SUMMER 2019

PGM RICHARD P. THOMAS PGM EARLE J. HINO, Jr. B: 1932 D: 2019 B: 1933 D: 2019 GRAND MASTER GRAND MASTER 1990 – 1992 1995 – 1998 From the Grand East MW WILLIAM M. SARDONE Grand Master 212/337-6643

hese have been difficult months as we learned of the And of course, St. John’s Weekend is just around the corner. passing of two of our Grand Masters, MW Richard There are some changes for this event, as well: a free concert TThomas and MW Earl Hino. I remember working with each on the grounds of the Masonic Care Community on Thursday of them in various capacities. Each brought vision, experience night; picnic and fireworks on Friday; of course, the parade and passion to our Fraternity and they will be missed. They and fanfare on Saturday. We will enjoy all this and that special realized that while sadness would befall our Craft we still thing that cannot be orchestrated: friends spending time needed to face forward and carry on. The memory of their together—friends who see each other all the time or once a wisdom will indeed inspire our drive to continue, while year at this event. remembering their legacy. By the time you receive this our Cruise to Bermuda in July As you can see by some of the articles in this issue, your will be locked down and sold out and our new cooking contest Grand Line has been busy. We dedicated the cornerstone will be underway. As we approach the summer months I look for the Greenhouse, which has developed into becoming the forward to the continued activities of our Lodges. Some say Horticultural Center at our Masonic Care Community. our Lodges go dark during the summer. I think they just go But probably the biggest buzz that is still resonating is our outside. successful New York Grand Lodge Telethon. We came up with We are not slowing down, we are speeding up. You have the idea and gave ourselves three months of planning for this worked hard to build the future; now share the experience. historic event. We went live for one hour and fifteen minutes as we broadcast to the world. More information appears in another article in this issue. But as we round the turn at our Grand Lodge session, we are looking to the next stages of forward movement. We are aggressively using our talents and technology to elevate the awareness of our Fraternity. Awareness attracts quality MW William M. Sardone individuals to join with us. City honors Bronx District n May 8, 2019 the New York City Council formally recognized the Bronx Masonic District for its 100th Anniversary and its “extraordinary service and enduring contributions to the Bronx and beyond.” An official proclamation was presented by OCity Council Members, Robert E. Cornegy Jr. and Andrew Cohen. Receiving the tribute were District Deputy Grand Master of the Bronx District RW Raymond Vargas and the Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, MW William Sardone. The proclamation would not have been possible without the support of City Council Member Mark Gjonaj. The Proclamation reads, in part: WHEREAS: The Bronx has been the proud home to various Masonic Lodges since as early as 1797. The Bronx Masonic District was formally established in 1918 with a dozen original Lodges, including four that continue to function successfully today: Wyoming Lodge, No. 492; Guiding Star - Angle Lodge, No. 565; Pelham Lodge, No. 712; and Hebron Lodge, No. 813; and WHEREAS: By providing humanitarian work benefiting residents in and outside of the borough, the Bronx Freemasons continue to demonstrate the importance of community service and also inspire others to shape their community for current and future generations. 2 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE Volume 68 / Number 2/ SUMMER 2019 Featured Highlights: MW Richard Thomas’s Eulogy 4 MW Earle J. Hino, Jr.’s Eulogy 6

SUMMER 2019 Be It Known 11-16 Citation 18 Grand Master’s Day at West Point 39 St. John’s Day Schedule 56

Officers and Committees: From the Grand East 2

PGM RICHARD THOMAS PGM EARLE HINO Deputy Grand Master 8 B: 1932 D: 2019 B: 1933 D: 2019 GRAND MASTER GRAND MASTER 1990 – 1992 1995 – 1998 Senior Grand Warden 9 Images Courtesy of Junior Grand Warden 10 Robert R Livingston Grand Secretary 11 Library and Museum Grand Treasurer 17 Grand Historian 20 Masonic Care Community 23-31 Grand Cinamatographer 32 Masonic Brotherhood Fund 33 Acacia Village 35 Organization of Triangles 40 New York DeMolay 41 Masonic Youth Committee 42 From the Webmaster 43 Awards Committee 44 Masonic Medical Research Institute 45 Years of Service 46-51 Grand Lodge Educational Assistance Program (EAP) 52 Round Lake 53 Camp Turk 54 Dates to Remember 55 Grand Lecturer 55

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Eulogy for the Most Worshipful Richard “Dick” P. Thomas Grand Master (1990 – 1992) b. 1932 - d. 2019

“The most agreeable of all companions is a simple, frank man, the Korean Conflict. without any high pretensions to an oppressive greatness; one who MW Thomas then enrolled in the City University of New loves life, and understands the use of it; obliging alike at all hours; York, where he majored in textile engineering and business above all, of a golden temper and steadfast as an anchor. For such administration. From 1979 to 1991 he held the position of an one we gladly exchange the greatest genius, the most brilliant Manager of Manufacturing at the Megastar Apparel Group wit, the profoundest thinker.” Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. and Campus Sportswear, while residing on Long Island in n this journey along the road of life, we occasionally Manhasset Hills, New York. Iencounter those uncommon men whom we define as being MW Thomas and his family were long-time parishioners at forthright, honest and genuine in character; men who are Hillside United Methodist Church in New Hyde Park, NY. motivated by an inner force to stay on the moral high road of Shortly after retiring from the textile industry, MW Thomas openness and sincerity. There is a simple quality about such and his Lady Margie relocated to Oneonta, NY around 1994. men, founded upon their strength of truth and integrity. Nothing can be more valuable than having the straightforward In Craft Masonry, MW Thomas began his Masonic career reputation of being a good man, true to his principles and to in Solon Lodge 771 of the Noble Ninth Manhattan District, his fellow Brothers. Most Worshipful Richard “Dick” Thomas where he was Raised a Master Mason on December 4, 1962. epitomized the unpretentious and frank man of which the As MW Thomas advanced through the chairs in the Lodge, German philosopher Gotthold Lessing spoke. MW Richard he served as the Secretary and Vice President of the Ninth P. Thomas was indeed a good Man and Mason. Manhattan District Wardens Association. We sorrowfully announce the passing of Most Worshipful In 1967 MW Thomas was elected and served as the Richard P. Thomas, who laid down the working tools of a Worshipful Master of Solon Lodge 771. Then in 1978 Solon Mason on March 18, 2019 as a resident of the Health Pavilion Lodge 771 consolidated with Lessing Lodge 608, as it is which bears his name at the Masonic Care Community known today. He later affiliated with Oneonta Lodge 466 in Utica, NY. He is survived by his son Brother Richard of the Otsego-Schoharie District in 1997. He was appointed “Rick” Thomas, Jr., a member of Lessing Lodge 608, his in 1968 to the Ninth Manhattan District’s German Masonic daughter Linda (nee Thomas) Hendricks, and grandson Erik Home Committee and he served as the President of the Hendricks. His beloved wife of over 60-years, Margie nee German Masonic Home Corporation from 1973 until 1974. Lohrmann, recently predeceased her husband MW Richard MW Thomas was given the honor and appointment Thomas. in 1975 of District Deputy Grand Master of the Ninth MW Richard P. Thomas was born in Yugoslavia on June 2, Manhattan District by MW Arthur Markewich, then-Grand 1932. Upon immigrating to the United States, MW Thomas Master of the Grand Lodge of New York and Associate attended Grover Cleveland High School in New York. Shortly Justice of the New York State Appellate Court. In 1978, MW after graduation from high school, he served honorably for Thomas was nominated by then-Grand Master MW William three years in the U.S. Army in both Japan and Korea during R. Punt and elected Trustee of the Masonic Hall and Asylum

4 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Fund, and held the post of Treasurer and Supervising Trustee Health Facility built upon the concept of household units; a tasked with overseeing the operation of the Masonic Hall at new laundry facility was built along with a new boiler room 23rd Street, New York City. MW Thomas was also appointed and modern heating system; and the establishment of the Great and served as Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Lawn.” Long-Range Planning for four years. RW Stoy concludes, “It was only after the loss of his long-time MW Thomas continued in his office as Trustee of the companion and wife Margie that Dick Thomas’s health began to Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund until 1984 when he was deteriorate. He was truly a Mason’s Mason. He lived Masonry elected Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of New York. to its full extent. Freemasonry in New York has truly lost one of He then proceeded to be elected Deputy Grand Master, its great Pillars. All those who truly knew him loved him and culminating with his election to the office of Grand Master, are saddened by his passing. I personally considered it a privilege serving from 1990 to 1992. and an honor to have been able to call him my Brother and my Always ready to serve this Grand Lodge in ways to improve Friend. Rest in Peace my good buddy! Amen.” its image and influence for the good of the community, MW MW Thomas’s memberships in Masonic organizations are Thomas volunteered his talents and leadership by once again numerous, of which a few are hereby listed: The Past Masters serving as an elected Trustee of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Association; the 15th Street Square Club; the Half Century Fund, now known as the Masonic Hall and Home. Never one Club; Post 22 of the Masonic War Veterans; Empire Chapter to shirk responsibility or duty, when asked to take the helm 170 of the Royal Arch Masons (Past High Priest and Grand MW Thomas readily served as the Board’s President from Representative of the Grand Chapter of Austria); New York 2002 until his retirement from the Board in 2009. He also Commandery One of the Knights Templar; Kismet Shrine; held during these same years the prestigious office of Grand Valley of Rockville Centre Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; Representative of the United Grand Lodge of England. and Lorelei Chapter 581 of the Order of Eastern Star (Past It was during this second term as Trustee and owing in Patron). part to his relocation to Oneonta, NY, that MW Thomas MW Thomas was coroneted a Thirty-Third Degree Mason became acquainted with RW David F. Stoy, where a budding at the Scottish Rite Supreme Council meeting at Indianapolis, friendship between Brothers blossomed. In reflecting upon Indiana in September 1991. He also received the Honorary their friendship, RW David Stoy reminisced how impressed Legion of Honor of the International Order of DeMolay. he was with the depth of Dick Thomas’s knowledge of In other community organizations MW Thomas has held Freemasonry, as well as the Constitutions and the history membership in the German Society of New York, National of the Grand Lodge of New York. RW Stoy was especially Knitted Outerwear Association, the Delaware County impressed with Dick Thomas’s substantial comprehension of Conservation Society and Fraternity Post of the American matters relative to the Health Care Industry, which lent itself Legion. as a tangible asset in running the Board of Trustees. Perhaps the legacy that MW Richard P. Thomas has given As poignantly stated by RW David F. Stoy, “It was through to our beloved Fraternity can be summed up in his own words Dick Thomas’s recommendation that I was appointed to the delivered as Grand Master in the spring of 1992: Board of Trustees, and this was when we really became great friends. He had a quick temper and at the top of his voice he “...Ultimately, the shape our Fraternity takes in the next could easily let you know his feelings, but within five minutes century will not be determined by a Grand Master, or by the Dick would have his arm around you like a big brother. He Grand Lodge. The key to the future of our Craft is in the hands of would willingly give you the shirt off his back, if only you would the local Lodge and the individual Brother... YOU! Your actions ask. Dick might get mad and upset with you, but he never held a as much as your words will either bring favor or disfavor to the grudge. As President of the Trustees, Dick believed that we should Fraternity. Your willingness to bring other qualified men into all be a family.” our ranks is the only way we will build our membership. RW David Stoy reflects further saying, “...At our monthly “Freemasonry is the greatest Fraternity in the World! That meetings as Trustees in Utica, our ladies, if possible, were statement has been true in the past... it is still true today... and expected to be nearby. After the men adjourned their meeting, we depending on what YOU do today, it will remain true tomorrow.” would all join our ladies and go together to an enjoyable dinner By my order as the Grand Master, in memory and respect followed by an evening of casual relaxation and conversation held for our fallen Brother, I hereby direct the Altars of every in the drawing-room on the fourth floor of the Knights Templar Lodge within this jurisdiction to be draped in black for a Building. The men usually sitting together discussing Masonry period of thirty days as of this date, April 8, 2019. while the ladies sat opposite playing board games and chatting about their grandchildren and the like.” Fraternally, RW Stoy continues, “However, that Board, through the William M. Sardone leadership of Dick Thomas, truly became an extended family. Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York Although we had many intense, if not heated discussions, we really loved each other. Possibly the greatest contribution to Freemasonry is what was accomplished at the Masonic Care Community under Dick Thomas’s leadership. Some examples include the construction of a new Wiley Hall; a completely new

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 5 A Eulogy for Most Worshipful Earle J. Hino, Jr. Grand Master (1995 – 1998) b. 1933 d. 2019

Heslin and the Hino family, friends and fellow Lodge Brothers, as they look for strength during these difficult times. May their memories of the good times shared provide them with some degree of comfort during these overcast hours. Professionally, MW Earle Hino had a successful career he core principles of our beloved Fraternity were as a Manufacturing Manager. Scholastically, he majored in Texpounded upon by the Mother Grand Lodge in the Business Administration and Psychology at the University of “Charges of a Free Mason” written centuries ago, defining the Buffalo. He earned a Management Certificate of Achievement modes of conduct to be strictly adhered to inside and outside while attending Management Seminars at Princeton the parameters of the Lodge. One such clearly essential rule University. He was accepted as a member of the Phi Kappa admonishes the Craft that: Psi National College Fraternity. He was also the recipient “a Mason is obliged by his tenure, to obey the moral Law... of the Pilot Freight Carriers’ Association Scholarship for [they are] to be good Men and true, or men of Honor and academic achievement. Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they MW Earle Hino was an active athletic sports enthusiast may be distinguished; whereby Masonry becomes the center with interests in wrestling and rowing competitions. He of Union, and the means of conciliating true Friendship became a champion on the Intercollegiate Wrestling Team. among Persons that must else have remained at a perpetual As a member of the Westside Rowing Club of Buffalo, MW distance... They are to salute one another in a courteous Earle Hino received prominence as a National United States manner, ...calling each other Brother. ...For though all and Canadian Rowing Champion. Masons are as Brethren upon the same Level, yet Masonry takes no Honor from a Man that he had before; nay rather MW Earle Hino had a special love for animals, especially it adds to his Honor, especially if he has deserved well of the the breeding and raising of pedigreed Great Dane canines for Brotherhood, who must give Honor to whom it is due, and show. He held an All-Breed Professional Handlers’ License, avoid ill manners...” granted by the American Kennel Club and he became the President of the Great Dane Club of Western New York. A highly crafted and time-tested code of honor, the “Charges of a Free Mason” have paved the path through MW Earle Hino’s Masonic life began on February 8, 1957, life for each of us. Especially has this mystic design been the March 22, 1957 and May 10, 1957 when he was Initiated, Raison d’être of Past Grand Master Earle J. Hino, Jr. Passed and Raised by Buffalo Lodge 846 (known today as Buffalo-Lakeland Lodge 846). He affiliated in 1963 with MW Earle J. Hino, Jr. was born on August 14, 1933 Casmir Pulaski Lodge 1158 (known today as Charles W. and laid down the working tools of a Mason on Saturday, Cushman Lodge 879). He was elected and installed the February 23, 2019 near his retirement home in La Jolla, Master of Casmir Pulaski Lodge 1158 in 1969. California. He spent most of his working life in Buffalo, New York. He was married in 1957 to Barbara Hino, nee Cawley, MW Earle Hino subsequently affiliated with several other of Buffalo, who predeceased him. They were blessed with a Lodges, namely Tokyo Lodge 2 of Tokyo, Japan; Holy Land daughter, Holly Ann Hino Gallo, who sadly also predeceased Lodge 20 of Tel-Aviv, Israel; and Educational Lodge 1002 her father. Earle was extremely proud of his daughter and her of Minneapolis, Minnesota. MW Earle Hino’s advancement entrepreneurial accomplishments. toward finding further light in Masonry knew no bounds as he excelled in the York Rite, the Scottish Rite and sundry Our heartfelt condolences are extended to his Lady Terri other Masonic Orders as follows:

6 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Capitular Masonry: implementation of these aforementioned magnanimous ideals Buffalo-Keystone Chapter 71, Royal Arch Masons and goals. When it came to exercising Masonic protocol and Excellent High Priest (1966) proper decorum, MW Earle Hino was an absolute stickler for Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons NYS perfection and respect for the Order. Masonic work is serious Grand Representative—North Dakota (1968-1971) business, which in our late Brother’s opinion left no room for Grand High Priest (1981) poor behavior and substandard ritual work. Yet, he also knew Director, RAM Medical Research Foundation when it was appropriate to relax and enjoy the company of Chairman, RAM Scholarship Foundation (1982-1992) his fellow Brothers. Cryptic Masonry: During the epitome of his Grand Mastership, MW Earle Buffalo-Keystone Council 17 Hino had the distinct honor and foresight to host and Illustrious Master (1971) encourage the World Conference of Grand Masters for the Grand Representative—Wisconsin (1979-1984) first time to meet in the United States of America. It was a global event held in New York City that welcomed and Grand Council Cryptic Rite Masons NYS received over sixty Grand Masters from every corner of the Illustrious Grand Master (1989-1990) planet. The World Conference witnessed Brothers from faraway parts of the world and extreme ideologies embracing Chivalric Masonry: one another as true Brothers of the Craft. Sitting together Tancred Commandery 80, Knights Templar at table with MW Earle Hino, breaking bread and enjoying Eminent Commander (1969-1970) genuine fellowship together, were Brother Masons that hailed Grand Commandery NYS, Knights Templar from Australia, Haiti, India, Ecuador, Italy, Bolivia, the Ivory Grand Representative—Montana (1980-1983) Coast, Romania, Iran, Lebanon and the State of Israel, to The Scottish Rite: name but a few. It was definitely a feather in the cap of Grand Valley of Buffalo, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (1958) Lodge. Thank you, MW Earle Hino, for shining the light Sovereign Prince, Palmoni Council, Princes of Jerusalem upon Freemasonry in New York. (1982 -1983) After MW Earle J. Hino retired as Grand Master in 1998 Chancellor – Buffalo Consistory (1984-1988) he went on to serve on the Board of Past Grand Masters and First Lieutenant Commander (1988-1990) continued to serve on the Jurisprudence Committee, where Commander-in-Chief, Buffalo Consistory (1990-1992) his experience and wise counsel were much appreciated by his Coroneted 33°, Cincinnati, Ohio (1986) successors. Although it has been quite some time since MW Thirty-Third Club of Buffalo (1986) President Earle Hino served as Grand Master, he remained extremely (1994-1996) versatile and continued to offer much to so many in the Related Masonic Organizations: Craft, even when illness placed a damper on his ability to Knights York Cross of Honor, Empire State Priory travel from the Western frontier to the “Big Apple.” MW 46 Earle Hino, as a Brother Mason, was always larger than life Eminent Prior (1982) and we will always have the fond memory of him to guide us Knights Red Cross of Constantine, St. Mark’s Conclave into the future. Puissant Sovereign (1989) Let us close this Chapter of Masonry, remembering the Intendant General NY Western (1995) inspirational and positive words of MW Earle J. Hino, Jr. Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, presented to Grand Lodge on May 6, 1996: Good Shepherd Tabernacle Very Eminent Preceptor (1986) “I would suggest that each of us in the Grand Jurisdiction Niagara Frontier York Rite College 77 of New York ‘Harken to the Call to Action!’ Take pride in Preeminent Governor (1980-1982) your membership in one of the world’s most renowned and Iroquois Council 37, Allied Masonic Degrees USA illustrious Institutions. Roll up your sleeves and pick up the Sovereign (1977-1978) working tools of the faithful Craftsman—the Standard of the Royal Order of Scotland Medieval Knight and the Baton of Leadership. Place your Order of the Purple Cross of York, Sovereign York indelible mark upon your labors and assist Grand Lodge in Rite College of North America moving this Fraternity forward to new and unprecedented Associate Regent (1983) heights of achievement. In doing so, you will gain much Fraternal Union of Anointed High Priests personal satisfaction and our beloved Craft will rise to greatness!” Most Worshipful Earle J. Hino, Jr. was nominated, elected and installed the Grand Master of Masons in the State of New By my order as the Grand Master, in memory and respect York on May 2, 1995, an office he held with distinction for for our fallen Brother, I hereby direct the Altars of every three consecutive years. As the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge within this jurisdiction to be draped in black for a Lodge F. & A.M. of the State of New York, MW Earle J. period of thirty days. Hino was firm, decisive, benevolent and fair. Incorporating Fraternally, the universal code of a Mason into the fabric of his thinking, William M. Sardone he established a high bar for the performance of the Fraternity, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York thereby setting a clear and singular path toward the successful

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 7 Deputy Grand Master RW RICHARD J. KESSLER Deputy Grand Master [email protected]

