Lodges are getting serious about securing the District Traveling Gavel

As of late we have seen a great Brotherhood and competitive spirit among Brothers of the Suffolk District with the District Traveling Gavel. There has been Bragging rights and quite a bit of smack talk as well. All in good fun and of course good taste (mostly).

Lately, as April approaches, some Lodges once they have snagged the gavel for their Lodge, are going to greater and greater lengths to secure it and assure that none attempt to acquire it for another Lodge. Case in point, Suffolk Lodge No. 60, recently went to Amityville Lodge No. 977, where Start of the East Lodge No. 843’s, W:. Joe Lombardo, recently appeared with the Traveling Gavel.

Amityville Lodge was conferring the 1st degree on a candidate and the Brothers of the District came out in force to help, aid and assist the Lodge in the best way possible. Filling the Lodge with Brotherly Love and Fellowship. However, once the Traveling Gavel was spied, all that went out the window and in the end Suffolk 60 emerged with the Traveling Gavel. And there was much rejoicing.

The Brothers of Suffolk 60, naturally proud of their acquisition and not wanting the gavel to be absconded with, have secured the Traveling Gavel in a most interesting, and possibly dangerous way. You be the judge!

 

I am not sure about any other Brothers, but I am pretty sure I won’t be reaching for that Traveling Gavel in its current location. I suspect for another Lodge to acquire it, it will take thought and cunning and a very large steak by the looks of it.

Craftsmen Online

Brothers the Craftsmen Online has taken another great step to bring substantial Masonic content to every Freemason. The Grand Master, M:.W:. Richard Kessler recently chatted with Craftsmen Online about his vision for Freemasonry.

You can get to Craftsmen Online and all their content here -> CraftsmenOnline.com

FROM Grand Lodge of New York:

We are very excited to announce our grand lodges partnership with the Craftsmen Online. To kick off our first conjoined program we bring you the Grand Master! This also was shot with a video segment you can see on their website. We will have a wide range of programming coming to you over the next weeks with access and insight to our Grand Lodge as never before.

Listen to “Craftsmen Online Podcast” on Spreaker.

Rules to live by

If you have every looked closely at Masonic protocol & etiquette as well as Masonic Landmarks and law, it should become evident that there is a common thread.

WBro. Washington wrote a booklet on rules of etiquette for gentleman. He gleaned most of this from books he had read as a boy and young man and from most sources here tried to live by these same rules.

I recently came across a social media post for “Rules to teach your son”. The post reminded me a lot of WBro. Washington’s booklet, albeit with a slightly more modern twist on it. I would also re-title this “Rules to teach a young Mason” The items in Red are the ones I would include that list. What’s your list look like?

Rules to teach your son

  1. Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.  – Common Courtesy
  2. Don’t enter a pool by the stairs. – Be bold when called for
  3. The man at the BBQ Grill is the closest thing to a king. – Among men this is an axiom
  4. In a negotiation, never make the first offer. – Common Sense
  5. Request the late check-out. – Enjoy life
  6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it. – Self Explanatory of course
  7. Hold your heroes to a higher standard. – Never step down, always bid men step up to you
  8. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas. – Again, Common courtesy
  9. Play with passion or don’t play at all… – If you are going to do something, give it your all
  10. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look them in the eye. – Directly out of WBro. Washington’s booklet
  11. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be. – Don’t let anything stop you in your pursuit of your dreams
  12. If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point. – Certainly true
  13. Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her. – Be the rock for the ones you love
  14. You marry the girl; you marry her family. – The nuclear and extended family is what make you what you are, love all of them
  15. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath. – Never let them see you sweat
  16. Experience the serenity of traveling alone. – Know thyself
  17. Never be afraid to ask out the best-looking girl in the room. – pursuit of happiness
  18. Never turn down a breath mint. – share and accept what is offered to you graciously
  19. A sport coat is worth 1000 words. – Always overdress for an event or occasion. You can always remove to dress down
  20. Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising. – Momento Mori
  21. Thank a veteran. Then make it up to him. – Yes “thank you for your service is always nice, if you get the chance buy them a drink or event lunch. 
  22. Eat lunch with the new kid. – seek out new members at meetings and get to know them, introduce them to well informed brothers
  23. After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it. – This, as in all things, is an axiom
  24. Ask your mom to play. She won’t let you win. – Your mom will always be your mom
  25. Manners maketh the man. – Again, right out of WBro. Washington’s booklet
  26. Give credit. Take the blame. – Definitely applies to every WM
  27. Stand up to Bullies. Protect those bullied. – Always and every time
  28. Write down your dreams. – Set goals, write them down and reference them regularly
  29. Take time to snuggle your pets, they love you so much and are always happy to see you. – of course, they are family
  30. Be confident and humble at the same time. – Stand erect among men, be the example of grace and humility
  31. If ever in doubt, remember whose son you are that you are a Freemasons and REFUSE to just be ordinary! – This is key to showing those in your life and the world what a Freemason is.
  32. In all things lead by example not explanation. – Another truism if there were any

