SPRING 2019 From the Grand East MW WILLIAM M. SARDONE Grand Master 212/337-6643

e have moved into a new calendar year, but as I have in inquiries. Those inquiries are filtered until we see quality Wsaid in my video communications, we Masons are intentions. And then our NorthStar Program kicks in. working together every day of every year. I thank you for your The Empire State Mason is a terrific vehicle to convey continued dedication, passion and love for our Fraternity. information. You may also want to sign up for Hiram’s There are many articles in this issue that highlight some Highlights at [email protected]. It is a digital of the initiatives we launched. Each member of our Grand newsletter that has some up to date information. Line is continuing with his individual responsibilities, from At the time you receive this issue, we will have visited our the widow’s program to security to membership and more. As members who live in Florida, we will have the plans for the a result of their multitasking ability, I can look for new and Grand Master’s Cruise in place, we will have the additional creative ways to stabilize and move our Fraternity forward. Session on October 5, 2019 all planned out. I will not use up a lot of space in this article to speak to our We will also have the Grand Master’s Day at Camp Turk in multi-pronged approach. But I will say that we are increasing August solidified, our Greenhouse will continue to develop, the awareness of Masonry and speaking to clear the entertainment for St. John’s Weekend will be locked down, misconceptions. We know what surveys say. Surveys reflect and more. what people are thinking and saying. And in many situations I am very proud of each and every one of you. As I said in when they don’t have enough information they form their own my video, you invigorate me and make me want to do more. conclusions and brand us. We are taking our brand back. Our And we will do more as we build the future together. Membership Taskforce alone is seeing exponential increases

Tour

o you know which room at Masonic Hall is classified as Many Masons have this tour on their list of things they must the Egyptian Room? What about the story behind the do and see. Many of them leave a donation at the tour office; DHollander Room? The tour guides do. And they spend hours and in just a few months they have collected $2650 which each day describing the many magnificent rooms, decorations, they gave to your Brotherhood Fund for the Greenhouse etc. for tourists who come from all over the world to see our Project. Our guides are dedicated men who bring additional historic Lodge Building. value. Thank you! 2 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 68 / Number 1 / SPRING 2019 IN THIS ISSUE Featured Highlights: 238th Annual Communication Hotel Accomodation 9 238th Annual Communication Preliminary Program 10 SPRING 2019 RW Brother Ivan S. Obolosky’s Eulogy 11 Cruise with Grand Master 48

Officers and Committees: From the Grand East 2 Deputy Grand Master 4 Cover: Building the Future Grand Treasurer 5 See article on page 16 Junior Grand Warden 6 Grand Secretary 8 Grand Lodge Educational Assistance Program (EAP) 12 Grand Cinamatographer 13-14 Grand Historian 17 Masonic Care Community 20 Camp Turk 24-25 Round Lake 26 Acacia Village 28 Masonic Youth Committee 30 New York DeMolay 31 From the Webmaster 33 Masonic Medical Research Institute 34 Awards Committee 35 Years of Service 41-44 Dates to Remember 44 Submission Guidelines 45 Grand Lecturer 47

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

CONSULTANTS POSTMASTER: WILLIAM M. SARDONE richard j. kessler steven adam rubin Please send address changes to: Grand Master – Editor in Chief Deputy Grand Master Grand Treasurer The Empire State Mason Circulation Department JOAN C. BOWER charles m. roberts richard t. schulz 71 West 23rd Street Assistant Editor Senior Grand Warden Grand Secretary NY NY 10010-4149 Periodicals Class Publication 56874 elquemedo oscar alleyne 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 ©2019 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. Deputy Grand Master RW RICHARD J. KESSLER Deputy Grand Master [email protected]

rothers, your Grand Lodge continues to explore must maintain the qualities which made us great and have also Bopportunities to attract candidates and engage our Brothers been beneficial to society. st to be life-long members. As we move into the 21 century, Although memorization is a skill no longer essential in our I can’t stress enough how important it is for us to become educational system, the proper learning and recitation of ritual an attractive option for upright men to become productive must not be sacrificed in the quest for membership. The ritual members of our Craft. to which I refer concerns the genuine and profound mysteries I emphasis “life-long” because there have been countless of and its effects on the psyche or consciousness programs designed to entice qualified men to join our ranks. of man. Just how important is symbolic Masonic ritual to the Unfortunately, somewhere between recruitment and long- well-being of the individual and to the Craft and our lives? term commitment we have lost many good Brothers. There Why do we, as intelligent and rational people, submit to are probably countless reasons but I feel that the greatest arcane and dated actions? What significance if any do they cause is that the necessary connection was not properly hold? established. This quickly results in disinterest, boredom and The issue of ritual, its meaning and importance is still disappointment, which are counterproductive to our best relevant today, perhaps more so than in the past. Our global intentions. society, ever expanding, becoming homogeneous in nature and Our Grand Master has just implemented a new program activity is more concerned with the acquisition of material and that will engage our newest Master Masons in a dialogue temporary satisfaction. I believe that this moment in history is about their Masonic experience. The thrust of this format more important than any before. A society that values wealth, is to be proactive in the detection of problems and develop power and acquisition is seriously out of balance and cannot strategies to overcome these difficulties before they become sustain itself indefinitely. Freemasonry, as a truly ancient unmanageable and we lose one more member. institution, must be the standard-bearer of ritual, enabling its We also must balance the importance of our history members and providing them with a positive sense of worth and traditions against the backdrop of an ever-changing and of value. Indeed, Freemasonry, properly functioning, modernistic world. Our traditions are essential to our very sustains its brethren and the society in which it operates. existence. Our traditions form a common history, shared More and more we find young people unconnected to any beliefs and convictions that are the very bedrock of our particular positive spiritual, religious or social activity. Thus, Fraternity. They connect us to the ancient guilders of the young people feel alienated and disassociated from the rest of Middle Ages, the Ancient Charges and Landmarks that extend society. Ritual is especially important for young people as it to the Period of Enlightenment. These Landmarks are our provides them with a sense of connection to a larger world. life blood and encompass brotherhood, civility, rectitude of Studies show that they are searching for something to fill this conduct, tolerance, faith and charity. void. Our challenge is to present ourselves as that missing The 21st century has its own distinct challenges, but is fertile element in their lives. ground for Masonic growth. Some Masonic leaders believe Remember that one of our core values is charity and to care that Freemasonry of past centuries is not a good fit for modern for needy and destitute Masons and their families. Please keep society and that we must change our operational precepts to our Grand Master’s Greenhouse Project as one of your charity adapt to this modern world. This is not the case; Freemasonry options. This program is directed for both the residents of has never strayed from its core beliefs or its principles and the Masonic Care Facility and the children from our day tenets. That is why we have thrived as an organization for over care center. Many scientific studies have determined the vast 300 years. Now is not the time to dilute our product for the benefits that programs such as this result in, such as upswings sake of some hopeful upswing in membership. Freemasonry in mental and physical health of the participants. is thriving throughout the world. We don’t need to change; Also, please mark March 19 in your calendar. It is our first- we just have to be proactive in attracting men of our kind to ever telethon to support our Masonic Brotherhood Fund. propel us into the future. Countless surveys indicate there is a Details will follow. God bless you and your family in the need for what we offer. Let’s not lose sight of the goal as we are coming year. beginning to see upturns in many of our Masonic Lodges. We

4 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Grand Treasurer RW steven adam rubin Grand Treasurer 212/643-5402 [email protected]

n our instantaneous world, where news, thoughts, photos three terms as Master of my Lodge; coupled with my service and emotions can reach around the world within a split on Grand Lodge committees and thirteen years of service Isecond of their occurrence, it is difficult to write an article on as a Grand Lodge officer, I have been provided with a most New Year’s Day for publication in the spring. So much will unique perch to observe the successes and failures, both within have occurred within those several months because so much my own Lodge and throughout our Grand Jurisdiction. So, happens in our world, our country, our towns, our Grand with this perspective I recognize that while there are many Lodge, Lodges and homes. I hope the spirit of the holidays challenges before us we should nevertheless be remarkably brought you joy and happiness and that you had time to spend proud of the spirit of brotherhood that has swept over our with your family. I hope the new year has already brought you Grand Jurisdiction. We are Brothers, in harmony, helping one health and happiness and I hope it continues for you and those another and coming together in service to others. you love throughout the year…and beyond. To the Brothers, This spirit is seen in the actions of our Masonic Military Lodges and Districts that invited me to holiday celebrations: Outreach providing holiday cheer to our men and women I thank you for your friendship and brotherly love. I enjoyed of our Armed Services and their families; in the Lodges and every moment I was with you. Districts that visit with our military veterans, not just during It is remarkable to realize that as I write this article six months the holidays, but also in the lonely days in between. It is the have passed since our last Grand Lodge session, and by the Brothers from the Erie District who took the tragedy of a time of this printing we will already be in preparation for our Brother and veteran’s suicide and turned it into an opportunity next Grand Lodge session. I know the Grand Master has much to bring awareness to this terrible trend. It is the thousands in store. And as I have traveled around our Grand Jurisdiction of dollars in charity to support such worthy causes as our these many months, it has been a joy to represent you as your Masonic Care Community—especially our Grand Master’s Grand Treasurer. I would be remiss if I did not mention two Greenhouse Project—and our Masonic Medical Research highlights: My participation at the 225th Rededication of Institute and our Chancellor Robert R Livingston Library. Courtlandt Lodge 34 in the First Westchester Putnam District We should take pride in all that we do for each other and and the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony for Delaware River our communities. From pancake breakfasts, to Charity Galas, Lodge 439 in the Central Leatherstocking District. to Blood and Organ Drives, from the Masonic ID Program We celebrated the history of the Lodge and the spirit of to transporting sick children and their families to and from New York Masonry at Courtlandt Lodge 34 on December hospital, we Master Masons strive every day to live up to our 9, 2018 in Verplank, NY. It was special spending time with Masonic obligations. While a profane would look upon these WM Robert McCarthy, his lovely wife and all of the officers, actions as extraordinary, to a Master Mason these are the Brothers and families who comprise this special, and historic fulfillment of our obligation, for this is what we do. Lodge. In my last article I commented about Suffolk Lodge 60, in No less special was the opportunity to participate at the the Suffolk Masonic District, that had suffered a devastating Cornerstone Laying Ceremony for Delaware River Lodge flood. Speaking with WM Terry Sanders and District Deputy 439. The Lodge’s original building was lost to fire but out of Grand Master RW Kevin McCauley, I have heard about the the ashes, and through the consolidation of three Lodges, and remarkable generosity of Lodges and individual Brothers, who with the hard work and dedication of WM Kevin Sullivan have donated their time, expertise and coin to aid and assist and so many Brothers a phoenix has risen. I was particularly their fellow Brothers. I have no doubt that the brethren will moved at the ceremony, as at the time of consolidation I was continue to assist Suffolk Lodge and our Brothers until the job Judge Advocate and worked with the Brothers to assist their is done. For this is the personification of the truth behind our consolidation. What a wonderful sight to behold! With the Craft: that no Brother and no Lodge is ever alone. support from the entire District and Brothers from beyond, In this same spirit of service I have received support from the entire Lodge was filled to capacity as the Grand Master, so many Brothers who have taken up my call to prepare a Deputy Grand Master and nearly the entire Grand Line Lodge Treasurer’s Manual. These are Brothers from all over performed the ritual amongst the relics saved from the flames. our Grand Jurisdiction: some accountants, some CFOs, many These are the wages of a Master Mason. who are simply Brothers who have served in Lodge or District I turned fifty-five this year. I know, not old for some offices and have some notion of the proper management of a Brothers who have served the Craft for longer than I have Lodge. While there may not be one answer to every question, been alive, but old enough to experience enough successes and as all Lodges have different needs and considerations, some failures to start having real perspective on life. I feel the same requirements such as 990s are universal. No individual Lodge about my Masonic experience. I am blessed to have served Continues on page 7 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 5 JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN RW E. Oscar Alleyne Junior Grand Warden [email protected]

In the Spirit of Love

reetings, dear Brothers. Life gives us a fair share of transmitted is by EXPERIENCE, by the ABSOLUTE FACT opportunities and experiences. As with many of our OF ITSELF. GBrothers, I lost one of my dear friends and Masonic mentors Are we able to be kind to each other? last year. Before he passed on to our Celestial Lodge above he Are we able to forgive our enemies? asked me to present a lecture on the theme of Faith, Friendship, Are we able to do good to those who despotically use us? Love, which his family asked me to include in remarks at Are we able to continue quietly in a meek way of life? his funeral service. After great contemplation, I focused my Are we interested in the simple humilities of virtue? remarks on Love and felt it appropriate to share with you in Do we want a happiness that arises from making other our Empire State Mason magazine. people happy? Rather than sacrificing them to our happiness? Love is a difficult topic to discuss for some. We live in a Do we want a happy home? Are we willing to support it by culture where as men, love is sometimes one of those four- character and by integrities? letter words. It is said that there are about four Types of Love: LOVE IS an experience in consciousness, an experience romantic love, family love, brotherly love and God’s divine in The Soul of Man, it is something that is a great releasing love. power, against the tyranny of personal Attitudes. Who hasn’t experienced the joys of romantic, family or LOVE is placing something bigger than yourself, in the brotherly love. In fact, the memories of romantic love bring foreground of your life. some smiles to many as they read this. But we also know love It is dedicating your acts to projects, purposes and convictions can be painful. Yes, love has caused many of us a pain that we that are of common good to all mankind.” never want to experience again, yet we always try to love again. My Brothers, we live in a society that is very much visual. You can almost see where our Mosaic Pavement attempts to Physical love is prioritized, while mental love is appreciated. show us that balance. But spiritual love is by far greater. When asked Which is the If you think of Love as an Act of Will, then you must be first commandment of all? the answer was: willing to embrace it as a state of being. You must be willing “The first of all the commandments is, ‘Hear, O Israel; The to not confuse it with simple feelings and emotions. In reality, Lord our God is one Lord and thou shalt love the Lord thy God the use of the word is going to be different and not as clear cut with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, as most may think. Take for example the concept of self-love and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.’ and the fact that we know that there are some people who “And the second is like it, namely this, ‘Thou shalt love absolutely lack the ability to love, no matter what. thy neighbor as thyself.’ There is none other commandment Love cannot be bought, bartered or sold. It remains as it has greater than these.” always been, the purest of all human emotions. The topic of Love as the main and greatest teachings of God Yet the concept of God’s Divine Love or unconditional is central and has transforming power: love is not an easy one to grasp. It is love without limitations. Who was it (say) that us conceived? ‘Twas Love. Without exceptions. Some say that unconditional love can be Who suckled, nursed, and reliev’d? ‘Tis Love. seen between a parent and a child, two partners, family, but What is it we to our parents owe? ‘Tis Love. we know differently. Family sometimes breaks, relationships Why do they us such kindness show? Of Love. are sometimes destroyed. But Unconditional Love never fails! Who gets herein the victory? By Love. To understand unconditional love you must understand How many a man good works perform? Through Love. sacrifice and that not all sacrifice brings pain. Manly P. Hall Who into one can two transform? ‘Tis Love. spoke on the Struggle of Love. Love is learning that you never have to say goodbye because “We’ve been trying to find out what love is but we will never the person you love will always be a part of you. Love is saying get it, by trying to get a definition out of a book, or something thank you, Brother, with all of my heart and soul, for being a of that kind. friend of mankind. The only way that honest, simple genuine Love can be

