FALL 2017 From the Grand East MW Jeffrey M. Williamson, Grand Master 212/337-6643 [email protected]

elcome back, Brothers. Over the past couple of months, Lodge. Every Worshipful Master has a duty to “Set the craft our Grand Line team was pleased to join you in many at work giving them proper instruction for their labor.” If you ofW your summer activities, including Lodge and District have not started, please get going now. cookouts, clambakes, parades, outdoor Degrees and charity Steve Maraboli, author of Life, the Truth, and Being Free, events. We had a terrific time and we truly enjoyed sharing the says, “When you establish a destination by defining what you fun and fellowship. want, then take physical action by making choices that move We also participated in several Lodge anniversary you towards that destination, the possibility for success is rededications, EAP scholarships across the state, Grand limitless and arrival at the destination is inevitable.” Council of Cryptic Masons, Northeast Conference of Grand My Brothers, if you want a healthy and vibrant Lodge, make Masters, Shiners International in Daytona and the Grand certain that NorthStar, educational programs, Degree nights, High Priest Testimonial Dinner. In addition, the brethren lectures, discussion groups, apron presentations, family and of Scottish Rite hosted the Supreme Council 33° community activities and youth group events are included in Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in your Lodge’s master schedule. Do you need help? Your District Rochester, New York. As Grand Master, I had the privilege of Staff Officer and the 24-Inch Gauge are excellent places to offering fraternal greetings on behalf of the brethren of New start. When your planning is just about complete, run it past York. the District Deputy Grand Master for his input. We thank everyone for his or her gracious hospitality and Do you need a speaker? Ask a Past Grand Master, Permanent the sincere friendship extended to the Grand Line team. Member or current Grand Line Officer to present a program This summer was a wonderful adventure that we will always in your Lodge. These Brothers are honored to participate. remember. In closing, we want you to know that these are truly exciting With summer ending, the Lodges are now resuming their times for New York Freemasonry. Great and important things labors in the quarries of Freemasonry. It is our ardent hope are occurring all around the jurisdiction. As Grand Master, that your Lodge is boasting an incredible trestleboard, filled I am proud of the Lodges that have responded to the call with amazing programs and activities for the benefit of your for action and are evolving, growing and challenging their brethren. members. Please join us in this splendid undertaking. It is, It is important to remember that solid and self-motivated after all, “A Way of Life!” leadership is a vital ingredient to the future prosperity of your GRAND MASTER’S FAMILY DAY AT WEST POINT October 21st, 2017 ARMY vs. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY Tickets: $37.00 (per person) Parking: $15.00 (per car) Both game and parking ticket orders must be sent with check to: Get your order in early!! RW Louis H. Juers, “We will be Tailgating” PARKING AREA “H” 58 Schofield Street, Arrive early for good parking spot. Bronx , NY 10464-1530 Maps will be provided with tickets. Phone: 718/885-1865 Email: [email protected] (Bring your own food and drinks.) Also, chairs and tables. Checks made payable to: Grand Lodge of NY. Parade of Cadets: On the Plain, 9:00 am For more information, call Lou at 718/885-1865. Football game: Starting time: 12:00 pm Cut off date with money, September 20, 2017. (Buses provided to game and parade). Need to know how many football tickets and (Times Subject to Change) how many car passes you need along with your address. (We have 100 Tickets, Order Early) 2 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 66 / Number 3 / FALL 2017 IN THIS ISSUE Featured Highlights: FALL 2017 Grand Master’s Address from St. John’s Day 4 Florida Sojourner Luncheon 2018 10 Robert R Livingston Masonic Library 12 Grand Line Confers First Degrees ...... 16 St. John’s Day Pictures ...... 22-26

Officers and Committees: From the Grand East ...... 2 Grand Line Confers First Degrees at Tappan Deputy Grand Master 8 Grand Secretary ...... 8 See story on page 16. Senior Grand Warden 9 Grand Treasurer 9 Masonic Care Community 18 Acacia Village ...... 28 Grand Chaplain’s Corner ...... 29 Masonic Brotherhood Fund ...... 32-33 Masonic War Veterans of the State of New York ...... 34 Masonic Medical Research Laboratory ...... 35 Grand Lodge Educational Assistance Program (EAP) 36 Years of Service 37-39 Daughters of the Nile 40 Statements of Ownership 42 Dates to Remember and Submission Guidelines 43 DeMolay ...... 44 Grand Lecturer ...... 46 Camp Turk ...... 47 Mason Toys for Tots 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: JEFFREY M. WILLIAMSON WILLIAM M. SARDONE Peter A. Flihan III Please send address changes to: Grand Master – Editor in Chief Deputy Grand Master Grand Treasurer The Empire State Mason Circulation Department JOAN C. BOWER RICHARD S. MORLEY PAUL M. ROSEN 71 West 23rd Street Assistant Editor Senior Grand Warden Grand Secretary NY, NY 10010-4149 Periodicals Class Publication 56874 Nicholas J. Paolicelli 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 ©2017 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. From the Grand East MW Jeffrey M. Williamson, Grand Master 212/337-6643 [email protected]

The Grand Master’s Address to the Brethren Saint John’s Day Utica, New York June 24, 2017

DDRESS OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL JEFFREY York City, and earlier this month, the Grand Line highlighted AM. WILLIAMSON, Grand Master of Masons in the another property maintained by the Trustees by conferring State of New York, to the District Deputy Grand Masters the Entered Apprentice Degree at the and Grand Lodge Staff Officers for the years 2017 through Masonic Historic Site at Tappan, New York. 2018 in the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel on We are pleased to make the following exciting announcement: the Campus of the Masonic Care Community in Utica, From mid-August until October 1, New York Masons and New York, on Saturday afternoon, June 24, 2017. their immediate families will have an opportunity to stay at [*Portions of the printed address were not included in the oral our 1600- acre property at Round Lake in the Adirondack address.] Park. As New York Freemasons, we should be proud of these Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Most Worshipful historic properties and the way they have been maintained. Past Grand Masters, my esteemed colleagues of Grand Lodge, During this past year, work has been completed at the Brethren, Ladies and Friends of New York Freemasonry: Masonic Hall upgrading security, renovating bathrooms We are delighted to welcome you to the Annual Investiture on three floors and numerous projects to upgrade energy Ceremony for the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons efficiency, provide comfort and to meet current building codes. of the State of New York. Those who have recently been at the Masonic Hall will notice the protective scaffolding, which will remain during the major At this beautiful campus, the Trustees of the Masonic window replacement project, which is currently underway. Hall and Home, the Directors of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, the Trustees of the Chancellor Robert R For more than 105 years, the Masonic Hall has been more Livingston Masonic Library, and a multitude of Grand Lodge than just a fraternal meeting place and headquarters for the Committees, and various statewide leadership teams gather in Grand Lodge of the State of New York. The fraternal and unity at our Campus. commercial rents received by the Trustees have been and continue to be essential in carrying out our work at the It is at this time, our respective teams evaluate the Masonic Care Community. performance of our chosen goals and objectives. We also observe the effectiveness of our efforts and adjust as required It is here at Utica that we see our obligation to care for to keep ourselves on track ensuring a successful outcome. distressed worthy Master Masons, their widows and orphans carried out daily. No program comes closer to the original At the 236th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge mission set forth for the Trustees more than 153 years ago of the State of New York, every delegate received the Annual than the assisted living care provided at Wiley Hall. Address of the Grand Master. This nineteen page Address summarized the goals and objectives for this Grand Lodge as By the end of 2017, the Masonic Care Community expects well as its subordinate Lodges. I am delighted to say again that to open 60 Assisted Living Program beds at Wiley Hall. This this has been an incredible year. You have accomplished much program is designed to serve persons who are medically eligible during these short twelve months. We have made substantial for nursing home placement, but are served in a less medically gains in all aspects of our Fraternity. I congratulate each one intensive, lower cost setting. Work is underway to expand the of you who have stepped up to make this statewide Masonic housing options available, not only here at MCC, but to bring Trestle Board a true reality! some of the remarkable services offered here in Utica to other areas of New York State. The Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home The Trustees are an important part of our efforts to help When we gather for important occasions as a Grand Lodge, shape our youth in positive ways. Each summer the Trustees it is most often in buildings, which have been built and operate Camp Turk, which provides a character-building maintained by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall & Home. Adirondack experience for 200 young people each week for six This afternoon we gather in this beautiful sanctuary known as weeks at Round Lake. The Trustees provide almost $500,000 the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel. each year to help fund the Grand Lodge Educational Assistance We assemble during the first week of May each year in the Grants to children and grandchildren of New York Masons. magnificent Grand Lodge Room at Masonic Hall in New Next year will mark the 125th Anniversary of taking care 4 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 of people on our campus here in Utica. Great plans are already developed a mutually agreed plan to get us in the right underway to celebrate this landmark with several special direction. events. As Freemasons, we should be proud of the quality of Collaboratively, we are working toward a more formal care provided to the more than 500 residents at the Masonic clarification of the organizational structure, and because the Care Community. Constitutions of the Grand Lodge is vague in regards to the As your Grand Master, I charge each District Deputy Grand Library. Over the next year or two it is likely to require some Master, to deliver this important message to every Lodge changes. For this reason, you should understand the issues, under your fraternal care. Please encourage your Brothers and be prepared to make an informed vote. to visit the Campus and arrange a tour. In your role as my In the meantime, please make use of this remarkable resource representative, talk frequently about Acacia Village, Wiley Hall in your own Masonic work. Become a Library patron! Call and Camp Turk. Ask the Brethren to consider the Masonic 1-800-3-Mason-4 then press the number four and request a Care Community in their estate planning. The Trustees staff subcription to the Masonic Reading Course today! will furnish informational pamphlets for your use. Youth Groups Masonic Medical Research Laboratory The Grand Lodge of the State of New York and all of our Another jewel in the crown of our Fraternity is the related organizations are huge supporters of our Masonic Youth magnificent Masonic Medical Research Laboratory located Groups. We are thrilled that they were able to participate in right here on the Masonic Care Community Campus. Next the St Johns’ Weekend festivities and in our Investiture Parade. year, the MMRL will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of their founding by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. It is my pleasure to introduce the Masonic Youth Group Leaders at this time. Please rise when I call your name: In pursuit of continuing excellence and in preparation for • The Organization of Triangles, Inc. - Miss Kaitlyn Piston, exciting strategic opportunities, the Board of Directors under member of Bai-On-Sen Triangle the capable leadership of RW David F. Schneeweiss, President, • International Order of Rainbow for Girls - Miss Melissa has initiated a $2.5 Million renovation project of the second Osorio, Grand Worthy Advisor and third floors of the scientific research laboratories. • New York DeMolay - Brother Kevin E. Bartels - State These updates and renovations will result in a “state of the Master Councilor art” facility enabling the MMRL to attract additional world- Speaking on behalf of all three organizations is Miss Melissa class research investigators to the team. Osorio, Grand Worthy Advisor of the International Order of The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory team is currently Rainbow for Girls. in final negotiations with their new Director of Scientific Brothers: It is also interesting to note that the Dad of Research, where they will make a formal announcement in Brother Kevin E. Bartels is also present. His name is Right the near future. The Laboratory’s continuing mission is to be Worshipful Brother Edward T. Bartels, the Deputy Grand recognized as a world leader exploring and making necessary Marshal of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. We advances in the area of cardiac research and science, benefiting extend our sincerest congratulations to RW Edward T. Bartels all of humankind. and his son as well! The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Wiley Hall Masonic Library of Grand Lodge Wiley Hall continues to be our official charity for this term. In my passage through the Grand Line, I have grown I wish to thank everyone for his or her wonderful support and to appreciate the intricacies of the Chancellor Robert R generous donations that enables us to uplift the spirits of our Livingston Masonic Library. On several occasions in the residents and add value to their stay. Please keep up the good fulfillment of my duties, I required information, research and work! occasionally artifacts and I have always found the Library and its Staff responsive to my requests. Service Award Brother Robert C. Carmen, of Athelstan Lodge 839 F&AM We have also come to recognize that what we do in the was presented with his 50th Year Certificate, Pin and the special present, however important or perhaps trivial or unforgettable 50-Year Masonic Aniversary Apron during the ceremonies it may seem to be at the time, only lives on to inform future of the afternoon. Please note that these special Masonic generations through the instrumentality of the Library. How Aniversary Aprons are made available with the compliments fortunate we are to have one of the best Libraries and Museums of the Directors of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, in the world devoted to Masonic preservation and studies! and the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home. Over the years, we have sometimes taken this resource for Grand Lodge’s Areas of Focus granted, but like any worthwhile undertaking, it requires The goals and objectives for this two-year term of service attention and nurturing. Consequentially, over the past have been clearly defined. As District Leaders, we are asking few years the Trustees of the Library and the Trustees of the you to concentrate on several priority areas of concern: Masonic Hall and Home, together with Grand Lodge, have • Consolidations, Redistricting and Reshaping taken several steps to ensure the long-term survival of the • IRS 990 Library. • Background Check As the President of the Library Trustees, RW Bruce Renner, • The NorthStar Project related to you in his report to Grand Lodge, we are working • Additional Proficiency to clarify and define the Library’s governance, that is, who is actually responsible for its various operations. We have Continues on to page 7 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 5 Continued from page 6 • Opening and Closing in the First or Second Degree Civil and Masonic Law! • Membership Retention and Non Payment of Dues Background Check • The Necessity for Audit The Grand Lodge of the State of New York has made our • More participation in MORI outstanding new tool “Guarding the West Gate” available • Certification to Open and Close to all of our Lodges for the screening and vetting process of Consolidations, Redistricting and Reshaping potential new candidates. I am so pleased that the District Deputy Grand Masters have With outstanding positive feedback from our Lodges as to identified distressed Lodges within their fraternal care that are the effectiveness of the program, I am directing that all of our likely candidates for consolidation. This fall, those Lodges subordinate Lodges continue to utilize the background check will receive a letter from the Grand Master asking them to for its prospective members. Several enthusiastic Lodges have contemplate merging with a neighboring sister Lodge. I am even included the background check as part of their Lodges’ asking our district leadership teams, as well as the Elected bylaws as a precursor for membership. Grand Line Officers to help facilitate and enable these efforts. My Brothers, no Petitioner is so important, and no increase As we consider the ongoing Reshaping and Redistricting in numbers is so urgent, that we cannot take time to thoroughly process, it is vital that civility must prevail. As my personal investigate all who knock upon our doors. It is crucial that we representative, I charge you to remember that you represent “Guard well the West Gate”! Grand Lodge. It is essential that we truthfully evaluate the The NorthStar Project condition of our Lodges. It is for the greater good of our My Brothers, the NorthStar Project is proving invaluable Fraternity! in making Masons for life! We have over 900 Brothers now Brethren, two or three Brothers desperately clinging to a trained as Success Coaches and our web site has referred over Charter who are unable to open, to confer degrees, or to have 2,500 requests for membership to the Lodges over the last viable and interesting programs are definitely prospects for two years. We are giving you the tools and the training…It merger. Reminiscing about the past glory days of your Lodge is important to remember that “Every Brother Matters”. You is fine, but the past is the past, and the reality of today is so just have to do your part! much different from the warmhearted recollections of better This year, would you enjoy taking in ten new members into times. your Lodge? After taking them in, would you like them to By coming together, we consolidate our brick and mortar remain active in your Lodge…for life? All of this is possible structures, finances, manpower, resources, and talent to create with the NorthStar Project! If your Lodge is not participating a new and better Masonic Lodge. A new model that adds value in the NorthStar Project, you need to start now! The Grand to the Masonic experience, one that takes care of one another Lodge Membership Development Committee is ready, willing and our families, and one where a man can become a Mason and able to bring a seminar to your District. for life. This is our goal, and we cannot settle for less! Additional Proficiency IRS 990 Status Last year, we started a new initiative. The program consists While I am pleased that approximately one hundred of of having the Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft Mason exhibit our Lodges have put themselves back in good standing, I am the sign, grips and words in open Lodge before the Worshipful however, disappointed to report that one year past the Grand Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden. Master’s Edict, we still have 105 Lodges who are not yet in Far from being an awkward or uncomfortable experience, this compliance. initiative has many benefits. Initially, it affords the candidate Lodges are organized under the regulations of the a positive opportunity to speak and present his work in open Benevolent Orders Law of State of New York. The IRS has Lodge before his Brothers. It also enables the Brothers of the already audited a sister jurisdiction, and we have heard of the Lodge to witness a required portion of a Brother’s proficiency legal and financial ramifications, because of that audit. I am in the signs, grips and words of each degree. confident that you would not want your Lodge (and YOU This morning, the Grand Lodge Officers were introduced PERSONALLY as a Corporate Officer of your Lodge) to be to this program and were presented with a ritual script to take the subject of an audit by the IRS. The tax status of the Grand back to the Lodges under their fraternal care. It is our fervent Lodge itself may be in jeopardy, should subordinate Lodges desire that you encourage each of the Lodges to make use of this under its corporate structure fail to comply with the tax laws additional candidate education-training tool. It is important of the parent organization. to remember this is only a demonstration of a portion of a As Grand Master, I have issued an Edict and all Lodges, candidate’s compulsory training. The usual proficiency of the Masonic entities and Temple Associations must comply with answers in the first part of the lecture are always a requirement this order. Your Grand Lodge has given you ample information before being Passed or Raised to the next degree of Masonry. and guidance and sufficient financial resources so the Lodge Opening and Closing in the can properly navigate through this legal issue. You just have to First or Second Degree do your part! At the 263th Annual Communication, the Grand Lodge in Ask yourself, would any of you ignore filing your own session passed a new proposal on the first reading, enabling personal income tax return for you and your family? How the Lodges (as an option) to open and close on The Degree of long do you think it will take the IRS to catch up with you? Entered Apprentice, The Degree of Fellowcraft or The Degree We cannot stress enough that this is a very serious violation of of Master Mason. 6 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Our first step directed the Grand Lecturer and the Ritual Certification to Open/Close Renaissance Committee to fully demonstrate and portray the A healthy Lodge should be able to open and close proposed work at their respective Conventions throughout the competently- with its installed Officers- proficiently, from year. memory… and without books. If a Lodge can achieve a skillful As Grand Master, we request that each of our Lodges fully and proficient opening and closing, combined with a good explore this option. If your Lodge finds this to be a useful tool, educational Masonic or topical program, the new initiate to then please consider a favorable adoption of the amendment Freemasonry will certainly see the benefit of his continued to the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge. membership. As Master Masons, we have an understanding of the benefits I am again directing the District Deputy Grand Master, derived from the Opening and Closing ceremony. During together with the Grand Lodge Staff Officer or Assistant Grand that ritual, we sequester ourselves away from the cares of the Lecturer to observe that each Lodge can competently open profane world, and transform ourselves into a Masonic state of and close Lodge with its own elected and Appointed Officers. mind until the time of closing which reminds us of our duties The certification is also recorded on the DDGM Inspection before resuming our labors in the profane world. Does it make form, and becomes a permanent record in the Grand Lodge sense to deny our newest members that same benefit? spreadsheet. Every DDGM, Staff Officer, AGL and Lodge has a copy of Dispensations the new ritual booklets. Additional booklets are available at Until May of 2018, your Grand Master has extended $6.00 each through Grand Lodge Services. authority to the District Deputy Grand Masters to grant Non-Payment Dues “NPD” dispensations for a number of rather routine situations, among Brothers, in an effort to retain those existing members who which is to allow dispensations to confer a Degree within his were being dropped from the membership rolls due to “Non- District upon up to 10 candidates for any of the three Degrees. Payment of Dues,” we asked each Lodge Secretary to furnish It is important to remember it is a constitutional requirement a list of potential unaffiliated members to the Office of the that the First Degree of Masonry must be conferred in a Grand Secretary. The Grand Master sent a personal letter to Candidate’s home Lodge unless the Grand Master grants a each of these Brothers asking them to consider reinvesting special dispensation. in their Masonic affiliation. I am pleased to announce that If a Lodge lacks the necessary talent or manpower to we managed to keep approximately 30% of these Brothers competently confer the Entered Apprentice Degree, I request from being dropped from the rolls. Recognizing this level of the DDGM to supply additional talent from the District success, we will again repeat this initiative. It is important that to help as required so the Lodge can meet its constitutional we receive the NPD list from the Lodge Secretaries promptly obligations. for maximum effect. Closing Remarks The Necessity for Audit My Brothers, as we begin our second year of service to the The laws of the Grand Lodge require that all of our Craft, Carla and I sincerely thank each of you and your Ladies organizations must perform an annual qualified audit of the for your fortitude, support, generosity and devotion to the books. The proof of the audit will be captured on the DDGM Craft! Your faithfulness means more than you can possibly annual report forms. imagine! Trusting and inexperienced Brothers have passively Solid and self-motivated leadership in our beloved fraternity given access to our monies and investments to dishonest is a vital component to the future well being of our Craft. Lodge Secretaries, Treasurers, Trustees, and Fellow Craft Decisions can be difficult, or even unpopular. You must Club Officers. This lack of fiscal control has resulted in always keep in mind that for this very brief moment in time, embezzlement and theft of Masonic funds. we stand united in a magnificent opportunity to serve this The preservation of these resources is everyone’s responsibility Craft, to make a difference, and to build upon this spiritual and it only makes sense to apply good fiscal management Masonic edifice! policies to ensure that your assets are safe and secure. When our odyssey ends, each of us will hand over the mantle MORI of leadership to the next generation of Masonic leaders. May The District Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Lodge Staff they marvel at what we have accomplished this term and Officers have access to our Membership Online Registration exclaim “They builded better than they knew” and we will Information program. In addition, we are pressing forward simply say: This is what we do; this is our “Way of Life”! to ensure that all Lodges implement MORI within this term. God Bless this wonderful Fraternity, pray for our men and The MORI database is a fantastic tool. However, the computer women serving in our Armed Forces, and “May God’s Richest program is only as good as the Lodge Secretary who is willing Blessings be Yours”! to invest time in maximizing the MORI system to its fullest Fraternally, potential. Lodges should be identifying Lodge Secretaries who are not utilizing the MORI database and begin the process of succession planning. The Lodge should appoint an Assistant Jeffrey M. Williamson Lodge Secretary who has the skill sets necessary to access and Grand Master of Masons implement the MORI database. in the State of New York

