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Happy Independance Day to all!

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Brothers and friends,

Happy Independance Day! As we celebrate the birth of our nation this July 4th, please take a moment to remember all those who conceived of and brought forth this great nation. The sacrifices made and lives lost in achieving our independence.  Enjoy the festivities and always give thanks to the brave men and woman who built this country.

In just a few weeks we will be having out Lodge BBQ and just before that, a Summoned Communication of Riverhead and Peconic Lodges jointly. The Communiation will commence at 10 am and the BBQ will kick off at 12 noon. Hopefully we’ll have a lot to celebrate as our two lodges come together in unity.

I am looking forward to seeing many members of both lodge and their families at the BBQ and enjoying the day.

From the East July 2024

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Brethren,

I am deeply honored to have been installed as the Master of our Lodge, and I look forward to leading us through a year of growth, fellowship, and Masonic enlightenment. As we embark on this new chapter together, I am deeply mindful of the profound responsibilities entrusted to me as your Master. I am committed to upholding the values and traditions of Freemasonry and our Lodge, and I am grateful for the support of each one of you in our journey ahead.

The Spirit of Independence

As we approach the celebration of Independence Day, it is fitting to reflect on the profound connection between Freemasonry and the birth of our nation. Many of the Founding Fathers, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock, were Freemasons. Their Masonic values of liberty, equality, and fraternity greatly influenced the principles upon which the United States was founded.

One particularly poignant story is that of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The room was filled with tension and uncertainty, as the act of signing this document was an act of treason against the British Crown. John Hancock, a prominent Freemason, was the first to sign. He boldly wrote his name in large, clear letters, declaring that he wanted King George to be able to read it without his spectacles. His bravery and commitment to the cause of freedom exemplify the Masonic virtues of courage and integrity.

As we celebrate this July 4th, let us remember the contributions of our Masonic brethren to the founding of our nation. Let their example inspire us to live by our Masonic principles and to strive for a more just and equitable society.

Final Thoughts:

Brethren, as we gather to celebrate our nation’s independence and continue our Masonic journey together, let us renew our commitment to our values and to each other. I look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming events and working together to make this a memorable and successful year for our Lodge.

Fraternally yours,

William Hanson Worshipful Master

The post From the East July 2024 first appeared on Smithtownlodge1127.

The Master’s Installation Address

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Brothers I wanted to share the address with all of you in case you could not attend the Installation of Officers of Riverhead Lodge #645 on June 18, 2024. I hope this message finds you well and ready to enjoy the Brotherhood and Fraternity. Please look to the calendar and the Riverhead Lodge BAND for all the latest happenings at the Lodge.

June 18, 2024

 

Distinguished East, Brethren All, good evening,

 

Tonight, I stand before you enormously proud to be your Worshipful Master and I thank the Brethren of the Riverhead Lodge for entrusting me with the Mastership. I think we all know that there’s a weight of responsibility that comes with the office and over the last few weeks that responsibility has been weighing on my mind and I sometimes find my feelings bouncing from elation to trepidation and I expect they’ll probably find an equilibrium somewhere in the middle as the year progresses.

 

Considering that I have been in the East 3 times previously to tonight, I still have this nagging feeling of not being quite ready for this. I can say that I will always look to the Past Masters of Riverhead Lodge for advice and guidance. They are the ones who know what they’re doing – the really distinguished practitioners of the arts and mysteries of Masonry, some of you, more of a mystery than others.

IPM

First, I want to thank the Immediate Past Master, W:. Bro Bobby Abel. You presided over a great term in the East last year with your all your efforts. W:. Abel will certainly understand when I say, he ran a tight ship.  Thank you so much for all the hard work you put in and it was such a pleasure watching your commanding performance. It is Brothers like W:. Abel that are truly the reason Riverhead Lodge is such a strong and well-respected Lodge.

Officers

To my officers this year, whom I’ve already thanked for taking up their offices, all I can say is that I could not want a better band of brothers. I know that each of you is equally committed to doing well and supporting each other. That makes it so much easier for me; I have only to settle back and relax into an enjoyable routine. A big thanks again from me to all my officers this year. A special word of thanks to Bro. Dominic (the younger & elder) and Bro. Pete for the wonderful meal this evening.

 

 

So, who am I in this stage of Masonic career?