6 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 JGW Visits New Lodge

hekomeko Lodge 458, of the newly formed Mid-Hudson well as Brothers from around our District. The lecture he gave District, is proud to have hosted RW E. Oscar Alleyne, that evening is titled “Fides Vita Rex.” It focuses on esoterica SJunior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of the State of New in Freemasonry. It was a truly enjoyable evening and we York F&AM. RW Alleyne visited the Lodge on December 7 welcome all Brothers to come visit us. Follow us on Facebook for a special evening of education and brotherhood. for upcoming events. RW Brother Alleyne spoke to Brothers of Shekomeko as

Continued from page 5 – Grand Treasurer should have to dig to find the answers to questions that have Call Letter to the Lodge, and the Worshipful Master did not been around for a decade. It is my hope and expectation seek discussion on its contents, both the Worshipful Master that this manual can be a tool to assist not only veterans in and the Brothers from this Lodge were ill informed as to the managing their Lodge, but also the newly elected. Following significant decisions that were required to be made at Grand Grand Lodge in May, the Brothers I have been working with Lodge. What an opportunity lost! The Call Letter does not and I will welcome the opportunity to meet with any District, merely identify Candidates for Office, or the contents of a Lodge or Brother who seeks answers to better manage the proposed Constitutional Amendment or a Promulgated Lodge. This is not some Edict or new requirement from on Decision. This is important information in its own right; but high, but Brothers wishing to assist Brothers. the letter also describes the opportunity and the time limit for As this will be the last publication before Grand Lodge any Brother—any Brother—to propose an item for the Grand session, let me make some final observations and a request Lodge agenda. While it is still the Grand Master’s agenda of each Worshipful Master, Warden or Proxy attending. The and every proposal may not be called, it is nevertheless your question is always asked, who is Grand Lodge? Too often, right and opportunity to request. Take the time to read and our Brothers think it is the Grand Master and the elected understand the contents of the Call Letter. Take the time to and appointed line. Wrong. It is you. It is the elected and address its contents in Lodge. Come to Grand Lodge with an appointed Grand Line, but also each District Deputy, Staff understanding of the significance your decisions will have for Officer, Permanent Member and Committee Member and the direction of our Craft, for it is your duty. every Lodge represented. You comprise that powerful body. As Easter and Passover will be upon us at the time of this Last year I had the opportunity to speak before a Lodge printing, let me wish for you and those you love a happy Easter shortly before Grand Lodge session. I was disappointed to and happy Pesach. Warm wishes for all the wonderful things learn that since the Secretary did not read or summarize the this special time can bring. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 7 Grand Secretary RW richard t. Schulz Grand Secretary Masonic Hall 71 West 23rd Street New York NY 10010 212/337-6644 [email protected]

ear Brethren: • For further information, contact Chairman RW D It’s been a very busy time for Grand Lodge and, as most Kurt Ott ([email protected], cell: 845/587-9011) or one Lodge Secretaries know, the Secretary’s duties require hard work of his Co-Chairmen: Donald Mattson (dmattson1@ and effort to accomplish. As Grand Secretary, it’s no different. optonline.net, cell: 914/646-0491) or Joseph Zimmerman In the coming months I hope to assist the Lodge Secretaries ([email protected], cell: 718/930-7814). with their work in various ways via group email and with regional Our Grand Lodge is planning a second Communication on seminars. Saturday, October 5, to be held at the Masonic Home in Utica, This past January, we held the Florida Sojourners Luncheons in NY. The purpose is to handle much of the Grand Lodge business Sarasota, Tampa and Palm Beach Gardens. It was great to catch we do not get a chance to discuss at our Annual Communication up with so many members and families who live or winter in in May, as well as to handle new business that needs action in the months after May. Preliminary plans include holding a Table Florida. I’m beginning the planning for next year’s luncheons and th considering additional sites in Florida. If you have suggestions for Lodge the evening of the 5 for those staying overnight in the Utica area. Hotel rooms are being blocked for the nights of the 4th additional sites (and even venues) to hold next year’s luncheons, th please feel free to contact me. I am open to your input. and 5 . More information will be forthcoming. Our Grand Lodge Annual Communication is upcoming Finally, I’d like to note that I am committed to improving on Monday – Tuesday, May 6th and 7th. Our Grand Lodge the customer service of my office in all respects—Lodge Registry, Convention Committee has been making plans for the events Lodge Services and Administrative. I give you my pledge to surrounding the Communication. There are several changes I’d improve the timeliness of our responses and the quality of our like to bring to your attention: assistance to you. If I can help or assist in seeing things done more timely or better, please feel free to contact me and I will make • First, hotel reservations will no longer be made by the sure to get back to you. Also, please take a moment and provide Committee. The main hotel is still the LaGuardia us your current email address. Please send it to lodgeregistry@ Plaza Hotel in Queens but you can now stay at their sister nymasons.org and include your name, Lodge and Grand Lodge property, Hampton Inn – LaGuardia Airport, which is Number (from your dues card) so we can match it properly. right across the parking lot. For either hotel you must make reservations online or by telephone. In order to get the contracted nightly rate at each hotel, use code GLM. The cutoff date for hotel reservations is April 15, 2019. (See RW Richard T. Schulz the accompanying information.) Grand Secretary • Second, reservations for the Grand Master’s Dinner at Russo’s on the Bay will now be handled exclusively online. The cutoff date is May 3, 2019. Reservations must be made on the website at www.nymasons.org.

99 and doing fine!

s Grand Master I receive many calls about many things. Brother Turner wanted all to know he is doing fine and I received one from the wife of Brother Howard Turner, sends his best wishes. So, Brother Turner, this one’s for you. notingA that the last Empire State Mason cut his name off in the Happy 78th Masonic Anniversary of Dedication and Service. Anniversary Section. I took a look and lo and behold, there MW William M Sardone, Grand Master was a typo.

8 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 71 West 23rd Street, 17th Floor • New York, NY 10010-4149 238th Annual Communication – 2019 Monday & Tuesday, May 6-7

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION C U T OFF DATE: APRIL 15, 2 0 1 9 HEADQUARTERS HOTEL ALTERNATE HOTEL (right next to LaGuardia Plaza) LaGuardia Plaza Hotel Hampton Inn 104-04 Ditmars Blvd. 102-40 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst NY 11369 East Elmhurst NY 11369 RESERVATIONS see online instructions at www.nymasons.org Tel.: 718/457-6300 Tel.: 718/672-6600 Agreed Room Rate: $177/night. Agreed Room Rate: $167/night. Including Breakfast. Limited Availability. Use Hotel Code: GLM Use Hotel Code: GLM G RANDM ASTER’S RECE PTION AND DINNE R CUT OFF DATE: MAY 3, 2019

RUSSO’S ON THE BAY Formal Attire, Cocktail Hour starts at 6:00 p.m., Dinner is 7:15 p.m. $115.00 Per Guest (Price includes Russo’s Famous Cocktail Hour, including Top Shelf Liquor & Extensive Entree options) www.nymasons.org Reservations are to be made Exclusively Online for the Grand Master’s Dinner this year.

CONTACTS AND INFORMATION: GRAND LODGE CONVENTION COMMITTEE c/o Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York (Address listed above) Kurt Ott, Committee Chairman [email protected] • 845/587-9011 Donald Mattson, Co-Chairman [email protected] • 914/646-0491 Joseph Zimmerman, Co-Chairman [email protected] • 718/930-7814

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 9 GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 71 West 23rd Street, 17th Floor • New York, NY 10010-4149 238th Annual Communication – 2019 MEMBERS’ PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019 TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2019 6:00 am to 9:00 am Breakfast, LaGuardia Plaza Hotel, 6:00 am to 9:00 am Breakfast, LaGuardia Plaza Hotel (TILED) 9:00 am Grand Lodge convenes in the (TILED) 9:00 am Grand Lodge convenes in the Grand Lodge Room, Masonic Hall Grand Lodge Room, 3rd and 4th Floors – 71 West Masonic Hall 3rd and 4th Floors 23rd Street, New York, New York 71 West 23rd Street, (TILED) 11:00 am The Distinguished Achievement New York, New York Award will be presented to a 11:00 am Public Installation worthy brother to be announced. 12:00 pm Grand Lodge Reception 1:00 pm Grand Lodge recesses for Lunch. on the second floor – (TILED) 2:00 pm Grand Lodge reconvenes. Masonic Hall 3:30 pm Adjournment 1:30 pm Adjournment 6:30 pm Grand Master’s Reception and Dinner, at Russo’s on the Bay, by Ticket $115.00 each

Women’s Organizations and Youth Groups will be recognized on Sunday, May 5th at the V.I.P. Dinner. By Invitation only.

FACTS Information: See the links on www.NYMasons.org Contact: Grand Lodge Convention Committee Dates: Monday, May 6, and Tuesday, May 7, 2019 c/o Grand Secretary’s Office Masonic Hall, Place: Masonic Hall, 71 W. 23rd Street, 3rd and 4th Floors, New York NY 10010 71 West 23rd Street, Kurt Ott, Chairman [email protected], cell: 845/587-9011 Telephone: 212/741-4500 or Donald Mattson, Co-Chairman 800/3 MASON 4, Toll Free [email protected], cell: 914/646-0491 Headquarters Hotel: LaGuardia Plaza Hotel Joseph Zimmerman, Co-Chairman, 104-40 Ditmers Blvd., [email protected], cell: 718/930-7814 East Elmhurst NY 11369 Grand Master’s Dinner: Monday, May 6, 2019 Reservations: Call 718/457-6300 for the agreed room rate: at 6:00 pm Cocktails, 7:15 pm Dinner at Russo’s on the Bay, $177/night including breakfast. HOTEL CODE: GLM Howard Beach, New York $115.00 per Person, CUT-OFF Alternate Hotel: Hampton Inn DATE: MAY 3, 2019 (right next to LaGuardia Plaza) Only Online Reservations for the Grand Master’s Dinner this 102-40 Dittmers Blvd., year. East Elmhurst NY 11369 Reservations: Call 718/672-6600 for the agreed room rate: at Go to www.NYMasons.org for information and links. $167/night. HOTEL CODE: GLM Transportation: Buses will be provided to and from the CUT-OFF DATE: APRIL 15, 2019 Thereafter, hotel Headquarters Hotel, Masonic Hall and Russo’s on the Bay on reservations will be accepted only on a space available basis. an Announced Schedule. Coordinators: DDGMs are responsible to ensure reservations are made for their Districts.

10 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Eulogy for RW Brother Ivan S. Obolensky

f ever there was a brush with history in my son Ivan, on the completion and royalty it was realized when of his long and ambitious Iyou came into contact with Right novel, Rogues’ March, about the Worshipful Ivan S. Obolensky, our Hudson Valley. On the day of its Past Grand Treasurer and consummate publication, his mother Alice and gentleman. He was born on May 15, I got together and threw a party 1925 in London, England, the son of for Ivan at the Ambassador. I must Prince Sergei Platonovich Obolensky say that while I personally felt the of and Ava Alice Muriel Astor. book a bit too ‘strong,’ it had He was a direct descendent of the tremendous power.” Rurik Dynasty that governed the Ivan Obolensky had many other Grand Duchy of and the interests and his financial wizardry Tsardom of Russia. and economic acumen were among RW Brother Obolensky’s father, his hallmarks. In 1965 he joined the known as “Serge,” was a notable investment banking firm of A.T. Brod international social figure and a soldier & Company as a financial analyst. His in the Russian Civil War. He had to family investment research interests flee his native country to safety abroad led Ivan Obolensky to launch his own after battling the Bolsheviks. Through company, known as Astor Capital his American-born mother, Ivan was Management Associates. Subsequently, the elder grandson of he joined forces for seventeen years IV, who died on the RMS Titanic. with the investment banking firm Young Ivan Obolensky immigrated of Shields and Company, where he to the United States when he was two became Vice President. He eventually weeks old aboard his Uncle Vincent RW Brother Ivan S. Obolensky, migrated over to Raymond James & Astor’s yacht, Nourmahal. In time he Past Grand Treasurer Associates, where he continued to was enrolled into the Buckley School apply his talents until his demise. for Boys on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The private Commenting on our financial times, Ivan Obolensky school’s motto is “Honor and Truth,” which was deeply made this observation: “In my opinion, the reason for our engrained into his character throughout life. Later, Ivan success in the investment mode can only be summed up was enrolled at St. George’s Private Secondary School of by one word, communication. For it was only through the Newport, Rhode Island, to prepare him for the demands of interface of disparate ideas, and free and unencumbered college. Graduating with a B.A. Degree from Yale University professional exchange, that problems likely to be visited in 1947, he went on to become a Lieutenant, (Jg), in the upon us by an increasingly troublesome economy were both United States Navy’s V-5 Air Group Program. anticipated and neutralized; even turned for gain.” Ivan Obolensky was first married in 1949 to Claire As can easily be ascertained from his professional Elizabeth McGinnis (1929-2015) of San Francisco, with accomplishments, Ivan Obolensky was indeed a multifaceted whom he had two sons and daughter: Marina “Maria” success story. But the story doesn’t end there, for he also Ivanovna Obolensky, Ivan Ivanovich Obolensky and David was a man with a golden heart. He was the champion of Ivanovich Obolensky. He subsequently married Mary many good and altruistic causes, especially those that Elizabeth Morris (1934-2006) in 1959, and they were the benefited children and young people. The name Ivan parents of one son, Sergei Ivanovich Obolensky. Obolensky is synonymous with the Children’s Cancer and A great raconteur and quick wit, he aspired to become Blood Foundation; the Masonic Toys for Tots Program; the a famous writer. Ivan Obolensky authored his first novel, Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club; Rogues’ March, which was published by Random House in and New York’s International Debutante Ball. He was the 1956. He then formed his own Publishing House, known Treasurer of the Russian Nobility Association in America, as McDowell-Obolensky. Two of his first list books received Inc., whose mission is to provide financial aid and assistance the Pulitzer Prize, while his unique new Astor Books for to charities in the United States and in Russia that provide Children were awarded prestigious Caldecott Awards. J.P. food, housing and medical treatment for the disadvantaged. Donleavy’s “The Ginger Man,” James Agee’s “A Death in Masonically, RW Brother Ivan Obolensky was no the Family” and Joan Didion’s early books were among his shrinking violet. He lived and breathed the very tenets of openers. Freemasonry: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. RW Brother In his father’s own words: Ivan Obolensky was a member in good standing for forty- “The year 1956 was one of the most fateful years five years in Holland Lodge No. 8 in the First Manhattan of my life. The first reason was the pride that I had Continues on page 12