Moving toward the Light

rom the Entered Apprentice Degree we have always been adopted to institute a new and ambitious membership encouraged to search, embrace and share light with each program. Countless surveys have supported the conclusion Fother. While we are on our personal journey of improvement, that many men are searching for an organization that fosters we also need to be cognizant of the obligations that we all love of fellowman, truth, ethical ideals, tolerance, discipline swore to uphold and live by. By adhering to our solemn and family. This program concentrates on identifying these pledge to the Fraternity and working within the bounds of men and introducing them to the Craft. our principles and tenets we cannot help but succeed in our Being a Mason means much more than simply belonging mission. The importance of sharing light cannot be stressed to an organization that is respected in the community. We enough. If knowledge is kept merely as a personal repository must all do our best to answer and obey all lawful signs and and not liberally shared with others, its value is dubious and summonses. We need to attend our Lodge whenever possible. will soon become dated and obsolete. But if we freely share We need to rededicate ourselves to the obligations we have our thoughts, knowledge, beliefs and life experiences with solemnly taken for the betterment of our self, our Lodge, our each other, our combined assets will ensure our sustainability. District and ultimately the entire jurisdiction. Our Lodges It is not always easy to uphold the fundamental principles must be incubators for learning and success. Every Lodge of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth and to practice such communication must have a positive impact on our members. time-honored and time-tested virtues as faith, hope, charity, We need to devote our time and energy for the benefit of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice. Many think the Craft and the world at large. If the fundamental principles these promises, while well intentioned, may be unattainable. of Freemasonry are observed, our ability, time and possessions Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the only way will be expended for the benefit of all mankind. Our Masonic we can succeed as a Fraternity is if we practice these virtues development will also be enhanced. Herein lies the challenge in our everyday life and to the best of our ability. Our very of Freemasonry in the midst of a changing society. Accept the existence depends upon that philosophy. We must carry the challenge and let your Masonic principles live. lessons we have learned into practice. Only then will we be able to persevere in our attempt to make ourselves, our Lodges I challenge all to live according to our teaching in every facet and our Grand Jurisdiction successful. Only if we toe the of your life. Be proactive. Be a Mason, not merely a member. line shall we win those three great social treasures: Fraternity, We must all do our part. Let’s follow the example of our Grand Liberty and Equality. As Robert Moray, a prominent 17th Master and courageously speak, act and walk as a Freemason. century Mason stated, “Man was not meant to compete but Let the world know you are proud of Freemasonry’s heritage to work together in Harmony and Brotherly Love.” and that you are willing to carry our banner into the future. This challenge requires action now. Don’t be content to be a We must also remember that there is absolutely nothing Mason in name only. My Brother, I ask you to be courageous wrong with Freemasonry. Unfortunately, we frequently fail in enough to apply yourself to meet the challenge of your our attempt to project our positive impact on society to the Masonic obligation. profane world. The principles and tenets of Freemasonry have remained unchanged for over three hundred years. They are The Grand Master has stressed the importance of continuity the bedrock of our belief system. While many other social, throughout his term of office, not only in Grand Lodge, service and fraternal organizations have faltered and died, we but also in our Lodges and Districts. This can only be remain a force in the modern world. I believe it is due to our accomplished with the cooperation of past, present and future constancy of purpose. We are as relevant today as we ever were. leadership. The Deputy Grand Master Advisory Committee is working on many enhancements to our training programs. There is great positive recognition of our Fraternity in the Those changes include a new program in leadership, online outside world. There are many men of good report who are study courses and Lodge revitalization. Creating a more usable desirous of joining our ranks—they just don’t know it! That and secure online Standard Work platform and Constitutions is the challenge we face. The Grand Master has accepted that format are also being addressed. challenge. In his words, “It is time for us to tell the world who we are and what we stand for and stop having others define us.” That is part of the motivation our Grand Master

8 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 SENIOR GRAND WARDEN RW CHARLES M. ROBERTS Senior Grand Warden [email protected]

What road shall we travel?

question that I have been asked over and over again I think the problem is universal and revolves a lot around the Aduring my visitations is “What is more important—our Masonic education of the Brothers. ritual and Degree work or having programs at our meetings?” Anyone can repeat after me what I say but it takes significantly Of course, the easy and quick answer is that ritual and Degree more to learn the symbolic meaning of our work. There is work is more important but the problem is that unless we are even more than just the esoteric portions of Masonry. What having Degree work every stated meeting, coming to a meeting about its history? Brothers should know where Masonry came just for business and then going home doesn’t cut it anymore from, or how the Speculative developed from the Operative. for our Brothers. We need to have programs of some kind to counter the desire to stay home or being bored at the meeting. I think we have to continue to support the growth of Lodges So the road we travel is not an either/or. It is both/and. in the idea of quality over quantity and that we don’t sell Masonry for just the price of a Degree. I do understand about I definitely understand the dilemma Lodges have filling being short on time and not wanting to add another night to one or two stated meetings a month. I face it with my own the schedule. With that said, though, all Lodges need to make Lodge. Looking at this dilemma from the outside, I have a room for education on Masonry, for I believe it is critical for few thoughts I’d like to share with you about your Lodge’s their survival. particular situation. My suggestion is that your Lodge take the time to evaluate I think that a Lodge must evaluate what is most important the positive and negative aspects of its meetings. If brought up or what priorities it is going to have at its meetings. I think for discussion, you will most certainly hear comments such each Lodge membership must determine what is going to be as: Why are we doing this? or Why are we trying to change the driving force for its existence. That is why Trestleboards Masonry? or That’s not how we did it in my year! or What are important to plan in advance. I also can see the benefit of do we need education for? Brothers need to understand that having more than one stated meeting per month but only as Masonry is unchangeable; it is the Brothers who have to long as they are effective and meaningful; otherwise, they limit change themselves to conform to Masonry. Times do change, your Lodge. though, and it’s okay to adapt to the times and move toward Don’t get me wrong. I’ve thought that we needed more the future. stated meetings a month. But each Lodge, regardless of We say that Masonry takes good men and makes them the number of meetings a month, needs to use the time better. That is through facilitating personal change within effectively, otherwise the meetings serve no good use. It has one’s self. Just a simple act of Brotherly Love or Relief can been everyone’s suggestion over the years that Lodges take change a Brother. It is all about the perspective that you view the time to educate all in a new Masonic direction. Lodges things from. There are a lot of Brothers out there who don’t need to make education an integral part of their existence, and know or remember much of the esoteric portions and have no not only about ritual and Degree work. After all, what are we desire to study them but if we teach them the meaning behind doing if we are not seeking more light? the words and different ways of applying it to a Masonic life I have found through my personal inquiry that the chief style they will in turn learn some of the esoteric and become complaint from Brothers who no longer attend Lodge is that better men. they feel there is nothing for them after the Third Degree. Education is important, especially Masonic education. Many studies have shown that Brothers are bored and tired I hope that more and more Lodges will intentionally make of just paying bills at stated meetings and many Entered it a priority in their meetings for their future. Remember, Apprentices never finish their work or if they do, quickly Brothers, “…harmony [is the] the support of all institutions retreat out the back door of the Lodge because the Lodge especially this of ours.” does not offer what they were promised or what they desired.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 9 JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN RW E. Oscar Alleyne Junior Grand Warden [email protected]

A Second Look at P133

• Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren Imagine for a brief moment how such a feeling can be linked to dwell together in unity! to a state of Oneness, for, how good it is for brethren to dwell • It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that as one! Perhaps this passage might provide a road map for each ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that of us the moment we are Initiated as an Entered Apprentice so went down to the skirts of his garments; we can start upon the path towards Mastership. • As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended The sentence: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord for brethren to dwell together in unity!” can refer to two sorts commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. of brethren in particular: royal brothers and blood brothers. One royal reference can be that of King Solomon whose name means “He who is the master of peace.” Solomon made peace his very brief and simple passage often strikes a chord in with his royal brothers and transformed them from rivals into Tour Masonic experience. To live together in unity implies allies. This passage speaks to the glory of such brotherly love. a compassion of our hearts with the action of keeping an eye The brothers by blood reference can refer to the example of on the welfare and well-being of others equal to ourselves, Moses and Aaron who provide the quintessential example of and even setting the welfare and well-being of others above fraternal love. These brothers were very different in nature our own. This is not just referring to us as Brothers and and in action, yet each complemented the other and formed a Freemasons in our meetings; it means all human beings and us perfectly balanced and strong leadership for their nation. living in unity and harmony. When we actively aid and assist the success and the happiness of others, we facilitate our own On the other hand, we all know that certain things are good success and happiness. In this way the words are simple and but some are not pleasant, such as awful-tasting medicine that direct—it is in giving that we receive, and the good of others works as a cure but tastes, well, awful. Other things are pleasant is our own. to the taste or sense but are not good or healthy for the body, such as certain overly sweet foods. However, brotherhood On some levels, these words can be looked upon as a call to and harmony are both good and pleasant. Fortunate is the action: man who performed good deeds in his youth and repeated • The Oil of unity represents a conscious effort for us to act. his meritorious actions in his old age. Both periods of life are then good and pleasant and complement each other like close • The Beard of Aaron represents the energy we gain by brothers. sharing. My Brothers, it is time for us to recognize that we each sought • The Mountains of Zion represent the peaks on the horizon out Freemasonry, whose main purpose is to teach good men that conduct us to a place of blessing. to subdue their passions, become masters over themselves and And what might be the basis of this summons? It could grow in life to be better men. We are instructed to care little simply be the remembrance that there is a sacred unity or a for the jibes of men but heed the sting of conscience. Perhaps peaceful harmony in our unselfish pursuit of precious light in we should practice genuine harmony and brotherly love and Masonry. If oil can symbolize the blessing of light then the oil take a pause on demeaning each other over rank, titles and which descended from Aaron’s head onto his beard symbolizes protocol. Do we just parrot the words of our ritual or do we the fact that this blessing from above was not merely an embrace the transformative life experience of Masonry with intellectual gift confined to his head; but instead this oil of the highest level of reverence? Masonry simply asks you: Are blessing can spread out and soak every fiber of his personality you truly here to dwell together in unity as Brothers? to the very tips of his hairs.

10 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 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, it is a great honor and privilege for me to be your It’s one that requires patience, good management, a little bit Grand Secretary. This past year was a learning experience for of luck, and a deft hand. My goal is to change all four tires and Dme, in several respects, despite my experience and knowledge keep the bus moving. And, I know that with the support of the as a Lodge Secretary and as a Chairman of a Grand Lodge brethren we will. Committee. There are many aspects of this job and oftentimes This coming year, one of my main goals is to give further I found myself battling obstacles on ways to improve the office assistance to our Lodge Secretaries. Accordingly, I will be sending procedures. I found a partner in our Grand Master in many out regular emails to all Lodge Secretaries, touching on various endeavors, and I think we work well as a team. aspects of the job. I also expect to hold some in-person seminars The focus of my attention this past year has been to improve for Secretaries around the state. My plan includes updating the customer service for our members. We can still do better, a Secretary’s Manual, which was written twenty-five years ago. I’ll lot better, but I feel we made a number of improvements, not gladly accept volunteers to help me in this endeavor. Please send the least of which is the extension of hours until 8:00 p.m. on me an email if you’d like to work on this project. Of course, I say Tuesdays and Thursdays. We hired new employees, whose main “Manual,” but wouldn’t it be something to produce a 21st Century work has been administrative and who helped clear last year’s solution, perhaps with videos and a PowerPoint on a website, backlog of requests in the office. review checkpoints and interactive exams. I ask anyone with ideas Turnaround time on requests has improved. For my part, I look and the talents to see them into fruition, and who wants to be at my email and messages 16 hours a day. Many of you know involved, to contact me. the hours I’ve devoted to this job – including late weekday nights Finally, I’ve identified a company that will produce and some Saturdays and Sundays. I’ve learned that Saturdays permanent dues cards for us. If all goes as planned, I expect allow me to get a great amount of work done undisturbed. our 2020 Dues Cards to be like a credit card, with a three-year We have a ways to go, however, in order to bring the office into expiration date (expiring 12/31/2022). Each card will identify the 21st Century. We’re still a pencil and paper operation, for the the member’s name, Lodge and Grand Lodge number, along with most part. My vision for the office includes greater automation, a QR code that will interact with our Grand Lodge database and the use of better, more efficient procedures, including greater system. It will allow interaction with the Amity application digitalization of files. To see this vision succeed, we will continue and MORI’s On Line Portal application to provide the current to improve the skills of our current personnel, as well as hire status of the member on your smartphone or computer. This additional talent needed. “Continuous Improvement” will be the is another step forward to bringing our Grand Lodge into this watchwords of this office. century. Look for the announcement of Permanent Dues Cards in the coming weeks, as we better define our procedures for 2020 In my written Annual Report, presented at the Annual throughout the remainder of the calendar year. Communication of Grand Lodge, I liken this process to trying to change the tires on a bus – while it’s moving! Not an easy job.

Be It Known 2019 – 2020 May 15, 2019

O: The Officers of the Grand Line, All Permanent BE IT KNOWN, that at the Two Hundred and Thirty- TMembers, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand eighth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free Sword Bearers, Grand Directors of Ceremonies, Grand and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, held at the Stewards, Grand Chaplains, All Emeritus Grand Lodge Masonic Hall in New York City, commencing on the First Officers, Trustees of the Masonic Hall & Home, Directors Monday of May, 2019, A.L. 6019, the following Brethren were of the Masonic Medical Research Institute, Trustees of elected, and proclaimed Grand Lodge Officers for the ensuing the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of year: the Grand Lodge of New York, Elected Grand Post of the MW William M. Sardone ...... Grand Master Masonic War Veterans, Commissioners of the Commission RW Richard J. Kessler ...... Deputy Grand Master of Appeal, Grand Lodge Committee Members, All Officers RW Charles M. Roberts Senior Grand Warden of the District Grand Lodge of Syria – Lebanon, Grand RW Elquemedo Oscar Alleyne Junior Grand Warden Representatives of other Grand Lodges, Assistant Grand RW Steven Adam Rubin Grand Treasurer Lecturers, and to all Worshipful Masters, Senior & RW Richard T. Schulz ...... Grand Secretary Junior Wardens, Treasurers and Secretaries of each Lodge All of the elected officers named above were under the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge: duly installed on Tuesday, May 7th at the Two Hundred and THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 11 Thirty-eighth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of were: W Robert T. Mantia, for one year in place of Brother Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, held at the John P. Rowan, term expired; Brother Carl R. Hoyt, Sr., for Masonic Hall in New York City, upon the George Washington one year in place of Brother Carl R. Hoyt, Sr., term expired; Inaugural Bible (King James Version) belonging to St. John’s RW Stephen S. Dreizler, for one year in place of RW Stephen Lodge 1 of this jurisdiction. S. Dreizler, term expired; W Harrison Greene, for one year in COMMISSIONERS OF THE COMMISSION OF place of W Harrison Greene, term expired; and W Raymond APPEAL elected or reelected were: RW Marino Cesarini, Roche, for one year in place of W Raymond Roche, term (Chief Commissioner) for three years in place of MW Joseph expired. S. Crociata, Jr., term expired; and RW Gilbert C. Ferrer, for GRAND LINE OFFICERS appointed or reappointed were: three years in place of RW Gilbert C. Ferrer, term expired. RW Edward T. Bartels, Grand Marshal; RW John Haslam, Sr., Continuing in unexpired terms are: RW Jeffrey W. Halbreich Deputy Grand Marshal; RW David J. Menegon, Senior Grand (Past Chief & Emeritus Commissioner), (2020); RW James Deacon; RW Lawrence M. Kania, Junior Grand Deacon; RW Holden, Jr., (2020); RW Louis H. Juers, (2021); RW Joseph A. Scott D. Peat, Grand Standard Bearer; RW Peter C. Stein, Quarequio, (2021); and RW Michael E. Storck, (2020). Deputy Grand Standard Bearer; RW Gary L. Heinmiller, Grand TRUSTEES OF THE MASONIC HALL AND HOME Historian; RW Richard C. Friedman, Grand Lecturer; RW elected or reelected were: RW Keith Heinrich, for three years Paul G. Huck, Judge Advocate; RW Michael G. Postiglione, in place of RW Keith Heinrich, term expired; RW G. Michael Proctor; RW Richard W. Bateman, Assistant Grand Secretary Morris, for three years in place of RW G. Michael Morris, and Grand Pursuivant; RW Anthony F. Adamo, Grand Tiler; term expired; and RW Joseph J. Saglimbene, for three years in and our six Grand Organists: RW Donald C. Hamman; RW place of RW Joseph J. Saglimbene, term expired. Continuing Eric S. Howd; RW Jordan I. Kaplan; RW Frank L. Miller; RW in unexpired terms are: RW G. Stephen Getman, (2020); RW Stephen A. Rumpf; and RW Francis K. Wilcox. Christopher J. Hough, (2021); RW Nathan D. Lipper, (2020); DISTRICT GRAND LINE OFFICERS FOR THE RW Kurt Ott, (2020); RW David P. Spencer, (2021); and RW DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF SYRIA - LEBANON Michael J. Siegel, (2021). appointed or reappointed were: RW Tarek Wajih Issa, District DIRECTORS OF THE MASONIC MEDICAL Grand Master; MW Leon G. Zeitounalian, (Honorary PGM – RESEARCH INSTITUTE elected or reelected were: RW Grand Lodge of Armenia), District Grand Secretary; and MW Alvaro F. Quiroga, for three years in place of RW Alvaro F. Raffy H. Timonian, (GM of Grand Lodge of the Republic of Quiroga, term expired; RW Vincent Cunzio, for three years Lebanon) Liaison Officer & District Grand Secretary Emeritus. in place of RW Vincent Cunzio, term expired; RW James D. AWARD PRESENTATIONS: Swan, Jr., for three years in place of RW James D. Swan, Jr., THE ROBERT R LIVINGSTON MEDAL was presented term expired; RW Peter R. Gray, for three years in place of to RW C.F. William Maurer III in recognition of his tenured RW Peter R. Gray, term expired; and RW Pasquale Imbimbo, and steadfast professional ethics and fidelity to the Craft. Jr., for three years in place of RW Pascale Imbimbo, Jr., term THE GRAND LODGE MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED expired. Continuing in unexpired terms are: RW Michael A. ACHIEVEMENT was presented to Brother Entered Apprentice Chaplin, (2020); MW David D. Goodwin (Hon. PGM – William A. Hoover, a candidate of Sacramento Lodge 40 in Romania), (2021); RW Paul A. Guerrero, (2020); RW Robert Sacramento, California; Sergeant U.S. Army (Retired), who A. Hewson, (2020); RW Richard J. Miller, Jr., (2021); RW courageously earned the Bronze Star with Valor in Combat, the Virgilio S. Quijano, (2021); RW Sheldon B. Richman, (2020); Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious RW Francesco Santoni, (2021); RW David F. Schneeweiss, Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge, while serving (2021); and RW Laurence I. Sussman, (2020). in Afghanistan. The Grand Lodge Medal for Distinguished TRUSTEES OF THE CHANCELLOR ROBERT R Achievement was presented by the Grand Master during the LIVINGSTON MASONIC LIBRARY OF GRAND LODGE daytime Tiled Session of the Annual Communication on elected or reelected were: RW Stephen S. King, for three years Monday, May 6, 2019. in place of RW Stephen S. King, term expired; RW Marlon Thomas, for three years in place of RW Marlon Thomas, term I. THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON LAW expired; RW Lawrence Brill Wolff, for three years in place of ENFORCEMENT recommended the acceptance of RW Andrew B. Hengst, retired; RW Walter Edward Cook IV, the following addendum to the Committee’s Report as for three years in place of RW Richard J. Powell, retired; RW published in the Annual Report Booklet and distributed at David F. Velkas, for three years in place of RW David F. Velkas, the Annual Communication: term expired; and W Martin Vincent Benedict, Sr., for one a) The Committee on Law Enforcement had the opportunity year in place of RW Norman M. McKnight, Deceased; RW to examine and review the Books, Accounts, and Records of Andrew B. Hengst, Jr., for Trustee Emeritus; RW Richard J. Columbia Lodge U.D.; and found everything to be in due Powell, for Trustee Emeritus; and RW Norman M. McKnight and proper form. As such the Committee in concert with for Trustee Emeritus Posthumous. Continuing in unexpired the Grand Secretary, Judge Advocate, and Chairman of terms are: RW Edward A. Chiani, (2021); RW S. Marlon the Charters Committee recommend to the Grand Lodge Gayadeen, (2021); MW Edward G. Gilbert, PGM, (2020); of New York with the consent of the Seventh Manhattan RW Clifford T. Jacobs, (2021); RW C.F. William Maurer District that a Charter be Granted and subsequently Issued III, (2021); RW Demetrios G. Melis, (2020); RW David A. to Columbia Lodge 1190, F. & A.M. Pearlmutter, (2021); RW Frank C. Rice II, (2020); and RW b) The Committee on Law Enforcement had the opportunity Erik M. Strohl, (2020). to examine and review the Books, Accounts, and Records DIRECTORS OF THE MASONIC WAR VETERANS of Illumination Lodge U.D.; and found everything to be OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, INC. elected or reelected in due and proper form. As such the Committee in concert 12 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 with the Grand Secretary, Judge Advocate, and Chairman of Operating Revenue & Other Support: the Charters Committee recommend to the Grand Lodge Fees & Dues $1,224,241 of New York with the consent of the Seventh Manhattan Lodge Services (Net) 110,000 District that a Charter be Granted and subsequently Issued Total Revenue & Support: $1,334,241 to Illumination Lodge 1191, F. & A.M. Operating Expenses: c) The Committee on Law Enforcement had the opportunity Annual Communication $190,000 to examine and review the Books, Accounts, and Records Print & Distribution of Proceedings 33,000 of John Philip Sousa Lodge U.D.; and found everything Transition to New Grand Master 18,500 to be in due and proper form. As such the Committee in Salaries and Related Costs 1,089,082 concert with the Grand Secretary, Judge Advocate, and Grand Lodge Office Expense 485,100 Chairman of the Charters Committee recommend to Grand Lodge Officer’s Travel 141,000 the Grand Lodge of New York with the consent of the Grand Lecturer’s Costs 40,000 Seventh Manhattan District that a Charter be Granted and Committee Expenses 145,485 subsequently Issued to John Philip Sousa Lodge 1192, F. Insurance 101,000 & A.M. Other Masonic Endeavors 10,000 d) The Committee on Law Enforcement had the opportunity Total Operating Expenses: $2,253,167 to examine and review the Books, Accounts, and Records of Amitie Lodge U.D.; and found everything to be in Change-Net Asset Before Non-Operating due and proper form. As such the Committee in concert Revenue and Other Support: ($918,926) with the Grand Secretary, Judge Advocate, and Chairman Non-Operating Revenue & Other Support: of the Charters Committee recommend to the Grand Investment Income $150,000 Lodge of New York with the consent of the District Grand Grand Lodge Fund 3,000 Lodge of Syria – Lebanon that a Charter be Granted and Other Income (Net) 892,900 subsequently Issued to Amitie Lodge 1913, F. & A.M. Transfer to Reserve Fund (126,500) The above addendum to the Report and recommendations Total Non-Operating Revenue was approved by the vote of Grand Lodge. & Other Support: $919,400 II. THE PROCTOR reported that a Masonic Trial Change in Net Assets $474 Commission had been convened to hear Masonic Charges Grand Total Surplus / (Deficit) $474 proffered against Bay Ridge Lodge 758 of the Third Kings The above proposed budget was approved by the vote of District, which found the said Lodge guilty as Charged Grand Lodge. with the imposition of the penalty of the Forfeiture of V. WITHDRAWN PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO the Charter of Bay Ridge Lodge 758. A motion was made THE : to approve the penalty imposed by the trial commission. CONSTITUTIONS 1) THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON Counsel for Bay Ridge Lodge 758 was present and asked to CONSTITUTIONS be heard on the motion. After he spoke, the motion passed reported that the proposed and the penalty was approved and imposed by the vote of adaptation and amendment to Section 110 of Grand Lodge. the Constitutions proposing a name change was WITHDRAWN by the District Deputy Grand Master of The above addendum to the Proctor’s Report was approved the Chemung-Schuyler-Tioga District. by the vote of Grand Lodge. The above proposed Adaptation and Amendment was III. THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON THE WITHDRAWN. CUSTODIANS OF THE WORK recommended the acceptance of their multiple page report containing 2) THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON various and necessary adjustments and instructions CONSTITUTIONS reported that the proposed for the Standard Work and Lectures, as well as amendment to Section 801 of the Constitutions concerning optional Long Forms of the Masonic Ritual. It was Special Communications was WITHDRAWN by the also determined that the Sixth Section of the Report Grand Master. of the Custodians of the Work involves a matter The above proposed Adaptation and Amendment was concerning Masonic Aprons that falls within the WITHDRAWN. parameters of the Constitutions Committee, and is VI. NEW PROPOSALS AND FIRST READING therefore withdrawn. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE The above report and recommendations was approved CONSTITUTIONS: by the vote of Grand Lodge with the Withdrawal of 1) THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON Section Six of the said Report. {PDF and Printed copies of CONSTITUTIONS recommended the passage of the this report is available upon request. Printed copies were following proposed amendments to the Constitutions: distributed to all attendees at the Annual Communication.} Grand Lodge Committee on Constitutions received the IV NEW PROPOSALS & REPORTS: following proposed Amendment to Section 250 Chapter

a) THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE II-A, et al, of the Constitutions for a First Reading submitted recommended the passage of the following proposed by RW David F. Schneeweiss, Chairman of the Board of 12-month Fiscal Year 2019 - 2020 Budget of the Grand the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory: Proposed Constitutions Amendment Lodge F. & A.M. of the State of New York (June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020): Amends Chapter II-A, et al THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 13 Name Change to: Masonic Medical Research Institute 1) THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON On March 29, 2018, the name of the Masonic Medical CONSTITUTIONS recommended the passage of the Research Laboratory was officially changed to the Masonic following proposed amendments to the Constitutions: Medical Research Institute. This proposal adjusts all Section 126 of the Constitutions: Deletions are struck references thereto throughout the Constitutions, Masonic through. Additions are in italics. The Judge Advocate and the Law, and elsewhere as affected. Proctor shall each be a Master or Past Master in good standing Proposal and each such officer shall be a duly licensed attorney and Chapter II-A. Et al counselor at law of the State of New York in good standing and All references to the “Masonic Medical Research Laboratory” shall be appointed by, and hold office during the pleasure of, in the Constitutions, Rules of Order, Masonic Law and the Grand Master. The Judge Advocate shall be legal adviser to elsewhere as it may appear shall be adjusted to reflect the Grand Master, with such duties as the Grand Master may an official name change to “Masonic Medical Research prescribe. Institute.” This change has no effect on any other provision. The Proctor shall perform such duties as are prescribed by The title will read: the Code of Procedure. The Grand Master shall also appoint Chapter II-A for each of the Regions described in Section 110 a Regional Masonic Medical Research Institute Deputy Proctor who shall possess the same qualifications as (Formerly Masonic Medical Research Laboratory; and formerly the Proctor, and who shall hold membership in a Lodge in the Masonic Foundation for Medical Research and Human Region for which he is appointed, as the same is defined in Welfare) the last sentence of Section 110. When the circumstances of The above proposed Amendment was approved on the volume of pending cases shall necessitate the same, the Proctor First Reading and Vote of Grand Lodge and awaits a shall in his discretion assign any pending case, but only prior Second Reading and Final Ratification at the next Annual to the actual commencement of trial thereof, to the Regional Communication. Deputy Proctor in whose jurisdiction the same is pending, and such Regional Deputy Proctors shall perform all the duties and 2) The Grand Lodge Committee on Constitutions possess all of the authority of the Proctor in respect thereof recommends the passage of the following proposed until final disposition of such case. In no event shall a Regional Amendment to Section 405 of the Constitutions for a Deputy Proctor be assigned outside of his own region. When First Reading submitted by RW Michael G. Postiglione, so assigned, the Regional Deputy Proctor will be reimbursed Proctor: for his reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by reason Addition is in bold. thereof upon certification of the same by the Proctor. Proposal The Grand Master shall have authority hereunder, in his sole Amendment to Section 405 of the Constitutions of the Grand discretion, to appoint additional Deputy Proctors for the conduct Lodge of the State of New York: of Masonic Trials and the performance of such other duties as a Sec. 405, A brother who has been convicted of a felony by Regional Deputy Proctor may perform. Such Deputy Proctors shall the judgment of a court of law of competent jurisdiction shall, have the same qualifications and have the same authority as a forthwith, stand suspended from all the rights and privileges Regional Deputy Proctor, and he shall possess for the duration of of Masonry until such judgment shall be reversed or set aside the case assigned to him the temporary title of “Regional Deputy or until a Masonic trial shall have resulted in the acquittal of Proctor, pro tem.” the brother of charges based upon such judgment or until such The above proposed Amendment was approved on the suspension shall have been terminated by the action of Grand Second Reading and Final Vote of Grand Lodge. Lodge. It shall be the duty of the Master of the Lodge of which VIII. The Grand Master entertained a motion, which was such brother is a member to present a complaint against the seconded and affirmed by the vote of Grand Lodge, brother, or cause the same to be presented against him, in the to accept the following Annual Reports submitted and manner prescribed in the Code of Procedure, which complaint printed in the two Annual Report Booklets distributed shall state the fact of such conviction. It shall be the further at the 238th Annual Communication of Grand duty of the Master to notify the accused of his suspension and Lodge and not verbally presented during this Annual to report the fact of such suspension in open Lodge. A person Communication due in part to time constraints: Reports found guilty after due Masonic trial of an act or conduct of the Grand Treasurer, Grand Historian, and the constituting a felony under the laws of the State of New York Committees on Awards, Camp Turk, Communications, and which shall involve moral turpitude shall be punished Concordant Bodies, George Washington Masonic by expulsion. Accordingly, any Mason convicted, by plea Historic Site at Tappan, George Washington Masonic or otherwise, of any crime or attempt to commit a crime, National Memorial, Grand Lodge Convention, Grand requiring registration as a sex offender, in New York or Lodge Educational Assistance, Guarding the West Gate, another State or Country, must be expelled and considered Leadership & Educational Services, Masonic Benevolence, ineligible for Restoration. Masonic Fellowship, Masonic Youth, Publications, Ritual The above proposed Amendment was approved on the Renaissance, Restorations, Technology, VA Hospital First Reading and Vote of Grand Lodge and awaits a Military Outreach and the report of the Grand Post of Second Reading and Final Ratification at the next Annual Masonic War Veterans. Communication. The above REPORTS WERE approved by the vote of VII. NEW PROPOSAL AND AMENDMENT FOR Grand Lodge. {PDF and Printed copies of these reports SECOND READING AND FINAL APPROVAL OF are available upon request. Printed copies were distributed AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTIONS: 14 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 to all attendees at the Annual Communication.} be addressed and fixed. All that being said, the Committee has IX. The Committee on Jurisprudence reported that the said reviewed the Grand Lodge’s and the Grand Master’s actions last Standing Committee met on May 4, 2019 and May 5, year and report the following: 2019. This committee is comprised of all of the Past Grand The Committee is pleased on the continued emphasis on Masters, which are charged with protecting Masonic Law, keeping the Grand Lodge Proceedings current. Grand Lodge policy and practices, and the actions of the The Committee approves of the Grand Master’s policy of Grand Master during the year to ensure our Constitutions, authorizing up to $2,000.00 to Lodges who install security Rules of Order, and Masonic Laws are complied with. The systems in their Lodge Rooms and Buildings. Past Grand Masters take this responsibility very seriously. The Committee approves of the Grand Master’s further The decisions are researched to ensure Lodges, Grand Lodge, refinement of the North Star Program. A review of the portion the Craft and you the Brethren are protected with an end to “Guarding the West Gate” from 2016 to the present has preserving our Craft’s teachings. The Masonic Ritual is the revealed that background checks totaled 2,251 with 60 Red backbone of the Craft and second to that is our Constitutions Flags. Of the 60 Red Flags, four were on the Sexual Offender and Masonic Laws. Our Constitutions and Masonic Laws Data Base, 21 were for Identity Theft, and one petitioner should not be amended or changed simply to make it easier was listed as Deceased in the Social Security Data Base. This or to comply with social changes. Take our Masonic Ritual as program assisted that particular petitioner to be “resurrected”. an example, changes are made with the idea of making it more As you can ascertain from these statistics, this is a viable and meaningful, not to make it easier, shorter or be able to comply necessary program. with social changes. The Committee approves of the Grand Master’s decision of We must take that principle and apply it to our Constitutions having the Grand Lodge of New York become a member of the and Masonic Laws. This brings us to the concerns that this Inter-American Masonic Confederation, known as the CMI. committee has: This confederation represents 79 Grand Lodges, comprised 1) Grand Lodge has now close to 100 Masonic Trials yet to of 10,700 Lodges and 395,000 Regular Masons throughout be tried and about 10 new cases occurring each month South America, Central America and now North America, with a broad range of misconduct, with some being sexual which includes the Grand Lodges of New York, the District of in nature as well as stolen Lodge funds. The committee is Columbia, and New Jersey. concerned with the character of its membership and the The Committee approves of the Grand Master’s letter dated direction it is going. January 20, 2019, reaffirming the Edict dated August 9, 1989 2) Running for elected positions of Grand Lodge: In 1823, issued by MW Roswell T. Swits, stating that the American the Grand Lodge broke apart and created an upstate and Flag will be displayed at every Lodge meeting and that every downstate Grand Lodge. There were many reasons for member will pledge allegiance to the Flag of our Nation. the breakup, but one was in the area where Grand Lodge The Jurisprudence Committee approves of the Grand Officers were chosen from. In 1858, the differences were Master's Greenhouse Project, which has taken on a life of its settled and they reunited. One of the items agreed to own and is now becoming the Horticultural Center. Interest were that the Grand Wardens be elected from the upstate has come from Cornell University as well as local Colleges to Lodges and the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary from become involved with the program, which is expanding to the downstate Lodges. encompass a Farmer's Market, Master Gardening Classes, and Today some Brothers are trying to circumvent that by a location for Social Events. The physical building was officially affiliating to both upstate and downstate Lodges so they dedicated with a ceremony on March 16, 2019. can run for either an upstate or downstate position at The Jurisprudence Committee approves of the Mass Media any time. This is occurring because our Constitutions, Work, including the Direct Videos to the Craft. We also Section 110.1, states that you have to be a member of a approve of the Website enhancements that include the Grand Lodge for only one year to run for office. The Committee Lodge On-Line Registration Process. is concerned that this is beginning to create animosity The Committee approves of the Grand Master’s unique between the upstate and downstate members once again. way to raise funds for our Charitable Endeavors, by hosting 3) It’s also a concern of this Committee, that there are no the first Live Telethon on March 19, 2019, which raised over specific qualifications to run for an elected Grand Lodge $700,000.00. position. We currently have certain courses that the District The Jurisprudence Committee applauds the Grand Master Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Lodge Staff Officers on taking a huge step forward in consecrating the Grand must take in order to be appointed. Yet these courses are Lodge of the Republic of Lebanon. The new Grand Lodge not needed to run for an elected position. We believe the of the Republic of Lebanon was well received at the World same requirement should also apply for an elected position. Conference of Grand Masters, held in Panama. The Jurisprudence Committee is delighted to learn that our 4) Finally, there should be an interview process with a Grand Master was appointed the Chairman of the Committee background check done to ensure that there are no on Time & Place by the Conference of Grand Masters of North outstanding Masonic, Criminal or Civil Cases pending America. against the Brother who is running for an elected position. The Jurisprudence Committee commends the Grand Master We do not want a Brother to be elected and then find out on his continued management of Grand Lodge Finances, there are Masonic, Criminal or Civil Cases or Charges keeping the expenses within or below the approved Budget. pending. This would bring bad press on our Fraternity The Committee commends the Grand Master on his where we profess honesty and integrity above all else. continued handling of the situation between the Grand Lodge This Committee recommends that these concerns listed above of the District of Columbia and our continued Suspension of THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 15 Amity with the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Grand Master, which notice of suspension once ordered will be The Jurisprudence Committee applauds the Grand sent to each member of the suspended Lodge. Master for his initiative in calling for a second Grand Lodge The Grand Master announced that, in accordance with Communication to be convened on Saturday, October 5, Section 103 of the Constitutions, the Most Worshipful Grand 2019, which is to be held at the Masonic Care Community Master will convene a Special Communication of the Grand in Utica, NY. This Special Communication will be a delegates Lodge at the Masonic Care Community, located at 2150 only meeting to handle some of the Grand Lodge’s business Bleecker Street, Utica, NY, on Saturday, October 5, 2019. that does not get addressed at our Annual Communication The Grand Master announced that, in accordance with in May 2019. Further, it will discuss new business that needs Section 103 of the Constitutions, the Most Worshipful Grand action in the months after our meeting in May 2019. Master would convene the 239th Annual Communication The Jurisprudence Committee congratulates the Grand of the Grand Lodge at the Masonic Hall, New York City, on Master on his overall initiatives this past year and in leading Monday, May 4th and Tuesday, May 5th, 2020. The Grand our Craft. We look forward to another fruitful year ahead for Master further announced that the Minutes of the 238th the jurisdiction of New York. Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge would appear in We concur that the Grand Master’s Theme of “Building the the published Proceedings of this Grand Lodge. Future” is a theme that is relevant throughout Masonry in New The Grand Master caused the names of the Grand York State and in other jurisdictions as well. Master’s appointments for the offices of the Appointed Grand The Masonic Jurisprudence Committee represented by its Line to be read as taking effect on May 7, 2019. Further it Chairman, MW Carl J. Fitje, Past Grand Master, respectfully was announced by the Grand Master that the District Deputy asks that the Committee’s Report be approved and spread upon Grand Masters and Grand Lodge Staff Officers currently in the Minutes of this Proceedings. office shall remain as re-appointed for their respective Districts. The above Report of the Masonic Jurisprudence Committee It was further announced that the annual observance of the was approved by the vote of Grand Lodge. St. John’s Day Weekend we be held at the Masonic Care X. The Commission of Appeal tendered an oral Annual Community in Utica, New York, commencing on Thursday Report stating that there are two matters pending before evening, June 20, 2019 and continuing through Sunday, June the Commission this past year, and as such no decision is 23, 2019. There being no further business, the Most Worshipful available at this time. th The above Report of the Commission of Appeals was Grand Master, William M. Sardone, closed the 238 Annual approved by the vote of Grand Lodge. Communication of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of the State of New York on May 7, 2019. Given under my hand and Seal The Grand Master announced that those Masonic Lodges of the Grand Lodge of New York, this 15th Day of May 2019, whose names and numbers were posted on the placards located A.L. 6019. in the lobby of the Grand Lodge Building during the Annual Communication as continuing to be delinquent in filing the previous year’s Grand Lodge Per Capita Dues, Grand Lodge Fees, Annual Returns (Census Report), current IRS Form 990 and/or 2018-2019 Certificate of Elections required by Richard T. Schulz the Constitutions and the Grand Master’s Edict, have until the Grand Secretary close of business on the Saturday of the St. John’s Weekend, June 22, 2019, to resolve these issues. Otherwise, those Lodges that remain delinquent beyond this date will be subject to the suspension of their respective Charters by order of the

Lodge presents Eagle award

n Sunday, February 10 Francis Lewis Lodge 273 presented Nikolas Singleman, of Troop 253, Flushing, NY, with a letter Ofrom MW Grand Master William M. Sardone congratulating him on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Nikolas also received a Certificate, personally signed by the Grand Master, and the Grand Lodge Citizenship Medal. Eagle Scout Singleman is the third member of his family to reach this exalted rank in Scouting. His Eagle Scout Project was the restoration of portions of the historic First Reformed Church of Whitestone.

(l-r) W Ernest Mendler, Queens Rep. Masonic Youth Committee; Eagle Scout Nikolas Singleman and W Daniel V. Gaglio, Master of Francis Lewis Lodge 273 of the Queens Masonic District 16 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Grand Treasurer RW steven adam rubin, Grand Treasurer 212/643-5402 [email protected]

s Grand Treasurer, the apron I wear was first worn in 1992 from so many Brothers who have taken up my call to arms by MW Robert Stack of the Nassau Masonic District to prepare a Lodge Treasurer’s Manual. These are Brothers whenA he served our Grand Jurisdiction as Grand Treasurer. from all over our Grand Jurisdiction, some accountants, some That apron was thereafter presented to RW Kurt Ott, of the CFOs of companies, but many simply Brothers who have Noble Ninth Manhattan Masonic District, who wore it in served in Lodge or District offices and have some notion of service to our Grand Lodge. It is an honor to wear the apron the proper management of a Lodge. While there may not worn by these giants of Masonry as I commence my second be one answer to every question, as all Lodges have different term as Grand Treasurer. We all stand on the shoulders of needs and considerations, some requirements such as 990s giants as we aspire to fulfill our own Masonic obligations— are universal. No individual Lodge should have to find the that is the beauty and promise of our Craft. answers to questions that have been around for a decade. It As a result of my prior service as Proctor and Judge Advocate, is my hope and expectation that this Manual can not only I already had a great appreciation for the work and dedication assist the veterans running our Lodges, but also novices, newly of those Brothers who serve as our District Deputies, Staff elected. This is not some Edict or new requirement from on Officers, AGLs and Grand Lodge Committee members but high, but simply Brothers wishing to assist other Brothers. you continue to amaze me in your dedication and service to I further urge each Lodge and especially each incoming the Craft and your support of your Brother. I am proud to call Worshipful Master to take the time to review your Lodge you my Brother. books and records. Ensure that proper protocols are in place. And while I have either served on or advised our Grand You can’t dazzle at the Middle Chamber if the light bill hasn’t Lodge Finance and Constitutions Committee and our been paid. And I know it’s not sexy, but trust me, you don’t Masonic Brotherhood Foundation, the insights I have gained want to learn after a fire that your Lodge didn’t have sufficient as Grand Treasurer have reinforced what I have always known. insurance. Should any Brother have any questions regarding We are fortunate to have so many men who take the time from anything to do with Lodge management, I welcome your calls their families, work, Lodge and District to devote countless and emails. I will help in any way I can. hours as Trustees of our Masonic Hall and Home, our Medical My Brothers, I am a traveling man. You don’t have to be a Research Institute, our Library Board and the Brotherhood Grand Treasurer to travel: Just a Brother with a forgiving wife, Foundation as they ensure that our financial underpinning, as and thank goodness, mine is. Through all of my travels this well as the goals of our Grand Lodge, are strong and sound. past year you have treated me, without fail, as the Brothers They rightly deserve our praise and sincere appreciation. who we are. I have witnessed that generous Masonic Soul, that So do you. From pancake breakfasts to charity galas, from invincible determination which has carved the Mason’s deeds blood and organ drives to Military outreach, from Masonic ID for all of eternity. Let no man underrate its strength or our Programs to transporting sick children to and from hospital, resolve. If we adhere faithfully to our principles, in harmony, we Master Masons strive each day to fulfill our Masonic our path will be clear. So continue to do what you do, my obligations. This is who we are and this is what we do. Brothers, for the Craft and our Brotherhood. It is in this same spirit of service that I have received support Phoenix presents DeWitt Clinton he DeWitt Clinton Award is given to non-Masons or non-Masonic organizations that have demonstrated Texceptional voluntary service to their community. Phoenix Lodge determined that with about forty volunteers who give up many hours each month to donate food to deserving families in the Dansville School District, there should be recognition of their efforts. The Lodge nominated the Food Pantry and the Committee on Awards agreed. (l-r) W Douglas Rex, Master of Phoenix Lodge; Suzie Boor, Food Pantry Board Member and Deb Wilson; and District Deputy RW Charles Knighton THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 17 CITATION Brother & Sergeant William A. Hoover U.S. Army (Retired)