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 7

Deputy Grand Master RW WILLIAM M. SARDONE, Deputy Grand Master 212/337-6640 [email protected]

y the time you receive this issue, St. John’s Day will behind hours. She and her family researched dozens of facilities and us but the terrific memories remain. Once again, the when she came to the MCC she knew this was the place for BMasonic Care Community glistened in the sunshine. Despite her. They were from Tennessee and her daughters were with the weather report of 100% chance of rain, there was an her that weekend. What was one of deciding factors? Everyone abundance of sunshine. is so nice and happy. That is great testimony. It is always good to see our brethren, families and friends While we had fun we also accomplished some work. The gather together for fun and fellowship. I have been at the selection information for the new teams for the new term was Masonic Care Community numerous times. Whenever I think disseminated. As you read this article the meetings and reviews I have seen it all, there is always something new. Best of all was are being held to continue the process of establishing our new meeting a new resident in Acacia Village. I said hello to her, a District leadership. Exciting times are ahead and we look conversation began and I learned she had been there only 48 forward to maintaining our positive outlook for the future.

Grand Secretary RW PAUL M. ROSEN, Grand Secretary Masonic Hall 71 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 212/337-6644 [email protected]

hen I was brought to light twenty-five years ago, I was I have recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer greeted and welcomed by my new Brothers. Many of and have begun chemotherapy. I am still able to fulfill the themW I had known from other walks of life. I never knew that obligations of my office. The reason for this article is to say they were Masons, let alone members of the Lodge that I had that our Craft and its beliefs and ideals are alive and well. just joined. What I did know was their fine qualities as good, I have received more prayers and well wishes than I might kind, religious and charitable human beings. I knew at once ever have expected to receive. I have been renewed in my faith that I had made a life-changing commitment by joining this in our Brothers and that we do believe in what we espouse. My special group of men. faith has been revived and I feel like I did twenty-five years ago Like many, I studied anew what we had promised in our when I learned who and what I had joined. obligations. I spent time with the reading course offered by I have often written to you requesting that you retain your the Library. The ideals that we professed meshed perfectly membership. I now have a solid reason to add to that position. with the obligations to society that I took when I became an You never know how your expression of good wishes and attorney. As my horizons in the Craft widened, my faith in the prayers of faith will help a Brother face the toughest challenge qualities represented by our members grew. However, I am a he may ever face. To all: You have my thanks and brotherly realist, and as your Grand Secretary I have now learned that love. not all members live by our Masonic and humanitarian ideals. If there is a down side to my job it is that I am fully exposed to the foibles of some of our members.

8 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Senior Grand Warden RW richard S. Morley, Senior Grand Warden 607/434-1404 [email protected]

reetings from the Traveling Man in the west. Summer If you encounter a problem when you start up this fall, don’t is winding down and we are going to start opening our let it fester. Deal with it before it gets out of hand. Most of the GLodges once again. We hope you kept in touch with your time it is something very trivial. If you have a problem talk Brothers over the summer. with your Master; if that doesn’t work, talk with your DDGM. If all else fails, talk with your liaison officer. Remember, the There are several Lodges throughout the state that are in the only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask. middle of mergers. Some are completed and will start off fresh this fall. Be patient. For some Lodges it is business as usual This fall the Grand Line will be busy with rededications and some, a whole new experience. If you are from the Lodge and such. But remember: If you have a problem and need my that hasn’t been able to even open lately, keep this in mind: assistance, I am only a phone call away. We all took the same obligation at the altar. It’s different faces we have a problem with. Work with them—they are all your Brothers.

Grand Treasurer RW PETER A. FLIHAN, III, Grand Treasurer 646/397-3839 [email protected] Balancing Masonic Magic and Business ummer has ended, and our Lodges are bright once again. that we came here to do, this real and very “operative” side New trestleboards are being constructed by both new and of Freemasonry can crowd out the time that these honorable Svintage Masters. A healthy Lodge is always changing, with Brothers have for our avowed former pursuit. What starts out new ideas and ways of doing things shaping the very future. as a labor of love for some Brothers can ultimately deny them And yet, some of our work is rooted in rarely changing the same access to the Masonic magic that we all sought when structures. Nowhere is this more evident than in the work of petitioning our Lodge in the first place. the Secretary and the Treasurer of the Lodge. Technologies Yes, the detailed nature of these jobs requires an advance and some Secretaries have gone from minute books understandable learning curve, or an aspirant who has this to ipads and pc notebooks. Yet the detailed nature of taking experience outside of the Lodge. But a well-organized life is minutes and the necessity of establishing and tracking not the only requirement of a Secretary. A home checkbook membership status has not changed substantially. Neither has that doesn’t bounce is not necessarily the only requirement for sending communications to the membership, whether printed a Lodge Treasurer. Expecting automatic proficiency at either or via email. of these desks is not a fair standard. Treasurers still pay the bills. While some are moving Did you know that our Masonic Law provides for the rapidly towards e-commerce, the majority of Lodges still have Master to appoint Assistant Secretaries and Treasurers? So checkbooks and most still use a physical voucher system of many Brothers are surprised to hear that, since the primary warrants presented to justify those checks. Certainly, Excel positions are elected ones. Adopting this practice ensures that and financial software make keeping the books much more these important jobs can be easily filled by an able assistant. convenient and efficient but maintaining them in an orderly Additionally, these assistants enjoy on-the-job training, which fashion for audit and examination by the DDGM is no less is more efficiently completed before being elected to the post. important than it has ever been. If we start to treat these positions in the same transitory The nature of these jobs require detail-oriented Brothers to way that we treat every other office we can ensure that more fill them. When we find great candidates for these jobs, we members cycle in (and out) of them. This will also lead to tend to encourage them to stay in the job. But is this common a healthier Lodge, where more members understand the practice the best choice for the Lodge—or the Brother in workings of the Lodge and every member gets to enjoy more question? While the work of Speculative Masonry is the labor of the Masonic magic meant for us all. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 9

Grand Secretary RW PAUL M. ROSEN, Grand Secretary Masonic Hall 71 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 212/337-6644 [email protected]

Florida Sojourner Luncheons in 2018

e will once again seek to cement our ongoing connection Directors of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, are and relationship with those Masons and members of hosting a splendid luncheon on each of the above listed dates EasternW Star who have left New York for the State of Florida’s at noontime for you and your loved one. Each meeting will climate and hospitality. As in past years, the Masons and conclude at approximately 2:30 p.m. (There is immediate members of the Order of the Eastern Star from New York seating upon arrival, with no waiting.) State will meet and greet our members who now reside in In order to make adequate preparations for a pleasurable the Sunshine State. It is a chance to meet for fellowship and experience and to plan for your arrival, we ask that you to renew old friendships. The Grand Master MW Jeffrey M. complete and mail to the Office of the Grand Secretary the Williamson, fraternally invites you to meet with him and Reservation Form on the adjacent page, together with your members of the Grand Line; the Grand Matron Elect Lynne personal check for $5.00 per person made payable to: OES Schmitt and the Grand Patron Elect Leland Barnes, and the – MASONS Sojourner’s Luncheon. Remember to send your Grand Chapter Officers of the Order of Eastern Star, at one of completed reservation form and payment to: RW PAUL M. the three Florida Sojourner Luncheons during January 2018. ROSEN, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge F & AM of the State These luncheons are in familiar locations and the East Coast of New York, 71 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010- Luncheon will be at Palm Beach Gardens. 4149. If you should have any questions, please contact the The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, January Grand Secretary’s Office at 212-/741-4500, Extension 636 or 10, 2018 in SARASOTA (S.W. Coast of Florida) at the 628. They may also send inquiries to the following e-mail: Sahib Shrine Center, AAONMS, 600 North Beneva Road. [email protected]. The New York Masons and the {Directions: Take I-75 South to Exit 210; turn right onto New York Order of Eastern Star are a closely connected team Fruitville Road to Beneva Road; turn right onto Beneva Road to working together in the name of Brotherly and Sisterly Love, first traffic light. Sahib Shrine Center is on your right.} Relief and Truth. We look forward to meeting and greeting The second meeting will be held onThursday, January 11, each of you in sunny Florida. 2018 in TAMPA (West Coast of Florida) at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 5500 Memorial Highway (near Egypt Shrine RW Paul M. Rosen Masonic Center). {Directions: Take I-275 to Exit 39 (Airport). Grand Secretary Take Eisenhower Blvd. after passing Clearwater Exit 60. Get in left lane onto Independence Parkway. After merge with Memorial Highway, turn left onto Memorial Highway. About 1/10 of a mile, the Scottish Rite Masonic Center (with large sign along highway) is on the left.} The third meeting is on Saturday, January 13, 2018 in M.W. Karen Marshall-King PALM BEACH GARDENS (East Coast of Florida) at the Grand Secretary Embassy Suites, 4350 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. The Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of the State of New York and the Grand Chapter OES of the State of New York, in conjunction with the Trustees of the Masonic Care Community and the

10 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Please read this first! Special Note: If your membership in Masonry totals (50), (55), (60), (65), (70), (75) years, either this year or in 2018, and you wish to have the Grand Master present a Service Award Certificate at the luncheon you plan to attend, please circle your anniversary year above and check one of the boxes below.

Yes, I joined in 19___ . No, I received one earlier this year. No, I plan to receive it in my Lodge.

GRAND LODGE F.&A.M, STATE OF NEW YORK 2018 FLORIDA SOJOURNER MEETING ~ RESERVERVATION FORM Yes, I plan to attend the following luncheon meeting (Please check one) Weds. January 10 in Sarasota Thursday January 11 in Tampa Saturday January 13 in Palm Beach Gardens. I am a member of ______Lodge No. ______

My companion named below is is not a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. is is not a member of the Masonic Fraternity.

