Month: March 2024

Members and their families shared in a fun filled morning at Seminole Lanes Bowling Alley. A great time was had by all in attendance.

Thank you to our Chaplain, Brother Russ Wood, for delivering flowers and cards to our sick, distressed and hospitalized members and their families! Freemasonry at work!

Thirty two brothers from as far away as England were present to welcome Brother Dago Cruz as our newest Entered Apprentice. Prior to the degree the brothers enjoyed a wonderful chicken with black beans and rice meal prepared by our Junior Warden (Tim Delaney) and Stewards (Jim Tizzano and Brian Marshall). Among the attendees was M ∴W ∴ Richard G. Hoover, PGM 2017.

The Degree was conferred in fine manner by Brother Buck Owens (Senior Warden), the lecture was delivered by R ∴W ∴ Howard Knapp and the Charge by W ∴ Bobby Burkett and Apron Poem by W ∴ Mark Sawa-Szostak.

Brother Cruz was presented an Entered Apprentice pin by Brother Mark Gibbs from the UK and his Lodge name badge by the Master. The Master also presented Brother Gibbs a Gulf Beach Lodge shot glass.

Congratulations to our Junior Warden, Brother Tim Delaney,
and his assistants in winning the 3rd Place Trophy in the Chili Cook-off at Star Lodge No. 78. 1st Place went to Todd Wiggins and 2nd Place to Alicia Fincher.

District Deputy Grand Master, Greg Scott, made his official visit to Gulf Beach Lodge last night here is what went on at the meeting:

** The brothers enjoyed a great BBQ meal prior to the meeting

** Mr. Dago Cruz was elected to receive the Three Degrees

** A member was reinstated

** W∴ Don Harriott received his 70 year certificate and pin from the D∴D∴G∴M∴

** $3,000 was allocated for our Bikes For Books program

** The Lodge donated $250.00 to Sowing Seeds Youth Tennis

** R∴W∴ Knapp gave Masonic Education on the duties of the Secretary

** R∴W∴ Greg Scott gave his remarks and the Grand Master’s message.

Donald Thomas Harriott received his 70 year Masonic service award on March 22, 2024, at Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge No. 291, located at 14020 Marguerite Dr. Madeira Beach.  The certificate and pin were presented by the current District Deputy Grand Master, Greg Scott, during his official visit to the Lodge. Don was pinned by longtime friend and Lodge brother, Ralph Vaughn who had served as Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1994. Prior to the ceremony, the brothers of the Lodge enjoyed a wonderful Barbecue dinner prepared by our Junior Warden and Stewards (Tim Delaney, Jim Tizzano, and Brian Marshall). After the meal Don cut the cake celebrating his 70 years in Freemasonry. Many friends and brothers in attendance congratulated Brother Harriott on his Masonic milestone.

Gulf Beach Lodge at Pilgrimage Day at the Masonic Home. We sponsored a table and helped promote Art By Salazar’s painting “Construction of King Solomon’s Temple”, the original of which is on the East wall of Gulf Beach Lodge behind the Masters chair.

It was a great Lodge Cleanup today (March 9), thank you to all the brothers who attended and Brother Jim Tizzano for bringing the donuts.

It was an amazing night of fellowship and fraternity at Gulf Beach Lodge last night – here is what we accomplished.

• The brothers enjoyed a fantastic Shepherd’s Pie meal prior to the meeting, kudo’s to our Junior Warden and Stewards
• Brother David Marrs, received a certificate of appreciation for completing the Pinellas County Kitchen Manager program for our Lodge.
• The Master received a “Cane of Distinction” from R∴W∴ Porky Wordell
• Brother Tom Richards was elected as a Dual Member and congratulated
• A donation of $150 was made to Gulf Coast Chapter of DeMolay for Masonic Youth Month
• The brothers approved the sponsoring of a Table at the Masonic Home Pilgrimage Day where we will hand out free water.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp gave Masonic Education on Lodge Committees

The Master Announced the following upcoming activities for March:
Saturday March 9th 10am – 11am Lodge Cleanup Day
Thursday March 14th 7:30pm (meal 6:30pm) – Ask a Mason Night
Saturday March 16th – 10am – 2pm – Pilgrimage Day at Masonic Home
Thursday March 21st – 7:30pm (meal 6:30pm) – DDGM Official Visit
Saturday March 23rd – 10am – 2pm – Chili Cook-off at Star Lodge
Thursday March 28th – 7:30pm (meal 6:30 pm) – EA Degree
Saturday March 30th – 10am-Noon – Family Bowling Day Seminole Lanes

There were 61 in attendance for our Lodge breakfast today, a beautiful day for a great meal and fantastic fellowship. A wonderful job was done by our kitchen crew, led by Junior Warden, Tim Delaney and Stewards, Jim Tizzano and Brian Marshall (along with a great support group of cooks and servers).

Congratulations on a wonderful Installation for Bethlehem Chapter OES (Nitram Lodge) assisted by our own Lodge Secretary and Past Master Steve Johnson (he’s the tall one in the picture -LOL)

Barbara Salazar, the talented artist and proprietor of “Art By Salazar,” recently captivated an audience of 56 individuals at Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge (14020 Marguerite Dr. Madeira Beach) with an enlightening presentation on her masterpiece: “The Construction of King Solomon’s Temple” mural commissioned for the lodge back in 2013. The mural, a labor of love, took Salazar an impressive three years to complete, encompassing over 1100 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.

Delving deep into her creative process, Salazar shared how she intricately incorporated hundreds of Masonic symbols into the painting, demonstrating her profound understanding of the lodge’s rich heritage and symbolism.

Salazar’s dedication to authenticity was evident as she recounted her numerous journeys to Scotland and England, where she painstakingly researched and replicated the pillars at Rosslyn Chapel, ensuring utmost accuracy in her portrayal. As a self-trained artist, Salazar’s achievement is all the more remarkable, showcasing her innate talent and unwavering commitment to her craft.

The evening commenced with a sumptuous chicken cordon bleu dinner, prepared by Lodge Junior Warden, Brother Tim Delaney, with the assistance of Lodge Stewards, Brothers Jim Tizzano and Brian Marshall. Notably, the event also welcomed esteemed residents from the Masonic Home, fostering a sense of community and love.

Barbara Salazar’s husband, Fernando Salazar, served as the Worshipful Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 2013, further highlighting the profound connection between the artist and the lodge.

Freemasonry is a beacon of inclusivity, welcoming men from all backgrounds, professions, and walks of life into its organization. Throughout history, its membership has boasted presidents, astronauts, teachers, firefighters, generals, captains of industry, and individuals from every imaginable vocation.

Gulf Beach Lodge exemplifies Freemasonry’s commitment to community service and philanthropy, actively participating in initiatives such as the “Keep Pinellas Beautiful” Adopt a Mile program, sponsoring annual scholarships for high school seniors, organizing elementary school “Bikes for Books” programs, and providing holiday food baskets to families in need. Such endeavors not only demonstrate the fraternity’s dedication to building a stronger community but also underscore its fundamental principle of charity. Freemasonry’s doors are open to men aged 18 and above, who desire to be a part of an organization that builds character and gives back to the community through positive out-reach programs. For further information regarding Freemasonry please contact the Secretary, Steve Johnson, at gro.e1791276358gdolh1791276358caebf1791276358lug@y1791276358rater1791276358ces1791276358

Program on the creation of the mural “Construction of King Solomon’s Temple” begins at 16:19 – It was a wonderful presentation by Barbara Salazar, artist.

https://fb.watch/qxwHSEabPp/