The rules above (with commentary) are not arbitrary. Like the “Golden Rule”, they have come down from antiquity from many, if not all, civilizations in one form or another.

Civilization must have “rules” like the golden rule and maybe even some or all of those above to be civilized. Freemasons need to embody No. 32 and exemplify it in all we do.

Just to cement the ideas above I will also offer the following:

In The Farmer’s Almanac for 1823 published at Andover, Mass., the following was printed under the heading,
“Definition
 of a Freemason”

The real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of Mankind by the uniform unrestrained rectitude of his conduct.
Other men are honest in fear of punishment which the law might inflect they are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil, in the next world.
A Freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or divine except those written in his heart by the finger of his Creator. In every climate, under every system of religion, he is the same.
He kneels before the Universal Throne of God in gratitude for the blessings he has received and humble solicitation for his future protection.
He venerates the good men of all religions.
He disturbs not the religion of others.
He restrains his passions, because they cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself.
He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended.
He contracts no debts which he is certain he cannot discharge because he is honest upon principal.

Finally, I believe Bro. John “The Duke” Wayne said it more simply, yet succinctly:

 

“I won’t be wronged. I won’t be insulted. I won’t be laid a-hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” ― Bro. John Wayne “The Shootist”

 

 

 

It would really be a wonderful thing to hear what the Brothers say about the rules above, would you add any, remove any, re-word any? If you want a lively discussion in a Lodge, bring up what does it mean to be a Freemason, and a man.

Suffolk District Traveling Gavel floating around the East End

The Suffolk District Traveling Gavel is making its rounds on the east end of the island as of late. The only question is will it need a customs declaration and accompanying paperwork to cross the border back into the mainland.

As of this writing the Traveling Gavel is now back at Star of the East Lodge. Riverhead Lodge sent a good sized contingent but, in the end, Star of the East won out.

The next available date to travel to Star of the East and snag the gavel will be Thursday, February 10th, 2022.

Safe travels my brothers and don’t forget your passports if you plan on claiming the gavel for your Lodge.

As a reminder the location, leaderboard and simplified rules are all right here -> Suffolk District Traveling Gavel

2022 MDC Registration is open

Brothers,

The Grand Lodge Staff Officer is responsible for Education and Leadership in the Suffolk Masonic District. Please see below the schedule for The Masonic Development Course

 

Babylon Lodge

Wednesday, March 16, 2022-7:00 PM

Wednesday, March 30, 2022-7:00 PM

Wednesday, April 6, 2022-7:00 PM

Riverhead Lodge

Saturday, April 9, 2022-9:00 AM

Saturday, April 2, 2022-9:00 AM

Saturday, March 19, 2022-9:00 AM

The scope of this course is to bring Knowledge of each of the Three Masonic Degrees, regarding Ritual, History, and symbolic meaning of Masonry to New and Old members of the Fraternity.

 

This course is offered both East and West with different times for your convenience. If you are unable to attend a session at Babylon Lodge, the same course is offered the Following Saturday at Riverhead and so on with Sessions 2 & 3.  You must complete all three sessions to receive your Certification.