PRINT AND COMPLETE THIS FORM:

Your Name ______Your Companionʼs Name ______

Street Address ______City, State and Zip ______

E-mail ______

PRINT additional names of each person who will accompany you and indicate affiliation if applicable:

Name Lodge / Chapter ______

Enclosed is my check or money order (please do not send cash) payable to OES ~ MASONS Sojourner Luncheon ______Luncheon Ticket (s) @ $5.00 per person listed above. Total Amount of check or money order $______.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 11

Robert R Livingston Masonic Library RW C. F. William Maurer Past Chairman and Emeritus of the DeWint House Committee Trustee of the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library Athelstane 839, Pearl River, NJ

rand Lodge of New York is proud a redoubt on the Hudson. Major exchanged for an American officer and of the small house built in 1700 in Frederickus Blauvelt, the son-in-law returned to the British ranks. Gthe rural village of Tappan, New York. of Johannes and Antje De Wint, who A historian once stated that Tappan was owned the house at the time, invited the single most important town during Washington to stay here with the the . The reasons? family. The area was fast becoming There was the Orangetown Resolutions, home for many residents who were written exactly two years before the leaving because of the Declaration of Independence, that British occupation. Finding a welcome outlined the problems with the King and home with room was becoming much his government and asked that America more difficult. have an abundance of freedom from Two years earlier—on September 28, Great Britain. Then there was this small 1778—the British had swept through house, with the year of construction the area on a foraging mission, ravaging “1700” stamped on the front of the the area, gathering supplies from the house in big bold numbers. This home farmers for use during the winter. From a Miniature by himself, was the headquarters for His Excellency Surprising a Virginia cavalry regiment, G. P. Putnam, N.Y. Historical Society General George Washington, not once they bayonetted the soldiers while they or twice but four times during the slept. This tragedy became known as the American Revolution. The second visit “Baylor Massacre.” The commander, and its events saved the country from Col. George Baylor, was a former aide total defeat and surrender. The third to General Washington. Being from of Washington’s visits was to plan and Virginia, Washington had served with oversee the evacuation of the British Baylor’s father in the French and Indian Army from the New York area. And War. The attack on the dragoons was the fourth visit? It gave Washington a led by Major General Charles Grey place to relax and realize that the war and took place just outside of Tappan. was almost over. Prisoners and some wounded were taken into town. Some were Profiles of Captain Batwell and buried at the cemetery Major Andre cut by Major Andre of the Dutch church in and given to Miss Rebecca Redman town. Lawrence in the year 1778

On Grey’s staff was “American Historical and Literary a sharp young officer, Curiosities” Captain John Andre. A J. Jay Smith and John F. Watson, personable young man, 5th Edition, New York, G.P. Putnam 1832 he was born in 1750. He joined the British Army Andre was promoted to Major in after an engagement to 1779 and began to serve General Grey as author Miss Honora Adjutant General. In April of that year Sneyd failed. He was he was given the added responsibility commissioned and of leading Grey’s secret service. When became very popular the British ended their occupation of The De Wint House During the American Revolution in the local societies Philadelphia and headed for New York, where he was stationed. Andre had been living in Benjamin Once, he was captured On a table in the main room of the Franklin’s home. Franklin was serving in November 1775 and was held as the American cause in France. The artist De Wint House are four sets of artifacts. a prisoner on parole in Lancaster, Each piece in the display points to the Pierre-Eugene Du Simitiere stopped Pennsylvania. At that time he cut in to say goodbye. (Du Simitiere did reason or the cause of why General silhouettes of the soldiers and family Washington was here. Washington’s the only from-life portrait of General members he was billeted with and did Arnold.) He reports that Andre was first stay at the House was from August sketches of himself as gifts. He was 8 to 24, 1780, while he was inspecting busy packing Dr. Franklin’s personal 12 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 property to take with him. Evangelist Day, a holy day in the Church his new wife, Peggy. During his time in Philadelphia, of England, with an ancient tradition In the spring of 1780 the American young Andre dated a Miss Peggy of celebration by the Freemasons), the Army made a strategic move. About half Shippen. When American General General Orders issued by Washington’s of the American forces went north to took over command headquarters had the password of the West Point and began strengthening the of the city he also claimed Miss Peggy day as “Hiram” and the response as fort there. The rest of the northern army Shippen and soon made her his new “St. John’s Day – Mason.” The a brief moved to Orangeburg and the Tappan wife. message was that “Arnold’s trial would area. Washington had given Arnold a not convene today.” The purpose of new command, that of the fort at West the Masonic meeting that canceled the Point. court-martial for that day was to select a Grand Master of Masons of the entire Major Andre, under the direction new country, His Excellency General of Sir Henry Clinton, effected a date George Washington. to meet and to firm up the plan that Arnold had offered: plans that would “Hiram” might represent Hiram Abif, lead to the capture of the fort at West the builder of the Temple in Jerusalem, Point and, hopefully, the capture of or it might represent the name of the General Washington. Finally, Arnold Masonic Lodge in New Haven, where may have thought, the war would be many of the officers and men of the over and the world and normal life Connecticut units, including General resumed. Arnold may have felt that he Arnold, were members. The meeting would again be a hero. was to be an Entered Apprentice Degree General Benedict Arnold to be held in a hotel off the Morristown Andre sailed up the , met by Pierre-Eugene Du Simitiere Green known as Arnold’s Hotel or with Arnold and was returning to board Arnold’s Tavern. The owner, Colonel his ship back to the British-controlled Jacob Arnold, was a prominent local city. However, the ship was fired on and businessman, a cavalry officer and no left without the Major. Now, Major relation to General Arnold. Andre, out of uniform, with a pocketful of maps and documents, was behind his General Benedict Arnold made enemy’s lines. He had just negotiated an elaborate defense, in which he a deal to win the war, with a ranking magnified his services, asserted his American general who was to betray his entire innocence, cast reproach upon country to achieve this goal, and Andre some of the purest men in the country would have to try and return to his and proclaimed his patriotic attachment Tory-controlled territory without being to his country. In Life and Treason discovered. This didn’t happen. of Arnold, Jared Sparks wrote “... his hypocrisy can be understood only by As Army Chaplain Hitchcock knowing the fact that, at the moment stationed in Tappan reported in his Mrs. Peggy Shippen Arnold and daughter they were uttered, he had been eight diary: by Sir Thomas Lawrence months in secret correspondence with “Then at midnight September 25, the enemy, and was prepared, if not (1780) Orders came to us to be ready One fallout of being in charge of resolved, when the first opportunity to march at six in the morning–General Philadelphia: General Arnold angered should offer, to desert and destroy his Wayne marched his Brigade about one the civilian government and charges country.” – the occasion of this sudden move was were brought for his poor conduct. As Arnold was convicted of malfeasance— the News of a British Officer, said an the war demanded the total attention of Adjutant General, being taken on his the military and General Washington, “wrongdoing or dishonest activity.” The court sentenced him to the mildest way from West Point to a Ship below the planned court-martial was delayed. Croton by three Inhabitants who It was impossible to get all the generals form of punishment, a reprimand by the Commander-in-Chief. discovered plans of the works & state of together for such an important trial. the Garrison about him - & other papers In December 1779 the Army moved Washington announced the sentence which detected the Treasonable designs to Morristown, NJ. Since the army with all possible delicacy but Arnold’s of General Arnold, commander of that would probably not be bothered by the pride was too deeply wounded, or, it department, it seems the Post was to be enemy there, not only could training may be his treasonable schemes were too given up to the Enemy this very night be augmented—similarly to the Valley far advanced to allow him to try to gain – as soon as he (Arnold) heard of the Forge encampment two years earlier— back the confidence of his countrymen discovery he took to his Barge & was but also Arnold’s trial for improper and vindicate his character. The idea rowed on board the Ship below King’s of assuming the command of West leadership and conduct could finally be ferry.” held. Point mollified Arnold’s hurt pride and strengthened his plans to betray his But about a week after the trial began, country. This desire was encouraged by now December 27th (St. John the Continues on to page 14 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 13 Continues from page 13 trial), Brigadier General Glover, Andre was convicted as a spy. The Brigadier General Patterson, Brigadier penalty ruled upon by the court was General Hand, Brigadier General not to be shot as a soldier—as Andre Huntington, Brigadier General Starke, had requested of Washington—but as a and Colonel John Lawrence, Judge- spy: death by hanging. The penalty was Advocate General, also the Prosecutor carried out and Andre was hanged and in Philadelphia. About twelve of these buried (October 2, 1780) just a short officers were Masons. distance from the De Wint House. It While Major Andre was not a Mason, was said that the hanging could be seen General Arnold was. Before his betrayal, from the house but General Washington Benedict Arnold visited a Masonic had closed the shutters. On August 10, Lodge in Poughkeepsie. Now marked 1821 Andre’s remains were removed Andre’s Capture: From the Chancellor from Tappan and deposited in the nave Robert R Livingston Masonic Library as a traitor, his name was “scratched” from the visiting Brothers’ roster of the at the Westminster Abbey, London. Washington’s third visit was when Lodge. he returned on September 28 through October 7, 1780 for the trial and subsequent hanging of this British spy. Fourteen general officers of Washington’s staff gathered for the first time together, headed by Major General Nathanael Greene who was a Rhode Island Freemason and often wore a Andre was hanged and buried on what is Masonic jewel, the gift of Brother, the now “Andre Hill” in Tappan. Marquis de Lafayette, throughout the Revolution. The hanging was met with very mixed feelings by the public. William The trial was held in the Tappan Dutch Cunningham, Jr. in writing to his Church, then a log cabin some thirty relative the Hon. John Adams summed feet square. Andre was guarded and held up the general feelings of the Americans in the tavern now known as the “Old viewing André’s execution: “I was at ‘76 House” and General Washington Tappan with the army when André again made his headquarters in the De was executed, but I did not attend his Wint House. execution, nor as I have always believed, did any great number of spectators go to witness the [struck: execution] exit of that unfortunate Gentleman - You must Benedict Arnold’s Name Removed from remember that [struck: no one rejoiced] the Minute Book of Poughkeepsie Lodge all mourned his fate though fully Property of the Chancellor Robert R convinced of its Justice & propriety.” Livingston Masonic Library But the hate was directed more to General Arnold. Brigadier General Philip Van Cortlandt of New York shared a thought. General Arnold being under arrest for improper conduct in Philadelphia “Andre’s Trial at the Tappan Church”, while he commanded there, I was one Source - 10 Of The Most Famous Spies of the Court-martial. Major-General In History By Mamta Bhatt Howe, President. There were also on that court four officers who had been The Board that tried Major André at Ticonderoga when Colonel Hazen consisted of Major General Greene, was called for trial, as before related, President, and Major General Lord and we were for cashiering Arnold, but Stirling, Major General St. Clair, Major were overruled, and he was sentenced General The Marquis de la Fayette, to be reprimanded by the Commander- Major General Howe (President of in-Chief. If all the court had known Arnold’s Philadelphia trial), Major Arnold’s conduct as well as myself, how General The Baron de Steuben, he and his Brigade Major had robbed “Andre’s Hanging - The Unfortunate merchants in Montreal, he would have Brigadier General Parsons, Brigadier Death of Major Andre” General Clinton, Brigadier General Engraved for Barnard’s New Complete & been dismissed from serving any longer Knox (also a member of the Philadelphia Authentic History of England in our army, for he would have been 14 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 cashiered. If so, he would never have That winter (November 11-14, had the command at West Point, and 1783) on his trip to visit West Point, Major John Andre might have lived from whence he planned to continue until this day. on to New York City to tender his Benedict Arnold fought now against resignation, Washington was forced to the American forces. He led British stay again at the De Wint house during troops not only in the southern states but a terrible snowstorm. During the War also into his home area in Connecticut. he had forbidden his soldiers to play After the war he was still considered cards because it took so much time by both sides as a traitor. One political away from the pursuit of the war. Now, cartoon one hundred years later (1865) with the fighting over, Mrs. De Wint showed Arnold on the left and Jefferson proposed playing cards to pass the time Davis (he was captured dressed as a and a much more relaxed Washington The De Wint House circa 1910 woman) stirring the pot – The Traitor took off his boots and they enjoyed the time together. By 1931 planning for the bicentennial Toddy – with the Devil in Hell in what had taken place. The De Wint house was the artist labeled, A Proper Family Re- The De Wint property changed hands put on the market for sale. It might have Union. numerous times. Additions were built. been torn down or maybe sold for use as The area changed and grew. The course a tavern or restaurant. New York Grand of the creek that the house faced on was Master Charles H. Johnson (of Albany) changed. Time passed. heard of this, visited the De Wint House In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge and offered that the New York Masons came up with the purpose to sponsor would be interested in preserving a series of nationwide celebrations in the house for the same reasons as the honor of the 200th anniversary in 1932 bicentennial, and he put down a deposit of the birth of the nation’s first President, out of his personal funds for the house George Washington. The Commission and grounds. He proposed this to Grand was tasked to present Washington on Lodge at the May meeting in 1932 the national, state, and local level as a where it was unanimously approved and farmer, soldier, and statesman rather his order obeyed. Today it is open free than the near legendary man depicted to the public and the property is cared After the trial in Tappan, three years by many writers. Representative Sol for by the Grand Lodge of New York, later—May 4 through 8, 1783—while Bloom, a veteran of the entertainment dedicated to General Washington and negotiating the final withdrawal of industry and a New York Mason from the Masonic ideals he held so dear. British troops from New York City Pacific Lodge 233 in NYC, headed the The plaque outside the house today with British General, Sir Guy Carleton, Commission. Despite the problems of reads: Washington and his key staff again were the Great Depression he was able to plan “Dedicated to the American people headquartered at the De Wint House. a series of popular observances both in as a shrine of Patriotism, an altar of (owner of Fraunces America and throughout the world Citizenship and a Memorial to George Tavern in New York City) came up to dating from Washington’s birthday Washington, a great Mason, a great prepare the dinner. Remarks at the time through Thanksgiving Day 1932. American. May 1, 1932.” were that the dinner was better than the one on the British ship.

Son installs father

t was a great night when Courtlandt Lodge 34 in the First Westchester-Putnam District held Iits installation. Worshipful Robert P. McCarthy installed his father Robert F. McCarthy as Worshipful Master. The younger McCarthy Raised his father about eight years ago. The new Master shared the evening with his wife, son and grandkids.

(l-r) Father W Robert F. McCarthy and son W Robert P. McCarthy

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 15 Arthur Crouch Drawing of Tappan, NY by Catherine Walter, Curator ithin the Museum Collection of the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic LibraryW of the Grand Lodge of New York are many of the original artworks commissioned to illustrate the Grand Lodge’s former periodical, The Masonic Outlook. This periodical was issued for more than thirty years, from January 1923 to July 1953, and was succeeded by The Empire State Mason, which had its first issue dated October 1952. This charming drawing by Arthur Crouch served as the frontispiece of the May 1932 issue of The Masonic Outlook, with the caption, “Brethren desiring to motor to the new Washington Masonic Shrine at Tappan will find convenient the above decorative map showing the main automobile highways by which this old village may be reached.” MW Charles H. Johnson, PGM 1930- 1932, PGS 1932-1946, led the Grand Lodge in the 1932 purchase of the DeWint House and the surrounding property (referred to as The Washington Shrine). It stands now as a National Historic Site and a memorial to George Washington, and is maintained by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home. Arthur Crouch was an illustrator who made hundreds of images for publication, mostly between the 1930s and 1950s, and while there is no indication he was a Freemason, he frequently produced artwork for The Masonic Outlook. His art reveals not only accurate historical events and locations, but a refreshing perspective on life in the Hudson River Valley, with golf, kite-flying, fishing and the ever- present rush of the commuter. His humor is evident throughout, especially in the skeleton in the graveyard and the policeman chasing the motorist.

