WINTER 2016

Wishing you Joy and Peace at the Holidays and throughout the New Year From the Grand East MW Jeffrey M. Williamson, Grand Master 212/337-6643 [email protected]

rethren, living in Western New York I can honestly say So, on behalf of the entire Williamson family, I extend Bthat I truly enjoy the season of winter. In particular, I to our Brothers and families “Merry Christmas!” “Happy love the holidays as they arrive in an explosion of festive Hanukkah!” “Happy Kwanzaa!” and our best wishes for lights and tinsel decorations, the delightful smells of a wonderful and “Happy New Year!” God Bless America. good food emanating from Mom’s kitchen, the holiday Pray for our men and women serving in our Armed parties, going to church, the football games, the sounds of Forces. And “May God’s Richest Blessings Be Yours in laughter and, most importantly, the joy of reconnecting 2017!” with our family and friends.

New York-Ontario Shrines makes GM Honorary Member

he September meeting of the New York-Ontario Shrines Shrine, Webster; Cyprus Shrine, Glenmont, NY and Media Association convened in Alexandria Bay. At the session, Shrine, Watertown. Membership also extends to Rameses TGrand Master Williamson received honorary membership in Shrine, Toronto, ON; Ziyara Shrine in Utica and Oriental Tigris Shrine, Syracuse; Kalurah Shrine, Endicott; Damascus Shrine, Troy.

2 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 65 / Number 4 / WINTER 2016

WINTER 2016 IN THIS ISSUE Featured Highlights: Masons and Families Dedication Service and Breakfast ...... 7 Valley of Rochester celebrates 150 years ...... 9 Grand Master’s Brazil Trip 20 Grand Master’s 2016 Cruise ...... 24/25 Wishing you Joy and Peace at the Holidays and Save the Date - St. John Day ...... 26 throughout the New Year

Grand Master Jeffrey and Officers and Committees: Lady Carla Williamson Grand East 2 Deputy Grand Master 4 Grand Secretary ...... 5, 8 Senior Grand Warden 6 Masonic Brotherhood Fund ...... 6 Masonic Care Community 14 Acacia Village ...... 19 From the Webmaster ...... 29 International Order of the Rainbow for Girls ...... 30 DeMolay ...... 31 Committee on Youth ...... 32 Camp Turk ...... 33-35 Masonic Medical Research Laboratory ...... 36, 37 TRUSTEES OF THE MASONIC Awards Committee ...... 37 HALL AND ASYLUM FUND Publisher Grand Lodge Educational Assistance Program (EAP) 38 The Empire State Mason Grand Chaplain’s Corner ...... 39 is an Official Publication of the Years of Service 40-45 Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund. Grand Lecturer ...... 46 Edited by the Grand Lodge of Dates to Remember and Submission Guidelines 47 Free and Accepted Masons Grand Secretary’s 2017 Golf Classic ...... 48 of the State of New York for the members of the Masonic Fraternity and their families.

CONSULTANTS POSTMASTER: JEFFREY M. WILLIAMSON Charles Catapano Peter A. Flihan III Please send address changes to: Grand Master – Editor in Chief Deputy Grand Master Grand Treasurer The Empire State Mason Circulation Department JOAN C. BOWER RICHARD S. MORLEY PAUL M. ROSEN 71 West 23rd Street Assistant Editor Senior Grand Warden Grand Secretary NY, NY 10010-4149 Periodicals Class Publication No. 56874 Nicholas J. Paolicelli LORAINE DIBLEY 1-(800) 362-7664 Junior Grand Warden Graphic Designer Website at www.nymasons.org

Subscription $6.00 Domestic, $15.00 Foreign per year. Subscription free to all members of constituent Lodges of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. State of New York. Copyright ©2016 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 charles catapano, Deputy Grand Master 212/337-6640 [email protected]

What a wonderful world…well, New York, anyway!

rethren, it has been seven months since you elected music world were approaching the autumn of their years. me your Deputy Grand Master and, so far, it has been Many wondered who would be up next to fill their shoes, and Ban incredible journey. Throughout my travels I do my best to keep their well-beloved and cherished country music alive to keep you informed of what is happening in our Grand into the next era. How is that for hitting the nail on the head? Lodge and I will continue to do so. Keeping you updated Every Brother has a responsibility to the Fraternity to aid in and informed serves two purposes. The first is that you know making it last in perpetuity. This was very much in evidence that your elected Grand Lodge Officers are promoting all that late last year when our Grand Master, while serving as Deputy Masonry has to offer, which includes the great works of the Grand Master, selected his DDGMs. Each of the then-current Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home, as well as supporting DDGMs was instructed to take his replacement with him on the programs of the Grand Master. In my comments at Grand as many visits as possible. The purpose of this was to cut down Master’s Day at Tappan, I stated that the elected Grand Line on the learning curve once the new DDGMs were appointed Officers have the important task of traveling the state and in May. The theory was to give the incumbent the opportunity bringing Grand Lodge to all brethren, while the Trustees have to help, aid and assist the Brother who was going to fill his the extremely important responsibility of caring for all of our shoes in the next term. Masonic jewels. When you see a Trustee, thank him for his time, talent and above all, his dedication and commitment to You see, Grand Lodge is aware that the need exists for Grand Lodge. everyone to work together as Masons, as men of similar interests and mindsets ready and prepared to lead our Fraternity in the Secondly, I want you to know where I will be so that you upcoming years. Notwithstanding, we need to keep a watchful can stop by when we are in your area and say hello. I am truly eye on the West Gate to ensure that our current beloved and humbled by the outpouring of love, support and brotherhood respected brethren are all serviced as well, and that they do not I have received. I am and will always be grateful to you for leave us prematurely. your support. Each one of us has the ability to impact his Lodge, District However, this is not a trip to be taken leisurely; it comes with and Grand Lodge in a very positive manner. Speak proudly of responsibility. In my travels I am inquisitive of all brethren in your membership in the oldest and most honorable Fraternity all corners of the state. I want to know the specific issues in in the world. Always let the world know that a gentleman your world. What is it that I may be able to help with that stands before it. And never let anyone speak negatively could make your Lodge, District and our Fraternity better for about our Fraternity or your Brother. As we continue to all? work together—as one—the strength of our purpose will be There is one significant issue that needs to be addressed cemented well into the future. by all of us. I am a country music fan and I remember that My lovely lady Donna and I would like to wish all of you, in 1985 George Jones sang a song that is very much relevant your families and loved ones a very merry Christmas, a happy to Masonry as it was to country music. The title of the song Hanukkah and a happy Kwanzaa. Also, we wish for you a very is “Who’s gonna fill their shoes?” Some of you may know it happy, healthy, safe and prosperous new year. Please remember and understand how it relates to Masonry. For those who that as you celebrate this holiday season be mindful of your don’t know it, I will give you a brief recap. The crooner is surroundings and travel safely. Until we meet again in Lodge, addressing the concerns that the entire country music world I remain humbly your Deputy Grand Master. and the Grand Ole Opry were experiencing. A great number of very talented and well-respected members of the country

4 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Grand Secretary RW PAUL M. ROSEN, Grand Secretary Masonic Hall 71 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 212/337-6644 [email protected]

A Way of Life

hen you read an article written by an elected Grand Line about being a Mason. More specifically, through the Grand Officer you deserve to come away with a good feeling. Lodge you are an active participant in helping those who YouW should have a reason to rejoice in what we and you do as suffered these unimaginable losses. As I write this on the date Masons. You should come away justified in your willingness of 9/11, we have to remember the way Masons from around to join the Masons and more importantly to remain a Mason. this country stepped forward to aid us in our hour of need. It In this article I will try to give you something to feel good is great to be a part of this Way of Life of ours. about. It should be something to make you glad that you are a Mason. It should remind you of the promises you made at the altar and cause you to rejoice in your membership. My aim is to give you a reason to feel proud of our Masonic beliefs and the specific actions we take to put those beliefs into practice. One of the cardinal reasons for our existence is to take care of one another. We believe in charity and a large part of what we do as Masons is motivated by our willingness to work on behalf of our Brothers and their family and to provide help and relief to those Masons in need. However, we don’t restrict ourselves to just Masons. We often extend our helping hand to the rest of humanity who are in need of a helping hand. As examples, I give you our Masonic Care Community with its independent living at Acacia Village, adult care at Wiley Hall, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, as well as our Masonic Medical Research Laboratory. We have seen much devastation from natural disasters in recent weeks. It is often difficult to decide where and to whom we should turn our attention. One of the most recent widespread areas in need of help was the State of Louisiana. We needed to address the losses suffered by our fellow Americans because of the flood that extended throughout that state. Brothers from all over the State of New York looked to see what we could and would do to help the Masons and the population of non-Masons to recover from that unspeakable natural disaster. At the direction of the Grand Master we immediately sent a check in the amount of $10,000 to the Masonic Service Association for distribution through the Grand Lodge of Louisiana to those Masons most severely hurt by the storms visited upon them. At the same time that we took this step toward relieving the suffering, we requested Brothers to send donations to us to forward for Louisiana disaster relief. We have started to receive those donations from Brothers and Lodges for those who most urgently need our help. I urge all our Brothers to think about extending a helping hand to those in need. Knowing that the Grand Lodge, on your behalf, has stepped forward in this time of need should make all of you feel good

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 5 Senior Grand Warden RW richard S. Morley, Senior Grand Warden 607/434-1404 [email protected]

oliday Greetings from the Morley family to all of my advantages of a merger you could get all of the above and not extended family of Masons. By now I imagine that you have to deal with everyday pressures of trying to make ends Hhave all had your DDGM’s Official Visit, or will have them meet. done soon. I hope that all Lodges had a good visit and were all We are all in this together. We should look to our neighbors intact for the DDGM’s visit. to see if they need help or if they can help us. Working together In my travels I have seen Lodges that aren’t doing well is what is going to get us all on the same path. but think everything is all right. They don’t see the need for If merging is the answer, look with open eyes. Merging with anybody coming to help because they think things are all a Lodge that is not functioning as well as you are is not a good right. They don’t want to give up what they have. plan. Visit your neighbors, ask for their advice, see what works Well, if you stop to think about it you may have a neighbor for them and if it is a good fit for you. The decisions you Lodge that is doing Degree work, has a nice building, has make now will be with you for a long time. Someone recently an ample amount of members, does a program at every told me that the roads are littered with dead squirrels due to meeting and is bringing in new members. If you consider the indecision. We must move in the right direction.

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

he leaves are starting to turn and light jackets are being MW Robert D. Stack and I have made a few changes to it, but worn, days are starting to get darker earlier, which means kept the message intact. (MW Stack is recovering from illness Twinter cannot be far behind. We have seen changes in our and we wish him well on his recovery.) Lodges, with the mergers that continue to go on, and Districts I would like to announce the retirement of Ms. Lois Romano come together to become one District. The obligations that of the Brotherhood Fund. She decided to begin her retirement we took when we became Masons are still the same and in November of this year. I know MW Brother Stack and I charity remains foremost in the teaching, yet some of our had a great person assisting in running the Fund. She will be newer Brothers are not aware of the charitable commitments missed. If you happen to call the office I am sure she would we continue to make and how the Brotherhood Fund reaches appreciate your wishing her well. She will be moving to a out to help the different charities under our care. I ask all residence near Middletown, New York. Lodge and District Brotherhood Chairmen to get the message out. One of the best ways is the “People to People” tri-fold, The Area Chairmen will be setting up seminars around which includes the different charitable groups that we help. A the state. I hope you will be able to attend one or two of chairman, with the Master’s permission, is able to give a few them and learn about the new donation insert and become a minutes’ talk in Lodge using this guide. It was developed by spokesperson for the Masonic Brotherhood Fund.

6 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Announcing the Seventy-Second Annual Metropolitan Region’s Masons & Families Dedication Service & Breakfast Sponsored by the Masonic Brotherhood Foundation, Inc.

Past Keynote Speakers: the Right Reverend Paul Moore, Jr., former Bishop of the Episcopal Archdiocese of New York; Jimmy Bresling, News Reporter and Author; John Gambling, WOR Radio Show Host and Radio Personality; his late Eminence, Terence Cardinal Cooke, of the See of New York, Roman Catholic Church; Dr. Patricia J. Giardina, noted Physician and Director of the New York Presbyterian Hospital Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology; Most Worshipful Dorian Glover, Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York; the Honorable Carolyn Maloney, U.S. Congresswoman; Werner Klemperer, former actor and humanitarian; Dr. Michael Massimino, NASA Astronaut; the Honorable Benjamin A. Gilman, retired U.S. Congressman; and the Honorable Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator. Hosted by the 2016-2018 METROPOLITAN REGION • DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER’S ASSOCIATION SUNDAY MORNING • MARCH 5, 2017 at the MARINA DEL REY • ONE MARINA DRIVE • THROGS NECK • BRONX NY 10465

Seating will begin promptly in the morning at 8:15 AM, EST.

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 $37.00 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 (@ $37.00 each) made payable to the Masonic Brotherhood Foundation, Inc., to attend the 72nd Annual Masons & Families Dedication Service & Breakfast, being held at The Marina Del Rey, Throgs Neck, Bronx, NY on Sunday, March 5, 2017.

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

TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED DIRECTLY FROM ANY MEMBER OF THE METROPOLITAN REGION DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS’ ASSOCIATION. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 7 Grand Secretary RW PAUL M. ROSEN, Grand Secretary Masonic Hall 71 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 212/337-6644 [email protected] Florida Sojourn

ach year we look forward to maintaining our connection service awards. We would like to have them attend one of and relationship with those Masons and members of the the luncheons so the Grand Master may honor them with an EOrder of the Eastern Star who have taken advantage of the appropriate presentation. When you make your reservation State of Florida’s climate and hospitality. The Masons and please make sure that you provide us with the necessary members of Eastern Star will continue the tradition of hosting information so that you may be properly honored. As strange luncheon meetings in Florida at three locations to break bread as this plea may seem, please remember to mention which and enjoy each other’s company. luncheon you plan to attend. The last issue of The Empire State Mason magazine featured We extend our fraternal gratitude to the Trustees of the an article about the Florida Sojourners Luncheons scheduled Masonic Hall and Home, the Directors of the Masonic for January 11, 12 and 14, 2017. The dates and places Medical Research Laboratory and the Grand Chapter of the are more particularly described in that article. There was State of New York Order of the Eastern Star for helping to also a form to fill out and mail to the Office of the Grand coordinate and sponsor these important events. Secretary. If you cannot locate your copy of the fall issue of And we look forward to the opportunity to renew old the magazine with the form, please contact my Administrative acquaintances and to meet new faces. Please mark your Assistant, Ms. Rose Flanagan at 212/337-6636, or send me calendar today for one of the following luncheons: an email to [email protected] to make your Wednesday, January 11, 2017 Sarasota, Florida reservations. Thursday, January 12, 2017 ...... Tampa, Florida Please note that we wish to honor those Brothers who are Saturday, January 14, 2017 . . Palm Beach Gardens, Florida due to receive their fifty, fifty-five or sixty or seventy-year

Grand Cross Goes To MacConnell

ongratulations go to RW James R. MacConnell. The Grand Standard CBearer of the Grand Lodge State of New York was presented with the Grand Cross of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. This truly rare and coveted distinction was presented to Brother Jim by Sir Knight Duane E. Vaught, the Grand Master of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar USA at the Northeastern York Rite Conference in Massachusetts.

