 Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached are the minutes from the regular communication last evening. Please advise of any errors or omissions. We encourage as many of the brethren as possible to come out to lodge and join us for the fellowship we all share. Please contact me directly with any questions. Fraternally, 2025-06-26 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, In case the news hasn't yet reached you, tonight will be a Hawaiian shirt night at this evening's last regular communication of the season. We hope you can join us. Please note, regular meetings will resume on Thursday, September 11. Fraternally, |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached are the minutes from the regular communication last evening. Please advise of any errors or omissions. We encourage as many of the brethren as possible to come out to lodge and join us for the fellowship we all share. Please contact me directly with any questions. Fraternally, 2025-06-12 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.docx |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached are the minutes from the regular communication last evening. Please advise of any errors or omissions. We encourage as many of the brethren as possible to come out to lodge and join us for the fellowship we all share. Please contact me directly with any questions. Fraternally, 2025-05-22 165 Minutes-Regular Communication-FC Degree.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, RW Eric Grove has advised that the deadline for making reservations and providing deposits has been extended to May 27th and final payments due by June 30. He also asks that those intending to go to the FBI building will need to return their security forms to him ASAP. So, if you are looking go on this trip, you need to step up and put your money down. Time is running out. Fraternally, |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached are the minutes from the regular communication last evening. Please advise of any errors or omissions. We encourage as many of the brethren as possible to come out to lodge and join us for the fellowship we all share. Please contact me directly with any questions. 2025-05-08 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, The Worshipful Master has called for FC Degree rehearsals on the following days: Monday 5/12 @ 7pm Monday 5/19 @ 7pm Wednesday 5/21 @ 7pm (if necessary) All officers are expected to attend. Please contact the Worshipful Master if you cannot make any of these dates. |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Below & attached is information from RW Eric Grove regarding Harmony Lodge's upcoming Washington DC bus trip in September. Please review the information and contact RW Eric if you have any questions or wish to book a seat. This is a really good event and seats are limited. Brothers, Family, and Friends, Fred Fox, our current Master, wants to visit DC again this year and we are going Friday, September 26th thru Sunday, September 28th. Family and friends are welcome; we always have a good time. Harmony's 2024 trip was very successful, and for 2025 we've booked Passaic Valley Coaches (with our favorite driver Dave Lewis), locked in The Embassy Suites Hotel at Tysons Corner (which features a big buffet breakfast and a Manger's Reception each evening), and have added 6 different venues. We have included the FBI again this year, for those who could not go last year and for those who are new for 2025. We do need you to fill out the security form, if you're new for 2025. We've added the National Cathedral, the Holocaust Museum & Memorial, The George Washington Nation Masonic Memorial, the FDR & MLK Memorials, and The Washington Monument timed lift tickets. We hope to add an optional show for Saturday night (when shows are announced for September). The fares will remain the same as last year: $400 per adult and $300 for children 12 and under for the 3 days. We are now accepting reservations for this trip for up to 52 passengers. Reservations will be on a first come first serve basis. If more than 52 people sign up, a waiting list will be started. We hope to add an optional play or performance for Saturday night and the price for tickets, as they are available. This will be a separate fee and is included in the itinerary as optional event (just like in 2024). Our entrance to the FBI on Friday has the same wrinkle; they allow only 30 persons on a tour and we do need the security form completed for new trippers! So, we added the Holocaust Memeorial & Museum as an alternative venue. When you make your reservation you will choose either the FBI Experience or Holocaust Memorial & Museum. Also, I must submit your security information to Congressman Kean's Office for their submittal to the FBI by May 15th. We are hopeful The FBI tour we submitted to Congressman Kean's Office will be approved and at the time requested. If our FBI request is not assigned, we will work with Dave and provide a substitute venue(s) and modify the itinerary accordingly. There's much to do in DC and as Ray Schwartz used to say, "please stay flexible".
You should make your reservation as soon as possible. We are asking for a $150 per person deposit for adults and $100 deposit for children and the completed security form by no later than May 15th! Final payments are due June 20th I have to provide the FBI information to Congressman Kean's office no later than that date and we have certain deposits to make to the hotel and bus company. Also, we have something new for you to consider, Dan Kaufman will be providing alternate venues and eating spots that you can consider near various itinerary stops. One wrinkle is you may either have to take a ride share or walk to these options, if you decide to veer off the itinerary. Some people did that last year and they either continued with the tour or returned to the next venue or to the hotel. There are options for you, if you want to see something not on our tour.
