Seminole Lodge No 304 F&AM

This site is dedicated to it's history

April 16, 1952 to July 23, 2007

1980

Kenneth Ray Knisley was born on December 19,1919 in Starksboro, Vermont. His age when He was Master of the Lodge was 61 years old. His occupation was that of a Tool Maker. He was raised to the sub- lime Degree of Master Mason on May 8,1973 in Doric Lodge. He demitted to Seminole Lodge from Doric Lodge June 6,1975. The Theme for the year was "Open Your Eyes and See The Light In 80."

            His Officers for the year were as follows; John Hutchinson Sr., Senior Warden, John Hutchinson Jr. Junior Warden, Russell Coughlin Treasurer, Kenneth Nance Secretary, Tony Gallo Senior Deacon, Robert Lee Jones Junior Deacon, John Blume Sr. Chaplain, Alvin Parsons Marshall, James E. Forsythe Senior Steward, Harry St. Clair Junior Steward, John Fisher Tyler, and Sterling Pratt Organist.

Worshipful Brother Knisley believed in the theory of appointing a Lodge Brother to act as a big Brother to a newly Initiated Entered Apprentice Brother to help and assist him until He became proficient in the Master Mason Degree.

In the spring an Americanism Program was presented to the Brethren and their families after the Lodge Meeting. Also in the spring Worshipful Brother Knisley promoted a "Church Sunday" by encouraging the Brethren to attend Alder Gate Methodist Church with him.

One of the Master Mason Degrees conferred that year was held on a Saturday and lunch was served to those attending.

During the year the Brethren voted to replace the worn Alter Bible.

In the summer the Brethren were pleased to learn that one of our Brothers, Warren Wolfe, started on the road to remission from leukemia after he had received treatment at John Hopkins Hospital.

Halfway through the summer the Lodge Room-air conditioner stopped working. From a loan from Brothers, it was replaced and Worshipful Brother Knisley led the Brethren in raising money to repay the loan.

Charitable gifts for the year included a project started by Seminole Lodge and completed by the 27th Masonic District, an electric wheel chair was presented to a young man who had cerebral palsy.

Also the Lodge voted to purchase a hearing adapter attachment to be used on a television set and was given to a :needy person.

UNFORGETTABLE MASONS

Herb Joneck is a retired Police Officer from Chicago, Illinois who lived near the Temple. Because He lived alone and did not have any close relatives in South Florida, the Lodge Officers and Members adopted him in that they tried to look out for his welfare. Seminole Lodge presented him an Honorary Membership to Seminole Lodge because of his support and attendance to Lodge functions. Eventually his health grew bad and He needed help the Lodge could not give him.

The lodge was helpful at getting him admitted to the Masonic Home in Sullivan, Illinois.

1981

John Henry Hutchison Sr. was born in Rouseville, Pa. on July 28,1924. He was raised in Seminole Lodge on May 24,1976. He was 57 years old at the time he was Master of the Lodge. He was a Motel Owner and Manager.

The rest of the Officers for the year were; Senior Warden Tony Gallo, Junior Warden Robert L. Jones, Treasurer Russell Coughlin, Secretary John R. Bell, Senior Deacon Cyrus L. Crammer, Junior Deacon James E. Forsythe, Chaplain Stephen D. Wareham, Marshall Alexander J. Norwich, Senior Steward Randy G. Johanson, Junior Steward Warren Wolfe, and Tyler,John Fisher. Sterling Pratt was the Organist.

There were several fund raising events during the year, which included Dinner Dances, spaghetti Dinners, Breakfasts, and Stock Certificate Sales. Worshipful Brother Hutchinson's project for the year was to payoff the Temple Mortgage. He invented Stock Certificates which He sold to raise money to accomplish the task. In the lobby. of the Lodge hangs a beautiful plaque listing the names of all who donated to this very worthy cause. The plaque was donated to Seminole lodge by Bea Hutchinson, the wife of W.B. Hutchinson. A special ceremony was held on November 14th at the Temple to celebrate the burning of the Mortgage Papers. There were many distinguished Quests and Brethren in attendance, notably Most Worshipful Donald Wessell P.G.M. of Florida, Senator William "Bill" Stevens P.M. of Seminole Lodge and P. M. of J. Dewey Hawkins Lodge and P.D.D.G.M. of the 27th Masonic District, R.W. Floyd Hamilton P.M. of Seminole Lodge and P.D.D.G.M. of the 27th Masonic District, four Charter Members of Seminole Lodge, several D.D.G.M. of other Districts, and many Past Masters of Seminole Lodge. Also in attendance were Friends and Families of the Brethren.

One Master Mason Degree was conferred during the year in full Regalia and costumes. During the year 26 Brethren were raised to the Degree of Master Mason, one of which was James Hutchinson the son of W.B. John Hutchinson.

Two Honorary Memberships to Seminole Lodge were presented to Most Worshipful J. Roy Crowthers Grand ~1aster of Florida and to R.W. William Kestenbaum P.D.D.G.M. of the 27th Masonic District.

Improvements to the Temple consisted of new carpeting installed in the lobby and preparation room, new covering on the kneeling rails, plus two new six foot kneeling rails, new collars for the Officer's Jewels, painting the lobby, recreation room, secretary's office, and bathrooms. Replacing a old air conditioner with a new seven and half ton air conditioner.

One of the most rewarding charitable projects was the donation of a Telecaption Adapter for a hearing impaired little boy by the name of Jimmy Miller. Also letters of thanks -because of Lodge contributions to the following worthy causes, The Knights Templer Eye Foundation, the lO-2~ Organization, the M-H 100 Club, the Crippled Children's Fund.

The Lodge Blood Bank was increased by 41 pints.

One of the most entertaining Recreational Events of the year was a softball game between J. Dewey Hawkins Lodge and Seminole Lodge, which has become an annual event. This was a family affair and everyone had a wonderful time.

Worshipful Brother John Hutchinson Sr. stated that the year he was Master of the Lodge was the most rewarding year of his life and He was disappointed when the year came to an end.

Important elements for a Lodge to consider to be a great Lodge are Ritual, Charity, Traditions, and Fellowship. All are important. Ritual is controlled by the Grand Lodge Regulations and we can be proficient in Ritual by studying and hard work. We have been fortunate since 1972 to have had Worshipful Brother David Tiburzi as Lodge Instructor to guide us in Degree Work and Opening and Closing the Lodge.

Socials and fellowship is a great tenant of Free Masonry. Brethren dwelling in peace and harmony.

Charity is an important part of Masonic Teachings. The Lodge has had many charitable projects down through the years but never picked a particular organization to call their own project to work on and contribute to from year to year until 1985 when we started helping the "Kids In Distress". Since then it has been a tradition to give the Kids an Easter Egg Hunt and a Christmas Party every year in addition to cash donations. Some traditions are "built in" but some are started by individuals or particular Lodges.

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