Having spoken about the Lodge, I come back to the question of what this point in Masonry means for me. Well, practically everything I know and have experienced about Masonry has been shaped and molded by the Brethren of two Lodges, both Potunk and Riverhead, many from both Lodges are here with us today. So, Brethren what I know, I know from you and what brought me to you was at first a curiosity, then growing interest and then a fraternal bond of brotherhood based on our shared values of goodness and decency. Just as my mother brought me into this world, so my mother lodge, Potunk Lodge, and by means of adoption, Riverhead Lodge has welcomed me into the fellowship of brothers who strive to do good and be good in their endeavors. Those who know me will understand the adoption reference.

 

Masonry has changed me for the better, which means that you’ve changed me. That we learn a great deal from each other is something I’ve come to appreciate more and more. The universality of Freemasonry is surely embodied in the fact that our learning inside a lodge never stops. From a practical perspective I’ve also come to know that the same conduct we follow and apply inside our Lodge can also be applied in the profane world outside the lodge. Trying to make my dealings with others level and square gives me a frame of reference which my involvement in Masonry continually reinforces.

Charity

But we are not here only for the purpose of socializing and enjoying each other’s company. We believe in doing what we can to promote and support the charitable purposes of the Lodge. Our charity this year will continue to benefit many, like the clients of Maureen’s Haven and others.  I know that the Brethren, within their means, have already given generously and will continue with their time, talents and treasure.

Social Events

Let’s turn to what we’ve got planned for the coming year. I’d really like to extend my thanks to all of you who have been involved in the planning. As usual, our W:. Bro. Dominick, assisted by other officers, has kindly taken the lead and already set up some events. We have our Christmas brunch with Santa. We also have our Lodge BBQ and the tri-Lodge Pig Roast, led by W:. Mike Sokel, which have always proved a popular success in past years. And the event I’m particularly looking forward to is a potential Robbie Burns Night and feast/festive board which is being planned tentatively for January next year. There will be other events in the offing. As you may have heard me say, I can’t stand group texts so please watch the Riverhead Band for updates.

 

 

Inviting members to become more active

One last thing, Brethren. I want to also thank our brothers of Peconic Lodge, soon to be members of Riverhead Lodge, for all that they do and are doing for Riverhead Lodge and its beautification. I am looking forward to seeing how the Lodge room looks in a few months.

This reminds me of something. I remember a Masonic Temple that had some structural damage after a bad storm. The lodge was forced to rent conference room space at a local hotel and banquet hall to hold their stated communications in. About 4 months later a man was checking into the hotel while the Lodge was holding one such meeting.

He asked the clerk, “What’s going on with the guy in a tux with a sword?”

The clerk told him, “The Masons are renting the room to hold their meeting while their building is being repaired.”

The man responded, “Masons…I’ve heard of them. Aren’t they hard to join?”

The clerk responded, “They must be. That guy has been knocking on the door for the past 4 months, and they still haven’t let him in.”

 

Concluding remarks

In concluding this address, I wish to give my personal thanks to all the Brethren who have brought me into Masonry, encouraged me along the way and helped me in reaching the chair, even if it’s for the 4th time, but who’s counting right? If I mess up during this year – and I’m bound to say something either out of turn or crass – forgive me in advance. If I somehow mess up the lodge workings, I know you will continue encouraging me, whilst whispering wise council, pointing me in the right direction. Kind of like that fourth “point” of a circle.

 

My wish for the year

Finally, my Brothers my wish for this year. Let our Lodge be a lodge that shines its Light as does that bright Morning Star that rises in the East and brings us peace and whose warmth will undoubtedly preserve the harmony of our Lodge. May we come together as a true band of Brothers and when we return to the quarries in September, hit the ground running.

Greetings from the East, February 2023

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Greetings Brethren,

Happy February!

As Worshipful Master, and as a past officer in other chairs, I had, and still have, many events, practices, degrees and travel to other lodges during this Masonic year. Without an understanding wife, these commitments could not have been fulfilled since she has sacrificed her time to do the things I should have been doing – giving up time with family and friends so I could spend time with my Brothers, and not being able to take my daughter to her various events. To my wife, Miranda, THANK YOU! To my daughter, thank you for your understanding.

To the lovely partners in our lives, who without their love, understanding and support of us Masons being away enabling us to fulfill our Masonic duties several times a week, a grand THANK YOU! We Masons wish you a very happy and well deserved Valentine’s Day. It is an honor for us to call you our partners.