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 11 Grand Lodge Educational RW MICHAEL SHIPMAN Assistance Program Chairman 516/304-5882 [email protected]

Educational Grant Program Applications for 2019 Submissions due April 1

he 2019 Education Assistance Program is in full swing and Frequently Asked Questions TOnline Registration Applications are being completed and returned daily to the committee. Students seeking assistance Q: Where can I obtain an application? for the 2019-2020 school year should go online to: www. nymasons.org or eapapplication.nymasons.org if they have A: The application may be obtained by going online to: not already done so. After completing the online application, eapapplication.nymasons.org or www.nymasons.org the first page and required documents should be mailed to the committee postmarked no later than April 1, 2019. All Q: What supporting documentation is needed to show applications received will be sent to an independent firm for financial need? rating. Those selected to receive assistance for the fall of 2019 A: A copy of the most recently filed 1040/1040EZ forms will be notified by June. Presentations are expected to be made (pages 1 & 2) of student and parents must be included. to the recipients across the state in June and July. No substitutions allowed: 1040/1040EZ forms only. Awards are given to students who are pursuing an Student Aid forms not accepted. undergraduate/graduate degree, going to a trade school or those returning to school for retraining. To be eligible, the Q: Is the signature of the Master and Secretary of my student must: father’s/grandfather’s Lodge necessary? • Be a child/grandchild/widow of a New York State Master A: Yes. Before the committee will consider any application Mason in good standing. these signatures and the seal of the Lodge must be placed • Show academic or vocational achievement; minimum on the first page of the application. cumulative G.P.A. 2.75 (80). Q: I have applied to three different colleges and have not • Demonstrate financial need– (not optional). decided which one to attend. Does this disqualify my • Complete the online application fully (students only). application? • Be a full-time student in an accredited institution of A: No. However, before a check can be sent to a recipient higher learning. we must have proof that the student is attending a To date nearly 13,500 students have been given assistance qualifying school full time in the fall. totaling over $13 million dollars. Q: How many times may I apply for assistance? We thank the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home for their continued funding and support of this outstanding A: Students may receive educational assistance a maximum program. of four times.

Continued from page 11 – Eulogy Accepted Northern Jurisdiction. District and a dual affiliated member of Bunting Charity Upon completing his term in office as the Grand Treasurer Lodge No. 727 in the Fifth Manhattan District. RW Brother of the Grand Lodge of New York in May 1996, RW Brother Obolensky was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Obolensky offered this pledge: “Whenever called upon, I Mason on May 14, 1974 in Holland Lodge No. 8, where will continue to serve the Grand Master and our Craft with he was elected and served as the installed Worshipful Master Masonic freedom, fervor and zeal.” in 1981. He was appointed and served as District Deputy Alas, our dear and beloved Brother has been Called from Grand Master of the First Manhattan District in 1983-1984. Labor to reunite with our Almighty Father on January 29, Brother Obolensky served as Chairman of the Endowment 2019. “Almighty Father, the giver of Light and Peace; grant Committee of Grand Lodge for many years. He was the Grand that we, following the good examples of those who have served Representative of the from 1996 until You here and are now at rest, may at the last enter into Your 2014. He was awarded the Charles Henry Johnson Medal in Kingdom with unending joy. May his Soul rest in everlasting 2010 by the Grand Lodge of New York. He was coroneted a Peace. Amen. 33rd Degree Mason by the Supreme Council of the Ancient 12 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Grand Cinematographer RW Jason p. sheridan Grand Cinematographer 201/620-8888 Metro Service & Breakfast [email protected] e are all looking forward to Truman Daniel, the oldest grandson of the 74th Annual Metropolitan former United States President Brother Region’sW Masons & Families Dedication Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Service & Breakfast on Sunday, March Truman. We were regaled with stories 3. It will be held at Marina Del Rey of President Truman and Clifton’s warm in Throgs Neck, Bronx, and we will memories of such a great Brother. welcome keynote speaker Brother John For those who have not attended this P. Lawlor Jr., Brigadier General. I am event I include photos from March sure pictures will be in the next issue of 2018, which show the atmosphere of the ESM. this amazing program. In addition to But cast your mind back to March attendance by the Grand Master, 900+ 2018. We were delighted to have the Brothers, families and friends gathered. presence at that time of Brother Clifton

Past Grand Masters (l-r) MW Robert D. Stack, Honorary Grand Master; MW William J. Thomas, 2014-16; MW James E. Sullivan, 2012-14; MW Vincent Libone, 2010-12; MW Edward G. Gilbert, 2008-10; MW Carl J. Fitje, 2002-04; MW Carl J. Smith, 2000-02; MW Jeffrey M. Williamson, 2016-18 Grand Lodge Session he Grand Master Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Committees of the State wonderful session in 2018 to remind William M. Sardone, Deputy of New York look forward to welcoming those who attended and give a preview TGrand Master RW Richard J. Kessler Worshipful Masters or their elected to those who will attend Grand Lodge and the entire elected and appointed proxy from all over New York State to for the first time. This is what awaits at members of the Grand Line, Permanent the Grand Lodge Session on Monday, 71 West 23rd Street in Manhattan—a Members of Grand Lodge, District May 6 and Tuesday, May 7, 2019. wonderful building, which location the Deputies, Staff Officers, Assistant Spread over this page of the Empire State Grand Lodge has occupied since 1873. Grand Lecturers and members of the Mason are just a few photos from the

Entrance of the Flag & GM Sardone: THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 13 Hoffman Hosts Troops by W Mike Peters, Military Outreach Committee Chairman Photographs by RW Jason Sheridan, Grand Cinematographer 2018-20

he Brothers of Hoffman Lodge 412 were honored to host of America. A slice of lemon on the bread plate represents the the 2018 Christmas and Holiday Party for NY’s 1156th bitter fate of the missing, and salt sprinkled on that plate the TEngineer Company Soldiers, Camp Smith, New York. The countless fallen tears of families as they wait. The inverted glass troops and their families joined us on December 8 in the represents the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake. Lodge building in Middletown. The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives The event was coordinated by RW Bruce Wiegand, DDGM in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their William J. Fitzhenry and the Masonic Military Outreach captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation. The empty chair Program. We thank GM William Sardone and members of is to remind us the missing and fallen aren’t present physically. our Grand Line for helping make this event really special for Special thanks go to ACME Markets for their donations and everyone involved. Most Worshipful Brother Sardone served steadfast support for years. As you may know, our Government as a Senior NCO in the Infantry so this was truly a family will only provide meals for the soldiers; but thanks to generous event for him, as well. Besides the members of Hoffman donations the Masons provided the meals for our soldiers’ Lodge, and Brother James McCann (Lucky) who donated families and children and they were all well supplied. his services as DJ, we had volunteers from across the Orange The 1156th recently returned from deployment and were Rockland and Sullivan District. Some Masonic volunteers unable to hold their 2017 Christmas Party so, in a way, even drove up from Brooklyn and from out of state to help. It this was a special day for all. It was a wonderful way to say was a great team and we thank them all for their hard work. “Welcome Home” with the first Christmas party our soldiers Special thanks go to RW Jason Sheridan for all of his great and their families had since they returned. New York Masons photos. have a long and noble tradition of supporting our Military Notice the table set up with the empty seat by the food and their families. We thank all of them for their service and servers. RW Brother Sheridan learned the story from one you for your continued support. of the troops: This was the Missing Man Table or Fallen RW Bruce Wiegand, Master of Hoffman Lodge 412 and Comrade Table, which is an unofficial U.S. military tradition. PDDGM Orange-Rockland District handled the role of Santa The table is set for one and is small, symbolizing the frailty of Claus in due form. We even had a visit from the Grinch (Mrs. one isolated prisoner. The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the Nancy Wiegand) and Santa’s elves’ helper (Melissa Jamie, purity of a soldier’s intentions to respond to his country’s call daughter of RW Bruce), who were huge hits with the kids. to arms. The single rose represents the blood that many have New York Masons really do make it happen. sacrificed to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States

Troops enjoying holiday buffet Grand Master William M. Sardone chatting with some of the troops.

More pictures on the next page Some of the volunteers with the Grand Master.

14 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 War Vets honor Civil War Mason By RW Charles W. Escher Saratoga-Warren-Washington District

t was a brisk autumn morning on November 11 when W Alan Finley, second in command of Turning Point members of the Turning Point Masonic War Veterans Post Post 52, and Master of On-Da-Wa Lodge 820, formerly of I52 and the Imperial Saratoga-Warren-Washington District Mechanicville, presided over the ceremony. He recited a brief convened with their families at the small Hudson View history of Colonel Ellsworth’s life and tragic death. Taps was Cemetery in Mechanicville. They gathered that Veteran’s Day blown and a three-volley salute was fired in the Colonel’s honor to honor and pay tribute to Colonel Ephraim Elmer Ellsworth, by Brother Dick Preis, of Franklin Lodge 22, of Ballston Spa. the first Union casualty of the Civil War, and a Freemason. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a Masonic grave marker Colonel Ellsworth, who was raised in Malta near was placed at the foot of the memorial. Several Brothers Mechanicville, was a student of law. He worked for the remained to place flags on the graves of departed Masons and election of Abraham Lincoln and became a respected friend military men. Turning Point Post 52 hopes to continue to of his in Washington. At the President’s request, Ellsworth grow in numbers and to perform similar ceremonies in the took a troop of seven soldiers to remove a Confederate flag years ahead. from the Marshall House Inn in Alexandria. Visible from Lincoln’s favorite window at the White House, it flew as a defiant sign of the Confederacy. After removing the flag and while carrying it down the stairs, Ellsworth was shot and killed by the owner of the inn (who, in turn, was immediately killed by Corporal Francis Brownell of Troy, NY). Colonel Ellsworth’s body lay in state both in the East Room of the White House, eulogized by Lincoln, and again in City Hall in New York City before being laid to rest in Mechanicville. A monument to his memory was erected in 1874 and added to the National Register (l-r) Magdalena and Dustin Cogswell, RW Jason Dzembo, DDGM, W Al Finley, RW Charlie of Historic Places in 1976. Escher, Brothers Dick Pries, Doug Martin, Bob Sammons and George Marshall

The Missing Soldier Table shown on the right of this photo.

Brothers continue to serve the holiday buffet.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 15

We are going LIVE! he timing of this issue may be close to the introduction of some of our Tgroundbreaking events, but let’s give it a try. Your Grand Lodge will be holding a Global Telethon on March 19 at 7 p.m., EST. It will be driven over the Internet, so all can view and participate. We will be highlighting the many charitable and supportive programs of our Grand Lodge as well as raising additional funds. This will be a fast-moving program for about an hour and a half. Speakers from our various organizations will have a few minutes each, videos will show our advances, and more. This will be a first for our Grand Lodge. Help us make our first the best.

