By Howard W. Knapp PM, PDI, PDDGM

1970

W:. Roy Saunders

The following elected officers were installed, W:. Roy Saunders-Worshipful Master; Br Barney Walker-Senior Warden; Br Walter Hiel-Junior Warden; Br James Stebelton; W:. Wm Voss-Secretary. Membership remained at 298 this year.

The Master's project was the start of a Building Fund with many contributions being made.

The Gulf Beach Memorial Association performed 8 funerals within a two week period between July 19^th and August 3^rd.

W;. James P. Robertson was the first Past Master of Gulf Beach Lodge to take a dimit.

On September 24^th the Grand Master, MW David Wilkinson, attended the Lodge.

1971

W:. Barney Walker

The following elected officers were installed, W:. Barney Walker-Worshipful Master; Br Walter Heil-Senior Warden; Br Rex Newman-Junior Warden; Br James Stebelton- Treasurer; W:. Wm Voss-Secretary. Membership increased to 301 this year.

The brothers agreed to finance the purchase of furnishings for a room at the Masonic Home.

W:. Fred McDaniel gave the FC lecture on June 10^th using the new Winding Stairs carpet.

The Master Mason Degree was exemplified in Spanish by the members of Universal Lodge #178 of Ybor City to a 'packed house.'

1972

W:. Walter Heil

The following elected officers were installed, W:. Walter Heil-Worshipful Master; Br Rex Newman-Senior Warden; Br Jefferson DeR Capps-Junior Warden; Br James Stebelton-Treasurer; W:. Wm Voss- Secretary. Membership was 316 this year.

(L-R) Front: James Cairns, James Stebelton, Rex Newman, Walter Heil, Jeff Capps, Bill Voss, Bill Marshall

Back: John Hopkins, John Hoag, Art Jolly, Tom Cox, Don Knudson, Charles Lassiter, Andy Ofukany

A beautiful set of plaid altar and pedestal coverings were donated by Br George Davidson of Kilwinning Lodge #0 (the first Lodge in Scotland).

1973

W:. Rex Newman

The following elected officers were installed, W:. Rex Newman-Worshipful Master; Br Jefferson DeR Capps-Senior Warden; James Cairns-Junior Warden; Br Clarence Fenske-Treasurer; Br Donald Knutson-Secretary. 329 membership

The Master's Project was to remodel the first floor.

May 17^th there were eight 33 degree Masons present at the business meeting.

1974

W:. Jeff Capps

The following elected officers were installed, W:. Jefferson DeR Capps-Worshipful Master; Br James - Senior Warden; Br Donald Watson-Junior Warden; Br Clarence Fenske-Treasure; W:. Wm Voss-Secretary. Membership grew to 334.

On February 28^th there were 169 Masons present for a Master Mason Degree conferred on Br Roy Hastings

The brothers approved the installation of emergency exit signs and lighting upstairs and downstairs.

Approval was given by the craft for a memorial plaque to be placed on the water fountain which was donated by Mrs. Mildred Walton in memory of her husband Robert.

On September 5^th the brothers approved the painting of the exterior of the Lodge for a cost of $889.00.

1975

W:. James Cairns

The following elected officers were installed, W:. James Cairns-Worshipful Master; Br Donald Watson-Junior Warden; Br Thomas Cox-Junior Warden; Br Clarence Fenske-Treasurer; W:. Wm Voss-Secretary. Membership grew by 23 to 357.

The Lodge voted unanimously to increase the Degree fees to $50.00 per degree for a total of $150.00

On March 6^th Br:. Tom R. Bingham announced the organization of the Gulf Beach Chapter of Demolay and that they were going to have twelve candidates in their first class on April 12^th, thus entitling them to the Grand Master's award.

W:. Jefferson DeR Capps served as President of the Masters & Wardens Association this year.

October 30^th the Lodge celebrated its 25^th Anniversary, all appedant bodies were represented. The evening began at 7:30 PM with an organ medley by DeMolay Tod Schmidt. W:. James Cairns welcomed the members and visitors. After the flag ceremony and singing of 'God Bless America', Br:. Dr. Pickens from Church by the Sea gave the invocation. Br:. Dr. Pickens spoke on the Lodge's first meetings held at Church by the Sea. Br:. Tom Cox, Master of Ceremonies, introduced the Beck Family who provided excellent entertainment for the evening. The Master thanked the Ladies and Girls for their assistance with the refreshments and after the benediction all went downstairs for fellowship.

