Month: April 2024

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge, located in Madeira Beach, began a “Bikes For Books” program in 2017, which has been named the “Bob Meeks Bikes For Books” program in honor of the Lodge member who began the program seven years ago. This program provides a boy and girl from each grade level (K-5)  at a chosen elementary school with a new bicycle purchased by the Masonic Lodge. The winner is the student who read the most teacher approved books throughout the school year. The winners at Orange Grove Elementary School in Seminole were announced and presented their bikes on Thursday April 25th at the school. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department also assisted with a bicycle safety talk and presentation of free bike locks.  

Freemasonry supports public education and the teachers who are tasked with educating and molding the minds of children.  Orange Grove Elementary School works to academically challenge, stimulate creativity and increase student achievement. They do this by working collaboratively with parents and community partners and by fostering a safe and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to reach their maximum potential.

Today’s Gulf Beach Lodge Family Picnic (supporting the 2024 Masters Project) was a great success! The weather was perfect, the food was amazing and the fellowship was wonderful. The grill was skillfully manned by Past Master Tom Willmot while folks enjoyed outdoor games and activities. Proceeds from the event go toward Worshipful Bobby Burkett’s Masters Project (which includes making improvements to the lodge building).

What a wonderful Fellow Craft degree we had at Gulf Beach Lodge last night. 35 Masons, from as far away as Scotland, enjoyed a Chicken Pot Pie meal before the degree, prepared by our Junior Warden (Tim Delaney) with the assistance of the Stewards (Jim Tizzano and Brian Marshall).

Brothers Jonathan Reed (Gulf Beach Lodge) and Michael Amyx (Clearwater Lodge) were Passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft. The Lecture was delivered by W∴ Bobby Burkett and the Charge by R∴W∴ Howard Knapp. 

Brothers gathered today at Russ Woods’ shop and assembled bicycles for the “Bike For Books” program. The first round of presentations will be made at Orange Grove Elementary School this Wednesday morning.

Members of Gulf Beach Lodge attend District 18 School of Instruction held at Nitram Lodge today. Polishing our ritual is always a good thing!

It was a wonderful night of Freemasonry last night at Gulf Beach Lodge. Here is what was accomplished:

• Our Junior Warden, Br∴ Tim Delaney, prepared a wonderful meal
• R∴W∴ Rick Wendling, Grand Sword Bearer of Florida, was welcomed and introduced and gave comments to the craft
• W∴ Joe Sosa, Junior Past Master, presented the 2023 officer line Stanley mugs with our new lodge logo on them.
• The Lodge donated $150.00 to the Scottish Rite Foundation’s flagship charity.
• A first time visitor from Indiana was introduced and welcomed with a Lodge coin.
• The Lodge donated $300.00 to theWarrior Horse VeteransCharity.

A Saturday Lodge cleanup day with Gulf Beach Lodge brothers. Kitchen deep cleaning, fire escape painting, removal of dead plants out front! Lots going on.

Everyone had a great time at our Lodge technology night, led by our secretary, Worshipful Steve Johnson. A number of brothers were able to create accounts and get logged into our social media platforms which help us keep connected as brothers of the Lodge.

Also, Worshipful Joe Sosa, our Master from 2023 was presented a beautiful Past Master’s apron case from the 2023 officers of the lodge.

It was a wonderful night of Freemasonry last night at Gulf Beach Lodge. Here is what was accomplished:

• The brothers enjoyed a terrific Enchilada meal prepared by the Junior Warden, Tim Delaney and Stewards Jim Tizzano and Brian Marshall
• Deputy Grand Master, R∴W∴ Don Cowart, and R∴W∴ Tony Chavez were in attendance and heartily welcomed.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp received his Grand Lodge Master Mason Exam I, II and III certificate
• The craft donated $150.00 to Pinellas Hope Charity
• The craft donated $50.00 for a full page Ad in the Rainbow Grand Assembly Program
• R∴W∴ Jim Rocha, candidate for the Grand South, spoke to the Lodge.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp gave Masonic Education on the duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer.

Members of Gulf Beach Lodge attended a great EA Degree at St. Pete Lodge No. 139 last night. W∴ John Livingston, Secretary and Past Master of St. Pete Lodge sat in the East for the first time in 26 years and did a superb job. R∴W∴ Howard Knapp had the honor of sitting as Chaplain and delivering the Lecture.

Brothers attending from Gulf Beach Lodge were W∴ Bobby Burkett, Br∴ Tim Delaney, Br∴ Joe Galluccio and R∴W∴ Howard Knapp.