Like Father, Like Sons

/in , , , , /by

By W:. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA

Father and son Worshipful Masters is a rare occurrence in masonic lodges. In 2020, Jephtha’s own W:. Richard Harris is the son of W:. Rod Harris, Past Master of Jamaica No. 546. But to have a father and his two only sons all elected as Worshipful Masters has only happened with one family in the long history of Jephtha Lodge, and it began one hundred years ago in 1920.

Robert K. Toaz, first superintendent of the Huntington School District.
Robert Kennedy Toaz

Robert Kennedy Toaz was master of Jephtha Lodge No. 494 starting in January 1920. Born on August 23, 1869 in Rochester, New York, Toaz spent a lifetime in public education that eventually led him to become the first Superintendent of the Huntington Union School District in 1906.

At the University of Rochester, he was a member of the Delta Psi fraternity before graduating in 1893, earning a master’s degree at Columbia University and studying at the Albany’s College and Clark University.

Toaz‘s  professional career included heading the science department in Canandaigua for one year, assistant principal in Waterloo for four years, and an additional four years as a high school principal in Marion, New York. From 1899 until early 1906, he was principal of Oxford Academy and Union School, before moving to his next and final stop in Huntington and started as high school principal and superintendent of the Huntington School District in February 1906.

Robert K. Toaz Junior High School in 1938

From his earliest days in Huntington, Toaz took on several responsibilities, including teaching English and Math and coaching the high school football team. He helped expand Huntington from a one wooden school building to a district with a modern new junior high school at Huntington Station and five grammar schools. During his tenure, new schools were constructed including School Street School (aka Station School, 1906), Halesite (aka O’Hara Street School, 1908), Huntington High School (1908-09), Woodbury Avenue School (1923-24) and the Lowndes Avenue School expansion (1927), which was renamed Roosevelt School in honor of the late President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt’s widow Edith and youngest son Archibald attended the dedication ceremony.

Oxford No. 175 met on the third floor of Oxford National Bank, where Robert K. Toaz was raised a master mason in the early 20th century.

Toaz retired as principal of Huntington High School in 1930 and as superintendent in 1933, a few months after he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the New York State College of Teachers. After his “retirement,” he served as vice-president of the New York State School Master’s Association. Several months before his death in 1938, ground broke on a new Huntington Junior High School on 300 Nassau Road. The school was renamed Robert K. Toaz Junior High School in honor of the former superintendent, the first Junior High School in Suffolk County and a state and national leader of education of students in grades 7-9 in the decades that followed. The 11-acre campus officially closed in 1982 and was rented and later purchased by Touro Law School. In 2007, the law school sold the building and today is the home to the School of Mahanaim.

Toaz was raised a Master Mason in Oxford No. 175 in the town of Oxford near Binghamton, New York and affiliated with Jephtha No. 494 in 1907 shortly after his relocation to Huntington. Toaz’s one year as master was a very productive term in the east. In October 1920, the pipe organ was dedicated. Formal permission was granted by Jephtha for two other masonic lodges to be formed in neighboring towns: Amityville No. 977 and Bethpage No. 975 in Farmingdale (now Bethpage-Hicksville No. 975).

Over 110 men attended the second annual outing at the Albert G. Milbank Estate, the first mayor of Lloyd Harbor. The event included a baseball game, tug of war, 100-yard dash, 50-yard dash for “fat men,” potato race, blindfolded boxing match, swimming match and dinner.

His participation in the local community did not end with Freemasonry. Toaz was also a charter member and President of the Huntington Rotary Club; President of the Board of Trustees of the Old First Presbyterian Church; chairman of the Suffolk County Boy Scouts; member of the board of directors of the Huntington Hotel; trustee of the Heckscher trust which administered the Heckscher Park and art museum; and member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Huntington and Trust Company with several other Jephtha past masters.

