The Trestle Board for the Brothers and Friends of

THE PHOENIX LODGE No. 346 Established Under the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida

October 2013 240 S. Tuttle Sarasota, Fl. Vol – X

Living Past Masters Cary B. Fish #346 1966– William E. Gaylor Jr. 1969– Lawrence J. Robinson 1970– J. Russell Sackett Jr. # 1972– Henry N. Youngblood 1973– James C. Hager 1974– Dennie B. Adams 1976– William A. Johnson III 1977– James H. Hoover 1978– Fredrick R. Clayton 1979– Ronald S. Tengowski 1982– Don C. Cotton 1983– Blair J. Evans # 1984– Richard L. Cox 1985– George P. Prozzo 1988– Brian R. Mulcahy 1989– Robert C. Goldstein 1992– Donald H. Terray 1994– Douglas J. Veches 1996– M. Christopher Cox 1997– Tony Fernandez 1998– George Dakkak 1999– Lou Marchetti 2000– John “Skip” Land III 2001 - Stephan Klabel

2002 – Harvey Kaltsas 2003 - John “Skip” Land III 2004 - Jack Nersinger ^ 2005 – Jeff Le Mieux 2006 – Gene Marinelli 2007 – Robert Wise 2008 – Jon G. Wolf 2009 – Reynaldo “Rey” Lozada 2010 – John T. Griffin 2011 – Darren Denny The Builder’s#376 1977 - William Wolf *** 1978 - Paul Arcadi Jr. 1979 - Robert L. Kennedy 1980 - Frank Zirpoli Jr 1981 - Jeffery Roberts # 1983 - Ronald K. O’Donnell 1984 - William Bieber 1985 - Thomas Koszoru 1987 - Fred Soto Jr. 1988 - Donald Neville 1989 - Robert Preston 1990 - Dr. Theodore Simon 1991 - James Sender 1992 - Brian Baum 1993 - Harvey Lindhurst

1994 -Thomas Robarts 1995 - Aubrey Cross Jr. * 1996 - Paul Wilke 1997 - John Williams #** 2000 - Derl Smith 2001- Harrison Ragland 2002 - James Welch 2003 - Robert Lang 2004 - Jerry J Russell 2005 - Michael J. Swatek 2008 - Allen Sorbie 2009 - Joseph Goggin 2010 - Nyle Davenport 2011 - Mike Davenport Phoenix #346 2011 - Mike Davenport 2012 - Roger “Dutch” Neihart # - DDGM #** DDGM Vermont *** Demitted * - PDI

