April 2015 Vol-65 Issue 4 Trestle Board Venice Masonic Lodge No. 301 F. & A. M. Chartered on the 18 th Day of April 1951 Stated Communications held on the 1 st and 3 rd Monday at 7:30 pm Family Dinner on 3 rd Monday at 6:00 pm 118 E. Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285 Website: www.trowel.com/flmason/venice301/index.html Derek J. Lynn, Worshipful Master (941-451-8122)
Venice Lodge No: 301 F. & A. M. 2015 Officers Worshipful Master: W.. Derek J Lynn (703) 407-3137 Senior Warden: Br. Mark Baltimore 716-2898 Junior Warden Br. Scott Steelman 725-0599 Treasurer: W.. Dwight Ridgeway 807-5690 Secretary: W.. Steve Murphy 662-0471 Senior Deacon: Br. Gene Scheuring 204-6226 Junior Deacon: Br. Marcel Leclerc (207) 754-5556 Marshal: W.. Jeff Pick 993-0990 Senior Steward: Br. Justin Letner 441-8457 Junior Steward: Br. Adam Kendall 448-4777 Tyler: Br. Walt Milne 266-6212 Organist: Br. Ron McLeod 330-6991 Appendant Orders Scottish Rite: Master of Kadosh: Br. Brian Campbell, 32 (813) 503-0633 York Chapter No. 35: High Priest: Damian Ostermeyer (941) 266-3014 York Venice Council No. 41: Illustrious Master: Damian Ostermeyer (941) 266-3014 Trinity Commandery No. 16: Eminent Commander: Butch Thurman (941) 224-8301 Recorder for Commandery: John F. Wermann, KYGCH (941) 492-2284 Recorder for Council & Chapter: John F. Wermann, KYGCH (941) 492-2284 2
Commi ee Chairmen Board of Relief: W.. M.. Derek J Lynn 451-8122 By Laws: R.. W.. John Wermann 492-2284 Education: R..W.. Barry D. Hart 544-5550 Electronic Media (Face-Book): W.. Hampton Crimi 468-0578 Finance: Br. Mark Baltimore 716-2898 Funerals: W.. Lou Ortt 485-5313 Greeters: Br. Mark Baltimore 716-2898 Investigations: Br. Mark Baltimore 716-2898 Lodge Instruction/Catechism: Br. Gene Scheuring 204-6226 Lodge Property: W.. Lou Kelly 468-2318 Mentors/Petitions: W.. Lou Kelly 468-2318 Publicity: Br. Justin Letner 441-8457 Scholarships: W.. M.. Derek J. Lynn 451-8122 Telephone Tree: Br. Gene Scheuring 204-6226 Transportation: W.. Lou Ortt 485-5313 Vigilance / Charity: Br. Scott Steelman 725-0599 Monthly Meals / Kitchen: Br. Scott Steelman 725-0599 3
From the East Fraternal Greetings Brethren, I hope this message finds everyone in good health and prosperity. As you know our Stated Communication will be on Monday April 6 th at 7.30pm and on Monday 20 th April 2015 is our dinner at 6:00pm and Stated Communication at 7:30pm. Br Marcel has been busy in the lodge offering his time and skill on rearranging our Past Masters photographs, to create more space, this project is long overdue, and I am extremely grateful to Br. Marcel, in giving his time in completing this project. Thank you Br. Marcel. Under the auspices and direction of W:. Kelly, and Br. Baltimore, the gentlemen s toilets have been repaired, the toilets were leaking and costing the lodge additional monies, this now has been stopped and rectified, thank you brothers. The strength of the officers and brothers who frequent lodge nights is impressive but there is more to do. Remember, one of the goals this year is to reach out to those brothers who we have not sat in Lodge for a while; we do miss your attendance even though we have been remiss in expressing it. I could blame it on our busy lives but everyone is busy, that is no reason for brothers not to be in touch, the question is how we allocate our time. Emails and texts are a quick and easy way to communicate but lack in the personal interaction of grip; a word, a smile or a call. There are no smiles in text or caring tone in an email. I respectful request that our members fix the gap in communication and reach out to these members; this is your opportunity to respond. In Lodge we will speak with strong clear voices so none go away unhappy. I need all of your help in bringing the Lodge, brothers and families together this year and all the future years to come. If we all pitch in a little, stronger fellowship and family support for what we do will follow. The outcome will be a fraternity to be more proud of and a reason to attend Lodge. Please support our Fund Raising Chicken BBQ on Friday 10 th April 2015 at Venice Lodge 301 between 4-7pm. Last but not least at the officers meeting on the 23 rd March 2015 it was decided that Venice Lodge will carry out degree practices on the 2 nd and 4 th Mondays of every month. All line officers are required to attend these degree practices, remember practice makes perfection. Fraternally, W:.M:. Derek J Lynn 4
