Look for us on Facebook. Search on "Pentalpha Lodge #194 A.F. & A.M."
|
Presentation of 60-year Pin, Past Masters Night and Master Mason Examinations Highlight December 8 Stated Communication
A large gathering of brethren were present before the December 8 Stated Communication as Brother Past Master Raymond Housley was presented with his 60-year Masonic Service award from Grand Inspector Brother Melvin Mason, PM. We were glad that Brother Ray's wife, daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were able to join him for this presentation.
After the Lodge was called to order, Brothers Christopher Laurence Childers, Christopher John Groves, and Donald Eugene Bittinger demonstrated their proficiency in the Master Mason catecism under the leadership of Brother Jon May.
Past Masters Robert Case, Addison Caracciolo, Quincy Ewing III, Edward Johnson, Glen Sunderland, and affiliated Past Master W. Frank Soper, Jr. shared recollections of their time in the East.
The following officers were elected for 2012: William Renner, Worshipful Master; Robert Reid, Senior Warden; Lee Brandenburg, Junior Warden; Kenneth Mason, Secretary; and John Wenzel, Treasurer. Paul Slayton will be appointed to serve as Assistant Secretary; Romain Tweedy, Senior Deacon; Christopher Childers, Junior Deacon; Jon May, Senior Steward; Edward Johnson, Tyler; Addison Caracciolo, Chaplain; Glen Sunderland, Marshall. An Open Installation of Officers will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
|
Pentalpha Lodge Distributes Thanksgiving Food Baskets
Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1982, the Brethren of Pentalpha Lodge distributed 34 baskets of food for Thanksgiving dinners to twenty-seven needy Germantown families on Saturday, November 19. Many thanks to Brother Matt Miles for spearheading the effort this year and to John Austin, Gram Arnsberger, Lee Brandenburg, Ken Mason, Ashok Reddy, Robert Reid, Paul Slayton, and Romain and Bridget Tweedy for all of their hard work putting together and distributing the food baskets.
|
Highlights of November 10, 2011 Stated Communication
A large group of assembled brethren from Pentalpha Lodge and other County Lodges heard the examination in the Entered Apprentice Degree of Brother Steven Robert Austin, which was conducted by Brother Past Master Glen L. Sunderland. Congratulations, Steve, on your hard work and fine performance.
Following these examinations, the officers of Pentalpha Lodge initiated Brothers Jeffrey Reed Fancher, Richard Paul Franetzki, Gram Philip Arnsberger, James Edward Kinnear, and Patrick Allen Word into the fraternity as the youngest Entered Apprentices.
|
Highlights of October 27, 2011 Stated Communication
Brother Jeff Alderdice, Senior Warden of Silver Spring Lodge #215, presented an interesting and informative talk to explain the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Maryland Defense Force to the gathered brethren. These are coordinated efforts to train civilian volunteers to be prepared to respond to a wide variety of potential disasters. The brethren were encouraged to investigate these organizations and to consider volunteering.
Petitions to receive the three degrees of Masonry from Messrs. Gram Philip Arnsberger and James Edward Kinnear were read. The reports of the investigative committees were presented. Messrs. Arnsberger and Kinnear were each found to be worthy and eligible to receive the three degrees of Masonry.
|
Highlights of October 13, 2011 Stated Communication
A petition to affiliate from Mr. Owen Dennis Killoran was read and will be forwarded to the Grand Lodge. Petitions to receive the three degrees of Masonry from Messrs. Richard Paul Franetzi and Jeffrey Reed Fancher were read. The reports of the investigative committees were presented. Messrs Franetzi and Fancher were each found to be worthy and eligible to receive the three degrees of Masonry.
There was also a discussionof the plans for the Fish Fry and Marchmallow Roast that will be held on October 22.
|
Highlights of September 22, 2011 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren enjoyed an interesting slide presentation by Brother Romain Tweedy on his findings about Freemasonry in the Bahamas. There was some discussion about upcoming events, including Harvest Home Day at the Grand Lodge and Pentalpha's planned Fish Fry and Marshmallow Roast, which will take place at the Lodge on October 22.
Also read for the first time were the petitions of Gram Philip Arnsberger of Gaithersburg and James Edward Kinnear of Gaithersburg.
|
Highlights of September 8, 2011 Stated Communication
The officers of Pentalpha Lodge initiated Brother Clifford Darryl Hosford into the fraternity as the youngest Entered Apprentice. We're looking forward to accompanying Cliff on his Masonic journey. Also read for the first time were the petitions of Jeffrey Fancher of Germantown, Richard Franetzki of Gaithersburg, and Patrick Word of Clarksburg.
