From the South November 2025

From the South

The month of November typically conjures-up thoughts of the Thanksgiving holiday – traditionally a time to get together with family and friends to reflect upon the blessings in our lives. As Masons we are even more fortunate, in that we need not wait for a holiday; we have the opportunity to gather with our Brothers twice a month at Smithtown Lodge. In fact, pick a day of the week and you’re bound to be able to find a Lodge to visit somewhere within the Suffolk (or  Nassau) Masonic Districts. All you need to do is show up and there are brothers to welcome you with a smile and open arms – now that’s something to be thankful for!

Fraternally,
Dominic J. Ciardullo (JW)

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From the West November 2025

My brothers I am excited about the upcoming 1st degree and having new additions to the Lodge. Just a word to the brothers that will have parts in the degree that they diligently study said parts to make the degree experience the best that the new candidates can witness. Again, the district team is getting down on all lodges that there are not to be books open or tablets open, and everything should be committed to memory. I know this issue has come up before, but there are lodges in the district that are not adhering to their wishes. Other than that, keep safe brother and see you at the next meeting.

S W Stu Smith

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From the East November 2025

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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Masons of Jephtha Lodge Collect Food Donations- Thank You Huntington!

On Saturday, November 15, members of Jephtha Lodge No. 494 F. & A. M. met at ShopRite in Huntington, NY. Their goal, to collect grocery’s from shoppers that would be donated to Helping Hand Rescue Mission, a local food pantry.

From the hours of 9am to Noon, the generous community of Huntington filled 11 shopping carts to the brims with food items and 26 frozen turkeys. Shoppers even donated gift cards to be handed out at the mission.

Immediately after the food drive they loaded donations into several vehicles and delivered all directly to Helping Hand Rescue Mission. Volunteers at the mission stated “This was an absolute record for Jephtha”.

ShopRite located at 225 Broadway, Huntington Station, NY 11746

A huge thank you to Huntington ShopRite and the community for their support. We would like to remind everyone that donations are needed year round, not just during the holidays and encourage everyone to help food insecure families in our community.

New 2025 EA Class!

Congratulations to Jephtha Lodge’s new Entered Apprentices. Brought to light with almost 40 others in attendance. We look forward to their success and advancement in the craft. 

3 New Entered Apprentices of Jephtha and the brothers who brought them to light

Jephtha Lodge Celebrates the Holidays!

Please join us in celebrating November 29th with the Town of Huntington, NY as the towns Holiday tree is lit. Tree lighting ceremony at 5pm with the parade to start directly after.

Jephtha Lodge will open doors at 3pm and will be open to members, their families and invited guests.

Pot luck tables will be set out, please bring a dish, appetizer or desert.

*The town will close several streets and intersections due to the parade, we suggest you park early to avoid getting towed. *

Huntington Mason’s to Donate Veteran’s Help Line Bench to Town

Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth to Accept Veteran’s Help Line Bench from Huntington Mason Organization

Mason’s create and donate bench to Huntington Veterans to help combat PTSD and Suicidal ideations.

 

Huntington, NY – Supervisor Ed Smyth, the Office of Parks and Recreation and the Huntington Town Board will host a photo opportunity with the Huntington Mason’s as they dedicate a “Battle Within” Veterans Bench at the John J. Flanagan Center to Support Veteran’s and their fight with PTSD issues.

 

The bench will feature a plaque with a Help Line number affixed to it, encouraging Veterans to seek help with PTSD issues and any suicidal ideations.

 

The press event and photo op will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM at the Flanagan Center Main Entrance adjacent to bus drop off/pick up area.  (Not the red awning).

 

Supervisor Smyth, the Town Board and members of the Masonic War Veterans Post will be on hand for a photo opportunity and to thank the Mason’s for their support of Huntington Veterans.

 

Event Details:

WHAT: Huntington Mason Org. Dedicate Veteran Help Line Bench to Town

WHEN: Thursday, October 23, 2025

TIME: 4:00 PM

WHERE: 423 Park Avenue, Huntington

(Main Entrance adjacent to bus drop off/pick up area.  Not the red awning.)

Jephtha Lodge #494 Among First to be Recognized as “Gold Lodge of Excellence”

At this years District Deputy visit by RW Robert J Licata, Jephtha Lodge #494 was presented the Gold Lodge of Excellence award.

This program created by the Grand Lodge of New York is to recognize lodges that meet certain criteria and are awarded points by hosting social activities, masonic education, communication, community service, administration and travel. Each category has a value of points to give a total score. A score of 90 or more is awarded “Gold”.

Certificate of Gold Lodge of Excellence
Banner to hang in the lodge
RW Robert J Licata presents W Bill Friedman the award
Brothers in attendance of the District Deputy visit 2025

October 22025 From the Editor’s Desk

Brethren,

As the leaves begin to change and the crisp air of autumn settles in, we are reminded that October is a season of reflection and preparation. Just as nature prepares for winter, so too should we, as Masons, prepare ourselves in both mind and spirit for the labor ahead.

This month, let us renew our commitment to our obligations and to one another. The bonds of brotherhood, like the falling leaves, remind us of the cycles of life and the importance of standing together through every season.

I encourage all Brothers to attend lodge this month and take part in our work. Whether it be ritual, fellowship, or lending a hand to a Brother in need, your presence strengthens our chain of union.

May we continue to labor in harmony, always remembering that our light shines brightest when we share it with others.

Fraternally yours,

W:. William Mountzouros

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October 2025 From the South

I would like to congratulate all the Brothers in the Medford Square Club for a very successful Oktoberfest this past weekend! The MSC provided a fun and inviting backdrop for their fund-raising party by arranging the hall in a Biergarten-style layout, with authentic German food and beer selections. A significant number of our brothers rose to the occasion by dressing in lederhosen and Bavarian Alpine hats and engaging in “traditional” toasts and song, making it extremely easy for the rest of us to get into the spirit of Oktoberfest!

Just one more example that “many hands make light work” – and oftentimes great fun as well!

Fraternally,
Dominic J. Ciardullo (JW)

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