Month: June 2024

Join us in welcoming Brother Dago Cruz as our newest Fellow Craft member. The evening began with a delicious beef brisket meal prepared by Brandy Marrs, wife of Brother David Marrs. Following the meal the Master presented Brother Jared Ezzard a donation from the Lodge of $250 for Jared’s non-profit, Empowered Parent, Inc.

The Degree was masterfully conferred by the officers of the Lodge, including Brother Tim Delaney who sat in the East for the first time, Brother Jim Tizzano who sat as Junior Deacon for the first time and Brothers Brian Marshall and Al Yoder, who sat as Senior and Junior Stewards respectively for the first time.

The Lecture was delivered by R∴W∴ Howard Knapp and the Charge by W∴ Mark Sawa-Szostak. Members of Star Lodge No. 78 were present to retrieve the Traveling Gavel (the traveling gavel is designed to promote visitation between Lodges).

On a sad note, W∴ Mark Sawa-Szostak announced that he will be moving out of state in August but that he will try to visit the Lodge as often as he is back in town. The brothers present gave him a standing ovation for his dedicated service to the Lodge and District over the past 10 years.

Lodge will be dark for July and August, but keep an eye on our social media platforms for any summer activities that may occur.

It was a great night at Gulf Beach Lodge last night as we welcomed R∴W∴ Michael St-Laurent for his Official Visit. Accompanying him were R∴H∴ Joe Griffith, District Instructor, and the District 18 Committeemen.

The evening began with a wonderful Pulled Chicken BBQ dinner prepared by our Junior Warden, Br∴ Tim Delaney, and the Stewards, Br∴ Jim Tizzano and Br∴ Brian Marshall.

Here are some things that went on during the meeting –

• R∴W∴ Michael St-Laurent was given Grand Honors and presented an honorary membership to Gulf Beach Lodge and a commemorative Lodge “Stanley” mug.
• Br∴ Dagoberto Cruz returned his EA catechism in fine manner.
• The brothers present collected $43 for the Let Your Pennies Make Good Cents.
• The craft voted to make our late brother, W∴ John R. Cone, a Memorial Perpetual Member
• The craft donated $250 to the Empowered Parent, Inc. Charity
• The Lodge’s new Logo Flag was presented to the Master and will fly outside Lodge.
• The craft approved spending $300 to re-paint the upstairs Lodge room
• Members of Tampa Bay Lodge presented us with the “Hot Gavel”, the purpose of which is to promote visitation between Lodges.
• Each of the District Committeemen present spoke briefly about his committee.
• R∴W∴ St-Laurent gave the Grand Master’s message, which was met with a standing ovation.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp gave the closing charge.

Gulf Beach Lodge was represented on two fronts today. First, the Master (Bobby Burkett), Junior Warden (Tim Delaney), and our newest Master Mason, Jon Reed attended the Master Mason Degree at Tarpon Lodge this morning where Brother Reed presented Tarpon Lodge’s MM candidate, Brother Guy Lafitte, the District 18 Unity Gavel. The Gavel gets passed from the last newest Master Mason in the District to the next newest MM. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful degree.

Secondly, Gulf Beach Lodge held a Family Day Bowling at Seminole Lanes, which was a great success! Brother Chip Crain of Sutherland Lodge (pictured in the front row with red shirt) joined us and ended the day with the best score. After bowling everyone met at Miller’s Ale House in Seminole for lunch.

Gulf Beach Lodge welcomes our newest Master Mason, Brother Jon Reed, who was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason last night in presence of 34 members and visitors, including a visit from Tarpon Lodge No. 112 and Northside Lodge No. 283. Also in attendance was R∴H∴ Joe Griffith. 

The evening began with a delicious pierogie meal prepared by the Junior Warden, Tim Delaney and Stewards Jim Tizzano and Brian Marshall. Afterwards the brothers retired to the Lodge room where they enjoyed an excellent Master Mason Degree. Many brothers took on new parts and performed them beautifully, including brothers David Marrs, Steve Johnson, Buck Owens,  and Al Yoder. 

The Lecture was delivered by W∴ Bobby R. Burkett II, the Charge (for the first time) by Br∴ David Marrs, and the Bible Presentation (for the first time) by R∴W∴ Howard Knapp.

Tarpon Lodge No. 112, proudly presented Br∴ Reed the District 18 Unity Gavel (which is past from the newest MM in the District to the next newest). Tarpon Lodge was represented by their W∴M∴ Cy Havron and newest Master Mason Br∴ Craig Hull.

It was a great evening of fellowship and brotherly love. Please join us next Thursday for the D∴D∴G∴M∴ Michael St-Laurent’s official visit.