Brothers, please embrace this day with your significant other, kiss them as you kissed them for the first time. Mine was walking in the rain to Greenwich Village on an unusually warm February evening in 2001. Tell them how much you love them. I did a few months after our first kiss, in May, in front of my mother’s tree on Mother’s Day. Remind your significant others of these significant moments and embrace them.

I would also like to remind everyone we celebrate Presidents Day this month, and we can call 14 of them Brothers. George Washington was the first Masonic President followed by James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, James Polk, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, James Garfield, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, Warren Harding, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Gerald Ford. Although not a Master Mason, Lyndon Johnson was an Entered Apprentice, and it is rumored Abraham Lincoln was scheduled to be initiated as an Entered Apprentice the Monday after his assassination.

Without mentioning any of the words or penalties of the three obligations taken to become a Master Mason, I would like to discuss what obligation means to us. The foundation of Freemasonry is built after we take our Entered Apprentice obligation, changing our titles from Mister to Brother. A candidate now becomes a member of the oldest, caring and brotherly fraternal organization in existence. He now has a stronger tie to the Masonic Brotherhood. This is even more so when a Brother brings in a friend and he also becomes a Brother. Their relationship has changed for the better and they are bound by stronger ties than ever before.

Although the obligations are mandatory to become a Master Mason in all three degrees, it is taken under free will. These obligations insure we are held to a higher moral standard, where a Brother can form friendships with other Brothers without worrying about being defrauded, wronged or cheated. This bond means a Brother can be trusted to help you if you are in need, as you would help him in doing the same. He is also obligated to care for widows and orphans. This obligation is sworn in front of the assembled brothers of the Lodge and is a promise from us all that we will continue to hold and honor Masonry to the highest standards possible. This is an agreement we made not only to the Craft but also to the Lodge, with our hand on the Greatest Light ever, the Holy Bible, or whatever other Holy Book you believe in if you are a non-Christian. In this way, we respect all religions and beliefs. As you promised in each obligation, which is the goal of every Mason, our path is toward the light so it becomes stronger and brighter each day.

My Dear Brothers, remember the promises you made while taking your obligation and always live life as you promised. Remember, the darker it gets the brighter your light must shine.

We mourn the sudden passing of our dear Brother, Frederick James Meuser, who laid down his Working Tools suddenly on December 18th. At the request of his family, we honored his memory with a Masonic Funeral Service. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Cathy, his two daughters, Catlin and Christy, and his entire family.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W:.M:. Michael S Crispino, Jr

The post Greetings from the East, February 2023 appeared first on Jephtha.com.

Greetings from the East – January, 2023

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GREETINGS FROM THE EAST

Greetings my Brothers,

Happy New Year, and I wish you all good health, joy and Brotherly Love in 2023.

Reflecting on my role as Worshipful Master in 2022, it made me think of what responsibility entails. Merriam-Webster defines it as: “…the quality of being responsible, such as a moral, legal or mental accountability; reliability, trustworthiness; something for which one is responsible: burden.”

Since I was 10 years old, I’ve had obligations. I hated delivering newspapers on a cold, snowy day at 5 AM, but it was my responsibility to do so. At 14 I worked my entire summer at a gas station, 12 hours a day. I took 2 buses to the Bronx since that was the only place that would hire me at that age. I hated the pay, but I still did the job to the best of my ability since that was the agreed upon wage. With devotion came reward. My unemployed friends didn’t have what I was able to buy, and all that was due to my responsibility to my job. Even though it was not the best job in the world, it made my life easier and nicer.

After these experiences, I was more appreciative of jobs that came afterwards. At 18 I left the gas station and started working for UPS, a union job which provided me guaranteed raises, benefits, and a pension. That job led me to my current position while earning my master’s degree full-time. Thirty-two years later (with 4 promotions), it’s a job I love, all thanks to the foundations of accountability I had developed earlier.

I have always taken my duties to heart and do the best I can. As a Mason, isn’t that what’s expected? As an officer I was sometimes unable to make certain events since I was working as a first responder on a rotating shift, but I made it a point to miss the fun occasions in my life so that I could attend important Masonic affairs.

