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Gulf Beach Lodge’s Officer Installation was held today with Brothers, friends, and family in attendance in person, as well as virtually, as the Installation was streamed live via Facebook Live for the first time!

• W∴ Mark Sawa-Szostak was installed as the 2021 Worshipful Master of Gulf Beach Lodge.
• Brother Steve Johnson as Senior Warden.
• Brother Joe Sosa as Junior Warden.
• W∴ James Charrette as Treasurer.
• Brother Cozy DeRosa as Chaplain.
• Brother Richard Hightower as Marshall.
• Brother Buck Owens as Junior Deacon.
• and Brother Tim Delaney as Senior Steward.

It was also made note of that the Secretary, W∴ Dave Neville, has been previously installed, and that the installations of Senior Deacon, Junior Steward, Tiler, and Musician shall occur at a later date.

The Installation Team was composed of:

• R∴W∴ Michael Rhoades – Installing Officer
• W∴ Dave Neville – Installing Marshall
• W∴ Oscar Salazar – Installing Chaplain
• W∴ Joe Finocchiaro – Installing Musician

Some other highlights include:

• W∴ Mark Sawa-Szostak presented his girlfriend with a bouquet of flowers.
• R∴W∴ Michael Rhoades was presented with an Honorary Membership to Gulf Beach Lodge and remarked that he was honored to receive it, and in addition, that this was the first time (and we venture to guess not the last) that an Honorary Membership from a Lodge was presented to him.
• W∴ Pat Lynch, the now Junior Past Master, was presented with his Past Master’s Apron and Past Master’s Jewel.

In addition, last year’s Funeral Lodge was closed with special mention of the eight dearly departed Brothers this past year. A new Funeral Lodge was also duly opened and adjourned.  All in all, it was a well conducted Installation and the newly Installed Officers of 2021 would like to thank all of those in attendance, either virtually or in-person, as well as acknowledge all the well wishes sent to us. We look forward to serving the Lodge in 2021, and in the words of our newly installed Worshipful Master, Mark Sawa-Szostak, leave the Lodge better than we found it.

It was a chilly Thursday night, but that didn’t stop 17 members and visitors from coming out to a night of great Masonry at Gulf Beach Lodge! At the meeting…

• Brothers John Patterson and Brian Marshall did an excellent job returning their EA Catechism, led by Brother Joe Sosa.
• Brother Thomas Lacina was elected to membership of Gulf Beach Lodge.
• The Worshipful Master presented the 2020 officers with a wonderful gesture of appreciation for their dedication and efforts throughout the year. (pictured above)
• Brother Jim Wittstruck reminded everyone that we will be delivering the next round of holiday baskets to local families on Saturday, December 19th. We will meet at the Lodge at 8:30 AM and depart the Lodge promptly at 9:00 AM.
• Senior Warden Mark Sawa-Szostak thanked all the members of Gulf Beach Lodge who have given their time and energy to help maintain the Lodge throughout the 2020 year.
• Worshipful Master Patrick Lynch gave his end-of-year report, and Worshipful David Neville gave the Secretary end-of-year report. Both reports were well received
• Worshipful Lynch donated the “Gulf Beach Family Event” banner to the Lodge for future events to enjoy!
• The Craft donated an additional $100 to the First Lady’s project.
• The Craft voted to donate $150 to sponsor a Madeira Beach Youth Basketball team.

It was a busy and wonderful night. As a reminder, the Lodge will be dark for the next two weeks as both days fall on holidays. Stay safe, happy, and we look forward to seeing you at our 2021 Officer Installation on Saturday, January 2nd.

There was wonderful energy in the air at Gulf Beach Lodge last night as thirty members and visitors from near and far joined us in welcoming Brother Lukas Vanagaitis to Freemasonry!

The lecture was delivered by R∴W∴ Bill Sundquist, the charge by W∴ David Neville, and the lambskin poem by Br∴ Mark Sawa-Szostak.

Coming up on December 17th we will be holding our last Stated Meeting of December before going dark on December 24th and 31st.  We hope to see you there!