SUMMER 2021

The Grand Lodge of New York Elected, Appointed Officers and Past Grand Masters From the Grand East MW WILLIAM M. SARDONE Grand Master 212/337-6643 [email protected] Address of The Most Worshipful William M. Sardone GRAND MASTER of Masons in the State of New York ADDRESS OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL was accomplished with the expertise of our Grand Marshal, WILLIAM M. SARDONE, Grand Master of Masons RW Edward Bartels, his son, Brother Kevin Bartels and Mrs. in the State of New York, presented at the 239th Annual Cathie Bartels. Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted As Grand Master I took the opportunity to reach out Masons of the State of New York at the Masonic Care New through my own home-made videos. From Turkey Suits to Rochelle on Monday, May 3, 2021. Grand Lodge apparel. All were home grown and edited by Mrs. Cathie Bartels, the wife of our Grand Marshal. Address of the Grand Master But a Masonic year is not built around guest speakers and W Deputy Grand Master, Members of the Grand Line, videos alone. It is built around brotherhood. RPast Grand Masters, and Brethren: Membership has always been on our minds. Quality growth Because of COVID-19 we have become accustomed to is essential. new verbiage. Social distancing, quarantining, masking, You may say, how can we grow in a pandemic? Well, we took sanitizing, zooming, and more. We also saw members the opportunity to engage Doctors who are Masons. We asked succumb to COVID-19. them how they would induct members in a pandemic. Their But your Grand Lodge and its members adapted. suggestions were given to the Custodians of the Work and the We adapted to the technology at hand, which comprised Pandemic Induction Ceremony was instituted. Even when various forms of virtual meetings via computer or smartphone. restrictions were 10 persons maximum we were still able to While it was not and still is not perfect, it did allow us to stay manage. in touch, care for each other and assist in how we could plan With a population sitting at home, working remotely, we to help others. had the opportunity to reach them through the medium When you think about it, our regular meetings did the in their daily lives. Social Media. We changed our approach same. They kept us in touch, we checked on each other and from selling Masonry to making good men Aware of Masonry. we planned on how we can help others. Our Senior Grand Deacon, RW David Menegon, and our Committee Chairman, RW Joseph Passeretti, are reinforcing We launched the theme “New York Masons Care” and that this program as the true future of quality Masons. We heavily spread throughout the jurisdiction. Members, lodges, and invested our resources into this program brought to us by districts pooled their talents and resources to provide meals Past Grand Master MW Jeffrey Williamson, called NorthStar, for first responders and essential workers. Food drives all over which has become our platform. the state popped up. Not once, but multiple times. Scottish Rite NMJ also deployed a nationwide membership The world almost came to a full stop. We had a choice. Stop campaign, which collided with ours resulting in numbers of with it or adjust and try new things. And we did! potential candidates which have not been seen since 1950. In addition to our community outreach, we developed virtual We continue to adjust our meeting ability in accordance meetings with guest speakers to bring interest, substance, and with government and health guidelines. While the 6-foot entertainment. The list of Grand Lodge guests included New distancing exists as of this writing, we are able to have Lodge York Senator Joseph A. Griffo, Major League Baseball Pitcher meetings with calculated attendance. Lodge meetings have Mariano Rivera, National Football League Center Bart Oates, Degrees scheduled. America Unearthed Program Host Scott Wolter, a cooking show, a magic show, the son of a Tuskegee Airman and much I had instituted a grant program to support lodges to install more. security systems for the obvious reasons of protection of individuals and property. When the Pandemic hit, those We became so well known, other jurisdictions “tuned in” and security systems allowed lodges to observe their facilities we garnered a global following. and ensure all was safe and/or needed attention. RW Anthony We held a Second Telethon. We are still the only Grand Lodge Adamo, Grand Tiler, spearheaded this successful program. in the United States to have not one, but two Telethons. The last one was broadcast from Masonic Care New Rochelle. This Continues onto Page 4 – Address

2 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 70 / Number 2 / SUMMER 2021

SUMMER 2021 Articles: From the Grand East 2 239th Annual Communication 6 Deputy Grand Master 8 Senior Grand Warden 9, 42 The Grand Lodge of New York Elected, Appointed Officers and Past Grand Masters Junior Grand Warden 10, 11 Grand Secretary 12 Senior Grand Deacon 13 COVER: Grand Lodge of New York Award Committee 14 2021 Masonic Care Community 16-18 Elected, Appointed Officers and Past Grand Masters Acacia Village 19 International Order of the Rainbow Girls of NY 22 Organization of Triangle, Inc. 24 New York DeMolay 26 Masonic Youth Committee –Totton Essay 28 Camp Turk 29 Masonic Medical Research Institute 30 Years of Service 32-36 From the Webmaster 45 Grand Lecturer 46 Articles Deadline and Submission Guidelines 47

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

CONSULTANTS POSTMASTER: WILLIAM M. SARDONE richard j. kessler steven adam rubin Please send address changes to: Grand Master – Editor in Chief Deputy Grand Master Grand Treasurer The Empire State Mason Circulation Department JOAN C. BOWER charles m. roberts richard t. schulz 71 West 23rd Street Assistant Editor Senior Grand Warden Grand Secretary NY NY 10010-4149 Periodicals Class Publication 56874 elquemedo oscar alleyne LORAINE DIBLEY 1-(800) 362-7664 Junior Grand Warden Graphic Designer Website at www.nymasons.org Subscription $6.00 Domestic $15.00 Foreign per year. Subscription free to all members of constituent Lodges of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. State of New York. Copyright ©2021 by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund. All rights reserved. Reproduction by recognized Masonic organizations is permitted with credit. All others must obtain written permission. Published quarterly in Spring Summer Fall and Winter months by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund 71 West 23rd Street NY NY 10010-4149. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON (ISSN 0013-6794 Published at 71 West 23rd Street NY NY 10010-4149). Periodicals postage paid at New York NY and additional mailing offices. Continued from Page 2 – Address asked for a Petition from one of our lodges. We investigated the potential of having a virtual Grand Lodge The “gung-ho” spirit of our Grand Lecturer, RW Richard meeting. Allowing all voting members the ability to vote is Friedman, allowed him to still conduct Grand Lecturer paramount. Our Constitutions, Rules of Order and Masonic Conventions virtually. My thanks to the Assistant Grand Law do not make allowances for this, and the technology is Lecturers for being part of that all-important team. still not within reach. We saw various groups attempt it and The Judge Advocate, RW Paul Huck, and the Proctor, RW the results were obvious. Professional vendors were consulted as Michael Postiglione, are always there for the legal questions well as our own internal talent. None could promise nor secure and answers. a flawless virtual meeting that allowed all members to interact. The District Deputy Grand Masters and the Grand Lodge RW Edward Bartels was invaluable in this process. Staff Officers have served with honor. We have reduced their Going forward, we have a panel of seasoned, skilled and amount of paperwork, thereby allowing them to concentrate well-versed brothers scouring the Constitutions and Masonic on their lodges and programs. They have supported our Law with the objective of proposing amendments to augment members with unswerving distinction. I am a lucky man to the ground work of future Grand Sessions, to prevent be on their team. RW Scott Peat, Grand Standard Bearer, is a another unforeseen crisis or pandemic from hampering and strong conduit of information and knowledge for this stout encumbering the Grand Lodge. The silver lining of this component of our Grand Lodge. pandemic is that we should learn important lessons from this In May of 2020 we listened to all the data, which was of experience. the opinion that the COVID-19 Virus would dissipate during While we were working on keeping lodges engaged, our the summer heat. It was just the opposite. While we have seen Masonic Care Community was working on keeping people people react to COVID-19 with flu-like symptoms we have alive. also seen our members die from it. Sadly, this year we lost one The Masonic Care Community is already known for of our Permanent Members, RW Louis H. Juers, Past Grand exceptional care, but now there is a pandemic. I don’t need to Treasurer, along with two of our dedicated Grand Lodge review what we all watched in the media. But the employees Committeemen, RW Michael P. Winkler and RW Marlon and staff of the MCC managed to care for all of our residents Thomas (also Library Trustee). All three leave a large space at the home throughout these times. Sewing machines were within our quarries that will be very difficult to fill. pushed into overtime as Masonic Youth and Masonic Families Transparency is needed in all our operations. The Grand were making masks. Donations from members to maintain Secretary has provided the reports well in advance of our the safety protocols came in from all over the state and other Grand Lodge Session for all to review. All elected Grand Line states as well. But elevated financial resources were needed. Members continue to be invited to our Finance Committee Thanks to the expertise of our Trustees of our Masonic Hall meetings including the current budget session. and Home, those financial resources were made available and There was a “push” for lodges to establish “501c3” status provided the needed support for testing, additional PPE, etc. through a historic organization or similar. This was an They are nine men who handle the work of 90! attempt to be removed from their local tax rolls. While this The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library was not sanctioned by Grand Lodge, I brought this idea to tax (like all libraries) shut their doors during the pandemic. We professionals and found that we should not pursue this path. broadcasted a state of the state from the Masonic Library at Especially in a time when municipalities in our smaller 23rd Street and they have just completed the online ability to communities are struggling. At least one Lodge spent have “e-books” where you can “take out” 3 books for 21 days. thousands in legal fees to establish a 501c3. Once obtained The Library in Utica is also getting a new look as RW they went to their tax official and were denied. In the long run Stephen King, President of the Board of Library Trustees and a program like this could have jeopardized the millions we are W Daniel Williams have spent days and weeks going through now saving as well as potentially devastating public relations every item as we look to bring those artifacts to the members. issues. There were numerous reasons why this program was The Masonic Medical Research Institute found themselves not supported. applying their resources to the COVID-19 Virus and have As I write this today, we see some venues opening with provided their expertise to help test and diagnose its effects. small attendance percentages. Vaccinations taking place. They have retooled their focus and continue to take strides Unfortunately, the restrictions do not allow for a full Grand that are globally recognized. This is in addition to their Lodge Session where all members can attend. multiple levels of research. Remaining in compliance with our Constitutions, State The Masonic War Veterans needed to pull in their activities and Health guidelines as well as precedence set in our Grand which centered around our Veterans homes and hospitals. But Lodge, we are having a condensed Session. We are hoping we they have been innovative and developed parking lot signs for can safely meet in the near future. Purple Heart recipients and military veterans. Their goal is to The decisions we were faced with this year were like none provide service dogs for military veterans in need. other. I spent many hours tossing ideas around with RW Richard Our Masonic Youth of Rainbow, Triangle and DeMolay easily Schulz, Grand Secretary, RW Richard Bateman, Assistant Grand adapted to the virtual world. As of this writing New York Secretary, and the Board of Past Grand Masters. We worked DeMolay has started three new chapters during the pandemic. on scenarios that permitted a basic business model that would And as we know, a large majority of Senior DeMolays have allow Lodges to continue. The Senior Grand Warden RW 4 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 Charles Roberts and Junior Grand Warden RW E. Oscar Alleyne were very supportive in these difficult times. They have lived Sincerely and Fraternally, up to their oath and have never taken a negative stance against the Grand Master nor Grand Lodge. My sincere thanks to the Deputy Grand Master RW Richard Kessler for his patience and understanding. I enjoy partnering with him. Masonry Never Stops. This Jurisdiction is an example of these three words, and I am very proud of you. MW William M. Sardone, Grand Master

RW Richard T. Schulz, Grand Secretary ©Copyright, 2021 Richard T. Schulz Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York

Update Letter as of May 14, 2021

y Brothers, my letters have used the words “tentative, Plans are being put together for a Grand Master’s Day in patience, adjust, flexible.” And now I am adding Tappan—tentative. We are back on track with collecting M“retraction.” As you read this issue, the health and government model trains for our Masonic Model Railroad club and our guidelines will more than likely change a few times. I am as Horticultural Center and Greenhouses in the Masonic Care anxious as you are to return to normal. We see that CDC Community and Masonic Care New Rochelle are growing. guidelines are nice. But we need to wait until the Governor As we enjoy the summer months, I ask all to be safe. I truly adopts them. appreciate your support for our Fraternity and communities. This issue highlights our Grand Lodge Session which was Thanks to you, Masonry Never Stops. held at the Masonic Care New Rochelle location. My thanks Sincerely and Fraternally, go to the Grand Secretary for having reports available for all to read prior to our May 3, 2021 session. We complied with our Constitutions by holding this meeting and by going from labor to refreshment. We can reopen Grand Lodge at a future date for a full and fair attendance. While it is true technology has improved over the years, it does not meet our needs at this MW William M. Sardone, time. We have seen its deployment which had dismal results. Grand Master What is that future date? We are tentatively looking at October 23, 2021 at the Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY. We still need to comply with the Governor regarding the amount of people who can assemble, etc. Right now there are restrictions; we hope to see them lifted, which will allow Lodges to plan, vote on proxies, etc. You also see new signs of our membership awareness program. Will it work? Well, I do know that if we don’t try it will never work. Right now I am signing dispensations each week for increased candidate Initiations. I realize there is a backlog but this shows that you have done a great job in keeping their interest. As of this writing we are starting to visit Lodges, having rededications, fifty-plus-year certificate presentations. Concordant bodies are meeting and our Masonic youth organizations are meeting again. We may even start a new Lodge or two.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 5 GRAND LODGE FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS O F T H E STATE OF NEW YORK

R\W\ Richard T. Schulz Grand Lodge, N.Y. Grand Secretary 71 West 23rd Street, 17th Floor New York, NY 10010-4149 Tel. Bus. : (212) 337-6644 Tel. Cel. : (917) 648-9859 Fax: (212) 727-2875 email: [email protected]

May 6, 2021 link https://nymasons.org/site/grand-secretarys-page/ by clicking on Annual Reports, using the password GLProc2021 To: All Grand Line Officers and Permanent Members of and then clicking Proceedings. A small number of hard-copy the Grand Lodge; All District Deputy Grand Masters booklets were prepared for distribution after the meeting to and Grand Lodge Staff Officers; All members of those members in attendance. Relevant correspondence was Grand Lodge Committees; Trustees of the Masonic read by the Grand Secretary. Care Community; Directors of the Masonic Medical The Grand Secretary read the attached list of District Deputy Research Institute; Trustees of the Chancellor Robert Grand Masters and Grand Lodge Staff Officers that were R. Livingston Library and Museum; and, All Masters, appointed since the 238th Annual Communication, noting Wardens, Treasurers, and Secretaries of Masonic that the current appointed officers remain in office for those Lodges. districts not on the list, unless they were specifically contacted. 239th Annual Communication The Grand Master gave an address which has been distributed separately, a copy of which can be found online with the Dear Brethren: Annual Reports. There was nothing further transacted. Before ordering that the Craft be called from Labor to Refreshment, The 239th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge the Grand Master noted the Constitutions required that Grand of New York was opened at the Lodge room in Brescia Lodge be opened at this time, and that precedent having been Hall, Masonic Care New Rochelle, on Monday, May 3rd, established, governmental restrictions due to the COVID 2021, commencing at 9:00 a.m., as per the Grand Master’s Pandemic did not allow our Annual Communication to be Proclamation issued March 22, 2021. The Grand Lodge was held with the full representation of our Masonic Brothers. opened in the usual manner by the Elected and Appointed Grand Line Officers in attendance. The Invocation was given The Grand Master then adjourned the 239th Annual by RW Thomas Carbone, Grand Chaplain. The Colors were Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York until such presented by RW Peter Stein, Junior Grand Deacon. The time as “the government permits us to open with the full Grand Line members present were all acknowledged and given representation of the entire Jurisdiction.” He then ordered Grand Honors. The Permanent Members, including the Past the Junior Grand Warden to call the Craft from Labor to Grand Masters, in attendance were accorded Grand Honors. Refreshment. The Grand Master, MW William M. Sardone welcomed all in attendance with short remarks, thanking the Trustees and the Administrative staff, Ms. Denise Wright Scott and Ms. Nikole Sincerely and fraternally, Kelly of the Masonic Care Community for the beautiful Lodge room, and noting that the Lodge furniture was the result of Poughkeepsie Lodge selling its Temple. The Roll of Lodges was called by the Grand Secretary, RW Richard T. Schulz, noting that there was a quorum present. Richard T. Schulz The Grand Lodge received the Annual Reports of Grand Grand Secretary Lodge. The Annual Reports can be found at the following