Getting members… Keeping members

dding quality members to our We are being proactive by sending In addition, there is a letter from me. Lodges is obviously important. information to each new Mason of six It concludes by asking his opinion, what RetainingA them is just as important. All months. This is what he has available he thinks of Masonry, ideas he may have organizations face the loss of members to him—because he is a New York and any thoughts regarding his journey. through nonpayment of dues (NPD). Mason. All information in this folder These impressions will be used to help When that happens, they scramble has been totally redone and updated. us add or change things that may not be to try and bring them back. Some Yes, NorthStar is a terrific educational obvious to us. organizations form committees to learn platform. Now it is time to take it to New members? Absolutely! Retaining why they left. another level. members? Absolutely! 16 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Grand Historian RW GARY L. HEINMILLER Grand Historian 315/622-1167 [email protected]

Mythistory

here is one thing that is common to all Freemasons. There • In the Second Degree, Second Section, Clause I, Preston would be no Freemasons, Lodges, officers, Temples, wrote: Tdinners, regalia or anything else if it wasn’t for our ritual. That, What were their qualifications? and that only is the vehicle by which we became Freemasons. Besides the above qualifications they were to serve 000 All of us have taken the three Degrees, which together years as an EA in the first class composed wholly of young culminated in our becoming a Master Mason. Each of us has in novitiates, deserving youths learning morals, purpurating his possession a little blue ritual book. Each of us had to show science. Second, they should have shown specimens of proficiency in the previous Degree before being advanced to their abilities and applications. Third, they should have the next Degree. Most of us have conferred, been a part of the been entrusted with the Test of Merit and then they could Degree Team, or witnessed a conferral. We have learned the be admitted into the Second Degree. parts we have been assigned, some more so than others, and Why morals before science? can recite with reasonable profiency various parts of the ritual Because the secrets of nature must be imparted to those with varying degrees of dramatic credibility. only who are incapable of abusing them. But of the hundreds of thousands of Brothers who have • In the Second Degree, First Section, Preston introduces had a ritual book, what percentage have read the ritual book the Second Degree as follows (edited into single sentences and contemplated what is therein written? How many have instead of the original two paragraphs): explored its origins, from whence it came? It is there we Masonry is a progressive science, and is divided into find that no one can really say, historically, just where it all different classes or degrees, for the more regular originated. advancement of its professors in the knowledge of its A considerable amount of our ritual may be found, among mysteries. other sources, in the orginal 1772 Craft lectures of William According to the progress we make, we are led to limit or Preston. A very fine and interesting digital copy of his Three Craft extend our inquiries; and, in proportion to our genius and Lectures may be found at http://www.omdhs.syracusemasons. capacity, we attain to greater or less degree of perfection. com/sites/default/files/philosophy/Prestons%20Lecture%20 Masonry includes within its circle almost every branch of on%20Freemasonry%20-%20AQC.pdf. If you were to polite literature. take a look at his version of the ritual you would find it has Under the sanction of its mysteries, is comprehended a been significantly reduced in length in our present New York regular system of science. Standard Work and Lectures (SW&L). For a fairly complete Many of its illustrations to the confined genius may listing of early Masonic rituals and manuscripts I compiled appear dull, trifling and unimportant, but to the man of you may also refer to one at http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/ritual/ more enlarged facilities, they will appear in the highest list.pdf and at http://www.themasonictrowel.com/education/ degree useful and interesting. rituals_files/masonic_ritual_listing_worksheet.htm. To please the accomplished scholar and ingenious artist, Masonry is wisely planned; in the investigations of its What does one find in our ritual book in somewhat odd latent doctrines, the philosopher and mathematician will language and various openings, closings and Craft legends? experience equal delight and satisfaction. Some of it is based upon historical fact and some of it is The first degree of Masonry is well calculated to enforce introduced from the realm of myth, having no historical basis the duties of morality, and to imprint on the memory the for its appearance—it just sort of magically appears in our noblest principles which can adorn the human mind. ritual. It has often been quoted that Freemasonry is “a system It is therefore the best introduction to the second degree, of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.” which not only extends the same plan, but comprehends But if one were to read him, this is not exactly what William a more diffusive system of knowledge. Preston had to say about it. He made it quite clear that the Here practice and theory join in qualifying the industrious morality aspect of Freemasonry applied to the First Degree but mason to share the pleasures which an advancement in the that thereafter it was a progressive science. art must necessarily afford him. • In the Second Degree, Third Section, Clause IV, Preston Listening with attention to the wise opinions of wrote: experienced craftsmen on important subjects, he gradually What is Masonry? familiarizes his mind to useful instruction, and is soon Masonry is a peculiar system of science explained under the allegory of a building and communicated by symbols. Continues on page 18 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 17 Continued from page 17 – Grand Historian from the above (which used to be alluded to more directly enabled to investigate truths of the utmost concern in the in Preston’s Craft Ritual), one arrives at one of the building blocks of the Universe: general transactions of life. If one may wend his way through the writing style of “Mythistory, or Truth, Myth, History, and Historians,” which may be found at https://www.historians.org/about-aha-and- membership/aha-history-and-archives/presidential-addresses/ william-h-mcneill, an interesting perspective may be gleaned. As strange as our ritual may appear to be, in this little Blue book of a little over 200 pages may be found a considerable roadmap of the initiatory process that each may consider undertaking, were he to contemplate its more esoteric teachings. Why, for instance, does it clearly state that the Basis Interestingly, when we first enter the Preparation Room, of Freemasonry is Geometry? Are you aware that an optional our outer body is taken from us and we are given the section was put back into our ritual around 2002 that is rarely, representation of our inner body. On the altar, they change if ever, portrayed during the Second Degree conferral? It may the position of for each Degree. Sort not appear to be much, but in its simple words lie some very of makes sense if one considers the Square as representing profound aspects of our Universe: Earth and the Compasses “the Circle of Heaven.” We begin Geometry treats of the powers and properties of magnitude immersed in the things of the Earth and end with Circle of in general, where length, breadth, and thickness, are Heaven surmounting Earth. considered, from a point to a line, from a line to a superfices, and from a superficies to a solid. Did you know that there really is an attentive ear and A point is that which has position, but not magnitude, instructive tongue, that we speak of as precious jewels? If and is the beginning of all geometrical matter. you listen very patiently and closely within, they will appear A line has length without breadth. to hear and guide you. And the allusion of Three Knocks is A superficies is that which has length, and breadth without likewise real for those who truly Ask, Seek and Knock within. thickness. There is much more in our little Blue book, that awaits our A solid is magnitude which has length, breadth and contemplation, within its facts, legend and mythistory. Let thickness. there be Light. When one considers putting some of the pieces together Tall Cedars install

n November 17 Hudson Valley Forest 215 Oconducted the Royal Court Degree live and Initiated five historic new members. They also had elections and installation of officers. The Youth Groups supported the Forest by participating in the installation. Grand Worthy Advisor of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, Miss Melanie Corona, invested Dan Elliott, the new Grand Tall, with his jewel of office. The State Director of the Organization of Triangles, Mrs. Kristina Turri, invested Brother Elliott with his pyramid. State Master Councilor for DeMolay, Mr. Sam Levin, presented Brother Elliott with his gavel. Congratulations go to all the new officers for the 2019 year.

18 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 MYC supports Camp

he summer activities at Camp Turk were awesome, as the first 472 acres in 1923. From 1924 through 1930 the always. The Masonic Yacht Club sponsors a sailing regatta Trustees purchased many adjacent properties. The site began Tfor the boys and the girls and we always go to camp to present as a home for orphans in 1925. In 1958 a Grand Lodge Youth trophies. All the participants receive a trophy, while the first, Committee established a two-week summer camp for boys at second and third place teams receive a larger trophy. Round Lake. In 1976 Grand Master Nathan Turk expanded The boys had great weather for their race, including wind. the program to include children and grandchildren of Masons, It is a fun day and the good-natured competition begins members of DeMolay, Rainbow, Triangle and Constellation. during lunch. We hold up a trophy and taunt the campers. The facility is named Camp Turk in honor of GM Nathan When the children assemble down on the waterfront, the real Turk. competition begins. If you are near Camp Turk on regatta days This is a wonderful camp and the Masonic Yacht Club has a you should stay and watch the races. great working relationship with Camp Turk. Plan to visit and The Masonic Yacht Club is a great supporter of Camp Turk, see the camp firsthand. If you have a family member between our quiet gem in the Adirondack Mountains. Not far from the ages of eight and sixteen, let them know about this camp. Boonville, near Old Forge, lie 1600 acres of pristine land in And when your Blue Lodges, Fellowcraft Clubs or Sister the Adirondack Park Preserve. The camp is in Woodgate on Circles are deciding what charitable endeavors to support, Round Lake and offers over thirty-two supervised activities. please remember Camp Turk. A wish list on the Camp Turk website advises about the cost of individual items. Your dollars Camp Turk was transformed from a dairy and potato farm. help to keep the cost of this camp at a very affordable level. The Trustees of the Masonic Home and Asylum Fund acquired

Masonic Yacht Club helps feed the needy

he Masonic Yacht Club takes number of Brothers, Sisters and friends Many selfless individuals gave not pleasure in charitable work. In met at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran only their time but also food and Taddition to its support of youth, the Church in Wyandanch to make up monetary donations. In addition, the Masonic Yacht Club continued its dinner boxes for each family. The boxes MYC also donated four bicycles to the tradition of bringing joy to those less were stuffed with everything, including church to be given to those most needy, fortunate by providing Thanksgiving the turkey, to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast under the guidance of the Pastor. dinner to twenty-five families. Under from soup to nuts. the organization of RW Bob Stein, a

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 19 Masonic Care Community RW G. stephen getman President Board of Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home 315/894-5692 [email protected]

he year 2018 was an eventful one. We celebrated 125 years local colleges and organizations such as Cornell Cooperative of caring for people at the Masonic Care Community in Extension. The original vision was to provide to our residents TUtica. Grand Master Williamson helped us unveil our history and childcare students the benefits of gardening year-round. timeline in the main hallway of the MCC Health Pavilion That vision is expanding to include farmers’ markets, master in February. Grand Master Sardone celebrated with us at the gardening classes and social event space. Our thanks go to Gala in May, which helped raise more than $400,000 to be Grand Master Sardone. used towards an innovative new unit in the Rehabilitation This summer we expect to start construction of individual Department. Construction of this unit is nearly complete, cottages. This is a type of housing which is not yet available with a dedication expected in mid-March. on our campus. It will be market-rate housing. The first eight In May the Central New York Medical Society and Genesis cottages will be built across the pond from the Acacia Village Group honored the Masonic Care Community with a place in dining room. Major renovations will be made to most of the the Hall of Distinction. During the summer MCC received common areas at Acacia Village. recognition as the Best of the Best from the Utica Observer At the same time we will begin construction of another Dispatch. It also received the Health Care Facility Excellence type of housing which will provide more-affordable housing Award from the CNY Business Journal. on campus. These will be one-story buildings with five or six Work on an updated Master Plan for the Utica campus one-bedroom apartments for individuals who are able to live continued throughout the year and is nearing completion. independently. Although there will be some ability to prepare Preparation has already started for the construction envisioned food in each apartment, there will be a single, large kitchen in the new plan. Relocation of gas and communication lines and a large living area for use by apartment residents. In places is underway. Engineering and environmental studies are where this model has worked well, there is a well-developed ongoing. selection process with input from existing residents so that An exciting addition to the Master Plan is Grand Master those in the same building get along well. William Sardone’s Greenhouse Project. The original concept The search for property in other areas of New York State of a simple greenhouse generated so many ideas about ways has continued. As I write this article, we are in the final stages this project can benefit the campus that the architects are now of purchasing a substantial property in Western New York, labeling the building a Horticultural Center. The building will which would be large enough to build a small community include a traditional greenhouse and an aeroponics greenhouse with several types of housing and a Masonic/Community tied into an existing building which will be converted to Center. Masonic Lodges would be able to use the center in a classroom, office and event space. Discussions have begun with Continues on page 21

Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home (l-r) RW Nathan Lipper, RW Kurt Ott, RW G. Stephen Getman, RW Keith Heinrich, RW Joe Saglimbene, RW David Spencer, RW Mike Morris, RW Mike Siegel and RW Chris Hough 20 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Masonic Care Community RW Rob Raffle Executive Director Masonic Care Community of New York 315/798-4882 [email protected]

n every issue of the Empire State Magazine we keep you Community several years ago to reflect changes in our care Iupdated on the exciting things happening at your Masonic model. Care Community. In this issue Board President Steve Getman Connections happen at Masonic Care Community. A Bible will update us on several campus projects planned for the study group, a swim in the Acacia Village pool, a game of cards Masonic Care Community, including a greenhouse. in the atrium all create relationships and form community. Perhaps you are curious about the reasoning behind our Residents share their stories and watch out for one another. choices for development. Why do we raise money to fund The MCC lifestyle and culture creates a positive environment a greenhouse, an art program, entertainment and other with abundant opportunities for meaningful engagement. specialized activities? The answer is clear: we embrace the Residents have the opportunity to enjoy dining out, shopping concept of “purposeful living.” We want all of our residents, or attending concerts. regardless of their abilities, to be able to engage in activities, I invite you to visit our Utica campus and talk with our events and relationships that allow them to live their lives to residents and staff. Observe our residents enjoying the fish in the fullest. the Wintergarden, gardening, reading a book by the fireplace, Masonic Care Community was a new endeavor for the painting, bowling or having a snack and visiting with a Fraternity and it was created with a vision. The intention was neighbor. Indeed, Masonic Care Community offers many to create something positive: a place where a Brother, his wife, varied amenities but it is our culture and lifestyle that set us widow or orphan could find comfort, care and purpose. Many apart. Learn more about what Masonic Care Community has changes have taken place over time but our mission remains to offer; share in our passion for purposeful living. the same. In fact, Masonic Home was renamed Masonic Care