16 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Grand Line Confers First Degree at the George Washington Masonic Historic Site at Tappan By MW Jeffrey M. Williamson

his exciting adventure was set in motion on October 2, recorded in the register book. 2016 when Most Worshipful Williamson attended the The Grand Master lowered the Lodge to the First Degree Tannual Grand Master’s Day at Tappan. In his remarks, the of Masonry. Five men received the First Degree of Masonry, Grand Master observed that this truly historical and Masonic conferred by MW Jeffrey M. Williamson acting as Master. Each treasure was underutilized and almost unknown among our became a member of one of the following Lodges: Huguenot modern-day members. He then issued a challenge to the 46, 2nd Westchester Putnam District; Continental Lodge 287, Trustees, Grand Line and Brothers present that the Grand 2nd Manhattan District; Harmony Lodge 199, 9th Manhattan Line should confer the First Degree of Masonry the following District; Cornerstone Lodge 711, Orange-Rockland District; summer at this historic location. This would afford the and Amityville Lodge 977, Suffolk District. brethren of New York an opportunity to visit this magnificent The conductors were RW Michael D. Grenadier - DDGM estate and to participate in the exceptional Masonic fellowship of the 2nd Westchester Putnam District; RW Arto Vandian - that would result from a once-in-a-lifetime conferral. DDGM of the 5th Manhattan District; RW Peter G. Unfried Several project meetings were held with the Trustees of the - DDGM of the 9th Manhattan District; RW William E. Hall and Home, the George Washington Masonic Historic Howell, Jr. - DDGM of the Orange-Rockland District; and Site at Tappan Committee and the Grand Marshal and Grand RW Lloyd A. Patterson - DDGM of the Suffolk District. Master. It was resolved that the Trustees would provide the The Apron Presentation was made by RW John Haslam Sr.; tent, chairs, portable toilets and the lunch. The Metropolitan the Working Tools were presented by RW James R. Kintzel; District Deputies should provide the candidates, garb and the Bibles were presented by RW Mark D. Hanson; the conductors. The local committee would be responsible for Questions and Answers were passed by RW James R. Kintzel the logistics, honor guard, first aid and other organizational and RW Scott D. Peat; the Lecture of Reasons was given by requirements. RW Richard J. Kessler and RW Michael E. Storck; RW Samuel June 3, 2017, the chosen day, finally arrived. Brethren L. Kinsey delivered the Historical Lecture; and the Charge was assembled at twelve noon on the great lawn and prepared pronounced by RW Peter A. Flihan III. At the conclusion of themselves for an old-fashioned summer picnic. Jubilant the Degree, the Grand Master requested that the new Entered Brothers lined up at the serving tables, munching on Apprentices remain in the Lodge room to hear the comments hamburgers, cheeseburgers or hot dogs, washed down with and brevities of the day. bubbly soda or cold bottles of water. Beaming smiles abounded Grand Master Williamson expressed his sincere appreciation as the brethren enjoyed true fellowship while basking in the to all those who made this event such a rousing success. He bright summer sun. We thank Brother Michael J. Peters, thanked the Trustees of the Hall and Home and the George Chairman of the Military Outreach Committee, and his wife Washington Masonic Historic Site at Tappan Committee. He Lisa for operating the grills and feeding the hungry brethren. acknowledged RW Kurt Ott for his efforts in securing and Lunch completed, the enthusiastic Brothers quickly donned transporting the Lodge furniture and implements used in the aprons and made their way up the hill to the massive white Degree. circus tent in front of the museum. Grand Organist RW Frank The Grand Master ordered the Grand Marshal to escort RW Miller played his energetic style of music and the Brothers Harold B. Jones (former superintendent of the national site) responded to its rhythmic and melodic influence. and his son Brother Harold Jones (the current superintendent) At 1:00 p.m. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Williamson opened to the East and they received Grand Honors in recognition Harmony Lodge 199 at the George Washington Masonic of their many hours of preparation. Their projects included Historic Site in Tappan. The following Grand Line Officers set-up, knock-down, furnishing the morning coffee service, filled the stations and places of the Lodge officers: fabricating the specialty wooden knockers at the doors, Master - MW Jeffrey M. Williamson; Sr. Warden - sounding boards for the Deacons, and fabrication of the altar RW Richard M. Morley; Jr. Warden - RW Nicholas J. and much more. Paolicelli; Secretary - RW Peter A. Flihan (filling in for RW G. Stephen Getman, President of the Hall and Home RW Paul Rosen); Chaplain - RW Stenrick B. Adams; Sr. Trustees, was escorted to the East. He thanked the Grand Deacon - RW Christopher J. Hough; Jr. Deacon - David Master, the Grand Line and especially the Grand Marshal J. Menegon; Sr. Master of Ceremony - Edward T. Bartels; for all the work they accomplished to make this special day Jr. Master of Ceremony - RW Scott D. Peat; Steward - happen. The Grand Master also reminded everyone that the RW Richard J. Kessler; Steward - RW Michael E. Storck; proceeds from the reservations were designated for the Grand Marshal - RW James R. Kintzel; Tiler - RW John Haslam, Master’s featured charity, Wiley Hall. Sr.; Musician - RW Frank L. Miller The newly Initiated Brothers remained in the Lodge and The Lodge opened on the Third Degree in due form. The the Grand Master closed the Lodge on the First Degree of Masonic War Veterans presented the Flag of the United Masonry in Ample Form at 4:15 p.m. With the once-in-a- States and the 153 Brothers in attendance recited the Pledge lifetime event properly recorded in the history books, all the to the Flag and enthusiastically sang the National Anthem. Brothers exclaimed: “What a great day to be a New York State The Master welcomed all of the Brothers, whose names are Freemason!” THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 17

Masonic Care Community RW G. stephen getman, President Board of Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home 315/894-5692 [email protected]

he DeWint House, located on the George Washington years the property continued to be owned by the Tappan Historical Site at Tappan, New York, is the oldest and Washington Memorial Corporation. Although the Trustees Tmost historically significant building held by the Trustees of were involved in the operation of the property and provided the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund for the Grand Lodge some funding, it was the Grand Lodge Committee for the of the State of New York. The Trustees thank MW Jeffrey George Washington Historic Site at Tappan which took the Williamson and the Grand Line for bringing attention to this lead in the restoration of the property and its development as property by conferring the Entered Apprentice Degree on an historic site. In late 1992 work began on a detailed Historic five candidates on June 3, 2017 on the very grounds walked Structure Report. It was determined that the DeWint House by George Washington. The historical significance of this should be restored in accordance with historical standards. The property is well described in the fascinating history written by Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund appropriated RW Bill Maurer, which can be found in this issue. I will try the monies to carry out the extensive work recommended by to describe how this historic property came under the care of the study. At the Grand Lodge Session in 1994, MW Grand the Trustees. Master Gary Henningson reported in his Address: “The The DeWint house was built in 1700 by Daniel DeClerk. Trustees of the Masonic Hall & Asylum Fund have taken The property was owned by the John DeWint family during over the property. They are restoring the DeWint House to its George Washington’s four stays and has been known by that original beauty.” name since. The property came on the market in 1931 at a time The restoration plans included replicating the kitchen that of widespread preparations to celebrate the 200th anniversary of was in place during General Washington’s visits. During Grand George Washington’s birth. An undated press release described Master’s Day on September 18, 1994, more than 200 Masons, a meeting of a group of “public-minded citizens” who were their ladies and guests witnessed the formal cornerstone members of Publicity Lodge 1000. “Plans were outlined at laying by Grand Master Henningson and his Grand Line for that meeting to arouse interest among New York State Masons the kitchen adjacent to DeWint House. “The cornerstone in support of an undertaking to purchase the Tappan house was dedicated in honor of Past Grand Master Raymond C. and convert it into a public shrine and Masonic memorial, Ellis, still active at 97 years young….Together with his wife dedicated to Washington, the Mason.” It was feared “that one and daughter, he reminded all present that he was a direct of several enterprising hotel men will make an attractive offer descendant of the original owner Daniel DeClerk.”( 1995 to the present owners and convert the memorable old dwelling Proceedings, App. p.205). into a tea shoppe or, what is worse, a road house.” By December of 1994 financial operation of the site had Although I have not found a direct connection between the completely passed to the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and efforts of Publicity Lodge and MW Grand Master Charles H. Asylum Fund. The DeWint House re-opened after a year of Johnson, its members must have been pleased with Grand extensive renovations under the supervision of Brother Robert Master Johnson’s words from his Address to Grand Lodge in E. Meadows, architect, whose firm had prepared the Historic 1932 (Proceedings, p.37): Continues on to page 19 “In the latter part of 1931, I notified the Officers and members of the Fraternity that in order there might be a suitable and lasting memorial of this celebration by the Masons of New York State of George Washington’s birth, I had personally taken an option on an historical property at Tappan in our State….The house was about to be sold for a roadside restaurant. Feeling that this would be a desecration and that there was an opportunity for the Masons of New York State to perform a very definite patriotic act and to establish here in perpetuity a real Washington Shrine, I stepped in and took over the property.” During that same Grand Lodge Session the Jurisprudence Committee successfully recommended that the property be turned over to a holding company rather than being transferred directly to the Trustees. The officers of the holding company were the elected officers of Grand Lodge. For the next sixty

18 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Masonic Care Community RW Rob Raffle, Executive Director Masonic Care Community of New York 315/798-4882 [email protected]

Assisted Living Coming to MCC

he Masonic Care Community is proud to announce the placement in a nursing home due to lack of home or a suitable addition of an Assisted Living Program (ALP) to our home environment. However, eligible ALP residents must not Tcampus. Assisted Living serves individuals who are medically require continual nursing care, be chronically bedfast or be eligible for nursing home placement, while allowing the impaired to a degree that they endanger the safety of other resident to be somewhat independent, and offers a somewhat ALP residents. In addition to Assisted Living, Wiley Hall will less expensive care option. Realizing there is a need for an still offer its current Adult Residential Care services. ALP, the Masonic Care Community started the process with The Masonic Care Community received approval from the New York State Health Department to certify some of the New York State Health Department for Assisted Living the rooms in Wiley Hall as Assisted Living. I am proud to beds at Wiley Hall. We have been putting a lot of effort announce that we have received approval and have started the into this involved approval process to ensure we meet the process of conversion to ALP at Wiley Hall. eligibility requirements. MCC has been caring for people An Assisted Living Program provides all the personal since 1893, and in that time have always looked for the best care we currently offer at Wiley Hall but will add home way to provide care to our Brothers, their wives and widows. health aides, personal emergency response services, nursing, Our continuum of care, starting with Independent Living at physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical supplies and Acacia Village, will now add another option to our campus: equipment, adult day health care and the case management Assisted Living. We hope to have this new option in place by services of a registered nurse. To be eligible for Assisted year’s end. For more information please contact Kathy in our Living both Medicaid recipients and private-payers must Communications and Marketing office at 315/798-4768 or be medically eligible for—and would otherwise require— by email at [email protected].

Continues from page 18 Structure Report. The Grand Lodge Committee also noted the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted in its report for 1994 the appointment of a full-time curator, Masons of the State of New York were amended. One constant Brother C.F. William Maurer, on a one-year trial basis. through this change in official ownership and during the major Final approval to transfer the property to the Trustees restoration work that was yet to come was the involvement of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund came at the Grand of the Harold Jones family. Chairman of the Grand Lodge Lodge Session in May 1995 when Sections 209 and 285 of Committee RW Ronald J. Steiner included these words in his report to Grand Lodge in 1993. To Superintendent Harold W. Jones and wife Connie and Superintendent Emeritus Harold B. Jones and wife Kathy, those words still apply today; “Everyone who visits Tappan has only laudatory comments on the beauty of our grounds and the immaculate care of our buildings. This is accomplished because of the genuine concern and efforts of all four members of the Jones family. They love what they do, and they share our great pride in our Tappan site. This is reflected in what you see at Tappan. We are proud and grateful they are a part of our team.”

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 19

Masonic Care Community victoria cataldo, Director of Development Masonic Care Community 315/798-4703 [email protected] Thank you!

his past St. John’s Day I had the pleasure of touring with many of you on the grounds of the Masonic TCare Community and showing the new improvements to the campus due to your generosity. Over the past year Wiley Hall has seen upgrades to the interior furniture, a baby grand player piano and a renovated back patio, complete with gardens, sound system, water feature and plenty of beautiful seating. Due to Grand Master Jeff and Lady Carla, and all of those who have supported their efforts, the residents have been enjoying these new additions. Due to your support, wonderful programmatic additions are also continuing this year in our resident activity department of music therapy, Art The Queens Masonic Association donates to the Through Expressions art class and the Linked Senior MCC Child Care Center and Camp Turk Program. technology, benefiting residents and their families. On your tours you may have seen these new improvements or popular programs. What you may not have seen is what the staff is able to witness on a regular basis—the impact of your gift. I wanted to take this opportunity to share a story with you: Paula loved to paint but a stroke left her unable to use her dominant hand. She came to MCC and after participating in the art classes offered every week, she mastered painting with her other hand. “I started seeing the beauty in things again,” said Paula. “The art classes at MCC brought my life back to me.” Paula’s artwork was just recently chosen to be displayed in the Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute Summer Art The Monroe District proceeds of their Golf Tournament Show. dedicated to Wiley Hall. When we compose our wish lists of new furniture we are really providing a comfortable space for residents to congregate, socialize, read books and make their days more comfortable. Funding for an art program provides a new outlook on life for a resident whose reality has drastically changed. For all those lives you have touched, for the families whom you have given peace of mind, for residents whose days at MCC are as full of life as they possibly can be: I thank you for keeping your promise. Masonic Care Community has made a commitment to those we serve to consistently find better ways to improve quality of life for our seniors. To learn more about how you can assist us in this mission please feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or 315/798-4703. Our wish list can be found by visiting www.mccny.com/ways_to_support. Bikers Mike Adler and Robert Haynes (absent from the photo Dan Elliot) rode their bikes 50 miles to raise money for the Camp Turk Program.

20 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Masonic Care Community kathy contino-turner, Director of Communications and Marketing Masonic Care Community 315/798-4768 [email protected]

George “Piano Legs” Gore few months ago we received a call from the Society for American BaseballA Research regarding a former Masonic Home resident, George Gore. Mr. Gore was an outstanding center fielder whose Major League career spanned fourteen years from 1877 to 1891 (eight years with the Chicago White Stockings and five years with the New York Giants). Records showed the last they knew, George was a resident of the Home in Utica. Thanks to Director of Buildings and Grounds, Bob Butler, we were able to document that Mr. Gore not only was indeed a resident here, but also he was buried in our Masonic Cemetery. George Gore died here on September 16, 1933. The discovery of Mr. Gore piqued our interest, so we thought it would be interesting to find out more about him. He was born in Saccarappe, Maine in 1852 and learned to play ball in the fields around his home. He developed into a formidable player and played for Fallriver in the New England League as well as the New Bedford Whalers, where he caught the eye of the Chicago White Stockings. By today’s standards George Gore was small, 5 foot 11 inches tall at 195 pounds, but his tenacity made up for it. When Chicago offered him a chance at the Majors, they offered him $1,200. He said no and counter-offered $2,500, making him baseball’s first holdout. Chicago and Gore finally settled on an annual salary of $1,900.

