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

he summer is behind us, but it was just as we thought these three youth organizations. Tit would be: busy! As I said, Lodges don’t go dark. They Our Youth Leaders have submitted an expanded article just go outside. Many continued to meet during the summer detailing their organizations. My thanks go to my good friend months. But in all cases, Masonry was on the move. We W Thomas Labagh from Pennsylvania DeMolay for the have kept our programs in focus, from Membership to the research he provided for the DeMolay article and to our youth Horticultural Center to providing increased services. leaders for their in-depth summation. By the time you read this we will have held our first mid- As you can see, there is a picture on the cover of the Empire year Grand Lodge meeting. The idea of this meeting coincides State Mason of an issue of our periodical fifty years ago. The with our innovative and creative long-term plans. We will young man in that picture was influenced by the mentors and have a review of this meeting in this issue. role models in Masonry. And still today, your Grand Lodge But right now, you will see this is a Masonic Youth Issue. is providing our youth with a safe environment to learn and Your Grand Lodge and Lodges within our jurisdiction have grow. long supported our youth. We have all heard the phrase “they Joining me on the cover of this issue is Brother Austin Tyler are our future.” Sounds good? Let’s think about that phrase. Altman, New York DeMolay State Master Councilor. In the Triangle and Rainbow are in their 90s and DeMolay is in its th center is a new DeMolay, Brother Victorius Bellus Ricarte 100 year as we read this issue. When you look at those who Abejuela, or as he likes his DeMolay Brothers to call him, have become leaders in society and all of our organizations, Victor. Their future is up to them….and us. you will see that many learned their leadership skills in one of

A New Train of Thought

re you happy with your Grand Lodge being on the Right Track? Are you happy with your GrandA Lodge Engineering innovative programs? Are you happy with your Grand Lodge moving Full Steam Ahead? Well, we are adding Model Railroading. Yes, Model Railroading! The Horticultural Learning Center continues to gain in popularity but in my travels I hear more and more members say they have an interest in model railroading. So we are officially launching this project. I am looking into repurposing a location to house these sets where layouts can be built for model train scales G, O, S, HO, N and Z. Typically, O, HO and N may be the most prevalent; but as we build and grow we will incorporate all aspects. This is not just for us Masons. Everyone is welcome to donate and participate. Think about it: we all remember the sound of trains moving through the layouts, stopping at stations, switching tracks, puffing smoke. This may sound like I am putting the caboose before the engine but when we build it, they will come! Email me at [email protected]. We will help you make this happen.

2 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE Volume 68 / Number 4/ WINTER 2019 Featured Highlights: Be It Known - Mid-year meeting 10-11 Ellington Experience 17

WINTER 2019 Youth Articles - DeMolay, Triangles and Rainbow 38-47 Buy a Brick and form 49-50 Gala Autism Research 53 75th Annual Metropolitan Region Dedication Service and Breakfast 56

Officers and Committees: From the Grand East 2 Deputy Grand Master 4 Masonic Issue from 1969 to now. (l-r) MW William Sardone, Senior Grand Warden 5 Victorius Bellus Ricarte Abejuela, Junior Grand Warden 6 and Austin Tyler Altman Grand Treasurer 7 Back cover photos: Grand Secretary 8 Grand Master’s Day at Tappan EAP 18 From the Webmaster 20 Awards Committee 21 Scottish Rite 22 Masonic Care Community 28 Acacia Village 30, 32-33 Grand Cinamatographer 37 Masonic Medical Research Institute 54 Masonic Youth Committee 55 Years of Service 58-62 Dates to Remember and Submission of Articles 62 Grand Lecturer 63

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

CONSULTANTS POSTMASTER: WILLIAM M. SARDONE richard j. kessler steven adam rubin Please send address changes to: Grand Master – Editor in Chief Deputy Grand Master Grand Treasurer The Empire State Mason Circulation Department JOAN C. BOWER charles m. roberts richard t. schulz 71 West 23rd Street Assistant Editor Senior Grand Warden Grand Secretary NY NY 10010-4149 Periodicals Class Publication 56874 elquemedo oscar alleyne LORAINE DIBLEY 1-(800) 362-7664 Junior Grand Warden Graphic Designer Website at www.nymasons.org Subscription $6.00 Domestic $15.00 Foreign per year. Subscription free to all members of constituent Lodges of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. State of New York. Copyright ©2019 by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund. All rights reserved. Reproduction by recognized Masonic organizations is permitted with credit. All others must obtain written permission. Published quarterly in Spring Summer Fall and Winter months by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund 71 West 23rd Street NY NY 10010-4149. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON (ISSN 0013-6794 Published at 71 West 23rd Street NY NY 10010-4149). Periodicals postage paid at New York NY and additional mailing offices. Deputy Grand Master RW RICHARD J. KESSLER Deputy Grand Master [email protected]

reemasonry has had a long and rich history which stretches determined the targeted population and instituted a program over three hundred years. As you would expect, we have to welcome them into our culture. There is an increased Fexperienced many ebbs and flows in both our membership interest in Freemasonry and the fellowship it provides. Our totals and our visibility in the community. Throughout our current society is highly divisive and polarizing. At the same history many fraternal organizations have folded through a time, the face-to-face contact we have with each other is at an multitude of reasons. We, on the other hand, remain a strong all-time low. This is where we come in. Our principles and and vibrant organization. I believe that the major reason is tenets encourage us to embrace the differences in each other. that we have been a constant throughout the generations— Our teachings direct us not to discriminate by race, creed, sort of like a North Star beaming in the sky to guide our path. color, religious beliefs, etc. Because we have never strayed One characteristic of Freemasonry is that every member is from our principal tenets, we are the perfect medicine for a challenged to live according to the principles of his faith and fractured world. the principles of the Craft. The challenge requires action. The I want to spend the remainder of this article on strengthening challenge requires action now. Are you content to be a Mason our Lodges. Membership Retention relies on providing in name only or are you, my Brother, courageous enough Brothers with education, spirituality, leadership, camaraderie to apply yourself to meet the challenge of your Masonic and fun. In other words, they should receive a well-rounded obligation? experience as we welcome them into our Masonic world. Being a Mason means much, much more than simply We must lead by example—that is, living according to the belonging to another organization that is respected in the obligations we have taken. In addition we must provide our community. Freemasonry is much, much more than just Brothers with what we promised them. We must enhance the another association where you hear fine-sounding lectures and Lodge experience if we are to keep those members we have forget them. Each of you has undertaken to answer and obey worked so hard to attract. Otherwise it is a fruitless effort. all lawful signs and summonses. You should attend your Lodge Every Lodge meeting must be a well-organized one that opens whenever you can, with the exception of sickness and prior promptly, with a well-purposed agenda, and then closes on responsibilities. Each of you has the responsibility of sharing time. There must be more on the agenda than just business. your time, not only in the Lodge but also beyond it. Each of Men are too busy to attend just another boring business you is responsible for the use of your abilities and possessions meeting. for the benefit of the Lodge, the Craft and the world at large, Lodges are urged to utilize the NorthStar program. The so far as may fairly be done without injury to yourself or your recruitment and development of a pool of qualified candidates family. If the fundamental principles of Masonry are observed, are key to retention; thereby we strengthen the Lodge. Tailor your abilities, time and possessions will be expended for the the program to the needs of your Lodge. Do not look for easy benefit of all mankind and your Masonry will be meaningful. fixes. A longer and more involved vetting process is key to the Herein lies the challenge of Freemasonry in the midst of a long-term vibrancy of your Lodge. changing society. Accept the challenge and let your Masonic Lodge programming must capture the long-term interest of principles live! its Brothers. Men joining the Craft today have expectations As societal changes affect the attraction of and even the about the Craft, fueled by outside sources. It is therefore need for fraternal organizations among men, we have seen important that our membership leaves each meeting uplifted comparable ebbs and flows in our membership. Unfortunately, and recharged. we have just suffered through a prolonged period of disconnect Most of all, communicate, communicate and communicate with the world at large. The good news is that that trend is some more. Communicate often and timely, with pertinent changing. In small towns and rural areas the uptick appears to information. be gradual. But in big urban areas the interest is more vibrant. Building New York Freemasonry One Lodge at a Time! We have embraced a strategic and active recruitment effort that has helped to reverse the negative trend. We have

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

Where is Our Harmony? s a first-line signer of any petition, I know one of my be past. And if after proper counseling, a member continues prime responsibilities is to promote and assure that the to create disharmony in a Lodge then he must be removed as a individualA I am recommending for Lodge membership will last resort. This is not pleasant for any Lodge. But our overall promote harmony in his life and that of the Lodge. Harmony responsibility is to the harmony of our Lodge and building the allows our brethren to focus on the mission of our Lodge and Fraternity and not to the disruptive member. its role of promoting our great Fraternity we call Freemasonry. But hear me loud and clear: harmony is not the view that any If we consider ourselves Freemasons, one ancient teaching dissention or difference of opinion that can or will cause a rift and the fundamental teaching of the Fraternity’s First Degree within the membership should be avoided. This is a dangerous is that harmony is the strength and support of all institutions, practice and certainly not the design of the architects of this especially this of ours. We are told not to bring anything institution. Are we only to hear the Masonic one voice when offensive or defensive into the Lodge. Defensive means we meet in Lodge? personal, protective weapons. Offensive is more about an As any musician knows, you cannot have harmony without individual’s political, religious or social ideas. We are informed more than one voice. A melody alone can be lovely to listen that discussion of these issues in our meetings is prohibited. to but adding a second voice, or harmony, gives the music These personal beliefs can be very emotional and controversial. dimension. Dissonance followed by resolution followed The Fraternity is not about resolving these personal beliefs. by more dissonance and resolution. This is music and it is The discussion of these beliefs during our meetings leads to how music embellishes the Masonic experience, enlightens disharmony. The Fraternity is about learning the work of our the mind and speaks from the heart. So too is harmony of Degrees and bringing these Degrees to perfection with an the Lodge. It’s the knowing of the checks and balances, the ancient standard. This is the harmony we seek: who best can working together from different viewpoints that keeps a Lodge work and best agree. healthy and in harmony. In the world of today we have so many discordant issues. In other words, healthy deliberation and discussion is the These discordant issues can come into our Lodges in so many harmony of a Lodge. Promoting and creating an atmosphere ways. Discord divides. Harmony unites. Harmony brings where we learn to learn from each other, even when it challenges strength to our Fraternity and our Lodges. A focus on our our own position, and yet we are able to respect each other as Lodge’s mission is our means of perfection. The perfection Brothers—that is the Masonic definition of harmony and the of this mission is the Lodge’s contribution to our Fraternity’s definition of a successful Lodge. success. In truth, harmony is more especially the strength of As Masons, we assume the role of individuals who accomplish Freemasonry when it is created. I believe that when we produce our Lodge’s vision and the Fraternity’s great goals. Any person this atmosphere while we are at labor within the Lodge’s walls or issue that creates disharmony within our Lodge must be it is the manifestation of how we actually take good men addressed. The Worshipful Master must address these issues and make them better. We take this learned skill of Masonic in a timely manner and with compassion for the individuals harmony to the outside world and amid its concerns and involved. Every good Mason, too, should be careful to avoid dissonance we remember to share it with every human being censure in this regard; but should he step beyond the line of who has a claim upon our kind offices. Harmony is of the first duty through forgetfulness or misapprehension (and no good importance. It must be maintained; and every good Mason and true Mason will intentionally transgress), he should receive, should make it his first object to perpetuate it. Harmony is our with becoming meekness, the admonitions of his Master. Even strength. If that is destroyed we become weak like other men. if the Master should err, it is better to submit until the storm

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 5 JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN RW E. Oscar Alleyne Junior Grand Warden [email protected]

Fortitude for your Brother: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

ortitude is defined in the any situation in life. But to practice true Masonic brotherhood Fdictionary as “strength of mind externally we first learn to practice it internally—for ourselves. that enables a person to encounter Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in danger or bear pain or adversity difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It with courage.” However, this virtue strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome can sometimes seem to echo hollow obstacles in the moral life. In today’s world we should hope as we really and simply do not like to learn from a new Brother as much as or more than he pain. One current example of pain’s may learn from us. It is true that we instruct him in the form impact can be seen in the opioid of ritual, allegory and symbols of which he may not yet be epidemic touching our lives. aware. But if we fail to take note of how he invests those forms Prescription opioids are used to with his own unique interpretation we shall be the loser, and treat moderate-to-severe pain and are Freemasonry will lose not only its diversity but its vitality as often prescribed following surgery well. As members of our Lodge and Grand Lodge, no matter or injury, or for health conditions how experienced we may be we all depend on the most newly such as cancer. In recent years there Initiated Brother. If we claim that we have nothing to learn has been a dramatic increase in from a new, inexperienced Freemason, then we are making a use of prescription opioids for the grave mistake for ourselves as well as for the Brotherhood. treatment of chronic, non-cancer pain, such as back pain or There should be pride in seeing that the lessons the teacher arthritis, despite serious risks and the lack of evidence about taught a student transform him in time so that he himself their long-term effectiveness. Taking too many prescription becomes a teacher who is qualified to teach others. This opioids can lead to death, and anyone who takes prescription does not place him on a higher plane; so those who do place opioids can also become addicted. In 2017 more than 70,000 themselves as such are hindering themselves on their Masonic people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause journey, since the oneness we experience as brethren is what of injury-related death in the United States. Of those deaths, makes our journey possible. We expect that a Brother, in almost 68% involved a prescription or illicit opioid. applying his Masonic skills to life’s situations, will practice the Let me be clear in explaining that I am not blaming correct way to treat people, with polite manners and social substance addiction on one single factor. There are multiple customs, and that he will be ever mindful of the dignity of causes that lead to this unfortunate issue impacting so many others in society. families across our state and nation. I simply am using it as an With our antiquity being steadfast, the future will demand example of how strong our desire is as human beings to get a better understanding of what our Freemasonry really is. We away from pain. Whether it is from a migraine, back ache, call ourselves Freemasons in the same way that we need air to indigestion, heart ache, stress from personal relationships, breathe, which means that we need to think and act freely on financial troubles, depression, a broken bone, anxiety or an many levels. This includes the freedom to serve our brethren. insect bite, we all have looked for some remedy to stop pain. We must practice openness and tolerance and feel free to Yet as Freemasons we also strive to embody the cardinal discuss delicate human issues that are important to making virtue of Fortitude as best as possible. We admire it in those and keeping good relationships. Because we all think and act among us who readily jump into the face of danger in order differently, we must get to know one another sufficiently so to rush to the aid of someone in need. It relies on courage that we can converse on a level that will promote friendship to do what is right and also draws on a strength of character and at the same time avoid discord. to withstand intemperance. Fortitude enforces the mental Simply put, Brothers, summon your internal fortitude to attitude to bear one’s burden bravely when all other remedies make a difference in this world. Practice openness, tolerance fail. and express a genuine interest in your fellow Freemason, the Consider: outside of our Lodge rooms, brotherhood may be man you call My Brother. Be a true Brother to him, not for more often relied on in times of danger and distress than in the the likelihood of personal favors or gain, but for the virtue hour of ease and comfort. The Masonic brotherhood in some of fortitude that enables one to conquer pain and fear, even respect calls on us to transcend that danger and requires that the fear of death, and to perhaps even face trials and personal we exercise the same selfless qualities towards our Masonic persecutions in defense of a just and worthy cause. In all of brethren in everyday life situations. I should be for my Brother this, I would wish a festive Season’s Greetings to all brethren such a mainstay that my own pillar of strength mirrors his in and family during this time. 6 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Grand Treasurer RWn steve aDAM rubin, Grand Treasurer 212/643-5402 [email protected]

hile most people think of me as a New York City lawyer, Anniversary of the cornerstone laying of their Lodge building. and it is true that my father was a Brooklyn boy and my And we commemorated the seventy-five-year Anniversary of a motherW a Bronx girl, I was raised in the Mid-Hudson Region. worthy Brother of the Lodge. That is why I was so honored when Adonai Lodge, located I have always been a traveling man. Not to fancy, far-off in the Mid-Hudson Masonic District, voted me an honorary destinations, but simply around the block or around our member of what would have been my Mother Lodge had I glorious state. Even during the years that I served as Proctor settled back home following law school in Albany. While I and Judge Advocate I traveled. It was not always in an official am immensely grateful to the Brothers, what has provided capacity, but simply as your Brother. We have celebrated the most satisfaction has been to simply observe the level of during glad tidings and cried during sad. That is why when Masonry being carried out at Adonai and in so many Lodges I visit your Lodges and your Districts now, I see so many and Districts around our Grand Jurisdiction. I should know: I old friends and Brothers who I have come to know, love and have traveled our State. respect for your hard work and dedication to the Craft. We are Since the last publication of The Empire State Mason I men who practice Masonry not for gold or glory, but for God, have marched with my Brothers of Old Town Lodge in country, family and community. th Southampton’s 4 of July Parade; served lunch with the My Brothers, I have gained so much during my term as Brothers and Sisters of the Richmond District to over two Grand Treasurer. I’m not merely referring to the extra ten thousand children, teens and adults with special needs; pounds around my mid-section. I speak of the joy it has been celebrated brotherhood with the Third Kings; welcomed the to observe the brotherhood and the spirit of Masonry that is new Masonic year with Brothers of Heritage Lodge at their percolating throughout our Grand Jurisdiction. What a joy it First Thursday Social; gorged on lobster at Dongan Patent’s is to behold our current crop of Worshipful Masters leading Lobsterfest and hardened my arteries at Goldenrule’s Dinner their Lodges with exciting and forward thinking programs, at Sammy’s. I enjoyed Hudson River views with the Brothers and great ritual! Because, while we applaud the effort to bring of Harry S Truman and the Eighth Manhattan District and in new members, keeping them coming back has always been celebrated Oktoberfest with my Brothers of Cornerstone the challenge. Lodge in Monroe, NY and Traubenfest with my Brothers of the Noble Ninth. For Masonry is nurtured in the Lodge and by the knowledge to lead. Towards that end I have been honored to speak at the I supported Bethpage-Hicksville Lodge as they welcomed Erie District’s Leadership Conference on Lodge Management; Brother, author and TV personality Scott Wolter and rooted Masters Lodge in the Old Seventeen Masonic District on for Army with the Brothers of the Bronx at the Grand Master’s Masonic Jurisprudence and Excelsior Lodge in the First Day at West Point. I honored our Grand Master on hallowed Kings Masonic District on the suspension of recognition ground at the DeWint House in Tappan, NY when his tree of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. I have further lectured at was dedicated and celebrated the leadership of RW and Cornerstone Lodge in the Second Masonic District and at Trustee of the Masonic Hall and Home Joe Saglimbene with the Fourth Manhattan District Square Club, providing the the Brothers of the Queens Masonic District. Brothers insight into the laws that govern Lodges and Grand I celebrated brotherhood on the waterways with the Lodge. awesome family of Alemania Lodge and celebrated the sixty- As the Masonic year is just getting underway, I have further year accomplishments and legacy of a real Master Mason, witnessed the most outstanding ritual I have seen since I MW Dan Semel, at his Mother Lodge, Shakespeare Lodge. was Raised and wonderful programs that can still excite an I enjoyed good food and fellowship with the Brothers and old salty dog. Indeed, as it is just October 1 at the time of Princes at Rockville Center and NYC, the Brothers of Babylon this article’s submission, I can tell you that my schedule is Lodge, Jephtha Lodge, Paumanok-Port Washington, Mt. already filled with additional opportunities to address and Moriah, Publicity and Kosciuszko Lodges, just to name a few. lecture Lodges and Districts around our Grand Jurisdiction. I have planned with the Nobles of Mecca Shrine and Providing knowledge and insight that I have gained during celebrated with the Prophets of Azim, further honoring three terms as Worshipful Master and in the fourteen years Past Grand Master Gilbert as he celebrated his fifty-year that I have served in our Grand Lodge has proven my greatest Anniversary of having served as Monarch of Zuleika Grotto. I satisfaction. attended Grand Cryptic Assembly as we honored the outgoing Masonry will not survive without serious and knowledgeable leadership while celebrating the new. Brothers willing to take on Lodge, District and Grand Lodge I attended a most special celebration of Scipio Lodge leadership. Indeed, many of the problems that we continue to 110 in beautiful Aurora, NY as we celebrated the 200-Year Grand Treasurer continues on page 9 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 7 Grand Secretary RW richard t. Schulz Grand Secretary Masonic Hall 71 West 23rd Street New York NY 10010 212/337-6644 [email protected]

