279509caebf1791279509lug@y1791279509rater1791279509ces1791279509 and include a memo as to where you want the donation to go (Masters Project, Mite Box, Bikes For Books, Holiday Food Baskets, Building Fund, Scholarship Fund)

Everyone is invited to attend our 74th Annual Open Installation of Gulf Beach Lodge Officers on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 11:00 am. Refreshments will be served following the installation.