Month: September 2025

It is our sad duty to report the peaceful passing of Brother Robert  D.C. Taylor, aged 84 years, at his home in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, on September 26th, 2025. Brother Bob was a long time Dual Member of Gulf Beach Lodge who rarely missed a meeting while spending his winters on the Gulf Beaches. Masonic services will be held in Canada and officiated by his mother Lodge, Saint John’s Lodge No.1. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

(Photo (L-R : Al Yoder; Dan Kuhl)

Admiral Farragut Academy Receives Paddle Board Donation from Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge

Madeira Beach, FL – September 27, 2025 – Dan “Chief” Kuhl of Admiral Farragut Academy proudly accepted the delivery of two brand-new Tahoe SUP (Standup Paddle Boards) from Junior Steward Brother Albert “Al” Yoder of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge No. 291. The donation marks an important step in restoring Admiral Farragut’s Waterfront Program, which suffered significant losses during Hurricane Helene one year ago.

“Many of our small boats and paddle boards were either lost or damaged during the storm,” said Chief Kuhl. “These new SUPs will immediately benefit our cadets, giving them more opportunities to train, learn, and enjoy being on the water.”

Admiral Farragut Academy, a K–12 private college preparatory school founded in 1933, is one of only two Naval Honor Schools in the United States. The school’s mission is to provide a challenging and supportive environment that promotes academic excellence, leadership skills, and character development. Farragut’s signature programs include sailing, SCUBA, aviation, and S.T.E.M. — all designed to prepare students for success in higher education and beyond.

“Our waterfront program is spearheaded by our team of Cadet sailing instructors certifying all upper school cadets in sailing on C420’s, as well as Lasers, Zuma, Hobie Cat, Opti’s and other watercraft including kayaks and paddleboards,” added Kuhl. “Fishing, seine/casting, volleyball, and other educational and recreational opportunities are available across the street from our main campus at our beautiful four-acre waterfront location on upper Boca Ciega Bay.”

The donation was facilitated by Brother Yoder, who has a personal connection to the school’s history. As a former student of Sanford Naval Academy, Yoder once competed against Admiral Farragut Academy in basketball. He later became a Naval Fighter Pilot and, after his military service, retired as a pilot for Delta Air Lines. “It is a privilege to support Farragut’s cadets and help restore their waterfront program,” said Yoder.

Are you a man 18 years or older with an interest in becoming a Freemason?
Do you live in Pinellas County, Florida, and want to learn more?

If so, we invite you to contact our Lodge Secretary at gro.e1792051974gdolh1792051974caebf1792051974lug@y1792051974rater1792051974ces1792051974 for details on how to become part of the world’s greatest fraternity.

We had a great turnout last night for the presentation “Life and Legacy of Albert W. Gilchrist” by R∴W∴ Howard Knapp. Our Junior Warden, David Marrs, prepared a delicious baked spaghetti dinner that everyone enjoyed.
The Master, Buck Owens, was so inspired by the presentation that he made a road trip today to Indian Spring Cemetery in Punta Gorda, where he visited the remarkably symbolic grave of Albert W. Gilchrist.
Join us next week for our regular stated communication — dinner at 6:30 pm, followed by the meeting at 7:30 pm.

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge No. 291 is proud to announce its participation in the Pinellas County Adopt-a-Teacher/Class program by adopting Ms. Heather McShane of Starkey Elementary School.
Through a $150 donation, individuals, businesses, or organizations can adopt a teacher or classroom, helping to provide much-needed educational supplies and resources. “Supporting our local teachers is one of the most direct and meaningful ways to invest in our community’s future,” said Buck Owens, Worshipful Master. Gulf Beach Lodge encourages others to join in this effort and make a positive impact on students’ education.

Starkey Elementary, nestled in a quiet Seminole neighborhood, has been a cornerstone of the community since 1960. The school serves roughly 700 students from Pre-K through fifth grade, focusing on academic excellence and character development in a safe, supportive environment. Known as the proud home of the Starkey Bears, the school embraces its S.T.A.R. expectations — Safety, Teamwork, Attitude, and Responsibility — while building strong partnerships with families and community members.

The Adopt-a-Teacher/Class program is a simple yet powerful way to help educators meet their classroom goals and inspire the next generation of learners. For more information about participating, visit the Pinellas County Schools website or contact your local school.

We had a great evening of fellowship last night at Gulf Beach Lodge (in the beautiful city of Madeira Beach) – here is what we enjoyed:

• 22 brothers enjoyed a delicious fried chicken dinner with all the sides as provided by our Junior Warden, Br∴ David Marrs
• One first time visitor was in attendance and presented a Gulf Beach Lodge coin.
• It was reported that our elevator should be repaired and running very soon and for less than we expected.
• The craft approved spending up to $2000 on the repair.
• It was reported that our Bikes for Books program has begun at Seminole Elementary with great enthusiasm.
• It was reported that our Appreciation Resolution and Certificate were well received by St. Pete Lodge this week.
• It was reported that we will be presenting Ms. McShane an Adopt A Class tomorrow at 3pm at Starkey Elementary.
• The craft donated $150 to the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida in memory of M∴W∴ Louis King.
• R∴W∴ John Dragneff spoke to the Lodge about his vision for Freemasonry.
• Br∴ Jim Tizzano gave Masonic Education on George Washington laying the cornerstone of the White House on this day.

