May 2015 - masonic mason 132 Niagara Falls NY
Niagara Orleans District F & AM May 2015 Newsletter District Deputy Grand Master RW Robert L. Donovan (585) 317-7041) [email protected] Recently I was asked why we have customs? The ones we have are causing young men to not come to Lodge, they need to be changed. I found an address by Bro. Couch to the Grand Lodge of Missouri and here are some of his thoughts which address some of those concerns. “Every time I read of another custom it’s easy enough to understand why from a societal or organizational point of view. Our customs, whether societal or Masonic, teach us the proper way to behave. But, Freemasonry is also about improving ourselves as individuals, so there had to be more to these Masonic customs than merely learning proper behavior. There had to be hidden lessons, secret meanings. So, I began to dig deeper and some interesting things revealed themselves. Masonic Customs, to cast a wide loop, encompasses every public and almost every private interaction between two or more people. We’re going to break down these interactions and view them from a Masonic standpoint using the three steps delineated upon the Master’s carpet. On the third step, the top step is our Masonic ritual. When performed properly Masonic ritual is a beautiful thing. We use it during the Degrees to bring increasing amounts of Light to our candidates, and we use it to transmute the Lodge from one tiled state to another. Every word, every pronunciation, every enunciation matters; every step is measured and precise; every movement prescribed. At least that’s the way we do it in Missouri. I can only presume that’s how you guys do it as well. On the second step we have Masonic decorum. These are our ceremonies or demonstrations which, though performed in public, have specific rules or guidelines as to how we are to behave. These would include Masonic funeral services, the open Installation of Officers ceremony, the honoring of distinguished Brethren, and others. Although Masonic decorum has specific guidelines of behavior these guidelines are not fixed as is our ritual. They can be altered to suit the situation or circumstance. And then on the lower step we have what we will call our Masonic manners. These are exactly as they sound: saying please and thank you, waiting to be recognized before speaking, not interrupting while someone else is speaking, ladies first and monkeys last as my wife says. Basically, Masonic manners are the same manners that Mom and Dad drilled into you as a child, the same manners that in today’s increasingly casual society we witness less and less.” So, are customs important? Are they relevant? The answer my brothers, is that the customs are important and relevant in order to teach good men to become better. Grand Sword Bearer RW Floyd E. Koerner, Jr. (716) 417-0521 [email protected] As the first year of my appointment as the Staff Officer position is winding down, I look forward to preparing for the upcoming year. I look forward to assisting the incoming Masters of the Niagara/Orleans district to prepare for their year as Master of their respective lodges. The Master of the Lodge is the most important person to prepare their lodges to have a successful year. Being Master of a Lodge, a decision has to be made as to what type of Master you want to be remembered for. To assist the incoming Masters prepare for their year of rule, the Master's Chair Training Program has been scheduled for Saturday June 6, 2015 at the Hartland Masonic Temple in Johnson Creek at 9:00 am. To prepare for the training program, the Masters elect should have a tentative Trestle Board schedule for the meeting. This will allow the District Deputy, Staff Officer, and the Assistant Grand Lecturers to help you plan for the ensuing year as Master. Other areas to be addressed are as followed: Duties of Worshipful Master Organizational skills Communication Leadership development Lodge finances Masonic education Masonic Etiquette Meeting structure Preparing for Official Visits We look forward to the Master's Chair Training Program on June 6th in Johnson Creek. Grand Chaplain RW Benson A. Benton, Sr. (203) 626-8551 [email protected] The Harmony of the Heart The entire universe pulses with the heartbeat of creative power from the heart first formed in a newly incubated egg to the harmony of the heavens, a perception of the