Educator of the year

Five New Candidates received their Entered Apprentice Degree in Freemasonry

February 10th, 2005

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS 2005

JANUARY 8TH AT 4:00 PM

Front Row (left to right): S.D. Bro. Jean Albert Pun, Organist Bro. Dr. Ziggy Freidman, Chaplain R.W. David Lund, S.D. Bro. John Karroum, W.M. David F. Curtis, J.W. Bro. Wayne Hansen, Treasurer Bro. John Jelilian, Secretary R.W. Bro. Sheldon Altenhause

Back Row (left to right): Jr. Steward Bro. Michael Floering, Jr. Steward Bro. John Sullivan, Sr. Steward Bro. Phil Breeden, J.D. Bro. Nabil Karroum, Tyler Bro. James Butscher

          Saturday, 8 January 2005:  Elected and Appointed Officers for Boynton Lodge No. 236 F&AM were installed into their positions ( except the Marshal) in a formal afternoon meeting at the Lodge in Boynton Beach, Florida, USA.

Installed as Worshipful Master was David F. Curtis, a second generation Freemason. WB Curtis was born and raised in Southern Africa where he owned mining, trucking and jewelry enterprises.  He and his wife were attracted to the freedoms of this country, and eventually came to start a jewelry business in Boca Raton after unrest in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

          The Senior Warden is Dr. John Karroum. A Pathologist practicing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bro. Karroum comes to our Lodge from Syria/ Lebanon. Living for several years in Venezuela, He served as a country Doctor to the people of that nation, prior to coming to the United States. He is our Lodge Web Master.

          The Junior Warden is Bro. Wayne Hansen. Serving years in the Navy on Submarines, he holds the distinction of being the Photographer who took the pictures through the periscope of the Russian ICBM’s coming to Cuba on-board Freighters in 1960. Those pictures, when seen by the world, started the Cuban Missile Crisis.

          Our Treasurer is Bro. John Jelilian. A well-known CPA, Bro. Jelilian has clients in New York, Florida and the Caribbean. He spends his time flying from exotic Caribbean islands to New York Boardrooms in service of his Clientele. Despite the demands of his business, he always finds time to serve the Lodge beautifully.

          The Secretary is R.W. Bro. Sheldon Altenhause. Known affectionately as “Shelly” within the Lodge, Bro. Altenhause comes to us from New York, where he was the District Deputy Grand Master for the First Kings District in Brooklyn. A printer by trade, for many years he printed and distributed the quarterly magazine for the Grand Lodge of New York, “The Empire State Mason”.

          Installed as Chaplain was Right Worshipful Bro. David Lund. A respected Ritualist and Past District Deputy Grand Master, he has served The Florida Grand Lodge in several capacities. This year he also serves us as Lodge Instructor.

          Our Organist is Dr. Seymour Friedman. Bro. “Ziggy” is an expert Organist and Musician. A CPA, his Doctorate is in Organizational Management. He served for many years as the CFO of a subsidiary of Seeburg Corporation, and with the US Treasury Dept reviewing Management Policies for US Firms.

          Named by world-famous Parade Magazine as one of the top-ten Police Officers in the nation for 2003, Officer Jean A. Pun was installed Senior Deacon for Boynton Lodge. He and his partner, Officer Fred Glass, who is also a Brother and member of our Lodge, created a school for former gang members to learn the trade of Automobile Repair, thereby altering their lives and making them contributing members of society. Together, they changed the landscape of crime in Delray Beach, Florida. Parade Magazine honored him for that action.

          Our Junior Deacon is also a Physician. Dr. Nabil Karroum is a respected Child/General  Psychiatrist in private practice in Palm Beach County. His passion is his family, computers and electronics.

          Our Stewards are Philip Breeden-Sr. Steward, John Sullivan-Jr. Steward, and Michael Floering-Jr. Steward. Bro. Breeden is a general contractor. Michael Floering is a Plastering Contractor, and John Sullivan is recently graduated from the University of Florida. Together, they will serve the Lodge in ritual and at refreshment, learning and working to take their places one day in the leadership of our Lodge.