As Worshipful Master I am in charge of our Lodge, which is to make sure that polices I put forward benefit the Lodge not only during my term, but in the future. This is certainly true with my Wardens and Deacons since my actions will affect their terms. Add to all of this, numerous officers’ meetings.

As Junior Warden it was not immediately possible to cook for my Brothers during COVID and lockdown. That ended in February. In the meantime, I decided to make my newsletter articles lengthier than previously to compensate for the lack of our meeting in Lodge. With time this became something I love to do and one of my agreed upon responsibilities in which I take great pride.

One of the joys of a line officer is to pass on my knowledge quietly to an officer moving up, as I have also done at work. I always pull fellow Brothers and fellow workers aside when a basic question is asked that is done daily or often and speak to them in a low voice so that others don’t hear me, preventing embarrassment. Others in charge may find this a burden and become unkind to those who may have erred.

In Lodge, I have made errors in the roles I’ve held, and Brothers have whispered to correct me since they felt it was their responsibility to tell me in a low voice what had gone awry. They also told me what a good job I had done even when mistakes were made. Isn’t that what learning is all about, trying something new and perhaps erring along the way? Being a Mason is making a responsible commitment to the Craft, doing everything possible to make what we do as perfect as possible. But if minor mistakes occur, we should remember an honest attempt was made and best of luck next time.

Responsible commitment means showing up for practice, studying, working out difficulties yourself, asking for help when needed, and embracing our agreed upon assignments. For me as Worshipful Master, that means writing monthly articles for this newsletter, having substantive communications, visiting other lodges, and representing our Lodge so that its light shines brightly.

As we advance in the different officers’ chairs, responsibilities grow. The Senior Deacon is one of the greatest responsibilities when performing degrees. He has to coordinate what positions need to be filled months in advance, set up practices, meet and greet visiting Brethren, and lead the candidates/Brothers on their next Masonic journey. This is the make-or-break seat for a Brother moving up the line. I loved this chair when I held it, but there were also nervous and trying nights when presenting degrees.

With responsible commitment comes growth, an inner, satisfying beauty as well as accomplishment. Your lines may not always be perfect, but it is the attempt that counts because you are meeting your deadlines responsibly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help but be afraid of not meeting your commitments. Most important of all is to never undermine anyone, maliciously or with false kindness, or say to him, “This isn’t the way it’s done.” It’s unfriendly and unwanted. In this case a brother should show Masonic Brotherly Love and say to this Brother quietly and as an aside, “I’ve been down this road before. Do you need help from me to help you get to where you need to go?”

Never do I address any of my Brothers as “friend.” That is unworthy when speaking of our Brothers. When I see or address a Brother it is always as, “My Brother.” When I went to hear Brothers Anthony Colonna and Walt Willems’ band play, they introduced me to the lead singer, and she asked if we were friends. I said, “No, I am their Brother.” She didn’t understand at first, but it became clearer when I told her we were all Masons. The word “Brother” is used with pride, and it is our responsibility to do so because we all fulfilled the same obligation and proficiency when we became Brothers.

I would like to thank all my Brothers for accepting their commitments and responsibilities, and for all you do to improve your lives and our Lodge. Let us remember in fulfilling our own responsibilities to help those who may need help in fulfilling theirs, and to do so quietly, with Brotherly Love.

Always remember, it’s up to each one of us to continuously show how brightly our light can shine.

Sincerely and fraternally,
Michael S Crispino, Jr

And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.
Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926), Austrian poet and novelist

The post Greetings from the East – January, 2023 appeared first on Jephtha.com.

Important update from W:. Peppaceno

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Brothers,

 

On behalf of the Worshipful Master, Dominick Peppaceno:

 

The 1st degree that was planned for Tuesday, Nov. 1st, will be postponed to another date to be announced soon. The Lodge will open and close on Tuesday, November 1st and we’ll proceed to the Funeral Service for our departed Brother Jerry Shaw from there.

 

Details on the funeral service will be sent as soon as they are received.

 

Fraternally,

 

V:.W:. Bill Arnold

Jr. Warden

Riverhead Lodge #645

Sad Tidings – V:.W:. Boysie Singh laid down the Working Tools of Life

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Brothers,

It is with a heavy heart that I relay the news that V:.W:. Boysie Singh, Past Master of Potunk Lodge No. 1071, laid down the working tools of life and has passed upward to that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

May the GAOTU hold him in his hands. The Secretary will send out arrangements when they are available.