We hope you can come on the DC Trip this year. It's going to be a fun time! The preliminary itinerary and security form are attached. Checks are made payable to The Harmony Foundation and sent to Eric Grove, 312 Cardinal Ct, Ledgewood, NJ 07852. Also, send completed Security Form for those who did not go in 2024.
The Harmony Lodge DC Committee 2025 DC Itinerary Perlim 041625.docx FBI Security info 042125.docx |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached are the minutes from the regular communication last evening. Please advise of any errors or omissions. We encourage as many of the brethren as possible to come out to lodge and join us for the fellowship we all share. Please contact me directly with any questions. Fraternally, 2025-04-24 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
Brethren, Attached for your reading pleasure is the May/June 2025 Trestleboard. The next issue will be published for Sept/Oct. Please take note of all the activities and events going on around the lodge. We are all looking forward to seeing you in Lodge sometime soon. Fraternally, |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached are the minutes from the regular communication last evening. I hope you will find that they provide an accurate "flavor" of the meeting. We encourage as many of the brethren as possible to come out to lodge and join us for the fellowship we all share. Please contact me directly with any questions. Fraternally, 2025-04-10 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, 2025 Dues were due in full on January 1st. It is now April 4th, and a third of the the membership has yet to pay their dues. It should be noted that your dues payments are counted on to fund the operations of the lodge during this calendar year. By not paying your dues on time, you are handicapping the leadership team's ability to fund the operation of the lodge effectively. I encourage everyone that has yet to remit their 2025 dues, in the strongest terms possible, to do immediately. If circumstances are affecting your ability to do so, please reach out to me or the Worshipful Master directly. If any brethren have information about a brother in need of assistance, please contact me. Fraternally, |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached are the minutes of the Regular Communication on 27-Mar-25. As there was little business to conduct, it was a brief meeting. However, there are several upcoming events worth noting. So, please review carefully and guide your actions accordingly. Please advise of any errors or omissions. Fraternally, 2025-03-27 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, I received some good feedback on the minutes from the recent MM Degree. Although I do not normally redistribute amended minutes, I feel it important to properly identify all those present on such a momentous occasion. As such, I have attached the amended minutes for your reference. Fraternally, 2025-03-15 165 Minutes-Emergent Communication-MM DEGREE-AMENDED.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, The visitation for WB Robert Beers has been set for Thursday, 3/20, from 5-8 pm, with a Masonic Service to be held at 7pm at Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Rt 94, Blairstown, NJ. This service is in conflict with Harmony's regular communication so there may not be many attending. We could really use some support from #165 for this event so that our departed brother can be remembered properly and show our support for the family. Please attend if you can. Brethren should arrive by 6:45pm. Fraternally, |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached are the minutes from the Master Mason degree hosted at our lodge yesterday. I do personally regret not being present for what was reported as an excellent degree. I have pulled together these minutes from the reports provided to me. As such, please advise if you detect any errors of omissions. Fraternally, 2025-03-15 165 Minutes-Emergent Communication-MM DEGREE.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached are the minutes of the Regular Communication on 3/31/25. As I was and continue to be under the weather as of this writing, RW Nick Kaufman was kind enough to take notes on my behalf. As they were done so well and his penmanship so exemplary, it would be a disservice to transcribe them. I share them below for your reading pleasure. Fraternally, 2025-03-13 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, It was reported yesterday that WB Robert W.J. Beers has passed away in his home in Hope, NJ. Although he was not a member of Blairstown #165, he was known to many in the area. He had a history medical issues and was recently released from the hospital and reported feeling much better. As his family is out of state, we have no further information at this time. However, it is anticipated that a Masonic service will be requested. I encourage everyone to show your support once the plans have been set. Fraternally, |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, The reception that will honor all the new Grand Lodge officers from our district (including our own RW Brian Snead) is fast approaching (April 9, 2025). We are asking that as many of our brethren as possible attend and show their support. Please review the attached flyer for details. Fraternally, 1&11 District Reception.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached you will find he minutes from the last meeting (Entered Apprentice Degree). Due take note of upcoming activities. Please review and advise of any error or omissions. We hope to see you in lodge sometime soon. Fraternally, 2025-02-27 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, We are building an order for name badges for anyone that does not currently have one. The new badges are black engraved with white letters. If you want to replace one you currently have, it will cost $20 (cash or check payable to the lodge). It is my goal to place this order on 3/1. Please reach out to me directly to get on the list. Fraternally, |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