(l-r) GM Vaught, Mrs. Marsha MacConnell and RW James R. MacConnell

8 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Valley of Rochester Celebrates 150 Years By Ill. John Zabel, 33˚

he year 2017 is special to the Valley of Rochester, AASR, 33° the Deputy for New York. Unfortunately, all four of Tas it will celebrate 150 years as a chartered Valley. It all the original charters were lost at the time of a fire in 1892. started in the mid 1860s. The Morgan Affair was well in the Eventually, duplicate charters were obtained. past and Freemasonry had revived and was growing in the The original meeting place of the four Bodies of Rite was Rochester area. The Civil War was concluded, with society in Masonic Hall, an old stone building on the corner of Main getting back to a peaceful economic time. The Freemasons of and Exchange Streets in the City of Rochester. On October the Rochester area were looking for more in their Fraternity. 26, 1884 the Bodies approved a resolution to move to “Odd By 1866 a group of Brothers petitioned for a dispensation to Fellows Temple” on West Main Street, purchasing the furniture form Scottish Rite bodies. “On the twenty-fourth of February, and equipment of Odd Fellows and issuing five hundred 1866, there was held the first meeting of Petitioners for a certificates of indebtedness at ten dollars each, bearing interest Lodge of Perfection in Rochester.” So say the early records. On and payable in five years, to cover the necessary expense. April 30, 1866 “twenty Ancient and Accepted Masons met The move to the new location took place sometime before and drew up a petition to Orrin Welch, 33° Deputy Grand February 9, 1885. Inspector General of New York, for a Consistory in Rochester." During the Spring Reunion on April 27, 1892 fire destroyed At a subsequent meeting, held in Masonic Hall on May 28, the quarters in Consistory Hall, as the building was then a dispensation was presented from the Deputy, empowering known. The stage and scenery, the room above the Lodge this group to meet together as a regular Consistory. There room, and the roof of the building were entirely destroyed. is ample reason to suppose that an attempt was made much All of the records and charters of the Bodies, were saved from earlier to establish the Rite in Rochester and that the Degrees the fire but much of this material was lost elsewhere in the from the Fourth to the Thirty-Second were conferred by confusion attending the fire and moving to new quarters. communication. We know that a dispensation was issued During the time until November 9, when the building was for a Lodge of Perfection and a Chapter of Knights of Rose again fit for occupancy, the Bodies met in the Masonic Croix. We have photostats of the letter that was sent with the Temple, the top floor of the building on Exchange Street for dispensations (below) and the Rose Croix dispensation (on many years occupied by Weed's Hardware Store. page 10). During the morning of the Fall Reunion on November

Figure - Letter of Dispensation 5, 1900, fire again destroyed the quarters of the Bodies in Consistory Hall. The 15th and 16th Degrees had been conferred These two documents are all that we have on the pre- the evening before; these were the last Degrees worked in the charter history of the Scottish Rite in Rochester. A year after Hall. The work of the Reunion was completed in the Masonic the dispensations were issued and the Union of 1867 of rival Temple on Exchange Street. A note in the minutes of the Scottish Rite Bodies, charters were issued on May 16, 1867 Consistory, between the dates of the 15th and 16th, states that for the Lodge of Perfection, Council of Princes of Jerusalem, the fire completely destroyed the properties on the upper floor Chapter of Knights of Rose Croix and Consistory to be seated of the Hall and badly damaged the costumes and properties in Rochester. The Bodies were constituted and officers were on the floor below. The records of the Bodies were also badly elected and installed under the order of Ill. Orrin Welch, continues on page 10 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 9 continues from page 9 Rochester. An initiative was started to build a new temple on Main Street. The new building was completed in 1927. The early minutes of the Bodies show that the path they took was not all smooth and even. There were financial difficulties at different times. Naturally enough, there were differences of opinion. At times, there was dissension among the four Bodies with regard to proportionate expenses. Prior to 1893, when Buffalo Chapter of Rose Croix and Buffalo Consistory were chartered, the only Bodies conferring Degrees beyond the 16th in the western part of the state were the Rochester Bodies. Many of the members of the Rochester Bodies came, therefore, from Buffalo and its surrounding towns. After the first fire it was found necessary to assess the membership to recoup part of the losses. There was opposition to the assessment from the brethren from the Buffalo area. The organization was not, by any means, the smooth working one it is today. Eventually matters were adjusted to the satisfaction of all. From 1903 on there has been an entirely friendly feeling among the various Bodies of the Rite and with the other branches of the Masonic Fraternity. This feeling of friendliness and cooperation, to the credit of all branches of the Fraternity and its allied organizations, exists today, more than ever before, and it is evident that it will continue. The Valley of Rochester continued to meet at the Masonic Temple building on East Main Street until the Masonic Bodies agreed to not renew their lease and moved out of the building. This was in 2002. Upon leaving the building the Bodies of the Valley met at various Lodge buildings in the surrounding Masonic District. The Degrees were presented in Webster Lodge building, Webster Thomas High School and Rush-Henrietta High Figure - Chapter of Rose Croix Dispensation School. In 2004 the Valley entered into a lease agreement with Damascus Shrine to rent the building for meeting damaged, very little outside of the made. At this time plans were under and Degrees. This is where the Valley minute books of the Lodge, Chapter way for a new Masonic Temple to house meetings, activities and Degrees are and Consistory being salvaged. all of the Masonic Bodies in the city. held. In December 1900 new quarters The new Masonic Temple, on North In the mid 1990s the Supreme were rented from Damascus Temple Clinton Avenue, was completed in Council Charities developed the in Reynolds Arcade. The robes and 1903. The first meeting of the Scottish children’s learning centers, focused th equipment saved from the fire were Rite Bodies was held there on the 13 on helping young people cope with repaired and a few small items were of October. Twenty years after the dyslexia. The Valley of Rochester and purchased, but no general replacement building was built it was determined to the other Valleys of New York found of the properties destroyed was be too small for the Masonic groups in the resources to finance and build a 10 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 learning center in the Masonic Temple RW Brother Richard Friedman, 32° and is financed by the Valley and a in Rochester. The center was named suggested that he ask the Valley for modest admission fee. It is open to all. for Ill. Frank Paul, 33o Past Sovereign assistance. The Commander in Chief The College will next be held in the Grand Commander and his wife Betty. of the Valley, Ill. Charles Hancock, 33° spring of 2017. The original name was the Frank and offered the use of Cathedral Hall in Between 2000 and 2006 the Valley, Betty Paul 32 Degree Masonic Learning the Downtown Temple plus expenses with help from the Valley of Buffalo, Center for Children and was formally for the speakers, approximately $500, succeeded in conferring all twenty- and Masonically dedicated by the and the event was held. The topic was nine Degrees of the Rite. This was the Grand Master of New York. The Valley “Ancient Landmarks” and the principal first time the Valley had conferred all has supported the center and has helped speaker was W Brother Nelson King, of the Degrees over a period of time. it move several times. Because of the loss editor for the Philalethes Society. All the members helped in making the of members by the Valleys of New York This symposium was the template for conferrals enjoyable and meaningful to and the Supreme Council in general, a program started in 2006 called the the candidates and members. the support for the Learning Center was College of Freemasonry, which invited As a major event marking our 150th reduced to a point that the Center will noted Masonic scholars to come to be closing in 2019. anniversary, the Valley is the host Valley Rochester and present talks on defined for the Scottish Rite Supreme Council After the attacks on 9/11, Grand Masonic topics on a Saturday. The for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Master MW and Ill. Carl Smith, 33° event usually opened with a dinner on meeting from August 26 to 29, 2017. established a relief fund of $1,000,000 Friday evening and concluded with The Supreme Council has never held from the Grand Lodge of New York. In the talks on Saturday. One of the first o its session in Rochester until 2017. February 2002, the Valley of Rochester speakers was Ill. Thomas Jackson, 33 The Valley and the New York Council donated $25,000 to the fund, the largest and Past Grand Secretary of the Grand of Deliberation and the other Valleys amount donated by any Masonic Body Lodge of Pennsylvania. Brother Jackson of New York are working to make the in the state to the fund. is a well know Masonic scholar. The event memorable for all attendees and During the time that RW Brother Valley decided to dedicate an award to Masonry in Rochester and surrounding William Lindsay, 32° MSA served as him, designated the Ill. Thomas Jackson areas. District Deputy Grand Master for the Award for Masonic Education. The Monroe District, he wanted to have award is given by the Valley to those a symposium of Masonic Speakers presenters who are considered the best Author, Ill. John Zabel, 33° is a member but had no funding for the venture. of Masonic educators and researchers. of the Valley of Rochester and is a Regional The sitting Junior Grand Warden, The college is now held every two years Historian for the Grand Lodge of New York.

Joe Heath Tribute

. Joseph Heath, Past Junior Grand Warden and 33rd Degree honorary member of the Supreme Council HAASR, Northern Jurisdiction, lived an exemplary life with a full and illustrious Masonic career. He served as President of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL) Board of Directors from 2003-2006. At his passing he was the most senior member of the Board, having served with dedication and distinction from 1986-2016, when he was made Emeritus. There are all sorts of heroes in the world. Most go about their life unnoticed and with deeds unsung. They work quietly among their respective communities providing a service with no expectation of reward. These unsung heroes make our nation great, make the fabric of nation strong and they make it look easy. Many of them are members of our noble Craft, as was Joe Heath. Our Brother truly embodied the spirit and tenets of our Fraternity. He was a gentle gentleman with a kind and open heart. He possessed an effervescent spirit and was well respected and liked by all who knew him. Right Worshipful H. Joseph Heath was a great champion for the Craft and for medical research.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 11 Volunteers Show Off Hall

Row 2 (l-r) W Vincent S. Giambalvo, Brother Jonathan Fordham, RW Dennis Daugherty, W Eugene T. Lindlau, Brother William P. Stris, RW Ronald A. Sablosky, W Armand Cosquer, RW Andrew S. Paine, RW Martin Wattenberg, Brother Louis Cooper, VW Kenneth J. Ginn, RW John Andrades W Carlos Carrera Row 1 (l-r) RW Paul D. Reitz, Trustee and Chair of the House Committee; RW Gil Ferrer, Chair of the Masonic Hall Tour Committee; RW Joseph Saglimbene Trustee and liaison with the Tour Committee

he Masonic Hall Tours Committee provides tours for The Committee consists of fifteen volunteer guides, who guests to our headquarters in New York City. Home to provided tours to approximately 4,000 visitors during 2015. Tsixty-one Masonic Lodges and twenty-five other concordant Visitors came from the New York City area, across the United bodies from throughout the metropolitan area, Masonic Hall States and many countries throughout the world. attracts visitors from all over the world. Masons and non- In addition, since May the tour guides have collected over Masons, men and women, young and old come to view its $2,200 in voluntary donations. These gifts from our visitors eleven beautiful Lodge rooms, including the Grand Lodge will go to support our Grand Master’s Wiley Hall fundraising room. project.

12 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Brothers Who Became Brothers

Row 1 (l-r) Israel Ruiz, Edward Lopez, Milton Barber and Alcyone Lodge Master Dennis Sheehan; Babylon Lodge Master Robert Licata, Rayon Barber, Tsahi David Elgovich and Ishmael Rivera.

his past June the Babylon Lodge and Alcyone Lodge held Our Brother from Alcyone Lodge is Milton Barber and his a combined Third Degree in Babylon Lodge. There were biological brother from Babylon Lodge is Rayon Barber. After Tsix Brothers Raised, three from Babylon Lodge and three from Milton received his First Degree and they spoke, Milton was Alcyone Lodge. Two of the candidates, one from each Lodge, Conductor for brother Rayon in Babylon for his First Degree. are biological brothers. Neither told the other that he was joining the Masonic Fraternity until after their First Degree. MCC Resident Receives Visitor by Jon A. Server, Grand Steward, Oneida District

hat a wonderful way to start my day! I return to my room after breakfast to find the Grand Secretary, RWW Paul Rosen, and his wife Clare waiting for me. It was a wonderful visit, although too short. However, they were traveling to the Grand Master’s Ball. They say a photograph speaks over a thousand words. How true! Check out the photo taken on this special day. RW Brother Paul Rosen’s dedication to Brothers truly shines, despite rain outside. And the MCC IP Rehab is definitely our Crown Jewel. No better care have I ever received. It is a modern facility with professional staff at all levels. Many thanks go to Brother Paul and wife Clare. And I thank all my Brothers and this wonderful staff at our MCC Rehab.

Jon A. Server, Grand Steward, Oneida District

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 13

Masonic Care Community RW G. stephen getman, President Board of Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home 315/867-1284 [email protected]

Trustees Map Course

or the next year the highest priority for the Trustees will Significant work continues at Masonic Hall. Major projects continue to be our search for ways to provide services to include the replacement of windows for floors 14-19 in the FMasons and members of their families beyond those already 24th Street Building, new ADA bathrooms on the 18th and provided at the Masonic Care Community in Utica. A survey 19th floors, continuing replacement of lighting with more has been completed with the assistance of our Brothers who efficient ILED fixtures and painting of the Grand Staircase. are over 65 in age and reside in counties where there are the The impressive list of projects underway or being considered greatest concentrations of Masons. We thank those who at Masonic Hall runs to three pages. participated. The survey results will help guide our decisions. The Trustees are also looking for ways to improve the use The results will be considered with other factors. We must of the more than 1600 acres our Fraternity owns at Round proceed with care so that we do not jeopardize the remarkable Lake in the Adirondack Park. August and September were services already offered in Utica. busy months. August started with a fun-filled Grand Master’s Among the facilities at Utica is our adult residential center, Day, complete with beautiful weather. After a busy Camp Wiley Hall. We thank Grand Master and Carla Williamson for Turk season finished, Grand Master Williamson and the adopting Wiley Hall as their charity. We will work with them Grand Line traveled to Round Lake for meetings at the end of to continue to enhance programs for those who reside there. August. The Masonic Home Kids stayed there during Labor The Masonic Care Community continues to work toward Day Weekend as a part of their biennial reunion. NJROTC the approval of a sixty bed Assisted Living Program (ALP) in units from Notre Dame High School in New York Mills and Wiley Hall. Although there is much work to be done in the Proctor High School in Utica made full use of Round Lake for application process, we are optimistic that we will complete several days of offsite training. In return, they will come back this process and be able to offer a new level of service at Utica. next spring to assist in getting the property ready for the 2017 During the past year, there have been several changes camp season. During the off-season we will be renovating designed to improve security at Masonic Hall in New York bathrooms in the East and West wings off the Dining Hall. City and at the Masonic Care Community in Utica. Security Those who have driven on Round Lake Road in recent years cameras have been upgraded and added at additional locations will be happy to know that workers from Oneida County have inside and outside Masonic Hall. Identification badges repaved much of that road. are being issued to commercial tenants and those Masons As we look for ways to extend services we will continue to who regularly enter Masonic Hall. Those who do not have provide the compassionate and high quality care offered at the badges will be required to sign in and show another form of Masonic Care Community. We have been caring for people at identification. The importance of continuing this work was Utica since 1893. We are committed not only to the continual brought home to us on September 17 with the explosion less improvement of those services, but also to finding ways to than one block away on West 23rd Street. Our security and bring some of those services closer to our Brothers in other building staff handled the challenges well that night. areas of New York.

