Congratulations to Brother Christopher Scott Owens, who was Initiated an Entered Apprentice on February 25th at Gulf Beach Lodge in the presence of 53 Masons. Gulf Beach Lodge, come take part in it !!

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge held it's Annual Mid-Day Fish Fry on Tuesday February 16, 2010 at the Masonic Temple from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm. Nearly 60 Masons, family and friends were in attendance and enjoyed the meal. Pictured left are Brothers Andy Kotsaftis (L) and John Willmot, who were among the cooks preparing the fish.

Brothers Louie Pinto, Russel Wood and Michael Castleman were Initiated Entered Apprentices on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at the Masonic Temple at 7:30 PM. Forty Seven Masons were in attendance for this degree, and the new lift system was used for the first time. Congratulations to these newly innitiated brothers.

Bro:. Patrick Ward, who will be shipping out with the US Navy on February 10th, received the Three Symbolic Degrees of Freemasonry in one day by dispensation of the Grand Master. The event was held on Saturday February 6, 2010 at Gulf Beach Lodge. The Entered Apprentice Degree began at 10:00 am, followed by the Fellow Craft Degree, then lunch was served. After lunch Bro:. Ward was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.  Taking part in the ceremonies were R:.W:. Ed Street, District Deputy Grand Master and R:.H:. James Clouser, District Instructor.

R:.W:. Ed Street, District Deputy Grand Master of the 21st Masonic District, accompanied by R:.H:.James Clouser, District Instructor, and other members of his entourage, held his official visit of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 on Thursday, February 4th. The evening began with a dinner at 6:30 pm, followed by the meeting at 7:30 pm.  Nine brothers from Star Lodge, No. 78, and eight brothers of Pinellas Daylight Lodge, No. 385 were in attendance to vie for the traveling gavel. W:. Tom Willmot, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge, cheerfully turned the gavel over to W:.Chas Jordan, Master of Star Lodge.

In addition we were honored by an unannounced visit of M:.W:. William H. Berman, the Grand Master of New Jersey, and the R:.W:. Russell Rutler, Past Grand Secretary of New Jersey.

Brother Brian Book received his silver proficiency card from the District Instructor, R:.H:. James R. Clouser, during the District Deputy Grand Master's Official visit, and Howard Knapp (not pictured) received his brown proficiency card.

Finally, Fay Bengston (wife of Brother Pete Bengston) was honored for her continued labor and dedication to the Lodge's Holiday Food Basket program. For a number of years now Fay has spearheaded the food purchasing and organizing of the baskets. This past year the Lodge supported eight families during the holidays.

On Thursday January 28, 2010 Brothers Igor Savic and Clifford LeRoy Roe became our newest Entered Apprentices in the presence of 51 members and visitors.  A wonderful time was had by all in attendance.