Nitram Lodge No. 188, F&AM

Transcription

1 Nitram Lodge No. 188, F&AM Chartered April 23, 1925 trestleboard Making Good Men Better Since 1925 Volume 14 Issue 11 William C. Sundquist, Worshipful Master December 2014 Here are some of the highlights for December Do not miss out!!! Dec 6 First Saturday Breakfast Dec 11 Nitram Lodge #188 Elects our 2015 Lodge Officers Dec 13 The Holiday Feast Please come on out and join us for the Merriment!!! You will not be disappointed. For details on these events and more...see inside or contact your Lodge officers. Nitram Lodge Stated Communications 2nd and 4th Thursdays; Called Communications 1st & 3rd Thursdays. Please join us for Nitram Lodge Family Night on the 5th Thursdays!

2 Page 2 Nitram Lodge TRESTLEBOARD December 2014 W William C. Sundquist Worshipful Master Upon the Square My Brothers, In November we worked on the Masters projects, with the completion of the Ladies bathroom, and getting the picnic area and horseshoe pits set up. I would like to thank all of the Brothers who assisted in getting this work done. As of this writing we are not sure if there will be a degree on the first Thursday in December. It will depend on whether one of our candidates is ready with his catechism by then, If not, we will have a short Masonic Education talk. On December 11, we will have our last Stated Communication of the year. As most of you know, this will be our annual Election of Officers for next year. I encourage anyone who can be there to come out and have your say in who will be running your Lodge. Our final meeting of the year will be our annual Lodge of Sorrow. This is a memorial for all of our Brothers who have passed to the celestial lodge above this year. It is an open ceremony, so bring the family or anyone else who is interested in knowing what we are all about. As the 4 th Thursday in December is Christmas, and the 1 st Thursday in January is New Years, we will be dark for both of those weeks, and then when we come back, the Installation of Officers for 2015 will be on January 10 at 5PM, with dinner to follow. Hope to see you there! From the East, Bill Sundquist, Worshipful Master

3 December 2014 Nitram Lodge TRESTLEBOARD Page 3 Brian D. Moffat Senior Warden On The Level T A F We are right at the end of our Masonic year and things are coming to a close, I personally would like to thank W M Sundquist for a fantastic year and thank him for his leadership and guidance. If you haven t noticed the outside of our lodge building is changing in a positive way. There has been some work done to improve the outdoor seating area, and the addition of some horse shoe pits. I and our Senior Deacon are challenging anyone who tings they have what it takes to a best out of three horse shoe tournament! Who is in? Here is the last installment of Masonic events that have happened in our current month. December 4 th, 1807 Most Worshipful Brother Prince Hall, the first African American known to have received the Masonic degrees in America, died. December 5 th, 1730 Benjamin Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette included news about several Lodges of Free- Masons meeting in that "province." Franklin was not yet a Freemason when his newspaper printed this item. December 8 th, 1858 the Grand Lodge of Washington State was formed. December 9 th, 1999 the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of D.C. voted to recognize the Grand Lodge of D.C. December 12 th, 1787 the Grand Lodge of North Carolina was organized. December 14 th, 1994 the United Grand Lodge of England issued a statement that it found the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, the source of all Prince Hall Masonry in the United States, to be regular and deserving of recognition. December 15 th, 1779 American Union Lodge, a traveling lodge under the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, met and proposed that George Washington become the General Grand Master of Masons in the United States. There is no evidence that Washington ever heard about this, and no evidence that he ever held any Masonic position other than Master of a lodge (and no evidence that he attended this lodge while he was Master, or possibly ever). December 15 th, 1874 the Grand Lodge of Wyoming was formed. December 16 th, 1786 the Grand Lodge of Georgia was organized. December 17 th, 1867 the Grand Lodge of Idaho was formed. December 18 th, 1786 the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was organized. December 18 th, 1799 George Washington's funeral was conducted in Masonic fashion, at Mount Vernon, Virginia. December 18 th, 1843 the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin was formed. December 22 nd, 1753 the Royal Arch degree was conferred in Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia. This is the first recorded evidence of the conferral of this degree. December 26 th, 1972 Harry S. Truman, former President of the United States, Past Grand Master of Missouri died. He had requested a Masonic funeral, but instead the government, which handled the details, permitted a short Masonic ceremony during the funeral service. December 27 th, 1783 the Grand Lodge of South Carolina was organized. December 27 th, 1813 the Grand Lodge of Louisiana was formed. December 27 th, 1813 Grand Officers and Brethren of the United Grand Lodge of England consummated the union of the Ancient and Accepted Masons into the United Grand Lodge of England. December 30 th, 1837, the Grand Lodge of Texas was formed. As always I look forward to seeing everyone at lodge! Fraternally, Brian D. Moffat Senior Warden

