Corinthian Lodge No. 93 A.F. & A.M. · September 2022
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"If it isn't in The 93, you probably didn't need to know it anyway."
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DEAR BROTHERS, if you would like a printed version of this newsletter, make application to me as such at jsmarkel1000@gmail.com. Then wait a time with patience until the USPS returns the same.
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SW Rick Jones exemplifies towards Worshipful Master |
Taking another step closer to becoming eligible to run for Worshipful Master, Brother Rick Jones recently passed his Second Degree exemplification. He has now passed the first two degrees and is working diligently toward exemplifying the Master Mason degree in November. |
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Supported by Corinthian Lodge officers, brothers and visitors, Brother Jones deftly opened the lodge, ran through a mock passing to the Second Degree and then closed the lodge, all under the critical eye of DGL Jonathan Strickler. |
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Pictured above, L to R: Les (one who dressed for the occasion), John M., Justin, Jason, Rick, Jonathan Strickler, John R., Keith, Michael, Earl and Roy.
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The Nine attain visitation rights |
It was Wednesday, August 24. The balloting was completed. We all waited for the verdict.
Then, despite a capriciously playful scare put into us by Brother John Reiter sitting in the Junior Warden chair, the Nine along with the rest of the brothers found out we had, indeed, successfully stood proficiency in the Master Mason degree.
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Brother John Reiter, PM, (far left) masterfully guides the Nine thru the Master Mason catechism. |
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Being greatly relieved, at the end of the meeting, we presented our catechism instructors with a mug with our group picture (our mugs) on it.
Pictured in the front row are our instructors (left to right) Brothers John Reiter, Joe Creamer and Rob Carlson, all Past Masters! Absent was our Tuesday instructor, Brother Nick Skarda.
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Afterwards, we posed for a group picture, with the nine new Master Masons holding up a white ball. The ballot was deemed "fair" in the South, West and East.
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After the meeting we enjoyed a rousing time of fellowship with a shrimp feast, courtesy of the brothers and WM Joe Frank. All the while, the new Master Masons were seen filling out petitions for the Shrine, and the York and Scottish Rites— a privilege we had newly earned and eagerly awaited. |
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Here is the photograph of the Nine which was affixed to our instructors' gift mugs. From left to right: Brothers Richie Jones, Keith Huber, Frank Pugh, Max Stein, David Cole, John Markel, Larry Nowicki, Gene Jyan and Brendan Frank.
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Warmth, friendship and brotherly love were palpable all evening. |
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In October, we're getting on a bus to Washington, D.C.
Brother Gary Norman, PM, is organizing a supremely monumental bus trip for us for Saturday, October 22nd.
We'll be visiting the magnificent House of the Temple, headquarters of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, in Washington, D.C., and then the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia, built on a site once proposed for the U.S. Capitol building.
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We'll meet at Mt. Moriah Temple at 8:00 AM for some coffee and donuts. The bus will pull out promptly at 8:30 for Washington, D.C.
This would be a magnificent, awe- inspiring experience for anyone, but especially so for Masons. Spouses, significant others and guests who are Masons are welcome.
Tickets, including transportation and all tours, are $75 per person. Make checks payable to Corinthian Lodge No. 93 and mail to the lodge at 507 W. Chesapeake Ave., Towson, MD, 21204, no later than September 17th.
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The George Washington National
Masonic Memorial
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To help with our planning, Brother Gary asks that you email him at glnorman15@hotmail.com indicating your intention to ride with us. You may click here to see the flyer describing details of the trip, or you may telephone Brother Gary directly at (410) 241-6745 for more information or any questions you may have.
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Most Worshipful Grand Master opens doors for your Editor
As the Masonic Museum at the Grand Lodge of Maryland is only open during the summer by appointment, and only the Grand Master has the keys to it, on August 10, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Marlin L. Mills, unlocked the museum doors which allowed your Editor and other visitors to enter.
Waiting for us there was Brother Past Master Roger Dunn, the museum's de facto curator, there to explain the many historic and unusual items. It was a truly fascinating experience.