          Our Tyler is Bro. James Butcher. He is most respected for the job he is doing, guarding our Lodge and waiting outside the door. We appreciate his willingness to serve our Lodge in this capacity. He is an Internal Affairs Investigator for the City of Boynton Beach Police Department.

          Finally, our Marshal is is Right Worshipful Morton Goss. He comes to us as a Past District Deputy Grand Master from South Miami. Skilled in Florida Masonic work, he serves the Lodge as Catechism Instructor for upcoming Brethren, and as an appreciated source of advice.

-Richard E. Philpott DDGM

32^nd Masonic District

The Grand Lodge of Florida

THE 4th ANNUAL OZZIE GOLF CLASSIC

SATURDAY OCTOBER 30th, 2004

IT WAS A SUCCESS THANKS TO ALL THE BROTHERS, PARTICIPANTS AND SPONSORS. PALM BEACH SQUARE CLUB AND BOYNTON LODGE # 236 WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO MANY NEEDY YOUNG HIGH-SCHOOL GRADUATES EVERY YEAR. BELLOW ARE SOME PICTURE OF THE AWARD CEREMONY.

ARAWAK LODGE # 8877 INSTALLATION, OCTOBER 22ND, 2004,

FREEPORT, BAHAMAS

Three Brothers from Boynton Lodge # 236 , W. Bro. Tom Mangold, Bro. David Curtis, Senior Warden, and Bro. John Karroum, Senior Deacon, attended the installation of new officers of ARAWAK LODGE # 8877. At the same time they took the opportunity to visit the ravaged areas from Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, in Freeport ,the West-End, and the Buccaneer restaurant owned by Bro, Hines. The installation was very well attended by almost 65 brothers from all the Islands and the USA. W. Bro. Eugene Tooth was installed as a Master. The installation followed by a festive board that lasted beyond the 1:00 AM. The Following day they visited the salvation army center in Freeport where the pallets of food for the relief fund went. They went to the West-End and Buccaneer. Please Browse through the pictures to see some of the devastation. FRIENDS AND BROTHERS OF BOYNTON LODGE YOUR HELP AND DONATION OF FOOD AND MONEY WAS VERY WELL RECEIVED AND APPRECIATED.

Boynton Masonic Lodge # 236 trip to Scotland

September 1^st to September 9^th, 2004

 

OFFICIAL VISIT OF ARAWAK LODGE No. 8877, FREEPORT , BAHAMAS

July 23, 2004 was a fine day in the annals of The Craft.  96 Freemasons assembled to participate in a Fellowcraft Degree in Palm Beach County, Florida. The occasion was the annual Official Visit of Arawak Lodge No. 8877 of the English Constitution, to Boynton Lodge No. 236 of the Grand Lodge of Florida. For ten years, the two Lodges have carried on close fraternal relations across the Gulfstream between this Florida seacoast town of Boynton Beach, and Freeport, Grand Bahama.

The dignity of the evening was evident, when at 6:30PM; Lodge was opened in the Master’s Degree with the contingent from Arawak Lodge present in full United Grand Lodge of England Masonic Regalia.  Attending this evening were dignitaries from several appendant bodies and Freemasons from various parts of the world.  The entire Divan of Amara Shrine Temple sat in the southeast corner of the Lodgeroom in green Blazers. About the Lodge were past Grand Masters, past and present Deputy Grand Masters, District Deputy Grand Masters, and sitting Worshipful Masters of the several Lodges in the vicinity. Freemasons were represented from as far away as South Africa, Syria, England, The Netherlands, Israel and the Panama Canal Zone.

WM Geoff Shank welcomed R.W. Bro. James Bain, the sitting District Grand Master of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands; and W. Bro. Maitland Cates, that jurisdiction’s Past Asst. District Grand Master, to the East. The sitting Worshipful Master of Arawak Lodge, W.B. Andrew Roberts was welcomed to his left, along with the DDGM of his District, R.W. Richard E. Philpott; and the District Instructor, R.W. Robert Stearns in their appropriate places in the East. Several other Dignitaries were invited to a seat in the East in welcome.

