SUMMERFALL 2015 2015 From the Grand East

MW WILLIAM J. THOMAS Grand Master [email protected] 407-927-8400

Masonic Families Rededication Breakfast What Would George Washington Do? Marina del Rey Catering, March 8, 2015

As a teenager, I grew fond of reading the histories of famous Richard Brookhiser, in his book on Washington, wrote that people, especially our country’s founders and earliest leaders. “all modern manners in the western world were originally DeWitt Clinton was among them and another was George aristocratic. Courtesy meant behavior appropriate to a court; Washington. Even today, I see the value of studying our past chivalry comes from chevalier – a knight. Yet Washington was as a guide for our future. We learn from past mistakes and to dedicate himself to freeing America from a court’s control. benefit from our past successes. Could manners survive? February 22, 1732 was the birthday of President and Brother Without realizing it, Washington was outlining and George Washington. His home in Mt. Vernon, Virginia is a absorbing a system of courtesy appropriate to all mankind. testament to his leadership, in both our Country and in our When the company for whom the decent behavior was to be personal lives. performed expanded to the nation, Washington was ready. When George was sixteen years of age, he was given a writing Parson Weems got it right, when he wrote about Washington exercise and he wrote his 101 Rules of Civility. Here are a few, that, it was ‘no wonder everybody honored him, who honored and I read them in the language and phraseology of that era: everybody.’” • Every action done in Company ought to be with Some Civility in our daily lives is not just something that is nice to Sign of Respect, to those that are Present. do. Civility is politeness and courtesies in our behavior and our • Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy …. speech. Yet Civility seems to be something we remark upon by And in all Causes of Passion, admit Reason to Govern. exception rather than by the rule. How often we see road rage! • Shew Nothing to your Friend that may affright him. How frequently do we see rude behavior around us? We see • Reprehend not the imperfections of others … . people yelling and using profanity to resolve differences; along • Never express anything unbecoming … . with careless and unkind characterizations behind their backs. • Associate yourself with Men of good Quality, … for ‘tis By civil behavior we learn to disagree without being better to be alone than in bad Company. disagreeable. Civility is the hard work of staying pleasant, even Today, many, if not all, of these rules sound a little fussy, with those with whom we have profound and deep-rooted if not downright silly. It would be easy to dismiss them as disagreements. Civility is the external fabric of humanity. It is outdated and appropriate to a time of powdered wigs and how we interact with respect among our many stations in life. quills. But they reflect a focus that is increasingly difficult to As Masons we obligate ourselves in our three Degrees to find. George’s rules have in common a focus on other people, good manners and fair dealings with our Brother Masons in rather than the narrow focus of our own self-interests that we the Lodge. But these generous principles extend further, and find so prevalent today. are to be applied outside the Lodge, as well. Every human Fussy or not, they represent more than just good manners. being has a claim upon your civility in your relationships. Do They are the small sacrifices that we should all be willing to good unto all, and perhaps … just perhaps … it might inspire make for the good of all and for the sake of living together. others to act likewise. These rules proclaim our respect for others, and in turn give us Live in peace, my friends; live in peace. And may the God of the gift of self-respect and heightened self-esteem. Love and Peace delight to dwell with and to bless you.

2 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 64 / Number 2 / SUMMER 2015

IN THIS ISSUE Officers and Committees: Featured Highlights: Grand East 2 Grand Secretary - Be It Known ...... 4 Deputy Grand Master 8, 11 Citation ...... 22 Senior Grand Warden 9 St. John’s Day ...... 24 Junior Grand Warden ...... 10 Committee on Youth - Totton Essay Recipient ...... 29 Grand Treasurer 10 Grand Secretary ...... 12 Masonic Care Community 14 Webmaster 16 SUMMERFALL 2015 2015 Masonic Care Community Ambassador Program 21 DeMolay ...... 26 Organization of Triangle, Inc...... 27 Law Enforcement Committee ...... 28 Awards Committee ...... 30 Grand Historian 31 Grand Lodge Educational Assistance Program (EAP) 32 Acacia Village ...... 34 Gand Master’s Family Day at West Point 35 Years of Service 36-42 Grand Chaplain’s Corner ...... 43 Masonic Medical Research Laboratory ...... 44 Dates to Remember and Submission Guidelines 45 Grand Lecturer ...... 46 Masonic Rings ...... 47 Photos from Camp Turk Camp Turk ...... 48

TRUSTEES OF THE MASONIC HALL AND ASYLUM FUND Publisher The Empire State Mason is an Official Publication of the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund. Edited by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York for the members of the Masonic Fraternity and their families.

CONSULTANTS POSTMASTER: William J. thomas JEFFREY M. WILLIAMSON CHARLES CATAPANO Please send address changes to: Grand Master – Editor in Chief Deputy Grand Master Grand Treasurer The Empire State Mason Circulation Department JOAN C. BOWER CHARLES P. UHLE PAUL M. ROSEN 71 West 23rd Street Assistant Editor Senior Grand Warden Grand Secretary NY, NY 10010-4149 Periodicals Class Publication No. 56874 RICHARD S. MORLEY LORAINE DIBLEY 1-(800) 362-7664 Junior Grand Warden Graphic Designer Website at www.nymasons.org

Subscription $6.00 Domestic, $15.00 Foreign per year. Subscription free to all members of constituent Lodges of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. State of New York. Copyright ©2015 by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund. All rights reserved. Reproduction by recognized Masonic organizations is permitted with credit. All others must obtain written permission. Published quarterly in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter months by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund, 71 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10010-4149. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON (ISSN 0013-6794 Published at 71 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10010-4149). Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing offices. Grand Secretary RW PAUL M. ROSEN, Grand Secretary Masonic Hall Be It Known 71 West 23rd Street May 18, 2015 New York, NY 10010 212-337-6644

\ \ TO: THE OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LINE, ALL Henry Kniesel, term expired; R W David P. Spencer, for PERMANENT MEMBERS, DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND three years in place of R\W\ Griffith Jones III, term expired; MASTERS, GRAND SWORD BEARERS, GRAND R\W\ Griffith Jones III for Trustee Emeritus; and R\W\ DIRECTORS OF CEREMONIES, GRAND STEWARDS, Werner Henry Kniesel for Trustee Emeritus. Continuing in GRAND CHAPLAINS, TRUSTEES OF THE MASONIC unexpired terms are: R\W\ Manuel Abad, Vice President, HALL & HOME, DIRECTORS OF THE MASONIC (2016); R\W\ Alfred B. Dais, Treasurer,(2016); R\W\ MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY, TRUSTEES Nathan D. Lipper, Assistant Treasurer,(2017); R\W\ George OF THE CHANCELLOR ROBERT R LIVINGSTON S. Getman, President, (2017); R\W\ Kurt Ott (2017); and MASONIC LIBRARY, ELECTED GRAND POST OF THE R\W\ David F. Stoy, Secretary, (2016). MASONIC WAR VETERANS, COMMISSIONERS OF DIRECTORS OF THE MASONIC MEDICAL APPEAL, GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE MEMBERS, RESEARCH LABORATORY elected or reelected were: ALL OFFICERS OF THE DISTRICT GRAND LODGE R\W\ David D. Goodwin, for three years in place of R\W\ OF SYRIA – LEBANON, GRAND REPRESENTATIVES Anthony V. Boccabella, term expired; R\W\ Virgilio S. OF OTHER GRAND LODGES, ASSISTANT GRAND Quijano, for three years in place of R\W\ John P. Chang, LECTURERS, AND TO ALL WORSHIPFUL MASTERS, term expired; R\W\ Richard J. Miller, Jr., for three years in SENIOR & JUNIOR WARDENS AND SECRETARIES place of R\W\ Richard J. Miller, Jr.,term expired; R\W\ OF EACH LODGE UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF Peter J. Samiec, for three years in place of R\W\ Peter J. THIS GRAND LODGE: Samiec,term expired; R\W\ Francesco Santoni,for three years \ \ \ \ BE IT KNOWN, that at the Two Hundred and Thirty- in place of R W Francesco Santoni, term expired; R W fourth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free David F. Schneeweiss, (President), for three years in place of R\W\ David F. Schneeweiss, term expired; R\W\ Anthony and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, held at the \ \ Masonic Hall in New York City, on the 4th and 5th days of Bocabella for Director Emeritus; R W John P. Chang for Director Emeritus; and R\W\ Edward S. Newsham for May, 2015, A. L. 6015, the following Brethren were elected, \ \ and proclaimed Grand Lodge Officers for the ensuing year: Director Emeritus. Continuing in unexpired terms are: R W Arnold Auerbach (2017); R\W\ Michael A. Chaplin (2017); M\W\ William J. Thomas Grand Master R\W\ Amado J. David (2016); R\W\ Paul A. Guerrero, R\W\ Jeffrey M. Williamson Deputy Grand Master (Secretary),(2017); R\W\ H. Joseph Heath (2016); R\W\ R\W\ Charles P. Uhle Senior Grand Warden Alvaro F. Quiroga, (Vice President), (2016); R\W\ Sheldon R\W\ Richard S. Morley Junior Grand Warden B. Richman (2017); R\W\ Sheldon D. Stachel (2016); and R\W\ Charles Catapano Grand Treasurer R\W\ Victor G. Webb (2016). R\W\ Paul M. Rosen Grand Secretary TRUSTEES OF THE CHANCELLOR ROBERT R ALL OF THE ELECTED OFFICERS named above were LIVINGSTON MASONIC LIBRARY OF GRAND duly installed on Tuesday, May 5th that the Two Hundred and LODGE elected or reelected were: R\W\ W. Bruce Renner, Thirty-fourth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of (President),for three years in place of R\W\ W. Bruce Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, held at Renner, term expired; R\W\ Pierre de Ravel D’Esclapon, (1st the Masonic Hall in New York City. Vice President), for three years in place of R\W\ Pierre de COMMISSIONERS OF APPEAL Selected or re-elected Ravel D’Esclapon, term expired; R\W\ Edward A. Chiani, were: R\W\ Howard E. Bonsaing, for three years in place for three years in place of R\W\ Edward A. Chiani, term of R\W\ Alan Schlesinger, term expired; R\W\ Joseph expired; R\W\ S. Marlon Gayadeen, for three years in place Anthony Quarequio, for three years in place of R\W\ John of R\W\ S. Marlon Gayadeen, term expired; R\W\ C.F. M. Leventhal, term expired; R\W\ Alan Schlesinger for William Maurer III, for three years in place of R\W\ C.F. Commissioner Emeritus; and R\W\ John M. Leventhal for William Maurer III, term expired; R\W\ Richard H. Eberle Commissioner Emeritus. Continuing in unexpired terms are: for Trustee Emeritus; and R\W\ Ronald W. White for Trustee R\W\ Jeffrey W. Halbreich, Chief Commissioner(2016), Emeritus. Continuing in unexpired terms are: R\W\ John P. R\W\ Jay S. Dankberg (2017), R\W\ Michael R. Siegel Deveney (2016): M\W\Edward G. Gilbert, P.G.M. (2017); (2017) and R\W\ Albert Trezza (2017). R\W\ Andrew B. Hengst, (2nd Vice President), (2016); R\W\ Jon-Paul Kidwell (2017); R\W\ Stephen S. King, TRUSTEES OF THE MASONIC HALL AND HOME (Treasurer), (2016); R\W\ Richard C. Mills (Secretary), elected or reelected were: R\W\ Paul D. Reitz, for three (2017); R\W\ Scott D. Peat (2016); R\W\ Richard J. Powell years in place of R\W\ Paul D. Reitz, term expired; R\W\ (2016); R\W\ Frank C. Rice (2017); and R\W\ Erik M. Michael J. Siegel, for three years in place of R\W\ Werner Strohl (2017). 4 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 DIRECTORS OF THE MASONIC WAR VETERANS OF THE GRAND MASTER’S AWARD OF APPRECIATION THE STATE OF NEW YORK, INC. elected or reelected was presented to R\W\ Richard T. Schulz, Chairman of the were: R\W\ Brian E. Will, (Commander General), for one Grand Lodge Convention Committee; and R\W\ Kurt Ott, year in place of R\W\ Brian E. Will, term expired; R\W\ Trustee of the Masonic Hall & Home and Consultant to the William J. Welsh, (1st Lt. Commander General), for one year Grand Lodge Convention Committee for their comprehensive in place of R\W\ William J. Welsh, term expired; R\W\ efforts toward the success of the Annual Communication. nd Donald R. Kunego, (2 Lt. Commander General), for one THE GEORGE PETER MEDAL was presented to M\W\ year in place of R\W\ Donald R. Kunego, term expired; Daniel M. Semel, H.P.G.M. -P.H.G.L. of N.Y., (Past) Judge Brother John P. Rowan, (Treasurer General), for one year in Advocate, Chairman of the Grand Lodge Unity Committee, place of R\W\ William C. Bontemps, Jr., term expired;and and Grand Representative of the M\W\ Prince Hall Grand W\Robert T. Mantia, (Adjutant General), for one year in Lodge of New York, for his extensive and faithful service to place of R\W\ Michael J. Brzoza, term expired. this Grand Lodge as the Judge Advocate for 37 years. GRAND LINE OFFICERS appointed or reappointed were: THE ROBERT R LIVINGSTON MEDAL was presented to R\W\ George D. Emmons, Grand Marshal; R\W\ James R\W\ Ronald J. Steiner, Past Trustee of the Masonic Hall R. Kintzel,Deputy Grand Marshal; R\W\ Peter A. Flihan & Home (1994 –1998) and former Chairman of the Grand III, Senior Grand Deacon; R\W\ Christopher J. Hough, Lodge Communications Committee and the Grand Lodge Junior Grand Deacon; R\W\ Nicholas J. Paolicelli, Grand Publications Committee, and 60-plus year member of the Standard Bearer; R\W\ James R. MacConnell, Deputy Craft, for his dutiful commitment and dedicated service to Grand Standard Bearer; R\W\ James H. Rice, Grand our Grand Lodge. Historian; R\W\ Richard J. Kessler, Grand Lecturer; R\W\ Steven Adam Rubin, Judge Advocate; R\W\ Marshal D. THE GRAND LODGE MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED Shichtman, Proctor; R\W\ Richard W. Bateman, A.G.S., ACHIEVEMENT was presented to Most Worshipful Bruce Grand Pursuivant; R\W\ Martin D. Merman, Grand Tiler; Widger, Past Grand Master (1980-82) of the Grand Lodge R\W\ Eric S. Howd, Grand Organist; R\W\ Jordan I. of New York, Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge Kaplan, Grand Organist; R\W\ Stephen Rumpf, Grand of Scotland, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and Trustee Organist; R\W\ Francis K. Wilcox,Grand Organist; R\W\ Emeritus of Cornell University. The Grand Lodge Medal Gilbert Savitzky, P.G.T., Grand Secretary Emeritus; M\W\ for Distinguished Achievement was presented by the Grand Gary A. Henningsen, P.G.M., Grand Secretary Emeritus; Master during the daytime Tiled Session of the Annual R\W\ Harvey A. Eysman, Proctor Emeritus; and R\W\ Communication on Monday, May 4, 2015. Joseph A. Quarequio, P.G.T., Grand Tiler Emeritus. I. NEW PROPOSALS & REPORTS: DISTRICT GRAND LINE OFFICERS FOR THE THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DISTRICT OF SYRIA -LEBANON appointed or recommended the passage of the following proposed reappointed were: R\W\ Michel A. Timonian, District 12-month Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Budget of the Grand Lodge Grand Master; M\W\ Leon G. Zeitounalian, (Honorary F. & A.M. of the state of New York (June 1, 2015 through PGM – Grand Lodge of Armenia), District Grand Secretary; May 31, 2016): and R\W\ Raffy H. Timonian, Liaison Officer & District Operating Revenue & Other Support: Grand Secretary Emeritus. Fees & Dues $1,291,600 AWARD PRESENTATIONS: Lodge Services (Net) 110,000 Total Revenue & Support: $1,401,600 THE GRAND LODGE CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR PRACTICING OBSERVANT Operating Expenses: MASONRY was presented to Harmonie Lodge 699 and Annual Communication $175,000 Seneca River Lodge 160 in recognition of their dedication and Print & Distribution of Proceedings 20,000 application of high ideals in Masonry. Transition to New Grand Master 21,000 Salaries and Related Costs 840,584 THE HENRY G. MEACHAM AWARD is scheduled to Grand Lodge Office Expense 170,947 be presented next year at each District’s Grand Lecturer’s Grand Lodge Officer’s Travel 125,800 Convention to the representatives of qualifying Masonic Grand Lecturer’s Costs 38,000 Lodges by the R\W\ Richard J. Kessler, Grand Lecturer. Committee Expenses 179,950 Qualifying Lodges are to have conferred or exemplified the Insurance 108,500 Three Degrees of Masonry within the Masonic year using only Retirement Assistance 0 their own Lodge members. Other Masonic Endeavors 71,500 THE HOWARD W. POTTS AWARD, which gives Total Operating Expenses: $1,751,281 recognition to those Lodges that are credited with having their Change-Net Asset Before Non-Operating top seven officers in attendance at the District’s respective Revenue and Other Support: ($349,681) Grand Lecturer’s Convention, will be presented to the Lodge at a subsequent communication of the Lodge by the Non-Operating Revenue & Other Support: Assistant Grand Lecturer for their District. A complete listing Investment Income $150,000 of recipient Lodges appears in the Grand Lecturer’s Report Grand Lodge Fund 3,000 published in the Annual Report Booklet distributed at the Legacies 0 Grand Lodge’s Annual Communication and will be published Other Income (Net) 197,600 in the Grand Lodge Proceedings of 2015. Total Non-Operating Revenue & Other Support: $350,600 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 5 Change in Net Assets $919 d) To Consolidate the First St. Lawrence District and the Grand Total Surplus/(Deficit) $919 Second St. Lawrence District to be known as the St. Lawrence The above proposed budget was approved by the vote of District. Grand Lodge. The above proposed Amendments were approved on the THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON CHARTERS First Vote of Grand Lodge and awaits the Second Vote and recommended the acceptance of the following addendum to Ratification at the next Annual Communication. the Committee’s Report as published in the Annual Report THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON Booklet and distributed at the Annual Communication: CORRESPONDENCE & RELATIONS reported that the a)To Consolidate Dover Lodge 666 in the Dutchess District M\W\ Prince Hall Grand Lodges of California, Pennsylvania and Harlem Valley Lodge 827 in the Dutchess District to be and Texas have accepted our proposal of full recognition. known as Oblong Lodge 666 in the Dutchess District effective With the adoption of this proposal, the Grand Lodge F. & on April 2, 2015. A.M. of the State of New York now enjoys reciprocal and b)To Consolidate Black Lake Lodge 319 in the First St. mutual relations with the M\W\ Prince Hall Grand Lodges Lawrence District and Hammond Lodge 861 in the First of Alaska, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, St. Lawrence District to be known as Black Lake Hammond District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Lodge 319 in the First St. Lawrence District effective on April North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. 2, 2015. Additionally, it is anticipated that the M\W\ Prince Hall c)To seek sanction and official removal of Kosciuszko Lodge Grand Lodge of Michigan will vote to ratify and accept our 1085 from the Bronx District to be permanently moved into proposal of full recognition at their Annual Communication the Sixth Manhattan District effective May 4, 2015. this year. The above Report of the Grand Lodge Committee on The above addendum to the report and recommendations Correspondence & Relations was approved by the vote of were approved by the vote of Grand Lodge. Grand Lodge. THE CUSTODIANS OF THE WORK OF GRAND LODGE recommended the acceptance of the proposed THE REPORT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE reiterated Closing Charge to be inserted at the Master’s discretion just the Judge Advocate’s Opinion, which had been Accepted, prior to the Chaplain’s prayer in the Lodge’s Closing Ritual as Adopted and Promulgated by the Grand Master on October published in the Annual Report Booklet and distributed at the 31, 2014, with regard to the New York Grand Lodge Standard Annual Communication. Work and the Three Degrees of Masonry that no Lodge is exempt or authorized to confer or exemplify any other The above proposed publication was approved by the vote Degrees and no dispensation can be issued to the contrary. of Grand Lodge. This previously promulgated Decision will be printed in full THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON MINIMUM within the 2015 Proceedings of Grand Lodge. AGE FOR PETITION recommended that the question on The above Report of the Judge Advocate was approved by determining the legal age to Petition a Lodge for Initiation be the vote of Grand Lodge. tabled until the next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge to allow time for more study and discussion on the subject. THE COMMITTEE ON RESTORATIONS tendered their Annual Report stating that there were no applications received The above recommendation to table the matter was during the 2014 calendar year, consequently no action was approved by the vote of Grand Lodge. required. THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON PROTOCOL The above Report of the Committee on Restorations was recommended the acceptance of the proposed Grand Marshal’s approved by the vote of Grand Lodge. Guide to Masonic Protocol dated May 5, 2015 as published and distributed at the Annual Communication. THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE approves the leadership and performance demonstrated by the The above proposed publication was rejected by the vote of Grand Master, Most Worshipful William J. Thomas, during Grand Lodge. this past year. The Committee approves of the Grand Master’s II. NEW PROPOSALS AND FIRST READING APPROVAL theme of working together and the use of the T.E.A.M. OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTIONS: concept, that of “Together Everybody Achieves More.” THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE CONSTITUTIONS recommended the passage of the further reports that the Grand Master has worked hard in the following proposed amendments to the Constitutions: area of fiscal responsibility by continuing to achieve a balanced budget, while ensuring that the Grand Lodge runs efficiently. Section 110 of the Constitutions to be amended to consolidate The Masonic Jurisprudence Committee is pleased that the the following Masonic Districts: Grand Lodge Proceedings are almost up to date with only the a) To Consolidate the First Manhattan District and the Sixth 2014 Edition awaiting completion. Manhattan District to be known as the First Manhattan THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE District. is also pleased that the Grand Master has been diligent at the b) To Consolidate the First Nassau District and the Second meetings of the Trustees of the Masonic Hall & Home and the Nassau District to be known as the Nassau District. meetings of the Directors of the Masonic Medical Research c) To Consolidate the First Oneida District and the Second Laboratory, which has resulted in some very tough decisions Oneida District to be known as the Oneida District. 6 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 being made by the Grand Master. was approved by the vote of Grand Lodge. THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE THE COMMISSION OF APPEALS tendered their Annual joins with the Grand Master in his continued support of our Report concerning one case. In summary, in the matter Youth Groups and our Military Veterans. The Committee of Mr. Christos Papadopoulos, wherein the Masonic Trial also applauds his taking the Masonic Anniversary Aprons a Commission found the charges against the accused were step further with the addition of Sixty-year and Seventy-year sustained by the evidence and a notice of appeal was filed. Aprons to the program. After a full review, the Commission of Appeals affirmed the THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE Masonic Trial Commission’s Decision and the Penalty of also supports the Grand Master in directing the Deputy Expulsion stands. Grand Master to study and analyze the concept of reshaping The above Report of the Commission of Appeals was our Masonic Districts into a more streamlined structure with approved by the vote of Grand Lodge. the loss of membership and the consolidation of Lodges. THE GRAND MASTER CAUSED the names and numbers THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE of those Masonic Lodges to be read that were reported by the also concurs with the Grand Master’s authorization of the Accounting and Registry Departments of Grand Lodge as wearing of the Lewis Jewel by Masons to acknowledge their delinquent in filing the previous year’s Grand Lodge Per Capita relationship between a father and a son, stepfather or father- Dues, Grand Lodge Fees, Annual Returns (Census Report) in-law, who was the influence in their lives. and/or Certificate of Elections required by the Constitutions. THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE The said-named Lodges that remain delinquent as of May continues to approve of the policy of publishing the biographies 30, 2015, will be subject to the suspension of their respective and pictures of candidates for elected Grand Lodge Office in Charters by order of the Grand Master. the Empire State Mason magazine, so that their fellow Brothers THE GRAND MASTER ANNOUNCED that, in can know who the candidates are, see their faces and be able accordance with Section 103 of the Constitutions, the Most to discuss selections of future leaders of the Grand Lodge with Worshipful Grand Master would convene the 235th Annual the members of their Lodges prior to coming to the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge at the Masonic Hall, Communication to vote. This Committee recommends that New York City, on Monday, May 2nd and Tuesday, May 3rd, this policy continues into the future. 2016. The Grand Master further announced that the Minutes th THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE of the 234 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge also recommends as it has previously that more emphasis needs would appear in the published Proceedings of this Grand to be placed upon members to grow our Craft and focus on Lodge. retention to reduce the number of losses caused by the non- THE GRAND MASTER CAUSED the announcement that payment of dues. This Committee acknowledges that viable all of his appointments for the offices of District Deputy Grand programs have to be put together to try to get ahead of this Masters and Grand Lodge Staff Officers who were appointed ongoing problem. and in office as of May 4, 2015 are to continue in office for THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE the ensuing fiscal year. Further, the Grand Master caused it to approves of the Grand Master’s decision that the three (3) be announced that the Appointed Grand Line Officers, Grand Symbolic Degrees, namely the Entered Apprentice Degree, Chaplains, District Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Lodge the Fellow Craft Degree, and the Master Mason Degree as Staff Officers would receive their commissions, or letters of found within our Standard Work and Lectures are the only reappointment at the public Investiture Ceremonies to be authorized Degrees in keeping with Section 366 of the held at the Masonic Care Community in Utica, New York, Constitutions and that no other Degrees are authorized as on Saturday afternoon, June 27, 2015, during the St. John’s per the Grand Master’s letter and directive dated October 31, Day Weekend. 2014 and November 7, 2014. THE GRAND MASTER ANNOUNCED in closing his THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE Installation Address that details pertaining to the Grand approves of the Grand Master’s directive regarding the Lodge procedures for the Election of Grand Lodge Officers procedures and application for the consolidation of Districts for 2016 will be made known at the public Investiture outlined in his letter dated March 12, 2015. Ceremonies during this year’s St. John’s Day Weekend. Next year, prior to attending the Annual Communication THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE of Grand Lodge, the Craft will have online access to all does not agree with the Grand Master on the changes in the information regarding all candidates. The current procedures Order of Precedence reported in the proposed new Grand do not allow the membership to learn anything about the Marshal’s Guide to Masonic Protocol, by placing the District candidates, including their names, until the second day of the Deputy Grand Master above the Elected and Permanent Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, just prior to the Members of this Grand Lodge, due to the fact the Constitutions actual election. Next year, ALL candidates will have declared states that the Order of Succession, which denotes who will their intention in advance, and information as pertains to preside over Grand Lodge in the event the Grand Master or their candidacy will be made available online on the Grand Deputy Grand Master should become incapacitated, does not Lodge’s website, as well as through the Empire State Mason include any Appointed Officers (i.e. District Deputy Grand magazine. This process will allow for greater transparency for Master).As such, this Committee recommends that the official you, the delegate, ahead of the Annual Communication of Protocol of Grand Lodge remain as it currently is. Grand Lodge. It will allow you, the representatives of Lodges The above Report of the Masonic Jurisprudence Committee and members of Grand Lodge to make a better and a more THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 7 Deputy Grand Master

