Feb. 5 th - District Lodge of Instruction (DLI) Lodge officers attended the 2nd DLI of the year at Burlington #32 lodge. It should be noted that our Lodge is renown (in New Jersey) for the detail and precision brethren have displayed performing ritual work. This takes many hours of practice and a commitment to excellence. From personal experience I can reliably state that our reputation for outstanding ritual work is known far and wide. I was attending my first Grand Lodge event, held at the Central Valley of the Scottish Rite. It was February 19, 2015 at a dinner honoring RWB Bill Morelli, and other members of Most Worshipful Master Gerald J. Sharpe s staff. I was in the audience, and had just introduced myself to an upstate Masonic Brother as being a member of Mt. Moriah #28. He said good naturedly, but somewhat begrudgingly, I always hear about the great job your officers do performing ritual. And he also said that we were regularly used as the example (for best practice). It s no coincidence that in April of 2015, the 19 th District was awarded the honor of Best District Grand Lodge of Instruction. Thank you for your work Mt. Moriah #28 officers, past and present! Feb. 13 th - George Washington & Women of the Revolutionary War While the regular meeting was put on refreshment (by WM Mike Galati), ladies of the OES, and female family members were admitted to the Lodge room. Brother Samuel Davis (portraying General George Washington), then gave a thoughtful and heartfelt account of the role of American women during our battle for independence. He explained that women s support was more than being a homemaker, working domestically, or in their husbands and fathers businesses. Some women went far, and above the call of duty to insure our Victory. While citing the Battle of Trenton as a pivotal event, he explained that the commander of the Hessian troops in Trenton, Colonel Johann Rall, was waylaid by a Mt. Holly woman, making sure he would be distracted at the time of Washington s attack. Sam also told of the effect other women had, such as Washington s mother, and Benedict Arnold s wife. And importantly, that Washington had supreme trust in any officer who was a Mason. At the end of the presentation, brother Davis solicited questions, the best of which would be rewarded with a historical book of the revolution (which was over 100 years old). The winner of the book was Barb Galati. Brother Davis took a seat on the sidelines, and the meeting continued to conclusion.
Brother Samuel Davis and Worshipful Master Mike Galati. (Brother Davis may be contacted at: g1776wash@aol.com)
Feb. 18 th - President s Day Craftsman Committee Dinner Another evening of good food (Lasagna), fellowship, raffles, brotherhood, with family and friends of Mt. Moriah #28. With special thanks to Br. Dave Patriarca, and all the Brothers that made this success! Feb. 25 th Lodge Blood Drive There were blood donations at the Lodge, organized and hosted by WB Roger Fisher. Brother Nick Manocchio & Martin Ingenbrandt reported that at least 10 pints of blood were donated, and WM Galati deemed the effort a success. Br. Martin jokingly insisted that he gave more blood than Br. Nick, who replied it was quality, and not quantity that mattered; as the brethren got a good laugh from the exchange. Feb. 26 th Lodge Card Game It was reliably reported that RWB Bill Morelli took the attending brethren to school this evening. A great night of Brotherhood, and hopefully a lesson in live and learn! Feb. 27 th Regular Meeting - F.C. Degree Mt. Moriah #28 and Maple Shade - Moorestown #281 Brethren jointly performed the Fellow Craft Degree ceremony, as Jacob L. Dye and Carl Harold Howard III were raised to the second degree.