heart and soul. In the natural world we have the blending of the seasons with the adventure of continually changing days with, in the sphere of a concord master plan designed by our creator, which is symbolic of God’s loving heart in his plan for our comfort. In harmony there is continual oneness between the natural and spiritual world, within which we have the rapport for wholesome living. The heart is also a symbol of life, formed at its beginning and sustains us through growth and provides an opportunity to be implanted in us a living soul, whereby we are able to comprehend our blessings endowed upon us and live in a world of love, peace, and understanding. Suggested scriptures: Psalms 19 and 24 Ritual Director and Assistant Grand Lecturer’s Corner May 2015 Brothers, This month I would like to cover: HOW TO MEMORIZE THE RITUAL OR A LECTURE 1. Learn it paragraph by paragraph; do not attempt to learn too much at any one time. 2. Concentrate on the lecture. Try to be along, if possible, without distractions from family, television, etc. Keep your mind on the ritual or lecture. 3. Take sections in the proper sequence; do not skip around in learning different sections. 4. Spend as much or more time in reviewing material already learned, as in learning new sections of the ritual. Refuse to learn anything new unless you are fairly confident of your ability to deliver what you have already learned. 5. Practice what you have already learned during odd moments. For example, recite while driving your car, riding a tractor, walking. You will be surprised at the benefit derived from the odd moments which would otherwise be wasted. 6. Always recite your lines in the same manner never changing voice inflections or emphasis once you have decided how they ought to be done. So: prize how, and what, you say. 7. Some prefer to recite aloud when practicing; others prefer the silent method. Most prefer the former, but do what is easier for you. If reciting silently, always concentrate on what you hear in your own mind what the sentences sound like. 8. Strive for perfection. Only by trying are we able to limit our mistakes to a relatively small number. 9. As we are told in the third degree lecture, "Time, patience, and perseverance will accomplish all things." Brothers if you need help with and aspect of our ritual please call one of your AGL’S VW Peter Stein (716) 432-7751 [email protected], [email protected] VW JC Seefeldt [email protected] (585)590-9702 VW Erik Ricker [email protected] (716) 830-5384 Masters & Wardens 2nd Friday of each month @ Hartland Masonic Hall 6:30 pm dinner 7:00 pm meeting VW J.C. Seefeldt, President (585) 590-9702 [email protected] Discovery Group 2nd Thursday of each month @ Charlotteville Lodge No. 73 7:00 pm meeting RW Kevin King (716) 998-6589 [email protected] The topic for last month was customs. Read the article from the DDGM. This month we discussed how the seven liberal arts and sciences are in the order that they are. Next month the topic will be: Th e invention of the legend of the temple, Hiram A biff & the ruffians The invention of the legend of the temple, Hiram Abiff & the ruffians. Do your own research and bring to share. To: The Western New York Community of Brothers and Community of Friends The Frank A. Disinger Memorial Golf Tournament, put on by Red Jacket Masonic Lodge No. 646 will be held at Willowbrook Golf Course in Lockport, NY. Once Again, 100% of the proceeds will be shared by Niagara Hospice and the Masonic Shriners’ Children’s Hospital Transportation Fund. We ask you to join us in partnership to make this effort a success. Hospice is a way of caring for patients with end-of-life illnesses and supporting their family and loved ones through the illness and dying process. Niagara Hospice believes every day is a gift and they value quality of life for each and every patient. The Shriners Children’s Hospital provides no charge specialized medical care services to children in need. They also provide no charge transportation to and from the Shriners’ Hospital in Erie, PA. The vehicle fleet is in constant need of maintenance and servicing. The funds raised will be donated for this purpose. WILL YOU PLEASE PARTNER WITH US IN OUR CHARITY EFFORT? The ways you may partner with us are: 1. Submit a foursome for a round of golf at $100.00 per golfer 2. Become a hole sponsor for either yourself or your business. A sign will be placed in your honor/as an advertisement for your business at a tee box. Cost is $100.00 3. Make a monetary donation, or a donation such as gift certificates/baskets/prizes to be raffled away at the golf tournament. 