Brethren, Attached for your reading pleasure is the March/April 2025 Trestleboard. The next issue will be published for May/June. Please take note of all the activities and events going on around the lodge. We are all looking forward to seeing you in Lodge sometime soon. Fraternally, 165 Trestleboard MAR-APR 2025.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached you will find he minutes from the meeting last evening. Due take note of upcoming activities. Please review and advise of any error or omissions. We hope to see you in lodge sometime soon. Fraternally, 2025-02-13 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.pdf Masonic Conspiracy Theories and Conspiracy Theory Masons.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, A reminder that there will be a Superbowl watch party at the lodge in Jimmy's Lounge this Sunday 2/9. It will commence at approximately 4:30pm (gametime 6:30pm). Please reach out to me directly if you wish to attend so that we can coordinate any food/beverage items you want to contribute. |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, There will be a Superbowl watch party at Harmony Lodge No.8, in Jimmy's Lounge on Sunday 2/9. It will commence at approximately 4:30pm (gametime 6:30pm). Please reach out to me directly if you wish to attend so that we can coordinate any food/beverage items you want to contribute. Please note that although this event is open to everyone, there may be smoking and adult beverages present. So, please guide your actions accordingly. I look forward to hearing from you soon. |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached you will find he minutes from the meeting last evening. Due take note of upcoming activities. Please review and advise of any error or omissions. We hope to see you in lodge sometime soon. Fraternally, Bro Barry George Secretary 25 sec.blairstown165nj@gmail.com 2025-01-23 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, Attached you will find he minutes from the meeting last evening, as well as the article read by the Worshipful Master for your reference. Please review and advise of any error or omissions. Fraternally, Bro Barry George Secretary 25 sec.blairstown165nj@gmail.com 2025-01-09 165 Minutes-Regular Communication.pdf From Rough Ashlar to Refined Self_ The Masonic Journey Toward Perfection.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, A masonic funeral service is planned for our departed Brother Daniel E McCole (Harmony & Kittatinny Lodges) on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 8pm. It will be held at the Lafayette Twp Fire Department. Details below from the Smith-McCracken website: Visitation to honor Daniel’s memory will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 2 pm to 4 pm and from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Lafayette Township Fire Department, 126 NJ-15, Lafayette, NJ, with an American Legion Service at 7:30 pm, Masonic Service at 8 pm, and Firemen’s Service at 8:30 pm. Please make every effort to attend if possible. Fraternally, Bro Barry George Secretary 2025 sec.blairstown165nj@gmail.com |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, As we face the new year, it is a time of renewal and new beginnings. My time as your Secretary is just beginning. You can expect a lot of communication and information to be shared from me via this Grand Lodge email. It begins with the first Trestleboard of the year, attached for your reading pleasure. Please contact me if you have any questions. Fraternally, Bro Barry George Secretary 2025 sec.blairstown165nj@gmail.com 165 Trestleboard-Jan-Feb 2025.pdf |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
Brethren, The following is being shared from Harmony Lodge, in case anyone knew our brother... It is with heavy heart that we announce that Brother Daniel E McCole, of Milford, PA, was called to the Lodge on High on Monday, December 23, 2024. He was initiated on February 1, 1968, passed on March 7, 1968 and raised on April 4, 1968. Services are planned for Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home in Newton, NJ. See their website for further information. A Masonic service has been requested. Further information will be shared once this has been scheduled. Fraternally, |
Blairstown No. 165 Grand Lodge Of New Jersey, F & AM |
| Brethren, On behalf of your outgoing Secretary, Walter Orcutt, I have attached the minutes from the Annual Communication for your reading pleasure, Please review and advise any errors or omissions. Fraternally, Bro Barry George Secretary 25 sec.blairstown165nj@gmail.com 2024 December 12th installation meeting minutes12162024.pdf |
Blairstown 165 TB - 2024-05-05.pdfmm
Brethren
Please see attached Trestleboard for Blairstown Lodge #165 F&AM for May/June. Please pay particular attention to the UPCOMING EVENTS as there is a lot going on in the next 2 months!
We really want to see all of our brothers at our breakfast on Saturday morning the 18th so we can spend some time catching up and sharing fraternal comraderie. Not to mention it's a free and delicious breakfast prepared by our team headed by RW Eric Neuffer. We do this because we appreciate your support of the Lodge, not only by your dues - but because of the fraternal bond that we all share. Please rsvp but if you forget - just show up!
Respectfully submitted,
Walter Orcutt, P.M. and Secretary
908-310-4115
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