John C. Toaz

Robert K. Toaz was alive to see his oldest son, John Clark Toaz (1904-2000) ascend the east of Jephtha Lodge in 1937. A graduate of Harvard Law School, John C. Toaz was a member of the Berman & Toaz Law Firm and Justice of the Peace in Huntington and was President of the Suffolk County Bar Association for several years.

Robert T. Toaz

John’s younger brother Robert T. Toaz (1912-1984) was elected Worshipful Master of Jephtha in 1949. Robert was a long-time appointed musician at Jephtha, sitting behind the organ for over 20 out of 33 years from 1950 until 1983.

A member of the Toaz family has been a member of Jephtha Lodge for 93 years until the passing of John C. Toaz in 2000, far exceeding the period of another local Toaz legacy.              

“We at Toaz will be faithful, loyal, brave, and true;
We at Toaz will be faithful to the gold and blue.
Shoulder to shoulder, this we proudly cry;
Always onward for our school: Toaz Junior High.”
Robert K. Toaz Junior High School alma mater song (1938-1982)

The past masters apron of W:. John C. Toaz, presented January 10, 1938

The post Like Father, Like Sons appeared first on Jephtha.com.

Tracing the Fraternal DNA

/in , , , , , /by

By W:. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA

Over twenty-five years ago, I started researching my family tree. In the mid-1990’s, online databases filled with thousands of scanned documents were not available online. A genealogist had to travel to downtown Manhattan to the National Archives, scroll through reels of microfiche just to find the index number of a possible match to the actual Federal or State Census page. To obtain a birth, marriage or death certificate, a dedicated researcher would travel to the Municipal Archives and research again via indexed microfiche before possibly obtaining a certificate.

Depending on when it was recorded, a census page is filled with valuable information, including occupation, birthplace, language, home value, salary and parents’ birthplace, while a birth, marriage or death certificates include additional information, including birth and death date and place of burial.

The Evergreens Cemetery, Brooklyn. Among the missing headstones is the grave of Peter Sanger

While these valuable records retain a treasure trove of important information, they never include any data if an ancestor was a member of a fraternal organization. If you are lucky, maybe a masonic square and compass can be found on a long-forgotten headstone, or a worn relic was preserved by nostalgic minded older relatives. But chances are, most of these artifacts were discarded by descendants who did not appreciate who their ancestor really were.

My maternal grandfather was a Knight of Columbus for many years. I have his gloves and sash in my archives, but sadly, he was mugged in the early 1980’s and forever lost his beautiful ring. I never heard any tales of great grandfathers who were masons or any other fraternal society.  My fraternal heritage began and ends with him.

Or so I thought.

Peter Sanger’s death certificate, October 2, 1887

I recently signed up for an interesting online database that has a large collection of digitally scanned newspapers dating to the late 18th century. The website is searchable, and despite not being perfect, it led to me some new discoveries with my ever-expanding family tree.

One of my 2nd great grandfather’s was born in Whitechapel, Middlesex, England on July 21, 1845. Although both his parents were of German descent and only stayed in England for six years, Peter Sanger’s national pride was toward his birthplace of the United Kingdom. His devotion to Queen Victoria and his homeland was told to me by his granddaughter, my great-aunt, to the point that he would proudly argue with anyone who would listen, that England would one day regain control of the American colonies.

I was able to obtain Peter Sanger’s death certificate many years ago, which includes his premature death at the age of 42 on September 29, 1887 on the second floor of 297 Stagg Street, East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. The location was a mystery to me, as the Sanger family lived on 41 Stagg Street, and his parents Cornelius and Mary were living on 41 Leonard Street. There were no other records of 297 Stagg Street that I could locate, so any leads on his death location went cold.

In the “Secret Society Matters” section, which reports on the “Doings of Brooklyn Lodges and Councils,” of the Saturday, October 8, 1887 edition of the Brooklyn Times Union, an interesting paragraph buried in the second column piqued my interest.

The regular meeting of Progressive Lodge No. 339, I.O.O.F. (International Order of Odd Fellows) was conferring the third degree on five candidates on Thursday, September 29, when Brother Peter Sanger, suddenly became sick and passed away one hour later. The funeral already occurred on Sunday, October 2 by the time the article was published, with many of his brothers in attendance.