Members of Gulf Beach Lodge presented St. Petersburg Lodge No. 139 a resolution and certificate of appreciation for housing us for nearly a year while we were rebuilding our Temple. A great evening was had by all.

Our Past Master Bios are now completed and viewable on the website. Simply click the link above and read about our Past Masters from 1949 – 2025.

Gulf Beach Lodge members assisted the Madeira Beach Fire Department and the FF Steven Coakley Foundation in removing the flags this morning from the 9-11 Memorial Park. Thank you to all who came out to help.

We had a truly memorable evening last night at Gulf Beach Lodge, with 31 members and visitors joining us. The night began with plenty of fellowship over pizza (provided by Junior Warden, Brother David Marrs), setting a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Our featured program, “Helene and Beyond: Our Journey of Recovery,” was presented by Howard Knapp. His talk guided us through the challenges faced from the day Hurricane Helene struck in 2024, highlighted the hard work and dedication that brought us to where we are today, and shared inspiring plans to bring our Lodge back to 100%.
It was an evening of reflection, gratitude, and hope — a wonderful reminder of what we can accomplish together.

Members of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 were in attendance this morning at the Madeira Beach Remembrance Day Ceremony. It was a wonderful program and well attended. May we never forget!

Tapping and Mudding Completed ! The mudding party was a great success today. A huge thank you to R∴W∴ Rick Wendling for doing the lion’s share of the work! Also a big shout out to Br∴ David Marrs for supplying the coffee and donuts – !! We welcomed Br∴ Charlie Fuller whose mother Lodge is in Massachusetts, he came out to help us rebuild! Our next step is to do the texture coating and then painting. Closer and closer.

What an amazing night at Gulf Beach Lodge last night! This was our first meeting back in our Temple after Hurricane Helene brought 4′ of water and destruction inside our walls.

Here is what we accomplished:

• 47 members and visitors enjoyed a meal prepared by our Junior Warden (David Marrs) and Stewards (Brian Marshall and Al Yoder).
• Prior to the meeting, Barbara Salazar gave a talk on the preservation and rehanging of her mural on our East wall including much of the symbolism within the painting.
• W∴ Buck Owens greeted everyone with a heartfelt and poignant statement about returning to our own Temple.
• 9 Lodges from District 18 were in attendance to help us celebrate our return.
• M∴W∴ Rick Hoover and M∴W∴ Glen Bishop were introduced as Past Grand Masters in attendance.
• R∴W∴ Rusty Valle, D∴D∴G∴M was introduced and offered a seat in the East.
• R∴H∴ Joe Griffith, District Instructor, was welcomed.
• Six first time visitors from far away as Alaska were welcomed and presented a Lodge coin.
• A brother was elected to be reinstated to membership.
• The Treasurer, W∴ Bobby Burkett, gave a financial report on our Hurricane Relief Fund.
• R∴W∴ Knapp reported that our flood barrier systems are 99% installed.
• R∴W∴ Knapp reported that our elevator is being looked at and may be repairable for under $10,000.
• The brothers voted to prioritize the remaining repairs in this order, elevator, kitchen, floors.
• We will be doing Bikes For Books at Seminole Elementary School this year.
• Br∴ Tim Delaney thanked everyone who helped paint the upstairs last week.
• R∴W∴ Knapp read a Times article from August 31, 1952, reporting on Gulf Beach Lodge’s first meeting in the ‘new’ Temple.
• A Resolution was adopted to present St. Pete Lodge No. 139 a Certificate of Grateful Appreciation for housing us this past year.
• The brothers voted to Adopt Ms. Heather McShane’s Elementary Classroom for $150.
• The brothers voted to donate $150 to the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida language disorder program.
• Many heartfelt and moving comments were made from brothers on the sidelines congratulating Gulf Beach Lodge and all the brothers from around the District, who have helped get us back in our building.

Flood Barrier System going in today!

Our east wall mural is back up, thank you Barbara Salazar for the creating and assistance rehanging it!

It is our sad duty to report the passing of Brother Carl Britton “Britt” Wirt Jr. on May 26, 2025 at age of 82 at his residence in Simpsonville, South Carolina. A proud veteran of the Army, Britt served his country with honor and distinction as a Green Beret. Britt had a successful career as an Insurance Executive with American Security Group in Atlanta.  Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Services were held in Simpsonville.

Alas, my brother!

Masonic Record:
Born: February 24, 1943 (Miami, Florida)
Initiated: June 13, 1972 (Mountain Park Lodge No. 729, Georgia)
Passed: September 12, 1972  (Mountain Park Lodge No. 729, Georgia)
Raised: October 24, 1972 (Mountain Park Lodge No. 729, Georgia)
Affiliated: October 2, 2003 (Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291)
40 Year Award: October 24, 2012
50 Year Award: October 24, 2022

Brothers,

We are delighted to announce that after nearly a year since Hurricane Helene brought four feet of water into our Temple, we are finally back home in our own Lodge.

The journey has not been easy—it has taken perseverance, generous financial support from so many, and hundreds of hours of dedicated labor to reach this point. But together, we have accomplished it.
Our first stated meeting back at 14020 Marguerite Dr., Madeira Beach will be held on Thursday, September 4th.

Meal at 6:30 PM
Lodge will open at 7:30 PM

The Worshipful Master requests coat and tie for the evening.

Please note: while the upstairs is fully restored (with fresh paint!), the downstairs remains a work in progress. In addition, our elevator is not yet back in service, so access to the Lodge room is by stairs only.
This is a special homecoming, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Lodge on Thursday evening