By Howard W. Knapp PM, PDI, PDDGM
1990
W:. John Henry
The following elected officers were installed. W:. John Henry-Worshipful Master; Br. Bill O'Brien-Senior Warden; Br. Irben Albright-JuniorWarden; Br. Lester Eshleman-Treasurer; W:. Henry Zelner-Secretary.
January 25th W:. Tom Cox delievered the Entered Apprentice Degree for the first time.
April 5th the subject of the Eastern Star Chapter #241 moving to Nitram Lodge was discussed at length. It was suggested that a committee attend their next meeting on April 10th and get more details.
On April 19th the Master reported on the meeting with the Eastern Star who planned on having a vote June 12th whether to relocate to Nitram Lodge or stay at Gulf Beach Lodge.
September 6th the Lodge voted to sponsor a youth soccer team at the cost of $175.00 for the upcoming season.
1991
W:. Bill O'Brien
The following elected officers were installed. W:. Bill O'Brien-Worshipful Master; Br. Irven Albright-Senior Warden; Br. Stewart Clark- Junior Warden; Br. Bob Hewell-Treasurer; W:. Henry Zelner-Secretary.
(L-R) Charlie VanHorn, Al MacMillan, Tom Bingham Jr., Irv Albright, Bob Andresen, Bob Hewell,Bill O'Brien, John Hoag, Joe Engolia, Stewart Clark, Ralph Vaughn
During the installation Worshipful Master O'Brien announced that his project for the year would be to continue to build the Scholarship fund. WM O'Brien had lapel pins made up with a green shamrock which read "CEAD MILE FAILTE" which translates to "A 100,000 WELCOMES". He gave these out to first time visitors as well as new Master Masons.
March 7th Br Irwin A. Lex was conducted to the East and presented his 70 year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Florida. It was reported that Br. Lex was a "spotter" for the artillery in WWI. He was one of a group of three aviators who passed information back to the artillery group.
In April the Lodge began using a computer to do its minutes and store members in a database.
April 25th a letter of resignation was read by Secretary Henry Zelner as he is moving to Georgia the following week. W:. Charles Horn was then appointed as Secretary Pro Tem for the remainder of the year.
May 16th the Lodge voted to have gutters installed at the front of the Temple for a cost of $360.00, work was done by Gutters, Inc. The Lodge also voted that night to place a Yellow page ad in the phone book at a cost of $147.00.
June 6th the Senior Warden reported that the Lodge has termites and Orkin will do the tenting per the contract agreement.
September 19th the Senior Warden reported that the Fire Equipment over the stove will be a new "wet system" from Pinellas Fire Equipment at a cost of $1,100.00
November 18th eleven members of Gulf Beach Lodge attended Northside Lodge in hopes of picking up the "Traveling Gavel", unfortunately Nitram Lodge also showed up with twenty five members thereby beating Gulf Beach out for the gavel. Great fun was had by all that attended. The Traveling Gavel program was begun to promote Lodges visiting one another.
November 21st Br. Bob Andresen, long time organist of the Lodge was presented a plaque in appreciation for his musical talent.
December 19th W:. Fred McDaniel, long time guest lecturer at this Lodge was made an honorary member of Gulf Beach Lodge.
1992
W:. Irv Albright
The following elected officers were installed. W:. Irven Albright-Worshipful Master; Br. Stewart Clark-Senior Warden; Br. Thomas C. Bingham-Junior Warden; Br. Robert Hewell-Treasurer; W:. Charles Van Horn-Secretary.
January 30th the Lodge held a '50's night complete with DJ and dancing. W:. Fred McDaniels performed his "Satchmo" act and was great as usual.
Lodge dues were raised to $45.00 per year on February 20th
March 5th the Memorial Team led by W:. Joe Fitz, presented a 'mock' funeral services for the edification of the brothers present.
March 19th the House committee reported that Br. Charlie Mudge had been putting in many hours around the Lodge doing repairs and up-keep.