am very happy to report that our Grand Lodge at the Special Communication of October 5 approved new Permanent IDues Cards. By now, many of you should have received your new Permanent Dues Card. This is a giant step forward for our Grand Lodge. These new cards were mailed directly to you. So, if you didn’t receive one in the mail these past few weeks, please contact me and we will correct the address and send it to you. I expect these cards to be effective for a minimum of three years, depending on wear and other factors. Your Lodge Secretary will continue to collect your annual Lodge dues (including the per capita assessment), but will no longer send your dues card, as you will already have it. The Permanent Dues Cards have both your Grand Lodge Number and a QR Code in order to verify your standing with our Grand Lodge. There are instructions and an activation code included with the new card. If you have trouble or require assistance, please Landing, 1105 Lakeshore Drive, The Villages, 11:00 a.m. contact me and we will assist you. to 1:00 p.m.; BRUNCH We continue to move forward and I hope to have an • Saturday, January 11, 2020 in PALM BEACH GARDENS updated Secretary’s Manual available for the Lodge Secretaries (East Coast of Florida) at the Embassy Suites, 4350 PGA early in the new year. RW Stewart C. McCloud II has been Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. a tremendous help in drafting this updated version. Thanks to Stew and a volunteer committee, we have brought it up to Although time may be short, if you’d like to attend please date and made several improvements in its content. It will be contact me as soon as possible (no later than January 2) via available both in print and digital versions and have links to phone or email with your name, any companions with you, the proper forms. and the meeting you’d like to attend. If you want to continue to see us in your area in future years, please come on out this In the last issue of the Empire State Mason, I announced the January! continuation of the Florida Sojourners Luncheons in January 2020. This year, we added a fourth venue to our list. As in past Finally, please take a moment and contact me by phone, years, members of our Grand Lodge, along with members of letter or email and let me know how we can serve you better. I the Order of the Eastern Star from New York State, will meet am committed to improving the Office of Grand Secretary and and greet our members who now reside in the Sunshine State. will listen to your suggestions and advice for improvements. As In the last issue we included a form to fill out and return, always, please help us to maintain our Lodge Registry database along with a $10/person fee. Members with special Masonic and send us any changes to your home address or email milestones (50, 55, 60 years and up) will be honored. All of address. Please send changes to [email protected] or the Luncheons begin at 12:00 noon EXCEPT for the one in directly to me at my phone, address or email. Please remember The Villages, which is a Brunch and begins at 11:00 a.m. All to include your name and Lodge so that we can assist you of them last approximately two hours. properly. I ask all Lodge Secretaries to help us maintain our database and check that your members’ information is up-to- The schedule of luncheons is: date, as well. Thank you. • Wednesday, January 8, 2020 in SARASOTA (S.W. Coast of Florida) at the Sahib Shrine Center, AAONMS, 600 North Beneva Road, 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. • Thursday, January 9, 2020 in TAMPA (West Coast RW Richard T. Schulz of Florida) at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 5500 Grand Secretary Memorial Highway (near Egypt Shrine Masonic Center), 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. • Friday, January 10, 2020 in THE VILLAGES (North Central Florida) at The Waterfront Inn at Lake Sumpter

8 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Tournament Champs Crowned

hey came…they saw…they conquered. On Wednesday, August 28 Smithtown TLodge 1127 hosted its First Annual “Cornhole” Open Tournament for a night of summer fun and fellowship. Despite furious competition from seven other entrants, the team of W Dan Dunbar and RW Matthew Dinizio of Riverhead Lodge 645 emerged victorious, defeating a team from host Smithtown Lodge. RW John H. M. Findlay, Worshipful Master of Riverhead Lodge, basked in the glow of the championship trophy and promptly appropriated the cornhole tournament boards as an additional prize.

Grand Treasurer continued from page 7 assist our Lodges as we live in an ever-complex and regulated address today, our Lodges and our Grand Lodge have faced world. Our Lodges face more hurdles and burdens than at any for decades. The time has come for us to marshal all of our time in our Masonic history. Brothers are asked to become resources to address these issues. Not one man or group of property managers, bookkeepers and accountants, instead men can or will have all of the answers. We must have honest of practitioners of the Craft. For too long Grand Lodge has debate and discussion about the problems that continue to ail taken a laissez-faire approach to Lodge management, only to us, for that is the only way we can address these issues. wake up when 990s became an issue. While we are no longer My Brothers, I always viewed my work as a Grand Lodge slumbering, we all must become fully engaged in a serious Officer as a way I could leverage my professional skills in dialogue to ensure the viability of our Lodges and our Craft. service of the obligations I took while kneeling at the Sacred How many more Lodges must we lose? We must harness the Altar of my Mother Lodge. That is why I served with pride as collective will of our membership to seek real solutions to Proctor and Judge Advocate for our Grand Lodge during the the problems that continue to plague our Lodges and Lodge twelve years that preceded my election to the Office of Grand management. Treasurer. I have always believed that Grand Lodge, and all its With respect to the second manual, at the time of this Officers, is meant to serve the Brotherhood and not the other printing the Grand Master would have received the most way around. That is why I praise our Grand Master for his recent draft of the Lodge Treasurer/Fiscal Manual that I $2,000 Lodge Security Initiative and why it has been such a have compiled with the assistance of countless Brothers from personal pleasure for me to travel to your Lodges and Districts around our Grand Jurisdiction. In truth, I have been hesitant and preach about Lodge Fiscal Management and Masonic to finalize the document, as it is both technical and complex, Jurisprudence. touching upon tax and fiscal management. It must be precise As I have indicated in several past Empire State Mason and in accord with not only Masonic, but also civil and tax magazine articles, I have worked with many Brothers from laws. As such, I will welcome the further review of additional around our Grand Jurisdiction to produce two informational eyes and look forward to its dissemination, possibly along with manuals: one to enable a Lodge to seek tax relief from its the revised Secretary’s Manual that is being updated by another local municipality and a second to assist Lodge Treasurers and committee of Brothers. You should expect to see something address issues of Fiscal and Lodge Management. In the end, coming out from the Grand Secretary’s office on both of these the Grand Master was concerned with the Tax Relief Program manuals in the not-too-distant future. and Grand Lodge’s potential for liability. Finally, my Brothers, I thank you for the love and support As the immediate Past Judge Advocate, I appreciate his and the continued opportunity to serve you. As this is the concern. Yet, while the Program was not a panacea for all of holiday season, may the Spirit of Christmas always be in our Lodges’ collective ills, it was one approach that has proven your heart and may you experience peace, joy and love this successful for some. We must be mindful not to squander the Hanukkah and beyond. God bless you, your families, our opportunity to explore creative options and opportunities to Country and our Craft. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 9 Be It Known October 16, 2019 o: The Officers Of The Grand Line, All Permanent THEREFORE, THE JURISPRUDENCE COMMITTEE Members, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand APPROVES of the implementation of permanent dues cards TSword Bearers, Grand Directors of Ceremonies, and submits their previous resolution for adoption by a vote Grand Stewards, Grand Chaplains, All Emeritus of the Grand Lodge. Grand Lodge Officers, Trustees of the Masonic Hall IN ADDITION, THE JURISPRUDENCE COMMITTEE & Home, Directors of the Masonic Medical Research APPROVES of the Grand Master’s EDICT dated September Institute, Trustees of the Chancellor Robert R 4, 2019 to move from paper dues cards to plastic (or similar) Livingston Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge of dues cards and to make all necessary changes to the sections of New York, Elected Grand Post of the Masonic War Masonic Law regarding paper dues cards. Veterans, Commissioners of the Commission of Appeal, Grand Lodge Committee Members, All Officers of THE JURISPRUDENCE COMMITTEE REPRESENTED the District Grand Lodge of Syria–Lebanon, Grand by its Chairman, MW Carl J. Fitje, Past Grand Master, Representatives of other Grand Lodges, Assistant respectfully asks that the Committee’s Report be approved and Grand Lecturers, and to all Worshipful Masters, spread upon the Minutes of this Proceedings. Senior & Junior Wardens, Treasurers and Secretaries The Above Report of the Jurisprudence Committee was of each Lodge under the Jurisdiction of this Grand Approved By the Vote of Grand Lodge. Lodge: THE GRAND SECRETARY PRESENTED a Report as a BE IT KNOWN, THAT AT THE SPECIAL detailed power-point presentation introducing and describing COMMUNICATION of the Grand Lodge of Free and the new permanent (plastic) dues card. The Grand Secretary Accepted Masons of the State of New York, held in the explained that the new permanent dues cards will be mailed Administration Building at the Masonic Care Community, directly to each Lodge Member using the mailing address Utica, NY, commencing at 9:00 a.m. on the First Saturday of that is currently on file in the MORI/Registry System. Each October, 2019, A.L. 6019, with an Invocation by RW Nicholas dues card, in addition to the usual information printed on J. Paolicelli, PJGW, acting Grand Chaplain, followed by the each card, will contain a Quick Reference Code (QR Code). presentation of the Colors by the Masonic War Veterans Color The QR Code can be read by smart phones using a free QR Guard Detail under the direction of Brother Carl R. Hoyt, Sr., reader application that can be downloaded from the internet, Commander General. which will access the member’s Masonic Standing on file THE GRAND MASTER INTRODUCED the MW with the MORI/Registry System. In addition, the Grand Daniel Wilson, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge Lodge ID Number can also be used to access this important of New Jersey, who addressed the Brethren and Delegates information. The new permanent dues card is estimated to last about the new “Path Forward Campaign.” In summary, the three or more years, which will dramatically save on the cost of Campaign is a statistical approach toward gathering specific printing and mailing dues cards. and essential data that answers the question of what attracts THE GRAND SECRETARY ALSO REPORTED that the men to Freemasonry, which are then honed into several video Registry Department will produce singular permanent dues ads that target potential members. One such video ad is titled cards on a month by month basis for newly Raised Brothers “The Call,” which explains in layman’s terms the core values and to replace cards for those Brothers who may have lost or of being a Mason and will be available for distribution in damaged their cards. February 2020. The theme of the videos uses the phrase “Not THE GRAND SECRETARY RESPECTFULLY asked Just a Man - A Mason.” that his Report be approved and spread upon the Minutes of THE GRAND LODGE COMMITTEE ON these Proceedings. JURISPRUDENCE PRESENTED the following Report: The Above Report of the Grand Secretary was Approved by The Committee congratulates the Grand Master for hosting the Vote of Grand Lodge. this historic event by opening a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge. A Resolution adopted by the vote of Grand THE GRAND LECTURER PRESENTED a Proposed Lodge at the 237th Annual Communication in 2018 stated Change to the Rules of Order whereby it would read: “Every that the final product of a plastic dues card will be explained candidate for election to Grand Lodge Office must as a to the Jurisprudence Committee and that an explanation of minimum have taken and completed every leadership program how it will work and how the implementation will work will of Grand Lodge that every candidate for District Office must be given. The dues card itself will contain a picture of the have, plus other leadership training as is appropriate. The member and the Grand Lodge Seal. candidate within the last year prior to the election must have undergone a background check resulting in no Masonic, Although, there will NOT be a picture of the member Criminal or Civil Charges adjudicated against him.” on the plastic dues card, due to problems of a logistical nature involving members residing outside the state, the THE GRAND LECTURER RESPECTFULLY Jurisprudence Committee’s questions have been answered and recommended the approval of this Proposal to Change the a satisfactory explanation of how the dues cards will work and Rules of Order as noted above with a “Straw Vote,” that be implemented has been received. it be formally presented and voted upon at the Annual 10 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Communication of the Grand Lodge in May 2020. THE PRESIDENT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE MASONIC HALL AND HOME The Above Proposal of the Grand Lecturer was Seconded , RW G. Stephen and Approved by the “Straw Vote” of Grand Lodge. Getman, presented the Mid-Term Report of the Trustees, which contained various highlights as follows: The current SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE PAST GRAND Administration Building is scheduled to be renovated and MASTERS, MW Jeffrey M. Williamson entered into a repurposed to house a new Lodge Room, Community Center, discourse on three possible approaches for future elections of Dining Facility and Education, Lecture & Training Rooms; Grand Lodge Officers. The first two proposals were to establish the Greenhouse and several additional Acacia Village Cottages a progressive line of officers. The third and last proposal was to should be completed at the MCC Campus in the early spring; negate any changes to the current process. the purchase of eighty-eight acres of property in Henrietta, NY THE FIRST PROPOSAL would begin with the election (near exit 46 of the NYS Thruway), which will be the future of the Junior Grand Warden, alternating between an Up-State site of the Community Wellness Masonic Center containing Junior Grand Warden and Down-State Junior Grand Warden. both Lodge and Office Space; and the Trustees are continuing Each officer would serve a two-year term and progress to their efforts to find a suitable parcel of property in the New the next higher level of office at the conclusion of two years, York City Metropolitan area, where we can establish a down- ultimately advancing to the office of Grand Master after a state Masonic presence such as the one found in Henrietta, six-year progression. Only the office of Junior Grand Warden NY. would be elected, the other higher officers would routinely IN CONCURRENCE WITH THE SPECIAL advance. COMMUNICATION, Dr. Maria Kontaridis, Director THE SECOND PROPOSAL would begin with the of Research, and Dr. Zhiqiang Lin, Assistant Professor, at election of the Junior Grand Deacon, alternating between the Masonic Medical Research Institute presented a lecture an Up-State Junior Grand Deacon and Down-State Junior on “Diabetes Research at the MMRI: Disease Today, Cure Grand Deacon. Each officer would serve a one-year term and Tomorrow” in the MMRl’s Calvin Bond-Edward Trosin progress to the next higher level of office at the conclusion of Auditorium. each year, ultimately advancing to the office of Grand Master THE GRAND SECRETARY ANNOUNCED that all after a five-year progression. Only the office of Junior Grand members of the Grand Lodge were invited to purchase on-line Deacon would be elected, the other higher officers would tickets before 12-noon to attend the Special Table Lodge being routinely advance. hosted by the Grand Lodge in Honor of the Grand Master that In both of these two proposals, the office of Grand Treasurer evening immediately following the Special Communication. and Grand Secretary would be excluded from the progressive THE GRAND MASTER EXPRESSED his thanks and line, as these two offices would be considered professional in gratitude to all of the delegates, committeemen and officers scope and purpose. for their attendance and untiring support. The Grand Master THE THIRD AND LAST PROPOSAL proffered by MW especially recognized the Trustees and Staff of the Masonic Jeffrey M. Williamson is to keep and maintain the current Hall and Home, and RW Richard T. Schulz, Grand Secretary method of electing Grand Lodge Officers as it stands today. and RW Richard W. Bateman, Assistant Grand Secretary and their Staff, as well as RW Donald Mattson, Chairman The Third Proposal of the Past Grand Masters was of the Grand Lodge Convention Committee, RW Edward Approved, as it received the Majority of the “Straw Vote” of Chiani, Chairman of the Technology Committee, and RW Grand Lodge. Alberto Cortizo, Chairman of the Credentials of Members THE GRAND MASTER SEALED AND and Returns of Lodges Committee, for their hard work and CONSECRATED, together with the aid of his Grand Line dedication toward making this Special Communication a big Officers and Permanent Members, the Time Capsule and success. Cornerstone of the new Greenhouse and Masonic Horticultural THE GRAND MASTER ANNOUNCED that, in Center at the Masonic Care Community. Further, with the accordance with Section 103 of the Constitutions, the Most assistance of Brother E.A. Alexander Vastola, the new Director Worshipful Grand Master would convene the 239th Annual of the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library, the Communication of the Grand Lodge at the Masonic Hall, Grand Master unsealed and opened the Century-old Time New York City, on Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Capsule of 1919 of Wiley Hall, which contained various 1919 The Grand Master further announced that the Minutes of the vintage coins and postage stamps, letters, programs and a Annual Communication this past May 2019 as well as this United States Flag bearing only 46 stars. Special Communication of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of the THE GRAND MASTER PRESENTED several videos State of New York would appear in the published Proceedings about the Greenhouse Project and his vision for Grand ofthis Grand Lodge. Lodge and Freemasonry, with much acclaim from the Craft. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, the Most Especially, the “Locomotive” Video featuring the Grand Worshipful Grand Master, William M. Sardone, closed the Master as the Chief Engineer attired in full railroad gear Special Communication of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of the complete with striped overalls, cap, oil can and a bit of soot on State of New York at 4: 15 p.m. on October 5, 2019. his forehead was well received by the Brethren. Given under my hand and Seal of the Grand Lodge of New The Grand Master specifically acknowledged his appreciation York, this 16th Day of October 2019, A.L. 6019. to RW Edward T. Bartels and his lady Cathie for spearheading the production of these magnificent videos. RW richard t. Schulz Grand Secretary THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 11 Brothers trek for Krewe By Brother Keith Poppendeck light tap of drums; was the point that their connection would be tested. Would the high-pitch the miles end the friendship? It was precarious. But the flourishA of trumpets; Brothers prevailed. “Tom and I talk every day,” laughs Keith. one big thump of a “We make the best of the situation. You just can’t let it go.” bass drum: The parade The two men make special efforts to get together several times begins. The mass of a year, as opposed to every week when they were together in marchers begin the Buffalo. annual celebration of One of the things that keeps their enthusiasm strong is life, of joy, of Mardi their annual trip to New Orleans. In 2009 they were asked to Gras. Festive colors join a Mardi Gras Krewe. To obtain this privilege you must of purple, gold and green splash everywhere. Oversized be asked. To request is not proper. This particular Krewe, costumes, streamers, face paint and glitter adorn the crowd. Knights of Mondu, hosts a walking parade through the heart For Tom Poleon and Keith Poppendeck, two Masonic Brothers of the French Quarter. All year long the Brothers plan their from Buffalo, this is the culmination of a year-long planned pilgrimage to New Orleans. As part of their Krewe, they dress pilgrimage to the city of festivals, dubbed so appropriately “the in festive costumes, wear wigs and march through the streets Big Easy.” while thousands of revelers cheer and wave. Flash back almost twenty-five years to Buffalo Lodge “We talk constantly about the parade; the costumes, the Masonic Hall in Buffalo, NY, where two thirty-year-old men theme, the colors, everything about the upcoming trip,” Tom met on the mosaic pavement of Masonry. Keith was already a explains. “The energy that we devote to this parade keeps me Mason of nine years and a senior DeMolay, as well. Tom had going all year!” heard of Masonry from his co-worker, Brother Roy Pfohl, who each day for two years recounted stories of Masonic Degrees, In October of 2018 the formation of a new group of Mardi dinners and meetings. Now with petition in hand, Tom joined Gras parade Krewes was announced. The new Krewe of Buffalo Lodge, hoping to be part of this exciting and mystical Boheme stated that they would debut in February of 2019. world of Masonry. Hearing this, Tom and Keith jumped at the opportunity to build a new organization together. “We always talked about “Right from the start, I was so impressed with the friendly having our own Krewe,” says Keith. “That way we could reception and immediate feeling of welcome at the Lodge,” express our own ideas and make it our own.” recalls Tom. “Before I could even be admitted to a meeting several of the Brothers stayed out of the Lodge room to sit In November 2018, during Keith’s Florida visit to Tom at with me, where we talked and they even gave me a tour of the Thanksgiving, the two Brothers brainstormed over parade fantastic building.” Shortly thereafter, Tom and Keith met as ideas, themes and costumes. After much thought, they decided Tom received his Degrees. to dress as pirates and build a pirate ship float, complete with an authentic figurehead. On Friday, February 15 the Brothers It was an immediate—and possibly cosmic—attraction proudly made their Krewe debut in the new parade. The between them. Tom, whose occupation was facilities manager, crowds cheered wildly as they pulled their new Mardi Gras was compelled to lend a hand with Lodge events, projects, float. outings and especially some of the challenging building issues. “In addition to our ritual work, Tom and I found ourselves “We worked at the Lodge, we worked on each other’s fixing faucets, electrical issues, and general building concerns,” houses, helped with all life’s challenges,” Keith declares. ”Now says Keith. “His enthusiasm and knowledge were impressive. we are having a bit of fun and enjoying the brotherhood that We hit it off immediately.” we have built.” The connection between them grew wildly from there. For two men who would never have met but Whether it was performing ritual work together in the for the passions of Freemasonry, it has grown Lodge room, doing building repairs or planning the many into a lifelong connection. So strong is their outreach programs to other Lodges and public events, the two brotherhood that a 1300-mile Buffalo to Ft. found great comfort working together. “We lived the ideals Myers gap doesn’t slow them down. “I look of Masonry every day,” adds Tom. “We learned about each forward to our daily phone calls,” says Tom other, our families, the everyday life issues while rehearsing the but quickly admits, “My new life in Florida Degrees and planning the meetings of the Lodge.” is great but it doesn’t compare to the closeness that we shared Like a good family they were there for each other in Buffalo. All through life’s good times and bad. When there was the Masonic a leaky roof, a broken furnace, a flat tire, they were meetings, the there for each other. But life’s joys made the time even th Degree work, the sweeter. “We made the food for my granddaughter’s 16 Masonic brotherhood— birthday party,” says Tom. “And made a scary haunted you can’t replace that!” house for Keith’s daughter’s Halloween party.” Alas, about four years ago Tom moved to Florida. That 12 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 FDR Visits Jephtha Lodge in Huntington By W Ronald Seifried, DSA