The assembled Brethren also welcomed Brother Carl Swanson, PM of Simi Valley Lodge #806, Simi Valley, CA, who visited Pentalpha Lodge for the first time.
|
 |
| Volunteers Prepare for a Busy Day |
|
| MDCHIP Program at 2011 Montgomery County Fair
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Brothers John Austin and Tommy Marraffa, PM, and lots of family members, friends and Masonic brothers, the parents of more than 450 children were provided with their children's fingerprints, photos and other identifying information during the nine-day run of the 2011 Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, which ended on August 20.
The Maryland Masonic Child Identification Program (MDCHIP), is provided free of charge by Maryland Masonic Charities through various Masonic Lodges. More information is available by clicking here.
|
 |
| Pentalpha Brothers Hard at Work |
|
| Members Brave the Heat at Pentalpha Yard Work Day
Despite heat in the 90's and humidity to match, a hearty group of Pentalpha members pitched in on July 23 to clear tree limbs, vines and branches from all around Pentalpha's property. Brother John Austin, proprietor of Green Gardens, graciously provided a huge commercial chipper and a dump truck that made quick work of about two tons of yard waste, which will gradually be recycled into the surrounding landscape.
In addition to Brother John, workers on this day included brothers Chris Childers, Diego Godoy, Koffi Gnamoa, Matt Miles, Robert Reid, PM Bill Renner, PM Glen Sunderland, Romain Tweedy and Entered Apprentice candidate Cliff Hosford. Many thanks to all who answered the call and gave up a huge chunk of their summer Saturday to help improve the appearance of the Lodge.
|
Grand Line Officers Confer Multiple Degrees on Pentalpha Brothers
On Saturday, June 25, the Most Worshipful Grand Master Stephen J. Ponzillo III and the Grand Line Officers conferred the Fellow Craft and Master Mason Degrees on 125 brethren from all across the State of Maryland. Those Pentalpha brethren who received these degrees were Carl Wilbur Beede, Christopher Laurence Childers, Daniel Jordan Glauber, Diego Pedro Godoy, Rene Gomez, Christopher John Groves, Joseph Alan Heister, James Muir Howson and Robinson Sean Rowe. Congratulations to these men on their travels. They are now hard at work completing the catechism requirements that are necessary for them to complete their journey through the first three degrees of Masonry.
Each candidate was accompanied by a Master Mason who served as their mentor on June 25. Many thanks to Chris Anderla, John Austin, Lee Brandenburg, Bill Buie PM, Dean Evan Childers, Carlos Luis Gomez, John Groves PM, Keith Kelley, and Bill Renner PM for giving so generously of their time.
|
Highlights of June 23, 2011 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren heard the examinations in the Entered Apprentice Degree of Brothers Robinson Sean Rowe and Daniel Jordan Glauber of Pentalpha Lodge and Brother Donnie Bittinger of Hiram Lodge #103, which was conducted by their coach, Brother Past Master Glen L. Sunderland. All are to be congratulated on their hard work and fine performance.
Following these examinations, the officers of Pentalpha Lodge initiated Brothers James Muir Howson, Christopher John Groves, and Carl Wilbur Beede into the fraternity as the youngest Entered Apprentices. These brethren, along with six other Pentalpha Entered Apprentices and their mentors, will travel to the Grand Lodge of Maryland on Saturday, June 25 to receive their Fellow Craft and Master Mason degrees.
|
 |
| Masonic Picnic Site |
|
| Masons and Their Families Turn Out for County Picnic
Several dozen Masons from all five of the Montgomery County Lodges and their friends and families shared fellowship and a lot of good food at the annual County-wide Masonic picnic, which was held at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg on June 11. Children played on the recently rebuilt playground and everyone enjoyed the gorgeous weather.
|
 |
| Enjoying Fellowship at the Picnic |
|
|
Highlights of June 9, 2011 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren heard an interesting and enlightening presentation on the "History of Freemasonry in Annapolis" by Brother Dirk Wiker, Senior Warden of Annapolis Lodge #89. Brother Dirk's presentation, was based on his extensive research from the State of Maryland Archives along with various libraries and other sources. More information is available on the pages of the Annapolis Lodge web site.
