Month: August 2025

Brothers,  A huge shout out and thank you to Tarpon Lodge No. 112 which held a picnic fundraiser today, the proceeds from which will go toward our Hurricane Rebuild. Our Worshipful Master, Buck Owens and Senior Warden Tim Delaney attended and presented Tarpon Lodge with an autographed History of Gulf Beach Lodge book.

Brothers, It was a wonderful Paint Party today!! A huge thank you to all the brothers who came out to help – there were 10 of us! Thank you to Brother Charlie Ellis who moved here recently from Alaska (in the orange shirt), a friend of Brother Al’s who helped out. We are likely to see him at some meetings. Thank you to Brother Tim for providing us with the pizza lunch!! — Well — we did it…we completed the painting of the entire upstairs, including the Tyler’s room and stairwell. Everything has been put back in its place and we are ready for our meeting back home on September 4th.

Great News!! We have finished the drywall hanging tonight – and we will order the inspection. We also installed the men’s restroom door and did a heavy vacuuming and mopping. Thank you to everyone that came out and helped. It takes a village! – Don’t forget this Saturday at 9am is our Paint Party (There will be pizza for lunch).

Brothers, the Grand Master, M∴W∴ Taleb Atala, held his official visit to our district last night and we are honored to announce that our own Junior Warden, Brother David Marrs, gave the welcome address! There is a copy of it attached. Worshipful Buck Owens presented the Grand Master and 1st Lady a donation check for the Grand Master’s Charity and the 1st Lady’s Project.

Our newly designed banner by our PR Chairman, depicting the Lodge official logo superimposed on a view of John’s Pass bridge (Madeira Beach) looking southeast from the Gulf side of the bridge.

It is our sad duty to report the sudden and unexpected passing of Brother McCort Merrell Milne on August 9, 2025. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. We will pass on information about services when we receive them. Alas, my Brother!

Masonic Record:
Initiated – February 13, 2014 (Gulf Beach Lodge)
Passed – June 26, 2014
Raised – September 11, 2014
Deceased – August 9, 2025

We are pleased to share the latest on our rebuilding efforts:

• Drywall: With the exception of two walls in the Ladies’ restroom, all drywall is now complete downstairs (fellowship hall, kitchen, library, secretary’s office, and foyer). Once those final walls are finished early this week, we will schedule the drywall screw inspection.
• Air Conditioning: The new upstairs AC units are working well. Downstairs units will be installed after drywall finishing is complete. Old vent holes upstairs have been patched and are ready for texture. An upstairs paint party is scheduled for August 30 at 9:00 a.m.
• Exterior Work: A new concrete slab has been poured at the south emergency exit to support installation of new flood barriers. Installation will take place soon, depending on contractor scheduling.
• Electrical: Work is about 95% complete, with only minor items remaining once drywall is finished.

Looking Ahead:

• After the screw inspection, taping, mudding, and texturing will begin downstairs, followed by painting, trim, doors, and restroom fixtures.
• The kitchen will be a longer-term project, requiring new appliances, racks, and tables. The library and Secretary’s Office will also need additional attention.
• To resume meetings in our Temple, we need to complete upstairs painting and have at least one fully functioning restroom. We are hopeful this milestone will be reached soon.

Although the downstairs will remain a work in progress, the upstairs will soon return to pre-Hurricane Helene condition and ready for use.

What a wonderful night of brotherhood and Freemasonry at Gulf Beach Lodge last night, here is what was accomplished.

• Junior Warden, Brother David Marrs, provided light refreshments before the meeting.
• W∴ Gary Hennig was presented his 50 year service award certificate and pin and received Grand Honors.
• The craft donated $200 to Rainbow Assembly No. 86 in honor of W∴ Gary Hennig.
• Br∴ Marrs reported as project manager that the drywall is nearly completed and painting will begin upstairs on the 30th.
• Our goal is to be back in our Lodge for meetings on September 4th – provided there are no logistical set backs.
• Approval was given to purchase a new bathroom vanity and re-stock our cleaning supplies at our Lodge.
• It was announced that the Grand Master’s Official visit is this coming Saturday at St. Pete Lodge.

Brothers at Labor — Just completed two more evenings of drywall work at Lodge (August 13 & 14) and we have made great progress….almost done hanging sheet rock!! Thank you to all the brothers who came out and helped. Gulf Beach Strong!!!

Our own Junior Warden, Brother David Marrs, is District 18 Suncoast Master Mason Association Chairman for Masonic Education, and held a very successful Master Mason Exams class today at St Petersburg Lodge No. 139, F. & A.M. Great job Brother David!!

Stormy weather didn’t hamper a good attendance at our stated communication last night at Gulf Beach Lodge. Here are some of the things that were accomplished:

• The brothers enjoyed delicious charcuterie board refreshments prior to the meeting.
• Brother Cozy DeRosa was in attendance and played the keyboard for the meeting.
• A Petition for Reinstatement was read and accepted.
• It was reported that the flood barrier system for the Lodge has been purchased.
• Plans are underway to choose a paint color for the upstairs room at Lodge.
• It was reported that the elevator is repairable and we are awaiting a quote.
• The craft approved the payment of our hazard insurance.
• The craft donated $200 to the Grand Master’s Charity.
• The craft donated $200 to the 1st Lady’s project.

Brothers, we have purchased our flood water barrier system for the Lodge. This is a picture of the system. It attaches to the building (all three exterior doors) and we are purchasing a system to extend to 6 feet. Our two exterior windows will be blocked up to 6 feet as well. Any small holes (or other possible water access spots) have been filled/patched. The components will be stored in the closet just inside the front door for easy access and placement when needed.

Almost there! — Today’s drywall hanging at Lodge puts us close to being done with the drywall. The fellowship hall, library and Secretary’s office are completed. Today we moved to the kitchen and bathrooms. Another day should get it done! Thank you to the following brothers who came out today to assist – including Brothers Marrs, Owens, Tizzano, Knapp, Salazar, Gregory, Cahall, Yoder, and Johnson.

A wonderful meeting of Masonic Builders last night – literally! A dedicated group of brothers from Gulf Beach Lodge met at the Temple to continue rebuilding the interior of the Lodge.

Great progress is being made and we are getting ever closer to our completion.

Thank you to all who helped!

We will meet again this Saturday, August 2nd from 8:00am – Noon. All hands are welcome (brothers, family or friends)