March 30th the Order of Easter Star Chapter #241 moved out of Gulf Beach Lodge and on to Nitram Lodge #188. They have been sorely missed to this date.
May 7th it was reported that the fire escape had been welded and was ready for painting.
September 3rd the Lodge voted to donate $300.00 to the Rex Bradford Fund (the Master's grandson), following a near drownding, to help offset the hospital treatment expense that will be needed over the next year.
September 17th the Master congratulated Br Charlie Mudge for the fine job he did refinishing the arms of the officer chairs.
October 15th the Lodge once again sponsors the youth soccer team for $150.00
December 17th The Tyler announced that there was a visitor from "Up North" , Santa Claus (Br Robert Henderson) was admitted into the Lodge room, with the permission of the Master, and gave each brother the gift of a candy cane.
1993
W:. Tom Bingham Jr.
The following elected officers were installed. W:. Thomas C. Bingham-Worshipful Master; Br Ralph Vaughan-Senior Warden; Br Doug Wilder-Junior Warden; W:. Bill O'Brien-Treasurer; W:. Tom Cox-Secretary.
February 27th the brothers of the Lodge went "Paint Balling" in Largo.
March 20th there was a Deep Sea Fishing trip, even with foul weather was great fun.
March 21st the Lodge sponsored a youth T-Ball team for $100.00
March 18th W:. Vaughan recommended that the American Flag donated by Br. Arthur Bowen, be hung downstairs at the Lodge.
W:. Albright turned over the remainder of his Master's Project money ($1,738.17) to the Scholarship Fund.
The altar was drapped for the passing of W:. James Tillighast, Master in 1985.
July 4th the Lodge took part in the Gulfport 4th of July Parade in full regalia.
Over the summer the Masters Project was completed. The project was to completely gut the downstairs back to the studs, hang new drywall, replace the electric, plaster and finish the walls. Also a closet was expanded and turned into the Library and the wall of the Secretary's office shortened to create a closet.
September 2nd the Lodge voted to name the new library the "Irven Albright Memorial Library". W:. Albright, Master in 1992, passed away tragically over the summer.
The Lodge Trestleboard is now being produced on computer by W:. Ralph Vaughan who took over the editing of the Trestleboard to give Br Al MacMillan, the previous editor, a break.
Lodge Library
October 7th Jody Albright, widow of late Irven Albright, presented the Lodge with W:. Albright's "Masters Gavel" which will hang in his memory in the library.
October 28th it is announced that due to the sudden passing of W:. Albright there was not a Masters picture yet taken for the "master's wall". W:. Albright's widow, Jody, said that she had a picture that might work well. It is now the picture that hangs on the wall in the Lodge room.
The Officer chairs and kneeling pads have been recovered by Br. Al MacMillan.
December 23rd the Master presented a specially made altar cloth to the Lodge for a twofold purpose. First, in honor of W:. John Hoag, and second in memory of W:.Milton Shapiro for serving as Chaplain. The Master explained that he wanted to honor our current Chaplain, John Hoag, while he is living.
1994
W:. Ralph Vaughan
The following elected officers installed. W:. Ralph Vaughan-Worshipful Master; Br. Doug Wilder-Senior Warden; Br. David Jones-Junior Warden; W:. Bill O'Brien-Treasurer; W:. Tom Cox-Secretary.
Master's Address at Installation
(L-R) W:. John Hoag; W:. Ralph Vaughan
March 24th W:. Fred Larges, Master in 1986, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.
May 5th the Lodge voted to make the members of the Memorial Team who were not members of this Lodge, Honorary members.
Over the summer the Masters Project was completed which was the placement of the mosaic tile floor under the altar.
The Tile Floor
September 15th the Master presented the idea of choosing a "Memorial Perpetual Membership" for a deceased Past Master each year.
