Happy Holidays HARMONI. No. 138 F. & A. M. Chartered from. 122 Years of Masonry in West Palm Beach

Transcription

1 Happy Holidays from HARMONI RMONIA LODGE No. 138 F. & A. M. Chartered Years of Masonry in West Palm Beach Address: 1896 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL Website: Phone: Volume 122, Issue #12 Published Monthly District 32, Zone 9, M:. W:. Grand Lodge Of Florida

2 STATED TED COMMUNICATION 2nd Monday December 12, 2016 Meal 6:30/Meeting 7:30 UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS Santa s Visit To Harmonia Lodge Saturday, December 10, 2016 Lunch at Noon, Santa arrives at 1:10 PM HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL. Lodge Dark Monday, December 26, 2016 Harmonia Lodge Installation of Officers Monday, January 9, Dinner 6:00 PM Law Enforcement Appreciation Night & Stated Meeting Monday, January 23, Dinner 6:00 PM Lodge Of Instruction - Every Thursday Night At 6:30 pm Catechism, Degree Practice, Masonic Education & Fellowship Page 2

3 Worshipful Master Charley Hogwood Senior Warden Ricky Espiritu Junior Warden Marco Sevilleja Secretary Lou Babbit Treasurer W:. Josh Johnson, PM HARMONIA LODGE OFFICERS 2016 Senior Deacon Edmund Rodas Chaplain Paul Alexander Junior Deacon Ray Rios Junior Past Master W:.Tony Petrides, PM Senior Steward Brian Price Junior Steward Jorge Sta Rosa Tyler Matthew Guzman Lodge Musician Jason Buelow Lodge Historian W:. David Reilly, HPM Happy Holidays from Harmonia Lodge Wishing You and Your Family a Happy y and Healthy New ew Year Page 3

4 FROM THE EAST Brethren, As my year in the East draws to a close, I could not be more proud, I have been surrounded with some of the best men I have ever had the opportunity to work with. I have understood all along that leading a lodge must be a team effort and this means that the team needs to be in sync, on message and moving in the same direction. One might wonder how an organization can hand over leadership each year yet remain true to its roots for centuries. Frankly, it boils down to customer service. When you help other people improve their station in life, fulfill their inner need for answers and offer them a path that supports family, faith, hope and charity you almost cannot fail. Once you achieve buy-in by those around you, they will be there with you through thick and thin. Many have asked me if I am glad it is almost over. My first answer might be yes but I can t get the word out before I remember the true honor that has been bestowed upon me. If I could go back in time I would tell myself a thing or two about the journey to the East. Would I do it again? Absolutely, without question. When this year began, Worshipful Petrides gave me one simple goal as he passed the baton. Leave the lodge better than you found it. While that sounds simple enough, the bar was set so high last year at some times throughout this year it seemed impossible to reach. Everything being said, I think we have done very well to meet his challenge. I don t think anyone who travels all the way to the East completely comprehends the enormity of it all when they begin as a steward or Junior Deacon. I learned along the way that, Masonry has always offered everything I needed but it was up to me to seek it out, find room in my heart to accept the information and then properly apply it to my life through action. In my opinion, lodge leadership success can only happen through this process. To accept a chair without accepting this process would be a disservice to yourself, the lodge and the brothers who placed you in charge. A Masonic experience is not just about the building or the trappings within. A lodge operates most effectively from within our hearts. A lodge will always reflect the values, character and efforts of the men within, whether positive or negative. If a lodge has poor or weak leadership, or discontent, it will show as clearly as the sun is in the sky. A successful lodge will have taken care to accept only those men who demonstrate from the heart that Masonry is more than the individual, and that the values of Freemasonry are worth incorporating into daily life. Harmonia lodge has done just this and it reflects in the membership and all our events. Throughout the year I have heard countless compliments on our operations. I always deflect the compliments toward the men who have built the strong foundation upon which we stand and the men who stand by my side with their wise counsel, dedicated service and unwavering support. This year I was but the custodian of the beautiful place I like to consider a second home. A place where I can go and always be among family. My goal has been to continue the welcoming environment so that all of you could do the same. This year has been a success because I could stand upon your broad shoulders my brothers. We have been a team with a consistent vision, true to our values, carrying the torch of the amazing men who led the charge before us. You my brothers have truly made Harmonia lodge the best lodge in the district and beyond. I am proud and humbled by your friendship and support and it is with great honor that I stand ready to assist the incoming officers for Thank you all for a wonderful year! Fraternally, Worshipful Master Charley Hogwood Page 4

