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Annual Suffolk District Dinner

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Brothers,

The 2026 Suffolk District Dinner is quickly approaching on April 17th. This is the premier event for all Masons in the Suffolk Masonic District and beyond. This year, we have made many adjustments to the event, including the menu and the quality and quantity of meals, as well as the program for the evening.

This year, as it should be, it’s all about the members of the Suffolk Masonic District and all the hard work we do as a District in the Jurisdiction.

Please join us for a celebration of all the Brothers of the Suffolk Masonic District and enjoy the Fellowship.

Tickets for the District Dinner will go on sale soon, and while you wait, you can put your name on the list and be notified first when the ticket sales open.

2026 Suffolk Masonic District Dinner

We ask all in the Suffolk Masonic district to purchase a ticket or a table for the event and fill the Polish Hall and show your Suffolk Masonic District pride.

Individual tickets are $60 and a table of 10 will be $600. If purchasing a table, the purchaser and/or secretary of the Lodge will receive and attendance sheet after purchase that will need to be returned to collect all names of table ticket holders.

 

Click here for the Suffolk District Dinner flyer -> 2026 Suffolk District Dinner Flyer

 

Potunk Lodge No. 1071 turns 100

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Free and Accepted Masons

         114 Montauk Hwy, Westhampton, NY

 

100 Years of Spreading Friendship, Morality, and

Making Good Men Better Men!

 

In 1922, twenty-three merchants, tradesmen, and civic leaders took to Flanders Road twice a month to attend the Masonic Lodge in Riverhead.  Traveling during the winter months was arduous.  The cold weather and rutted roads re-inspired those dedicated Westhampton Masons to Petition the Grand Lodge of NY to Charter a new Lodge.

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New York issued a Warrant to those petitioning to form “Potunk” Masonic Lodge to be numbered as the One Thousand and seventy-first Lodge in the Jurisdiction of NY.  The area of influence the new Lodge would have was from the West at “The Mastics” to the East as “The Ponquogue Road” in Good Ground (later to be known as Hampton Bays), and to the North adjoining the borders of Riverhead Lodge.

The presentation of the Charter, dated May 6th, 1926, by the Grand Master on 5 June 1926, was long remembered by the over 400 brothers who were royally entertained at the famous Banquet Hall at the Howell House.

On April 11th, 2026, we will have a rededication ceremony at our building at 114 Montauk Hwy, Westhampton at 12 noon, followed by a Gala dinner at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches at 6 PM. As part of this historical event, we are offering listings in a commemorative journal to businesses and friends. Please find attached a list of the available options. Should you wish to purchase individual tickets at our gala dinner, you can do so via this link> Potunk Lodge 100th Gala

You can download the printable Journal Ad request here -> Potunk Lodge Journal Ad request

Or purchase Journal Ads online at: https://potunklodge.org/100th

Please note that we have a due date of March 15th, 2026, for journal ads.

 

Baal Bridge Square

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Baal’s Bridge Square was discovered in the excavation of the foundations of Baal’s Bridge, in the City of Limerick, November 1830. This has led to much discussion of the origins and antiquity of Freemasonry. The topic has come up more than once regarding the question of how old Freemasonry is exactly. The truth is nobody really knows. Across the mists of time, we catch fleeting glimpses of our ancient brethren and try to locate them in history, then ‘woosh’ it disappears.

One such glimpse comes from Ireland. The city of Limerick decided that the old Baal Bridge needed to be rebuilt, and it began the arduous work of taking the old stone bridge down to the foundations. While excavating the foundations, the workers came across a curious piece of metal that had been purposely placed in the northeastern corner of the foundation stones, next to the northern pier (north-east corner).

Since they could at least identify the rough shape as a builder’s square, the Freemasons were keenly interested. The object was severely corroded, but after careful cleaning, a rubbing was made. Before this, on examination, the date was put at about 1517; after closer examination, the ‘Square’ bears the date of 1507. This is 210 years before the formation of the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster (AKA UGLE).