Gore was not happy when he was traded from Chicago to the New York Giants in 1887. He publically stated that Chicago would not win another National League flag as long as he was playing and they didn’t. Some of the records Gore held or still holds include: he is one of three players with more runs scored than games played; he stole seven bases in one game on June 25, 1881; he had five assists in a single game and Gore had two doubles and three triples, making five extra-base hits in a game on July 9, 1885. He is listed among the top 100 players of all time for Chicago. After his career there are conflicting reports on what happened to George Gore. He had the nickname of “Piano Legs,” apparently because of the size of his leg muscles. George was a hit with the ladies but never married or had children. He lived the end of his life at the Masonic Home in Utica, a member of Monticello Lodge 532. He is buried in our cemetery with his Brothers. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 21 Grainger Foundation Supports Rehab Renovations

he Grainger Foundation, an independent private maintenance, repair and operating products. foundation based in Lake Forest Illinois, has donated “We are proud to recommend the programs offered by the T$5,000 to the Masonic Care Community in support of its th Masonic Care Community,” said Purchio. “We understand upcoming 125 year of taking care of people. This grant will the need for services that allow our seniors to live their lives be used for renovations of the rehabilitation department. to the fullest.” This donation was recommended by Michael Purchio, To learn more about how you can support MCC and the Branch Manager of W. W. Grainger, Inc’s Syracuse location. 125th Anniversary, contact Victoria Cataldo at cataldov@ Grainger has been a part of the Central New York business mccny.com or 315/798-4703. community for years as the leading broad-line supplier of

22 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 St John’s Day 2017

t. John’s Day 2017 was a party, despite the threatening rain and storms that necessitated in moving Margaritaville into Sthe gym. Since pictures are worth a thousand words…here are some moments from the weekend! Our sincere thanks to RW Jason Sheridan who helped us capture the weekend’s many events.

Ladies Tea in Wiley Hall

Ladies Program at Acacia Village

Margaritaville Picnic for all Masons and their families had to be moved to the gym due to weather concerns, but everyone had a great time.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 23 On Saturday morning, W. Warren Mundrick, Director of Rehabilitation at the Masonic Care Community, demonstrated our Virtual Rehabilitation equipment to members of the Grand Line and Trustees.

As is tradition, the Grand Line, Past Grand Masters and members of the Board of Trustees of the Hall and Home had coffee with the Residents. 24 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 First Lady Carla Williamson held an open house at Wiley Hall to show all our visitors the wonderful improvements that have been made thanks to donations received from Masons throughout New York State.

Despite a rainy start, many lodges and vendors set up on the Great Lawn

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 25 Our Masonic War Veterans were honored.

The march to Tompkins Chapel under beautiful sunny skies!

26 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 And So It Began by Kathy Contino-Turner

ctober 5, 1892 was an M.I. Grand Master Alexander B. unseasonable Wednesday in King reviewed one of the largest body OUtica. There was snow, hail, and “a of Masons that ever before gathered bone chilling ‘norther’ wind that in any one city in this country.” lasted through the day.” The weather This was the dedication of the may have been bitter but this was original Administration Building, a very bright day in the history of which for the first several years, housed Freemasonry in New York State. It seniors and children. Unfurnished was on this day, 125 years ago, that the building cost $165,000 and the more than 27,000 Masons from all article notes that once it is ready for over the state came to Central New occupancy, the cost will be close to York to dedicate the Masonic Home a quarter of a million dollars. The and School. An article published in building was divided into three the Illustrated American on October departments, one for the unfortunate 22, 1892 describes the facility as Master Mason, another for widows “One of the grandest Masonic Homes of Master Masons and the third for of any in the world, furnished, orphans. The Illustrated American paid for, and open to receive the article concludes, “The completed unfortunate Masons whom adversity home is another jewel in the Masonic and misfortune have overtaken.” diadem of the sovereign State of While the Home would not take its New York; a tribute to Masonic first residents until May 1, 1893, the openhandedness and prodigality, as thousands of Masons who came to well as a lasting memorial for times Utica for the dedication ceremonies to come of the brotherly love upon celebrated the efforts of fifty years, which the order of Freemasonry is which began with Greenfield Pote, founded.” the Grand Tiler of the Grand Lodge, who placed a single silver dollar on The original building was razed the altar of a Grand Lodge session, and challenged those in in 1965 but the spirit of that cold October 5 lives on at the attendance to create a place to care for their Brothers, their Masonic Care Community. Photos of that day are displayed wives, widows and orphans. in the main hallway of the Health Pavilion. All Masons should be proud to be a part of a facility that has been focused on one Here is an excerpt that describes that day: “In close file with mission for the past 125 years. As we enter this anniversary Grand Secretary Edward M.L. Ehlers as Marshal for the day year, we will celebrate this achievement and honor the memory and a long list of prominent Masons as aids, the imposing of all of those who have worked to keep this jewel of Masonry column defiled in front of the reviewing stand on Rutger vibrant and a testament to your Fraternity. Street, where R.E. Grand Commander Edward L. Gaul and

Camp Hope

rom June 23-25, 2017 Brothers from Erie Parish Untied Lodge 161 of the FSecond Erie District volunteered at Niagara Hospice’s Camp Hope, a bereavement camp for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. The Brothers volunteer each summer, a tradition started by RW Clayton more than ten years ago. Also pictured is Brother Luke Kantor, of Red Jacket Lodge 646. Brother Kantor is the Director of the YMCA’s Camp Keenan which hosts Camp Hope each year. (l-r) W Matthew Renzi, Erie Parish United 161; Brother David M. Monk, Erie Parish United 161; RW Michael S. Clayton, Erie Parish United Lodge 161; Brother Luke D. Kantor, Red Jacket Lodge 646 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 27 Acacia Village linda rae avolio, Senior Living Community Relations Acacia Village 315/798-4775 [email protected]

Community Comforts at Acacia Village

hear it time and time again: “My only regret is that we didn’t during the week to go and visit if they are no longer driving move to Acacia Village sooner.” That’s what Ella said to me and they still have the companionship of their friends and Ithis morning. She moved with her husband Bill to Acacia neighbors here at Acacia Village. Village two years ago and last June Bill passed away suddenly. Loneliness is an epidemic among seniors. According to a Ella told me that when that happened, her neighbors here at recent study from the University of California, 43 percent Acacia Village and the staff were so supportive. She knows that of seniors report feeling lonely on a regular basis. The silver really helped with the grieving process. She told me that if she lining is that most seniors find that when they move into a were still living in her own home she’d be going stir crazy. Here community setting they reconnect with others and make at Acacia Village she’s busy all the time. This morning she took new friends. The former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy a walk to the Chapel, then she went to an exercise with hand noted that feeling socially connected is critical to a person’s weights class and when we spoke she was on her way outside emotional wellbeing. He says, “Connection matters. When we to play croquet with her neighbors. Ella said her son told her, are isolated, when we are subjectively lonely, that actually puts when he retires he’s going to downsize and move to a place like us in a stress state because that’s not how our body was built Acacia Village right away. to operate.” I was walking back from our movie theater on the third New studies are showing that loneliness can cause a myriad floor of building B with Nancy. She also remarked about of health problems. It can speed up the onset of dementia and, the incredible support and comfort she received following the according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, death of her husband. She said, “I love that I can stay in my it can also harm your heart. apartment and be as private as I want or head to an activity during the day and be with people.” She mentioned a relative It’s common for seniors to want to age in place in their own who wants to stay in her own home, but is complaining all home, but this might not be the best idea. Here at Acacia the time of being lonely and having trouble getting out during Village neighbors really look out for one another and that the winter months. “I wish I could talk her into coming to makes all the difference in their health and over all well-being. Acacia Village, but she’s stubborn and doesn’t realize what a If you have people in your life who you think are lonely, great lifestyle this is.” please try and reach out to them. Try and see if you can help Some of our residents have had to move their spouse to a them connect with others and look for opportunities for higher level of care. That’s never easy, but the good news is that them to socialize. If you’d like more information about Acacia they don’t have to be full-time caregivers anymore and they Village call us at 315/798-4775 and check out our website at can rest easier knowing that their husband or wife is getting acaciavillageny.org. To see more of the day to day happenings the best care possible in the Masonic Care Community’s Wiley here, like us on Facebook. Hall or Health Pavilion. We provide them transportation

Tom, Penny, Ella, Jane, Larry and Gert enjoy each other’s company while playing croquet in the courtyard. 28 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Grand Chaplain’s Corner RW & Rev. Charles M. Roberts, Grand Chaplain Emeritus 585/259-3796 [email protected] In a Wired World e are a very busy people. We are always on the go and receptive stance, a readiness to receive a love always offered us we are so dependent on our wired devices nowadays by God. The Divine dwells within and all around us. We are thatW it is very hard to contemplate that no matter where we the ones too afraid, distracted, or busy, or wired to let God find ourselves or what issues confront us, we are always in the be. We need to find the time in our wired world to let God be loving presence of God. This means that all our activities can God. If we come often enough into the presence of someone point to a feeling or direction that we lack a sense of the holy who truly loves us, we become what we see in the other’s eyes. and sacred; but in reality, if we take the time to contemplate, We are changed. And that knowledge that we are loved stirs in we will see that God has been and is truly present. us a desire to love others. Yes, technology does thwart our contemplative quest but it That brings us to the second point. When God seems absent also offers resources to support it. A path to prayer drawn from it is helpful to remember that the touchstone of spiritual nearly every major spiritual tradition is just a click away on the awareness is not how we are feeling when we are praying, but Internet. Vivid images of people and events from around the the quality of the life we live. This is the unwavering maxim of globe can be accessed instantly, expanding our contemplative all the great teachers of prayer. gaze to embrace the diversity and imperiled beauty of an entire For this to become a reality we need to return to the stories universe. Scientific discoveries relay the birth and death of in the Divine Book that rests upon the altars of our Lodges. stars and textures of planets and the universe, deepening our It is there for us to engage with and reflect upon. It is a time sense of awe at the Great Architect of the Universe. when we can have an all-absorbing experience in the Word Along with its speed and complexity, another characteristic that converts hearts and minds. The Great Light is there to marks our century: the growing conviction that contemplation illumine our walk and talk so that the way of life we engage in is not reserved for those in a cloistered establishment, but it is is one worthy of the presence of the Lord. the vocation of each and every human being. We can encounter Masonry teaches that we receive ordinary men in hopes of God in the depths of genuine human living, in times of loss encouraging them to be better ones. This is only accomplished and loneliness as well as in the moments of fullness and joy. through our reflection upon and with the Great Light of The divine image is woven into all creation, even though we Masonry, the Holy Scriptures. And when we make that remain largely unaware of this deepest level of reality. As it was connection, we learn to live lives of service, which come to be written to the citizens of Athens of old, God is “not far from works of love: brotherly love for all. each one of us. For ‘in him, we live and move and have our Just as you may have put down the wired gadget to read being.’ ” this article and taken the time to contemplate upon the words How then can we learn to embrace this call to contemplation within it, and believe it or not, spent some time with God, or spiritual reflection? Two things point us to the way: allowing it’s that easy to spend time in prayer and reflection upon God to love us and doing the works of love. God’s word. This will empower you to walk closer with One Finding God is not a matter of working harder at it. It is who loves you and who encourages you to live works of love remembering that prayer, for example, is not primarily our throughout your days. Unplug and spend a little time with work, but God’s grace; and that contemplation begins with a God. 100 years and three DDGMs W William Plank, Vice-Chairman of the MSID Program, received his fifty-year award in his home RLodge in Queens. A week later he received one in his Lodge in Westchester. That’s a total—sort of—of 100 years. Brother Plank received his Third Degree in Mizpah Lodge in 1966, right out of DeMolay. He affiliated to Briarcliff Lodge in the First Westchester-Putnam District in 1966 and later joined Croton Lodge in the Second Westchester-Putnam District. This year at Queens Quest he had all three of his District Deputies together and took a photo. (l-r) RW Spiro Triantafilis, DDGM Queens; RW Michael Grenadier, DDGM Second Westchester-Putnam; RW William Plank; and RW Randall Chiera, DDGM First Westchester-Putnam THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 29 Oct. 4, 2017 Organ Donor Enrollment Day 2 DAYS. 2 YEARS. 2 RECORD-BREAKING EVENTS. Put on your cape, superhero, it’s time to sign up others as lifesaving organ donors. For one day each of the past two years, New Yorkers have come together to sign up more than 7,000 organ donors. With each donor capable of saving up to eight lives, it’s quite an impressive feat! WHAT IS IT? Organized by LiveOnNY, hundreds, if not thousands, hit the streets for one day with one goal – signing New Yorkers up as organ donors. It’s an easy way to make a positive impact in the community. With over one million media impressions, this event not only generates enrollments, but also high-impact buzz for the cause. HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? Participants have one goal: enroll as many New Yorkers as possible. To do this, you can: Æ register to participate in the day Æ plan your tabling event to ensure your tabling location gets lots of traffic Æ drive as many enrollments as possible alongside businesses, hospitals, legislators, volunteers and others who will be involved in the day The more participants we have, the more enrollments we get! DID YOU KNOW? Æ New York is 50th out of 50 states for percentage of residents signed up as organ donors Æ There are nearly 10K New Yorkers waiting for a lifesaving transplant Æ We have strong momentum! New York is the 4th fastest growing registry in the country REGISTER NOW! Register at EnrollmentDay.org and get full event information.

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30 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Scholarship Presented in Utica by RW Paul Reitz, Trustee of the Masonic Hall & Home

n the Sunday of St. John’s weekend, thirty-five young men and women Oand more than 100 family and friends joined the Grand Line and their ladies at the MCC campus in Utica, NY for the first of six statewide Education Assistance Award presentations. In addition to the grants given out by the Grand Lodge, grants were provided by Royal Arch Masonry and by the Scottish Rite Masons in New York State. The Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home fund this annual Grand Lodge program. We are very grateful to RW Michael Shipman and the Education Assistance Committee members for their hard work and dedication.

(l-r) Grand Master MW Jeffrey Williamson, Elana Kane, Erika Kane, Deputy Grand Master RW William Sardone and RW Paul Reitz, Trustee of the Masonic Hall & Home

Volume V Pre-orders Available Until October 1

he Masonic Service Association (MSA) is now taking pre-orders for Volume V of its famed Short Talk Bulletins Tseries. This volume will cover the years 1983-1997. Special pre-order pricing will only be available until October 1, 2017. With the exception of Volume I, which has sold out, each volume in the series can now be ordered online at www.msana. com. Shipping is included in the United States. Out-of- country pricing is available at the MSA office, 301-76-7330. Anticipated shipping for Volume V is late fall of 2017. The special pre-order pricing of $68 for the Master Mason edition, and $123 for the Grand Master Edition, offers significant savings. A Lodge can also order the Master Mason edition, when paid by Lodge check only, for only $58. This treasure of Masonic knowledge, that no Masonic library should be without, is edited by noted Masonic scholar Dr. S. Brent Morris. The nearly 700 pages in Volume V are edited and re-typeset from the original Short Talk Bulletins. Subjects include “Ideas and Leadership,” “Forever Conceal and Never Reveal,” and “The Boston Tea Party.” The 180 topics included in Volume V cover Freemasonry in the Lodge, Literature, widest distributed Masonic publication in the world, sent to Philosophy, Individual Masons, Historical Freemasonry, and every MSA member Lodge and Grand Lodge Officer free of many others. charge. Subscriptions are available for $12 per year at www. msana.com. The Short Talk Bulletin has been printed continuously each month since January 1923. They are acknowledged as the http://shopping.msana.com/product.php?product=130

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 31

Masonic Brotherhood Fund RW Bruce Testut, Chairman 718/461-5400 917/376-5782 (C) [email protected] masonic brotherhood [email protected]

he Masonic Brotherhood Fund Campaign has come to an all make an effort to increase the amounts in our Areas. I end and we are starting to set up for next year. You will intend to travel to some Areas and look forward to meeting Tsee that we have raised $535,933.38. As much as I point this and speaking with you. out, we are still receiving old donation inserts with categories I wish that all the Brothers and families could visit the that don’t exist anymore. To try and wake everyone up I will Masonic Care Community, the Masonic Medical Research be changing the insert color to a light orange. I would really Facility, Livingston Library, Wiley Hall, Camp Turk, Acacia appreciate everyone getting rid of the old report forms as well Village, and then I would not have to keep asking that you as the donation inserts. donate. One visit will instill the feeling of who we are, what I am also looking into some kind of pins which would denote we do, who we help and how we have been doing it for many the amount of the donation as a thank-you for supporting the years. Brotherhood Fund. I am working with MW Robert Stack to I would also like to thank the office staff for their support create these pins and will keep you informed of the progress. in the campaign. I would be remiss if I did not also thank RW All Area Chairmen should pay attention to the percentages Ralph Pfeiffer for his continued support. Please send prayers of donations in the Districts—or lack thereof—and we should to help get RW David Velkas well.