A sense of pride RW Jeffrey M. Williamson, Deputy Grand Master Greetings, Brethren. At last, the month of May has finally Did you ever pause to think about your role and participation arrived. Flowers are beginning to poke out of the soil, buds in our great Fraternity? We are certainly privileged to be are sprouting on the trees and the birds are singing. The air is members of one of the oldest and most respected jurisdictions fragrant and fresh. There is a certain optimism and excitement in North America. We are steeped in history and tradition. permeating the air. With the longer days of sunlight and the The founding members of our New York Grand Lodge were resulting warmth they bring, life becomes so much more patriots in the American Revolution. While we drink from satisfying. Masonically, there is also a bloom of activity wells that we have not dug, and build on foundations that we occurring as our respective Lodge officers are elected and plans have not laid, we can honestly say that our current Brothers are underway for the upcoming installation of officers. What are constructing their Masonic edifice upon the legacy that a grand time, indeed! was handed down to us by our forefathers. I am so proud to be a Mason and a member of this Grand Just think: This same Grand Lodge that ministers to and Jurisdiction. Our Fraternity is filled with good men who have cares for our less fortunate Brothers and Sisters at our Masonic pledged themselves to be your friend and Brother. These Home in Utica also provides Educational Assistance grants sincere Brothers believe in the Great Architect of the Universe, to our children and grandchildren. It maintains the world- are honest and peaceful citizens and eager to help out—help renowned Livingston Masonic Library, and more.Brethren, as not only those who are a part of our Mystic Circle, but also you start your journey into the summer months, have fun. our widows, children and their respective communities. These Take time for yourself and family and enjoy life. Be proud of fellows have pledged to be the kind of upright man that each your New York Masonic heritage. “Let the world know that of us should seek to be. you are an upright man and Mason.” God bless!

Be it Known continues from page 7 informed decision regarding your choices for our elected 2016 When the altar is draped officers. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, the Most in black Worshipful Grand Master, William J. Thomas, closed the W Louis P. Benitto 234th Annual Communication of Grand Lodge on May 5, Stony Point-Waywayanda Lodge 313 2015. Given under my hand and here comes a time in every Lodge when the altar is draped Seal of the Grand Lodge of T in black. The quarry is silent, not a tool in sight, and the New York, this 18th Day of Craftsmen stand in silence. For a Brother Mason is laid to rest. May 2015, A.L. 6015. His life work is now complete; for the house he built without mortar and stone is that everlasting soul, pure and white as the lambskin apron. It is more precious than any jewel or treasure that mortal man may possess. When our Lodge is called to order, and the Master strikes Paul M. Rosen the gavel, we will look to that empty chair with sadness in our Grand Secretary hearts. We will miss our Brother. His memory will always be with us, with a smile on his face, gentle demeanor, and warm embrace. Our Lodge was a better place. For a Brother Mason never dies, he just travels to another Lodge. That Grand Lodge in the East, whose light shines forever, is that undiscovered land from whose bourne no traveler returns.

8 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Senior Grand Warden

RW Charles P. Uhle, Senior Grand Warden Are you a Mason with a reflective mind?

Have you have failed to peruse the allegoric and symbolic into the philosophy of existence and hidden historical truths method of teaching the mysteries of Ancient Free Masonry? If of Freemasonry. you have, you are depriving yourself of a method of learning “The Masonic student may concern himself with every some of the most important lessons the Craft is meant to branch of research that is capable of throwing light upon convey to every member. In most cases this has not been the the cause that has led men to crystallize their perceptions of fault of the new Brother. When we entered the Craft no senior immutable law in emblems and symbols. He may pursue each member mentioned anything about the teachings contained of the various paths of investigation indicated by the obscure in the allegory and hidden in the symbols. After we were phraseology of ritual until he emerges into the full blaze of Raised, we all too often became mired in fundraising and Masonic light embracing its fundamental truth.” (Frank C. painting and repairing the building. Most often there was no Higgins) one in the Lodge capable of teaching this system of Masonic education. It had been lost, and for the most part it is still I am glad to see that more Lodges are beginning to address missing from most Lodges today. I believe the lack of it has this shortcoming by having knowledgeable speakers on the been a contributor to the loss of many new members. subjects of what lies veiled in the allegory and concealed in the symbols. I have encouraged and I encourage all of you Many of the young men entering the Craft today are who are interested in this lost system of Masonic education aware that the Masonic Fraternity is heir to the wisdom of to form study groups and have group discussions about this the ancient mysteries. They also know that there is no short beautiful system. There are many good books written by cut to Masonic knowledge; it can only be attained through Masonic scholars of yesterday and today; you can invite some study and experience. Study they can do, experience is harder of the authors to be speakers in your Lodge or District. They for them to attain when it is lacking in the senior members sometimes come at a cost but it can be deferred by spreading around them. After the completion of his three Degrees a the cost between all the Lodges in the District or by having Brother should have come to the conclusion that he must shed other nearby Districts participate and share in the expense. habits that are unbecoming to a Mason and a gentleman. He has now ascended to a higher level and, above all, his first We must regain what has been lost and become Masons with obligation is to God. He knows that he must begin building reflective minds. For only then will we begin to understand that spiritual temple within himself that will see him through the depth of the serious truths upon which our Fraternity was this life and into the next. Contained within the allegory of founded. each Degree lies, waiting to be discovered, a deeper insight

Utica continues Hospice support Recently, Utica Lodge 47 renewed its support of the Abraham House, a Utica Hospice house. W David H. Williams called upon Patty Shenberger, Executive Director, and presented a generous donation on behalf of the Brothers. This is the fifteenth year that the Lodge has chosen the hospice for their charity. The house is unique, in that it can care for only two residents at a time. There is also an apartment, where a patient’s family might stay at critical times. W Williams encourages all Lodges to adopt similar charities to favor in their largesse. It is good community service and good for the Fraternity.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 9 Junior Grand Warden

From the Desk of a Traveling Man RW richard S. Morley, Junior Grand Warden

Sitting in front of my computer staring at a blank screen, involved in their community—“The Smooth Ashlar.” I have tired from a late night at a meeting, thinking about what I also seen some middle-of-the-road Lodges. Their ritual work was going to write for this article, I started thinking about is “got the job done,” they bring in new members sometimes, what I wrote in the past issues. I looked up my first article I but not every year, member retention is not good and they wrote after being elected your Junior Grand Warden and it are just keeping their heads above water financially—“The jumped out at me immediately. I know every one of you read Rough Ashlar.” With a little education, structure and perhaps my articles and can’t wait for the next one, but I would like to assistance from a sister Lodge they could become a Smooth include a small part of that article: Ashlar. Finally, the third group: They have “a little bit of each Lodges need to build Lodges. We have a problem throughout and not enough of neither.” They cannot muster enough our state. We have very successful Lodges that have great turnout members to open, and scare off others with the burden of for meetings, they do great ritual and they bring in new members maintaining their Lodge building, “The Money Pit.” every year, and then we have the struggling lodges, they have I want to emphasize that it is not the building that makes a poor turnout to meetings, ritual work is not the best and the few Mason; it is the Man that makes the Mason. With enthusiasm, members that are involved spend most of their time trying to get hard work, pride in our ritual, being a part of our communities the fuel bill paid, repair the leak in the roof, or just try to muster and cooperation with other Lodges. we will strengthen our up enough brothers just to open a meeting. struggling Lodges. Since May of last year I have traveled to over sixty-five If you have not attended the Deputy Grand Master’s Town Lodges in New York State. I have seen exactly what I described Hall meetings please do so. We face a tough future that will above. Some very successful Lodges are very enthusiastic, do require us to take a hard look at how we do business. great ritual work, bring in new members every year and are

Grand Treasurer

Vigilance RW Charles Catapano, Grand Treasurer no substitute for planning 516-314-8156 [email protected]

As your Grand Treasurer I am tasked with keeping a close feedback. I would like to remind each of you to take some watch on the finances of Grand Lodge. I would like to share time and review the plans you have for your family. It’s good what that entails. Just like the Treasurer of the Lodge, my practice to review your life insurance, your will, power of main duty is to keep an eye on the budget for Grand Lodge. attorney and health care proxy information and to ensure that This includes monitoring the expenses that are anticipated the beneficiary information is correct and what you want it to and keeping the expense accounts of the Grand Line Officers be. This should be done at least once a year, more often if you within the budgeted amounts. I also am involved with the feel the need. Masonic Brotherhood Foundation and provide financial This is not a conversation most of us want to have but it is feedback regarding their investments. rather important. I’m sure you all have heard about Brothers, But as the summer is rapidly upon us, we all turn our family members or friends who failed to plan accordingly for attention to outdoor activities and spending time with family the future of their loved ones. Take some time this summer and friends. The togetherness we enjoy, surrounding ourselves and formulate a plan that covers the ones you love the most with the ones we love, makes us all feel that the family is as a precaution in case something were to happen to you. I the center point of our life. Summer is a time for vacations strongly suggest that you meet with a financial professional to and planning weekend trips. It is the time for barbecues assist you in your planning. Also, meeting with an attorney is and visiting relatives and friends. We aren’t really concerned helpful in setting up a will. Educate yourselves in protecting with the finances of the Lodge or Grand Lodge, and often what is most important to us all—Family. we don’t think about our personal finances, either. So think Have a very enjoyable summer. I hope to see you all at for a moment how your loved ones would be taken care of special occasions and Lodge events. I especially look forward financially if you weren’t here to provide for them. to being with you all in Lodge soon. Now, it’s my turn to give you, my Brothers, some financial 10 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Deputy Grand Master

RW Jeffrey M. Williamson, Deputy Grand Master The decline of membership; the growth of Districts

The Grand Lodge continues to study the concept of reshaping our Districts. This topic is addressed Historical Development, Grand Lodge of New York at all of the Deputy Grand Master’s Town Hall Districts Members meetings. The dialog, feedback and input garnered 400,000 70 from the membership have been most beneficial to 350,000 the ultimate success of this study. 60 As part of this article, I have included an 300,000 outstanding graphic for your consideration. The 50 graphic chart points to a high-water mark for New York membership, which totaled 346,413 members 250,000 in 1929. There were fifty-nine Masonic Districts. 40 As of this writing our membership is 37,714 200,000 members in sixty * Masonic Districts. A review 30 of the graphic chart clearly shows that despite 150,000 the drop in membership from the mid-1950s to 20 the present, the quantity of Masonic Districts has 100,000 actually increased. 10 50,000 Since the initial article appeared in the spring 38,285 edition of the Empire State Magazine, several 0 0

Masonic Districts are actively pursuing the process of merging their adjoining Districts. The Grand 1917 1920 1923 1926 1929 1932 1935 1938 1941 1944 1947 1950 1953 1956 1959 1962 1965 1968 1971 1974 1977 1980 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 Master has transmitted to the District Deputies detailed instructions on how to merge Masonic –––––––––––– Districts. If there are any administrative questions regarding *Correction The spring edition of theESM contained a typo this subject please email RW Jeffrey M. Williamson, Deputy on the 2014 graphic, indicating 58 Districts. Grand Master at [email protected].