6 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 Grand Lodge of New York Appointments effective May 5, 2020 (all are Right Worshipfuls)

District Name Title Monroe William J. Edwards District Deputy Grand Master Monroe Allyn J. Borrino Grand Steward Fourth Manhattan Philippe Hiolle District Deputy Grand Master Fourth Manhattan Tomas Hull Grand Steward Cayuga-Tompkins Anthony J. Tabone Grand Director of Ceremonies Chautauqua Eugene S. Olofson Grand Steward Third Kings Walter R. Leong Grand Director of Ceremonies First Kings Pierre Thevenin Grand Sword Bearer First Manhattan Jeffrey N. Sealy Grand Sword Bearer

Grand Lodge of New York Appointments effective May 3, 2021 (all are Right Worshipfuls) District Name Title Bronx Gilberto Agosto District Deputy Grand Master Bronx Edwin Berroa Grand Director of Ceremonies Cortland Madison Wade A. Caler District Deputy Grand Master Franklin-Hamilton Ernest W. Parker District Deputy Grand Master Herkimer Frederick W. Rembetski District Deputy Grand Master Jefferson-Lewis James Gould District Deputy Grand Master Jefferson-Lewis Maurice A. Mitchell Grand Director of Ceremonies Ninth Manhattan Don Gorham District Deputy Grand Master Nassau John T. Hansen District Deputy Grand Master Nassau Berdj J. Agopian Grand Steward Niagara-Orleans Michael C. Brown District Deputy Grand Master Niagara-Orleans John A. Horncastle Grand Steward Old Seventeenth Terence Quintin District Deputy Grand Master Old Seventeenth Edward Kosinski Grand Director of Ceremonies Oneida Khristian Amador Ballesteros District Deputy Grand Master Onondaga Daniel J. Campis District Deputy Grand Master Onondaga Richard P. Miori Jr. Grand Sword Bearer

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 7 Deputy Grand Master RW RICHARD J. KESSLER Deputy Grand Master [email protected]

he question whether Freemasonry is still relevant in life, we should discriminate between these four concepts: modern society is often brought up in Masonic settings. • Is Freemasonry relevant in my daily life? TIt indicates Masonry’s importance to many members of our Craft. We must constantly reflect on our past and discover • Do other people regard my being a Mason as affecting my the rationale for Freemasonry’s survival for over three hundred attitudes and actions, which proves its relevance to me? years. It has been said that the bad thing about the basic tenets • Has Freemasonry as an organization any relevance to of Freemasonry is that they don’t change very much. And the society? good thing about the basic tenets of Freemasonry is that they don’t change very much. My viewpoint has always been that • Does society regard our Masonic bodies as relevant to because our philosophy has never changed we have been a solving both present and future problems in the world; or constant through the generations. I have continually professed even overriding any ridicule of our Craft? that strict adherence to our principles and tenets is our major Most of us have faced expressions of doubt or even ridicule strength. toward our Fraternity. At times we may also doubt the The simple concepts and goals of Freemasonry apply as relevancy of our ancient institution in society. When we use much today as they did for our grandfathers. They are certainly the phrase “A peculiar system of Morality,” do we regard the needed every bit as much now as they ever were. Freemasonry moral teachings of our Fraternity as relevant to our life and the is not now and never will be a popularity contest. Though its moral judgments we make, or is it all antiquated thinking? In attractiveness ebbs and flows in its appeal, the Craft’s steadfast order to answer this question, we need to address four issues. adherence to its founding principles will continue to draw Has man’s need to socialize with others changed? I hope like-minded men, which will not only allow us to continue, you agree that man’s need to socialize has not disappeared. but also to thrive and grow. The reasons may have changed but the targets for socializing • Making good men better ones: Freemasonry was never with others serve other purposes as well. The actual need intended as a refuge for fallen men in need of reformation. for interaction still exists. Man is still a social animal and in It doesn’t save souls, cure alcoholism, reform straying spite of modern means of communication we still need direct husbands or put chiseling CEOs back on the road to human contact. honesty. In fact, its rules and customs are specifically We also need to understand the implications of being designed to keep such men out. Freemasonry has always a fraternity. Without delving too deeply into sociological had standards of conduct for members and hopefuls. significance, I believe I can safely say that it is based on an • Fostering Brotherly Love: Freemasonry’s ceremonies join emotional tie. It lies in the sphere of interrelations and can men from diverse backgrounds and from all over the world only happen when there is personal involvement. When we through common experiences shared in the Lodge room. meet a stranger for the first time we all know how we feel Freemasonry brings together men who might otherwise when we find he is a Brother. We become more open and never have met and it cuts across all social, economic, willing to share our thoughts and beliefs. racial, religious and political lines. Has the need for close fraternal feelings completely given way • Offering relief: Freemasonry encourages its members to to a need of personal achievement only? No doubt in modern take a greater part in the community. It inspires Masons society we live in a very competitive world. These aspects of to volunteer, to donate and to become engaged in their competition in our life do not in any way nullify our need to neighborhood, places of worship and governments. socialize. Our modern world has made us more competitive and with a clear need to prove ourselves in all we do. But we • Searching for truth: Lodges are not places of worship and need to ask ourselves whether personal achievements come at Lodge meetings and rituals are not intended as a substitute the expense of isolating ourselves from all emotional contact for going to church, temple or mosque. Freemasonry does with others. Have our personal accomplishments become the encourage its members to take more-active roles in their dominant factor in our everyday life at the expense of social religious community. interaction? I certainly hope not. • Providing timeless principles: The principles of Masonry In Freemasonry we use the title of “Brother.” That signifies are simple. Reduced to the most basic level, Masonry an emotional attachment. We become a part of something provides its members with a place to go for a while to bigger than ourselves. We are a member of a group that has escape the strife and struggle of the outside world, leaving common goals and objectives. Freemasonry creates a respite the most contentious topics between men outside its Lodge from all the competitiveness that surrounds us in our daily life. room doors. When considering the value being Freemasons brings to our Continues to page 11 – Deputy Grand Master 8 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 SENIOR GRAND WARDEN RW CHARLES M. ROBERTS Senior Grand Warden [email protected]

The Patriotic Mason t is hard to believe we are already more than half-way through to accumulate. We are still free to venture, and if we fail, the year. It is summertime. Hopefully this summer, we will to venture again and again. We have been free to spend our Ihave more picnics with family and friends. We will celebrate money or to save it. We have been free to climb from lowly our heritage around the 4th of July and the overcoming of beginnings to positions of power, honor, and trust. We have the warring madness of a pandemic year. We will remember been free to rise from rags to riches. But as we enjoy these the hundreds of thousands of lives that have fallen to the blessings, we should always remember that freedom can be COVID-19 and yet we will rejoice for the ingenuity of lost and that it will be lost if we take it for granted. Freedom scientists and companies to develop vaccines in rapid time to is a sacred trust – one which we must protect and pass on grace us with a hopeful victory over this virus. inviolate, unblemished. It is our children’s birthright – ours When I reflect over the past wars I realize that Masonic to hand to them and their children.”—A word of thanks goes Brothers have served and sacrificed on both sides of many a to Brother Robert A. Pruett from North Carolina, who prepared conflict throughout history. Yet Masons in America and other the portion quoted above for his talk for his Sons of the American free countries have fought shoulder-to-shoulder with other Revolution Chapter. patriots to win independence and time after time to preserve I would ask each Mason, along with his family, to please precious freedoms. Masons are taught allegiance to their take a moment and ponder his blessings, including the country and obedience to its laws. They are encouraged to freedom of self-determination and independence. Good men discharge their civic duties and promote peace and good order put themselves on the line and many paid the ultimate price in society. Even this virus tried to strip that from us all. to secure those freedoms which we continue to enjoy today. “Masonry’s revolutionary ideals of equality, freedom and Masons should be proud to fly their flag, to defend it and democracy were espoused long before the American colonies even die for it. But patriotic Masons always should hold to the began to complain about the injustices of the British throne. moral value of peace in our times—cessation of wars, human The revolutionary ideals expressed in the Bill of Rights, the hatred and injustices caused by man upon man. Masons are to Declaration of Independence, and the writings of Thomas live a way of peace and toward the building of a society that Paine were ideals that came to fruition over a century before in hold the truths of God and His kingdom as the gold standard the early Speculative lodges of the eighteenth and nineteenth to live by. centuries, where men sat as equals, governing themselves and So, my fellow Masonic Brothers, let us be Patriotic Masons electing their own leaders from their midst. Viewed in that as we celebrate the summer which is upon us. Let us show context, the self-governing Masonic lodge had been a form of our patriotic style from Flag Day on June 14 to the 4th of July learning laboratory for the concept of self-government! on to Labor Day and beyond. And may the Sovereign Lord “We owe a debt of gratitude to those who came before, and continue to bless our great Fraternity, our men and women of those of our own generation, as we remain free to dream, to the Armed Forces and our great Country forever. explore, and to invent. We remain free to work, to achieve,

Queens Brothers Give Big he Queens Masonic Association gives back in a big way, recently distributing three checks to charities Ttotaling $5,500. QMA Brothers donated a check for $2,250 to GallopNYC. This is a not-for-profit organization specializing in therapeutic horsemanship programs for both children and adults suffering from autism. These programs also help our disabled military veterans. Other checks were distributed to Bobbi and the (l-r) W Ramon Mojica (QMA 2nd VP); W Rodney Artis; W Joseph Caruso; Strays, a no-kill animal shelter and Masbia of Queens, James Wilson, Exec. Director of Gallop NYC; Irish Therapy Horse; a food pantry/soup kitchen. Queens District Brothers Katherine, Trainer; RW Gregory Noulas; W Willie Morales (QMA 1st VP); show that “Masonry Never Stops—Giving.” W Andrew Kruzykowski (QMA President);Brother Conell Hatton THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 9 JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN RW E. Oscar Alleyne Junior Grand Warden [email protected]

Fitting our Minds as Living Stones father and Brother Mason in the late 1700s wrote the existence. These parts also separate and disappear before following to his son who had finally expressed his desire the eyes of matter. However, they never cease to be, for the toA become a Freemason: spirit and soul can never be destroyed because their origin is The origin and the essential purpose of our institution is nobler than physical matter which remains subject to change. ancient and very little is known, even by the greatest number This change can be described as a perpetual and sequential of those who bear the title of Mason. A large number are fermentation, putrefaction and regeneration. satisfied with the bark and very few seek the nucleus. Some While that description might seem a bit heavy for some, the wish under its veil to acquire this title only to get a hold of same message can be expressed in a simpler way using a poem some mysterious amusement and friends often then as weak as entitled “A Bag of Tools.” It was created in 1809 by American the taste which unites them. poet R.L. Sharpe. While as happy as he was to have his own flesh and blood A Bag of Tools aspire to join our ranks, he held a desire and a duty to impress Isn’t it strange that princes and kings, upon the young candidate the seriousness of this decision. And clowns that caper in sawdust rings, Why? The Masonic path is not an easy one and its emblematic And common people like you and me lessons can seem to be overwhelming to absorb all at once. For Will be builders for eternity example, we learn that the Great Architect of the Universe’s Each is given a bag of tools, act of creation since the beginning of time continues to be A shapeless mass, a book of rules; realized in our present day. The lesson of this creative act and And each must make, ‘ere life is flown its consequence is best understood as the two come together A stumbling block or a steppingstone. and become inseparably united in order to build a solid There should be a few words resonating with each of you as foundation and future. fellow Freemasons: “Don’t you know that Builders, Bag of Tools, Shapeless Mass, Book of Rules. you are the Temple of God, and the Spirit of Are we not Builders as Freemasons? God dwells in you?” As At each successive stage of our symbolic builders, this symbolic Craft was not each of us is certainly a solemn given a set of working tools which reminder for our teach us important emblematic serious reflection and lessons? Were we not taught that undertaking. But what are the tools given to us in order to we are a rough ashlar and our life’s work is to become the construct this fantastic Temple? We are familiar with the perfect or smooth ashlar? Is not all that we do in our lives and working tools presented to us within the Lodge so let us look in this Craft governed by our Volume of Sacred Law, the Great at the other tools that the Creator used to design us. Light in Masonry otherwise known as our Book of Rules? There are three main components of man: spirit, soul and In other words, is it not thought provoking that we all are body. The spirit can be described as a spark emitted from builders for Eternity, no matter our station in life? Are we the power and essence of the Divine Understanding. It is an not supplied with the same tools figuratively to approach immortal loan from the Author and Creator of all things, by our tasks before we depart from our labors? Are we making which man is placed above all other creatures as the lord and life a stumbling block or a steppingstone? How successfully ruler of the Earth. The soul is that Cord of Union between are we improving ourselves, our family, our communities, the spirit and the body, and the effective force of the abilities our Fraternity and our world? How are we inculcating these and senses of all created beings. The body is a perishable part lessons found within the most unlikely places? The decision of the collective visible matter, consisting of the mixing of all to become a Freemason is not to be taken lightly. For our aim four elements. and our goal is that glorious temple that we build when we each commit to fitting our minds as living stones. These three components are then united through the active and passive force, forming a union of which everything in nature arises, is maintained and finally returns to its original

10 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 The American Lodge of Research Reloaded by RW E. Oscar Alleyne

hat is the use of an exquisite and a valuable source of Masonic knowledge and information. precious gem if it only remains hidden Grand Master MW William M. Sardone recently held a fromW public view? How can we marvel at Zoom meeting to showcase the reorganization of the ALR. its beauty and brilliance if we keep it tucked The current Master of the Lodge, W Henry Abel, provided away in a drawer? It must be placed on an overview of the past activities of the Lodge and the plan display as a testimony of our investment in for elections and installation of new officers in June 2021. its care and our pride of ownership. The Junior Grand Warden RW Oscar Alleyne gave an update Chartered in May 1931, the American Lodge of Research is on the several opportunities available to those interested in the oldest Research Lodge under the Grand Lodge of Free and joining the ALR and tools to help develop a research project, Accepted Masons for the State of New York and the second website and social media pages. oldest such Lodge in the United States of America. The stated meetings are three times a year in March, October and June. It is very easy to become a member of the American Lodge of Research. First, a Corresponding Membership is available to any Master Mason who is a member of a regularly constituted Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York or one who is a member of any other Grand Lodge recognized by our Grand Lodge. In addition, organizations such as libraries, Masonic Lodges and other educational bodies and recognized Masonic groups may obtain a Corresponding Membership. The cost of Corresponding Membership is only $35 ($25 first year dues, plus a $10 affiliation fee). Secondly, a Master Mason can be elected to become an Active voting member of the American Lodge of Research by being previously published or having presented a research paper Grand Master MW William M. Sardone provided his or educational topic before the Lodge. A third membership continued support and encouraged the participants to play option is that of Fellow, which is an honor conferred upon a a role in sustaining the ALR’s future. This is an all-hands- Master Mason who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship on-deck call for action. If you would like to be a part of in Masonry. this exciting reloading of the American Lodge of Research, Anyone interested in research and education on Freemasonry please contact [email protected], [email protected] or will find the ALR to be a truly enjoyable place to visit and [email protected].

