Month: May 2025

Congratulations to our newly installed District Deputy Grand Master, R∴W∴ Rusty Valle and District Instructor, R∴H∴ Joe Griffith. Gulf Beach Lodge and District 18 are looking forward to a great year under your leadership.

We welcome our delegates and members back from the 196th Annual Grand Lodge Communication in Orlando. Here are some highlights from their week.

• Our delegates and members attended the Grand Master’s Banquet Sunday Evening.
• 7 members and delegates were in attendance for the opening of Grand Lodge Monday morning
• The following brothers were elected to Grand Lodge offices: Tali Atala (Grand Master); Haskell Vest (Deputy Grand Master); Rick Wendling (Senior Grand Warden); Robert Estell (Junior Grand Warden); Richard Lynn (Grand Treasurer); Jeff Foster (Grand Secretary).
• Gulf Beach Lodge presented the Grand Master Elect, Tali Atala, a ‘Help Rebuild” Gulf Beach Lodge T-shirt.
• W∴ Buck Owens received the Actual Past Master’s Degree and was presented his certificate and card.
• The delegates and members enjoyed down time and meals out with the brothers from around the state, greeting old friends and making new ones.
• Tuesday morning session opened again at 9am and both proposed legislative changes to the Digest were approved. One was the adoption of adding clarifications to the floorwork manual and the other was to add additional copies of the “open” books to some districts in the state.
• Our delegates and members promoted our Lodge’s financial need by wearing our “Awareness” T-shirt, many brothers from around the state donated to our cause.
• Wednesday saw the conclusion of Grand Lodge business and the Installation of the 2025-26 Grand Lodge Officers.

Congratulations to W∴ Buck Owens, and the other sitting Masters in District 18, on receiving their Actual Past Master’s Degree tonight at Grand Lodge.

Congratulations to the Elected Grand Lodge Officers for 2025-2026:

M∴W∴ Master-Elect: Taleb “Tali” Atala
R:.W∴ Deputy Grand Master-Elect: Haskell Vest
R∴W:. Senior Grand Warden-Elect: Frederick “Rick” Wendling, Jr.
R∴W∴ Junior Grand Warden-Elect: Rob Estell
R∴W∴ Grand Treasurer-Elect: Richard E. Lynn, PGM
R∴W∴ Grand Secretary-Elect: Jeffrey Foster, PGM

Here is our updated ‘Fundraiser Thermometer’ – These are the rebuild shortfall funds needed to get us back into our Masonic Temple. The $23,000 shortfall does not include extras, such as furnishings, kitchen appliances, Secretary desk, shelves, etc.  Should you want to make a donation, you can do so via Zelle to gro.e1792052263gdolh1792052263caebf1792052263lug@y1792052263rater1792052263ceS1792052263 or on our GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/e4b72b13

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge Honors Literacy with “Bob Meeks Bikes For Books” Program

In a continued effort to promote literacy and support local education, Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge No. 291 recently celebrated the success of its annual “Bikes For Books” initiative at Seminole Elementary School. Launched in 2017, the program was renamed the “Bob Meeks Bikes For Books” program in honor of the Lodge member who founded it eight years ago.

The program awards brand-new bicycles to a boy and a girl from each grade level (Kindergarten through 5th grade) at a selected elementary school. The bicycles are donated by Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge and are presented to students who read the most teacher-approved books during the academic year. This year’s winners at Seminole Elementary were recognized in a school-wide assembly held on Friday, May 23rd, where they received their bikes in front of classmates, teachers, and community members.

The initiative highlights the Lodge’s ongoing support for public education and appreciation for the teachers who play a vital role in shaping the next generation. Seminole Elementary School, known for its dedication to academic excellence and student growth, partners with parents and community organizations to foster a safe, creative, and nurturing learning environment. The school is committed to helping each student reach their full potential.

Chartered in 1950, Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge No. 291 has served the Gulf Beaches community for more than 75 years. Its diverse membership has included bankers, contractors, educators, soldiers, pharmacists, law enforcement officers, and public servants. Freemasonry, one of the world’s oldest and most respected fraternal organizations, welcomes men aged 18 and older who seek to make a positive impact in their communities while being part of a centuries-old tradition of fellowship and service.

Worshipful Keith Gough of New Palestine Lodge No. 404 in Indiana presented our Lodge a commemorative plate of the building that seven brothers met in to form the Grand Lodge of Indiana in 1818. It was built in 1817 and the Grand Lodge now owns the building. He and his wife also made a very nice donation to our hurricane recovery fund.

What an amazing night tonight at Gulf Beach Lodge (on Madeira Beach). The Master scheduled a “tour” of the Lodge for friends and brothers to see where we are in rebuilding and where we need to get. Thank you to the Master for bringing the grill, David Marrs (Junior Warden) for bringing the burgers, dogs, sides and drinks, and Al Yoder (Junior Steward) for being the grill chef. Everyone had a great time — and it was very nice to have an event at our own Temple, albeit, outside.

What an amazing night of Freemasonry tonight at Gulf Beach Lodge! 