Please keep his wife Terry and their three daughters in your thoughts and prayers.

Successful 1st Degree

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Brothers,

I am pleased to say we did a pretty well done 1st degree last night and I am very happy with all that participated from the start and at the last minute fill in.

Our new Brother, Bro. John Umina was initiated last night and a big congratulations to him.

Several members of our own and sister lodge filled in (some 10 minutes prior to start) to make the degree work and they did and awesome job. Challenges are meant to be overcome.

To add to it all, we discovered lake Potunk beginning to form in the collation room towards the end of the degree and W:. Dan jumped in and grabbed the shop vac and suctioned up all the flood waters while most of us were in tuxes and too pretty to assist. So big thank you to W:. Dan for stepping up with the vac and stepping in for the Q &As last minute.

Bro. Keith talked the apron presentation and did well for the first time out of the gate. Great work!

At our next communication we’ll present the Lecture of Reasons (whys and wherefores) for the benefit of our new EA. I will ask for 2 brothers to volunteer to learn and recite this at the May 6th Communication. If you would like to volunteer, please contact me asap.

Finally our Lodge elections are next month and there is a lot to do between now and then. After elections in May and Installations in June, we’ll have one more meeting before going dark for the summer. The Lodge really needs all members to step up and step in where needed to get through these difficult times. We’ll be looking to start doing fundraisers very soon so let’s get some ideas on the table and start planning as best we can.

Fraternally,

V:.W:. Bill Arnold

Master

Potunk Lodge #1071

The Light at the end of a tunnel

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Brothers,

Its been a lot of work and sometimes actually fun to have another round in the east. However the end of another Masonic season is almost upon us. June will be here before we know it. As my time as Master comes to a close and a new Master is elected and installed in my place, it is all of our duty to make sure that the Lodge is left better than we left it.

There has been a lot to discuss as of late in our Lodge and many changes both in our Lodge and out of it. I wanted to thank all the officers of Potunk Lodge that took the time and energy to keep things going and help keep the Lodge clean and open despite nobody using it between meetings. We must not slack off now as the end of season will see more changes and the Lodge being rented for occasions and parties again soon.

Our upcoming Lodge elections, just over a month away at the time of this writing. There is a lot to contemplate and the new Master elect will have quite a bit to do. We must support and assist whomever occupies the East with all our fervency and zeal.

June will have us installing the Master Elect and his Officers, most likely in a tiled installation, not by choice but by mandate. Then hopefully we’ll have our strawberry night on the last meeting in June and with luck maybe we can have our families join us to enjoy the festivities.

So please do not give up just yet brothers, there is light at the end of the tunnel and a new beginning or journey for some.

I hope all are healthy, wealthy and wise and I see more and more brothers come out to Lodge to enjoy fellowship and human contact or interaction at least in the coming months.

 

Fraternally,

V:.W:. Bill Arnold

Worshipful Master

Potunk Lodge #1071

From the East for March 2021

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Brothers,

Well the year keeps marching on and weather changes have really added to the isolation and current state of hibernation. At least that’s he feeling I am getting. I hope you are all not getting too comfortable being away from the Lodge lately.

In the Grand Master’s message as of January 29th, all meeting restrictions are withdrawn with the following exceptions.

  • NY State guidelines on gatherings indoors still as of this writing limited to 50.
  • Masks still must be worn indoors and social distancing observed
  • Degrees are still under the COVID modified rules.

So in light of the lessening of restrictions, our next Stated Communication on March 4th 2021 will be in person and attire will be business. We’ll be meeting upstairs for this one and there is very good reason for this. In just a few short weeks really, the Lodge will be holding elections and hopefully investiture and Installations. Our Jr. Officers really need to be back in the Lodge and practicing their ritual so they can take the reins and keep the Lodge running into the future.

I hope to bring as many back into Lodge as possible, since 50 at a meeting is unheard of, I’ll gamble that we do not come near that number, although it would be really cool to see it. Freemasonry will endure and so will Potunk Lodge and we need officers to know the work and be able to take the lead.

I have high hopes that by April we’ll be able to begin planning some fundraisers to try and get back to assuring the financial future of the Lodge as well.

I truly hope all are healthy and doing well and can come out and be with your Brothers in a Lodge setting and enjoy human to human interaction and enjoy true Brotherhood.