The Corinthian 93

THE CORINTHIAN 93

Corinthian Lodge No. 93 A. F. & A. M.N·MSeptember 2023

"If it isn't in The 93, you probably didn't need to know it anyway."

In June, before we left for summer...

Festive feast finishes our first half

At our last regular "meeting," on June 28th, before going dark for the summer, we had a party instead. We invited everyone who had had some part in our year to date, and it was a grand time of wonderful food and fellowship.

PM Roy Hodgson places delicious sweet

corn ears on a platter as Brothers Michael

Coons (L) and PM Les Hodgson stand by

to take them out to the tables.

PM Joe Frank spent the week before crabbing in his "backyard." Plus, there was chicken, hot dogs, corn on the cob, salads and sodas.

We'd been so busy with passing candidates thru the degrees, attending schools and Scottish Rite classes, we even had two separate raffles— it was great just to have a relaxed, good time together.

We also had several guests from other lodges at the party.

PM Rob Carlson eyes an ear of corn while son Nate does major damage to an unsuspecting crab.

Seven attend installation of Bethel 36

On Saturday, June 3rd, seven Corinthian Brothers attended the officer installation of Bethel 36 of Job's Daughters. Five of us were at the Towson Temple in person, while Brothers Lambros Venetos and Richie Jones watched on Zoom.

This most solemn occasion was attended in person by (L to R) Brothers Michael Coons, WM Rick Jones, PM Joe Creamer and John Markel. PM Gary Norman was also there, but got called away before the picture.

Actually the whole day was filled with fun and laughter, but serious when required.

Their theme was "Circus Tent" and their verse was taken from Psalm 118: 24 "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

The Incoming Honored Queen, Sam Foster, PHQ is escorted to the altar.

As Outgoing Honored Queen Maddie Hafer looks on, the Incoming Queen signs the Bible.

Our 'Dynamic Duo' are raised on June 5

At our first meeting in June, FCs Charles Kithcart (at right) and Peter Ludwig were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.

PMs Bob Knight and Roger Dunn from the Knights of Mecca, served as Worshipful Master and several of our own and other Past Masters filled the chairs of Junior and Senior Warden, as well as performed some of the other necessary functions.

These two brothers did amazing work to get to this place, and we look forward to their future leadership at Corinthian Lodge.

Everyone who was there gathered for a "family" photo after the raising.

On the front row, Peter and Charles flank WM Rick Jones.

Brother Peter is also very active in DeMolay and had lots of support from his brothers of the Nelson J. Briggs Chapter in Bel Air:

(L to R).PM Roger Dunn, PM Carl Michel, Peter, PM Bill Miller, and Dave Martak.

We expect Brothers Charles and Peter to exemplify the Third Degree at our September 6th regular communication.

Jason Smith exemplifies the EA Degree as Worshipful Master

On Wednesday, June 21, Junior Warden Jason Smith performed the First Degree as Worshipful Master in exemplary fashion. Signing off on Jason's exemplification was Deputy Grand Lecturer Dave Sandy.

Brother Jason has a habit of nailing the ritual in whatever chair he happens to be in, and this night was no exception. So... one down, two to go. Congratulations, Brother Jason!

Guess who made it onto the Shriners International Facebook page

This photo appeared on the Shriners International Facebook page dated June 22nd. Our WM quietly and humbly received a major award.

WM Jones is holding the Shriners International Education Foundation Noble Academic Award Master's Certificate. So, congratulations, WM Rick Jones, on achieving your Master's Certificate!

On four Tuesdays in July and August, we went to Summer School at the Grand Lodge

Starting on Tuesday, July 11, the Grand Lodge held four Tuesday evening sessions of summer school for lodge officers.

Grand Lecturer Bill Richard managed the classes with several different lodges serving each week as "officers" for the evening.

Week 1's cast of characters –

PM Joe Creamer, WM Rick Jones,

PM Doug Ports, John Markel.

Week 3 – WM Rick Jones, PM Joe Frank, PM Gary Norman, Bowie, John Markel, and PM Joe Creamer.

The Week 4 survivors – John Markel, Jason Smith, PM Joe Creamer, and WM Rick Jones.

(PM Doug Ports attended all the sessions, too, but artfully managed to avoid being in most of the pictures.)

