 St John's No. 1 Grand Lodge Of North Carolina, A.F. & A.M. |
Brethren, Please keep Mrs. Sandra Hinson Brown (Widow of WB Morris G. Brown PM) in your thoughts and prayers. WB Moe was Born 11-9-1949, Initiated 12-1-1994, Passed 10-8-1998, Raised to the Sublime Degree of MM 12-17-1998, and went to That Perfect Light on 6-26-2024. Visitation will be 10 am Tuesday July 2, 2024 followed by Funeral Services starting at 11 am at Freedom Baptist Church 802 N. College Road Wilmington, led by Rev. Dodd Mays. Masonic Funeral Rites will be accorded by Orient Lodge # 395 A.F.& A.M. Burial will be at the Henderson-Sholar Cemetery- 377 George Dunn Sholar Road Wallace, NC. Sandra would appreciate attendance by St. John's Lodge No. 1 Brethren. Aprons and evergreens will be provided. |
WB Donald Hufham and Lori lost their Rocky Point, NC residence and business on 17 April 2024 in a devastating fire. Luckily, no one was home at the time. Unfortunately, the residence was completely destroyed and he lost precious mementos and business records that can't be replaced. Several vehicles were also destroyed by fire.
As many know, Donald has helped our local community, fraternities, and other organizations for years. If you wish to make a donation to help Brother Donald and Lori, please visit his funding site set up at:
Fraternally,
WB Terry Kuhn
Brethren, I am forwarding the invitation from Oak Island Lodge to their re-dedication ceremony. Please try to add this important event to your calendar.
Invitation,
Re-dedication of the Oak Island Masonic lodge #758, June 8, 2024.
Good morning, my name is Captain Ronald J. Squillace, one of the project managers of the Event Committee for the re-dedication of the Oak Island Masonic lodge #758. Oak Island Lodge # 758 that suffered a devastating loss due to a fire back in November of 2022.
It has taken until March of this year, for our Lodge to recover, but we are back and about to REDEDICATE THE LODGE in a historic ceremony which few citizens have ever witnessed. The Grand Master of North Carolina will visit us on JUNE 08, 2024 at 10:00AM, to perform this ceremony.
This event will be attended by other Municipal, County, State representatives along with members of the citizenry of Brunswick County and the Masonic Brotherhood.
We will have limited seating but we are honored to offer you this invitation, along with one other representative from your Lodge, to witness such an historic event. We request that you please respond NO LATER THAN May 17, 2024.
Your positive response would be greatly appreciated.
Ronald "Cappy" Squillace
2591 Sugar Maple Court
Southport, NC 28461
201.487.3333
Brethren,
Join us tommorrow, April 16th, at 6:00pm for dinner and 7:00pm for a Past Master's Degree to raise Brother Aubrey Brewer to the sublime degree of Master Mason. This will be a past masters degree with many brethren from the other lodges in district 12 helping out so expect to see some really stellar degree work.
Come on out and support Brother Aubrey and gather with us in excellent ritual and fellowship!
Date: 16 April 2024
Dinner: 6:00PM
Emergent Communication, MM Degree: 7:00PM
St. John's Lodge No. 1, Wilmington NC
Brethren,
Please respond to this E-mail as soon as you can so we can verify that you are receiving these messages from the lodge and that we also have your correct E-mail address.
If you have not done so yet please go the the Grand View web site and register there;
https://nc.grandview.systems/public_lodges/landing_page
Once there click on the "Member Portal" link in the upper right;
On the sign ip screen click on the "Member Registration" link;
Register by entering your lodge, name and Masonic member number, there is also a helpful video there you can watch to see the steps.
Once you are registered you can see your personal Masonic information and update addresses, phone numbers and the like as well as pay your dues electronically. You will have access to the Grand Lodge and Saint Johns pages and all of the calendars and announcements. You can also read the minutes of the lodge meetings that have been uploaded to the Lodge page.