• The brothers enjoyed a lasagna dinner prepared by Br∴ Al Yoder
• W∴ David Gregory received his 55 year Service Award and received Grand Honors
• The craft donated $150 from the Charity Fund to the SPCA in honor of W∴ David Gregory
• R∴W∴ Roy “Porky” Wordell was elected as an Honorary Member
• Br∴ Mark Apgar gave Masonic Education on protocols for Guest Speakers at a Lodge
• It was reported that the electrical work has begun at Lodge

Upcoming events/activities:
Wednesday May 21st 6:30 pm (Tarpon Lodge) Suncoast Master Mason Assn
Thursday May 22nd 6:30 pm – Tour of Gulf Beach Lodge and cookout (dress casual, no AC)
Friday May 23rd 8:45 am (Seminole Elem) Bikes for Books Presentation (Lodge Polo if you have one)
Monday May 26th – Wednesday May 28th –Grand Lodge Communication (Orlando)
Thursday May 29th –Lodge is Dark
Saturday May 31st –Lodge Fishing Trip – 7:00 am (Hubbard’s Marina-John’s Pass)
Sunday June 1st – Lodge Breakfast Cancelled for Fish Fry
Sunday June 1st – 1:00 pm – Lodge Fish Fry Fundraiser ($10 suggested donation)

Thank you to Brother David Marrs, our Hurricane Rebuild Project Manager, for working so hard on getting things moving forward with our Lodge rebuilding. We are so happy to to have the rebuild starting with the total replacement of electrical downstairs. — Remember if you would like to make a financial donation to help us get completed quicker, you can make a Zelle donation to gro.e1792052263gdolh1792052263caebf1792052263lug@y1792052263rater1792052263ces1792052263 or use our GoFundMe account https://gofund.me/7d2dcc0c

Dear Friends, Brothers, and Supporters,

Great news! On April 10th, our Lodge’s rebuild permit was officially approved and issued by the City of Madeira Beach, FL. We immediately began working with our chosen general contractor to finalize the projected costs for the reconstruction of our beloved Lodge building which was damaged as a result of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the last months of 2024.

The first phase of work—electrical—will begin on May 13th, followed by air conditioning, drywall installation, painting, flooring, and the repair or replacement of both interior and exterior doors. Plumbing and other finishing touches will also be addressed as part of the project.

While we are deeply grateful for the generous donations received thus far, we still face a shortfall of just under $27,000. To help us return to and restore our beloved Lodge, we humbly ask for your continued financial support.

Thank you for your unwavering kindness, generosity, and commitment to the future of our Lodge.

Donations can be made via Cash, Check (payable to Gulf Beach Lodge), Zelle (gro.e1792052263gdolh1792052263caebf1792052263lug@y1792052263rater1792052263ceS1792052263), or GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/6d4cdbc1).

We will keep our ‘progress thermometer’ updated on all social media platforms. Please keep a lookout for upcoming fundraising programs.

Great breakfast this morning! Thank you to the cook crew!

We enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship and brotherly love last night at our stated communication. Here is what transpired.

• Everyone enjoyed hamburgers with all the fixins’ provided by the Junior Warden, David Marrs.
• Brother Tim Delaney sat in the East for a business meeting for the first time and did an outstanding job.
• Brother L.T. McGee from Tennessee was a first time visitor.
• Brother Billy Sewell was presented his 40 year certificate and pin.
• The brothers were brought up to date on the progress of rebuilding our Temple.
• Brother David Marrs reported that new bicycles were presented to students at Orange Grove Elementary.
• The craft advanced a stipend to each of our 3 Grand Lodge delegates to offset their expenses.
• It was reported that the 2025 Scholarship was presented to Ms. Jafnah Suha of Boca Ciega High School.
• The craft donated $200 from our Charity Fund to Sweet Friend Foundation, a local charity that helps under privileged children.

It was a great evening…join us for our next scheduled meeting on May 15th…you will be glad you did.

Gulf Beach Lodge awarded two students from Orange Grove Elementary School a new bicycle today as part of our Bob Meeks Bikes for Books program. These two students were the top readers at their school from February through April. We are happy to support our public schools and the students who go above and beyond in their efforts to excel in their education. There will be another Bikes for Books  presentation at Seminole Elementary School on May 23rd.

Jafnah Suha: 2025 Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge Scholarship Recipient

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge is proud to recognize Jafnah Suha, an outstanding senior at Boca Ciega High School, as this year’s recipient of our annual scholarship. As the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 and a first-generation American student, Jafnah exemplifies the Lodge’s values of academic excellence, leadership, and service to others.

Jafnah’s academic record speaks volumes—ranked in the Top 10 of her class, she is a recipient of the AP Scholar with Distinction Award and a two-time winner of Medical Student of the Year. Her certifications in CPR and First Aid, along with her recognition in the National First-Generation Recognition Program, further reflect her commitment to personal and academic growth.

Beyond the classroom, Jafnah has been deeply involved in both her school and her community. She has demonstrated leadership as President of Mu Alpha Theta, tutoring peers in calculus, chemistry, and algebra, and as President of Women in Science, where she helped connect young women in STEM with scientific exploration and mentorship. Her participation in HOSA, MESA, and the National Honor Society underscores her dedication to collaboration, research, and service.

Her community service record is equally impressive. At Northside Hospital, she supported emergency room nurses and assisted discharged patients. Through Empath Health, she created art pieces—cards, wreaths, blankets, and more—to bring comfort to hospice patients. As a summer intern at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, she shadowed physicians in the Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, observed chemotherapy treatments, and earned the Internship Appreciation Award for her contributions.

An accomplished artist as well, Jafnah has pursued painting and 3D art since 2017, earning honors including the Scholastic Art Competition Honorable Mention and the Dali Museum Showcase Award.

Jafnah’s passion for learning, compassion for others, and leadership in both academic and service-based activities make her a truly deserving recipient of this scholarship. As she prepares to continue her education and pursue a career in healthcare, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for success in all her collegiate endeavors. The future is undoubtedly brighter with Jafnah Suha shaping it.