he Distinguished Achievement Medal is the oldest vehicles, trenches, barriers and outlying buildings and and most prestigious of the several medals and structures. Suddenly, several volleys of shots rang Tawards that our Grand Lodge currently can bestow out from a small frosted window of a latrine in a upon worthy and exceptional Masons. Some 85 nearby barracks leaving over 15 people wounded years ago, the Distinguished Achievement Medal and fatally wounding Major General Harold J. made its first appearance in 1934. In the many Greene. years that have transpired since that noble According to testimony given after the event, over 15 renowned military leaders with attack, Brother Hoover’s security details had Masonic affiliations have been recipients of been assigned to guard and protect two specific this esteemed award. dignitaries that day. Although Brother Hoover Today, the Committee on the Distinguished had been shot at and hit several times, he Achievement Award, in conjunction with the endeavored to keep his primary dignitary safe. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons He further placed his body as a human shield of the State of New York desires to recognize a in front of a British Colonel and two other young man, Brother Mason, and heroic soldier dignitaries to protect them, all the while firing whose service to his country is marked by selfless his 9mm sidearm at the source of the enemy fire. dedication and superb performance. Sergeant When the calamity came to a halt, Brother William A. Hoover is indeed the Brother whom William Hoover had saved two lives while being we proudly recognize this morning. hit eleven times by the assassin’s bullets. Brother Thirty years ago this month, on May 31, 1989, Hoover almost perished and died that fateful day. He Brother William A. Hoover was born to Sandra and later learned that he could possibly lose his right leg, as a Scott Hoover in California. Developing into the talented and large piece of his tibia had been shattered by a bullet. heroic young man that he is today, Brother William Hoover spent Concerning the lone gunman, who shall remain nameless, he was most of his childhood in the moderate-to-low income locality of a “self-radicalized terrorist” who fired more than 30 rounds into the South Sacramento, California. Facing many economic challenges, crowd of dignitaries from the latrine window before he himself was his environment chiseled for him a resilient and persevering character killed by return fire from Bro. Hoover. with a life-long quest to serve his beloved country. Speaking to military investigators after the incident, Brother Brother William Hoover’s dream quest came partly to fruition Hoover stated, “I just did my job. Somebody who was supposed to when his technical prowess was recognized by Apple, Inc., who be protected by his personal security detail wasn’t, so I got in front recruited him as a member of their team of Customer Service of him. There wasn’t anything else going through my head. I wanted Troubleshooters. In conjunction with this position, Brother Hoover to move him out. Standing there was my only option. I pretty much became a PSD Team Member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers figured that I’d bleed out and die. I couldn’t use my left arm or right before being deployed to Afghanistan. leg. Everything hurt. I figured I was dead already.” In his capacity as a U.S. Army Specialist, Brother Hoover was While convalescing from his injuries at the Walter Reed Army assigned to a Security Detail comprising over 90 American, British, Medical Center, Lt. General Thomas P. Bostick, the USACE German and NATO security personnel located at Camp Qargha Commanding General, presented Brother William Hoover with his near Kabul, Afghanistan. Their mission was to provide protection well-earned Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Army Commendation to a large group of high-ranking international military officers, U.S. Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Army Corps of Engineers and civilian contractors. Action Badge. Tuesday, August 5, 2014 began as a typical sweltering day in It is important to take note that the Bronze Star Medal with the arid region of Afghanistan. Several high-ranking officers, the “V” device to denote heroism is the fourth highest military including Major General Harold J. Greene, the U.S. Army’s decoration for heroic service and achievement and valor. Deputy Commanding General of Afghanistan’s Combined Security Transition Command and Brigadier General Michael Bartscher of Today, Brother William A. Hoover is 30 years young, a much- Germany, led a contingent of visiting dignitaries to review and tour admired Sergeant (Retired) of the U.S. Army and a very proud the academy known as Marshal Fahim National Defense University Senior DeMolay and Entered Apprentice. He was initiated into Elk located on the edge of Kabul at the Camp Qargha military base. Grove Chapter of the Order of DeMolay in Elk Grove, California The academy is often called the “Sandhurst in the Sand” —a on November 9, 2004. Subsequently, he was Initiated an Entered tongue-in-cheek reference to the Royal British Military Academy of Apprentice in Sacramento Lodge 40 in Sacramento, California in Berkshire, England. The MFNDU namesake is Mohammed Fahim, 2013. Brother Hoover has since relocated to the State of Florida, Afghanistan’s late vice-president and a military commander of the where he is pursuing further Light in Masonry as a courtesy of Northern Alliance that fought against the Taliban. Mokanna Lodge 329 in Orlando, Florida. Unfortunately, tragedy struck without warning at high noon. Reflecting upon his introduction to the fraternal world of Keeping an eagle-eye open for any suspicious activity, Brother DeMolay, which led to his becoming a Mason, Brother William Hoover and his fellow security team members scanned all possible Hoover is quoted as saying, “I didn’t grow up with a brother or a avenues of danger, closely watching rooftops, guard booths, father, but being in DeMolay I gained more brothers and fathers 18 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 than I could have imagined. DeMolay gave me a second family that the military and is launching a new career in the Film Industry. He I will cherish, and now I’m honored to be an inspiration to future is currently enrolled at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, generations.” learning to write and direct short films, setting his sights toward “DeMolay changed my life as a young man in California. It taught producing a feature film for several Festivals across America. me the difference between right and wrong and how to stand up for Brother and Sergeant William A. Hoover: by your humble what you believe in, but also to honor womanhood and my parents. spirit, self-sacrifice, and fulfillment of one of the highest ideals of The leadership lessons I learned in DeMolay bled into my leadership the American fighting man, at great peril to yourself providing style in the military. I joined the Army when I was 17-years old, stalwart protection to the leadership of our armed forces, you which was one of the best decisions I ever made. I lead the way I was rightly join a cadre of former great military leaders who have been taught in DeMolay and reinforced it in the Army, from the front.” given the singular honor of receiving the Grand Lodge of New “After I was wounded in Afghanistan, I was really down on myself, York’s Distinguished Achievement Medal—such outstanding men feeling that I somehow failed my duties. However, the people that as Ernest J. King, former Fleet Admiral, U.S. Navy; George C. were there to pick a broken brother up have always been there Marshall, former General, U.S. Army; Douglas MacArthur, former for each other no matter what. It was in our vows and what we General, U.S. Army; Omar N. Bradley, former General, U.S. Army; committed to, but it never rang more true than at that moment James H. Doolittle, former General, U.S. Air Force; and Walter E. when I needed a brother most.” Boomer, former General, U.S. Marine Corp., to name but a few. “DeMolay has always been more than just some children’s Desiring to add our own tribute of gratitude to the many which organization to me; it has been a way of life. I can’t tell you how you have hitherto earned, the Grand Lodge of New York herewith excited I am to continue my Masonic journey. The best men I confers upon you its Medal for Distinguished Achievement. We ask have ever known have been Brother Masons. My late grandfather, you to accept it with the assurance that our confidence, our respect Brother Clem Hoover, who I have never met, was a Master Mason and esteem accompany the award. in California. From what I’m told, he was one heck of a guy. I hope Brother William A. Hoover, we hail -- we salute -- and we proclaim one day to inspire good men, the way that Grand Master William you the recipient of the highest honor the Grand Lodge of Free and Sardone has inspired me to be a better man and a better Mason.” Accepted Masons of the State of New York can confer upon anyone: Reminiscing about his first encounter with Grand Master William The Distinguished Achievement Award, in the year of 2019. Sardone, Brother Hoover states that Grand Master Sardone helped Approved: William M. Sardone, Grand Master him on a truly personal level. He got things moving toward Brother Committee on the Distinguished Achievement Award Hoover’s induction into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame as Vincent Libone, Chairman well as the Northern California DeMolay Hall of Fame. These two Edward G. Gilbert events really touched Brother Hoover’s heart strings. Carl J. Smith Still healing from the wounds he incurred defending the ideals Edward R. Trosin of our grateful Nation; Brother William Hoover has retired from

Scotty and Friends visit Oishei ecently, Scotty and Friends visited Oishei Children’s Volunteers bring arts and crafts to their room to help brighten RHospital in Buffalo, New York. Accompanying them were their day. members from the Valley of Buffalo, AASR. The Valley of Buffalo also made a financial donation to help There is a group of very special patients, here, that have to be this endeavor. The Valley of Buffalo wishes to thank Supreme in isolation. They cannot play with the rest of the population. Council NMJ for their support.

(l-r) Illustrious J. Franklin Gaskill, Deputy’s Rep.; (l-r) Illustrious J. Franklin Gaskill, Deputy’s Rep.; Mary Sue Mirabella, Entertainment/Donation Coordinator; Anna Jaremko,Volunteer Services Coordinator; Distinguished Anna Jaremko, Volunteer Services Coordinator; Distinguished Brother Albert J. Luss, 1st Lt. Commander, Valley of Buffalo Brother Albert J Luss, 1st Lt Commander, Valley of Buffalo THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 19 Grand Historian RW GARY L. HEINMILLER Grand Historian 315/622-1167 [email protected] Square & Compasses at the Altar

Degree of the Degree of the Sublime Degree of the Entered Apprentice Fellowcraft Master Mason n contemplating the history of usage of symbols in our Craft, if one were to distill the symbology of Freemasonry Ito one set of symbols, perhaps the position of the Square and Compasses at our altar nearly best describes our reason for Freemasonry, and for our being on the Earth in the first place. Go ahead and pull out your ritual and read what it says about Square Compasses the position of the Square and Compasses on our altar. On In searching more and further, my inner being referred me to being brought to light in the Third Degree, for example, our the above noted little booklet, where on page 53 I found: ritual relates: SQUARE “... on being brought to light in this degree, you ... As one of the Great Lights the square is a symbol of behold the Great Lights in Masonry, as in the the earth, the earthly, the physical and material, and preceding degree, with this difference: both points all the passions and appetites appertaining thereto, of the compasses are above the square, which is to which in his progress towards becoming a real Master teach you that you have received, and are entitled to Mason the intitiate must learn to subordinate to the receive, all the light that can be conferred upon or intellectual, the moral, and the spiritual in his nature, communicated to you in a Master Mason Lodge.” typified by the Compasses, another of the Great I remember when I first heard that it was sort of like the Lights. Peggy Lee song where she sang: “If that’s all there is my friend, And on page 21 I found: then let’s keep dancing. Let’s break out the booze and have a ball ...” But we are also in our Degrees enjoined to seek “more” COMPASSES and “further” light (in the Great Light), for the truth therein ... as a Great Light they represent the heavens, which means we may find and as therein we may find it. One must be aware the moral and spiritual, and as such teach how necessary it is by now that when our ritual says which is to teach you that, that the conscience and the intelligence should dominate the it is speaking exoterically but that if one were to search “more” physical in a man’s life. and “further” then a more esoteric teaching could be revealed. A bit simplistic in its wording, but very powerful in its There is very little written by our Grand Lodge on what the reality. One thing to consider would be that no one would symbols of our Craft mean, other than what may be found in be a Master Mason if the preceding Degrees had not been our Standard Work and Lectures (SW&L), or our ritual. But by received by a Brother (except those made “at sight”). So a an odd coincidence there is one such work “prepared for use Master Mason is more in reality a conglomerate of all three of New York State Lodges and their members by the Grand Degrees viewed as a Unity. And just because one point of the Lodge Library, under the supervision of the Board of General compasses was revealed in the FC Degree and both points in Activities of the Grand Lodge of New York, F&AM” in 1929. the MM Degree, one may reflect upon how many of us are It is a little booklet of 61 pages under the title of One Hundred still in the EA mode with the square still covering both points Symbols in Freemasonry. of the compasses in terms of how much of our mortal being I was contemplating why we were here on Earth and the we have balanced with our Divine Being. Square and Compasses at the Altar recently and my inner If man were merely mortal, with no Divine part to him, he being related to me that the Square is symbolic of the mortal would be little more than an animal. If man did not have free (earthen) man and the Compasses of his spiritual or Divine/ will and immortality there would be little reason for his being Immortal nature. And that our journey through Freemasonry on earth and for the evolution we have experienced since our and here on Earth is a journey of learning to balance our advent here. How could one go about balancing his mortal mortal man with that of our Divine Man. (earthen) being with his Spiritual Divine Being?

20 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 One of our first steps in Freemasonry is when we enter No sooner than having thus knocked, he heard from The the Preparation Room, where, symbolically our earthern Voice, “There! Got that out of your system?” shell is removed from us, along with our belongings and “Uh, yeah ...” metallic substances. We are then clothed in a white, spiritual symbol of our pending divine journey through life. Then Before he could gather his senses further The Voice come the mysterious, symbolic “Knocks.” In the EA Lecture continued, “Now, put your hand on the Door and push.” of Reasons it is asked, “Why were you caused to give three Theo, feeling a little sheepish for not thinking that it was he distinct knocks?” And the exoteric reply to this is: “To alarm who was supposed to open the Door, placed his hand on the the Lodge, and inform the W. M. that a poor blind candidate center of the Door at about heart level and slowly pushed and craved admission.” But the very next question gives a more was immediately met with a new and startling experience: his esoteric perspective of this when it asked, “To what did the hand had passed right through the Door. three knocks allude?” The answer to which is given as: “A certain passage of Scripture, which reads: “Ask, and it shall be Again The Voice counseled in his attentive ear, “Whose given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be Door is it?” opened unto you.” (Matt. 7:7). “Mine ? ? ?”... replied Theo with a sense of inspired Surely, it cannot go unnoticed that the candidates were Realization. “caused to give three distinct knocks” and no one else is “Very Good,” The Voice responded, and at this, the Door allowed to knock on the doors of Freemasonry except the Tyler disappeared, leaving only the Doorway. and Junior and Senior Deacon, and other select officers, as Theo contemplated the Doorway, thinking at first that he part of their ritualistic duties. So what, then, is the connection would step through and see what would happen next, but a between the ordinary Brother and the promise of Matthew feeling within gave him cause for further contemplation. 7:7? “If I step through, I will be at a place and time of which I have Going back to the position of Square and Compasses on but the most meager of any knowledge, let alone any Wisdom. the Altar, and the Brother’s search for Light, More Light and If I remain where I am I will likewise be at a place and time Further Light: If the Brother does indeed search for Light, of which I have but the meagerest of any True Knowledge, let More Light and Further Light, and whether or not he is aware alone any Wisdom. If I stand at any Distance, Place or Time, of Matthew 7:7, the Brother so searching is “asking” and other than in the Doorway itself, I will be standing in the “seeking” and this does not go unnoticed on the “other side Illusion of Time and Space.” This being the essence of what of the veil.” And certain things occur to assist the Brother in he thought, Theo, with an unknown and unseen confidence his search, depending on or according to the earnestness and stepped into the Doorway and stood fast. sincerity of his search. The Doorway disappeared, and Theo stood bodiless, The allegory of the Knocks may be illustrated by the timeless, in the here and now of the Cosmos of Eternity. following parable of Theo and the Door, which was received from the instructive tongue by the attentive ear. The Attentive Ear and Instructive Tongue We learn of the Three Precious Jewels in the Working Tools Theo and the Door of the Fellowcraft Degree, when we hear, “I als prs u t prs Who Buildeth this Door upon which you must Knock, jls: the atn er; th ins tg, & the fhl brs. Thy tch us ths imp What is it you Seek, as though it was Lost; lsn: The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive Who keepeth the Key to the Gordian Lock, tongue, and the mysteries of Freemasonry are safely lodged in What is it you Find when all Seas have been Crossed? the repository of the faithful breast.” These are not just words but an actual promise that each of us may directly experience, From “The Old Poet’s Rhyme,” by Lee Miller, 1981. each in his own time and way. This very real communication ----- with the attentive ear and instructive tongue has been referred Many years had passed since Theo had begun working in to as the Third Language (or energy), which is defined as that Old Man Johnson’s Brass Mine, and for all intent this was a day language between the Human Being (mortal) and the Higher like so many others that had gone before him. Upon returning Self (Divine). This is part of what naturally occurs when the to his room at Mrs. Wilke’s Boarding House he flopped on allegory of the Position of Square and Compasses on the Altar his faithful old couch for a few moments of relaxation before is brought more into balance interdimensionally. preparing his evening meal. He thought a while about “The The Pillars Gate” and his strange experience of the other day. He felt the One last, for now, relationship, which may be found in our warmth of the Chamber of Old Souls and his being drifted SW&L is the allegory of the Pillars, Boaz and Jachin. One into a soft peacefulness when all of a sudden he perceived a may readily recall that the Pillar of Boaz is associated with Door before him. the weaker side of the body, the Terrestrial, the Moon and From deep within an instructive voice queried, “Well ? ...” the feminine and receptive aspects of our being. In color it “Well, what?” replied Theo to The Voice. is represented as black, blue and silver. The Pillar of Jachin is associated with the stronger side of the body, the Celestial, “Aren’t you going to Knock?” the Sun and masculine and active aspects of our being. In “Uh, well ....” At this, Theo mustered the sense to extend his color it is represented as white, red and gold. In essence they right hand and knock three times upon the old Door before represent the duality of man as we know of such things on him. Continues on page 22 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 21 Live from New York (and Utica) It’s your Grand Lodge! es, your Grand Lodge went live on March 19, 2019 as we 23rd Street in New York City. We flawlessly moved from Utica hosted a Telethon that was seen worldwide. Your Grand to New York City and back as donors lined up, as subject LodgeY let the entire world know about our Greenhouse, our matter experts were interviewed. This was a bold move for Masonic Care Community, our Masonic Medical Research Grand Lodge. Information was coming in right up to the start Institute, our Library, our Youth, our Camp and of course time, which left zero time for rehearsal. our Masonic Fraternity. Lodges were brought on and donated Why a telethon? Why not? money while Suffolk District donated a motorized chair that was originally purchased for Brother Rizzo. While it clearly raised funds for our Charities, it also raised awareness and that is priceless. There is more to come. We are We broadcast live from the Auditorium at our Masonic Care not slowing down, we are speeding up! Community in Utica, NY and live from our Masonic Hall at

Continued on page 21 – Grand Historian circuit together one would see a spark or a short circuit would earth. This duality may be expressed in the yin and yang, man occur or a fuse would blow. It is the same of Ida and Pingali. and woman, the 1’s and 0’s of binary computer language, the There is a spiritual journey one may undertake, sort of like poles of a magnet or the black and white wires that conduct by Degrees, where the central core or column is balanced and electricity in our homes and businesses. They represent the awakened by a Leap of Faith. interdimensional electro-magnetic force which governs life, the energy in our DNA and bodies and throughout our In this abbreviated article may be seen a historical and universe. allegorical perspective of some of the very powerful symbols to be found in our ritual. There is a very close parallel between the When we stand before the Pillars at the time of the Middle position of the Square and Compasses at our Altar, the allusion Chamber Lecture, the SD says, “Let us make an advance…” to the Knocks, the Three Precious Jewels and the allegory of and the new Brothers whisk through the Pillars to the awaiting the Pillars. In our journey through life each of us experiences steps, little realizing that if they stood between the Pillars they it in his own way and we are aware in varying degrees of the could balance the two Pillars and become one with them. In possible interconnectiveness of us with the other, our earth, an Eastern perspective of this, these Pillars are represented by our universe and our Supreme Being. It is rather interesting the nadi of Ida, Pingali and the central core of Sushumna. If how in our relatively small and evolving ritual book a path for one were to touch the black and white wires of an electrical pursuing this journey very carefully appears. 22 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Masonic Care Community W warren mundrick Director of Rehabilitation services Masonic Care Community of New York 315/798-4800 [email protected]

he Masonic Care Community has done it again. Our One of the most unique items in Home Stretch is our vehicle newest innovation in rehabilitation is “Home Stretch,” simulator. This unique equipment was specially created by our Twhich offers so much more than the standard activities of daily staff to mirror a resident’s challenges getting in and out of a life to help someone get home healthier. Home Stretch will motor vehicle. It is capable of adjusting the height of the doors allow our in-patient rehab residents the ability to re-engage in to simulate an array of vehicles from SUVs to small compacts. those everyday activities we take for granted. There is nothing Not only does this allow residents to practice safe transfers but like this anywhere in the state. it can also be used to train their family members as well. Home Stretch also addresses those indoor needs, such as using the TV remote, working in the kitchen, doing the laundry or getting in and out of the bathtub or shower. Another area is the front door, using stairs, railing, putting your key in the lock, getting the mail. All are crucial to successfully living at home following in-patient rehabilitation. The objective of Home Stretch is to expose our guests to real-life scenarios and ensure their confidence and ability to manage such real-life experiences successfully before discharge. Our staff, both on the medical side and the support side of care, have been engaged in making Home Stretch an When our residents return to their communities there are outstanding addition to our innovative health care programs. things they will have to utilize as part of their everyday lives. ATM machines have become commonplace. Individuals can Tours of Home Stretch are available. So, if you are planning practice typing in a pin number and getting Masonic Money. a trip to campus, give us a call. We are proud to offer this exceptional advancement in rehabilitation and excited to share We all go to the doctor’s office or bank, so we included a its advantages with our Brother Masons. simulated window to mirror those visits. Home Stretch has a fully equipped and stocked grocery store, including fruit/ vegetable stand, dry goods, sundries, cooler and frozen items. Immerse yourself in the real-life experience of shopping for a few grocery items or fill a cart while you navigate throughout a fully functioning grocery store. Complete your shopping experience at the checkout counter. Think about being outside: there are a variety of turf and stone surfaces to deal with. Whether relaxing at a café table or enjoying a park bench, residents can test their skill at negotiating various surfaces.

Grand Master William Sardone called up one of our Wiley Hall residents during his remarks as we unveiled this innovative approach to functional rehabilitation. Grand Master William Sardone listens to W Warren Mundrick, Director of Rehabilitation Services at the Masonic Care Community as he explains the goals of the Home Stretch Functional Rehab.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 23 Masonic Care Community RW keith heinrich Board of Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home

Our Board President RW G. Stephen Getman has turned his column in this issue over to RW Keith Heinrich to talk about MW Richard P. Thomas, who put down his working tools and entered the Celestial Lodge above in March. Prior to his term on the Board of Trustees, Keith worked directly with Richard and the Board of Trustees as a member of the Administrative staff at the Masonic Care Community for thirty-two years, serving as Associate Executive Director from 1986 until 2009.

n late March, we lost a man who helped change the face of the Masonic Care Community: Most Worshipful Richard IThomas. Thomas led the campus through a renaissance that helped redefine our mission and changed our name from Masonic Home to the Masonic Care Community to better reflect our facility. MW Richard Thomas served as the Grand Master of the New York State Masons in 1990 to 1992. Shortly thereafter, he took a seat on the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home, eventually becoming its President. When he first joined the Board, Thomas was convinced that the campus should be downsized, only serving Masons with 100 beds in the skilled nursing facility. But his knowledge of healthcare and specifically the role of the Masonic Care Community grew and MW Richard Thomas he realized that running a facility that welcomed all people, not just Brother Masons was a way to expand the public’s view of our Fraternity. He also looked on MCC as the first jewel in the our residents to enjoy. Health Care Facilities from throughout crown of Masonry and the success of MCC was directly linked the United States came to Utica to see what had been built to the future of Masonry in New York State. Richard attended here and we hosted several conferences to showcase the Health conferences and educated himself in the many changes in Pavilion. healthcare. With the help of the administrative staff of MCC, During his tenure as President, the Board of Trustees the Board of Trustees gravitated to the “household” concept of presided over the opening of the Great Lawn, taking down living and the promotion of “culture change” as a way of life numerous trees that were becoming increasingly more for residents and staff of MCC. dangerous; creating an open space that would be enjoyed by Richard was instrumental in the construction of the Health residents, staff and the community; and creating the “Wall of Pavilion, which created individual neighborhoods and Remembrance” to acknowledge those who support the MCC households for our seniors. Our residents became neighbors mission. Another major accomplishment during this time was and their quality of life became a central focus. The Health the construction of the new Wiley Hall. Pavilion construction included the renovation of the Soldiers Richard Thomas loved Masonry and he loved the Masonic and Sailors Building and the Master Mason Wing as well as Care Community. He always pushed his Brother Board an addition to the skilled nursing complex. That addition members to be better and made sure he visited with residents included the atrium with its glass roof that is used for a variety every time he was on campus. During the final year of his life of community gatherings, the winter garden, a cafeteria of sorts Richard came to live in the Health Pavilion, receiving the care complete with a waterfall and pond with fish and turtles for he made possible through his efforts on our Board of Trustees.