F/R
Terry Kuhn, secretary
Brethren,
come out and support two fine brothers for their FellowCraft degree tonight March 19th. Dinner at 6:30 with degree starting at 7:30. We hope to see you there!
F/R
Terry Kuhn, secretary
Attached is a copy of the contact information of the folks that I mentioned last night (3/12/2024). Let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Take care and have a nice week.
This is a follow up from the 5 Hour Lecture Service that was held yesterday (2/24/2024). I just wanted to share these handouts that I mentioned . Take a look at them if you want. Also the link that I mentioned is
https://www.grandlodge-nc.org, (click on Center For Members, scroll down to certified lecturers information, then forms and links for lecturers).
If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know. Thanks and have a nice weekend.
Freddy Szakasits
Greetings Brethren! A quick note before you all settle in to watch the super bowl and eat yummy snacks, or whatever your non-football strategy is for tonight, Saint Johns #1 will have our stated Communication on Tuesday, February 14th. Dinner at 6:30 with the meeting opening at 7:30. We know that this also Valentines Day, we seem to be cursed with a calendar that has aligned out stated meeting with Valentines the past two or three years now. We hope that you can still attend this meeting and make alternate plans with that special someone in you life as your attendance is greatly appreciated but let the length of your cabletow be your guide. Our prayers are still with Brother Sorensen and his family as they grieve the lose of their son. Please keep them in your personal devotions to the Deity. Fraternally,
Terry Kuhn, Secretary
Worshipful Richard Armistead (Master of Oak Island Lodge 758 located at 2408 Oak Island Drive, Oak Island NC 28465) would like to invite you all to please attend their 1st meeting in their building since the fire that occurred over a year ago. They will have a catered meal, and the meeting is next Thursday 2/15/2024. Meal at 6:30 pm and meeting to follow at 7:30 pm. Please RSVP him at scuba1raa@yahoo.com or 910-528-1145 if you plan to attend. They are very excited to get back in their building. Thanks and have a wonderful evening.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Freddy Szakasits
Hello Brethren, due to the nasty weather expected tommorrow the Worshipful Master has decided to postpone the stated meeting until next Tuesday, January 16th. Dinner at 6:30 with the meeting opening at 7:30. Thank you for your patience and please stay safe.
Terry Kuhn, Secretary
Brethren,
Happy New Year! I trust you all had a wonderful holiday season and are looking forward to the challenges and rewards of the new year. As with all things worth pursuing, we need a vision and plan so that we may thrive and prosper.
As we stand on the threshold of a new Masonic year, let us unite under the guiding principles of Unity, Wisdom, and Service. Our 2024 vision for St. John's Lodge No. 1 is a tapestry woven with the threads of unity, illuminated by the light of wisdom, and strengthened by our commitment to service.
Unity shall be the cornerstone of our journey. Through active participation in all Lodge functions, we will create an atmosphere where every member feels valued and connected. We shall fortify the bonds that make us a formidable Masonic family and work to excel in our rituals and ceremonies. Together, we will continue to beautify our Lodge as a gift and legacy to our current and future Brethren.
Wisdom, the intellectual and spiritual compasses that define our steps, shall be our second guiding principle. We commit to the pursuit of excellence in Masonic education, leadership, and shared knowledge. As we delve into the teachings of our Craft, let us be architects of enlightenment, shaping a meaningful experience for all from ritual to refreshment.
Service, the manifestation of our Masonic ideals, shall be our third guiding light. With unwavering dedication, let us labor diligently to provide aid and assistance to one another. Beyond our Lodge walls, let our benevolence extend to the local Wilmington community and our North Carolina Masonic charities.
In closing, I ask each of you to be active in our lodge to the best of your ability. Do not let apathy, the great cancer of Freemasonry, keep you away. Let us take care of one another and as Brothers we will dwell together in Unity, Wisdom, and Service.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Al Leathers
Master
St. John’s Lodge No. 1
Brethren, this coming Tuesday will be the Stated Meeting for the month of December. This is also the Annual meeting of Saint Johns when we will elect the officers for the ensuing year. Please come and exercise your right to vote for the officers of your lodge and to admire the new lodge floor if you have not done so yet. Dinner will be at 6:30 with the meeting openning at 7:30. We also have new Enterred Apprentices and a Fellowcraft, please come and introduce yourself as they are the future of the lodge.