^ - Resigned from Masonry

Page 16

Phoenix Lodge No. 346

3329 Oakwood Blvd So.

Sarasota, FL. 34237

PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage PAID MANASOTA FL

PERMIT #184 Words From the East

October is upon us and we are now into autumn, and hopefully our days will be cooling down a bit. Although the weather may be cooling down somewhat, it appears that our Lodge schedule for October will continue to be as hot and active as ever. Starting on October 1, we will have our first Stated Communication for the month, which will also be our Past Masters’ Night. We hope to have several of our Past Masters from The Builders Lodge, Cary B. Fish Lodge, and Phoenix Lodge for their special night of recognition. The Lodge will be furnishing free German-style meals for all Past Masters, their ladies, and their children. The dinner will be served at 6:30 pm and our regular Lodge meeting will start at 7:30. The cost of the Dinner for adults will be $5.00 for their dinner and all children eat free,. Past Masters, their ladies, and all children will be free. The Ladies and children will have their own special programs in the Fellowship Hall while we are meeting in the Lodge room. All Brothers, whether Past Masters or not, are encouraged to bring their wives or ladies and children to the dinner. On Saturday October 5, we will have a Master Mason Degree which will start at 9:00 am. Brothers Theodore Brewer, Thomas Edelblute, Marco Metzger, David Wentzel, and Donald White are scheduled to be raised the the sublime degree of Master Mason. Brother Paul Ritchie will be the Degree Master for this degree. It will be the first degree to be held in our remodeled lodge room, so come out and support these Brothers and see our new lodge room. The following Saturday, October 12, our Grand Master M:. W:. Danny R. Griffith will hold his annual dinner and official visit to District 27. Registration for the dinner will begin at 5:00 pm at the Potter Building on the Sarasota County Fairgrounds. The dinner is free to all Phoenix Brothers and their ladies. Please plan to come an enjoy the dinner and the program. Following the program, The Grand Master will hold a tyled meeting at Sarasota Lodge No. 147 beginning at 7:30 pm. It is important that all Brothers who attend the dinner also attend the Stated Meeting. We will be holding a fundraiser luncheon at Carrabba’s Restaurant, University Parkway, on Saturday, October 19. The money raised will be divided evenly among the Wounded Warriors, Resurrection House, and the Salvation Army. The cost of the luncheon is $10.00 a ticket of which $4.00 or 40% goes to charity. Every Phoenix Lodge Brother is asked to purchase or sell at least 2 tickets. The tickets can also be used for either eat-in or carry-outs. If you need tickets, please call Brothers Dore’ Patlian at 941-320-8291, Omer Quesnel at 941-400-0792, or Paul Ritchie at 941-321-4367. This will be one of our larg-er fundraisers for the year, so please sell as many luncheon tickets as possible.

Page 1 Continued page 2

Worshipful Master Albert Dahlberg 941-735-0761 Senior Warden Br. Jim Benjamin 941-780-3544 Junior Warden Br. Joseph Reynolds 941-284-9936 Treasurer W\ Allen Sorbie 941-232-1494 Secretary W\ Derl Smith 941-365-1350 Chaplain Br. John McAllister 941-266-9850 Marshal W\ Roger “Dutch” Neihart 941-981-5449

Senior Deacon Br. Paul Ritchie 941-321-4367 Junior Deacon Br. Juan Sanchez 941-330-5938 Senior Steward Br Mike Nesta 941-922-6935 Junior Steward Br. Thomas Griffith 941-586-3580 Assistant Stewards Br. Daniel Goldberg 941-928-4641 Br. John King 941-232-3004 Br. Richard Kyllonen 941-928-2852 Br. Scott Richards 941-822-1989

Tyler Br. William Hassler

941-374-7212 Lodge Instructor s

R\W\Frank Albinson 941-922-9311

W\ Joseph Goggin 941-323-3076

Catechism Instructors Br. William Hassler

941-374-7212 Br. George Hoffman

941-371-1209 Br. Juan Sanchez 941-330-5938 Br. Paul Ritchie 941-321-4367 Br. Mark Tishman 941-302-4500 Trestle Board Manager Bro. Omer Quesnel

Page 3

(Continued from Page 1)

Tuesday, October 22, marks another special day in the month as well will be offering an Entered Apprentice Degree that evening. It will be a Called Communication and the degree will begin at 7:30 pm. The candidates who will be initiated Entered Apprentices include Messrs. Ellis M. Burns, Paul R. Gesko, and Jarred A. Swan. Brother William Hassler will be sitting in the East for this degree. One week later, on Tuesday, October 29, we will have a Fellow Craft Degree. Brothers Michael M. Bussell III, Brian Engle, Justin D. Fralick, and Theodor Wentzel II, are preparing to qualify themselves for the Fellow Craft Degree. Brother Juan Sanchez will serve as the Degree Master.

As you can determine, the month of October will be another busy month for Phoenix Lodge.

Last month was also a busy month with the updating of our lodge room.

My thanks and Appreciation goes out to our Senior Warden, Brother Jim Benjamin, who

coordinated the work that needed to be done. The painting, which was done by M&D

Construction and the new carpeting, which was completed by Carpet Corner were both done

very professionally, and our Brothers seem very satisfied with the outcome. Brother Benjamin

had help from several other Brothers in staining and installing the wainscoting behind the chairs

on the sidelines. Those who helped out included Brothers, Jim Duffy, Chris Haberern,

Bill Henderson, Tharron Kauffman, Chris Rich, Scott Richards, and W:. Derl Smith.