5 FROM THE WEST Brothers, The holiday season is upon us, once again. I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving Day with family and friends. We look forward to a joyous December and New Year. The weather is getting cooler as we plan our holiday get together with our family and friends. Our Lodge is filled with so many Brothers who truly exhibit the principle tenants of our Fraternity on a daily basis. I could not be more happy and proud for all of you. You have shown the love and dedication for our Lodge. You all truly understand the importance of your roles within the Lodge. I cannot help myself thinking how dedicated to the Craft you have become. You have made the Lodge what it is today. I am so thankful and proud because you are truly a Brother Mason. I would like to extend my thanks to each member of the officer line, who has worked to make Harmonia a better Lodge. Bros. Secretary, Lou Babbit; Treasurer W:. Joshua Johnson, PM; W:. Tony Petrides, PM; HPM Ill. Jim Kirby; HPM Dave Reilly; and HPM Ed Griffin for all you do up front and behind the scenes; and HPM Mike Hart for his outstanding lecturers for all Degrees. Also, Br. Jason Buelow for keeping the music playing. It makes the Lodge enjoyable with live music. Of course, all the line Officers efforts make all the Degrees better to watch. You deserve a great deal of credit for every degree we conduct. I am looking forward to continuing our journey next year. I can t say enough thank you s to all the Brothers who always give their time and assistance in the kitchen preparation and serving of the meal at the Scottish Rite during the Grand Master s, M:.W:. Stanley Hudson, Visit to District 32. The Grand Master and his Grand Lady Joy as well as everyone had a great time. We accomplished an amazing meal while representing Harmonia Lodge. Congratulations to our newly obligated Brothers, initiated Nov. 17, 2016, brought from darkness to light. Thumbs Up to our Br. SD Edmund Rodas and his entire Degree Team, a job well done. A salute and thanks to Br. JD Ray Rios for organizing and conducting the Veterans Day program. I enjoyed and appreciated it so much, a great presentation My Brothers please check the next year s events. Our Installation for 2017 elected and appointed officers is on Monday, January 9, 2017, dinner at 6:00 PM. Join us on Monday, January 23 rd for the Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner and Recognition Awards with a cook-out dinner starting at 6:00 PM. Stay warm this winter. May your Holiday season be filled with love, laughter and cheer! Enjoy this special time with your family and friends. Santa will be at the Lodge on Saturday, December 10 th, lunch at noon, Santa arriving shortly after 1 PM. Ricky Espiritu Senior Warden Page 5

6 FROM THE SOUTH Brothers, First of all, a Happy Birthday to those who are celebrating their birth anniversary this month. May the Almighty shower you with more blessings and I wish you good health for the years to come. Again, my unending thanks to the Brothers who are helping in the kitchen especially to those who jump in voluntarily. I hope the Thanksgiving holiday was enjoyed by all. As we approach this Holiday season, may you all be blessed with peace, prosperity, good health and brotherly love and a joyous holiday with family and friends. Don t miss Santa s visit to Harmonia Lodge on Saturday, December 10 th, lunch at Noon, Santa arriving shortly after 1 PM. The New Year brings a new beginning for the Lodge with a new slate of officers. Don t forget the 2017 Lodge Officer elections will be at our Stated Meeting of December 12 th. The Installation of these elected and appointed officers will take place on Monday, January 9 th at 6:00 PM. A Happy and Healthy New Year to all the Brothers and their families. Marco Sevilleja Junior Warden Page 6

7 SECRETARY SEZ Brethren, Your 2017 dues notices have sent out. Please remit them to the Lodge Secretary. If you still have not paid your 2016 dues your deadline is December 9 TH. If you need assistance please contact the Secretary or Worshipful Master. The lodge will vote for suspension of Brothers who have not paid their 2016 dues at the December 14 TH Stated meeting. Lou Babbit, Secretary It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. President M:.W:. Harry S Truman, PGM OF MISSOURI HOLD THE DATE & PLAN TO ATTEND UPCOMING EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017 Harmonia Lodge SANTA S VISIT TO OUR LODGE, Saturday, December 10, Lunch at Noon, Santa arrives at 1:10 PM Harmonia Lodge Stated Communication, Monday, Dec. 12th at 6:30 PM. LODGE ELECTIONS & NPD VOTE, FC Proficiency, Perpetual Membership Announcement. Harmonia Lodge Master Mason Degree, Thursday, Dec. 15 th at 6:30 PM Monday, December 26, 2016 HARMONIA LODGE WILL BE DARK Happy Holidays & Happy New Year To All HARMONIA LODGE 2017 OFFICER INSTALLATIONS, Monday, January 9, :30 PM HARMONIA LODGE LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION NIGHT & STATED MEETING Monday, January 23, :00 PM Harmonia Lodge Fellow Craft Degree Thursday, January 26, :30 PM Page 7