It was actually a lot of fun getting "fine tuned" under the tutelage of GL Richard. Of course, our Masonic ritual is the mechanism whereby we are enlightened on how to be better Masons and better men.

We got to ride shotgun to Philadelphia

On Friday, July 21, we got to be the designated "sidekick" with PM Roy Hodgson as we drove a family from Baltimore up to Philly for treatment at the Shriners Hospital for Children.

A member of Boumi Temple, Brother Roy has been performing this service once or twice a month for several years as a Boumi Shepherd.

We delivered the family first to a friend's house nearby, who was waiting for us outside on a bench.

While we waited for another family for the return trip, we enjoyed the well-appointed Driver's Lounge at the hospital.

At the 19 Shriners Hospitals across the United States and their satellite clinics in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, patients and their families never pay for any of the services, care or lodging involved with their treatment. Shriners advertise "Love to the Rescue."

Despite the Friday afternoon Philadelphia traffic on our way home, it was a fun trip. As drivers, our excellent lunch at the hospital was gratis, Brother Roy is always good company, and we were able to help significantly two local families. Very satisfying day.

We'd like to highlight this Corinthian Brother

Editor's Note: This is a series, the brainchild of Chaplain Gary Norman, PM. Each month we'll highlight one of our fine brothers, interviewed by PM Norman.

This month... Past Master Rob Carlson

Robert W. Carlson, PM

PM Robert W. "Rob" Carlson, has often reflected upon his years serving as Worshipful Master during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, in light of the experiences of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, the famous stoic philosopher.

With intentions of being a “philosopher king” as Plato envisioned, Marcus Aurelius had to confront the problem of a disastrous plague, the Antonine Plague of AD 165 to 190, which killed off a large proportion of the empire's population, dramatically weakening it. The emperor survived that catastrophe to serve the empire and its people well. WM Carlson was to do the same in managing the COVID adversity while leading Corinthian Lodge.

The Stoic philosophy, which Brother Rob and I mutually study, informs us that when confronting momentous life events, such as the pandemic, we should strive never to be so high with triumph nor that low with adversity.

Rob’s grandfather, a past master of Belcher Lodge #180 in New Jersey, inspired Rob to join the Craft and later, to explore serving as an officer. Specifically, Rob was moved by the brothers of Belcher Lodge as they performed his grandfather’s memorial service.

Rob was initiated into Masonry in May of 2013 and was raised on November 22nd of that same year.

According to Rob, the Craft "enlightened me as a man and as a Mason to be more receptive to philosophy, symbolism, and exegesis in a way that I never was before.”

A software developer by vocation, Rob postponed his undergraduate studies until 2021, when online learning became more common and accessible in our society. As PM Joe Creamer (who Rob accounts for the current strength of Corinthian Lodge) and I told Rob at dinner recently, we are proud of his having only five classes remaining towards his degree. I hope that, when he has graduated, a Norman Junto hosted in honor of Corinthian’s next generation of Past Masters will celebrate that life achievement.

PM Les Hodgson initially appointed Rob as Junior Steward in 2015. Other positions following quickly. Among them were lodge Secretary and Senior Warden. Rob acknowledges that this was the way history revealed his Masonic journey.

As for myself, I was proud of my fireside chats that I produced as the WM of Mt. Moriah Lodge at the same time Rob was serving as WM at Corinthian Lodge. I remember feeling great pride in Rob when he discussed the multiple challenges he experienced during the pandemic. Corinthian Lodge would be well served to have either of my friends, Creamer or Rob, serve our lodge again in the capacity of Worshipful Master.

In closing, I am pleased that I weathered the pandemic as WM of Mt. Moriah at the same time that Rob served as WM at Corinthian. I proudly call Rob my brother and friend— not to mention fellow bookish Past Master.

Karen and Joe Frank to host the annual More 'Shore' Shack

Once again, on Saturday, September 16, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, PM Joe Frank and his lovely wife, Karen, will open their amazing home to Masons and their families from all over Maryland.

The annual Shore Shack, now known as the More Shack, is always one of the the social highlights of the Corinthian Lodge calendar and a fun time for family and friends. Spouses, significant others, and even insignificant others and their families are heartily invited.