Thanks to all who so willingly helped to improve the looks of our lodge room.

I would also like to congratulate Brothers Jim Duffy, Chris Haberern, and Chris Rich who

successfully completed their Master Mason Proficiency Examination last month on Tueday,

September 17. These Brothers, and perhaps with two or three others, will receive their Master Mason

Aprons at a special presentation within a few weeks.

If you have not been to Lodge lately, come out and see what our Lodge looks like and the quality of

our degree work. I think you will be impressed with both. W:. Al Dahlberg Worshipful Master

Page 2

State of Florida Grand Lodge of F&AM Officers M:. W:. Danny R. Griffith, Grand Master -- 800-375-2339 M:. W:. Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M, Grand Secretary -- 800-375-2339 R:.W:. Norman F. Cyphers, District Deputy Grand Master, Dist. 27 -- 941-379-5269 R:. H:. Michael E. Cullen, District Instructor, Dist. 27 -- 941-456-6838

Masonic Education

When does a candidate for the Degrees of Freemasonry become a Member of a Lodge? Although not entitled to all the rights and privileges of the Lodge until he is Raised to the Sub-lime Degree of a Master Mason, in Pennsylvania the candidate becomes a member of the Lodge at the time he receives his Entered Apprentice Mason's Degree.

Chaplain’s Chat By:

Brother John McAllister

Should you become ill, or know of a brother

who is ill, please call me at 941-365-1350

so that I may share it with the brothers at our

next Lodge meeting. Please keep the following

and their families in your thoughts and pray-

ers, WsBob Wise, and Jerry Russell, Brs.

Gary Johnson, Charles Kistner, Edgar New-

man, Br. Bob Levy’s mother Lucille, &

Bro. John McAllister.

Great News: Bro. Ben McClaskey’s

wife Ashley is in full recovery. ———————————————————

Trestle Board Booster & Sponsors Silver Club $25.00 - $49.99

Barry R. Batezel, William "Lew" Bryan,

William E. Gaylord, Douglas S. Herpel, Dieter

Krakow, Michael Nesta, John E. Miller, James

R. Sackett, Gary M. Snyder, Mark D. Weaver,

Richard L. West

Gold Club $50.00 - $99.99

Fred K. Betz Jr., Joseph W. Goggin, Midge

Jordan ( in memory of husband RW Doug

Jordan), Roger N. King, Curtis H. Toale, Rob-

ert V. Toale

Platinum Club $100.00+

William G. Bieber, Albert W. Dahlberg, M.

Nyle Davenport, Keith M. Hart, Robert F.

Hensley, Robert V. & Ruth Levy (in Loving

Memory of their daughter Beth) Raymond L.

Maxon, Lance & Bradford Meadows, Roger

“Dutch” Neihart, Edward D. Osika, Charles

“Butch” Power, Fred E. Soto, Omer Quesnel,

Derl B. Smith, Bernardo Velasquez Jr., Frank

& Michele Wieckowske

Page5 _______________________________________

Please respect the sanctity of the Lodge and your Brothers by turning off your cell phones

while in Lodge. There will be a $5 donation to the Charity Box if your phone rings while in

Lodge.____________________________________________________________________

Brothers since your Dues Notices and Trestle Boards are sent using data from our Mailing

List it is important that you inform the Lodge Secretary of any address change in a timely fash-

ion. Please do the same if you have a change in your phone number.