1995
W:. David Jones
The following elected officers were installed. W:. David Jones-Worshipful Master; Br Howard Knapp-Senior Warden; Br Clarence "CD" Kennedy-Junior Warden; W:. Bill O'Brien-Treasurer; W:. Tom Cox-Secretary.
The Senior Wardens procures an answering machine for the Lodge that will give the dates and times of the Lodge meetings.
The bathrooms have been wall-papered and a new urinal placed in the mens room.
Lodge officer parking space signs were made by Br. James Reese III.
March 16th this District began the "Hot Gavel" to promote visitation among the
Lodges. The goal is for the Lodge to get rid of the gavel by taking it to another lodge.
April 6th the Seminole Square Club donates a new air-conditioner for the kitchen.
April 13th Br. Howard Knapp delivered the Fellowcraft lecture for the first time.
June 22nd organist, Robert Andresen, passed away.
The Lodge decides to join the Gulf Beaches Chamber of Commerce for $75.00 per year.
December 28th the Master puts on a "Rusty Nail Degree" as a refresher for those members that have not been out to Lodge in awhile.
1996
W:. Howard Knapp
The following elected officers were installed. W:. Howard Knapp-Worshipful Master; Br CD Kennedy-Senior Warden; Br. Robert Calhoun-JuniorWarden; W:. Bill O'Brien-Treasurer; Br. Wes Stacknik-Secretary.
1996 Officers
Installing Officers
(L-R) W:. David Meade, W:. Ralph Vaughan, W:. Walter Sneddon, W:. David Jones, W:. Tom Cox, W:. John Hoag
Br. Pete Bengston, owner of Seminole florist, donated a silk Masonic floral arrangement for use at funerals and the arrangement still hangs in the Lodge room.
The Masters Projects for the year are to have the parking lot resealed and the kitchen floor redone.
January 25th the Master had special Gulf Beach Lodge coins minted to hand out to visiting brothers a tradition which continues to this day.
W:. Knapp's mother made new costumes for the Master Mason degree team, the satin garb for KS, SGW, SGD and JGD.
The Lodge held a Past Masters Night which was attended by the Grand Master, Michael Padron and the District Deputy Grand Master Ron Newton.
Past Masters & Grand Master
(L-R) Michael Padron, Grand Master; W:. Howard Knapp, Ron Newton, DDGM
Br. Bill Paul, Junior Deacon, composed the following poem which he read aloud to the brothers. This poem was written in dedication and memory to Br:. Merv Ballinger
"A New Brother"
By William Paul
On the night that I first asked for the light
The Senior Deacon who stood at my right
Had said, "Our ways are ancient, do you still
Seek to travel this road of your own free will ?"
Now, grandfathers of mine this way had come
To work with the square, the level, the plumb.
I said, "I do!" He said "Prepare!"
And my whole life changed at the altar there,
Where I knelt and felt that now I'd found
Mr brothers, there, all gathered around.
And 'tho then I was blind, I now see it's true
Those who gathered there were much like you.
Each life is different, each quest is unique,
Let each man find what he shall seek.
But I tell you this, it fills my heart
When I can watch, or just play a small part,
Whenever a man comes through that door
As all the brothers have come before,
And kneels in due form for that ancient vow.
It thrilled me then. It thrills me now
To know that another now seeks the light;
That a new brother now shares our road tonight.
A new traveling man brothers, like you, and like me.
May God bless you all. So mote it be.
(Printed with permission of the author)
February 1st the Lodge once again sponsored a youth T-Ball team for $75.00, the team name was the "Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge Indians"
At this time Gulf Beach Lodge had a lighted sign on Gulf Blvd. which was shared with the Elks Club. It was located beneath the sign of a local hotel at 140th Ave. on the west side of the street. The hotel was sold and the new owners had the sign removed. W:. Knapp contacted the city of Madeira Beach which agreed to make signs for the Lodge and place them on Gulf Blvd. and also on 140th Avenue.
