Hightstown-Apollo Lodge No. 41 - Trestle Board 2025 on 03/29/2025
HIGHTSTOWN APOLLO LODGE NO. 41 F&AM Hightstown, New Jersey 15th Masonic District Established by Charter of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey MAKING GOOD MEN BETTER SINCE 1856 | ||||
FROM THE EASTBrethren, As we continue our journey in Masonry, let us always strive for growth—both inknowledge and in service. Our obligation as Masons extends beyond the walls of our Lodge. It is our duty to refine our understanding of the Craft and to practice the virtues we hold dear. Education is one cornerstone of our fraternity. Whether through the study of Masonic principles, historical teachings, or the deeper symbolism within our rituals, we must commit ourselves to learning and enlightenment. A well-informed Mason strengthens not only himself but also his Lodge and community. I encourage each of you to seek further light, attend discussions, and share your wisdom with our newer Brethren. Equally important is our duty to charity. True Masonry is not only learned but lived. Let us continue to be beacons of relief and support to those in need. Whether by offering aid to a distressed Brother, supporting our Lodge’s charitable endeavors, or serving our community, let our actions reflect the principles we have sworn to uphold. Brethren, let us work together to build not just better Masons, but better men—through knowledge, charity, and brotherly love. May the Great Architect of the Universe bless and guide us in our labors. Sincerely & Fraternally, Christopher J. Aiello | ||||
FROM THE WESTSome of the descriptions overheard recently regarding the state of Masonry overall include: change,retention, education, paradigms, connectivity, technology, social media, communication, security, perceptions, traditions, and others. These notions are nothing terribly new. They’ve been repeated for years, but these days they are certainly being emphasized to a much greater extent. There appears to be aconsensus among many that THIS IS A GREAT TIME to be a MASON! Things ARE changing in a positive way! Men ARE seeking what we offer in Masonry, and boy, do we ever need them . . . in a BIG way. But here’s the rub . . . many have done their homework. They do what they do best. They use the tools and technology they are familiar with. The internet has made the world a very small place, so they go online; read articles; research the pros and cons; delve into our historical significance. The young prospects of today come hungry for knowledge and preloaded with wonder and awe and great expectations before they ever knock at our door. They’re anticipating great leaders who will offer them guidance and mentorship – someone to fill their sails and help them navigate our world’s tumultuous waters. They’re expecting Freemasonry to fulfill its purpose and do what it actually claims to do and has done for generations. And when that neophyte finally wanders up to “knock at the door” of our lodge, what will he find? He will find a dedicated, enthusiastic, and friendly group of men to welcome them into our Lodge warmly and without hesitation. HOWEVER, Brothers, I’m of the firm belief that we do not have a membership problem – we have a new-member-retention problem. So even when we do gain a zealous disciple, and IF that new Master Mason can somehow manage to overlook the shortcomings of our organization (Yes, we do have a few – everyone does) and decides not to commit “Masonic suicide,” but stays on because he sees an opportunity for himself to benefit the lodge with fresh ideas and build the Masonry that suits his needs, like his predecessors did. . . will we let him? Brothers, the answer MUST be YES! Because in doing so, that new, young Mason will bring friends whom he knows share his same desire to affect positive change in themselves, families, community and the world. To repeat, we have a retention problem. Quite frankly, why would a lodge want to get new members when it cannot keep the ones it already has? All we as individual Masons can hope to do is set our standards higher, lead by example and inspire others to do the same. The core brothers of this Lodge are doing just that. Our member retention is always a concern, but know this: your efforts and dedication to the craft is making an impact on the current and future members of this organization. We are doing it right. Let’s keep doing it the way that best allows us to grow and expand our membership and borders. YOU are the operatives that must have a shared vision and a plan to enact for the future and your own destiny. Doing nothing is not a plan. Believe me, when a community observes brothers in motion; engaged in improving themselves, inside and out, they’ll be more likely to ask the questions we’re all yearning to hear: Excuse me, but what’s a Mason? How do I become one? Brothers, be prepared to smile with polished confidence when you answer. Source (with apologies): The Short Talk Bulletin, August 2024. | ||||