For example, pictured above is a unique double desk used in the Maryland State House when early in our nation's history Annapolis was the nation's capital. In December of 1783, with our country's independence achieved, Brother George Washington placed on this very desk his letter of resignation, resigning his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Six years later he would become our first President.
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Brother Dunn pointed out that the museum is the oldest Masonic museum in the United States and the oldest museum of any kind in Maryland. A perfect opportunity for you to check it out will be on Harvest Home Day on October 1st, when it will be open to visitors all morning. |
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'Freemasonry as an institution promises nothing. Absolutely nothing. But she returns with interest—compound interest— all that we commit to her care.'
-Rev. Dr. William Rocky Brown III
PM and WG Chaplain Prince Hall, GL of Pa.
We asked the following question of several brothers:
MWhat made you join Freemasonry and what did you expect?
From Brother Les Hodgson, PM, Lodge Secretary
What made you join Freemasonry?
Well, I found out that I have several family members of my family that belong to the fraternity. I had no idea and it was never really discussed too much that I could remember. I thought it would be interesting to see what it was all about. Plus, with my Dad being a member and working his way to Worshipful Master it would give us something to talk about.
What did you expect?
At first, I was not too sure what to expect. While I was growing up as a child I was not much of a joiner of groups. I was introduced to the brothers of Corinthian Lodge, and I was able to make friends with other brothers from different lodges. It was a great decision to join the fraternity. Plus, talking about it as I did with the above question, it gave me time to spend time with my Dad. As I started to join other collateral bodies, I had more opportunities to meet other brothers. It made me feel good to be a part of something bigger than myself. As well, I can say I followed my family legacy by joining. I enjoyed the fraternity. It gave the opportunity to give back to the community in different ways.
From Brother Edward G. Brannock, Howell, Michigan
To answer your question regarding what made me join the Masonic order and what I expected is an easy question to answer:
M1. Brotherhood
M2. Honesty and Integrity
M3. Faith and Responsibility
Here is the short story of my Masonic travels:
My father was a Master Mason, in the Ben Franklin Lodge located in Towson, Md. Several of my uncles were Masons in various lodges in the Baltimore area and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
My first real contact and petition to join the Masons was from a very close friend who I worked with on the B&O railroad at Camden Station as a railroad police officer. His name was Asa W. Coon, a member of Lodge 93. I was interested in becoming a Mason and I had some idea as to what Masonry was all about due to my dad and uncles being members and the fellowship that they enjoyed. I had an early exposure to the Masonic life by the many trips with my dad to events at Bonnie Blink during the Harvest Home Days.
When I was first petitioned I really wasn't sure what to expect. From my study classes with several other petitioners under the direction of PM John Kleinschmidt we learned very quickly the true values, responsibility, purpose and history, along with what is expected of you from the order. I made a lot of friends in my journey in becoming a Master Mason, and when at home I attended lodge meetings on a regular basis. I also considered wanting to begin the process of going through the "chairs," but my job with the railroad caused me to travel more and then to be transferred to Cincinnati, Ohio, and later to Michigan.
During my career and retirement I never lost sight of the Masonic order or the values that I learned at 93, and when the opportunity came to visit various lodges in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Florida I found there were differences in how each lodge conducted their meetings, but the principles were the same. Many of my friends have asked me to "demit" to their lodges which I have not even considered simply because even though I am not attending 93, I still feel a closeness to the lodge that I was raised in, and try to stay close by reading the communications from 93 and the Grand Lodge of Maryland. I may not be there in body, but I am in spirit. Home is home.
I don't get back to Maryland that often, but on my next trip home I plan to include a visit to 93. I know that a lot of changes have been made since moving from Charles Street to Towson, but I will always consider Maryland and Corinthian 93 my home because of the brotherhood, fellowship and integrity of the members of 93.
Best wishes and good health to the Worshipful Master and the Members of 93!