4 Page 4 Nitram Lodge TRESTLEBOARD December 2014 Charles R. Bailey Junior Warden By the Plumb My Brothers, This past year has been a whirlwind! So many brothers that I have had the honor of working and talking with and so much work that your Lodge has done. From the simple breakfasts, our annual George Washington s Birthday Fish Fry, our St John s Day BBQ, and soon we ll have enjoyed the festal camaraderie of our 4 th Holiday Feast. There were far too many little things we did, but they add up and we don t need to waste too much paper, do we! As your Junior Warden, I have learned a few things about our Craft and some of those who make Nitram Lodge what it is. My thanks to each of you for this experience! By the time this Trestleboard is published, mailed and you have received it, our National Day of Thanksgiving will likely have already come and gone. I trust because of the obligation we each received that each of us, in our own way, took the time to give thanks to the Great Architect for what we have. Further, that each of us has taken the time to reflect on the meaning of our obligation to the human family around us. Please take the time to help someone around you who is worthy and distressed. It doesn t have to be profound just remember the words of your obligation. Just to remind some, we have brothers who could use a kind word or other gesture of recognition; we have brothers who could use a little help in little ways. If you have the desire, please contact our Treasurer or Worshipful Master about the Brother to Brother program in our Lodge. Our December plans for Nitram Lodge are relatively simple at this point. We may have the opportunity to raise another brother to the sublime degree of Master Mason on December 4 th ; we ll share our First Saturday Breakfast cooking skills again for our families on December 6 th ; we ll join in Lodge on December 13 th to elect our officers for 2015; we ll join again in Open Lodge on December 20 th for our annual Lodge of Sorrow. Pay attention to your s and other social media from Nitram Lodge. If one of our Fellow Crafts returns his FC proficiency, we will have a simple meal before Lodge on the first Thursday of December (12/4). We will also serve a simple dinner before our meeting on 12/11 for election of officers. Tickets are available for the asking for our annual Holiday Feast on Saturday, December 13 th. The cost is $15 per person. A social hour will begin at 5 o clock and dinner will be served at 6 clock. You ll find more information about this occasion elsewhere in this issue of the Trestleboard. Another thoughtful observation is that we have had some of our brothers return to Nitram Lodge who have been away for some time. Those of us who find them to be new friends are pleased to meet them and those who knew them before are, likewise, pleased to see them once again. Ours is a Fraternity, in some ways like no other, and in other ways, very much the same. I personally am looking forward to my 50 th high school reunion and already am hearing from friends that I haven t thought about for decades. But they are members of my graduating class and we have a lot to remember. It s the same in Masonry. Your Junior Warden just looked at the clock and it s time to take a break. One can only absorb so much. We look forward to seeing many of you in December and also at the Lodge Installation of Officers on Saturday, January 10 th. From the South, Chuck Bailey Junior Warden

5 December 2014 Nitram Lodge TRESTLEBOARD Page 5 R W David A. Henderson, PDDGM Secretary Secretary s Scribe Secretary s Scribe It s hard to believe that our year is coming to an end, but we sure had some fantastic happenings. First of all, R:.W:. Richard G. Hoover was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Florida. Our Worshipful Master, William C. Sundquist was appointed District 21 District Instructor. Congratulations, my Brothers. Our officers performed well this year, and I personally want to thank them all for a very successful term of service. It is not easy, but very satisfying, to govern a Lodge. Just ask any Past Master. Lodge elections are on December 11 th., and I encourage all members to come out and exercise your voting rights to elect your leaders for the ensuing year. This is the single most important act you, as a member of this Lodge, has an obligation to do. Many of you have sent in your dues for 2015, and I certainly appreciate your timely response. We couldn t operate without you! Please have a safe, and happy, holiday season. Enjoy your family, and let them know how much you love them. Masons always put family first. Fraternally, David A. Henderson PM PDDGM Secretary OFFICERS OF NITRAM LODGE Worshipful Master: W William Sundquist Senior Warden Brian Moffat Elected Officers Secretary R W David Henderson, PM, PDDGM Junior Warden Charles R. Bailey Treasurer W Matthew B. Winters PM Appointed Officers Chaplain L. Edward Villiaume III, PM Senior Steward Michael Neveitt Organist Bryan Shuler Senior Deacon Greg Williamson Junior Steward David Buono Tyler Dave Bench Junior Deacon Michael Eaton Marshal Ney Delgado-Arias, PM Tyler Emeritus Leo Smith Historian Art Wasserman, PM

