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From the East December 2025

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Brethren,

The Entered Apprentice Degree was a great success—many thanks to the degree team for a job well done.
Our Thanksgiving feast was also well-attended by brethren and guests, and I don’t believe anyone went home hungry.

December is a short meeting month, with only one stated communication. This will be our last opportunity to donate to the coat drive on the 10th. Please bring any unwanted coats or other clothing items to be given to the church next door.

In the spirit of the season, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and joyful holidays to all.

I look forward to our first meeting of 2026, which will include the official visit from our District Deputy.

 

W∴Edward Matuszak

Worshipful Master

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From the East November 2025

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Brethren,

As the year swiftly progresses and the days grow shorter with the cooling weather, we are reminded of the enduring warmth found in friendship and brotherly love.

At our first stated meeting of the month, the lodge will be conferring the Entered Apprentice Degree upon three worthy candidates, thereby initiating them into the light of Freemasonry. All brethren are encouraged to attend and support these new initiates as they begin their Masonic journey. A few degree positions remain to be filled; those able to assist are kindly requested to contact the Worshipful Master or the Secretary.

Our second stated meeting will be held on the evening prior to Thanksgiving. We will celebrate the season with a traditional Thanksgiving feast, featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, and salad, with desserts served à la carte. Family members and friends are warmly invited to join us for this occasion of fellowship and gratitude. Let us take this opportunity to give thanks for our many blessings and for the continued strength of our fraternity.

W∴Edward Matuszak

Worshipful Master

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October 2025 From the East

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Brethren,

I had the great opportunity last week to join many of my  Low 12 Masonic Riding Association Brothers for our annual gathering in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.  During our time there, we rode some of the most challenging and scenic roads in the region—most notably, the famous Tail of the Dragon, renowned for its 11 miles containing 311 curves! Masons from across many states came together, strengthening our bonds of brotherhood and sharing in the fellowship that makes our journey so meaningful.

A true highlight of the trip was visiting the Masonic Marker in the Great Smoky Mountains. This amazing shrine to Masonry contains stones from lodges all around the world—even from as far as Antarctica. If you’ve never seen it, I encourage you to learn more: Great Smoky Mountains Masonic Monument

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Upcoming Lodge Events:

  • October Stated Meeting:
    We will be presenting the Past Master’s Apron to W∴ Bill Hanson, along with awarding service pins to Brethren for their years in the Craft.
    Additionally, we will read any petitions received, assign investigation committees, and plan to vote later in the month.
  • Degree Work:
    We are expecting a new group of candidates to begin their Masonic journey by receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree. Degree practice will be held in the coming weeks—dates and times to be announced. All officers and participating Brethren are encouraged to attend.

 

Community Outreach:

  • Annual Coat Drive:
    We are proud to sponsor our First Annual Coat & Clothing Drive. Please consider donating gently used or new coats. A collection bin is located in the lobby by the front entrance of the Lodge. Your generosity will help keep someone warm this winter.

 

Fraternally,

W∴Edward Matuszak

Worshipful Master

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August 2025 From the East

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Brethren,

I had the great opportunity to join many of my Brothers for our annual Low 12 Masonic Riders gathering at Lake George. Over 40 of us rode together to Fort Ticonderoga to surprise the Massachusetts Grand Line during their event — and they were definitely impressed.

The summer is flying by, and before we know it, we’ll be back in Lodge in just one month.

Our Brotherhood social gatherings will continue on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. Let’s take this opportunity to invite any new candidates who are interested in learning more about Masonry. These get-togethers are a perfect time to share our experiences and strengthen the bonds that unite us.

I’m also asking all trustees to attend the meeting on August 13th, so we can get a head start on the issues previously discussed, as well as begin planning new projects — including the Cigar and Bourbon Fundraiser. Your ideas and support will be essential to making it a success.

W∴Edward Matuszak

Worshipful Master

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May 2025 From the East

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Brethren,

As we approach the end of the Masonic year, it’s a time to reflect on the accomplishments we’ve made together and look forward to the opportunities ahead. May will be an important month for our Lodge as we finish strong and set the stage for another year of growth and brotherhood.