The Lodge purchased six American flags at $10.99 each to present to local schools by Br:. Tom Cox, Junior Warden.

1976

W:. Donald Watson

The following elected officers were installed, W:. Donald Watson-Worshipful Master; Br Thomas Cox-Senior Warden; Br Wm Gamel-Junior Warden; Br Clarence Fenske-Treasurer; W:. Wm Voss-Secretary. Membership 374

Br Andrew Ofukany was honored for his nine years as Tyer, Br Andrew followed Br Earl Ewing that served as Tyler for seven years.

Lodge dues were increased from $15 to $20.

W;. Bill Voss was elected by the Lodge brothers to receive a life Membership at Gulf Beach Lodge. This is the first time that a Life Membership was presented to a brother. W:. Voss thanked the brothers heartily for the presentation.

Nitram Lodge #188 was invited to confer the Master Mason Degree on two Gulf Beach candidates.

On October 21^st Br:. George McMichael, having the best attendance record, was presented his 1977 dues as an award. This friendly competition was done to promote attendance and to encourage brothers to get out to Lodge. Br:. McMichael donated the $20 to the Building fund.

1977

W:. Tom Cox

The following elected officers were installed, W:. Thomas Cox-Worshipful Master; Br Wm Gamel-Senior Warden; Br Stanley Snyder-Junior Warden; Br Clarence Fenske-Treasurer; W:. Wm Voss-Secretary. Membership remained 374

W:. Cox dedicated his year as Master to his brother in law, Br A. Thomas Louttit, who was instrumental in getting W:. Cox into Masonry and Raised him in 1977. Br Louttit passed away in 1975.

An annual picnic was begun this year and was originally held in honor of the Masonic Youth.

The flag pole outside was repaired and lights installed so that the American Flag could be flown 24 hours a day.

The Master's Project was to re-carpet the Lodge room for a cost of $1,900.00. The carpet was laid on November 28, 29 & 30; the quality was such that the carpet is still in use in 2003 and in fine condition.

1978

W:. Bill Gamel

The following elected officers were installed, W:. William Gamel-Worshipful Master; Br Thomas R. Bingham-Senior Warden; Br Jack Brown-Junior Warden; Br Clarence Fenske-Treasurer; W:. Wm Voss-Secretary. Lodge membership raised to 376.

The Master's Project was the purchase and installation of a new Public Address system.

On October 19, 1978 W:. Tom Cox recited the Edgar Guest 'Lamb Skin Apron" poem for the first time.

The members approved a dues increase to $25.00

The Past Masters Unit from Egypt Temple conferred the Master Mason Degree upon Br Lester Eshleman.

W:. Fred McDaniel received an Honoray Membership to Gulf Beach Lodge on December 21^st for years of dedicated service giving lectures at the Lodge. W:. Fred McDaniel passed away in March of 2005.

1979

W:. Tom Bingham Sr.

The following elected officers were installed, W:. Thomas R. Bingham-Worshipful Master; Br Jack Brown-Senior Warden; Br John Bingham-Junior Warden; Br Clarence Fenske-Treasurer; W:. Wm Voss-Secretary. Membership was 380.

The Master's Project was to remodel the kitchen.

W:. Bingham made an offer to the Youth groups that the Lodge would offer an all expense paid trip to Disney World for the 1^st line signer with the most new members.

In January Br. Ernest J. Freeman delivered the Fellowcraft Lecture for the first time. This is noteworthy because Br Freeman had only been Raised three months earlier.

The Grand Master was made an honorary member of Gulf Beach Lodge and presented his certificate by W:. Bingham at the monthly Masonic Home board meeting.

(L-R) Tom Cox, Bill Voss, Tom Bingham, M:.W:. Frank Smith, W:. Jack Brown, Jack Toes

The Lodge marched for the first time in the Seminole Pow Pow Parade which has repeated many times in the years to follow.

The annual Family Picnic was held at the Bay Pines Park.

Twenty one brothers took and passed the three Master Mason exams this year, a banner number not yet surpassed.