October Birthdays

George D. Fraley 10/21/1932 John R. King 10/13/1953

Jerry Russell 10/14/1941 William Henderson 10/30/1939

David Wentzel 10/21/1960 Ali M. Chokr 10/26/1951

John L. Williams 10/16/1938 Thomas Griffith 10/10/1961

Joseph Reynoldst 10/16/1982 John McAllister 10/4/1927

Rev. C. Williams 10/27/1929

Page 4

INVITES YOU TO OUR FUND RAISER IN SUPPORT OF

THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

RESURRECTION HOUSE

SALVATION ARMY

TO BE HELD AT

PHOENIX LODGE NO. 346 F&AM 240 S. TUTTLE AVE., SARASOTA, FL

5425 University Parkway Sarasota, FL 34201

DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2013 AT: 11:00 AM & 11:45 (2 SEATINGS)

MENU: GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST WITH PENNE PASTA & CEASAR SALAD, BREAD & NON- ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE BRING YOU FAMILY & FRIENDS

: Committee Chairman Standing Committees: Finance Committee: Br. James Benjamin 941-780-3544 Vigilance Committee: Br. Joseph Reynolds 941-284-9936 Petitions Committee; W Derl Smith 941-365-1350 Committee on Mason Education: Br. Joseph Reynolds 941-284-9936 Board of Relief: W Al Dahlberg 941-735-0761 Investigation Committee: W Al Dahlberg 941-735-0761 Committee on Charities: Br. James Benjamin 941-780-3544 Committee on Lodge Property: Br. James Benjamin 941-780-3544 Other Committees; Committee on Education and Primary Schools: Br. Dore’ Patlian 941-320-8291 Committee on Fundraising Events Br. Dore’ Patlian 941-320-8291 Committee on Lodge By-Laws, Policies, Procedures, and Legal Matters:

Co-Chairmen W Al Dahlberg 941-735-0761 and W Roger Neihart 941-730-6181

Committee on Publications & Community Involvement Br. O. Quesnel 941-400-0792

Scholarship & Endowment Fund Committee: W Roger Neihart 941-730-6181

Visitation Committee: W Nyle Davenport 941-374-3329

Derl B. Smith, Enrolled Agent

3329 Oakwood Blve. So.

Sarasota, Fl. 34238-7413

941-365-1350

Your Tax Professional

Individual and Sole Proprietorships

941-365-1350

Your Business card could be here

for a small once a Year charge.

Call W Derl Smith at 365-1350

for information on how To get

your card into the Lodges Monthly

Trestleboard.

Discover the Secrets

Of the Infinite Banking Concept Learn how to “be your own bank”

Recapture the principal and interest on large purchases

Fund college for your children without going broke

Have tax favored liquidity, use and control of your money

Create tax-free income for retirement

William Hassler, Chartered Financial Consultant

(941) 361-3004 ext. 102 bill@moneydoctorusa.com

Page 6 Page 7

Words From the West

As another month has rolled by and we are entering the eight month a lot has happened at Phoenix lodge. Two

EA degrees, two Fellow Craft and one Master Mason. A Fellow Craft degree is schedule for this month and pos-

sibly another Master Mason degree October.

A lot of work is being done behind the Sean’s. The tile has been ordered. The painting and the paneling are in

the works. With new, carpeting bids coming in from the venders. The A/C has been worked on but will need

more repairs. Which the Scottish Rite, has been taking care of.

The other day a question was ask of me and I think the following may answer that.

Why is it called BLUE LODGE? By Brother Elton Trindade

The question always is " Why is it called BLUE LODGE ?" Here is some inside in this subject from my research.

Why have we adopted blue into the lodge name? Where does it come from? What does it

represent and mean?

The mother of all Freemasonry. The place where every man begins his journey into the An-cient Craft of Free and Accepted Masons. “The Blue Lodge” - It has been here in America that the term “Blue Lodge” has become popularized and so widely used. Originally, it was frowned upon, and Lodges were called, Craft Lodges or Ancient Craft Lodges, some were

even called a St. Johns Lodge.