24 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Masonic Care Community RW Rob Raffle Executive Director Masonic Care Community of New York 315/798-4882 [email protected]

ecently, a Brother asked me how the Health Pavilion at Each household has its own kitchen and dining area. Food the Masonic Care Community is different from most is brought to the households and dinner is served on dishes, Rother skilled nursing homes. To those of you who ask the not trays. If a resident would like something different to eat, same question, my answer is that not only is it totally different the household staff can accommodate, as there is a sizable in its design but also in its culture of care. The construction refrigerator and standard kitchen stove. During the holidays changed the look of the building but we also adopted changes many of our households bake or prepare their holiday meals in how we care for our seniors. together. In the late 1990s our Board of Trustees started looking at Another special thing about the household concept is that best practices in how we care for those we serve. Thanks to many of our seniors can be on their own time. If they were used the Pioneer Project, a new approach to care was discovered: to getting up at 5 a.m., having a cup of coffee and the morning the “household” concept. No longer would our residents be paper, they are free to do just that. If they like to sleep in and warehoused on units. Small groups of residents would live roll out of bed after nine to enjoy a hearty breakfast of fried in neighborhoods, in households where they could share life eggs and toast, that’s fine, too. It’s all about resident choice. experiences and enjoy purposeful living. They would have the In addition to the physical changes our focus shifted from right to choose what they wanted to do each day, just like at an institutional model of care to putting the resident first. home. Staff would be trained to make sure the needs of the We address residents with respect as Mr. or Mrs. or however resident came first. It is a model that has been mirrored all they wish to be addressed. We have households, not units. over the country and has brought many health care groups to We recognize that first and foremost this is our residents’ Utica to see what Freemasonry had created. home and we have transformed our approach with a focus In the Health Pavilion there are a number of neighborhoods. on promoting individualized person-centered values and A resident may live in Buffalo Erie, Metropolitan or Capital practices. Collectively we created and adopted “Shared Values” neighborhood. Each of these neighborhoods has a number of promoting choice, dignity, respect, self-determination and households with names that correspond to the location. For purposeful living for all who live here. example, one may live in the Capital Neighborhood in the We like to say that when one moves to Masonic Care Albany Household or in the Metropolitan Neighborhood Community, the only thing that really changes is your physical in the Manhattan Household and so on. Residents live with address. In our Health Pavilion households we do our best to sixteen or eight other people and may have their own room make sure residents feel at home. Guests are welcome and we or share a double room. Each room has its own ample-sized are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Guests receive the bathroom with a walk-in shower, sink and toilet. Each room same courteous service from our staff. I feel passionate about has its own television and telephone as well as a window. the care we provide and sing the praises of MCC. To really People can choose to join with neighbors to watch television understand this concept you need to see it in person. Please in the main living room or watch in the privacy of their own visit our campus, take a tour and see the difference we make in room. the lives of people each and every day. DD honors raw and seasoned t his recent Official Visit to Riverhead Lodge 645, the District Deputy of theA Suffolk Masonic District, RW Kevin McCauley, recognized both ends of the membership spectrum. He presented the Grand Master’s pin to the newest Brother, Joseph Cato of Peconic Lodge 349, and to the most senior Brother, Theodore Bartels of Old Town Lodge 908.

(l-r) Brother Joseph Cato, RW McCauley, Brother Theodore Bartels and RW Matthew DiNunzio THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 25 Masonic Care Community victoria cataldo Director of Development Masonic Care Community 315/798-4703 [email protected]

very gift—large or small—that supports the Masonic Care support for this project, the residents and children of MCC Community is an act of generosity. From volunteering time thank you. We look forward to seeing this building and the Ethat assists residents and their families, to financial support inter-generational activities in action. that funds new technology and improves resident care, each The MCC has always been known for its innovative act of generosity helps us enhance the quality of life for our approach to healthcare and both of these projects continue to most valued and respected population, our seniors. make us a model for other senior living facilities across NYS While visiting during the St. John’s Day celebrations, I would and the country. We hope you will continue to think of the encourage you to tour the new rehabilitation area, Home Masonic Care Community and the residents who call the Stretch. This new space provides practical experiences before campus home. Those who would like to support MCC and returning home and integrating back into the community. The prefer to help purchase a particular item may view our full addition of this space provides the confidence both mentally wish list at: www.mccny.com/ways-to-support/annual-giving: and physically that the resident can succeed on his own, while MCC WISH LIST providing peace of mind to the family members. We are proud item department Amount Qty. to add this donor-funded project to our campus and even White Boards Rehabilitation $25 32 more so that it is the only one if its kind in New York State. Medium Size Lift Chairs Rehabilitation $1000 14 I would also encourage you to stop by the soon-to-be new Large Size Life Chairs Rehabilitation $1050 6 home of the Horticultural Learning Center and Greenhouse Bowling Tables Resident Activities $500 2 area. It is a great opportunity to see the “before” state to truly Fish Tank Upgrades Health Pavilion $150 1 appreciate what will be on campus at the next St. John’s Day. We are incredibly thankful to GM Bill Sardone for adopting this as For more information on any of the items listed, or for his project and for his tremendous fundraising activities to help larger projects, please contact Victoria Cataldo, Director of make this a reality. To all those who have provided philanthropic Development, at [email protected] or 315/798-4703.

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%

26 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Masonic Care Community kathy contino-turner Director of Communications and Marketing Masonic Care Community 315/798-4768 [email protected] Care is our Middle Name o say it’s been busy at your Masonic Care Community to their meetings. Activities for enrichment abound: music, would be an understatement. But MCC continues to be art classes, a variety of activities and entertainment fill our Tinnovative in creating the best possible environment for our residents’ days with a wide variety of interesting things to do. residents. As you have read in this issue of the Empire State Our staff makes the difference. Whether you are a resident, Mason magazine, there are a number of things happening a family member or a visitor, I have never seen such a work in Utica to benefit everyone. From the construction of a force that goes the extra mile each and every day. Visitors are horticultural learning center to the opening of a cutting- constantly amazed at the friendly staff, their dedication to the edge addition to our in-patient rehabilitation, Home Stretch, work and their pride in this community. In mid-March the updates to the Acacia Village Community Center, and new staff not only completed their normal duties, but also managed campus housing, MCC is continuing to lead the way in senior to open our Home Stretch functional rehabilitation addition; living. This is a place where quality of life is as important as set up and served our visiting District Deputies and Grand quality of care. Line officers; readied a former plant operations building for We talk a lot about purposeful living. One of my favorite the dedication of the Horticulture Center’s cornerstone; and people in our Health Pavilion is Carolyn Santoro, who has provided the resources for the Masonic telethon that was served as President of our Resident Council, and before living anchored on our campus. In June you will see the same can- with us, worked with us. Carolyn always says, “We didn’t do attitude that makes the events of St. John’s Day appear come here to die, we came here to live.” That says it all: people seamless to our visitors. are not “put here,” they come here to enjoy a quality of life Yes, there is a good reason why we are called the Masonic that is unmatched. Seniors thrive on our campus, sharing Care Community. We look forward to your visits and we are like experiences of their lives with people from all over New happy to make sure your time on this campus is pleasant and York State. Our Masonic Brothers enjoy attending Infinity enjoyable. Lodge each month and welcome Brothers from other Districts

Dongan Patent OV n Thursday, February 28 RW Kevin McCauley, District was the Homecoming visit for RW McCauley, who hails Deputy Grand Master of the Suffolk District, and RW from Dongan Patent. During his speech to the brethren, OMatthew DiNunzio, Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge however, RW McCauley insisted that every Lodge he visits of the State of New York, conducted their Official Visit to feels like home—surely a testament to the Brotherhood of the Dongan Patent Lodge 1134 in Smithtown. This visitation Fraternity.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 27

Dear Masonic Family, On Friday, June 21, 2019 Masonic Care Community will once again be holding its Lights of Honor celebration. This is a great way to honor someone who has impacted your life, remember a loved one who has passed away, or celebrate the caregivers that make a difference in your life. Our entire Masonic Family is invited to join in the celebration. The lighting of the luminaries will occur at dusk (usually around 9:00 pm) on the Great Lawn. If you are interested in participating in this year’s Lights of Honor celebration, please send the enclosed form with payment to the Masonic Care Community no later than Friday, June 7, 2019. All other luminaries can be purchased the day of the event. For more information on the event contact Victoria Cataldo at [email protected] or directly at 315/798-4703. You may also visit our Lights of Honor site at: www.mccny.com/events. We look forward to seeing you at the St. John’s Day celebrations! Sincerely,

Victoria L. Cataldo Director of Philanthropy ______

All proceeds will be used to enhance resident care at Masonic Care Community. MCC is a 501 (c)(3), therefore all donations are tax-deductible. Please complete this form and include your payment information. Make checks payable to Masonic Care Community.

Name: ______Address:______City:______State:______Zip:______Phone:______

______# of Luminaries @ $5 each $______Payment (check one): ______Donation Amount $______Check ___ Visa ___ MasterCard ___ Discover ___ AMEX Total Amount $______Credit Card#______CV Code:______Exp. Date:______Signature:______Luminaries are to recognize the following: __ In Memory: List Names: ______In Honor: List Names: ______

Please return this form with your payment to: Masonic Care Community, 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica NY 13501. Online donations can be made by visiting: www.mccny.com/ways-to-support. For more information about the Lights of Honor celebration or to purchase a luminary, contact Victoria Cataldo at [email protected] or 315/798-4703.

28 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Riverhead receives annual visit

n Tuesday, February 19 RW Kevin McCauley, District Deputy Grand OMaster of the Suffolk District, and RW Matthew DiNunzio, Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, conducted their Official Visit to Riverhead Lodge 645. More than fifty Brothers heard RW McCauley speak of Masonic values and tradition. He delivered the message of MW Grand Master William M. Sardone, which was spread upon the minutes of the Communication.

Masonic Care Community of New York 2019 St. John’s Weekend Request for Space to Set up Tents rafters are invited to bring their own pop-up tents, tables and chairs to set up at St. John’s Day, free of charge! Your set-up will be placed in the order according to the date our office receives the request. To avoid duplication, we will also limit the Cnumber of crafters selling the same items. Again, this will be on a first come, first served basis. Spaces will be designated by the Masonic Care Community in an effort to coordinate the placement of tents. Absolutely no food will be sold in these spaces. If you are a licensed food vendor interested in a spot at our food court, please contact Kathy Contino-Turner, Director of Marketing, at 315/798-4768 or [email protected]. Set-up Times Available: Saturday, June 22 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Size: The maximum size we can accommodate on the Great Lawn is a 12 X 12 tent.

contact Person: Telephone no.: Address: email Address: Size of Tent You are Bringing: Type of Items You Plan to Display: Please submit your request to the Development/Marketing/Communications Office no later than Friday, June 1, 2019. You may mail or email your form to Brittney at [email protected]. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the following representative at the Masonic Care Community:

Brittney Liddy, Development/Marketing Assistant Email: [email protected] Phone: 315/798-4881 For Internal Use Only: Date Received by Masonic Care Community: ______Tent Number Assigned: ______THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 29 Masonic Care Community MYRON THURSTON Fraternal Relations and Major Gifts 315/798-4991 [email protected]

t has been such a pleasure to meet so many of you throughout tours of our facilities to anyone who is interested. If you are New York over the last few months. During the first weekend a new Brother and have not been to St. John’s Day before, I Iin March we had the Royal Arch Grand Chapter in Albany invite you to learn about MCC and all it offers. Please contact and the 74th Metro Interfaith Breakfast at Marina Del Ray. In me at 315/798-4991 to schedule your personal tour during mid-March we were busy at the Masonic Care Community the St. John’s Day festivities. If you are unable to attend St. with District Deputy training, the unveiling of an addition to John’s Day but find yourself in Central New York, call me. our in-patient rehabilitation services—”Home Stretch”—and I am also available to come to your Masonic event, District the full Masonic ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone meeting or Lodge to make a short presentation regarding the of the Horticultural Learning Center and Masonic Care Masonic Care Community and the other properties that are Community Greenhouse. managed by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home. On March 16 I traveled to the Mid-Hudson District for one Your Masonic Care Community does make a difference. of the best attended Table Lodges I have attended. Each Lodge The letter from W Walter J. Boronow, Secretary of Tri-Valley and District I have visited so far has welcomed me so fervently. Lodge 148, is certainly a wonderful testament to this first Your feedback on our current projects and the stories of some jewel of Masonry. At MCC we take care of our brethren, of our Brothers who have been impacted by the work of your their wives and widows. Everyone here is part of the Masonic Masonic Care Community has been overwhelmingly positive. Family. Brother Boronow is rightfully proud of what we have been able to accomplish here in Utica. So make plans to come One of our next major Masonic events is St. John’s Day on to campus and meet some of our residents and see for yourself the campus in Utica. There will be many different activities to what has been built under the watchful eye of Freemasonry. experience that weekend and I am available to give personal

TRI-VALLEY LODGE #148 F&AM 611 Stone St., Oneida, NY 13421 COMMUNICATIONS 1ST THURSDAY SECRETARY December 24, 2018 Linda Rae Avolia 1260 Bleecker St Utica, NY 13501 Dear Linda, I’m writing to you under several capacities; as a son of one of your residents, a Mason and as Secretary of Tri-Valley Lodge 148. Now that my mother is a resident of Acacia Village, I would like to express my gratitude for the assistance you and your staff have provided for a smooth transition with her move from Queens, NY to Acacia Village. At 88 years young she made this move which proved to be physically and emotionally draining. Your help made things much easier and I thank you. As family visits and partakes in events held at Acacia Village we appreciate more so the benefits provided. I see you everywhere doing everything. The sense of community and the bond of the residents resemble that of fellowship I’ve experienced from my Masonic family and travels to date. The anxiety I’ve experienced in recent years concerning my mother’s well being is quelled knowing she has everything needed for a purposeful life and the embrace of everyone in the community. As a Mason, I am so proud of what is available and what many of my Brothers don’t see. I would be honored to volunteer and assist you any way I can. I know that you would enlist me to help you in this regard if needed anyway. That’s why I wanted to volunteer first. I also plan to be a regular visitor and look forward to seeing you. Again, I would like to thank you and everyone at Acacia Village. Every single contact made has been a blessing. Have a safe and happy holiday season. Sincerely,

Walter J. Boronow Secretary, Tri-Valley Lodge 148

30 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Metro Interfaith breakfast he head table at the 74th Annual Interfaith Breakfast: RW Deputy TGrand Master Richard J. Kessler is addressing more than 800 Masons and their families. A total of six Past Grand Masters and our current Grand Master attended the breakfast.

Training of District Deputies

istrict Deputies participated in training in the Auditorium of the DMasonic Care Community in March.

Royal Arch Masons ost Excellent Paul Huck takes his obligation as Grand High Priest Mfor 2019 at the Royal Arch Grand Chapter in Albany on March 2.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 31 Grand Cinematographer RW Jason p. sheridan Grand Cinematographer 201/620-8888 [email protected] GM lays cornerstone at MCC

hen the Grand Line was looking for a project that could “A proud moment it was, thanks to all of you. But the benefit our senior members, our children, our families cornerstone marks the beginning. We still need to finish this andW friends, we all agreed that a greenhouse at our Masonic project, with your continued help. Stay tuned.”—Grand Care Community was what we needed. It appears that many Master Sardone. others also feel the same way: We all know someone who likes to garden, whether it is flowers or vegetables. Actually, most of us like to garden in planters or yards. “Fast forward to March 16, 2019 when your Grand Lodge dedicated a cornerstone in full Masonic ceremony which marked the true beginning of the construction of our Greenhouse, a project that will grow into our Horticultural Center.”—MW William M. Sardone, Grand Master. The cornerstone for the Horticultural Learning Center and Greenhouse at the Masonic Care Community, Utica, NY was dedicated on March 16, 2019 by the MW William M. Sardone, Grand Master. This special ceremony was witnessed by MW Carl J. Smith, PGM 2000-02; MW Edward G. Gilbert, PGM 2008-10; MW James E. Sullivan, PGM 2012-14; and MW Jeffrey M. Williamson, PGM 2016-18. Other guests included Cornerstone the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home, District Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Lodge Staff Officers of Districts from all over New York State. The ceremony was performed by the elected and appointed members of the Grand Lodge and special assistance for the opening and closing prayers was provided by the State Master Councilor and Deputy State Master Councilor of New York DeMolay. The weather outside was cold and it was good to be inside for the ceremony, in the actual space that will be recycled to become the Horticultural Learning Center and to which the new Greenhouse will be attached. There has been excitement and talk of the Grand Master’s endeavor for enhancing the Masonic Care Community and it was wonderful for Masonic Brothers from all over the state to see where the fundraising results are to be used. A number of Brothers anticipate Grand Master using a ceremonial trowel from the returning for the opening ceremonies, in due course. Robert R Livingston Masonic Library

Group Photo 32 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Masonic Brotherhood Fund RW Bruce Testut, Chairman 718/461-5400 917/376-5782 (C) [email protected] masonic brotherhood [email protected]

am pleased to say that the Fund is doing well, thanks to your donations Iand the efforts of our Grand Master and our Districts. The flashlights have done very well and the lit candles are also moving. I mentioned the Grand Master and his innovative thinking. The Telethon was a success and not only did it raise money to support our charities but it also gave Masonry a needed boost. As he has stated, it was time to take on the negative attitude toward our Fraternity. I know that this year will be the first time in many years that we exceed the one million dollar mark. I would be remiss if I did not mention the bequest of $350,000 from the estate and Evelyn C. Heinzinger Trust ESS. I tried to get this picture of the Lit Candle Plaque in the last ESM. It is something This was unexpected and a surprise; it to see and own. is always nice when we are remembered. We have raised so far a total of $1,124,617.86 and the campaign officially ends on June 1. I would like to thank the Grand Secretary’s office staff as well as the Brotherhood Fund staff for helping to make this year a special remembrance. I look forward to working with you again. Grand Master visits Old 17th

n Monday, February 4 Mount More than eighty brethren from almost Prior to his departure, Grand Vernon Lodge 3 in Albany every Lodge in the Old Seventeenth Master Sardone was presented with Owelcomed Most Worshipful William M. District attended this event, including several donations. These were targeted Sardone, Grand Master of Masons in RW Kenneth White, District Deputy to support his effort to construct the State of New York. Accompanying Grand Master, and RW Robert Harris, a greenhouse at the Masonic Care were several members of his Grand Line. Grand Director of Ceremonies. Community in Utica.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 33

GM shares heartwarming story

s Grand Master I look forward to meeting members and I was put on a heart transplant list and started treatment their families. Everyone has an interesting background or with a Milrinone picc line for about three months to no situation.A And when I least expect it, I meet someone who just avail. I had an artificial heart pump, called a Left Ventricular captures my emotions and reinvigorates me. Assist Device (LVAD), implanted. This device let me live Such was the outcome of a small meeting where RW either on batteries or plugged in, which I did for a total of Gary Mandel made a presentation from the Grand Lodge of twenty months, complete with three device exchanges due to Argentina. It was just Brother Gary and his wife Rose, Brother complications. During that time, I wasn’t allowed to take a Chris Chen, the Master of Hancock-Dirigo-Adelphi 23 (also shower till transplanted. Grace was by my side taking caring known as HAD Lodge) W Adam Chazan and a Fellowcraft, at of me and she has been very instrumental in my recovery the time, by the name of David Peltz. While I was touched by throughout. My Aunt Fran has also been very helpful. For the presentation, I took a step back when I got to know each this, I am very thankful. member—particularly FC David. I always say I am a lucky During this whole ordeal I had this will in me that wouldn’t man. I will stop here and let you read his story in his own give up, no matter what. I was a fighter and even though my words. mom passed away in 2010, I felt like she was there with me every step of the way, watching over me. My last admission in the hospital was for nine months. I was not capable of going home, due to my body rejecting the device, causing clots in my system. Even with that all going on I never gave up; I had an exercise bike in my room that I was on every day. I would walk the hospital floors with Heparin on a pole, trying to stay in shape. I will remember this day forever: it was May 23, 2014. At 3:00 p.m., while lying in bed in my room, my phone rang. It was from the heart transplant coordinator; she said “David, do not eat, we are coming up to test your blood, it looks like we found a match for you.” That night I was brought up to the OR to receive my heart transplant. I was finally able to take a shower. It felt like being in a revitalizing water ride, too good to be true. After two weeks I went home with a new heart and new lease on life. After a bout of post-transplant rejection, I received another (l-r) MW William Sardone, Brother David Peltz, treatment and found myself ready to go back to work. W Adam Chazan My job before getting sick was also with the City of NY Resilience and Masonry Dept. Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), which unfortunately said that my position was no longer open, My name is David Peltz and I am currently a 43-year-old and I was put on a preferred list till available. It was very Fellowcraft from Brooklyn, New York who is now engaged disappointing to hear that after what I been through. I would to my sweetheart Grace. I also happen to be a 9/11 first- not give up and I started applying for jobs and landed another responder who now works as an Inspector for the NYC Dept. job with the City in November 2015. of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). A good friend that I grew up with had a co-worker who is I was first Initiated as an Entered Apprentice in 2005 at 29 a Mason. He recommended me to Hancock, Dirigo, Adelphi years old and during that time I was hospitalized with heart 23, where I will be getting Raised on May 7, 2019. failure, diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and had a defibrillator implanted. I became so ill that it was difficult to My life at age 43 hasn’t been the greatest. However, with my continue my journey forward in Masonry, even to the point new job, getting ready to get married and becoming a Brother that I was written off as deceased in my mother Lodge. in Masonry, my life is brightening and I’m finally excited about living again. I’m also a lucky man. Thank you for allowing me In 2007 I was also diagnosed with cancer and had to go to share my story. through many rounds of chemotherapy. I was out of work for a year and I fought my way back to good health. When my Fraternally, heart started to fail again in May 2012, I found myself out of David Peltz work yet again.