Continued from page 8 – Deputy Grand Master

Has the need to hold discussions on moral issues ceased to that the basic principles of morality remain unchanged and exist? As a Freemason we have taken an obligation to avoid in that our peculiar system of morality is as valid now as it was the Lodge room all conversation on religion and politics. But in the past. there is still a need to have moral discussions on the conditions Freemasonry is a system of morality which helps us to re- of the world we live in. What appears to be of great importance shape ourselves in accordance with our principles and tenets. is that we enter the Fraternity to fulfill other needs. A new initiate has many opportunities to compete outside the Craft. It is interesting that Freemasonry flourishes in societies in Once man has taken care of his material needs, there is a need which men have deep beliefs and a sense of commitment. to satisfy one’s social and spiritual needs. This is what we aim This is a very important distinction to remember. Because at achieving by becoming a member of Freemsonry. an organization such as ours can’t exist in a closed societal atmosphere that limits and sometimes criminalizes free speech. Do the changes in our modern society necessitate a change It seems to me that Freemasonry can contribute to a better in our principles and tenets? social atmosphere and sensitivity to the needs of society— Do moral principles change as quickly as modern society especially for the weak and needy. does? We must start with the premise that human society does (Researching many articles from RW Daniel Doron 33o laid change over time but never before has it occurred this rapidly, the foundation for this article.) creating many different conditions and problems. I believe

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 11 Grand Secretary RW richard t. Schulz Grand Secretary Masonic Hall 71 West 23rd Street New York NY 10010 212/337-6644 [email protected]

rethren, summer 2021 has arrived and we have lived with duly signed by the members of the Lodge. I am so grateful the pandemic for more than a year. At this time last year we to these Brothers for their gift and recognition. I have that Bwere just ending the lockdown in New York City and finding basketball in my office right across from my desk. If you come our way back to our offices. Our Grand Master had coined the visit me someday I’ll gladly point it out. Just seeing it in my term “Masonry Never Stops” and we have not stopped moving office today reminds me of the fellowship I’ve enjoyed as forward, preparing for a return to normalcy, which is looking Grand Secretary when I’ve travelled to different Lodges. more and more imminent here in New York State. As to the business of the office, I stand ready to assist you I heard the phrase “Crisis becomes Opportunity” the other as we continue our Masonic journey with hope for the future. day and I believe this is certainly true of your Grand Secretary’s I arranged several “Spring Nights with the Grand Secretary” office. Some of our lockdown adaptations will be for the better. in May and June. These Zoom sessions are designed to help We have increased our email and online communication with the new Lodge and District Officers (and especially Lodge our members, for one thing. The latest items to note are the Secretaries) prepare for the Lodge to function properly. As online web portals. One to assist the Lodge Secretaries and we continue throughout the year I will have more of these District Leadership is labelled “Documents & Forms.” The sessions and, hopefully, some in-person sessions, too. second, labelled “Annual Reports,” gives our members access I am quite happy to report that our Chancellor Robert R to the Grand Lodge Annual Reports of Committees and Grand Livingston Library and Museum is up and running. Those Line Officers. These portals are both password protected so wishing to visit the Library and Museum should make an they do not find their way into the public domain. If you appointment with Director Alex Vastola via email at Avastola@ need the passwords please contact me. nymasoniclibrary.org. There are guidelines related to COVID Throughout the last fifteen months I have attended few that must be followed but I encourage you to return to the Lodge meetings or events, except on Zoom, but I’m anxious library for research and other purposes. Speaking of research, now to get back to visiting Lodges. As we enter the summer did you know that the library has digitized many of the Lodge months most Lodges will go dark until September. However, files it has in its archives? Brethren, should you wish to have I’m sure there will be events, maybe some Lodge or District online access to a specific Lodge’s files in the archives, please picnics or other get-togethers that some may choose to attend. send an email to Joseph Patzner at jpatzner@nymasoniclibrary. In addition, Zoom meetings can still be held. There’s certainly org. Please copy our Director (email above) and me. You will no reason to stop holding virtual meetings, either as informal be provided with an online link and password specific to that get-togethers with distant Brothers, or with formal Masonic Lodge’s files. I believe this is a tremendous opportunity to presentations. research Lodge history, so please make use of it. I sometimes reminisce about Lodge meetings or events I’ve Finally, I end my article with the hope that our Grand been to in the last few years. I once jokingly remarked on a Lodge continues to prosper with renewed enthusiasm for visit to Allemania Lodge 740 that my office was the size of membership growth. I hope to meet you all on the level in the a small basketball court. The next time I was invited back to coming months. Allemania Lodge, the brethren presented me with a basketball, Comfortable at Wiley Hall Benjamin Langel, Master of St. John’s Lodge, relayed how humbled and honored he felt as he drove RW DennisW Daugherty to Wiley Hall. Dennis has been a fixture at all Masonic events for many, many years. As a Senior DeMolay Dennis worked at DeMolay Headquarters in Kansas City, MO and knew the founder of DeMolay, Dad Frank Land. Since taking up residency at our Masonic Care Community, Dennis sounds the same as always. He also has high praise for all the support, the staff and the quality of our Masonic Care Community.

12 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 Senior Grand Deacon RW david menegon Senior Grand Deacon [email protected]

Look for a Sign asonry Never Stops. If you drive by 1041 NY-22 in Eagle Bridge, Mnortheast of Albany, you may notice that the first billboard for discovermasonry. com was installed there on April 29. The billboard was designed by Brother Mark Donnelly of Harmonie Lodge 699 and it looks amazing. Special thanks are also due to members of Cambridge Valley Lodge 481. VW Lance Allen Wang researched the location and coordinated installation and W Malcolm L. Ogden Jr. and W Timothy R. Kavanaugh provided invaluable assistance. In all, it was a great example of what Masons can achieve when they work together in harmony towards a common goal. Over the past year the New Membership Taskforce has learned that social media campaigns have different results around the state. We noted in particular that while rural and exurban areas do have increased inquires as a result of social media campaigns, the awareness campaigns targeting potential Masons and it is effect is not as pronounced as it is suburban and urban areas. paying off. Over 935,000 gentlemen with no prior Masonic Additional work, experimentation and learning will help us afflation viewed our campaigns. Of these, 18,547 clicked develop strategies that provide the greatest benefit in all areas through to the discovermasonry.com website, over 425 asked of the state. The Eagle Bridge billboard represents only the for information about joining the Fraternity and sixty-three beginning of an effort to increase awareness of Freemasonry in have been Raised as Master Masons over the course of a year. our exurban and rural communities. This is vital data that will help us develop effective strategies going forward. Generating sixty-three additional Master Brother Mark Donnelly has designed banners that can be Masons out of a public awareness campaign may seem like a placed on Lodge buildings to encourage local interest in the small number but we should bear in mind that this increased Craft. Monthly workshops for exurban and rural Lodges will the number of new Master Masons compared to the preceding commence in May to share best practices and identify other year, when the projections had anticipated a decline. I think potential billboard locations. An email will go out with the we can all agree that growing is better than shrinking and this details; but if you’re eager to get on board feel free to contact is why it’s vital that we continue investing this time, money, me at [email protected] with your interest. expertise and effort in the future of Freemasonry in our state. The results of the New Membership Taskforce’s Masonic The campaign results have been so impressive in some areas, awareness campaigns thus far have exceeded all expectations. In in fact, that individual Lodges are now developing their own the modern day the prevalence of social media and other online promotional materials and have committed funds for the New technologies has resulted in a generation of young men who Membership Taskforce to deploy customized campaigns on have large friend lists but few real friendships. Freemasonry is their behalf. The Membership Development Committee, New uniquely positioned to fulfill this need through the in-person Membership Taskforce and our Grand Lodge are committed social interaction and interconnected network of like-minded to continually developing tools, techniques, models and men embodied in a Lodge and the Fraternity as a whole. It strategies to help the brethren build their Lodge memberships, is not coincidental that the Taskforce’s most successful public retain Masons and restore the Craft to its rightful place as an awareness campaign on social media ran with the tag line, important institution in our communities. Meanwhile, if you “Building real friendships, not friend lists.” find yourself in the vicinity of Eagle Bridge don’t forget to Our Grand Lodge made a critical investment in the future drive by and check out the billboard. for New York Masonry by allocating resources for public THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 13 Awards Committee RW GEORGE R. WACOB Chairman 631/838-7508 (C) [email protected]

DSA nominations open in September ecommendations for the 2022 Dedicated Service Award purposes and cannot be omitted. If the applicant has dual or will be accepted from September 1, 2021 until the cutoff plural membership, please list all Lodges. Attach the Member Rdate November 12, 2021. Please be aware of the cutoff Profile from the MORI system with the recommendation date and submit recommendations early. Last year several form. If the Lodge is not on MORI a copy can be obtained recommendations were missing the required Member Profile from the Grand Lodge Registry Department. Attach any from the MORI system. Please read the requirements and additional pertinent information. conform to them. Nominations are to be sent to the Awards Committee During the past year the committee worked diligently to by November 12, 2021: George R. Wacob, Chairman, provide a fair and comprehensive review of all recommendations Committee on Awards, 13 Floyd Street, North Babylon, NY and process them in a timely manner. 11703-1808. The materials will be reviewed at committee The committee will continue to provide information meetings in December. Recommendations will be forwarded through its Empire State Mason article. Information and forms to the Grand Master for his final approval. are available on its webpage at the Grand Lodge website. At the One nominee per year per Lodge is permitted. A District’s end of August updated information, timetable and form for allotted number of Awards will be no more than one-fifth of the 2022 Dedicated Service Award and various Community the Lodges in a District per year (as of the last Grand Lodge Service Awards will be distributed to DDGMs, Staff Officers Convention) and to the nearest whole number. and Secretaries of Lodges. If you do not receive it by the middle The committee will inform the District Deputy Grand of September go to the website to obtain all the information. Masters of the proposals from their Lodges. Immediately after The Dedicated Service Award Program enables Lodges their meetings the committee will communicate with the to obtain Grand Lodge recognition for Brothers. These are Grand Master. The Grand Secretary will notify Lodges of the men who continue, year after year, to support their Lodges Grand Master’s decisions in January The Grand Master will and District with their presence, time and talent; they attend send a letter of congratulation to the recipient Brothers at the Lodge and District meetings, and participate in Degrees and same time. And a letter will simultaneously go to the DDGMs programs, with or without holding office. They often inspire listing the recipients in their District. and motivate others to emulate their example of true Masonic If desired, and with appropriate advance notice to the dedication. This award does not exclude Past Masters. Committee Chairman, an attempt will be made to have a The guidelines provide that a Brother be a member of the committeeman present at the local ceremony. The member Fraternity for at least ten years. A Right Worshipful Brother, will help make the presentation and relate the history of the a Very Worshipful Brother and those who are reasonably award to the attendees. expected to be recommended for the Purple are not eligible The form of the award is a distinctive white apron with and should not be recommended for the Dedicated Service silver and purple trimming. The Lodge Secretary may order Award. Current Masters and current Secretaries are also for presentation the certificate, signed by the Grand Master, a ineligible and should not be recommended. lapel pin, apron and case, pocket badge and chest medallion. The committee is interested in facts supporting each The Awards Committee recommends that DSA certificates be recommendation, not conclusions such as “He is a dedicated framed before presentation. Additional information, forms, Mason.” What activities truly demonstrate dedication to his timelines and DSA history are available on the Grand Lodge Lodge and the District? Recommendations which fail to show website: https://nymasons.org/site/committees-departments- why a Brother was recommended are rejected. Being a “Tiler programs/awards-committee/. for a number of years” is not sufficient, nor is the opinion of The recently established chest medallion is also available the Master “that the Brother deserves the Award.” Masonic for past DSA recipients. Secretaries may order from Lodge affiliations and community endeavors may be considered only Services at $20 plus tax and shipping. if they are in addition to his regular Lodge and District work. The Community Service Awards consist of the DeWitt Nominations for the award must be initiated by the Brother’s Clinton, the Jacob Morton and Grand Lodge Certificate Lodge on the form provided, dated for the proper year. of Excellence in Service to the Community. These have no Every item must be completed and the form appropriately cutoff date and recommendations will be processed as they signed and the Lodge Seal affixed. Accurate ages and years of membership are requirements for Grand Lodge statistical Continues to page 15 – Awards Committee 14 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 Time to clean…the earth

arth Day is really every day, but in April a special time is lot to find trash. Eset aside for groups to mobilize, pick up trash and clean We even gave a tour of the Greenhouse on the roof of one of up our planet. We, too, mobilized at the Masonic Care New our buildings at MCNR. Rochelle, intending to collect after those who were not as neat as they should have been. I have to admit, we had to search a All around, it was a perfect day.

Grand Master William M. Sardone and members of the Residents Park Organization at Masonic Care New Rochelle

Nikole Kelly with the Grand Master

Continued from page 14 – Awards Committee are received. The Lodge and DDGM will be notified within a awards. Members include, from the Metropolitan Region, RW short period of time if a nominee has been approved to receive Gregory Noulas, Vice Chairman and RW Joseph T. Entler. one of these awards. Please refer to the above webpage for In the Mid-State Region are RW Thomas L. Jenison and W information, requirements and forms for the various awards. Alfred W. Fergerson; in Hudson-Champlain, RW Charles E. The Awards Committee team deserves appreciation for Knapp Jr. and RW Robert L. Hogan, Jr.; and the Western the time and effort they expend in examining all of the Region is represented by RW William H. Greene and RW recommendations and fairly determining who will receive the Douglas D. Airth. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 15 Masonic Care Community RW G. stephen getman, President Board of Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund 315/894-5692 [email protected]

have previously written about how each of the properties of Care New Rochelle has become a very popular film location. the Trustees has been affected by the pandemic. Our staff Since November 4, 2020 we have had 102 days of film activity Ihas overcome daunting challenges at all of our locations to on our Campus. Directors love the design of our buildings continue operations while keeping residents, tenants and staff and our 15 manicured acres provide ample space for the safe. production crew to maintain social distance. The 50,000 At our newest property in New Rochelle the pandemic square foot Wellness Center has become a hub of activity and presented an unusual business opportunity. Director of is the perfect space for holding, catering and the daily COVID Marketing and Special Events Nikole Kelly began discussions testing required by production companies. Some of the shows with television and film production companies about possible that have filmed at MCNR are: Law & Order SVU, Prodigal use of the vacant college campus for filming. Ms. Kelly had Son, City on a Hill, Gossip Girl, FBI Most Wanted and Evil. developed these contacts with companies which filmed at “It has been extremely rewarding to watch the campus safely Masonic Hall in New York City in the past. Nikole Kelly thrive during a pandemic and I am looking forward to 2021 describes this work: and the future growth of this location.” “While production was halted throughout most of the Although the pandemic slowed the master planning process country during the spring 2020 wave of the coronavirus and planned renovations and repairs, the Trustees thank Ms. pandemic, New York-based studios implemented strict Kelly for finding a creative way to generate substantial revenue COVID protocols to allow productions to safely resume. at New Rochelle. Meanwhile, we prepare for the future growth These safety procedures resulted in a production boom for and transformation of this site. locations in the suburbs surrounding New York City. Masonic Set of Prodigal Son at Wellness Center Pool in New Rochelle

Set of Gossip Girl behind Leland Castle as seen from Maura Lawn in New Rochelle

16 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 Masonic Care Community RW Rob Raffle Executive Director Masonic Care Community of New York 315/798-4882 [email protected]