From the West Brethren, W:.M;. Derek and his line of officers are working hard for our Venice lodge. We are planning a Chicken BBQ dinner for April 10 th from 4pm to 7pm. It s only $10.00 to enjoy a great meal. Please plan to come out to support the fundraiser. We are also still looking for volunteers. So, if you can help please contact me at baltimore711@yahoo.com or 941 716-2898. Venice Lodge is putting together a deep sea fishing trip May 23 rd. It will be open to everyone. Not just members. It will be a fun day out on the Gulf of Mexico. Please contact me if you are interested in going. On April 20 th we will be have a fellow craft proficiency by six brothers. Then May 2 nd W:. Kelly is rounding up the past masters again to do the master mason degree. Come out to show the past masters how much we appreciate them taking their time to put on this degree. Please plan on attending so you can help welcome and support the new brothers and their journey through the degrees of freemasonry. Finally, I would like to thank Br. Marcel for redoing the past master pictures. It looks great. Thank you brother. Fraternally, Mark R Baltimore SW 5
From The South Brethren, How to make Tax Day more palatable? --- Come out to our Chicken BBQ on Friday, April 10 th, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm!! We re having barbeque chicken, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw and dessert. This is an all you can eat event and is open to the public! Adult tickets are only $10.00 per meal. (Children 12 and under are free.) Join us for great food, even greater fellowship and help support our Lodge! Profits from this fundraiser will be going towards badly needed repairs to our parking lot. Finally, I wish a Happy and Blessed Easter to all!! Deb has put together another great dinner for this month which I am looking forward to! Join us for some awesome food and great fellowship. Our next family dinner will be held on Monday, April 20 th, starting at 6:00 pm. (Chicken month at our Lodge the Chick-fil-A cows would be very proud of us!!) I encourage everyone to come out for another great meal from Chef Deb. Thanks again to everyone who shows up to help Deb in the kitchen. Fraternally, Scott D. Steelman, Junior Warden Family Dinner Menu 3 rd Monday of the Month Chicken Parmigiano; Pasta; Green Salad; Garlic Bread; Dessert Hot Coffee and Iced Tea Charity of The Month All Faith Food Bank 6
Chaplains Corner Sickness & Distress: Please keep our Brethren in your thoughts and prayers: R.. W.. Maurice (Babe) Dalton Manor Care in Sarasota Br. John Lewis Village on the Isle Assisted Living Br. Ron McLeod at Home Recuperating W.. Malcolm Ryder Hospice at Bay Village in Sarasota R.. W.. Eric B. West at Home Recuperating All men are born of Mothers All Masons are raised by Brothers -Anonymous 7