n a late summer day the clouds were grey and the sound Boyle, Jr. An Irish immigrant of thunder could be heard on the streets of a quiet Long later raised in Washington OIsland village. The threatening weather couldn’t dampen the D.C., Boyle attended spirits of the local businesses and residents, with dozens of Columbia Law School, was American flags proudly displayed throughout the downtown Captain in the US Army, 71st area, a suggestion patriotically put forward by the local Regiment during World War Chamber of Commerce. On this day New York Governor I and was a Municipal Court Franklin Delano Roosevelt was to spend some time in the Justice in New York City in Town of Huntington on an invitation from the local Masonic 1917. Active in the New York Lodge. Republican Party since 1906, Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Holland Boyle was Secretary of the New York County Republican Lodge 8 in New York City on November 29, 1911, Roosevelt nd later joined several Concordant Bodies, including the Scottish Committee in 1910 and 2 Suffolk District Assemblyman Rite, Shriners and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, as well as 1924-1928. Having spent many years practicing law in New receiving several honorary memberships from different York and Bronx counties, Boyle and his family moved to Lodges. By 1931 Roosevelt was Grand Representative of the Huntington in 1920, ran unsuccessfully for Huntington Town Grand Lodge of Georgia, which earned him the title Right Supervisor and affiliated with Jephtha in 1924 from Crescent Worshipful. Lodge No. 402. It was probably through his influence and political connections that Roosevelt came to Huntington to But one piece of FDR’s Masonic history that has been deliver the address. lost for over eighty-seven years has recently been discovered; The first mention of RW Roosevelt’s visit in Jephtha a reception held for the Governor to commemorate the th 150th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, minutes was made just three days prior, at the 1466 Stated hosted by Jephtha Masonic Lodge 494 in Huntington. His Communication on September 14, 1931. At this meeting W great, great-grandfather Isaac Roosevelt was a delegate to the John Boyle briefly discussed the upcoming event and a motion Constitutional Convention. was carried authorizing the Master to pay the St. Cecile quartet $100 for their performance. It was speculated in published accounts at the time that Governor Roosevelt chose to deliver an address in Huntington The turnout was expected to be considerable, so the Lodge because of his relationship with Jephtha’s Master, W John J. requested permission to use Old First Presbyterian Church on East Main Street for the event. Attendance ranged between 370- 470 Masonic Brothers, depending on which source is to be believed, in the historical church built in 1784. The Special Communication was held on Thursday, September 17, 1931. The Lodge was opened at 4 p.m. and was called to recess and adjourned to the church, where several Brothers traveled by foot just a few minutes away. Several local Masonic Lodges sent delegations, including Alcyone (Northport), Suffolk (Port Jefferson), Bay Shore, Amityville, Meridian (Islip), Peconic (Greenport), Old Towne and Star of the East, both from East Hampton. Just before 5 p.m. MW Charles H. Johnson, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York and his staff from the Grand THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 13

Lodge, opened the meeting at Old First Presbyterian Church. of the Fraternity and began his address on the Adoption of the For the next two hours, the program included an invocation Constitution of the United States. by Brother E.J. Humeston, benediction by Brother Charles This speech in its entirety is not available from the FDR E. Cragg, several music selections by the St. Cecile Quartet, archives, but a portion was transcribed by one of the local the official quartet of the Grand Lodge, the Fife and Drum newspaper reporters. “People then thought straight and Corps of Huntington Post No. 360 of the American Legion kept their heads,” said Roosevelt. “Our form of government and speeches delivered by Jephtha Worshipful Master Boyle has existed longer than any other in the world. It must be and the Grand Master. backed by substantial act rather than hollow lip service. The By 7:30 p.m. and over two hours late, Governor Roosevelt fundamentals of good citizenship are to be found in Masonry.” arrived by motorcade preceded by a motorcycle escort, making MW Charles H. Johnson, Grand Master of the State of the trip from Valley Stream after a speech to the Nassau New York, then urged all present to be “…conscious of their County Democratic Committee. As he entered the church the individual duty and obligation as citizens. We all have duties,“ Governor joked that the name should be changed to “Longer he explained, “to our God and our country, to our homes Island.” His speech at Huntington would be his third and final and the community in which we live, that we cannot shift to that day, including a radio address on the completion of U.S. another, but that we must each one meet individually.” Route 1. At the conclusion of the reception, RW Roosevelt departed Entering through the double doors of the old church, clad Huntington and the Grand Master was the guest of honor at in his Masonic regalia, the Governor walked very slowly a dinner back at Jephtha Lodge on New York Avenue. The down the aisle, supported on either side by aides, including Lodge was called to order at the Lodge room at 8 p.m. his Secretary, RW Guernsey Cross, Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Nevada. The Masons erupted in cheers In the minutes for this Special Communication the Lodge and gave their Brother a standing ovation, as he was led to Secretary recorded: “The Addresses of MW Brother Johnson the pulpit by RW Douglas Conklin, president of the Bank and RW Brother Roosevelt were wonderfully admired and of Huntington and Past Master of Jephtha Lodge. The were very industrious and instructional. The entire program thunderous applause from his fellow brethren brought a smile was an unqualified success and reflected honor upon Jephtha to the Governor’s face, as he was led to a platform by a ramp, Lodge.” specially constructed for his visit. The next and final mention in the Jephtha archives of At the pulpit, RW Roosevelt was received by MW Johnson, this special event was in the minutes for the 1467th Stated who in turn, under the escort of RW Russell J. Sammis, Communication on September 28, 1931. It was acknowledged Assistant Grand Marshal, was received by W John Boyle, Jr. that correspondences were received from RW Roosevelt and of Jephtha. Governor Roosevelt bypassed the chair that was other dignitaries. placed for him in front of the pulpit and faced the members

14 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Independent Royal Arch 2 September 5, 2019

rother John Chang received the prestigious Daniel Carter Beard BMasonic Scouter Award. Brother Chang is the 214th Brother in our jurisdiction to be recognized for his work with our youth. It makes us think how many countless thousands of young people have been influenced by the good works of all of our Brothers throughout New York State.

(l - r) RW Cary S. Cohn, Brother John Chang, W Michael D. Radigan, RW David J. Menegon, Senior Grand Deacon

Seventy-five Years Grand Secretary attends Grand Lodge of CA Photo credit: Jacqueline Conderacci

RW Richard Schulz Grand Secretary of New York, RW Alan L. In the photo with Worshipful R. Allen Shotwell is his son-in-law Casalou, Grand Secretary of California and RW Garrett S. Chan RW David Bowman and grandson Worshipful Matthew Bowman. of the Grand Lodge of California

th n August 18, 2019, at the 200 anniversary rededication he Grand Secretary, RW Richard T. Schulz, travelled to Oof the Scipio Lodge Hall in Aurora, NY, Worshipful R. California to attend the 170th Annual Communication of Allen Shotwell received his seventy-five-year proclamation Tthe Grand Lodge of California in San Francisco from Friday, from Grand Master William Sardone. Worshipful R. Allen has October 18 to Sunday, October 20. He was accompanied by been a continuous member of Scipio Lodge No. 110 and now his wife Grayce. lives in Leesburg, Florida. The Annual Communication was held at California Masonic RW Dave Bowman is now a thirty-three-year member of Memorial Temple on California Street in the Nob Hill section. Auburn Lodge 124. His son Matthew is a sixteen-year member The weekend was capped off with a banquet at the Fairmont and Past Master of Auburn Lodge 124. Hotel, where approximately 720 persons attended. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 15

Grand Lodge Mid-Year

hat do you get when you bring 400-500 Masons We launched a new campaign and we heard from the together? In Utica, NY? You get an energized group of Scottish Rite about their membership campaign. This is a passionateW Masons who had the chance to listen to proposals, campaign that we have used as a foundation to catapult our ask questions about issues and not be cut off because we had Membership Task Force. While we were in our meeting, the to get to a bus to eat. Masonic Medical Research Institute provided a breakfast and We heard from the Jurisprudence Committee with their update for the ladies’ program. support of the Dues Card changes. We heard discussion Lest any doubt exist, we did eat. Following this meeting a regarding the future direction of various aspects of our Grand festive board with over 250 members capped off a historic day. Jurisdiction. We overflowed from the Admin Building into the Special thanks are due for the talented skill of Mrs. Cathie Chapel with two-way audio and video provided. Bartels. She stayed up nights to ensure that our videos were More than fifty Masons stepped up to our Time Capsule on target. Thanks, too, go to RW Jason Sheridan, our Grand and used this opportunity to deposit additional items for Cinematographer, for archiving the day. posterity. We opened a time capsule and we were not sure And I acknowledge the team of Nine in Time Masons: the the age. It turns out it was 100 years old and one month. Trustees of our Masonic Hall and Home. Thanks to their Our Library Staff assisted with reviewing some of the items, dedication and passion, we have a Masonic Care Community which included a written list of contents and a flag on the to host a meeting like this. And St. John’s Weekend. And top. This flag displayed forty-six stars. The remaining items rd multiple other events each year. We would not have been were removed at our Library at 23 Street in a controlled able to give this opportunity to the Craft were it not for our environment and will be posted in the future for all to see. Trustees.

RW David Pearlmutter, Library Trustee; Brother F. C. Alexander Vartola, Library Director and MW William M. Sardone, Grand Master

16 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 17

2019 Education Assistance Program Completed

2019 was another banner year for our Educational Assistance Program. 398 children and grandchildren of Lodges in the State of New York were awarded educational grants and Lodges from every District in the state sponsored these recipients. We are tremendously proud of the success of this program and look forward to another successful year in 2020.

Apply for a

2020 EAP Scholarship!

Applications for the 2020 Education Assistance Program can be found on the Grand Lodge website under the programs tab. The enrollment period begins on January 1st, 2020 and ends on March 31st, 2020. All students seeking financial assistance for the Fall 2020 academic year should complete the application online and all documents must be submitted no later than March 31st, 2020. The online application can be accessed via a link on the following website: www.nymasons.org. This link will go live on January 1st . Requirements for eligibility and instructions for completing the scholarship application will be provided online. Tax returns will no longer be required. All applications will be reviewed by an independent rating firm. Applicants selected to receive awards will be notified in May 2020. Public awards presentations will be held around the state during the months of July and August. To be considered for an award, applicants must:

• Be a child/grandchild/widow of a New York State Master Mason • Show academic or vocational achievement and have a minimum GPA of 2.75 • Submit an essay on interests and accomplishments • Be a full-time student (12 credit per semester minimum and 9 credit per semester minimum for graduate level studies) in Fall 2020. • Special consideration will also be given to applicants who participate in community service, demonstrate leadership abilities or perform family duties. • Student has not exceeded the maximum number of awards given (4 per student)

Questions? Feel free to email [email protected]

18 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Camping at Round Lake Kathy Contino-Turner

hat a beautiful summer! Of course now, in December, this tremendous asset, thinking it could be made available to it’s just a memory; but it’s also the time to start planning Masons and their families. It has been opened for families to forW 2020. The Round Lake Camp Property is certainly one of stay with their RVs during St. John’s Weekend. More recently, the jewels of your Fraternity. Purchased in December of 1923 cabins have been made available for rent. There is a link on by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund, the our website that shows the cabins and explains the rental site was transformed into a summer refuge for the Masonic process: https://www.masonichomeny.org/round-lake-camp/ Home Kids as well as senior residents of the Utica Facility. round-lake-camping/. The kids would board buses and trucks as soon as school let In addition to our Masonic Brothers, our residents of the out for the summer and would spend weeks in the glorious Masonic Care Community enjoy going to camp. While we splendor of this camp. As the number of Home Kids declined, are no longer able to accommodate an overnight stay for our the children of Masons were allowed to attend and eventually, seniors, they certainly enjoy a full day, including fishing, a the Camp Turk Program was born. Round Lake Camp hosts cook-out and just enjoying the great outdoors. the Camp Turk Program, allowing kids from all over to enjoy time in the great outdoors. If you are interested in reserving space at Round Lake for 2020, call Andy Croniser at 315/392 -2422. Round Lake is occupied by the Camp Turk Program from late June through early August, and the Trustees looked at

Brother Maksim Berkovick of Oriental Faxton Lodge 224 enjoyed camping with his family.

Trustee Chris Hough and his family enjoying Round Lake Camp

Brother Joel Ginn of Heritage Lodge 371 and St. John’s Lodge 0001 says, “Such a great time, I’m looking forward to telling other Brothers about this wonderful opportunity for Brothers and their families, will definitely make this a yearly event! So beautiful there, 1 great place for families to go before going back to school.” THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 19 From the Webmaster Bohr r t e KENNETH JP STUCZYNSKI Webmaster NYMasons.org 716/241-1329 [email protected]

always use the term “technology” broadly. Our Working person. This does not mean we should not use the world’s Tools are derived from ancient technology. Websites and cell technology. It just means it must always take a back seat to the Iphones are modern technology. But whatever age, technology best practices of Moral Science, which are ultimately human, is useful insomuch as it is used, and used wisely. But the personal and intimate. constant throughout history is human nature. We have the Today we can reach nearly everyone any time by so many same basic needs as Adam or Noah or Solomon. We want to channels. That’s broad-casting and impersonal. When was build, learn, communicate and connect. Some tools are better the last time the leaders of a Lodge reached out and talked to than others and depend greatly on circumstances. every Brother individually? Can we agree that doing this yearly A perfect example is our ritual. Sure, anyone can look up (or more often) is better than using online people-finders some of the things we keep secret on the Internet. We have when numbers go bad and finding obituaries through search ever-improving printed versions and someday there may even engines? Do we visit Brothers who can’t make it to Lodge? Do be a password-protected phone app. But all that is beside the we provide rides? We have the technology of the phone and point. We are asked to be on guard against those who appear the automobile but in a digital age even these things seem like to know the work but are not trained properly in our Art. extra work. But isn’t it the most important work? It’s about transmission of meaning, not merely a set order of Perhaps to preserve our timeless traditions and values we words. Those of us who understand this agree that the secrets need to not use the technology that’s available to us, but go we possess are truly mouth-to-ear. They can’t be lost in fire back to the old ways, where it counts. What is most efficient or flood, or stolen from a briefcase, or bought and sold or is not the same as what is most meaningful or right. Even in given away online. Our real technology is spiritual, carefully our collective dealings we must ultimately aim for each Point preserved in those unseen places of the soul. within a Circle. The Craft’s existence makes the world a better As an institution, we may be supported by plenty of place, but is different from all others because it teaches us to physical buildings, books and gadgets. We may have social apply allegory and symbols of morality to better ourselves and media accounts and email blasts and robocalls. But when we each other. And there is no substitute for sincere Points of settle down to the real business of the Fraternity, it’s about a Fellowship to do just that. grip of the hand, gentle counsel, a real phone call or visit in Suffolk Holds Charity Golf

n Monday, June 24 the Suffolk Masonic District hosted its annual Golf Outing at ORock Hill Country Club in Manorville to raise funds for local Masonic charitable efforts. Mother Nature kindly provided a beautiful day for the event and more than ninety participants enjoyed a relaxing day of golf, fun and fellowship. In the evening, attendees enjoyed an excellent meal followed by the distribution of numerous raffle prizes donated by generous sponsors. These included a full set of golf clubs. The event raised over $8,000 for the several recreational programs operated by the Suffolk District for local veterans at the Northport VA Hospital and Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook. RW Kevin McCauley, District Deputy Grand Master of the Suffolk District, congratulated W Kenn Brown, the Committee Chairman, and the entire Golf Committee for their fine efforts.

20 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Awards Committee RW GEORGE R. WACOB Chairman 631/838-7508 (C) [email protected]

DSA Deadline Has Passed s the Masonic year heads into the holiday season, the cutoff date (November 12, 2019) for Dedicated Service AwardA recommendations has passed. The committee is now in the process of determining which recommendations will be approved and which rejected. All DSA awardees, the District Deputy Grand Masters and their Lodges will be notified early in February 2020. An order form for the 2020 DSA package will be sent to the Lodge Secretary with the notification letter. The DSA chest medallion is part of the DSA package to be purchased through Lodge Services. The DSA chest medallion is available for Past DSA recipients for the purchase price of $20 plus tax and shipping. The medallion must be ordered through the Lodge Secretary. Please take notice of the Awards Committee’s webpage on the Grand Lodge website: https://nymasons.org/site/ The Community Service Awards (DeWitt Clinton, Jacob committees-departments-programs/awards-committee/. This Morton and Grand Lodge Certificate of Excellence in Service page will give you information, requirements and forms for to the Community) have no cutoff date and will be processed the various awards. as they are received. The Lodge Secretary and DDGM will be notified within a short period of time if a nominee has been I would like to publicly thank the Awards Committee team awarded one of the Community Service Awards. for the time and efforts they have put into examining all of the recommendations and fairly determining who will receive the The Community Service Awards offer a Lodge an awards. Their service to the Craft should be acknowledged. opportunity to bring Masonry and the tenets of Masonry to They are, in the Metropolitan Region: the forefront of the public’s view within the community. The RW Gregory Noulas, Vice Chairman and RW Joseph T. Grand Lodge provides a distinct and decorative certificate Entler; in Mid-State: RW Thomas L. Jenison and. W Alfred to be displayed by the recipient. It also gives the Lodge an W. Fergerson; in the Hudson-Champlain Region: RW Charles opportunity to invite the public into a Masonic Temple for E. Knapp Jr. and RW Robert L. Hogan Jr. The Western Region the presentation. Don’t waste an opportunity to put a positive team is RW William H. Greene and RW Douglas Airth. face on our Craft.

65-Year Award Presentation

rother Griffith Jones Jr. was presented with his sixty-five Deputy Grand Master was Lady Joann Kessler, Lady Carol years of service award by Deputy Grand Master Richard J. Ann Jones, RW John Haslam, RW Lawrence Kania and RW BKessler and his son RW Griffith Jones III at Heritage Village Peter Stein. Adult Care Facility in Gerry, New York. Along with our THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 21 Scottish Rite

oseph enjoyed the evening and drew a connection to a I wanted to play legos in the attic I had to trace and book called Wonder. In it, the main character Auggie says, read words on every stair. Although it was a tedious “EveryoneJ should receive a standing ovation once in their life.” task, I memorized all of my vocabulary words.” And Joseph said, “I have gotten two.” “At the start of the last school year I thought the These words were spoken by Joseph to his mother following books were hard to read and I felt my goal of fifteen his presentation, entitled “Life After the Center”, at the 150th was beyond my abilities. Later on in the year I realized Annual meeting of the Council of Deliberation, State of New that I was reaching my goal, and by the end of the York and New York Scottish Rite Charities, AASRNMJ. This year I went past my goal! I was amazed. Reflecting was on Friday night, September 27 when presentations by and back on the past year of reading, I feel that it is easier to Masonic Youth Groups and Children’s Dyslexia Center- to read and I am no longer struggling in reading and Central New York were made. just pick out two books a week that appear of interest to me. My goal for myself this year is to reach thirty books, which is a double bookworm award at school.” “When I reflect back to a time before the Center, if someone had told me that these would be my achievements, I would never have believed them. I am proud of my accomplishments this year. This is the work that I have done for my grammar and writing class.” “Thank you for the impact that you all have had on my life. I really appreciate it.”