Transportation welcomes new Brother

On March 23 Ancient Landmarks Lodge 358 Raised four Brothers to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. One member Raised was Fellowcraft Brother Thomas J. Zwick of Transportation Lodge 842.

(l-r) W Charles J. Goetz, Sr., Master of Transportation Lodge, Brother Thomas J. Zwick and RW Michael J. Zwick, District Deputy Grand Master of the First Erie District THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 11 Grand Secretary RW PAUL M. ROSEN, Grand Secretary Masonic Hall 71 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 Phone 914-393-8466 Member Care

In my capacity as Grand Secretary I am charged with awesome me at a Lodge meeting and in a whisper he would explain what constitutional responsibilities. To accomplish the many reports was going on during the meeting. More importantly, he would that I must prepare, I am constantly made aware of the state explain the purpose behind everything that took place. As I of our membership. By that I mean the number of Masons went through the Degrees he made sure I attended another in the State of New York. I am made aware almost daily of Lodge doing that Degree so I would see the Degree without those among us who have died, demitted, withdrawn, or been the hoodwink over my eyes. At the collation after any meeting, dropped for nonpayment of dues or otherwise transferred out he would make sure that I knew everyone and everyone knew of our Fraternity in New York. Each such loss diminishes us me. This way, both the Lodge and I were secure that there was as a Fraternity dedicated to brotherly love and charitable acts. a good fit between the Lodge and me. I now believe that it is We should never lose a Brother because he can’t afford to better to refer a candidate to another Lodge that would be a pay his dues. I SAY THIS IN CAPITAL LETTERS WHEN better long-term fit than have him join a Lodge from which IT IS A BROTHER WHO JOINED US FORTY, FIFTY he will later walk away. OR EVEN MORE YEARS AGO. He cared enough about his A habit is hard to break but it takes many repeated instances membership to remain a Brother for all those years. We should of an act to make it a habit. My mentor made sure that never allow him to sever his relationship with the Fraternity he attending Lodge became a habit. For the new generation of loved for that long a period of time. Every Lodge should take Brothers, if it is not scheduled on their smart phone it will steps to investigate the reasons for a Brother placing himself at be forgotten or something else will be scheduled in its place. risk of being dropped for failing to pay his dues. We must fight Make sure that until it is a habit the mentor encourages to retain each and every Brother in such a condition. attendance, sits with the new Brother, and explains what is Review your By-Laws and insure that there is a method that happening during a meeting and most importantly why it is will allow each such Brother to remain a member in spite of happening. This attention from a true Brother led to my being his financial inability to pay dues. We obligated ourselves to a four-time Master of my Lodge, a District Deputy, a Trustee care for a destitute Brother to the extent of his needs and our of the Hall and Home and ultimately Grand Secretary. ability to help. We have allowed more Brothers to withdraw The best part of my story is that I eventually got to show or become unaffiliated this past year than we have lost due to my appreciation for his care and attention. When he could no death. These Brothers should be contacted and every attempt longer drive to Lodge I had the honor of picking him up and should be made to reverse their leaving our brotherhood. seeing to it that he was able to attend the Lodge that we both Remember that they are Brothers and their loss should be felt now loved. by each of us as deeply as would be the loss of our own natural We have a wonderful tradition in my District. We revere brother. and welcome Brothers, both new and of long standing, with As bad as are the losses addressed above, far worse is the loss a hug and a kiss on the cheek. It is a way of building and of a newly made Brother who has not found within the Lodge strengthening the bands that tie us all to this great Fraternity. what he thought he was joining the Fraternity to find. When I It is my hope that all of us show our Brothers how important first became a Mason a very senior, long-time Brother, former they are in our lives. District Deputy, took me under his wing. He would sit with Subscribe to both the Atholl list and Hiram’s Highlights Grand Lodge of New York E-Newsletter

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12 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 MacArthur, Masonic Service awarded at John Jay

On April 8, John Jay Lodge 653, Fasman and Felicetti were cited for Beard. He compared the three levels of White Plains, presented two Masonic their exemplary service to youth at Boy Scouting’s Order of the Arrow—Ordeal, Service Awards representing 100 years Scout Troop 11, New Rochelle. Brother Brotherhood and Vigil Honor—to the of combined service. RW Walter Jay D. Werner, Second Westchester- three Degrees of Masonry. Lilling has served for sixty-five years, Putnam Masonic District Chairman Werner also noted, “The Masonic RW Secretary Kenneth I. May has and member of the Youth Outreach Eagle Award is one of the few medallions been a diligent member for thirty-five Committee and John Jay Lodge, recited from an outside organization permitted years. Brother May then presented the the Masonic affiliations of British Boy to be worn on a Scout uniform, as well Douglas A. MacArthur Youth Award to Scout founder Robert Baden-Powell and as the MacArthur Award.” Nathaniel Fasman and John Felicetti. American counterpart Daniel Carter

(l-r) Douglas MacArthur Award recipient New Rochelle Boy (l-r) John Felicetti Second Westchester-Putnam Masonic District Scout Troop 11 Assistant Scoutmaster Nathaniel Fasman; John Chairman, Youth Outreach Committee Brother Jay Werner; Jay Lodge Master Stephen E. Lipken; MacArthur Awardee, Nathaniel Fasman. Committee Chair and Advancement Officer John Felicetti

(l-r) Masonic Service Award recipients Row 2 (l-r) Jim DiLorenzo; Curtis Chase; William Rodriguez; Joan Bast; RW Kenneth May, 35 years; RW Walter Lilling, 65 Chartered Organization Representative Gloria Head; years. Scoutmaster Greg Vadja; Kathy Vadja Row (l-r) New Rochelle Boy Scout Troup 11 Assistant Scoutmaster Matthew Fasman; Larry Fasman; Barbara Fasman; MacArthur recipient Assistant Scoutmaster Nathaniel Fasman; Marie Dumas; MacArthur recipient Committee Chair/Advancement Officer John Felicetti

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 13 Masonic Care Community

RW griffith jones III, President Board of Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home [email protected]

A year passes by and at times there seems like so much is More, we made great strides in recognizing our differences to be done and little gets accomplished. This was not true and educating each other so together we were able to make for the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home. At first progress in continuing our mission to improve the delivery of when we welcomed our new Trustees after Grand Lodge in services to our Brothers. We made Improvements to our first 2014, it appeared that major differences could keep us from class facilities in NYC, Tappan, Round Lake/Camp Turk, and accomplishing much. These meetings drew me to re-examine the Masonic Care Community campus in Utica, New York. At our goals and purposes. This caused me to reflect on what I the same time we were able to increase revenue opportunities had learned from a mentor in graduate school. It is a story and decrease deficits across the board while continuing to about a group of blind men (or men in the dark) who touch an deliver quality services to our members and residents. elephant to learn what it is like. Each one feels a different part, During the past year our members celebrated the 150th but only one part, such as, the side, the tusk, the tail, or a leg. Anniversary of the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum They then compare notes and learn that they are in complete Fund, made major renovations to the Masonic Hall in New disagreement on what makes an elephant. This parable, York City, including repurposing of several of the under- though ancient, is presented in a poem by John Godfrey Saxe utilized Lodge rooms, improved the facilities at Round Lake (1816-1887) called “the Blind Men and the Elephant.” It is to support the Camp Turk program, and have taken steps to a metaphor for how we treat our incomplete understanding renovate the Tompkins Chapel in Utica. of complex systems. Having limited information, we draw conclusions and argue extensively for our “opinions,” and There is still much to be done and I am confident that those perspective. Brothers who accept the challenge to utilize their differences as strengths alongside their skills and abilities will ensure that Each of our Trustees, former and new, came to the the Masonic Fraternity will continue to flourish in New York Board meetings with their diverse experiences, interests, State. and professional backgrounds. New Trustees bring fresh perspective and ideas while former Trustees rely on the It has been a pleasure to work with these devoted Brothers, knowledge and experiences they have had during their years understanding their differences and uniting them as one force of service as Trustees. The challenge became to harness all of with super powers to accomplish the goals of the Trustees. their enthusiasm and channel these potentially disparate forces Their untiringly efforts will ensure that the assets provided together in order to accomplish their fiduciary responsibilities by our predecessors will be available in the future to their to their Brothers and the Masonic Fraternity in New York. successors. Each of them contributes untiringly of their time. Not an easy task, but a responsibility of being their President. They all should be entitled to hear the phrase, “Well done, Utilizing the motto of our Grand Master MW William Good and Faithful Servant.” Amen, So Mote It Be. Thomas, that of “TEAM,” Together Each Accomplishes

Red Jacket Table Lodge

Past Grand Master MW James E. Sullivan recently attended the Table Lodge of Red Jacket 646.

14 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Masonic Care Community

RW Rob Raffle, Executive Director Masonic Care Community of New York [email protected] Repairs to the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel and Other Upgrades

In June of 1911, thousands of Masons traveled to Utica for the dedication of the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel. This structure honors the service of Daniel D. Tompkins who served our nation for two terms as Vice President of the United States under James Monroe, served our state as its Governor and served our Fraternity as its Grand Master. Four years ago, many of you gathered on the Utica campus during our St. John’s Day weekend to commemorate his life, and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of this remarkable building. The last 104 years have taken a toll on this iconic building, so much so it has become imperative that repairs are made both for safety and to maintain its rich character and integrity. The steeple of the Chapel has been deemed unsafe and must be totally replaced. The Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home spent many hours last fall interviewing and finally contracting with a firm that will be able to handle this undertaking. The cost of the project is close to one million dollars. The clock, chimes and clarion will all be returned to working order when the steeple project is complete. The work is slated to begin in early July, as soon as our St. John’s Day program has ended, and we hope to have the Chapel ready to open again by the end of September. As a result of the construction, we have closed the Chapel to weddings. Other upgrades are also underway this spring on campus. For those of you who attended the Re-dedication of the cornerstone of the Knights Templar Building, you may have noted improvements to the first floor. We have added a “Traditions Hallway” similar to the one that has been in the Health Pavilion for the last several years. It includes a variety of photos depicting the various uses of this building during its century of service. We have added constructing a large handicapped accessible deck to allow a showcase to the lobby, which includes memorabilia of better access for our residents and visitors. the Grand Commandery. Additionally, we have a special We invite you to visit our Masonic Care Community area in the lobby with information on Central New York the last weekend in June for the annual St. John’s Day attractions to provide our visitors with options on all our Celebration. All Masons and their families attending the region has to offer. The former warehouse was raised in weekend are cordially invited to a picnic at Acacia Village late spring, making for more room for parking behind Friday, June 26th , at 6:00 PM to enjoy great food and the Administration Building. We also invite you to visit fellowship. On Saturday there will be host of activities the Acacia Village pond where thanks to the generosity from campus tours to vendors on the Great Lawn. Again, of several individuals and the Officers and Brothers please join your Masonic family for a wonderful weekend of Meridian Lodge 691. Our grounds team will be at the Masonic Care Community Campus.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 15 From the Webmaster

KENNETH JP STUCZYNSKI, Webmaster NYMasons.org (716) 868-1329 [email protected]

I preach the technological needs of the Craft. So the be foolish to go back. But we’d be foolish to think this the following may seem a contradiction. People may find digital practice or point of Masonry. communication a mystery or another task to keep an eye on. Consider the 18th Century. The western door was narrow, Some are excited to use new ways to do old things. Younger not by prejudice of social class, but limited time after toil. Brothers just take it for granted as part of everyday life. With the industrial revolution, regular work created a middle But it isn’t Masonry. class with concepts of “vacation” and “time off.” The masses More than ever, people desire to pass from the profane to found time to participate in clubs and fraternities. the personal. Words are conveyed mouth to ear. Knowledge is In the information age a secretary can do in minutes what stored in the faithful breast, not a hard drive or the cloud. What used to take hours. A rare few still prefer hours. But promises better way to convey truths than physical ritual? The meaning of plentiful free time fall short. We simply do more work in isn’t in the print of the Standard Work and Lectures. No matter the same time and find other ways to distract ourselves. how much is revealed, you can’t impart Freemasonry online. Why? Because technology can change the world a man lives You can’t email the Real Word. As great as it would be to have in, and how he lives in it, but it doesn’t change the man. That’s a phone app for prompting, or text-searchable Constitutions, our job. That’s Freemasonry. the form it takes is just housekeeping. Digital tools are more than convenience. But wisdom is It seems a no-brainer to turn off your phone in Lodge. found not only in how you use a tool, but also in deciding Outside communication diminishes a sacred retreat of when not to use it. A calendar accessible by smartphone is a friendship and virtue. But what if it’s your appointment book? demand of the times. What we put on it is the measure of our Events are announced and people scramble to write it down. work. An email or Facebook post can alert us to sickness and Why not a hand-out? Better yet, make sure it’s on the website distress or a Brother laying down his tools. But a phone call or calendar. Technology ought to bring us less distraction, not visit is what is good and true. more. Many within the Craft are working hard to handle these Consider the brethren of old, who had to take buggy and temporal issues of technology. We work to make it easier for barge to attend Grand Lodge. Planes, trains, and automobiles the real work of Freemasonry to happen. put us in same day’s travel, while officers and committees meet in virtual conferences from the comfort of their homes. We’d

Donation from the Grand Ladies of Royal Arch Masons

The Grand Ladies of the Royal Arch Masons made a donation of an iPad and iTunes gift card to the residents of the Masonic Care Community. This technology will be used by our speech and rehabilitation departments. Pictured here in the first row, left to right: RE Cyril A. Francis, Grand King; W Warren Mundrick, Director of MCC Rehabilitation Services; Elena Francis; Jean Bryant; Joan Vivacaqua, Grand Chapter Office Manager; RE Peter Pizzorno, Grand Lecturer. Second row, left to right: RE Allan M. Bryant, Sr.; RW Rob Raffle, Executive Director; Raymond Roche, Grand Scribe; ME Piers A. Vaughan, Grand High Priest; Sally Ann Bonar; RE Brian Singer, Grand Master of the Third Veil; ME Michael T. Dunn, Grand Secretary. 16 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Masonic Care Community

victoria cataldo, Director of Development Masonic Care Community With Kindness from the Heart (315) 798-4703 [email protected]

Perhaps it was a kind word, a smile or a small gesture of a the staffer’s area of employment to recognize and celebrate the comforting nod. It could have been a difficult moment when excellence of care you or a loved one received at the Masonic out of somewhere appeared a Masonic Care Community staff Care Community. At your discretion, contributions may be member or volunteer, surrounding you with kindness from designated to support an area of special meaning to you and the heart. your family. At the Masonic Care Community, we know that resident If you or a loved one would like to recognize one of the staff care and respect is at the heart of every member of our health members of the Masonic Care Community for compassion care team. The Grateful Resident & Family Program provides shown during a stay, please visit our site at www.mccny.com/ you the opportunity to say thank you in a personal and gratefulresident&family. You may also contact me directly at meaningful way to those who made a difference by being near 315/798-4703. you or your loved one, with kindness and compassion, just when you needed them the most. When you make a contribution to recognize one of our excellent caregivers, we will be sure to keep the dollar amount confidential. For each contribution we will send an acknowledgment card announcing that you have recognized him/her. This symbolic gesture will be proudly displayed in

We Invite You to Get Involved! by Kathy Contino-Turner Director of Communications and Marketing The Masonic Care Community was us in October, again bringing gifts to the to enjoy the musical entertainment and built to care for the elderly Mason, his residents of Wiley Hall and the Health the vendor booths. As our staff must wife and widow. This campus stands as Pavilion. These two groups have been stay on their households to tend to a testament to the ideals of Freemasonry volunteering their free time for the past those individuals who are unable to go and every day we see examples of that several decades and we look forward to out, we could use volunteers who might benevolence in action. their visits each year. like to adopt a resident for an hour or This past spring we saw several local The Masonic Care Community can so. Lodges make a commitment to the always use your involvement. Your There are a variety of other Masonic Care Community, setting Lodge or District could mirror the community life activities in which your aside time on a Saturday every quarter activities of your Brothers by planning Brothers could participate. We urge you to spend with our residents. Amicable a specific time to visit. St. John’s Day is to contact our Director of Community Lodge 664, Oriental Faxton Lodge a perfect time to volunteer. Many of our Life Jay Snow at 315/798-4836, or by 224, Philanthropic Lodge 164 and seniors like to get out on the Great Lawn email at [email protected]. Baron Steuben Lodge 264 participated in a game day with the residents of our Health Pavilion. Special thanks go to Jim Nagy, Ross Stolz and Pete Cataldo. In their first visit they participated in a competitive table bowling contest. These Brothers plan to return to do whatever they can to enhance the lives of our seniors. The Nassau District holds its “Christmas in May” event, bringing gifts to our residents and decorating for the holiday. The Dutchess District visits THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 17 Caring About People Since 1893 By Kathy Contino-Turner

The Masonic Care Community is proud to announce the Manager and Nursing Supervisor. Tamara was also adjunct following changes to our management team. Fatema Islam, faculty for Nursing at Utica College from 2009 to 2011. MD has joined the Masonic Care Community as our associate Tamara and her family reside in Sauquoit. Medical Director. Dr. Islam, who is Board Certified in Family Amy Krause, RN, MSN has taken on the role of Director Medicine, comes to MCC from Bassett Healthcare, where of Nursing at the Masonic Care Community. She received she was an attending physician as well as a covering attending her Masters of Science in Nursing Administration from the at Valley Health Services and Best Care Family Medical in SUNY Institute of Technology. Most recently she served as Barneveld. Dr Islam and her family live in New Hartford. Director of Nursing at ChaseHealth Rehab and Residential Tamara Wheeler, LNHA has been promoted to the position Care in New Berlin, New York. of Administrator of the Masonic Care Community Health Darcey Park, RN is the new Director of the Masonic Care Pavilion. She previously served as Director of Nursing. In Community’s Adult Residential Care Home, Wiley Hall. her eleven-year tenure at MCC Tamara has also served as Darcey began her career at MCC in 2013 as an RN Nurse Clinical Informaticist, overseeing the development and Manager. Previously, she worked at Rome Memorial Hospital. implementation of the Clinical Health Record in Answers on Darcey also served as Army Reserves Combat Medic. Demand; Administrative Coordinator providing leadership to nursing, social services and community life staff; a Nurse

Health Pavilion Administrator Tamara Wheeler Director of Adult Residential Services at Wiley Hall, talks with a resident Darcey Park, and her assistant Cheryl Welch

New Security Measures at MCC

In an effort to protect our residents, members may still visit their loved to continue our 122 year promise visitors and staff, the Masonic Care ones during these times, but will to keep seniors safe on our campus. Community has enhanced our have to use the special telephones “This initiative,” according to Raffle, security measures for the Health located inside the double doors to “is a common-sense approach to Pavilion and Adult Care Residence, gain access. New badges have been providing those who live here and Wiley Hall. Doors to these buildings issued to staff members. those who work here a safe and will be locked from 6:00 p.m. MCC Executive Director Rob secure environment.” until 6:00 a.m. Visitors and family Raffle says the new system is designed

18 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Masonic Care Community

kathy contino-turner, Director of Communications and Marketing Masonic Care Commiunity [email protected] College Friends Living Together Again at MCC

(left to right) Rita Wolber, Helen Garlock and Shirley Ryan Shirley Derochie Ryan and Helen Ryan Garlock on their enjoy a chat about their college days at SUNY Potsdam college graduation day from Potsdam in the spring of 1949. in the late 1940s Shirley is the 3rd from the left (in back) and Helen is the 2nd from the right (also in the back).