6 Page 6 Nitram Lodge TRESTLEBOARD December 2014

7 December 2014 Nitram Lodge TRESTLEBOARD Page 7

8 Page 8 Nitram Lodge TRESTLEBOARD December 2014 Who are these good men who have recently knocked on the door of our Lodge to seek admission, and which of our brothers are studying the catechism? Petitions Received For the 3 Symbolic Degrees: None Reported For Affiliation: (none at press time) Studying the Catechism: Entered Apprentice Bro. William B. Davis Bro. John Robert Neefe III Fellow Craft: Bro. Kirk Bailey Bro. Thomas D. Elder Master Mason: Bro. Tristan Shuler Bro. Bobby Taylor Bro. Edmund Quirke Bro. Aaran G. Patrick Bro. Michael Clements Bro. Austin E. Carmack Bro. Edwin C. Gardner

9 December 2014 Nitram Lodge TRESTLEBOARD Page 9 First Saturday Breakfast December 6th, serving from 9am to 11am Eggs, Toast, Hash Brown Potatoes, Grits, Pancakes, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Orange Juice, Coffee & Hot Tea And a whole bunch of fellowship around the table! All for a modest donation of $6.00 Bring your friends and family! Come join us for an exciting start to your Day! Sickness & Distress: Several of our Brothers and Widows are in need of our prayers to the GAOTU for themselves or their families. Please keep them in your prayers, including: Bro. Edmund Quirke Bro. Dave Bench and family R:. W:. William B. Garrett, Jr. R:. W:. Richard G. Hoover and family Deaths: W:. Carl Weisenberg November 9th 2014

10 Page 10 Nitram Lodge TRESTLEBOARD December 2014 Charles Adams 12/14 Matthew Barnard 12/4 Joshua Bellian 12/9 Dave Bench 12/28 Casey Cook 12/8 Kenneth Fleetwood 12/11 Clint Herlein 12/3 Douglas Hood 12/5 Frank Italiano Jr 12/12 Richard Macclinchy 12/24 Herbert Smith Jr 12/6 Jose Vargas III 12/28 Carl Weisenberg 12/16 Nicholas Young 12/27 Your lodge wishes each of you health, prosperity and wisdom as you celebrate your birthday. Bethel #9, Job s Daughters International at Elmer O. Smith Lodge #307 Pinellas Park JMeguier@fldemolay.com St Petersburg Chapter, Order of DeMolay at Elmer O Smith Lodge #307 Pinellas Park JMeguier@fldemolay.com Assembly #86, Intl Order of Rainbow for Girls at Star Lodge #78 Largo momterri86@gmail.com Cub Scout Pack #188 at Nitram Lodge #188 St Petersburg Pack188stpete.org doccjm2@aol.com Nitram Lodge On the Web: Nitram188@tampabay.rr.com Facebook: Nitram Lodge No.188 F & AM