Joseph, next to his mom, Alyssa, proudly displays his year’s work entitled:

“The Enthralling, Exemplary Writing Endeavors of Adept, Amiable, and Audacious Joseph Mittiaga, CCA FUNdamentals, US History-2018-19, CCA 2018-19.” In 2017 Joseph had spoken about what his life was like before the Center and what he learned at the Center. His Friday night speech follows: “At this point, I don’t really remember what life was like before I attended the Children’s Dyslexia Center. I feel like I caught up with everyone else, and now I’m capable of attending a grammar and writing program A sample page from Joseph’s work that is intense. It is not easy, but I persevere. I would never have been able to attend my grammar and The Children’s Dyslexia Center-Central New York is located writing class if it had not been for the Center, because at 8280 State Route 69, on the grounds of the Eastern Star I wouldn’t have been able to keep up with the amount Home in Oriskany, NY. We serve the Utica, Syracuse, Rome of reading and writing required.” and all Central New York area. We encourage anyone who “Some of the achievements that I have made this has, or knows of, a school-age child who is struggling to keep past year are learning numerous vocabulary words up because of poor reading and writing skills to contact the and building confidence. I read nineteen chapter Center for an application. books, with an additional five over the summer, and We also invite interested persons to contact us for increased my ability to write.” information regarding future training classes for tutor/scholars. “The vocabulary began as a painful, challenging Information sessions for upcoming tutor/scholar training chore, but I used strategies that I learned at the Center classes are held each spring. Visit our blog page at cnyclc.org; to aid me. My mom put the vocabulary words on FB page at Children’s Dyslexia Center-Central New York- stickie notes with the definition on each stair, so every CNY103; email: [email protected]; call 315/736-0576 or time I went up the stairs I had to trace out the word, fax 315/736-0575 for more information about the work being say the word and read the definition. There were done at Central New York. words on every stair for two flights, and each time

22 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Our future is in your hands

t was evident at our October All town halls will begin at 9:00 a.m., sharp. Mid-Year Session, that a review Iof our election process was a January 11, 2020 Syracuse - Memorial Lodge topic of conversation. Electing 648 Centerville Pl the leaders of our community, North Syracuse, NY 13212 state and nation is an important January 18, 2020 Albany - Albany Masonic Temple responsibility. Electing the 67 Corning Pl leaders of our Grand Lodge Albany, NY 12207 also carries an important level February 15, 2020 Rochester- Damascus Shrine Center of responsibility. With this 979 Bay Road responsibility comes our need for Webster NY 14580 knowledge. February 22, 2020 Buffalo - Valley of Buffalo AASR We have seen how being 2379 Union Rd creative and innovative has Cheektowaga, NY 14227 helped Lodges and members. The selection of who will carry on is an important February 29, 2020 Southern Tier - St. Marks-Vestal Lodge decision. Moderated Town Hall Meetings have been 108 Lincoln Drive arranged so you will have the opportunity to listen to and Vestal NY 13850 ask questions of those who want to be our Grand Lodge March 28, 2020 Metropolitan - Grand Lodge Hall Officers. 71 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 This is your Grand Lodge. Grand Lodge Officers are your Grand Lodge Officers.

Master Mason Night

n September 26, 2019 the officers and members of Eastern Star, Liberty, New York honored Master Masons and ORevonah-Lincoln-Kiamesha Chapter 443, Order of the thanked them for all they do. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 23

Awards Presented at Oakland Lodge

n June 1 Oakland Lodge had the privilege of presenting service projects that Oakland Lodge was able to draw from W Robert Kemp with the Dedicated Service Award when sending in Bev’s nomination for this award. Bev assisted Oand Beverly Edwards with the DeWitt Clinton Award. The in raising money to restore the American Legion’s Doughboy evening started with a wonderful dinner prepared by our in- statue in the center of town. Bev also planned and organized house chef Brother Richard Robinson. Shortly after dinner, the June 14, 2014 rededication ceremony when this statue was RW Michael Rhodes presented Brother Kemp the Dedicated returned and placed back in the center of town. Service Award. W Robert Kemp has fifty-seven faithful years Bev was also a Trustee of the United Church of Christ’s of service to Oakland Lodge and our Fraternity. W Brother Memorial Garden committee. Bev organized and drafted Kemp is one of the longest-active members of our Lodge and plans for a Veterans Memorial Footpath that would be adjacent continues to be very active in all Lodge affairs throughout to the Doughboy. The goal was to sell 100 bricks but a total our District. It was a well-received presentation for a very of 400 were sold and placed before the parade and dedication deserving Brother. service on September 11, 2011. RW Brother Rhodes capped off the evening by presenting Bev’s continuing service to our veterans was evident in her Beverly “Bev” Edwards with the DeWitt Clinton award for 2017 “Red, White and Gratitude” quilt show. Bev organized Community Service. Bev has been very instrumental in many the show to display patriotic quilts that were then donated to community service projects in her hometown of Castile, NY veterans throughout Wyoming County. and throughout Wyoming County. There is a long list of

You still have a chance to be a CHAIR man

nce they are gone…they are GONE! O There are a few chairs left from the famed Grand Lodge Room in New York City. RW Jordan Kaplan, Grand Organist, purchased his and donated it back to the Greenhouse. Don’t sit this one out!!!!!!!!

24 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Alive and Well in Saratoga-Warren-Washington

he eleven Lodges of the Imperial Saratoga-Warren- significant contributions to the MMRI. Over the summer ME Washington District raised $35,000—of a total $56,000 Allan Bryant, Past Grand High Priest, and his Lady Jean also Tstatewide—toward the Masonic Medical Research Institute’s received the Vine of Life. Autism Research Project. The fundraising effort was spearheaded by our Past District Deputy, RW Pat Imbimbo, who is also a Board member of the MMRI. With this seed money in hand, the MMRI is now eligible for a grant from New York State to continue this research.

Honoring Brother Francis Miner for seventy-two years as a Mason.

RW David Townsend, RW C. Dale Barker and WM Gerry RW Pat Imbimbo presents the Vine of Life to Ross, Herschel-Argyle Lodge 508 in Hartford, traveled to W Morgan Snyder and his lady Diane. Judson Meadows in Glenville with DDGM Jason Dzembo. Here they presented Brother Francis Miner his seventy-year RW Brother Imbimbo visited Ashlar Lodge 584 in certificate, pin and medallion and reminisced. A seventy- Greenwich to present W Morgan Snyder, DSA, and his Lady two-year Mason, Brother Miner has led a full life, including a Diane with a Vine of Life. The award goes to those who make number of months as a prisoner of war in Germany.

MW Jeffrey Williamson displays the Granville Lodge 55 charter, signed by Most Worshipful Robert R Livingston. Granville Lodge 55 plans to combine Masonic education Richard C. Friedman. with the usual meeting schedule. The second meeting of each At the opposite corner of the District, On-Da-Wa Lodge month is dedicated to a topic of interest to new and younger 820 sponsored its first Child/Safety ID Program of the year as Masons. In September, PGM Jeffrey Williamson spoke about Brothers from On-Da-Wa and Cambridge Valley participated Freemasonry in New York State, the causes and resolution of in Family Fun Day at the Sportsmen’s Club of Clifton Park. the Great Schism, and how the reconciliation set the course for In addition to shooting events, law enforcement agents and the way Grand Lodge functions today. The topic was relevant, their families enjoyed a cookout, a bounce house and other given recent discussions about procedures and requirements activities for the family. for Grand Lodge officers. In Ballston Spa, Franklin Lodge 22 honored their ladies Most Worshipful Williamson admired the Charter of the on September 26 with a dinner meeting. It was a full house Lodge, with its original signatures by Most Worshipfuls Robert as Brothers and their ladies enjoyed a homemade meal. Two R Livingston and DeWitt Clinton. Future speakers include guest speakers gave an educational presentation about the Grand Treasurer RW Steven Rubin and Grand Lecturer RW Masonic Camping Club. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 25

DeWint House Tappan, NY

uilt in 1700, the stone and brick house was owned by to reflect the period of Washington’s occupancy. An adjacent Patriot Johannes DeWint during the Revolution and is the 19th-century carriage house contains displays of artifacts Boldest surviving building in Rockland County. Commander- uncovered at the site during archaeological digs, as well as in-Chief and Brother George Washington was a guest in 1780 items related to Washington, André and Arnold. and in 1783. While there in the fall of 1780, he signed the Each year, the Grand Master’s Day at Tappan is held here. death warrant of British Major John Andre, who was involved Thanks to RW Joseph Saglimbene and his committee we saw with Benedict Arnold in the plot to surrender West Point to 200-plus people enjoy a great afternoon of commemoration, the enemy. During his stay in 1783, Washington entertained tours, food and, thanks to RW Cary Cohn, music. British General Sir Guy Carleton to negotiate the vanquished British army’s evacuation of New York City. There are new programs and ideas taking root in our Fraternity and it was fitting that a new tree was planted. This In the 1990s the Trustees of the Hall and Home made a tree will emulate the direction of the Grand Lodge. Both will commitment to restore this important part of history. Today, continue to branch out and reach new heights. the two first-floor rooms have been restored and furnished Grand Lodge of the State of New York Hosts Zone 1 regional meeting of the CMI By MW Jeffrey M. Williamson W William M. Sardone and the Grand Lodge of the State of New York hosted the Zone 1 regional meeting of Mthe Confederación Masónica Interamericana-CMI, October 11-14, 2019 at its Masonic Hall located in New York City. This international event was the first ever CMI Zone meeting conducted outside the territories of the Caribbean, Central or South America and attracted a record breaking attendance for any Zone Meeting in the history of the Confederación Masónica Interamericana-CMI. Twenty-eight jurisdictions were represented as well as DeMolay International, and Shriners International. Notable attendees include MW Jose Crespo Bonadona, President of the CMI, MW Pedro Luis Longo, CMI Executive Secretary, MW Oscar De Alfonso Ortega, Executive Secretary of the World Conference of Grand Masters as well as RW Thomas Jackson, Past Executive Secretary of the World Conference of Grand Masters. The CMI is an association of seventy-seven regular Grand Lodges working in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe as well as the United States jurisdictions of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia and the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. 26 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Getting Back to Our Roots By Kathy Contino-Turner

he campus of the Masonic Care Community has a long located around 1920 where the MCC Fitness Center is today. history. Before being purchased by the Fraternity for the You can see the back of the Knights Templar Building and Tconstruction of the Masonic Home and School, this location the original Administration building on the right. The first was the site of several New York State Fairs in the mid 1800s. greenhouse was used to grow the flowers for the campus as The Fair would move from city to city before it found its well as start plants that would supply food to those who lived permanent home in Syracuse. The Utica location was chosen here. In the early days of the campus there was a working because it was the geographic center of the state, accessible to farm that supplied meat, dairy and vegetables to the campus all. The original Barge Canal actually ran within a few hundred residents. yards of the property and the campus had access to it. The first In 2020 we are looking forward to using the Horticulture 150 acres, purchased in 1851, cost the Fraternity $10,000. Center in a variety of ways. In addition to growing flowers and plants, it will provide a unique meeting space designed to offer a number of programs and events. Brothers have been showing their support by purchasing bricks that will line walkways and further enhance this facility. There is a saying that everything old is new again. As the Trustees of the Masonic Home and Asylum fund continue to move this campus forward, we are remembering our past as we embrace a bright and promising future.

As has been noted in many articles, the Masonic Care Community has gone through many changes. The Barge Canal was moved, the name of the property has changed five times, new buildings were built and old buildings razed. This first charity of the Fraternity has continued to thrive and grow, and in some cases return to things of the past. That is certainly the case with our horticulture project. I found one picture of the original greenhouse that was AGLs Present School of Instruction

n October 21 Assistant Grand Lecturers VW Robert Licata and VW William Arnold hosted a School of Instruction Oat Connetquot Lodge 838 in Sayville. The work of the evening consisted of the exemplification of the First Degree opening and closing of the Lodge, which was performed by the Brothers in attendance under the AGLs’ guidance. In addition, the AGLs discussed their personal pet peeves and commented on common errors of Masonic protocol. They concluded with lessons on Masonic etiquette.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 27 Masonic Care Community RW G. stephen getman, President Board of Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home 315/894-5692 [email protected]

The Role of the Trustees Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund

y eight Brother Trustees and I are occasionally asked one parcel in the borough of Manhattan of the City of New “How does one become a Trustee?” and “What does a York, on the northeast corner of Sixth Avenue and Twenty- MTrustee of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund do?” The first third Street and extending through to Twenty-fourth Street, question is easy to answer. Section 200 of our Grand Lodge and the other parcel situate partly in the City of Utica, in the Constitution provides in part that the Trustees “shall consist County of Oneida, and partly in the County of Herkimer.” of nine persons who shall be members of Lodges under the At this time, the Trustees are actively involved in the authority and jurisdiction of the Constitution of the Grand management and development of five properties which relate Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, to our original mission or those added by our Grand Lodge and residents of said State, to be elected upon nomination Constitution: Masonic Hall in New York City, the Masonic of the Grand Master at the Annual Communication of said Care Community in Utica, Round Lake in Woodgate in the Grand Lodge as vacancies may occur, provided, however, that Adirondack Park, the DeWint House/George Washington no officer of the Grand Lodge shall be eligible to the office Historical Site in Tappan and the eighty-eight acres adjacent of Trustees; and that no such Trustee shall be eligible to any to the New York Thruway in the Town of Henrietta. The last office in the Grand Lodge.” property was acquired in 2019 for the purpose of developing The second question is more difficult. Although a Masonic an additional Masonic community with senior housing and Hall and Asylum Fund was established in 1842, it was not a community wellness center, which will have a Lodge room until April 21, 1864 that legislation was adopted by the State and office space that can be rented by Masonic organizations of New York incorporating the “Trustees of the Masonic Hall in a way similar to what is done at Masonic Hall in New York and Asylum Fund.” The legislation has been amended at least City. The Trustees have also been actively looking for a suitable seven times since its adoption but the core mission of the property for similar purposes close to the Metropolitan New Trustees has remained—to build and maintain a Masonic Hall York area. In addition, the Trustees hold a number of smaller in New York City and to provide “for the relief, support and parcels which have been given to or acquired by the Trustees care of worthy and indigent masons, and worthy and indigent and continue to be held as investments. wives, widows and orphans (half or whole), of masons.” The Individual Masonic Lodge buildings are not owned by language from 1842 was more colorful, as it called for the the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund unless creation of an “Asylum for worthy, decayed Masons, their conveyed by the Lodge Trustees upon the revocation or Widows, and Orphans.” The legislation with its subsequent surrender of the Lodge charter. Guidance regarding individual amendments granted broad corporate powers to the Trustees Lodge real estate can be found in New York Benevolent Orders with one notable exception, which applies to the two core Law. properties held by the Trustees. The limitation requires the Trustees to obtain approval from Grand Lodge “first given In the next issue of the Empire State Mason I will write about at an annual or special communication” before selling, the history of these properties. These stories will help clarify mortgaging or leasing for a period longer than twenty-one what it is the Trustees do. years the parcels owned at the time of the amendment, “the 28 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Masonic Care Community RW Rob Raffle Executive Director Masonic Care Community of New York 315/798-4882 [email protected] Moving Forward ou will have to pardon our dust over the next few years, as the Masonic Care Community is moving forward withY a number of projects that will benefit the Fraternity and humanity. We began with the construction of the Horticulture Center, which by the time this edition of the Empire State Mason magazine reaches your door should be almost fully complete. This facility will allow MCC to grow many of its own flowers, offer our residents the year-round opportunity to garden and provide some innovative and exceptional meeting space on campus. Residents will also be able to grow and enjoy their own fresh vegetables in our campus food venues. It takes us back to the turn of the century when we had a fully functional greenhouse in almost this exact location. Revised Community Center lobby In August we began another project: phase one of the The foyer of the building will also retain the original artwork over expansion of our independent living options. As a result of the front entrance. the expansion we are re-branding Acacia Village. We will now know it as “The Neighborhoods at Acacia Village.” Those interior, new energy-efficient HVAC, including geothermal. neighborhoods include the Waterfront Cottages and Club We will be adding a small café and creating additional paved House as well as new Garden Homes. The Acacia Village parking areas. The tunnel, which has connected the Chapel Community Center will also be getting a facelift and will be to the Administration Building, will be removed and a green renamed The Lodge. The current apartments will now be way created that will form a more cohesive link between the Lodge Suites. Neighborhoods at Acacia Village and the main campus. As we move forward there will be additional items added to this We are very excited about this project, as it will provide building that we hope will serve both our Fraternity members alternate types of independent living that our Brothers and when they visit the campus and those who live in our Central their wives have been looking for. If you would like any New York Community. information on this expansion, contact our Acacia Village Team at 315/798-4775. We anticipate opening these new So when you visit, you will definitely see the new Masonic properties in the late summer of 2020. Care Community taking shape. I urge you to follow us on th Facebook to see all that is happening on campus. You can Following the St. John’s Day celebration on June 27 , 2020 also go to our website: mccny.com, where you can follow the the next project will be underway. The Administration Building, construction progress thanks to a real-time camera on the constructed in 1965, will be renovated. Changes include home page. You will be proud of the innovations on our Utica a new facade extending the front entrance, upgrades to the campus as we continue the legacy that started with a dollar on the Grand Lodge Altar in 1842.

Revised Community Center entrance The proposed entrance to the Administration Building, which Revised multipurpose maintains the integrity of the Masonic mosaic that currently The Lodge room will be transformed into a space that can be used graces the building’s entrance. for a number of Masonic and community gatherings. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 29 Acacia Village linda rAE avoLIO Senior Living Community Relations Acacia Village 315/798-4775 [email protected]

Helga Flourishes at Acacia cacia Village resident Helga Flor has fond memories of her trips to Utica with her husband Richard during the 1970s.A Richard was a member of the United Brothers in the 9th Manhattan District and was Master of his Lodge in 1975 and 1976. During that era twenty-one Lodges belonged to the District and they would hold grand functions all around New York City. Looking back at Helga’s photo albums, I was captivated by the clothes they wore, especially the women’s gorgeous gowns. The “Think Big and Build Campaign” originated then. During those years her husband Richard and his fellow Masons purchased “Think Big and Build” buttons and raised funds to remodel, refurbish and modernize our Masonic Care Community Campus into the state of the art facility it is today. She recalls how different our campus looked back in the Acacia Village pool several times a week for exercise. 1970s. The spot where Acacia Village is located now was just a cow pasture and the road that led to the cemetery was just a Helga says that when she first moved to Acacia Village she dirt road. During those years Richard and Helga would visit took our transportation for a while to go shopping until she the campus for St. John’s Day events and their sons spent time learned her way around town. Now, she is in her car and on the in the summer at Camp Turk at Round Lake. Helga recalls go all the time. Don’t ask Helga the street names, because she feeling privileged in 1974 to see a film outlining plans to build doesn’t know them. She jokes, “I know I’m going to turn when what would later be known as Acacia Village. Looking back all I get to the pink house.” That is an ongoing joke amongst those years ago, she never thought at the time she would come Helga and her close friends. “Turn at the pink house!” to call Acacia Village home. Helga has made some very close friends here at Acacia Helga moved to Acacia Village in December of 2012, Village. She admits that one of her favorite past-times is shortly after Richard passed away. Helga absolutely loves her having cocktail parties in her apartment. Helga enjoys making 2nd floor corner apartment. It overlooks the courtyard and the appetizers and hosting the small gatherings. She says, “We fountain. She loves to take long walks around campus and really are having the time of our lives!” visit the cemetery where her beloved Richard is buried. On If you would like to learn more about the Acacia Village her strolls around the Acacia Village pond she usually brings lifestyle, call us at 315/798-4775. Like us on Facebook and along a book so that she can just relax and read on one of her visit us at www.acaciavillageny.org. favorite benches. On the advice of her doctor, Helga uses the

n a special presentation held at Acacia Village, District Deputy IGrand Master for the Oneida Masonic District, RW Carl J. Klossner, presented a seventy-five-year pin to Don Fague and a fifty-five-year pin to Bill Pentland. Tom Smedley, the Chaplain of Infinity Lodge, was also on hand for the ceremony. Pictured from left to right: RW Carl J. Klossner, Don Fague, Bill Pentland and Tom Smedley.

