Potunk Lodge No. 1071 turns 100

 

 

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.

 

From the Editors Desk December 2025

Brothers:

As the holiday season is officially here, I want to wish happy holidays to all the Brothers and their families, and take a moment to reflect on what this time of year truly means. As we get busy with family, shopping, parties, and all the festivities, let us also remember those Brothers who may need a bit of brotherly love—a phone call, a visit, or simply a friendly check-in with someone we haven’t seen in a while. Our Fraternity is rooted in charity, support, and the bonds we share, and during the holidays it’s important that we not forget those among us who may need a helping hand or a warm reminder that they are not alone.

As we look ahead, I wish each of you a healthy and prosperous New Year. Let us take this time to reaffirm and re-acquaint ourselves with the timeless Tenets of Freemasonry—Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth—so that we may continue to grow both as men and as Masons in the year to come.

W:. William Vasilios Mountzouros

The post From the Editors Desk December 2025 first appeared on Smithtownlodge1127.

From The South December 2025

As we roll into December we see the bulk of 2025 quickly receding from view behind us and the

holiday season fast approaching. To me, the Brotherhood experienced during our recent

Thanksgiving collation helped clearly mark the start of the season (a “shout-out” to W:.Matuszak

for his fine culinary expertise!). And with three newly minted Brothers joining our ranks in

Smithtown 1127 as EA, I am truly looking forward to seeing them advance through their degree

work during the coming year on their way to becoming Master Masons.

Fraternally,

Dominic J. Ciardullo (JW)

The post From The South December 2025 first appeared on Smithtownlodge1127.

From the West December 2025

Congratulations to our new entered apprentices and with the younger people coming in, we could start building the bottom half of our line. It’s always nice to see younger people coming into the craft and brightens up the future of our Lodge. Also congratulations to the effort that was put out on our Thanksgiving feast and hopefully everyone had a great time.

S W Stu Smith

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From the East December 2025

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

The post From the East December 2025 first appeared on Smithtownlodge1127.

Call For Relief

With permission from WM:. Bill Friedman:

Attention all! Our holiday party is all set and we are calling on you to attend and help a Brother and his family.

Jephtha will be holding raffles at the holiday party- for $20 you get a raffle ticket for a chance to win a “block” (3 bags) from our “Wine Wall”, gift baskets and more. Bring a bottle or gift card and receive a ticket.

All funds will be donated to the family of Charles Williams to support Amber and her battle with stage 4 cancer.

Come down and enjoy the parade, holiday cheer and as always, the Jephtha fun we are known for- AND help a worthy brother at the same time. We are still taking coats and toys for tots (unwrapped under the tree) as well.

We will also have a Care Calendar for home support as well- more information on that soon!

From the Editors Desk November 2025

Brothers,

I hope this communication finds you well. As we approach the season of giving thanks, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families for a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

For our second meeting of the month—the night before Thanksgiving—I’ll be continuing my tradition as Master Barkeep by bringing a special bottle of bourbon on the house for all witch will include a special holiday toast.  It was a big hit last year, and I’m looking forward to sharing a new updated toast again with all of you.

May this time of gratitude remind us of the many blessings we share — the bonds of brotherhood, friendship, and service that unite us as Masons.

Fraternally yours,

W:. William Mountzouro

The post From the Editors Desk November 2025 first appeared on Smithtownlodge1127.

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)

The post From the South November 2025 first appeared on Smithtownlodge1127.

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

The post From the East November 2025 first appeared on Smithtownlodge1127.