Continued from page 20 – MCC RW Getman way similar to the fraternal use of Masonic Hall in New York The Trustees try to manage these diverse properties in a way City. that will make you proud to be a part of the ownership as New The economic engine which makes all this possible is York Freemasons. In addition to our regular meetings, which Masonic Hall in New York City. The scope and amount of are at least monthly, each Trustee has committee and liaison work which goes into managing and maintaining this complex responsibilities. Some committees such as Masonic Hall meet of buildings falls to the Masonic Hall Committee and will be weekly. The current Trustees and those who have gone before the subject of a separate article in the future. us are fortunate to have superb professional staff who operate these properties. As a Board we have responsibility to provide Formed by the New York State Legislature on April 1, policy, oversight and the long-term vision. 1864, the Trustees of the Masonic Hall & Asylum Fund are responsible for Masonic Hall in New York City, the I cannot express in words how proud I am of the work done Masonic Care Community in Utica, the 1600-acre property by the eight Trustees pictured with me here. We come from surrounding Round Lake in the Adirondack Park used each different areas of New York State. We have different skill sets summer to host Camp Turk and the George Washington and different Masonic backgrounds. We have been nominated Historical Site at Tappan. The responsibilities include by three different Grand Masters. We have different opinions overseeing everything from a 320-bed skilled nursing facility about things ranging from the use of geothermal energy in with extensive rehabilitation services to independent living Utica to air rights and security at Masonic Hall. This group apartments to childcare to a residential summer program for devotes incredible time and talent in working through the hundreds of youth to a site on the National Historic Register. issues which face us and coming together to move forward. In The financial responsibilities include managing a large spite of our differences, the nine of us are united in carrying investment portfolio and commercial and fraternal rentals in out our responsibilities and convincing the world at large of the very competitive Manhattan market. the good effects of New York Freemasonry.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 21 Masonic Care Community victoria cataldo Director of Development Masonic Care Community 315/798-4703 [email protected] Partners in Philanthropy

he year 2018 marked a wonderful anniversary for child care and senior housing facilities. Having the ability to the campus of the Masonic Care Community. provide a farm-to-table setting in some of our kitchens will TWe celebrated our 125th anniversary by honoring the history make us one of the most unique in the industry. and philanthropic efforts that have allowed MCC to continue One of our newest gift vehicles provides the opportunity its mission since 1893: “To support, nurture, and educate for you to help ensure we meet these goals and fulfill the those whose lives we touch by providing exceptional care and promise of tomorrow for this campus. Our Charitable Gift services with compassion and pride guided by the Masonic Annuity program is a simple way to generate income for you Principles of Brotherly Love, Truth, and Integrity.” and support our long-term objectives. MCC provides the As we kick off our 126th year the plans for expansion and maximum payout rates suggested by the American Council on implementation of innovative ideas for our campus are Gift Annuities. If you would like to support our philanthropic incredibly exciting. We can only accomplish these goals with efforts and ensure the future of the Masonic Care Community you as our partners in philanthropy. The addition of the for the next 125 years by becoming part of our CGA program, greenhouse and expanded intergenerational programming contact me at [email protected] or 315/798-4703. opportunities are sure to bring smiles to those in both our

The Masonic Care Community Charitable Gift Annuity The Gift That Gives Back PROVIDING LIFETIME RETIREMENT INCOME If you have always considered making a gift to the Masonic Care Community but held off because you wanted to ensure that you had enough money for retirement, then the Charitable Gift Annuity is the answer. HOW IT WORKS Make a gift of $10,000 or more and receive a significant Gift Annuity Rates charitable deduction in the current year. In exchange, Your Age Annual our partner, The Community Foundation of Oneida and Today Return Herkimer Counties provides you with fixed rate annuity payments for life. A portion of each payment is also tax- free. When the annuity matures, the remaining principal 65...... 4.7% is used to benefit the Masonic Care Community. 70...... 5.1% 75...... 5.8% FIND OUT MORE 80...... 6.8% Visit our website at http://mccny.com/gift-planning or 85...... 7.8% call Vicki Cataldo at 315-798-4703. 90+...... 9.0%

22 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Masonic Care Community kathy contino-turner Director of Communications and Marketing Masonic Care Community 315/798-4768 [email protected] Gearing up for Spring

he Masonic Care Community is gearing up for a very which falls on the fourth weekend in June. We hope that all busy year and we hope you will join us for some if not New York State Masons save the date for this annual event. Tall of the events planned in the next several months. As this Watch for all the activities at www.mccny.com/events or call magazine arrives we are just entering March (as I write this me at 315/798-4768 for all the details. article, it’s just after Christmas and I am hoping the winter Join us to kick off the weekend on Thursday, June 20 for a won’t be too rough). The month of March will be very busy, free concert featuring the BBC in front of the Administration with the dedication of our new rehabilitation center addition Building. Bring your lawn chairs, bring a picnic lunch or buy on Friday, March 15. This project was funded by the Central th food from one of our food trucks. There will be dancing in New York community with proceeds raised at the 125 Gala the streets. held last May. On Friday, MCC will host a fabulous picnic for Masons On that March weekend the District Deputies will be on and their families, complete with fireworks at dusk. This was a campus with Grand Master Sardone. On Saturday, March 16 great family event in 2018, and so many of our Brothers have we will dedicate the cornerstone of the new greenhouse, which told us they are looking forward to 2019. is the charity of choice of the Grand Master. Three days later, on Tuesday, March 19, we will produce a special “Web-A- On Saturday, your District, Lodge or even individual Thon,” a telethon over the Internet to talk about and support Brothers are invited to set up a 10 by 10 tent on the Great our Masonic Charities. Check out the Grand Master’s message Lawn. Setup is between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and you can offer in this edition of ESM for all the details. This event is a first for information, or sell items (no food, please). This is a great New York State Masonry. Let’s make it a success. way to see what your Brothers in other Districts are doing. Again, as I write this article the planning for St. During the spring the campus will begin to see a variety John’s Day continues so check the web address above for of construction, from the refurbishing of the Acacia Village all the latest information. You can also call my office at Community Center to the construction of the greenhouse. 315/798-4768 and we will be happy to fill you in. There is a There are other improvements planned for campus that will lot of activity at the Masonic Care Community and we urge begin in 2019. I urge you to read the article submitted by you to Follow us on Instagram and Like us on Facebook to the President of the Board of Trustees, RW Steve Getman for see everything that makes MCC a home. those details. The next big event for our Utica Campus is St. John’s Day,

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 23 JOIN US FOR A SUMMER OF FUN, ADVENTURE, & FRIENDSHIP!

Boys Session- 6/30-7/20 Girls Session- 7/21-8/10

$525 PER WEEK *Scholarships are available*

1, 2, or 3 WEEK OPTIONS AVAILABLE.

For more info: (315) 392-2081 or email [email protected] Website: www.campturk.org 24 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 25 26 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Masonic Care Community MYRON THURSTON Fraternal Relations and Major Gifts 315/798-4991 [email protected]

have had the opportunity to meet with several of our Brothers throughout the state over the last several months. IThank you so much for welcoming me into your Lodges and Districts. We have shared information about the Masonic Care Community and the Grand Master’s Project in District Deputy Grand Master Official Visits and I have been everywhere from Albany at Ancient Temple Lodge to Medford Square Club.

Medford Square Club (l-r) RW Al Veryssel, RW Jack Ozer, and Brother Myron Thurston

angle of my work. We can share the scope of our philanthropy with potential new candidates at Brother Bring a Friend Nights, we can reaffirm the impact of our generosity at Move-Up Nights or District wide events, and we can provide additional information to our Brothers at DDGM Visitations. I look Ancient Temple Lodge RW G. Stephen Getman and W Michael Della Valle forward to meeting as many of our Brothers around the state as possible. Please contact me at either thurstonm@mccny. We have also had visitors here at the Masonic Care com or 315/798-4991. Community from Orange Rockland Sullivan District and Mid-Hudson District to deliver Christmas presents to our residents. The smiles on faces when they receive their gifts says it all. Our Grand Master has been on campus to present a sixty- year apron to W Edward Boylan. This was the first-ever Official Visit from a sitting Grand Master to deliver the Grand Master’s Message at Infinity Lodge 00. I am so excited about this opportunity to share information about the Masonic Care Community with our brethren throughout the state in 2019. My goal is to visit every District Sixty-Year Apron Presented and I hope that you will help me with that if it is within the (l-r) RW Carl Klossner; Brother John Boylan, sixty-year member, length of your cable tow. Let me know if you have Masonic MCC resident and Past Master of North Woods Lodge 849; events coming up that would be appropriate for me to speak Grand Master William M. Sardone; and at and I will do my very best to fit them within the square and W Theodore Riehle, current Master of North Woods Lodge 849.

Keeping our Promise… Since 1893 he Masonic Care Community has been taking care of distressed Master Masons, their wives, widows, and orphans since our opening 126 years ago. Due to your generosity we have been able to provide exceptional care and an unparalleled Tquality of life for those who call our campus home. The 1893 Society was created to recognize those who provide $500 or more annually with their philanthropic support. Your gift of $41.66 per month will go directly to help us continue our promise to the Craft. For more information on this program please contact Myron Thurston III, Fraternal Relations and Major Gifts Associate, at 315/798-4991 or [email protected].

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 27 Acacia Village linda rae avolio Senior Living Community Relations Acacia Village 315/798-4775 [email protected] Masonic Vets Honored in D.C.

e are very proud of our veterans at Acacia Village. On September 29, 2018 four AcaciaW Village residents: Brother Tony Poccia, a Marine and veteran of the Korean War; Brother George Elwood a Navy veteran; Brother Joe Gacek, a Seabee; and Harold Greiner, a Captain of a U.S. submarine in WWII, participated in Honor Flight Syracuse Mission 12. The four left from the Syracuse Hancock International Airport with seventy-five other veterans. Acacia Village residents Brother John Popeo, Charlie Sandwith, Bob Voelcker and Arthur Miller were honored on earlier missions. The day started extremely early as Joe, Tony and Harold were picked up by Activities Coordinator Chris Hoffman here at Acacia Village at 3:30 a.m. George was already in Acacia Village residents George Elwood, Tony Poccia, Syracuse with his son Charlie, who was his Joe Gacek and Harold Greiner arrive in guardian for the trip and needed to be there for Washington, D.C. for their mission. a special orientation the day before. Arriving at the airport each veteran met his guardian/ Village residents. chaperone for the day. Check-in at the airport began at The Korean Memorial was next on their list. Brother Tony 4:30 a.m. The veterans are given a red shirt to wear and the Poccia, who served in Korea, was impressed by the nineteen guardians are clad in yellow. They are given their ID/Boarding stainless steel statues that represent a platoon on patrol. The Passes and have to go through security for the first and only statues stand in patches of juniper bushes and are separated by time of the day. polished granite strips, which give a semblance of order and Before boarding the plane the vets are surprised to see symbolize the rice paddies of Korea. that there is a large welcoming committee. Many are from The events of the day were advanced with military precision. LeMoyne College, already saluting them and thanking them A visit to the Vietnam Memorial was followed by the Changing for their service. Once in the air they are encouraged to talk to of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. At 1:00 p.m. their comrades and make the most of their memories. they paid respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which The view from the sky as they descend upon the capital is has been guarded around the clock since 1937, regardless of breathtaking. It’s a gorgeous day and 72 degrees when the the weather. plane lands in Washington D.C. at 7:45 a.m. Red, white Acacia Village resident Tony Poccia says he got the most and blue water cascades from fire engines on each side of the emotional when they arrived at the Marine Corp War aircraft. As they deplane there is a large crowd with welcome Memorial. He remembers being there as a Marine when the signs and a big band playing such wartime favorites as “Over monument was dedicated in 1953 by then-Vice President There.” They then board one of four buses and will see eleven Nixon. Even though it has been sixty-five years, he still gets of the Washington memorials. Each bus has two nurses on choked up thinking about those Marines who raised the flag board as an extra safeguard in case of emergency. on Iwo Jima. While at the monument a youngster saluted him The first stop is at the WWII memorial at 9:30 a.m. When and said, “When I get big I want to be a Marine just like you.” they arrive there, an official asks the group to point out the It melted his heart. oldest WWII veteran. It was our own Joe Gacek, who was At 3:15 p.m. they are at the Air Force Memorial just as ninety at the time. They gave Joe a flag to carry for the “Taps” is being played. The guys tell me that throughout the remainder of the day. It was a flag that was flown during the day they were overwhelmed with the gratitude and respect invasion of Normandy. They spent about an hour and half at that they were given. Hundreds of people recognized them by the memorial and before they left they took a photo of the their red veteran’s shirts and personally thanked them. eleven WWII veterans on the trip, three of whom were Acacia 28 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 What a whirlwind day! At 4:15 p.m. they were back at Reagan National, bound for their trip home and they were again greeted by well-wishers. While traveling home at 5:45 p.m. they were astounded by mail call. Each veteran received piles of mail from grateful citizens, including young children and college students. Many also received proclamations from area dignitaries. At 6:30 p.m. they landed at Hancock International, as a water-cannon salute greeted the returning flight of veterans and guardians. However, the trip wasn’t over yet. It was now time for the welcome-home parade, complete with bagpipers playing the military anthems. A group of quilters presented each veteran with a lovely handmade red, white and blue quilt. At 8:15 p.m. they are dismissed after being properly honored for their sacrifices and their stories. It has been a long trip but one that they will cherish forever. You can view an hour-long special, “Honor Flight: One More Tour” by going to www.wcny/honorflight. Across America we lose nearly 1,000 World War II and Korean War veterans a day. Time is running out to thank the Greatest Generation.

Tony is pleased to meet a future Marine

Forest Lodge Christmas

orest Lodge 166 in Fredonia recently celebrated the holidays with a festive Christmas party. More than sixty Masons, Ffamily members and friends attended. One of the highlights was a visit by Santa Claus, who brought presents for all of the children. He also presented a check from the District Deputy to the Brotherhood Fund Chairman for $300 for the Grand Master’s Greenhouse fund. The monies derived from sales of pins across the Chautauqua District.

Frewsburg Student of the Month

rewsburg Central School recently named its Student of the Month for November. The Carroll FMasonic Lodge sponsors an award for the honoree. It consists of a certificate and a gift card. Students are selected for character, leadership and responsibility, while creating a positive school environment.