By traditional ball ballot that evening, three members of Arawak Lodge were voted into Boynton Lodge as regular members. W.B. Andrew Roberts, W.B. Tyrone Sweeting, and the JD of Arawak Lodge, Bro. Sean Callender. It was noted that under English Constitution, no Junior Deacon would ever find himself in the East. That night, Bro. Sean achieved a seat in the East in welcome.

Boynton Lodge was stepped down, and its Entered Apprentice Brother Michael Floering, was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft. W.B. Robtert C. Mandell delivered the Fellowcraft lecture.  Lodge was closed in the Master’s Degree at 9:30PM and the Craft retired to Atlantis Country Club for a rousing Festive Board. This evening of close Masonic fellowship sealed another chapter in the continuing story of genuine Fraternal ties between these members of the Craft.  The wives and Ladies joined the Brethren at Atlantis Country Club on the following evening for a wonderful dinner and show, featuring live entertainment, dancing and a mysterious Magical Act starring a Magician and his Assistant booked from the Caribbean Cruise Lines.

ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND

JUNE 12th, 2004

Four members of Boynton Lodge # 236, W. Bro. Thomas Mangold, W. Bro. Chuck Field, Bro. Wayne Hansen, and Bro. John Karroum, were Knighted as member of the Royal Order Of Scotland in a ceremony held in Dallas, Texas.

There is a tradition among the Masons of Scotland that, after the dissolution of the Templars, many of the Knights repaired to Scotland and placed themselves under the protection of Robert Bruce and that, after the battle of Bannockburn, which took place on St. John the Baptist's day (in summer), 1314, this monarch instituted the Royal Order of H.R.M. and Knights of the R.S.Y.C.S. and established the chief seat at Kilwinning. From that Order it seems by no means improbable that the present Degree of Rose Croix de Heredom may have taken its origins.

Whatever may have been the origin and foundation of the Royal Order of Scotland, its claim to the oldest, if not, indeed, the only Masonic Order of Knighthood, is presumably valid. The Order of Knights Templar Masons was instituted by Freemasons, but has nothing Masonic in its ritual.

With regard to the veridical history of the Order, there is presumptive evidence, a a Provincial Grand Lodge met in London in 1696 and indubitable evidence to show that in 1730, here was a Provincial Grand Lodge of the Order in South Britain, which met at the Thistle and Crown, in Chandos Street Charing Cross, whose constitution is described as being of 'Time Immemorial'. 

According to Thory, Prince Charles Edward Stuart, in 1747, issued his famous Arras Charter, in which he claimed to be Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Order.

(Introduction taken from the First Edition of Gould's History of Freemasonry)

For more information click on the links below.

http://www.yorkrite.com/roos/

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/webofhiram/?section=royal_order_scotland

Lake Worth Scottish Rite Spring Reunion

March 27-28, 2004

At the 167th Scottish Rite Reunion held on March 27-28, 2004, nine Masonic Brothers were anointed Masters of the Royal Secret and constituted Priest and Apostles of the Holy Doctrine. Two brothers from Boynton Lodge # 236 became 32nd degree mason. R.W. Bro. Ralph Warren and Bro. Nabil Karroum. CONGRATULATION!!

Boynton Lodge 236 F&AM Visits

Arawak Lodge No. 8877 F&AM

19 March 2004

          Freemasons and Officers of Boynton Lodge No. 236 F&AM assembled at Ft. Lauderdale International Airport at 0700 on Friday, 19 March 2004, for an 18 minute Jet Flight to Freeport, Grand Bahama.

          The occasion was what has become a semi-annual visit to Arawak Lodge No. 8877, a Lodge holden under the English Constitution, and our sister Lodge in the Caribbean.

          Upon arrival and check-in at the Royal Oasis Country Club, Officers and Members were met at 5:30pm by members of Arawak for transportation to the Lodge.  Ladies were joined by the wives and Ladies of our Arawak Brethren for a night on the town.