According to Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia, there may be a number of reasons why symbolic lodges are called Blue Lodges. Since ancient times, the color blue has been associated with

immortality, eternity, and fidelity. References to the color blue in the Bible emphasize the special place blue has as a color symbolizing goodness and immortality. The Druids also

honored the color while the ancient Egyptians used the color to represent Amun, one of their most important gods. The ancient Babylonians associated the color blue with the gods. In

Medieval times, Christians saw blue as the symbol of perfection and hope, and well as of im-mortality and fidelity.

It is not known when blue first came to be associated with Freemasonry, although some his-torians think that initially the color was used in Craft Masonry to represent the sky. Today,

blue for Masons symbolizes brotherhood and symbolizes the fact that Masons should seek out virtues as extensive as the blue dome of heaven.Albert Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Free-masonry under “Blue” has further light to share. He says “Blue is emphatically the color of

Masonry. It is the appropriate tincture of the Ancient Craft degrees. The Hebrew word for blue when referring to spiritual matters is tekhelet התכלתderived

from a root word meaning perfection.

Page 8

It is well known that among the ancients, initiation into the mysteries and “perfection” are synonymous terms and this is why blue is the appropriate color for the greatest of all the

systems of initiation the world has ever known, The Ancient Blue Lodge Craft.”

Beyond the allegory and symbolism of the color blue, there is the reality of millions of men who have experienced things beyond themselves, transformed and evolved into

their highest potentials, reached even further to give the same to other men, while stand-ing in and being a member of a Blue Lodge.

It is said over and over again, “There is no other degree “higher” then the third degree

and being a Master Mason. There is no higher distinction in our entire institutional Frater-nity! ” With that being said, we all should remember, support and love our Blue Lodges,

where we began as good men and through the motherly love of our Ancient Craft Lodge, we were brought into the world anew….literally brought from the dark to the light, to rise

as GREAT MEN!

Fraternally, James Benjamin Senior Warden _______________________________________________________________________

A Reminder About Masonic License Plates

Vouchers for Masonic License Plates will be available at any County Tax Office beginning on October 1. The vouchers are expected to go fast. If you wish to order a plate, the voucher will cost you $40.00 (deposit), plus the normal cost of your tag, plus an addition-al $25.00 to get the Masonic tag. If you want your tag personalized, there will be an additional fee. Contact your County Tax Collector's Office for details. Your voucher will give you $40.00 off the total cost of your tag.

Page 9

Dinner Menu

OCTOBER DATES TO REMEMBER

OCT. 1 -- TUES. PAST MASTER’S NIGHT, GERMAN DINNER, F.C. PROFICIENCIES OCT. 3 -- THURS. POSSIBLE LAST PRACTICE FOR M.M. DEGREE OCT. 5 OCT. 5 — SAT. CALLED COMMUNICATION M.M. DEGREE, 9:00AM OCT. 7 — MON. 1ST PRACTICE FOR F.C. DEGEE OCT. 29 OCT. 12—SAT. GRAND MASTERS DINNER 5:00PM POTTER BUILDING, TYLED MEETING AT LODGE 147 AFTERWARDS OCT. 14— MON. 1ST PRACTICE FOR E.A. DEGREE IOCT 22. OCT. 15—TUES. STATED COMMUNICATION, EA PRIFICIENCY EXAM OCT. 19—SAT. CARRABBA’S FUNDRAISER—BRING FRIENDS & FAMILY OCT. 21—MON. FINAL PRACTICE FOR E.A.DEGREE ON OCT. 22 OCT. 22—TUES. CALLED COMMUNICATION, E.A. DEGREE, 7:30 OCT. 24—THURS. MASTER MASON ASSOC MEETING 6:45 OCT. 26—SAT. POSSIBLE “COMMUNITY DAY” AT THE LODGE, 9:00AM—5:00PM:

OCT. 28—MON. FINAL PRACTICE FOR F.C. DEGREE, 7:00PM OCT. 29—TUES. CALLED COMMUNICATION, F.C. DEGREE, 7:30PM

Page 10

Honor Roll of Our Living Perpetual Members

Perpetual Membership in any Florida Masonic Lodge is generally an advantage to both the

Brother and the Lodge, especially if the Brother plans to be a member of a Lodge for twenty

years or more. Perpetual Membership requires a fee of 20 times the annual dues, which in our

case is currently $65.00 a year. Therefore, Perpetual Membership in Phoenix Lodge currently

would be $1,300.00. This amount of money, however, does not have to be paid all at one time;

it can be paid over a period of 5 years. However, if paid over a five-year period, the member

would still have to pay his annual dues, plus the required per capita, until the Perpetual Mem-

bership is paid in full. Once paid, the cost for annual dues never goes up, even if the annual

dues are increased by vote of the Craft.

Having a Perpetual Membership will also follow you if your Lodge should consolidate or lose

its Charter, as long as you belong to a Lodge in the same jurisdiction. It will also continue to

benefit your Lodge should you decide to take out a dual membership in another jurisdiction.

The money that is submitted to Grand Lodge for Perpetual Membership goes into an endow-

ment fund for Phoenix Lodge. The annual earned income on this endowment fund will be used

to support both Phoenix Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Florida. Our Lodge, however, is guar-

anteed to receive a minimum of 5% interest of that fund annually. As a result, Phoenix Lodge is

ensured a permanent flow of funds into our Lodge from the Grand Lodge, even after a member

is called to the Grand Architect’s Celestial Lodge. Thanks to those Brothers listed below, last

year (2012) Phoenix Lodge received $1,668.60 from the Grand Lodge for our Perpetual Mem-

bers. We therefore need to honor the following 33 living members of Phoenix Lodge for their

commitment to become Perpetual Members.

Paul J. Arcadi, Jr. Gary M. Goodman Scott Ridener

Glenn Baker John T. Griffin James R. Sackett

Brian E. Baum Kim L. Hanes Justus R. Sackett, Jr.

Mark P. Brewer Francesco Ingrilli Lennie M. Senn

Mark C. Cox William A. Johnson, III Theodore Simon

Richard L. Cox Roland K. Kaiser Ryan C. Sommer

George R. Dakkak Stephen M. Klabel Lee E. Stewart

Michael B. Davenport Dieter E. Krakow Michael J. Swatek

Darren H. Denny John H. Land, III Scott K. Wagman

James K. Denny Gene C. Marinelli Frank Wieckowski

Robert C. Goldstein Thornton W. O’Duggan Raymond C. Wolf, II

In addition to the Perpetual Members listed above, we had two Perpetual Members who

have passed away: Brothers Alfred W. Fullgrapp and Paul T. Morton.

Page 11

1 Oct:( Past Master Night) Brats, sourkraut, bo iled potataos,apple sauce and German chocolate cake 15 Oct: Lasagna, salad, garlic bread and pie 5 Nov:(Widow Sons Night) Chili, rolls, salad and fruit cup 19 Nov: Pulled pork, cole slaw, baked beans and pie 3 Dec: Spaghetti, meat balls, salad, garlic bread and ice cream 10 Dec:(Holiday Party) Mojo pork, Black beans, rice, southwestern chicken, Baked Potato & Green Beans 17 Dec:(St. John's Feast) Steak, salad, green beans, roll and cake

This month our spotlight is on Brother George Edwin Hoffman. By Worshipful Dahlberg

George was born December 4, 1923 in a community called Green Point in Brooklyn, New

York. He is a veteran of World War II where he served in the US Army Air Force

as a Radar Counter-Measures Operator. After the War he worked for the firm of

Tanenbaum–Harber, Inc. which was located at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue in

New York City. The firm later expanded into a second company called Tanenbaum S

prinkler Contracts, Inc., and after six years with the firm George was appointed

Corporate Secretary. He was a licensed insurance broker with New York State

and specialized in fire protection. He resigned his position in 1954 and he and his wife,

Hazel, moved to Ohio. After five years in Ohio, George founded his own company called

Fire Protection and Sprinkler Associates, Inc., and later a second company called Red-E Fire

Equipment Company.