FROM THE SOUTHThe Sun in the South being the Beauty and Glory ...it's on its way! Following our most recentAstronomical Spring (Vernal Equinox) we find an equilibrium return to the balance of our planet, bodies and souls; love and light: Our Earth’s axis provides the precise geometry essential for all life to exist on this planet as we understand. The smallest tweak could result in a scorch planet, a frozen rock or the most unstable inhabitable place to share. This change represents the persistent pendulum or darkness into light that our planet experiences as a whole; and we as Masons and People. We’ve long left the cooling off of the Winter at its beginning, at Low Elliptical and we Craftsmen Northerly of the equator, enter a rebirth back into light allegorically. Triumphantly, we’ve made another revolution. Do not downplay this victory we share. This duality is vital and can be felt all around you. Carefully observe the pigments from this tilt as the move toward pastels of Spring...notice your mood, energy or excitement arouse as we leap into the Solar Morning and toward High Twelve for rest and refreshment; when we retreat from our labor to be with friends, family and travel. Geometry proves itself the most sacred art and craft within measure for our allegorical craft and understanding from our creator; we see the echoes universally across the Liberal Arts and Sciences as directed from our shared Heaven. The Sun, that “Circumpoint”, we gaze toward and strive to be near is a symbol of light as we travel around its elliptic circle of that brilliant stellar phenomenon, humanity’s candle burning in the dark. Traveling the infinite mysteries of this cosmos. Here on Earth, as we dig our dirt; Reflect. Work. Rest. Jubilate. Find your balances Till and Plant. Sow that you may reap. Lastly, set forth your honorable intentions and find kindness in self patience, for the fall brings harvest and abundance as reward for those who commune and strife together; let those fruits carry you through the next cold dark winter; fiercely, forever forward through each next dark time to come until it passes. Perisphone and Churchill both come to mind ... if you find yourself at any time in your own hell, your own winter, keep going. As we circumambulate and find order, embrace the spontaneity of our universe whilst we traverse together on this clumsy and wonderful planet we call home. Spring! Let’s Go! Much Love, Bro Michael Joseph Leahy Jr | ||||
LODGE OFFICERSWorshipful Master - Christopher J. Aiello Senior Warden - John T. Hamilton Junior Warden - Michael Leahy Treasurer - Ernesto C. Somera Secretary - Michael Kraus Chaplain - James Hauck Senior Deacon - Rafael Sosa Junior Deacon - Dominque Jennette Sr Master of Ceremonies - Thomas Reynolds Jr Master of Ceremonies - Robert Meier Senior Steward - Elijah Basse Junior Steward - Conny Svensson Marshal - Brett Scott Tyler - Earl C Groendyke Historian - Alexander J.C. Bragat Proxy to Grand Lodge - Edgardo Villafuerte Lodge Trustees Ron Herzog (2022) Anthony Katawick (2022) Earl Groendyke (2023) James Hauck (2023) Matthew Beltran (2024) Alex Bragat (2024) | ||||
CHRONOLOGICAL BIRTHDAYSJohn Chobrda 3-Apr | MASONIC BIRTHDAYSStephen Early 5-Apr | |||
FOR INITIATION OR ADVANCEMENTKnocking at the door Michael Deman Castro German Waiting to be Initiated Brian Yuro Waiting to pass to the Degree of Fellowcraft Jezreal Nazario | ||||
LIVING PAST MASTERS
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2025 FULL MOONS AND STATED COMMUNICATION DATES
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DISTRICT LODGES OF INSTRUCTION
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UPCOMING EVENTS * A Chamber of Reflection will be held at the Lodge on Wednesday, April 9 at 6:00pm | ||||
| 2025 DUES HAVE BEEN ASSESSED 2025 have been assessed. Payment of $225.00 may be made by check made out to Hightstown Apollo Lodge No. 41. | ||||
| LINK FOR THE 2025 WHITE BOOK Whitebook 2025 Electronic_03-03-2025_Rev Final.docx | ||||
| IN AND ABOUT THE APARTMENTS No one won the drawing of the GOAT at our last communication. You’ve got to be in it to win it | ||||
| Hightstown Apollo Lodge, Three Times Three Chapter RAM and Troyes Commandery have placed a receptacle for the collection of donations to the local food pantry. Please donate nonperishable food items to the extent your ability to give will permit | ||||
| Shoprite gift cards Shoprite Gift Cards are available to be purchased at face value, 5% of the purchase price goes to Hightstown Apollo Lodge | ||||
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