Month: May 2024

(L-R) Bobby R. Burkett – Master; Ms. Lesslee Hendricks; Joseph T. Sosa – Chairman of Scholarship Committee

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge, located at 14020 Marguerite Drive in Madeira Beach, presented its annual Albert T. and Tupper MacMillan Scholarship, supported by the Ernest J. Freeman Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship was presented to Ms. Lesslee Hendricks a graduating Senior at Seminole High School in Seminole. Ms. Hendricks will be attending Belmont Abbey College (Belmont, NC) in the Fall where she will begin her studies in Biology. Her future goal is to earn her degree in Physical Therapy. Ms. Hendricks has volunteered many hours in the community, including packing care packages for overseas military with Operation Military Matters, preparing and serving meals at Everybody’s Tabernacle, and Christ the King Church food bank. Ms. Hendricks has been active in several organizations at Seminole High School, including Student Government, the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, English Honor Society, Psychology Honor Society, Varsity Tennis Team, and Future Business Leaders of America. Ms. Hendricks is graduating with a 4.03 weighted GPA.

Ernest J. Freeman Jr., Master of Gulf Beach Lodge in 1984, had a vision. This vision was to create a scholarship program that would grant deserving local students funds to assist in their college tuition. It was also his vision to create a program which would be self-perpetuating thereby being a source of assistance well into the future. After the passing of Ernest Freeman, the Scholarship Fund was named in his memory and has helped support deserving college students since its inception. The annual Scholarship winner receives $3,500.00 to assist in their College or University expenses.

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge was chartered in 1950 and has been an active presence on the Gulf Beaches since that time. Besides the scholarship, the Masonic Lodge annually presents 24 bicycles to elementary students as an award for excellence in reading, provides Holiday Food Baskets in November and December to families in need, participates in the Keep Pinellas Beautiful program and is a strong supporter of many charitable organizations such as the American Heart Association, PARC, the American Lung Association, the St. Petersburg Free clinic, and many others.

Members of Gulf Beach Lodge, including our delegates (Bobby R. Burkett- Worshipful Master; Buck Owens – Senior Warden; and Tim Delaney – Junior Warden) attended the 195th Grand Lodge Communication this week at Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando. They enjoyed a wonderful week of fellowship and brotherhood and represented Gulf Beach Lodge in the highest manner.

Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 held its annual Awards Dinner tonight at the Lodge. The evening began with a wonderful Chicken Cordon Bleu meal prepared by Junior Warden, Tim Delaney, assisted by the Stewards, Jim Tizzano and Brian Marshall. The keynote speaker for the evening was Howard Knapp, whose address was titled ‘The Beginnings and Legacy of Freemasonry’. Persons recognized for their achievements were Brother Alan Shedler who received the “Firefighter of the Year” award, Brother Ryan Armstrong who received the “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” award, Ms. Leah Van Arsdale (Admiral Farragut Academy), who received the JROTC “Steven M. Fetherman Memorial” award (which was presented by Kendra Fetherman, and also Michael Castleman presented a print of his father’s watercolor painting of Admiral Farragut Academy), Ms. Lesslee Hendricks received the “Albert T. and Tupper MacMillan Scholarship” award, Brother Al Yoder received the “Newest Master Mason” award, Brother Cozy DeRosa received the “Youngest Master Mason” award and Don Harriott received recognition as a “70 Year Master Mason”.

Some other recognitions were made to the 2024 kitchen crew for their outstanding meals, the lodge Secretary, Steve Johnson, for his hard work in the office, Junior Past Master, Joe Sosa, for his efficient year as Master, and David Neville for his 16 consecutive months as employee of the month (a tongue in cheek award).

It was an excellent evening enjoyed by all in attendance.

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge, located at 14020 Marguerite Dr., Madeira Beach, began a “Bikes For Books” program in 2017 and it has since been named the Bob Meeks Bikes for Books Program in honor of the member of the Lodge who set the program in motion. This program provides a boy and girl from select Elementary Schools (grades K-5) with a new bicycle purchased by the Masonic Lodge. The winners are students who have read the most teacher approved books throughout the school year.

The winners at Madeira Beach Fundamental Elementary School were announced and presented their bikes on Thursday May 23rd at the school. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department assisted with a demonstration on bicycle safety. Freemasonry supports public education and the teachers who are tasked with educating and molding the minds of our children.

Madeira Beach Fundamental School works within the fundamental guidelines, 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.

A fun day at Smugglers Cove! The competition was real