Month: February 2026

Brotherhood at its finest!

The officers of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge had the pleasure of hosting V∴W∴ Bill Ritterbusch and R∴W∴ Larry Wund of Allemania Masonic Lodge and German Masonic Charities of New York for a true Florida-style meal at Caddy’s on Madeira Beach.

Brothers Ritterbusch and Wund were in town to present Gulf Beach Lodge with a generous $4,000 donation to assist with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. This follows the remarkable $14,000 contributed by Allemania Lodge and German Masonic Charities to our relief fund in 2025.

Words cannot adequately express our heartfelt and overwhelming gratitude for their continued generosity and the strength of our Masonic Brotherhood.

It is our sad duty to report the passing of our Senior Deacon, James Frederick “Jim” Tizzano Jr. this morning, aged 69 years. Brother Jim had been in hospice care and passed peacefully. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Services will be announced at a later date.
Alas my Brother,

Masonic Record:
Born: July 5, 1956
Initiated: March 27, 1995 (Philo Lodge No. 243, South River, New Jersey)
Passed: May 23, 1995
Raised: June 27, 1995
Affiliated: October 1, 2015 (Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291)
25 year Award: June 27, 2020
Junior Steward: 2023
Senior Steward: 2024
Junior Deacon: 2025
Senior Deacon: 2026
Deceased: February 26. 2026

Inclement weather couldn’t stop these brothers from the Bike Ride today. They enjoyed a wonderful lunch. Stay tuned for the next outing!

Last night’s visit to Star Lodge for their 150th Anniversary. Our Senior and Junior Wardens (Howard Knapp and Brian Marshall) presented our Lodge’s Resolution of Congratulations and a copy of our History Book, which were both well received.

Brotherhood at its best!!

• The brothers (and guests) enjoyed a delicious lasagna dinner prepared by Brother Al Yoder.
• Three prospective members joined us for the meal and fellowship.
• Two first time visitors from Iowa and Ohio were in attendance and presented Lodge coins.
• A Petition for the Three Symbolic Degrees was read.
• R∴W∴ Porky Wordellpresented the Master a ‘Cane Of Distinction’.
• W∴ Greg Adams, first time visitor from Ohio, presented the Master a Grand Lodge of Ohio pin.
• The craft sponsored a full page Ad in the upcoming programs for Amaranth and Rainbow Girls. 
• The craft approved a resolution of congratulations for Star Lodge’s 150th Anniversary.
• It was reported that the elevator/lift is back in service.
• It was announced that we have received a $4000 donation to our Hurricane Recovery Fund from the German Masonic Charity and Allemania Lodge in New York.
• It was announced that Gulf Beach Lodge will have a table at the Johns Pass Friday Village on February 27th and pass out brochures and free water.
• The craft approved future installation of porcelain woodgrain tile for the downstairs dining, library and Secretary’s office.
• W∴ David Neville presented W∴ Alan Rothman a “Super Nice Guy Hall of Fame” certificate.

We had a wonderful visit to St. Petersburg Lodge No. 139 on February 10th for an EA Degree for 4 candidates! It was an excellent evening from the delicious meal, to the ritual, to the outstanding lecture. Thank you brothers for the great hospitality!

Gulf Beach Lodge just added a mile stretch of the Pinellas Trail to our Keep Pinellas Beautiful Cleanup Program. Members, family and friends of the Lodge gathered this morning and had a great time sprucing up the trail.

Gulf Beach Lodge took part in the Trash Pirates of Madeira Beach clean up today. A beautiful day to clean our neighborhood.

Our Senior Deacon, Jim Tizzano, had recent surgery and has not yet been able to be installed nor attend lodge. So, if you can’t make it to lodge, the officers will bring the lodge to you! Brotherhood!

Another great meeting!! Here is some of what went on.

• The brothers (and guests) enjoyed a homemade Baked Ziti dinner prepared by our own brother Chef Aron Zions, and dessert was prepared by Dee Marshall.
• Two prospective members joined us for the meal and fellowship.
• Two first time visitors from Illinois and Ohio were in attendance and presented Lodge coins.
• A Petition for the Three Symbolic Degrees was read.
• Brother Charlie Fuller presented the Lodge a set of new Masonic books for our library.
• Brother Paul Tilka was presented his 50 year service award and received Grand Honors.
• The craft donated $500 to the Jackson Copeland Foundation Charity.
• The craft approved the purchase of new Lodge coins for our 75th anniversary.
• It was reported that the elevator/lift is back in service.
• A hurricane recovery report was given.