Month: November 2025

Charity is a cornerstone of Freemasonry, and Gulf Beach Lodge takes great pride in continuing this vital work within our community.

Throughout the year—and especially during the holiday season—the need for assistance grows, and the Lodge relies on continued monetary support to sustain its charitable programs.

Brothers are encouraged to contribute to our Charity Fund to help ensure its strength and longevity. Donations may be made by check payable to Gulf Beach Lodge and mailed to 14020 Marguerite Dr., Madeira Beach, FL 33708, or by Zelle to gro.e1791245489gdolh1791245489caebf1791245489lug@y1791245489rater1791245489ces1791245489 (please include Charity Fund in the memo).

Your generosity directly supports those in need and helps the Lodge uphold its enduring commitment to relief and service.

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge No. 291, located at 14020 Marguerite Drive in Madeira Beach, continued its longstanding tradition of community service this Thanksgiving by providing holiday food baskets to ten local families in need. Lodge members assembled and personally delivered the baskets, which included a large turkey, pies, and all the traditional side dishes required for a complete and festive Thanksgiving meal.

For more than 45 years, the Lodge has carried out this charitable effort as part of its commitment to serving the Gulf Beaches community. In 2021, the program was formally named the Bengston Holiday Basket Program in honor of Brother Nils Peter Bengston, a dedicated longtime member who led and expanded the initiative for many years. This year’s program was organized and overseen by Brothers Albert Yoder and Jim Tizzano, who devoted countless hours to ensuring its continued success.

“Gulf Beach Lodge is pleased to help make the holiday season brighter for local families who need it most,” the Lodge stated. “We are proud to continue a tradition that exemplifies the values of compassion, generosity, and service to others.”

Chartered in 1950, Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge has been an active presence on the Gulf Beaches for 75 years.

A great night of Masonry at Gulf Beach Lodge. Here is what we accomplished:

• The brothers enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by Brian and Dee Marshall.
• Brother David Marrs sat in the East for the first time at a business meeting.
• A first time visitor from Amity Lodge in Canada was welcomed and presented a Lodge coin.
• Cards were sent around for our sick and distressed brothers.
• Brother Justin Michael D’Aloisio was elected into membership.
• Brother Clifford J. Hunt received his 40 year certificate and pin.
• Brother Al Yoder reported that we are ready to deliver Thanksgiving baskets this Saturday.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp reported that the Electricians and HVAC companies will be coming out to complete their work on the Lodge.
• The craft donated $100 to the March of Dimes.
• Brother David Marrs gave Masonic Education Leadership and Masonry.

A huge thank you to all eleven brothers and family members who came out to the Lodge Paint Party today – many hands indeed made light work! We completed two coats of primer and one top coat. Just a little more painting to do. We were honored to have our DDGM, R∴W∴ Rusty Valle and Aaron helping.

Last night, Gulf Beach Lodge hosted a program on Fire Safety in the Home, presented by Brothers Tim Delaney, Derryl O’Neal, Howard Knapp, Alan Shedler, and Jim Tizzano — all retired professional firefighters. Attendees enjoyed an informative and engaging evening and left with valuable knowledge to help keep themselves and their families safe from fire hazards.
A sincere thank-you to our Stewards, brothers Brian Marshall and Al Yoder, for providing coffee and donuts, which added greatly to the fellowship of the event.

Passing of M∴W∴ Joseph C. Fowler
Past Grand Master 1993

It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the passing of Most Worshipful Joseph C. Fowler, P∴G∴M∴ who laid down his working tools and passed to the Celestial Lodge above this morning, November 13, 2025. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

As further details regarding arrangements and services become available, we will update you accordingly.

Alas my brother!

A huge thanks to Brothers Chip Cahall, Buck Owens, Bobby Burkett, Al Yoder, and Howard Knapp for doing the drywall texturing at Lodge. We started at 9am today, and under direction of Brother Chip, we were able to complete the texturing by 1pm. We will now be scheduling the downstairs ‘Paint Party’….stay tuned!!

It was a wonderful night of Freemasonry and Fellowship at Gulf Beach Lodge. Here is what was accomplished:

• The brothers enjoyed a lasagna meal prepared by the Junior Warden, Br∴ David Marrs
• W∴ Allen Norwich, Chairman of D18 Masonic Leadership Training present Br∴ Brian Marshall his MLT certificate and pin.
• Br∴ Charlie Ellis’ petition for Plural Membership was read.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp reported that the students at Seminole Elem. School are excited about the bikes for books program.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp reported on that the drywall texturing at Lodge will be tomorrow morning.
• Br∴ Brian Marshall was nominated for Junior Warden for 2026.
• The craft donated $150 to Casa Pinellas.
• Br∴ Al Yoder reported that things are underway for our Thanksgiving Food Baskets.
• Gulf Beach Lodge was presented a US flag that flew over the USS Arizona on December 7, 2024, which will be displayed in a prominent place in the Lodge.
• The brothers joined in a chorus of Happy Birthday for Brs∴ Marshall, Bentley and Yoder. Br∴ Carl Bentley’s birthday is today.
• W∴ David Neville gave Masonic Education on balloting procedures in a Masonic Lodge.