30 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Masonic Care Community kathy contino-turner Director of Communications and Marketing Masonic Care Community 315/798-4768 [email protected] Purposeful Living “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to have it make a difference that you have lived and lived well.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson

hen I was younger WI didn’t think too much about what my life contribution would be to the world but as I matured, how I lived my life and what I did with my life became more of a central focus. My family defined who I was. My jobs defined who I was and I turned down “opportunities” that didn’t fit my life beliefs or goals. My involvement in volunteer organizations and causes mirrored my moral compass. seniors about their lives and accomplishments; honoring their service to country and community; and recognizing that they As we enter our golden years that sense of purpose needs have much more to share and give to us. to continue. At the Masonic Care Community we strive to create purposeful living for all our residents. A couple who Purposeful living at MCC means we recognize all our live independently on our campus but can no longer drive residents and staff as vital, contributing members of this take the bus each week into Utica to volunteer. Our seniors in wonderful organization. Go to our website at mccny.com to the health pavilion skilled nursing, hold fundraising events to read more about the goals of purposeful living. Like us on support various local organizations such as the humane society Facebook and follow us on Instagram, where we post events and the American Heart Association. Our residents are active and activities daily that showcase the specific opportunities on participants in sports, enjoying friendly competition with the MCC Campus that set us apart and create that meaningful other senior centers, and relishing in the glory when they take life for all. We believe in a life well lived. home trophies. Purposeful living also means talking with our Suffolk Officers Visit Star of the East

W Kevin McCauley, District Deputy Grand Master of Lodges in the Suffolk District. Rthe Suffolk District, and RW Matthew Dinizio, Grand RW McCauley presented the Grand Master’s pin to the most Steward of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, traveled senior Brother present, as well as several Entered Apprentices on Thursday, September 26 to Star of the East Lodge 843 in and Fellowcraft. He counseled them to seek out our Craft’s Amagansett—where “the Sun rises on Masonry in New York elder statesmen for advice and guidance in life and Masonry. State.” There were more than forty-five Brothers from eight Brother McCauley also recognized the five DSA recipients different Lodges in attendance at the farthest east of all of the present and noted their dedication to the Craft. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 31 The new Neighborhoods at Acacia Village is an exciting expansion of our current retirement community. We are building stand-alone Waterside cottages on the shores of the Acacia Village Pond, and beautiful Garden homes offering townhouse-style living with friendly neighbors. In addition to the new housing options, the Lodge will feature exciting new dining facilities, amenities and gathering places.

• Two bedroom cottages (den optional) • One bedroom and two bedroom homes • Each cottage has its own garage (den optional) • Ranging in size from 1,445 to 1,590 sq. ft. • Each home has its own garage • No entrance fee required • Ranging in size from 1,215 to 1,430 sq. ft. • No entrance fee required

TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW!

32 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Community Center Renovation Watch us transform the current Acacia Village Community Center into “The Lodge”. We’re adding more dining options and expanding our wellness center and common areas to make The Lodge the social hub of The Neighborhoods at Acacia Village.

To learn more about our exciting news call (315) 798-4775 www.acaciavillageny.org

NOW THIS IS LIVING!

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 33 Masonic Philanthropy Brother Masons, You Make a Difference! s we near the holiday season we have a great opportunity We had more than 500 of our Brothers here on the Masonic both to thank those who have been generous to the Care Community Campus for the October Grand Lodge on MasonicA Care Community and to encourage others to October 5. When the Grand Master asked, nearly half had support our residents. It is amazing to see how many Masonic never been to visit the Masonic Care Community Campus groups come to our campus to visit with the residents and before. It was an amazing event which exposed many of give them gifts, as well. The Mid-Hudson District (formerly our Brothers to what they have built over the last 126 years the Columbia, Dutchess and Greene-Ulster Districts) and the through their donations and the generosity of their Lodges Nassau District have been coming to visit our residents and and Districts. give them gifts for close to seventy years, combined. Other Every Mason should come and visit the MCC campus at Districts and Lodges like Orange Rockland Sullivan and some point to see what an awe-inspiring place it is. We travel Pyramid Lodge 490 travel to campus and brighten the days to you to tell you about the work that we do but it is impossible of our residents. They give back through their time as well as to comprehend it without being here to see it. their generosity. As we near the end of the year and consider the gifts that we Your gift of time is important. We have many of our Brothers are going to make to our families, we hope that you will also living here at your Masonic Care Community and we took think of the residents here at your Masonic Care Community an obligation to help our distressed worthy Master Masons. who no longer have families of their own to visit them over the You can help them with your time, with your talent and with holidays. Come and see our residents, your Brothers, and spend your treasure. You can make a huge difference in the life of a some time with them. You can learn their stories and I promise Brother via your gifts to the Masonic Care Community. There that if you give back to them you will receive something so are so many different things that we would not otherwise be much more valuable in return. For more information, contact able to provide to our residents. The Snoezelen Room for Kathy at 315/798-4768 or by e-mail [email protected]. residents with dementia, our art and music programming, and our Homestretch Rehab Center would not have been possible without the generosity of Masons from around our state.

Masonic Care Community Voted Best of the Best he Masonic Care Community Health Pavilion (skilled More than 275,000 votes were cast in the annual event and nursing care) and Wiley Hall (adult residential care) we are proud to say our winning was purely organic, as we did Twere recently named “Best of the Best” in a poll by the Utica not promote or ask our stakeholders to vote. It certainly shows Observer Dispatch. Acacia Home Care and our child care the wonderful reputation of the Masonic Care Community in center were runners-up in their categories. the Central New York Community and it was truly an honor to receive two wins out of four category nominations.

34 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Staffer Teena Davern Receives Clinton Award

eena Davern is usually Palmeiri. MCC Executive Director Rob Raffle noted, “Teena always the first person does this, not because she has to, but because she believes she Tyou see at an MCC event. can make a difference each and every day. ... And I can’t think She is the little lady with of anybody who deserves this award more.” the infectious smile. She is LeadingAge New York is an association representing more always on the move, making than 500 non-profit, long-term care providers who nominated sure everyone else has what hundreds of workers for this award. The next time you come he needs. But that wasn’t the to campus for a Masonic event, look for Teena Davern. She case on August 8. Everyone will brighten your day. came out to salute Teena and the Winter Garden was packed with residents, staff and friends. Teena was a 2019 winner of the LeadingAgeNY Employee Teena Davern of Distinction Award for her dedication to our MCC Family. One of the big surprises of the day was when Grand Master Bill Sardone presented Teena with the DeWitt Clinton Award, which is the highest honor a Mason can give to a non-Mason. Bill recognized Teena for her ability to go above and beyond during Masonic events on campus. In addition to the DeWitt Clinton Award and LeadingAgeNY honor, Teena received proclamations from State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon; Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, who declared August 8 (l-r) RW Keith Heinrich, Teena Davern and “Teena Davern Day” in Oneida County; and Utica Mayor Rob MW William M. Sardone

Masonic Hall Tour Guides

asons, families and tourists from all over the world visit your Masonic MHall in New York City. Although you can (and should) sign up online ahead of time, there are moments when people just show up. In each instance, our team gives them an extensive guided tour through our magnificent Hall and provides stories and history, as well. There are times when I cross paths with these tours. It is exciting to hear their thoughts and how impressed they are with our members’ expertise and knowledge as well as our various Lodge rooms. They are so impressed that upon leaving they often make a donation. You have seen this before, and they are back again: Our Tour Guides surprised me with another check for $1200. This will further support the Greenhouse (Horticultural Center). On my left are Brother Louis Cooper and RW Marty Wattenberg; on my right: RW Carlos Carrera and RW John Andrades. Great job, Team. I am very proud of you.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 35

36 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Grand Cinematographer RW Jason p. sheridan Grand Cinematographer 201/620-8888 [email protected] York Rite Day in Saugerties

aturday, July 13, 2019 marked a special day for York Rite in SSaugerties, NY. After finding a new home, the following York Rite bodies had to consecrate their new meeting place for use.

Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172, chartered on February 7, 1861.

King Solomon Council No. 31, chartered on February 4, 1868.

Poughkeepsie Commandery No. 43, chartered on October 21, 1868.

Normally, the Grand Bodies consecrate their respective Local York Rite members were models of hospitality. They Chapters, Councils and Commanderies individually. But those hosted the Grand Line members of the respective bodies, who who attended were able to observe special public ceremonies traveled from all over New York State. that made the Saugerties Masonic Temple fit for the use of all three York Rite bodies.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 37 International Order Organization New York DeMolay of the Rainbow for Girls in NY of Triangles Inc. 2150 Bleecker Street Utica New York 13501 Mrs. Gale Gould Kristina Turri Office 315/798-4922 Supreme Inspector in NY State Director Fax 214/446-6537 35 Maple Street Auburn New York 13021 Email: [email protected] Peter Brusoe, Personal Representative Phone: 315/253-8206 Website: www.ootny.org [email protected] Website: NYDemolay.org e-mail: [email protected] : facebook.com/OOTNY Website: www.nyiorg.org : Facebook.com/NYDemolay : facebook.com/NY Rainbow : Twitter.com/NYDeMolay : NYDeMolay Masonry’s Daughters are Triangle Reps ince the 1920s Eddie Callaghan of Masons have enjoyed Spartan Lodge No. 956, Sseeing their daughters became a Mason thirty- thrive as Triangle Girls. five years ago because of Some Masons get his father, Ed Callaghan. their daughters to join Ed has been a Mason for Triangle. Some Triangle fifty-eight years, is a Past Girls get their fathers to Master and DDGM. become Masons. This Ed’s daughter was also a bond between Masonry Triangle Girl. Maggie’s and Triangle is incredibly maternal grandfather, special and it creates a Lou Frommling who deeper appreciation of passed in 2018, was the Masonic Fraternity a Mason for seventy- for the entire family. two years. Lou’s three The Organization of daughters were all Triangle’s 2019 and 2020 Triangle Girls. Lou State Representatives are was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Masonic daughters. This Megan Henderson Maggie Callaghan is a wonderful example Award in 2010. Maggie’s of what Triangle can do Masonic history goes for your daughters and what Triangle can do for Masonry. even deeper, with all four of her great-grandfathers being Triangle’s 2019 State Representative was Miss Megan Masons. Maggie has Masonry in her blood and Triangle was Henderson of Cassiopeia Triangle in Amherst, NY. Megan’s the obvious step for the daughter of two Masonic parents. father, Alan Henderson of West Seneca Lodge No. 1111, was Maggie’s involvement continues this great family tradition introduced to Masonry because of his three daughters and and love for what Masonry can give to a family. their membership in Triangle. Alan is known throughout All over New York State Triangle Girls are introducing their the Masonic family for his singing voice and he has sung for fathers, grandfathers, uncles and neighbors to Masonry. In regular meetings and Degrees. Had Alan not experienced many instances, Masons have introduced their daughters to his daughter’s love for Triangle he never would have become Triangle because they know the benefits of being a member of a Mason. Megan’s Masonic ties do not end there. Her something so special. Both of these examples are right here in maternal grandfather, David Murdoch, was also a Mason Triangle’s Jr. Past and present State Representatives. of Tonawanda Lodge and a Shriner. Megan has received so If you have a young woman in your life, introduce her to much from Triangle: Not only has she traveled around the Triangle. Give her the chance to be part of something that state representing Triangle, but Megan has also created a bond cares about its community, faith, sisterhood and leadership. with her father that not many have. They both appreciate Wouldn’t you want your daughter to have this life-changing the incredible experience you can have as a member of the experience, where you can be there every step of the way? Visit Masonic Fraternity and Masonic Youth Groups. ootny.org to find out how your daughter can be a Triangle Triangle’s current 2020 State Representative is Miss Maggie Girl. Callaghan of Sunrise Triangle in Baldwin, NY. Maggie’s dad,

38 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Haley Dennerlein Grand Worthy Advisor, Rainbow

Top Ten Ways to Support People in Being Their Best

ne of the greatest responsibilities we have is to support they’re registering everything about you consciously and ourselves and others in living at our highest and best. unconsciously. We automatically emulate our role models. OWhether we’re parents, partners, friends or leaders, it’s And we’re all role models to someone; so let’s be good ones. incumbent upon us to help others to live as close to their Share Yourself unique potential as we can. Too often, we miss the value of sharing our failings. We don’t With everything we say and do we’re influencing—positively want to be vulnerable so we hold back. In doing so we deprive or negatively—the people we care about. The ideal is to do others of our experience, our learning and our humanity. this with consideration and intention. Here are ten ways we When you share from your own experience—especially your can help others see and realize the best that’s within them. failures—you increase empathy, you’re more approachable and Believe in Them you increase your relatability to others. We all have self-doubts from time to time. Our confidence Challenge Them is shaken. We lack the faith in our talents and skills to go for The word “challenge” has some negative connotations. The an important promotion or launch a new initiative. Having meaning we’re using here is “a test of one’s abilities or resources someone believe in you at these times is priceless. The stories in a demanding but stimulating undertaking.” We all need to of great men and women are saturated with examples of be challenged from time to time. Doing it for another is an art someone who believed in them even when they didn’t fully form. Go too far and it will backfire. Go too easy and you will believe in themselves. appear patronizing. Remind people of their commitment to Encourage Them being their best and state your challenge. “I challenge you to “You can do it. I know you can.” These words are all-too- overcome these unimportant opinions and get on with the real infrequently voiced. Sincere encouragement can go a long way task at hand, get the job done, make the commitment, etc.” in helping someone stay the course. The more specific you are, Ask Good Questions the better the results. “I remember when you got through your Good therapists or coaches don’t tell their clients what slump last year and ended up winning the sales contest. I’m to do. They ask good questions in order for the client to willing to bet that you’ll do even better this time.” understand himself better, to get clear on what the issue is and Expect a Lot from there to make good choices. You can do the same. By We’re often told not to get our hopes up. We’re encouraged asking elegant questions, you cause people to think and come to have realistic expectations. But when it comes to helping up with solutions. They will appreciate it. Gary Lockwood has others operate at their best, we sometimes have to up-level our a good article about this called “Asking Intelligent Questions expectations. This can be taken to extremes but there are many with Impact.” times when a teacher, a parent or even a boss has required Acknowledge Them more of us than we thought ourselves capable. And we’ve risen You find what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for the to the challenge, which enabled us to see further than before. best in someone, you’ll see it. If you’re looking for failings, Tell the Truth you’ll see those. Catch people doing things right and tell them. And tell it with compassion. We often avoid telling the hard When we acknowledge the good deeds of others they tend to truth because we don’t want to upset anyone. We want to be do more of them. Write a note. Send a card. Give them a call. nice. But telling the truth is a loving act. You may be the only Praise them in front of others. person who can or will say to another what needs to be said. Spend Time with Them And you can confront someone without being combative. See We love what we give our time to. By devoting your most Top Ten Ways to Confront Without Being Combative. precious resource (time) to other individuals, you’re showing Be a Role Model them that you truly value them and your relationship with One of the best ways we influence is by our own actions. them. Invest time in your relationships; it’s what life is made Who we are speaks much more loudly than what we say. of. Don’t think that people aren’t watching you. They are. And

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 39 DeMolay AUSTIN ALMAN State Master Councilor