(l-r) Brother Randy Sitler, Carroll Lodge; Matt Thompson and Shannonn Estus

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 29 Masonic Youth Committee RW Cary S. Cohn Chairman 516/781-1157 [email protected]

District presents Scouter Award

he Daniel Beard Masonic Scouter Award was presented the Ninth Manhattan District. RW Jose Capella handled the Tto Brother Joseph Lattanzi of Von Mensch Lodge 765, of honors. Cherry Creek presents two Beard awards n Open Lodge ceremony was held on December 3 at when their own leaders are unavailable. For over three years Cherry Creek Lodge 384 to award two deserving Brothers he has chaired a District Roundtable, keeping scouting on the theA Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. With the forefront of the minds of adults and youth in the District, and ceremony led by Chautauqua District Staff Officer, RW keeping it alive and well. Daniel Terhune (past recipient of the DCBMSA), and District Deputy Grand Master, RW Richard Newton, the certificates and medals were given to two very surprised Brothers: Francis Heath and Brian Himes. A crowd of more than forty Lodge members, family and friends, including about ten Cub and Boy Scouts was on hand to witness the occasion. From their application biographies, Brother Francis Heath started scouting in the 1960s and staffed Wolf Creek Camp. He returned to scouting in the mid-80s when his son became a scout, and worked as Assistant Cub and Scout Master. He stepped back when his son reached Eagle Scout in ‘96, but returned after retirement in 2000 to fill a vacancy at the District Leadership Level. He continues to serve various District and Council volunteer positions. Brother Brian Himes was a Boy Scout under VW Lawrence Hardy (another DCBMSA recipient), and obtained the rank of Life. Brother Himes took over as Scoutmaster from his mentor Row 2 (l-r) Brothers Frank Gugino and Alex Stalker, in 2006. He has since been instrumental in leading and starting W David Stalker, Brother Bruce White, RW Jerry Park, new Troops in the area as well as keeping struggling Troops Brother David Caughel Row 1 (l-r) RW Daniel Terhune, Brothers Francis Heath and going. He has also been called on to take extra Scouts camping Brian Himes, RW Richard Newton 30 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 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 Kristina Turri Bruce Hazard Office 315/798-4922 Supreme Inspector in NY State Director 35 Maple Street Executive Officer Fax 214/446-6537 Auburn New York 13021 Email: [email protected] Website: NYDemolay.org Phone: 315/253-8206 Website: www.ootny.org : Facebook.com/NYDemolay e-mail:[email protected] : facebook.com/OOTNY Website: www.nyiorg.org : Twitter.com/NYDeMolay : facebook.com/NY Rainbow : NYDeMolay Royal Day for DeMolay

ew York DeMolay continues to move forward. A special These classes are well received and will continue. In the induction class of new members was held in honor of year 2020 there will be two Grand Master of Masons Classes: NME and Dad Allan Bryant, Grand High Priest of the Grand one in the northern part of the Jurisdiction and one in the Chapter of NY Royal Arch Masons, at Queensbury Lodge, southern part. Senior DeMolays are already planning on how Queensbury, NY. DeMolays assembled from all over New to support them. York State to conduct two full Degrees and start new members on their DeMolay journey. Masons rock Food Drive rothers of Connetquot Lodge 838 in Sayville pose with a portion of the food donated by the brethren for their BReverse Advent Calendar Christmas Food Drive. This effort continues Connetquout’s ongoing commitment to local food pantries. Their recent Thanksgiving Food Drive collected thirty-five turkeys and twenty-five complete Thanksgiving meal baskets. The Lodge donated these to several local churches and needy veterans. Throughout the year the Lodge also collects food for the Sayville Food Pantry. (l-r) W Terry Maccarrone, RW Richard Frenz and Brothers John Donato, Alex Winters, Bill Rosskamp, Julio Chea and Byron Murtha THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 31

Bronx District Celebrates 100 Years

n November 25 more than two hundred and fifty Masonic friends and family gathered at the Marina Del ORey for the Bronx Masonic District’s annual Charity Ball. The event marked the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Bronx District. In 1918 the reorganization of the Grand Lodge of New York led to newly formed Districts. For over 100 years the Bronx District has continuously carried on the Masonic work of service and brotherhood. The celebration included remarks from the Most Worshipful Grand Master, William M. Sardone. In a memorable moment of support for the Bronx District, the Grand Master revealed, in Superman style, a Bronx Masonic T-shirt beneath his Grand Line sports jacket. The Bronx Masonic Charities presented the Grand Master with a donation in support of his Greenhouse initiative for the Masonic Care Community. The Bronx Masonic District also celebrated the event by recognizing the Right Worshipful Louis H. Juers with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition included remarks on his distinguished Masonic career and citations of achievement from the Grand Master and from New York City Councilman, Mark Gjonaj.

32 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 From the Webmaster Brother KENNETH JP STUCZYNSKI Webmaster NYMasons.org 716/241-1329 [email protected]

eamwork. How do you take a diverse group of volunteers understand the combustion engine. It’s natural to avoid what and their ideas and develop a comprehensive plan? How we don’t understand. But it handicaps or even prevents us Tdo you execute that plan with so many gaps in the buy-in from from doing what we need to accomplish. others? I suppose that is what leadership is for. I don’t claim to This brings us to the other half of the equation, and a solution have mastered such a thing. I just know I have a long way to if we take it. Communication is everybody’s responsibility. It is go, and that many others are in the same boat. the leadership, not the people who handle the infrastructure, But I know what we can do. We can communicate better. who are in a position to disseminate and educate about what We can share information to make informed decisions to is available. Every Brother can make a note and share what is build consensus. going on at every level of the Craft. Webmasters can work to Effective sharing—the dissemination of knowledge and provide the means but are not the ones who should be driving resources—may require particular individuals to set up places the car. Someone must take the wheel and others must be to store information. This can be the anything from a public invited to ride. website or Social Media channel to a private cloud of folders Every Lodge and committee would see an immediate benefit and files available on a need-to-know basis. Some are still if we learned to share information in a way that doesn’t become struggling to find out where to get paper forms or directories, background noise. There are Masons who have been in the not knowing they can be downloaded or emailed to them. This Fraternity for decades who don’t know about things published sounds easy enough for webmasters and the technology people in every edition of this magazine and promoted every year by in Grand Lodge, but it is not for one reason: We “techie” types their DDGM. I don’t have a technology solution for that. I work in a bubble others have put us in. only have a human one, and that is that we must all lead each I see this in my professional web-development experience other by the hand when we discover a gap in our knowledge. as well. People want to “fire and forget” anything to do We must know where to find the information and how to with technology. They subconsciously outsource their own share it efficiently. To best work and best agree, we all must responsibility regarding such things on the grounds they don’t bridge the gap between those who manage the information understand how it works. It must be “our” job. I’m sure at and those who need it. one time people were afraid to drive cars because they didn’t

Corrobis Pinned

n November 15 at Roswell Lodge 165, Grand Lodge of , Brother Steve OCorrobis was presented his Grand Lodge lapel pin as District Webmaster of the former Orange-Rockland District, GLNY.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 33 Masonic Medical Research INSTITUTE RW ALVARO QUIROGA President MMRI Board of Directors 917/833-9340 [email protected] Exciting year at MMRI

n 2018 the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) make a change and begin working at MMRI. Her first day celebrated its sixtieth anniversary. It also saw many exciting at MMRI was October 31; she can be reached at vaugusta@ Ichanges, including the completion of phase one renovations mmri.edu and 315/624-7492. of the second and third floor laboratories, and many new faces joining the Institute. In her first year on the job, Dr. The MMRI was also honored to be chosen by the Order Kontaridis brought seventeen new researchers on board — of the Eastern Star (OES) as their Special Project for 2018- and two administrators — with two more scientists starting 2019. Most Worthy Grand Matron Susanne Peckham and in the new year. Most Worthy Grand Patron Philip Trautman announced their support of Dr. Maria Kontaridis, Director of Research Currents, the MMRI newsletter, has highlighted the work at MMRI, and her work on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus of several of the new faculty, including Jason McCarthy, (SLE) at their Annual Communication on October 13 in Ph.D., Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, Binghamton. and Scientific Operations Manager; Zhiqiang Lin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor; and Chase Kessinger, Ph.D., Instructor of Lupus is a chronic and complex autoimmune disease. It can Cardiovascular Medicine. affect multiple organs in the body including the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels, causing widespread Another major addition to MMRI was Virginia Augusta, inflammation and tissue damage. Currently, there is no cure Ph.D., who will be the new Director of Major Gifts and for SLE. The condition predominantly affects women; one Strategic Initiatives. She comes to MMRI from the University man for every nine women is diagnosed with the disease. of Oxford, where she served as the Principal Gift Officer in the North American Office for the last three years. In that role she Unfortunately, Dr. Kontaridis was out of the country was responsible for building relationships with and securing presenting at a conference but she was able to deliver remarks large gifts from high-net-worth individuals in support of the to the OES attendees by video. “Lupus has always been very university’s highest priorities. close to my heart,” said Kontaridis. “In 1986 my mother was diagnosed with SLE. She suffered from the disease for twenty- Ms. Augusta has been working in higher education three years. In 2009 she passed away from complications fundraising since 2006, when she was the Associate Director from the illness and that, ironically enough, was the same for the Annual Funds at the Johnson School at Cornell year I realized that my research on SHP2 (protein tyrosine University. Since then she has continued her work in phosphatase), something I had been working on for over higher education at Cornell University, George Washington twenty years, was connected to SLE. I have been working on University and most recently at the Oxford North American SLE ever since.” Office. At each university she was instrumental not only in soliciting significant gifts, but also developing strategies and As busy and exciting as 2018 was, 2019 promises to bring infrastructures to most efficiently identify and qualify new even more good news. Please take a moment to connect with prospects. us by going to our new website: mmri.edu and signing up for our newsletter. Consider connecting with us on social media Among the many things that interested Virginia about so you can stay up to date with all of the news coming out of MMRI, one stood out: the fact that her grandfather was a MMRI. Mason in Surrey, England. Ms. Augusta is very excited to

34 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Awards Committee RW GEORGE R. WACOB Chairman 613/838-7508 (C) [email protected]

Committee Ratifies 52 DSAs

he Awards Committee received a total of fifty-seven recommendations for the TDedicated Service Award for the year of 2019. Twenty-two were received from the Metro Region, eleven were received from the Hudson- Champlain Region, thirteen were received from the Mid-State Region and seventeen were received from the Western Region. Fifty- two nominees were ratified, twenty-eight of whom are Past Masters. None was rejected for not meeting the criteria for the DSA Award. Four were held over due to District allotment restrictions. One was rejected due to being held over for the second year for District allotment restrictions and must submit a new recommendation. All recipients and their Lodge Secretary were notified in January by the Grand Secretary. The DDGMs were notified of the recipients in their District by the committee. The Lodge Secretaries were notified of those that were held over by the committee. The committee will be accepting 2020 DSA Recommendation Forms in September, 2019. Letters and 2020 forms will be sent out to Lodge Secretaries in late August 2019. Please note the Awards Committee’s webpage on The DSA Chest Medallion was a great success and will the Grand Lodge website: http://nymasons.org/2016/ continue to be included in the DSA package purchased through committees-departments-programs/awards-committee/. This Lodge Services. The DSA Chest Medallion is available for Past page will give you information, requirements and forms for DSA recipients for the purchase price of $20, plus tax and the various awards. shipping. The medallion must be ordered through the Lodge Secretary. I would like to thank the Awards Committee team for the time and efforts they put into examining all of the The Community Service Awards (DeWitt Clinton, Jacob recommendations and fairly determining who will receive the Morton, and Grand Lodge Certificate of Excellence in Service awards. In the Metropolitan Region they are: RW Gregory to the Community) have no cutoff date and will be processed Noulas and RW Joseph T. Entler; for Mid-State Region: RW as they are received. This year the committee approved eight Thomas L. Jenison and W Alfred W. Fergerson; the Hudson- DeWitt Clinton Awards and one Jacob Morton Award. There Champlain Region: RW Charles E. Knapp Jr. and RW Robert were no GL Certificates of Excellence. The Lodge Secretary L. Hogan Jr.; and in the Western Region: RW William H. and DDGM will be notified within a short period if a nominee has been approved to receive one of these awards. Greene and RW Douglas D. Airth.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 35

Party at Grand Lodge

Worshipful Masters of the Seventh Manhattan District (l-r) W Uri Davidov, W Harvey Reibel, W William Carter, W Joshua Knapp, W Robert Parry

n December 12 Arcana Lodge 246 held a Holiday Party at the Grand OLodge Building, in New York City. Five of the Lodges of the Seventh Manhattan District gathered for the celebration. This was the first time that anyone can recall that the Lodges came together for such an event. In all, there were eighty Brothers and guests in attendance. By all accounts, all had a great time and are looking forward to next year’s party.

(l-r) RW Steven Adam Rubin, Grand Treasurer; W Harvey Reibel, Master of Arcana Lodge 246; RW Ernest L. Hudson, Jr., DDGM of the Seventh Manhattan District

The Ladies

36 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Grand Chapter 2019 RW Jason P. Sheridan, Grand Cinematographer and Grand Principal Sojourner

Grand Chapter Grand Line and leaders of the 17 Capitular Districts throughout New York State

rand Chapter 2019 District Deputy Grand High Priests The DDGHPs and AGLs were also joined by the upcoming and Capitular Assistant Grand Lecturers from all over Grand Line of Grand Chapter and met in the Royal Arch GNew York State converged at Utica, New York on December Wing of the Masonic Medical Research Institute. The MMRI 1, 2018. Here they received instruction and guidance for the has long been a focus of charity for the Royal Arch Medical upcoming Capitular Year from the Grand King of Grand Research Foundation, Inc. The Grand Chapter paid for the Chapter, Right Excellence Paul Huck, who is expected to be construction of the two-floor Royal Arch Medical Research elected Grand High Priest in March 2019. Paul Huck also Wing. Over many past decades RAM has donated over happens to be the Judge Advocate of the Grand Lodge. $5,000,000 to further medical research.

It must be a sign! istrict Deputy Grand Master RW in the Bronx paved the way for this So, when you head along City Island Raymond Vargas joined with recognition. Congratulations go to the Avenue in the Bronx, make a right at DPast Grand Treasurer RW Louis Juers Bronx District. They are out in the FREEMASON WAY. You will be happy and dozens of members as Council community and seen by all as good you did. Member for District 13, Mark Gjonaj, men, Masons and families.

Look, up in the sky. It’s…it’s…yes, it’s a Masonic Sign. RW Raymond Vargas, FREEMASON WAY as officially unveiled on a chilly December day, District Deputy Grand Master but all was warmed up when this sign was made public. 37 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Package Deal t was a busy day at Grand Lodge as Operation Masonic Care Package, sponsored by Joseph Warren-Gothic ILodge 934, got underway. Junior Grand Warden Oscar Alleyne, Senior Grand Deacon David Menegon and the Brothers prepared care packages and holiday greetings for our service members of the 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion. RW David Menegon, combat veteran of Iraq, said “I know what it means to get some of the basic essentials: shaving cream, a new razor and a new pair of socks. The items are sorely needed but being remembered goes a long way.” More than 250 packages were assembled and shipped. This effort is just one of numerous supporting events that are being accomplished. Sponsors include Lodges, Districts, our Masonic War Veterans and our Military Outreach Program. Thanks go to all.