St. John’s Day fireworks at MCC

s the vaccine has arrived at the Masonic Care Community when residents join together again for group gatherings; the and is rolling out across the country, we look with a hopeful time when residents and families gather around the firepit on eyeA to the future and continuing to rebuild following the the outdoor patio of the new Horticulture Center. pandemic. As I write this in the spring, we are seeing positive During this time a silver lining has been welcoming new changes and declining COVID-19 rates. The percentage of members to our community who have moved into the beautiful positive COVID-19 test results in both residents and staff new Waterside Cottages and Garden Homes of Acacia Village. at MCC has decreased dramatically following numerous We also have enjoyed seeing the incredible improvements that vaccination clinics that took place at our facilities. We have have been made to The Neighborhoods at Acacia Village. also been approved to directly administer new doses of the While we will miss St. John’s Day at MCC this summer, and vaccine to the staff of the Health Pavilion rather than having having members from the Fraternity back for this great event, to enlist an outside pharmacy to conduct the vaccinations. we look forward to the time when St. John’s Day can return to This will better support our efforts to vaccinate employees MCC and when Brother Masons from across the state gather new to MCC as well as new residents coming to live here. again on the MCC campus. By the time this article is printed, we hope that the virus rate As we look forward to the summer and to rebuilding has continued to decline and that lead health organizations, at MCC throughout the coming year, we will also remember such as the New York State Department of Health, have issued and hold onto the kindnesses shown by so many during some updated guidance on visitation for senior care facilities such of the most challenging days we have faced. We remember the as ours. This past year has been extremely hard for all of us tireless efforts of our frontline workers and the MCC team. but it has been especially difficult for our elderly residents We marvel at the researchers and scientists who developed the who have experienced prolonged periods of isolation and vaccine in record time. We appreciate the Masonic Fraternity separation from their families and loved ones. Residents have and the many donations in support of our work. The leadership also not been able to participate in group activities that they of the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home and so many enjoy so much. We look forward to seeing families reunited others stepped forward to assist at a time when help was most and able to visit more frequently with one another; the days needed. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 17 Masonic Care Community MARA MULLIGAN Director of Strategic Marketing and Philanthropy 315/798-4703 [email protected]

MCC Community Life Team he Community Life team at the Masonic Care Community plays an extremely important role in the care Tof our residents. The team has been instrumental in helping to support our residents who have experienced long periods of separation from their loved ones throughout the pandemic. One of the new primary responsibilities that the team took on was facilitating virtual visits for residents and their families. For more than 250 residents in the Health Pavilion and more than fifty residents in Wiley Hall, this was a large task. In addition, the team was working from older tablets and older iPads that did not always function well with virtual meeting applications including Zoom and Skype. Fortunately, we applied for and received support through a grant from the Mohawk Valley COVID-19 Response Fund that supported the purchase of new iPads for the Community Life team. These iPads have been instrumental in helping to support the hundreds of phone calls the Community Life team schedules and arranges for residents with their family Ice Cream Truck members. happiness and cheer. When donors designate a gift in support of resident activities here at MCC, this is what they help make possible. Thank you for helping us to embrace and respect aging adults as a valued part of our culture. Led by Jay Snow, an enthusiastic and much-loved member of the MCC staff, the Community Life team follows the spirit of Masonic values and demonstrates what it means to be dedicated in service to others. We are grateful for the Community Life team and their amazing work here at MCC.

Community Life Leader Olivia Manley assisting Donna Blackburn The Community Life team has always been a creative group, coming up with many ways for our residents to stay active and engaged. That creativity has not only continued throughout the pandemic, but our amazing staff has also developed even more new and innovative ways to help bring activities and cheer to the people who live here. The team created an Ice Cream truck and a portable snack cart so residents had fun and lighthearted opportunities to enjoy a treat. They played creative games like nerf tag and even donned reindeer ears. They continued to celebrate special days like holidays, birthdays and anniversaries to recognize the meaningful times in people’s lives, while also spreading Resident fun 18 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 Acacia Village linda rae avolio Senior Living Community Relations Acacia Village 315/798-4775 [email protected]

e are excited to share that the expansion of The architectural grandeur of the entrance. Several additions to Neighborhoods at Acacia Village is nearing completion. the existing building were made to increase our flexible dining WeW extend our thanks to the New York State Masonic Fraternity options and to update spaces for socialization and activities. and the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund for A large fitness center, yoga studio and area for massage were their support and for making this project possible. This was added. an extremely important investment that created additional Gaetano Construction, the general contractor, had over independent living options and amenities for seniors, while 150 crewmembers working here throughout the project. also creating additional jobs in the local community. The project was completed in phases to help minimize the In November of 2019 we unveiled Phase One of our impact on our residents. The first phase was the completion 18-million dollar construction project to add more senior of our new library and activity room. The second phase was housing options to The Neighborhoods at Acacia Village. the opening of the Hearth, the Salon, a new state-of-the-art The Trustees, along with members of the MCC management Fitness Center and yoga studio. Next came the completion of team, worked closely with SFCS, an architectural firm that the Lodge lobby and reception area. Then came the opening specializes in Senior Living Communities. SFCS provided the of the main dining room, named “The Timbers,” the new pub engineering, planning and exterior and interior design for the and our private Destination Dining room, where residents project. and their guests can watch while the chefs prepare their meal. The final phase of the project will update the pool, spa and sauna. That work is currently underway and at the time of this publication, we expect it will be complete. More than 30 percent of our residents come from outside the Utica area and many are members of the Masonic Fraternity. Our residents appreciate that we are a rental community, which means that people do not have to pay a large upfront entrance fee. One monthly fee replaces all the costs of homeownership: taxes, upkeep, maintenance and repair bills, lawn and snow removal services, light housekeeping, utilities, phone, cable and internet. To learn more about The Neighborhoods at Acacia Village, please visit our website at www.acaciavillageny.org or call us at 315/798-4775. We can arrange for a personal or a virtual tour. Please also visit our Facebook page to see our residents building a vibrant community of friends and neighbors. The Lobby

Our new Waterside Cottages and Garden Homes have proved to be quite popular. Charles Gaetano Construction Company completed the new units in December and over half of the units are already occupied. A Waterside Cottage can provide you with everything you need in a single home unit. Overlooking our beautiful pond, the Waterside Cottages are the only homes on the water. The Garden Homes offer four different style units; one bedroom, one bedroom with a den, two bedrooms and two bedrooms with a den—all connected with a shared courtyard. Each Waterside Cottage and Garden Home features a private garage and a screened-in porch. With the construction of The Neighborhoods at Acacia Village came new green spaces, walkways and roadways, further connecting Acacia Village to the main Masonic Care Community. Significant upgrades were made to the main building The Fitness Center now known as “The Lodge” while maintaining the original THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 19 We are very beeeeeeeesy

any have seen the news articles referencing the decline of bees. Bees provide much-needed assistance to our crops and environment. Not Monly that, they also leave behind lots of nice honey. RW Pat Imbimbo is a man of many talents. One is being a beekeeper. Thanks to some donations for hives he has supplied thousands—correction, tens of thousands—of bees that are all the buzz at the Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY. The honey is being used at the MCC and the apple orchard is producing more apples because of their daily work. RW Pat is not only a great beekeeper, he is also a great teacher. I have never been stung working with Pat.

20 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 Picture your Lodge meeting here

hrough the combined efforts of many talented, passionate I am still looking for side benches or pews but in the Tand dedicated individuals, we have established an attractive meantime, we have separate chairs. Lodge room at Masonic Care New Rochelle. We already have This Lodge Room in Brescia Hall was used for our Grand a Lodge request to have a meeting here and potentially a new Lodge Session and is now ready for Lodge use. Perhaps your Lodge forming here. Lodge wants to move here or hold a Degree here. If you are This furniture was formerly in Poughkeepsie. When that looking for more information email me at [email protected] building was sold we rented a U-Haul, picked it up and the and I will engage the Trustees in your opportunity. furniture was all refinished.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 21 I nternational Order of the Rainbow for Girls in New York

Mrs. Gale Gould 35 Maple Street e-mail: [email protected] Supreme Inspector in NY Auburn New York 13021 Website: www.nyiorg.org Phone: 315/253-8206 : facebook.com@NY Rainbow

he members and advisors of NY Rainbow would like to take this opportunity to recognize and Texpress our gratitude and heartfelt love to our 2019- 2020 Grand Worthy Advisor Haley and her Grand Officers. Little did they know, when they were installed in March 2019, what the future would hold; but they have met the challenges, embraced the opportunities and inspired all through their patience, love and dedication. We will never truly be able to repay them for not one, but over two years of extended service to our Order. Recently, we held our first-ever virtual Rainbow Sunday service, organized and presented by Samantha O’Brien, Past Grand Worthy Advisor, 2010. Her message here certainly sums up all of our feelings. “As many of you know, every April, Rainbow are the moments that will keep us coming back, and the assemblies throughout the world try to hold a celebration of moments that we will look back on with smiles on our our beginnings: the founding of our order by Rev. W. Mark faces. Sexson, and the first group of girls to join our organization • Explore your world and stay curious. Let us continue to way back in 1922. This year marks 99 wonderful years. How learn and grow not only within our organization, but incredible is it to know that, we, as an organization have been outside of it as well. Take every opportunity that comes around long enough to see so much; so much history and so your way and make the most of it. Discover your big many changes in the world. Each jurisdiction and even each adventures and turn them into life experiences that you assembly can look back and see, not only the fashions change, can share with others. Your experiences can help shape but the world changes as well, picture by picture, story by your journey during your time with us and the future of story. Each of us involved can look back, no matter how many our organization. years we’ve been involved, and realize just how much we’ve • If you’re faced with a problem, don’t ignore it; try your experienced. best to find a solution. If you can’t, don’t let that problem define you. Life threw us all a major curveball this past “In preparing for this year’s Rainbow Sunday service, I did year. Though our Rainbow year looked quite different a little digging on the internet to see what advice I could find than what we’ve become used to, no one can say that we from others who also have experienced so much of the world didn’t rise to the challenge. We faced the year head on and in hope that maybe they would have something they could found ways to be together even though we had to be apart. share with us to inspire us to make the most out of the next 99 Whether it was a virtual game, paint night, or meeting, we years. That’s when I came across an article about a woman who made the most out of a challenging situation. And now, interviewed her 99-year-old great-grandfather and gathered a year later, with all that we have faced, we know that we some guidance he had to share with the world. As I’m sure you can adapt, and we are now better prepared for our future. can all imagine, he was a man who had experienced so much We also know that when we come together and support in life: love, loss, triumph, and failure. Much of the advice he each other, we can make anything happen had to impart were things that we as an organization can use • Family is precious and can be the most influential part to help push us in the right direction. of your life. They help shape you. We are lucky to be “He gave lots of practical advice like, save your money and part of this organization and part of our Masonic family spend it later, exercise every day, take time for yourself, drink because we get a much bigger extended family than most a glass of orange juice every day, and don’t always take yourself people. We get to make connections with people from too seriously. But he also shared some more thoughtful all over. People come into our lives that we never would words of wisdom to inspire people to really make life more have had the opportunity to meet without our Rainbow meaningful and successful: connections, people who can have significant impacts • Always maintain a good sense of humor. Though we have on our lives. We must always remember to build each our times where we need to be serious, let us always find other up, encourage each other, and push each other to ways to gather and have fun. To be silly and make each be successful. After all, Ohana means family, and family other laugh as often as we can when we’re together. These means no one gets left behind or forgotten. 22 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 • And last but certainly not least, Life is a gift that you must organization. Maybe after reading this, you will want to reach unwrap. You get to determine if what’s inside will lead the out to a Rainbow girl or advisor, have them share their stories way to happiness. You have the power to decide. Every and their advice or even share your own stories with someone. year that we get to be part of this great organization is a Sharing our experiences keeps us going and it is my hope that gift since the future is not guaranteed. Let us always strive you not only remember these lessons as you continue your to enjoy every moment and embrace every opportunity journeys throughout life, but that you will apply them to we can. We have the saying, you get out of Rainbow what everything you do. More importantly, that you will be sure you put into it, and I hope that each of you put your heart to pass them on to future generations so our organization can and soul into it and find the success and happiness that continue. Though we may be 99 and have experienced so many before you have found. Always remember, that no much already, we’re still growing, learning and experiencing matter how long you’ve been a member your life has and new things with every passing day. May we continue to never will continue to impact our organization. stop striving to reach for new heights, and most of all, may the “This wise great-grandfather had many valuable pieces next 99 years be full of love, laughter and success.” of wisdom to share that we can apply to our daily lives and

Getting things done! e are very proud of the Masonic Care Community in is a team of talented individuals who work behind the scenes Utica, NY and Masonic Care New Rochelle in New to keep things running. We offer quick thank-you to the hard Rochelle,W NY. While we enjoy being at these locations, there working people who are truly hands on!

Workers Freemasons THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 23 ORGANIZATION OF TRIANGLE, INC.

Kristina Turri Email: [email protected] State Director Website: www.ootny.org

: Facebook.com : Twitter.com : Snapchat.com : instagram.com @OOTNY @ootrianglesny @ootrianglesny OOTrianglesNY @Triangle StateDirector @OOTMYStateRep @TriangleStateDirector Taking Control in the Era of Social Media t the turn of the century there was no such thing as a Rush, Photoshop, Slack and Google Docs to work together Adegree in social media. Social media in itself was in its and create increasingly dynamic content and campaigns. infancy and would not take its first real steps until Myspace Knowledge of these programs has also helped our girls create was born in 2003 and Facebook in 2004. The existence and the graphics and videos that have become important parts of use of social media has grown exponentially over the past two our online presence over the past year as we navigated the decades. Today, it has become an everyday source for news COVID-19 pandemic. All of the images you may have seen and information, a way to stay connected with friends and during our virtual installations were created by members of the family and a powerful marketing tool for businesses and social media committee, as were the graphics and videos that organizations. What began as a simple virtual community has were a vital part of our hugely successful Virtual Leadership grown into a vital global business. Weekend 2020. Our youth leaders have in turn taken their The Organization of Triangles has embraced the digital knowledge back to their own home Triangles, teaching the communication age in the same way it has embraced every next generation and helping influence growth in social media other new challenge, with an understanding that we must be usage with individual Triangle and District accounts. willing and able to move and bend with the ever-changing Of course, we are aware of the dangers that social media world around us in order to best prepare our members for the can pose. Our adult committee advisors are always on hand future. We pride ourselves in knowing that our organization ensuring that our ladies have a safe and responsible experience truly belongs to our young women and that it is theirs to run. while utilizing our platforms. As we have surpassed the four The same approach applies to our use of state social media billion mark for social media users worldwide, and as the platforms; it is our youth leaders, specifically our Junior demand steadily increases for social media-savvy employees Advisors, who comprise our social media committee and create in nearly every industry, we are proud to know that we are all of the unique and engaging content you find on Facebook, offering today’s Triangle Girls yet another advantage in Instagram, Twitter and so on. preparing for their future. For more information about how Every committee since 2009 has studied current trends, we can help your young women step confidently into their explored page analytics, and learned how to make use of tomorrow, please visit our Facebook and Instagram pages or various design programs. Each has helped the next team of visit our website at www.OOTNY.org. You may also email committee members do the same. Our girls have learned to [email protected] to help locate the Triangle utilize professional programs like Canva Pro, Adobe Premiere nearest to you.

24 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 am a political reporter for CBS News. I graduated from Tufts University in “I2017, and worked for a small magazine in New York City before moving to Washington, D.C. to cover national politics. I was born in New York City but mostly grew up on Long Island, where I joined my Triangle family. I will always consider myself a Triangle girl. Being in Triangle taught me valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty and discipline - and really helped me with my memorization skills! I always loved spending time with other Triangle chapters on Long Island, and going to convention and meeting girls from across the state. It’s a great experience and I will always treasure the memories I made as a Triangle girl.” Grace Segers Political Reporter, CBS News

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 25 NEW YORK DEMOLAY

2150 Bleecker Street Peter Brusoe, Personal Representative [email protected] Utica New York 13501 Office 315/798-4922 Website: NYDemolay.org Fax 214/446-6537 : Facebook.com@NYDemolay : Twitter.com@NYDeMolay : Instagram.com@NYDeMolay DeMolay Degrees

ne of the many gifts the Masonic Fraternity has given the central part of New York. On April 12 Meridian Sun DeMolay is a beautiful ritual filled with allegory, allusion Chapter hosted Degrees at the Ismailia Shrine Center. They Oand deep spiritual meaning. DeMolay has two Degrees. The were excited to have Grand High Priest ME Brian Singer and first is a symbolic journey of youth to manhood that follows Deputy Grand Master RW Richard J. Kessler join them. April the pacing and customs of our Blue Lodge Degrees. The 25 saw the Knights of Antiquity Chapter host Degrees in second reflects more the Degree style of the Scottish Rite as a Riverhead, NY. young man beholds the final trial of Jacques DeMolay. We look forward to seeing more Degrees around New York On April 7 Mohawk Valley Chapter in Utica, NY hosted and invite all Masons to come see this beautiful ritual, a true the RW Carl Klossner Class and saw DeMolays from across gift to DeMolay. And by the way, New Chapters are forming.