The PM's crabs are the menu highlight, but there's always lots of other delectable homemade dishes.

We'll also hold the drawing for the raffle supporting the Corinthian Lodge Charitable Foundation, with prizes of $700, $200 and $100. Raffle tickets will be available at the Shack before the drawing and after the drawing, as well.

The address of the Shore Shack is 7835 Denton Avenue, Sparrows Point.

Come thirsty and hungry, my friends!

"Use what talents you possess— "the woods would be silent

"if no birds sang except

"those that sang best!"

– Henry van Dyken

"Wait a minute...

"George, I think "he's got the "Corinthian Lodge "website on there!"

Visit our website

Or, you can visit us on Facebook...

(Just click the Facebook icon)

We'd like to say, 'Happy September Birthday,' to these terrific Brothers!

mMl2 - Mabe Meadows, PM

Mml5 - Edward Jakubik

mMl5 - Thomas Rowe

Mv19 - Joe Creamer, PM

vM16 - Matthew Gordon

Mv16 - Rodney Lewis

vM17 - Howard Della

vM18 - Robert Bartch

vM17 - Bruce Mattheiss

vM19 - Matthew McKaig, PM

Mv21 - Steven Wysocki

vM24 - Herb Rowe

vM26 - Harry Prevosto

vM27 - Rob Carlson, PM

vM29 - William Schulte

vM30 - Steve Edens

vM29 - Dave Witherspoon, PM

Editor – YOUR name here!

It is with heavy heart that we need to announce that we are moving to Florida in September. Consequently, this will be our last issue as editor of The 93.

It's been a true pleasure and delight putting together this "picture book" of events for you each month.

So, now we need someone new to produce The Corinthian 93. You'll have plenty of help getting started and each month, and know that our Corinthian Brothers will appreciate the time spent on this.

If you think you'd like to try your hand at editing and putting your own stamp on our newsletter, contact WM Rick Jones.

MMay the road rise to meet you,

MMay the wind be always at your back.

MMay the sun shine warm upon your face,

MAnd the rain fall soft upon your fields,

MAnd until we meet again,

MMay God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Here's the latest scoop from the top down

From none other than our WM Rick Jones, Jr., here's a list of some major events coming up in September and into October.

Because this is a monthly publication, these events will sometimes change. For the most current calendar information, visit the WM Calendar or the Trestle Board, both on our Lodge website.

Wednesday, Sept. 6 – 'Welcome Back' Regular MeetingN7:30 PM

Hawaiian Shirt Nite! Lots to do on our first night back: Probable 3rd Degree proficiencies, drawing the winner of the Rifle Raffle, membership report. Dress casual in a Hawaiian shirt, if you have one.

Saturday, Sept. 9 – Masonic Law School - Module AN9:00 AM

At the Grand Lodge, 304 International Drive, Cockeysville. Ends at 12:00 NOON, dress is business casual.

Saturday, Sept. 16 – Crab Feast and Family PicnicN2:00 PM

At Joe and Karen Frank's More (Shore) Shack (see address above). An annual event and the Corinthian Lodge social highlight of the year! Friends, family, and spouses are welcome. Ends at 5:00 PM. (or so PM Frank says).

Thursday, Sept. 21 – Lodge of InstructionN7:00 PM

At Crescent Lodge, Boumi Temple, 5050 King Avenue, rear entrance. DGL Dave Sandy will teach the EA ritual work. We always learn something new at these schools.

Saturday, Sept. 23 – Masonic Law School - Module BN9:00 AM

At the Grand Lodge, 304 International Drive, Cockeysville. Ends at 12:00 NOON, dress is business casual.

Wednesday, Sept. 27 – Regular CommunicationN7:30 PM

We plan to have a special guest speaker on wills and estates.

Wednesday, Oct. 4 – Regular CommunicationN7:30 PM

Friday, Oct. 6 – Bingo at Bonnie BlinkN6:30 PM

We do this every year and it's always a blast for the residents of the Maryland Masonic Homes— and for us! We should also have the services again this year of Grand Caller Roy Hodgson.

Saturday, Oct. 7 – Harvest Home DayN6:00 to 10:00 AM

At the Grand Lodge, 304 International Drive, Cockeysville. A yearly event not to be missed!