Shirley Derochie Ryan and that college in 1949. The trio Helen Ryan Garlock first met didn’t know each other during when they attended college at their college careers but do now. the State University of New It’s a small world. York at Potsdam. Both were The bonds of a strong elementary education majors friendship can last a lifetime, who lived with six other women and it is certainly evident with in a house during their last two Shirley and Helen. Helen still years of college. The house was calls Shirley by her maiden supervised by an elderly woman, name “Derochie.” Oddly, Miss Crowley, who saw to it that Shirley married a Ryan and Shirley Derochie Ryan curfews were met and no boys Helen’s maiden name was Ryan, Helen Ryan Garlock came into the house any farther but there was no connection than the front entrance. Shirley and Helen became friends, between Shirley’s husband and her old college pal. sharing chores such as cleaning, cooking and shopping. After graduating from college in 1949, Shirley returned to her home Today, these ladies enjoy some MCC activities together town of Malone, New York and Helen went back to Central but mostly love to sit together and talk about their families New York. and their college days at Potsdam. They talk about the icebox in their Potsdam house that had to be filled with ice several The pair kept in touch over the many years. When Shirley’s times each week, and the time it took to travel home from daughter moved to the Utica area, Shirley always made a point that community. Shirley supplied the photographs for this to get together with Helen, who lived in Newport. article and to read what Helen wrote to Shirley on the back of Eventually, Shirley needed rehabilitation and she came to her senior college photo is evidence of their bond: “Here’s to the Masonic Care Community, where she now lives in the one of the swellest pals I’ve had in college. My Stars! We even Westchester Household. She called her old friend Helen stand together. I’m going to miss cooking with you, buying to tell her where she was and a year later Helen’s daughter on Saturday, doing nothings and most of all, you keeping me called Shirley. Helen was coming to live at the Masonic Care awake in class! I can hear you now, every time you look at this Community, too. Helen lives on the Monroe Household. you’ll say ‘my sleepytime gal.’” Shirley and Helen are two old Interestingly, Shirley learned that another member of her friends sharing a new life together again at the Masonic Care Westchester Household, Rita Wolber, not only attended the Community. Crane School of Music at Potsdam, but also graduated from THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 19 The Masonic Care Community Offers “My Care Connection” for Seniors By Kathy Contino-Turner

The Masonic Care Community, formerly the Masonic Home, has been serving the healthcare needs of elderly Masons, their wives and widows since 1893. Our facilities in Utica are top notch, providing a home for more than 500 seniors. Our healthcare services range from skilled nursing to home care to rehabilitation and our staff is experienced and knowledgeable. So considering our 122 years of service, and our exceptional team of care givers, we have developed a new initiative, designed to help every New York State Mason, regardless of where he lives, or where he would like to live as he ages. The “My Care Connection” was unveiled to the attendees at the 234th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York in early May. This initiative is designed to assist seniors with questions surrounding heathcare and help guide them during a time when life-changing decisions need to be made. My Care Connection will help you as you seek guidance to financial, senior housing or Medicare/Medicaid questions. My Care Connection is a telephone call away. The telephone assistance, whether you wish to stay in your own community number is 844/2ASK-MCC or 844/227-5622. The My Care or you choose to come to the Utica campus, by providing the Connection operates during normal business hours of 8:00 resources to make you a knowledgeable healthcare consumer. a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Calls placed This is a free service to all New York State Masons, their wives outside of those times will go to a message center and be and widows. answered on the next business day. Calls will be forwarded When it comes to healthcare options it can be confusing to appropriate personnel, depending on your area of need. and frustrating to know where to begin. Your Masonic Care My Care Connection can also be found on the Masonic Care Community has been taking care of Masons for more than 122 Community Website at www.mccny.com/mycare. There you years. We know the system and can get you the information will find information on the program as well as a form to to help you maneuver through it. We know that My Care submit to get your questions answered. Connection is the next evolution of the healthcare that has The Masonic Care Community welcomes all Masons and been provided to Masons since 1893. Stop by our booth on their wives or widows to our beautiful home in central New St. John’s Day to pick up one of our My Care Connection York. But we also understand that relocating to this part of the magnets to put on your refrigerator so you can use this service state may not be possible. My Care Connection can provide when you need it.

Marking The 100th Anniversary of the Knights Templar Building at MCC

On May 18, 1915 the Grand Commandry of the Knights Templar, along with the Grand Line and Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund, gathered in Utica to dedicate the cornerstone of the Knights Templar Building. The Grand Commandry donated $5,000 toward the construction of this building, which would be the first girls’ dormitory on the campus. In the 1940s the building became the first occupational therapy department. Today this gracious building houses the apartments of the Trustees and several members of the Grand Line. It is also home to the Communications, Development and Marketing offices. The first floor hallway now features a variety of photos taken over the last 100 years of this building, and we invite you to stop by and say hello. If you would like a copy of this commemorative photo, they are available in the Communications, Development and Marketing office. 20 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Masonic Care Community Ambassador Program

RW MICHAEL SHIPMAN, Chairman [email protected]

MCC Ambassador Program delivers across state As the Masonic Care Community Ambassador Program gains quickly becoming the norm. momentum with the appointment of Regional Administrators, You, too, can become a part of this exciting experience. District Coordinators and Lodge Ambassadors, it is hard at If your Lodge does not have a Lodge Ambassador you may work. Its function is to deliver directly to the Lodges throughout contact RW Michael Shipman at [email protected] to the Grand Jurisdiction the most current information on the become part of the growing team of Ambassadors across New activities of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Hall and York State. Home and, specifically, the Masonic Care Community. Please continue to support the efforts of the Masonic Care Orders for the Box of Remembrance, to be placed near the Community. Contribute to your Lodge’s Box of Remembrance inner Lodge door, are coming in at an increased pace. Town at each meeting, ensuring this wonderful facility will be there Hall meetings within Districts are becoming a familiar sight. for future generations. Presenters at the Town Hall meetings are being met with enthusiastic greetings, and requests to have speakers return are

Brother Charles W. Johnson Receives His 70-Year Apron

(l-r) MW Edward G. Gilbert, PGM; RW John Haslam, Sr., DDGM; W James Michel, Jr., Master; Brother Brian Will, MWV Seated – Brother Charles Johnson, Jr., recipient

Brother Charles W. Johnson, a resident of the Masonic Care Worshipful John Haslam of the Second Erie District. Community since last fall, received a special treat in March The presentation also included letters of acknowledgment when he was presented his 70-year apron. Past Grand Master from RW Griffith Jones, President of the Board of Trustees of Most Worshipful Edward Gilbert surprised Brother Johnson the Masonic Hall and Home; Right Worshipful Paul Rosen, to present the apron. Accompanying the Grand Master were st Grand Secretary; and Grand Master Most Worshipful William Brother Brian Will, 1 Lt. Commander of the Masonic J. Thomas. Brother Johnson was Raised in West Seneca Lodge War Veterans; Worshipful James Michel Jr., Master of West in January of 1945 and has remained a faithful Mason since. Seneca Lodge 1111; and District Deputy Grand Master Right

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 21 CITATION GRAND LODGE F. & A.M. OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2015 “Nichols & Widger Veterinarians” of he Distinguished Achievement T Skaneateles, NY, providing primary Award celebrated its debut in 1934. care for small and large animals in In the many years that have transpired SouthernOnondaga County. This since that noble event, the members successful business venture began in of the Grand Lodge Distinguished 1953 and continued until 1979, when Achievement Award Committee have Dr. Widger retired from private practice. had uncommon opportunities to select Upon his retirement in 1979, Dr. and extend an invitation to a Brother Widger accepted a position with the who lives and breathes Freemasonry. Division of Animal Industry of the New Accepting this prestigious award today York State Department of Agriculture is a senior member of the Craft who has and Markets, becoming its Director proven over these many decades that he in 1982 until his retirement from the is the very embodiment and essence of Department in 1990. Subsequently, his Freemasonry. leadership and management skills were Today, the committee in tandem with engaged by the National Association of the Grand Lodge of Free andAccepted State Veterinarians, where Dr. Widger Masons of the State of NewYork has this MOST WORSHIPFUL BROTHER served as its President in 199Z unique opportunity to pay tribute and BRUCE WIDGER, 33° Furthermore, Dr. Bruce Widger was homage to the Dean of the Past Grand the Advisory Councils of the College of appointed a Director Emeritus on the Masters, Most Worshipful Brother Agriculture and Life Sciences from 1961 Board of the Daniel Parrish Witter Bruce Widger, who throughout his to 1970 and the College of Human Agricultural Museum, where he became lifetime has given so much of himself to Ecology from 1961 to 1962. a renowned proponent in sharing the Family, Community and Freemasonry. Dr. Widger’s involvement withthe heritage of New York’s agricultural Ourhonoree in his ninth decade of life University did not stop with his service development with the Museum’s many is a beacon and shining example of on the various Advisory Councils and visitors. Decency, Honesty and Compassion for Boards. No, not by a long-shot, as he Recognizing Dr. Widger’s “many years all Masons to emulate. also devoted his energies to over ten of unselfish service to his community, state Our Honoree is a native of central Standing and Ad Hoc Committees at and country and for his faithful work in New York State, where he attended the the College, namely the Committee the advancement of his profession”, the Ogden Rural District School No. 7, on Academic Affairs, the Audit New York State Veterinary Medical and graduated from Churchville High Committee, the Buildings & Properties Society bestowed upon him the coveted School. Continuing his education, Committee, the Executive Committee, Award of Merit in 1985. Bruce Widger enrolled as a student at the Committee on New York State On the domestic side of life, Dr. Cornell University where he earned a Relations, the Africana Center Bruce Widger married his lovely bride Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree Committee, and the Capital Financing Mary on October 12, 1952. Their upon graduation in 1951. Committee to name a few. union was blessed with three children, a Dr. Bruce Widger returned to the Additionally, Dr. Widger was named daughter, Jane and two sons, Byron and University ten years later to serve on the on the Centennial Honor Role of Alpha Brother Dwight, a Lewis and member Cornell University Board of Trustees. A Zeta, the first and oldest collegiate of Dryden Lodge No. 472, plus nine position that he held for some 20-years society for agriculture in the Nation. grandchildren. until 1981 when they honored him with With a membership of over 97,000 Together with his family he has been the office of Trustee Emeritus. During brothers, Dr. Widger was one out of a extremely generous and active with his tenure on the Board, Dr. Widger 100 recipients to receive this honor. both the First Presbyterian Church and was instrumental in making many In appreciation for his many hours of the United Methodist Church in the decisions that positively impacted upon devoted service and personal investment village of Marcellus, where he has served the learning opportunities available to into the good works of the University, in various leadership roles. students. Dr. Widger was given the prestigious Dr. Widger’s personable demeanor, . Expanding his professional and recognition of being the Outstanding and upright character, are well- educational horizons at Cornell Alumnus of the College of Agriculture known attributes making him a prized University, Dr. Widger served on and Life Sciences in 1995. commodity throughout the region. the Advisory Board of the College of In private practice, Dr. Bruce Widger Within the local township, he has been Veterinary Medicine for three distinct entered into a 25-year partnership a member and ardent supporter of the terms from 1961 to 1970, 1974 to 1980 with Dr. Robert Nichols forming the Marcellus Historical Society and Rotary and 1990 to 1996. He also served on

22 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Club. Even at the tender age of 90 years, the Justice Robert H. Jackson Lodge of Honorary Legion of Honor of the Brother Widger continues to deliver Research since 1999. Order of DeMolay, and the Order of the Meals on Wheels to the elderly residing Brother Widger was appointed in Purple Cross of the York Rite College. in the local countryside. 1969 to the office of Assistant Grand MW Bruce Widger currently serves as Dr. Widger’s other endeavors include Lecturer. Then in 1970, MW William the Grand Representative of the Grand holding office asa Trustee of the R. Knapp, appointed Brother Widger Lodge of Scotland near the Grand Skaneateles Savings Bank from 1969 to serve as the District DeputyGrand Lodge of New York. to 1984; servingas the Director of the Master of the Second Onondaga In his succinct style and poignant Farmers and Traders Life Insurance District. manner, Most Worshipful Bruce Company of Syracuse from 1975 to Becoming an officer of the Grand Widger addressed this Grand Lodge in 1995; serving as the Chairman on Line, then RW Brother Bruce Widger 1980 saying: “In the year ahead I expect the Marcellus Town Zoning Board of was elected Junior Grand Warden of to be the leader of all Masons in the State Appeals from 1957 to 1973; and as the Grand Lodge of New York from of New York, as you have charged me, but member of the Council of Advisors 1972 to 1974, and ascended to Deputy I also expect to be your servant, your friend to the New York State Commissioner Grand Master from 1978 to 1980. and your co-worker in the Quarries. I of Environmental Conservation from Taking upon his shoulders the full want to be accessible, approachable and 1969 until 1973. mantel of authority and responsibility open. Please don’t let the Grand Master’s Agriculture being close to his heart, for the Craft, Most Worshipful Bruce gold regalia stand between us. Ifyou have Dr. Bruce Widger is a longtime active Widger was elected by acclamation to something that you feel is important, I member of the National Grange the office of Grand Master of Masons in should hear it, I want to hear it if it is for and the New . York State Grange, the State of New York, where he served the good of the Craft. a fraternal, agricultural and family with distinction for two terms from Our function, one function of Grand centric organization, of which he has 1980 to 1982. Lodge is to serve and help strengthen the served in numerous capacities in the Seeking more Masonic Light carne Lodges. The cutting edge of our Craft is in local Marcellus Grange and Onondaga as instinct to our Grand Master Bruce the local community and where the action Pomona Grange. Widger, who embraced each novel should be and I hope it will be. Dr. Widger was instrumental in Masonic Body with a renewed interest Please keep in touch, so we can help you launching a campaign toward bringing and enthusiasm. with your problems, and in return we’ll innew members to the local Granges, MW Bruce Widger hasbeen a expect you to help with ours. which garnered him the Golden Sheaf member ofthe York Rite Bodies since So I ask you not so much to be loyal Award. Working tirelessly on his way up 1957 serving as the High Priest of followers,-because I know you are .going the chairs, which culminated with Dr. Charles H. Platt Chapter No. 247, to be that -but to join hands with me Widger being elected to the office of Royal Arch Masons for four different in the work ofour Craft, so that we can President of the Marcellus Grange. terms in 1975, 1977, 1999, and 2000. walk and work together as a team during Dr. Widger has devoted many years As a member of the Knights Templar, the next two years. And yes, that you will toward supporting the he served as the Commander of Central occasionally remember that the Grand Grange Hall, earning him the City Commandery No. 25 in 1993 Master is still Bruce, up here trying to reputation as the go-to-person for and 1994. He also holds membership do his job.” ,

the HalL In recognition thereof, in Central City Council No. 13 of the MOST WORSHIPFUL the Gerald M. Eastman Award . Cryptic Rite Masons. BRUCE WIDGER, 33° exemplifying the Grange’s values and MW Brother Widger became a We hail! We salute! precepts of Faith, Hope, Charity, Scottish Rite Mason in 1966 serving And we proclaim you! Fidelity and Perseverance, was awarded as a Sovereign Prince from 1974 to The Recipient of the Highest Honor by t~e New York State Grange to Dr. 1975. He was elevated and coroneted The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Bruce Widger with special fanfare at an Honorary 33rd Degree Mason in Masons of the State of New York their Annual Session in Oneonta, NY 1975, and elected an Active Member can confer on anyone on October 26, 2014. of the Supreme Council in 1983. The Distinguished Reflecting upon these noble virtues Subsequently, he was elected the Achievement Award exemplified by the Grange, it should Deputy for New York State in 1992, in the Year of 2015 come as no surprise that our Honoree culminating with becoming an Active which will now be presented by our this morning would be destined Emeritus of the Ancient Accepted MOST WORSHIPFUL to journey alo ng a path leading to Scottish Rite in September 2000. GRAND MASTER Freemasonry. MW Bruce Widger is a Life member WILLIAM J. THOMAS Brother Widger was raised a Master of the Royal Order of Scotland, and On May 4, 2015, A.L. 6015 Mason in Freedom Lodge No. 324 in has served as Puissant Sovereign of Approved: Unadilla on April 28, 1953, and affiliated St. Leo’s Conclave of the Red Cross William J. Thomas with Morning Star Lodge No. 524 the of Constantine in 1985 and 1986. Grand Master following year. Seven years later he was His memberships also encompass the Committee on Distinguished elected and installed the Worshipful Societas Rosicrucions, Tigris Shrine Achievement Award Master of Morning Star Lodge in 1961. Temple, the Royal Order of Jesters, Gary A. Henningsen, Chairman He also holds membership since 1973 Richmond Forest of the Tall Cedars Carl J. Smith, in the American Lodge of Research and of Lebanon, Kedar Kahn Grotto, the Vincent Libone THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 23 St. John’s Day June 26-27-28, 2015 We hope you are planning to join us for St. John’s Day at the end of this month. The basic schedule of events is listed. If you need additional information, however, on hotels or activities we urge you to go to www. mccny.com and click on Events on the upper blue bar. We will be posting all the latest information on the weekend at the Utica Campus. You can also call my office 315/798-4768 or email me at [email protected].

Friday, June 26 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: District Deputy and Staff Officer Training in various locations (TBA) on the Masonic Care Community Campus. 5:00 p.m.: Friday Evening Jewish Services in the Auditorium of the Administration Building followed by Oneg Shabbat in the lobby. 6:00 p.m.: Picnic at Acacia Village for all Masons and their families who are attending the St. John’s Day weekend activities.

Saturday, June 27 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Crafters and Masonic Lodges/Districts on the Great Lawn. 10:00 a.m.: Grand Master, Grand Line and the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home meet with residents in the Atrium of the Health Pavilion. 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: the Steve Falvo Easy Money Big Band on the Great Lawn. 1:00 p.m.: Masonic War Veterans Annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Building. 2:00 p.m.: Line of March from the Health Pavilion to the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel. 2:30 p.m.: Investiture Service at Tompkins Memorial Chapel.