8 Harmonia Lodge 2016 Committees Finance SW Ricky Espiritu (Chairman), Treas. W:. Joshua Johnson PM, Sec. Lou Babbit, W:. Ed Griffin HPM, Chap. Paul Alexander Petitions Sec. Lou Babbit, (Chairman), Bro. Dave Porter, W:. Tony Petrides PM, W:. David Reilly HPM Masonic Education W:. David Reilly HPM (Chairman), Treas. W:. Joshua Johnson PM, Chap. Paul Alexander Communications Bro. Howie Zusel (Chairman), W:.M:. Charley Hogwood, Bro. Dave Porter, W:. David Reilly HPM, W:. Val DeVuyst PM, JD Ray Rios, SS Brian Price, Sec. Lou Babbit, Community, Civic, and Social Activities JD Ray Rios (Chairman) Lodge Property JW Marco Sevilleja (Chairman), Bro. Scott McGary, Tyler Matthew Guzman, JS Donald Gonzalez, Bro. Dave Porter Charity W:.M:. Charley Hogwood (Chairman), JD Ray Rios, Treas. W:. Joshua Johnson PM, Sec. Lou Babbit Board of Relief W:.M:. Charley Hogwood (Chairman), SW Ricky Espiritu, JW Marco Sevilleja Mentor s Committee W:. Michael Hart HPM (Chairman), Chap. Paul Alexander, JD Ray Rios Vigilance JW Marco Sevilleja (Chairman), JD Ray Rios, Tyler Matthew Guzman Off The Shelf Of The Harmonia Library DECEMBER W:. Bro. David J. Reilly, HPM, Librarian Check out your Harmonia Library! We have grown to over 400 Volumes and 40 DVD s. Masonic Education awaits you on every page of every volume. Talk about it and USE IT! We have received our first Bonus Book from the Scottish Rite Research Society. The Title is Pillars of Wisdom. Some of you may have read the first book. As a student of Freemasonry I would suggest that if you have not read this book that you do so, and if you have to take a look at the revised edition. Be sure to leave a note for Santa to bring you a new Masonic book. Go on Line and check Amazon for Masonic History, Ritual or Biography. So much to read, stay with your interests. David J. Reilly, Librarian. Scottish Rite 21st Degree Practice Wednesday December 15, 2016 at Harmonia 6:30 PM Page 8

9 HOLD THE DATE & PLAN TO ATTEND Santa s Visit To Harmonia Lodge Harmonia Masonic Lodge will host its Annual Santa s Visit and Holiday Par arty Saturday, December 10, Palm Beach Lakes Blvd #200, West Palm Beach, FL Santa s Aniticpated Arrival is at 1:10 PM Bring Your Family & Friends... Are All Welcome! Gifts - Children s Activities - Festive Fun Holiday Treats & Goodies - Santa s Visit Happy Holidays from Harmonia Lodge Lunch Served At Noon With Special Children s Menu Featuring A Make-Your-Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to bring your child a wrapped gift to be given by Santa, please be sure it has your child s name & age on the tag. Mark your calendars for a wonderful day of Family Fun, Fellowship & Holiday Spirit! Please RSVP on the Event Sheet at t the Lodge or Secretar etary y Lou Babbit bit at: t: lmbabbit@gmail.com Page 9

10 Harmonia Lodge No. 138 F. & A.. M. Chartered 1894 You and your family are cordially invited to attend the Harmonia Lodge No. 138 F. & A.. M. Installation of Officers Monday, January 9, 2017 Dinner 6:00 PM Harmonia Masonic Lodge 1896 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, Suite 200 Rear, West Palm Beach, FL Years of Masonry in West Palm Beach Page 10

11 Harmonia Lodge No. 138 F. & A.. M. Chartered 1894 You and Your Family are Are Cordially Invited to attend the Harmonia Lodge Law Enforcement Appreciation Night Monday, January Dinner 6:00 PM Harmonia Masonic Lodge 1896 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, Suite 200 Rear, West Palm Beach, FL Years of Masonry in West Palm Beach Page 11

