STATED COMMUNICATIONS
Masonic Temple
105 King Street
St. Augustine, FL
1ST & 3RD Thursdays
Meal – 6:30 p.m.
Stated Communication — 7:20 p.m.
DEGREE WORK AND PRACTICE
2nd & 4th Thursdays
CHARITY OF THE QUARTER
Ashlar Lodge No. 98 Free and Accepted Masons St. Augustine, FL
Chartered January 18, A.D. 1888, A.L. 5888
904-826-4086
July 2017
The Grand Master’s Official Visit to Dis-
trict 11 will be on Friday, August 25, 2017. The
visit will begin at the Putnam County Shrine Club in
Palatka with registration at 5:00 pm. The Tyled Com-
munication will be held at Palatka Lodge No. 34. All
officers from Ashlar Lodge No. 98 should attend as
should as many of the Brethren as possible. This is an
excellent opportunity to meet our Grand Master and
others in the Grand Line as well as to enjoy fellowship
with Brothers from the nine Lodges in our District and
visitors from other Districts.
We are having a busy year at Ashlar No. 98
and will continue to do so. On June 15th we recog-
nized five St. Johns County Teachers as part of the
Adopt-A-Teacher program. Each received a Grand
Lodge Certificate and a check for $500 to assist with
classroom activities.
On June 1, Bro. Thomas Marschall gave an
outstanding Master Mason Proficiency and received his
Lambskin Apron.
Our visit to Ribault Lodge in Jacksonville
Beach was on June 13th. Five Ashlar Brothers attend-
ed and we reclaimed our Traveling Ashlar.
On June 15, Bros. Chris Strickland and Wil-
liam Kenneth Smith Jr. did their Entered Apprentice
Proficiency in preparation for the Fellow Craft Degree
on June 22.
June 22nd was St. Johns Night celebrated this
year as we Wound the Clock and Passed to the Degree
of Fellow Craft Bros. Strickland and Smith. Thanks to
all Past Masters who participated in this degree.
In July we will learn about the role Free-
masons played in the founding of our Great Nation and
we will go dark on August 17 for our annual pilgrim-
age to Pineland.
At our first Stated Communication in August,
we will honor our oldest members.
Mark your calendars and be with us on each
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
Oscar Patterson III Worshipful Master
FROM THE EAST The 188th Annual Grand Communication of
the Grand Lodge of Florida was held in Orlando on
May 29—31, 2017. MW Richard G. Hoover was
elected and installed as Grand Master for 2017-18.
A number of legislative actions were taken by
our Grand Lodge. They are detailed later in this Tres-
tleboard.
Three actions have particular importance: (1)
every Brother elected to the office of Junior Warden
must complete Master Masson I, II, and III prior to
installation; (2) non-Masons who meet all qualifica-
tions may be admitted to the Masonic Home of Florida
under the Private Pay plan; (3) nominations for Lodge
Officers must be submitted to the Secretary in writing
prior to the first Stated Communication in November.
Ashlar Lodge is now part of the 11th Masonic
District. During the Grand Lodge Session in 2016,
redistricting and rezoning was approved. There are
now seven (7) Zones in Florida and 28 Districts. Dis-
trict 11 includes the eight Lodges from the former Dis-
trict 13 and Bunnell Lodge No. 200. Our new DDGM
is R W Greg Jasmin, Past Master of Cabul Lodge
No. 116. His Official Visit to Ashlar Lodge No. 98
will be on Thursday, August 5, 2017.
July 2017
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3
OES
4
4th of July
Lot rental
5
RAINBOW
6 STATED
COMM
6:30 PM
7 8
9 10 11 12
DI Ashlar
13 14 15
16 17
OES
18 York Rite
Chapter/
Council 6:30
19
RAINBOW 20 STATED
COMM
6:30 PM
21 22
23/30 24/31 25 York Rite
Commandery
6:30 pm
26 District
Assn.
Bunnell
27 LODGE
INSTRUC-
TION
28 29
From the West First of all I would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" for the understanding and leniency you have
extended to me over the past month as Stephanie and I readjust to having a newborn in the house. James is doing
well as is Stephanie, if a little tired!!!
It is hard to believe we are in the second half of 2017 already. I am sure that the remainder of the year
will be as productive, instructive, and fun as the first 6 months.