S/F Terry Kuhn
Secretary
Brethren, I am saddened to imform you of the passing of Brother Charles Van Luyn. Brother Van Luyn was initiated, passed and raised at Saint Johns Lodge in 1978. He moved to Virginia and demitted from our lodge but joined a lodge there and has been an active Mason the whole time. His remains have returned home to Wilmington and will be laid to rest this Saturday at 2PM in the Oakdale Cemetary in Historic section "Y", lot #159. I know this is short notice but we are asking anyone who can attend to represent the lodge. Many of the officers and brethren will be very busy at the Scottish Rite Temple for their Fall Reunion so we are a bit desperate to properly represent the lodge. WB Andy Green will perform the graveside service so we just need some brethren to attend in aprons to represent the lodge for our Brothers final rites. Thank you very much.
Terry
Due to lack of participation the Red Cross blood drive has to be cancelled. Thank you if you were one of the Brothers who signed up. The Red Cross will be reaching out to anyone who signed up to reschedule their donation.
Brethren it is with saddness that we report the passing of Brother Charles Emerson Johnston. He was initiated 5/20/1976, passed 6/17/1976 and raised 9/16/1976 all at Covenent lodge 473. He transferred to Saint Johns Lodge 1 on 4/13/2010. His obituary is copied below. Please keep his widow Valeria and the rest of his family in your prayers.
Charles Emerson Johnston
July 25, 1934 – February 7, 2023
Charles was born in Columbus Ohio to Ralph and Mary Johnston. Charles endeavored to live life to the fullest … and on his own terms, whenever possible. Anyone who knew Charles will agree that he was decisive, focused and goal oriented. Yet beneath his trademark bravado and sport coat was a kind and sensitive man who loved his country and passionately lived his life. An intellectual who enjoyed philosophical discussions and good literature, he eventually earned his GED and after realizing the value of a higher education, went on to obtain an associate degree at 37 and a bachelor’s degree at 43. These degrees, combined with his on-the-job experience, enabled him to climb the corporate ladder and travel the world.
Charles proudly served in two branches of the U.S. military: first as a machinist in the Air Force and then later as an officer in the Army. Analytical by nature, Charles enjoyed the technical problem solving necessary in the tool-and-die industry. His skill as a machinist led him to Carnation Company’s Can Division (later Silgan Holdings) where he honed his leadership abilities. After 37 years Charles retired as an Area Manager of Manufacturing. At his retirement party, he was thrilled to become a FOFWW (Faithful Old Fart With Watch).
Charles is survived by his wife, Valerie, who was the love of his life. Together they enjoyed scuba diving around the world, doting on Jamie (their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), discussing books and entertaining friends. Charles was also an avid photographer, author, excellent cook and fitness enthusiast (80 is the new 50). One of biggest challenges that Charles tackled was writing his memoir “Driving Force: The X-Plus Factor To My Success”.
In addition to his wife Valerie, Charles leaves behind four children and three step children: Charles Johnston Jr., Kevin Johnston, Lisa Marlow (Robert), Anna Marie Johnston, Kirk Bruno (Keri), Stacey McCoy (Patrick) and Lisa Devlin (Deceased).
Charles wants to leave you with these final words, a sentiment that he embraced wholeheartedly: Live your life to the fullest because “Life, after all, is what you make of it”
A visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on February 15th at Coble Funeral Home in Wilmington, NC. A funeral service will be held at St. Therese with Father Thomas R. Davis officiating on February 16th at noon. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Oleander Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Tunnels To Towers Foundation (https://wwwt2t.org/)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Johnston family.