12 BEHIND THE SCENES Exceptional Volunteers for November The exceptional volunteers this month are many. I have seen an incredible number of acts of service and kindness throughout the year that I want to recognize. I want to thank Jim Kirby for his wise counsel and friendship throughout the year. Brother Kirby is the Mason we should all strive to emulate. He may be soft spoken but his words carry the weight of the world and his actions are truly inspirational. I want to thank Ray Rios for his machine-like efforts to lead by example and pave the way of innovation, creativity and keeping the new guys involved. I want to thank Howie Zusel for his amazing work with the Chalk and our new improved Facebook presence. I want to thank Brother Reilly for his groundbreaking work to research and produce the various plays and good of the order speeches that fulfill our thirst for knowledge. I want to thank Ricky, Marco, Edmund, Jorge, Brian, Don and so many of the new brothers who have helped in the kitchen and in support of our various events where we eat so well. The food has been amazing this year. I want to thank the visitor s committee for being the positive lens by which new candidates and their families see and perceive our fraternity. Thank you Brothers Taylor, Kirby, Reilly and Hart. I want to thank Brother Mike Hart for his phenomenal lectures this year. We are very fortunate to have such engaging degree programs due to his creativity and efforts. I want to thank Secretary Lou Babbit for his incredible support and keeping me out of hot water all year long. I want to thank Worshipful Tony Petrides for his wise counsel, support and friendship and for all the work he did to set me up for success through his hard work last year in creating such a well-run organization. I would be remiss in my duties if I fail to recognize the families that support us by volunteering and those we rarely see who understand that when their husbands are with us, it is to make them better men, husbands, fathers and providers. It is said that behind every good man is a good woman. To the wives, mothers and daughters, thank you for supporting us. I also want to thank my family, Courtney, Natalie and Baby Tessa for their time at lodge and understanding why I m so often at a Masonic function and not at home. I love you guys. To all the brothers whose work goes unseen and those we didn t mention by name, thank you all for making Harmonia truly great. From my heart to yours, thank you. W:. M:. Charley Hogwood YOUR LODGE NEEDS YOU! Can you help one day per month by volunteering to be on the Lodge Cleaning Crew? The 3rd Saturday of each month will be the Lodge clean up day. Choose inside or outside! See Lou Babbit or JD Ray Rios CHARITY OF THE MONTH Masonic Service Association V.A. Hospitals, State Veterans Homes & Extended Care Facilities, Hospital Visitation Program Page 12

13 The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Florida Boca - Delray Lodge # Boynton Lodge # Gulf Strem Lodge # Palmwood Lodge # Bykota Lodge # Jupiter Light Lodge # Garden Lodge # Lantana Lodge # MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER Stanley L. Hudson RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND SECRETARY M:.W:.Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M. 32nd Masonic District DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER 32nd MASONIC DISTRICT Right Worshipful Harold A. Gordon hgordon007@gmail.com Phone: DISTRICT INSTRUCTOR Right Honorable James M. Schmidt pmjll2009@gmail.com Phone: Northwest 4th Ave. Boca Raton, Fl st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 PM 2701 Quantum Blvd. Boynton Beach, Fl nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 PM 2000 N. D St. Lake Worth, Fl st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 PM 845 Bradley St. West Palm Beach, Fl st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 PM 421 Jennings Ave. Greenacres, Fl nd & 4th Mondays, 7:30 PM 600 S Loxahatchee Dr. Jupiter, Fl nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 PM 9463 Roan Ln. Palm Beach Gardens, Fl st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 PM 2000 N. D St. Lake Worth, F nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 PM Master Mason Association of the 32nd Masonic District Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every Month at Lake Worth Scottish Rite - 7:30 PM Page 13

14 Palm Beach York Rite Bodies Meets at Harmonia Lodge No. 138 F & A M Chapter No. 24 Royal Arch Masons Zabud Council No. 17 Royal and Select Masters Palm Beach Commandry No. 18 Knights Templar Meets on the 1st & 3rd Mondays Masonic High Twelve Club #316 - Lake Worth, FL Squire Sidney King, President sking1474@att.net - Phone: Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month Call Squire Sidney King for location Harmonia Lodge 2B1ASK1 Page 14

15 Motion for Lodge to pay half the cost of Perpetual Memberships This motion is valid for the 2017 Masonic Year only. PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIPS The Brothers of Harmonia Lodge desiring to re-invest available cash assets into the future of Harmonia Lodge agree to pay one half of a perpetual membership, $1, of the $2, total amount, for all the members willing to purchase a perpetual membership This is not meant as a gift to the members but as an insurance policy to maintain Harmonia Lodge in a strong financial position for future generations. Members must be current in their Lodge dues up to and including 2017 in order to qualify. Payment must be received on or before June 30, 2017 in order to qualify for perpetual membership commencing in Payments received after June 30, 2017 but before December 27, 2017 will require an additional $120 ($ total) to qualify for perpetual membership in the 2018 Masonic Year Those wishing to make payments must have paid either $1, by June 30, 2017 or $ by December 27, 2017 to qualify for this year s plan. If your portion is not paid in full you will not qualify for the 2017 plan and any money paid will be returned to you. Members wishing to move their memberships from Harmonia Lodge agree to repay the Lodge the full amount of the Lodge s original investment which is $1, Your signature on a document stating such will be required. There will be a limit on the number of Perpetual Memberships offered with this plan based on the Lodge s financial position in December The limit will be communicated at that time. Participation will be on a first come first served basis. Motion made seconded and approved by the craft July 25, 2016 Harmonia Lodge No. BLOOD 138 DRIVE Free and Accepted Masons Foot Notes: Perpetual membership is a program that, through making a onetime payment, will pay the members dues forever, not for the member s lifetime but as a perpetual endowment to the lodge. See the secretary for the forms that requires your signature along with a check made out to Harmonia Lodge No 138. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TRESTLEBOARD BOOSTERS Brother Bruce Leffler, Gulfstream Lodge #245 (Please see Lou Babbit, Lodge Secretary, to add your name) Page 15