With that being said, the subject of this months From the West centers around Lodge Property. I was
once given an awareness test, the point of which was to show the viewers how blind they could be toward things
within there own realms of influence. The scene depicts a group of basketball players and the viewer is asked to
simply count the number of passes one of the teams make. This task is easily accomplished, but the viewer is in-
formed that while they have focused on this simple exercise they have completely missed some rather funny hap-
penings in the background. This might seem light or frivolous, if not absolutely unmeaning, but does it resound,
upon reflection, with our dealings at Ashlar. At times the Officer line and the Building Committee can become
blind to the small needs for repair on the property because we often spend too much time there and are focused on
other tasks and duties. Therefore Brothers, I ask you when you go into the Lodge please take it upon yourselves to
look and bring to my, or one of the other Officers, attention anything that needs repair, refurbishment, cleaning,
etc. We want to know about these items even if we cannot make a plan to rectify them immediately.
As a fun exercise, here is the link to the awareness test. Either type this into your web browser or copy
and paste. TAKE THE TEST!!! Its about 3 minutes long and IT WILL BE GOOD FOR YOU.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4 S. & F.
Bro. Bo
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
RAINBOW
DI
Middleburg
3 STATED
COMM
6:30 PM
4 5
6 7
OES
8 9
10 11 12 MM I, II, III
Ashlar No.
98 8:30 am
13
14
15
16 RAINBOW
17
DARK Visit Pine-
land Lodge
18 19
20 21
OES
22 York Rite
Chapter/
Council
23 DISTRICT
ASSOCIA-
TION
PALATKA
24 Lodge
Instruction
25
GM VISIT
11TH DIS-
TRICT
26
27 28 29 30 31
August 2017
Parking Lot Rental
We will rent parking spaces in our lot on Tuesday, July 4th, Monday, September
4th (Labor Day), and Saturday, November 18th (Nigh of Lights). Spaces are $10.00 for
the day for EVERYONE, EVEN BROTHERS. This is a fundraiser for our Charity account.
We will man the lot from 9:00 am until about 7:00 or 7:30 pm on each day. Volun-
teers willing to work 4 or 5 hour shifts on the days indicated are needed. It is best to have 4
or 5 Brothers in attendance.
A sheet will be posted in the Lodge dining area for you to designate the shift or
shifts) you will work. Joins us for doughnuts, Masonic Fellowship, and to augment our
Lodge’s ability to support worthy causes.
188TH ANNUAL GRAND COMMUNICATION
At the 188th Annual Grand Communication of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons of Florida the following Grand Lodge Officers were Elected and
Installed:
M.W. Richard G. Hoover, Grand Master
R.W. John E. Karroum, Deputy Grand Master
R.W John W. Westerman III, Senior Grand Warden
R.W. Thomas L. Turlington, Jr., Junior Grand Warden
R.W. Rudin J. Boatright, Grand Treasurer
M.W. Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M., Grand Secretary
Nine (9) Resolutions were adopted which will amend various Constitutional Provi-
sions and/or Regulations.
1. Resolution as to Eligibility of Junior Warden of Particular Lodges. The adoption of
this Resolution requires that every Brother who is in nomination and elected to the office of
Junior Warden of any Particular Lodge shall have completed Master Mason Exams I, II, and
III before he is installed to said office.
2. Resolution Regarding Committee on Work Members. The adoption of this Resolu-
tion allows the number of members of the Committee on Work not to exceed 18 members
instead of 15 members in addition to the State Chairman and the Vice Chairman. Note: This
Resolution passed by a simple majority vote; therefore, in accordance with Article XI, Sec-
tion 1, of the Constitution it will not be effective until presented again at the next Grand
Communication for final vote which must be passed by 2/3 written vote of the Craft.
3. Resolution to Amend Chapter 48 Masonic Home Trustees of Masonic Home and
Emergency Relief Admission of Non-Masons to the Masonic Home of Florida under the Pri-
vate Pay Plan. The adoption of this Resolution allows non-Masons qualified as defined in
Masonic Home Regulation 6.02 to be admitted to the Masonic Home under the Private Pay
Plan.
4. Resolution to change the Election of Lodge Officers. The adoption of this Resolu-
tion changes the time line of requirements for nominations for Elected Lodge Officers.