11 December 2014 Nitram Lodge TRESTLEBOARD Page 11 Florida Masonic Child Identification Program Is a service provided by your Grand Lodge of Florida to families in our communities who wish to have a picture identification file for their child(ren). This service includes taking pictures and fingerprints of the child as well as recording vital information useful to law enforcement in case of an emergency. The Masons only retain the permission slip from the parent for the ID Set to be conducted. No data, general or specific, is retained by the Masons or anyone else the parents take the CD with them. Our District 21 Child ID Chairman will work with you or any appropriate organization to provide this on-site service. Contact Pete Bengston, District 21 Child ID Chairman at (727) , bengstonn@verizon.net, or talk with our Junior Warden, Chuck Bailey, who is the Nitram representative to the District Committee. Tahuti Court No. 44, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America meets at Nitram Lodge on the First Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, October through June Tahuti Court Instituted May 7, 1948 Liz Fernbacher High Priestess Bethlehem Chapter 169 Order of the Eastern Star meets at Nitram Lodge on the first and third Mondays at 7:30 pm, October through June Ruth Szemer, W.M. Chartered April 14, 1927 Some of the other bodies through which to gain knowledge in Masonry We encourage our brothers to join these bodies as they feel necessary but remind each brother of his obligation to his Blue Lodge. Each brother is encouraged to attend our Stated and Called Communications, at least periodically. Scottish Rite A.A.S.R. Tampa York Rite St Petersburg Egypt Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. Tampa Selama Grotto M.O.V.P.E.R St Petersburg For information, please talk with Bro. Bill Sundquist, our Worshipful Master, who is the Temple Ambassador to Nitram Lodge. For information, please talk with W Ed Villiaume, one of our Past Masters, who is Ambassador to Nitram Lodge. For information, please talk with R:.W:. D avid H enderson, our Lodge Secretary, who is an active member of the Egypt Temple. For information, please visit the Selama Grotto website.

12 Past Masters of Nitram Lodge No Archie Aitchison * 1926 Robert J Hill * 1927 C Ellis Girton * 1928 Richard L Martin * 1929 William Pfrommer * 1930 Lester W Lambert * 1931 Sidney S Stahl * 1932 William S Harris * 1933 Stanley C Minshall * 1934 Perry D Easters * 1935 Harry O Link * 1936 Leon B Proskauer * 1937 Aylond R Spaulding * 1938 Elias F Fletcher * 1939 Clinton F Emmons * 1940 Arthur P Greene * 1941 Laurence B McCaleb * 1942 Roy Ferguson * 1943 Ed C, Etchison * 1944 Fletcher G McQueen * 1945 George C Wilson * 1946 Eugene E Putnam * 1947 R, Ray Pyle * 1948 LA (Gus) Thomas * 1949 Robert V Treadwell * 1950 Frank M McKenzie * 1951 Charles R Blake * 1952 Thomas A McQueen * 1953 C Dewey Mentch * 1954 Lewis Z Kent, * 1955 P Frank Stuart * 1956 Everett N Perry * 1957 Edward E Patrick * 1958 Louis C Rosetti Jr * 1959 John S Anderson * 1960 Eugene Firestone * Nitram Lodge No. 188, F&AM th St. No. St. Petersburg, FL Dated Material Please Expedite 1961 David A Young * 1962 James T Cate * 1963 Robert C Foskett * 1964 Paul Weber * 1965 Ludwig C Seufert * 1966 Richard J Skiles * 1967 Robert D Arthur * 1968 Alvin F Baumgartner 1969 Robert J Schram * 1970 Carl Weisenberg * 1971 David J Barr * 1972 J. Fred Bobbitt * 1973 Paul G Phillips 1974 Willard A. Olson * 1975 Jack VanBreedveld * 1976 Leland O Quinn * 1977 Donovan B Hansen 1978 James C Pauch, Jr Lester K. Gehman, Jr William R McKee * 1981 William D Hoffman * 1982 J Russell Davenport * 1983 Manton Giles * 1984 George W McGee 1985 William McCullough * 1986 Don Coleman 1987 Gabriel Kober Jr.* 1988 Anthony J Tudi 1989 Jack S Hill * 1990 William D Hoffman * 1991 John M Cook * 1992 Arthur H Wasserman 1993 William Adams, Jr Ronald McMillan 1995 Anthony L Griffon 1995 James E Elam Δ * 1996 William J Zimmerman * 1997 Kenneth A McKenzie * 1998 Richard G Hoover 1999 Russell I Gilson * 2000 Stanley H Szemer 2001 Robert L Johnson 2002 David A Henderson 2003 Jeffrey J Morris 2004 Anthony L Griffon 2004 Royal K Eden Δ * 2005 Scott M Geisler 2006 Ney Delgado-Arias 2007 Stanley H Szemer 2008 Daniel Barto 2009 Scott M Drake 2010 Charles J Morris 2011 L. Edward Villiaume III 2012 Matthew B Winters 2013 G. Scott Pankonie * Deceased Δ Honorary PM NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. PETERSBURG, FL PERMIT 657