Engraved on the Square:

Baal Bridge Square

 

 

“I Will Strive to Live With Love & Care” Dated: 1507 (Obverse) 

“Upon the Level By the Square” (Inverse)

 

 

 

Due to the location, it was found and the inscription on the square, I’d say this was strong evidence that we are keeping the traditions and rituals of our Operative brothers alive and well.

You can read the original reporting on this artifact, which appeared in the Masonic Magazine known as “The Builder”, first in 1929. In 1930, additional information and some new facts were published by Bro. J. Hugo Tatsch.

 

Don’t forget to check-out upcoming Masonic or District events on the Events Page.

More on what is a “Square”:

What does the square symbolize?
The square symbolizes stability, order, balance, and the earthly or physical realm due to its equal sides and right angles, contrasting with the dynamism of shapes like the circle. Its meanings include solidity, steadfastness, justice, and the completeness of material reality, with variations across cultures representing cosmic order (Hinduism), permanence (Native American religions), or even the celestial palace (Buddhism).

General Meanings

  • Stability & Order: 

    The rigid geometry of a square provides a sense of firm foundations, order, and stability, making it a common symbol for permanent structures and stable societies. 

  • Balance & Equality: 

    Its equal sides and perfect symmetry represent balance, uniformity, and fairness, reflecting a dependable and static perfection. 

  • Material & Earthly: 

    In many traditions, the square symbolizes the physical world, the tangible realm, and the fixed nature of matter, as opposed to the infinite nature of the circle which represents the spiritual or heavenly. 

  • Completeness: 

    The four equal sides and right angles are seen as representing a complete and self-contained form, often associated with completeness or divine order. 

Cultural & Religious Symbolism
  • Buddhism: The square represents the vastness and enlightened aspects of a celestial palace and also touches upon concepts of fixed and unfixed forms, hinting at the nature of emptiness. 
  • Hinduism: It signifies cosmic order and the balance of opposing forces. 
  • Islamic Art: The square represents the physical world and materiality, standing for human consciousness and its relationship with the divine. 
  • Native American Religions: The square embodies permanence and a safe, grounded place. 
  • Christianity: It symbolizes divine order, the perfection of God’s creation, stability, and justice. 
Other Symbolic Uses
  • Freemasonry: 

    The square is a key symbol, often paired with compasses, representing the need to “square our actions” and keep within moral boundaries. 

  • Chinese Culture: 
    A circle within a square is a symbol of “Heaven on Earth,” representing the divine within the earthly realm. 

The District Golf Outing is BACK!

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The District Golf Committee is excited to announce that the Suffolk Masonic District Golf Outing is back!

You can purchase your Single, Foursome, or Dinner only tickets right here:2025 Suffolk District Golf Outing

Registration Opens @ 9:30 am – Shotgun Start @ 11:00 am
West Sayville Golf Course, West Sayville, NY2025 Suffolk Masonic District Golf Flyer
– 18 Holes of Golf & Cart, Driving Range
– Lunch & Beverages at Registration
– Awards Dinner & Open Bar
– Raffle Prizes
SUPPORTING LI VETERANS’ PROGRAMS!
$200.00 – Per Player
$700.00 – Per Foursome
$75.00 – Dinner Only

Click Here for the West Sayville Golf Course info

Not a golfer? You can easily contribute to the success of this year’s golf outing by being a sponsor.

Visit the SuffolkMasons.com shop to take a sponsorship: Click here for the Suffolk District Shop or see below 

Some Golf History:

Golf originated in 15th century Scotland from games involving hitting a ball with a club on sand dunes. The first rules were written in 1744, the 18-hole round was established at St. Andrews, and golf’s global popularity grew in the late 19th century, leading to the formation of governing bodies like the USGA and the R&A.

Early Origins
  • Dutch Precursors:

    Some historians believe the origins of golf can be traced to games played in the Netherlands, such as “culf” or “kolf,” which involved hitting a ball with a club. The Dutch word for club, “kolve,” is thought to be the linguistic root of the word “golf”. 