4. Attend our post golf tournament dinner at $35.00 per person. All we welcome! The tournament is being held on Saturday June, 13th 2015 at Willowbrook Golf Course, 4200 Lake Ave. Lockport, NY. Tournament will start at 12:00 pm, please arrive at least a half an hour early for registration and lunch. $100.00 per golfer includes golf fees, cart use, lunch, beer and soda, and dinner. There will be contests you may enter as well such as; longest drive, closest to the pin etc. Dinner will follow golf at approximately 5:30 pm. The greater Masonic Fraternity has a long history of providing charity in our communities. Giving to charities is part of our creed. We thank you for your support in the past and hope that you will once again give your support for this year’s event. It is always a great day! Yours in Brotherhood, Patrick Bradley [email protected] 607-731-9693 (if you have any requests or questions) Charlotteville Lodge No. 73 2757 Main Street Newfane, NY 14108 Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 7:30 pm W Douglas Holland Worshipful Master (716) 628-5523 [email protected] April 15 first degree"edict degree" 7:30pm May 6th regular communication 7:30pm Returning from grand lodge Election of officers May 9th deliver flowers to widows for Mother’s Day 9:00am May 14th masonic study group topic well be the invention of the legend of the temple, Hiram Abiff & the ruffians 7:00pm to 9:00pm May 20th awards night 7:30pm to 9:00pm June 3rd installation of officers 7:30pm Renovation Lodge No. 97 39 Platt Street Albion, NY 14411 Meetings: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 7:30 p.m. W Gary Cooper Worshipful Master (585) 330-0369 [email protected] Did not receive an article Niagara LaSalle Lodge No. 132 9605 Colvin Boulevard Niagara Falls, NY 14304 Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 7:30 p.m. W William Beckwith Worshipful Master (716) 523-1755 [email protected] Good morning, as of right now we have our awards night scheduled for April 15th and a 3rd degree scheduled for April 25th. Not positive on times. Cataract Lodge No. 295 20 Main Street Middleport, NY 14105 Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays @ 7:30 p.m. W Joseph Massaro Worshipful Master (716) 628-5582 [email protected] Brethren, Ladies & Friends, FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION: APRIL 29, 2015 (A 5TH WEDNESDAY) WE WILL BE HOSTING A BROTHER-BRING-A-FRIEND PROGRAM THAT WILL START WITH A HAM DINNER SERVED AT 6:30 P.M. YOU WILL NEED TO SEND THE NAMES OF PEOPLE YOU WANT TO BE INVITED TO HERB KOENIG, 7 ORCHARD ST., MIDDLEPORT, NY 14105 (or by phone or internet) BY APRIL 13 SO INVITATIONS CAN BE SENT. REMEMBER: PLEASE INCLUDE NAMES, ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS. INVITATIONS WILL BE SENT BY APRIL 15 AFTER WHICH YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GUESTS TO SEE IF THEY ACCEPT THE INVITATION. ALSO ASK IF THEY NEED TRANSPORTATION TO THE LODGE HALL AND BE WILLING TO ARRANGE FOR IT. PLEASE NOTE THAT OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS OR FRIENDS INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT OUR FRATERNITY ARE ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND. Masons from other Lodges are also welcome with their guests. DATES TO REMEMBER: May 13 Lodge opens at 7:30 P.M. Election of Officers. Refreshments after the meeting. May 27 Awards and Ladies Night dinner served at 6 P.M. Ladies and friends invited. May 30 Conferring the Third Degree at Fort Niagara, a very impressive Masonic experience. June 10 Installation of Officers. Details TBA Lodge Family Picnic. Details TBA For Your Thoughts and Prayers: Wor. Bro. Bob Bush had a life-threatening experience in Florida on February 3 caused by a very serious infection in his lungs that affected his diabetes and Parkinson’s. He presently is recuperating at home; 75 Jesson Pkwy, Lockport, NY 14094. (716 434 7911) Bro. Lew Bell is still in the Batavia VA Hospital, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. His phone number is 716 374 3011 and would really enjoy a call from or visit by any Lodge Brothers. Afternoons and evenings are the