34 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Acacia Village linda rae avolio Senior Living Community Relations Acacia Village 315/798-4775 [email protected] Independent Living at its Best

ummer has arrived and the residents of Acacia Village are special display of Tiffany stained glass at the museum, which taking full advantage of our beautiful upstate New York is certainly an interest considering that five of the windows in Sclimate. Acacia Village is independent living at its best, as Tompkins Chapel are Tiffany. Our Acacia Village residents are our residents enjoy their apartment style homes and all the on the go all the time. amenities on the premises. Our residents have been exploring many of the different We began the year with a variety of evening entertainment, cuisines Utica is known for. So far this year they’ve eaten at dancing and attending a host of local events. Acacia Village some wonderful local restaurants. They’ve savored Greek, staff served a luau-style breakfast with made-to-order omelets Italian, Japanese and Asian cuisines, with many more to come. while the snow was falling outside. There are so many restaurants here that showcase the culture In February we joined the rest of the Masonic Care of our community: Korean, Bosnian, Dominican, Polish, Community campus as we marked Go Red Day on February German, Indian—you name it, we have it in Central New 1. We handed out red light bulbs for our residents to put in York. their windows and everyone dressed in red. On Valentine’s Day Those ethnic ties are also found in our area grocery stores we had a popular local crooner, who sang the music of Frank and supermarkets. Residents of Acacia Village don’t have to Sinatra and Michael Buble. During those special evenings we leave their own ethnic traditions behind and they can check open the doors between the dining room and multi-purpose out other cuisines that may not have been available in their room, so there is plenty of space for our entertainers and hometowns. Having your own apartment, you can cook dancing. anything you like in your kitchen and never leave the comfort In March we featured a tapas menu for Fat Tuesday, had a of your home. Of course, there is always the option of being variety of musical entertainment and even celebrated the full served in our dining room, or grabbing a quick bite in the moon with a stand-up comedy show. At month’s end Acacia café. That way there are no dishes to clean. Village residents rejoiced on the opening day of baseball season This year, Acacia Village celebrates its 25th Anniversary with an ice cream social. We receive many positive comments and we are looking to the future. Plans are being finalized to and letters from residents and their families, telling us how update the Acacia Village community center and expand the much they enjoy all of these special events. numerous amenities already available. Individual cottages and I could go on and on about the activities at Acacia new styles of apartment living are being formalized. Village. Our residents are independent and active. They The Acacia Village experience offers unmatched activities, go to the Stanley Performing Arts Center to enjoy an array comfort and security all year round. If you plan to be in of performances. Musicals such as The Sound of Music and Central New York, give us a call in advance and plan to attend Hello Dolly, as well as top flight comedians and entertainers, a special event or lunch here at Acacia Village. Call 315/798- graced the Stanley Stage this year. Our residents also enjoy the 4775. Like our Facebook page and check out our website at Munson William Proctor Institute with its varied displays and www.acaciavillageny.org. entertainment options. Starting in early June, there will be a Cratsley earns fifty-year presentation n December 6, 2018 Myrtle- Jefferson Lodge 131 presented a Ofifty-year pin and apron to W Brother Merle Cratsley.

(l-r) RW John R. Updyke, Past Grand Steward; RW Paul Leahey, Past Grand Sword Bearer; W John R. Updyke Jr., Master; W Brother Merle Cratsley; RW Gary McCarthy, Past Grand Steward. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 35

Saratoga-Warren-Washington District leads way

he Most Worshipful William M. Sardone, accompanied the several Safety ID programs the District has held. On-Da- by Grand Sword Bearer, Right Worshipful Scott Peat, Wa has contributed over $2,500 to the Brotherhood Fund. Tmade a visit to On-Da-Wa Lodge 820 in Clifton Park on These are, he explained, just a few of the ways that Saratoga- March 26. Nearly fifty people—Masons, potential candidates, Warren-Washington is “not only alive and well, but they are wives, friends, DeMolay and Triangle—gathered from around leading the way.” the Imperial Saratoga-Warren-Washington District to welcome The Worshipful Master then introduced the speakers for them. the evening. Right Worshipful Pasquale Imbimbo spoke about The night began with a cocktail hour and catered dinner. the Masonic Medical Research Institute’s Autism Research Afterward, Worshipful Alan Finley, Master of On-Da-Wa, Project, saying that $27,000 has been raised to date. Of that, called the open meeting to order. The Grand Master was a whopping $24,000 has come from the Saratoga-Warren- escorted in and recognized and the meeting continued with the Washington District, alone. Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Right Worshipful Right Worshipful Charlie Escher spoke on the successful Alan Arnold, Assistant Grand Lecturer. Safety ID program. He also noted the continued use of the NorthStar Program for new members. The Right Worshipful Jason E. Dzembo, District Deputy Grand Master, commended the District for all of their hard work and for all that they have accomplished so far. He expressed his pride for the District and explained that this is what Masonry is all about. The gavel was then turned over to the Grand Master, who thanked the District for the invitation. He presented two artifacts from the Robert R Livingston Library—a letter signed by Colonel Elmer Ellsworth and a picture of him. Col. Ellsworth is believed to have been a Mason, was the first northern casualty of the Civil War, and is buried in Mechanicville in the District. Last fall the Turning Point Masonic War Vets post in Ballston Spa held a graveside memorial service in his honor. The Grand Master spoke about the recent, successful telethon and the progress of the greenhouse project in Utica. He also invited Ashlee DeVoe, Junior Deputy, to speak about Triangle; Jacob and Chase Mein talked about DeMolay. Jacob is a Past Master Councilor in the Washington Chapter. In his opening remarks, Worshipful Finley spoke about some of the District’s accomplishments over the past year. Fifteen The Grand Master concluded his remarks, a benediction new Master Masons have been Raised, with every Lodge in was given and the meeting ended with the requisite picture- the process of bringing in at least one new member. Nearly taking session. Everyone present expressed enjoyment and $1,500 was raised for the District Benevolence Fund at last agreed that the Imperial Saratoga-Warren-Washington District December’s Gala. More than 200 children have gone through is leading the way.

36 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 A little bit of Hollywood at Masonic Hall Nathan Lipper, Treasurer, Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home

hanks to generous state tax credits and the insatiable Shows such as Madam Secretary, Blacklist, FBI, Law and Tdemand for content by streaming services such as Netflix, Order SVU, Quantico and Limitless have all filmed multiple Hulu and Amazon, New York City has emerged as a premier scenes in our historic building. Netflix chose us as a recurring destination for TV and movie production and the Masonic location for their web TV series, The Tick and PBS and HBO Hall NYC has become the standout filming location of choice have both chosen Masonic Hall NYC as a venue for a number for many production companies. Movie trailers, catering of live recordings in the past year. rd stations and film crews are a common sight at 71 West 23 Production companies are drawn to our beautiful Beaux Street. Since 2016 there have been nearly twenty productions Arts building, its iconic facade and the immaculately kept filmed on the premises, with the Trustees’ office, Grand Lodge Lodge rooms that are within. Details such as original lighting Room and beautiful vaulted corridors being the most popular fixtures, terrazzo flooring and grand, open stairwells make spaces in which to film. Masonic Hall NYC a natural choice for historical and legal drama television shows. Filming is one of several revenue streams that supports the Trustees’ mission to assist all distressed worthy Masons, their wives and orphans through the Masonic Care Community. Masonic Hall NYC is operated under the auspices of the Trustees House Committee which was created to rent and maintain both the commercial and Masonic buildings at 23rd Street. The five men who comprise this committee meet on a weekly basis to review and advise on the operations of both edifices. The Grand Lodge building is something every Mason should visit, and I invite my Brothers from throughout the state to make a point to visit 23rd Street. Tours of the building are available on request. Westchester-Putnam Districts come together for Convention he same night RW Bill Plank noticed three of his four Masters were present. He noted all three were first-time TMasters. He said this is a time for a photo. Two years ago he (l-r) W Anthony Rossano, Croton Lodge 368; RW Bill Plank, had a photo in the ESM with his three District Deputies. MSID Vice-Chairman; W John Heidenreich, Briarcliff 1155; and W Robert Pellegrino, Collabergh-Radium 859.

About seventy-five Brothers enjoyed a good night with our Grand Lecturer, RW Richard Friedman. They reviewed the Drama with comments and changes. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 37 Suffolk District does education

nsuring that our future leaders are well versed in the format enables the students to quickly search and reference the Eintricacies of leading and running the Masonic Lodge, course materials. the Road to the East education course reviews multiple topics More than eight hours of Masonic education were taught regarding the rights and responsibilities incumbent upon during four sessions offered in two locations. RW DiNunzio the Worshipful Master during his tenure. RW Matthew was assisted with the instructions by RW Richard Frenz, W DiNunzio, Grand Steward, spent countless hours developing Bill DiBenedetto , W Dan Dunbar and W Terry Maccarrone. a wide-ranging course of instruction. The newly created digital

The proud graduates and course instructors.

Mount Vernon welcomes Grand Historian n Monday, February 18 Mount Vernon Lodge 3 (Albany) welcomed ORW Gary Heinmiller, Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Also in attendance were visiting brethren from the Fourth Manhattan District Square Club. During his visit RW Brother Heinmiller delivered a lecture entitled, “A Perspective of Craft Symbols of the Lodge. His talk contained many interesting and thought- provoking questions and perspectives.

38 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Grand Master’s Family Day at West Point

September 21, 2019 ARMY vs. MORGAN STATE BEARS

Tickets: $45 per person Parking: $20 per car Do not wait: Get your order in early—tickets go fast. We will be tailgating PARKING AREA “H” Arrive early for good parking spot. Maps will be provided with tickets. Bring your own food and drinks, chairs and tables. Parade of Cadets on the Plain at 9:00 a.m. Football Game starting time: 12:00 p.m. (Buses provided to game and parade) Times subject to change

Game and parking ticket orders must be sent with check payable to Grand Lodge of NY to: RW Louis H. Juers 58 Schofield Street Bronx, NY 10464-1530. For more information, contact Lou at 718/885-1865 or [email protected]. Cut-off date, with money, is August 27, 2019. Need to know how many football tickets and how many car passes you need. Also, your address. (We have 100 tickets—order early!) At least one person in your car must attend game. No car passes sold without a game ticket. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 39 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 Triangle puts best foot forward unrise Triangle in Baldwin, Long Island, was planning how they would continue to perform the Duty We Owe to Others Sduring their new term, when they learned that children in Haiti are not permitted to attend school without shoes. The idea of missing out on an education because of what is not on your feet baffled the girls, so they set out to help these children in need. Sunrise Triangle went to work collecting gently used shoes. They were challenged by their Supervisors to collect 200 shoes to donate. While the Supervisors thought the girls would not come close to this number, the members of Sunrise Triangle ended up collecting over 250 pairs—from sandals to sneakers and everything in between. The shoe fit! The Mission Team that Sunrise connected with on this project traveled to Haiti and happily distributed the donations to many children, taking photos along the way. Triangle Girls are always striving to help others. If you know of a young woman who would like to give back to her community, country and beyond, introduce her to Triangle.

40 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 DeMolay turns 100

arch 2019 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Order of MDeMolay. To recognize this milestone Grand Lodge dedicated a window in the lobby of the Masonic Hall at 71 West 23rd Street to DeMolay. Our Robert R Livingston Masonic Library displayed some items in their collection, with the majority coming from the collection of MW William M. Sardone.

The Grand Line commemorated the day, for NY DeMolay, with a ribbon cutting and presentation of a proclamation.

The window attracted a lot of attention.

International Master Councilor Avery Brinkley, visiting from California, and other DeMolays and New York Deputy State Master Councilor Austin Altman joined the Grand Line for a brief ceremony in the lobby. The presentation in the Hollander Room followed. The day was recognized worldwide as our Grand Lodge recognized it in New York.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 41 Masonic Youth Committee RW Cary S. Cohn Chairman 516/781-1157 [email protected]

W Frank M. Totton served Grand contest is administered for them by the Brother Andrew serves as Junior Warden Lodge as Grand Master during Masonic Youth Committee of Grand of Lessing 608, of the Ninth Manhattan Mthe years 1948 and 1949. He hailed Lodge. District. from the Fifth Manhattan Masonic On behalf of the Grand Lodge The topic of this year’s essay was “Are District. Roughly fifty years ago, in his Masonic Youth Committee, it is an smartphones creating a new variant of honor, an essay contest was established. honor for me to announce the winner culture?” Next year’s essay contest topic It is now currently funded by the of this year’s Frank M. Totton Essay is: “How a failure contributed to my Fifth Manhattan Masonic District Contest: Mr. Nikolas Burzynski. He is success.” Association Endowment Fund, with ten the son of Brother Andrew Burzynski. prizes awarded to the top essays. This 2019 Top Ten Winners First Place Nikolas Burzynski Lessing Loge 608 Ninth Manhattan Dist. Second Place Sean O’Connor Erie Parish United 161 Erie District Third Place Allison Jane Garippo Ken-Ton 1186 Erie District Fourth Place David Mahany Francis Lewis 273 Queens District Fifth Place Ariana Han Queensboro 892 Queens District Sixth Place Antoinette Stefanakos Lynnbrook-Massapequa 822 Nassau District Seventh Place Jacob Hickok Erie Canal 141 Cayuga-Tompkins Dist. Eighth Place Brian Derry Wakan-Hubbard 154 Monroe District Ninth Place Emma Zeluff Avon Springs 570 Letchworth District Tenth Place Samuel Levin Rising Sun 103 Saratoga-Warren-Washington Are smartphones creating a new variant of culture? “To decide whether smartphones are creating a new variant of culture, we must first highlight aspects of culture before smartphones were invented. If there are differences between these aspects of culture before and after smartphones, we can conclude that smartphones have created a new variant of that aspect of culture. “The first aspect of culture that I want to analyze is music. Music plays a very important role in our lives and provides entertainment to most of the population. An important aspect of culture is how people of a time period enjoy their music. Different time periods are highlighted by their different technologies for musical enjoyment. Technologies such as the record, 8-track, cassette, and CD controlled the musical enjoyment industries in their own time. In today’s culture, smartphones are the way we enjoy music and, in that way, join the group of technologies of the music enjoyment industry. “Another aspect of culture that has been impacted by the smartphone is “work” Nikolas Burzynski culture. Before the smartphone, workers were able to stop working once they “clocked out.” In today’s culture, smartphone’s communication and internet access capabilities This year’s contest winner, Nikolas have changed this aspect of our working-class culture. A worker can no longer “clock Burzynski, is a senior at Brooklyn out,” because of his/her constant connection with their job. Conferences can happen Technial High School. He is a member in living rooms, cars, basements and really anywhere else. Smartphone’s impact on of the National Honor Society and working culture further shows that it has created a new variant of culture. Brooklyn Tech’s Robotic team. In his “Finally, smartphones have changed the way we communicate with each other. free time he enjoys skiing, playing Before smartphones, families would talk to each other during family events. soccer, hockey and ultimate frisbee and Today, however, family get-togethers are characterized by everyone looking at their writing cool JavaScript programs. He smartphones scrolling through social media. It seems that since smartphones have intends to major in Computer Science been invented, people feel more comfortable talking through them than face to face. in college and hopes to go on to medical In this way, smartphones have further created a new variant of culture. school. Here is Nikolas’s winning essay: “Since smartphones have impacted the way we listen to music, work and socialize, we can conclude that smartphones have created a new variant of culture.” 42 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 From the Webmaster Brother KENNETH JP STUCZYNSKI Webmaster NYMasons.org 716/241-1329 [email protected]

would hope that who we are as Masons affects who we are in education. Iour business dealings. But what about the other way around? But the real work of the Craft is in each Faithful Breast, and What can we learn from the business world to improve the the individual Lodge is at the heart of any jurisdiction. Grand Craft? Lodge doesn’t make Masons. No one joins Grand Lodge or Knowing our place in the market (role in society) is vital. some District therein. He petitions and becomes a member Knowing our brand (how people see us and how we want of a Lodge. to be seen) is necessary. We need quality control to ensure But there’s a challenge. We live in a world where we have standards (landmarks and values). We need to measure our gotten used to “those people” on top being in charge and success (retention, participation). But most of all, we need to responsible, rather than appreciate that they are servants we deliver on what we promise, not just fine-tune our marketing have selected from among ourselves to manage larger issues. and increase sales (Raise Masons). It is up to us in the trenches (quarries) to meet the need. Here’s the problem—we can take these analogies too far. Grand Lodge can set a standard but we must meet or exceed What is our product, really? We do service but we are not it. The Lodge is not a store or a website. We as Brothers are the a service. The success of the Craft is personal. We are both only real point of sale in our communities. Our lives are the the consumer and the product—each of us a Living Stone in testimony and recommendation for our brand. a mutual, constant improvement process. The real Secrets of Grand Lodge is now producing our own videos extolling Freemasonry cannot be bought or sold. Freemasonry. We’re stepping up our game in Social Media. How do we reconcile those ways we need to act more like a We’re getting in step with our times in terms of technology. business with the ways we clearly are not? Those aspects that But what happens next is ultimately in the Lodge’s hands. lend themselves to corporate culture are administrative, or as There is nothing worse than selling someone on something, I like to describe it, housekeeping. It needs to be done, as we even an idea, when it turns out to be less than advertised. We live in the world as much as we are not of it. Grand Lodge is cannot look afar for blame when we raise Brothers who don’t working hard to reach potential candidates, to be more visible come back after their Degrees. We cannot put our best foot online and elsewhere. They can ensure quality control through forward only on the business end of things; we must work best the accountability of Masonic Law and develop more effective where it counts the most—in our heart. Staff Officer bestows training certificates

n Tuesday, February 19, during the Official Visit of the District ODeputy and GLSO to Riverhead Lodge 645, RW Matthew DiNunzio, Grand Steward, presented several certificates for completion of training for the NorthStar Project. The NorthStar Project is the Grand Lodge of New York’s initiative for meeting men interested in Masonry and mentoring them through the process of entering the Fraternity. Staff Officer DiNunzio recommended each Lodge should have several Brothers certified in the NorthStar Project.

(l-r) RW Kevin McCauley, Brother Mike Hebert, Brother Peter Psyllos, Brother Dominic Peppacino, Brother Wayne Losee, RW Matthew DiNunzio, W Charles Monte, RW John Findlay and W Dan Dunbar THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 43 Awards Committee RW GEORGE R. WACOB Chairman 613/838-7508 (C) [email protected]

DSA nominations open in September ew recommendations for the 2019 Dedicated Service the form appropriately signed and the Lodge Seal affixed. Award will be accepted from September 1, 2019 until the Accurate ages and years of membership are requirements for Ncutoff date November 12, 2019. Please be aware of the cutoff Grand Lodge statistical purposes and cannot be omitted. If the date and get your recommendations in early. Last year several applicant has dual or plural membership, please list all Lodges. recommendations were sent in without the required Member Submit the Member Profile from the MORI System with the Profile from the MORI system. Please read the requirements recommendation form. If the Lodge is not on the MORI and conform to them. System a copy can be obtained from the Grand Lodge Registry During the past year the committee worked diligently to Department. Attach any additional pertinent information to provide a fair and comprehensive review of all recommendations the form. sent in by the Lodges and processed them in a timely manner. The committee is interested in facts supporting each The committee will continue to provide information through recommendation, not conclusions such as “He is a its Empire State Mason article and information and forms on dedicated Mason.” What has the Brother done that truly its webpage at the Grand Lodge website. demonstrates his dedication to his Lodge and the District? At the end of August a letter will be sent to the DDGMs, Staff The recommendations that fail to show why the Brother was Officers and Secretaries of Lodges with updated information, recommended are rejected. Being a “Tiler for a number of timetable and form for the 2019 Dedicated Service Award and years” is simply not sufficient, nor is the opinion of the Master various Community Service Awards. If you do not receive it “that the Brother deserves the Award.” Equal consideration by the middle of September, go to the website and you can will be given to a Brother’s support of his District and District obtain all the information you require. programs. Masonic affiliations and community endeavors Dedicated Service Award Requirements may be considered only if they are in addition to his regular The Dedicated Service Award program enables Lodges to Lodge and District work. obtain Grand Lodge recognition for Brothers and Past Masters Recommendations for the award must be initiated by the who continue year after year to support their Lodges and their Brother’s Lodge on the form provided, for the correct year. District. These contribute by their presence, time and talent, One nominee per year per Lodge is permitted. Nominations by attending Lodge and District meetings, and participating are to be sent by the Lodge to the Awards Committee by in Degrees and programs, whether or not they hold office. November 12. The Lodge nomination will be reviewed at These are the Brothers who often serve to inspire and motivate committee meetings in December and recommendations others to emulate their examples of true Masonic dedication. forwarded to the Grand Master for his final approval. The guidelines provide that a Brother be a member of the A District’s allotted number of awards will be no more than Fraternity for at least ten years. A Right Worshipful, a Very one-fifth of the Lodges in a District per year (as of the last Worshipful and those who are reasonably expected to be Grand Lodge Convention) and to the nearest whole number. recommended for the Purple are not eligible and should not For example, l/5 of 16 = 3 awards, l/5 of 17 = 3 awards and l/5 be recommended for the Dedicated Service Award. Current of 18 = 4 awards. Masters and current Secretaries are also not eligible. Do not mail to the Grand Secretary’s office or to the District The Awards Committee scrutinizes each recommendation Deputy. Mail to: George R. Wacob, Chairman, Committee on received from a Lodge. Every item must be completed and Continues on page 37