Buffalo Degree Riverhead Degree

Buffalo Degree Cast Riverhead Degree Cast

Utica Degree Riverhead Degree at Altar 26 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 Specific desirable characteristics might be business experience as an owner or executive; master planning and project management for complex, long-term projects and programs; construction management for large-scale projects. Also valuable are those with financial, banking and accounting management backgrounds, including cash and portfolio management, financial controls and tax-related issues; real estate development involving commercial, not- for-profit, historic, vacant and occupied sites; and legal expertise, including contract review, corporate governance and organization and corporate tax issues. An additional trait for the unique role as a Trustee of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund has been described by one Trustee as Love of the Craft. Past service to Masonry provides an indication that an individual will commit the time and energy to effectively serve. In addition to the inherent traits listed above, given the breadth of important initiatives and programs being managed he role of the Trustee is to provide oversight and strategic by the Trustees, it is imperative to have the diverse set of skills, direction for the extensive real estate, financial portfolio capabilities, and experiences brought by the different Trustees Tand business operations owned by the Trustees for the long- who work as a team to fulfill the Board’s vision and mission. term benefit of New York Masons, their widows and orphans. The mission of our Trustees, as with all aspects of business, The key inherent traits of members of high-functioning Boards is continually evolving. For this reason we need to up our of complex, not-for-profit organizations include: the ability game with men who have skill sets needed to meet the future to meet projected time commitment; capacity to function challenges and opportunities. as a member of a deliberative body; objectivity; intelligence; Do you have what it takes? Do you have the time? Send your excellent communication skills; integrity and absence of resume to [email protected] and I will forward to the Trustees conflict of interest. for review. The Show Must Go On! ach April 30 Grand Lodge celebrates the moment Brother In addition, we had access to the actual Bible on which George Washington took his first Oath of Office as Brother George Washington took his oath. Thanks go to St. EPresident of the United States at Federal Hall in New York John’s Lodge 1 for making that happen. We had a handwritten City. We normally do a live reenactment for the public at letter from Brother Washington, as well, and thanks go to our Federal Hall on the 30th but “normal” is not a word that is Library at 23rd Street, which holds this in its collection. currently in use. This was all accomplished with a specialized film crew with Thanks to the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home we unending patience: RW Ed Bartels, Brother Kevin Bartels and took over the Grand Lodge Room, set up a green screen, lights Mrs. Cathie Bartels. It is easy when we work together. and camera and filmed the reenactment. We launched it on April 30.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 27 Masonic Youth Committee RW Cary S. Cohn Chairman 516/781-1157 [email protected]

W Frank M. Totton served Grand Lodge as Dylan is a senior at Hudson Falls High School. He Grand Master during the years 1948-1949. is a member of both the National Honor Society MHe hailed from the Fifth Manhattan Masonic and Science National Honor Society. Dylan is District. Over sixty years ago, in his honor an Co-Captain of the Varsity Academic Quiz Bowl essay contest was established. It is funded by the Team and helped take his team to the National Fifth Manhattan Masonic District Endowment Championship. In his free time he enjoys playing Fund, Inc. There are ten prizes awarded to the chess, video games and snowmobiling with his top essays. The Masonic Youth Committee family. Dylan plans on majoring in computer administrates this contest yearly. science at Rochester Institute of Technology in On behalf of the Masonic Youth Committee, the fall. it is my distinct honor and pleasure to announce the first-place winner of this year’s Frank M. Totton Essay Contest: Mr. Dylan James Morton, of Hudson Falls, New York. He is the grandson of W Patrick Morton, who hails from Queensbury Dylan James Morton 121, Saratoga-Warren-Washington District.

Here is his award-winning essay. The topic: “How has too. People are rearranging priorities and spending time the COVID-19 Pandemic altered the way we live?” figuring out what is most important to them. In the midst of an unprecedented crisis, it can be hard This crisis has also presented opportunities for reduced to see more than a few days into the future. A crisis of this traffic congestion, clearer skies, cleaner waterways, and a scale amplifies the fear of getting sick, losing our jobs, and revived appreciation for the outdoors and life’s other simple losing our homes. The pandemic has touched every aspect pleasures. While some of the impacts are beneficial to the of life inspiring a mix of fear, despair, grief, and confusion. environment, negative consequences are also emerging, Right now, the world is in the fight of its life. We will including increased poverty, heightened mental health certainly remember this time for the rest of our lives, of the issues, and global economic slowdown and collapse of numerous lives lost and the challenges endured. businesses. This crisis has forced us to adapt. We discovered what Bob Marley said it best, “You never know how strong you it means to learn and work from home. Covid forced are, until being strong is your only choice.” The pandemic parents to be teachers, and teachers to adapt to online has proven to the world what we already knew, that when learning tools. Students have been separated from friends we stand together we persevere and come out stronger. and extracurricular activities. The pandemic has pushed We recognize that we all share the responsibility in our hospitals to capacity, overwhelming health care professionals communities to keep each other healthy and safe. No one with physical and emotional exhaustion. The pandemic knows exactly what is to come but Covid has taught us has created more distance, but also more connection, as more about ourselves and compassion than we could have we create time to slow down and reconnect with family. imagined. I have no doubt that it will have a lasting impact, Stress has spiked for most of us, but personal growth has forever changing what we hold most dear.

Topic for the Totton Essay Contest for 2022 is “The importance of a good coach or teacher”

28 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 29 Masonic Medical Research INSTITUTE RW ALVARO QUIROGA President MMRI Board of Directors 917/833-9340 [email protected]

rant funding is an important and integral component of “We have identified two novel mutations that we think medical research, as it provides our investigators with vital link autism with heart abnormalities in human patients,” Gfinancial resources to conduct cutting-edge science. Faculty at Dr. Ercan-Sencicek said. “To understand the role of these the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) periodically mutations we will reprogram somatic cells obtained from compose and submit extensive proposals for numerous patients with these unique mutations and convert them into grant applications, all of which are highly competitive. inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), cells that have the Most importantly, the recognition of these awards, which ability to differentiate into any tissue type of interest. For this are recommended by the nation’s top scientific experts and project, we will differentiate these iPSCs into heart muscle awarded by national federal agencies and foundations, validate cells and brain organoid cells to study the effects of PTPN11 the importance and significance of the science coming from mutations on heart disease and brain development. These MMRI and its contribution to the overall academic arena results will help us to identify potential novel therapeutics that in these scientific fields. Recently, Dr. Maria Kontaridis, can be used to treat patients.” Executive Director, Gordon K. Moe Professor and Chair, Then in March 2021, Dr. Kontaridis was excited to learn Director of Research of MMRI, has been awarded two grants she had been awarded one of only ten nationwide Department to aid in her ongoing research projects. The two awards secure of Defense (DOD) Lupus Impact Awards, totaling $750,000. the time, tools and talent needed to conduct experiments that Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a common and will hopefully lead to major breakthroughs for autism and devastating autoimmune disease with a prevalence of ~20 to lupus research. 150 per 100,000 people. It primarily affects minorities and In November 2020 Dr. Kontaridis and Dr. Gulhan Ercan- women of child-bearing age, causing fatigue, joint pain, rash Sencicek, an Instructor at the MMRI, were proud to receive a and fever. There is no cure for lupus and current treatments $299,835.00 three-year Transformational Project Award from only work to improve symptoms. However, these strategies the American Heart Association. The grant-funded project, often have secondary, even devastating, side effects. Therefore, titled “The role of PTPN11 mutations in autism and heart there is significant need and urgency to identify more specific pathogenesis,” began on January 1, 2021. Drs. Kontaridis and targeted therapies for this disease. and Ercan-Sencicek aim to understand how mutations in the “We are grateful for this tremendous opportunity and are same gene differentially affect the normal processes of heart hopeful that the results of our work will have substantial and brain development, hopefully answering whether a link impact, bringing better treatment options directly to patients. between cardiac abnormalities and autism exists. I am also deeply grateful to the Order of the Eastern Star and “We think there are genes that have dual functionality in the support of the MMRI Board of Directors for believing in development, the abnormal regulation of which can cause this research and providing our lab the seed money needed to neurocognitive and cardiac anomalies,” Dr. Kontaridis said. generate the preliminary data needed to prove feasibility of “Genes regulate signaling relays within a cell that tell that cell our studies,” said Dr. Kontaridis. what to do, whether it be to grow, divide or die. Here, we are looking at the effects of a specific gene, which, when mutated, alters the relay process, thereby leading to the development of growth defects, autism and cardiac abnormalities.” In particular, Drs. Kontaridis and Ercan-Sencicek will look at disease-causing changes in the PTPN11 gene. This is a nodal gene involved in critical signaling processes that regulate normal growth and differentiation of cells in multiple tissues, including brain and heart. Dr. Kontaridis Dr. Ercan-Sencicek Dr. Le Sommer 30 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 The goal of the grant, entitled “Elucidating the Functional While the precise mechanisms do remain elusive, scientists Mechanisms by Which the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase have hypothesized lupus occurs as a consequence of abnormal SHP2 is Involved in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus genetics (gene mutations) as well as by exposure to specific Erythematosus,” is to generate innovative and impactful lupus environmental factors (i.e., virus infections or x-ray exposure). research. In collaboration with Dr. Vasileios Kyttaris from “A person will have the genetic predisposition, which may Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical or may not ever transpire, but the environmental component School, who will provide MMRI with samples from lupus becomes the secondary hit, triggering the onset of the disease. patients, Dr. Kontaridis aims to determine the functional role Now, we can begin to truly get to the root of the cause and of one particular enzyme, called SHP2, in regulating the onset understand not only what genes are involved, but how they and pathogenicity of this disease. function to disrupt the normal regulatory processes of the “Lupus results in an immunoreactive response where your immune system,” Dr. Kontaridis said, “Ultimately, the goal of own immune system recognizes your own cells as foreign our work is to figure out ways to improve the quality of lives.” and attacks them. Normally, it does this only when it detects The MMRI was founded as the Masonic Foundation for something that does not belong to your own body, said Dr. Medical Research and Human Welfare in 1947 by Brothers Samantha Le Sommer, a postdoctoral fellow in the Kontaridis of the Grand Lodge of New York. To learn more about the laboratory at MMRI. “I am very excited our lab has received MMRI, our history, autism and lupus research and other areas this funding, as I am eager to begin working on understanding of investigation please visit mmri.edu and follow us on social the causal mechanisms leading to the onset of lupus.” media. Find us on:

Masonic War Vet Visits rother Carl Hoyt not only served our country in the military, but has also served our Masonic War Veterans Bas Commander General. In the lobby of the Masonic Hall a window is set aside for our veterans. Brother Hoyt comes to review and update the display. It is good to rotate items every now and then, especially since we are getting traffic in the lobby again as Lodges begin meeting. His timing was good. The Knickerbocker Greys were meeting and Brother Hoyt took time to talk about some of his military career. These young members are already patriotic so this was a good fit for all parties. For more information, please go the Kickerbockergreys.org.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 31 Years of Service