100 Years of DeMolay and Counting

rank S. Land must have been an amazing person to be and work ethic made a strong impression on the leaders of Faround. From his earliest days he had a charisma that Kansas City. attracted others, and yet he was never considered gregarious or His grandmother, the strongest influence in his life at the described as a larger-than-life personality. However, there was time, gave Frank the money to join Ivanhoe Lodge No. 446, integrity in his character that drew people to him. As a 10-year A.F. & A. M. because her father had been a Mason and she old with a penchant for Bible study, he was able to convince knew it would be a good influence on him. Land became a his neighborhood friends to participate in a weekly Sunday Master Mason on June 29, 1912. The Masonic Fraternity evening worship service in his basement. By the time he was grabbed hold of him immediately and he enthusiastically 12 his father had left the family and he spent his teenage years joined the Kansas City Chapter No. 28 of Royal Arch Masons, without a consistent and strong male influence. Kansas City Commandery No. 10, Knights Templar, the Frank left high school while in his junior year to work in Valley of Kansas City of the Scottish Rite and Ararat Shrine, the Land Family Restaurant with his grandmother, mother all within six months. He immediately began to participate and sister. He attended the Kansas City Art Institute where in Degrees and was appointed to the line of officers of the attendance was flexible and he could fit it into his restaurant DeMolai Council of Kadosh. schedule. This is where he met the love of his life, Nell. When The other strong influence on him, Nell, became his wife his mother re-married he remained with his grandmother and in a small ceremony on September 15, 1913. In 1914 he sold at age 18 took ownership of the restaurant. He worked part- the growing restaurant for a profit and accepted a job as the time as an artist for the Kansas City Star, drawing sketches for Administrator and Secretary of the Masons’ Relief Committee, advertisers. with an office in the Scottish Rite Temple. His restaurant put him in contact with businessmen and By the time 1919 rolled around, Frank Land had evidenced one of the Directors at the Art Institute gave him the idea in his character several core values that led him to the founding to establish the Municipal Art League with the sole purpose of the Order of DeMolay: his reverence for God, his impeccable to beautify his hometown. Kansas City was known as a integrity and his drive to be of service to humanity. These were “Cowtown grown up” but it needed to clean up, too. Enlisting at the forefront of his character, exhibited in his work and in business owners, civic leaders, the Merchant’s Association and his leadership as Commander of DeMolai Council of Kadosh. over 300 of his fellow art institute students, he led this diverse He also had vision and the ability to translate that vision into group with a strong vision of what Kansas City should look action. like. He dove headfirst into a year-long project to remove objectionable signs, plant flowers and shrubs in vacant lots, At the close of the Great War in Europe that took the lives of and install ornamental lighting downtown. His enthusiasm over 116,000 American soldiers, Land began to think about the boys who had lost their fathers in the conflict. Remembering what it was like to be a teenager without a father in his life, he attempted to establish a program modeled after the Chicago Big Brother movement, but became discouraged when few of the pairings lasted long. That’s when he began to think that providing an opportunity for boys to associate with other boys could be a good substitute program. The fateful phone call introducing him to Louis Lower, who was in need of a job, was the spark that he needed. Hiring Louis to work in his office, he quickly learned much about this bright young man. The idea of a club for boys aged 17-21 met with Louis’s approval and on February 19, 1919 Land, Lower and eight other young men met over sodas from the ice cream shop across the street from the Scottish Rite, to talk about what the new club might look like. After touring the building and seeing how it could be an amazing clubhouse for fun activities, they talked about many possible names for ? Minutes from DeMolay the group and settled on DeMolai Council, which later that 40 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 year was changed to the Order until his death in 1928. of DeMolay. By the beginning With the Grand Council of April there were more than in place, programs to support thirty members and already talk DeMolay Chapters across the of limiting the membership country began to develop. to seventy-five. A stern but The Representative DeMolay kind lecture on selfishness Award was created to honor from Frank Land ended that exemplary young men who and the growth began. At were well-rounded in their some time during those first work, studies and service to ten months the boys made up their Brothers. A series of their mind that calling him Merit Bars were created to “Mr. Land” seemed too formal recognize achievement and and “Frank” was disrespectful. service by members of all of the So they settled on just calling Chapters. The first national him “Dad” Land, because he Brother Frank Land and President and magazine, The DeMolay was very much like a father to MW Brother Harry S. Truman Councilor, began publication. those boys who had none, and The first Leadership Training reminded those who had to be thankful for their blessings. Camp was held in Bear Lake, Colorado in 1924. By the end of In the time between the first meeting with formal minutes, that year the annual reports showed a membership of 114,798 April 1st, and the meeting of September 27th, Land enlisted young men in 1,171 Chapters. poet and drama critic for the Kansas City Star, Bro. Frank The Order of DeMolay’s rapid growth had caused the offices A. Marshall, to write a complete ritual for the club. It was to move out of the Scottish Rite to rented space downtown. to include an opening and a closing ceremony using some But by January of 1928 Land had arranged for a bond to of the customs the Chapter had already developed, such as finance the $60,000 purchase and renovation of a palatial collecting a word of the day and invoking a prayer for widows doctor’s mansion at 201 East Armour Blvd. to become the and orphans of Masons. It also included formal pledges or permanent home of the Order. This was to serve the Order for obligations and an initiation ceremony teaching the lessons of the next thirty years. filial love, reverence for sacred things, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness and patriotism. The crowning glory of the In the years following World War II the Order of DeMolay ritual was a dramatic costumed portrayal of the trial and grew alongside the Masonic Fraternity and the optimism of martyrdom of Jacques DeMolay, teaching lessons of fidelity the country was mirrored in the work of the Grand Council. and toleration. These ceremonies and the obligations taken The DeMolay Foundation, Inc. was started in 1948 to develop by the members cemented the club and turned it into a true long-term fiscal stability. Also, as the culmination of a ten-year brotherhood. fundraising effort by the Order of DeMolay, on February 22, 1950 Harry S. Truman formally presented the bronze statue Chapters sprang up in surrounding towns, then in of George Washington presiding over his Lodge that stands Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Texas, in the rotunda of the George Washington Masonic National and California. By January of 1921 there were fifty-two Memorial at Alexandria, Virginia. Chapters with a membership of 2,216. The boys of Kansas City Chapter were traveling far to confer the Degree ceremonies On March 23, 1958 the Order of DeMolay moved into its and were taken by train on a tour to institute Chapters in new home at 201 East Armour Blvd. A clever financing deal Ohio, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New York, Indiana had DeMolay build the four-story structure and purchase extra and Kentucky. On February 24, 1923 the Chapter in Grand land for parking. The Phillips Petroleum Company leased the Forks, ND traveled to Winnipeg, Canada to open a Chapter first three floors and their rent would pay off the mortgage of what would forever be known as the “International” Order over twenty-five years, with DeMolay occupying the 4th floor of DeMolay. at no cost. Dad Land’s office from the building that had been on the site was reconstructed in the new structure. In November of 1920 Land called upon the Sovereign Grand Inspector General for Missouri, Judge Alexander G. Frank S. Land had accomplished much in his life. He Cochran, to enlist his help in organizing what he expected had become a profitable business entrepreneur, run a very to be explosive growth. Cochran was an attorney and a judge successful social services bureau, founded an International whose experience supervising the Scottish Rite for the entire Youth Movement, and even consulted as a member of the state was invaluable. He guided Land through the complexities American Advisory Council of YenChing University, Peiping, of creating and supervising a large organization of volunteers. (Beijing) China. He received two honorary doctorates—one He was a mentor, a friend and a stabilizer for Land, who was from Indiana Technical College in Fort Wayne, IN, and the becoming an inspirational leader to thousands of DeMolays other from Ottawa University, in Ottawa, KS. and Masons across the country. Cochran saw that Land was In the Masonic community, while he never became a Past also becoming a target for those jealous of his success. Cochran Master, he served as Commander of the DeMolai Council convinced Land that he needed to create a representative of Kadosh, received the 33rd Degree at the very young age of governing body to supervise and audit his efforts. Cochran 35, was elected Potentate of Ararat Shrine in 1931, Sovereign then became the first Grand Master Councilor of the Grand of Mary Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, in 1950, and Council of the Order of DeMolay and served in that position DeMolay continues on page 42 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 41 DeMolay continued from page 41 youth leaders from all jurisdictions, was held on March 30- 31, 1968. Since then, some of the finest young men DeMolay Imperial Potentate of the Shrine of North America in 1954- has produced have served as International Master Councilor 1955. In 1956 he received the prestigious Scottish Rite Grand or International Congress Secretary. Their duties change Cross of Honor. He was proclaimed “Citizen Extraordinary” from year to year but in general the IMC has been the face of Kansas City by Mayor H. Roe Bartle, and at a banquet held of the Order, speaking at national and international Masonic in his honor was feted by Toastmaster General George E. Jessel and DeMolay gatherings, while the Congress Secretary has and Former President Harry S. Truman on January 26, 1957. organized the Congress committees and meetings of the One more honor was to come to Frank Land. In 1958 he delegates. DeMolay leaders had been attending the annual was proposed as a candidate to fill a vacancy on the Kansas sessions of the Supreme Council off and on since 1950, acting City School Board of Education and was sworn into office on as personal pages to run errands for their Executive Officers. November 6. Following that induction ceremony the Board They were also able to suggest ideas for the Order, working held a closed session to elect a President. The two candidates through the adults. The Congress finally gave them a full voice were Harry C. Clark and Wentworth E. Griffin. The vote and vote in their own body to provide direct input to the men was deadlocked on three ballots, with Land abstaining each of the Supreme Council. George A. Newbury, Sovereign Grand time. Because both of the candidates had been “his boys” in Commander of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction became an DeMolay, Land refused to choose one over the other. The early champion of the Congress program, not just with lip- next election was held three months later and his boys solved service but by actively advising and talking with the young the problem—they nominated him as the sole candidate for men. He saw to it that continuous funding for the Congress election as President. From high school drop-out to President was provided by the Scottish Rite each year, and it continues of the Board of Education in the same school district, his life to this day. Dad Newbury later became the Executive Officer had come full circle. of New York DeMolay to assist the Jurisdiction. Frank Land died on November 8, 1959. Six months During the 50th Anniversary Celebration there were more prior to that date, he reported at the Annual Session of than 169,000 active members on the rolls. DeMolay celebrated the International Supreme its influence in government, Council that the Order of industry, entertainment, news DeMolay had initiated 39,516 media and the Masonic family new members and reinstated by proclaiming some of its thirty-three Chapters to bring most famous members at the the total membership to time: Walter Cronkite, Chet 135,039, just a few hundred Huntley, Elmer Lower, Walt below the best single year total Disney, John Wayne, Gary ever, with 2097 Chapters in Collins, Bob Cummings, Fred fourteen countries around the MacMurray, Bob Mathias, world. The Order of DeMolay Alvin Dark, Val Petersen, mourned his death, and the Lt. Gen. Herman Nickerson Supreme Council held a and Gen. John McConnell, somewhat contentious closed among others. New logos and special session to try to figure promotional materials were out how to replace him. created, billboards erected, In truth, it is impossible Tourament of Rose Parade Float radio spot announcements to replace a Founder of any circulated, and DeMolay organization. Whenever the DeMolay Supreme Council was even had a crown-shaped float in the Rose Bowl Parade. slow or resistant to change anything over the next twenty- Five chartered airplanes brought members and advisors on a five years, the Headquarters Staff’s inside joke was, “Frank pilgrimage to Paris, France, to Isle de la Cite, in the shadow of Land went home from work on November 7th and said, the Cathedral of Notre Dame to the site of Jacques DeMolay’s ‘Don’t change anything until I come back.’” But changes martyrdom. Hundreds of DeMolays and Advisors participated did come and the Order did continue to grow all the way in an experience of a lifetime that included a Grand European into the early 1970s. Contemporary programs were created tour by bus. to interest a new generation of young men who had grown DeMolay’s rapid growth and expansion around the world is up with a sense of individuality. An Enviro Act program an incredible story. In South America, DeMolay has expanded promoted a healthy environment with tree plantings and to Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. recycling drives. The CORDON enjoyed eighteen years of In Europe, DeMolay is growing in Italy, Greece, Romania, continuous monthly publication as an 8-1/2” x 11” magazine. the Adriatics, France and Germany. Other locations include Several professionally produced 16-mm films were created Japan, Baja California and most recently, Greece. Independent to help promote membership. Unique fun activities such as Supreme Councils exist in Australia, Brazil, Canada and the marathons of all types created friendly competition between Philippines. Brazil, in particular, has grown since 1979 to be Chapters across the country. Leadership Training Conferences as big or bigger that its North American forebears. were established in multiple locations and became known as The DeMolay Annual Meeting fell mid-year of the 100th. DeMolay’s best training program. Anniversary. A pilgrimage to the site of Jacques DeMolay’s The first International DeMolay Congress, a gathering of execution brought a small delegation to France in March 42 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 of this year of 2019. At the Annual DeMolay Congress and each young man to have a chance of becoming Master Supreme Council Session in Kansas City, MO there were Councilor. New York was comprised of many Jurisdictions: ritual competitions and an exemplification of the Degree the Metropolitan, Eastern and Western Jurisdictions. Down of Knighthood and a Majority Service for all who never the road, all eventually combined into one with MW and Dad experienced one. The DeMolay Hall of Fame banquet William M. Sardone becoming the first State Master Councilor celebrated all of the inductees of the past and inducted the of the Combined Jurisdictions and RW and Dad Robert M. original nine DeMolay members. Walker as the Executive Officer. Both would become Grand A Centennial Courtyard that was initiated by then-DeMolay Masters of DeMolay later in life. Grand Master William M. Sardone, Imperial Potentate and The principles incorporated into the ritualistic ceremonies Senior DeMolay Chris Smith and then-Executive Director by Frank Land and Frank Marshall one hundred years ago Michael Russell has been constructed at the Service and are timeless life lessons that are still valid and guiding the Leadership Center. As a fundraising program this was thoughts and actions of tens of thousands of members and generously supported by the Sovereign Grand Commander Senior members to this day. The leadership experiences gained and Senior DeMolay, Ill. David A. Glattly, of the Northern in DeMolay have not diminished. They are, in some ways, Masonic Jurisdiction, and many other Masonic bodies and even more essential and more valuable today than ever before. individuals. One true thing about Masonic support for the DeMolay cannot exist without Masonic sponsorship and Order of DeMolay is that it was all started with the Scottish adult leadership. Its program is so Masonic in character that Rite and it continues to exist because of the generosity of its support is a perfect fit for Masons. Its core values are Scottish Rite Masons. Senior DeMolays have been leaders in taught through Degrees and drama and it is a youth Fraternity Scottish Rite, Deputies and SGIGs. Senior DeMolays have that tries to care for its members. Commander Glattly’s gone on to be Grand Masters as well as the heads Masonic establishment of the DeMolay Grand Almoner’s Fund and Bodies. placing its control in the hands of the Congress Officers will NEW YORK DEMOLAY help to ensure that care. DeMolay came to New York in the 1920s with New York Want to know more about DeMolay? Ask us at nydemolay@ Chapter No. 309 paving the way. The Chapter became so nydemolay.org. large that they had to have four-month terms, which allowed

Triangle “Gives Back”

unrise Triangle in Baldwin, Long Island, is a neighbor to toiletries, baby care items, household groceries and more. At Bethany House, an emergency shelter for women and their the end of the term, the Triangle Girls voted to donate $200 Schildren who are caught in crisis. Bethany House is known as from their term’s profits to directly benefit the Bethany House “the place to come when there’s no place to go.” location on the same street as their Lodge. Learning of this incredible shelter so close by, Sunrise Triangle Girls are always striving to help others. If you Triangle knew they had to lend a hand to this cause. These know of a young woman who would like to give back to her young women banded together to pool more than $400 in community, country and beyond, introduce her to Triangle.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 43 Organization of Triangles MAGGIE CALLAGHAN State Representative, Triangle

riginally called “Daughters of the Eastern Star,” the control over their own finances and charitable donations. Organization of Triangles, Incorporated was organized In fact, we encourage the adult leaders to act more as role Oin 1925 and founded in 1927. Intended to be a preparatory models and less as active participants at Triangle meetings. organization for the adolescent daughters of Freemasons, it The Beloved Queen of each Triangle leads her meetings in was to serve as an introduction into the Masonic Fraternity the same way a Master leads the Lodge and members gain before they were able to join the Order of the Eastern Star. valuable insight into parliamentary procedure and meeting Our founder’s own daughter was sixteen at the time of the structure that is unlike other youth organizations. By holding founding of the organization and served as the first Beloved open discussions and collaborating with each other, Triangle Queen of her local Chapter. However, what began as a members learn through firsthand experience how to organize children’s social group quickly evolved into the leadership and communicate within a diverse group. They learn to organization that Triangle is today. Established during a post- balance a budget and the value of financial planning and war era when women had only recently been granted the right philanthropy. Notably, in today’s tumultuous culture Triangle to vote, Triangle leaders realized that within the Masonic members learn how to build healthy relationships and stronger family women held more influence than in everyday society. connections with family, friends and their communities. They rapidly recognized that New York’s young ladies needed As New York’s youth have evolved over the past ninety more than a social club; they needed female role models and years, so too has Triangle. While the underlying purpose leadership training. of working to create “a finer American womanhood” has The ritualist teachings of Triangle are centered on three remained the same, the means by which the organization basic lessons, as symbolized by the three equal angles of a meets this goal and the definition of what constitutes a perfect triangle: the Duty We Owe to God, the Duty We fine American woman continue to progress with each new Owe to Others and the Duty We Owe to Ourselves. During generation of Triangle members. Triangle is still working to their involvement members are taught how to build a well- create in the hearts and minds of young women a devotion rounded character by balancing love for their parents, respect to high ideals, a more perfect understanding of duty to God, for those around them, charity to the less fortunate and service Home and Country, and the importance of education in the to our country, all while looking to God for guidance in their development of intellect and character, but now more than endeavors. ever with a concentration on independence, inner strength Most importantly, members are taught the life skills of self- and leadership. The Organization of Triangles, Incorporated is confidence, team-building, public speaking and leadership an organization that has shaped the lives of tens of thousands development. While there is an adult leader within each local of New York women and is one which any young woman can Triangle to guide the youth, Triangle members elect their own be proud to belong to today. officers, plan and execute their own meetings and have full

44 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 WHEN WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE THERE ARE TIMES WHEN YOU WILL SEE

International Order RESULTS IN 10 SECONDS of the Rainbow for Girls in NY Mrs. Gale Gould AND THERE ARE TIMES YOU WON’T SEE IT Supreme Inspector in NY 35 Maple Street FOR 10 YEARS. Auburn New York 13021 Phone: 315/253-8206 EITHER WAY, KEEP PLANTING THOSE e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nyiorg.org SEEDS OF CHARACTER-- : facebook.com/NY Rainbow EVENTUALLY THEY BLOOM.

n this edition the Masonic Youth Groups of New York have graciously been given the spotlight to tell the world who we Iare, what we do and why you should not only support us, but also share the news about us with your families and friends. So, here’s the standard answer and information that you might be expecting. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was founded in McAlester, Oklahoma in 1922 by Rev. W. Mark Sexson, a 33rd Degree Mason and Past Grand Master and Past Grand Patron of OES in Oklahoma. The organization was intended for daughters of Master Masons and their friends, ages 10-21, with the belief in a Supreme Being. Rainbow started in New York in 1924, and can currently be found in forty-six states as well as Aruba, Australia (New South Wales was able to step out of my comfort zone and open myself up to new and Queensland), Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, Philippines, ideas and opportunities, and I will forever be grateful that I did! Puerto Rico and Romania. Ryann (age 15): this summer I had the awesome honor to The Rainbow is founded on the principles of Faith in represent NY Rainbow at the Supreme Seminar in California. ourselves and a Supreme Being, Hope for the future and Walking in, I didn’t know what to expect, thinking it would be Charity toward all. It is about the life lessons represented mostly Masonic or Rainbow-centered things. But in reality, it was by the seven colors of the Rainbow: red for Love, orange so much more! I met girls from across the country. We talked about for Religion, yellow for Nature, green for Immortality, blue and participated in things for leadership, teamwork, and goal for Fidelity, indigo for Patriotism and violet for Service. We planning, that I can use not only in Rainbow, but throughout the develop leaders by teaching project- and activity-planning, rest of my life. While going to Disney and California was great, community service, working together as a team toward a the meeting of so many new friends, and having the responsibility common goal, public speaking, parliamentary procedures of being the “voice” of our members for ideas and suggestions for and how to work with and get along with others from various the future was the best benefit of all! backgrounds and ideals. VetDogs So, all that sounds great but is it riveting enough to make One of the pivotal precepts of all Masonic organizations is you want to continue reading, or better yet, to become Charity, defined as actions or donations to aid those in need. involved? Please keep going so I can share with you what it Each year the girls of NY Rainbow, under the direction and really means to be a member of Rainbow in New York. Since leadership of the Junior Grand Executive Committee, selects a our organization is the International Order of the Rainbow for statewide charity project to support in addition to their local Girls, I asked a couple of girls to share some of their thoughts Assembly charity projects. Many of you have supported these on their involvement: efforts in a variety of ways, whether by purchasing a candy Haley (age 19): It may be hard to believe, but I was someone bar from our Grand Worthy Advisor at numerous Masonic who originally shut myself off from making friends. I felt lonely visitations, sponsoring the girls of your local Assemblies in a at times, even in my own Assembly as at first I didn’t feel like walk-a-thon, bowl-a-thon, or other event, or by generously I belonged, making it hard to get enthusiastic about coming to providing a donation to supplement their efforts. meetings or activities. Then I met my best friend Lindsey through Over the years the girls have raised money for their charity Rainbow. She made me excited to attend events so I would have projects in a number of different ways and sometimes also have a chance to see her. This bond we now share made me want to the chance to get more hands on. Examples are a gigantic sock participate, and gave me the love and acceptance you can only get collection for K.I.D.S., can tab collections for the Shriner’s through true friendship and shared experiences. Because of this, I International Order of the Rainbow continues on page 46 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 45 International Order of the Rainbow continued from page 45 their selection of America’s VetDogs as their charity of the year. I wish there were some way to convey to you how very much that selection has impacted so many of us for good. The girls worked tirelessly in so many ways to raise $10,000, offering them the great privilege of naming our puppy with a purpose. The selection of the name “Spencer” was made after the passing of our long-time State Rainbow Dad, Robert “Pop-Pop” Spencer in September of 2017. We have followed the dog’s progress, celebrated his successes and are incredibly proud to announce that on September 21, 2019 Spencer graduated from the program to become a full-fledged service dog. He has been matched with his veteran, a US Navy vet named Edwin, who served in the Vietnam War and waited for three years to be paired with a dog. They will now be living in West Virginia. The overwhelming feeling of love and pride that each of us, girls and adults alike, have in sharing just a piece of this amazing journey will stay with us always. Faith, Hope, and Charity, but the greatest of these is Charity. President John F. Kennedy once gave a riveting and emotional speech, challenging us to “Ask NOT what your country can do for you. Ask what YOU can do for your country!” I would paraphrase that quote to substitute the word “country” with “youth.” Our groups are suffering from so many outside challenges and other pressures, with so many choices and so little time. We know people are busy but so many of our youth Hospitals, or hundreds of gently worn books for children for organizations want and need advisors; not names for when it’s Reach Out and Read. Their commitment and involvement convenient or a title that looks good on a resume. We need in these efforts change lives—theirs as well as the people they people who recognize what the youth of today face, what their seek to help—and provide them opportunities for growth, involvement in the Masonic youth groups can mean in their understanding of the needs of others and development of their lives, who are willing to work to understand their wants and leadership skills. They have discovered the potential they carry needs and help them to become all that they can be. These to impact the lives of others in meaningful and significant kids can and will change the faces of our communities and ways. nations, if we can provide them the support and guidance to In 2018-2019 the girls selected the CNY Scottish Rite grow and develop into citizens who will stand up and make a Dyslexia Center as their project, and at this fall’s COD session difference in our world. Our happiness and success lies in the it was our honor to present a check for $9,010.17 as the happiness and success of other people. Give them happiness culmination of their efforts. This demonstrated our efforts as and you will get happiness in return. kids helping other kids. I challenge each of you to dare to make a difference. Become But our biggest fundraiser in recent history was the 2017- the adult/advisor/mentor that you needed when you were a 2018 Rainbow year when the girls completely embraced kid. Peconic 349 Hosts DDGM

n Wednesday, October 2 RW Kevin McCauley, District attendance, as well as the most senior Brother present. He Deputy Grand Master of the Suffolk District, and RW bestowed the Grand Master’s pin upon them. OMatthew Dinizio, Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of the During his comments to the brethren, RW McCauley State of New York, conducted their Official Visit to Peconic announced that he is seeking suggestions for fundraising Lodge 349. Prior to the meeting, a fine dinner was enjoyed by events that can help replenish the District’s Benevolent Fund all and several Brothers specifically praised the highly-efficient so we will always be in a position to assist our Brothers in bar staff. need. The message of our MW Grand Master William M. RW McCauley recognized our newest brethren in Sardone was gladly received. 46 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 DeMolay Induction Class honors GM William M. Sardone

rom March 20 to 22 in New York City next year, DeMolays in honor of the MW William M. Sardone, Grand Master of of Filipino heritage will be celebrating 101 years of the Masons. As a Past Grand Master of DeMolay International, FOrder of DeMolay. This will be the fourth alumni reunion of “Dad” Sardone has taken the New York Jurisdiction of Filipino Senior DeMolays abroad. Originating as a reunion DeMolay and Masonry to new global heights. of US-based DeMolays Initiated in the Philippines, the first Come enjoy the fellowship of Filipino Senior DeMolays one in 2017 was held in Las Vegas, with the second one in from all over the world. DeMolays from other jurisdictions Vancouver (Canada) in 2018. By the third reunion in Kansas will also be joining us. We have a great program lined up. City, MO in 2019, DeMolays from other jurisdictions were Let’s come together and celebrate this magnificent milestone. already invited and warmly welcomed. The Centennial To register, please visit https://demolayreunion2020.com/ reunion had a total of 249 delegates representing fifty different register/. Chapters coming from five countries. For God, For Country, and DeMolay! During this reunion at Masonic Hall in New York City, NY DeMolay will also induct a class of candidates into DeMolay Suffolk District Hosts ID Events

uring the past year, Brothers of the Suffolk District have consistently given their time to safeguard our Darea’s children and seniors by volunteering at several Masonic Safety ID events. Programs have been hosted at the West Babylon Fire Department, Old Town Lodge in Southampton and the Deer Park Fire Department. Brothers in attendance at these events have included: Ralph Amador, Stu Smith, Frank Miranda, Robert Licata, Terry Sanders, Larry Pfaff, Robert Smith, George Lucas (and George’s wife Janet), Larry Gordon, Pete Stokke Jr. and Terry Maccarrone. The Masonic Safety ID program is an important component of Masonry’s commitment to community service. To host an event in your area, please contact your District Deputy for details.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 47

Army Black Knights 52 Morgan State Bears 21

rand Master’s Day at West Point was one of the best attended, best fed and of Gcourse one of the best football scores in recent memory. Thanks go to RW Lou Juers for his excellent coordination in securing a great parking area for a tailgating experience that we will all remember.

