 Semper Fidelis No. 680 Grand Lodge Of North Carolina, A.F. & A.M. |
Aug & Sept 2024 TrestleBoard.pdf Dear Brethren, Families, and Friends, We are delighted to announce that the August/September 2024 edition of the Semper Fidelis TrestleBoard is now available. This edition continues our journey of offering insights, updates, and reflections that connect us more deeply with our heritage while guiding us toward the boundless possibilities ahead. Inside, you'll find thoughtful discussions on our Masonic endeavors, highlights of our recent activities, and announcements of upcoming events and initiatives designed to strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and extend our impact within the community and beyond. We invite you to explore the pages of this month's TrestleBoard to stay informed and inspired. As always, we appreciate your unwavering support and engagement with the Semper Fidelis Lodge 680, as we collectively strive to embody the principles of Freemasonry in our daily lives and our interactions with the world around us. Thank you for being an integral part of our Masonic family. Let us continue to build upon our foundation of ancient wisdom as we reach for a future filled with enlightenment and brotherly love. |
Semper Fidelis No. 680 Grand Lodge Of North Carolina, A.F. & A.M. |
| On behalf of the Acting Master: Good Evening Brethren, This is a friendly reminder that we will NOT be having a stated communication tomorrow, the 7th of August 2024. Please stay safe with the current weather conditions. If anyone needs anything, please let me know and we will assist in any way that we can. Fraternally, Michael Bartlett |
Semper Fidelis No. 680 Grand Lodge Of North Carolina, A.F. & A.M. |
| Brethren, WB Steve Smith is in Onslow Hospital being evaluated. Keep him and his family in your prayers. Jason |
Semper Fidelis No. 680 Grand Lodge Of North Carolina, A.F. & A.M. |
Dear Brethren, Families, and Friends, We are delighted to announce that the July 2024 edition of the Semper Fidelis TrestleBoard is now available. This edition continues our journey of offering insights, updates, and reflections that connect us more deeply with our heritage while guiding us toward the boundless possibilities ahead. Inside, you'll find thoughtful discussions on our Masonic endeavors, highlights of our recent activities, and announcements of upcoming events and initiatives designed to strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and extend our impact within the community and beyond. We invite you to explore the pages of this month's TrestleBoard to stay informed and inspired. As always, we appreciate your unwavering support and engagement with the Semper Fidelis Lodge No. 680, as we collectively strive to embody the principles of Freemasonry in our daily lives and our interactions with the world around us. Thank you for being an integral part of our Masonic family. Let us continue to build upon our foundation of ancient wisdom as we reach for a future filled with enlightenment and brotherly love. |
Semper Fidelis Lodge No. 680 Celebration of Life Worshipful Brother Ronald Sortino |
Brethren, It is with deep respect and heavy hearts that we come together to honor the life and legacy of our Brother, Worshipful Brother Ron Sortino, affectionately known as “The Colonel.” On Saturday, July 13th, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, we will gather at Semper Fidelis Lodge to celebrate Ron’s extraordinary life. This event will include Military Honors and Masonic Rites, reflecting Ron's distinguished service to our great country and Fraternity. The family asks all who are able to join and support the friends and family of Worshipful Brother Ron and reflect on the memories made with him during this celebration of his life. The family wishes for Ron’s friends and Brothers to share a few words and memories during the celebration. Your stories and recollections will be a vital part of the event, bringing to life the many facets of Ron’s character and contributions. Additionally, if you have any photographs of Ron or of moments shared with him, the family would be grateful to include them in a video presentation. Please contact myself or Worshipful Brother Joe Reyes with these photos by July 8th. This day we will honor a man who was not just a leader but a beacon of integrity and virtue. His legacy within Freemasonry and his example of service continue to inspire us all. Let us come together to support Ron’s family and to honor a life lived with purpose, dedication, and love. Your presence and participation will mean a great deal to all who gather in remembrance of Worshipful Brother Ron. |