The Masonic Brotherhood Fund

D# District Member Percent Dollars D# District Member Percent Dollars 2 Allegany 347 19.02 2,990.00 36 Eighth Manhattan 361 6.37 1,891.00 3 Bronx 289 14.53 6,164.00 37 Ninth Manhattan 883 19.93 16,280.00 5 Cattaraugus 345 8.70 3,415.00 38 Tenth Manhattan 965 5.18 3,910.00 6 Cayuga-Tompkins 571 24.34 9,092.44 39 Monroe 1257 16.15 19,423.79 7 Chautauqua 707 40.74 10,309.00 41 Nassau 1535 15.11 20,879.50 8 Chemung-Schuyler-Tioga 572 17.66 3,838.50 43 Niagara-Orleans 68 30.08 18,803.71 9 Clinton-Essex 385 14.03 2,378.53 44 Old Seventeenth 1596 19.17 32,574.20 10 Columbia 238 14.71 1,866.00 45 Oneida 1329 18.06 13,099.00 11 Cortland-Madison 408 12.99 7,785.00 46 Onondaga 1189 24.73 20,124.33 12 Delaware 291 16.15 2,365.00 48 Ontario-Seneca-Yates 651 24.73 8,151.00 13 Dutchess 530 26.98 7,845.17 49 Orange-Rockland 1223 18.64 16,104.70 14 First Erie 1170 23.25 16,707.00 50 Oswego 533 15.01 3,811.00 15 Second Erie 1091 18.24 12,635.00 51 Otsego-Schoharie 584 17.64 5,240.81 18 Franklin-Hamilton 233 16.74 2,513.00 52 Queens 1009 25.97 25,646.50 19 Fulton-Montgomery 529 61.63 9,894.70 55 Richmond 865 31.56 12,808.00 20 Greene-Ulster 562 12.28 4,352.00 56 St. Lawrence 599 23.37 6,946.56 21 Herkimer 334 16.47 7,489.00 57 Saratoga-Warren- 22 Jefferson 275 10.91 1,948.30 Washington 665 24.81 9,283.00 23 Jefferson-Lewis 369 13.01 2,953.00 58 Southern Tier 737 14.25 12,354.00 24 First Kings 416 12.74 6,963.98 59 Steuben 449 14.92 5,305.15 25 Second Kings 365 14.52 2,397.58 60 Suffolk 1492 17.23 17,340.00 26 Third Kings 374 37.17 3,552.81 61 Sullivan 189 26.98 5,516.00 27 Letchworth 533 36.21 6,564.00 63 Wayne 541 36.97 5,075.77 28 Letchworth 327 26.61 2,891.00 64 First Westchester-Putnam 577 19.41 8,583.00 29 First Manhattan 1481 4.86 7,719.75 65 Second Westchester- 30 Second Manhattan 317 9.46 2,324.00 Putnam 646 18.58 11,225.00 32 Fourth Manhattan 1002 7.09 6,870.05 99 Syria-Lebanon 565 0.00 0.00 33 Fifth Manhattan 711 12.38 32,007.00 999 Special District 473 21.56 45,078.55 35 Seventh Manhattan 427 8.20 2,648.00 Totals: 36880 19.08 535,933.38

32 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 2016 -2017 Campaign Figures June 1, 2016 – May 31, 2017

Grand Master ...... $ 278,706.69 Masonic Student Assistance Training ...... 455.00 Masonic Benevolence Endowment Fund ...... 18,922.50 Camp Turk ...... 20,611.00 Masonic Medical Research Lab ...... 68,424.75 Masonic Care Community ...... 77,629.49 Military Outreach Program ...... 31,672.43 Masonic Youth Program 14,358.50 Robert R Livingston Masonic Library 9,666.31 Masonic Benevolence ...... 7,564.21 NY Masonic Safety ID Program 7,922.50

GRAND TOTAL $ 535,933.38

Mueller Receives Battle of the Bulge Award

n May 21, 2017 RW William H. Mueller received The presentation took place at Brother Mueller’s home the Royal Belgian Fourragere 1940 Award for his in Levittown, New York. In attendance with neighbors and Oparticipation in the Battle of the Bulge. The recognition is family were members of Bethpage Hicksville Lodge 975 W given by the Kingdom of Belgium. It was presented by Belgian James Wolling and Brother Joseph McGuire. Brigadier General Johan Andries, Naval and Air Attaché.

(l-r) Brigadier General Johan Andries and (l-r) Brother Joseph MCGuire, Brigadier General Johan RW William H. Mueller Andries, RW William H. Mueller and W James Wolling

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 33

Masonic War Veterans of the State of New York RW DONALD R. KUNEGO Commander General 2017-2018 Masonic War Vets perform ceremony

he laying of wreaths is an integral part of many constant lifelong dedication of service to our great Fraternity remembrance services and highlights the functional and and our great country. Tcommemorative roles of war memorials. The laying of wreaths Masonic military veterans practice the principles of military allows individuals and organizations to pay their respects and leadership by influencing people and providing them with pay a tribute to individuals or groups. purpose, direction and motivation, while operating to This year the ceremony was conducted on a bright sunny accomplish the mission and improve the organization. They day in the shadow of the majestic statue erected by Past Grand also practice the three great tenets of Freemasonry: Brotherly Master MW Charles H. Johnson as a memorial to his son Love, Relief and Truth. Our motto is: Active Brotherhood and and all Masons who perished in World War I. Members of Service to all Mankind. the Masonic War Veterans Grand Post, Past Grand Masters Let us implore the Great Architect of the Universe to watch and members of the Grand Line observed as Grand Master over the members of our Armed Forces and our Emergency MW Jeffrey M. Williamson and I laid the wreath. We were Service providers, both past and present, who are protecting reminded that a veteran is someone who at one point wrote a us wherever in the world they may be serving. May He bring blank check payable to his country for any amount, up to and them back home to their families and friends healthy and safe. including his life. Let us remember that the American flag does not fly because As Commander General, it was an honor and privilege to the wind moves past it. The American flag flies from the last represent the Masonic War Veterans of the State of New York breath of each military member who has given the “last full during this year’s ceremony honoring all veterans. Masonic measure of devotion” to his country. War Veterans are Masons who have served their country As Masons we should never forget them. Each time we honorably in any branch of the Armed Forces at any time recognize a Brother or Sister who is serving or has served our and in any place. They could be described as Guardians of the country we should stop and say, “Thank you for your service.” Masonic Flame. May God bless our great Fraternity. May God bless our Being both a veteran and a Mason is a state of mind, a veterans. And may God bless America.

Grand Steward RW John “JC” Seefeldt 1974-2017 By RW Peter C. Stein, DDGM, Niagara Orleans

t is my very sad duty to report that of both Niagara Orleans and Erie our Grand Steward RW John “JC” Districts took up collections and hosted ISeefeldt, assigned to the Niagara Orleans benefits and raised approximately $4000. District, has laid down his working tools At the 236th Annual Communication of and entered the Celestial Lodge above. the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted JC passed to the undiscovered country Masons of the State of New York the on 28 May 2017. JC was 43 years old. Grand Master asked the DDGMs JC was married to Amy Seefeldt and and Staff Officers to pass the hat. We had three children, two girls and a boy. collected $8000 to help JC’s family. no longer an option. JC would need a All three children are in their teen years. The Masonic Benevolent Fund donated lung, heart and kidney transplant. JC JC’s illness started in 2010 and $2500. never made it home again. He passed grew progressively worse. In March Just prior to the Grand Lodge session away on the 28th of May. 2016 he was diagnosed with chronic JC’s condition worsened and he was One hundred and seventy-two thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension placed in Strong Memorial Hospital Freemasons from across New York State (CTEPH). In October he developed Intensive Care Unit. On May 6 Gasport and Canada, including our Grand Master, congestive heart failure because of the Lodge 787 teamed up with the Shelby attended RW John “JC” Seefeldt’s Masonic effects of the pulmonary hypertension. Volunteer Fire Department and his Memorial Service in Medina, NY on the JC needed to travel to San Diego, church to host a dinner and basket raffle, 31st of May. Due to the overwhelming California for one of two possible which raised $10,000. In the middle of generosity of our Brothers and others, surgeries to lengthen his life. May JC got more bad news. Due to his Amy was able to pay for JC’s funeral To assist him and his family with out- kidneys shutting down and his need for and help with his medical expenses. Our of-pocket medical expenses the Masons constant dialysis, the San Diego trip was Fraternity is truly “A Way of Life.” 34 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Masonic Medical Research Laboratory RW David F. Schneeweiss, MBA MMRL President Board of Directors 315/735-2217 – ext 6128 [email protected]

MMRL looks to $2.75 Million Upgrade

or the first time in over a decade, construction hammers The renovation of the second and third floors of MMRL will be heard and new high tech lab equipment will be is a long overdue project. MMRL has expanded its footprint Fmoving in at the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory several times during its sixty-year history, including a major (MMRL). On Friday, June 23 MW Jeffrey Williamson, Grand addition in 1988 when a second floor was added to the Royal Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons Arch Masons Wing. In 2002 a $400,000 renovation project of the State of New York, members of the Grand Line, the brought the facility up to date with handicapped accessibility MMRL Board of Directors, the New York State Regional and aesthetic improvements to the building’s facade. The Economic Development Council, Mohawk Valley Health last major addition occurred in 2004, when the $2 million System and elected officials joined to announce the kickoff of molecular genetics and molecular biology wing opened. a major renovation of the Utica-based Laboratory. “We often say that money spent on treatment benefits the The kickoff coincided with the announcement from the New patient, money spent on research benefits humanity. I believe York State Regional Economic Development Council that the that this investment has the potential to save lives and help Laboratory will receive $550,000 in economic development people in the region, across the country and around the funds to help offset the cost of the $2.75 million renovation. world,” said David F. Schneeweiss, President of the MMRL Dr. Erasmus Schneider, Associate Director for Research and Board of Directors. “We want to thank Governor Cuomo Technology and Faculty Member of the Wadsworth School and his staff as well as our Utica area legislators for supporting of Laboratory Sciences, represented Governor Cuomo to this project, which is vital to helping us recruit and retain the highlight the value of enhanced research facilities in the scientists who will use these new facilities to make cutting- Mohawk Valley. edge discoveries with the potential to save lives.” “This expansion and modernization is a vital advancement in The renovation at MMRL is the latest in a series of the lab’s life-saving research. As you begin construction today, announcements about the expansion of laboratory, medical you are fulfilling strategic goals in the area of health care and and research facilities in the Mohawk Valley. In April the state wellness and keeping up with cutting-edge medical technology. budget included $300 million for the construction of a new On behalf of all New Yorkers, I gratefully acknowledge the state-of-the-art hospital in downtown Utica. leadership and commitment of those involved with this Details of the 6,800 square-foot renovation are still being renovation of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory,” said finalized with the engineering firm. Both the second and a letter from Governor Cuomo read by Dr. Schneider. third floors will be entirely reconfigured, with the second floor having an updated, open concept laboratory space, fit with modern laboratory modules similar to the genetics wing. There will be general high technology advances throughout the third floor. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems will be updated as necessary to support the renovations and new equipment being installed. The renovated space will help transition traditional electrophysiology to more innovative research that combines and coordinates electrophysiology with molecular biology and genetics technology. New York State is contributing $550,000 toward the $2.75 million project. The rest of the funds will come from a mix of the laboratory’s resources, which include both current funds and future fundraising efforts. As the project moves forward, (l-r) Senator Joseph Griffo, MW Jeffrey Williamson, MMRL will be posting to its website and social media channels RW David Schneeweiss, Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi with photos and updates. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 35

Grand Lodge Educational RW MICHAEL SHIPMAN, ssistance rogram Chairman A P 516/304-5882 [email protected]

2017 Enjoys Record Turnout!

2017 Program Winners Recognized

ongratulations go to deserving recipients of Education Pictures were taken at the presentations and forwarded to the CAssistance Program students’ local newspapers. The Grand Master, recipients, and Once again, the children and grandchildren of members those in attendance then joined the families for refreshments. of Lodges in the State of New York received grants to help Special thanks go to: in their further education. This year’s recipients totaled over RW William Sardone, Deputy Grand Master; RW Richard 420 students, which brings the twenty-one year total to over Morley, Sr. Grand Warden; RW Nicholas Paolicelli, Jr. Grand 12,500 students. Lodges from every District across the State Warden; RW Keith Heinrich, Trustee; RW Nathan Lipper, sponsored these students. The six public presentations to Trustee; RW Michael Siegel, Trustee; RW Paul Reitz, Trustee; honor the recipients were successes enjoyed by nearly 1,000 RW Michael Morris, Trustee; RW Kurt Ott, Trustee; RW family members and guests. Joseph Saglimbene, Trustee; RW David Spencer, Trustee; MW Jeffrey M. Williamson, Grand Master, accompanied the Past Grand Masters and the Appointed Grand Line and by past and present members of the Grand Line, joined RW District Deputy Grand Masters and Staff Officers for their G. Stephen Getman, President of the Board of Trustees of the support of this important Grand Lodge Program. Masonic Hall & Home, to speak to those in attendance. RW Perhaps you know of a deserving child, grandchild or Michael Shipman, Chairman, explained that the recipients widow of one of our Brothers. They may not know about exhibited high academic achievement, while being active in the assistance Grand Lodge has to offer. New Scholarship their community. Coming from strong family backgrounds applications will be available January 1, 2018 for the they are sure to become the leaders of tomorrow. The students 2018-2019 school year. You may also keep informed on the are studying everything from A (accounting) to Z (zoology) Education Assistance Program by visiting the New York State and going to schools from SUNY Albany to Yale University. Grand Lodge’ website at www.nymasons.org. This year’s program, as in previous years, featured the presentation of awards from the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons and Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite to several students. Education is the cornerstone of the future

36 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Years of Service

82 Years 81 years 77 years 76 years 75 years

0913 Heights 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 0097 Renovation 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 0224 Oriental-Faxton Richard F. Dunbar Louis A. Feinstein Lloyd F. Cliff Arthur Sanders William Pritchard 0684 Berne Frank W. Warner 74 years

0010 Kingston 0167 Bainbridge-Afton 0541 Brasher 0613 Cleveland 0710 Ridgewood Robert A. Shultis Frank A. Doolittle Wesley E. Kingsley Jr Donald E. Lord James Thomas McCrary

73 years

0120 Hamilton 0406 Humanity 0552 Hancock 0911 Master Builder 0956 Spartan Edwin F. Riedel Reginald Wagmaker James E. Mills Fenton F. Harrison Frank B. Wigley

72 years

0001 St. John’s 0533 Round Hill 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel 0634 Scotia 0822 Lynbrook-Massapequa Harlan T. Haller Charles Winston Loudon Jack Trainer James Lowell Kopper James B. Wallace