best time to call or visit. Bro Kyle Pollworth is experiencing a financial crisis right now. If you can afford to assist him with funds or food, that would be greatly appreciated. He lives at 24 Park Ave. in Middleport, NY 14105. His phone is 716 735 4122. Fraternally, Herb Koenig, Cataract Correspondent Medina Lodge No. 336 PO BOX 49 229 West Center St. Medina, NY 14103 Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 7:30 p.m. W Alan Kozody Senior Warden (585) 798-4184 It is with sadness that Bro. Lee Roberts laid down the working tools of life. May 6th: Summoned Meeting—Election of Officers Thomas the Tank Engine: May 9th and 10th and May 16th and 17th th May 20 : Regular Communication Niagara Lodge No. 375 1 Cottage Street Lockport, NY 14094 Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays @ 7:30 p.m. W Jack Jennings Worshipful Master (585) 205-0141 [email protected] The new date for the First Degree is Wed. May 13th. Lodge will Open about 7:15 so that we can conduct the Election of Officers prior to the Degree. There is a scheduled rehearsal on Sat. May 10 at 8:00am. Ransomville Lodge No. 551 2553 Main Street Ransomville, NY 14131 Meetings: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays @ 7:30 p.m. W Robert Coulter Worshipful Master (716) 297-1790 [email protected] Isn't it great. No more snow and ice. April showers are starting to bring us our May flowers. Then before you know it summer will be here. Hard to believe , after the tough winter we had. Time to get out the fly rod and the trout flies. May 13 Business Meeting 7:30, Election of Officers May 27 Moving Up Night 7:30 Fraternally, Master, Robert S. Coulter Somerset Lodge No. 639 9201 Ridge Road Middleport, NY 14105 Meeting: 4th.Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m. RW Kevin Luckman, Sr. Worshipful Master (716) 550-2795 [email protected] Somerset Lodge News: April 28th - 1st. degree School of Instruction by VW Peter Stein, AGL May 2nd - May 6th - Grand Lodge Trip to New York City. May 15th - Ladies & Awards Night Dinner at Faith United Methodist Church in Barker, NY May 26th - Election of Officers RW Kevin Luckman, Master (716) 550-2795 Red Jacket Lodge No. 646 1 Cottage Street Lockport, NY 14094 Meetings: 1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 7:00 p.m. W Thomas Dalton, Jr. Worshipful Master (716) 866-2419 [email protected] April 2015 Brethren, Spring has sprung and I am looking forward to warmer weather. I want to thank everyone who helped make our Fellowcraft degree a huge success as well as mention what a great job our SWPaul Colley did sitting in the East. I also want to thank our SDGabe Spasiano and everyone who helped with our annual Table Lodge. This year we had around 40 brothers in attendance and everyone seemed to have had a great time. As a reminder, this month is our annual visit to Tuscan Lodge which will be on Saturday, April 18. Our Tuscan brothers are planning a degree and dinner will be provided. Please RSVP to our Secretary so we can get a head count on how many are going. Hope to see everyone in Lodge. Fraternally, WThomas Dalton Frank Disinger Golf Tournament This year’s Memorial Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 13th at Willowbrook Golf Course. The cost of $100.00 per golfer includes a cart, lunch and dinner. Dinner only remains the same at $35.00. Chairman Brother Patrick Bradley is looking for your participation, business sponsorships and donated prizes. Please do what you can to support this worthy activity, which in turn benefits Niagara Hospice and the Shriners Transportation Fund. 2015 Dues Red Jacket Lodge still has 21 brothers who have not paid their dues for this year. Are you one of them? If so, please remit your dues to the Secretary as soon as possible. Thank you. You need to have your dues card to enter Grand Lodge in May, as well as receiving any awards here at Lodge. Awards Night Red Jacket Lodge #646 will be honoring the following brothers in May. Please join us to recognize their many years in Masonry! 