Sunday, June 28 9:00 a.m.: Christian Worship Service at the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel. 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: Brunch in the Winter Garden of the Health Pavilion. 1:00 p.m.: Scholarship Awards program in the auditorium of the Administration Building.

24 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 2015 St. John’s Weekend Request for Space to Set Up Tents

The Masonic Lodges are invited to bring their own pop-up tents, tables and chairs to set up at St. John’s Day, free of charge! The placement of your Lodge’s tent will be determined on a first-come, first served basis and assigned by receipt date of the request.

Set-up Times Available: Saturday, June 27th from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. . Size: The maximum size we can accommodate on the Great Lawn is a 12 X12 tent.

Lodge Name and No.: Contact Person: Telephone No.: Email Address Size of Tent You are Bringing Type of Items You Plan to Display

Please submit your request to the Development/Marketing/Communications Office no later than Friday, June 5, 2015. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the following representatives at the Masonic Care Community:

Carol Bartosiewicz, Development/Marketing Assistant Email: [email protected] Phone: (315)798-4881

For Internal Use Only: Date Received by Masonic Care Community: ______Tent Number Assigned: ______

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 25 International Order Organization New York DeMolay of the Rainbow for Girls in NY of Triangles, Inc. 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica, New York 13501 Mrs. Gale Gould Mary Madison RW William M Sardone Office (315) 798-4922 Supreme Inspector in NY State Director 35 Maple Street Executive Officer Fax (315) 798-4798 Auburn, New York 13021 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: NYDemolay.org Phone: 315-253-8206 Website: www.nytriangle.org : Facebook.com/NYDemolay e-mail:[email protected] : facebook.com/OOTNY Website: www.nyiorg.org : Twitter.com/NYDeMolay : facebook.com/NY Rainbow : NYDeMolay Grand Master honored as DeMolay inducts 18 March 21, 2015 was the date of the NY DeMolay Grand Master’s Class in honor of the MW and Dad William J. Thomas. The event took place in Albany.

Photo A • DeMolays from across New York State converged and worked together as a team to induct eighteen young men into our organization. The ceremony was witnessed by hundreds of attendees. Photo B • To add a little icing to the DeMolay Cake, Dad William Plank presented the Grand Master with a resolution of sponsorship for a brand new Chapter in the Tarrytown area. It will be named “Knights Templar.” Photo C • Following the events of the afternoon, the organization honored Grand Matron and Mom Bonnie Blanchard and Grand Patron and Dad Bruce Whitmore. A bit of a Western theme prevailed, as evidenced by RW Bill Sardone, NY DeMolay Executive Officer; Grand Patron Bruce Whitmore; Grand Matron Bonnie Blanchard; NY DeMolay State Master Councilor, Tyler Henderson 26 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Young people answer call by Mary B. Madison, State Director, Organization of Triangle, Inc. This winter a friend of mine posted on Facebook that her two-year-old granddaughter Betsy was going into the hospital again for treatment and surgery. Betsy has cystic fibrosis and has spent more time in the hospital than most adults and would need to be in the hospital for several weeks. My friend asked for prayers and mentioned that Betsy would be in the Scottish Rite Hospital for children. I thought this would be a great community service project for the girls. So, after checking with Betsy’s family, I posted a Facebook plea to the Triangle members, as well as to our entire Masonic family, to send cards to Betsy and her older brother Anthony. The response was incredible. Betsy and Anthony received cards, books, gifts and prayers not only from Triangle, but from Rainbow and DeMolay members; not only from the youth, but from the adults, as well. Her family was overwhelmed with the generosity and caring of our Orders. As Betsy lives in Atlanta, Georgia, she will not likely grow up to be a Triangle girl. But she may remember this time when she turns eleven and she may look for a Rainbow Assembly. Anthony may recall the Star Wars book he received from a complete stranger and think, “This is an organization I would like to be part of,” and seek out a DeMolay Chapter. This story exemplifies the character of all our youth groups. One little plea on Facebook, and look at the smile it brought to a sick little girl who receives her care at a Masonic-supported facility. Infirmary Building Ninth Manhattan recognizes editor Improvements Donation

(l-r) RW Joseph Goldbloom and RW Kevin Koeberl RW Joseph Goldbloom received acknowledgement for his many years as the editor of the Ninth Manhattan News. The Royal Arch Masons Grand High Priest, ME Piers A. Brother Joe recently retired from this position and he was Vaughn, presented Masonic Care Community Executive given a plaque to honor his contributions to the newspaper. Director RW Rob Raffle with a check for $3,600 to benefit RW Kevin Koeberl, the new editor, made the presentation. improvements to the Infirmary Building at Round Lake The ceremony took place at the annual meeting of the Camp. This donation will assist the Trustees of the Masonic German Masonic Charitable Foundation. Congratulations go Hall and Home in their efforts to make updates to the camp to Joe as he begins a new chapter in his life. property in northern Oneida County. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 27 Law Enforcement Committee RW Martin A. Danoff, Chairman 437 Madison Avenue, 29th Floor New York, NY 10022 (212) 573-6064 [email protected] Protection against Identity Theft and other Scams Here are some pointers on how you can protect yourself in the yourself further these three credit companies sell insurance event your identity, wallet, credit cards, social security number to protect yourself. and financial information are stolen. Here are the credit companies: 1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards, instead write, a.) Equifax 1-800 525-6285 “Photo ID Required.” b.) Experian (formally TRW) 1-888 397-3742 2. When writing checks to pay any of your credit card bills, c.) Trans Union 1-800 680-7289 do not put the complete account numbers on the check. d.) Social Security fraud line 1-800 269-0271 Instead, just put the last five numbers of your account Some other scams that you can protect yourself against are as number, as the credit card company has your account follows: number. Also, never have your Social Security number 1. Do not pay any employment agency fees or costs for printed on your checks. You can always write it if it is training and placement in construction and hospitality necessary (e.g., when paying your Federal or NYS Income sectors. Check them with the Better Business Bureau. taxes). 2. Towing scam 3. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of 3. Immigration assistance scam – we can get you citizenship your home phone. Do not put your home address on your checks. Some people even get a P.O. Box number. 4. Electronic store scam 4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. 5. Parking ticket scam – we can fix your ticket Photocopy the front and back sides of your credit cards, 6. ATM skimmers – protect your PIN number when at the licenses, bank cards, account numbers, pin numbers and machine – cover it up. phone numbers to call to cancel these accounts. Keep the photocopies in a safe place for future reference. 7. Phone scams – they call you to invest in a phony stock; get you to send money for something that sounds too good 5. Also make copies of your passport and take extra copies to be true or they want you to wire them money for some when you travel here or abroad. Leave a copy home in case scam. Get a telephone that shows you who is calling – if your luggage and carry on bags are stolen. you do not know the person or number do not answer 6. In the event your wallet and passport are stolen, file a your phone. Scam artists will not leave a voice message or police report immediately in the jurisdiction where they a return number. were stolen. This proves to the credit card companies you 8. Rental listing scam – cheap apartment on computer – too were diligent. Then notify the credit card companies that good to be true. your credit cards were stolen. Good luck. Remember to take all the aforementioned 7. Call the three national credit reporting companies precautions to protect yourself, your money and identity immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and against the forces of evil. also call the Social Security fraud line number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your This article is not intended to be a source of legal advice and information was stolen, and they have to contact you does not create an attorney-client relationship. It is purely a by phone to authorize new credit. However, to protect resource of information for Masons. Masonic Wedding Recognition Valentine’s Day arrived just a little Stewart Victor Mosquera and his wife It is the second time in the history earlier this year for La Fraternidad, Maria Teresa. Our DDGM RW Miguel of our lodge which was founded 160 Lodge 387. Angel Ballena and Grand Director of years ago, that we celebrate the Masonic Our W Carlos Villalobos and Ceremonies RW Steve Marrone were Wedding Recognition as part of our brethren all gathered together in in attendance. After the ceremony the traditions. January 2015 to celebrate a Masonic participants enjoyed a scrumptious Wedding Recognition to our Brother dinner and a delicious wedding cake. 28 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Committee on Youth

RW Cary S. Cohn, Chairman Totton Essay Recipient (516) 781-1157 [email protected]

MW Frank M. Totton served Grand funds it, with ten prizes awarded to the York. She is the daughter of W Wendell Lodge as Grand Master during the top essays. The Youth Committee of J. Cornaire. He hails from Brownville years 1948 and 1949. He hailed from Grand Lodge administers this contest. Lodge 53 in Jefferson District. Her Fifth Manhattan Masonic District. On behalf of the Grand Lodge essay appears below. Roughly fifty years ago, in his honor, Committee on Youth, it is an honor Next year’s Essay Contest topic is an Essay Contest was established. The to announce the winner of this year’s “Civility: What is it, and why is it Fifth Manhattan Masonic District Frank M. Totton Essay Contest: Ms. important in our lives?” Association Endowment Fund currently Michaela Cornaire of LaFargeville, New

How Can Teenage Suicide be Prevented?

It seems that teenage suicide is plaguing this country these days. There are reports of it all the time in the news. In an attempt to combat this, schools have launched anti-bullying campaigns but have truly not done much more to help out the depressed teenager. If we wish to prevent teenage suicide, we must first turn to teenagers themselves. In my experience, teenagers who are feeling depressed will readily seek out a friend but balk at speaking to an adult. For this reason, I believe the first step to preventing teenage suicide is in training teenagers how to deal with a crisis. Teaching teens to simply direct a friend to an adult for help won’t work. Many teenagers are ready and willing to be trained in crisis intervention, and they are the ones who other depressed teenagers will turn to. Michaela Cornaire Secondly, if we wish to prevent teenage suicide, we must make mental healthcare much more accessible than it is. I say this because I speak from experience in the lack of mental healthcare in my area. I was feeling depressed, and actually did turn to my parents for help. I requested counseling, and wanted to see a psychiatrist. They agreed with me and sought out psychiatrists and counselors. The best that could be done for me was for me to be put on a waiting list to get in to see someone. This waiting list was about a year and half long. Well before I reached my turn on this waiting list, I experienced a crisis myself and was placed in a mental hospital for ten days. This could’ve been prevented if I’d had access to medical care sooner. The last thing we must remember in preventing teenage suicide is that this is a battle for all of us. We must begin to remove the stigma of depression. We need to speak openly about it so that every teenager can know that help can be found and we all need to make efforts to change the way depressed teenagers are treated in this country.

Winners of the Frank M. Totton Essay Contest are as follows: First Place Michaela Cornaire, Sixth Place John R. Sacktig, Brownville 53, Stewart Manor-St. Albans 56, Jefferson District Second Nassau District Second Place Jessica Zinssar, Seventh Place Vincent Manta, Schoharie Valley 491, Harmony 241, Otsego-Schoharie District Queens District Third Place Taylor N. Canter, Eighth Place Jessica Ranjitsingh, Jephtha 394, Cornucopia 563, Suffolk District Queens District Fourth Place Luca J. Pagoto, Ninth Place Caroline Dunne, Garibaldi 542, Trinity 12, Tenth Manhattan District Ninth Manhattan District Fifth Place James Griffin, Tenth Place Adrian A. Johnson, Garibaldi 542, Aurora Grata Day Star 647, Tenth Manhattan District Third Kings District THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 29 Awards Committee

RW GEORGE R. WACOB, Chairman [email protected] Awards Committee lays out guidelines

The committee has completed its first year since being required notifications being made for each recipient. Last year, appointed by the Grand Master. It has been a unique experience a few recommendations came in too late to be processed. We for the entire committee. Some of the new procedures that were encourage the timely submission of the recommendations for implemented have helped to expedite the time necessary from our distinguished Brothers. receipt to ratification of recommendations. The committee The Community Service Awards (DeWitt Clinton, Jacob worked diligently to achieve this goal and is commended for Morton and GL Certificate of Excellence in Service to the its efforts. We will continue to provide information through Community) have no cutoff date and will be processed as they an Empire State Mason article. We will also continue to provide are received. The Lodge and DDGM will be notified within information and forms on the Awards Committee webpage at a short period of time if the nominee has been approved to the Grand Lodge website. receive one of the awards. The committee will be accepting 2016 Dedicated Service Please take note of the Awards Committee’s webpage on Award Recommendation Forms in September 2015. At the end the Grand Lodge website: http://nymasons.org/awards- of August, a letter will be sent out with updated information, committee/. This page will give you information, requirements timetable and form for the 2016 Dedicated Service Award and and forms for the various awards. various Community Service Awards. The letter will be sent to the DDGMs, Staff Officers and Secretaries of Lodges. If you I would like to thank the dedicated Brothers on the Awards do not receive it by the middle of September, go to the website Committee for the time and effort they have contributed to and you can obtain all of the information you will need. make this past year a success. RW Gregory Noulas and RW Joseph T. Entier represent the Metropolitan Region. Mid-State I want to emphasize that there is a cutoff date for the Region is RW Thomas L. Jenison and RW Garry L. Visconti. Dedicated Service Award Recommendation. The forms and RW Charles E. Knapp, Jr. and RW John L. Montross cover the information must be postmarked on or before November Hudson-Champlain Region and the Western Region members 12, 2015. There is a lengthy procedure in place with the are RW William H. Greene and RW Robert W. Strong. committee voting on, the Grand Master approving and the Manhattan Masons come together in Florida When Districts get together they demonstrate the best spirit of fraternity. February 15 marked an important start in inter-District relations and cooperation. For many years, the Seventh and Eighth Manhattan Districts have held annual luncheons for their transplanted Brothers in Florida. This year, for the first time, they were joined by the Sixth Manhattan in a joyous and successful affair. Held at the popular DaVinci Italian Restaurant in Boynton Beach, the luncheon attracted more than sixty Brothers and ladies. that next year all Manhattan Districts Paul Kilimnik from Seventh Manhattan In years past, each District had its will join us, and even Brothers, Lodges and RW Nat Savlowitz from Eighth own luncheon; this year they decided to and Districts from throughout the New Manhattan. Also joining this year combine. RW Nat Savlowitz, organizer York Metropolitan area.” were Brothers from some other New from Eighth Manhattan, commented, Heading up the Districts this year York Districts, as well as Brothers from “We hope this new endeavor is the were RW Bernard Rashes from Sixth Florida. start of an annual event and we hope Manhattan, RW Steve Kastner and RW 30 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 From The Grand Historian

RW JAMES H. RICE Grand Historian When does Masonic education begin?

This question raised some very thought-provoking Explain the basic tenets of Masonry: Brotherly Love, conversations recently. Several responses received were “in Integrity and Charity. He should be told the time requirement the First Degree.” Other respondents thought it is after the to become a Master Mason, his commitment to increase his Degrees are completed. None mentioned, “before the Degrees knowledge and understanding of Freemasonry and how to be begin.” an active member of his Lodge. I am of the opinion that Masonic education begins when a Once he becomes a Lodge member he should be thoroughly man first inquires about joining Masonry and, more specifically, educated in Masonry, beginning with the alphabet. Passing during the interview process. The interview committee will through the rudiments, he finds in the ritual the true principles make a lasting impression on the potential candidate by of our institution. Gradually developing himself through a attending to how well they prepare for the interview and the succession of tenets, ornaments and symbols, he finds himself image they project. The committee members should keep in capable of comprehending and appreciating the great moral mind that while they are observing the candidate they are principles and teachings, which give vitality and stability to being observed as well by the man, his spouse and family. Masonry. This passage was thus described by MW Joseph D. Each committee member must be knowledgeable about Evans in 1855. our Craft and, in particular, his Lodge. How they express With the help of his mentor he can then start on the themselves during the interview will be a major point in pathway to greater knowledge by participating in the many gaining a new Mason. You are not only to learn why the man programs our Grand Lodge has to increase a Brother's Masonic wants to join but to answer any questions he or his spouse knowledge. His pursuit of light always begins in the Lodge may have regarding Masonry. Your answers to these questions and, hopefully, your Lodge has a library of basic Masonic must be accurate and honest. This is the real beginning of his books that he can borrow and study. And don't forget: Our education in Masonry. main purpose is to make Masons, not members.

Laurens Lodge 548 Celebrates 150 Years

On Sunday, March 15 the Brothers of Laurens Lodge 548 and Grand Master William J. Thomas, the Grand Line, the Cortland-Madison Masonic War Veterans Post, visiting brethren, friends and family celebrated the 150th anniversary of Masonry in Laurens and rededicated their Lodge building. Laurens Lodge 548 was chartered on April 9, 1864, organized by its first Worshipful Master Harvey Gregory. The founding members were mechanics, farmers, merchants, lawyers, physicians and a hotel keeper. After changing meeting locations the Grand Master and his elected and signature of every Worshipful Master on several occasions, Laurens Lodge appointed Grand Lodge Officers. The of Laurens Lodge since its chartering. purchased its current building (a colors were presented by Brothers of A catered dinner was served after former Methodist church) in 1968. The the Masonic War Veterans Post from the ceremony, with all in attendance Lodge later absorbed Butternuts Lodge the Cortland-Madison District. On the enjoying an afternoon of fellowship and through an approved merger. altar, Laurens Lodge proudly displayed brotherhood. The ceremony was conducted by the antique Bible, which includes the THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 31 Grand Lodge Educational Assistance Program

RW MICHAEL SHIPMAN, Chairman [email protected] [email protected]

The public announcement and presentations to the recipients of the 2015 Education Assistance Program will take place at the following locations: Sunday, June 28 Saturday, July 11 Saturday, July 11 Masonic Home Campus Ismailia Shrine Damascus Shrine 2150 Bleeker Street. 1600 Southwestern Blvd. 979 Bay Road Utica Buffalo Webster At 1:00 p.m. At 12:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 12 Sunday, July 12 Saturday, July 25 Centerville Lodge Beukendaal Lodge Grand Lodge Building-3rd Fl. 648 Centerville Place 22 Schonowee Ave. 71 West 23rd Street North Syracuse Scotia New York At 12:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m. At 12:00 p.m. All brethren are cordially invited to attend the 2015 District Deputy Grand Masters for their assistance in securing Education Assistance Program presentations. Representatives the ceremony locations. of the Grand Line will be present at these presentations and This is the twentieth year for this outstanding program. will continue the tradition of congratulating the students and Your Grand Lodge and Trustees have assisted nearly 12,000 families. The programs will start promptly at the above times. students with grants, now totaling over 10.5 million dollars, in The Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home, who have funded their pursuit of higher learning. All brethren and families are the program for the children, grandchildren and widows of welcome to be part of these special events. Help us congratulate our Fraternity, will be in attendance, also. Light refreshments the children, grandchildren and widows of the members of will be served. our Fraternity. Make reservations with your District Deputy if Special thanks go to the many Lodge Secretaries who assisted you would like to attend. the candidates with their applications. Thanks are also due the

Reliance recovers piece of history

Reliance Lodge 776 historian Brother William P. Stris received paraphernalia from the DDGM of the Second Kings District, RW Walter J. Wasnieski III. The material belonged to former member, Grand Treasurer RW Frank B. McLaughlin. It will be placed in the Lodge’s archives. The Lodge has many significant Masonic artifacts housed in its archives at the Livingston Masonic Library and Library of Congress, many originating with Lodges it has absorbed. These Lodges include Marsh 188, Hill Grove Progressive 354, Corner Stone 367, Oltman 445, Clinton 453, Tyrian 618, Anthon 769 and Success 1169.