          At Lodge, the Brethren of both Lodges united for cocktails in the sophisticated elegance of their Fellowship Hall.  Under soft lighting, the walls behind the Bar depict the location of all Masonic Lodges in the region of the Caribbean Sea around the Bahamas. At 6:30pm, Freemasons were summoned into the Lodge room and the Communication was called to Order. Officers were seated in ceremony, and the business of the Lodge was begun. The evening witnessed an Entered Apprentice Degree for Bahamian Brother Simpson, and the acceptance of five members of Boynton Lodge into Arawak as Dual Members. They are Brothers David Curtis, John Karroum, Richard Philpott, Wayne Hansen and Geoffrey Shank – the current Worshipful Master of Boynton Lodge.  At 10pm, Lodge was closed and the Festive Board commenced in the Fellowship Hall. Toasts were offered at 11pm and continued for the next two hours.

          The following day, Freemasons from all over the Caribbean assembled at Geneva’s Restaurant for an authentic Bahamian breakfast of “Boil Fish”, “Stew Fish” and “Johnnycakes” with the Ladies.

          At 6:30pm, Freemasons and their Ladies journeyed by bus and car to the settlement of Deadman’s Reef, out by Eight Mile Rock.  They converged at Brother Heinz’s Restaurant on the Ocean. It is a beautiful location on the beach, under the stars at the edge of the sea. The atmosphere was buffet style Caribbean fare, and all enjoyed the evening. The pictures below tell the story.

          The following morning was spent individually. The Boynton contingent flew back to Ft. Lauderdale at 5:30pm. 

We now look forward to Arawak’s visit to Boynton Lodge in the United States.

Installation of 2004 Officers

          On Saturday, 27 December 2003, members assembled with their families to attend an Open Installation of the 2004 Officers of Boynton Lodge No. 236 F&AM. A Buffet Luncheon was served in the Fellowship Hall, and attended by well over 100 people. Officers, Members and their guests then adjourned to the adjacent Lodge room where the Officers elected and appointed were duly installed. Right Worshipful Brother Charles Mead PDDGM acted as Installing Master. Right Worshipful Brother David Lund PDDGM acted as installing Chaplain, and Worshipful Brother Gary Dolins was the Installing Marshal. All are Past-Masters of our Lodge.

          An Installation is one of the few Masonic rituals that may be open to the public. It is conducted with wives and family present, in the decorum of a Business meeting. Dress is always suitably appropriate.

          Information pertaining to the slate of 2004 Officers can be found on the “Officers” page of this website. Here below are photographs of the occasion:

 

Amara Shrines Ceremonial November 21-22th, 2003

Congratulation to two of our brothers from Boynton Lodge # 236 who went through the Fall Ceremonial, and they are Carl Lipton ( 2nd picture ) and Nabil Karroum ( third picture).

November 15th, 2003

Master Mason Degree for Five Brothers

Past Master Dinner and Honoring Brothers for their long service to the craft.

Saturday, 15 November 2003:  Officers and members of Boynton Lodge No. 236 F&AM assembled for a Called Communication in the Lodge room at 2pm. Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, were Fellowcraft Brothers Jeremy Patrick Allen, James Butcher, Nabil Karroum, Raymond Schilke, Jr., and Don Swartwood, III.

All young men in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, this class of Masons proved that Freemasonry is alive and thriving in the 21^st Century.  Among the Participants in the 2^nd section, were Past Master R.W. Charles Mead acting as King Solomon, R.W. David Lund acting as the Principal Fellowcraft, and R.W. Leonard Harper, formerly of Okeechobee Lodge, who delivered the Lecture. The first section was beautifully performed by the Senior Warden of Boynton Lodge, Geoff Shank, who acted as Worshipful Master; and Junior Warden Brother David Curtis who acted as Senior Warden. The degree concluded around 5:30pm. The Craft adjourned to the Atlantis Country Club for an evening of Black-Tie festivities, a Banquet, and the presentation of awards to outstanding Masons.