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From the Editor: We were so taken by the sentiments expressed by these brothers that we have decided to make this column a continuing one. Therefore, I am hereby and hereon, solemnly and sincerely inviting all Lodge 93 Brothers to reply to the Editor's email found above and at the end of this newsletter to share with the rest of us your thoughts on these questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
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The Chaplain’s Lectern
by Gary C. Norman, PM
Chaplain, Corinthian Lodge No. 93
Brothers and families,
During these post-COVID-19 times, your Blue Lodge Chaplain is ever ready to lend an attentive ear over the phone or a hand of friendship over coffee.
All of us have encountered frustration or even illness in this life, and have realized more and more during the pandemic the importance of community. If you are suffering (like I do) with stress and depression, remember that masculinity is not derogated if you lean on the shoulder of your brothers.
The office of the Chaplain is here to lend an attentive ear or a hand of friendship. Not to remove the vail but I, your instant Chaplain, have perhaps acted a fool as often as a wise bard with my mini-sermons at lodge. However, I may have wisdom obtained from a challenging but adventurous life to share.
Finally, please inform me if you, or a brother you may know of, being sick or perhaps feeing secluded who could use a visit or a call.
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You're telling me even HE was a Mason?!
Lionel Logue
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Australian-born Lionel George Logue (1880-1953), was largely forgotten until 2010 when the multi-Oscar winning film The King’s Speech refocused the world’s attention on “the man who saved the monarchy.” Lionel Logue was the man responsible for the therapeutic treatment he provided for King George VI, allowing Great Britain's monarch largely to master a severe stammer.
Moving to England in 1924, and known for his unorthodox methods, Logue worked with Duke Albert from 1926, into 1936 when he became King George VI, and on through the dark days, and many speeches, of the Second World War.
Initiated in 1908, Logue rose to become the Master of J.D. Stevenson St. George’s Lodge No. 6, Western Australia.
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Not sure if this is how you do it... |
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Brother Joe tells all
From none other than Brother Joe Creamer, PM, here's a list of some events coming up in September at Corinthian Lodge.
For complete details and information on these and other items and events of interest visit the Trestle Board on our lodge website.
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Wednesday, September 7 – Friendship Night
Invite a friend or family member who may be interested in joining Corinthian Lodge for dinner at 6:30 PM. We’ll conduct a tour and talk about the things at which Masons are great: brotherhood, history, and charity. Call on at 7:30.
Saturday, September 17 – Shore Shack Crab Feast
Hosted by WM Joe Frank, this event is open to all Masons, friends, and family. It’s 100% casual and starts at 2:00 PM. The address is 7835 Denton Avenue in Sparrows Point.
Wednesday, September 28 – DeMolay visit
On our regular meeting night, we’ll enjoy a visit from a local DeMolay chapter. DeMolay is a Masonic youth group for young men from 12 to 20 years of age. Several of our brothers were DeMolays or have sons in DeMolay. Call on at 7:30 PM.
Prior to the meeting, at 6:30, we’ll have Wing Night. (The Worshipful Master is looking for volunteers to cook up the wings.)
Saturday, October 1 – Harvest Home Day
Held at the Grand Lodge in Hunt Valley, it’s like homecoming for Maryland Masons and is always a blast. For a $5 donation (entrance fee), you get a collectible “penny,” all you can eat pancakes, coffee, sausages, and pumpkin pie. It all starts at 6:00 AM, but the sausages stop at 9:00. Dress is casual.
That day, the museum will start its annual cycle with all new displays. There will be Masonic vendors with emblems for sale, and Masons from all over Maryland. This is a stag event. Non-Masons are welcome as long as they’re guys. The Grand Lodge address is 304 International Circle 21030.
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Brother Creamer is also the editor of the Trestle Board, a complete and in-depth news and information center where, for instance, the Worshipful Master announces ballots on new members. Plus, you'll find meeting changes, bylaw changes, and other "legal" disclosures that are pertinent to the entire lodge membership. You can access the latest issue of the Trestle Board here on the lodge website.
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Oh my! You have a lodge web site?
Please don't mind if I just click the button below to see it for myself.
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Editorial Staff
Editor – John Markel
Managing Editor – WM Joe Frank
Editor Egregious – Joe Creamer, PM
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Corinthian Lodge No. 93
507 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204
443-377-1687
Meets First and Fourth Wednesdays
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