Perpetual Members Help Yourself Help Your Lodge It is Once It is Forever Lee Briner Philippe George V. Canlers- Mem. Richard Cervi John Coffey Rodger Craig Hampton Crimi Maurice Dalton Sr. Frederick Ellis Steven Ellis David Farley Les Frisby Richard Geraci Barry D. Hart Harold L. Jones-Mem. Rocky Kearney Louie Kelly Robert Kern John Latta Robert Mac Alvanah Joseph Madrak Louis Marchetti Robert Martin Gerald Maxey Clark McClelland Ronald Morrison Paul Noller Earl Orth Louis Ortt Jeffrey Pick Blair Post Dwight Ridgeway B. John Ross Edward Schwenk-Mem. Glenn Miller Smith-Hon. Joseph Stella Richard Tacy-Mem. Robert Duane Trump-Hon. John Wermann Eric West John Winters District 27 Lodges Manatee Lodge No.31: 402 15th St. E., Bradenton, FL 34208 1st/3rd Mon. 7:30 pm Braidentown Lodge No.99: 520 30th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 1st/3rd Tues. 7:30 pm Palmetto Lodge No.110: 402 15th St. E., Bradenton, FL 34208 2nd/4th Tues. 7:30 pm Sarasota Lodge No.147: 2160 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34237 2nd/4th Tues. 7:30 pm Phoenix Lodge No.346: 240 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237 1st/3rd Tues. 7:30 pm Englewood Lodge No.360: 265 Pine St., Englewood, FL 34223 1st/3rd Tues. 7:30 pm North Port Lodge No.406: 5900 S. Biscayne Blvd., North Port, FL 34287 2nd/4th Wed. 7pm 8
Venice Lodge No. 301 F. & A.M. Past Masters 1951 (d) Forest Chapman 1983 (d) James Oakley 1952 (d) C. Allen Pattison DDGM 1984 George DeNeen 1953 (d) Elihu B. Roberts 1985 C. Bruce Jones 1954 (d) Sanford Smith 1986 (d) William W. Brooks 1955 (d) Robert Bruce Rigby Sr. 1987 Rodger L. Craig Sr. - DDGM 1956 (d) Carl Cribbs 1988 Richard Cervi - DDGM 1957 (d) Malcolm A. Miner 1989 (d) Ralph Wilkinson 1958 (d) George R. Mitchell 1990 Robert B. Strayer Jr. 1959 (d) Irvin H. Jones 1991 (d) Robert J. Lane 1960 (d) Joseph Jossart 1992 Curtis Bradley 1961 (d) Thomas Hankins 1993 B David Harris Jr. 1962 (d) John A. Nelson 1994 Stephen H. Clark - DDGM 1963 Lee G. Briner 1995 Malcolm B. Ryder 1964 (d) George R. Collett Jr. DDGM 1996 Louie E. Kelly 1965 (d) William Hendrix 1997 Frederick Ellis 1966 Richard Geraci 1998 (d) Richard Tacy 1967 (d) Wade H. Ballard Sr. 1999 Steve Ellis 1968 (d) William A. Cultice 2000 Eric B. West - DDGM 1969 (d) Paul Lanius - DDGM/DI 2001 B. John Ross 1970 (d) A. Bradford Smith 2002 John F. Wermann - DDGM 1971 Roger Isphording 2003 Hampton Crimi 1972 (d) Larry Jeffrey 2004 Robert Kern 1973 (d) Hubert Palmer DI 2005 Louis H. Ortt 1974 (d) Joseph Bezjian 2006 (d) Donald Hixon 1975 (d) Donald A. Richard 2007 Joseph Stella 1976 (d) Forest L. Foster 2008 G. Rocky Kearney 1977 (d) Harold L. Jones 2 2009 John Hobeika 1978 (d) Hudson W. McCoy 2010 John Latta 1979 (d) John P. Haus 2011 Barry D. Hart - DDGM 1980 (d) George A. Carver III 2012 Louis Marchetti -2 1981 (d) Harold L. Jones 2 2013 Jeff Pick 1982 Maurice M. Dalton Sr. DDGM2 2014 Steve Murphy (d)- Deceased DI - District Instructor 9
THE TEST WHAT IS A FREEMASON? Several years ago, the story is told of a Mason who always wore his Masonic ring and lapel pin when in public. On some occasions, he rode the bus from his home to the downtown area. On one such trip and when he sat down, he discovered the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter; who would worry about this little amount." Anyway, the transit company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet. When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change." The driver with a smile replied, I noticed your Masonic ring and lapel pin. I have been thinking lately about asking a Mason how to join. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. You passed the test. Can you tell me how to become a Mason?" When the Mason stepped off the bus, he said a silent prayer, Oh God, Grand Architect of the Universe, I almost sold you and my beloved Masons out for a mere quarter." Our actions are the only Masonic creed some will ever see. This is a really almost scary example of how people watch us as Masons and may put us to the test even without us realizing it! Always be diligent, whether it be at the theater, restaurant, grocery, service station or just driving in traffic. Remember, whether it be a lapel pin, a ring, or an emblem on the car, you carry the name of our great fraternity on your shoulders whenever you call yourself a Mason. You never can tell who might be watching! Good men search for Freemasonry; Freemasonry makes them better. 10