5. Resolution on Dual Members Qualifying for a Lodge U.D. The adoption of this
Resolution clarifies that Dual Members are eligible to sign a Petition for a Lodge U.D. inas-
much as dual members are afforded all the rights and privileges of regular members.
6. Resolution on Requirements of Amending Lodge By-Laws. The adoption of this
Resolution changes the requirement of submitting 1 original and 3 copies of a proposed By-
Law change to requiring only 1 original of a proposed By-Law change to be submitted to the
Grand Secretary’s Office.
LEGISLATION (CONTINUED)
7. Resolution on Emeritus Status of Masonic Home Residents. The adoption of this
Resolution clarifies that only members admitted to the Masonic Home under the Life Care
Plan are to be automatically placed on the Emeritus List of his Lodge.
8. Resolution on Dues Cards. The adoption of this Resolution allows for a printed sig-
nature of the Grand Secretary and a printed or graphic Seal in place of a written signature and
raised Seal in order to comply with the issuance of new permanent plastic dues cards.
9. Resolution for Lodge Co-Ownership of Property. The adoption of this Resolution
allows for a Particular Lodge to own property in such name as set out in its Masonic Charter or
in the name of a Masonic Center Association with pre-approval by the Grand Master.
LEGISLATION WITHDRAWN
1. The Worshipful Master may permit any proficient Brother Mason, including Entered
Apprentices and Fellow Crafts, to confer the Degree or otherwise participate in such Degree
Work and that the term “Degree Team” shall be defined as “any organized traveling team for
the purpose of conferring Degrees.”
2. That digital copy of the “Forms and Ceremonies” will be prepared by the Committee
on Works.
LEGISLATION WHICH FAILED TO PASS
1. That Masonic Associations be formed consisting of two or more Lodges for the pur-
pose of co-ownership of property.
2. That each candidate for election to the Grand Line sign a statement that he does not
object to having his background check information distributed to the Craft.
LODGE INITIATIVE
A major initiative over the next several years within the Grand
Lodge of Florida is Membership Development under the direction of
the current Junior Grand Warden, R.W. John Westerman. This initia-
tives focuses on: improving the membership experience; enhancing
Lodge attendance; and diligently investigating the quality of those who
petition for membership.
On Wednesday, March 8th, there will be a Town Hall Meeting
with R. W. Westerman at Pineland Lodge No. 86 in Palatka. Note this
date on your calendar and plan to attend.
At Ashlar Lodge No. 98, we are working to do exactly the same
thing by having sound Masonic Education at each Stated Communica-
tion; good fellowship; and increasing our attendance through the “Ask
an Absent Brother”.
Look about you at Lodge and think about those who were in your
EA , FC, and MM class. Are they attending regularly? If not, give
them a call; let them know that they are missed; and invite them to meet
you at the next Stated Communication. You might even offer them a
ride to and from Lodge.
Regular Lodge attendance like regular church attendance and so
much else in life is a good habit. But one broken, it may be difficult to
reestablish. And when at Lodge, let us always keep in mind that we are
there for fellowship. Talk with all Brothers. Congeniality goes a long
way in encouraging Brothers to return.
All Freemasons are Brothers who meet on the same level, regard-
less of their social or economic status outside the lodge. Princes, presi-
dents, and captains of business are no better or more important than bus
drivers, plumbers, and paper boys when they sit in the lodge together.
Masonry does not detract from a man’s accomplishments, nor does it
exalt him above his Brothers because of his position outside the lodge.
We meet upon the level, act by the plumb, and part upon the
square.
RAINBOW ASSEMBLY NO. 42 INSTALLS OFFICERS
St. Augustine Rainbow Assembly No. 42 installed officers on Wednesday, May 31,
2017, at the Masonic Temple located at the intersection of King Street and Martin Luther
King Jr. Avenue.
The officers installed were: Ms. Hayley Mastoridis, Worthy Advisor; Ms. Traci
Durre, Worth Associate Advisor; Ms. Apryl Wright, Charity; Ms. Zipporah Gardner, Charity,
M. Myla DeFord, Faith; and Ms. Hannah Duncan, Drill Leader.
The Installing Officer was Ms. Sarah Jane Todd, Mother Advisor assisted by Ms. Me-
gan Richards, Installing Marshall, and Ms. Kathleen Richards, Installing Chaplain. Garret
Wolfe, Past Master of Ashlar Lodge No. 98 was the musician and Robert Gagnon, Past Mas-
ter of Ashlar Lodge No. 98 gave the invocation and benediction.