On May 14th, we will have Moving Up Night, which gives our soon-to-be-elected brothers a chance to try out their new positions and prepare for the responsibilities that lie ahead. This is a fantastic opportunity to ensure a smooth transition and to engage in the leadership development of our Lodge. Following this, we will conduct our Election of Officers for the upcoming year. Your participation in this election is vital as we choose the leadership that will guide our Lodge into the next chapter.

Then, on May 28th, we will hold our Annual Lodge Report, where we will hear updates and reports from the various committees on the progress we’ve made over the year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our successes, discuss areas for improvement, and plan for the future. Later in the evening, we will have the Lodge of Remembrance, a solemn ritual where we honor and remember those we have lost this year. This will be a reflective and meaningful moment for our Lodge, as we pay tribute to our departed brethren.

Your involvement in these events is crucial to our success as a Lodge. Let’s continue to show our commitment to Freemasonry by participating and supporting one another as we wrap up this year and prepare for the year ahead.

Fraternally,
W:. William Hanson
Worshipful Master

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February 2025 From the East

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Brethren,

As we enter the month of February, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for each of you. The energy and commitment you bring to our Lodge is what makes us strong, and as your Worshipful Master, I am excited to continue our journey together in the new year.

First, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Vincent Buffolino, Dennis P. Mirante, and Michael Pyzikiewicz, who were initiated as Entered Apprentices  in January. We are proud to welcome them into the ranks of our craft.

• February 26th, we will complete their initiation with the presentation of the historical lecture for the First Degree, which was postponed from the degree. Let us all come together to show our continued support and celebrate their journey in Freemasonry.

• February 12th marks our annual visit from the District Deputy Grand Master, R:.W:. Robert J. Licata. This visit is a significant occasion for our Lodge, providing an opportunity to hear from our District leadership and engage with the broader Masonic community. I strongly encourage all brethren to attend, as your presence will make this event even more meaningful. This visit is a reminder of the greater Masonic family to which we belong, and it’s a time for us to reflect on the state of our Lodge and the progress we’ve made together.

Your attendance, participation, and commitment are what makes our Lodge strong. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that we make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Fraternally,
W:. William Hanson
Worshipful Master

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January 2025 From the East

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Brethren,

Happy New Year to each of you! As we begin this new year, it’s a time for fresh beginnings, new opportunities, and renewed dedication to the values that make our Lodge strong. I hope you all had a restful holiday season and are ready to embark on another successful year together.

Looking ahead, January is an important month for our Lodge.We’ll kick off the year with a Masonic education session on January 8th, where our own Stu Smith will lead a school of instruction centered on the first degree. I ask that all members attend and participate in what promises to be an enlightening evening.

This couldn’t be more timely as for our second meeting (January 22nd), we will be conducting a First Degree with the addition of three new brothers to the Craft. Let’s all make an effort to show the new Brothers what Freemasonry, and more specifically, What Smithtown Masonry is all about. With that being said, I would like to see all involved officers and Brothers on January 13th and 20th ( both Monday evenings) for rehearsals.

Wishing you all a productive and fulfilling January, and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings and events. Together, let’s make this year one of meaningful progress and fellowship.

Fraternally,
W:. William Hanson
Worshipful Master

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Happy 2025 From the East

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Brethren,

The last day of 2024 has arrived. Looking forward to 2025 and all the hopefully happy days ahead. I hope all the Brothers of Riverhead Lodge and all Brothers in general have a wonderful new year.

Much has been happening at the Lodge and lots still to do. If you haven’t been to the Lodge in a while, the Lodge room as been completely renovated and it came out beautiful. There are still few more items to complete with this, but I am very happy with the results so far.

 

I am also looking forward to the first meeting of the new year, Tuesday January 7th, 2025. Before we all enjoy New Year’s Day, a few reminders of upcoming events and dates.

