Category: Events

Members of Gulf Beach Lodge presented Grand Master Haskell Vest Honorary Membership along with a check for his Masters Project

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Brother Robert “Bob” Meeks on August 10, 2026, at the age of 79.

Brother Bob was the founder of Gulf Beach Lodge’s Bikes for Books Program, an initiative that became an important part of our Lodge’s community outreach and was later named in his honor. His dedication and service to the Lodge and the community will be long remembered.

Services are planned for September. We will share the date, time, and additional details as soon as they are available.

Please keep Brother Bob’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Alas, my Brother,

Masonic Record:
Born: August 24, 1946
Initiated: November 1, 1999 – Dunedin Lodge No. 192
Passed: February 21, 2000 – Dunedin Lodge No. 192
Raised: April 17, 2000 – Dunedin Lodge No. 192
Affiliated: November 1, 2012 – Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291
Marshal: 2017, 2018, 2019
Deceased: August 10, 2026

Four members of Gulf Beach Lodge (Tim Delaney, David Gregory, Howard Knapp and Michael St-Laurent) attended a wonderful MM Degree at St. Pete Lodge last night. The lecture was delivered by R∴W∴ Howard Knapp who also filled in as Senior Grand Deacon. R∴W∴ St-Laurent served as Chaplain and Grand Chaplain. Congratulations to the four newest Master Masons. (Also pictured on the far left is R∴W∴ Alan Rosenthal as King Solomon)

Here are a couple pictures from this week (August 10th) and from immediately following Hurricane Helene (2024) when we had 4 feet of water in our building. We have come along way through blood, sweat and tears. — But we have made it!

A beautiful Saturday for a Gulf Beach Lodge family picnic at Walsingham Park! Great food, great fellowship, and great fun! Thank you W∴ Tim Delaney for planning the event, and for all who helped behind the scenes to make it such a success.

Five members of Gulf Beach Lodge, including our EA brothers Tommy Martin and Alejandro Pezzolano, attended the EA Degree at Tarpon Lodge No. 112 (Chartered in 1890 and in the same building since 1926) last night and had a wonderful time.

Six members of Gulf Beach Lodge were in attendance tonight at Star Lodge No. 78 for a Fellow Craft Degree. A great time was had by all!

It is our sad duty to announce the passing of Worshipful Brother John Gicking, Past Master of Northside Lodge No. 283 in 2019.

Although Brother John was not a member of Gulf Beach Lodge, he was a loyal and steadfast supporter of our Lodge and its activities. He rarely missed one of our monthly breakfasts and, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, became one of Gulf Beach Lodge’s strongest supporters.

Brother John took it upon himself to organize fundraisers through his local Jeep club, helping to raise much-needed funds for the rebuilding and restoration of our Lodge. His generosity, friendship, and dedication will never be forgotten.

Born in 1940, John graduated from New Cumberland High School in Pennsylvania in 1958. During his school years, he participated in wrestling, football, Spanish Club, Radio Club, and acting.

Following graduation, John entered the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Lance Corporal until 1962. He then joined the St. Petersburg Police Department. In 1965, while serving the citizens of St. Petersburg, John was shot in the arm in the line of duty.

During the 1970s, while continuing his career as a police officer, John also opened Smoke-n-Snuff at Tyrone Square Mall, a business specializing in the blending and sale of pipe tobacco.

Brother John later served as Worshipful Master of Northside Lodge No. 283 in 2019.

He passed away last week surrounded by family and friends.

John was an extraordinary man, a devoted Mason, and a true Brother. Gulf Beach Lodge will always be grateful for his friendship, generosity, and unwavering support.

Alas, my Brother.

Members of Gulf Beach Lodge enjoyed a wonderful EA Degree at DeSoto Lodge No. 105 in Riverview last night. The hospitality was amazing and the degree work was incredible. Congratulations to the three newly initiated brothers

A big thank you to these brothers who came to Lodge today and helped move everything into the kitchen in preparation for our tile floor installation downstairs. – Many hands make light work! Tim Delaney, Brian Marshall, Tommy Martin, Charlie Fuller, Steve Johnson and Howard Knapp.

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!