81 YEARS 0620 Clinton F. Paige-Berean 0776 Reliance 0646 Red Jacket 0473 White Plains

0097 Renovation Curtis R. Perkins Constantine J. Ballos Frederick E. Zimmerman Raymond E. Ebe Lloyd F. Cliff 0694 Blazing Star 0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill 0776 Reliance 0483 Zeredatha Erwin K. Kent Gerald L. Griffith Daniel D. Keyser Ashley Hoffman 80 YEARS 0727 Bunting-Charity 0880 Sibelius-Bredablick Alfred H. Jantzen Jr 0511 Kings County William Kastner George J. Seaman Jr 0819 Composite William A. Heath 0922 Amos-Fort Greene Theodore W. Meyn Murray A. Rothbaum Arthur Sanders 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 0521 Sullivan 0751 La Universal Arnold Stern 0867 Damascus Richard L. Moore John Carnero Louis J. Savarese 76 YEARS 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic 0524 Morning Star 0902 Mount Masada-Galaxy Martin Ziserman 0890 Joshua Clinton J. Woodford 0634 Scotia Samuel Woolf 0950 Konosioni Edwin Fisher 0582 Wawarsing James L. Kopper 0956 Spartan Robert C. Torgersen 0912 Great Kills John F. Geary Edward Crabb 0981 Amherst George W. Garbutt Jr 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel 75 YEARS 1057 Springfield Gardens Ray D. Galbreath 1034 Van Cortlandt Joseph A. Gottlieb Arthur F. Searby Victor Gatto 0022 Franklin 0634 Scotia Robert C. Shaw 1124 Pan-american 72 YEARS 1041 Brotherhood Edwin Yabrow Robert F. Ricart Nathan Glasser 0653 John Jay 0109 Inspiration 0019 Midwood Fortitude Andrew Campbell 1174 Schenectady Walter Lilling 73 YEARS Robert P. Tebo Jr Donald E. Forte 0689 What Cheer 0160 Seneca River 0046 Huguenot 1175 Fellowship Bruce C. Dunham 0002 Independent Royal Arch Robert W. Mottola James W. Cotey Jack R. Hendricks 0699 Harmonie 0230 University Stanley J. Ciaputa 0079 Unity 1188 Renaissance John J. Rigas 0006 St. George’s Frederick M. Novak Donald C. Brooks William R. Burger Jr 0782 Triune-Obed 0341 Clyde Eli Y. Leslie 0146 Western Union Roland C. Hurlburt 0019 Midwood Fortitude Henry A. Olson Jr Hugh D. Chamberlain Jr 71 YEARS 0787 Gasport 0434 Pleasantville Hiawatha Norman Finkelstein 0160 Seneca River Peter J. Girardi 0137 Anglo-Saxon John R. Coniber 0014 Ancient Temple Paul N. O’Neill John W. Heere 0799 Oriskany 0455 Newport James R. Browne 0167 Tri-Town Ernest J. Darrow 0196 Solomon’s Chris G. Bickos 0020 Mount Moriah Robert A. Thorpe Edward Simpson William J. Vandyke 0557 James M. Austin Alfred B. Abraham 0195 Franklin 0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill George E. Story 0200 Garoga-Sincerity William C. Wissner 0073 Charlotteville Charles L. Ossman Gilman E. Alstad 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel Harold Bloser 0205 Phoenix 0877 West Point John W. Burt 0266 Poughkeepsie Theodore D. Veru 0120 Hamilton Desmond R. Parker John R. Shaffer 0664 Amicable Allen S. Brower 0266 Poughkeepsie 0879 Charles W. Cushman Robert H. Brown 0342 Wyoming David W. Cundy 0134 Lowville John H. Ross John B. Deavitt Jr 0776 Reliance Philip J. Teubl 0328 Port Jervis 1068 James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Frank W. Zimmer 0513 Massena Edwin J. Culver 0152 Hanover Justin H. Niebel Marvin Hirshfeld 0796 Dolgeville Robert A. Ingraham 0392 Sodus 1126 South Shore-Long Beach Arthur Knapp Sarkis K. Balukjian Ed DeHullu 0205 Phoenix 0586 Advance Service Mizpah Kostas Vellios Paul J. Glasgow 0839 Athelstane 0395 Amber 1174 Schenectady Ernest P. Cassis Herbert Kaplan Carl E. Seymour 0223 Roman-Hatheway Bernard Manford Maynard C. Cusworth Harry P. Coton Jr 0445 Cassia 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star 1187 North Rose Wolcott 74 YEARS Burton Handelsman 0226 Queen of Sheba Henry G. Kunz James S. Morse Allen Mitchell 0006 St. George’s 0483 Zeredatha Walter T. Storck 1188 Renaissance George C. Peck Jr Gerald Safferman 0250 Willard Sylvan Grove 0710 Ridgewood Antranig M. Ouzoonian James W. Mclernon 0085 Bethlehem Christian C. Troll 0494 Jephtha Harvey S. Sutton Kenneth H. Gusovius 0301 Dunkirk-Irondequoit 0712 Pelham Walter A. Hamlin 70 YEARS 0195 Franklin William Sollfrey 0511 Kings County William R. Merkent 0306 Cuba-Friendship 0007 Hudson Widow’s Son Joseph W. Mole Jr 0725 Southern Light William F. Nester Robert H. Brooks Peter F. Fingar 0205 Phoenix Allan P. Atwell 0573 De Peyster 0352 Homer 0023 Hancock-Dirigo-Adelphi Ian M. McCunn 0757 Silver Jesse R. Crawford James R. Cox Martin Burger 0433 Fort Plain Lester H. Manning George C. Wood Owen R. Dievendorf Marvin L. Smith 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel 0103 Rising Sun Victor J. Facio 0381 Huguenot Samuel S. Gordon John A. Rener 32 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 0130 Port Byron 0890 Joshua 0148 Tri-Valley 0479 Unity 0922 Amos-Fort Greene Robert Rude Robert Bloomberg Charles W. Meakin John L. Grosshans Edward Tager Elmer Kilmer Jr 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 0154 ERAC 0487 Normal 0956 Spartan 0145 Mount Moriah Morton J. Koplo Sherwin Isaacs Thomas Mamalis William J. Rooney Donald M. Englestad 1016 Floral Park 0172 Chaumont 0521 Sullivan 1057 Springfield Gardens 0154 ERAC John M. Kern Jr Stewart B. Smith Harold Diamond Lester H. Albers Clarence J. Vanderzell Jr 1041 Brotherhood 0195 Franklin Jack J. Rozenberg Edward L. Clogston Robert N. Jaeger 0165 Boonville-Uriel Theodore Newler Norman N. Christensen 0586 Advance Service Mizpah 1118 C. Lee Fickbohm 1057 Springfield Gardens 0196 Solomon’s George E. Duke Charles Adler Lodge Of The United Services 0166 Forest William H. Kramer Ronald Herbst Maurice M. Berger Capt Robert A. Biller John F. Hadden Earl C. Valder 0201 Genesis Howard F. Gordon 1175 Fellowship 0167 Tri-Town 1066 Harry S Truman Vincent E. Graziosa 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel Seward G. Gilbert Murray H. Warschauer John J. Basile Sr 0203 Munn Eugene S. Fried Donald G. Vannatter 0201 Genesis 1111 West Seneca Stanley Roth Kenneth A. Schwindt 1185 Western Star Robert W. Smith Wilfred P. Becker 0224 Oriental-Faxton Burt Rose Joseph G. Streamer Jr 0211 Pocahontas 1185 Western Star Wayne H. Smith Otto Salmon Kenneth W. Padgett Bruce F. Hawkes 0589 Naurashank 0230 University 60 YEARS 0217 Gouverneur Frank Nania A. J. Harrington 65 YEARS 0003 Mount Vernon John M. Scozzafava 0232 King Solomon-Beethoven 0611 St. Johnsville 0224 Oriental-Faxton Fred Wagner James J. Finke 0011 The Lodge Of Antiquity Paul Pops 0005 Masters John M. Haynes George A. Jorgensen 0252 Enchanted Mountains 0616 Cazenovia 0230 University Charles L. Davis Clark B. Daggett 0019 Midwood Fortitude Jack R. Sutley 0009 Unity Barden Conroe Stanley Jaffe 0262 Phoenix 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star 0285 George Washington Anthony T. Arlis Frederick W. Freidel 0051 Fidelity-Hobasco William H. Good 0034 Courtlandt Charles H. Wahler Jr Joseph L. Patterson 0266 Poughkeepsie 0648 Memorial 0349 Peconic Ronald W. Robinson Ralph E. Irving 0055 Granville Sterling B. Bishop 0039 Olive Branch James F. Homan Robert S. Mason 0297 Alexandria 0653 John Jay 0413 West Star Mark A. Goldman Donald N. Boyce 0056 St. Albans William H. Plimpton III 0056 St. Albans Kenneth E. Kohlhagen Robert A. Kuhn 0305 Fayetteville Central City 0664 Amicable Stephen J. Kolesar 0521 Sullivan Jay W. Leek Paul B. Ostergaard Donald C. Cantwell Russell B. Myers 0063 Wantagh Morton Richard B. Gregory Donald E. Crow 0306 Cuba-Friendship Jack Rivlin Warren E. Lellbach 0548 Laurens George F. Francis 0682 Nunda Station 0063 Wantagh Morton Donald L. Thompson 0075 Evening Star William W. Frone 0319 Black Lake Hammond Walter H. Rucks hat heer Kenneth H. Deitcher 0581 Winfield John H. Wilson 0689 W C 0075 Evening Star Ernest L. Labrake 0083 Newark James C. Steenbergh 0334 Cherry Valley George W. Moore Jr lazing tar Donald L. Pfromer 0586 Advance Service Mizpah Ralph L. Bailey 0694 B S 0079 Unity Edward J. Thrun 0093 Crossroads Donald Victor 0343 Rondout John A. Brookman armonie United Warren E. Barth 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel Franklin W. Saxton 0699 H 0082 Phoebus Robert L. Coe Jr 0095 General Sullivan David Elias 0412 Hoffman Lyle A. Sisson Jr nchor storia Charles R. Shepardson 0645 Riverhead John S. Volpe Jr 0729 A -A 0085 Bethlehem Raymond N. Palmer 0109 Inspiration Jerome E. Shaw 0413 West Star Clifford J. Scoons eliance Richard B. Lippincott 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star Richard C. Sikes 0776 R 0095 General Sullivan Benedict E. Matheis 0112 Steuben George P. Outzen 0419 Arcade Herbert E. Marshall ortune James C. Allen 0799 Oriskany John P. Bleistein 0788 F 0109 Inspiration Edward J. Wood 0120 Hamilton Richard C. Wood 0438 Marathon Gerald E. Trega atinecock M. Bruce Prindle 0806 Matinecock Marlin R. White 0806 M 0112 Steuben George R. Keene 0129 Sanger Theodore V. Summers Jr 0445 Cassia Henry W. Morse thelstane George Burgess Jr 0837 Hesperus Harvey Chertok 0839 A 0124 Auburn Murray H. Kaplowitz 0131 Myrtle-Jefferson Donald G. Hart 0458 Shekomeko Virgil H. Switzer orth oods Robert W. Bradley 0849 North Woods Derek T. King 0849 N W John P. Hall 0128 Ogdensburgh-Acacian Herbert Redl Lawson Rutherford 0134 Lowville Albert W. Brussel Richard I. Ellis 0466 Oneonta 0867 Damascus William R. Hirschey Theodore L. Harwood 0136 Hiram John O. Thompson Tommy N. Oliver 0136 Hiram 0855 Raymond E. Barton Fred G. Hickein 0880 Sibelius-Bredablick Arthur J. Babcock Paumanok-Port Washington 0147 Warren Salem Town 0476 Fairport-Flower City John Aarnio 0138 Otsego Edward G. Mcilhenny Richard C. Palmer Leonard S. Simon 0917 IMA F. Robert Simmons Stanley M. Friedman Stanley J. Zeitz THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 33

60 YEARS continues 0439 Delaware River 0765 Von Mensch 1178 Great Valley 0124 Auburn

0145 Mount Moriah George T. Yamada Hans J. Pohlmann Charles A. Fluent Dennis J. Haines Bernard Nocella Jack C. Sandstrom 0787 Gasport 1185 Western Star 0126 Eastern Light 0466 Oneonta 0148 Tri-Valley Robert Goodenough Herbert R. Berlin Glenn D. Shapley Donald A. Fowler Bernard E. Ranz 0793 Babylon 1186 Ken-Ton 0129 Sanger 0468 Catskill 0150 Sauquoit William Dalgarno Albert H. White Gilbert A. Kemp Richard Schloss Erhard Moeller Richard S. Owens 0799 Oriskany 0131 Myrtle-Jefferson 0472 Tritown 1188 Renaissance 0152 Hanover Kenneth C. Rieben Donald M. Howell John R. Moravec Philip R. Diefenbach Richard L. Bradigan 0808 Guiding Light-Olympia 0132 Niagara LaSalle 0154 ERAC 0479 Unity Stephen R. Ostrow Walter G. Greig Robert P. Kennedy Robert D. Stack 55 YEARS Ivan R. Sanzel 0136 Hiram 0487 Normal 0818 Melrose 0159 Pultneyville 0001 St. John’s William F. Martin Collins E. Osburn William O. Davis Robert N. Hopkins Joseph J. Bohrer 0148 Tri-Valley Alan H. Hooker Kenneth Vandewalle 0533 Round Hill Louis A. Mettey William M. Wilcox Richard S. Sortore 0195 Franklin Nelson E. Johns 0011 The Lodge Of Antiquity 0150 Sauquoit 0819 Composite Stephan E. Le Moine 0553 Farmers Erich Hoffmann John R. Christiansen Bert N. Price William C. Jara 0200 Garoga-Sincerity Carl F. Higgins John H. Potter James L. Mayne 0830 Eunice F. Lee Walters 0013 Apollo-King Solomon’s 0157 Trumansburg Arnold E. Palmer Glen D. Webster 0565 Guiding Star-Angle Richard H. Stefanazzi Daniel I. Parrish 0839 Athelstane 0203 Munn John B. Cassidy 0022 Franklin 0159 Pultneyville Edwin F. Murdock Jr Edwin Kletzel 0581 Winfield Frederick Voehringer Jay A. Peters William B. Steinbach 0219 Summit William V. Crim 0046 Huguenot 0164 Philanthropic 0859 Collabergh-Radium Benjamin A. Sharman 0582 Wawarsing Harold J. Engstrom Frederick W. Carpenter Charles D. Kirstein 0224 Oriental-Faxton Robert C. Judson 0056 St. Albans 0166 Forest 0875 Hendrick Hudson C. William Hoke 0586 Advance Service Mizpah John C. Barth Joseph A. Bartelo Gerald E. Broas Herbert M. Brunson Jr 0231 Cornerstone Sheldon Ferber 0168 Corning Painted Post 0877 West Point Ramon F. Alzamora Edward M. Bellemare Jr 0063 Wantagh Morton Hilton B. Champaign George D. Campbell William T. Kirkpatrick Douglas T. Michalek 0236 Philipstown 0182 Knickerbocker 0589 Naurashank 0879 Charles W. Cushman Thomas W. Robertson 0066 Staten Island Gerald Adelberg Richard A. Nozell Sr Bert W. Simon Jr Donald G. Finkel 0263 Mount Vernon 0195 Franklin 0622 Central Square 0917 IMA Carl J. Smith 0073 Charlotteville Enrique Castillo Donald F. Dixon Herbert Cantor Donald E. Sinclair Jr 0273 Francis Lewis 0200 Garoga-Sincerity 0627 Wallkill 0922 Amos-Fort Greene Alfred E. Urban Jr 0079 Unity Douglas E. Nicot Donald M. Broas Anthony B. Hellman Hans Mense Barton D. Leneker 0211 Pocahontas 0634 Scotia Robert S. Bressler 0298 Fish House 0083 Newark Frederick L. Riegel Maurice B. Deschler 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic Jack L. Payne George E. Nichols 0219 Summit 0648 Memorial Theodore Webb 0304 Schiller 0084 Amsterdam Joseph R. Orton 0942 Fraternity-Dunderberg Herbert Friedrich Merwin J. Giddings Richard B. Broyles Gordon W. Knapp Paul H. Eberlein 0223 Roman-Hatheway 0308 Seneca Lake 0085 Bethlehem Lance B. Broat 0680 Victor 0948 Sweet Home E. William Whittaker Edward W. Goldman 0224 Oriental-Faxton Samuel J. Miller Jr James H. Buterbaugh Arnold Proskin 0333 Westbrook Wayne L. Allen 0689 What Cheer 0965 Geneva 0087 Van Rensselaer Charles R. Banker 0229 Oriona Grove Carl B. Goodrich John G. Wright Robert G. Stark 0392 Sodus Max R. Smith 0694 Blazing Star 0970 Johnson City Unity 0095 General Sullivan Eugene A. DeWispelaere 0230 University John W. Evans Thomas L. Bushnell George E. Farmer 0395 Amber Stephen H. Conderman Gordon E. Offhaus 0981 Amherst Gordon C. Samson Eli R. Sochia 0701 Beacon Light 0231 Cornerstone Charles W. Walker 0109 Inspiration 0415 Pulaski Angus Mackenzie Steven Zuckermann 1037 Victoria Sea Gate Robert J. Ratliff William G. Farrington 0710 Ridgewood Arnold Marshel Laurimore P. McConnell 0232 King Solomon-Beethoven 0425 Warrensburgh Marc Appelbaum Richard F. Tiedemann 1057 Springfield Gardens Heinz Gunkel Wolfgang R. Schumacher Joseph C. Cere 0718 Adonai John E. Hassell 0252 Enchanted Mountains 0434 Pleasantville Hiawatha 0111 St. Lawrence Donald H. Fegley Paul Sosnick 1068 James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Saul Horne Claude A. Palmer Cletus N. Rankin 0750 Shakespeare Wilson Aboudi 0435 St. Mark’s-Vestal Robert E. Preston 0255 Living Stone Nicholas Ferraro 1097 Alliance Charles J. Mackey 0112 Steuben Huston K. Myers 0751 La Universal Alan C. Cook Antonio Goncalves Gary L. Waldo