Based on his death certificate, I knew Peter Sanger passed away of a cerebral apoplexy, also known as a stroke, which can lead to a sudden death. There was no other Peter Sanger’s living in Brooklyn with the same age, based on an extensive search of census and directories.

Was the lodge meeting held on the second floor of 297 Stagg Street and was my 2nd great grandfather a dedicated Odd Fellow who passed away on the night of a meeting? I have concluded that my long-forgotten ancestor was indeed a dedicated Odd Fellow, devoted to his lodge meetings until he took his last breath.

Brooklyn Times Union, October 8, 1887

In many ways, it is comforting to learn that this man was surrounded by his concerned and caring brothers almost 133 years ago, and not dying alone. His last thoughts were probably of concern for his wife and seven children, including my great grandfather Charles. Peter Sanger died too young, but he left behind a legacy that includes several generations of hundreds of descendants. I would like to think that the two of us share our common DNA that has brought us together in similar fraternities over a century apart.

Postscript

When I continued to read about the other fraternal meetings held in the autumn of 1887, yet another piece of information caught my eye. Joseph Irwin, Past Commander of Huntington Council No. 1176, was appointed District Deputy Grand Commander over the councils in Suffolk, Queens and Richmond counties. Could this be the same Joseph Irwin, raised as a Master Mason in 1871 in Jephtha No. 494 and was Master of the lodge in 1884-1885? That story is for another day…

The post Tracing the Fraternal DNA appeared first on Jephtha.com.

From the East Summer 2020

/in , , , , , /by

Due to the ongoing situation and the Grand Master’s edict, the Lodge has been holding “unofficial meetings” on ZOOM for any member who would like to participate. If you would like to be included in the Riverhead mailing add yourself to the Riverhead All members mailing list.

You can find that here -> Riverhead Lodge All members Mail List

Just add your email and each time the Master, Secretary or officer sends out and email of relevance to all members you will get a copy.

 

Stay Safe and Stay healthy.

Masonic Safety ID Training

/in , , /by

Brothers there is a Masonic Safety ID Training at Babylon Lodge #793 on Match 7th 2020

Please see the details on the Suffolk District BAND or here -> Suffolk District Website

 

The post Masonic Safety ID Training first appeared on Smithtownlodge1127.

Message from the East

/in /by

Hello My Brothers,

Hopefully this email finds everyone is good spirits and great health. Our masonic year is nearly half over and already we have achieved quite a bit. Next month we will be performing our 2nd degree of the year, the degree of Master Mason. We will be raising (2) worthy brothers into our lodge and fraternal fabric. To say we have been blessed with a dynamic group is an understatement. Our lodge is diverse and together we continue the traditions which have been in place for over 100 years now. I would like to especially take this moment to thank our Fellowship Club for the activities that they continue to host which keeps our lodge a fun place to be for all of our families… If you come to our lodge on a Monday night you will be met with Brothers from Connetquot and welcomed into our quarries… we encourage everyone to come out and see what is happening. This is a great time to be a Mason, come down to the lodge and enjoy the brotherhood and fellowship. Attached is our current trestle board. I hope to see everyone soon.

Sincerely,
W∴ Mario G. Pironti
Connetquot Lodge, No. 838 F&AM

Message from the East

/in /by

AIM OF DESIGN: growth through introspection and retrospection from esoteric and exoteric ideas and principles veiled by Masonic symbolism.

As the summer comes to an end, we brother Masons return to a place representing that beautiful temple with its winding stairs and magnificent Chambers and resume our labors as such. We will promote Freemasonry in a proactive manner and do good for others which makes ourselves better. We always hear the expression which claims that “Freemasonry makes good men better”. I would tend to say that instead, “Freemasonry gives good men the tools to become better”. This year we will have discussions to have the individual brother reflect on masonry and himself while enjoying the valued opinions of others. There are so many ways to educate in Freemasonry that it will be hard to pull back every veil in detail.