71 years 70 years

0044 Evening Star 0297 Alexandria 0646 Red Jacket 0004 Acacia 0508 Herschel-Argyle Andrew Campbell Richard R. Macsherry John K. Hall Thomas C. Varland Francis Miner 0049 Watertown 0309 Hudson River 0722 Fame 0031 Consolidated 0533 Round Hill A Milain Smith Michael P. Lucas John Rehbach L John Nielson Joseph W. LaForte 0084 Amsterdam 0331 Evening Star 0751 La Universal 0085 Bethlehem 0612 Hillsdale E Norman McGrattan Robert P. Hunt Hilario R. Iturbe Harvey S. Sutton James A. Dawson 0085 Bethlehem 0412 Hoffman 0776 Reliance 0131 Myrtle-Jefferson 0620 Clinton F. Paige-Berean Marvin Crystal Robert J. Tyrrell Frank William Zimmer James G. Root Curtis R. Perkins 0087 Van Rensselaer 0473 White Plains 0826 Sutherland 0195 Franklin 0687 Oswegatchie James M. Handford William F. Young Edward O. Helwig Joseph W. Mole Jr Frederick Murray Laduke 0145 Mount Moriah 0535 Americus 0839 Athelstane 0246 Arcana 0813 Hebron William E. Schobeck Roy A. Christen Ernest P. Cassis Herbert D. Henig Frederick J. Kratzer 0160 Seneca River 0554 Working 0849 North Woods 0463 Lamoka 1000 Publicity Bruce C. Dunham Harold E. Bedford Robert E. Harwood Jack Wood Ormond A. Gigli 0217 Gouverneur 0611 St. Johnsville 0919 Dante 0501 Liverpool Syracuse 1124 Pan-american Hilliard G. Seaker Laverne E. Weaver Peter J. Girardi Victor M. Tillotson Robert F. Ricart 0230 Wellsville 0626 FranklinvilleUrania John J. Rigas William Neil Hunt

65 years

0007 Hudson Harry A. Sturges 0226 Queen of Sheba 0559 Walton 0722 Fame Arthur Girard Smith 0109 Valley-Simes Grant B. Northrup Richard Wakeman Richard W. Topel 0033 Ark Martin J. Reitz 0520 Crossroads 0615 Stissing 0750 Shakespeare George W. Gordon 0137 Anglo-Saxon Harvey E. Pierce Donald E. Webster Irving L. Goldenberg 0039 Olive Branch George R. Shedlock 0541 Brasher 0634 Scotia 0789 Whiteface Mountain Franklin Davis II 0145 Mount Moriah Elvin B. Boulds Jr Russell F. Guba Howard Hoffman 0081 Hiram Gail R. Gustafson 0543 Triluminar 0635 Advance 0819 Composite George P. Sullivant 0168 Corning Painted Post Clinton D. Wilcox Charles W. Sherman Jack A. Rosenzveig 0085 Bethlehem Donald E. Palme 0558 Andover 0646 Red Jacket Harvey Wilks Donald H. Sommers Homer Lee Stamp Keith C. Folts Robert J. Shimer THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 37

65 years 60 years continues 006 St. George’s 0203 Munn 0592 Schenevus Valley 0826 Sutherland Edward A. Bogardus Alvin H. Glick Albert E. Kenyon Ralph W. Warrender Jr 0842 Transportation Samuel Cummins Thomas A. Miller Jr 0224 Oriental-Faxton 0602 Galeton 0846 Buffalo-Lakeland 0030 Day Spring Lodge William Ellis Howe Richard Mcinroy Eugene H. Hacker 0867 Damascus George R. Morris Robert W. Waver Gabriel D. Golam 0233 Pacific 0616 Cazenovia 0031 Consolidated Lawrence C. Bassett L Robert Freeborn 0917 IMA 0892 Queensboro David J. Paterson Ronald I. Cohen Armand T. Terpening 0266 Poughkeepsie 0627 Wallkill 0046 Huguenot James M. Longanacre Jr Leo A. Gildersleeve Elliott Schuman 0922 Amos-Fort Greene Thomas F. Gorziska Stanley Stylianos Oscar Gole 0273 Gavel Washington 0664 Amicable 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 0051 Fidelity Richard F. Haines Robert A. Jones 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic Robert G. Bartholf Raymond D. Philo Paul Morosoff Seymour L. Lach 0283 Beacon 0942 Fraternity-Dunderberg 0085 Bethlehem Benjamin P. Roosa Jr 0673 Avoca 0970 Johnson City Murray M. Jaros John W. Young Freemont Reif William G. Crabb 0301 Dunkirk-Irondequoit 0957 Danforth 0096 Phoenix Norman F. Cady 0692 De Ruyter 0985 Mineola Donald C. Streeter John A. Fox Gary H. Kall Richard D. Frame 0333 Westbrook 0958 Moriah 0109 Valley-Simes James L. Taylor 0694 Blazing Star 1009 Service City Geba Erich K. Postler Carlton H. Baker George H. Siegel Harold A. Cohn 0335 Widow’s Son 0970 Johnson City Unity 0127 Lake City Robert H. Stickles Sr 0695 Alcyone 1049 Lasalle Richard C. Salander Rudolf Lichtmann Gerald F. Baird Joseph W. Fetter 0343 Rondout 0992 Manetto Brook Hollis 0128 Ogdensburgh-Acacian Robert C. Mould 0718 Adonai 1066 Harry S Truman Norman K. Lowry Ronald L. Tosti Arthur C. Hulse Jr Harvey S. Horn 0439 Delhi 1022 Emulation 0130 Port Byron Frank R. Holloway 0729 Anchor-Astoria 1068 James W. Husted-Fiat Vernon M. Jetty John Boehle Jr Richard C. Juhl Lux Harold Rubin 0473 White Plains 1056 Algonquin 0134 Lowville Theodore T. Mavrikes 0738 Mizpah Richard B. Haft W Peter Nortz 0477 Wildwood Earl L. Hassell Jr 1057 Springfield Gardens 0153 Friendship Gordon Poole 0739 Maimonides-Marshall Richard J. Scheblein Edward H. Milks 0486 Goldenrule Clermont Alfred B. Silverman 1068 James W. Husted- 0161 Erie McKinley Victor 0757 Silver Richard Fiat Lux Edward G. Marsch Jr Rosenblum Newton Slawson Martin Leiser 0501 Liverpool Syracuse 0765 Von Mensch 1071 Potunk 0170 Leven St. John Kenneth D. Allen Karl H. Hutans Ronald L. Hulse Alistair James Nugent 0517 Frontier Heinz Maurer 1111 West Seneca 0177 Binghamton Herbert H. McCoy Jr 0796 Dolgeville Robert H. Schultz Milton Bublinec 0546 Jamaica Gerald H. Thompson 1132 Kenmore 0178 Cornerstone George A. Luchauer 0818 Melrose Robert Charles Rath Joel Hillman 0570 Avon Spring Charles E. Stark 1180 Drumlin Square Hoyt R. Mason Phillip G. Allen 55 years

0013 Apollo-King Solomon’s 0051 Masada 0134 Lowville 0224 Oriental-Faxton 0309 Hudson River Stephen Puzier Richard S. Bizar James A. Windover Melvin R. Evans Richard A. Ostner 0015 Western Star 0063 Wantagh Morton 0146 Western Union 0240 Washington 0369 Callimachus Carl DeForest Greene Wallace H. Cottrell Calvin A. Webb Douglas C. Specht Sr Wayne F. Wheeler 0019 Midwood Fortitude 0082 Phoebus 0160 Seneca River 0250 Willard Sylvan Grove 0458 Shekomeko David M. Reiter Richard Woolsey Ackerman Gilbert M. Cloyes Frederick Clark Hale T. Engel 0039 Olive Branch William R. Neuland Jr 0195 Franklin Philip Consolo 0472 Dryden John Frederick Flint 0111 St. Lawrence John B W Hull 0302 Norwich Jack Alan Mcherron 0040 Ilion Olive Branch Wayne G. Parish 0196 Richmond Kenneth E. Miller 0476 Fairport-Flower City Harry A. Wood 0128 Ogdensburgh-Acacian Jan A. Kem 0303 Sylvan Jeremy A. Leichtner Preston C. Carlisle Murvel E. Ostrander

38 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 55 years continues 0483 Zeredatha 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel 0682 Nunda Station 0839 Athelstane 1015 Mount Sabattis Solomon I. Zakheim Jack R. Levy Harold Norman Coller Stanley Greenberg Morrison 0501 Liverpool Syracuse 0626 Franklinville Urania Terry Kelly Lowell Allan P. Oster John Hosley Jr John P. Maurer Robert George Hayes 0684 Berne 0892 Queensboro 1071 Potunk 0531 Fultonville 0634 Scotia Robert S. Sullivan Dennis R. Bengtson Clayton R. Huey Merrill James Wojcik Sr Robert David Weiser 0718 Adonai Arthur A. Klein Jr 1074 Kerem 0912 Great Kills 0543 Triluminar 0635 Advance Carl R. Lillberg Harold L. Kaplan Steven L. Wing Stephen Hydo 0725 Southern Light Boyd E. Adams Jr 1091 Rufus King 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star 0956 Spartan 0546 Jamaica Queens Village James H. Bowman Edward Gidseg Robert W. Numssen Mortimer B. Larsen 0764 Savannah Philip Adams 1138 Eggertsville-Grand 0648 Memorial 0975 Bethpage Island 0563 Cornucopia Donovan W. Russell Puzant Khatchadourian Leo M. Lawrence III 0826 Sutherland David R. Schelling Howard E. Smith Arthur E. Wallace 0992 Manetto Brook Hollis 1161 Eagle Valley 0575 Olive Jerome G. Karp Gerald William Russell 0651 Acacia Homer Castle Lum Jr Robert D.S. Condit Robert Aiken Paul K. Chapman Alex S. Walker Jr 50 years

0001 Norfolk 0265 Speedsville-Newark Valley 0471 Tompkins 0711 Cornerstone 0998 Nortrip Charles R. Knarr Charles Robert Blivin Albert J. Chabot Edward H. Grossman Kenyon M. Dye 0007 Union 0266 Poughkeepsie Melvin R. Hellem 0729 Anchor-Astoria Richard H. Vowles Bernard J. Bialecki Sr David E. Petrovits 0479 Etolian Charles J. Striebig 1001 St Mark’s 0031 Consolidated 0276 Mohawk Valley Orville R. Gravelle 0772 Rescue Arthur S. Zoref William Jack Fischer Robert N. Hyde 0501 Liverpool Syracuse Richard A. Grounds 1016 Floral Park Roy M. VanVoorhees 0069 Fayette 0284 America Paul J. Altenburg 0781 Canaseraga Robert Kurt Ahnert Paul S. Paulson 0513 Massena Charles D. Oliver 1018 Lynbrook iram Gerson Sirot Carl J. Hassum 0144 H Paul D. Tuttle 0788 Fortune 0285 George Washington 1041 Brotherhood Robert H. Kastler 0533 Round Hill Clifford R. Siford 0151 Sentinel Donald R. Harring Lowell E. Levine William Basos 0842 Transportation Frederick A. Uzakewicz 1043 Bay Shore Harold L. Porter John N. Beard Everette F. Reynolds Jr 0302 Norwich 0163 Yonnondio 0546 Jamaica Queens Village Robert Haller Sr 0855 Paumanok-Port Royden F. Guess Paul A. Kuhnle 1066 Harry S Truman Louis P. Buettel Washington 0306 Trojan A Bruce Chashin 0165 Boonville-Uriel 0547 Steuben Alexander Schwartz George O. Roberts John P. Case 1068 James W. Husted- Calvin Lee Ball 0887 Lackawanna 0203 Munn 0335 Widow’s Son Fiat Lux 0558 Blantyre George F. Herle Jr Alton N. Champion Charles W. Knauss Jr Robert S. Danor Anthony J. Miller 0915 Beukendaal 0204 Perfect Square 0338 Perseverance 1088 Charlotte-corinthian 0575 Olive Don Bekkering Daniel Finkelstein Fali D. Shroff Richard T. Padget Arden Brent Downey 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 0205 Phoenix 0349 Peconic 1101 Parthenon 0591 Ilion Jerome Kransdorf Melvin Fox Charles W. Nadig George S. Telles Wayne R. Abrams 0946 Forest Hills-Community Fotios Varsam Nicholas Patsis 0358 Queen City- 0633 Richville 0238 Orient Christopher G. Fox John R. Mcpherran Jr 1138 Eggertsville-Grand M Duane Waite Charles O. Hancock Stewart E. Bush Alan M. Radi Island cotia erseverance uburban Gerd H. Koedel 0247 Tonawanda 0381 Huguenot 0634 S 0948 P -S Richard B. Barnard Martin J. Kroeger Edmund Khaleel Steven M. Kovel 1147 Carroll David R. Axelson Walter C. Frech 0389 Margaretville 0645 Riverhead 0967 Levant 1154 Yorktown 0252 Enchanted Mountains Gary L. Atkin Joseph W. Brush Jr Henry Peita Joachim F. Neudeck William T. Bailey Jr 0441 Lodge Of The Ancient 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star 0975 Bethpage 1165 Brandeis 0255 Living Stone Landmarks Michael Gialourakis James F. Wolling Melvin H. Gale Larry E. Sharp Richard F. Bedient 0648 Memorial 0981 Amherst 1179 Millennium 0256 Fort Brewerton 0455 Newport Marcel C. Adams Kenneth R. Choops Robert A. Hinton Roger J. Paolini Larry Renodin 0691 Meridian 0992 Manetto Brook Hollis 0462 Attica William H. Cook Glenn Ericson Norman H. Steinbaugh Robert E. Olson THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 39

Daughters of the Nile KAREN L. KEUTHER, Supreme Queen

he 101st “Imagine More” Supreme Session in Buffalo, was installed as this year’s Supreme Queen. Her of the Daughters of the Nile was held June grand entrance had four Shriners, including her husband T11-15, 2017 at the Convention and Event Bradley and son Chad, pulling her on a wooden canoe with Center of Niagara Falls. This convention is dry ice billowing from the bow. The gentlemen wore “Maid held annually in the geographical region of the of the Mist” rain slickers as music from Pocahontas played, in incoming Supreme Queen. Over 1500 members keeping with the Niagara Falls theme. Introduction of family, from across the United States and Canada were in attendance friends and guests was followed by the Mass Patrol forming with spouses and family members. Pixie wings in honor of Supreme Queen Karen’s theme: The Daughters of the Nile is a philanthropic organization “Mystical Pixies.” of women that began 104 years ago for the sole purpose of During her reign as Supreme Queen she will travel to supporting the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The total all 137 Daughters of the Nile Temples throughout the donations from the Daughters of the Nile have exceeded United States and Canada as well as visiting the twenty-two $60 million, with this year’s donation close to $2 million. Shriners Hospitals for Children. For additional information Additionally, the ladies donate their talents and time by regarding the Daughters of the Nile, visit their website at making or purchasing soft-good items requested by the daughtersofthenile.com. hospitals. These include clothing, personal items, surgical dolls and pillows, books, computer software and toys, etc. Pre-convention activities began on June 9 with numerous tours of the region available to the participants throughout the week. Opening ceremonies on June 11 began with the entrance of the Sapphira Temple 79-drum unit from Helena, Montana, along with the reigning Supreme Queen, Past Supreme Queen and Reigning Queens. This was followed by the marching patrol units serving as escorts to all the Supreme Appointed officers and Flag Bearers. Numerous dignitaries were conducted to the Throne and invited to extend greetings. They included Ill. Sir Michael Hackford, Potentate of Ismailia Shrine, Buffalo, NY; MW Jeffrey Williamson, Grand Master, NY; and Imp. Sir Chris Smith, Imperial Potentate, Shriners International. The weekly schedule included daily business meetings with numerous group breakfasts, luncheons and dinners intermixed. Evening activities showcased the performances of over seventy units from across the continent. They included dance, patrol, band, vocal and clown units, just to name a few. These ladies work hard while having fun. The convention culminated on Thursday evening, June 15 with the installation of the officers of the Supreme Temple with approximately 2,000 in attendance. Karen L. Keuther, a Past Queen from Athor Temple 19

40 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Renner, Ghirarduzzi Honored

Grand Master, five Past Grand Masters, Grand Line of Grand Chapter and members of the MMRL Foundation

Grand High Priest to recognize ME Bruce Renner’s exemplary and enduring service over many years.