HappyHappy HolidaysHolidays

TheThe MasonicMasonic CareCare CommunityCommunity ofof NewNew YorkYork

14 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Masonic Care Community RW Rob Raffle, Executive Director Masonic Care Community of New York 315/798-4882 [email protected]

Our Masonic Care Community Family

he holiday season is a special time at your Masonic Care Center, Acacia Village, Wiley Hall and the Health Pavilion, as TCommunity. While there are many events and activities well as members of our community. for our seniors throughout the year, there is something about The Thanksgiving holiday means a lot of cooking on our this very special time of year—for all of us. Households. There are special dinners that include staff, In mid-October members of the Duchess District traveled residents and families. Throughout campus we all enjoy the to Utica to present our residents with gifts and take some time familiar smells of roasted turkey and apple pie. to talk with our residents. This group has been coming to the As you read your Empire State Mason magazine the holiday Masonic Care Community for almost thirty-five years, and season will be in full swing. At your Masonic Care Community, our residents look forward to each visit. In addition to the households and apartment homes will be decorated. There will gifts they bring (something for every resident of Wiley Hall be parties, such as our Children’s Holiday Party on December and the Health Pavilion) they are giving of their time and of 10, where staff converts the main floor of the Health Pavilion themselves. into Santa’s Workshop. There will be dancing, music and a I also applaud the efforts of the Nassau District, who visit variety of entertainment every night of the week, as well every May (for the last three decades), bringing our residents as decorations throughout the campus. It will be a time to “Christmas in May,” which includes decorations, Christmas celebrate, a time to reminisce, a time to look to the future. music and lots of cheer. They too bring gifts to our residents On behalf of all the residents of the Masonic Care and take time to visit with them and share their day. Both Community, we sincerely thank all of you who have visited the Nassau and Duchess Districts spend months preparing for during the past year, have donated your time or shown their visit. We whole-heartedly thank them for their years of support for our efforts through donations. We are grateful service to our Brothers and Sisters. to Grand Master Jeffrey M. Williamson and his Lady Carla, The Masonic Care Community is home to many men and who have designated Wiley Hall as their charity of choice. We women who have served our country. On Veterans Day we held invite all our Brothers and their families to make a New Year’s a campuswide remembrance with a service that highlighted resolution to visit the Masonic Care Community in 2017 the sacrifice of our veterans. We honored both our resident and to get involved in this organization that has taken care of and staff vets, to a standing-room-only crowd. Veterans Day is people since 1893. We look forward to welcoming you to our truly a campuswide celebration that includes our Child Care home. BlueGrass Festival in Park

he Traveling Man BlueGrass Festival was held on June 12 at the German TMasonic Park in Tappan. It was a fun day of food, crafts, various vendors, live music and dancing. The weather was great and many of the Lodges opened their booths and sold various food items. Thanks go to the Lodges that supported this event and we hope it was worthwhile for you.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 15

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

Your Support is Greatly Valued

s the holidays approach, our thoughts often turn to our therapy program, expressions through art class and the Linked loved ones. Many of us are blessed to have them sitting Senior program. All of these resident activities are made aroundA our table every night. Some are no longer with us, possible on an annual basis due to your generosity. It provides and we will reminisce about their influence in our lives. Still the funding for musical entertainment during the holidays, a others might be living in a place that is caring for their needs music therapist who visit with our residents and art instruction and giving them the comfort they deserve. For those seniors for those learning to adapt to a new setting. It provides the who live at your Masonic Care Community, our staff make funding for a program that can create a meaningful experience every effort to create an environment that nurtures the soul when a loved one visits a parent suffering with dementia. and provides wonderful care. Your generosity plays a key role For those who would like to provide funding to purchase in making this vision a reality. a physical item, our current wish list has been updated. A I am often asked where the support is needed most. Our number of the items are listed below and the full list is located residents enjoy a number of activities that include the music on our website at www.mccny.com on our annual giving page.

2016 Masonic Care Community Wish List

Item Department Amount Quantity iTunes Gift Card Music Program Any All Clock Radio Rehab $100 10 Pot and Pan Set Nursing Facility $150 23 42” LED TVs Nursing Facility $400 15 Lift Chairs Nursing Facility $850 23 Water Feature Filter Grounds $3,100 1 Electric Wheel Chair Golf Cart Grounds $13,000 1 Resident Transport Wheel Chair Bus $65,000 1

On behalf of the residents and the families the Masonic quality of life for our residents and peace of mind for our Care Community serves every day, I thank you for considering family members. us when making a charitable contribution. Your gift provides

Masonic Care Community Cuff Links For a donation of $20.00 , you will receive these stunning cuff links showcasing the Masonic Care Community logo in 24Kt gold. These cuff links make lovely holiday gifts especially when knowing the donation is going to support the work at the Masonic Care Community. Send your tax deductible contribution to: Victoria Cataldo, Director of Development Masonic Care Community 2150 Bleecker Street Utica, New York, 13501. If you would like your cuff links mailed to you, please include $5.00 for shipping and handling. Make checks payable to the Masonic Care Community.

16 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Masonic Care Community kathy contino-turner, Director of Communications and Marketing Masonic Care Community 315/798-4768 [email protected]

Come Visit This Spring

hen this edition of the Empire State Mason magazine Tours of the Masonic Care Community include a bit of finds its way to your door, we will be finishing off our walking, so if you have a member of your group who has ThanksgivingW leftovers and looking forward to Hanukkah, mobility issues, bring along a wheelchair or walker. We usually Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The weather in New York begin in the Health Pavilion, where our skilled nursing and State will be typical of this time of year, cold and most likely a rehabilitation center is located. We then move on to the Adult little snowy. But this is the perfect time to plan your Lodge or Residential community of Wiley Hall and conclude at Acacia District trip to see the facility that has been caring for people Village for lunch. After lunch we will tour the Museum and since 1893, your Masonic Care Community. the Daniel D. Tompkins Chapel (if there are no weddings We welcome tours at any time and of any size. But pre- scheduled on the day of your visit). If weddings are scheduled, planning is important, especially if your group wants to visit we will do our best to find an opportunity to get your tour on Saturday. Contact our office to select a date when you into the Chapel. would like to visit. Follow up a month before the date you Anytime is a great time to visit your Masonic Care selected so we know you are still on target to visit. Two weeks Community. Contact our office at 315/798-4768 or by email before your visit, let us know how many people are in your at [email protected]. group so we can adequately serve you. While we are unable to cover transportation to and from Utica, we will provide a delicious lunch.

Summer Fun for Trinity & Sister Circle

rinity Lodge 12 held its annual picnic at Belmont Lake did a great job organizing the food. His wife, Sister Luann, TState Park on July 17, under the Pine Pavilion. Eighty made all the salads, which were delicious. Brothers and guests thrilled to a great day of Masonic The Sisters of the Trinity Sister Circle held their annual camaraderie and great food. The kids hit the playgrounds and picnic at the home of Vice President, Joann. Thirteen Sisters there were paddleboats and rowboats to enjoy on the lake. enjoyed a delicious meal of filet mignon, string beans and The raffle table is always a hit, as the kids anticipate being salads. Joann’s husband Hans was a good sport and cooked able to choose some treasures. Junior Warden Chris Dunne the filet on the barbecue. The ladies’ homemade desserts were delicious and the Sisters were stuffed. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 17 Masonic Care Community KAYLA HARTMAN, MCC Development Marketing Assistant 315/798-4800 [email protected]

New Procedure for Reserving Rooms in Memorial Building

he Masonic Care Community is fortunate to have a to the affordability of our Wintergarden Café for breakfast, Tbuilding that can be used by our campus visitors. The lunch, and dinner. Memorial Building is located on the site of the original The number of requests we receive to stay in the Memorial Booth Memorial Children’s Building that was constructed Building, as well as security of our campus, have necessitated in 1898 and razed in the 1960s. The current building was some changes in our reservation policy. As of August 22, originally used to house the older Home boys, then our more the procedure to reserve a room in the Memorial Building independent seniors. In 2016 major renovations were made to on MCC’s campus has changed. The preferred method of this structure, as it is in constant use. reserving a room will be to email [email protected]. The Memorial Building is used by individuals who are You will receive an email to confirm your reservation. You can visiting our residents on campus and by members of the also call 315/798-4800, where you will be directed to someone Fraternity. The rooms are modest, but adequate, and afford who can take your reservation. comfortable accommodations on the campus. We do our best MCC asks that you make reservations as far ahead as possible, to provide rooms dependent on need, such as putting those as there are several weekends each year that are unavailable due with mobility issues on the first floor. Our housekeeping staff to on-campus events. Payment must be made at the reception will provide towels and clean bedding, but do not enter rooms desk upon checkout. Reminder: MCC is a non-smoking while individuals are staying with us. The Memorial Building campus and pets are not allowed to stay in the Memorial features a community room on the first floor that is equipped Building. The full policy for staying in the Memorial Building with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker for your is available upon request. convenience. While staying on campus, you also have access Weedsport 385 Service Awards

eedsport held a service awards night on September 24. RW David Barnello,W GDC of the Cayuga-Tompkins District and WM Harvard Harding presented 60-year awards to RW Joe Marshall and W Ralph McDowell and a 55-year award to W Burton Ward. RW Cortland Ketchum, a 60-year recipient, and 50-year recipients Brother David Hazer and W Melvin Marshall were unable to attend but were recognized for their long service.

Row 2 (l-r) RW David Barnello, W Harvard Harding Seated (l-r) W Burton Ward, W Ralph McDowell, and RW Joe Marshall

18 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Acacia Village linda rae avolio, Retirement Counselor Acacia Village 315/798-4775 [email protected]

Acacia Village Welcomes New Neighbors

om and Penny Smedley moved to Acacia Village in June of 2016. Downsizing and moving to a new home is not Tnew for them. They have moved nine times during their fifty- two years of marriage. Tom and Penny owned funeral homes in Rockland County in the Suffern, New York area for many years. They worked together, with Tom as the Funeral Director and Penny assisting him as hairdresser and cosmetologist. Penny was also a Dental Assistant and Receptionist. After they retired they relocated to Raquette Lake to a home that Penny designed, and later built a beautiful custom-designed home in Old Forge. When Tom first called me in the fall of 2011 he wanted to assure me that they were not “hot” prospects, they were just looking down the road and planning for the future. At they play Pitch and Hand and Foot. Over the summer Penny that time they were already familiar with our campus. Tom played croquet and had her friends visit to play dominoes. had been here for Masonic functions and Penny had firsthand Tom lends his voice to our Acacia Village Chorus and they knowledge of our excellent rehab at the Masonic Care rehearse a few times each week. Community, having recovered here following a car accident. When they first moved in and began going to the Terrace In the fall of 2013 they finally came for a tour of Acacia Dining Room, when the hostess was seating them, they Village. It was going to be difficult for them to leave their asked to sit with everybody and anybody and found that was home in Old Forge, but Penny knew immediately which style a wonderful way to get to know their neighbors. They were of apartment would work best for them. When they moved surprised at how quickly the wait staff knew their names; but they would want a two-bedroom, with the living room in on one of their first visits into the dining room Tom jokingly between the bedrooms, in building B (the new expansion). ordered the vegetable “Smedley” instead of medley, so they They would use the smaller bedroom for their den. definitely made a memorable impression from the start. Penny has a real knack for interior design and whenever they They are on the go a lot. Penny belongs to the Broadway came for subsequent visits over the next few years, they always Theater League and goes to shows at the historic Stanley brought the tape measure and plotted with precision. They Theater downtown and Tom enjoys the Utica-Rome Speedway, love antiques and discovered that they would be able to keep Central New York’s home for NASCAR. Penny has a booth at some of their most cherished pieces and, as Tom says, “No Showcase Antiques in Little Falls and enjoys photography and matter where we live, she always makes it home.” I am amazed making and selling photo note cards. at how much furniture they fit into the living room and yet it Tom has been a Mason for over fifty years. He is Chaplain doesn’t look crowded at all. of Northwoods Lodge 849. Tom is also active as Chaplain for I asked them both what a typical day is like for you here at area Masonic Lodge meetings, assisting his longtime friend Acacia Village and Tom is quick to say that no two days are the RW District Deputy Grand Master of the Oneida District, same. He says, “You can basically do whatever you want to do, Carl Klossner. Tom is happy to offer rides to meetings to his when you want to do it.” fellow Brothers here at Acacia Village whenever possible. Penny goes to the pool most mornings and with her water Tom and Penny and their cat Sammy are a nice addition weights does a vigorous aerobic workout. She says it makes a to our Acacia Village family. If you’d like to learn about big impact on her, both physically and mentally. Tom likes to becoming a neighbor of theirs, even if you’re not ready yet, start his day in the apartment reading the paper cover to cover call us at 315/798-4775 and check out our website at www. and watching current events unfold on the news networks. acaciavillageny.org. They enjoy playing cards with their neighbors. Most weeks

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 19 Uma aventura histórica para Três Irmãos da Grande Loja de Nova Iorque (A historic adventure for three Brothers from the Grand Lodge of New York)

his adventure was set in motion shortly after the The Radio Show completion of the regular 2016 Olympics and just before Grand Master Paulo Tthe start of the Para Athletic Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. MW Roberto Pithan Flores Jeffrey M. Williamson, Grand Master New York, RW William places a strong emphasis M. Sardone, Grand Master of DeMolay International, and on communication within RW Edmund D. Harrison, Past General Grand High Priest his jurisdiction. His Grand of General Grand Chapter International, had the opportunity Lodge offers a computer app to travel to Brazil to witness a truly historic and significant so the brethren can connect occurrence. The purpose: to rekindle existing Masonic with their smart phones. relationships, forge new friendships and enjoy firsthand the The Grand Lodge also has spectacular Brazilian unity and spirit of Brotherly Love and a radio station as a part of Affection. The opportunity was made possible thanks to newly their communication efforts signed treaties of joint recognition between several state Grand and the station provides Lodges and their respective Grand Orients. music, information and Our four-day, jam-packed adventure began Thursday, interviews as part of its September 1 with our flight to Porto Alegre in the State of Rio regular programming. Grande do Sul. Porto Alegre is the capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. It is the land of the “gaucho” and was founded in 1769. It has a population of 1.5 million. On arrival we were eagerly and enthusiastically greeted by our host and sponsor, Grand Master Paulo Roberto Pithan Flores, and his delegation from the Grand Lodge of Rio Grande do Sul. The welcoming committee consisted of many members of his Grand Line, including RW Rony Fernandes Pinto Junior, the Grand Secretary of Foreign Affairs, who was instrumental in arranging for our visit. We loaded our luggage into the twelve-passenger van and proceeded to the Grand Lodge of Rio Grande do Sul. There we were greeted by four or five visiting Grand Masters from South and Central American jurisdictions, W Paul Derrica from the Grand Lodge of Portugal as well as several Past Grand Masters from the Grand Lodge of Rio Grande do Sul. After offering strong Brazilian coffee and exchanging pleasantries, the Grand Master conducted a VIP tour of the four-story Grand Lodge Grand Master Pithan invited the visiting delegation into building. We marveled at the many interesting, symbolic the sound studio to participate in a half-hour Masonic talk and ornamental features of the Lodge rooms. As one might show. With translators for Portuguese, English and Spanish, expect, the Grand Lodge building has many administrative the practiced moderator asked pointed questions and voiced and executive offices and departments and a new multi-story concerns. The various Grand Masters responded succinctly expansion to their building is underway. and professionally. The experience was exhilarating but the scene must have looked like a session from the United Nations. A Celebration of DeMolay That evening the visiting dignitaries gathered in the main foyer of the Grand Lodge, passing though a large contingent of a DeMolay honor guard. Almost a hundred young DeMolays gathered to meet and greet RW William M. Sardone, Grand Master of DeMolay International. When all was in order, the enthusiastic young men from the Order of DeMolay assembled and expertly opened the Chapter in full form. After the opening ceremonies they greeted the guests according to protocol. continues on page 21