 

This course is free.  Please fill out the Registration form online below or open and print the form and mail it back to me as soon as possible.

The cutoff date for registration is March 13th, 2022.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or call me at 516.398.3577.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

R∴W∴ Robert Licata

Grand Sword Bearer

email: glso@suffolkmasons.com

2022 Masonic Development Course Registration and Information Form

Lodge Name and Number- choose one

Choose which Lodge you would like to attend the course at


Alternatively: Open/Print the MDC Registration and mail it to the GLSO

Click Here to open/download the MDC Registration form.

You can then print it and mail it in to the GLSO, instructions on the form.

Camp Turk 2022 Info

Brothers,

There may be snow won the ground, but Registration for Camp Turk is right around the corner. Also, Camp Turk could use all our support. Attached is a Wishlist send by the Camp Admin for items they would like. Please consider donating for this awesome Masonic program.

See the wish list here -> Camp Turk Wishlist for 2022.pdf

Camp Turk not only needs items and donations and of course children to enjoy this wonderful summer camp, but they are also looking for qualified people:

 

Robbie Burns – The Scottish Bard

As many have heard the name Robert Burns and usually in association with a Lodge Burns Supper, many still may not know who this Freemason is and why he is important.

First let’s look at the basics:

Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796), also known familiarly as Rabbie Burns, the National BardBard of Ayrshire, the Ploughman Poet and various other names and epithets, was a Scottish poet and lyricist.

He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language, although much of his writing is in a “light Scots dialect” of English, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland. He also wrote in standard English, and in these writings his political or civil commentary is often at its bluntest.

Robert Burns was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Lodge St. David, Tarbolton on 4 July (ironic date) 1781, at the age of 23. His initiation fee was 12s 6d, and paid on the same date. Like many other times in his life, Burns came into the lodge amidst a controversy. Originally, there had been only one lodge in Tarbolton, chartered in 1771 from the Kilwinning Lodge, which is said to be the oldest lodges in the world (again, another story worth telling, yet for another time).

In 1773, a group broke away from the lodge, forming Lodge St. David No. 174, and the original lodge became St. James Tarbolton Kilwinning No. 178, only to be reunited in 1781, 9 days before Burns’s first degree. However, while St. James was clearly the older of the two lodges, St. David’s name was used, and the seeds were sown for further dissension. Burns in the meantime was passed to the degree of fellowcraft and raised to the degree of Master Mason on the 1st October 1781. The Lodge record book, according to James Mackay’s “Burns” reads as follows:

Robert Burns in Lochly was passed and raised, Henry Cowan, being Master, James Humphrey Senr. Warden, and Alexr. Smith Junr. Do., Robt. Woodrow Secy. and James Manson Treasurer, and John Tannock Taylor and others of the brethren being present”.

Burns was an extremely popular poet Laureat and lyricist of his day.

Many of Burns’s most famous poems are songs with the music based upon older traditional songs. For example, “Auld Lang Syne” is set to the traditional tune “Can Ye Labour Lea”, “A Red, Red Rose” is set to the tune of “Major Graham” and “The Battle of Sherramuir” is set to the “Cameronian Rant”.

Typically nearing the end of January some Lodges host a Robbie Burns Supper with traditional Scottish flair and signing of Scottish folk songs as well as the traditional pipping in the “Haggis”. If you have never witnessed these events, well you’re in luck as this year, the Scotia Lodge 634 is hosting a “virtual Burns supper”.

Scotia Lodge No. 634 hosting “virtual” Brother Robert Burns Supper with “Virtual” Haggis

Brothers and friends —

Scotia Lodge is holding this year’s Burns Night on Sunday, 1/23/2022 starting at 8:00 pm — once again it will be held in a safe, virtual way.

The good news? Since there is no food or drink involved, THERE IS NO CHARGE!

The event is open to Brothers and their male friends.

If you have ever wondered what Burns Night at Scotia is like, THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY to find out at NO cost!  The details are below, at the bottom of this message.