The Army always makes us proud, on and off the football field. This includes their precision display of pinpoint parachute landings, to the “pass in review,” to the all-around patriotic respect of the soldiers. Each year this event ratchets up. It will be hard to match. 48 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 BUY A BRICK

SEAL YOUR LEGACY AT THE MASONIC CARE COMMUNITY GREENHOUSE

PLEASE SEE THE OTHER SIDE FOR ORDER INFORMATION

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 49 GRAND LODGE OF NEW YORK

LEGACY BRICK FOR THE GREENHOUSE Yes, we’d like to reserve a permanent brick. Please engrave our brick as follows: Any Symbol Is Considered One Space (Period, Comma, Dash) All Text Is Centered Unless Otherwise Noted PLEASE PRINT NEATLY AND IN ALL CAPS 4x8 Brick - $150.00 per brick (21 characters per line without Logo, max. 4 lines)

8x8 Brick - $250.00 per brick (21 characters per line without Logo, max. 8 lines)

8x8 Brick - $250.00 per brick (18 characters per line with Logo, max. 6 lines)

PLEASE PRINT NEATLY AND IN ALL CAPS Please either return this form with your check, payable to: BROTHERHOOD FUND attn: GREENHOUSE Or Fill out credit card info, save this form and send it as an attachment in an Email: [email protected]

Or Mail to: Masonic Brotherhood fund: Attn:GREENHOUSE 71 West 23rd Street, 15th Floor New York, NY 10010

Name: Phone:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Email Address: Amount Paid:

Credit50 Card THE#: EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE CVC Code: Share the ExperienceExp Date: WINTER 2019 First Installation of Sullivan Lodge Officers

Row 1 (l-r) RW Daniel Janes, Grand Lodge Staff Officer; RW William J. Fitzhenry, District Deputy Grand Master, Orange-Rockland- Sullivan District; MW William M. Sardone, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York; W Clifford Freeman, Newly installed Master of Sullivan Lodge #521; RW Michael LaFountain, Newly installed Senior Warden of Sullivan Lodge #521; Brother David A. Johnson Jr., newly installed Junior Warden of Sullivan Lodge #521; RW George J. Dexheimer celebrating his 90th birthday

ullivan Lodge 521, Free & Accepted Masons came together Sullivan Lodge 521, York 12754. meets the second and September 10, 2019 for a tremendous turnout in Liberty, fourth Tuesday of each month, at the Masonic Lodge, 20 SNew York. There was over fifty Master Masons plus family Eagle Drive, Liberty, NY. and friends present. It is good to see DDGM RW William For more information on Masonry contact: W Clifford Fitzhenry and his District Team; Past Senior Grand Warden Freeman, Worshipful Master at 845-798-2818; RW Leonel RW Richard Morley and MW William M. Sardone, Grand Cortizo, Lodge Secretary at 845-434-0173 or W Joe Beirne, Master of Masons in the State of New York Membership at 845-866-4000 Cementing the Future

he Time Capsule was sealed. It was placed in the wall behind the Cornerstone in a TCeremony on October 6, 2019. The first pallets of bricks arrived at the Horticultural Learning Center (formerly Greenhouse). Have you ordered yours? One style is already sold out, so plan on ordering soon.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 51 Police Square Club Brother Miguel Ocasio 2nd Vice President

he Police Square Club of the City of New Our Degree Team would travel to different Lodges York is one of the oldest NYPD fraternal conferring the Master Mason Degree and perform Torganizations. It was founded on March 15, the Hiramic drama in NYPD uniform. We 1920. The particular aims of the Square look forward to continuing our Masonic Club are to promote social intercourse, commitment to the glorious rituals of the strengthen friendship and promote welfare Craft. among Master Masons who are or have We are also celebrating our 100-year been employed by the New York City Anniversary with a dinner dance. Please Police Department. Membership is open to save the date: Thursday, March 12, 2020 at all active and retired uniformed or civilian 7 p.m. This event will be held at the Marina members of the service who are Master Masons. Del Rey, located at 1 Marina Drive, Bronx, NY. We also have Associate Membership for brethren The Police Square Club invites and welcomes all employed by or retired from other law enforcement brethren, friends and family to enjoy and be a part of agencies, who reside within New York City. Masonic history. We look forward to seeing everyone join The Police Square Club and the Grand Lodge of the State us in fellowship and help celebrate our centennial of Masonic of New York share a common goal and interest: membership. tradition. We respectfully request all Lodges in the NYC area inform The Police Square Club meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday their current and newly Raised Brothers who are uniformed or of the month at Advance Masonic Temple; 21-14 30th Avenue, civilian, active or retired members of the New York City Police Long Island City, NY. No meetings are held in July and August. Department about the Police Square Club. For additional information please feel free to reach me at 347/512- The Police Square Club is seeking members to rebuild 7785 or [email protected] or Brother Donald Stewart, our famous and legendary Police Square Club Degree Team. President at 646/319-7384 or [email protected].

MMCI enjoys BBQ with GM hree members of the Masonic Motorcycle Club International (MMCI) visit with TGrand Master William Sardone during his trip to Tappan. The Brothers had breakfast at Croton Lodge, and then rode to Tappan for the Grand Master’s barbecue. Brother Plank wondered where they should ride for dinner. It was a wonderful day with the Grand Line and Brothers and bikers.

52 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Falling Stars - Gala-r2v1-OL.pdf 1 10/11/19 10:56 AM

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THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 53 Masonic Medical Research INSTITUTE RW U ALVARO Q IROGA President MMRI Board of Directors 917/833-9340 [email protected]

ight now the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) in Utica, NY is diversifying and expanding its research Electrophysiology Rportfolio. Scientists seek to understand mechanisms of disease in an effort to discover treatments and cures for patients with heart disease, diabetes, lupus and autism. It is MMRI’s mission Cardiac to improve the health and quality of life for all humankind. Autism With a growing collaborative team, we have introduced Hypertrophy new technologies and raised the bar on our capabilities and competitiveness, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Maria Kontaridis, Director of Research, shared that “The coming years at the MMRI will be transformative; we are on a quest to unravel the mechanisms underpinning the causes of Lupus Pulmonary disease.” The following areas are selected for emphasis. Embolism Electrophysiology – Focus has been placed on the fundamental mechanisms underlying both congenital heart Metabolism and disease and end-stage heart failure, and the processes that Diabetes lead to abnormal development, aberrant signaling and disease onset. By focusing on the effects of specific ailments, MMRI can have a better understanding of the electrophysiology of the heart. This can lead to better interpretation of the ECG fat tissue with gene therapy approaches, is being developed to by clinicians as well as better understanding of the excitation- dissect the roles of fat tissue in controlling obesity. contraction coupling (EC coupling) and the molecular and cellular processes responsible for transducing the electrical Lupus – The MMRI is focused on studying the effects of impulse in the heart. elevated protein activity in patients with lupus. We believe that an increased protein activity in one particular enzyme Cardiac Hypertrophy – MMRI is focusing on called SHP2 may cause lupus progression and associated organ understanding molecular genetics and epigenetic changes damage. One of the most important elements of our project controlling cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, which is to develop targeted drugs for the treatment of Systemic remain a significant cause of death worldwide. The goal is to Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). MMRI hopes to create a drug understand mechanisms that are leading to heart failure and to that targets disease onset, thereby preventing lupus pathology. finding a cure for end-stage heart disease. Autism – Research at MMRI is focused on identifying new Pulmonary Embolism – Currently the best treatments genes in families with autism. Through DNA sequencing for available are blood thinners or anticoagulants (warfarin), rare, transmitted undiscovered genes, we will seek to understand thrombolytic medications (clot busters), or in extreme cases, the cause of this disease. Use of inducible pluripotent stem surgery. However, thrombolytic therapies still do not offset the cells (iPSCs) from patients with these genetic mutations risk of major bleeding events, which has not improved over the will be differentiated into neuronal cells. Masonic Medical years. Through team collaboration, MMRI has leveraged state- Research Institute plans to identify potential therapeutics that of-the-art imaging instrumentation to follow the biological may target the signaling molecules, aberrantly regulated by the mechanisms that are causal to Pulmonary Embolisms. With genetic mutations, in an effort to reverse or slow the severity resolution and identification markers, we are developing new of Autism. treatments and imaging strategies for better and more accurate detection, therapy and prognosis. By expanding the scope of our research efforts MMRI will be able to raise the bar and generate the knowledge necessary Metabolism and Diabetes – Research is aimed at dissecting to develop innovative solutions to medical challenges. Thanks the molecular mechanisms regulating cardiac growth. The goal to the support of the Freemasons, the National Institutes is to advance the field of metabolism and heart development of Health, government grants and partnerships with other at MMRI with the treatment of diabetes and obesity-related academic institutions, MMRI will continue to save lives and heart disease at a molecular level. A research program, targeting improve the quality of life for generations to come.

54 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Masonic Youth Committee RWr Ca y S. Cohn Chairman 516/781-1157 [email protected]

ear Brothers, D A change has been made in regard to the Frank. M. This contest is open to all High School Seniors who are a Totton Essay Contest 2020. member of the Masonic family. The topic will be, “How a Entries in this coming year’s contest may be entered online failure contributed to my success?” Deadline Jan 21, 2020. at www.nymaons.org under the Masonic Youth Committee.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 55 Announcing the Seventy-Fifth Annual Metropolitan Region’s Masons & Families Dedication Service & Breakfast Sponsored by the Masonic Brotherhood Foundation, Inc.

Hosted by 2018-2020 Metropolitan Region District Deputy Grand Master’s Association Sunday Morning March 8, 2020 at Marina del Rey One Marina Drive Throgs Neck, Bronx, NY 10465 Guest Speaker William Heller New York Foodball Giants, Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Seating will begin promptly in the morning at 8:30 AM (Remember Daylight Savings Time)

The site offers easy access from major highways and VALET PARKING. The Service of Ecumenical Worship will be led by our Grand Chaplains at 9:00 AM, and immediately be followed by the Breakfast Program.

Tickets are available from the Metropolitan District Deputy Grand Masters for $40.00 per person, payable to the Masonic Brotherhood Foundation. Tickets MUST be purchased in ADVANCE. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR. Seatings is Limited.

Clip & Mail

SEND TO: GRAND LODGE CONVENTION COMMITTEE 71 WEST 23RD STREET, 17TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10010-4149

Enclosed is my check of $ ______for ______tickets (@ $40.00 each) made payable to the Masonic Brotherhood Foundation, Inc., to attend the 75th Annual Masons & Families Dedication Service & Breakfast, being held at The Marina Del Rey, Throgs Neck, Bronx, NY on Sunday, March 8, 2020.

NAME: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ADDRESS: ……………………………………………………………………………………………….... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…. CITY / STATE / ZIP: ………………………………………………………………………………………. LODGE: …………………………………………………………………………………………………… DISTRICT: …………………………………………………………………………………………………

TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED DIRECTLY FROM ANY MEMBER OF THE METROPOLITAN REGION DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS’ ASSOCIATION. 56 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 Connetquot 838 Hosts Annual Visitation n Monday, September 23 RW Kevin McCauley, District Deputy Grand OMaster of the Suffolk District, and RW Matthew Dinizio, Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, conducted their Official Visitation to Connetquot Lodge 838. With more than thirty Brothers in attendance, RW McCauley recognized the newest and the most senior Brothers, as well as three DSA recipients. In addition, RW McCauley discussed the District’s Benevolent Fund and the importance of aiding distressed worthy Master Masons, their widows and orphans. The message of our MW Grand Master William M. Sardone was spread upon the minutes of the communication.

DD and GS visit Wamponamon 437 n Thursday, September 19 RW Kevin McCauley, District Deputy OGrand Master of the Suffolk District, and RW Matthew Dinizio, Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, hit the ground running to kick off the new Masonic year with their first Official Visit. The opener was a trip to Wamponamon Lodge 437 in Sag Harbor The many Brothers in attendance enjoyed a great night of fellowship and education.

Babylon 703 Confers EA Degree

n Wednesday, September 25 Babylon Lodge 703 conferred the Entered OApprentice Degree on four new Brothers. We welcome our duly Initiated brethren into the Craft and encourage their long and active participation in Masonry. W Matthew Sales and the officers of Babylon were hailed for their excellent ritual work during the Degree. Congratulations go to Babylon Lodge and our new Brothers.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 57 Years of Service

79 years 78 YEARS 77 years 76 years

0581 Winfield 0615 Stissing 0968 Philo-Mount Sinai 0110 Scipio 0581 Winfield Howard E. Turner Carlyle Lown Jesse R. Glazier R Allen Shotwell Irving L. 0241 Harmony Vanvalkenburg 75 years Eugene J. Pritz 0589 Naurashank 0111 St. Lawrence 0838 Connetquot 0398 Home Ernest V. Rodgers Earl N. Wight Frederick W. Herold Norman Abrahams

74 years

0154 ERAC 0463 Lamoka 0565 Guiding Star-Angle 0750 Shakespeare 0806 Matinecock Alvin E. Boss Lauren Wood William N. Frostick Jerome Berman Robert W. Whaley 0168 Corning Painted Post 0561 Delaware 0664 Amicable 0778 Livonia 1118 Lodge Of The United Services Wayne C. Templer Warren K. Miller Samuel R. Tiffany Rowland E. Smith Wood D. Beeghly 73 years 72 Years

0047 Utica 0586 Advance Service Mizpah 0867 Damascus 0109 Inspiration 0673 Avoca Donald C. Fague Frederick W. Fecher Alexander E. Deeb Robert W. Waldeck Christopher P. McAllister 0051 Fidelity-Hobasco 0599 Kennyetto 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic 0136 Hiram 0713 Social George J. Knorr Cecil N. Daggett Leonard Tauber Robert W. Harter Donald M. Beaney 0109 Inspiration 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star 0981 Amherst 0154 ERAC 0729 Anchor-Astoria Carl J. Ester Joseph Walter Watson Harold C. Bechmann Thomas H. cKnightM George Bally Jr 0224 Oriental-Faxton 0725 Southern Light 0508 Herschel-Argyle 0200 Garoga-Sincerity 0822 Lynbrook-Massapequa John W. Steinhorst William F. Wilson Francis Miner John M. Record William R. Lockwood 0550 Hannibal 0821 Bethany 0708 Kisco 0434 Pleasantville Hiawatha 0956 Spartan Charles A. Sabin Jr Gerald T. Shannon Frederick J. Kratzer Kenneth R. Meiselbach Sidney Packer 0487 Normal 0970 Johnson City Unity William F. Nehmzow Leland D. Lewis 0538 Webster 1066 Harry S Truman Grant J. Kothiringer Gerald S. Wank 0664 Amicable Raymond Haggas Jr

71 years L0010 Kingston 0134 Lowville 0396 Deposit 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel 0819 Composite Lester E. Frost Charles J. Reeder II Raymond J. Scott Herman R. Winkler Jack J. Burke 0019 Midwood Fortitude 0145 Mount Moriah 0476 Fairport-Flower City 0666 Oblong 0877 West Point Morton R. Carp William L. Wright Burton Gordon Wilson C. Townsend John I. Woodruff 0020 Mount Moriah 0148 Tri-Valley 0479 Unity 0691 Meridian 0913 Heights Ira Kass Lloyd James Button Bernard W. Johnson Bernard Bernstein Donald E. Gray 0063 Wantagh Morton 0175 Oxford 0491 Schoharie Valley 0782 Triune-Obed 0915 Beukendaal Edward L. Conklin Jr Charles A. Wightman Ronald S. Filmer Robert W. Bahret Arthur W. Coolidge Jr Raymond L. Willard 0586 Advance Service Mizpah Joseph Gerofsky

70 years

0019 Midwood Fortitude 0154 ERAC 0250 Willard Sylvan 0318 Joseph Enos 0463 Lamoka Walter Bunes Alexander Arthur Jr. Grove Levon Margosian Theodore L. Taylor Robert E. Canfield Martin Weinstein 0155 Fraternal 0264 Baron Steuben 0447 Franklin 0501 Liverpool Syracuse 0097 Renovation Winston R. Norcross William John Lawrence Oleck Milton T. Jefferson John F. Kelly 0195 Franklin Charles Northey 0449 Manahatta Glendon A. Raymond 0128 Ogdensburgh-Acacian George A. Kanfer 0303 Sylvan Abraham Avedissian 0527 Akron Robert J. Murray 0246 Arcana Robert W. Miller 0458 Shekomeko Charles M. Foster Jr Paul C. Abramson John E. Kading

58 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 70 years continues

0555 0727 Bunting-Charity 0820 On Da Wa 1068 James W. Husted-Fiat Lux 1175 Fellowship Yorktown-Diamond-Thistle Paul Willie Zeese Robert G. Howland Sheldon A. Geller George A. Knerr Lou Wills 0797 Seneca 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 1101 Parthenon 0913 Heights 0699 Harmonie Donald Blair Scrivens Gerald Hundert James G. Plackis Donald E. Gray Henry Zipp Lang Jr 0806 Matinecock 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic 1174 Schenectady 0915 Beukendaal Warren G. Kraft Bernard Kanner William G. Wilkie Arthur W. Coolidge Jr

65 years

0004 St. Patrick’s 0224 Oriental-Faxton 0435 St. Mark’s-Vestal 0581 Winfield 0815 John Hodge Charles W. Nethaway John L. Rastani Harold R. Clark Robert W. Dufloe Donald F. Braun 0008 Holland 0250 Willard Sylvan Grove 0439 Delaware River Arthur G. Miller Jr John R. Braun Douglas M. Crow Jack Babian Henry E. Crouch 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel 0819 Composite 0009 Unity 0252 Enchanted Mountains 0445 Cassia Lee R. Grumbach Edwin H. Ruzinsky Jules G. Stern Alvord W. Clements Charles K. Mette Jack S. Bakelman 0822 Lynbrook-Massapequa 0701 Beacon Light 0011 The Lodge Of Antiquity 0264 Baron Steuben Seymour Rubin William H. Patterson Frank E. Ufer Howard J. Dean 0471 Tompkins North R. Clemons 0913 Heights 0708 Kisco 0013 Apollo-King Solomon’s 0273 Francis Lewis George E. Dorry Jr James M. Doan Harold D. Parkes Sheldon Friedman Carl E. Eklof William Jack L. Ranck 0494 Jephtha Frederick “Arndt,” Jr 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 0066 Staten Island 0285 George Washington 0714 Wieland Henry G. Wilke Jr William L. Korn Lonnie A. Wilson Irwin Cain 0511 Kings County Gunther Hans Radau 0950 Konosioni 0087 Van Rensselaer 0305 Fayetteville Central City 0718 Adonai Edwin F. Handford Allard B. Coir Fred C. Anderson George W. Deordio Jr 0521 Sullivan Elwyn V. Harp 1016 Floral Park 0103 Rising Sun 0320 Union Star 0750 Shakespeare Ernest C. Duval Richard D. Bull George J. Dexheimer Raymond W. Stenzi 0553 Farmers Stephen E. Krulik 1174 Schenectady 0109 Inspiration 0381 Huguenot 0754 Noah Myron L. Dox Alexander Teryek Frederick L. Tilbe William B. Clark 0563 Cornucopia Burton A. Robinson 1186 Ken-Ton 0132 Niagara LaSalle 0403 Balder-Greenpoint 0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill Donald H. Smith John Bostonian Jr Ralph R. Gatcombe Clive R. Crosbie Milton G. Brown 1188 Renaissance 0145 Mount Moriah 0425 Warrensburgh Harold G. Olson Adolph C. Arzberger Arthur P. Keller Jr

