The Friendly Word
Fraternal Greetings my Brothers!
Liverpool Syracuse Lodge would like to offer our congratulations to Lynwood Bennerson from Fayetteville-Central City Lodge for receiving his Honorary 33rd Degree from the Scottish Rite. Additionally, W.’. Robert M. Tyrell will be receiving the 33rd Degree at a White Hat dinner in October 2011 along with RW.’. Richard J. Powell of Morning Star Lodge No. 524. Congratulations to each of you as this is quite an achievement.
Our Veterans and Sojourner’s meeting was held on September 20th. We had a wonderful cook out style dinner to commemorate the end of a beautiful summer and to celebrate those brothers who have dedicated many years of membership to this fine fraternity. As we look forward to the rest of October, we held a Second Degree on October 4th for six Entered Apprentices. I encourage all of you Brothers to make an effort to support our incoming brothers as they make there way though the degrees. If you can’t attend the meeting, be sure and send a letter or note of your support along with some kind words to us so that we may read them to the new Brothers. Our Official Visit will be held on October 18th. I encourage those Brothers who can attend to be there.
This year, we have been working hand in hand with brothers both new and old. In between degrees we have been offering educational classes to go over not only what transpired during the degrees, but also to instruct them on some of the etiquette and protocols that we observe during normal meetings. If you would like to attend or participate in these classes, please let us know, as we would be happy to have you.
We are looking at quite an exciting year ahead of us, as we currently have 14 new petitioners who are getting duly and truly prepared to receive Light in Masonry by obtaining their First Degree this coming December. If any Brother would like to help by taking on a small part in the degree – please contact us and express interest. Our Brothers would be more than happy to work with you and support you as you learn some of the parts in the degree. The only requirement is an enthusiasm to want to receive more Light in Masonry and a positive attitude.
Our membership committee is working diligently to track down those Brothers who are in danger of being dropped for non-payment of dues. If you are in arrears and/or in danger of being dropped, please make an effort to contact us and let us know. Thank you to those who have kept their dues current; for those still owing, please send your check in before the new ones arrive. I look forward to seeing you all in Lodge.
Stay tuned for further updates here in The Word. Also, check us out on the web at www.SyracuseMasons.com. You can also find instant updates on what is going on in the Lodge by checking out our Facebook page which can be accessed directly off our website or by going to www.facebook.com/SyracuseMasons. There are also many interesting new pages on our companion Historical website at www.omdhs.SyracuseMasons.com. These articles can be found in the Masonic History section of the site. Two new compilations are in the works and will be appearing in shortly, one on ‘New York Freemasons in the War of 1812’ [50+ pages] and another on ‘New York Loyalist Freemasons’ [150+ pages].
W.’. Kevin L. Razawich
Master
The Friendly Word
Fraternal Greetings, I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful summer. I would first like to thank those of you who were able to volunteer a small portion of your time to help out with the New York Masonic Safety ID program at the State Fair. I believe that it shows a great deal of character to take a small amount of time out of each of your busy schedules in order to ensure the safety of our children in the community and around New York State. Each of you who volunteered will be receiving a personal letter expressing the Lodge’s appreciation for your participation.
September 20th will be our first meeting after coming out of darkness from the summer. We will be having an Open Meeting honoring our Veterans and Sojourners. To those who are new to the Craft, this meeting will honor those members of the Lodge who have been members for 5 years though 60 years (at five-year intervals). A Sojourner is a Brother who is temporarily taking up a residence within our area. Our membership has the distinct honor of individuals who are students at Syracuse University as well as individuals from the military. This meeting is also to honor you.
Our Second Degree will be held on October 4th. We anticipate having six Brothers take the next step in their Masonic journeys as they seek more Light in Masonry. I cordially invite each of you to take a few hours out of your evening to attend this important undertaking and show your support for our new Brothers. If you cannot attend, I would ask each of you to take a few minutes of your time and please show your appreciation to our Brothers with a kind note or letter of support. Stayed tuned; we are getting numerous queries of interest through our website.