65 Yrs. 55 Yrs. 55 Yrs. 50 Yrs. 45 Yrs. 45 Yrs. 40 Yrs. 40 Yrs. 35 Yrs. 35 Yrs. RWJohn L. Newhard Bro. Gary B. Fitch WKeith A. Lasher WJohn D. Randolph Bro. William Flanders Bro. Richard A. Walker, Sr. Bro. Peter E. Gibson VWWilliam H. Winters WMark A. Cooper WJohn C. Cooper 30 Yrs. WScott D. Huntington 30 Yrs. WGeorge A. McKinney 30 Yrs. WKeith E. Stebbins 25 Yrs. WWalter E. Adams, Jr. 25 Yrs. Bro. S. Ronald Folmar 10 Yrs. Bro. Wayne L. Gould 10 Yrs. WJoseph Daniels 5 Yrs. Bro. Clifford D. Francis 5 Yrs. Bro. Robert C. Petersen Calendar: April 2 Regular Meeting Lodge Opening: 7:00 PM Dress: Sport coats May Red Jacket Awards Night Program Lodge Opening: 7:00 Award Program begins at 7:30 PM Dress: Sportcoats April 16 Regular Meeting Lodge Opening: 7:00 PM Dress: Sport coats April 18 Annual Tuscan Visit Depart from the Lodge at TBA May 30 Colonial Degree at Old Fort Niagara Picnic: 1:00 PM $10.00 3rd Degree: 5:30 PM $10.00 Cost: $10 for lunch $10 for the degree (Ft. Niagara) Social Lodge No. 713 1979 Kendall Road Kendall, NY 14476 Meetings: 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 7:30 p.m. W David Maslyn Worshipful Master (585) 319-2039 [email protected] Did not receive an article Niagara River Lodge No. 785 PO BOX 128 1001 South Street Niagara Falls, NY 14305 Meetings: 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 7:30 p.m. VW Peter Stein Worshipful Master (716) 432-7751 [email protected] May 2015 o The 2nd through the 6th if the Grand Lodge Trip o On the 4th the Fellowcraft Club is cancelled instead a practice for opening and closing for the Colonial degree at 7:00PM o On the 11th will be a Summed Communication our Annual Meeting at 7:30pm A dinner will be served at 6:31pm Reports Given Treasure Secretary Master o Grand Lodge Report o Lodge Report Election of Officers will be held o The 23rd at t 1:00pm will be the investiture of the Master Elect. Past Masters only can attend o The 23rd at 2:00pm will be the Open Installation of Officers o On the 25th No Regular Communication due to Memorial Day per our Bylaws o On the 30th of May is the Colonial Third Degree at Old Fort Niagara to get your tickets go to www.niagarariverlodge.com Gasport Lodge No. 787 9201 Ridge Road Middleport, NY 14105 Meetings: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 7:30 p.m. W David Patton Worshipful Master (716) 544-5785 [email protected] Gasport Lodge will host Eucher nite on the rescheduled day of April 21st at 7:30. There will be a pancake dinner at 6:30. We will also recognise past masters during the dinner. April 15th will be out annual visit to our Canadian brothers at Niagara #2, at Niagara on the Lake , Ontario, Canada. We leave Gasport at 5 pm. Social time is at 6:00, dinner at 6:30 May 5th, Move up nite, Master will be at Grand Lodge. lodge opens at 7:30 May 19, Election of officers for 2015 - 16 lodge opens at 7:30 June 2nd, Officer installations Sutherland Lodge No. 826 1400 Ruie Road North Tonawanda, NY 14120 Meetings: 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 7:30 p.m. W James Campbell, Jr. Worshipful Master (716) 930-7608 [email protected] April 13th Officers meeting 6:30 pm, Stated Communication 7:30 , program with McCullium Group April 27th Ladies Night and Awards Night. Banchetti's 5:00pm Social hour, Dinner 6:00 Four Brothers with 50 year award, musicial entertainment and magician May 4th Last day for Flower Orders May 11th Stated Communication , Election of Officers for 2015-16 May 16th Flower Sale 8:00 AM pick-ups until 4 May 25th Memorial Day , NO meeting , enjoy the Holiday May 30th Colonial Degree at Fort Niagara June TBA Installation of Officers Brothers don't forget about FLOWER SALE W;. James Campbell Camp Turk registrations are coming in strong but we still need your help to fill our summer camping slots. If you know of anyone interested in sending a child between 8 to 16 years of age to a sleep away camp, please share this information. Campers do NOT need to be related to a mason in order to attend. Our deadline for Camp Turk Scholarships is May 1st. If you know of anyone in need of assistance, please make sure they apply SOON! In order to receive an application, you must either call 315-392-2081 or email [email protected] Camp Turk Camp Turk will be holding a volunteer Work Weekend to clean the camp for the upcoming camping season on June 12th, 13th and 14th. Volunteers MUST register by calling or email us. Rooms will be available at camp (you will need to bring your own linens). We do have some room for RV's too. Light meals will be provided for volunteers. For further details, please give us a call. This is an adult weekend so no kids under the age of 16 please. CALL TO GRAND LODGE March 31, 2015 Dear