Seminole Lodge No 304 F&AM

This site is dedicated to it's history

April 16, 1952 to July 23, 2007

1958

RODERICK DAVID SMITH, born 1908 in Manchester, N. J.. Raised to degree of Master Mason during 1947 in Doric Lodge No.140, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Demitted to Seminole Lodge No.304 in 1952. Occupation - Tile Maker. Master of the Lodge at age 50.

1959

CARL JOHN LAUTHER, Jr., born 1921 in Miami Florida. Raised to degree of Master Mason during 1951 in Doric Lodge No.140, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Demitted to Seminole Lodge No.304 in 1952. Occupation - Bookkeeper, and now retired from Postal Service. Master of the Lodge at age 38.

1960

EDGAR HOFFMAN SHAFER, born 1916 in Loughman, F1a. , died 1974, in Sarasota, F1a. Raised to degree of Master Mason in 1953 in Seminole Lodge No. 304. Occupation - Lumberman. Master of the Lodge at age 44.

IN MEMORY - W. Bro. Edgar Hoffman Sharer died May 28, 1974, in Sarasota, Fla. W. Bro. Edgar, a lumberman, as was his Father and his Fathers Father, grew up on saw mill - saw dust pile. It is safe to surmise that he knew more about grades and types of lumber than majority of people in the business.

            W. Bro. Edgar was co-manager of a local lumber company for several years. The last 14 years of his life was spent a traveling sales- man for a Florida based wholesale Lumber Co. He could be character1zed as a soft-spoken, generous, sincere person.

W. Bro. Edgar lost his wife by death, less than two years before his demise and it is felt that grief contributed to his death.

1961

HARVEY ATKINSON GIBERSON. born 1906 in Philadelphia. Pa. Raised to degree of Master Mason during 1951 in Joseph H. Brown Lodge No. 751. in Philadelphia. Pa. Affiliated with Seminole Lodge No. 304 in 1952. Occupation - Refrigerator Mechanic. Master of the Lodge at age 55.

In 1962 w. Bro. Harvey Giberson was honored wlth the Grand Lodge appointment of District Deputy Grand Master of the 27th Masonic District. In 1965 Brother Giberson served on the Board of Trustees of Masonic Home in St. Petersburg, Fla. In 1969 R.W. Bro. GIberson was appointed Grand Sword Bearer of Grand Lodge of Florida.  In 1972 Brother Giberson was elected and served as Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Order of Eastern Star.

R.W. Bro. Gibersons Masonic career has been varied and far reaching and some are certain that it is not ended yet. Certainly his enthusiasm and support for Seminole Lodge will long be remembered.

AN UNFORGETTABLE BROTHER -Bro. Harry Edward Faust, a member of Seminole Lodge from 1954 thru 1960, was an interesting and helpful "sideliner" .He did serve as Chaplain for two years , was willing and able to serve anywhere, when needed.

            Someone drew him a sketch of a cabinet for Officers aprons, modeled after the cabinet Dania Lodge has used for years, and a sketch of a multiple ballot - ballot box. Within 30 days Bro. Faust brought into the Lodge the apron cabinet and multiple ballot - ballot box that we use today. On learning that all Masonic ballot boxes must be lined to prevent recognizing difference between cube and ball, Bro Faust donated his felt hat.

            During November of 1960 Bro. Faust asked for and received his demit to return to his home State where he could again dig in the dirt and raise a garden which he missed having here in Florida. In 1960, he was then in his late 80's.

1962

EDWIN DALE ESHLEMAN, born 1913 in Bellville, N. J.  Raised to degree of Master Mason during 1953 in Seminole Lodge No.304. Occupation - Radio Engineer. Master of the Lodge at age 49.

A review of Lodge attendance, at our regular meetings during W. Bro. E. Dale Eshleman's year, as Master, will confirm that preparation does pay dividends.  Every meeting offered something extra besides routine ritual requirements, such as:

Named speakers on Masonic Education and related subjects.

Family Night program with .top-notch" magician Organ recital

4-piece musical combo, and accordian band.

An ongoing program to stimulate attendance with presentation of traveling "fellowship trophy" , eventually won by Bro. Jack C. Nelson, then Senior Warden.

Honoring members of Feramo Grotto.

Honoring members of Rainbow for Girls.

Tenth Lodge anniversary meeting June ll, 1962 with narration of past events by W. Bro. R. A. Mose Jarrell" and M.W. William S. Christian, Grand Master of Masons in Florida, as principle speaker.

Presentation of Life Membership Cards to M.W. William S. Christian, Grand Master, and to R.W. Ted Soren, P.D.D.G.M., of 27th Masonic District.

Presentation of Widows Certificates to wives of deceased members.

Very few, if any, have brought more enthusiasm to the East than did W. Bro. Eshleman.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Bulletin ] [ Past Masters ] [ Links ] [ Documents ] [ Pictures ] [ Goldbricker ]

The webmaster for this site is Jim Ewart.  If you have any comments or suggestions regarding it, please click here.