W:. Bingham assisted by several brothers designed and constructed the 'Past Officers' plaques that hang downstairs in the Lodge. W:. Bingham spent many long hours engraving each and every name plate for the plaque.

Br Ernest J. Freeman was the first member of our Lodge to earn the 'Gold' card which was presented him in October by R:.W:. Danny Harris, District Deputy Grand Master. It is noteworthy to mention that Br Freeman earned this after being a Master Mason for a mere 11 months. This card is earned by memorizing all three lectures, all ritual work in the three degrees, and all catechism work in the three degrees. To date W:. Ernest J. Freeman and W:. Howard W. Knapp of Gulf Beach Lodge that have earned this high honor.

Grand Master, MW Franklin Smith, was made an honorary member of Gulf Beach Lodge. Life membership was also given to W:. Carl Schaefer, first Master of Gulf Beach Lodge.

1980

W:. Jack Brown

The following elected officers were installed. W:. Jack Brown-Worshipful Master; Br. John Bingham-Senior Warden; Br. John Toes-Junior Warden; Br. Clarence Fenske-Treasurer; W:. Bill Voss-Secretary.

The Masters project was to continue work on the kitchen project as well as add books to the Lodge Library and to revise the By-Laws and present a copy to each member.

On September 4^th the Grand Master granted dispensation for a Master Mason Degree to be held at sea on the Captain Anderson dinner boat moored off the Corey Causeway bridge.

October 24^th the Lodge held a special Master Mason Degree onboard the Captain Anderson. The Officer chairs were filled by officers throughout the district. District Deputy Grand Master, Carl Gilmore was present as was the District Instructor, R:.W:. Danny Harris. The candidate was FC brother Michael H. Patrick of Gulf Beach Lodge. The degree ended at 9:45 PM after which "we all then went on deck to cruise the bay till 11:00 PM when we docked".

1981

W:. John Bingham

The following elected officers were installed. W:. John Bingham-Worshipful Master; Br. David Edwards-Senior Warden; Br. Archie Graham-Junior Warden; Br. Clarence Fenske-Treasurer; W:. Bill Voss-Secretary.

Long time Chaplain Milton Shapiro suffered a stroke and was admitted into St. Anthony's Hospital on January 8^th.

Br. Andrew Ofukany received a plaque and certificate of appreciation for serving the Lodge faithfully as Tyler for thirteen years. The presentation was made after a Master Mason's dinner in the presence of the ladies.

On March 19^th Tommy Bingham, a member of DeMolay, gave the 'Flower Talk' at the Lodge for the brethren present. Tommy later served as Master of the Lodge in 1993.

At the end of his term as Master, W:. John Bingham was thanked for all that was done his year such as "the bathrooms, new robes or costumes for the degree team, changing the coke machine and remodeling the front entrance".

1982

W:. David Edwards

The following elected officers were installed. W:. David Edwards-Worshipful Master; Br. Archie Graham-Senior Warden; Br. Ernest Freeman-Junior Warden;Br. Clarence Fenske-Treasurer; W:. Bill Voss-Secretary.\

Br. Robert Endsley donated the plastic signs for the mens and ladies rooms.

It was approved to pay $394.00 to patch and seal the parking lot.

It was reported that $1,110.00 was raised at the annual Fish Fry.

May 6^th it was announced that W:. Jeff Capps was going to be the new District Deputy Grand Master for the 19^th Masonic District.

1983

W:. Archie Graham

The following elected officers were installed. W:. Archie Graham-Worshipful Master; Br. Ernest Freeman-Senior Warden; Br James Tillinghast-Junior Warden; Br Marlin Lang-Treasurer; W:. Bill Voss-Secretary.

(L-R) Br:. Joe Gribbin; W:. Archie Graham; Br:. Frank Lundie

The Worshipful Master reported that the Masters Project was going to be sparkle-crete on the exterior of the Temple.

On September 20^th, Br. Henry Van Dyke, first brother to be Raised in Gulf Beach Lodge passed away.

A new chair for the East was purchased from the Masters Project funds as well as five jewel collars and a new sign on Gulf Blvd.

Note in the minutes on December 8^th notes that Br. Joe Gribbin unable to attend Lodge tonight because the 'mullet are running hot and heavy". Br Gribbin worked in the fishing industry.