Brethren: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 234th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York will be OPENED and TILED at Masonic Hall, 71 West 23rd Street, New York City, at exactly 9:00 A.M., on Monday, May 4, 2015, and will reconvene as TILED on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 9:00 A.M. at the same location. The Annual Communication is ONLY open to Members of the Grand Lodge of New York as defined under Section 102 of the Constitutions and invited guests and dignitaries who are Master Masons in good standing. Non-Masons, women and youth cannot attend these Tiled meetings in accordance with Masonic Law, Custom, and Ritual. SEATING WILL BE ARRANGED by Masonic Districts, with each District Deputy Grand Master assigned a seat with his respective District. Each District Deputy Grand Master, Grand Director of Ceremonies, Grand Steward, Grand Sword Bearer, Grand Chaplain, and Grand Lodge Committee Member must report to the Grand Lodge Committee on Credentials of Members and Returns of Lodges at Masonic Hall prior to the opening of EACH DAY'S session for attendance purposes and to receive their respective Ballot devices. The Grand Lodge Committee on Credentials of Members and Returns of Lodges will be in the Wendell K. Walker Lounge located on the first floor adjacent to the lobby of the Masonic Hall. Failure to have your attendance properly documented by the Committee on Credentials of Members and Returns of Lodges, may adversely affect your expense voucher and reimbursement. District Deputy Grand Masters will also receive their respective District's Annual Communication Welcome Packet containing essential forms, ballot devices and other Grand Lodge materials from the Grand Lodge Committee on Credentials of Members and Returns of Lodges. EACH LODGE, provided it is not ineligible under Section 324, of the Constitutions, will be entitled to representation by the Worshipful Master, or in his absence, by the Senior Warden or the Junior Warden, in order of precedence, or in the absence of all three, by a Proxy who shall be a Past Master with membership in good standing of the said Lodge and having been duly elected and certified IN ADVANCE, in accordance with the provisions of Section 106 of the Constitutions. An authorized Lodge Proxy Certificate together with four (4) Lodge Representative Credential Cards was mailed to the secretary of every Lodge during the month of March 2015. The completed Proxy Certificate must be received by the Office of the Grand Secretary no later than April 27, 2015. The delegate representing each Lodge must hand-deliver his validated Credential Card together with his 2015 Lodge Dues Card to the District Deputy Grand Master of his respective District in order to be allowed a seat and/or to receive a ballot device at the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. (Do not mail Credential Cards to the Grand Lodge.) If a Grand Lodge Officer or voting Member of Grand Lodge is representing his Lodge, he is entitled to vote ONLY ONCE as the representative of his Lodge and is prohibited by Masonic Law from voting again as a Grand Lodge Officer or Member of Grand Lodge. THE REPRESENTATIVE OF EACH LODGE and others eligible under Section 130, and Section 131, of the Constitutions will receive his entitlement of actual expenses of a sum not exceeding $25.00 for each day of the Annual Communication, and 10 cents for each mile necessary traveled to and from his Lodge's meeting place to New York City, by mail, following the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. Qualifying individuals may obtain a 2015 Expense Voucher from the Grand Lodge Committee on Pay of Members and Representatives on Monday, May 4, 2015 and Tuesday, May 5, 2015. Please note that the location of the Grand Lodge Committee on Pay of Members and Representatives will also be in the Wendell K. Walker Lounge located on the first floor adjacent to the lobby of the Masonic Hall. THE GRAND REPRESENTATIVES of other Grand Lodges near the Grand Lodge of New York will be officially welcomed as visitors (not as members and will not be entitled to vote or ballot) at the opening session on Monday morning, and should plan to be in attendance no later than 9:00 a.m. Those members of the Grand Lodge serving in elected offices will be seated in the East and those appointed to Grand Lodge Offices, Grand Chaplains, Grand Lodge