The installation’s theme was “Home of the Free because of the Brave” represented by
the colors red, white, and blue as well as several U.S. flags. Ms. Mastoridis selected as her
service project the Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home in St. Augustine.
Rainbow Assembly No. 42 meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. The
International Order of Rainbow Girls is open to all young women ages 11 – 21.
L to R: Megan Richards, Apryl Wright, Zipporah Gardner, Hayley Mastoridis, Sarah Jane Todd, Kathleen
Richards, Jess Durre, Myla DeFord.
RETURN TO RIBAULT LODGE
Brothers from Ashlar Lodge No. 98 returned to Ribault Lodge No. 272 in Jackson-
ville Beach on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, and reclaimed our Traveling Ashlar. On a previous
visit, we brought Ribault’s Traveling Gavel to Ashlar which they recently took back to Jack-
sonville Beach.
Members of Ashlar who made the trip included W. Oscar Patterson, W. George
Maultsby, Bro. Jim Carrick, Bro. Robert Wilson, and Bro. Mark William. Returning the
Ashlar was W. Robert Sapitan of Ribault No. 272.
Ashlar Lodge No. 98 will visit Pineland Lodge on Thursday, August 17. Fraternal
exchanges are a great part of our Fraternity. Not only do we get to see other Lodes at Labor,
ADOPT-A-TEACHER
Five public school teachers from the St. Johns County School System were recently rec-
ognized as Outstanding Educators and presented with monetary awards to support classroom
needs.
The recognition was made by Ashlar Lodge No. 98 F. & A.M. Each teacher was pre-
sented with a certificate signed by the Grand Master of Masons of Florida noting their
“Adoption” by the Lodge. They also received a personal certificate recognizing them as an
Outstanding Education and a check for $500 to support classroom needs.
The presentations were made at the Lodge located at the corner of King Street and Mar-
tin Luther King Avenue on Thursday, June 15. Making the presentations was Oscar Patterson
III, Worshipful Master of the Lodge.
Teachers recognized included: Jeanne Siragusa, 4th grade teacher at Otis A. Mason Ele-
mentary School; Stephanie Bozard, 4th grade teacher at Palencia Elementary School; Sarah Jane
Todd, Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Millcreek Elementary School; Ashley Zapata, AVID teacher
at Gamble Rogers Middle School; and Jeremy Price, band director and music teacher at Liberty
Pines Academy.
The teachers were nominated for the award by members of the Lodge and a Lodge com-
mittee finalized the selections.
The Adopt-A-Teacher activity is part of the Grand Lodge of Florida’s Public Education
and Citizenship Committee Program which endeavors to recognize and assist outstanding pub-
The real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of Mankind by the uniform
unrestrained rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in fear of
punishment which the law might inflict; they are religious in expectation
of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil, in the next world. A Freemason
would be just if there were no laws, human or divine except those written
in his heart by the finger of his Creator. In every climate, under every
system of religion, he is the same. He kneels before the Universal Throne of God
in gratitude for the blessings he has received and humble solicitation for
his future protection. He venerates the good men of all religions. He disturbs
not the religion of others. He restrains his passions, because they cannot be
indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself. He gives no offense, because
he does not choose to be offended. He contracts no debts which he is certain
he cannot discharge, because he is honest upon principal.
A Farmer’s Almanac, 1823
Freemasonry has always existed . . . They allow good men and youths
whom they consider worthy of their company to divine and guess at
their deeds, to see them, in so far as they can be seen. These others
find them to their liking, and perform similar deeds. . . And what
exactly do they boast about? Only such things as one expects of every
good person and every good citizen . . . and deeds speak for themselves. . .
Their true deeds are their secrets. The true deeds of Freemasons are
aimed at making all that are commonly described as good deeds for the most part
superfluous.
Gotthold Lessing in Ernst and Faulk: Dialogues of Freemasons.
Interpreting Masonic Ritual by Oscar Patterson III,
Worshipful Master of Ashlar Lodge No. 98 is available
through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and McCoy Masonic
Supply.
All royalties go to the Masonic Home of Florida.
If you purchase a copy, bring it to Lodge to be autographed.