Month: June 2026

With short notice today our Worshipful Master, Tim Delaney, along with Past Masters of Nitram Lodge, Ney Delgado and Bob Robertson, helped load provisions to be shipped to Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a 501(c)3 based in Miami who will move them on to Venezuela for earthquake relief. Great job brothers!

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge members are always excited to roll up our sleeves and help keep our community clean and beautiful. Through the Keep Pinellas Beautiful program, we proudly care for our section of the Pinellas Trail so neighbors, families, and visitors can enjoy the beauty it has to offer.

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Brother Tommy Wayne Martin Jr. on becoming our newest Entered Apprentice Mason!

Brother Tommy is now part of a strong brotherhood of good men dedicated to fellowship, service, integrity, and self-improvement. We are honored to have him begin his Masonic journey with Gulf Beach Lodge.

The evening began with a delicious meal prepared by Brother Aron Zions. The degree work included an excellent lecture delivered by R∴W∴ Derryl O’Neal, the Charge presented by W∴ David Neville, and the Lambskin Poem shared by R∴W∴ Howard Knapp.

Congratulations, Brother Tommy—we are proud to call you Brother!

It was a wonderful gathering at Gulf Beach Lodge this morning for the Bike Safety and Maintenance program put on by W∴ Ney Delgado (Nitram Lodge). Those in attendance enjoyed a great meal (donations going toward our Bikes For Books Program), excellent fellowship, and very useful information. Thank you to W∴ David Neville for planning this event!

It was a wonderful night at Gulf Beach Lodge, here is what went on…

• Those present enjoyed an excellent ‘cowboy casserole’ made by Br∴ ‘Chef’ Aron Zions, Junior Steward
• First time visitor, W∴ Ryan Gaffney, of Winter Haven Lodge No. 186 was welcomed and presented a Lodge coin and a seat in the East.
• Br∴ Dago Cruz was installed as Senior Deacon for 2026 by W∴ Tim Delaney
• The craft donated $100 to Rainbow Assembly No. 87, Largo
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp reported that hand-washing and mop sinks required by the Health Dept. were installed and the kitchen passed its County Health inspection.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp reported that the Lodge Library is in the process of being restored.
• It was reported that Br∴ Johnny Oldja donated a new coffee service station to the Lodge.
• It was reported that the new porcelain tile floor downstairs will cost $15,000, of which we already have $10,000 set aside – we will begin fundraising for the additional $5,000.
• The craft voted to accept the Grand Lodge Resolution allowing Brothers who were suspended for non-payment of dues to be reinstated by paying one year’s amount of dues. This amnesty program is good through March of 2027.
• The craft approved purchasing three IKEA bookshelves for the library.
• Br∴ Aron Zions donated a very nice free-standing globe for the library.

EA Degree for Mr. Tommy Martin Jr. – Thursday June 25, 2026 (meal 6:30pm – Degree 7:30pm)

The Irven L. Albright Memorial Library has been cleaned out (construction material removed and placed in our new shed). We have begun putting the library back into service. – As you can see one of our goals is going to be the installation of new tile (wood grain look) floors downstairs. But that is another project for another day.

Brothers, A huge thank you to Brother Johnny Oldja and Oldja Enterprises Kitchen & Bath, for the wonderful donation and installation of a brand new coffee bar for our Lodge. It looks great!

It is my sad duty to report that Brother E. James Reese, Jr. “Jim,” 83, of Blairsville and Seminole, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Blairsville on Monday. Born in St. Petersburg, he was a 1961 graduate of Dixie Hollins High School and a 1966 graduate of Kentucky School of Mortuary Science.

He was the owner of the E. James Reese Funeral Home and Crematory in Seminole, Florida, which he opened in 1970. He was a member of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge No. 291 F&AM and Scottish Rite Temple and Egypt Temple Shrine. He was a past president of the Seminole Shrine Club and a 30-year member of the Seminole Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of Faith Community Church.

Graveside funeral services will be scheduled at Seminole Pioneer Cemetery at a later date.

Brother Reese’s Masonic Record:

– Initiated an Entered Apprentice on May 28, 1968 at Sunshine Lodge No. 288
– Passed to Fellow Craft on July 23, 1968 at Sunshine Lodge No. 288
– Raised to Master Mason on October 22, 1968 at Sunshine Lodge No. 288
– Affiliated with Gulf Beach Lodge September 7, 1972.
– Received his 55-year service award on October 22, 2023

Join us in welcoming our newest Entered Apprentice Mason, Brother Lance Conklin!

W∴ Steve Johnson sat in the East, the Lecture was delivered by R∴W∴ Howard Knapp and the Charge by W∴ Dave Neville!

Stop by the Lodge and pick up your Gulf Beach Lodge merchandise!

Available now:
• Car decals
• Challenge coins
• New Lodge brochures
• The History of Gulf Beach Lodge book

Two young girls saw a need and took action, raising money to support childhood cancer research. Our lodge was honored to contribute $100 to help advance their mission.

This is what Freemasonry is all about—supporting our community, encouraging the next generation, and turning compassion into action.

We’re proud to stand beside young leaders who are making a difference today while inspiring a better tomorrow.

Interested in being part of an organization that believes in service, leadership, and community impact? We’d love to meet you.

💛 Supporting youth.
💛 Strengthening communities.
💛 Making a difference together.

Gulf Beach Lodge had the extreme fraternal pleasure to welcome our District Deputy Grand Master for his Official Visit.

• Those present enjoyed a delicious chicken and yellow rice meal prepared by Br∴ Aron Zions and homemade Boston creme puffs prepared by Br∴ Charlie Fuller and his lady.
• R∴W∴ Allen W. Norwich, accompanied by his party, was received into the Lodge and accorded Grand Honors by the Craft.
• District Instructor, R∴H∴ Cy Havron, was introduced.
• Distinguished guests were introduced, R∴W∴ Rick Wendling, Deputy Grand Master and M∴W∴ Robert Lambert, Past Grand Master.
• Two first time visitors were welcomed and presented Lodge coins.
• Mr. Tommy Wayne Martin Jr. was elected to receive the Three Degrees of Freemasonry.
• R∴W∴ Allen Norwich, was presented Honorary Membership in Gulf Beach Lodge.
• W∴ Jeffrey Fincher Sr, was presented Honorary Membership in Gulf Beach Lodge.
• Brs∴ Justin D’Aloisio and Richard Hightower received their MLT (Masonic Leadership Training) certificates.
• R∴W∴ Allen Norwich and W∴ Tim Delaney were presented a coin and pin by R∴W∴ Howard Knapp on behalf of Mt. Juneau-Gastineau Lodge No. 21 in Juneau Alaska and their Master W∴ Jason Nardi.
• The craft donated $150 to the C&C Lemonade Factory for their 10th Annual Lemonade Stand Cancer Fundraiser.
• The craft donated $300 to the Grand Master’s & First Lady’s Project.
• R∴H∴ Cy Havron gave an introduction to the instruction schedule and plan for the year.
• The District Committeemen each gave a statement about their committee.
• R∴W∴ Allen Norwich gave the message from our Grand Master, M∴W∴ Haskell Vest which was received with a standing ovation.
• R∴W∴ Howard Knapp gave the closing charge.