20 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Next, the Brothers of the DeMolay entertained with the completion of the ceremony the entire assemblage rose an inspirational play entitled “Reflections of a Gaucho with thunderous applause, which transformed into the unison Revolutionary.” It is the story of a Revolutionary soldier and ever-quickening rhythm of the DeMolay applause. The inspired by Brother General Garibaldi, who speaks to the humble Grand Master asked his son to join him on the floor DeMolay boys about “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” and of the Lodge and offered beautiful remarks that now, as Grand reminds them with its closing charge, “Never forget, all of you! Master, he was one of them. There was not a dry eye in the That a nation without virtue ends up being a slave.” place. The next speaker was Brother Thiago Rijo Dias da Costa, Historic Meeting at Caxias do Sul Grand Master of the DeMolay in Brazil, who introduced RW On Friday, September 2 the delegation travelled two and William M. Sardone, Grand Master of DeMolay International. one-half hours via passenger van to Caxias do Sul. It is located After delivering a rousing speech to the young men of the in the state’s mountainous Serra Gaúcha region. The city was DeMolay, RW Sardone revealed that he learned that afternoon established in 1890 by Italian immigrants. It is the second that Grand Master Pithan never had the opportunity to become largest city in the State of Rio Grande do Sul with a population a member of the Order of DeMolay. The Grand Master stated of 415,000. that he loved the Order of the DeMolay and was very proud After a tour of the city, lunch and hotel check-in, we travelled that his son was also a member as well as a Mason. RW Sardone to the Duque de Caxias III Milênio Lodge No. 237 for the announced that he would take care of this issue immediately. formal evening ceremonies. As our van arrived, we observed To the astonishment of those present, he made Grand Master dozens and dozens of cars overflowing the Lodge’s parking lot Pithan a “DeMolay on Sight,” proceeding with the DeMolay and beyond. Delegations from throughout Brazil and abroad dignitaries to obligate and dub the Grand Master. had gathered for this opportunity. As we approached the As the ceremony and obligation took place the young men Lodge Hall it was obvious that a large number of Brothers watched with huge smiles on their face and bursting with were staging inside the Social Hall in order to enter the second pride as their beloved Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of floor Lodge room. Rio Grande do Sul became a member of the DeMolay. At With great enthusiasm, the Brothers of Brazil entered the Lodge room. The visiting dignitaries donned their regalia. Each delegation solemnly entered and was received by Grand Master Pithan from the Grand Lodge of Rio Grande do Sul and Grand Master Tadeu Pedro Drago, the Grand Master of the Grande Oriente do Rio Grande do Sul. The delegation from New York was the last to enter the Lodge room and members were received individually. Grand Master Williamson enjoyed the privilege of sitting with Grand Master Pithan and Grand Master Drago in the Grand East. Many in attendance could not recall a sitting Grand Master from New York attending a Grand Lodge in Brazil. In the best Masonic tradition, the dignitaries continues on page 22

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 21 continues from page 21 Thomas Smith Webb Lodge and the York Rite offered comments and declarations. It was a time for wonderful and sincere expressions of unity and brotherly love. The following Masonic leaders offered remarks of note: MW Rudy Barbosa Levy, PGM of Bolivia, Executive Secretary of the Confederatión Masónica Interamericana; Grand Master Javier Lopez G. of the Grand Lodge of Baja California (GLNY recognized them in July of 2016); Past Grand Master Iraci da Silva Borges of the Gran Logia do Parana; and Grand Master Edgar Sanchez Caballero of the Grand Lodge of Paraguay (GLNY recognized them in March of 2016); and Most Excellent João Guilherme Ribeiro, Past Deputy of the General Grand Priest, GGC International. Grand Master Tadeu Pedro Drago, Grand Master of the Grand Orient, and Grand Master Paulo Roberto Pithan On Saturday, September 3 the delegation was in for a special Flores, Grand Master of the State Grand Lodge, presented treat when we visited an American York Rite Lodge named honorary memberships to the New York delegation. They also in honor of Thomas Smith Webb. This Lodge does its work so honored MW Rudy Barbosa Levy and ME João Guilherme utilizing the Grand Lodge of the State of New York ritual. Ribeiro. A few years ago, and with permission, our ritual was offered to them and translated into the Portuguese language for their The Gavel and Proclamation use. Under the leadership of ME Edmund D. Harrison, together with dedicated Brazilian Brothers ME Christian Farias Santos, Deputy General Grand High Priest, ME João Guilherme Ribeiro and others too numerous to list, the American York

The Grand Master of New York made comments and offered fraternal greetings on behalf of the 38,000 Brothers of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. He remarked Rite System of Masonry launched across Brazil. Over the years, on the overwhelming and tremendous sprit of Brotherly Love, Grand Master Williamson has worked side by side with these Affection and Unity that permeated this historic meeting. Brazilian Brothers teaching, coaching, guiding and mentoring A Proclamation from the Grand Lodge of the State of New all the way through the process. He is known throughout York was read before the brethren and Grand Master Pithan Brazil as the “Coach.” received a special historical gavel. The brethren responded The Thomas Smith with a standing ovation. As a further sign of Unity, the Grand Webb Lodge is only one Master invited Grand Master Drago of the Grand Orient to year old and is overflowing share the gift and each Grand Master lifted it up high for all with many energetic and to see. enthusiastic members. We were thrilled to learn that the work on their Trestleboard that morning was the conferral of the First Degree of Masonry. After the visiting dignitaries entered and settled in, Grand Master Pithan generously vacated his chair in the East and allowed the Grand Master of New York to sit to the right of the Worshipful Master. Despite my gentle protestation, Grand Master Pithan said, “You are Home!...Please…Sit.” Therefore, with much pride and excitement, the Coach took a front row seat to watch the Degree work unfold. The New York delegation enjoyed and understood every part of the Degree and could continues on page 23 22 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 mentally follow along as the ritual progressed. To watch and participate in a Lodge using the New York ritual in Brazil was truly an epic and amazing experience. Fraternidad Lodge No. 4

Our next stop was to visit and lunch with the Brothers of Fraternidad Lodge 4. Over the past four months the Lodge has been constructing a new Lodge building. The actual Lodge room is 100% complete but the Social Hall and exterior are still in progress. As we stepped into the unfinished Social Hall, the brethren greeted us with generous applause. We were welcomed by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge. With the assistance of our local interpreter we exchanged pleasantries and made speeches. A contingent of Order of DeMolay greeted RW Sardone and presented him a beautiful leather clock. Fraternidad Lodge Finale No. 4 Brothers were Sunday night concluded our whirlwind sojourn and the beaming with pride next morning we would travel several hours to Porto Alegre via and delighted to passenger van on our return journey to New York. The final show us their new dinner contained many toasts and emotional reminiscences, building. All sixty and we were very sad to say adieu. The magical gift we each members of the share in our beloved Fraternity is the opportunity to meet a Lodge are working Mason in any part of the world and to immediately become very hard to make his friend and Brother. The New York delegation can only their magnificent express our sincerest appreciation to our Brazilian Brothers. Masonic Hall come We were privileged to be invited into their world and witness to fruition. the unity and spirit of Brotherly Love and Affection. Town of Gramado On Sunday, September 4 the last leg of our journey took us to Gramado. This small tourist town was originally settled in 1875 by Portuguese immigrants. Five years later, the first German immigrants arrived and they were followed shortly after by Italian immigrants from the Italian settlements in Caxias do Sul. Many of the buildings in this town resemble Bavarian and German architecture. Estrela De Gramado Lodge No. 126 The delegation took a brief tour of the town and ultimately On the day of departure, we looked at each other and agreed arrived at Estrela De Gramado Lodge No. 126. With much that none of us wanted to leave. We also agreed that we must pride, Worshipful Eugenio Bertolucci and several members of go back to our respective homes and Lodges to bring them the Lodge showed us their neat and compact Masonic Hall. the lessons we learned in this brief time. It was a time where This Lodge is only twenty-three years old and the furnishings Masonic Brothers were reunited, new friendships established of the Lodge are both symbolic and beautiful. The Scottish and a unanimous feeling cemented that Freemasonry truly is Rite also meets in the building. In the front of the Lodge is a a “Way of Life.” large rough ashlar and a real acacia tree. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 23 The 2016 Grand Master’s Cruise

t has become a tradition that the officers of the Grand Lodge just a few blocks away from the museum. He donated to the of the State of New York and its dedicated cadre of “cruisers” museum the antique bed that he used as a child and it was on Iset off on an annual adventure to seek fun and fellowship. This display for all to see. year, eighty-seven members of our Masonic family traveled to On the return trip, over thirty Brothers set up a Lodge room St. John, New Brunswick on a short four-day cruise. on the busy ship and sequestered it for a special Degree at St. John is Canada’s oldest city, located on the Bay of Fundy. Sea. At the request and under the dispensation of MW Jeffrey St. John became the home of many Loyalist families after the M. Williamson, the brethren and Masonic friends of Mariners American Revolution. The port has very fascinating galleries Lodge 67 conferred the Fellowcraft Degree upon a candidate and shops and the main attraction is the Market Square. of the Lodge while aboard ship in international waters. This is At dockside you can watch the cruise ships come in while only the second time such an event is recorded in the annals dining in one of the fine restaurants or pubs located along the of the Grand Lodge, the first being during the 2014 Grand waterside. Master’s Cruise. Mariners Lodge, which was founded by ship th One of the interesting features of St. John is the Reversing captains in the early 19 century and has kept close ties to its Rapids, as the tides of the Bay of Fundy actually force the maritime origins, is most grateful to the Grand Master for the waters at the mouth of the St. John River to reverse their flow. opportunity. As New York Masons, we were especially excited to tour the The candidate for the Degree, having been found suitably headquarters and Lodge rooms of the Most Worshipful Grand proficient in the Degree of Entered Apprentice, was duly Lodge of F&AM of New Brunswick. Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft. From Mariners Lodge, After our Grand Lodge tour, we trekked two blocks to the W Kofi Osei-Tutu presided from the East, VW Francisco Loyalist Museum. There we learned about the mass migrations Nunez-Fondeur occupied the West, Brother Angel Hernandez of Loyalists sailing from the Mid-Atlantic Colonies to the new sat in the South and RW Samuel Lloyd Kinsey performed frontier region. These were men, women and children who as the Senior Deacon. They were assisted by RW Edmund had given their allegiance to the Crown. A remarkable fact “Ted” Harrison as Chaplain, Brothers Martin Kanter for our group was to learn that the ancestors of our very own and Sheldon Richman as Senior and Junior Masters RW Edmund D. Harrison were Loyalist who left their homes of Ceremony, Brother David Menegon as Marshal in New Jersey and moved to St. John. RW Harrison was born and Brothers Paul Guerrero and Peter Stein as

24 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Stewards. The Middle Chamber Lecture was performed by grateful to travel director Judi Stern for her personal donation RW Kinsey, all Brothers participated in the exemplification of of $400 to the Wiley Hall project. the Lecture of Forms and Ceremonies and Brother Hernandez At the end of the journey, looking back, we had a great time delivered the Charge. of fellowship. We are looking forward to October of 2017, The Degree was conferred in the ship’s piano bar, which when the Grand Lodge of the State of New York will be presented some unique challenges: the glass walls had to be making a special pilgrimage to England for the tercentennial covered with butcher paper, a huge circular bar occupied of the United Grand Lodge of England. Stay tuned for details. the center of the room and most of the chairs and tables were bolted to the floor. As one may imagine, there was a certain amount of creativity in the perambulations and other movements about the Lodge room, but it was undoubtedly no more than our Masonic ancestors would have done in a tavern or other temporary accommodations. Great thanks are due to Grand Marshal RW James R. Kintzel and cruise organizer Judi Stern for getting everything worked out so we would have a secure place to confer the Degree. For those unfamiliar with the cruise experience, life on board offers many entertainment venues, which include hospitality, pools and hot tubs, Las Vegas-type shows and luxury dining. Despite the trip’s short duration it gave our Masonic cruisers a chance to make new friendships and to catch up with old friends. We are pleased to announce that the Grand Master’s Cruise raised $2,400 towards our charity. And we are very

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 25

SAVE THE DATE!

ST. JOHN’S DAY 2017

Friday, June 23 7 a.m.-4 p.m. - D.D. and S.O. Training at MCC 10 a.m. - Ladies tea at Wiley Hall 12 Noon - 2 p.m. - Ladies program Garden party 5 p.m. - Friday night service in the Synagogue 6 p.m. -“Margaritaville” picnic on the Great Lawn. Dress in “Island”attire! All Masons and their families who are attending the St. John’s Day weekend events are invited to attend!

Saturday, June 24 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. - Vendor set up on the Great Lawn. We urge Masonic groups to set up a tent and showcase your activities! Contact Kayla at [email protected] for information! 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendors, food and activities on the Great Lawn 10 a.m. - Men’s coffee with the Grand Line and Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home in the Atruim of the Health Pavilion 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Entertainment on the Great Lawn 1 p.m. - Masonic War Veterans ceremony in for of the Soldiers and Sailors Building 2 p.m. - Masonic march to the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel 2:30 p.m. - Investiture service in the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel

Sunday, June 25 9:00 a.m. - Sunday morning services at the Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. All events are subject to change. If you would like to schedule a meeting of the Masonic Organization on campus during the weekend, please make your request by e-mail. Include all pertinent information as to number of attendees, requirements, etc. to [email protected] . Continue to check our website at mccny.com . For updates, contact kathy at 315/798-4768 with any questions.

26 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Jephtha Hosts Expedition by Arthur Myers

n Friday, September 23 Brothers and guests from Jephtha We at Jephtha Lodge strive to make our guests happy. We Lodge 494, Huntington, NY, including Donald Marino, showed our thankfulness for our veterans’s service to the OJohn Lentinello, Edward Carlson, Geoff Cohen, Howard United States of America. We thank WM Donald Marino of Farber, Robert Gardioso, Joe Inzerillo, Cory Morris, Arthur Amityville Lodge and WM John Lentinello of Jephtha Lodge Myers, Robert Orsillo and Robert Previto, shared the day with for organizing and sponsoring this successful charitable event. veterans from the Northport Veterans Hospital. Our Jephtha Brothers, can you spare a few hours of your time to help those Lodge Fishing Expeditionary Force of veterans and guests who gave all their time to preserve your liberty, freedom and sailed out from Captree State Park on a beautiful sun filled way of life? day. There was camaraderie and happiness in everyone’s heart.

(l-r) Robert Gardioso, Robert Previto, John Lentinello, Cory Morris, Joe Inzerillo, Arthur Myers, Robert Orsillo, Edward Carlson, Howard Farber, Camera Man: Geoff Cohen.

