Month: June 2025

Supporting our firefighters at Madeira Beach Fire Department today with Pub Subs all around. We appreciate all they do for our community.

We are very close to reaching our “Return to the Lodge Building” fundraising goal of $27,000, established on May 12th to address our funding shortfall at that time. The Treasurer reports that since then, we have received $25,581.96 in donations, including a generous $15,000 contribution from Grand Lodge.

Reaching this goal will provide the funds needed to return to our building and resume meetings in our own Temple. However, this does not mean we are fully restored to our pre-hurricane condition. Additional funds will still be required to replace lost furnishings, the elevator, and appliances.

Thank you to all who have contributed—both financially and through your labor.

Some of our members were traveling the district this morning, W∴ Bobby Burkett delivered the MM lecture at Tarpon Lodge for 3 newly Raised Master Masons and Brs∴ Tim Delaney and Jim Tizzano attended an EA Degree at Tampa Bay Lodge this morning for Br∴ William Hartwick. – Thank you brothers for supporting our district’s lodges

Members and friends of Gulf Beach Lodge met today for a workday. Much progress was made, some air-duct demolition was completed, nails removed from studs, insulation put in place, heavy work space cleaning done, garbage cans filled and put on the street. Thank you to the following brothers and friends who helped: David Marrs, Jim Tizzano, Russ Wood, Liam Wood, Howard Knapp, Bobby Burkett, Al Yoder, Olien Hill, Oscar Salazar, Derryl O’Neal, Steve Johnson, Tom Sulek, Dom Bueller (and the MBFD). — Our next work day will be the drywall party on July 5th at 9am 

Brothers and Friends,

R∴W∴ Howard Knapp has published a 212 page paperback book on the history of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge which has been a steadfast symbol of Masonic values, fellowship, and public service since its chartering by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida in 1950.

This comprehensive historical volume chronicles the Lodge’s 75-year journey. Each year is thoughtfully documented with:

A photograph of the Worshipful Master

A full list of elected officers

Notable Lodge events, milestones, and community activities.

Compiled by Howard W. Knapp—Worshipful Master in 1996 and Lodge Secretary for 17 years—this book offers more than just names and dates. It serves as a lasting tribute to the men who shaped the Lodge’s legacy and to the timeless principles that continue to guide its mission.

Profits from book sales will go 100% toward the rebuilding of Gulf Beach Lodge following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in 2024.

Click the image below to order a copy.

Today, Gulf Beach Lodge received uplifting news from our Grand Master, M∴W∴ Taleb Atala. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Florida will be providing a generous contribution of $15,000 to assist us in returning to our Lodge building. This fraternal support brings us significantly closer to our $27,000 fundraising goal, which is aimed at restoring our ability to hold meetings in our Lodge once again. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Grand Lodge for this generous and brotherly act. Please remember that this fundraising goal covers only the immediate needs required to reoccupy and hold meetings in the building. It does not include the repair of the elevator, replacement of furniture in the downstairs area, or the acquisition of kitchen appliances and cabinetry.
Our efforts to raise additional funds for these future needs will continue. Thank you all for your ongoing support and dedication to Gulf Beach Lodge.

(L-R: W∴ Bobby Burkett, Br∴ Tim Delaney, W∴ Buck Owens, M∴W∴ Taleb Atala, Br∴ David Marrs, R∴W∴ Howard Knapp, R∴W∴ Rusty Valle)

W∴ Master Buck Owens along with members of Gulf Beach Lodge presented Grand Master, M∴W∴ Tali Atala, an Honorary Membership to our Lodge this morning at the Masonic Home Board Meeting. He and our District Deputy Grand Master, R∴W∴ Rusty Valle, were elected honorary members this past Thursday. R∴W∴ Valle received his certificate at Lodge last Thursday evening.

We are proud to count these esteemed brothers among our honorary members!!

This is the amount needed to just get us back in the building, it doesn’t include appliances and furnishings.

Gulf Beach Lodge hosted District Deputy Grand Master, R∴W∴ Rusty B. Valle, District Instruct, R∴H∴ Joseph Griffith, and the District 18 Committeemen last night for the DDGM’s Official visit to our Lodge. Here is what was enjoyed:

• The Junior Warden, Br∴ David Marrs, prepared a wonderful meal with the assistance of the Stewards, Brs∴ Al Yoder and Brian Marshall
• M∴W∴ Taleb T. Atala and R∴W∴ Rusty B. Valle were elected Honorary Members of Gulf Beach Lodge.
• The DDGM and his party were welcomed into the Lodge room and Grand Honors were rendered to the DDGM.
• The Chaplain and Stewards draped the altar in honor and memory of M∴W∴ Donald Cowart who passed away.
• First time visitors were introduced and presented a commemorative lodge coin.
• W∴ Buck Owens presented R∴W∴ Rusty B. Valle his Honorary Membership Certificate.
• W∴ Bobby Burkett II was presented a beautiful hand carved wooden bench crafted by W∴ David Neville commemorating his year as Master in 2024.
• W∴ Bobby Burkett II also received a certificate of recognition for reaching the Masonic Education goals in 2024.
• Br∴ Dago Cruz was presented his Masonic Leadership Training (MLT) completion certificate.
• The craft donated $150 to “Hero to a Child”
• Br∴ David Marrs reported for the Hurricane Rebuild Committee that the electric replacement passed inspection and that we are preparing for drywall installation.
• It was reported that the “W∴ Bob Meeks Bikes For Books” program at Seminole Elementary last month was a great success.
• The craft approved spending $48,000 from our Operating and Hurricane Recovery Accounts to continue rebuilding our Lodge.
• Br∴ Tim Delaney reported that we will be scheduling our Keep Pinellas Beautiful Highway cleanup day in July.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp reported that he is publishing a paperback book on the History of Gulf Beach Lodge which proceeds from the sales will go toward the Lodge rebuild.
• R∴H∴ Joe Griffith, District Instructor, encouraged the brothers to earn or renew their proficiency cards.
• Each of the District 18 Committeemen gave a brief talk about his particular committee.
• R∴W∴ Rusty B. Valle gave his remarks and then presented the Grand Master’s Message which was met with a standing ovation.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp was called upon to deliver the closing charge.

Hurricane Rebuild Update: (June 19, 2025)-

• The Electricians have finished down stairs and the inspection completed.
• On June 27th we will be holding a Member Work Day at Lodge (8am – 4pm)
  • We will install insulation on the 1st floor. We will remove as much of the old ductwork downstairs as we can.
  • Prep for drywall installation.
  • Also remove the old flue (exterior vent pipe) from our old gas system.
• On July 5th we will have our drywall party and install the drywall. Drywall screw inspection will be completed soon after.
• Air conditioning will begin being installed on the 2nd floor
• We are expecting to have drywall finished and air conditioning installed and completed on the 2nd floor no later than the beginning of August.

Everyone enjoyed a great evening at Beef O’Brady’s tonight for the 727 South Jeep Krewe’s Jeep Show and Fundraiser. A Huge thank you to both organizations for helping Gulf Beach Lodge rebuild.

It was a great evening of fellowship at Gulf Beach Lodge last night, here is what was accomplished:

• The brothers enjoyed pizza and side salad prepared by Stewards Al Yoder and Brian Marshall
• “Help Rebuild Gulf Beach Lodge” t-shirts were distributed.
• EA brother Greg Warr was in attendance (practicing his catechism beforehand).
• Two resolutions for honorary membership were read and approved (ballot June 19th)
• Treasurer, W∴ Bobby Burkett, reported that we have raised over $6,000 for our rebuild since May 12th
• The Master reported that the Lodge Fishing trip, which was rained out, is being rescheduled.
• The craft voted to stay open for July and August this year to handle rebuilding issues that may arise.
• It was reported that Tarpon Lodge No. 112 is holding a fundraiser this summer, the proceeds coming to Gulf Beach Lodge for the rebuild.
• It was reported that our request for Grand Lodge financial assistance with our recovery/rebuild has been followed up on by our new D∴D∴G∴M∴, Rusty Valle.
• The Master reminded the brothers of the Jeep Fundraiser on June 7th at Beef O’Brady’s on 34th St S., proceeds support our Lodge.
• It was reported that Brother Stanley Silverstein donated 4 brand new 8′ tables to the Lodge, a thank you card is going out.
• The craft donated $150 from the Charity Fund for the Grand Masters Charity, which is Masonic Youth.
• The craft donated $150 from the Charity Fund for the 1st Lady’s Project, which is the remodeling and modernization of the 3rd hallways and lobby area at the Masonic Home.

Note: Work is continuing on the Lodge rebuild, the electricians are finishing up the total rewire of the downstairs including new breaker box and outlets. The next step will be the hanging of drywall – notice will be sent when the drywall hanging party is scheduled (we are doing it ourselves and request your assistance).

Here is our updated ‘Fundraiser Thermometer’ – These are the rebuild shortfall funds needed to get us back into our Masonic Temple. The $21,000 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 secretary@gulfbeachlodge.org or on our GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/e4b72b13

We are pleased to report an outstanding turnout at today’s Fish Fry Fundraiser. The food was exceptional, and the fellowship even better. Special recognition goes to our very own Brother Aron Zions, whose culinary expertise was truly appreciated—thank you, Brother Aron, for your dedication and skill.
We extend our sincere gratitude to I.C. Sharks Seafood Market, Bar & Café (10020 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702) for their generous donation of fresh fish, which helped make this event possible.
We were honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, including:
M∴W∴ Robert Lambert, Past Grand Master
R∴W∴ Rick Wendling, Senior Grand Warden
R∴W∴ Michael St-Laurent, Junior Past DDGM
R∴H∴ Joe Griffith, District Instructor
To all who attended, volunteered, and supported us—thank you for helping make this event a resounding success.