16 Brethren, IMPORTANT - DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING NEW CIRCUMSCRIBE INFORMATION ACT NOW - December 27th Deadline At the 186th Annual Grand Communication of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Florida, a new software application, Circumscribe, was presented and implemented during this Masonic year. The Lodge membership data migration is now complete, and you now have access to the new system. It is important for you to login as soon as possible, review your profile, make any appropriate changes to your contact information, and upload a current picture for your new permanent ID card. To login to Circumscribe, simply follow these instructions: 1. Open your internet browser NOTE: be sure to enable cookies, and disable private browsing 2. Navigate to: 3. Enter your initial Username: FL + Your Grand Lodge Number ( from your Dues Card ) (example: FL @changeyour .info) 4. Enter your temporary Password: FL + Your Grand Lodge Number ( from your Dues Card ) (example: FL ) 5. You will be immediately prompted to change both your username and password Your NEW username can be any address that you frequently use, or have regularly access to. Your NEW password must contain 8 characters and 1 number, and you must enter it twice. 6. Upon successfully entering both, you will be required to logout, and then log back in with your new credentials. 7. Once you have successfully logged back in, navigate to your Masonic profile by selecting Profile from the menu items on the left side of the screen. Review your profile and make any appropriate changes to your contact information, and upload a current picture for your new permanent ID card. You must upload your picture within 60 calendar days of your Lodge s On-board date. After 60 days, you will be sent a dues card without your picture, and replacement cards are $5.00 each. When uploading your picture, use as high a resolution as possible, and your face should be positioned to take up as much of the photo square as possible. You should avoid hats, sunglasses, other individuals or animals in the picture. 8. Select Save Profile to complete the process. Online help is always available at or by clicking the question mark icon on the top right of the Circumscribe system once you are logged in. For additional support, please contact me at the Lodge. I thank you for your participation and feedback, and wish you all a prosperous Masonic year Fraternally, Lou Babbit, Secretary Page 16

17 Harry S. Truman 33rd President of The United States It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. President M:.W:. Harry S Truman, Past Grand Master of Missouri Harmonia Lodge No. 138 F. & A.. M. Chartered Years of Masonry in West Palm Beach Masonic Message Of The Month NOTE: This page will be a new monthly feature of The Chalk. Please send quotes made by famous Brothers to the Chalk Publisher at: thechalk@zusel.com Page 17

18 The Chalk Your Feedbac eedback Is Welcome! We welcome any suggestions to improve our Trestle Board! your ideas, input or questions to The Chalk Publisher, Bro. Howie Zusel, Thanks in advance for your valued input & support! Leave Your Mark On Harmonia, Create A Legacy For You & The Lodge From the newly initiated EA to the aged Master Mason, every Brother feels the great sense of pride and historical legacy when taking a seat in Harmonia Lodge. Now you can have an individual Lodge Seat named in your honor, or commemorate one for another Brother or loved one for a one-time donation of $200. Your name and message will be professionally engraved on a brass plate and affixed on the seat of your choice, permanently displaying the honor and making you a member of an exclusive group of Brothers. A limited number of seats are available, and this program is on a first come, first served basis so don t get left out! Please see Lou Babbit, Lodge Secretary, Harmonia Lodge Dress Code For regular stated communications, degree conferrals, and official lodge visitations, all Brothers are required to wear a suit or sport coat and tie. For regular stated communications, all Officers will wear black trousers, black tie, with white tux coat. Visit our website at Take a tour of the related links, resources, educational materials, photo albums and Harmonia history. Sign in to the guestbook and let us know your feedback! A special thanks to our amazing Web Master and Website Designer, Illustrious Sir Chris Brett! Thanks for your service to Harmonia Brother! Page 18