MINUTES OF THE SUNCOAST MASTERS & WARDENS ASSOCIATION MEETING

JANUARY 17, 2001
Clearwater Lodge 127 F.& A.M.
Dinner 7:00 p.m. Meeting at 8:00 p.m.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by President Jim Clouser with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Invocation was given by Brother Tom Dickson of Clearwater Lodge 127 F.& A.M..

President Clouser then proceeded with the regular order of business.

All members and guests were welcomed and the Brethren of Clearwater Lodge were thanked for providing the dinner. The kitchen help, who prepared our fine meal were then introduced.

It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the previous meeting minutes be accepted as printed and distributed, with one correction in that no date for the Chili Cook Off had been set.

Roll call was taken with 12 Lodges represented and 55 Brethren present.

Treasurer's Report: The ending balance from the previous meeting was $3,186.82. The current balance is $3,024.69 of which $246.16 is reserved for our Scholarship Fund. It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the Treasurer's report be accepted as read. The audit committee of W:. Howard Knapp and W:. Bill O'Brien were appointed by President Clouser.

Old Business:

The Hot Gavel is at Sunshine Lodge. The Traveling Gavel is at Tampa Bay Lodge.

W:. Bill Petrey gave a report on the Bay Pines Christmas Party. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the dividing of this Association. A vote of confidence was regularly made, seconded an passed to keep this Association together as it currently exists.

Bro. Tim Bryce discussed that there did not appear to be much interest in to Co-District Softball Tournament. He mentioned other alternatives such as a skeet shooting tournament and/or horseshoe tournament. He was directed to pursue both activities.

Bro. Bryce also advised that this Association's Trestleboard could be obtained at our web page (http://www.os2ss.com/connect/masons/suncoast.htm).

President Jim Clouser thanked all those who assisted him this past year as President of this Association.

New Business:

R:.W:. Ron Newton provided details for the Masonic Home Parade to be held next month.

The officers of this Association for the ensuing year were then installed by R:.W:. Mike Beijar as Installing Officer and W:. Ken James as Installing Chaplain. The following were installed in their respective office:

W:. Bill Petrey - President
W:. C.D. Kennedy - President Elect
W:. Ralph Vaughn - Treasurer
R:.W:. Ronald McMillan - Secretary

President Bill Petrey then announced his goals for this year:

Increase attendance at our meetings.
Complete a Data Base Program for the Membership.
Have the Sitting Masters Degree.
The Senior Wardens are to provide a program for each meeting. Since there are five meetings remaining, three Lodges will be asked to work together in preparing a program for their assigned meeting. The assignments are as follows: March 21st Meeting: Tarpon Lodge, Pearl of the West Lodge, Sutherland Lodge; May 16th Meeting: St. Petersburg Lodge, Gulf Beach Lodge, Pinellas Daylight Lodge; July 18th Meeting: Dunedin Lodge, Star Lodge; September 19th Meeting: Nitram Lodge, Northside Lodge, Elmer O. Smith Lodge; November 21st Meeting: Clearwater Lodge, Tampa Bay Lodge, and East Gate Lodge.
Continue with the Masonic Home Fish Fry.
Continue with the Chili Cook Off.
Participate in the Bay Pines Christmas Party.
Create enthusiasm for our Scholarship Fund.

The next Masters & Wardens Meeting will be held on March 21st, 2001 at Star Lodge. Dinner will be at 7 P.M. and the meeting will begin at 8 P.M.

R:.W:. Ed Gonzales, Secretary of the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Florida and candidate for Junior Grand Warden was introduced and gave speech. Past D.D.G.M.'s, Past Presidents of this Association and current sitting Worshipful Masters present were introduced. W:. Sam Lampson was introduced as the District Instructor of District 20. W:. Howard Knapp was introduced as the District Instructor of District 21. R:.W:. Tom Cox was introduced as District Deputy Grand Master of District 21,

Benediction was given by R:.W:. Tom Cox, D.D.G.M., Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 F.& A.M.. The meeting closed at 10:20 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ronald L. McMillan
P.D.D.G.M., Secretary

MINUTES OF THE SUNCOAST MASTERS & WARDENS ASSOCIATION MEETING

MARCH 21, 2001
Star Lodge 78 F.& A.M.
Dinner 7:00 p.m. Meeting at 8:00 p.m.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by W:. Bill Petrey. W:. Dereth Raymer presented the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. W:. Alan Leverock, Sutherland Lodge No. 174 gave the invocation prior to the meeting. Prayer preceding the meeting was offered by R:.W:. Tom Cox, D.D.G.M., District 21.