We caught many fish but most were small and had to be set free. However, one of our guest volunteers, Robert Orsillo, took the two prize catches, a weakfish and trigger fish. Robert is a US Navy veteran. He served with Strike Fighter Squadron Row 1 (l-r) Front: Edward Carlson, Robert Previto, 14, “The Top-Hatters,” aboard the aircraft carrier USS John Row 2 (l-r) Joe Inzerillo, Geoff Cohen, Arthur Myers F. Kennedy (CV-67). Robert saw action during the Vietnam war and Mid-East conflicts. Robert spent time reminiscing with us and the other veterans. And he donated his two prize catches to members of the VA group. Smiles and cheer were the order of the day, with a delicious, fresh seafood dinner for those VA group members.

Robert Orsillo (left), crew member and the weakfish and trigger fish

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 27 Steuben Lodge Awards and Recognition

(l-r) RW William Hassoldt, Brother Herbert Fort, 70 years; and (l-r) RW William Hassoldt, Brother Chester A. Bush, 65 years; RW Matt Mehlenbacher and RW Mat Mehlenbacher

(l-r) RW William Hasssoldt, Brother William Tobin, 45 years; (l-r) RW William Hassoldt, Brother Ira Wood, 35 years; and RW and RW Matt Mehlenbacher Matt Mehlenbacher

teuben Lodge 112 of Bath, New York recently held its Deputy Grand Master, presented the certificate and the pin annual Awards and Recognition Dinner to honor several was presented by W Kenneth McGlynn, the Master of the SBrothers representing over 500 years of Masonic service, as Lodge. Brother Ralston’s family presented his fifty-year apron. well as the surviving spouses of our departed Brothers. Guest At the ceremony and dinner were members of the Lodge and speaker for the evening was Lynn Dinehart, from the Bath their wives and members of the Ralston family. VA Medical Center Voluntary Services, who spoke on service to veterans and explained how veterans could receive medical care services. Those presented longevity awards by RW William Hassoldt, District Deputy Grand Master and RW Matthew Mehlenbacher retiring District Deputy Grand Master were: Brother Herbert Fort with seventy years; Brother Chester A. Bush, sixty-five years; Brother William Tobin, forty-five years; and Brother Ira Wood, thirty-five years. Not present to receive their awards were: Brother Henry Morse, sixty years; Brothers James C. Allen and Robert Mericle, fifty-five years; Brothers Gary Waldo and Russell Ralston, fifty years; Brother John Shaut, thirty-five years and Brother Aaron Jackson, twenty years. In a separate ceremony, Steuben Lodge 112 of Bath honored Brother Russell R. Ralston with his fifty- year certificate, pin, Brother Russell R. Ralston, 50 years and RW William Hassoldt, and fifty-year apron in July. RW William Hassoldt, District DDGM 28 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 From the Webmaster Brother KENNETH JP STUCZYNSKI, Webmaster 716/241-1329 www.Kentropolis.com [email protected]

eople my age are grateful the Internet did not exist in the online, there are very important things to remember. First, days of our youth. Perhaps we did things that shouldn’t what you post and the way you communicate is a reflection Pbe on YouTube or said things we wouldn’t want on Twitter upon the Craft. Even between Brothers, it’s all too easy to or shared on Facebook. But today we live in a world where disrespect another’s opinion from a keyboard in the middle of permanent indiscretion only takes a fleeting moment. Even the night. Do we live up to the virtue of Civility promoted by if we don’t say anything we regret, there’s the issue of privacy. our previous and current Grand Masters? Online or off, we are This is why some of us want nothing to do with Social Media. charged to be upright. But can we ignore it? If your Lodge doesn’t have a site, you Secondly, just because the tools are there doesn’t make them missed the chance to be cutting edge by twenty years. That the right tools for all our labours. Many of us are business boat has sailed. A website can still be very useful, but the main people (or even webmasters), and we strive for the transparency form of communication is now Social Media. Your members and group collaboration technology now provides. It seems a don’t use it? That’s fine, but nearly every person considering crime not to use it. the Craft does, several times per day. And there are multitudes But don’t forget we are Freemasons. We do not tile and purge of Brothers across the state (and world) of all ages that actively the Lodge because what we do or say would shock the public. use it. It’s the primary place Masons discover—and then Privacy bestows freedom of speech—a sacred space to be open attend—events across your District and beyond. and honest. The judgment of the profane world is taken out of What is the result of letting that boat sail? An “old” Lodge the equation, and we cannot be taken out of context by those will not be a fit for “new” members. We are confronted with who do not know our ways. That is one reason minutes should the choice of embracing and witnessing the Masonry of a new not be available in digital form, anywhere. The prohibition generation or waiting for the last Brother left to turn in the still applies for photographs or ritual. What we experience charter. The challenge is for all generations to meet onthe should impress the mind, not the screen. level, and without being in touch with today’s ways (as well as Technology does not dictate our prudence. Our prudence the old) that isn’t possible. dictates our words and actions, regardless of technology. But even if you are engaging each other and the public Whatever tools you use, use them well—and with wisdom. Niagara-Orleans Recognizes Brotherhood Fund Efforts

(l-r) RW J. C. Seefeldt; RW Peter Stein, DDGM; Brother Frank RW John Seefeldt, RW Peter Stein, W Jonathan Incho—receiving Berger; W Kevin Jester, Brotherhood Chairman Masonic Brotherhood Fund Achievement Award for 2015- RW Peter Stein, DDGM, presented Brother Frank Berger DSA 2016 for Medina Lodge 336—and W Kevin Jester, Masonic the Masonic Brotherhood Fund Achievement Award from the Brotherhood Fund Chairman for the Niagara-Orleans District. Masonic Brotherhood Fund Committee. Brother Berger is a Past Masonic Brotherhood Fund Chairman.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 29

International Order Organization New York DeMolay of the Rainbow for Girls in NY of Triangles, Inc. 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica, New York 13501 Mrs. Gale Gould Mary Madison rW William M Sardone Office (315) 798-4922 Supreme Nature & State Director Supreme Inspector in NY executive Officer Fax (315) 798-4798 35 Maple Street Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: NYDemolay.org Auburn, New York 13021 Website: www.nytriangle.org : Facebook.com/NYDemolay Phone: 315-253-8206 : facebook.com/OOTNY e-mail: [email protected] : Twitter.com/NYDeMolay Website: www.nyiorg.org : NYDeMolay : facebook.com/NY Rainbow Rainbow Gets Girls Ready for Life! ew York Rainbow has truly been having a magical experience this year with our mascot Snoopy and all of our wonderful Ngirls. We had a great turnout at our annual leadership weekend for the Grand Officers in June. As we participated in getting to know each other, public speaking, self-reflection, and lots of team building activities, we found out about “Making a change, we’re ‘leaf-ing’ it up to you” as our theme for the weekend. In July forty-one NY girls and advisors traveled to Providence, Rhode Island for our biennial international Supreme sessions. New York was well represented by our Junior Past GWA, Danielle. She served beautifully as Acting Supreme Chaplain. Our current GWA Samantha represented our state, carrying our flag in the amazing cavalcade of all flags. Several of our girls participated in the international Supreme choir. And all the girls and adults worked hard as NY directed the super fun and informative “Amazing Rainbow Race” for the jurisdictional skits. We were very excited and proud as our own Mom Gale was installed as Supreme Nature and is now an international officer for the next two years. As we enter into our busy fall season we have many initiations of new members, installations of new officers, Grand Officer area receptions, advisor meetings and lots of assembly meetings and activities on the calendar. We invite members of our Masonic family to join us at any time. Please contact Mrs. Gale Gould at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like more information on volunteering as an advisor or bringing Rainbow to your neighborhood.

30 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 DeMolay is the Way

ver thirty DeMolays, Sweethearts, Advisors and parents Chapter Advisor John Truebger, for hosting the event that from Meridian Sun, Ridge Council, Rochester and brought together the Chapters in Lakes Region for the first OTrinity Chapters converged on Camp DeMolay in Sodus time in a long time. DeMolays and Sweethearts discussed Point, New York. It was a great weekend of fun and fellowship plans for future events and Advisors shared memories and for everyone who attended. discussed the future of Lakes Region, as well. Friendships and A big thank-you goes to Rochester Chapter, and especially bonds are created in the DeMolay tradition.

My Name is Rocky

rother Mark Donnelly, PhD, a member of of visiting and assisting hospitalized veterans in Harmonie Lodge 699 Amherst, NY, is an Veterans Administration Hospitals and facilities in Baccomplished and acclaimed author of children’s the State of New York. During these visits veterans books. Brother Mark has recently published a are provided with comfort items, clothing and new book for ages 5-9 titled My Name Is Rocky. entertainment programs. Our hospitalized This is a heart-warming story about a dog who veterans and this program will benefit greatly always finds the bright side of any situation. from his very generous donation. The offspring of a mother who belonged to My Name is Rocky is inspirational reading a homeless veteran, Rocky was born under a for children ages 5-9 and anyone who has railroad bridge and was eventually sent to an a heart for homeless veterans and sheltered animal shelter, and finally adopted by a loving pets. If you are looking for a wonderful family. Rocky’s positive spirit is proof that it’s Christmas gift for that special child or not where you start but where you finish—a grandchild, may we recommend this valuable life lesson for us all. publication. The book is available directly Brother Donnelly has very generously donated through the publisher, Rock, Paper, Scissors the profits from all of his books to charity. With Publishing Co., 429 Englewood Avenue, this publication Mark has decided to donate the Kenmore, NY 14223, www.rpspublishing.com, profits to the Masonic War Veterans ongoing project in all Barnes & Noble Stores or online at www.barnesandnoble.com.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 31 Committee on Youth RW Cary S. Cohn, Chairman 516/781-1157 [email protected]

Freemasonry has always had an interest in the education an informative lecture on the Masonic history of Scouting. and well-being of our youth. The Grand Lodge of New York The evening ends with an ice cream social and the parting of Committee on Youth furthers that interest by supporting a new friends. But this night is only the beginning of a lasting number of organizations for young people. The committee relationship where both organizations help each other in so also facilitates the following awards for excellence in youth: many ways. the Masonic Eagle Scout Award, the Masonic Girl Scout “I am grateful for the opportunity Award and the Frank M. Totton Essay Contest. For adults to serve our youth and Grand Lodge. who have shown dedication to working with youth we offer I’m especially excited to share how the the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award, the Douglas Masonic Youth Groups in my District MacArthur Award for Exemplary Service to Youth and the have impacted my family. As a Fraternity, Masonic Youth Activities Award. we are building future leaders and making Recently, the MW Jeffrey M. Williamson appointed two a tremendous positive impact on the world new members to our Grand Lodge of New York’s Committee today. If you want him to be a Lewis, you on Youth. They are Brothers Ken Samarra and W Ed Draves. will want him to be a DeMolay.” They have this to say: W Ed Draves 716/208-3346 “I am honored by this appointment as [email protected] it will not only allow me to further my Western Star Lodge 1185 and West Seneca Lodge 1111 work with the Boy Scouts as a Masonic W Brother Ed is the Erie District’s Youth Chairman, where Scouter, but will also provide me with he helps Brothers actively invest in their local Masonic youth the opportunity to strengthen relations groups. He recommends every Lodge have its own Youth between Freemasonry and other youth Chairman. He also encourages acquaintance with the youth, organizations. As Freemasons, we like to to put faces to the names. Ed also provides a roadmap to say, ‘We make good men better’ and the success by educating Masons on the rules and practices of best place to start making good citizens is DeMolay, Rainbows and Triangles. His nine years as an Active with our youth.” Masonic Youth Advisor and as Youth Chair in two Lodges and Ken Samarra 585/278-8402 2nd Erie District (2014-15) make him duly qualified for his [email protected] new appointment. Union Star Lodge 320 and Union Lodge 45 The brotherhood appreciates Ken and Ed’s enthusiasm as Brother Ken is chairman of the Boy Scout Masonic Outreach they assume their roles on the committee. They’ve both stepped Committee, a pilot program in his area that facilitates up and are off to a great start. As these two Brothers—along cooperation between Lodges and their local Scout troops. At with the rest of the Grand Lodge Committee on Youth—reach arranged visits, the boys are treated to dinner and really get to out to you, please give them all the support you can. Do it for know the Brothers. Afterwards, in the Lodge room, Ken gives our youth.

32 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Camp Turk

nce again, the Masonic Yacht Club visited Camp Turk sponsored a sailing regatta at Camp you should make it OTurk. Past Commodore Bob Stein, a point to check it Trinity Lodge, new member Frank out. Chrissotimos, Weiland Lodge—both There is something of the Ninth Manhattan District—and at Camp Turk for First Mate Kathy Stein and Frank’s son everyone and the John ventured to Camp to witness the staff is competent and well skilled in and the trophies are on display during boys’ regatta and present trophies to the running so many different activities. lunch to build the excitement. There is winning teams. The group got into the Coming from downstate, the trip to always good-natured ribbing as to who camping spirit as they spent the night in Camp Turk is rather long but well will win. The race takes place during the a bunkhouse and enjoyed the camp and worth the effort, as any camper will tell afternoon session at the waterfront. its activities. you. Reluctant moms should make it a Besides sponsoring the race, MYC The visitors showed their appreciation point to visit the facilities so they can be to Camp Director Molly and Camp comfortable in knowing their children Director Richard for their gracious are in such competent hands. hospitality. They took many pictures of The staff at Camp Turk is always the facilities and encourage members of very appreciative of the MYC’s support local Lodges to send their children and and reports that regatta is one of the grandchildren to Camp Turk. highlights at camp. The campers are This camp is a hidden gem in the competitive and look forward to the beautiful Adirondack region of the state. trophies for first, second and third It is on the pristine waters of Round places. The remaining four-man boat Lake and it is a joy to watch the campers teams receive trophies, as well. participate in so many activities that bring so many smiles. It is well equipped for summer activities that include arts and crafts, theater, computers, sports and a beautifully equipped waterfront. It is a great bargain and very reasonably presented Molly with a donation priced. If you have sons and daughters from a friend of the Yacht Club, who between the ages of eight and sixteen generously gives a donation to purchase you should consider sending them to something from the camp’s wish list. Camp Turk next year. If you have never We are grateful to our benefactor for his generosity and kindness and Molly and the camp are always very thankful for this donation. We were pleased to see many sons or grandsons of Ninth Manhattan District members. Many of our Brothers, in Generally, ten to twelve Hobie particular our newer, younger members, Cat sailboats, each with four kids, must be made aware of the facility that participate in the regatta. The campers we have for children at Round Lake. are enthusiastic during the festivities 9th Manhattan Sons and Grandsons Enjoy Camp Turk

W Bob Stein, RW Frank Chrissotimos and first Mate Jack in camp. Paul, the son of Frank Chrissotimos of Weiland Kathy Stein of the Masonic Yacht Club visited Camp Turk Lodge 714, participated in the competition and his team came Rto sponsor the Great Sailboat Race for the boys’ camp. It was a in third in an extremely close race. great day and it was wonderful to see the sons and grandsons Joe Palmeri’s son Antonio was also there, as were four of of the Ninth Manhattan in camp. Gerd Walters’s grandsons. Marty Kanfer, of Trinity Lodge 12, Jack Lanzer, of Allemania Lodge 740, had his boys Erik and had his son there for all three weeks as well.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 33 Grand Master’s Day at Camp Turk

n August 6 the Grand Lodge Camp Turk Committee hosted Grand Master’s Day at Camp Turk. Grand OMaster, Jeffrey Williamson, along with the Grand Line and their ladies, experienced a beautiful summer day with the campers and staff at Camp Turk. The day began with the Grand Line attending the flag ceremony, and then breakfast with the girl campers. Boat rides on the Lady of the Lake were available while the camp staff signed out the week-one campers. A barbecue was enjoyed by all campers and guests.