In May the Grand Master complained that this Lodge had failed to present many service awards in addition to failing to perform a number of courtesy funerals. This laid dormant at Grand Lodge while the Master looked into the situation.

In November the Grand Master ordered an audit of the Secretaries books by an outside CPA for the months of January 1^st through November 30^th. The audit was lengthy and the report was not ready until January 10^th 1984. When the reports were delivered, the District Deputy Grand Master (R:.W:. Sam Reeks) took a copy for himself and one he was sending to the Grand Master., the Lodge kept three copies. It was agreed that Gulf Beach Lodge would take care of the problem itself. It was noted later in 1984 that the Lodge should remember that the Tall Cedars, Jobs Daughters and the Amaranth chapters owe their very existence to W:. Voss.

1984

W:. Ernie Freeman

The following elected officers were installed. W:. Ernest Freeman-Worshipful Master; Br. James Tillinghast-Senior Warden; Br. Fred Larges-Junior Warden.; Br. Marlin lang-Treasurer; W:. Bill Voss-Secretary.

Installation of Ernie Freeman with DeMolay

The CPA firm Millot, Hunter & Ragucci filed their report of the audit on January 9, 1984. The report showed no criminal intent was found, but rather that records were just poorly kept and that the Lodge should consider electing a Secretary with perhaps better record keeping capabilities.

On March 1^st the Master read a letter of resignation of W:. Bill Voss from the position of Secretary of Gulf Beach Lodge. W:. Voss had served the Lodge faithfully of the years and succumbed to the stress of being audited by outside agencies. W:. John Hoag has stepped up and filled in as Secretary Pro Tem

The Worshipful Master announced that he would like to form a Scholarship Fund as his Masters Project and will give more details in the near future.

June 7^th W:. Curt Alberts took over as Secretary Pro Tem.

On November 15^th the Master presented a proposed By_Laws change to add article No. 10.12 "Scholarship Committee."

1985

W:. Jim Tillinghast

The following elected officers were installed. W:. James Tillinghast-Worshipful Master; Br. Fred Larges-Senior Warden; Br Henry Zelner-Junior Warden; W:. David Edwards-Treasurer; W:. Curt Alberts-Secretary.

(L-R) Br:. Joe Gribbin; Br:. Frank Lundie; W:. Jim Tillighast; Guest; W:. David Edwards

The Masters Project is to get new Heating and Air Conditioning unites for the Lodge.

Br. Andy Ofukany was honored for his years of dedicated service as Tyle of the Lodge. Br Andy was then made a life member of the Lodge on February 15^th.

June 13^th long time Secretary, William "Bill" Voss, passed away suddenly at the age of 68.

June 20^th the following poem was read at Lodge in memory of W:. Bill Voss. This poem was composed by a member of the Gulf Beach Chapter of DeMolay, and future Mason and Master of this Lodge, Thomas C. Bingham. This poem was made a part of the Lodge minutes.

Youth's Tribute to Dad Voss

Written by Tom Bingham on behalf of the many lives he touched.

God, I come to you with this prayer

Because, like numerous others, I truly care.

I think you should know

About a man through whom Your good will shall always show.

Many men receive great praise, which may be their only intent,

But this man's intentional path of charity and goodness was never bent.

His love and honest concern was plain to see.

Another man like him there can never be.

Your ideals of the virtuos man he did honestly represent.

It is simple to see that only from you could he have been sent.

Of his many extreme dedications,

His noble cause for youth was his true vocation.

To notice his virtuos qualities is very clear.

A bad word about him you will never hear.

His patience was tried and found true,

Just the understanding he always had, a gracious gift from You.

A negative word from his mouth never came.

His confidence in youth was unfaltering and his support was the same.

Even though many tears have been shed by many eyes,

We rejoice of the thought that he has joined You in the glorious heaven in Your peaceful skies.

Thank You, Lord, for sending us a man as great as he.

Youth is forever grateful for his dedication which always held true.

Lord, we ask Your blessing for this man who has left us to be united with You.

Amen.

1986

W:. Fred Larges

The following elected officers were installed. W:. Fred Larges-Worshipful Master; Br Henry Zelner -Senior Warden; Br Mark Niceley-Junior Warden; Br. Lester Eshleman-Treasurer; Br. Joe Gayda-Secretary.