  • Scottish Development:

    The modern game of golf developed in 15th-century Scotland, starting as a simple pastime of hitting a pebble over sand dunes with a stick or club. 

2025 Suffolk District Golf Outing Sponsorships

Who doesn’t love a Pig Roast and Chicken BBQ?

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Riverhead-Potunk Pig Roast

Riverhead and Potunk Lodges are joining forces to host an EPIC Pig Roast and Chicken BBQ. All Proceeds to benefit Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach. Tickets will be $35 (advanced sale) or $45 at the door. Come on down and enjoy some delicious BBQ roasted pork, BBQ chicken, with all the sides and fix’ns. Beer, soda, and water included. We’ll have some good music and family fun!

Why pay more when you can get your advanced tickets for less?

Buy Tickets now

Click the image in the box above to get your tickets to this year’s Annual Dual Lodge Pig Roast & Chicken BBQ. Slow roasted and succulent. Who needs fast food when you can have delicious chicken & pork roasted with care.

Join us on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, from 2-6 PM for some of the best BBQ anywhere!

Riverhead & Potunk Lodge Pig Roast

All Proceeds to be donated to Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach. Help us to help others!

More about Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach -> https://maureenshaven.org/

LIPMA’s Summer Soiree a HIT!

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The 2025 LIPMA Summer Soiree was a great hit this year. With about 200 in attendance, the hall was full and with W:. Florio and his band are filling the room with great sound and music, what could be better? Well, if you missed it, there’s always next year. I could barely finish my dinner as there was so much food to eat during the cocktail hour.

The weather held out until after we went inside for dinner, so nobody got wet before dinner. What can one say about the food at Lands End Caterer? It was excellent and had good portions.

The honorees of the evening were the outgoing Masters of the District Lodges. I have been on that merry-go-round a few times, so I can say it was nice to be recognized for the hard work that all the Masters put in.

Our Grand Master, M:.W:. Steven Adam Rubin made an appearance at the Summer Soiree, as did the Deputy Grand Master, R:.W:. Robert Hogan and several members of the Grand Line. It was a pleasure to have them there with us for the evening.

A few images of the 2025 Summer Soiree

  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!
  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!
  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!
  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!
  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!
  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!

The 2025 Bus Demolition Derby at Riverhead Raceway

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Brother and Friends,

The 2025 Bus Demo Derby

If you have not been to one of the Bus Demolition Derbies held at Riverhead Raceway, well, you are missing out on a really fun event. W:. Scott Schelin puts this event together and goes to extraordinary lengths to make sure it is a fun and enjoyable event, even more so for the 2025 Bus Demo Derby. He also acquires the bus(s) and organizes the prep and paint party at his facility in Cutchogue each year. This past party included amateur wrestling and food, and fun for the entire family. We can say thank you enough to W:. Scott, for his efforts in putting all this together.

So, like I was saying, the night is a fantastic way to spend a Saturday evening. This year, the stands were full, and a great crowd came out to watch the different races and the cap off of the night, the bus demo derby.

I didn’t get as many pics or video as I would have liked, but there were so many members of the Suffolk Masonic District there that we took over most of the Grandstands. So, others sent me some pics and video to include.

Next year will, I am sure, be even better. If you plan on coming out and you or someone in your party is noise sensitive, bring headphones or earplugs, as it can get loud.

In the end, the Suffolk District bus got off to a slow start, but I suspect the driver may have just been playing possum and, towards the end, came to life and dominated the infield. The Suffolk District bus came out on top as the last bus moving to win the Derby.

2025 Bus Demo Derby

Images and Video

The video below was stitched together from cell phone video, so the framing, quality are not the best, but will get better. Riverhead Raceway in Riverhead, NY, is a great track and has been racing there for 75 years, and is going strong.

For more Suffolk District events, see the Events Page.