After lunch the oldest group of campers set up and ran carnival booths on the athletic field. The Grand Line participated in volleyball, face painting and all of the carnival games. Campers and guests won coupons for the games and cashed them in at the prize table. Thanks go to the Grand Line ladies, who donated some of the prizes for the carnival. The Grand Master had a chance to speak with many of the guests. Everyone enjoyed this Grand Master’s Day at Camp Turk.

34 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Registration for the 2017 camp season will begin on January 1. Visit our website at www.campturk.org to register.

The following dates have been set for 2017.

Boys’ Camp Girls’ Camp July 2nd – July 8th July 23rd – July 29th July 9th – July 15th July 30th – August 5th July 16th – July 22nd August 6th – August 12th

The cost will remain at $500.00 per week. One, Two & Three-week options available. Financial Aid Available January 1st (call our office for an application - must be submitted by Mayst 1 ) Check out our website at www.campturk.org or if you have questions, please contact us at [email protected] or call 315/392-2081

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 35

Masonic Medical Research Laboratory RW David F. Schneeweiss, MBA MMRL President Board of Directors 315/735-2217 – ext 128 [email protected]

Verizon Awards $15,000 to MMRL Grant supports local high school students’ participation in conference

he Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL) recently received a $15,000 grant Tfrom the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications Inc. The grant was used to further expand the MMRL’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs, specifically related to the Upstate New York Cardiac electrophysiology Society (UNYCES) annual meeting that the Laboratory hosted on October 28 this year. “Verizon is a long-time supporter of STEM education,” said Chip Lawrence, Senior Manager— State Government Affairs Verizon. “We’re excited to partner with a world-class organization like the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory to bring students into the lab and gain real-life experience that will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.” The UNYCES conference brought together approximately sixty researchers and clinicians (l-r) Dr. Brian Panama, Masonic Medical Research Laboratory; in the upstate New York and Toronto region to Mr. Chip Lawrence, Senior Manager—State Government Affairs Verizon; provide a platform for communication between the Mr. David F. Schneeweiss, President of the Board of Directors Masonic Medical academic, clinical and industrial electrophysiology Research Laboratory; Dr. Robert A. Hewson, Board of Directors Masonic communities. This year’s conference also featured Medical Research Laboratory; John S. Zielinski, CPA, ten to fifteen high school students and their science CFO of Masonic Medical Research Laboratory. teachers from local Mohawk Valley schools. These students and teachers came to the MMRL for the conference and interacted with the researchers. “We are extremely thankful that the Verizon Foundation has provided this grant so we can expand on our conference and bring in a group of bright young local students,” said Dr. Brian Panama, Research Scientist—Experimental Cardiology and Director of Education. “The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory has mentored and inspired talented high school and college students for over fifty years through the Summer Fellowship Program. The MMRL also offers a Pre- and Post- Doctoral Fellowship Program, mentoring and hosting local students throughout the year. We are always looking for ways to connect with our local students and encourage the next generation of scientists. This is a fantastic opportunity and hopefully there will be even more to come.” For more information visit: https://www.mmrl. edu/education 36 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016

Awards Committee RW GEORGE R. WACOB, Chairman 613/838-7508 (C) [email protected]

DSA Process Unfolds

s the new Masonic year heads into the holiday season, the to the Community) have no cutoff date and will be processed cutoff date (November 12, 2016) for Dedicated Service as recommendations are received. The Lodge and District AwardA recommendations has passed. The committee is now Deputy will be notified within a short period of time when in the process of determining which recommendations will be the nominee has been approved for one of the awards. approved or rejected. All DSA recipients, the District Deputy Please take notice of the Awards Committee’s webpage Grand Masters and their Lodges will be notified early in on the Grand Lodge website: http://nymasons.org/2016/ February 2017. committees-departments-programs/awards-committee/. This This year the DSA Chest Medallion will be added to the page will give you information, requirements and forms for DSA package for purchase through Lodge Services. The DSA the various awards. Chest Medallion is available for Past DSA recipients for the I would like to publicly thank the Awards Committee team purchase price of $20, plus tax and shipping. The medallion for the time and efforts they have put into examining all of the must be ordered through the Lodge Secretary. recommendations and fairly determining who will receive the The Community Service Awards (DeWitt Clinton, Jacob awards. Their service to the Craft should be acknowledged. Morton and Grand Lodge Certificate of Excellence in Service

Research Laboratory Selects CFO Oneida County native and CPA tapped to serve as new financial head of Laboratory

he Masonic Medical Research the Mohawk Valley and Upstate New York, including serving Laboratory (MMRL) announced as Vice President of Finance and CFO of Momentum Tit has recently hired John S. Zielinski Manufacturing Corporation; Assistant Director of Finance of Marcy, NY as chief financial officer at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital; CFO of the J.M. Murray (CFO). Mr. Zielinski joins the MMRL Center in Cortland; and as Vice President of Administration after a thirty-year career as a senior and Finance of the Mohawk Valley EDGE. In his position at financial officer in fields ranging from the EDGE Mr. Zielinski was responsible for the assets of nine high-tech manufacturing to health related entities totaling more than $87 million. care and public service. “It’s truly an exciting opportunity to join the Masonic “We are extremely pleased to Medical Research Laboratory,” said Zielinski. “The Laboratory have someone as talented and is a highly regarded and respected cardiac research institute. I experienced as John join our team at look forward to working with the multi-talented members of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory,” said Mr. David the scientific and administrative teams.” F. Schneeweiss, President of the Board of Directors. “John The addition of the CFO position is part of MMRL’s brings with him more than thirty years of experience as a commitment to strengthen its focus on science and research. In financial and administrative executive, having recently served this new role, Mr. Zielinski will be responsible for managing the as City Chamberlain for the City of Elmira. In this newly finances and administration of the MMRL. By consolidating created position he will focus primarily on the finances and financial, information technology, administrative, human administration of the Laboratory.” resources and maintenance functions under the new CFO A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) since 1976, Mr. position, it will allow the new Director of Research to focus Zielinski has held senior level finance positions throughout on the scientific staff and their work.

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 37

Grand Lodge Educational

RW MICHAEL SHIPMAN, Assistance Program Chairman 516/304-5882 [email protected] [email protected]

nce again, the children and grandchildren of members of • Demonstrate financial need Lodges in the State of New York have received grants to • Submit an essay on interests and accomplishments Ohelp in their further education. This year’s recipients totaled • Be a full time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours more than 400 students and that brings the program total to per semester, 9 for graduate level. nearly 12,000 students. Lodges from every District across the Consideration will also be given to students who participate state sponsored these recipients. in community service, demonstrate leadership abilities or Applications for the 2017 Education Assistance Program perform family duties. may be found at the Grand Lodge website under “Programs.” To date, 12,000 students have been given assistance totaling This feature will be available to the student after the first of nearly $12 million dollars. The whole Craft thanks the Trustees January 2017 at www.nymasons.org or www.eapapplication. of the Masonic Hall and Home for their continued funding nymasons.org. and support of this outstanding program. Students seeking assistance for the fall of 2017 school year Does your Lodge offer college-level scholarship assistance? should complete the 2017 application online and mail the Many New York Lodges have some kind of scholarship appropriate documentation to the committee, no later than program. While Grand Lodge provides one-half million April 1. At that time, all applications received will be sent dollars in assistance annually, it can only go to children or to an independent firm for rating. Those selected to receive grandchildren of New York Masons. Many new young awards for the fall of 2017 will be notified during May. Public Brothers have joined our Craft and are not eligible for the presentations will be made across the state in June and July. Grand Lodge program, due to constraints placed upon these Awards are given to students pursuing an undergraduate/ funds. How can we help these Brothers who wish to continue graduate degree, going to a trade school or for those returning their education or go for retraining? to school for retraining. To be eligible the student must: We encourage the Lodges of New York State to incorporate • Be a child/grandchild/widow of a New York State Master “Education Assistance for Brothers” into their Lodge charitable Mason programs. Supporting education is an investment that pays • Show academic or vocational achievement at a minimum you back. GPA of 2.75 (80)

MYC Raises Money for Research n October the Masonic Yacht Club sponsored a team to participate in the IBreast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach for the fifth year. This has become a tradition that benefits the community as well as promotes Masonic camaraderie among the members. At 6:45 a.m., the blustery winds blew over even the heaviest of coffee cups. The gloves that were distributed, with the breast cancer logo, were greatly appreciated by those first-timers who forgot how cold it can be at the beach in October. As the sun rose in the sky, the winds subsided and as the caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly, the day became a beautiful Sunday. The Masonic Yacht Club is proud of its tradition of raising funds for this great cause. It is a display of Masonic brotherhood at its best. 38 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 Grand Chaplain’s Corner RW & Rev. Charles M. Roberts, Grand Chaplain Emeritus 585/259-3796 [email protected]

“Willing God’s Way”

have been reading a book titled Desiring God’s Will, (Aligning gratification, most of us automatically turn to willpower and Our Hearts with the Heart of God) by David G. Benner, from resolve. Choosing God then becomes more a matter of grim Iwhence this article is drawn. The author points out that doing determination than joyful surrender. In addition, when we things “my way” comes naturally for all of us. Egocentricity think of God’s will we normally assume that the challenge is and self-control are fundamental dynamics of the human soul. how to know it rather than how to choose it. Thus the focus on We know we are supposed to surrender to God’s will, and may God’s will is misplaced—limited to points of major decisions. genuinely want to, but most of us continue to face the almost We fail to recognize that our problem is not so much knowing irresistible tendency to assert our own will. God’s way as being utterly convinced that choosing God is So often this is the case in our Lodges. Leaders or sideliners choosing life. want to exert their own way upon all the members. All in Lodge While the choices we make can be very important in our realize that the Worshipful Master has absolute authority in spiritual journey, how we decide can often be as important that Lodge, yet his authority must be used wisely to inculcate as what we decide. Willpower, determination and discipline the desired effect among his brethren, based upon the fraternal are not enough in God following. The close interconnection unity within that body. of will and desire means that if God is to have our will, God Brenner sees that to be true for our wills surrendering to must first have our heart. Learning to desire God’s will is God’s will. Surrendering to God’s will makes little sense if not something we can accomplish by resolve and willpower. we are not first convinced of the depths of God’s love for us. It occurs only when we live so close to God’s heart that the Surrender is far from complete when we have yet to unwrap the rhythm of our own heartbeat comes to reflect the divine plan. gift of our true-self-in-God. Only when we are fully convinced For our Lodges, when the leader is willing to become the of the absolute trustworthiness of God’s will, does surrender servant, only then does he rightly earn the trust and respect fully take place. If we learn to prefer God’s way to ours and of his Brothers. Willpower and personal resolve give way to discover our identity and fulfillment in God’s kingdom, it’s include my Brother’s need. Only then will the Lodge as a because we know Love, deeply and personally. Only then will whole be in sync to move forward. it be possible to choose God with the totality of our being, and Maybe this thought on “Willing God’s Way” is good for all not just our will. of us to think about. Maybe it is even a gift worth receiving in The problem is that when we approach the task of this season of giving. Amen. choosing anything other than our own self and its immediate Trinity Lodge Ladies Night

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 39

Years of Service

77 Years 76 years 75 years 74 years 73 YEars

0796 Dolgeville 0276 Mohawk Valley 0615 Stissing 0977 Amityville 0013 Apollo-King Solomon’s Karl H. Wurzbacher Jr Howard E. Turner Carlyle Lown Henning G. Anderson William P. Cloyes 0648 Memorial 0487 Normal 0782 Triune-Obed 0242 Port Royal 0241 Harmony Earl S. Butterfield William C. Adler Ward E. Wiltse Jr Jesse R. Glazier Eugene J. Pritz 0096 Phoenix 0250 Willard Sylvan Grove 0543 Triluminar 0398 Home Horace H. Scott Frank M. Taylor Jr Frank W. Gillette Norman Abrahams 0589 Naurashank 72 years Ernest V. Rodgers 0981 Amherst 0501 Liverpool Syracuse 0738 Mizpah 0111 St. Lawrence 0482 Richfield Springs George A. Clay Henry C. Kogler James W. Angus Earl N. Wight Irving L. Vanvalkenburg 0838 Connetquot 0992 Manetto Brook Hollis 0302 Norwich 0810 Urania 0110 Scipio R Allen Shotwell Frederick W. Herold Henry C. Brengel Jr Max Figary George E. Schenk 0178 Cornerstone 0047 Utica 0513 Massena Clifford J. Young Melford S. Jablin Alton E. Arnold 71 years

00664 Amicable 0561 Delaware 0299 Keshequa 0806 Matinecock 0005 Union Samuel R. Tiffany Warren K. Miller Elmore D. Blair Robert W. Whaley Wood D. Beeghly 0246 Arcana 0163 ERAC 0463 Lamoka 0776 Reliance 0315 Wawayanda Louis D. Srybnik Alvin E. Boss Lauren Wood John Jacob Woodruff Edward G. Kopf 0168 Corning Painted Post 0565 Guiding Star-Angle 0778 Livonia 0750 Shakespeare Wayne C. Templer William N. Frostick Rowland E. Smith Jerome Berman 70 years

00650 Amboy-Republican 0309 Hudson River 0648 Memorial 0720 Pisgah 0265 Speedsville-Newark Valley Allan C. Chilton David E. Tower Willard G. Emmert Wilson W. Aloan Jr Raymond C. Wurtenberg 0981 Amherst 0653 John Jay Stewart F. Lee 0710 Ridgewood 0112 Steuben Harold C. Bechmann Milton S. Brynin 0738 Mizpah Louis W. Frommling Herbert Fort 0084 Amsterdam 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic Frederick W. Fecher 0103 Rising Sun 0219 Summit James M. Mead Leonard Tauber 0902 Mount Masada-Galaxy Robert G. Nichols James L. Johnson Jr 0647 Aurora Grata-Day Star 0890 Joshua Howard A. Herman 0717 Riverview 0095 Union-Cooley Joseph W. Watson Lt Col Sidney Blum 0238 Orient Walter Berberian Jack Leroy Good 0172 Chaumont 0599 Kennyetto Gerald T. Shannon 0083 Saint Andrew’s 0047 Utica Kent A. Wiley Cecil N. Daggett 0224 Oriental-Faxton George Robert Leavitt Donald C. Fague 0867 Damascus 0462 Knapp John W. Steinhorst 0160 Seneca River 0109 Valley-Simes Alexander E. Deeb George J. Knorr 0516 Park Charles C. Vredenburg Carl J. Ester 0550 Hannibal 0887 Lackawanna Lewis H. Roberts 1009 Service City Geba 0063 Wantagh Morton Charles A. Sabin Jr Joseph J. Kusnyer Jr 0968 Philo-Mount Sinai Bernard Starkman James C. Fletcher 1066 Harry S Truman 0513 Massena Irving J. Newman 0725 Southern Light 0230 Wellsville Walter Eckstein Sebouh Bogosian William F. Wilson Richard W. Bellows

