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DUNEDIN, FL, USA (August 17, 2008) - Dunedin Lodge No. 192 started its fall program with a bang, by hosting 126 Master Masons at their first stated communications after the summer break.
"This was an idea that originated from a Mason up north," said Dunedin's Master, W:.Tim Bryce, PM, "Basically, we wanted to see if it was possible to fill up the sidelines of the Lodge to capacity and, Wow, did we ever. Although we called for 100 Masons, we were pleased to see 126 show up."
In addition to members of Dunedin Lodge attending, Masons from around the Tampa Bay area joined them, including Lodges in Districts 20 & 21. Lodges represented included:
This communications also represented the first official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master,
R:.W:.Chris Schlenker, PM, who is also a member of Dunedin Lodge No. 192. He was accompanied by the District Instructor,
R:.H:.Mike Rhodes, PM, and the rest of his entourage. Also accompanying the District Deputy was
R:.W:.Ed Street, PM, PDI, DDGM for District 21 (and an Honorary Member of Dunedin Lodge), and his District Instructor
R:.W:.James Clouser, PM, PDDGM.
Also in attendance were several Masonic VIP's, including:
- W:.Joseph Gondos - WM, Clearwater Lodge No. 127
- W:.Emanuele Pepe - WM, East Gate Lodge No. 355
- W:.Shawn Rae - WM, Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291
- W:.William B. Garrett, Sr. - WM, Pinellas Daylight Lodge No. 385
- W:.Robert Prevatt - WM, Star Lodge No. 78
- W:.Frank Gaughan, III - WM, Sutherland Lodge No. 174
- W:.Bill Yarbrough, Jr. - WM, Tarpon Lodge No. 112
- W:.Derryl O'Neal, PM - President, SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association
- W:.Glenn Banks, PM - Past President, representing the Highland Lakes High 12 Club No. 566
- R:.W:.Richard Whalen, PM, PDDGM - GL Jurisprudence Committee & President, Dunedin Council of Organizations
25 first time visitors were also in attendance.
The program for the evening was upbeat and to the point. Featured was an apron presentation for Bros. Christopher M. Laughlin and Ryan Schlenker, the son of our DDGM. The apron presentation was delivered by W:.Bob Matheson, PM, Secretary of Dunedin Lodge.
Another high point was the presentation of a 70 year Masonic service award to Bro. Woody Register.
Other activities included:
* The Worshipful Master's introductory remarks discussed the need for more Freemasonry, not less (see below).
* An MS PowerPoint presentation featuring a brief history of Dunedin Lodge.
* W:.Shawn Rae, Master of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 presented the "Hot Gavel" to W:.Tim Bryce. The gavel is sponsored by the SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association and is intended to stimulate inter-Lodge visitations.
The Master's gavel was then turned over to the District Deputy Grand Master who conducted his program.
Following the meeting, many of the attendees adjourned to nearby Dunedin Brewery which was specially opened for the Masons.
"This was an interesting experiment," said W:.Tim Bryce, PM, "Hopefully, this will not only invigorate Freemasonry at Dunedin, but it will also stimulate all of the Lodges in our area. I cannot thank my officers enough as they all pitched in to make this a roaring success. In particular, Bro. Ilias (Louie) Vavoularis did an outstanding job assisting the Junior Warden in the preparation of the meal preceding the meeting. We simply couldn't have done it without his energy and advice."
WORSHIPFUL MASTER'S REMARKS - WE NEED MORE FREEMASONRY, NOT LESS - by W:.Tim Bryce, PM
My Brothers, these are indeed strange times we live in. The economy has been shaken to its foundation, people are out of work, companies are closing their doors, morality is crumbling, we have considerable political wrangling and backbiting underfoot, we have grave concerns about health care and the national debt, the country is still on guard against terrorism, and the nuclear threat has never dissipated. Obviously, we can ill-afford to conduct business as usual. If we are to survive, we must find new and imaginative ways to grow and evolve. Maintaining the status quo is simply not an option. As we have learned, stagnation means death.
The critics of our fraternity claim that Freemasonry has outlived its usefulness; that it is no longer in step with the times; that it is actually an evil society that must be stamped out. I vehemently disagree. Although we are an imperfect society with our own unique set of problems, I hardly believe we are an obsolete institution.
Now, more than ever, the world needs more Freemasonry, not less.
We need more patriotism and civic pride, not less.
We need more cooperation, loyalty, and teamwork, not less.
We need more religious tolerance, not less.
We need more Faith, Hope, and Charity, not less.
We need more positive examples of ethics and pride in workmanship, not less.
We need more Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love, not less.
To do all this, we need more honest and respectful debate, not less.
Yes, we need more Freemasonry, not less.
Maybe I'm old fashioned; maybe I'm wrong, but this is how I see True Masonry; a universal and beautiful concept embraced by men around the world. We must remain the example for others to emulate. We must practice what we preach.
And Brothers, consider this: If not us, who?
Our Politicians? The media? Religious zealots? Who?
Freemasonry is uniquely qualified to lead the charge. We are not a religious or political organization, we represent a cross-section of people from all social stratas, located around the world, with honorable intentions. We are well established and have a strong historical background. As long as we do not deviate from the basic tenets of Freemasonry, we'll be fine.
I therefore admonish all of you to redouble your efforts as Masons and help perpetuate this great fraternity and make the world a better place.
Thank you.
Stay tuned!
Until next time.All the Best,Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMNtimb001@phmainstreet.comDunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.http:/www.dunedin192.org/Dunedin, FL, USA"For the Good of the Order"