(l-r) ME Bruce Testut, RW Bruce Renner and Grand Master MW Jeffrey M. Williamson Most Excellent and Right Worshipful Bruce Renner, Grand (l-r) MW Jeffrey M. Williamson, Lady Gloria Ghiraduzzi, High Priest 1995 and Past Senior Grand Warden 2008, is ME Bruce Testut and RE David Schneeweiss not a Mason who widely publicizes his many endeavors and accomplishments in Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter. It was It was a solemn moment when Lady Gloria Ghirarduzzi was a particular pleasure for the Grand Line of Grand Chapter to called to the stand to speak about her late husband, RE Aldo honor him with a Vine of Life at a reception at the Masonic Ghirarduzzi, Grand Treasurer Emeritus of the Grand Chapter Medical Research Laboratory during St. John’s Day weekend of the State of New York, Royal Arch Masons. She was clearly 2017 in Utica. The Grand Master and five Past Grand Masters, moved at a speech read on her late husband’s behalf. A donation the Grand Line of Grand Chapter and many representatives of in his memory was given to RE David Schneeweiss, President the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory participated. of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory. RE Ghirarduzzi fervently supported Grand Chapter and the MMRL during his lifetime.

(l-r) RE David Schneeweiss, ME Bruce Testut, RW Bruce Renner and Grand Master MW Jeffrey M. Williamson Brick to honor RE Aldo Ghiraduzzi The President of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, RE David Schneeweiss, hosted the event. The Grand Chapter wished to honor this great man in a Commentators ME Bruce Testut, Grand High Priest, and fitting manner, and it seemed most appropriate that his ME Michael T. Dunn, Grand Secretary, described Bruce’s memory be immortalized in a brick in the Masonic Medical accomplishments over many, many years of service to Research Laboratory within the entrance area of the Royal Capitular Masonry. Bruce Renner himself gave a customarily Arch Masons wing. A reception in his honor was attended short but thoughtful thank-you. The Grand Master, MW by the Grand Lines of Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter, Jeffrey M. Williamson, rounded off the event with a rousing Directors of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory and allocution. He reminded everyone that he was present as a friends at the conclusion of the ceremony. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 41 Masonic Yacht Club News

he Masonic Yacht Club is off to a great season. The sun Plans for our annual East End winery tour in October are was shining brightly and it was beautiful for the Opening also well under way. We are excited about this trip, too. The TDay festivities, which were held at Captain Bill’s on Long yearly event draws many repeat participants. Island. Many members and guests were on hand to take part in the installation of the officers for the new season. The MYC was very proud to receive the Youth Activities Award presented by the Committee on Youth. On hand to make the presentation were RW Cary S. Cohn, Chairman of the committee, and RW Ed Bartels, Deputy Grand Marshal. They had some very kind words to say about the contribution of the MYC to our youth, who are the future of world. With great appreciation, Past Commodore RW Bob Stein and present Commodore W Paul Withjack accepted this award on behalf of the Masonic Yacht Club. A wonderful brunch, accompanied by music and dancing, followed the presentation. Many guests chose to eat on the deck overlooking the pristine waters of the Great South Bay, enjoying the view and the beautiful weather. Plans are underway for the Great Sailboat Race at Camp Turk, which is sponsored by the Club. The dates have been confirmed for both the boys and girls weeks and the trophies have been prepared. The members who go to Camp Turk to oversee the good-natured competition have just as much fun as the campers. Anyone who is interested in coming out and cheering on the boaters is welcome to do so. Group photo of the newly installed Bridge Officers

Empire State Mason September 2017 The Empire State Mason 0 5 6 8 0 7 4 0 September 2017 March, June $6.00 Domestic Quarterly September, December Four (4) $15.00 Foreign 45,000 45,000 Trustees of the Masonic Hall & Asylum Fund Kurt Ott 71 West 23rd Street - Room 1003, New York NY 10010-4149 800-899-2554 NONE NONE

Same as above #7 NONE NONE

Trustees of the Masonic Hall & Asylum Fund 71 West 23rd Street - Room 1003, New York NY 10010-4149 42,205 41,151

Jeffrey M.Williamson 3827 Crittenden Road, Akron, NY 14001-9522 NONE NONE 42,205 41,151 Joan C. Bower 37 Oliver Street, Lockport, NY 14094-4615 NONE NONE

NONE NONE

Trustees of the Masonic Hall & Asylum Fund 71 West 23rd Street, New York NY 10010-4149 NONE NONE

1,825 1,825

NONE NONE 44,030 42,976 970 2,024 X 45,000 45,000

None 95.8% 95.7%

X FALL 2017

Kurt Ott Business Manager September 2017

X

42 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 DATES TO REMEMBER 74 years September 2017 Member 9 150th Re-dedication Rising Light Lodge 637 - Belleville, NY th 10 150 Re-dedication Central Square Lodge 622 - Central Square, NY rother Wesley E. Kingsley, Jr. was 15-17 Grand Commandery Annual Conclave - Albany, NY born on June 15, 1918. He became 23 50th Re-dedication Riverhead Lodge 645 - Riverhead, NY Ba Master Mason seventy-four years ago 24 G.L Officers Apron Presentation at Grand Lodge - NYC on June 8, 1943. He resides in the St. 30 200th Re-dedication Mount Moriah 145 - Jamestown, NY Regis Nursing Home, in Massena, New York. October 2017 Submitted by Leon H. Burnap, 6-7 Council Of Deliberation - Syracuse, NY PDDGM of What Cheer Lodge 689. 6-8 Organization of Triangles Convention - Callicoon, NY 11-14 OES Grand Session - Binghamton, NY 15 GM Day at Tappan 21 GM Day at West Point 10-23 -- 11/2 GM Trip to England & Scotland 300th Anniversary UGLE

November 2017 11 Combined Reception Cryptic and Commandery - Middletown, NY 15 St. John’s 1 hosts Bertholdi Lodge UGLF - NYC 16 ALR Meeting w/Bertholdi Lodge UGLF 18 Toys for Tots at Russo’s 19 First Kings Interfaith Service - Midwood Masonic Temple 1348 East 64th Street, NY

Submission guidelines for publication in the ESM FILE PREPARATION • Your name and phone number as the beginning of the file. • Save copy as .txt, .rtf or .doc • Save photographs as .jpg, .tif, or .bmp format. Graphics save as .eps. (Do not transmit photos and copy in the same email or file. Transmit photos as Brother Wesley E Kingsley, Jr. individual attachments not embedded as part of email. Files saved as .pub will NOT be accepted. TRANSMITTING: To: [email protected] Subject: ESM Submission Via Mail Send photographs and CD-Rom discs (formatted as instructed as above) via United States Postal Service or other delivery service to: Mrs. Joan C. Bower 37 Oliver Street Lockport, NY 14094-4615

Articles Due Date for the WINTER Issue of the Empire State Magazine is Oct. 1, 2017

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 43

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 Past Grand Master DeMolay International 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

DeMolay International Annual Session

une 2017 was a big month for DeMolay. Over 1000 people therapy he was able to walk onto our stage, be inducted as a Jfrom around the globe gathered in Buffalo, NY to celebrate Chevalier and receive the recognition he deserved. the DeMolay International Annual Session. I was honored to Later in the month, the future heroes of society gathered as induct into our Hall of Fame Sgt. Bill Hoover. Bill is a hero DeMolays met at St. John’s weekend. They came to join in the who stepped in front of a US Major General in Afghanistan celebration and parade with hundreds of attendees. to protect him, taking nine rounds in his body. After years of

44 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Trinity awards Girl Scout

rinity Lodge 12 has long recognized the accomplishments of young men and women in the community. On behalf Tof the Grand Lodge, they have given numerous awards to Eagle Scouts, the highest award a boy can earn in Scouting. The Gold Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout can earn and is equally impressive. These girls are required to put in many hours and complete a service project, just as the boys must do for the Eagle award. RW Bob Stein represented the Grand Lodge in bestowing this milestone award. He framed each girl’s certificate and went to the Gold Award ceremony and presented each girl with her award. He and the Grand Lodge understand the importance of recognizing our youth for their many accomplishments. Each girl was very appreciative of this recognition. Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to honor our youth, but it is also a great opportunity to introduce Masonry to many individuals who are not familiar with our Fraternity. RW Stein was first introduced to the Craft when his son’s member whose son was recognized by the Lodge at his Eagle Eagle ceremony was held in a Masonic Lodge. Subsequently, Court of Honor. he joined the brotherhood. Trinity Lodge has also acquired a

arlier this year Gouverneur Lodge 217 Raised Tyler Gouverneur Raises first Bowman and Cody Hartle. What made this Raising Eunusual is that these Brothers are under the age of 18-year-olds in St. Lawrence twenty-one. The Raising was made possible by Grand Lodge’s new age requirement, which lowered the age of By Richard Haynes II eligibility to eighteen. Tyler Bowman is a Criminal Justice major at the State University of New York in Canton, NY. Bowman is an Eagle Scout and was awarded the Grand Lodge Masonic Eagle Scout Award by Gouverneur Lodge 217 on March 4, 2014. Cody Hartle is an Environmental Engineering major at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY and was also in the Boy Scouts of America. Upon being Raised, Bowman remarked that he was proud to have received the Grand Lodge Masonic Eagle Scout Award from the Lodge three years ago and that having received that award made his Raising that much more special. Hartle said of his Raising, “I was very honored to be surrounded by men of wisdom who helped me through the Degrees. I feel humbled to be treated as their equal.” The Raising of these two Brothers is part of an initiative to gain new members in Gouverneur Lodge 217. “The Boy Scouts of America and Freemasonry share many core values and by Raising these young men immediately following their time in Scouts we are hoping that their commitment and dedication to Scouts will be renewed in Masonry,” says Senior Warden Richard Haynes. “I am looking forward to working with our new Brothers and making them feel a part of the Lodge,” Brother Cody Hartle is installed as Junior Deacon and says W Stephen Tharaldsen, Master. The newly installed Brother Tyler Bowman as Senior Deacon Master has appointed them Deacons of the Lodge. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 45

From the Grand Lecturer RW richard j. kessler, Grand Lecturer 716/698-9324 (C) [email protected]

he issue of ritual, its meaning and importance is still interest is that this includes no new ritual. The opening and relevant today, perhaps more so than in the past. Never closing only uses our established catechism from the Standard Tbefore has the world experienced a more global social order. Works and Lectures. As you may expect, this will be the work The quest for acquisition and material wealth is the driving of the Grand Lecturer’s Conventions for 2017-2018. force throughout much of our global landscape. At the very Q. Would this change an original tradition of Grand same time, an organization that provides stability, a moral Lodge of New York? compass, Brotherhood, charity, spiritual, educational and philosophical enhancement has never been needed more. A. No. This would be a return to the original New York State Freemasonry does not have to change or alter its principles Masonic tradition. In fact, Lodges were able to open on or tenets to thrive in today’s world. Many young and recently the First and Second Degrees at Special Communications retired men are searching for a deeper meaning to life. They until 1909. The present system also did not spring from are able to devote time to immerse themselves fully into our the Morgan Affair or the Baltimore Convention as it is Craft. Freemasonry will allow those men, in attaining a more commonly supposed, but was adopted in the early 1840s significant and fulfilling existence, to flourish in our Masonic as a result of suggestions received from the Grand Lodge community. Our task is to provide them with a culture in of Missouri and Tennessee. which they can succeed in this life journey. Those very same Q. What are the differences between the three Opening core values will then be transferred to their everyday life. and Closing Rituals? The chosen vehicle to achieve this mission is our ritual. It A. includes more than memorization and execution. Many times The differences are few and fall under three general we fail to concentrate on the moral, ethical, historical, and categories: philosophical meaning of our prose. Our ritual has a rich • The Degree catechisms exchanged between the and multi-dimensional message. Our presentation must be Worshipful Master and Senior Warden. executed effectively and encompass the breadth and depth of • Which officers give their duties. its meaning. The connection between our ritual and ancient • Minor logical adjustments such as which words are mysteries must also not be neglected. Ritual is more easily and collected by the Deacons, which signs are given, and effectively received when it is apparent that the ritualist is truly whether Entered Apprentice (First Degree), Fellowcraft immersed in his lecture. (Second Degree) or Master Mason (Third Degree) is We are the guardians of this sacred knowledge and we must used. submit to caring for our ritual in the midst of a world that is increasingly disconnected with the past, disrespectful and Q. What if my Lodge doesn’t want to open business cynical of such rites. Our symbolic ritual is a legacy handed meetings on the First or Second Degrees? to us from our ancient past to be carried into the future A. A Lodge could continue to open business meetings on the without change and without deletion, but with a strict and Third Degree as it currently does. Whether to open an caring observance and adherence to our Standard Works and Entered Apprentice Lodge, Fellowcraft Lodge or Master Lectures. Mason Lodge would be at the discretion of the Worshipful At the 236th Annual Communication held on May 1 and Master, in accordance with the bylaws of his Lodge and as 2, 2017, the following amendment was proposed: “Every the work of the evening requires. communication of a Lodge, whether stated or special, must be Q. If the Lodge is opened on the First Degree or Second opened and closed on one of the three degrees of Masonry, in Degree, would Entered Apprentices and/or Fellowcrafts accordance with the authorized ritual of the jurisdiction.” The be able to vote or ballot? above proposed amendment was approved on the first reading by a vote of Grand Lodge and awaits approval on the second A. No. Nothing would change about the peculiar rights reading of this amendment and acceptance of the proposed and privileges of Master Masons. Only Master Masons Masonic ritual. As a result of this action Grand Lodge has are members of a Lodge and only members have a right published a booklet that includes the full opening and closing to vote, ballot, attend meetings and hold Lodge offices. ritual in all three Degrees. The booklet also contains the Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts can be present while Chaplain’s work as well as the Closing Charge. These booklets voting, balloting and other business is transacted but may are available through Grand Lodge. One major point of not participate in these activities.

46 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” FALL 2017 Registration for the 2018 camp season will begin on January 1st. Visit our website at www.campturk.org to register.

Its not too early to be thinking about sending your child or grandchild to the Camp Turk Sum- mer Program! The following dates have been set for 2018! Mark your calendar. One, two and three week sessions are available starting January 1. Financial Aid will also be available January 1st! (Call the Camp Turk office for an application. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2018

Boys’ Camp July 1st – July 7th July 8th – July 14th July 15th – July 21st

Girls’ Camp July 22nd – July 28th July 29th – August 4th August 5th – August 11th

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE FALL 2017 47 Masonic Toys for Tots his year marks the 43rd year that the Metropolitan area Masons have donated toys to the young patients of the New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. At the same time, they raise critically needed funds for Tscientists and researchers of the Hospital’s Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation. Today, New York State Masons, through their generosity to the Masonic Toys for Tots Foundation, Inc., have become a defining influence in pediatric hematology and cancer research in New York City at a time when federal support is diminishing. Masonic Toys for Tots Annual Charity Ball Saturday, November 18, 2017 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Russo’s on the Bay Ceremonies include the annual ‘Todd Meyers Merit Award’ to an outstanding TFT participant. For tickets, donations, silent auction or to place an ad in our journal, please contact: Chairman George Filippidis at [email protected] or 917/572-4312.

Annual Children’s Holiday Party Balloons Masonic Toys for Tots Media & DeWitt Clinton Award

Shrine Clowns Onions Applesauce Dancing Magician Latkes Singing, Games Cotton Candy (while you watch) Storytelling Disc Jockey The Grand Lodge of New York Child ID 71 West 23rd Street, 2nd Floor Saturday, December 2, 2017 Hot Dogs From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sauerkraut Everyone is invited. Price of admission: one unwrapped toy. For more information, please contact Chairman Ed Weigert at 718/375-6200. t 9:00 a.m. on December 7, 2017 the apex of our labors will be achieved at the media event at New YorkA Columbia Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Contact each of the above directly for each of our three events. Center. There our Tots will receive Santa’s countless toys, Metro Lodges can also contact their DDGMs. and amid TV and press coverage we will present our Masonic Toys for Tots Foundation, Inc. annual donation to the Children’s Cancer and Blood is a 501(c) (3) Corporation. Foundation. The DeWitt Clinton award will be presented Tax deductible to the full extent of the law. to an outstanding non-Mason for work on behalf of our fellowman. Thank you! For more information, contact our Chairman Ivan Visit our website for more information at: Obolensky at 212/683-4353. www.MasonicToysForTots.com