(l-r) Brother William P. Stris and RW Walter J. Wasnieski III

32 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Fellowship on ice

Mr. & Mrs. Callahan

(l-r) RW Walter Wasnieski and Ken Morrow

Masonic Fellowship Day at the New game on earth. A few of our younger Shichtman, a Past Master from Reliance York Islanders was a rousing success fans were able to ride the “Fan Zamboni” Lodge 776, who generously bought and once again. This year Camp Turk was before the start of the game and a few donated tickets. the beneficiary of the fundraising were able to “high-five” the New York Camp Turk will receive $2,000 from efforts because it is the pet charity of Islanders as they took to the ice. ticket sales and donations. After the Grand Master William J. and Susan Grand Lodge Fellowship Committee game some of the Brothers stayed to see Taylor Thomas. This is the third year chair RW Joe Mandel thanks our MW RW Wasnieski play in a charity hockey for the event and it was arranged by William J. Thomas for his support for game called “Skate with the Greats.” He RW Walter Wasnieski, District Deputy this event, even though he wasn’t able played alongside four-time Stanley Cup of the Second Kings District and a to attend. PGM MW Carl J. Fitje was winners, Hall of Famers Mike Bossy member of the Grand Lodge Fellowship there to represent Grand Lodge and our and Ken Morrow, as well as Islander Committee. Grand Master. alumni Garth Snow, Doug Weight and Over 100 Masons and families and We also thank RWs Scott Nagle and Steve Webb. RW Walter even got to live friends attended. It was great to see: Dave Velkas and Ed Callahan and their out a childhood dream of scoring a goal three generations of the Callahan family families for attending. A huge thank- at the Nassau Coliseum, on a pass from enjoying the game and quality time you goes to the Brothers and families Mike Bossy. together; some new Masons and their from First Nassau and Second Kings It was a great day for all. Be on the families enjoying the game; a dad and who helped make this day a major lookout for flyers for next year’s Masonic his daughter bonding over the fastest success. Thanks also go to W Marshal Fellowship Day.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 33 Acacia Village

linda rae avolio, Acacia Village Retirement Counselor Acacia Village is Independent Living [email protected]

center complete with fitness equipment and an indoor pool, spa and sauna. The second component is social interaction. Living here is like being part of a tightly knit small town. We have several clubs and groups that folks belong to including book clubs and chorus. They also get together for coffee on Wednesday afternoons and for cocktails on Friday before dinner. We also have multiple rooms where our folks can host small and large Acacia Village receives several inquiries per month from gatherings. Whether they want to host fifteen people looking for Assisted Living. Acacia Village is not people for dinner or host a large anniversary celebration, it’s Assisted Living, we are Independent Living and there are easy to arrange that. important distinctions between these two types of housing. Number three on the list is cognitive stimulation. Acacia When someone calls in, it’s important to determine which Village neighbors get together for weekly trivia and card type of senior housing they are looking for and best suits their games. They enjoy on-site lectures and presentations. Others needs. In order to live in an Independent Living community, enjoy putting jigsaw puzzles together while others work on the like Acacia Village, an individual must be able to take of “Acacia Village Voices” our community newsletter. Movies are themselves without addition assistance. When someone calls shown regularly in our theater and we have over four thousand or visits and they are looking for Assisted Living, we usually books available in the library. Some of our residents even start out by asking a series of questions to determine if Acacia facilitate educational classes for their neighbors. Village will be a good fit for them. For example; we’ll ask The final component of healthy living is spiritual fulfillment. them if they are able to take care of their own personal needs. We offer transportation to Tompkins Chapel on our Masonic Are they able to dress themselves and take care of their own Care Community campus and other area churches on Sunday. hygiene? Are they able to administer and keep track of their Several Acacia Village residents also travel to the MCC Health own medications? It’s very important for everyone to know Pavilion on Tuesdays for a Catholic Mass. We have a group that we don’t provide any medical services at Acacia Village. that also gets together each week for bible study. At Acacia If someone calls looking for Independent Living, we might Village neighbors love to help each other out and they find ask if they are getting tired of the upkeep on their current that to be very fulfilling also. Others are busy volunteering in home. Would they like to have more free time to pursue their the community. interests? Are they interested in making new friends? Would Independent Living provides the active adult more they appreciate not having to cook every meal? If they answer independence than living at home because it frees them up yes, then they might want to explore the Acacia Village lifestyle from the bulk of household chores and maintenance. Residents a little more. come and go as they please. They are welcome to have family At Acacia Village we encourage folks to make this move and friends come and visit. They can entertain and cook in while they can really enjoy the way of life we offer. I often tell their own apartment or treat their guests to a meal in the café people it’s better to make this move five years too early than or dining room. Small dogs and cats that fit the pet policy five minutes too late. If they wait until there is a crisis, then are at home here too. Overnight guests are welcome to stay chances are they might need a higher level of care. in a resident’s apartment or they can book a modest room on Studies show that folks who live in an independent residential campus, based on availability. Our residents can participate in community such as Acacia Village age more successfully than many activities or none at all. their peers and maintain their independence for a much longer Acacia Village is strictly a rental community, so there is period of time. This is due to a variety of factors that we call no large up-front entrance fee like you might find at other components of healthy living. Independent Living Communities. Please call us so that we The first is physical activity. We’ve all heard the phrase use can answer any questions you may have. Better yet, come and it or lose it. At Acacia Village the residents can choose from a visit. When you do, talk to people that live here; you’ll find variety of wellness classes including yoga, Tia Chi and water that most of them will say that they wish they had moved here fitness, plus they can walk inside during inclement weather and sooner. If you’d like to learn more about the Acacia Village enjoy the walking trails on our beautiful over 400 acre campus lifestyle contact us at 1-800-593-3353. Take a video tour on during the spring, summer and fall. We also have a wellness our website at www.acaciavillageny.com. 34 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 GRAND MASTER’S FAMILY DAY AT WEST POINT Saturday, October 17, 2015 Army vs. Bucknell

(Limited to 200 tickets) Tickets: $30.00 Parking: $15.00 (per car) Parking: $25.00 (per bus) Get your order in early

We will be Tailgating at Parking Area “H” Arrive early for good parking spot. Map will be provided with tickets. Bring your own food and drinks. Parade of Cadets on the Plain: Football Game: *9:00 a.m. *12:00 p.m. (Buses provided to parade & game)

Ticket orders must be sent with check payable to “Grand Lodge of New York” to: RW Charlie Catapano 2410 Farmers Ave #1 Bellmore, NY 11710 Phone: 516/314-8156, email: [email protected] Cut-off date (with money) September 30, 2015 *Subject to change Transportation re-presents apron

On October 29, 2011 Brother Charles Tyree and his wife Roseann suffered a total loss of home and property, including his original Grand Sword Bearer’s apron, to Hurricane Sandy. The super storm struck their home on Long Island. They relocated to Western New York after the storm to be near family members. After its stated communication on March 5, Transportation Lodge 842 held a family-invited Surprise Party. The surprise was a re-presentation of the Purple Apron to Brother Tyree. MW Carl J. Smith, under whom RW Brother Tyree had served, presented the replacement apron. Thirty-five Lodge members and guests joined in the celebration with (l-r) MW Carl J. Smith, RW Charles Tyree and W Charles J. Goetz, Sr., Master of Transportation Lodge refreshment and conversation. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 35 Years of Service

85 Years 84 years 83 years 82 years Normal Wantagh Morton Normal Cataract Arthur T. Long C. Richard Gunzer Nicholas Choyce Sr Willis J. Mather

75 years 79 Years Anchor-Astoria Harlem Valley Renovation Island City Jack Leopold Lawrence E. Stark Lloyd F. Cliff William T. Johnston Erie Milnor John E. Paplow Wilbur M. McCormick

76 years 74 Years

Racket River Amos-Fort Greene Pioneer-Mount Moriah Tadmor Walter F. Hastings Arthur Sanders Cyril H. Hermele Louis H. Eickhoff Emulation Salem Town Norman Johnson Harold W. Axton

73 Years 72 Years

Ark Lansing Amos-Fort Greene Hiram Clifton S. Baldwin Victor R. Lewis Milton Radutzky Fred H. Hale Jr Berne Nathan Strauss Bainbridge-Afton Ilion Olive Branch Francis H. Warner Leonard Litwin Frank A. Doolittle Gilbert N. Johnson Frank W. Warner North Star Beukendaal Kingston Clinton F. Paige-Berean Robert G. Hubbell Elbert J. Weller Robert A. Shultis Edward D. Cottrell Nunda Station Brasher Mount Moriah Fellowship Duane A. Wolf Wesley E. Kingsley Jr Cornell L. Beach Daniel Stojanovich Oriental-Faxton Evening Star Union Star Guiding Star-Angle William Pritchard Arthur J. Cropsey Charles B. Swartz Robert A. Shawn St. Johnsville Goldenrule Wellston Heights Michael F. Mancusi Clermont McKinley Harold F. White Donald K. Smith True Craftsman’s Eugene K. Nemoytin Fred Dickerman

71 Years

Boyd Humanity North Star Schenectady Henry Huson Reginald Wagmaker Carlton G. Van Ornum Robert C. McCartney Constellation Kennyetto Olive Spartan Fletcher Parker Donald R. Vosburgh Wilbur R. Renskers Frank B. Wigley Delhi Margaretville Oneonta Star Of The East John H. Leal Lester A. Rosa Harold T. Gobel Charles H. Ryan Fidelity Monroe Gottfried G. Riesen White Plains Donald E. Gibson Robert A. Ellis Savona Leonard W. Schlichting Hamilton Ray J. Faucett Edwin F. Riedel

70 Years

Boonville-Uriel Franklin Justinian Orawaupum Clinton C. Capron Albert E. Hornby Morton Ingram Lionel Weinstein Carpenter-Emanuel Guiding Star-Angle Living Stone Round Hill Jack Trainer Lyman T. Doremus H. A. Koerner Charles W. Loudon Cortlandville Hancock-Dirigo-Adelphi Lowville Scotia George W. Samson Bernard I. Chenkin Francis S. Lee James L. Kopper Dryden Harry S Truman Ogdensburgh-Acacian Unity Sibley A. Stewart Jerome Silverman Leslie A. Wager Kenneth E. Brooker Oneonta Herbert H. Sines 36 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 65 Years Amherst Evening Star Morning Star Russell Robert F. Buyers Harry K. Minassian Clinton J. Woodford George M. Pilbeam Jr Ancient Temple Gasport Mount Sanai Schenectady John W. Heere Paul N. O’Neill Kenneth A. Rothschild Harry P. Coton Jr Armistice George Washington Munn Chester L. Matthews Paul J. Glasgow Herbert P. Durdik Albert H. Wahl Sconondoa Sherrill Athelstane Girard Naurashank Gilman E. Alstad Leonard Anish Edwin Yabrow Clayton C. Newell Secaucus Hudson Beacon Hamilton Ogdensburgh-Acacian Herbert G. Herbst John T. Ingram Jr Desmond R. Parker James Phillips Shakespeare Beukendaal Hanover Thomas G. Smith Harold S. Besser Harris R. Gregory Jr Justin H. Niebel Ray W. Watson Spartan Binghamton Harmonie On Da Wa Herbert L. Botwin Donald J. Stickles Donald C. Brooks Mack D. Rupard Spencer Blazing Star Highland-Ely Parker Ontario Richard E. Rumsey Jay S. Doerflein Clark G. White Jr Charles L. Ossman Springfield Gardens Nelson B. Rogers Homer Oriental-Faxton Arthur T. Findlay Buffalo-Lakeland James R. Cox Lloyd B. Duprau Tahawus Howard W. Hites George C. Wood Joseph J. Leblang Lewis C. Gordon Canandaigua Huguenot Oriskany Triune-Obed Robert E. Clark John A. Rener Frank M. Hillage Henry A. Olson Jr Robert A. Thorpe Carpenter-Emanuel Independent Royal Arch True Craftsman’s William J. Vandyke Joseph A. Gottlieb Edmund Kolb, Jr. Eugene A. Olsen Perfect Square Charles W. Cushman James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Union-Cooley John B. Deavitt Jr Robert Hirschfeld Martin I. Shelton Robert J. Swart Phoenix John V. Hill Marvin Hirshfeld Union-Cooley Kostas Vellios Commonwealth-Greenpoint Joseph Warren-Gothic Merrill R. Terwilliger Pioneer-Mount Moriah Ernest A. Meng Stanley Disenhof Charles Veritas Berman Cornerstone Kenmore Walter Lilling Edward Simpson Maurice Grohman James W. Mclernon Von Mensch Poughkeepsie Martin Holland King Solomon-Beethoven Carl H. Noll Roy E. Dunham Crossroads Richard L. Starfield Wantagh Morton Queen of Sheba Walter E. Cramer Jr Kings County William H. Ryder Sr Weston W. Frasier William A. Heath James S. Morse Basil C. Skelos Queensbury Cuba-Friendship Liverpool Wawarsing Robert H. Brooks Bernard G. Hess Sidney D. Stockholm John F. Geary Reliance Delaware Lowville Webster Chapell Peake Jr John H. Ross Louis D. Cocchi Bruce C. Hegedorn Ridgewood Delhi Maimonides-Marshall West Point Willard A. Vetter Samuel S. Levinrad Arthur W. Spielmann John R. Shaffer Rising Dunkirk-Irondequoit Manetto Brook Hollis Charles C. Weyant Light Frederick P. Millard Walter A. Hamlin Millard L. Friday Jr What Cheer Roman-Hatheway Elbe Marathon James W. Cotey Maynard C. Cusworth Herbert L. Wald John A. Hunt White Plains Rose Erie Milnor Raymond E. Ebe Allen Mitchell Frank W. Beckstein Jr George A. Schrader Willard Sylvan Grove Rushville Etolian Mizpah Antranig M. Ouzoonian William J. Austin Harry G. Steinorth Jr John F. Harrari Zeredatha Ashley Hoffman

60 Years Akron Ark Baron Steuben Bethlehem Chester B. Covel William H. Hayward Jr F. J. Lewis Walter L. Peterson Jr Amos-Fort Greene Athelstane Theodore F. Thrasher Bernard Price Jesse D. Crell David L. Cherry Beacon Brevard Archimede-Roma Avoca Hugh J. Maurer Dennis E. Shaw Vincent M. Di Mari James H. Mehlenbacher Neil E. Maurer Brotherhood Anthony Napoli Avon Springs John R. Parker Harvey Hoodoff Richard J. Batzing THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 37 60 Years continues Canandaigua Harlem Valley Myrtle-Jefferson Savannah William S. Adams Bobbie M. Bard Floyd S. Hull Bruce G. Waterman Cassia J. Martin Feinman Harry S Truman Naurashank Savona Cautious Julius Mark Edward W. Becraft Donald E. Chatfield Gerald I. Read Hermann New Dorp Schenectady Cazenovia George J. Schwarz Jr Jacques N. Jacobsen Jr James W. Ireland Jr Walter E. Balfour Hermon New London Vienna Scotia Harry G. Spoor Roy E. Jenne William J. Spencer John E. Petrick Charles W. Cushman Hesperus Newark George Wolf Elroy C. Eisenhauer David R. Zelnick Frederick W. Ludwig Seneca Lake Richard I. Schultz Highland-Ely Parker Newport William R. Williamson Clermont Mckinley Alan R. Swain George Dieffenbacher Service City Geba Irwin Ettlinger Hillsdale Robert Wheeler Joseph S. Rosenthal Clinton F. Paige-Berean Sanford Kaplan Niagara River Lodge Robert L. Spear Merle E. Flagg Hiram Joseph E. Gamble Smithtown Composite Orin S. Parsons Otselic Valley Robert Hansen Stanley M. Saffron Holland Ralph C. Parks Southern Light Concordia Ethelbert H. Low Parish United Luther Bowen Earl C. Besecker Horseheads Old Oak Richard G. Reece Spartan Cornerstone Paul V. Butz Parthenon Robert B. Hammesfahr Herman J. Saltzman Leon Nass Huguenot Nicholas Tsoucalas Covenant Walter H. Stryker Perfect Square Springfield Gardens Frank R. Grillo Robert Witoff Humanity Harris Mandel Crossroads W. Francis Carroll Philo-Mount Sinai St. George’s Joseph Banas Gordon S. Crowell Ilion Olive Branch Martin J. Birnbaum Charles O. Johnston Dunkirk-Irondequoit A. Frank Dolan Pioneer-Mount Moriah Kenneth R. Naslund St. Johnsville James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Bernard L. Gordon Harold E. Pontius Dunwoodie Gerald H. Hauser Poughkeepsie Stuart I. Lauterbach Melvin J. Silverman Robert T. Suppies St. Patrick’s Ely Parker Joshua Publicity Robert L. Shell James M. Hatfield Harold J. Bank Robert D. Schapiro Sylvan ERAC Robert R. Tufts Queensboro William T. Randolph M. William Allen Juan Bruno Zayas James C. Patterson Theresa Andrew A. Carafos Carlos L. D Gabriel Robert A. Roessle William E. Smith IX Wesley W. Hyde Keshequa John M. White Union Fairport-Flower City Donald S. Moyer Queensbury Thomas K. Bennett Irwin S. Rosenbloom Kingston Daniel B. Godin Union Star Fellowship William R. Rogers Harold D. Poster Richard S. Judge Norman R. Wittholz Lawrence C. Wilcox Racket River Unity Lodge Floral Park Konosioni Richard A. Sitterley Harry G. Bull Leonard Jindra David W. Heidenreich Raymond Zeph Unknown Forest La Fargeville Robert J. Koehler Clarence H. Jowett Bruce A. Paschke Donald G. Furst Reliance Utica Fraternal La Guardia Charles W. Mitchel Thomas P. Watkins Robert P. Fritz Gasper La Fata Jr Remsen Waddington Geneseo Lima Burton W. Jones Burton T. Beswick Kenneth J. Beggs James D. Schlumpf Robert Ossont William R. Porteous Genesis Macedonia Richmond Aquehonga Wantagh Morton Peter G. Roukis Jack N. Cretekos Arthur W. Vannostrand Moritz W. Groepler James T. Wallace Irwin J. Wagenfohr Matinecock Rock Moriah George Washington Edsel E. Holm Donald E. Kindle Wawarsing George Holoubek Martin H. Lonstein Mexico Rondout Gilboa Bruce A. Hanson Robert G. Groves, Jr. Wayne Clifton L. Hubbard Norman R. Loomis Midwood Fortitude Salem Town Gouverneur Nahum J. Spector Leonard F. Defendorf West Point Sanders D. Heller William L. Hall Theodore C. Nielsen Montgomery Thomas J. Phillips II Guiding Star-Angle Marvin B. Kipp Sandy Hill Westchester Herbert H. Bernhardt Mount Masada-Galaxy C. Dana Barker C. D. Barker Hannibal Marvin I. Naparstek Robert N. Stark G. Leigh Pittroff Jack F. Springer 38 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 60 Years continues 59 years