Let us ponder this question: how good is it to have access to the best tools of the world, if we do not know how to use them in an applied way to show ourselves, that the wages we receive from our beloved craft are plentiful? We must actively use MENTORING as an important key to having successfully raised brother’s flourish and become leaders in the lodge (as well as in society) and Pay It Forward, not only for the growth of the future of the craft but for himself. He will be the light that leads the way, he will be the pillar of strength for the Prospect and newly-made Masons and he will guard the gate ensuring that to the best of his abilities, will be able to carve and make his true mark on the beautiful life he is creating by the outline of the master designer.

I strive to bring our fraternity, district and lodge closer by using our mutual recognition with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge 4th District to build a stronger Masonic network and promote brotherly love, education and most of all FELLOWSHIP. I believe there are things to learn from each other as well as concordant bodies of our beloved craft. I urge brothers to come down to the lodge to visit and meet the new brothers and prospective men that will soon petition. Traveling my brothers is also an important right and true privilege we as Masons need to do more within and out of our lands. it helps us use our customs and courtesies and as to establish friendships and form relationships in and outside the lodge.

With zeal and love for the craft,

W∴ Anthony Walsh

Suffolk #60 Cigar Dinner

/in , /by

Saturday October 27, 2018 – 7pm

60.00 perspn

includes premium Cigars

Prime Rib Dinner, including roasted potatoes, asparagus, pumpkin pie desert, tap beer, wine, soda, and coffee.

Cash bar available

RSVP Chris Connolly 917-749-3967   email – cigardinner@suffolk60.com

 

The post Suffolk #60 Cigar Dinner appeared first on Suffolk Lodge #60.

From the Secretaries Desk Sep-Oct 2018

/in , , , , , , /by

Brethren,

Looking forward to seeing you all for another great Masonic year. I hope the the summer kept you all well, and that you all enjoyed all that we had on our beautiful island.

Fraternally Yours,

Bro. Peter J. Psyllos

Secretary

From the East Sep-Oct 2018

/in , , , , , /by

Greetings from the East,

My Brothers I hope you are enjoying your summer. I want to thank all the brothers and our families, for all the help making our barbecue a success. It was great to see everyone and our children enjoying the day. We even had a guest appearance from our very own Jewish cowboy Bro. Meyer Segal. I want to thank the Great Architect for holding back the rain so that we could enjoy a wonderful day of fellowship.

I want to thank Bro. Wayne Lossee for putting together an evening at the lodge and for discussing Masonic values. I all in attendance enjoyed it.

I think it was a great idea. Beginning in September I plan on opening the lodge on the second Tuesday of each month allowing you my brothers to come to lodge and discuss any topics you would like. It is also and opportunity for any brother who would like to work on ritual or learn the chairs.

Looking forward, we will confer the Fellowcraft degree September 18. Starting time will be 7 PM. We will be hosting in conjunction with Dongan Patent Lodge #1134, the Apron Presentation for our own R:.W:. Matthew Dinizio, DDGM R:.W:. Kevin McCauley. Looking forward to seeing all my brothers in September.

Fraternally Yours,

W:. Daniel Dunbar

From the West Sep-Oct 2018

/in , , , , , /by

Aug. 22, 2018 – The North Star program is having a class for all Brothers going to the East. The class is required to become Master.

Sept. 4th, 2018 – Our first meeting of the year. This meeting will be a “Rusty Brother” night. Come and recollect what you need to remember for the Lodge (in case you are a bit rusty on the opening and closing of the Lodge).

Sept. 18th, 2018 – We will be hosting a Second Degree for 2 Brothers from our Lodge and 2 Brothers from Peconic Lodge. Please make and effort to be there.

We had a great turnout for the BBQ! Thank you all who attended. Enjoy the rest of the summer and stay safe. See you in September!

Fraternally,

R:.W:. John Findlay