Brother completes first round of inquiry

Charles N. Bennett of Ransomville Lodge 551 proved himself a diligent pursuerW of light. In recognition for accomplishing the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Library seventeen course reading program, he received his certificate and pin of completion from RW Richard J. Henderson, DDGM of the Niagara Orleans District.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 38 The Greenhouse

ou have been doing a great job raising funds for the Greenhouse at the Masonic Care Community. You haveY been selling pins, having fundraising events, etc. This has been going on for months and your hard work is coming to fruition. Lines are being dug to the location of the greenhouse as you read this. The plan is for the greenhouse to have radiant floor heating. Victoria Cataldo in our MCC Development Office has been reaching out to various organizations regarding programming for the space. There is interest from Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as various local colleges to get involved on the programming side of the project. As with all Masonic structures, we will have a Dedication of a Cornerstone on the site of the Greenhouse on March 16, 2019 at 2 p.m. in Utica, NY. The latest drafts have upped the overall potential for this greenhouse and as you read this article more options are being developed, to include a patio with bricks for naming. We have a long way to go but your excitement has moved this into the mainstream of attention. The benefits, from the elderly to the children to families to model-train layouts throughout, are growing. All this because of you. Thank you! MW William M. Sardone

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 39

District raises for Benevolence

n December 2 the Brothers of years to assist distressed Brothers of the Sword Bearer; and Right Worshipful the Imperial Saratoga-Warren- Saratoga-Warren-Washington District Jason Dzembo, District Deputy Grand OWashington District came together and their widows and families. In total, Master. for a first-of-its-kind fundraiser. The the Brothers raised $1450 for the fund. The evening concluded with a rousing Benevolence Fund Gala was a black-tie The District Deputy presented a check speech by Right Worshipful E. Oscar dinner held at Longfellow’s Restaurant for the final amount to Right Worshipful Alleyne, Junior Grand Warden, on the in Saratoga Springs. The cost of the David Townsend at his Official Visit on topic of change in Freemasonry. It was event was covered in its entirety by December 18. a fitting subject for this inaugural event. several of the Lodges in the District, Following a prime rib dinner, the Right Worshipful Alleyne will return to along with an anonymous donor. District team received the aprons Saratoga on February 9 for a public talk Brothers and their ladies were invited to and jewels of their office. Among the about African American and clandestine attend and to donate whatever amount honorees were Very Worshipful Keith Masonry in New York State. they wished. Becker, Very Worshipful Lance Wang All present had a wonderful time. All money raised was contributed to and Right Worshipful Alan Arnold Plans are already being discussed for a the District’s Benevolence Fund. This (Assistant Grand Lecturers); Right bigger and better event for next year. fund has been used over the last several Worshipful Lester Losaw, Grand

(l-r) RW Charlie Escher, District Committee Chairman; RW Lester Losaw, Grand Sword Bearer; RW Pasquale Imbimbo, DDGM 2014-2018; RW Jason E. Dzembo, DDGM 2018-2020; RW E. Oscar Alleyne, Junior Grand Warden; RW Alan Arnold, Assistant Grand Lecturer; VW Lance Wang, Assistant Grand Lecturer

40 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Years of Service

81 years 79 YEARS 78 years 77 years

0799 Oriskany 0107 North Star 0808 Guiding Light-Olympia 0581 Winfield 0093 Crossroads United Charles R. Williams Elliot Helfand Herbert V. Friedman Howard E. Turner Albert G. Schoeberlein 0524 Morning Star 76 years 75 years 74 years Gwynn K. Morey 0336 Medina 0223 Roman-Hatheway 0487 Normal 1111 West Seneca Donald B. Ross Franklyn E. Hubbard Charles H. Redmond Clarence Hopper Jr 0854 Archimede-Roma 0295 Cataract 1071 Potunk Albert Anzalone Elmer A. Lepard James S. Bachman

73 years

0128 Ogdensburgh-Acacian 0145 Mount Moriah 0224 Oriental-Faxton 0633 Richville 0818 Melrose Robert Denner James L. Shannon Samuel Lees Booth Wallace K. Hurlbut Gerald B. Jones

72 years

0013 Apollo-King Solomon’s 0168 Corning Painted Post 0425 Warrensburgh 0796 Dolgeville 0890 Joshua Clifford Henry Vickery Sheldon D. Clark Dennis H. Galloway Grant W. Phillips Malcolm S. Cohen 0084 Amsterdam 0223 Roman-Hatheway 0513 Massena 0818 Melrose David Rowe Carson A Thompson Kenneth K. Snavely Mourad K. Tarpinian Warren G. Fenton 0892 Queensboro 0093 Crossroads United 0241 Harmony 0599 Kennyetto 0839 Athelstane Joseph K. Muller Harold P. Naumann Jr Murray Seeman John K. Chapman Fred Kaplowitz 1185 Western Star 0112 Steuben 0297 Alexandria 0624 Sharon Springs 0855 William W. Swenson Donald E. Scott John A. Keeler Carleton France Paumanok-Port Washington 0120 Hamilton 0399 Maine 0711 Cornerstone James R. Wells Arnold R. Fisher John T. Thetga Belding F. Clearwater

71 Years

0087 Van Rensselaer 0350 0586 0758 Bay Ridge 0970 Johnson City Unity Gaylon L. Earle Chemung Valley-Waverly Advance Service Mizpah Frazer Stockley Erwin L. Harrington 0155 Fraternal John B. Vale Martin Frank Gerald Stockley 1175 Fellowship Gerald H. Dominy 0403 Balder-Greenpoint Emanuel H. Gottesman 0922 Amos-Fort Greene George R. Perrott 0634 Scotia 0256 Fort Brewerton Hratch Tashjian Morris Horowitz Paul C. May John Williamson Robertson

70 years

0033 Ark 0168 Corning Painted Post 0470 Cortlandville 0965 Geneva 1041 Brotherhood Raymond R. Smith Coral J. Ferguson Leland B. Taylor Richard Haag Kenneth Richard Blum 0137 Anglo-Saxon 0223 Roman-Hatheway 0501 Liverpool Syracuse 0970 Johnson City Unity Marcel Seidler George R. Johanson Michael Kainski Richard K. Heckathorn Alton L. Frisbie 1174 Schenectady 0155 Fraternal 0406 Humanity 0551 Ransomville 0981 Amherst Robert L. Johnson Rodney L. Wright Earl Buchanan Albert L. Rusk Carl L. Hagan 1175 Fellowship 0164 Philanthropic 0445 Cassia 0890 Joshua Richard E. Sullivan Irwin E. Brown Hugh D. Greenberg Harry L. Schick

65 years

0008 Holland 0013 Apollo-King Solomon’s 0040 Olive Branch 0063 Wantagh Morton 0112 Steuben Byam K. Stevens Merle H. Doud Clark Bruce Workman Theodore Loos Jr Warren A. Thompson

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 41

65 years continues

0120 Hamilton 224 Oriental-Faxton 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel 0785 Niagara River Lodge 1037 Victoria Sea Gate Peter A B Gardiner William W. Abraham William M. Kisbany Harold L. Fox Ezra Berkowitz 0138 Otsego Armand R. Burghard 0634 Scotia 0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill 1118 Lodge Of The David L. Lord Sr 358 Ancient Landmarks Bernard M. Schneider Laurin R. Blasier United Services 0145 Mount Moriah Donald Ralph 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star 0820 On Da Wa Leonard Nadel DDS Clayton D. Anderson Manweiler John N. Mcskimming Lawrence W. DeVoe 1180 Drumlin Square Ernest B. Tasseff 0155 Fraternal 0651 True Craftsman’s Frank M. Orminski Richard D. Jeffery 0394 Cobleskill Raymond L. Dominy Alexander S. Parks 0839 Athelstane 1186 Ken-Ton Harold J. Loder 0159 Pultneyville 0695 Alcyone Jack Sheldon Schreiber Irving S. Vogel 0439 Delaware River Gerald Verbridge Anthony H. Olivari Jr 0849 North Woods 1188 Renaissance Walter B. Gladstone 0161 Erie Parish United 0701 Beacon Light Robert C. Brussel Gerald R. Hanny 0481 Cambridge Valley Louis S. Kimmel Eric T. Hansen 0890 Joshua Elmer C. Dering 0200 Garoga-Sincerity 0750 Shakespeare Bernard M. Brownstein 0516 Park Nelson C. Gulvin Richard Turan 0922 Amos-Fort Greene John N. Kranenburg Lewis Robert Lash 0759 O-At-Ka Sheldon S. Leventhal 0548 Laurens 0203 Munn Walter Lindemuth 1034 Van Cortlandt Cyrus S. Mager George Henry Decker Thomas Ventrudo

60 years 0004 St. Patrick’s 0167 Tri-Town 0419 Arcade 0622 Central Square 0998 Nortrip Jack Elmer Taylor Thomas F. Prince Richard Allen John Richard Fuller James Richard Wagner 0006 St. George’s 0203 Munn Wiedemann 0647 1034 Van Cortlandt Duane Gordon George Asch 0432 Rhinebeck Aurora Grata-Day Star William L. Klueber Lighthall 0219 Summit Gerald G. Groves Martin H. Fleischer 1041 Brotherhood 0014 Ancient Temple Joseph T. Howson Jr 0438 Marathon 0712 Pelham Samuel D. Greenberg Alexander G. Jeoney 0224 Oriental-Faxton Carl W. Summers Stewart Schwadron 1057 Springfield Gardens Richard C. Loesch Harry E. Turner 0458 Shekomeko 0718 Adonai Edward W. 0044 Evening Star 0230 University Robert Bellizzi Robert Burton Mericle Middendorf Sr Todd W. Moore Theron A. Burdick 0471 Tompkins 0737 Guttenberg 1111 West Seneca 0047 Utica 0246 Arcana Alfred A. Debard Carl Lester Jenkins Jr Donald W. Johnson Joseph R. Varnak Morton Weinstein 0477 Wildwood 0739 Maimonides-Marshall 1138 0082 Phoebus Eggertsville-Grand Island 0284 America Richard L. Meldrim Howard J. Besthoff Stanley R. Rolen Harvey Ross 0479 Unity 0806 Matinecock William John Bagdy John Lloyd 0084 Amsterdam 0305 Dayle Owen Martin Albert W. Flower III 1154 Yorktown Donald E. Parry Fayetteville Central City William Wade Peterson 0863 Dunwoodie 0087 Van Rensselaer G.R. Russell Craig 0486 Goldenrule Bernard Koenig George A. Thiel Clermont McKinley 1185 Western Star Otto M. Shaut 0375 Niagara 0879 Charles W. Cushman Leland H. Turner Richard E. Hull Lawrence Nadler Darwin B. Horst Glenn A. Gibson 0095 Elmira 0506 Rising Light 1188 Renaissance 0403 Balder-Greenpoint 0902 Mount Masada-Galaxy Robert M. Ashendorf Richard Kolligian George E. Bibbins Irwin Herling Roger C. Ransom 0145 Mount Moriah Laurance R. MacDuffie Alton G. Tower 0404 Constellation Herbert S. Herling 0522 Skaneateles 1903 Fakhr Ud Deen No. 3 R Kenneth Bruner Robert P. Bennett 0916 Philadelphia 0153 Friendship Howard Charles Wood Joseph W. Spalding Theodore E. Leeson Elias Wadih Melki 0581 Winfield Thomas W. Hill 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic George R. Morrow Robert W. Klem Steven Snyder

55 years

0013 Apollo-King Solomon’s 0049 Watertown 0065 Morning Star 0066 Staten Island 0087 Van Rensselaer Elwood Hacker Frederick D. Fisher Lynn E. Brotzman Roger H. Joerger Richard G. Haswell 0041 Sylvan 0051 Fidelity-Hobasco Charles D. Welles 0082 Phoebus 0111 St. Lawrence John W. Parson Harold A. Fish Jr Frederick L. Pope Garcia E. Morrow Ltc 42 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 55 years continues

0132 Niagara LaSalle 0368 Croton 0517 Frontier 0634 Scotia 0975 Bethpage Hicksville Charles R. Smith Stratton Kane Hamilton F. Wood Donald M. Cameron George G. Crawley 0134 Lowville Douglas R. Koberger 0529 Mountain Fredric B. Solomon 0977 Amityville Thomas Edward Knapp 0392 Sodus Richard Carter Leon B. Weinstein Gary W. Hirschman 0682 Nunda Station 0168 Corning Painted Post Gordon A. Jimerson 0549 Warsaw 1041 Brotherhood Thomas F. Taylor Harry E. Standhart Jr David R. Hawley Philip A. Cox John F. Heller 0419 Arcade Keith R. Shoemaker 0175 Oxford 0563 Cornucopia 1057 Springfield Gardens 0695 Alcyone Brian Bartle Arthur F. Reinhardt Alvin C. Turner Charles W. Dunn 0425 Warrensburgh Joe Turpin Douglas 0201 Genesis 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel Robert R. Mcmillan 0711 Cornerstone James Richard Baker Fernand A. Paillex Jr Seymour Levine 1122 Fallsburg Jack J. Toney Theodore E. Jones Jr 0264 Baron Steuben Joel S. Rudich Gerald Stollman 0433 Fort Plain 0765 Von Mensch Clarence V. Daily Elliott Sutton 1127 Smithtown John R. Elwood Robert I. Toussie Roland Mistler 0295 Catarac Frederick Woodrow Robert J. Mabie 0589 Naurashank 0877 West Point Thomas Vernon Lovejoy Koch 0468 Catskill Edward H. Russell William Lawrence 1185 Western Star 0301 Dunkirk-Irondequoit Floyd H. Falk 0599 Kennyetto Golden Richard E. Stouffer Edward G. Gilbert 0479 Unity Stanley Edward 0879 Charles W. Cushman Roy S. Loomis 0343 Rondout Walter Lee Gay Person Allen E. Maull 1186 Ken-Ton Myron E. Rowe James McCafferty 0602 Iroquois 0948 Perseverance-Suburban Paul Trataros Rodney E. Stellrecht 0484 Columbian Wayne R. Bailey Phillip Brothman 0358 Ancient Landmarks Morton S. Ginsberg Philip N. Goff Harold R. Macoff Allen E. Maull 0508 Herschel-Argyle 0627 Wallkill Warren I. Simon Walter R. Smith Jeffrey A. Sohns