Article: Br:. Victor Crist speaks at Lodge
March 7th the Lodge held a Family Night. There was a live band led by Br. Bob Doughty and those present enjoyed homemade pizza, and dancing and a special program by Br. Andros of the National Sojourners made in full Revolutionary Era garb.
April 18th it was reported that the Italian dinner served over 145 dinners and raised over $1,095.00 for the Masters project.
The kitchen roof was replaced in May of this year and the second floor window was blocked in.
The Lodge began looking into the possibility of an elevator or chair lift to get members to the second floor. After exhaustive research it was found to be too costly and not physically possible for the building as it is right now.
December 5th the Master used $200.00 from the Masters Project to purchase a Memorial Perpetual Membership for W:. James Tillinghast, deceased 1985 Master of the Lodge. W:. Tillinghast was Master the year W:. Knapp was Raised.
1997
W:. CD Kennedy
The following elected officers were installed. W:. Clarence D. Kennedy-Worshipful Master; Br. Robert Calhoun-Senior warden; Br. Robert Blank-Junior Warden; W:. Bill O'Brien-Treasurer; W:. Howard Knapp-Secretary.
At Installation W:. Howard Knapp presented WM Kennedy with a Memorial Gavel to be passed from one Master to the next in Memory of W:. Joseph Gribbins, the gavel is engraved in W:. Gribbins memory.
The Masters project is to replace the oven and stove in the kitchen.
Br. Gene Shipman donated a large number of Masonic books to the Lodge Memorial Library.
March 20th the Lodge votes to allow the Secretary to get the Lodge "online" on the Internet so as to take advantage of the access to Grand Lodge and email.
April 10th Lodge dues were raised to $47.50 per year.
The Senior Warden reported that the sinks and toilets in the bathrooms have been replaced.
May 15th the members of the Lodge voted to sponsor W:. Ken Vaughan, third Master of the Lodge, as a resident at the Masonic Home.
On June 5th it was announced that the Mid-Pinellas Chapter of the DeMolay is doing well with about 30 members. The chapter is sponsored by Gulf Beach Lodge. The Lodge voted to donate $250.00 to the DeMolay chapter for the purchase of a banner.
On September 4th it was reported that the air-conditioning unit is bad and needs replacement at a cost of $2000.00
October 2nd WM Kennedy appointed a committee to look into the possibility of selling the Lodge property and move to another location.
Br:. Bryan Bingham was Raised a Master Mason on October 9th, his father, uncle and brother, all Past Masters of Gulf Beach Lodge filled the chairs of Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden.
November 20th the Master offered Sunshine Lodge #288 the use of Gulf Beach Lodge after they sell their property. Sunshine ultimately merged with Northside Lodge.
On December 18th the Lodge passed a hat around the Lodge for funds to make our late brother W:. John Hoag, long time Chaplain, a Memorial Perpetual member. The Lodge raised $447.00 of which $200.00 went to purchase the membership and the remainder went into the Charity Fund in memory of W:. John Hoag.
1998
W:. Bob Calhoun
The following elected Officers were installed. W:. Robert Calhoun - Worshipful Master; Br:. M. Douglas Wilder- Senior Warden; Br:. Doug Ashcroft - Junior Warden; W:. Howard Knapp - Secretary; W:. Bill O'Brien - Treasurer
April 2nd the Lodge approved spending $670.00 to upgrade the electrical box under the stairwell.
September 24th the Lodge was dark due to the close proximity of Hurricane Georges, the Master Mason Degree for Br:. Bill Kean was postponed until October 22nd.
Past Masters Night
October 1st it was reported that the Mid-Pinellas Chapter Order of DeMolay has 47 members. Gulf Beach Lodge is the sponsor of this group.
November 7th Lodge held an approved degree meeting at the Freedom Square Condos in Seminole.