34 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 0259 Sisco 0506 Rising Light 0689 What Cheer 1037 Victoria Sea Gate 0041 Sylvan August F. Carlsson Donald B. Shaw Vincent E. Keckison Joel S. Fishkind David E. Purdy Russell A. Lapine 0508 Herschel-Argyle 0696 Peacock 1057 Springfield Gardens 0046 Huguenot 0271 Chancellor Walworth John D. Earl David F. Crandall Michael A. Rerecich James J. Hennessy Nicholas D. Ziozis 0521 Sullivan 0701 Beacon Light 1066 Harry S Truman 0056 St. Albans 0284 America Barry M. Feldman James N. Glover Jr Arthur Eaton Robert K. Grant Ambrose R. Laverdi Stanley Tremper 0708 Kisco 1071 Potunk Kevin R. Gorman Raymond M. Manuel Peder T. Martino 0527 Akron Thomas G. Barclay William G. Armstrong 0290 Mount Olive 0075 Evening Star William F. Gilbert 0712 Pelham James E. Downs Howard A. Sweet James R. Block Robert E. Urowsky 1101 Parthenon David H. Crounse 0323 Amity 0529 Mountain Bennet Silver Stylianos L. 0084 Amsterdam Ronald J. Kucinski Jens Sirset Lawrence M. Simms Coutsodontis Robert E. Glenn 0347 Clinton-Hampton 0542 Garibaldi 0737 Guttenberg 1126 South Shore-Long Beach David W. Betz Lawrence H. Vallette Joseph A. Peloso William F. Sandmeyer Alan L. Bloch Robert S. Clemment 0087 Van Rensselaer 0365 Goshen 0545 Copernicus 0740 Allemania 1130 LaGuardia Erwin Demberg Richard Miller Heie O. Simonsen Radcliffe D. Johnston Jay C. Price 0093 Crossroads United 0379 Oakland 0551 Ransomville Walter G. Peter 1147 Carroll John S. Coffey David E. Shire 0750 Shakespeare Robert D. Lewis Hans J. Hefti 0095 General Sullivan 0381 Huguenot 0555 Stewart S. Gross David F. Anderson Milton G. Smith John Bilodeau Yorktown-Diamond-Thistle 0784 King Hiram Edward C. Dalrymple Jr Jerald L. Weber 0105 Hiram 0383 Northern Dimitri Sywyk Paul D. Corliss William W. Geis Jr 1174 Schenectady Aurora F. G. Paddock 0794 Mount Defiance Ronald C. Baty 0557 James M. Austin John T. Davis Alfred F. Woodruff 0392 Sodus Michael W. Brown 1180 Drumlin Square 0109 Inspiration Ted Grinnell James H. Baldwin Jr 0797 Seneca Ronald A. Fisher Leonard E. Clark John H. Auer 0396 Deposit William H. Schafer 0557 James M. Austin 1185 Western Star 0123 Dundee Charles C. Proffitt 0813 Hebron Clayton H. Warner Jr Robert Hallock Bernard Rosenberg Peter A. Susi William D. Larmouth 0575 Olive Carl E. Swan Peter L. Smith 0399 Maine 0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill Arthur J. Reid 0124 Auburn Leon R. Osborne William J. Wiggers Robert W. Finch 1188 Renaissance 0581 Winfield Thomas G. Ostrander 0404 Constellation 0818 Melrose Robert W. Armstrong Robert D. Gervan 0129 Sanger Cletis E. Shoup Gary D. Hutchison Richard C. Atkinson 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel Edward H. Jones 0414 Scriba 0819 Composite 1905 Suleiman No. 5 Alan J. Berk 0145 Mount Moriah Carl L. Shaw Jr Emanuel Klibaner Majeed H. Chammas 0589 Naurashank Howard A. Faulkner 0415 Pulaski 0822 Lynbrook-Massapequa 0147 Warren Salem Town Wendell W. Rowell Salvatore A. Arico Robert C. Cox 50 YEARS 0619 Eagle Richard A. Anthony 0438 Marathon 0839 Athelstane 0004 St. Patrick’s 0150 Sauquoit G. Richard Dodge Richard N. Bohner Henry L. Morris John R. Frost Charles D. Tucker Charles S. Newell 0449 Manahattan 0854 Archimede-Roma 0154 ERAC 0620 Clinton F. Paige-Berean Wayne D. Schermerhorn Richard Gondiosa Gerald J. Anzalone Richard H. Briggs 0005 Masters James F. Mauk III 0455 Newport 0855 Charles C. Rettig 0622 Central Square Andrew R. Schmidt Jr William Bennett Paumanok-Port Washington Leonard E. Walkowicz William T. Hegarty 0006 St. George’s 0458 Shekomeko Donald P. Wefer 0155 Fraternal 0627 Wallkill Roger H. Pelham Richard R. Moysey 0877 West Point Larry G. Barcomb Conrad W. Flickenschild 0009 Unity David L. Cook 0471 Tompkins Henry C. Flickenschild 0645 Riverhead Karl J. Pearson Fred E. Marshall Jr Edward K. Woodhouse 0890 Joshua 0019 Midwood Fortitude Robert P. Haller Martin Popick 0167 Tri-Town 0477 Wildwood James F. Jordan Lawrence S. Brody Michael Morenus Richard H. Whitmarsh 0892 Queensboro 0647 Aurora Grata Star Steven Turchin Franz Kraft 0177 Binghamton 0479 Unity Raymond M. Hamway 0022 Franklin Wm B. Edwards M. Donald Darrohn III 0923 Tadmor 0664 Amicable Brent W. Underwood Jr Roderick G. Trayhorn Rolf W. Schelle Robert W. Loch Daniel E. Murray James W. Gisleson Richard A. Alexander 0205 Phoenix 0950 Konosioni 0032 Warren Victor L. Gundrum 0671 Wappingers John Panagakos Harrison R. Homer Wilfried O. Klinkman 0491 Schoharie Valley Michael P. Skok 0221 Cayuga 0958 Moriah 0034 Courtlandt William L. Doe 0680 Victor C. H. Cuykendall Eugene Cohen Paul B. Matthews Bruce J. Palmatier John T. Betts Marshall Rockford 0223 Roman-Hatheway 0039 Olive Branch 0494 Jephtha William B. Betts Gerald T. Wilklow 1016 Floral Park 0681 Caroline Ernest Curtis Frank L. Nantista Raymond W. Carson Charles C. Clark THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 35

50 YEARS continues 0369 Callimachus 0538 Webster 0782 Triune-Obed 1000 Publicity

0224 Oriental-Faxton Glenn H. Stever Elwood R. Kuttruff Edward Glick J. Thomas Liddle Jr. William R. Williams Sr 0371 Heritage 0549 Warsaw 0787 Gasport 1016 Floral Park David B. Jones Douglas J. Borgen Roy W. Clark Jr David G. Smith Peter R. Epstein Anthony L. Zangrilli 0374 Monumental James Nearhood 0794 Mount Defiance 1037 Victoria Sea Gate 0230 University John A. Rector 0573 De Peyster Thomas K. Little III Lenny Resnick Leo R. Burgett 0406 Humanity Patrick D. Perry 0799 Oriskany 1057 Springfield Gardens 0231 Cornerstone Donald A. Spink 0581 Winfield John R. Greenwood Edward J. Damm Donald H. Siegel 0412 Hoffman Ernest P. Eaton 0818 Melrose 1066 Harry S Truman Donald S. Wood Harold G. Trout 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel Curtis I. Burnell Jeffrey L. Cohan 0250 Willard Sylvan Grove 0416 Wayne Karl H. Mielenhausen 0819 Composite 1068 James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Kevork V. Kadehjian Ralph E. Cowley Herman M. Winkler Richard M. Frome Michael J. Brzoza 0252 Enchanted Mountains 0589 Naurashank Arthur L. Ertel 0822 Lynbrook-Massapequa Leonard A. Chiat DDS Michael F. Kessler Gary W. Moran Edward A. Vollbrecht Richard Boremski Edward R. Grossman 0255 Living Stone 0417 Wadsworth Thomas Arvanites 1124 Pan-american Svein Sedeniussen 0830 Eunice Alburn Sleeper Mark H. Baumbach Stephen L. Cross Jose E. Erazo 0595 Socrates 0259 Sisco 0434 Pleasantville Hiawatha 1127 Smithtown Henry Thoden 0839 Athelstane Franklin E. Walker Edward P. Fagan Jr George W. Bielski Philip Phoel 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star 0273 Francis Lewis 0435 St. Mark’s-Vestal Robert Slotnick 1130 LaGuardia Terry G. Peacock Elliot Zaretsky Donnie J. Peters 0849 North Woods Samuel P. Langweil 0653 John Jay 0283 Beacon 0438 Marathon Jon H. Martin 1147 Carroll James P. Rudolph Charalambas M. George J. Walter 0867 Damascus Willard L. Anderson 0664 Amicable Thomas P. Swanson Peritakos 0473 White Plains Saleh Z. Kneider 0285 George Washington John A. Clarke Jr 1180 Drumlin Square Walter J. Chomanczuk 0877 West Point 0671 Wappingers Harry Chakmakjian 0476 Fairport-Flower City Wm A. Mills Jr Thomas R. Camp 0290 Mount Olive William R. Carr 1185 Western Star Thomas M. Green 0878 Norsemen 0689 What Cheer Otto Aagaard 0479 Unity Ingolf Rode Jr Charles L. Stoddart 0298 Fish House Howard J. Busch Sr 1186 Ken-Ton Jack S. Phillips Jr 0879 Charles W. Cushman 0712 Pelham Raymond P. Laubenstein 0483 Zeredatha Reynold W. Trietley Earl N. Schwartz Roger E. Barnoski Luther D. Evans Charles F. Foels Robert P. Baskind 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic 0304 Schiller 0727 Bunting-Charity 1187 North Rose Wolcott Robert C. Morris Paul Kilimnik Karl Buckel 0501 Liverpool Syracuse Robert C. Abrahamson Perry M. Hamburger Harlow Everett Robert A. Altmann 0305 Fayetteville Central City Richard A. Houser 1188 Renaissance Joseph R. Centurrino 0948 Sweet Home Robert Rothstein 0508 Herschel-Argyle Emanuel G. Tassiopulos James P. Hoage 0737 Guttenberg William A. Wilson 0349 Peconic Glen H. Churchill James H. Kaye 0958 Moriah Ralph Scinta Jr Alfred J. Kilb Jr Daryl H. Fowler Harry M. Stein 0740 Allemania 1902 New York No. 2 0350 Chemung Valley-Waverly David W. Townsend 0968 Philo-Mount Sinai 0513 Massena Lawrence E. Wund Antoine Hobeika John R. Axtell Daniel L. Gordon 0754 Noah 0358 Ancient Landmarks John J. Kells 0977 Amityville 0517 Frontier William J. Smith Paul R. Chisholm William A. Tabell David J. Karre Frederick E. Bausch 0776 Reliance 0998 Nortrip 0368 Croton 0521 Sullivan Jeffrey C. Kozel James E. Barrett Jamal S. Nesheiwat George A. Dean William P. Stris

36 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 Going 90 in a 50 s you are reading this, Brother Harold G. Trout, DSA, has turned 90 years old. Grand Master Sardone says, “I had the honorA of presenting him with his fifty-year apron in Hoffman Lodge in Middletown, New York. It was interesting bringing back some memories.”

Mt. Vernon Presents DeWitt Clinton

n Tuesday, April 6 our Grand Lodge’s DeWitt Clinton Award was presented to Mr. Matthew Malette. This award O“recognizes exceptional voluntary community service by Non- Masons and Non-Masonic organizations.” Worshipful Michael A. Hernandez, Secretary of Mount Vernon Lodge 3, made the presentation. The ceremony took place at the Historic Albany Foundation’s headquarters in Albany. Mr. Malette currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors of the Historic Albany Foundation. Mount Vernon Lodge nominated Mr. Malette for this award for his many years of selfless work on the Albany Archives, which he started almost a decade ago. Through the Albany Archives, Matt brought to the Capital Region and the broader world a collection of stories that cover subjects such as: Albany’s Historic Washington Park (“The History of Washington Park”), the New York State Capitol (“FDR’s secret elevator”), and even Albany’s Masonic Lodge (“Masonic Lodge Home to Historic Sword”). His work on the Albany Archives over these many years has been fueled by nothing more than his passion for sharing our history. For this work, the Masonic Fraternity is proud to recognize him.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 37

Visit to a Past Master By W Conor Moran n an overcast Saturday in early March served from 1777 until 1783. In addition 2021, three members of St. John’s to his responsibilities with the early state OLodge 1 paid a visit to an influential Past government he was appointed to help Master’s gravesite. Brother Benjamin Lynn, procure gun flints and ammunition from W Conor Moran and Brother Michael abroad, as well as to negotiate with the Diaz, a Fellowcraft of the Lodge, made Oneida tribe in an effort to dissuade them the trip to what is now the neighborhood from cooperating with the British. of Steinway, Queens. Three hundred years His most important responsibility in the ago, though, the neighborhood was part war effort, though, likely came through a of an extended village that went by the special mission that General Washington name of Newtown. Located there, even at personally selected and communicated to that time, was a cemetery for the exclusive Lawrence in July, 1778. The French had use of the Lawrence family. agreed to back the American cause and set The Lawrence Cemetery, established sail under the Comte d’Estaing towards in 1703, is located behind imposing New York City, where they arrived that iron gates which are not typically open July to blockade the British ships in the to the public. Of the eighty-nine grave harbor. D’Estaing and Washington next markers in the cemetery, one of the first set their sights on liberating Newport, a visitor encounters is the monument Rhode Island which was then held by and sepulcher of Major Jonathan the British military. Washington needed Lawrence. Born in 1732, descended from Grave 1 – a person he could trust, who also had an influential family, Jonathan quickly Close-up shot of Past Master’s excellent navigation skills, to safely guide established himself early in life as one of jewel of the Lodge the French from the dangerous Sandy the leading merchants and sea captains along the East River Hook inlet along the coast of Long Island and finally into waterfront. His commercial pursuits took him from Europe Newport Bay. He dispatched Lawrence, who was intimately to the West Indies and even included a sizable smuggling familiar with Newport given that it was a major port of arrival operation, which was operated in connection with a number and departure for smuggling in colonial America. Along with of other New York Freemasons. This led to Lawrence’s trading Colonel Alexander Hamilton he met the French at Basking with both the British and with the enemy, the French, during Ridge, New Jersey. Lawrence came aboard d’Estaing’s flagship, the French and Indian War. L’Hector, and sailed with them to Newport where he took By 1766 Lawrence had accumulated enough of a fortune precise calculations of the water and weather and provided that he retired from his life as a merchant and inherited his guidance to the French admirals. Ultimately, the planned family’s seat and mansion in what was then known as Hell attack on Newport was a failure, as it was late enough in the Gate, Queens. Lawrence remained active in Freemasonry summer season that the weather deteriorated into a severe in Manhattan, though, serving as the Secretary of St. John’s storm which damaged most of the French fleet and made it Lodge 2 (presently Lodge 1) in 1772 and Junior Warden in impossible for them to keep up the siege. There were several 1773. minor skirmishes with the British, though, including one in which a French soldier standing next to Lawrence was killed He was serving as a Major of the brigade of the militia formed by cannon fire. from residents of Queens and Suffolk County when the British landed in Brooklyn in September 1776. His life was likely saved At the conclusion of the war Lawrence returned to his through the intercession of General Nathaniel Woodhull, who deserted and destroyed home in Queens, determined to dispatched Lawrence with an important message asking for rebuild his mercantile fortune. He traveled to Philadelphia, help from the New York Provincial Congress then meeting in which was no longer occupied by the British, to get a head northern Manhattan. While Lawrence delivered the message start on resuming trading even before the Treaty of Paris had to the Congress, and thenceforth directly to General George been signed. Despite having lost everything during the war, Washington, Woodhull was brutally cut down by the British. given his high standing and reputation among the leading Lawrence’s home at Hell Gate was plundered and completely citizens of the day, Lawrence was able to obtain credit which destroyed by British officers, with his family narrowly escaping allowed him to expand also into real estate speculation. by boat at night to Randall’s Island and then on to Harlem Lawrence was elected as the Master of St. John’s Lodge 2 for later that day. a term from late December 1783 until June 1784. As Master Throughout the duration of the Revolutionary War, it was he who turned in the warrant of the Lodge that had Lawrence lived as an exile in Rhinebeck, New York in the been issued in December 1757—by the Provincial Grand Hudson River Valley. He was chosen to be one of the first Lodge of New York (Moderns)—to the leadership of the New York State Senators upon the passage and adoption of Provincial Grand Lodge of New York (Antients) in March, the New York State Constitution, a position in which he 1784. This act thereby symbolically affiliated St. John’s Lodge 38 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 with the relatively young Grand Lodge that would eventually go on to become the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Lawrence was then appointed as the co-Grand Secretary of the Provincial Grand Lodge, along with fellow St. John’s Lodge member and Master in the latter-half of 1784, James Giles. It was Lawrence who was asked to stand in for Grand Master Robert R Livingston, who had been appointed as the United States Minister to France, to install his successor Grand Master Jacob Morton in 1801. Jonathan Lawrence died in September 1812 at the age of seventy-five. He is buried with his second wife, Ruth Riker Lawrence, under an ornate monument bearing the inscription: “Under this Monument lie the remains of Jonathan Lawrence and Ruth Lawrence, his wife. They were united by the sincerest affection for more than forty years and now sleep together in one sepulcher.” The members of St. John’s Lodge 1 adorned his gravesite with the jewel of a Past Master of the Lodge. There it will hopefully rest for many years. The Brothers spent time sharing some of Jonathan Lawrence’s story in the home of the caretaker of the cemetery.

