2014 Historian s Report

Transcription

1 2014 Historian s Report 1

2 The Officers of Mt. Moriah Lodge #28, notably in the first row: The Most Worshipful Grand Master of New Jersey David A. Dorworth, and the Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master of the 19 th District Henry P. Fratz. January 8 th The first meeting of the New Year was held with our newly elected officers: Worshipful Master - Robert J. Pigott Senior Warden - Jose G. Gonzalez Junior Warden - Ted M. DiAnnunzio, Sr. Treasurer Joseph B. Varga Secretary Frank L. Blades Senior Deacon Anthony J. Rittwager, Jr. Junior Deacon Richard W. LaBaw Senior Master of Ceremonies Arthur S. Pelzer Junior Master of Ceremonies Michael J. Galati Senior Steward Dennis E. Goldenbaum Junior Steward Barry Oros Chaplain Edward F. Conway Assistant Chaplain Lawrence Craver Tyler Arnold L. Hutchinson 2

3 Assistant Tyler Roger K. Fischer Marshall Krzysztof J. Koszelnik Historian & Web Master William S. Jennings February 12 th At our Regular Communication we had an official visit from the 19 th District Deputy Grand Master (and Past Master of Mt. Moriah #28), the Right Worshipful Henry P. Fratz. March 4 th The Lodge hosted a District Lodge of Instruction, and we were honored with the attendance of New Jersey Grand Master, the Most Worshipful David A. Dorworth. Grand Master Dorworth held a Town Hall meeting which was well attended by many members, officers of the 19 th District and the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. March 13 th There was a closed Reception and Dinner at the Crescent Shrine in Honor of Grand Lodge officers from the 19 th District. Among the many esteemed Brothers were Mt. Moriah s Right Worshipful Rick Labaw Jr. - Grand Sword Bearer (and Past Master of Mt. Moriah) Right Worshipful Brian Sisz - Grand Chaplain (and Past Master of Mt. Moriah) Other honorees names and titles follow: R.W. John R. Bradshaw - Senior Grand Deacon R.W. Mark E. Carl - Aide to the Grand Master R.W. Gary E. Dorworth - Grand Chaplain R.W. David J. Herman, Jr. - Grand Chaplain R.W. Matthew D. Kauffman - Grand Organist R.W. Edward R. Petkevis - Grand Chaplain April 2 nd The Order of the Eastern Star held their annual Master Mason Night at the Lodge which was well attended. 3

4 Officers and Honorees at Mt. Moriah #28 Gold token Night May 14 th The Lodge held Gold Token Night recognizing Brothers with fifty years or more in our Masonic Brotherhood. The honorees who were attended participated in an abbreviated masonic ceremony recreating our raising ritual. Those honored were: William L. Huber, Sr Years Elwood T. Tryon - 50 Years Henry B. Kessler - 55 Years Gary E. Whitehouse - 55 Years G. Carl Pack, Jr Years Benjamin R. Willitts - 60 Years Joseph H. Groveman - 70 Years 4

5 May 17 th & 18 th Mt. Moriah Lodge once again supported the Annual Bordentown Street Fair by having a vendor booth,, and held an Open House for Fair goers. And we also used this opportunity as a way of raising money for our Lodge and promoting fellowship amongst our Brothers. The Lodge goes Dark As is Mt. Moriah tradition, the Lodge suspended Regular Communication during the months of July and August. However, this only affects the Lodge scheduling regular communication. Our Masons continued their activities outside the Lodge as evidenced below. The Right Worshipful and Grand Marshall Joseph Varga welcomes Brothers to the Florence Patriotic Celebration Day Parade. July 12 th Lodge members participated at the Annual Florence Township Patriotic Celebration Day parade. And our Past Master, the Right Worshipful Joseph Varga was the Grand Marshall with his Little Toot train and parade float. 5

6 The Grand Marshall (RWB Joseph Varga) rides with WB Chidley in the Florence Township Patriotic Celebration Day Parade. July 16 th Lodge Brothers began practice for the White Apron Entered Apprentice Degree. Additional summer practice dates were: July 30 th, Aug. 6 th, and Aug. 24 th. And the Craftsman Club continued to meet as well (July 21 st, and Aug. 18 th ). July 20 th The Lodge sadly noted the passing of the Right Worshipful Verdon R. Skipper (April 17 th ), Past Master and Masonic benefactor, as Mt. Moriah held its annual Pignic for the first time at the Tall Cedar Grove, in Hamilton New Jersey. July 21 st And the Craftsman Club continued to meet as well (July 21 st & Aug. 18 th ). 6

7 Lodge Room Clock Repair - Between Lodge Meeting this past year, WB Joseph Varga (our current Treasurer) fixed the Lodge Room Clock. As parts are not standard, and due to previous repairs, this was a challenging job that only a true Master Mason could have accomplished. 7

8 July 26 th Mt. Moriah Lodge #28 Craftsman Club sponsored a visit to New Jersey s Historic Trenton Temples, and toured the facilities. This trip was organized by Brother Jim Potts. A number of Brothers attended and all said that they had a great experience (see photos below). Mt. Moriah # 28 Brothers visit the Grand Lodge in Trenton New Jersey 8