On Jan 8th  ,2025– V:.W:. Stu Smith is holding a AGL’s School of Instruction at Smithtown Lodge, collation 6:30 PM, Meeting begins at 7:00 PM

On Jan 17 & 18th ,2025– The 1st Annual Masonic Con will be held at the Grand Lodge of New York. The 17th is the Mariners Lodge Beefsteak festive board, and the 18th will be the Masonic Con. You can get tickets for these events on the Grand Lodge of New York Website, https://nymasons.org

On Jan 21, 2025 – Riverhead Lodge will hold its annual Summoned Communication. This Summoned Communication is a rollcall as well as reports from all committees are to be presented to the lodge and spread upon the minutes. So, this means all committees please submit your reports. If you cannot attend this summoned communication, please make sure your committee report is sent to the Secretary prior to the meeting.

On Feb 4th, 2025, we will be opening and closing and heading over to Amityville Lodge for their DDGM visit. We’ll discuss the logistics at next Tuesday’s meeting.

On Feb 18th, 2025 – This is Riverhead Lodge’s Official Visit of the DDGM & GLSO to our Lodge. There will be a short rehearsal for all officers prior to the 18th. Please know your opening/closing ritual without any books or written material. If we need to brush up on that we can do that during the DDGM rehearsal.

I am currently planning a 3rd degree either late March or early April.

Finally, for those who like to donate Blood to the NY Blood Center I have agreed to 3 more dates for them to hold Blood drives at the Lodge. These will be announced as soon as I get a bit more information.

All dates and events are posted in several locations, the Suffolk District BAND, Riverhead Lodge BAND, Riverhead Lodge website, and Suffolk District Website. If you need the addresses for any, please let me know and I’d be happy to get them to you.

Again, may you and your families all have a Happy and Healthy New Year. See you in 2025!

Fraternally,

V:.W:. Bill Arnold

Master

Riverhead Lodge #645

December From the East

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Brethren,

As the year draws to a close and the holiday season begins, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have accomplished together in 2024. It’s been a year of growth, learning, and brotherhood, and I am truly grateful for each of you and the dedication you bring to our Lodge.

As we approach the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and the opportunities that lie ahead. I’m excited about the future of our Lodge, and I look forward to continuing to work with each of you to make 2025 another successful year of growth, service, and brotherhood.

Wishing you all a wonderful December filled with warmth, joy, and fellowship. May the holiday season bring peace and happiness to you and your families.

Fraternally,

W:. William Hanson

Worshipful Master

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From the East December-February 2024-25

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Brothers,

2024 is coming to a close in less than 30 days. Hard to believe the Masonic season is almost half over. Lots of activity within Riverhead Lodge lately and just about all of it good. We have been busy up in the Lodge room with full renovations of the Lodge. If you haven’t seen it yet, well you should come out to a meeting and have a look, it’s spectacular. With that a huge thank you goes out to all the Brothers involved in getting this done. Bro. Ezra Fife did a wonderful job on the ceiling and W:. Charlie Monte getting the lights and sound done. There are many others to thank and still more work to do. The outer room will also be done eventually as well.  We are also looking at getting a plan together for the kitchen. Mainly to have better organization and storage in the kitchen.

We’ll be conferring the Fellowcraft degree tonight, Tuesday, December 3rd on 3 Entered Apprentices, dinner will be 6-7:30 PM.

December 17th will be a Table Lodge downstairs; members may dress casually and wear those coveted “ugly Christmas sweaters” for the meeting.

Saturday, December 21st will be the Tri-Lodge Christmas/Holiday party. It’s Riverhead Lodge’s turn at bat for this party and we have secured a visit from Santa to deliver toys for the boys and girls that attend. this will be from 10-2 PM so a holiday brunch menu will be offered.

The official Visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, R:.W:. Robert Licata to Riverhead Lodge #645, will occur on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025.

I am planning on running the Master Mason degree sometime late March or early April so please keep a lookout for that announcement.

Finally, my brothers I would like to thank all the members of Riverhead and Peconic Lodge’s for all the help and work that has been done in and about the Lodge in the last few months. It is a great pleasure to work with you all.