1999
W:. Doug Ashcroft
The following elected Officers were installed. W;. Douglas Ashcroft- Worshipful Master; Br:. Wesley Stacknik- Senior Warden; Br:. Joseph Engolia - Junior Warden; W;. Howard Knapp - Secretary; W:. Thomas Cox - Treasurer
February 4th W;. Tom Cox presented three oak and walnut plaques to the Lodge, one for each degree. These are hanging on the North wall of the Lodge room.
March 18th the Lodge was advised that the illuminated sign on Surfs Inn on Gulf Blvd. would have to come down due to the sale of the hotel.
March 19th the Lodge held a cigar social organized by W;. Howard Knapp. Legendary Cigars brought cigar rollers, and gave a demonstration on how cigars are rolled. Free samples were given out along with Cuban coffee and chili.
March 25th a member of the Lodge had a medical emergency in the middle of a mock degree. A call was made to 911 and the Lodge immediately put at ease. The Madeira Beach Fire Dept. arrived at the Lodge and transported the brother to the hospital. The Lodge was then closed in due form. The sick brother recuperated very well.
It was reported on September 2nd that new signs advertising the Lodge were placed on Gulf Blvd. north and southbound. These signs were courtesy of the city of Madeira Beach.
September 23rd the Lodge watched a Masonic video on the new 36" TV downstairs that was part of the Master's project. W:. Tom Cox built and installed the wall stand.
December 2nd the Lodge donated $100 to adopt a classroom, a practice which has been continued over the years.
2000
W:. Wes Stacknik
The following elected officers were installed. W:. Wesley Stacknik - Worshipful Master; Br:. Joseph Engolia - Senior Warden; Br:. John Denehan - Junior Warden; W:. Don Roney - Secretary; Br:. Bill Harper - Treasurer.
Br:. Al MacMillan reminded the brothers at the December 16th meeting that Br:. Frank Lundie a traveling brother from Scotland donated the setting maul gavels in the South, West and East to the Lodge.
January 6th it was announced that there would be a 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Lodge to be held on April 19th. Br:. Engolia is looking into the minting of a commemorative coin for the occasion.
On March 16th it was announced that W:. Tom Cox was appointed as the incoming District Deputy Grand Master and W:. Howard Knapp was appointed as District Instructor.
On April 6th W:. Bill O'Brien was elected as President of the waning Memorial Association. The Memorial Association had been in existence for many years and graciously performed all the Masonic Funeral services for the Lodge. The members were mostly non-Gulf Beach members and did a great service for Gulf Beach Lodge. Over the years the Memorial Team membership dwindled and finally needed to be disbanded. Many of the members of the Memorial Team were made Honorary Members of Gulf Beach Lodge. The purpose of W:. O'Brien taking over Presidency was to finalize the business involved in closing the association. Since this date the Funeral Services have been primarily conducted by our Chaplain, W:. Donald T. Harriott. W:. Harriott continues to do a tremendous job.
On April 22nd the Lodge held its 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner at the Masonic Temple. The Grand Master, M:.W:. Keith Dean and his lady were in attendance. Each Past Master present was given the opportunity to give a short synopsis of his year. Commemorative coins were presented, one of which is framed (the framing done by W;. Tom Cox) and is on display downstairs in the Lodge room. The Gulf Beach Charter was re-dedicated by the Grand Master and re-presented to the Lodge.
In June of 2000 Thomas L. Cox, Past Master, was installed as District Deputy Grand Master and Howard Knapp, Past Master, was installed as District Instructor.
The Lodge delivered Christmas gifts to the residents that they sponsor at the Home.
2001
W:. Joe Engolia
The following elected officers were installed. W:. Joseph Engolia - Worshipful Master; Br:. John Denehan - Senior Warden; Br:. David Webster - Junior Warden; W:. Don Roney - Secretary; Br:. Bill Harper - Treasurer
The Masters project for the year is to put a swinging door into the kitchen and install folding doors across that pass through window into the kitchen.