As we move forward this year, our Lodge will be initiating a few new programs; The first of which will be called “501 on the Run.” Through this program our Lodge will be making an effort to visit Lodges from around the District as well as other areas in the region. Stay tuned for more details.
Additionally, our Lodge will be creating a Fellowship Fund that will help raise and save money for Masonic events exclusive to the members of our lodge. These events may include wine tours, regional day trips to Masonic points of interests, as well as other fellowship events designed to further cement the bonds of friendship and fellowship of our members and their families.
Stay tuned for further updates here in The Word. Also, check us out on the web at www.SyracuseMasons.com. You can also find instant updates on what is going on in the Lodge by checking out our Facebook page which can be accessed directly off our website or by going to www.facebook.com/SyracuseMasons. There are also many interesting new pages on our companion Historical website at www.omdhs.SyracuseMasons.com. These articles can be found in the Masonic History section of the site. As we near the end of the calendar year the new Dues Cards will be soon be coming. Thank you to those who have kept their dues current; for those still owing, please send your check in before the new ones arrive. I look forward to the coming year and seeing you all in Lodge.
W.’. Kevin L. Razawich
Master
The Friendly Word
I was fortunate enough to stumble upon an interesting discussion on the Internet. I believe that this topic is near and dear to all of our hearts. I urge you to ask yourself the following question:
What have you done to help your lodge recently?
A lodge is only as sound and strong as its members. If you feel that it is not been up to your standard what have you done to make it better? If every brother put in just an ashlar a month the lodge would be a cathedral.
When you first knocked on the door of Masonry, it was opened to you.
We often hear excuses and comments about obligations and commitments occurring during the meeting nights. Your involvement in the fraternity does not have to begin or end with attending the meetings. There are many tasks and programs that need ample help in organizing and volunteering. These tasks can be done on your schedule and do not require much time.
If you would like to lend a hand and help keep our wonderful fraternity moving forward in a positive direction, please feel free to contact me at KRazawich@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing your responses!
Sincerely,
W .’. Kevin Razawich
The Friendly Word
Liverpool/Syracuse Lodge No.501 has been awarded the Mark Twain Award for Excellence in Masonic Awareness by the Masonic Information Center located in Silver Springs, Maryland. The award recognizes excellence in both internal and external Masonic awareness and emphasizes the importance of Masonic awareness to stimulate the quality of the lodge experience and to raise awareness among the community about Freemasonry’s history and value to the community.
Liverpool/Syracuse is the only lodge in the entire State of New York to achieve the honor, and one of only eighteen in the entire country to receive this prestigious award. Mark Flemming, W.M. of 501 says the award submission process was all encompassing and dovetailed perfectly with the ongoing recruitment and retention efforts of the Liverpool Masons. “Our submission contained our video, viral marketing materials (including stickers and posters), our world-class website, and pictures and descriptions of our ongoing programs and materials that have been developed to recruit and maintain membership in our lodge.” In order to attract new brothers, a community wide marketing campaign was launched, and education programs were also put in place to retain the new brothers. The programs have met with great success and W.M. Flemming believes they will be fine tuned in the years to come.
The award was announced at the Grand Masters Conference in Alexandria, Virginia in February and will be presented at Grand Lodge in New York City this Spring. The brothers of Liverpool/Syracuse 501 are excited about the recognition the award brings, and the outstanding results the programs have produced. The Twain Award celebrates Masonic Lodges that show exemplary work in planning, implementing/documenting, and reflecting upon how its members collectively enrich the fraternal experience that is uniquely Masonic. Lodges must demonstrate high energy, fresh enthusiasm, new creativity, and visible productivity in communicating a positive identity of Freemasonry within the lodge and throughout the greater community. Liverpool/Syracuse Lodge No. 501 is proud to have been recognized by the Masonic Information Center and seeks to improve and reinvigorate Masonry into the twenty first century.
The Friendly Word
Liverpool Syracuse Lodge No.501, the Friendly Lodge, is on the move once again. Under current and past leadership the Friendly Lodge has instituted the much needed, timeless practices of Free Masonry within the walls at the Lodge in the beautiful village of Liverpool, NY.