President Petrey then proceeded with the regular order of business. All members and guests were welcomed and the Brethren of Star Lodge were thanked for providing the dinner. The kitchen help, who prepared our fine meal, were then introduced.

It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the previous meeting minutes be accepted as printed and distributed. Roll call was taken with 8 Lodges represented and 42 Brethren present.

Treasurer's Report: The ending balance from the previous meeting was $3,024.69. The current balance is $3,201.43 of which $253.84 is reserved for our Scholarship Fund. It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the Treasurer's report be accepted as read.

Old Business:

The Hot Gavel is at St. Petersburg Lodge. The Traveling Gavel is at Tampa Bay Lodge.

The Audit Committee report consisting of W:. Bill O'Brien and W:. Howard Knapp was read and accepted as presented. It was reported that they have found the records to be in order and commended the Treasurer on a job well done. One recommendation was presented however deferred to new business.

No report was given on the sitting Masters Degree.

Elmer O. Smith Lodge agreed to host the Chili Cook Off at a date to be determined after Grand Lodge.

The annual fish fry is in the planning process. President Petrey appointed all Junior Wardens to assist on this committee, in particular working the fish fry, selling tickets, and promoting this event.

This Association's Scholarship Application can be located on our Web Page. A motion was regularly made and seconded and passed that this Association award a $500 scholarship this year. A motion was regularly made and seconded that the Scholarship go directly to the winner rather than made payable to both the winner and the educational institution. After much discussion and it being found that it was in violation of this Association's bylaws, the motion was regularly withdrawn.

W:. Howard Knapp is working on the data base program for this Association. Anyone who is a life member of this Association is asked to contact W:. Knapp

New Business:

A motion was regularly made, seconded and passed that this Association adopt a policy similar with that used by the particular Lodges of having the Secretary receive all monies due the Association, recording the same and then pay them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefore.

President Petrey appointed the following to the Bylaw Committee: R:.W:. Ron L. McMillan, W:. C.D. Kennedy, Brother Tim Bryce, and W:.Bill Petrey.

The next Masters & Wardens Meeting will be held on May 16th, 2001 at Sutherland Lodge. Dinner will be at 7 P.M. and the meeting will begin at 8 P.M.

The following introductions were made: Past D.D.G.M.'s and Past Presidents of this Association. W:. Sam Lampson, District Instructor of District 20 was introduced. W:. Howard Knapp, District Instructor of District 21 was introduced. R:.W:. Tom Cox, D.D.G.M. of District 21 was introduced and thanked all of the support that Lodges have given him this year.

R:.W:. Jim Dickenson, Grand Marshal and Candidate for Junior Grand Warden was introduced and gave a brief speech.

Benediction was given by W:. Alan Leverock, Chaplain of Sutherland Lodge No. 174 F.& A.M.. The meeting closed at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ronald L. McMillan
P.D.D.G.M.,
Secretary

MINUTES OF THE SUNCOAST MASTERS & WARDENS ASSOCIATION MEETING

MAY 16, 2001
Sutherland Lodge 174 F.& A.M.
Dinner 7:00 p.m. Meeting at 8:00 p.m.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by W:. President Bill Petrey. W:. Alan Leverock, Sutherland Lodge No. 174 gave the invocation, prior to the dinner. Prayer preceding the meeting was offered by R:.W:. Tom Cox, D.D.G.M., District 21.

President Petrey then proceeded with the regular order of business. All members and guests were welcomed and the Brethren of Sutherland Lodge were thanked for providing the dinner. The kitchen help, who prepared our fine meal, were then introduced.

It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the previous meeting minutes be accepted as printed and distributed. Roll call was taken with 10 Lodges represented and 39 Brethren present.