1993 Br. Steve Yosman 1994 W.. Louis Ortt 1995 W.. David Harris Jr 1996 W.. B. John Ross 1996 W.. Malcolm Ryder 1997 Br. Don Needham 1998 Br. Donald Smith 1999 W.. Malcolm Ryder 2000 W.. Malcolm Ryder 2000 W.. Richard Tacy (d) 2001 W.. Malcolm Ryder 2002 W.. B. John Ross 2003 R.. W.. Rodger Craig 2004 R.. W.. Rodger Craig Masons of the Year 2005 R.. W.. John Wermann 2006 R.. W.. John Wermann 2006 W.. Hampton Crimi 2007 R.. W.. John Wermann 2007 R.. W.. Rodger Craig 2008 Br. John Lewis 2009 Br. John Greene 2010 Br. John Greene 2011 Br. John Greene 2012 No Award Given 2013 W.. Lou Kelly 2013 Br. Mark Baltimore 2014 Br. Marcel Leclerc Masonic Birthdays 04/07/1973 Robert Konz Jr 04/09/1994 Nickola Basilisco Jr 04/09/1994 William Nelson 04/09/1994 Eric West 04/12/1988 Barry Hart 04/12/2003 Robert Martin 04/13/1996 Richard Moyer 04/13/2013 Daniel Hernandez 04/13/2013 Raymond Kildisas 04/13/2013 Gene Scheuring 04/13/2013 Richard Schwalbe 04/13/2013 Stephen Uber 04/18/1972 Robert Maxwell 04/20/1974 Robert Johnson 04/21/1967 John Hunter 04/23/1984 Kenneth Bailey 04/24/1999 Wesley Vibberts 04/27/1992 Richard Tacy 04/30/1948 Loren Pittman 04/30/1956 Lee Briner 04/30/1983 Lee Bergin 04/30/1983 Jerry Biller 04/30/1983 Walter McCue 04/30/2005 John Latta Jr 04/30/2011 Barry Batezel 11
Venice Masonic Lodge No. 301 ~ APRIL 2015 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 Commandery 1st Thursday 7:30 pm Odd Months Braidentown #99 Even Months Venice #301 Rainbow Girls Venice #301 7:00 pm 5 6 Stated Communica on 7:30 pm Followed by fellowship 7 8 9 10 Chicken BBQ Venice #301 4:00 7:00 pm 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Degree Prac ce Venice #301 7:00 pm Council 3rd Thursday Venice #301 7:30 pm 19 20 Stated Communica on Fellow Cra Proficiency by Six Brothers 7:30pm Family Dinner 6:00 pm 21 22 23 Master Mason Mee ng Phoenix Lodge #346 6:45 pm School of Instruc on 7:30 pm 24 25 26 27 Officer s Mee ng Degree Prac ce Venice #301 6:45 pm 28 29 30 12
Boosters We would like to thank the following Brothers for supporting our Lodge. Gold $50.00 Silver $25.00 Bronze: $10.00 S.W. Mark Baltimore W.. Fred Ellis W.. Steve Ellis R.. W.. Barry D. Hart J.D. Marcel Leclerc W.. M.. Derek Lynn Br. Paul Noller W.. Jeff Pick R.. W.. John Wermann Venice Masonic Lodge #301 Like us on Facebook! Monitored by W.. Hampton Crimi www.facebook.com/pages/venice Lodge No 301 F AM/115500398463074?rf=246868175335999 13
14
15
YORK RITE MASONS Royal Arch 2nd Thursday at Sarasota #147 7:30pm Council 3rd Friday at Venice #301 7:30pm Commandery 1st Thursday 7:30pm Odd Months Braidentown #99 Even Months Venice #301 VENICE SHRINE CLUB President: Jim Fahey 941 223 6533 Mee ng Place: Le Coast Seafood, 385 US 41 Bypass, Venice Meets 3 rd Tuesday at 11:00 am 16
Brethren, Events & Fundraisers Please support this Month s Fundraiser. Profits from this fundraising event will go towards our badly needed parking lot repair! Chicken BBQ Fundraiser Date: Friday, April 10 th Location: Venice Masonic Lodge #301 Time: 4:00 pm 7:00 pm Brethren, please support this fund raising effort and get the word out in the community. Let s all have fun and make this a success! DEEP SEA FISHING TRIP We are organizing a Deep Sea Fishing trip onboard Sarasota s Flying Fish Fleet 88 seat party boat sailing from Marina Jack. Fishing Licenses, Rods, Reels and Bait provided! If you don t want to fish, you can always come along for a beautiful boat ride! Date: Saturday, May 23 rd Location: Marina Jacks Sarasota Time: 1:00 to 5:30 PM If any Brother or Lady is interested, please contact myself or Br. Mark Baltimore at the email addresses below at your earliest convenience so we might negotiate a discounted rate for the trip. W.. M.. Derek J. Lynn Br. Mark Baltimore worshipfulmaster301@yahoo.com baltimore711@yahoo.com Fraternally, W.. M.. Derek J. Lynn 17
18 Notes & Events
Notes & Events 19