Grave 2 – Jewel adorning the monument of Jonathan Lawrence and his wife, through the cemetery gate

Visitors from the East

William Hall, a longtime member and Secretary of Grand Secretary Richard T. Schulz provided the guests a short Star of the East Lodge 844, Amagansett, NY, visited tour of his office and several Lodge rooms in the Grand Lodge MasonicW Hall at 23rd Street in March with his son-in-law, building. Brother Steven Harrington, also of Star of the East Lodge.

(l-r) Brother Steven Harrington, Grand Secretary Schulz, W William Hall

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 39

L’UNION FRANÇAISE N°17

71 West 23rd Street, 18th Floor - Box K5 - New York, NY 10010

Second Degree and PM Apron Presentation RW Francis DuMaurier, 33°, MSA, KYCH Grand Representative of France

n a cold, damp and dreary night, ten Brothers of WL Lodge was instituted on December 26, 1797. OL’Union Française No. 17 gathered in the Colonial Room The Worshipful Master, W Adrian Dechbery, also took the th on the 10 Floor of our Grand Lodge building in Manhattan. opportunity to present Junior Past Master WAlain Machu his Here they conferred the Second Degree upon three duly new Past Master’s Apron. This he richly deserved after the qualified Entered Apprentices. The whole proceeding went excellent work he did while presiding at the East during the exceedingly well, with superb proficiency in the ritual work, year 2019-2020. which has traditionally been done entirely in French since the

(l-r) W Charles Florin; Brother Matthew Tulloch and Michaël Pelletier; Fellowcraft Brother; W Adrian Dechbery; Fellowcraft Brother and Fellow Brothers Stéphane Koffi and Laurent Nare; W Alain Machu; and VW Christophe Lobry-Boulanger.

(l-r) W Adrian Dechbery, Charles Florin, and Alain Machu; Brother Matthew Tulloch; and W Pierre Alexandre. 40 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 L’UNION FRANÇAISE N°17 Dedicated Service Award to Didier Virot RW Francis DuMaurier, 33°, MSA, KYCH Grand Representative of France

n Tuesday, March 16, during an excellent evening of currently is the Treasurer of the Lodge. Ofraternal companionship, Worshipful Master Adrian W Didier Virot, DSA, was already a celebrated chef when Dechbery of W Lodge L’Union Française No. 17 presented he came from France to New York City. He worked as an W Didier Virot with his Dedicated Service Award apron and executive chef in several famous restaurants before opening his certificate. The Brothers gathered in the French Doric Room th own distinguished place, where he gave first-class service to on the 10 Floor of our Grand Lodge building in Manhattan. many Masonic groups of the Big Apple during many years. He W Didier Virot, DSA, was Initiated as an Entered Apprentice prefers now to be the private chef to one of the great families on October 17, 1995, Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on of New York City, while he continues to gratify the Brothers March 19, 1996 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master of his Mother Lodge with exquisite tastings of his own unique Mason on September 17, 1996. He served as Worshipful private collection of wonderful classic French wines. Master of L’UF17 in the years 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. He

(l-r) W Adrian Dechbery, Worshipful Master Brother Matthew Tulloch, Senior Warden W Didier Virot, DSA.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 41 SENIOR GRAND WARDEN RW CHARLES M. ROBERTS Senior Grand Warden [email protected]

“I’d rather see a Sermon” dgar A. Guest (1881-1959) was born in England but One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told. Emoved with his family to Detroit, Michigan when he Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear, was ten years old. He worked for more than sixty years at For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear. the Detroit Free Press, publishing his first poem at the age of Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say, seventeen, then going on to become a reporter and columnist I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.” whose work was featured in hundreds of newspapers around the country. Guest is said to have written some 11-15,000 Our world awakens from the slumber of winter and a poems during his lifetime, most of them sentimental, short pandemic, and as our Grand Master has said, “Masonry Never and upbeat verse. Critics often derided his work but America Stops.” We can be assured that as Masons the call to service adored him. He was known as the “People’s Poet,” served as will be ever demanding of us this spring or in any other season. Michigan’s poet laureate, hosted a long-running radio show I wanted to share this poem with you as encouragement in your roles so you may be reminded not only of the privilege of and TV show and published more than twenty books.—From serving, but also the responsibility of being a Mason. We are yourdailypoem.com. observed by others. The way we move about in our personal One of his poems that became a favorite of mine some daily life or in our Masonic life reflects what we believe and time ago was entitled, “Sermons We See,” better known as what we think is important. Being a preacher myself, I realize “I’d Rather See a Sermon.” The poem struck me as profound that the best of all the preachers are the individuals who live because it reminds the reader that we live out what we their creeds, “for to see good put in action is what everybody believe—or we should. Our lives are sermons. And I want to needs.” I know that as Masons, living out our teachings is believe they are good ones; memorable ones; ones that inspire not a new concept. What I’m curious about is whether it will and uplift others. They should speak out what we believe remain a concept or be a practiced reality in our life. and proclaim divine inspiration. This poem I think puts an Oh, by the way, I intentionally left out in the brief biography exclamation point to what I think the Masonic Fraternity and of Edgar A. Guest in the opening paragraph one important fact. we Masons have exemplified during this pandemic season. Brother Guest was Raised a Freemason in Detroit where he “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day; was a lifetime member of Ashlar Lodge 91. In honor of Guest’s I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. devotion to the Craft, community and humanity in general, The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear; established the Edgar A. Guest Award for Lodges to present to And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their non-Masons within the community who have demonstrated creeds, distinguished service to the community and their fellow man. For to see good put in action is what everybody needs. In addition, Brother Guest wrote many poems relating to the Masonic Fraternity he loved; for example: “I See You Travelled I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done; Some” and “The Lambskin.” I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. He once said: “Masonry has greatly enriched my life. It And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, has given me friendships that I cherish dearly. It has, I think, But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do; whispered subconsciously to me in the silent hours, words of For I might misunderstand you and the high advise you give, caution and encouragement. I like going back to my lodge. I But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you have found it refreshing and good to step aside out of the path live. of my busy life and sit again with the Masons who have carried on in my absence.” How true, how true, indeed! When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind. When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays My Brothers, I thank you for allowing me to serve you behind these past three years as your Senior Grand Warden. I pray Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me that you learned more from me through my example of living To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be. than anything I may have preached. I know for me, I am the And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today recipient of so many fine expressions of brotherly love that I Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way. will cherish forever. I leave you with this thought: “Have you seen any good sermons lately?” One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;

42 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 German Union Charter

W Werner Kniesel, Secretary Emeritus of Lessing Lodge 322 but was renumbered to 54 in 1830 and endorsed in 1840 608 in the Ninth Manhattan District, presents a metallic by RW William Willis, Deputy Grand Master, and RW James Rcase containing the Charter of German Union Lodge 54 to the Herring, Grand Secretary. Grand Secretary at a meeting of Lessing Lodge 608. German German Union Lodge 54 was the first Lodge of the Grand Union Lodge 54 merged with Lessing Lodge 608 in 1981. Lodge of New York to be allowed to conduct its proceedings German Union Lodge No. 54 was granted a Charter on April in the German language. The Charter was donated to the 14, 1819 by MW DeWitt Clinton, Grand Master, as attested Chancellor Robert R Livingston Library and Museum by by RW Elias Hicks, Grand Secretary. The Lodge was originally Lessing Lodge 608.

RW Werner Kniesel and GS, German Union Charter

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 43

Back on track

emember Mr. Bill Sheerin? The man with the trains set up in Wiley Hall? Well, we all know Rwhat happened over the past year. We moved his trains to the Horticultural Center on the grounds in Utica, NY but COVID protocols kept Bill and all residents safely in Wiley Hall. So, all the trains were gently moved but they never worked the right way—until yesterday, May 6, 2021. Bill, (now Brother Bill, since he started taking his Degrees prior to COVID) and other residents can make safe, monitored visits to the Horticultural Center. Bill went straight to the train set and in seconds fixed the problem. He also got a tour of all the greenhouse advances. Our train collecting effort slowed for obvious reasons but we are back on track. And still collecting. This will be a great program and I thank our Trustees for helping find space to do this. Since the train collecting looks like it’s gaining traction, what is next? Cars, boats, planes? It’s up to you.

44 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 From the Webmaster Brother KENNETH JP STUCZYNSKI Webmaster NYMasons.org 716/241-1329 [email protected]

haring other people’s words and ideas is so easy and loans? When did we decide falling for scapegoat rhetoric is instantaneous it has become a thoughtless act. It doesn’t a public badge of honor? Is making fun of Generation XYZ Salways reflect who we are but it does paint a picture, intended victimless humor or a lack of respect? We must wonder if we or not. It also reveals our triggers and prejudices and sense of would ever say or share most of what is on our social media propriety. wall if we saw all those reading it face to face. I’m not talking about guilting people into sharing sob All of this can be summed up in one question: Do We Care? stories or anonymous religious promises to be blessed. It’s even I always thought a Mason’s inner motto is We Care. We okay to get scammed into sharing supposedly banned content stand for things we believe in and those include the virtues of out of knee-jerk defiance. Those are silly but harmless. Heck, truth and tolerance. We all have a right, or even obligation, sometimes we promote satire as real news. We’ve all been to take a stand on issues according to our conscience. But we guilty of such things, myself included. have a responsibility to not repeat other people’s dishonesties, However, we also share things that mock other people’s even if we agree with them or it sounds true to our viewpoint. viewpoints we don’t care to understand, not knowing who We have a responsibility to civilly refrain from anything that among our friends and Brothers will be offended. Worse shows blatant contempt or mockery of people with other views. yet, we stopped caring, even mocking people who are If people know we are Masons but do not know Masonry, will rightfully offended. We libel charities and famous people and they assume they would never be welcome in a Lodge because corporations with unexamined claims, thinking it’s not our they disagree with what they think Masons believe? Think responsibility to check things that may not be true. I’m pretty about that one for an hour or two if you haven’t already. sure that used to be called gossip, but now it’s public and we The largest conduit for news and ideas today is people like lost all sense of shame. Sometimes we even unknowingly pass us, not television or the newspaper. We are the purveyors of on content from hate groups we would never otherwise be misinformation more than any news conglomerate. Most associated with. people don’t even bother to consider the implications. Do Even though we’ve been told to think twice before posting our conscience and obligations demand we be better? If we once, we’re still impulsive creatures. Some messages pit one avoid the responsibilities of civil and truthful discourse, we group of people against another. Why choose sides between are missing an opportunity to make the world a better place. veterans and refugees or the elderly and those with student

looking for Trustees who can help take us there. What skills do we look for in a potential Trustee? • Public speaking and presentation: Introductions to lectures; Speaking Circuit. • Someone who enjoys fundraising: What library doesn’t need financial support? • Treasurer/budgeting skills: Planning how to utilize those financial resources. • Librarian/museum experience: Clearly a plus. This is a unique part of our Fraternity. • General management executive experience: Strong business acumen would be helpful, since we have employees. The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Library is not only • Legal professional: When dealing with bequests, a global resource of information, it is also the repository artifacts on loan, etc., there are legal ramifications. Help of priceless artifacts, paintings and more. We have a site in is needed. New York City at Masonic Hall. We have a site in Utica at • Technology: Not crawling under desks to do wiring but the Masonic Care Community and Genesee Street. We are evaluating software or hardware for its benefit to the developing a site in New Rochelle at Masonic Care New members. Rochelle. Do you think you stack up? If so, send me a resume: The library offers lectures and it has books online but we [email protected]. I will pass it on to the Library Trustees. need to do more. In order to continue forward progress we are You never know what the next chapter holds for our library. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 45 Grand Lecturer RW richard FRIEDMAN, Grand Lecturer [email protected]

hoy, Brethren! As I write this article our Country is being format. Let’s turn to on this one and provide Lodges with the Avaccinated at a rate that gives our Craft great hope that we help they need in retaining their Brothers. can all be together without a lot of restriction in the fall. To Looking forward, we are in for challenging and exciting that end, it is time that we all focus on the basics as we enter a times. As our leadership changes we hope to see a new surge of normalized period. What are the fundamentals? enthusiasm that was dormant during the pandemic. Love, connection and encouragement are the driving forces NOW is the time to commit yourself to attending Lodge on in our Masonic endeavors. We have to love our Craft and our a regular basis. Brothers, make personal connections with our Brothers, and then provide encouragement in everything they do. If this is NOW is the time to put our shoulder to the wheel and your headset then you are employing the biggest fundamental move the Fraternity ahead. there is: brotherly love and affection. NOW is the time to consider the special bond that we have Our soaring ritual needs a refocus. We need to double with one another and re-double our efforts towards caring for down on our desire to learn the ritual and apply its fabulous one another. teachings to our daily lives. Our ritual sets out a blueprint for NOW is the time to rid yourself of apathy, which is a scourge how to live a full, meaningful and happy life. As we begin our on the Craft. work again it is very important that we perform the ritual with excellence to re-establish excellence as our standard. NOW Is the time to reach out to all the Brothers of the Lodge and make them know how important each of them is Another key fundamental is the on-the-ground programming to the future of the Lodge, the Craft and society. Look in the that each Lodge offers to its members. Interesting and vibrant mirror: Do you see the Mason you want to see in there? Lodge meetings is the key to membership retention and to living up to the promises that we made to our candidates NOW is the time for leadership training at all levels in during the Degree process. the Districts and Lodges. Without good leadership, any organization will crumble from the inside out. To that end I am starting a project to collect the best programming around the State and put it into a format that Please sit back in your chair tonight and reflect on how is immediately usable and complete in every way. The idea is important Masonry is to you and your family. How it is a force that we come up with a series of field-tested and successful for good in this world. How amazing is it to belong to a group programming contained in one place and to be shared with the of men who only want the world to be a little better than we Craft. I have the format and am more than willing to share it if found it. Then get out of that chair and enter the quarries with you would like to have your program in this resource material. renewed spirit and vigor. Gung HO! Anyone can email me at [email protected] to obtain the

Sign of the Times for Grand Lodge NY

his is the first of many Discover Masonry billboards to include Brother Mark Donnelly, design, with location and be placed for Masonic Awareness throughout the State of installation by VW Lance Allen Wang; W Malcolm L. Ogden TNew York. It is located at NY-22 Eagle Bridge, NY, northeast of Jr.; W Timothy R. Kavanaugh; and RW David Menegon. Albany. The Membership Team responsible for its placement (photo on Back Page)

46 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Masonry Never Stops SUMMER 2021 Dongan Patent Honors Brothers

he Dedicated Service Award recognizes “Brothers and Past David is Past Master of Dongan Patent, serving from 2018- Masters who continue, year after year, to support their 2019. On this day W Dave Evans was presented his DSA TLodges and their District.” On Thursday evening, March 11, apron, coin, pin and carrying case by W Thomas F. Sauter, 2021, the Brothers of Dongan Patent 1134 gathered together the current Lodge Master. He was assisted by Lodge Secretary and honored one of their own, W David K. Evans, with this W John J. McGarry, also a Past Master and DSA recipient, prestigious award. himself. W Thomas Sauter told everyone in attendance, “This is a little late. We wanted to conduct this a lot sooner but the pandemic prevented it.” He added, “But we are proud to honor W David Evans with this award in front of all of his Brothers.”

W Dave Evans displaying his DSA apron, coin, and pin. W Thomas Sauter, W Dave Evans, W John McGarry.

Articles Due Date for the FALL Edition of the Empire State Magazine is July 1, 2021

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

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 47 DISCOVER MASONRY A Sign of the Times (Information page 46)