50 YEARS

0002 0161 Erie Parish United 0364 Horseheads Old Oak 0470 Cortlandville 575 Olive Independent Royal Arch Frederick R. Csont Carl Huer Blowers Stephen S. Robinson John Arthur Edmund Dale ‘Ted’ 0163 ERAC Alan Carr Hutchinson Wesley D. Stisser Jr Chamberlain Harrison James D. Blair Melvin Henry Lee 0477 Wildwood 0586 0009 Unity Peter M. Jovan 0375 Niagara John A. Towne Advance Service Mizpah Daniel Edward Curtis 0178 Cornerstone Gordon E. Dietz Jr 0491 Schoharie Valley Benjamin P. Claricia William B. Nocker III Benjamin Kotzker 0381 Huguenot Duncan M. Bellinger 0608 Lessing Harold Sharp Daniel B. Lang William J. Bovenizer Helmut Stalzer Leroy W. Zimmerman 0522 Skaneateles 0205 Phoenix 0384 Cherry Creek Frazier D. Hunt 0616 Cazenovia 0013 Apollo-King Solomon’s George D. Melis Donald E. Butcher Sr Frank Hudson Palmer Robert J. Hunter 0524 Morning Star 0211 Pocahontas 0392 Sodus James Edw 0681 Caroline 0022 Franklin John H. Clark Jr Robert J. Herman Chavoustie Jr Robert B. Goodrich Robert F. Coates 0219 Summit 0411 Candor Richard Harold Taylor Harold R. Knuutila 0073 Charlotteville Raymond C. Lawson Jr Lyle R. Shaffer 0527 Akron 0684 Berne Gary M. Edmister Stan Walker 0415 Pulaski Edward G. Mosman Donald L. Wagner 0107 North Star 0252 Enchanted Mountains Jerry A. Howard 0538 Webster 0701 Beacon Light Roger A. Hastings John Edgar Brook Rodney L. Hawley John F. Mathieson Ralph B. Hastings 0433 Fort Plain 0263 Mount Vernon Dale A. Carlson 0542 Garibaldi 0739 Maimonides-Marshall 0136 Hiram Donald A. Schmalz Robert T. Mascialino Richard S. Hollender Martin A. Vandelinder 0435 St. Mark’s-Vestal 0328 Port Jervis Perry William Baumlin 0552 Hancock 0753 Justice 145 Mount Moriah Edward M Rutan Jr Wayne Robert Fish Charles H. Buckley Melvin Eckhaus Ronald G. Hix 0347 Clinton-Hampton 0439 Delaware River 561 Delaware 0785 Niagara River Lodge 0159 Pultneyville George Frederick Bruce Becker Kurt Evers Jr Donald A. Batrouny Andrew Charles Wollin Gary Peter Mostert Robert A. Hillriegel Orbaker 0821 Bethany 0449 Manahattan Clarence A. Kratz Mark A. Freeman 0160 Seneca River Steven M. Romm 570 Avon Spring John E. Peck George William Skelton Thomas J. House THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 43

50 years continues

0838 Connetquot 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 0956 Spartan 1111 West Seneca 1185 Western Star Richard R. Rempe Arthur Friend Ralph J. Spagnolo Darryl E. Hinterberger John J. Barnes 0863 Dunwoodie Richard Kapit 0981 Amherst 1147 Carroll John A. Bauer Richard A. Carlson 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic Glenn C. Simet Lynn L. Hartley 1186 Ken-Ton 0877 West Point Roy H. Igersheim 1016 Floral Park 1177 Excelsior Earl Duane Crawford Thomas R. Gordon 0950 Konosioni Mark R. Schiff Oscar P. Walters Sr Paul J. Misner Robert N. Coe Jr Hugh E. Patterson Pritz earns 75-year award

Row 2 (l-r) RW Howard Bonsaing, W Emmanuel Morley, RW Spiro Triantafilis, RW Gregory Noulas, Brothers Federico Hernandez and Mike Yenko. Row 1 (l-r) W Galen Kaback, W Gregory Matthaey, WM Ramon Mojica, Ann Pritz (Eugene’s wife), Brother Eugene, RW Richard S. Blankfein, VW Alan Schneider, Brothers Robert Nann and Ryan Eduardo.

hat a momentous event to witnessed by the proud members of his five years being a Mason is indeed celebrate! Harmony Lodge 241 Lodge and Brothers from the Queens a milestone. Congratulations go to presentedW a seventy-five-year certificate District, headed by RW Richard S. Brother Eugene. to Brother Eugene Pritz (center) at Blankfein, representing the Most Saint James, New York. The event was Worshipful William Sardone. Seventy- Dates to Remember MARCH 2019 MAY 2019 2/28-3/2 Grand Chapter RAM in Albany 6-7 Grand Lodge NY Annual Session – NYC 3 74th Metro Interfaith Breakfast – Marina del Rey, 11 100th Anniversary Building Rededication Western Star Bronx Lodge – Buffalo, NY 15-16 DD, SO and AGL Training in Utica 16-18 Grand Court of Amaranth – Syracuse, NY 16 Greenhouse Cornerstone Ceremony – 18 Grand Post Masonic War Veterans – Nichols, NY Masonic Care Community AUGUST 2019 19 New York Grand Lodge Telethon 10-13 DeMolay Convention – Camp Turk 22 Delaware Night SEPTEMBER 2019 APRIL 2019 21 Grand Master’s Family Day at West Point 6 QUEST – Rockville Center, NY 12 Suffolk District Dinner – Riverhead, NY 24 4th Manhattan Table Lodge 30 George Washington Re-Enactment – NYC 44 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 225 Years and Counting istory was made and history was reviewed: 225 years’ worth of history. Members of the Grand Line from HBuffalo to Long Island converged at Courtlandt Lodge 34 in Verplanck, New York to commemorate 225 years of Masonic Dedication and to watch them move into their 226th year. It was a great day as the Lodge Historian linked the Lodge with the famed Van Cortlandt family and park and the beginnings of our country. We also heard the opinion of how the letter “u” found its way into (and out of) the name Cortlandt. It was a terrific day as we partnered with W Robert McCarthy and his Lodge. The Jurisdiction of New York is blessed to have so many Lodges that are centuries old. Each day we add to that history.

Submission guidelines for publication in the ESM FILE PREPARATION color conversion” “Do not downsample” and “embed your fonts”. • Your name and phone number as the beginning of the TRANSMITTING: file. To: [email protected] • Save text copy as .txt .rtf or .doc Subject: ESM Submission • Save photographs as .jpg .tif or .bmp format. Via Mail Graphics save as .eps. Send photographs flashdrives and CD-Rom discs (formatted • (Do not transmit photos and copy in the same email or file. as instructed as in previous column) via United States Postal Transmit photos as individual attachments not embedded Service or other delivery service to: as part of email. Files saved as .pub will NOT be accepted. Mrs. Joan C. Bower 37 Oliver Street • If submitting pdf format be sure that pictures are originally in Lockport NY 14094-4615 CYMK color and type are set in black not registration color. When saving the file into a pdf format colors are set to “Do not Articles Due Date for the SUMMER Issue of the Empire State Magazine is April 1, 2019

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 45

Cornerstone of Masonry in Delhi

any may remember this Lodge when it was located above storefronts in Delhi, New York. A Mfire ravaged through the store and the Lodge. But from ashes came new Masonic Light, with the dedication of a cornerstone for their new Lodge located in another part of town. It is rare to have a dedication of a cornerstone, and the Grand Line turned out in full force. Master Kevin Sullivan assembled a strong group of Masons and families (and the largest grouping of crock pots) to participate in this ceremony in December of 2018. It was everyone working together. And the home-cooked food was outstanding. When we looked at the date, we were prepared with boots, gloves, hats etc. But the temperature was in the high 40s and perfect. Delaware River Lodge put a lot of thought into this new building, to include an elevator, which obviously had to be tested. Congratulations go to all. We thank you for your warm welcome and your passion for Masonry. We look forward to building the future together.

46 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Building the Future SPRING 2019 Grand Lecturer RW richard FRIEDMAN, Grand Lecturer [email protected]

impossible for the true Mason to walk around with hatred in his heart. How would the following change society if everyone reetings, Craftsmen! As your Grand Lecturer, I have had adhered to this message? Gthe privilege of greeting and working with many of you No household can fashion the home where dissension and reading this article. I am so honored to have been able to selfishness knell the death of unity and peace. No community discuss our beautiful ritual with you. By the time this article can protect character where petty strife is born of mischievous is published our great group of AGLs, steeped in Gung HO tongues. No city can become a place of prosperous growth are pulling together the first-ever Calvin G. Bond Award for whose citizens care little and do less for its advancement. No Excellence ritual competitions. Most Worshipful Brother Bond state can derive the benefit of its own resources whose people was a Grand Master and Grand Lecturer of great magnitude. obey but the one law of individual inclination and greed. No This competition gives us a fun way to improve ourselves and government can stand firm whose adherents are blind to the recognize Brothers willing to exemplify their work. Stay tuned unalterable law, “in union is strength, in harmony is peace.” in your local areas. Does the above describe your Lodge, your District and your The AGLs are a key component to the success or failure of Grand Lodge? If the answer is “no” then we redouble our the Craft. I am proud to lead this special cadre of Brothers. efforts to promulgate the message that the ritual become the Hug an AGL today. focus and backdrop to everything we do as men and Masons. Several young Brothers asked me if I felt that the Degrees It is our responsibility to initiate positive change. were still relevant in the 21st Century. In short, given the state Although but one man among many, you cannot escape of our world right now, I believe that our Degrees are perhaps or shirk your share in this great responsibility. Your personal more relevant now than ever before. I present the Second contact with others may be circumscribed by the limit of the Degree as evidence. circle within which your daily life is lived; but your influence The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance and passing through and from those whom that circle may the devastations of war have laid waste and destroyed many surround will reach further than you can conceive. valuable monuments of antiquity, upon which the utmost Our relevance is directly related to several key factors: exertion of human genius had been employed. Even the temple Pride: First and foremost, we must regain our pride in the of Solomon, so spacious and magnificent and constructed by Craft and in ourselves as members of the Craft. Pride is the so many celebrated artists escaped not the unsparing ravages of motivating emotion that causes us to work hard, well and barbarous force. Freemasonry not withstanding still survives! happily. Gung HO is the ability to work in harmony. This is Freemasonry still survives because its mission is to uplift men, the kind of spirit that we must have in our ranks. improve men and send them out to the world to improve their Value Systems: We must accept and welcome the fact that families, their communities and their country. The sleeping Freemasonry has a value system for living. By adhering to giant of Freemasonry can once again be a driving force in a that value system and by living our lives as Freemasons we world that is desperately in need of our creed of Friendship, choose a tougher and different road than those who would Morality and Brotherly Love. What is more relevant for our ignore God, country, help, aid and assistance. The influence world than a Craft built on love and building your spiritual of Freemasonry produces a group of men devoted to God, temple here on earth? country, family, and fraternity and to a code of moral conduct Freemasons who understand the ritual know that the that cannot and has not failed to make each community expectations of the Craft revolve around education, fellowship, better where its Craftsmen have made their mark. tolerance and equality. We are committed to principles that Action: zz To be an effective Mason a man must work in cause us to want to give aid to those in our society who cannot an action-oriented way on many fronts to complete his always take care of themselves, namely children and the spiritual temple. He must commit himself to insuring that elderly. We are told to rid ourselves of selfishness and believe his Lodge is thriving; to educating himself in Masonry; to in service. attending events which will improve him Masonically; or In the Providence of God, with the breath of life, each of us to assist by cooking the chicken at a barbecue. These are became a member of the human family. In maturity we stand vastly different endeavors but all accomplished only by the facing the needs and responsibilities of life. As Fellowcrafts Craftsman in work mode. Freemasonry is special. It offers we face our duty to our neighbor. God never brought us into great fun and fellowship but also makes important demands being to live in the narrow groove of a selfish individualism upon its members. but as brethren, one of another in mutual dependence and I believe that the body of Masonry is completely relevant in support. the 21st, 22nd or 23rd century. It is how this body of thought In an age where it appears that tribalism is on the rise and string of soaring ideas is presented, worked, shaped and and people seem more polarized than ever, as Freemasons molded—and how the Craftsman entrusted to carry out the who understand our ritual we know that we completely work will go about it—that will make the difference between reject that approach to society. Our belief in plain speaking, life and death for Freemasonry. It is up to you and me. See you square dealing and seeking the positive in all things makes it in the quarries. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 47 The Norwegian Escape will take out Masonic Family to Bermuda for a fun filled cruise of fine dining, sun, fellowship and relaxation Sunday Depart Manhattan, NYC 4:00 pm Monday is day to enjoy at sea Tuesday is day to enjoy at sea Wednesday dock at Kings Wharf, Bermuda 8:00 am Thursday enjoy Kings Wharf Bermuda Friday enjoy Kings Wharf, Bermuda until we depart 3:00 pm Saturday rest on the sea Sunday arrive in Manhattan, NYC 6:00 am (disembark after custom clears, breakfast is available) Free Specialty Dining, Free Ultimate Beverage package Basic Gratuities included. You can tip additional if you desire. Rates are per person based Inside Cabins from $1862 Ion double occupancy and Reservation are made through Balcony Cabins from $2292 include all port charges, RW Richard Springer 401/225-1371 Mini Suites from $2362 taxes and fees. [email protected] Passports are needed Rooms are Call and desposit now already booking Final payment March 11