65 years

0635 Advance 0981 Amherst 0700 Aquila 0124 Auburn 0177 Binghamton Harry I. Parsell Henry A W Kummer Irwin B. Diamond Victor W. Fandrich Leslie H. Wilmarth 0284 America 0014 Ancient Temple 0462 Attica 0758 Bay Ridge 0328 Boca Baton Ernest C. Schlottmann Royal B. Thatcher Roger E. Smith Arthur T. Thompson Ronald L. Van Kleeck

40 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 65 years continues

1041 Brotherhood 0273 Francis Lewis 0019 Midwood Fortitude 0637 Rising Light 0651 True Craftsman’s Alvin T. Slavin William A. Hurster Harold S. Gold Edmund M. Davis Murray H. Schenker 0481 Cambridge-Salem James D. Mcdermott 1179 Millennium 0533 Round Hill 0896 Tully John W. Bates 1129 Hellenic - Plato Richard C. Utz Harold W. Cooper Alan D. Craw 0221 Cayuga James C. Fountas 0902 Mount Masada-Galaxy 0160 Seneca River Albert H. Lasda Phillip V. Buckhout 0144 Hiram Robert A. Baer Carl B. Fisher 0095 Union-Cooley 0178 Cornerstone Lowell G. Ward 1015 Mount Sabattis 1009 Service City Geba Walter T. Ersly Sidney C. Greenfield 0406 Humanity Bazil S. Burns Roy Pliskin William W. Ward 0109 Valley-Simes 0168 Corning Painted Post David B. Lauster Gordon Stuart Harold Sobel Charles H. Chase 0494 Jephtha 0311 Mount Zion 1126 South Shore-Long Beach Frederick A Stahl 0087 Van Rensselaer 0563 Cornucopia Alfred Q. Kuntz Robert H. Cipperly Stanley Fleishman Thomas G. Morritt 0386 Jordan 0947 Newfane 0956 Spartan Donald P. Shattuck 0765 Von Mensch 0957 Danforth Robert K. Hill Jr Lloyd Williams Raymond E. Bayard Robert G. Bedigian 0010 Kingston 0754 Noah 0006 St. George’s John P. Dietzel 0877 West Point 0555 Diamond Thistle Marvin C. Schutt Frederick R. Blackman Lyle W. Hall Lawrence B. Pelesh 0127 Lake City 0466 Oneonta Ralph P. Richter Robert H. Johnston 0817 Sterling 1111 West Seneca 0123 Dundee David M. Russell IV Philip W. Bresee Ellsworth A. Zimmerman 0834 Lake Placid 0224 Oriental-Faxton Charles C. Merz Robert A. Johnson 0112 Steuben 0702 Westchester 0126 Eastern Light Frederick S. Haggerty William A. Clark Harold G. Maider 0255 Living Stone 0516 Park Chester A. Bush Harold T. Meagher 1106 Stewart Manor 0250 Willard Sylvan 0252 Enchanted Mountains Harry R. Griffis Jr James W. Mcdonald Clarence D. Anderson 0073 Lockport 0266 Poughkeepsie John J. Licastro Grove Andrew 0056 Stewart Manor-St Albans Torigian 0161 Erie Louis Ninos Ralph H. Emer 0492 Wyoming George P. Pullman 0441 Lodge Of The Ancient 0358 Queen City- Amos W. Lemmermann Landmarks Christopher G. Fox 0782 Triune-Obed John Arnold Eymer 0075 Evening Star 0483 Zeredatha John C. Carvill Alfred P. Rowell Sr Robert Clayton Heron Justus Edward McCurty 0134 Lowville 0646 Red Jacket Edward L. Plog Bertram L. Lubliner 1122 Fallsburg Abraham Davidoff Henry A. Geidel Jr John W. Oliver 0743 Maimonides 0433 Fort Plain Calvin C. Luft Herbert Y. Ehrich 60 years

0635 Advance 0839 Athelstane 0481 Cambridge-Salem 0711 Cornerstone 0075 Evening Star Michael Gounarides Phillip Arthur Friedman Thomas E. Prosser Merwin Heubert Treptow George F. Buhrmaster 0527 Akron 0570 Avon Springs 1147 Carroll Stanley A. Weinroth 0722 Fame Robert P. Shupe Jerry L. Rowe Donald E. Stormer Sr 0034 Courtlandt Frederick J. Prince 1056 Algonquin 1043 Bay Shore 0350 Chemung Valley- William H G Howell 0195 Franklin Marvin J. Fischer Frank Fortunato Waverly 0520 Crossroads John L. Spooner 0395 Amber 0701 Beacon Light Murry Bakel Salvador J. Gandia 0625 Fraternal Eugene P. Groebler Richard E. Gray 0384 Cherry Creek 0306 Cuba-Friendship Frank R. Ledwin 0977 Amityville 0474 Belmont Carl Kerr Gary O. Rathbun 0088 Genesis Paul B. Strauch John J. Riley 0347 Clinton-Hampton 0015 DeWitt Clinton David G. DeOlden Sr 0922 Amos-Fort Greene 0694 Blazing Star David R. Whiting Donald Morehouse 0965 Geneva Allan I. Nathanson Richard Byron 0819 Composite 0555 Diamond Thistle J Ronald Gilbert Sheldon Schrager 1041 Brotherhood Jay M. Tischenkel Robert C. Trimpe 0486 Goldenrule 0729 Anchor-Astoria Sherman W. Gross 0838 Connetquot 0619 Eagle Clermont McKinley Harry A. Ellard Irwin Scharf Robert W. Cummings Bruce D. Campbell Stanley Katzman Joseph M. Stehle Jr Marvin E. Segal 0404 Constellation 0252 Enchanted Mountains 1007 Great Light 0419 Arcade 0846 Buffalo-Lakeland Raymond H. Morgan Norman B. Case James R. Bonerbo Leonard W. Mason Daniel N. Evans Sr 0932 Corlaer 0479 Etolian 0737 Guttenberg James H. Fitzmaurice Frederick R G Steele Leon Sapsuzian Jr THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 41

60 years continues

0120 Hamilton 0834 Lake Placid 0420 New London Vienna 0646 Red Jacket 0471 Tompkins Stuart F. Jaquay Jr Reginald F. Clark Robert T. Wanner Theodore B J Weir James A. Bilotti Jr 0023 Hancock-Dirigo-Adelphi 0851 Lake Shore 0487 Normal 0097 Renovation 0047 Utica Paul Pintel Arden E. Johnson Nelson A E Strauch David W. Stevenson Tom Wallace 0550 Hannibal 0501 Liverpool Syracuse 0383 Northern Aurora 0777 Restoration Asa 1143 Valley Stream James W. Best John E. Gallagher William R. Fisher Thomas Smith George W. Watson 0241 Harmony 0134 Lowvill 0302 Norwich 0710 Ridgewood 0087 Van Rensselaer Jack Kaplan William E. Kilburn III William A. Anderson Charles Williams Frank K. Ball Jr 0105 Hiram 0822 Lynbrook-Massapequa 0119 Oasis 0223 Roman-Hatheway Robert L. Bowen George F. De Aeth James Forbes Jr James F. Marquit Jr Ralph E. Nute Donald M. Deweerdt William M. Graham 0412 Hoffman 0992 Manetto Brook Hollis 0799 Oriskany 0533 Round Hill 0680 Victor Robert A. Mansfield Robert Hamilton Robert F. Edwards William T. Whitman Edwin L. Osterhout 0381 Huguenot John C. Mesloh James M. Service 1174 Schenectady 0063 Wantagh Morton Richard C. Guether Richard A. Wicks 0317 Ossea Barry Pickell 0106 Manitou Raymond A. Klimpel 0586 Island City Gary B. Cruttenden 0797 Seneca 0147 Warren Harry K. Ronnau Arthur M. Tonnesen 1124 Pan-american James S. Davis 0438 Marathon Edwin E. Smith 0546 Jamaica Queens David Marvin Mason Eugene S. Dewey 0385 Weedsport Laverne S. Dann 0292 Parish United 0757 Silver Village 0513 Massena William G. Braun Jr William J. Stephens Cortland D. Ketcham Lee D. Hill Joseph R. Marshall Glenn N. Latimer 0204 Perfect Square 1127 Smithtown 1068 James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Ralph E. Mcdowell 0336 Medina Arthur Reich James S. Gouras Paul Hirschfeld 0689 What Cheer Laverne G. Ehrenreich 0058 Phoenix Jerusalem 0639 Somerset 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic Lloyd Kenneth King 0709 Merchants Joseph Angelo Iacocca Robert I. Blow Stanley J. Barth 0882 Yonkers Arthur B. Hall 0211 Pocahontas Leonard E. Gordon 0753 Justice Arthur M. Schwabe 0019 Midwood Fortitude 0956 Spartan Robert F. Goch Floyd K. Collins Herman E. Schwabe Irving Tromberg 0226 Queen of Sheba Harrison A. Gay 0599 Kennyetto 0483 Zeredatha 0738 Mizpah 1057 Springfield Gardens Robert B. Haff Paul R. Peacock Jay B. Ames Loreto A. Cambi 0892 Queensboro Edward L. Franks 0936 Kilwinning-Sunset 0020 Mount Moriah 0598 Tabernacle Olav M. Hansen Arthur L. Manos Herbert N. Messing 0551 Ransomville Larry H. Zuckerman 0950 Konosioni 0899 Mystic Art 0534 Tioga Wilfred V. Farnham Denton E. Hardison Richard T. Walgate James Dean Rodka 0751 La Universal Jesus A. Fernandez

55 years

0527 Akron 0729 Anchor-Astoria Richard Otto Heins 0915 Beukendaal 1088 Charlotte-corinthian Keith A. Wilkinson Daniel J. Herman Herman F. Heins Jr Daniel R. Jorgensen Edward Gordon Ruoff 0395 Amber 0854 Archimede-Roma Yehuda 0283 Beacon Henry P. Mueller 0172 Chaumon Dean F. Wilson Arie Kirschenbaum George Sialmas 0880 Bredablick Harold Douglas Reome 0284 America 0462 Attica 0701 Beacon Light Pantelis Sarailian 0384 Cherry Creek Joseph H. Baier John E. Novak Leonard Schachner 1041 Brotherhood Harold E. Everhart Robert Albert Barker 0673 Avoca 0761 Bethel Marvin S. Caligor 1021 Christopher G Fox 0981 Amherst Jack D. Fervan Edward Henry Miller III 0369 Callimachus Brent W. Doyle Kendall W. Davis Carl H. Whitenight 0085 Bethlehem William Paul Godfrey 0819 Composite Kenneth A. Preston 0570 Avon Springs Stanley L. Robinson Melvin Wesley Sitts Robert L. Nagler 1147 Carroll David Ronald Rosser Robert E. Rowe 1096 Bethlehem 0404 Constellation 0977 Amityville 0793 Babylon Gordon L. Whitten Walter H. Dahlgren Merle C. Webster Spencer P. Ketcham Herbert David Heins

42 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 55 years continues

0545 Copernicus 0835 Highland-Ely Parker 0911 Master Builder 0205 Phoenix 1152 Suburbia Edmund Hirschfeld John I. Bartley Donald C. Unkrich Constantine P. Kapassakis Michael F. Doller 0178 Cornerstone 0406 Humanity 0005 Masters 0434 Pleasantville Hiawatha 0923 Tadmor Emil Propper James A. Milliman William David Small Wallace J. Brown Fred W. Jaeck 0168 Corning Painted Post 0591 Ilion 0648 Memorial John C. Garnsey Jr 0471 Tompkins Karl J. Carlson Charles Minosh James D. Fisher 0328 Port Jervis Walter R. Lee 0563 Cornucopia 0917 IMA 0019 Midwood Fortitude William A. Sutton 0842 Transportation Pasquale Aronna Marvin Sandler Thomas E. Boughton 0579 Portville Wayne P. Vernon 0969 Craftsman Robertson 0397 Ivy 1179 Millennium James L. Todd 0157 Trumansburg James Allen Clark Wallace R. Hunt Karl J. Skusa Keith L. Wood Clifford G. Northrup 0358 Queen City- 0439 Delhi 0970 Johnson City Unity 0065 Morning Star 0009 Unity Christopher G. Fox Lloyd R. Grant Edward R. Wells Louis John Denovellis Jr George H. Eckhardt, Jr. Edward Ballow 0396 Deposit 0318 Joseph Enos 0524 Morning Star 0022 Unity Lodge 0213 Racket River Martin John Freyer Sr David Westley Slocum Clyde D. Fellows Ronald George Burton G. McElwain Clifford John Mott 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic 0049 Mount Mainam Harrington 0776 Reliance 0555 Diamond Thistle Howard Elakman Romulo Quesada William Joseph Perry Robert F. Comte 0047 Utica Edwin D. Zuraw Lloyd M. Marks 0257 Mount Neboh Edward A W William D. Wallace 0123 Dundee 0890 Joshua Charles S. Salomon Schlobohm Robert A. Huber Donald A. Geller 0109 Valley-Simes 0003 Mount Vernon 0649 Robinson Robert C Knyrim 0863 Dunwoodie 1132 Kenmore James Harry Mcnary David E. Prutsman Victor Blum Harry G. Howald 0435 Vestal-Otseningo 0311 Mount Zion 0343 Rondout Richard A. Markell Alan Russell Disbro 0994 King David Edward S. Anderson Lawrence Adin 0163 ERAC Mark A. Sonnino 0417 Wadsworth 0131 Myrtle-Jefferson 0533 Round Hill Dominic S. Dezio Ward R. Jones 0511 Kings County Charles Alan Fitch Brian K. Mather 0479 Etolian 0154 Wakan-Hubbard Charles Harrison Yeomans 0754 Noah James E. Pipher David A. Sarver Lyle Frederick Maldoon 0708 Kisco Stuart N. Crouse 1174 Schenectady 0075 Evening Star 0627 Wallkill J Waldie Gullen 0849 North Woods Glenn W. Armstrong Allan R. Hartshorn 0887 Lackawanna Phillip Gandy Kenneth Posson Decatur Butterworth 0305 Fayetteville Central City Robert L. Tranter Rabiet Lawrence R. Brooks 0383 Northern Aurora 0671 Wappingers William Edward Moran David E. Hess Richard E. Learned 0814 Sconondoa Sherrill Jonothan Wayne Taylor 1049 Lasalle Richard A. Thaler Frederick W. Holzbaur 0998 Nortrip 1016 Floral Park 0240 Washington Donald E. Tubo Laverne W. Judd 0797 Seneca Fred P. Faas Jr 0548 Laurens Clifford Curtiss Heir Leonidas Samouilidis 0908 Old Town C. F. William Maurer III 0582 Wawarsing Jack D. Reed Emil F. Depetris 1009 Service City Geba 0166 Forest 0608 Lessing Joseph S. Lach Edwin Rosenfeld David Freer Jr James Edward Hughson Ronald G. Matthews William C. Burger Chester Sinclair 0757 Silver 0155 Fraternal Richard M. Mcdole 0255 Living Stone 0376 Ontario Frederick Nelson 0416 Wayne John A. Katz Will H. Broconier Larry Ray Sidebottom Summerton M Jere Sahm Harold Lebbert 1118 Lodge Of The 0224 Oriental-Faxton 0522 Skaneateles 0201 Genesis James Mc Crea United Services Donald E. Gafner Dana E. Coye Peter Balis 0385 Weedsport Norman J. Glover 1127 Smithtown Harry Poulakakos 0687 Oswegatchie Walter Burton Ward 0739 Maimonides-Marshall Richard Charles Towne Donald C. Miller 0912 Great Kills 0146 Western Union Gerald Glazer 0713 Social Barnett M. Moore Jr 0175 Oxford Howard M. Miller Richard Emanuel Montag Gary Van Buiten Herbert F. Mason 0241 Harmony Joseph H. Oestreich 0473 White Plains 0180 Speed Arthur F. Berton Edward H. Richard 0516 Park Norman T. Peter T. Nikas Howard Pidduck Robert W H Plested 0399 Maine Carathanasis 1057 Springfield Gardens Stephen Schwimmer Earl M. Drury Jr 1101 Parthenon Fred Gambino Jr Donald R. Thom Anthony E. Kissanis Adam W. Schmitt 1025 Manetto Frederick J. Werkmeister 0817 Sterling Lawrence Hornick 0696 Peacock 1129 Hellenic - Plato Richard W. Reffner Robert L. Donofrio Artemios Averkiou THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 43 50 yearS