Attended by the Ladies, the evening saw Brother Malcolm Myers receive his 40 year pin. He was gratefully recognized for his years of faithful service to the Fraternity. The newly raised Master Masons were presented with their Bibles and pamphlets explaining the symbolism of the degree. Finally, Worshipful Master Chuck Field paid poignant tribute to the Past Masters of the Lodge, by ringing a ship’s bell to mark each of their years. The bell had been presented to the Lodge earlier this week, by Brother Ziggy Friedman, President of the Master Masons of South Palm Beach (Formerly known as The Master Masons of King’s Point).  A marvelous time in Freemasonry was had by all!

 

Lake Worth Scottish Rite 166th Reunion Photos

October 25-26, 2003

At the 166th Scottish Rite Reunion held on October 25 and 26, of the Year 2003, nine Masonic Brothers were anointed Masters of the Royal Secret and constituted Priest and Apostles of the Holy Doctrine.  We welcome to the following new  32 degree Masons:
 

Gunter W. Diehl                               Doric Lodge #140
                                                               (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
Martin Freedman                            Deerfield Lodge #325
                                                               (Deerfield, Florida)
Samuel R. Hirschler                      Cornerstone Lodge #386
                                                               (Port St. Lucie, Florida)
Charles E. Humes                          Palmwood Lodge #303
                                                               (West Palm Beach, Florida)
Efraim Carlos  Logreira                Palmwood Lodge #303
                                                               (West Palm Beach, Florida)
Ira F. Markowitz                              Coral Springs Lodge #373
                                                               (Coral Springs, Florida)
Robert M. Polhamus                     Boynton Lodge #236

                                                               (Bounton Beach, Florida)

Andrew Clay Rigdon                    Cornerstone Lodge #386

                                                               (Port St. Lucie, Florida)

Bradley F. Smith                            John D. Spercalls Lodge #657

                                                               (San Diego, California)

 

 

 

The Grand York Rite Bodies of Florida one day class Honoring

M. W.  Robert L. Goldsmith

Past grand Master of Masons of Florida, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of Florida

 was held at Lake Worth Scottish Rite Temple on Saturday, October 11th, 2003

Three Brothers from Boynton Lodge # 236 attended. They are: Bro. Wayne Hansen, Bro. Robert King, and Bro. John Karroum. Bro. Ken Fogelsanger from Boynton Shrine Club also attended..

York Rite Official Family

 

Freemasons from Caribbean

18^th and 19^th July 2003

          Freemasons from the Caribbean and North and South America came together in two nights of Lodge and Festive Board on Friday, followed by a dinner with their Ladies on Saturday.

          Over 110 Freemasons assembled at 6:15pm in Boynton Lodge No. 236 F&AM on Friday night in Boynton Beach, Florida.  Processions and Introductions preceded the Raising of Fellowcraft Brothers Herbert Metcalf and Robert King, both of Boynton Lodge. Harmonia Lodge of West Palm Beach conducted the second section.

This was the continuation of a tradition established in 1994 when eight Boynton Freemasons first chartered an airplane and flew into Bahamian airspace to visit Arawak Lodge No. 8877 on Freeport, Grand Bahama. Since that time, Arawak and the Boynton Masonic Lodges have established a core relationship resulting in annual official visits both here and in the Bahamas. Carlton Lodge on Marsh Harbour and Royal Victoria Lodge in Nassau have been meeting points where Brethren from all over the world have joined in the exchange of Masonic ideals.

          Formal Ritual was concluded at 10pm and the Brethren dispersed to Atlantis Country Club for full dinner and drinks. An English Constitution-inspired Festive Board followed. Toasts were raised beginning at 11:30pm. 110 Freemasons were present for the dinner as well, and frivolity broke up around 1:30am.

          During this time, the Ladies of the American side entertained the Bahamian Ladies at their own dinner.

          Saturday night, over 112 Ladies and Freemasons assembled once again, at Atlantis Country Club for a casual night of drinks, dinner and… Elvis Presley! All enjoyed a wonderful show, in an evening of elegant Country Club dining and Masonic Harmony.

For a closer look, see the pictures of both evenings here on this website!