Ron was initiated into Freemasonry on May 5th, 1999, and his journey was marked by dedication and significant achievements. He attained the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 15th, 2000. I am honored to be one of many who have followed his legacy as he was Master of Semper Fidelis Lodge in 2005 and Master of Wilkerson College Lodge in 2006. His leadership extended further as he served our community, including his service in the Court of Honor as a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of New Bern, President of the Onslow County Shrine Club, Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Jacksonville, and Dean of Academic Affairs for Wilkerson College for over a decade. A testament to Ron’s civic service was his leadership as the National President of the National Sojourners from 2017 to 2018. Beside him always, giving him strength to carry on for nobler deeds, higher thoughts, and greater achievements, was his wonderful wife Barbara and his family. Worshipful Brother Ron’s life was a testament to service and excellence. After a distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps for three decades, he continued to serve his community as an educator, a voice of patriotism, and a staple member of the Episcopal Church at St. Anne’s. His profound impact was felt by many through his eloquent “Toast to the Flag” and his deep involvement in the Masonic, local, and church communities. |
Frāternē, Dustin M. Wood Master |
Semper Fidelis No. 680 Happy Independence Day |
Brethren, As we celebrate this day, we are reminded of the multiple ties that bind us together. Today is a special day for us. Not only are we all Brother Masons, but we also share a heritage of service to our country, either through our own service or as children of service members. We have grown up with the values of honor, duty, and patriotism, and we are all proud Americans. George Washington, the father of our country, was a Mason. Many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Masons. Our fraternity has a strong connection to the creation of our country. This makes the Fourth of July a special day for us for three distinct reasons: we are Americans, Masons, and members of the Armed Services, representing every branch except the Space Force Guardians. Yet, I am confident that one day we will have members from that branch as well. Semper Fidelis is strengthened by the diversity and unity of its Brothers. We have Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and Airmen in our ranks. This variety is our strength, embodying the values of our great nation and our ancient fraternity. The Fourth of July is a time for us to reflect on the importance of freedom and independence. It is a day to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for the liberties we enjoy today. Many of us have served and fought for this country and those same liberties, and today, we celebrate those efforts. It is a day to come together, enjoy the company of family and friends, remember those who can not be here because they are defending our way of life, and revel in the freedom that defines our American identity. As we celebrate, let us remember the principles that guide us as Masons and as Americans. Let us continue to strive for the betterment of ourselves, our communities, and our nation. Enjoy this day, have fun, and cherish the time with your loved ones. Happy Fourth of July, my Brothers. May we continue to honor our heritage and uphold the values of our great fraternity and our beloved country. Frāternē, Dustin M. Wood Master |
Update on Services: There will be a reception for friends and family on Thursday, May 2nd from 4-7pm at St Anne's Parish Hall. Address is 711 Henderson Dr in Jacksonville.
Brethren,
On behalf of the Master, it is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of WB Ron Sortino.
Ron was born: November 13, 1939
Initiated: May 5, 1999
Passed: February 16, 2000
Raised: March 15, 2000
Passed into the Celestial Lodge Above: April 27, 2024
WB Sortino lived a full life, serving in the Marine Corps during Vietnam, Master of both Semper Fidelis 680 and Wilkerson 760.
Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this trying time of their lives.
Jason
Dear Brethren, Families, and Friends,
We are delighted to announce that the April 2024 edition of the Semper Fidelis TrestleBoard is now available. This edition continues our journey of offering insights, updates, and reflections that connect us more deeply with our heritage while guiding us toward the boundless possibilities ahead.
Inside, you'll find thoughtful discussions on our Masonic endeavors, highlights of our recent activities, and announcements of upcoming events and initiatives designed to strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and extend our impact within the community and beyond.
We invite you to explore the pages of this month's TrestleBoard to stay informed and inspired. As always, we appreciate your unwavering support and engagement with the Semper Fidelis Lodge No. 680, as we collectively strive to embody the principles of Freemasonry in our daily lives and our interactions with the world around us.
Thank you for being an integral part of our Masonic family. Let us continue to build upon our foundation of ancient wisdom as we reach for a future filled with enlightenment and brotherly love.