Treasurer's Report: The ending balance from the previous meeting was $3,201.43. The current balance is $3,215.39 of which $253.84 is reserved for our Scholarship Fund. It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the Treasurer's report be accepted as read.

Old Business:

The Hot Gavel is at St. Petersburg Lodge. The Traveling Gavel is at Elmer O. Smith Lodge.

A report of the Sitting Masters Degree was given by W:. Don Langworthy.

W:. CD Kennedy gave a report on the Fish Fry, which will be held at the Masonic Home of Florida on Sunday, September 16, 2001. The price of this event will be $6.00 - tickets are now available from each Lodge. If anyone needs additional tickets, you may contact W:. Kennedy at 727/398-5451. W:. Kennedy has requested that the Junior Warden at each respective Lodge promote and assist with this event.

W:. Bill O'Brien gave a report for the Scholarship Committee. He stated that the Committee had received 19 applications, which made it difficult to narrow the recipient down. It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that this year's recipient by Amanda O'Sullivan from Clearwater High School, who plans to attend USF. Ms. O'Sullivan will receive the $500.00 scholarship from this Association when the enrollment process is complete. It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that a plaque be purchased for an amount not to exceed $50.00 and be presented to Ms. O'Sullivan at an awards ceremony.

No report was given on the Membership Data Base Project.

Brother Tim Bryce gave a report on the Trap Shoot event, which was held on April 21, 2001 at the Silver Dollar Skeet Range in Odessa, Florida. The event raised $350.00 for our scholarship fund, which includes a $50.00 donation from Elmer O. Smith. All who attended had an enjoyable time.

Brother Bryce also gave a report on the By-Law Committee. He mentioned that the bylaws were approved by M:.W:. Jacque Couture on January 21, 1999, however the proper procedures were not followed. Grand Lodge still lists this Association as the Masters & Wardens Association of the 19th Masonic District. Brother Bryce will once again submit this Association's bylaws to the Grand Secretary for proper approval and recording.

New Business:

The program for this evening was presented by Brother John Denehan and dealt with the Masonic Short Talk Bulletin, which each Lodge receives. It was recommended that everyone take a few moments and review this publication.

The Bay Pines VA Christmas Party was briefly discussed and further action will be taken at the next meeting.

A motion was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association advance the incoming DDGM's of the 20th and 21st Masonic Districts $2,000 for the Grand Master's Official Visit, on July 14, 2001.

Brother John Tyrkala of Sutherland Lodge made a brief presentation on a group he was forming called Masonic Adventures. More information can be obtained at http://www.masonicadventures.org/

The next Masters & Wardens Meeting will be held on July 18th, 2001 at Gulf Beach Lodge. Dinner will be at 7 P.M. and the meeting will begin at 8 P.M. Program for the evening will be presented by the Senior Wardens of Dunedin Lodge Star Lodge.

The following introductions were made: PDDGM's and Past Presidents of this Association. W:. Sam Lampson, District Instructor of District 20 was introduced. R:.W:. John Drewett was introduced and announced that the incoming DI for District 20 will be W:. Sam Lampson and the incoming DDGM will be W:. Jack Stabler. R:.W:. Tom Cox was introduced and announced that the incoming DI for District 21 will be W:. Rick Hoover and the incoming DDGM will be W:. David Neveitt.

Benediction was given by W:. Alan Leverock, Chaplain of Sutherland Lodge No. 174 F.& A.M.. The meeting closed at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ronald L. McMillan
P.D.D.G.M.,
Secretary

MINUTES OF THE SUNCOAST MASTERS & WARDENS ASSOCIATION MEETING

JULY 18, 2001
Gulf Beach Lodge 291 F.& A.M.
Dinner 7:00 p.m. Meeting at 8:00 p.m.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by W:. President Bill Petrey. W:. Alan Leverock, Sutherland Lodge No. 174 gave the invocation, prior to the dinner and the prayer preceding the meeting.

President Petrey then proceeded with the regular order of business. All members and guests were welcomed and the Brethren of Gulf Beach Lodge were thanked for providing the dinner. The kitchen help, who prepared our fine meal, were then introduced.