A video of the 2025 Bus Demo Derby

2025 LIPMA Summer Soiree

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Brothers & friends,

The 2025 LIPMA Summer Soiree

By the time you see this, the 2025 LIPMA Summer Soiree will only be 3 weeks away. In past years, the LIPMA summer dinner was a more formal affair with everyone in tuxedos or dinner jackets and ladies in long dresses and gowns. It was also held in a catering venue more used to hosting these types of formal events. In the past few years, the Executive Committee of LIPMA moved the event to its current venue, Lands End Caterer in Sayville, NY. The venue also hosts many weddings and formal affairs but also lends itself to more relaxed events. So, about 3 years ago, the committee decided to relax the dress code.

This year, the LIPMA leadership has set the theme of this year’s 2025 LIPMA Summer Soiree, as it’s now known, to honor the outgoing Masters of the Suffolk District. As it’s just as important to support the new incoming Masters, it’s equally important that we give those Masters stepping down the “at-a-boy” they deserve for a long year or more sitting in the east and running the lodge. Most times, this is a thankless job.

So here comes the sales pitch: Support your Lodge and the Worshipful Master of your Lodge, and purchase your tickets. In case you hadn’t heard, the Suffolkmasons.com website has been reset onto a professional e-commerce host and is now fast and efficient. The ticketing system is improved and smooth, and quick, whether one or 50 tickets, no additional input is required except your payment. So please consider purchasing tickets for you and your significant other, or even friends and family. The event is open to all.

As a separate plug, the District Community Tickets system “Hiram’s Tickets” is now fully revamped, debugged, and tested. Log in to Suffolkmasons.com and create your event, input your PayPal e-mail when you create an event, and the ticket and payment will go to that e-mail with every 24-hour cycle. No need to calculate anything, you get the full ticket price. Additionally, the Suffolkmasons.com will promote the event and update the SEO to ensure it is showing in any online searches and added to social media. Full disclosure: LIPMA receives a fee for this service to continue the service. Support the LIPMA and the District, and use the ticketing system. If your Lodge or organization does not have a PayPal business account, you should create one for this purpose. Please contact me if you need advice or assistance in completing this.

Get your Tickets Today!

Click here to purchase tickets – > 2025 Summer Soiree Tickets

Or, if your Lodge would opt to purchase a whole table (10 tickets), contact W:. Nick Montanino @ 631-278-8500. He will direct you where to send the check for $750 for the 2025 LIPMA Summer Soiree.

What I would not do is wait until the day of the event and just show up. If you do, you will need to pay more at the door. Not to mention that it is kind of rude.

So, what’s next, after you have bought your tickets or a table? Get on your best summer casual attire (no shorts or sandals please) and be at Lands End on July 14th at 6 PM for Attitude Adjustment hour. Have some laughs with Brothers and friends, and enjoy the evening and the delicious dinner.

Summer 2025

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Brothers,

Summer 2025 officially begins on June 20th. For one reason or another, we ‘go dark’ during July and August. I have heard the myriad of reasons why. However, when a Lodge is active and thriving, it seems to me at least, to break the momentum of the progress a Lodge is making. There have been some interesting conversations happening on the interwebs on this very subject.

When lodges ‘go dark’ over July and August, I at least can count on the many events that Lodge, and the District will hold over the summer. If you weren’t aware, there are several BBQs, possible fishing trips, The LIPMA Summer Soiree, The Bus Demolition Derby, just to name a few. Most of the planned events are family events, so time with family over the summer is not lost.

Some of the events you may see put on by lodges or the district are fundraisers for the hosting lodge or to benefit local charities, etc. So, it’s important to stay connected to your brothers during the summer months. Attend Lodge and District events as much as your cable tow allows. You could be greatly assisting a Lodge in their efforts, or at the very least be social. There is a lot to be said for just being social, especially in the last decade or so, as we watch social traditions slowly fade with the advent of social media and the internet.