Willard Sylvan Grove Wolcott Zeredatha HOFFMAN Edward M. Chapian Earl W. Hoskins Paul Brief John A. Goldstein

55 Years

Abravanel John R. Sutton Richard L. Spencer Roscoe P. Reed Barry Cohen Blazing Star Fayetteville Central City Independent Adirondack George W. Hawk Charles J. Shields Sam Schaechter Stephen C. Denton Boonville-Uriel Fellowship Italia Adonai Walter J. Scheer G. Bradley Fuller Dominick Perez Philip W. Schunk Buffalo-Lakeland Floral Park Jamaica Queens Village Akron Keith R. Nicholson Alan J. Redvanly Harry E. McGee Robert E. Dumke Canandaigua Forest Hills-Community John Jay Albert Neese Gordon W. Johnson Joseph E. Kmiecik John A. Eckel Gerald G. Abbey Cassia Francis Lewis Bernard Pitkoff Alcyone Norman M. Schlesinger Louis Slavicek Johnson City Unity Henry C. Jennings Cataract Frank R Lawrence Robert W. Mitchell Lawrence Newmark Edward C. Turrell Theodore J. Snyder Joseph Warren-Gothic Alexandria Central Square Franklin Aaron M. Berger James R. Hagan Kenneth H. Myers Peter Dion Joshua Allemania Thomas S. Weatherup Fraternal Ralph Rosenthal Otto Machel Cherry Creek Donald C. Heidenburg King Hiram Alliance Lawrence E. Martin Friendship Keith H. Williams William C. Biederman Cohoes Peter A. Ellis King Solomon-Beethoven Bernard Malhenzie Warren Rosenblum Garoga-Sincerity Frederick W. Devries Amos-Fort Greene Columbian Paul W. Adams H. Harry Franklin Martin Kaye Raymond LaScala Gasport Kings County Jerry Mechaber Connetquot Edward J. Elsenheimer Howard M. Payne Anglo-Saxon Walter A. Sutorius Harold Elsenheimer Kisco Raymond H. Krust Consolidated George Washington Stanley J. Lander Apollo-King Solomon’s Raymond H. Thompson Louis J. Kay L’Union Francaise George H. Arakelian Constellation Great Kills Paul Duthil Arcade A. Eugene Guthrie Gilbert Evans Jr Lackawanna Charles W. Dempsey Frederick C. Sanford Samuel T. Weening Donald M. Blanck Arcana Copernicus Great Valley Lake City David Hyman Alfred R. Froebrich Harry W. Granger Robert H. Smith Dennis Simon Ernst F. Logemann Guiding Star-Angle Lasalle Archimede-Roma Rudi Maier George Pappas Alexander Thomson III Leonidas J. Savas Cornerstone Hancock-Dirigo-Adelphi Lawton Savas J. Savas Simon W. Shink Benson J. Schultz Paul G. Couluris Au Sable River Corning Painted Post Harmonie Lincoln James R. Taylor Lynn W. Scudder Gary W. Neureuter Willi O. Thimm Auburn Cornucopia Harry S Truman Liverpool Syracuse Theodore Tennant John R. Kerner Martin Greenberg George A. Anderson III Aurora Grata-Day Star Richard W. Tubby Herman Lubin Lowville Peter Camenares Cortlandville Murray J. Nodelman John U. Nortz Gary A. Henningsen Russell J. Pringle Hartland Henry O. Schaab Avon Springs Courtlandt Gordon C. Moran Maimonides-Marshall Robert G. Fisher Robert F. Phillips High Falls Howard M. Bloch Bainbridge-Afton Craftsman Robertson Glen F. Thomas Maine Earl C. Reiling Ronald D. Sterling Highland-Ely Parker Bradford Burgher Batavia Croton Richard A. Lallmang Maine Lloyd F. Standish Beryl E. Mcguire Ralph W. Behringer Charles Markarian Jr Manetto Brook Hollis Bay Ridge Cuba-Friendship Hobasco William H. Ahrens Jr Alan L. Simmons Lawrence W. Dye David J. Horrocks Manitou Bay Shore De Ruyter Horseheads Old Oak George J. Meyer Robert A. Gorman Donald L. Edwards Jay Huang Margaretville Bay View Raiford C. Pickerd Hudson Victor B. Parizo Charles W. Skeele Jr Wendell H. Peterson Vernon B. Palen Master Builder Bethpage Dexter Ilion Olive Branch Robert A. Werner THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 39 55 Years continues Masters Ontario Schoharie Valley Transportation Louis F. Hauf Jr Ronald Martin James A. Spencer Robert J. Pufpaff Memorial Oriental-Faxton Robert F. Spencer Tully Robert L. Hopkins Bernard A. Lepper Scotia Forrest W. Brown Lawrence R. Thomas Russell B. Williams Carl M. Leichman Union Star Midwood Fortitude Thomas R. Yacovella Scriba Francis W. Fitzgerald William R. Wilson Oxford Theodore A. Rupracht United Brothers Military James W. Hemstrought Jr Arnold M. Shaw Joseph W. Altmann Gerald D. Sterritt Parish United Seneca Hans F. Schmid Milnor William D. Brucker A. Roger Clarke Unity Lodge Glen O. Thon Richard L. Ramsey Seneca River George F. Mann Jr Milo Peacock Eugene A. Ellis Sr University Charles W. Morgan Stephen N. Elliott Service City Geba Ralph N. Allen Mohawk Valley Pelham Jerome B. Chuka Valley-Simes Harold A. Ray Louis H. Juers Shekomeko Arthur D. Cohen Morning Star Philo-Mount Sinai Donald P. Redl Van Rensselaer Donald R. Davidsen Jerry W. Pollack Silver Thomas E. Allen Herbert G. Day Jr Jack Schultz Lester W. Heupel Albert E. Dubois Jr Donald C. Herb Piatt Smithtown Victoria Sea Gate Donald S. Merring David I. Goldman Ottar Kjarbo Bernard D. Kasten Morrisville Pleasantville Hiawatha Springfield Gardens Wadsworth Stanley J. Davis William W. Hildreth H. Gordon Baier Theodore Kondoprias Mount Defiance Rolf E. Skoglund John Davies Wakan-Hubbard Robert D. Fox Point Of Light William E. Haase Charles J. Van Zile Mount Moriah Lewis B. Benson St Johns Wallkill Roger W. Wheeler James A. Erickson Lewis French Jr Robert B. Houghtaling Pultneyville Mount Morris St. Columbia Wamponamon Joseph C. Carlucci Phillip M. Dean William T. Martin James N. Wilford Queen City-Christopher G. Fox Mountain St. George’s Wantagh Morton Walter F. Fries Donald M. Liddle Joseph H. Ottati Richard T. Seidler Queensboro Myrtle-Jefferson St. Johnsville Warwick Leslie G. Haller Paul F. Hores Robert E. Hook Ronald V. Brown Queensbury N C Harmony St. Lawrence Washington Donald N. Johnson Norman L. Kudan Harold F. Robertson Jr David W. Wolffe Randolph Nathan Strauss Star Of The East Webster Allan Rodolitz Jon B. Putnam William W. Bates David G. Allen Naurashank Ransomville Charles F. Fanning Howard R. Kyper John C. Moore Robert D. Saar Richard A. Hammer West Point Netherpool Red Jacket Steppingstone Louis C. Friedersdorf Keith A. Lasher Leonard F. Lindey Gordon J. Ousey West Seneca Newark Rescue Stissing Victor C. Irr Maple Putnam Jr Allan F. Blackmar Ralph S. Withey Sr Westbrook James R. Whitty Niagara Suffolk Fred L. Fiester Robinson Harold R. Salyer Fred W. Phillips Wieland Donald G. Farrand Niagara Frontier Sutherland Carl G. Behrendt Samaritan-Eternal John E. Crowe John A. Evans Windsor Norman Rothman Robert W. Sylvester Northern Aurora Ernest F. Huyck Sandy Creek Tadmor Harry E. Matteson Winfield Irving Frederick J. Ouderkirk Daniel J. Malinowski Norwich L. Burkert Sanger Ronald J. Vedilago David B. Phetteplace Yorktown Robert D. Fanning Tompkins Onondaga John H. Montross Sherman P. Safford Schenectady Dennis Brackett Stanley B. Bruun Zeredatha John S. Jones Joseph Jellinek Bernard Siegel James J. Jahns

40 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 50 Years

Addison Union Cataract Arthur Thompson II Hudson River Charles A. Root Jr Jonathan T. Pulsifer Fayetteville Central City Donald A. Anderson Alliance Catskill Wayne V. Brignall Huguenot Kenneth A. Freemire Robert Levinn James D. Pickard Francis M. Brennan America Champlain Fidelity Norman A. Ellis Lawrence Denker Richard H. Welkley Gerald E. Wells Jamaica Queens Village Amherst Collabergh-Radium Floral Park William L. Boss Robert A. Baus Ransom E. Taggart Jr William H. Blain,Sr. James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Charles R. Turner Jr Columbus-Davinci-Galilei James M. Florin Richard D Adamo Amicable Hans H. Laute Fortune Jack Dym Harry Crossley Connetquot Daniel M. Weikal Harold Moss Amsterdam Charles W. Smith Francis Lewis John Cissna Christopher D. Blessing Consolidated Warren C. Ernst John C. Aldridge John Hodge Anchor-Astoria Bernard H. Ascher William G. Rose Albert C. Mann John P. Sochran Continental Franklin Donald Shaw Andover Paul Pavlides Conrad Kupinski Johnson City James F. Mulholland Copernicus Fraternal Unity Milton J. Lipa Ark Helmut Muskulus Gerhard W. Andres Jordan Kenneth H. Colegrove Horst Wagner Garoga-Sincerity Vern G. Benedict James F. Khouri Cornerstone Clayton W. Barnard Joseph Warren-Gothic Athelstane John W. Johnston Geneva Sherman Cohen Irwin A. Kahn Corning Frederick J. Martin Joshua Steve I. Marcus James R. Lewis Glen Cove Bernard J. Harmon Kalman Rothman Corning Painted Post Larry A. Boersma Peter D. Talman Kenmore Frank E. Murphy Jr Goldenrule Clermont McKinley Attica Richard A. Wolf Cornucopia Alvin Stein Donald E. Wagner Kennyetto Peter Stassou Great Kills Aurora Grata-Day Star Roger S. Chase Courtlandt William A. Lindley William D. Borman Jr Kilwinning-Sunset Robert J. Hayes Guiding Light-Olympia Avoca Richard A. Wolff Croton Robert D. Barron Robert M. Dodds King Hiram Anthony J. Milazzo Hannibal Babylon Roland C. Barnett De Ruyter Roger D. Barney William J. Arthur Robert P. Randall Robert H. Terpening King Solomon-Beethoven Balder Howard Weinberg Delaware Harmony Fred W. Wenz Rolf K. Larka Walter R. Plain Richard L. Fisher Baron Steuben Robert V. Tegeler Yizhar Glaser Kings County George L. Paulos Lorenz D. Arner Diamond Thistle Heights John R. Carrier nion rancaise David G. Sullivan C. Jack Hulslander L’U F Batavia Louis Retailleau Dryden Hendrick Hudson Jackson J. Burling Ronald C. Denniston Albert F. Hejnal Lake City Beacon William G. Vassily Ira L. Vanburen Dunkirk-Irondequoit Rush M. Greenough Jr James F. Carpenter Herder Lamoka Belmont Heinz E. Jacobs Charles L. Gaylor East Rochester William P. Leilous Gordon L. Hoag Herkimer Laurens Bethany Philip A. Card Donald L. Sawyer Eggertsville Thomas E. Stewart David Shuck Hesperus Leonardo Davinci Bethlehem James Keif Anthony P. Carmeli Emulation Donald R. Beach Girard Amigone Hiram Lessing Beukendaal Clifford A. Engelhardt Mathias Hoelzli Enchanted Mountains Ronald L. Fisher Philip E. Benner Jr Robert P. Blaske Liverpool Syracuse Byron J. Robinson Angus S. Reynolds ERAC Charles C. Bohm Boonville-Uriel Hoffman Livingston Manor Charles C. Cummings Rollin L. Lybolt Theo P. Woolschlager Jr Edwin B. Wicks Ralph Kirchner Bunting-Charity Holland Evening Star Lodge Of The United Services John F. Talmage Allen Thompson Gary Vartanian George B. Smaragdas Caroline Horseheads Old Oak Fairport-Flower City Long Beach Thomas D. Butterfield Roger F. Buckley Warham W. Quinlan John Calderon Cassia Hudson Farmerville-Union Lowville Richard V. Christiana Joel Z. Wolfe Dirk E. Huttenbach James E. Young

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 41 50 Years continues

Lynbrook-Massapequa Peacock Sandy Creek Unity Henry Speicher Jr David W. Parker John F. Tanner Eugene Y. Browning Maimonides-Marshall John N. Weary Schenectady Francis B. Foody Bernard D. Rashes Pelham Richard E. Stigberg Valley-Simes Manahatta Richard J. Gadde Schiller Gary E. Lind George L. Koutsodontis Gerald F. Lofstead Robert Verderber Wesley Warren Jr Master Builder Philipstown Scotia Van Rensselaer Harry F. Peasland David A. Nairn Gerald Margulies Brian A. Becker Matinecock Philo-Mount Sinai Service City Geba Gordon J. Middleton George E. Capek Leslie D. Bennett Stuart L. Kobrick Vestal-Otseningo Memorial Garson Zausmer Silver William B. Gault Jr Warren L. Taylor Phoebus Edwin V. Gibbon Jr Victor Mexico Herbert F. Whipple William J. Thies Robert C. Bassett Charles E. Bateman Phoenix Alvin J. Wilson Victoria Sea Gate Milnor Eustahios Bacas South Bay Leonard B. Heller Irwin J. Kukafka Roger A. Hawkins Pisgah Richard E. Hausmann H. Carl Stewart Homer R. Lanphear Southside Waddington Bruce C. Walters Pleasantville Hiawatha John R. Ruehl Jerry D. Hobbs Mineola Robert J. Gurreri Spartan Robert J. Marshall Robert H. Brown Pocahontas R. Bruce Cousins Wakan-Hubbard Mizpah Lewis E. Millis Springfield Gardens John J. Rees David C. Schaefer Port Jervis Adolf P. Gunther Wallkill Morning Star Robert M. Pettit John D. List Richard L. Jansen Philip F. Johnson Portville St. John’s Wantagh Morton Mount Arab Charles J. Morton Jr Steven M. Kates Paul P. Gregory Vernon R. Friend Glenn D. Taylor George Voulgaris Wappingers Donald G. Hesseltine Potunk St. Johnsville Richard W. Pries Roger G. Smart William H. Bennett Paul A. Briele Warrensburgh Mount Moriah Herbert Kronman Jan A. Carter John R. Sweet Paul J. Buchholtz Publicity St. Lawrence Washington Mount Tabor William A. Boller Allan C. Fisher Andrew Gagliano Richard W. Harty Robert N. Mance, Jr John A. Goetze Webster Edward A. Legg Alan C. Miller St. Marks-Philetus Robert E. Hewlett Jerome Scheffres Richard T. Schmidt Calvin A. Gaylord Wellsville Mount Zion Queensboro William D. Olmstead John E. Darr Jr Mario Cocchi L. Richard Kopp Steuben Westbrook New London Vienna Radium Garth A. Murray William R. Cropp J. D. Batteas Frederick A. Moochler Stissing Murray H. Tyrrell Red Jacket Newark Howard O. Mack Jr What Cheer Wallace E. Farnsworth Jr John D. Randolph Stony Point Wayne P. Akley Reliance Niagara River Lodge Robert F. Westbrook White Plains George S. Moyer Robert C. Rickus Suffolk Herbert C. Rogers Jr Remsen Nocturnal Ronald C. Reinisch Winfield John Scrofani John P. Julian Francis D. Lee Robert C. Lamb Northern Light Renovation Sylvan Wendell E. Saunders Gerald A. Grossman Waldo H. Caldwell Howard F. Johnson Carlton K. Saunders Oakland Richmond Aquehonga Dale H. Young Yonkers Larry P. Francis Howard A. Baker Tompkins Roy E. MacDonald Jr Kenneth P. Hance Sheldon Marne Ralph C. Howland Zion Lawrence R. Wayt Freeman R. Shaw Trinity John R. Wellington Old Town Rising Light Rudolf C. Feye Robert Hartzog Jr James E. Fulkerson Triune Richard E. Shafranek William H. Fulkerson Richard C. Mills Thomas F. Smedley Rochester Triune-Obed Olive Robert R. Troup John G. Lucas IV Norman G. Rater Round Hill Tuscan On Da Wa Lionel R. Cross Donald H. Balbinder Harry G. Conerty Jr Samaritan-Eternal Union Star Ontario Henry Scherr Robert E. Eisenberg James D. Rudy 42 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 Grand Chaplain’s Corner RW RONALD E. SINCLAIR, s Masons we are all familiar with the phrase “…erected to A Grand Chaplain God and dedicated to the… Holy Saints John.” All of our Master Mason Lodges are so dedicated, yet we never hear any other information regarding these “Holy Saints John” or St. John the Baptist as a patron of Freemasonry. anything to explain why we refer to them as the Patron Saints For a long period only St. John the Baptist was patron saint of Freemasonry. of Freemasonry. It was not until after the 16th century that St. It is referenced in the Entered Apprentice Historical Lecture John the Evangelist was also adopted as a patron. The Old that speculative Masons dedicate their Lodges to St. John Charges of Freemasonry speak of St. John the Evangelist as a the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who are described “Saint of the Craft.” He constantly admonished the cultivation as being symbolized by two perpendicular parallel lines. No of brotherly love. Of all the gospels, The Gospel of St. John is explanation is given in the ritual as to why these lines are most Masonic, for the central theme is light. It portrays God appropriate symbols for these two men and nowhere does as “the Light of the World.” it explain why these men are so honored that every Master Lodges then came to be dedicated to the Holy Saints John. Mason Lodge should be dedicated to them. Who were these It is interesting to note that the early Masons were called “St. Saints John? Why are they important to us as Freemasons? Johns Masons” or “St. Johns Men.” The two Saints John have Among American Freemasons there are two festivals in been called the patrons of the Fraternity down through the the Masonic calendar. The Feast of St. John the Baptist is ages because they exemplified the principles of Freemasonry celebrated on June 24th and the Feast of St. John the Evangelist in their daily lives by their deeds and their words. These two on December 27th. The two dates fall, approximately, at the humble men did not engage in any of the pomp and glory of time of the summer and winter when the sun attains its the world. greatest north or south declination. These are known as the It is because Masonry regards the character and internal summer and winter solstices. qualifications of a man—not the exterior appearances—that Why did the Freemasons choose St. John the Baptist as these two men are fittingly called the patrons of this great patron? One would suppose that they would name some Fraternity. They possessed those internal qualifications that outstanding person. But St. John the Baptist was a humble made the true man. Masonry honors them above all others for man, a plain man, who held above all his obligations to God they were the living examples of the Golden Rule, the practice and with almost unbelievable steadfastness, met martyrdom. of virtue, love for their fellow-men and love for their God. He continually preached repentance and virtue and humility. ––––––––––––––––––– Yes, the early Freemasons chose well in selecting such a man as Sources: mastermason.com and freemasonry.com

Bills rep enlightens Lodge

Mr. Michael Adamek, Senior Producer for the NFL Buffalo Bills visited Transportation Lodge 842 on March 19. Adamek spoke about past and current events surrounding the sports franchise. More than thirty members listened with interest and asked many questions about the state of affairs that will impact the upcoming season.