Tomorrow, Tuesday October the 10th will be the stated meeting for the month of October. Dinner at 6:30 with the meeting starting at 7:30. We encourage everyone to come to this meeting as this will be the last time that the lodge room will have it's current wall-to-wall carpeted look. The tile has been delivered and the mosaic pavement project will start this week. If you only come to two meetings this year this should be one! We also have two petitions for the degrees to be voted on as well as an application for restoration.
Also, we had a miscreant trying to break into our storage building to steal the yard tools but WB Bob Snipes was at the lodge and called the police and he was caught. We will need to discuss repairing or replacing the storage building as it is pretty beat up from the break-in and age.
Your lodge is busy and we miss you, please come and be a part of your Masonic Family!
Good day Brethren. Donald Huffham, Bob Snipes and Terry Kuhn will be holding classes in the library to help interested Masons learn the second degree staircase lecture and any other degree or memory work. We plan on starting the first class on Wednesday, September 6th at 5:30 PM. Please bring your OSW and Bahnson's Manual if you have them, if not they will be available for purchase. These classes are open to all interested Masons in the region.
At our stated communication in July we hosted the Brethren of Giblem Lodge #2. Several Brethren have asked how the can help support their renovation efforts. There are envelopes and cards in the lodge on the sign-in desk in the hallway if you want to mail a check or you can also donate at the Historic Wilmington Foundation's website here:
https://historicwilmington.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/historicwilmington/donation.jsp?campaign=197&
Our next stated meeting will be Tuesday September 12th, dinner at 6:30 and meeting starting at 7:30. Please call or let a Brother know if you would like to attend but have difficulty driving at night and we will do everything we can to find you a ride.
Thanks very much,
V/R Terry Kuhn, Secretary
Brethren,
The next stated meeting of Saint Johns Lodge #1 will be this coming Tuesday, April 11th, with dinner at 6:30 PM. We have one petition to vote on and are expecting to hear an interesting and informative Masonic Education from WB Craig Zimmerman. If you need assistance getting to the meeting please call or write me and we will find a brother who can help you.
Terry Kuhn, PM, CL Secretary
910-367-6826
This week, the Grand Lodge would like to spotlight Hiram’s Whisper. In the portal you’ll soon be able to access Hiram’s Whisper, our jurisdiction’s aid-to-memory for our Masonic ritual. If you already paid for Hiram’s Whisper through an app store, please click the following link and type in your membership number (do not enter the M or any starting zeroes) and we’ll ensure access in your portal. Otherwise, it is accessible through a paywall of $15 plus tax.
Please confirm your original purchase by April 14th with this link:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/GrandLodgeOfNorthCarolina/HiramsWhisper
The Grand Lodge is excited to bring Grand View to you and are sure it will improve our Masonic fraternity for the best—through communication, education, and engagement. Please know your Grand Lodge is always looking for ways to improve your Masonic journey. When you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out through the HelpDesk, your lodge secretary, or myself.
Fraternally,
Freddy Szakasits
(910-617-3641 or FSzakasits@gmail.com)
Brethren,
I hope this email finds you well. The Grand Lodge is happy to announce their new member portal and communication hub called Grand View, which has launched and is ready for you to use. OLP/MORI will go away by the end of May.
Grand View is an excellent tool for you to become and remain engaged with North Carolina Freemasonry—from dues payments, to personalized Masonic education, to communication between the brethren.
Please visit the following website to sign up and log in:
https://nc.grandview.systems/membership_registration
Again this is for every Mason to use, so please sign up.
Grand View is usable on smart phones, tablets, and computers. (If you run into registration issues, contact your secretary or myself to make sure your email is correct in the system).
As the Grand Lodge continues to incorporate and open up new features within the portal, they will send you news, updates, and how-to’s on its different and unique features. To get started click into “My Profile” where you are able to update and maintain your contact information, preferences, payment card, as well as denote your appendant body affiliations, and upload a photograph of yourself. Again if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call or email me.
Fraternally,
Freddy Szakasits
(910-617-3641 or FSzakasits@gmail.com)