44 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Masonic Medical Research INSTITUTE RW ALVARO QUIROGA President MMRI Board of Directors 917/833-9340 [email protected]

pring is in the air at the Masonic Medical Research Institute. million Life Sciences grant. In her remarks she noted, “…the Looking back at 2018, it was another year of excitement investment will continue the groundbreaking and lifesaving Sat MMRI with new staff joining, renovations completed and research that is being conducted at Masonic Medical Research new ones beginning, major funding announcements from Institute, thanks to the world-class talent MMRI brings New York State, and a steady stream of visitors to our facility. to the Mohawk Valley, benefiting both the region and state On the research side of operations, Dr. Maria Kontaridis for generations to come.” The funding will allow MMRI to completed her first full year leading the scientific efforts as continue renovations to accommodate an additional thirty Director of Research. During the year she added twenty- scientists who will be hired over the next year. four new scientists. These researchers are among the best in While support from NIH grants and New York State are their field and have come to MMRI from highly respected critical elements of MMRI’s success, individual giving from institutions including Harvard, Yale, Ohio State University the Masonic Fraternity remains the rock on which MMRI and the University of Southern California Keck School of was built. To that end, Director of Development Alex Simon Medicine in Los Angeles. At MMRI they are focusing on not helped lead MMRI to new heights in 2018 by nearly doubling just cardiac conditions, but also on an array of topics from the number of donors and raising over 3 million dollars to autism to lupus and other autoimmune disorders. One key support MMRI and its mission. I am fully confident that he indicator of their success is that MMRI faculty have brought will be even more successful in 2019. in $4.66 million in NIH grants, with many more applications Soon we will welcome a new crop of summer interns. The for grant funding in the pipeline. MMRI summer internship program has been going strong for On the topic of funding, MMRI has been extremely successful fifty-nine years. in securing support from New York State. After decades of As you can see, there is much happening at MMRI. If you operating without significant investment from New York, in haven’t done so already, please make sure you subscribe to the last year MMRI has received $7.5 million in state funding our quarterly newsletter Currents, which you can do online through Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic at https://www.mmri.edu/ or by calling MMRI at 315/735- Development Council (REDC) awards and through his Life 2217. I also encourage you to follow MMRI on social media. Sciences Initiative. State leaders at the highest levels have taken We have active Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube notice of MMRI and its success. In November, Lieutenant Channels. For more information, visit the website. Governor Kathy Hochul came to Utica to announce the $6

Continued from page 36 – Awards Committee available on the Grand Lodge website: https://nymasons.org/

Awards, 13 Floyd Street, North Babylon, NY 11703-1808. site/committees-departments-programs/awards-committee/. The Committee will inform the District Deputy Grand The coveted chest medallion is also available for past DSA Masters of the nominations received. Immediately after recipients. Secretaries can order it from Lodge Services. The their meetings, the committee will communicate with the price is $20 plus tax and shipping. Grand Master. Lodges will be notified of the Grand Master’s The Community Service Awards (DeWitt Clinton, Jacob decisions by the Grand Secretary at the end of January. A letter Morton and Grand Lodge Certificate of Excellence in Service congratulating the Brother will be sent by the Grand Master to the Community) have no cutoff date and will be processed at the same time. A letter will be sent by the Committee to as they are received. The Lodge and DDGM will be notified the DDGMs listing the recipients in their District at the within a short period of time if the nominee has been approved same time. If desired, and with appropriate advance notice to to receive one of these awards. The website shown above gives the Committee Chairman, an attempt will be made to have information, requirements and forms for the various awards. a committeeman present to help make the presentation and I would like to thank the Awards Committee for the relate the history of the award. time and efforts they have put into examining all of the The form of the award is a distinctive white apron with silver recommendations and fairly determining who will receive the and purple trimming. An invoice and a form for ordering the awards. These Brothers are from the Metropolitan Region: RW lapel pin, apron, apron case, pocket badge and chest medallion Gregory Noulas, Vice Chairman and RW Joseph T. Entler; in will be mailed to the Lodge Secretary. A certificate, signed the Mid-State Region: RW Thomas L. Jenison and W Alfred by the Grand Master and suitable for framing, is included W. Fergerson; for Hudson-Champlain: RW Charles E. Knapp in the order. The Awards Committee recommends that all Jr. and RW Robert L. Hogan Jr.; and in the Western Region: DSA Certificates be framed before presentation. Additional RW William H. Greene and RW Douglas D. Airth. information, including forms, timelines and DSA history are THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 45 Years of Service

87 years 79 YEARS 78 years

0487 Normal 0097 Renovation 0139 Milnor 0729 Anchor-Astoria 0922 Amos-Fort Greene Nicholas Choyce Sr Lloyd F. Cliff Wilbur M. McCormick Jack Leopold Arthur Sanders

77 years 75 years 74 years

0224 Oriental-Faxton 0913 Heights 0406 Humanity 10255 Living Stone 0634 Scotia William Pritchard Donald K. Smith Reginald Wagmaker H. Albert Koerner James Lowell Kopper 0565 Guiding Star-Angle 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic 0470 Cortlandville 0653 John Jay Robert A. Shawn Leonard Litwin George W. Samson Lionel Weinstein 0611 St. Johnsville 0533 Round Hill Michael F. Mancusi Charles Winston Loudon 73 years

0022 Franklin 0230 University 0426 Northfield 0646 Red Jacket 0796 Dolgeville Robert C. Shaw John J. Rigas Andrew Campbell John K. Hall David J. Champion 0085 Bethlehem 0252 Enchanted Mountains 0434 Pleasantville Hiawatha 0664 Amicable Arthur Knapp Marvin Crystal William Neil Hunt Peter J. Girardi Robert H. Brown Richard G. Schuyler 0839 Athelstane 0160 Seneca River 0265 0455 Newport 0751 La Universal Ernest P. Cassis Bruce C. Dunham Speedsville-Newark Valley Ernest J. Darrow Hilario R. Iturbe 0892 Queensboro 0178 Cornerstone Marvin V. Mcneil 0538 Webster 0776 Reliance Warren J. Rockwell Seymour Dember 0283 Beacon Vernon E. Collier George Kenneth Ginter 0915 Beukendaal 0219 Summit Herbert N. Bryant 0557 James M. Austin Frank William Zimmer Leroy H. Flesher H Allen Kolpien 0341 Clyde George E. Story 1000 Publicity Roland C. Hurlburt 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel John W. Burt Roy A. Christen

72 years

0006 St. George’s 0145 Mount Moriah 0479 Unity 0727 Bunting-Charity 0956 Spartan George Clarke Peck Jr Lester C. Nelson Alfred W. Allyn William Kastner Edward Crabb 0039 Olive Branch 0195 Franklin 0501 Liverpool Syracuse Theodore W. Meyn 1057 Springfield Gardens William E. Hicks Joseph W. Mole Jr Victor M. Tillotson 0751 La Universal Arthur F. Searby 0047 Utica 0201 Genesis 0620 Clinton F. Paige-Berean John Carnero 1124 Pan-American Robert D. Batley James A. Yocum Curtis R. Perkins 0902 Mount Masada-Galaxy Robert F. Ricart 0085 Bethlehem 0205 Phoenix 0648 Memorial Samuel Woolf Harvey S. Sutton Ian M. McCunn Lewis A. Fergerson 0926 Marion 0141 Erie Canal 0433 Fort Plain 0694 Blazing Star Richard F. Witter Leroy Compson Jr Owen R. Dievendorf Erwin K. Kent

71 Years

0002 Independent Royal Arch 0137 Anglo-Saxon 0342 Wyoming 0544 Warwick 0712 Pelham Stanley J. Ciaputa James R. Browne Philip J. Teubl Glenn I. Vance William Sollfrey 0006 St. George’s 0165 Boonville-Uriel 0371 Heritage 0586 Advance Service Mizpah 0725 Southern Light Eli Y. Leslie David A. Dean John Vitaglione Herbert Kaplan Allan P. Atwell 0010 Kingston 0193 Ulster 0438 Marathon Bernard Manford 0757 Silver Robert D. Williams Clifford Snyder Herbert E. Howell 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star Lester H. Manning 0019 Midwood Fortitude 0200 Garoga-Sincerity 0477 Wildwood Henry G. Kunz Marvin L. Smith Walter Thomas Storck Norman Finkelstein Harold Bloser Robert J. Given 0776 Reliance 0693 Kedemah 0118 Addison Union 0266 Poughkeepsie 0513 Massena Constantine J. Ballos Durland R. Weale Allen S. Brower Sarkis K. Balukjian Thomas Rogers 0797 Seneca 0710 Ridgewood 0132 Niagara LaSalle 0284 America Robert Arthur Delbert D. Fix Ingraham Robert Alan Mahood Jack J. Blumenfeld Christian C. Troll 0806 Matinecock Franklin B. Flower 46 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 71 Years continues

0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill 0890 Joshua 0915 Beukendaal 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic 0981 Amherst Gerald L. Griffith David Kaplan Howard C. Hickin Martin Ziserman Ray D. Galbreath 0880 Sibelius-Bredablick 0913 Heights 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 0950 Konosioni 1174 Schenectady George J. Seaman Jr Jack R. Terry Arnold Stern Anson S. Piper Jr Thomas C. Jones Jr Robert C. Torgersen

70 years

0019 Midwood Fortitude Theodore D. Veru 0419 Arcade 0589 Naurashank 880 Sibelius-Bredablick Robert P. Tebo Jr 0224 Oriental-Faxton Gerald L. Schaefer John Fred Doremus Julius Hintz 0023 Hancock-Dirigo-Adelphi Roger H. Munsell 0434 Pleasantville Hiawatha 0611 St. Johnsville 890 Joshua Marvin S. Perkins 0266 Poughkeepsie John R. Smith Melvin R. Brown Edwin Fisher 0046 Huguenot David W. Cundy 0445 Cassia 0627 Wallkill 912 Great Kills Robert W. Mottola 0284 America Burton Handelsman Arthur D. Teed George W. Garbutt Jr 0079 Unity Milton S. W. Frey 0483 Zeredatha 0646 Red Jacket 1034 Van Cortlandt Frederick Michael Novak 0328 Port Jervis Gerald Safferman Frederick E. Zimmerman Victor Gatto 0146 Western Union Edwin J. Culver 0494 Jephtha 0776 Reliance 1041 Brotherhood Hugh D. Chamberlain Jr 0350 Chemung Valley-Waverly Kenneth H. Gusovius Alfred H. Jantzen Jr Nathan Glasser 0160 Seneca River David H. Grant 0511 Kings County Daniel David Keyser 1057 Springfield Gardens 0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill John R. Coniber 0392 Sodus William R. Merkent Arthur H. Blades 0167 Tri-Town Edward J. Dehullu William F. Nester John S. Todd 1174 Schenectady 0573 De Peyster 0819 Composite Chris G. Bickos 0395 Amber Donald E. Forte 0195 Franklin Carl E. Seymour Jesse R. Crawford Murray A. Rothbaum 1175 Fellowship 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel 867 Damascus William C. Wissner 0403 Balder-Greenpoint Jack R. Hendricks 0205 Phoenix H E. Campbell Victor J. Facio Louis J. Savarese 1188 Renaissance Howard Shapiro William R. Burger Jr

65 years

00006 St. George’s 0150 Sauquoit 0309 Hudson River 0472 Tritown 0627 Wallkill William Griffith Jones Jr Frank Larocca John Earl Palmer Walter H. Schneider R. Van Fechtmann 0167 Tri-Town 0319 Black Lake Hammond 0473 White Plains 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star 0009 Unity Charles V. Brack Wayne K. Storie Trygve Rosseland R.T. Doc Halliday Raymond H. Ringer 0195 Franklin 0365 Goshen 0487 Normal David M. Mackay 0014 Ancient Temple John E. Hughes Jr Stephen C. Coon John J. Lucatos 0648 Memorial Charles W. Wyld Jr 0201 Genesis 0375 Niagara John C. Mcmillan Edwin H. Marsh 0023 Hancock-Dirigo-Adelphi Robert W. Barghaan Charles A. Deacon 0522 Skaneateles 0673 Avoca Sidney I. Hausen 0224 Oriental-Faxton 0378 Big Flats William M. Schneider Jr Carl W. Thompson Donald L. Warner 0046 Huguenot Alan D. Dowd Paul L. Kline 0524 Morning Star 0677 Remsen Edwin J. Fellows Steven Pribis Jr 0417 Wadsworth Douglas A. Nielsen Benjamin S. Seward 0047 Utica Culver F. Hayes Jr 0533 Round Hill George A. Horton 0230 University 0699 Harmonie Emmet B. Thompson 0425 Warrensburgh Kenneth L. Avery 0051 Fidelity-Hobasco Robert A. Deck James B. Searles 0552 Hancock Ralph R. Hensen 0232 King Solomon-Beethoven Milton Conrad Keim Victor Horowitz 0435 St. Mark’s-Vestal Maurice W. Early John F. Lovell 0729 Anchor-Astoria 0075 Evening Star Marvin Goldsmith Ronald Greenblott Donald M. Tannenbaum 0555 Diamond Thistle George V. Kubu Henry W. Friedel Jr 0445 Cassia 0252 Enchanted Mountains Albert H. Scheiner 0085 Bethlehem Herbert S. Rodnon Ronald E. Deatcher 0737 Guttenberg Harold S. Turk Robert C. Babbitt Robert I. Schiff 0557 James M. Austin 0285 George Washington Harold J. Vanburen Jr 0109 Inspiration 0455 Newport Jeremy Morse Copleston 0739 Maimonides-Marshall Gordon L. Kotzin Alson Miles Lee William Stubba 0565 Guiding Star-Angle 0287 Continental Henry L. Parsont 0126 Eastern Light 0458 Shekomeko Curtis M. Jackson 0779 Clio John D. Auwarter Jr Charles Ledig Sorg Endwell E. Buell 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel 0290 Spencer Norman Feil 0132 Niagara LaSalle Nicholas E. Hallas Stanley S. Leffler 0782 Triune-Obed Zakar P. Shakarjian John A. Stone 0471 Tompkins 0595 Socrates Robert C. Wild Sidney Abramsky 0136 Hiram Ramsey Harry C. Gregor Jr Harold E. Chuchul 0297 Alexandria 0784 King Hiram G. Ludington Royal C. Garlock 2nd Thomas E. Leonard THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 47

65 years continues

0796 Dolgeville 0912 Great Kills 1037 Victoria Sea Gate 1118 1185 Western Star Ernest R. Voorhees Howard E. Herbert Jr Lawrence W. Kunken Lodge Of The United Services Paul A. Hahnel 0863 Dunwoodie 0916 Philadelphia 1057 Springfield Gardens Stathis G. Linardos 1188 Renaissance George I. Gordon William S. Matteson Noel J. Chisholm 1175 Fellowship Albert J. Wright III 0880 Sibelius-Bredablick 0925 Tyrian Samuel B. ”Ward Jr.” Jack C. Reukauf 1906 Chouf 6 Frederick E. Griffiths Robert D. McKenzie 1068 James W. Husted-Fiat Lux 1180 Drumlin Square Adel Tay 0890 Joshua 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic Ellis H. Corets Anton E. Richmond Stanley Goldner Ronald J. Steiner Horace Lipkin

60 years

0005 Masters 0138 Otsego 0273 Francis Lewis 0439 Delaware River 0586 Advance Service Mizpah Albert Ronald F. Jex George E. Schneider Robert A. Sperling Harry B. Kastros Seymour Thanhauser 0145 Mount Moriah 0284 America 0454 Kane Herbert E. Margolin Richard Martin Naness 0006 St. George’s Russell E. Diethrick Jr Donald G. Armstrong George McCarter Stuhr 0608 Lessing Joseph J. Walsh 0148 Tri-Valley Chick Dee 0466 Oneonta Erwin Meller 0011 The Lodge Of Antiquity James Arthur Green Joseph F. DeSalvatore Paul Pfau 0294 Canandaigua John J. Rueckerl Louis J. Brousseau Arthur A. Hill 0476 Fairport-Flower City William Murphy III 0634 Scotia 0149 Au Sable River Paul E. Daniels Jr Seymour Margolis 0019 Midwood Fortitude Sterling Roderick Stofle 0305 Fayetteville Central City Ronald L. Weber Chris Pappas 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star Travis Allen Chambers 0153 Friendship Eric Frank Thresh 0479 Unity 0020 Mount Moriah Walter T. Jensen 0333 Westbrook Frederick Robert L. Rose Rob Roy Mitchell A. Radin 0160 Seneca River Howard B. Jones James McCullough 0648 Memorial 0023 Hancock-Dirigo-Adelphi Donald P. Bryant Jr 0336 Medina 0484 Columbian Jack H. Weiner Marshall S E Rogers Fraser James Leo Roth Klein Douglas H. Storey Richard D. Williams 0034 Courtlandt Richard E. Vantassell 0352 Homer 0491 Schoharie Valley 0651 True Craftsman’s George E. Varian 0161 Erie Parish United Donald I. Steger Robert Cortez Jaquay Philip H. Cohen 0040 Olive Branch Charles F. Carpenter 0358 Ancient Landmarks 0501 Liverpool Syracuse 0664 Amicable George B. Greene Irving Gareleck Nicholas Malyak Robert M. Traister 0166 Forest Joseph R. Ratcliffe 0045 Union 0375 Niagara 0508 Herschel-Argyle 0666 Oblong James A. Slocum Donald Richard Bull Wiley E. Tothill Donald L. Thomas Alan Lindsey Mcleod Elmer H. Walter John B. Belterman Jr 0046 Huguenot Robert Lanning Walker 0513 Massena James A. Muncey Paul Nelson Zahniser 0378 Big Flats Leonard O. Baldwin 0172 Chaumont 0671 Wappingers Samuel Knowles Dean 0063 Wantagh Morton Robert James Bates 0524 Morning Star Merton Fowler O’Prey Harry A. Kessler 0384 Cherry Creek Garth Allen Snyder 0175 Oxford 0689 What Cheer Jerry Bentham 0073 Charlotteville David H. Hall 0529 Mountain John Allan Steinbarge Russell K. Whitehead 0386 Jordan Arthur W. Rood 0183 Farmerville-Union 0696 Peacock Elmer E. Woodward 0075 Evening Star William T. Pritchard 0538 Webster Robert J. Erickson Robert Green 0393 Waddington Edward Herbert Maeske 0195 Franklin 0699 Harmonie Royal A. Nelson 0087 Van Rensselaer Robert E. Sumpter 0549 Warsaw George B. Basil Ralph K. Erickson Robert L. Thompson Gerald R. Pfeifer 0200 Garoga-Sincerity Robert E. Wilson 0729 Anchor-Astoria 0093 Crossroads United 0551 Ransomville Robert Francis Spink 0395 Amber Peter Karounos Larry Phillips Kenneth Patterson 0204 Perfect Square Chris J. Theodore 0737 Guttenberg Costas 0095 Elmira 0563 Cornucopia Irwin M. Reich 0403 Balder-Greenpoint James Ziamandani Robert E. Montgomery Frank Spada 0205 Phoenix John Joseph Klein 0750 Shakespeare 0107 North Star 0565 Guiding Star-Angle Basilios Theodosakis 0416 Wayne Michael H. Gold Dale D. Fairchilds Alexander J. McConnell Aaron Rubin 0224 Oriental-Faxton Richard E. Clark Irving Rushforte Provost 0575 Olive Daniel M. Semel Geoffrey A. Hampton 0417 Wadsworth 0115 Phoenix Robert C. Roberts Carlton Guy Stetson 0765 Von Mensch Larry Whiteman Constantine D. Yavis 0229 Oriona Grove 0579 Portville Gerhard 0434 Pleasantville Hiawatha 0130 Port Byron Wayne L. Torrey Wilhelm Schweyher Harlan C. Morse Hans Jurgen Jessen Robert J. Vanscoy Hugh Q. Smith 0581 Winfield 0776 Reliance 0435 St. Mark’s-Vestal 0132 Niagara LaSalle 0230 University Noel Gordon Chafee Herbert Robert Hartel Sr Donald M. Sukloff Ralph H. Kline Gary Terence Fraser 0785 Niagara River Lodge Hugh C. Messer 48 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 60 years continues

0796 Dolgeville 0839 Athelstane 0948 Perseverance-Suburban 1037 Victoria Sea Gate 1180 Drumlin Square D William Fake Stephen Kurland Lawrence I. Macks Howard D. Bloom James H. Airy 0797 Seneca 0877 West Point Melvyn G. Mesnekoff 1057 Springfield Gardens William C. Jones Culver Kent Barr George Peter Johnson 0950 Konosioni Charles Joseph Kaiser 1185 Western Star 0808 Guiding Light-Olympia Dick Tucker Leclere Edward W. Stone Arthur W. Most Kenneth V. Weber Jon Alan Rindfleisch Stanford M. Altschul 0956 Spartan 1068 James W. Husted-Fiat Lux 1186 Ken-Ton Bernard Sherman 0878 Norsemen John A. Herzog Richard Stanley Bayer John H. Meahl 0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill Theodore Persinger Frank Roy Meserole 1072 Dexter 1187 North Rose Wolcott John F. Drake 0879 Charles W. Cushman 0965 Geneva Kenneth Gordon Bates Marvin L. Jay 0819 Composite Kenneth R. Eigenmann Carlton E. Swanker 1111 West Seneca 1188 Renaissance Leon Arthur Maj Harold Z. Schwartz 0968 Philo-Mount Sinai Ronald C. Moeller D. Bruce Gilbert David Zable 0892 Queensboro Stuart F. Rubin John E. Schultz John A. Kohler 0821 Bethany Reinhold L. Clausen 0975 Bethpage Hicksville 1122 Fallsburg William L. Schechterly Sanford M. Silverberg Frederick J. Bingle 0922 Amos-Fort Greene Curtis T. Hess Marc Lerner 0830 Eunice Joseph Trachtenberg 0981 Amherst 1130 La Guardia Allen J. Roggen Richard Trachtenberg Robert I. Praties Albert F. Keer 0838 Connetquot 1016 Floral Park 1138 Eggertsville-Grand Island Robert J. Sheppard Ronald M. Goldwyn Kenneth Ivin Perry