On February 1st Br:. Gene Shipman told the brothers what Lodge was like when he joined in 1956. The seats were wooden, floors were wooden, there was no airconditioning, no fans and the crank windows were usually closed so the neighbors wouldn't hear the ritual.
June 21st Br:. Charles Higgins donated a dish washer to the Lodge and did the installation.
September 6th there was major water leak under the kitchen floor repairs were made by the following meeting.
September 13th the Lodge held a moment of silence for those that lost their lives in the World Trade Center Disaster on 9-11.
December 20th the Lodge voted to donate our organ downstairs to Turkey Creek Lodge.
2002
W:. John Denehan
The following elected officers were installed. W:. John Denehan - Worshipful Master; Br:. David Webster - Senior Warden; Br:. Dan Saltzman - Junior Warden; W:. Don Roney - Secretary; W:. Bill O'Brien - Treasurer.
The Masters project was to install new flooring in the kitchen.
February 7th W:. Howard Knapp took over the Lodge website. The address is to be www.gulfbeachlodge.org
February 21st the Lodge agreed to take part in the Seminole Pow Wow Parade.
The Lodge bought a brick t for $50.00 to be placed in the path for the Korean War Memorial at the Bay Pines VA Hospital inscribed with the Lodge name on it.
2003
W:. David Webster
The following elected officers were installed. W:. David Webster - Worshipful Master; Br:. Dan Saltzman - Senior Warden; W:. Joeseph Engolia - Junior Warden; W:. Howard Knapp - Secretary; Br:. Bill Harper -Treasurer.
The Masters project is to paint the exterior.
On February 6th W:. Don Harriott gave a memorial speech for the Columbia Space shuttle crew that was lost.
It was voted to stop our flood insurance to save the Lodge money.
The printer/fax/copier was donated to the Lodge by Br:. David Brown.
On April 17th the Lodge put Marine, Timothy Denehan, through the three degrees in two days due to his going to Iraq. Timothy Denehan is the son of W:. John Denehan. W:. Joe Engolia gave the Charge to a Military brother.
On May 15th W:. Howard Knapp announced that the PR articles were still outgoing to the local papers. The Lodge has gained membership from these articles being run.
On May 22nd the Lodge had no water so the lodge was opened and closed right away after which the brothers enjoyed some fellowship at the Daquiri Deck on Madeira Beach.
June 26th was a brother bring a friend night at Lodge.
September 11th Br:. Gene Shipman presented a bequethal to the Lodge in the amount of $12,000.00
November 6th the Lodge voted to buy the out going Master a gold filled jewel to save money. The Master can opt to pay the difference for a solid gold jewel if he would like.
December 18th a Firefighter Degree was put on for Br:. Frank Whitney, a Firefighter with Clearwater Fire Department. The chairs were all filled by Firefighter Masons as follows, Howard Knapp - Hillsborough County FD; Gary Costa - Clearwater FD; Derryl O'Neal - Madeira Beach FD; Bill Riley- Hillsborough County FD; Alan Shedler - Seminole FD; Derek Raymer - Seminole FD; Craig Cramer - Clearwater FD; Andy Green - Hillsborough County FD; Tim Knox - Hillsborough County FD
Appendix:
George Frederick Clark (1st Master U.D.)
Born 12-24-1889
Brooklyn New York
Transferred to Gulf Beach Lodge from Star Lodge 12-6-1951
" " Star " Gulf Beach 1-17-1952
Master of Star Lodge #78 1945
Occupation: Realtor
Home: 10745 50th Ave. No.
St. Petersburg
Carl John Schaefer #734231 (1st Master of Gulf Beach Lodge #291)
Charter member from Nitram Lodge #188
Dimited to Gulf Beach as Charter member April 20, 1950
Address: 2918 8th Ave No.
St. Petersburg
Born 1-18-1900
EA - 5-15-1947
FC - 10-2-1947
MM- 12-4-1947
Master 1-1-50
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Lodge History 1990-2003