Get out there, meet with your brothers, brothers you have not met yet and take part in spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection, that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of friends and Brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, save that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree.

That being said, head on over to the EVENTS page and see what’s happening around you in the District. You can also check the Suffolk District BAND, as the same events are listed there.

The District Website has moved

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Sometimes you outgrow things, so you have to adapt and move if necessary. The District Website, suffolkmasons.com, has moved to a new host. Realizing that this may bore some, I’ll summarize as much as possible. As the District website grew and had more capabilities added to it, well, the old host (server) it was on just wasn’t delivering, but the price was right, so we kept it there. Continual tinkering with settings and apps to make it all work correctly and smoothly was a constant challenge.

There was a lot of feedback when it came to navigating and the functionality of the site. Finally, the decision was made to move the site to a more robust host that could handle all the functions and then some that we wanted the site to have. A full e-commerce host that was more responsive to support requests and able to handle the site the way we would like it to be.

It took about 2 weeks to complete migrating all and test, and reset functions, but it is now all complete. So, for those who are interested, here are some of the finer details.

  • The site is now hosted with WP Engine – A fully fledged e-commerce host
  • All Suffolk District BAND events are aggregated into the Suffolk District Event Calendar daily – https://suffolkmasons.com/events/
    • If you enter an event on the District Band Calendar, it will be ported over to the District Calendar on the website.
    • So, if you are not inclined to join BAND, you can always check the events calendar, and you will see all events there on a website instead of an app.
  • The Community calendar and community tickets have been updated, tested, and are completely functional.
    • This means you can log in, create events, sell tickets, and the payouts go to your PayPal account (it is recommended you set up a business account for your lodge or organization to use here, along with adding the tax ID of the entity for tax purposes). This is all automated, so you control the event.
  • PayPal – The site uses PayPal as its merchant service for the purpose of collecting and distributing payouts for tickets. However, nobody needs to have a PayPal account to use the service. If you choose to you can add your payment info securely to PayPal’s Fastlane service or not. If you choose not to, you can use the standard Credit/Debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, on an Apple device, Apple Pay to purchase tickets for an event. If you have a PayPal account, add your email on the FastLane, and it will fill in your details automatically.
  • Tickets in general – all should find the experience much quicker and smoother overall. Once a ticket is set on the site and open for purchase, click the number of tickets you wish and get tickets. We do set tickets with required info for each attendee, so if you are buying multiple tickets, a name and a unique email will be required for each. The tickets are sent to this email, and it allows the organizers to see the report on who and how many are attending.
    • We have added a new function called “Wait listing”. This can serve the purpose of alerting those interested in your event before tickets go on sale or when sold out, in case there is an opening or cancellation. you can see a sample of that in use here -> Potunk Lodge’s 100th
  • RSVPs – yes, I know among Masons this is a four-letter word. But you can add an event that is an RSVP and get an automated attendance list, and it’s free, with no fees attached. How good and pleasant it is for Brethren to respond to an invitation and let their brothers know they intend to come to their event!
  • District News – each Monday morning, an email will go to subscribers with any new event added the previous week, as well as any new stories/articles, etc. If you subscribed, thank you. If you want to unsubscribe, see the bottom of the email to do so, and you won’t get this anymore. Please don’t report as junk, as this gums up the sender service.

There is more to come, hopefully for the betterment of all. We are also looking for individuals to submit articles of interests to the District. You can type it up and send it to webmaster. Please include pictures and submit in Word document or similar so it can be parsed and not have to be re-typed.

The real purpose here is to help bring the District even closer to all. All in one place to get info, get tickets, help individual Lodges sell tickets to their events and ensure a smooth process for all of it. We hope you use the resource and take advantage of the technology.

We are always looking for feedback on how it’s going and any improvements or suggestions. Feel free to comment on post/events or send an email to the webmaster and we will see if we can change it or make it happen.

Coming Soon! – A more mobile friendly version of the website for those who only use their phone to check websites