60 years

0007 Hudson Widow’s Son 0065 Morning Star 0127 Lake City 0255 Living Stone 0494 Jephtha Henry William Croteau Jr Paul Greenfield Alonzo Forbes Clayton Richard R. Carpenter Frank John Libert 0008 Holland 0066 Staten Island 0136 Hiram John 0263 Mount Vernon 0511 Kings County John Herdon French 2nd Alfred Howard Hansen Jr Lawrence Allen Edwin F. Stohrer Jr. Ronald Roger Granberg Winston Ely Wood 0079 Unity 0145 Mount Moriah 0301 Dunkirk-Irondequoit 0513 Massena 0010 Kingston John Alfred Pitcher Paul A. Dibble Esau Albert Sam William V. Nichols Peter F. Steketee 0083 Newark 0150 Sauquoit 0328 Port Jervis 0521 Sullivan 0011 The Lodge Of Antiquity William K. Brightman Felix J. Rotundo Edward N. Wolff Robert Elmer Morris Russell J. Wolpert 0087 Van Rensselaer Jack S. Scott 0343 Rondout 0542 Garibaldi 0012 Trinity Mal K. Drowne 0154 ERAC Donald M. Ruggles Joseph Caiafa Hubertus Hennigs 0093 Crossroads United Charles C. Spiegel 0394 Cobleskill 0549 Warsaw 0019 Midwood Fortitude Robert Frank Neufang 0178 Cornerstone Jack W. Harmon Allen L. Capwell Alan E. Sandberg 0095 Elmira Ronald N. Sands 0399 Maine 0563 Cornucopia 0022 Franklin Richard Nelson Lafever 0193 Ulster Charles L. Gunther Thomas J. Sloane Daniel J. Ruggiero 0109 Inspiration Wm C. Waldron 0415 Pulaski 0589 Naurashank 0044 Evening Star Richard Snyder 0223 Roman-Hatheway Lewis E. Watson Karol H. Bailey Bradley T. Lines 0120 Hamilton John W. Grow 0432 Rhinebeck 0602 Iroquois 0060 Suffolk Richard J. Avery 0231 Cornerstone Norman R. Smith Lee Palmer Norton Raymond E Weick 0122 Genesee Valley Charles I. Lesser 0462 Attica 0616 Cazenovia 0063 Wantagh Morton David Lee Hammond 0233 Pacific John Root King Richard V. Rohr Ronald Henry Domini David Wheaton Parish Martin D. Yudell 0483 Zeredatha 0627 Wallkill August H. Pries III Robert E. Waring Bernard Lubinsky Robert H. Rueter Nicholas G. Stratos THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 59

60 years continues

0634 Scotia 0727 Bunting-Charity 0822 Lynbrook-Massapequa 0948 Sweet Home 1127 Smithtown George Laing Rover Robert E Kastner Daniel Joseph Perez Robert H. Deull Kenneth D. Boehm 0646 Red Jacket 0729 Anchor-Astoria 0826 Sutherland 0970 Johnson City Unity 1174 Schenectady Paul A. Thomas Albert J. Vicarelli Clyde Lee Snyder Andrew J. Bezek George R. Welch 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star 0782 Triune-Obed 0838 Connetquot 0975 Bethpage Hicksville 1185 Western Star Edward Frank Poenicke Thomas A. Muir Jr Carl Kahler Donald J. Halstead Richard C. Bray 0648 Memorial 0796 Dolgeville 0839 Athelstane 1037 Victoria Sea Gate William G. Houston Robert P. Hartman Dale G. Smith Harvey Kaufman Edwin L. Hein 1188 Renaissance Carlos R. Vest 0797 Seneca 0879 Charles W. Cushman 1066 Harry S Truman Arthur E. Moran Jr Rodney M. Ries 0651 True Craftsman’s Raymond L. Riddell Norbert H. Zajac Sherwin J. Kayne James C. Van Slyke Baron M. Jasper 0808 Guiding Light-Olympia 0892 Queensboro 1068 James W. Husted-Fiat Lux 0712 Pelham Harvey D. Albert Robert W. Miller Melvin Maiman Herbert W. Johnston Jr 0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill 0923 Tadmor 1101 Parthenon 0714 Wieland Edward A. Dodge Ernest E. Hoffmann Nicholas Violagis Arvid Johnson

55 years

0006 St. George’s 0154 ERAC 0297 Alexandria 0472 Tritown 0634 Scotia Leonard G. Hunter 2nd Andrew J. McNaught Kenneth George Melvin H. Brown Joseph H. Buchman 0009 Unity Edward J. Mosher Mcdonald Sheldon Charles Clark 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star George N. Kittle 0155 Fraternal 0309 Hudson River 0473 White Plains Ronald H. Hendrickson Robert A. Valentine David F. Donah Malcolm C. Macleod Richard J. Berardo 0651 True Craftsman’s James Carl Smith John M. Roman 0010 Kingston 0479 Unity Ira Finegold 0161 Erie Parish United 0328 Port Jervis Donald T. McGraw Karl F. Janson 0666 Oblong 0011 The Lodge Of Antiquity John P. Nye Melvin Donald Decker 0487 Normal Dieudonne D. Daubney 0168 Corning Painted Post 0336 Medina Anthony S. Lavalle Roger William Litchock 0671 Wappingers James Walter Scott 0019 Midwood Fortitude John D. Kallenborn Hugh F. James Charles W. Rinehart Edmund R. Reif 0342 Wyoming 0527 Akron Louis J. Alliano 0681 Caroline 0172 Chaumont 0020 Mount Moriah Richard Stephen Kravarik Douglas P. Ceisner Laurence E. Knuutila Martin Jones 0358 Ancient Landmarks 0529 Mountain Howard Shaller 0695 Alcyone 0173 Monroe 0056 Stewart Manor-St Albans Reed L. Johnson Joseph R. Bailey Clifford K. Carlson Ralph F. Keck Joseph A. Matela Franklin J. Walker Raymond S. Lewis Charles L. Skinas 0177 Binghamton 0364 Horseheads Old Oak Richard V. Veith 0060 Suffolk 0708 Kisco 0542 Garibaldi Ronald M Yuhas Charles S. Bidwell Charles Howard Ellis Joseph Henshaw Jr Leland A. Moses 0375 Niagara Michael Formato 0087 Van Rensselaer 0710 Ridgewood 0193 Ulster 0545 Copernicus Lawrence F. Glander Gerald R. Martin Richard R. Babbitt William J. Haas 0381 Huguenot Walter Klinzmann 0093 Crossroads United 0712 Pelham Anthony J. Mennella Charles John Combs Werner Puckhaber Robert C. Johnson Alan G. West Kenneth R. Hillenmayer 0195 Franklin Charlie T. Mikalsen 0103 Rising Sun Edward W. Wiemann William R. Vogt Athan N. Zahos 0383 Northern Aurora John R. Burckley 0550 Hannibal 0740 Allemania 0205 Phoenix Gary Robert Bennett 0109 Inspiration Richard Stanley Tyler Jonny Coester Malcom Will 0392 Sodus Robert H. Hebner 0561 Delaware 0753 Justice 0219 Summit Lloyd J. Vandeviver Charles N. Waterstreet Jr Alfred R. Crosby Tobin Jacobson Richard C. Ellis 0403 Balder-Greenpoint 0111 St. Lawrence Donald M. Lare 0754 Noah 0224 Oriental-Faxton Walter G. Heil Dean W. Parshley 0586 Advance Service Mizpah Wayne B. Crounse Joseph G. Bechtold 0412 Hoffman 0112 Steuben David Dell’anno Jamshed R. Ghadiali 0757 Silver Karl E. Ralston Albert J. Bendlin Allan David Rosenberg John Andrew Kohler 0226 Queen of Sheba Robert C. Jagger 0124 Auburn 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel David John Osborne Kenneth Harold Bresett 0415 Pulaski John T. Turney Steven A. Fried 0759 O-At-Ka 0264 Baron Steuben Joseph C. Keesey 0131 Myrtle-Jefferson 0589 Naurashank William R. Hooker Gary W. Boulerice 0433 Fort Plain Carlton K. Carpenter William B. Van 0772 Rescue 0273 Francis Lewis Richard V. Subik Benthuysen Merwin Douglas 0145 Mount Moriah Ozzie Goldman 0435 St. Mark’s-Vestal 0619 Eagle Buckland John C. Sundholm Harvey M. Holtz Wayne A. Rozen George M. Blackmer 0779 Clio 0149 Au Sable River 0294 Canandaigua David G. Upham Sr Joseph C. Steffy Frederick B. Walters Jr 60 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Share the Experience WINTER 2019 55 years continues

0788 Fortune 0837 Hesperus 0902 Mount Masada-Galaxy 0998 Nortrip 1147 Carroll Ralph I. Dority Dean A Hiler Melvin M. Insler William G. Ray Duane F. Anderson 0794 Mount Defiance 0839 Athelstane Herbert N. Posner 1037 Victoria Sea Gate 1166 Britannia James Richard Bolton Giles M. Purvis 0922 Amos-Fort Greene Stanford Kaplan Neville G. Atkins 0796 Dolgeville 0847 Mount Arab Seymour Schlossberg Stephen W. Wilk 1186 Ken-Ton John S. Dudik John Arthur Seifert 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic 1057 Springfield Gardens James A. Berg Raymond D. Smith 0863 Dunwoodie George J. Machover Col. Murray Glen Robert John Gadt Paul F. Laturner 0808 Guiding Light-Olympia Arnold Reuben Eshoo 0948 Sweet Home Swindler 1071 Potunk 1188 Renaissance Ira Schulman 0875 Hendrick Hudson Leonard Saran 0815 John Hodge Charles H. Harrison 0956 Spartan Bruce Athelstone David C. Borth Edward D. Fawcett Richard Howard Buehrig A. John Bartholomew 0878 Norsemen Robert Post 1072 Dexter Douglas G. Godard 0826 Sutherland Peter Gabriel Bakalian 0981 Amherst Thomas Turtle Jr Frank C. Carpenter Richard L. Main William L. Main

50 years 00005 Masters 0173 Monroe 0358 Ancient Landmarks 0473 White Plains 0616 Cazenovia Lewis T. Boxwell Melvin E. Doverspike John T. Breth Jr Craig H. Nightingale Dean Edward Ernst Russell J. Lagrange Jr 0183 Farmerville-Union Robert S. West John A. Ramsdell James E. Wightman Edgar L. Wright 0011 The Lodge Of Antiquity Floyd L. Darling Jr 0476 Fairport-Flower City 0619 Eagle 0362 Valatie Hans Ritter 0203 Munn Ronald Freeling Guy Murdoch Ward John Lindsay 0019 Midwood Fortitude Sidney Soloway Thomas Armstrong 0627 Wallkill Todd Folmsbee 0479 Unity Kenneth Alan Banks 0205 Phoenix Glenn I. Schoonmaker 0364 Horseheads Old Oak 0020 Mount Moriah Frank Marra Harry H. Conover Jr 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star Donald William Zeigler John A. Page Lawrence Hermele 0219 Summit Carl R. Strandberg 0379 Oakland 0481 Cambridge Valley Theodore James Welter 0022 Franklin Gerry H. Rogers William Chas Riddervold Robert D. Robinson Earl Edward Douglas 0648 Memorial 0223 Roman-Hatheway Donald G. Robinson Jr Raymond F. Purdy 0046 Huguenot Jim H. Loftin Frederick D. Greene 0381 Huguenot 0486 Peter A. Goldman Charles W. Machell 0231 Cornerstone Goldenrule Clermont McKinley Donald J. Christopher 0653 John Jay 0056 Donald Evan Fulkerson Allan Keiser Jerry Sachs Stewart Manor-St Albans Barry E. Milowitz 0236 Philipstown 0383 Northern Aurora 0522 Skaneateles William F. Jark 0664 Amicable John Joseph Brown Charles T. Carpenter Charles E. Caines 0063 Wantagh Morton Loyal R. Mitchell 0258 Macedonia 0393 Waddington 0534 Tioga Steven G. Anton 0680 Victor Robert J. Dean Mar k C. Ginn Gerald A. Gowan Bogdan W. Biskupski William R. Griggs John D. Halford 0396 Deposit 0538 Webster Alfred Stannard 0065 Morning Star Gary W. Taylor John Neal Felber Harold C. Brayley John K. Stannard Douglas A. Heinemann 0262 Phoenix 0403 Balder-Greenpoint 0545 Copernicus 0694 Blazing Star 0073 Charlotteville Paul L. Dabolt Jr Richard G. Loeffert Allen H. Miller Donald A. Harvey Hermann Pein George L. Holdridge 0415 Pulaski 0555 William D. Kimpton 0095 Elmira 0273 Francis Lewis Yorktown-Diamond-Thistle 0751 La Universal George F. Barringer Domenick A. Fugarino James A. Hathaway Vincent C. Gomez Darrell E. Hoobler Norman Schneiderman 0416 Wayne Edward Schmid 0787 Gasport Donald H. Murphy 0294 Canandaigua Craig Sewert 0563 Cornucopia Edwin L. Secrest Kenneth J. Bell 0419 Arcade Robert J. Servidio W Herbert Goodenough 0109 Inspiration Henry Frank Meyer Jr 0565 Guiding Star-Angle 0308 Seneca Lake Robert L. Kelley Herbert Spencer Michael Snyder 0439 Delaware River Robert M. Long 0794 Mount Defiance 0128 Ogdensburgh-Acacian Jan David Sanders 0575 Olive 0313 Stony Point Wawayanda Leon W. Catlin G Thomas Palmer Gabriel R Guarderamas 0466 Oneonta Frederick Charles Croscut 0796 Dolgeville 0136 Hiram MD Gordon A. Davids 0581 Winfield Richard T. Petley Clarence S. Moot 0320 Union Star 0468 Catskill Jay G. Bernhardt 0797 Seneca 0141 Erie Canal Dennison J. Ripley Sarkis A. Beojekian 0582 Wawarsing Richard U. Tejan Bruce K. Christopher 0328 Port Jervis Harold E. Coons William A. Morse 0808 Guiding Light-Olympia 0153 Friendship Harold R. Eccleston 0472 Tritown 0584 Ashlar Mitchell E. Weingrad David E. Skinner 0343 Rondout Marion M. George David J. Perkins 0813 Hebron 0154 ERAC Gary M. Vanaken 0588 Carpenter-Emanuel Joel Garfield Michael J. Sorg Ortwin Windmuller

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 61

50 years continues

0814 Sconondoa-Sherrill 0891 Alba 0956 Spartan 1071 Potunk 1186 Ken-Ton George Felshaw Jr Louis F. Barazotti Jr John B E Rayne Richard W. Siegel Frederick George Hierl Charles L. Harrington 0892 Queensboro 0968 Philo-Mount Sinai 1111 West Seneca Lester R. Kellner Charles R. Ressman 0822 Lynbrook-Massapequa Rodney K. Folia Edward A. Goler William P. Hunter Samuel C. Caddick Robert R. Wattam 0896 Tully 0970 Johnson City Unity 1143 Valley Stream Thomas L. Wendel Christopher M. Dillon Richard Mickelson James L. Heier John J. Jacobsen Jr 1188 Renaissance 0875 Hendrick Hudson 0912 Great Kills 0981 Amherst 1147 Carroll Robert F. Martin Howard Williams Donald W. Joergens Sr Franklin G. Helfrich Ronald V. Johnson Dauscher Jr 0878 Norsemen 0913 Heights 1057 Springfield Gardens 1174 Schenectady Jerome E. Moran Stuart A. Hansen Lewis L. Cook Robert R. Diehm Marvin B. Cohen 0879 Charles W. Cushman 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 1066 Harry S Truman 1180 Drumlin Square Henry D. Schunke Alan D. Seidel Gilbert Alexander Kassel Merton E. Bartels Gregory J. Trietley Jay P. Silverstein Jerome F. Varon

Happy Holidays from the Elected Grand Line, the Appointed Grand Line and the staff from Empire State Magazine

Dates to Remember JANUARY 2020 FEBRUARY 2020 8 Florida Sojourners - Sarasota 1 Autism Gala - GL New York 9 Florida Sojourners - Tampa 21 10th Manhattan Grand Master Reception 10 Florida Sojourners - The Villages 22 Suffolk District Venison Dinner to Support Camp Turk 11 Florida Sojourners - Palm Beach Gardens 25 Pleasantville Hiawatha Lodge 24-26 International Ritual Conference

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

i to all my beloved Brothers in the quarries of the Craft! We teach our candidate to divest himself of bigotry, hate HConventions have started and if the first bunch of them and intolerance right away. are any indication, it will be a productive year for ritual in Imagine the courage it took for Dr. James Anderson, a the jurisdiction of New York. I see tremendous energy and minister himself, to implant the concept of “[a]dopting no enthusiasm wherever I go and this is certainly a tribute to our particular creed, forbidding sectarian discussions in its Lodge Grand Line, who have set such a positive wave of Freemasonry rooms” in 1723, when most of the world, especially in Europe, in motion. was divided along religious lines and people were killing each The First Degree other over their belief systems? Therefore, the true Mason Our focus this year is the stunningly beautiful First Degree of cannot be bigoted and hateful in any manner. Masonry and all the wondrous concepts that are introduced to Take the time to think and reflect our newest Brother, those concepts that build the foundation All of you have heard me use the phrase “Raise the Bar” as for his Masonic journey. What makes the First Degree special it applies to our ritual work and to our lives as Masons. One other than that it is the first? Let’s start with the challenges it of the key ways to raise the bar on our ritual and on ourselves issues to a new man in the Craft in terms of his attitude and as humans is to take the time to think and reflect. I often get the differences between Masonic philosophy and what he is the impression that many of our Brothers learn the ritual as a experiencing in the real world. chore or a burden or to satisfy a role they are playing in Lodge. Have you ever thought of your Lodge as Heaven on Earth? If you do not put some time aside to actually try to understand Think about our opening prayer. “Grant that the sublime what the ritual is saying to you as a man, then in my opinion principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant you will produce mediocre work. passion within us, so harmonize and enrich our hearts with This is particularly true about Opening and Closing. More Thine own love and goodness, that the often than not you see officers doing their work out of rote, Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and beauty no thought, no emotion and no inflection. Let’s just race which reign forever before Thy throne.” In other words, practicing through it and get it over with. This usually leads to a boring our Craft to its fullest would create the same conditions as a or fumbling start to a meeting that leaves everyone present on heavenly body. How’s that for a bar to meet? edge and certainly not feeling that the officer line really cares Every survey taken since the millennials came into being (I about the work. Conversely, the Lodge that does Opening and have two) is clear about the fact that our younger people want Closing as a Degree, with emotion, inflection and a true inner to have work life balance as a philosophy of life. Guess what? understanding of what the work means sets a great tone for a What do you think the message of the 24-inch gauge teaches? productive night of Masonry. The division of time, rendering it possible to work, recreate Time is our most precious commodity but taking the time and serve our families and our fellow man. to truly understand what the ritual is saying to you, how its Similarly, those same surveys show a desire for spirituality principles can enhance your life, will lead you to more inner versus religion in this age group. Since our Craft brings in satisfaction than you can imagine and will be reflected in your men of every religion and offers them the ability to improve work. Freemasonry will improve your life. In return, don’t we themselves from the inside out, we can state that Masonry has owe the Craft and ourselves our very best? been a spiritual organization from its inception. GUNG HO!

Articles Due Date for the SPRING Issue of the Empire State Magazine is January 1, 2020

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 63