It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the previous meetings minutes be accepted as printed and distributed. Roll call was taken with 10 Lodges represented and 34 Brothers present, as follows: Star Lodge - 0; St. Petersburg Lodge - 0, Nitram - 1; Northside Lodge - 0; Elmer 0. Smith Lodge - 4; Tarpon Lodge - 2; Pearl of the West Lodge - 2; Dunedin Lodge - 0; East Gate - 1; Clearwater Lodge - 5; Sutherland Lodge - 6; Tampa Bay Lodge - 1; Gulf Beach Lodge - 11; Pinellas Daylight - 1.

Treasurer's Report: The ending balance from the previous meeting was $3,215.39. The current balance is S1,538.88 of which $558.90 is reserved for our Scholarship Fund. It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the Treasurer's report be accepted as read.

Old business:

The Hot Gavel is at Northside Lodge. The Traveling Gavel is at Elmer 0. Smith Lodge.

No report was given on the Sitting Masters Degree.

W:. C.D. Kennedy gave a report on the Fish Fry, which will be held at the Masonic Home of Florida on Sunday, September 16, 2001. The price of this event will be $6.00 - tickets are now available from each Lodge.

W:. Bill O'Brien gave a report for the Scholarship Committee. He presented our scholarship and plaque at Clearwater High School on May 31, 2001.

Brother Tim Bryce gave a report on the Membership Data Base. It should be completed soon.

Brother Tim Bryce also gave a report on the By-Laws Committee. He said the by-laws will be mailed to the Grand Secretary on July 19, 2001.

The annual Chili Cook-Off will be held at Elmer 0. Smith on Saturday, October 6, 2001 from noon to 2 pm. A $5 donation is requested. Any group wishing to enter the cook-off is requested to prepare a minimum of one gallon of chili per group. Flyers and tickets will be sent to each Lodge.

Rules for the Hot and Traveling Gavel were discussed. The rules are the same for both gavels. As of March 2000, seven (7) brothers are required to obtain (or give) the gavel, of these seven brothers, 2 must be officers, one of which of these officers must be an elected officer.

New business:

R:.W:. Ron McMillan read a letter from George F. Russell, Jr. regarding the Bay Pines Christmas Party. The party will be on December 19, 2001, meeting in the Cobb Activity Room at 1:30 p.m. A motion was regularly made, seconded and passed that this Association donate $800 for gifts for this party.

A motion was regularly made, seconded and passed that the Secretary include in the minutes of our meetings each Lodge that attends these meetings along the number of respective members from that Lodge.

A motion was regularly made, seconded and passed that this Associations Web Page have a link for a group "SunCoast Masters & Wardens Internet Cigar Club" with proceeds to benefit our Scholarship Fund.

A motion was regularly made, seconded and passed that this Association plan and organize a bike-a-thon to benefit the Grand Masters Charity. This event will be chaired by Tim Bryce.

R:. W:. Ron McMillan read a letter from Debbie Neveitt, wife of W:. David Neveitt, District Deputy Grand Master of the 21st Masonic District regarding Sandy Phillips, the First Lady of Masonry, Masonic Home Project, VISION 2001. After a brief discussion, this was tabled until our next meeting.

The next Masters & Wardens Meeting will be held on September 19, 2001 at Clearwater Lodge. Dinner will be at 7pm and the meeting will begin at 8pm. Program for the evening will be presented by the Senior Wardens of Nitram Lodge, Northside Lodge, and Elmer 0. Smith Lodge.

The following introductions were made: PDDGM'S; Past Presidents of this Association; and current sitting Worshipful Masters.

W:. Sam Lampson, District Instructor of District 20 was introduced. R:. W:. Jack Stabler, District Deputy Grand Master for the 20th Masonic District was introduced. R:. W:. David Neveitt, District Deputy Grand Master of the 21st Masonic District was introduced.