While living in Marion, Ohio, George was an active member of the Marion Ohio Noon

Kiawanis Club; a member of the Civic Affairs Committee of Marion Ohio Chamber of

Commerce, and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Marion Tower Rotary Club’s

Senior Citizen Housing Project where he also served as their president. He was president of the

Fire Sprinklers Contractors Association of Ohio and was appointed to the Committee of t

he National Fire Protection Association. Then Governor Celeste of Ohio appointed George to

the first State Licensing Board for Industrial Fire Protection Contractors. After 26 years as a

successful businessman in Ohio, George sold his two companies to a large company

but stayed on retainer for an additional 5 years as a consultant while living in Sarasota.

In 1945, George found his future wife, Hazel (or “Buzz”) in a honkey tonk night club

while he was still a soldier on active duty. He and Hazel were married on August 30, 1947

and eventually had a son, George L. (Woody), who now lives in Walnut Creek, California and

a daughter, Mary Ann who resides with George in Sarasota. Unfortunately, George’s wife had

to be placed in an assisted living facility five years ago and she passed away this past May 31.

George often reminds us that Hazel was part Native-American and was a member of the Choc-

taw Tribe. His father was a New York City policeman and his mother was president of the

New York State Legion Auxiliary with over 64,000 members. George also served as Post

Commander of the J.B. Garity Post No. 562 in New York City, which at that time had 555

members. George also had a brother, Edward, who played a major part in getting astronaut

John Glenn into space and safely returning him to earth in 1962.

Page 12

After selling his businesses in Ohio, George and his family moved to Sarasota in 1985.

He joined Cary B. Fish Lodge No. 346 as an Entered Apprentice in October 1990. In January

1991, he was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft and received his third degreein Masonry on

March 9, 1991. Since then, he has sat in all the chairs except Secretary, Treasurer, Senior

Warden, and Master. In the early 1990’s he served as a Mentor in the Lodge; he became

a Noble of the Shrine and a Prophet of the Grotto; he was Commodore of the Shrine

Mariners Unit; he received his 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite in 1991, and

currently holds his Silver Card in Masonry

Over the past three or four years, George has become very involved as an instructor for the

Brothers going through their degrees in the Phoenix Lodge. He has enjoyed working with

the Brothers and he is well liked by all who have studied under him.

George has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to American and World History and his

stories about WWII and the military are of special interest. Although he had to give up flying

his own airplane years ago, he is still very much interested in history and Masonry.

Last but not least, during the initial discussions of the consolidation between The Builders

Lodge and Cary B. Fish Lodge, George was the first Brother to suggest that the new name

of our Lodge be Phoenix Lodge.

.

George (2nd from Rt) with Worshipful Dahlberg and former students.

L-R. Juan Sanchez, James Duffy, Chris Rich and Chris Haberern

Page 13

MASONIC EDUCATION OVERVIEW

Masonic Education is an ongoing process whereby all Masons, throughout the world, further their knowledge about the Craft. It begins with education for candidates about the Three Sym-bolic Degrees, and it continues with instruction of Masonic history, tradition, philosophy, Mason-ic Law, Lodge administration, and procedures in the everyday management of the Lodges. My Brothers, the world over, you should have a working knowledge of these topics, not only as Lodge Officers, but as dedicated Masons. If not, now is the time to prepare yourself.

As Freemasons, one should always remember, "AN EDUCATED MASON IS A DEDICATED Mason." As we endeavor to educate more of our Brothers in Masonry, we will see that this is a true phrase. As they learn, they become more active and attendance increases and stronger bonds are developed between themselves. Even the most learned men learn something new each day. This keeps us interested and active. It will take work and dedication on our part, but the results will be very rewarding.

