WINTER 2017 From the Grand east MW Jeffrey M. WilliaMson, Grand Master 212/337-6643 [email protected] reetings, Brothers! Master Lawrence selected At the entrance of eight outstanding Masons Gthe Grand Master’s office who were tasked with on the 17th floor of the traveling the state to look Grand Lodge Building, for the perfect location. stand two imposing ten The group selected the feet high by five feet wide Utica Driving Park black tablets, inlaid with in 1889, because of gold lettering. These its central location incredible monuments equi-distant from all pay homage to a series of areas of the state. The historical events, which “Home” would become form the basis of this a shining example of article. Masonic benevolence, as I am pleased to thousands of souls have announce a very lived here and benefitted joyous occasion for our from the care provided. Utica Masonic Care Over the years the Community. This year look of the campus has we celebrate 125 years changed, the name has of service to our Brother changed to the Masonic Masons and their families. Care Community but For many generations the commitment to our our brethren have made Brothers remains the steadfast commitments to same. this jewel of Masonry and Grand Tiler Greenfield have allowed it to grow Pote set in motion a and flourish, while showing the true spirit of this Fraternity. commitment of our Fraternity to care for its Brothers and their In 1842 Grand Tiler Brother Greenfield Pote placed a dollar families. Grand Master Frank Lawrence, through his strength on the altar during the Grand Lodge Session in New York of character, made sure the Fraternity followed Brother City, asking that the Fraternity commit to building a home Pote’s lead and built this home. Throughout its 125 years for their Brother Masons, their wives, widows and orphans. of operation, our Masonic Care Community has continued A year later, when Grand Lodge reconvened on June 8, 1843, to move forward, upgrading its facilities and services while a memorial with one hundred signatures and three hundred creating a home that is welcoming and nurturing. dollars was presented. It asked for the Fraternity “to erect a Our Grand Lodge has the opportunity to meet with hall in the City of New York for the Grand Lodge and other Brothers on the Utica Campus each year during our St. John’s bodies” and “the founding of an asylum for worthy, decayed Day celebrations and I am proud to be in a line of Grand Masons, their widows and orphans.” Their request continued: Masters who have made a commitment to the preservation of “It is our desire, the Grand Lodge accept our offering, that this fraternal institution. During my tenure Carla and I chose the funds thus raised be carefully invested by the Trustees of to highlight Wiley Hall, the Adult Residential community, the Grand Lodge, and preserved for the special purposes set which allows our Brothers, their wives and widows who need forth.” a little extra help to live an independent and comfortable Progress was slow; the Grand Lodge building was built life on this beautiful campus. On behalf of our residents, we twenty-five years later. The American Civil War had also taken thank you for your generosity and support of Wiley Hall. Your its toll and there was a $700,000 deficit on the Masonic Hall efforts add so much value to the lives of our residents. in New York City. Grand Master Frank Lawrence, who served Finally, this winter edition of the Empire State Mason four years as Grand Master, inherited that debt when he took magazine is dedicated to the 125th Anniversary celebration the oath in 1885. By the time he left office, not only was the of the Masonic Care Community. We hope that you will debt eliminated, but there also was a $200,000 surplus. The learn much from the various featured articles. We fervently creation of the home could begin. hope you will join us in the several celebrations scheduled The challenge was where to put the home. In 1888 Grand throughout the year. 2 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” WINTER 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 67 / number 4 / WinTer 2017 WINTER 2017 IN THIS ISSUE featured HigHligHts: Masons & families Dedication service and Breakfast . 7 Grand secretary’s 9th Golf Classic . 8 Heroes, Crack of a Bat and Masons . 12 Officers and cOmmittees: ESM dedicates this edition from the Grand east . 2 to Deputy Grand Master . 4 Masonic Care Community 125th Anniversary Grand secretary . 5 senior Grand Warden . 6 Grand Treasurer. 6 Grand lodge educational assistance Program (eaP). 14 Committee on youth . 15 Masonic Care Community. 16 awards Committee . 22 Camp Turk . 23-25 acacia Village . 26 Grand Chaplain’s Corner . 27 from the Webmaster . 28 Masonic Brotherhood fund . 29 DeMolay . 32 years of service. 33-37 Grand lecturer . 38 Dates to remember and submission Guidelines. 39 TRUSTEES OF THE MASONIC HALL AND ASYLUM FUND Publisher The Empire State Mason is an Official Publication of the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund. Edited by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York for the members of the Masonic Fraternity and their families. CONSULTANTS PosTMasTer: Jeffrey M. WilliaMson WilliaM M. sarDone 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 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 ©2017 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 WilliaM M. sarDone, deputy Grand Master 212/337-6640 [email protected] Remembering our past while preparing for the future our Grand Line has been busy traveling throughout our We started small, with the electronic selection returns Grand Jurisdiction celebrating numerous rededications for the District Deputy Grand Master and Staff Officer asY well as researching new processes to better serve you, our position. Additionally, we have taken steps to provide a better members. educational experience by moving the Regional Training from As we rededicated Lodges that have served their communities April 2018 to February 2018. This will provide our next team for 150 to 200 years, we heard the history of their beginnings a stronger base as they prepare for the larger meeting in March as well as some highlights throughout the years. The members 2018. of these Lodges probably had no idea that someone would I am encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive responses be talking about their accomplishments centuries later. Their I have received from various committees and staff as they hear dedicated passion for our Craft has given today’s members the the prospects of what is within reach. Working with our next foundation needed to continue to build while today’s members level of leadership is key to building on our success and I am are providing for the future. All this is accomplished by being looking forward to teaming with them during these sessions. good men and Masons. This issue will be reaching you during the holiday season. In looking towards the future, I have identified new There will still be difficult times for those who have lived opportunities that can augment our current process. As such I through the natural disasters and I thank all who have have formed a focus group of individuals with IT expertise to generously donated time, goods and money towards their review how we can implement and deploy technology so you relief. This season is like all seasons. A time to be thankful for are better served by your Grand Lodge. our way of life. Grand Master Jeffrey M. Williamson And his wife Carla, The Elected and Appointed Grand Line and their Ladies Extend their very best Holiday Season Greetings To you and your Family. 4 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE “A Way of Life” WINTER 2017 Grand secretary rW PaUl M. ROSEN, Grand secretary Masonic Hall 71 West 23rd street new york, NY 10010 212/337-6644 [email protected] ear Brethren: D We look forward to the opportunity to renew old Each year we look forward to maintaining our connection acquaintances and to meet new friends. Please mark your and relationship with those Masons and members of the Order calendar today for one of the following luncheons: of the Eastern Star who have taken advantage of the State of Wednesday, January 10, 2018 Florida’s climate and hospitality. The Masons and members Sarasota, Florida of the Eastern Star will continue the tradition of hosting luncheon meetings in Florida at three locations to break bread Thursday, January 11, 2018 and enjoy each other’s company. Please note that we have kept Tampa, Florida the nominal price for these luncheons at $5, as it has been for Saturday, January 13, 2018 the last decade.