Benediction was given by Charlie Higgins of Gulf Beach Lodge. The meeting closed at 9:55p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ronald L. McMillan
P.D.D.G.M.,
Secretary

MINUTES OF THE SUNCOAST MASTERS & WARDENS ASSOCIATION MEETING

SEPTEMBER 19, 2001
Clearwater Lodge No. 127 F.& A.M.
Dinner 7:00 p.m. Meeting at 8:00 p.m.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by W:. President Bill Petrey. W:. Alan Leverock, Sutherland Lodge No. 174 gave the invocation, followed by a silent prayer for the September 11, 2001 tragedy and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

President Petrey then proceeded with the regular order of business. All members and guests were welcomed and the Brethren of Clearwater Lodge were thanked for providing the dinner. The kitchen help, who prepared our fine meal, were then introduced.

It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the previous meetings minutes be accepted as printed and distributed. Roll call was taken with 11 Lodges represented and 41 Brothers present, as follows: Star Lodge - 7; St. Petersburg Lodge - 0, Nitram - 2; Northside Lodge - 2; Elmer 0. Smith Lodge - 6; Tarpon Lodge - 1; Pearl of the West Lodge - 2; Dunedin Lodge - 2; East Gate - 0; Clearwater Lodge - 6; Sutherland Lodge - 4; Tampa Bay Lodge - 2; Gulf Beach Lodge - 7; Pinellas Daylight - 0.

Treasurer's Report: The Treasurers report was presented by the Secretary since the Treasurer was absent. The ending balance from the previous meeting was $1,538.38. The current balance is S1,846.45 of which $58.90 is reserved for our Scholarship Fund. It was regularly moved, seconded and passed that the Treasurer's report be accepted as read.

Old business:

The Hot Gavel is at Elmer 0. Smith Lodge. The Traveling Gavel is at Northside Lodge.

W:. Don Langworthy gave a report on the Sitting Masters Degree, which will be held at Star Lodge on November 12, 2001, with a dinner from 6:00pm until 7:00pm, and the degree scheduled to begin at 7:30pm. There will be a practice at Star Lodge on November 7, 2001 beginning at 7:30pm.

W:. C.D. Kennedy gave a report on the Fish Fry. The total amount raised at this event will be reported at our next meeting.

Brother Tim Bryce gave a report on the Membership Data Base, which is now complete and ready for various applications.

Brother Tim Bryce also gave a report on the By-Laws Committee. He said this Association's By-Laws have been approved by Grand Lodge.

The annual Chili Cook-Off will be held at Elmer 0. Smith on Saturday, October 6, 2001 from noon to 2 pm.

Rules for the Hot and Traveling Gavel were discussed. The rules are the same for both gavels. They can be exchanged at either a Stated or Called Communications.

A motion was regularly made, seconded and passed that this Association donate $250 to Sandy Phillips, the First Lady of Masonry, project "Vision 2001" to furnish the Masonic Home's Nursing Center with special fitted, wall mounted, remote control televisions.

W:. C.D. Kennedy mentioned that $50 was collected in donations from the Masonic Home Fish Fry for the September 11, 2001 tragedy.

$182 was collected from the Brethren present to purchase a marble plaque in the Alzheimer's Garden at the Masonic Home in this Association's Name.

Brother Tim Bryce gave a report on the following: Ft. Clinch outdoor Master Mason Degree to be held on October 13, 2001; the Bike-A-Thon for the Grand Masters Charity to be held on February 2, 2002.

The Florida Chapter Number One of the International Police and Square Club donated $40 to this organization to be sent to the September 11, 2001 tragedy fund.

New business:

Brother Mark Fowler, Senior Warden of Northside Lodge presented the Masonic Education for this evening. He spoke on communications and the Masonic Home History.

The next Masters & Wardens Meeting will be held at Gulf Beach Lodge. Dinner will be at 7pm and the meeting will begin at 8pm. Program for the evening will be presented by the Senior Wardens of East Gate Lodge, Clearwater Lodge, and Tampa Bay Lodge. This will also be the election of officers for the ensuing year.

The following introductions were made: PDDGM'S; Past Presidents of this Association; and current sitting Worshipful Masters.

W:. Sam Lampson, District Instructor of District 20 was introduced. R:. W:. Jack Stabler, District Deputy Grand Master for the 20th Masonic District was introduced.

Benediction was given by W:. Alan Leverock of Sutherland Lodge. The meeting closed at 9:15p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ronald L. McMillan
P.D.D.G.M.,
Secretary