Dear Brethren,
Happy Easter to each of you and your families! Today, as we celebrate this special day of renewal and hope, I’m reminded of how much our Masonic journey mirrors the essence of Easter. Just as Easter marks a time of rebirth and new beginnings, our path in Freemasonry encourages us to constantly evolve, seek light, and strive for a better version of ourselves.
Easter is a time of joy, a celebration of life overcoming the shadows, much like the journey we undertake in our lodges. In our quest for light and truth, we are continually reborn in spirit, gaining new insights and understanding with each step we take on our Masonic path.
Our Masonic values of brotherly love, relief, and truth resonate with the Easter message. The warmth and compassion we share within our brotherhood reflect the love and kindness at the heart of Easter. Our efforts to provide relief to those in need echo the spirit of giving and renewal that defines this season. And our pursuit of truth aligns with the clarity and enlightenment that Easter symbolizes.
Let's use this Easter as a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we’re headed, both as individuals and as a fraternity. May the spirit of this day encourage us to continue our journey with renewed vigor, always striving to embody the principles that bind us as Masons.
I wish you and your families all a wonderful Easter filled with happiness, peace, and the company of loved ones. May the hopeful spirit of today inspire us in all our Masonic endeavors and in the bonds of brotherhood we cherish so deeply.
Frāternē,
Dustin M. Wood
Master
Brethren,
Doric Lodge No. 568
25 March 2024 at 7 p.m.
2100-A South Glenburnie Road
New Bern, NC 28562
Join us in supporting our Brothers Craig Boucher and Alexander Alcon as they are "Passed" from Entered Apprentice to Fellowcraft, courtesy of Doric Lodge in New Bern. This event is a pivotal step in their Masonic journey, and your presence would greatly enhance the celebration. Let's come together to show our unwavering support for our Brothers and the esteemed Doric Lodge. Your participation will not only honor their progress but also strengthen the bonds of our Masonic fraternity.
If transportation is a concern, worry not, as our Master has generously offered to provide a ride to New Bern. Please contact him to secure your seat and join us in this memorable Masonic event.
Your support is invaluable, and together, we can make this a truly special day for our Brothers.
Dear Brethren, Families, and Friends,
We are delighted to announce that the March 2024 edition of the Semper Fidelis TrestleBoard is now available. This edition continues our journey of offering insights, updates, and reflections that connect us more deeply with our heritage while guiding us toward the boundless possibilities ahead.
Inside, you'll find thoughtful discussions on our Masonic endeavors, highlights of our recent activities, and announcements of upcoming events and initiatives designed to strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and extend our impact within the community and beyond.
We invite you to explore the pages of this month's TrestleBoard to stay informed and inspired. As always, we appreciate your unwavering support and engagement with the Semper Fidelis Lodge No. 680, as we collectively strive to embody the principles of Freemasonry in our daily lives and our interactions with the world around us.
Thank you for being an integral part of our Masonic family. Let us continue to build upon our foundation of ancient wisdom as we reach for a future filled with enlightenment and brotherly love.
Brethren,
I am sending this on behalf of the Master, WB Dustin Wood. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Master Mason Degree that was scheduled for tonight 17 Jan, has been cancelled/postponed. We understand that many were preparing to come tonight, however, the Master will reschedule the Degree at a later date. If you have any questions, please give the Secretary a call at 760-670-7381.
Jason Caldwell
Secretary
Brethren,
Due to a scheduling conflict, the Entered Apprentice Degree that was scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 6, 2023 has been postponed. The Master will reschedule it soon.
Jason
Brethren,
Due to the severe weather coming in, the Master has decided to postpone the Open House that was scheduled for 1830 tomorrow. We will reach out and let everyone know when it will be rescheduled. Be safe and let someone know if you need anything.
Jason
Good Afternoon Brethren, WBro Loren Jones is doing much better. His wife has let me know that he is receiving Physical Therapy and his speech is returning. Their daughter is still with them and is helping with WBro Jones. Please continue to keep the Jones family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Tony Saenz Master