Looking at the Lodge Calendar you will see the many activities going on within the walls of the Lodge. Not just Masonic, but social and community activities as well. Fraternities provide men with many areas of development, through leadership, community service/philanthropy, academics, as well as social interaction.
The Brothers and public who have taken serious study into this fraternal order know that men belonging to the Masonic order through out history have contributed to the betterment of it countries and societies. We at Liverpool Syracuse take the work we undertake very seriously. Besides the many activities we undertake we actively support two youth fraternal organizations.
The Lodge is proud to support in our Temple the new Trinity Chapter of DeMolay for the Central New York area. From http://www.trinitydemolay.org/ and http://www.demolay.org/
“The DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide.”
Liverpool Syracuse Lodge strongly believes that all young men belonging to such a fraternity as DeMolay will rise as pillars in their communities and contribute to a better society for all. This group is an opportunity for all, not just Mason’s sons and grandsons, but to the community’s sons and grandsons as well. We deeply encourage all to follow the links and explore what is offer to the young men of this and your community.
Liverpool Syracuse also supports the Acacia Fraternity (http://www.acacia.org/). The Acacia Fraternity was founded in 1904 by Master Masons. Once all Acacia pledges had to be Free Masons. As young men under the age of 21 started to enter college, and with men having to be 21yrs or older to join the Free Masons, Acacia’s lifted this restriction so pledges could pledge the Fraternity.
Even though the Acacia Fraternity waved this requirement they still closely followed the principals of the Free and Accepted Masons. This college fraternity:
Stresses Academic Achievement
Academic achievement should be the first and foremost priority of all university students. It is also central to the mission of Acacia Fraternity, whose chapters stress academics above all else. Moreover, the Acacia Fraternity Foundation assists deserving Acacians with cash scholarships — over $200,000.00 in scholarships and educational grants were awarded by the foundation during the 2002-2003 academic year
alone.
Develops Leaders
Acacia Fraternity is dedicated to building leaders by providing a wealth of leadership opportunities for their members. From social issues to academic, business to philanthropy, the Acacians of today are the leaders of tomorrow.
Help Better the Communities in Which They Reside
Their motto is “Human Service,” and they take it very seriously. As member of Acacia Fraternity you will have ongoing opportunities, through structured community service programs, to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Acacians Value Fitness and Knows how to have fun too!
Liverpool Syracuse Lodge also encourages all readers of this page who has sons or grandsons entering college and will be pledging a fraternity to approach the Acacians; they will not go wrong.
Trustee – W.’. Robert Bowles
The Friendly Word
Review by Bro. Bil Vassily, Past Master, Liverpool Syracuse Lodge #501, Grand Lodge of New York used here by permission of Bro. Vassily.
Having been a member of the Masonic fraternity for more than forty years, I have had occasion to read most of the classics on explaining and defending Freemasonry. Now we have a single volume that treats the subject in a clear and fair fashion.
Brother Chris Hodapp has produced the very best one-volume book on the general background of Freemasonry that I have ever read. As is true with all of the “for Dummies” series it is a primer about the subject. Since it is written in the style of the “for Dummies” books, it is an easy read and doesn’t get bogged down in a lot of technicalities. However, since it is so general, there will be some Masons that will find that a few details don’t fit their particular jurisdiction. This does not spoil the soup!
The history of the Craft covers the subject in an across-the-board manner that gives the reader enough to understand where it came from and how it evolved.
The section on religion is an excellent treatment that is fair to the objections of some religious bodies and helps the reader to understand some of the criticisms of Masonry. Yet it gives viable arguments that support Freemasonry in spite of some of these objections. And the hoaxes, myths and misconceptions about the fraternity are very well presented.
Explanations of the organization of Masonry and the history and place that the variety of appendant bodies have within the fraternity, are excellent. The thoughts about the future of this centuries old fraternity are positive and even suggestions for its revitalization are interesting and timely.
This is THE book for anyone that does not know anything about the Craft as well as the member that may know something of his fraternity but can’t quite put it all in perspective. And, the seasoned veteran of the Craft will also learn a lot.
I heartily endorse the book for anyone interested in the subject of Freemasonry. Bravo, Bro. Chris!!!