9 The Grand Lodge of New Jersey meeting room Honorees and Officers at Token Night Sept. 10 th 9

10 Sept. 10 th The Lodge held a second Token Night honoring twenty-three Brothers with five to forty-five years in our Masonic Brotherhood. Those honored were: 5 Years James C. Langford James E. O Hagan David E. Patriarca 15 Years Kharis F. Sepulveda 25 Years Frances G. Spence Alan M. Stoneback 35 Years Ralph E. Biscardi Wallace W. Bowers William Johnson Kevin R. McCoy 10 Years Edward J. Ryder, Jr. 20 Years Charles V. Anderson James F. Anderson Mark J. Dempsky John R. Parke 30 Years William G. Engel Lester A. Sickels 40 Years Robert W. Alpaugh Raymond E. Jones Karl T. Niedt, Jr. Charles F. Wilson 45 Years Donald L. Hearney John K McCoy Sept 24 th The Entered Apprentice White Apron Degree ceremony was well attended with many honored guests, and notably by the Most Worshipful Brothers Edgar N. Peppler and David A. Dorworth (former Grand Masters of the State of New Jersey). This ceremony allows Brothers who are not in The Line to perform Officers ritual and experience the satisfaction of bringing new Brothers to the Light. 10

11 The White Apron Degree Team and new Entered Apprentice Masons October 4 th & 5 th The Lodge once again hosted an Open House, and vendor booth for food at the Bordentown Cranberry Festival. The Craftsman club also continued their fund raising efforts with a raffle to install a chair lift to allow Brothers (in need) to access the second floor meeting room easily. At our next regular meeting Brother James Potts announced over $5,000 were raised. 11

12 Brothers volunteer to serve Festival goers and raise funds to support Lodge activities. Junior Warden Ted D Annunzio announces the winner with help from a friend. 12

13 November 12 th Mt. Moriah #28 hosted the annual Legendary Table Lodge, with the Most Worshipful Grand Master of New Jersey, Gerald J. Sharpe as guest speaker. This event was held at the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in Bordentown, New Jersey. It s a great event promoting fraternity and brotherhood. As the saying goes, A good time was had by all. The AASR banquet room in Bordentown, New Jersey This rich Masonic tradition was first brought to Mt. Moriah by the Most Worshipful Edgar N. Peppler, who first experienced these events while traveling as Grand Master to Lodges in New England. He enjoyed it so much, that in 1982 he encouraged the Lodge to adopt this tradition using a combination of dinner rituals in New Jersey, Vermont and New Hampshire. It has been so popular that many other Lodges in New Jersey are now using this ritual. 13

14 November 24 th The Lodge held a Past Masters night as two new Master Masons were raised by a Degree Team of Officers and Past Masters. And this ceremony is just one more fraternal tradition that helps make Mt. Moriah one of the best Masonic Lodges in the state of New Jersey. (See photo below.) The first of two consecutive nights of raising new Master Masons November 25 th There was a second consecutive night, for the raising of two new Master Masons. The ceremony was performed in conjunction with the Grand Lodge Degree Team, honored guests, and with the Most Worshipful Gerald J. Sharpe, Grand Master of New Jersey in attendance. Certainly, it was one of the most impressive ceremonies ever held at Mt. Moriah (the Canadian Charge was awesome). This was to honor our two newly raised Master Masons, who had been distinguished leaders and officers in the International DeMolay (Christopher Michael LaBaw and Edgar Ross Peppler). 14

15 Nov. 25 th - Newly raised Master Masons and seven current and past Grand Masters December 13 th The 160 th Masonic Installation of Officers was held at the Lodge. The ceremony was well attended by Brothers, their family and friends. Jose G. Gonzalez was installed as the new Worshipful Master, and the ritual was led by the Most Worshipful Brother Edgar N. Peppler, (former Grand Master of New Jersey). 15

16 Newly elected Officers, from left to right: Senior Warden - Ted M. D Annunzio, Sr., Worshipful Master - Jose G. Gonzalez, and Junior Warden - Richard W. LaBaw December 18 th Our Year ended with Brothers of Mt. Moriah, family, and friends visited the Masonic Home of New Jersey, for the annual Christmas Social & Caroling (with special thanks to Brother Joe Franken). Songbooks (provided by Brother Bob McCormick) were titled, Verdon R. Skipper Christmas Tour, in memory of Brother Skipper, who passed away in Following are some comments from Brothers who attended: The spirit of Brother Skipper was rejoicing from heaven watching families and friends of our Lodge continuing a tradition that was so important to him. (Worshipful Master Joe Gonzalez) I concur wholeheartedly with your sentiments (Joe). You also deserve credit for spearheading the activity. (Worshipful Brother George Chidley) 16

17 Members of Mt. Moriah, family & friends caroling at the Masonic Home of New Jersey I think it was a great night, and the pictures show (some of) the joy. (Worshipful Brother Dave Blew) Yes, many hands make light work of a great event!! Skipper, No Doubt is Proud!! (Brother Joe Franken) 17

18 WB Joe Gonzalez gives Christmas gifts to a family member associated with Mt. Moriah Regular Lodge Events Poker Night was established as a monthly event to promote fraternity amongst our Brothers. And it was held in the friendly confines of the Most Worshipful Lewis Parker Room (another of Mt. Moriah s Past Grand Masters of New Jersey). We also had a number of Wheel Chair Push Sunday events in support of the Masonic Home of New Jersey. And once again, the Craftsman Club had four delicious fund raising dinners in 2014, as well as regular monthly meetings through the continuing efforts of Worshipful Brother Holmes L. Hay, Brother Jim Potts, and the Brothers of Mt. Moriah! Respectfully submitted, Brother: William S. Jennings 18