1116 Abravanel 0350 Chemung Valley-Waverly 0257 Great Bridge 0608 Lessing 0998 Nortrip Jack Levi David M. May Raymond H. Heim Walter Kohler Robert D. Wilson Jr 0118 Addison Union 0408 City 0023 Hancock-Dirigo-Adelphi 0104 Lewis 0908 Old Town Gordon H. Levi William Frank Fred Greene Melvin L. Hann Richard A. Gurney 0635 Advance 0819 Composite 0875 Hendrick Hudson 0011 Lodge Of Antiquity 0293 Oradell Paramus Donald J. Kaiser William Hornstein Peter M. Lawson Robert Boutineau Michael C Speckhardt Robert Russell 0031 Consolidated 0508 Herschel-Argyle 0441 Lodge Of The 0138 Otsego 0527 Akron Edward Rach Richard D. Ancient Landmarks Iver J. Berry Richard J. Beyer 0545 Copernicus Eisenman George F. Ahrens Jr 0435 Otseningo Daniel F. Giras Helmut M. Streng 0612 Hillsdale Robert D. Donaldson Frank R. Hoover Thomas C. Perry 1118 Lodge Of The Wilfried Wiegand Lee S. Harvey 0236 Philipstown 0448 Albert United Services 0711 Cornerstone 0144 Hiram Richard George Hastede Alan Ramsay Peter A. Broms William A. Doyle Sr John E. Norvell 0262 Phoenix 0650 Amboy-Republican 0258 Macedonia 0178 Cornerstone 0412 Hoffman William L. Glazier Carl Baum Jr Stanley L. Hollander Nathaniel B. Jones John Philip Maxson Harold T. Hyatt 0938 Amos Donald R. Perrin 0439 Delhi 0381 Huguenot 0058 Phoenix Jerusalem 0399 Maine Stephen D. William C. Perkins Gerald A. Sorensen William D. McIntyre Jr Ackerman Jon H. Harrington 0555 Diamond Thistle 0406 Humanity 0434 Pleasantville 0922 Amos-Fort Greene Gary W. Miller James Carey Richard L. Gutschow 0992 Manetto Hiawatha Richard Bass 0 E. Josloff Ronald Olson 0796 Dolgeville Brook Hollis Kenneth L. Roper Jr Charles L. Cenkner 0653 John Jay 0084 Amsterdam George L. Knauer 0026 Portales Peter Michael Green Alfred R. Auspelmyer 1020 East Rochester 0389 Margaretville John Mauk Hilliard Murray L. Kellogg Harry Hudis 0033 Ark Howard Parnes Peter S. Halpern 0579 Portville 1138 Eggertsville-Grand Paul Krickhahn Edgar T. Clark III George F. Van Sickle 0970 Johnson City Unity Island 0513 Massena Merle D. Gustin Jr 0149 Au Sable River Harry B. White Robert E. Zielen Everett Max Hampton 1071 Potunk Daryl A. Emig Jr 0201 Jordan 0252 Enchanted Mountains 0911 Master Builder Henry K J Rapp Jr 0264 Baron Steuben James Photiou Charles M. Monroe N David Schnirel 0892 Queensboro Robert S. Daley 0386 Jordan 0163 ERAC 0691 Meridian Gerald R. Dechen 1043 Bay Shore Lewis E. Polmanteer Franklin G. Granata Louis F. Van Wart 0213 Racket River Henry Pat Voges John A. Williams 0318 Joseph Enos ichael innell James E. Clough eacon ight 0711 M L F 0701 B L 0830 Eunice Ronald M. Wende James E. Vorp 0432 Rhinebeck Edward F. Wegener Jr Neil R. Bedford 0934 Joseph Warren-Gothic 0139 Milnor Richard J. Espie 0085 Bethlehem Saul E. Feather 0476 Fairport-Flower City Gary A. Stewart Revilo Merrihew Jr Frederick I. Simon Martin Lukacher Arnold Schancupp Don S. Williams 0738 Mizpah 0177 Binghamton 0890 Joshua 0305 Fayetteville Central City William M. Plank 0066 Richmond Aquehonga Gordon R. Cunningham Harold C. Brown Jr Daniel Miller Robert E. Connell Sr 0172 Momnouth Paul D. Gillin 0599 Kennyetto John G. Hansen David J. Mowry 0433 Fort Plain Edwin F. Rothfuss Jr John R. Pickard Michael James Frederick M. Robinson 1166 Britannia 0065 Morning Star Gancarz 0645 Riverhead John Leigh 0195 Franklin David L. Dennis Jr Michael A. Chorna 0232 King Solomon-Beethoven George Dioguardo 0481 Cambridge-Salem 0145 Mount Moriah Frederick A. Le Moine Allen L Finkelstein 0018 Roswell Carleton Anderson Foster Richard A. Katz Esq James A. Rea 0942 Fraternity Mark Stuart Cotter 0681 Caroline 0950 Konosioni 0380 Murray Arthur Klamka 0377 Rushville Gordon J. Ryan Guy R. Madden Charles Howard Robishaw Herbert G. Herbert R. Schutt Jr 0153 Friendship William E. Wunder 0017 L’Union 0589 Naurashank McFetridge 0141 Cato Francaise Jean-pierre Lewis B. Brundage 0592 Schenevus Valley Albert E. Valerio 0285 George Washington Miquel Gunnar O. Svalland Stephen C. Merjanian Jr Julian Hanson 0096 Charles W. Moore 1130 La Guardia 0754 Noah 0491 Schoharie Valley 0580 Glen Cove Albert Brusco Douglas A. Croote Stephen A. Rubinstein Todd M Tilton Donn R. Stanley

44 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 50 years continues

0160 Seneca River 0956 Spartan 0842 Transportation 0944 University 0473 White Plains Paul E. Foster Jr James W. Kiebler Jr Robert D. Blumreich Madison L. Boyce Werner W. Friederichs 1009 Service City Geba Alfred W. Roth 0782 Triune-Obed Robert E. Brown 0477 Wildwood Joseph A. Markenson 1057 Springfield Gardens David J. Levine 1143 Valley Stream Malcolm S. Hill 0458 Shekomeko David S. Brill Raymond S. O’Connell Earl L. Solbakken 0250 Willard Sylvan Grove Kenneth J. Gray 0004 St. Patrick’s 0157 Trumansburg 0435 Vestal-Otseningo John Wm Meyer 0001 Shiloh William R. Dorn William Houseworth Jr Emmerich John Bares III 0581 Winfield Bruce F. Budd 1141 Steppingstone 0193 Ulster 0559 Walton Richard B. Kovach 1167 Sibelius Lawrence P. Fried Luiz Silva Samuel J. Swart E Elmer Perkins Paul C. Christensen Ronald A. Friedman 0045 Union 0437 Wamponamon Robert Charles Wheeler 0313 Stony Point 1047 Zahle 0168 Silentia James M. Brewer George M. Hansen Jr Donald Robert Bott Frederick W. Schaper Bruce G. Whitmore 0240 Washington Hagop Tossounian 0247 Tonawanda 1127 Smithtown Robert D. Loesch Robert A. Peet Harry B. Overholt

What Cheer Lodge 689 Awards Night

60-Year Award 60-Year Award (l-r) RW Thomas L. Jenison, District Deputy Grand Master of RW Thomas L. Jenison, DDGM and Brother Harold P. Emlaw. the Second St. Lawrence District and W Lloyd K. King.

55-Year Award RW Thomas L. Jenison, DDGM and Brother Carl D. Goodrich. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 45

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

rethren, this year the Grand Lecturer Convention is 2. Whenever the flag is in motion the above mentioned Bcentered on the Middle Chamber Lecture (MCL). The salute is to be maintained. MCL is essential to our growth as a Mason. It is during the 3. At all functions we must remember that God has MCL that we discover our story as we pass through the porch, precedence over country. In other words, we would open a the winding stairs, through the outer and inner portal of the function with an Invocation followed by the presentation Middle Chamber, and then finally into a place representing of the flag. the Middle Chamber. We learn the significance of many of our tenets and principles. The connection between Operative Q. What constitutes suitable proficiency? and Speculative Masonry is also fully explained. A. In general this refers to a candidate’s ability to recite the During the MCL we receive the working tools of a answers to the questions from the previous Degree in Fellowcraft: Plumb, Square and Level. These are the tools that order to advance to the next Degree. The word suitable, will allow us to progress in our advancement toward becoming however, implies that some latitude may be applied in a Master Mason. We are also told that we will be rewarded as determining proficiency. In addition, the Worshipful our worthy ancient brethren were with corn, wine and oil. Master of the Lodge determines what proficiency is. We learn of the importance of the wages of a Fellowcraft, The Worshipful Master should never allow laziness or not only as nourishment, refreshment and joy, but also their slipshod performance. Only by demanding the highest importance in our life. Corn refers to sustenance to enable of standards will the Lodge continue to stay strong us to live. Wine relates to the time when wine and beer were and vibrant. In addition to that, our Grand Master has necessary sources of hydration because most water sources instituted an Additional Proficiency requirement in open were unsafe. Oil considered in a religious context refers to Lodge. It is very important that this new requirement be consecration, anointing and baptism. accomplished in addition to your Lodge’s current process The MCL is divided among various ritualists in the hope that of proving proficiency. This new requirement will also Lodges can become more self-sufficient. The MCL Lecture is allow a new Brother to prove his competence and facilitate central not only to the Fellowcraft Degree, but also to our his comfort working in a Lodge setting. very being as we pass through life. It teaches that by using the Q. Should the word “Brothers” or “brethren” be used? tools of the operative Mason to work on our self-worth we can truly understand our Grand Master’s motto: Masonry is A. “Brethren” is the proper term to be used.” Brethren” is a Way of Life. As the tools of an Entered Apprentice are tools the proper plural of “Brother.” When addressing a group of preparation the tools of a Fellowcraft are proof that we have of Masons, the proper language should be “brethren” not earned the right to be advanced. These tools also allow us to “my Brothers.” Also special attention should be taken to progress and evolve as individuals. avoid pronouncing the word as “bretheren.” The word is “brethren” and the word has two syllables. Q. What is proper flag etiquette? Q. What is the importance of proper dress and posture of A. This question will be addressed on a few different levels. the officers of a Lodge? 1. During the entire recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance A. and the singing of our National Anthem, all brethren Posture and dress are extremely important. By being are to place their right hand over their heart. The only properly dressed and displaying proper posture the officers exemption to this directive is that all military personnel, project a professionalism and pride. It is an outward sign both past and current, are encouraged to assume the to all who enter the Lodge that the officers of the Lodge military salute. regard their position as one of importance.

46 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “Way of Life” WINTER 2016 May Peace, Joy, Hope and Happiness be yours during this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year. from the ESM staff

Submission guidelines for DATES TO REMEMBER publication in the ESM December 2016 2 Toys for Toys Program at Grand Lodge - FILE PREPARATION TRANSMITTING: nyC • Your name and phone number as To: [email protected] 8 Toys for Tots Program at Hospital - NYC the beginning of the file. Subject: ESM Submission 17 City of Light Table Lodge - Buffalo, NY • Save copy as .txt, .rtf or .doc Via Mail • Save photographs as .jpg, .tif, or Send photographs and CD-Rom January 2017 .bmp format. Graphics save as .eps. discs (formatted as instructed in the 11 Florida Sojourners - Sarasota, FL (Do not transmit photos and copy left column) via United States Postal 12 Florida Sojourners - Tampa, FL in the same email or file. Transmit Service or other delivery service to: 14 Florida Sojourners - Palm Beach Gardens, photos as individual attachments Mrs. Joan C. Bower FL not embedded as part of email. 37 Oliver Street Files saved as .pub will NOT be accepted. Lockport, NY 14094-4615 February 2017 11 150th Anniversary Rededication of red Jacket Lodge 646 and Sommerset Articles Due Date lodge 639 - Lockport, NY for the SPRING Issue of the Empire State Magazine is January 1, 2017 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 47 THE GRAND SECRETARY’S GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORED BY: GRAND LODGE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

Date: Thursday, June 8, 2017 SPONSORSHIPS rizes P PURPLE PACKAGE: $800 Outing will be held at • 4 Golfers in Outing & Sign on A Hole in One Prize of a 2017 Harley Woodmere Country Club, Course Woodmere NY. This outing will be Davidson Motorcycle BANQUET SPONSOR: $1500 held to help support The Masonic Longest Drive Men & Women • Logo at Buffet Dinner Care Community, Camp Turk & Closest to the Pin other Masonic Charities. CART SPONSOR: $1000 Most Accurate Drive Men & Women • Logo on all Golf Carts Low GROSS Team & Low NET Team All Golfers & Non Golfers HOLE SPONSOR: $125 • Sign on Tee Box Low GROSS Single & Low NET Single welcome. Low Score Mason PUTTING GREEN SPONSOR: $350 It’s all for charity. • Sign on Putting Green Low Score Women DRIVING RANGE SPONSOR: $750 • Sign at Driving Range TICKETS: GIFT GIVEAWAY SPONSOR: $1500 • $175 PER GOLFER OR $700 PER FOURSOME • Sign at Registration Range OR Come and enjoy the day, be with friends, make new friends. Please fill out • $75 PER PERSON FOR JUST DINNER OPEN the brochure and send back on or before June 1, 2017 to secure your place BAR, BUFFET AND PRIZES for this fun-filled afternoon of golf. Delicious buffet dinner with full open bar after golf and door prizes. Contact Persons: Walter J. Wasnieski 3rd 516/507-4502 S C H E D U L E Mark Suckle 516/448-3124 Time Event Angel Ruiz 347/234-2800 Marshal D. Shichtman 516/652-5220 11:30 AM-1:30 PM Sign in and Full Service Brunch Richard Giordano 516/426-2260 1:30 PM Shotgun Start Make Payment out to: 6:30 PM– 9:00 PM Cocktail hour & buffet dinner & awards Second Kings Charities Fund Inc. Directions to Golf Course Mail To: From All Points: 1732 Lehigh Road Take Southern State to Exit 19S. Then take Peninsula Blvd to Woodmere Wantagh, NY 11793 Blvd and make a left. Take this to Pond Lane and make a right. Then make a right onto Ivy Hill Road. The club will be on your left.