Committee Members, and Grand Representatives of other Grand Lodges will be seated in accordance with the Official Seating Charts and Diagrams posted in the lobby, as well as being made available on tabletops located in the foyer on the third and fourth floors. Visiting Dignitaries and Permanent Members of Grand Lodge will be seated in the Grand East, space permitting. District Deputy Grand Masters and Lodge representatives will be seated in their respective District locations and areas, and the Grand Lodge Staff Officers will be seated in special assigned locations throughout the Grand Lodge Room (third and fourth floors). THE GRAND LODGE MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT is to be presented to a very singular and admirable Brother Mason by the Grand Master during the daytime Tiled Session of the Annual Communication on Monday, May 4, 2015. NEW PROPOSAL & REPORT: The Grand Lodge Committee on Finance recommends the passage of the following proposed 12-Month Fiscal Year 2015 - 2016 Budget of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York (June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016): Operating Revenue & Other Support: Fees & Dues Lodge Services (Net) Total Revenue & Support: $1,291,600 110,000 Operating Expenses: Annual Communication Print & Distribution of Proceedings Transition to New Grand Master Salaries and Related Costs Grand Lodge Office Expense Grand Lodge Officer's Travel Grand Lecturer's Costs Committee Expenses Insurance Retirement Assistance Other Masonic Endeavors Total Operating Expenses: Change-Net Asset Before Non-Operating Revenue and Other Support: $1,401,600 $175,000 20,000 21,000 840,584 170,947 125,800 38,000 179,950 108,500 0 71,500 $1,751,281 ($349,681) Non-Operating Revenue & Other Support: Investment Income $150,000 Grand Lodge Fund 3,000 Legacies 0 Other Income (Net) 197,600 Total Non-Operating Revenue & Other Support: $350,600 Change in Net Assets Grand Total Surplus / (Deficit) $919 $919 ADDITIONAL PROPOSITIONS: In accordance with Article XII of the Rules of Order, all additional propositions or business that members of this Grand Lodge may wish to bring before this body need to be received by the Grand Secretary within ten (10) days after the receipt of this notice. No question, subject or proposition ordinarily referred to one of the Committees of Grand Lodge [as listed in the Rules of Order] shall be acted on or considered by the Grand Lodge unless presented to the said Committee, except where otherwise ordered by a vote of the Grand Lodge. Additional propositions received in accordance with Article XII of the Rules of Order shall be printed and distributed at Grand Lodge time permitting. NOMINATIONS BY THE GRAND MASTER: THE GRAND MASTER, Most Worshipful William J. Thomas, will nominate: For confirmation as Commissioners of Appeals: R\W\Howard E. Bonsaing, for three years in place of R\W\ Alan Schlesinger, term expired; R\ W\ Joseph A. Quarequio, for three years in place of R\W\ John M. Leventhal, term expired; R\W\ Alan Schlesinger, for nomination as Commissioner Emeritus. R\W\ John M. Leventhal, for nomination as Commissioner Emeritus. For election as Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home: R\W\ Paul D. Reitz, for three years in place of R\W\ Paul D. Reitz, term expired; R\W\ Michael J. Siegel, for three years in place of R\W\ Werner H. Kniesel, term expired; R\W\ David P. Spencer, for three years in place of R\W\ Griffith Jones III, term expired; R\W\ Griffith Jones III, for nomination as Trustee Emeritus. R\W\ Werner H. Kniesel, for nomination as Trustee Emeritus. For election as Directors of the Corporation, the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory: R\W\David D. Goodwin, for three years in place of R\W\ Anthony V. Boccabella, term expired; R\W\ Virgilio S. Quijano, for three years in place of R\W\ John P. Chang, term expired; R\W\ Richard J. Miller, Jr., for three years in place of R\W\ Richard J. Miller, Jr., term expired; R\W\ Peter J. Samiec, for three years in place of R\W\ Peter J. Samiec, term expired; R\W\ Francesco Santoni, for three years in place of R\W\ Francesco Santoni, term expired; R\W\ David F. Schneeweiss, for three years in place of R\W\ David F. Schneeweiss, term expired; R\W\ Anthony Boccabella, for nomination as Director Emeritus. R\W\ John P. Chang, for nomination as Director Emeritus. R\W\ Edward S. Newsham, for nomination as Director Emeritus. For election as Trustees of the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge: R\W\ W. Bruce Renner, for three years in place of R\W\ W. Bruce Renner, term expired; R\W\Pierre De Ravel D'Esclapon, for three years in place of R\W\ Pierre De Ravel D'Esclapon, term expired; R\W\ Edward A. Chiani, for three years in place of R\W\ Edward A. Chiani, term expired; R\W\ S. Marlon Gayadeen, for three years in place of R\W\ S. Marlon Gayadeen, term expired; R\W\ C. F. William Maurer III, for three years in place of R\W\ C. F. William Maurer III, term expired; R\W\ Richard H. Eberle, for nomination as Trustee Emeritus. R\W\ Ronald W. White, for nomination as Trustee Emeritus. For election as Officers of the Masonic War Veterans of the State of New York, Inc.: R\W\ Donald R. Kunego, for one year in place of R\W\ Donald R. Kunego, term expired; W\ Robert T. Mantia, for one year in place of R\W\Michael J. Brzoza, term expired. R\W\ John P. Rowan, for one year in place of R\W\ William C. Bontemps, Jr., term expired. R\W\William J. Welsh, for one year in place of R\W\ William J. Welsh, term expired; Brother Brian E. Will, for one year in place of Brother Brian E. Will, term expired; AS OF MARCH 31, 2015, the following Brothers have announced their intention to run for elected office in the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of the State of New York: For the elected office of Grand Master: M\W\William J. Thomas For the elected office of Deputy Grand Master: R\W\ Jeffrey M. Williamson For the elected office of Senior Grand Warden: R\W\ Charles P. Uhle For the elected office of Junior Grand Warden: R\W\ Richard S. Morley For the elected office of Grand Treasurer: R\W\ Charles Catapano For the elected office of Grand Secretary: R\W\ Paul M. Rosen ON MONDAY EVENING, May 4, 2015, the Annual Grand Master's Reception and Dinner will be held at 6:30 PM at Russo's on the Bay located on Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York. COMPLETE DETAILS concerning hotel reservations, meals, and the Grand Master's Dinner were previously published in the Spring 2015 Issue of the Empire State Mason on pages 8 through 10, and are available from the Grand Lodge Convention Committee. For additional information, contact the Committee Chairman, R\W\Richard T. Schulz at telephone (917) 648-9859. Please make a note that the last day for making reservations is April 15, 2015. Thereafter, reservations will be made on a space available basis. THE ELECTION of Grand Lodge Officers will be the special order of business on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. It is anticipated that the Public Installation of the Grand Master and Elected Grand Line will take place in the Grand Lodge Room at the Masonic Hall between 11:00 AM and 12:00 Noon. The Grand Master is to be obligated upon the historic 1789 Inaugural Masonic Bible belonging to our St. Johns Lodge No. One, the same Holy Bible upon which our First President, Brother George Washington took his oath of office. All Ladies, friends (Masonic and Non-Masonic) are invited to attend the Installation Ceremonies. A free reception in honor of the Grand Master and the newly elected and appointed Grand Line Officers will follow the Installation. THE PUBLIC INVESTITURE of the newly appointed and re-appointed Grand Line, as well as the District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Lodge Staff Officers, and Grand Chaplains will take place in the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel at the Masonic Care Community in Utica, on Saturday afternoon, June 27, 2015, during the St. John's Open-House Weekend. The Assistant Grand Lecturers and Regional Assistant Grand Lecturers are cordially invited to participate. FURTHER, all Masonic Brethren, their Family Members, Guests and Visitors are invited and welcome to join the Grand Master, and the Grand Line and their Ladies for Religious Services held on Friday evening, June 26, 2015 and Sunday morning, June 28, 2015 at the Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY. FOR MORE INFORMATION about the St. John's Open-House Weekend, contact the Executive Director of the Masonic Care Community, R\W\ Rob Raffle, or his office at 1 (800) 322-8826. Sincerely and fraternally, Paul M. Rosen Grand Secretary
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