Although we must postpone the Batchelors’ Club debate, YOUR participation is STILL possible!  Here are some options:

1.  Turn on your phone (or a video camera) and record a joke that we can play back during the event.  Send video clips (or a link to video) to RJGnyc1@gmail.com and we can include it.  If we have enough clips we will play them during the event.
2.  Use your phone or camera to record your own video clip of an interesting fact or legend related to Burns, to Scottish history or culture, etc. and we can share it during the event. You can even record a “fact” that you have completely made up (followed by the truth).  If you have questions about this, call or text 212-777-8080 and VW Bob Gengerke will address them.
3.  A copy of “Tam O’Shanter” will be sent to Scotia members for their participatory reading.  If you have not read in the past but like to be assigned a selection to read, please submit your request to RJGnyc1@gmail.com before Friday afternoon 1/21/2022.

Scotia Lodge Annual Burns Night
When:
Sunday evening, January 23, 2022 at 8:00 pm Eastern Time
Where:
us02web.zoom.us/j/85104564719?pwd=UWlINHk2OC9qUEZWUnVmKzYvT2V5UT09
If you use the Zoom app, enter the ID and passcode:
Meeting ID  851 0456 4719
Passcode  064045

Star of the East comes out in force

Last night at Riverhead Lodge’s DDGM visit, 11 brothers from Start of the East Lodge in Amagansett came out and decisively took the Suffolk District Traveling Gavel.

By all reports the evening was well attended and all had a great time.

It’s always great to see the brothers out and about the district and supporting other brothers at their respective Lodges.

The following day, W:. Lombardo took the gavel on a tour of the east end and jumped right into the “talking smack”
that typically follows a successful Gavel capture.

Now inquiring minds are wondering when it’s time for another lodge to come and take the gavel from Start of the East, will they require any customs forms to be able to take it across the border???

Suffolk District Fundraiser in memory of Joanne Kessler

Please donate what you can to this worthy cause.

 

If there was one thing on every Masons bucket list..

If there were one thing that should be on every Masons bucket list, in my own opinion this would be in the top 5, maybe even top 3. I’ve been hearing about this degree team since I first became a Freemasons, many moons ago.

In some instances small stadiums had to be secured as son many wanted to see this unique degree.

Maybe we can get a bus rented to take a bunch down and back.

I’ll place this event also on the event calendar with the ticket link to see how many we can get and if a joint effort travel together.

If one were interested in attending to see this very unique degree team preform, you can follow the link:

https://facebook.com/events/s/third-degree-by-the-oklahoma-m/667528053903181/

Unfortunately I could only find info on FB, so if you don’t have FB the info from the FB link is below:

THIS EVENT IS OPEN ONLY TO MASTER MASONS THAT ARE MEMBERS OF GRAND LODGES IN HARMONY WITH THE GRAND LODGE OF DELAWARE.
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Delaware will be proud to host the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team.
The Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree team is made up of Native American Freemasons from the state of Oklahoma and is the only Master Mason degree team made up entirely of Native Americans! The team travels around the state, country and world to perform the Master Mason degree according to the Oklahoma Grand Lodge ritual. For the second section the M.W. Grand Lodge of the State of Oklahoma has allowed them to deviate slightly in the ritual work. For example, they wear full Native American regalia for the second section. In addition to degree work the team also puts on educational programs which include Native American singing, dance, and a Q & A session. The degree work is for the enjoyment of master masons everywhere.
The Team will visit Delaware on Saturday, June 4, 2022. The degree will be held beginning at 4:00 PM and following the first section will break for a dinner catered by Haass Family Butcher Shop. The second section will follow dinner.
The event will be held at the Delaware State Fairgrounds (18500 South Dupont Highway, Harrington, DE 19952).
Tickets are $38.77 (including fees) per Brother, which includes admission to the degree and the dinner. We encourage you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible, as they are going fast and we don’t want you to miss this once in a lifetime experience.
For more information on the event or the raffle, please contact PM Chad Robinson at (302) 270-4391.