55 YEARS

0001 St. John’s 0063 Wantagh Morton 0132 Niagara LaSalle 0199 Harmony 0309 Hudson River Herbert Schildt Raymond A. Miller Sigurd Balodis Broder Ricklefsen Clark Conner White Jr 0003 Mount Vernon 0065 Morning Star Arthur F. Hartley 0200 Garoga-Sincerity 0313 Stony Point Wawayanda Donald Reid Pierce Arthur C. Sawyer John H. Davis Walter B. Rose 0134 Lowville Alexander Flanders 0075 Evening Star 0203 Munn 0319 Black Lake Hammond 0004 St. Patrick’s Kenneth Dodge Charles J. Bunke Joel G. Ackerman Richard Carter Watson 0136 Hiram John H. Nethaway 0082 Phoebus Elliott Irwin Tepper 0358 Ancient Landmarks 0007 Hudson Widow’s Son Karl L. Gregory Bruce J. Ingersoll 0224 Oriental-Faxton Phillip M. Foreman 0145 Mount Moriah Nelson A. Bink 0083 Newark John H. Beach II Michael Malyak Arnold T. Johnsen Jr Paul A. Enders Joseph A. Van Haelst John L. Sellstrom 0375 Niagara Alan W. Pentland 0011 The Lodge Of Antiquity 0146 Western Union Ronald F. Stockwell 0087 Van Rensselaer Earl T. Van Scooter Robert Carillion Jr George W. Wagner Stephen A. Foster 0383 Northern Aurora Earl R. Davis Frank W. Smith Jr 0229 Oriona Grove 0103 Rising Sun Richard F. Logan Charles E. Entenmann 0148 Tri-Valley William R. Smith Philip R. Stevens 0392 Sodus 0013 Apollo-King Solomon’s Dana W. Wilson 0230 University 0109 Inspiration Robert T. Rawden Richard W. Rogers 0154 Wakan-Hubbard Rudolph C. Briggs James O Woodruff 0396 Deposit 0014 Ancient Temple Edward Earl Mayer 0236 Philipstown 0110 Scipio Thomas Alan Axtell Robert J. Clark 0160 Seneca River William Bennett Braatz Robert L. Chase Richard Earl Darling 0019 Midwood Fortitude 0241 Harmony William J. Beall 0414 Scriba 0112 Steuben Alfred Emil Dietz 0161 Erie Parish United Ronald R. Kizer Ronald D. Cottet Theodore B. Freedman Jay Dickson Harold Roseth Larry Dickson Paul L. Gibbs 0425 Warrensburgh 0020 Mount Moriah 0255Living Stone Philip M Dickson 0163 ERAC John Kessler Martin W. Turetzky Manford Naar David P. Crawford Carl A. Wells Lee K. Murdie 0022 Franklin 0273 Francis Lewis 0122 Genesee Valley 0167 Tri-Town Brian B. Turner William E. Reid Jr Charles E. Bartlett Charles K. Root Frank W. Morgan 0426 Northfield 0034 Courtlandt Robert Spitz 0123 Dundee 0175 Oxford Edgar Rummler III 0285 George Washington Clifford R. Lancaster James E. Mullican James E. Dann 0434 Pleasantville Hiawatha 0039 Olive Branch Robert W. Pepper Frank Karlton Faulkner Wellington H W Lee B Richard Boscamp David P. Ramos Richard L. Newcomb 0126 Eastern Light Myron A. Phillips 0435 St. Mark’s-Vestal 0295 Cataract 0047 Utica Gordon B. Hinman 0178 Cornerstone Stephen M. James Gary W. Few Norman J. Heid Frank H. Louiselle Howard Goldman 0442 Windsor 0305 Fayetteville Central City 0056 0129 Sanger 0193 Ulster Charles Jehu Dehaven Kenneth G. Gerhart Stewart Manor-St. Albans Dale L. Allen John P. Schneider 0458 Shekomeko Gary M. Allen Bruce R. Weegar Gregory C. Kalicin 0195 Franklin Gerald C. Parliman 0306 Cuba-Friendship Douglas Barton Johnsen Eric Malcolm Hooker THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 49

55 years continues

0471 Tompkins 0549 Warsaw 0634 Scotia 0778 Livonia 0916 Philadelphia Craig A. Valentine John Russell Nicholas Fatseas Karl E. Schroeder Dale Francis Leeson 0474 Belmont 0550 Hannibal Herman Schindel Hefler 0779 Clio Clyde 0922 Amos-Fort Greene James W. Vossler John H. Crego 0645 Riverhead Hendrick Rathbun Norman Spinner 0476 Fairport-Flower City Charles Willard Kranze Roy J. Klabo 0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill 0942 Fraternity-Dunderberg Wayne C. Montague 0551 Ransomville 0646 Red Jacket Richard E. Pieper Peter Bergman 0477 Wildwood Carl R. Corp Jr Walter B. Trude 0821 Bethany 0956 Spartan Ronald Lee Bovay 0555 Diamond Thistle 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star Francis A. Phelps Robert Schatz 479 Unity George T. Butler Robert W. Johnson Jr Ralph A. Staplin 0981 Amherst James L. McGraw Robert Warren Spaulding 0648 Memorial 0837 Hesperus Merton Howard L. Lickers Jr 0565 Guiding Star-Angle 0501 Liverpool Syracuse Raymond G. Hulick Tracy Miller Jr 1016 Floral Park Bruce K. Sutphen Robert B. Birmele 0666 Oblong 0839 Athelstane Jerome Ackerman 0580 Glen Cove 0506 Rising Light Perry M. Sample III Joel Langbaum 1057 Springfield Gardens Robert C. Cornell Hans Ketelsen 0694 Blazing Star 0843 Star Of The East William H. Bunker Richard G. Jones 0582 Wawarsing Fredric B. Ridenour Jr Hugh King Jr James J. Kane Jr 0517 Frontier Irving Weinsoff 0701 Beacon Light 0859 Collabergh-Radium 1066 Harry S Truman Gordon Crawford 0586 Advance Service Mizpah Alfred Howard Esser Bruce H. Bell Martin Dashevsky 0521 Liberty John R. Lauritzen Jr 0710 Ridgewood 0879 Charles W. Cushman 1101 Parthenon Nelson D. Durland David Leichter Andrew Brondas Jr Richard William Jochum Edward Gabelman Gerald Lutzker Alan Gerry 0712 Pelham 0880 Sibelius-Bredablick 1116 Abravanel 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel Lee R. Tompkins Jr Robert P. Morgan Robert Gerald Mathios 0524 Morning Star George Blekas John W Mackenna Alan S. Robinson 0714 Wieland 1122 Fallsburg Albert G. Lintel Herbert Bittlingmaier 0890 Joshua Richard A. Rubin 0616 Cazenovia 0529 Mountain Matthew J. Printz Robert R. Sherburne 0737 Guttenberg 1147 Carroll George Nicholas Robert H. Day Jr Lester Stoller Donald Raymond Cable 0619 Eagle 0533 Round Hill 0896 Tully Jefferson F. Huff 0739 Maimonides-Marshall 1185 Western Star Paul W. Albright Fred Brafman David M. Spaulding Homer P. Harshberger George P. Magur 0622 Central Square Hyman C. Grossman 0913 Heights E Eugene Sharer Barry T. Mugglin 1188 Renaissance Alan M. Rashes Hugh F. Foresman E Morton Helper 0538 Webster 0627 Wallkill Burton D. Stillman Kenneth D. Stewart Mark V. Fenton John W. Foster Henry L. Wedekindt

50 years

0005 Masters 0060 Suffolk 0109 Inspiration 0168 Corning Painted Post 0246 Arcana Stephen H. Wahl Raymond A Holmes II Charles A. Thompson Richard L. Copenhaver Leslie Blacksburg 0007 Hudson Widow’s Son Fred Joseph Reynolds 0112 Steuben Rodney A. Steves Charles L. Morris Dale E. Watkins Clifford John Miller 0075 Evening Star Donald Miller 0255 Living Stone 0173 Monroe 0011 The Lodge Of Antiquity David H. Johnson 0123 Dundee Lawrence E. Dietz John J. Dillion Donald Friesing 0079 Unity Eugene F. Pierce Wilbur J. Paine 0178 Cornerstone 0262 Phoenix 0012 Trinity Terrance L. Van Alstine 0128 Ogdensburgh-Acacian John A. Conti Jr 0085 Bethlehem Keith L. Shaver Mark A. Raifman Merritt W. Offhaus 0199 Harmony 0287 Continental 0015 Western Star Paul Scher 0130 Port Byron Ray A. Carey 0087 Van Rensselaer Donald K. Ellinwood Jr Werner Allgayer Sarkis J. Kechejian 0200 Garoga-Sincerity Frederick D. Zschau 0019 Midwood Fortitude Richard L. Fowler Jr 0136 Hiram 0294 Canandaigua Lewis L. Delucia 0093 Crossroads United Glenn L. Mac Dougall Milton C. Lum 0211 Pocahontas Wayne E. Smith 0034 Courtlandt Robert L. Janssen 0137 Anglo-Saxon 0295 Cataract Robert C. Westfall 0095 Elmira William C. Fitzpatrick Earl L. Bowen 0217 Gouverneur Robert C. Staples 0039 Olive Branch Leon Alton Dean 0153 Friendship 0297 Alexandria Charles H. Snell James R. Greatsinger Wesley J. Buyck Mitchell R. Armes 0096 Mount Hope-Phoenix 0223 Roman-Hatheway Gerald I. Salisbury 0041 Sylvan Gene R. Hellmers 0298 Fish House Willard J. Jackson John Albert Millett Frank W. Nelson Charles H. Jacobson 0107 North Star 0154 Wakan-Hubbard 0224 Oriental-Faxton Hunter Cole-Hatchard 0045 Union Charles F. Swatling Homer L. Cessna Bruce H. Francey John L. Johnston John P. Cuomo Robert G. Hazen Jr Ronald W. Charron 0163 ERAC 0236 Philipstown Lee Frederick Roscoe George T. Heisel Donald M. Graham Kenneth W. Tuttle 50 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 50 years continues

0304 Schiller 0439 Delaware River Robert P. Tauber 0757 Silver 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic Kurt Ott Melvin A. Collins 0565 Guiding Star-Angle Steven F. Schmitt Richard B. Stelzner Adolf Romanowski Charles Avery Dunlap III Manfred O. Wuttke 0765 Von Mensch 0950 Konosioni Herbert Schorpp 0442 Windsor 0570 Avon Springs Hans J. Preussner David A. Stevenson 0306 Cuba-Friendship Gordon Marriott James H. Hooper 0776 Reliance 0956 Spartan Joseph V. Craft James Slack James S. Miller Raymond Stern James Gouvis 0308 Seneca Lake 0454 Kane 0575 Olive 0778 Livonia 0970 Johnson City Unity James R. Harris Bryant Lee Conant William F. Newell William H. Drain Daniel J. Sablich Paul E. Roe 0458 Shekomeko William Melvin Schutt 0782 Triune-Obed 0981 Amherst 0311 Mount Zion Theodore R. Eggers Jr 0581 Winfield Dewitt R. Sagendorph Charles William Kollatz Harry S. Burton Jr 0462 Attica Earl Richard Casler 0784 King Hiram Robert J. Rohe 0320 Union Star John J. Jensen 0586 Advance Service Mizpah Charles S. Hubbell 1015 Mount Sabattis Lawrence A. Millerd Richard M. Rudolph Stanley Ferguson Jr Roger C. Rumsey Stuart W. Hosley 0336 Medina 0463 Lamoka 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel 0796 Dolgeville 1057 Springfield Gardens John Bruce Long John S. Bailey Wolfgang F. Zwiener Louis Forbes Dunderdale Eric K. Fricke 0342 Wyoming Lawrence C. Howell 0589 Naurashank 0797 Seneca 1066 Harry S Truman 0473 White Plains Gary A. Markus David Cranstoun Michael R. Lewis Charles E. Laufman 0347 Clinton-Hampton Richard B. Shedden 0592 Schenevus Valley 0806 Matinecock Stanley H. Reiff 0474 Belmont Juergen Peter Schuetz Ralph Everett Hillis Frederick P. Smith 1068 James W. Husted-Fiat Lux 0352 Homer Michael C. Graves 0627 Wallkill 0808 Guiding Light-Olympia Stuart Nitkin 0476 Fairport-Flower City Charles A. Woodworth Mario Bojsiuk Ira H. Bard 1118 Richard C. Budgeon 0358 Ancient Landmarks Lee C. Titus Martin Paul Flisser Lodge Of The United Services Michael S. Marks Donald G. Lund 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star Jeffrey W. Halbreich Joseph C. Burns 0478 South Dansville-Wayland 0374 Monumental Paul Valdemar Jensen 0820 On Da Wa Joseph S. Salter Robert E. Carnes Barry J. Stickel 0648 Memorial George David Knowles 1123 Humanitas 0479 Unity 0383 Northern Aurora Warren A. Fengler 0821 Bethany H. Stephen Lieb Allen John Widrick William Randall Stout 0651 True Craftsman’s Robert M. Miles 1129 Hellenic - Plato 0483 Zeredatha Donald Raymond Yeddo Stanley W. Marks MD 0837 Hesperus Odessefs Parascos 0386 Jordan Karl L. Drobitsky 0664 Amicable William R. Kent 1143 Valley Stream 0484 Columbian Frederick A. Bush Ole W. Olsen 0859 Collabergh-Radium William H. Meyer 0394 Cobleskill Allan R. Kaplan 0680 Victor Peter A. Hansen 1147 Carroll 0491 Schoharie Valley Ivan D’witt Cole R Frederick Chase 0867 Damascus Charles F. Stormer 0395 Amber Clayton S. Ash 0693 Kedemah Raymond Asfar 1155 Briarcliff 0501 Liverpool Syracuse Kenneth D. Brownell Henry Barz 0877 West Point George Margosian Robert P. Meashaw William E. Barry 0694 Blazing Star John E. Hesson 1174 Schenectady 0398 Home Jorge Luis Romeu Denis H. Funseth George M. Meier Glenn H. Gerber Robert L. Brown 0522 Skaneateles Ronald E. Williams Nelson L. Haynes 0695 Alcyone 0402 Compact Earl L. Tuttle 0892 Queensboro Derek S. Jones Donald H. Bornkamp 0527 Akron George D. Searing Arthur Kubikian Imre T. Hajagos Victor R. Pinzone 0404 Constellation James F. Paxon Allen J. Schmidt 1185 Western Star 0701 Beacon Light 0534 Tioga Robert A. Starkie Gary L. Kilborn Justus Snyder Barry C. Smith 0915 Beukendaal John S. Whitfield 0417 Wadsworth Richard Edward Meewes J Delbert Smith 0545 Copernicus Harlan S. Barney Jr 1187 North Rose Wolcott Kurt J. Rosenfeldt 0708 Kisco 0917 IMA Robert L. Monroe 0425 Warrensburgh Fritz Kenneth Muir D. Riemenschneider George J. Abraham 1188 Renaissance George D. McGowan 0725 Southern Light Warren R. Schueler 0922 Amos-Fort Greene Robert F. Eichhorn 0426 Northfield Jack Leroy Wilson 0553 Farmers Lewis A. Berns W. King Mix Glenn A. Hedges 0727 Bunting-Charity Edward A. Poole Homer R. Casler 0923 Tadmor 0438 Marathon Leo J. Wisniewski John H. Poole 0555 Diamond Thistle Richard A. Burke Stephen H. Ellis Richard H. Schmit Jr Gordon J. Smith 0750 Shakespear Louis Brause

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 51 Grand Lodge Educational RW MICHAEL SHIPMAN Assistance Program Chairman 516/304-5882 [email protected]

EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Presentations for 2019 he public announcement and Sunday, June 23 Saturday, July 27 Saturday, July 27 presentation to the recipients of the Masonic Care Community Ismailia Shrine Damascus Shrine T2019 Education Assistance Program will 2150 Bleeker Street 1600 Southwestern Blvd. 979 Bay Road take place at the following locations: Utica, NY 13501 Buffalo, NY 14224 Webster, NY 14580 at 1:00 p.m. at 12:00 p.m. at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 28 Sunday, July 28 Saturday, August 3 Masonic Memorial Center Beukendaal Lodge Grand Lodge Building-3rd Fl 648 Centerville Place 22 Schonowee Ave. 71 West 23rd Street North Syracuse, NY 13212 Scotia, NY 12302 New York, NY 10010 at 12:00 p.m. at 5:00 p.m. at 12:00 p.m. All brethren, recipients and guests are cordially invited to the above locations. attend the 2019 Education Assistance Program presentations As we move past the twenty-third year for this outstanding at the above locations and dates. The Grand Master and program, the Committee wishes to thank all of the people who representatives of the Grand Line will be present at these have been involved in this life-changing effort. The Grand presentations and will continue the tradition of congratulating Lodge and the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home have the students and families. The programs will start promptly at assisted over 13,500 students with educational grants, now the above times. The Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home, totaling nearly 13 million dollars, in their pursuit of higher who have funded this program for the children, grandchildren learning. All brethren and their families are welcome to be and widows of our Fraternity, will be in attendance. Light part of these special events. Help us congratulate the children, refreshments will be served. grandchildren and widows of the members of our Fraternity. Special thanks go to the many Lodge Secretaries who Make reservations with your District Deputy if you would like assisted the students with their applications. Thanks, too, go to attend. to the District Deputy Grand Masters for their assistance at

Lodge continues St. Pat’s observance

raternity-Dunderberg Lodge held its twenty-fifth annual St. Patrick’s dinner. FAs in all past years it was held at the Chinese all-you-can-eat buffet. Nothing was green. The party was started in the ‘90s as a joke and endures to the present.

Fraternity-Dunderberg Brothers with the DDGM and others of the First Westchester-Putnam District. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 52 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 53

Boys’ Camp Girls’ Camp June 30th – July 20th July 21st – August 10th

One-, two- or three-week options available (open to all children 8 to 16 years of age)

For more information call 315/392-2081 OR Visit us on the web to register. www.CampTurk.org

54 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience SUMMER 2019 Grand Lecturer RW richard FRIEDMAN, Grand Lecturer [email protected]

reetings to all my Brothers! I have so enjoyed my first year For the most part you memorized and kept those things as your Grand Lecturer. If you attended the conventions because they were important to you in one way or the other. Is Gyou got a preview of what my tenure will be like. I intend the ritual important to you? Does the beautiful meaning of the to bring high energy, focus and an absolute commitment to ritual deserve the kind of thought and love needed to perform raising the bar on our ritual work. it in a meaningful way? Doing the ritual is not a rote exercise of memorizing certain Once the ritual is yours, take the time to plumb its deeper words, spewing them out like a machine gun, using a hurried, meanings and how they affect your life. Sit and ponder how non-interesting style and feeling good about ourselves that we the lessons in the apron presentation, as an example, apply to got all the words right and our parts were done as quickly as you and your family. possible. I would call that approach the key to bad ritual. For me, one great lesson that has always shaped me is the Even though some Masonic bodies are getting away from lesson of humility built into the work. Keeping your life in memorization, I pray to the Great Architect that it never perspective is a key to anyone’s success. This did not occur to happens in Craft Masonry. It would destroy the whole purpose you in that piece of work? of the ritual itself and gut the soul of the Freemason. That is the beauty of it! We all, if we think about it, will Memorizing the ritual should be done out of love, not fear, find incredible life lessons embedded in our ritual. How expediency or “let’s get it over with.” What you memorize about the idea that we live and work against the backdrop of stays with you for life and shapes your life in conscious and eternity? Does that instruct you as to how to live your life in unconscious ways. Think of anything you ever memorized, a meaningful way? from the Pledge of Allegiance to a favorite song; your lady’s As you enjoy your summer, make some time to do some birthday, your kids’ birthdays; important phone numbers; reading about our ritual and studying it. Take the quiet time your social security number and hundreds of other things to think it through, and then apply its greatness to your life that you carry with you. Memorizing makes the ritual yours daily. Gung HO! forever. Dates to Remember JUNE 2019 AUGUST 2019 3 Idaho Night at Grand Lodge, 3 EAP Scholarship Presentations – NYC James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Lodge 1068 10 Grand Master’s Day at Camp Turk / 8 Chautauqua District Barn Degree in Dunkirk NY DeMolay Convention 8 Sweet Home Lodge 948 Charter Presentation 16-17 Grand Cryptic Assembly in Albany 10 Grand Secretary’s Golf Tournament 18 Scipio Lodge 110 – 200th Year Rededication 15 Blazing Star Lodge 694 - 150th Year Rededication 20-23 St. John’s weekend in Utica 23 EAP Scholarship Presentations – Utica, NY

JULY 2019 7 Oswego York Rite Parade Articles Due Date for the 7 Suffolk Past Master’s Dinner FALL Issue 1-21 Grand Master’s Cruise 27 EAP Scholarship Presentations – Buffalo and Rochester of the Empire State 27 Eastern Star – Star Festival Magazine is 28 EAP Scholarship Presentations – Syracuse and Schenectady July 1, 2019

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 55 St. John’s Day 2019 Thursday, June 20 – Sunday, June 23

Thursday, June 20 Kick off the Weekend! Free outdoor concert in front of the Administration Building 6 pm till 8:30 pm! Food Trucks and dancing in the street!

Friday, June 21 7 am – 4 pm DD and Staff Officers 9 am - Ladies Program followed by lunch on the Great Lawn 12 noon - Boxed Lunch in foyer of the Admin Bldg. 5 pm - Friday Services in the Synagogue 6 pm - Masonic Picnic on the Great Lawn followed by fireworks at 9 pm Saturday, June 22 9 am-3 pm Crafters and Masonic Lodges on the Lawn; 10 am-1 pm Fritz’s Polka Band; 1 pm Masonic War Veterans Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Soldiers and Sailors; 2 pm Masonic Parade followed by the Investiture Service in Tompkins Chapel. Following the service, Bill and Nancy Sardone invite you to the campus residence!

Sunday, June 23 9 am Interfaith Service in Tompkins Chapel 10:30-11:30 am Brunch in the Winter Garden 1 pm - Masonic Scholarship Awards in the Admin. Bldg. Auditorium