A Lively discussion arose on January 2^nd in regards to the proposed change of the Secretary to a "non-salaried" position and that the Master could appoint an "assistant" to the Secretary. Also, it was discussed to eliminate the "discount" offered on dues.

March 13^th Br. Gayda, Lodge Secretary, stepped down. W:. Curt Alberts took the duties back over.

On March 20^th a motion was made to donate $500.00 to the Scholarship Fund, which was at that meeting referred to as the "Dad Voss Scholarship Fund".

March 25^th W:. Carl Schaefer, 1^st Master of Gulf Beach Lodge #291 passed away at the age of 86.

It was stated voted on the September 4th business meeting to raise the rent for appendant bodies needs to $55.00 per month from $39.00

W:. Fred Larges donated a very nice organ to the Lodge, it is in the Library today.

November 20^th Gulf Beach Lodge's own Jeff Capps made his official visit as District Deputy Grand Master.

Br Bill Maxwell and his wife donated $600.00 to the Lodge for a new furnace which is being donated in memory of W:. Bill Voss.

1987

W:. Henry Zelner

The following elected officers were installed. W:. Henry Zelner- Worshipful Master; Br. Mark Niceley-Senior Warden; Br. Joseph Gribbin-Junior Warden; Br. Lester Eshleman-Treasurer; W:. Curt Alberts-Secretary.

The Masters Project is to replace the outdated PA system in the Lodgeroom.

On May 21^st the Lodge voted to donate $100.00 to the Masonic Home Endowment Fund (MH-100) in memory of W:. Milton Shapiro, long time Chaplain of Gulf Beach Lodge who passed away on May 17^th.

October 1^st Br. Gordon Spiers presented a beautiful engraved marble picture showing the structure of freemasonry to the Lodge on loan for a couple of years. This picture still hangs in the Lodge room on the west wall.

On November 19^th W:. Tom Cox made a motion which was passed to donate $2000.00 to the Masonic Home to furnish a room. W:. Cox delivered the check the following day and Gulf Beach Lodge was assigned room #224.

The OES announced that they would like to purchase stackable chairs for downstairs and would like the Lodge to assist in the cost.

Long time Tyler, Andy Ofukany, passed away on April 19^th in Chicago.

Lodge had a 1^st time visitor attend its April 23^rd meeting, W:. Donald Harriott of Wycoff Lodge #287 in New Jersey. W:. Harriott would become a dual member and our long time Chaplain following the passing of W:. John Hoag.

1988

W:. Mark Niceley

The following elected officers were installed. W:. Mark Niceley-Worshipful Master; Br. Joseph Gribbin-Senior Warden; Br. John Henry-Junior Warden; Br. Lester Eshleman-Treasurer; W:. Henry Zelner-Secretary.

A special committee chaired by W:. Tom Cox reported on the cost of new aprons, jewels and rods for the officers of the Lodge. The Lodge approved the spending of up to $1,500.00.

1989

W:. Joe Gribbin

The following elected officers were installed. W:. Joseph Gribbin-Worshipful Master; Br. John Henry-Senior Warden; Br. Bill O'Brien-Junior Warden; Br. Lester Eshleman-Treasurer; W:. Henry Zelner-Secretary.

The Highlander Bagpipers from Egypt Temple Shrine preformed at the Open Installation

On May 18^th a proposal was made to change the name of the Scholarship Committee to the "Ernest J. Freeman Scholarship Committee of Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge #291 F&AM". The proposal was passed.

December 7^th the Master stated that he would look into who might be available to be president of the Gulf Beach Memorial Team, W:. Joe Fitz (honorary member of Gulf Beach Lodge) was to be approached. Br Ed Heppner (honorary member of Gulf Beach Lodge) had been president prior to this date and lead a very successful funeral team. Other regular members of the funeral team included Bob Campbell, Marvin Drendal, Al Tindall, James Dailey, Al Felsman Drummed Brooks, Sid Goddard, Ray Nickell, Ernie Altopp, Bill Maxwell, Fred Krug, Andy Bonelli, Stanley Pridham, George Brusel, to name just a few.

On this same date Sister Geraldine Maxwell presented the Lodge with a beautiful set of working tools in memory of her late husband, Bill, who passed away two months earlier.

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