We would like to encourage the Lodges to use the many forms of Masonic Education lessons and publications available to them. Encourage the Brothers to learn to use the Masonic Digest, attend Schools of Instruction, become more active in Lodge functions and bring in qualified can-didates. Let us encourage the Lodges to use Masonic Education materials such as Masonic History, Masonic Philosophy and Masonic Etiquette in their monthly meetings. We should en-deavor, in each of our Lodges, to work toward the Masonic Education Achievement Award. Every Florida Lodge should qualify for this award.

An excellent method to learn to use the Masonic Digest and Mentors Manual is to complete the three Master Mason Examinations, now offered Online in this website. These examinations have proven very popular as they produce more friendships, more knowledge of Florida Ma-sonry, better informed Brothers and an increase in Lodge attendance. Get together some even-ing and try it, you'll like Why is the Master called 'Worshipful Master' of a Florida Lodge? The term worshipful also means knowledgeable. It refers to one who has educated himself in and about the Craft Freemasonry.

As a Freemason in your Particular Lodge, would you like to be an officer, work your way around to become Master of the Lodge? If so, the Grand Lodge of Florida Masonic Education program has prepared for you an outstanding tool with which you may become very 'knowledgeable.' It is called the "Lodge Officers Correspondence Course" and any Master Mason may take it. It consists of Modules 1, 2, and 3; each containing seven lessons. The lessons, of course, are open book type and may be taken by one or a group of Master Masons as they prepare for their travels through the "Chairs." The Modules are available directly from the Grand Lodge Web page. The District Chairman will grade the lessons and the results will be returned to the Grand Secretary's office.

Page 14

A Tradition of Caring

The Masonic Home of Florida is situated on 18 acres of lush landscaping on the shores of Cof-

fee Pot Bayou. Named by Spanish explorers, this picturesque inlet off Old Tampa Bay is flanked by some of the fin-

est neighborhoods in the area and right next door to shopping and downtown St. Petersburg.

This choice waterfront location has been owned and operated by the Grand Lodge of Florida since the early 1900’s

and shares a century old tradition with the City of St. Petersburg. The Home was originally set aside for children

slowly turning over to the needs of senior Masons and their wives/widows as aging demographics changed. A series

of building expansions beginning in 1973 brought us to the present 150,000 square foot Home which can accommo-

date up to 187 Residents in a state-of-the-art setting. There are gracious lobbies, an elegant dining room overlooking

the grounds and water, a 5,000 volume library, billiards and activities rooms, gift shop, community kitchenettes and

lounges, a chapel, waterside pavilion and fishing pier plus a host of other amenities which make the Masonic Home

one of the premiere facilities of its kind in Pinellas County. Recently, the City of St. Petersburg presented The Ma-

sonic Home a Mayors First Place Award for Building and Grounds Beautification.

The Art of Graceful LivingAt the Masonic Home of Flor ida, we’ve reinvented the ar t of graceful living. Senior

Masons and their wives/widows thrive in an atmosphere of “homey” charm yet we also provide one of the most com-

prehensive health care regimens available in Florida today. Geriatric physicians and specialists design personal care

programs with the assistance of physical and occupational therapists, audiologists, podiatrists, speech therapists, oph-

thalmologists, dentists and psychosocial counselors. Emphasis is placed on “independence” to preserve self reliance

and a healthy self esteem. Even day to day routines have been generously peppered with “choices” which fosters

greater control over their daily lives.

The Masonic Home of Florida offers care on two levels: skilled nursing for Residents who require round-the-clock

care and assisted living for Residents who need little or no supervision. More than 90 staff members, under the direc-

tion of career professionals in geriatric disciplines, join together to create a lifestyle through which Residents can

reach their full potential. Secure. Bright and cheerful. Dignified. The celebration of a happy and healthy lifestyle

throughout the golden years. Page 15