(l-r) Michael Adamek and W Charles J. Goetz, Sr.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 43 Masonic Medical Research Laboratory

2150 Bleecker Street • Utica, NY 13501 www.mmrl.edu • (315) 735-2217

Leadership Succession at MMRL Setting course for the next generation of breakthrough research

The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory has grown to legal counsel for the North Utica Senior Citizen Community become an internationally recognized biomedical research Center, a past member of the Foundation Board of St. institute, having assembled one of the most complete teams Elizabeth Medical Center and Director and Executive Director of investigators anywhere in the world to tackle problems of of the Slocum-Dickson Foundation, to name a few. He is cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The MMRL’s also a member of the New York Bar Association, American professional scientific staff of lead scientists, postdoctoral Association of Attorneys and Certified Public Accountants, fellows and research assistants has a solid track record of success New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and in providing new insights and approaches to fighting heart American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. RW disease. The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Story, a member of Utica Lodge 47, was elected to the MMRL RW John H. Story, JD, CPA, has been appointed Director of Board of Directors in 2011 and served as Assistant Treasurer Administration and Brother and Dr. Matthew Betzenhauser before assuming his current position. has been appointed Acting Director of Research. Dr. Matthew Betzenhauser, MMRL Chairman of the Board and Past Board President a native of Utica and member RW Anthony V. Boccabella, PhD, JD said, “We have the of Utica Lodge 47, joined the leadership and staff in place to move forward and flourish in MMRL scientific staff in 2012. the years ahead. We believe in our staff. Many have hidden Following graduation from capacities and insights on how we can better accomplish our Boston University with a degree in goals. We seek to unleash these untapped inner resources of Biology, Dr. Betzenhauser began our staff. It is our desire to bring together people with diverse his research career at Biogen, perspectives who will create an environment that facilitates Inc. in Cambridge, MA before fresh ideas and growth. Our new leadership has the passion embarking on Ph.D. training at and discipline to seek new opportunities of collaboration that the University of Rochester. Before will enhance our scientific research and strengthen further our joining the MMRL, he received international reputation.” postdoctoral training at one of John Story, Esq., a Mohawk the top cardiac research labs in the Valley native, is a Phi Beta Kappa world at Columbia University. He has published extensively graduate of Hamilton College in top-tier journals throughout his career, and has extensive and Cornell Law School. He also experience working in and leading multidisciplinary research completed all the graduate courses teams. Brother Betzenhauser has presented in numerous and credit hours through Cornell international meetings. Graduate School of Business and His independent research program is aimed at determining Rochester Institute of Technology the role of intracellular calcium in promoting life-threatening for obtaining a Masters arrhythmias in failing and aging hearts. The goal is to translate equivalency in accounting. As the that knowledge into novel treatments for arrhythmias. new Director of Administration, Brother Betzenhauser is also actively involved with the Mr. Story will lead and develop education of our youth. He serves as a member of the Board an internal team of professionals of Directors of Utica Safe Schools, is mentor to high school responsible for all administrative and college interns and he volunteers for Young Scholars. aspects of the Laboratory, including human resources, budget development and implementation, grant administration, IT We invite everyone to visit the MMRL and meet our staff and purchasing. Mr. Story will also collaborate with the new on St. John’s Day, June 27. To arrange a presentation or tour acting Director of Research in strategic planning to carry out or to request literature, please send an email to development@ the Board of Directors’ visions for the future of the MMRL. mmrl.edu or call 315/735-2217. Story’s civic service includes member, Treasurer and former legal counsel for The Genesis Group. He is a past director and

44 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 DATES TO REMEMBER JUNE 2015 JULY 2015 1 Idaho Night, Grand Lodge, 3 ESM Cruise: Vancouver-Seward. 12 Education Assistance, James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Lodge All day. Centerville Lodge th (8 Manhattan), 6 p.m. 4 Camp Turk: Boys’ Camp. All day. Masonic Community Ctr., 5 DGM TOWN HALL Mtg., 648 Centerville Pl., 4 Oswego York Rite Parade, church, N. Syracuse, 12 p.m. Masonic Hall, 71 W. 23rd St., picnic, 9:30 a.m. 3rd Fl., Gr. Lodge Rm., 7 p.m. 26 Camp Turk: Girls’ Camp. All day. 11 Education Assistance, 6 DGM TOWN HALL Mtg., Ismailia Shrine Temple, 26 Education Assistance, Masonic Hall, 71 W. 23rd St., Schenectady, 10 a.m. rd 1600 Southwestern Blvd, Buffalo, 3 Fl., Gr. Lodge Rm., 1 p.m. 12 p.m. 26 Education Assistance, NYC, 7 Philippine Day Parade, Masonic Hall, 5 p.m. th rd 11 Education Assistance, Madison/38 to 23 St., 11 a.m. Damascus Shrine, 979 Bay Rd., 31 DeMolay Annual Mtg., 10 Grand Secretary’s Golf Webster, 5 p.m. Onondaga Community College, Tournament, Marine Park Golf 4585 West Seneca Turnpike, Course, 2880 Flatbush Ave., Syracuse. All day. Brooklyn, 11 a.m. 15 Rededication: St. Cecile’s 150 yrs., Masonic Hall, AUGUST 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015 rd 71 W. 23 St., 21 Cryptic Grand Council, 19 Steuben Day Parade, NYC, rd 3 Fl. Gr. Lodge Rm., 6 p.m. Treadway Inn, Owego. All day. 12 p.m. 27 St. John’s weekend, MCC, Utica. All day. 28 Education Assistance, Utica, MCC, 1 p.m. Submission guidelines for The Story of publication in the ESM Light FILE PREPARATION TRANSMITTING: • Your name and phone number as To: [email protected] The Brothers of Gouverneur Masonic the beginning of the file. Subject: ESM Submission Lodge 217 participated in lighting • Save copy as .txt, .rtf or .doc Via Mail ceremoniously the eight nights of • Save photographs as .jpg, .tif, or Send photographs and CD-Rom Hanukah. The inspiration was “The .bmp format. Graphics save as .eps. discs (formatted as instructed in the Festival of Chanukah,” from the Short (Do not transmit photos and copy left column) via United States Postal Talk Bulletin, Vol. 86, No. 12, published in the same file. Transmit photos as Service or other delivery service to: December 2008. The menorah was individual attachments. Mrs. Joan C. Bower displayed around the Lodge as the 37 Oliver Street bulletin was read aloud. Lockport, NY 14094-4615 Without the story of Hanukah there probably would be no Temple of Solomon, nor would there be a Masonic Articles Due Date Fraternity based upon the story of King Solomon. Each night has a symbolic for the FALL Issue importance, reminding each of us that our task is to display light, morality and of the holiness not only within our homes and our Lodges, but also out in the world. Empire StateMagazine The bright twinkling flames serve as a reminder of the heroism of Judah and his followers and as a beacon of hope is and guidance for us in times of stress and July 1, 2015 persecution. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 45 MBSRIN_AD_bold_S2015 3/31/15 1:20 PM Page 1

P R E S E N T I N G T H E From the Grand Lecturer

Caring for our ritual RW richard j. kessler, Grand Lecturer [email protected] Crafted in Gold, Sterling Silver, Birthstones & Diamonds

Brethren, I have had an exceptionally wonderful experience the conventions this year. Without your active participation, CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU AS A GRAND LODGE OF NEW YORK MASON as your Grand Lecturer this past year. The participation at the the conventions would be an effort in futility. Everywhere I • Highly personalized Master Mason Ring • The sides of the ring bear the words MASTER Grand Lecturer Conventions throughout the jurisdiction has went I met with enthusiastic Masons, both young and old, design, handcrafted in America, with MASON and feature a Masonic TROWEL been outstanding. There was also exceptional participation by fully immersed in being active participants in our resurgent precious metals, birthstones and diamonds. and PLUMB sculpted in bold relief. young Master Masons. The need for the older and the newer Craft. • Top of the ring displays a solid gold Square • The ring body is cast in solid Sterling members to freely communicate with each other was stressed In response to a number of misconceptions regarding the at every stop. The means-of-communication preferences of and Compasses set atop a bold letter “G” Silver and detailed in heavy 24 karat gold- successful completion of the Raising of a Master Mason: plating for lasting beauty and value. our many generations was also discussed. In addition, the Certain requirements are to be met, with no exceptions. These • Eight personal birthstones of your choice need to fully immerse all of our new Master Masons in our are as set forth in the current Standard Works and Lectures. flank the Masonic Symbols. Eight genuine • The entire inner band of the ring is solid Masonic culture could not be emphasized enough. The First Section consists of the Ritual of Raising in its entirety diamonds are available at extra cost and smooth providing a comfort fit for Mentoring was a big topic at the conventions—not only from entrance of Fellowcrafts through the presentation of (see order form). years of enjoyment. These rings are never on a Brother to Brother basis, but also the need for Lodge to Working Tools. hollowed out! Lodge mentoring. Everyone understood that if new Master The Second Section includes the Candidate Entrance and • Your initials and exclusive Masons are not fully engaged in our culture and given the Raising, the Drama of the Hiramic Legend and Instructions serial number will be engraved tools to succeed, they may eventually walk away from the to newly Raised Master Masons. The Drama is an essential on the inside band, marking it Fraternity. portion of the Master Mason Degree. The Drama is to be forever as your own. In many cases, the ritual work of the convention was performed on the day of the conferral in order for the Degree • A total of just 1,500 MASTER MASON and performed with great proficiency by young Master Masons. to be legal. It must take place as part of the conferral of the 1,500 PAST MASTER serially-numbered There was also a strong emphasis on the esoteric interpretation Degree, even if a District drama team is used. rings will ever be issued in your state of our ritual at the conventions. Those in attendance came The Third Section Historical Lecture and Lecture of Forms jurisdiction for rarity & value. away with a better appreciation for our ritual. They also agreed and Ceremonies are also prerequisites for the completion of to spread this enthusiasm back to their Lodge. Brethren, it is • These unique rings will never be the MM Degree. The Lodge has the option of presenting sold in even the finest jewelry stores. only by imparting our love for our ritual that we can once these lectures at the next Lodge communication. The Charge, again be strong and proud leaders in the Masonic community. Past Master Ring, with 10 karat gold PM Jewel, a Master Masons Ring shown YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO WEAR however, must be presented at the date of the MM Degree Top Hat and Gavel, shown with Sapphire birthstones. with Ruby birthstones. THESE EXCLUSIVE MASONIC RINGS The ritual work performed at the individual conventions conferral. There are no exceptions to these requirements. needs to be the rule rather than the exception. In addition, it is suggested that the Lodge Walk-About YOUR CHOICE OF BIRTHSTONE: Birthstones simulated for consistent size, color & clarity. Genuine .02 Carat Diamonds available at extra cost. See order form. Finally, I would like to thank all District leadership for program be given at a subsequent Lodge communication. An JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER providing the proper venue and setting for conducting introductory discussion on Masonic Protocol and Etiquette is the Grand Lecturer Conventions. Most importantly I am also appropriate. extremely gratified by the number of Brothers who attended GARNET AMETHYST AQUAMARINE ZIRCON EMERALD ALEXANDRITE RUBY PERIDOT SAPPHIRE ROSE ZIRCON GOLDEN SAPPHIRE BLUE ZIRCON YOU MAY CALL TOLL-FREE TO ORDER BY CREDIT CARD 1-800-437-0804 OR, MAIL TO: Masonic Birthstone Rings, Two Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 120, Radnor, PA 19087-4599 Program is tribute to I YES! I wish to order my Masonic Ring, personalized with my initials CREDIT CARD (check choices): and exclusive serial number as follows: I VISA I MasterCard I Amex I Discover RING CHOICE: I Master Mason OR I Past Master Greatest Generation Ring Size ______Initials (3): ______Card # ______(If known, or use ring sizer - below right.) Exp. Date_____/_____ CSC # (Customer Security Code) ______On September 3 Ms. Lisa Whiting, Whiting had seen many veterans, additional information, including the MY BIRTH MONTH IS:______OR, the founder and primary spokesperson like her father, who had a desire to visit paperwork that would allow them to I I prefer to have eight diamonds in place of my birthstones at an Signature ______of Honor Flight Buffalo, was the the memorial but were unable to travel participate in the program. W Charles additional cost of $150* added to my first payment. SHIPPING ADDRESS (WE CANNOT SHIP TO P.O. BOXES) guest speaker at Transportation Lodge without assistance or financial support. J. Goetz, Sr. presented a donation I PREFER TO PAY AS FOLLOWS: (Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.) 842. In an informative talk about the Honor Flight is the answer to the on behalf of the Lodge. Additional I ENCLOSED IS MY CHECK payable to “Masonic Ring” for: Honor Flight program, she disclosed problem. The junket is a busy, round- information may be obtained by I $299* plus $19.95* for processing, S & H as payment in full, OR; Name ______that the intent was to provide a way trip, one-day excursion that includes a contacting: Honor Flight Buffalo, Inc. for World War II veterans to travel to lunch. Each veteran is provided with an at 716/254-4376, or online at www. I $74.75* plus $19.95* for processing, S & H as down payment. Address ______I agree to pay the balance in three monthly payments of $74.75* Washington, D.C. to view the World aide to give him assistance as needed. HonorFlightBuffalo.org. City______State _____ Zip ______War II Memorial. There is no cost to the After the talk, which included a promptly when billed. There is no finance charge. I CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD as indicated below: Phone # (_____) ______Email ______veterans or their families. The program question and answer period, several (In case we have a question about your order.) is funded 100% by donations. members of the audience requested I $299* plus $19.95* for processing, S & H as payment in full, OR; ©2015 AMA MBSRIN-NYGL-AD- S15 I $74.75* plus $19.95* for processing, S & H as down payment. 1 1 1 1 1

Charge the balance in three monthly payments of $74.75. 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 ring size guide 1 4 3 2 0 cut this out carefully 46 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More SUMMER 2015 * For genuine diamonds in place of birthstones add $150* to your first payment. use as shown on finger MBSRIN_AD_bold_S2015 3/31/15 1:20 PM Page 1

P R E S E N T I N G T H E

Crafted in Gold, Sterling Silver, Birthstones & Diamonds CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU AS A GRAND LODGE OF NEW YORK MASON • Highly personalized Master Mason Ring • The sides of the ring bear the words MASTER design, handcrafted in America, with MASON and feature a Masonic TROWEL precious metals, birthstones and diamonds. and PLUMB sculpted in bold relief.

• Top of the ring displays a solid gold Square • The ring body is cast in solid Sterling and Compasses set atop a bold letter “G” Silver and detailed in heavy 24 karat gold- plating for lasting beauty and value. • Eight personal birthstones of your choice flank the Masonic Symbols. Eight genuine • The entire inner band of the ring is solid diamonds are available at extra cost and smooth providing a comfort fit for (see order form). years of enjoyment. These rings are never hollowed out!

• Your initials and exclusive serial number will be engraved on the inside band, marking it forever as your own.

• A total of just 1,500 MASTER MASON and 1,500 PAST MASTER serially-numbered rings will ever be issued in your state jurisdiction for rarity & value.

• These unique rings will never be sold in even the finest jewelry stores. Past Master Ring, with 10 karat gold PM Jewel, a Master Masons Ring shown YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT TO WEAR Top Hat and Gavel, shown with Sapphire birthstones. with Ruby birthstones. THESE EXCLUSIVE MASONIC RINGS

YOUR CHOICE OF BIRTHSTONE: Birthstones simulated for consistent size, color & clarity. Genuine .02 Carat Diamonds available at extra cost. See order form. JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

GARNET AMETHYST AQUAMARINE ZIRCON EMERALD ALEXANDRITE RUBY PERIDOT SAPPHIRE ROSE ZIRCON GOLDEN SAPPHIRE BLUE ZIRCON YOU MAY CALL TOLL-FREE TO ORDER BY CREDIT CARD 1-800-437-0804 OR, MAIL TO: Masonic Birthstone Rings, Two Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 120, Radnor, PA 19087-4599 I YES! I wish to order my Masonic Ring, personalized with my initials CREDIT CARD (check choices): and exclusive serial number as follows: I VISA I MasterCard I Amex I Discover RING CHOICE: I Master Mason OR I Past Master Ring Size ______Initials (3): ______Card # ______(If known, or use ring sizer - below right.) Exp. Date_____/_____ CSC # (Customer Security Code) ______MY BIRTH MONTH IS:______OR, I I prefer to have eight diamonds in place of my birthstones at an Signature ______additional cost of $150* added to my first payment. SHIPPING ADDRESS (WE CANNOT SHIP TO P.O. BOXES) I PREFER TO PAY AS FOLLOWS: (Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.) I ENCLOSED IS MY CHECK payable to “Masonic Ring” for: I $299* plus $19.95* for processing, S & H as payment in full, OR; Name ______I $74.75* plus $19.95* for processing, S & H as down payment. Address ______I agree to pay the balance in three monthly payments of $74.75* City______State _____ Zip ______promptly when billed. There is no finance charge. I CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD as indicated below: Phone # (_____) ______Email ______I $299* plus $19.95* for processing, S & H as payment in full, OR; (In case we have a question about your order.) ©2015 AMA MBSRIN-NYGL-AD- S15 I $74.75* plus $19.95* for processing, S & H as down payment. 1 1 1 1 1

Charge the balance in three monthly payments of $74.75. 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 ring size guide 1 4 3 2 0 cut this out carefully * THEFor ge nEMPIREuine diamo STATEnds in pla MASONce of birthst oMAGAZINEnes add $150* to your first payment. SUMMERuse as sh o2015wn on f inger 47 What are your kids plans this summer?

Boys’ Camp Girls’ Camp July 5th – July 11th July 26th – August 1st July 12th – July 18th August 2nd – August 8th July 19th – July 25th August 9th – August 15th

$500.00 per week (sign up for 1, 2 or 3 weeks) For more information & availability call (315) 392-2081 OR Visit us on the web! www.CampTurk.org Camp Turk camp.turk