There was considerable discussion about the upcoming conferral of the Fellow Craft and Master Mason degrees, which will take place at the Grand Lodge of Maryland and other locations on Saturday, June 25. A number of Pentalpha Lodge's Entered Apprentices and their mentors will be participating in this event.
|
Highlights of May 26, 2011 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren from Pentalpha Lodge #194 and guests from Kensington-Bethesda Lodge and elsewhere welcomed Diego Pedro Godoy into the Fraternity and to the Pentalpha family as the youngest Entered Apprentice. We're looking forward to accompanying Diego on his Masonic journeys. The officers of Pentalpha Lodge performed their duties in an exemplary manner.
The brethren also affirmed the affiliation petition of Christopher Alexander Sueiras of Germantown. Brother Christopher's home Lodge is Povernir de Puerto Rico #88 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Welcome to the Pentalpha family, Christopher!
|
|
Congratulations to the 2011 winners of $1,000 Scholarship from Masonic Charities of Maryland
Joshua Sales from Damascus High School and Sahar Khan of Gaithersburg High School were recently awarded $1,000 college scholarship grants by Masonic Charities of Maryland. They are two of forty-eight scholarship recipients who were chosen from more than 300 applicants. Joshua will be entering Utah State University in the fall and Sahar will begin her studies at the University of Maryland - College Park. Best wishes to Joshua and Sahar for much continued success.
|
|
Highlights of April 14, 2011 Stated Communication
A large group of assembled brothers from Pentalpha Lodge #194 and many guests from Lodges within Montgomery County and elsewhere welcomed Steven Robert Austin and Joseph Alan Heister to the Fraternity and to the Pentalpha family as the youngest Entered Apprentices. We're looking forward to accompanying Steve and Joe on their Masonic journeys. The officers of Pentalpha Lodge performed their duties in an exemplary manner.
Petitions read for the first time included James Howson and Carl Beede of Gaithersburg, Cliff Hosford of Clarksburg, and Chris Groves of Montgomery Village.
Senior Warden Robert Reid provided an overview of the Maryland Masonic Leadership training, which he recently attended. The quality of instruction and materials provided at the training was first-rate and will no doubt help provide Robert and others a strong foundation for their future roles and Lodge leaders.
Worship Master Bill Renner gave a summary of the April 2nd Open House, which saw a high level of volunteer involvement and attendance by interested men. A few petitions have already been received from those who attended the Open House and several more are eagerly anticipated.
Plans are being made for the next Pentalpha Lodge pancake, waffle and omelet breakfast, which will be held from 7:30 until 10:00 on Saturday, April 23rd. Pentalpha Chapter 38, Order of the Eastern Star, will hold a yard sale (rain or shine) in conjunction with the breakfast.
|
Highlights of March 24, 2011 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren spent considerable time making their final plans for the upcoming Masonic Open House, which will be held on Saturday, April 2 from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. A number of members have volunteered to help prepare the Lodge and to greet visitors. A number of displays will be ready for viewing that highlight the recent charitable activities of Pentalpha Lodge and a five-minute video about Masonry will be shown continuously in the main lodge room. A number of members of Pentalpha Eastern Star Chapter 38, and Rainbow Hope Assembly 12 will also be present to greet visitors. Light refreshments will be served throughout the day.
Petitions read for the first time included Christopher Alexander Sueiras of Germantown (affiliation) and Diego Pedro Godoy of Germantown.
|
Highlights of March 10, 2011 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren enjoyed an informative presentation by Brother Past Master Ed Johnson, who also serves as 1st Vice President of the Maryland Masonic Research Society. Ed reviewed an article about King Solomon's Temple from a recent issue of Biblical Archaeology Review, in which the author speculated about the similarities of various excavated sites in the Middle East to Biblical descriptions of King Solomon's Temple.
The brethren also discussed Pentalpha's plans for the April 2 Masonic Open House.
|
Pentalpha Families Enjoy Spaghetti Dinner & Movie Night
Pentalpha Lodge was a very busy and fun place to be on Saturday evening, February 19 as lot of Masonic, Eastern Star, and Rainbow families shared in the fellowship of Pentalpha's first ever Spaghetti Dinner and Movie Night. Chef Brother John Austin's secret recipe spaghetti sauce was the perfect topping to spaghetti and meatballs and lots of other goodies assisted in the kitchen by Brothers Ashok Reddy, Chris Anderla, and Dan Glauber. Eastern Star's Debbie Cohen baked lots of cookies and other goodies for dessert. The young ladies of Hope Assembly #12, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, did a great job seeing to it that everyone got plenty to eat.
Following dinner, chief projectionist Brother Romain Tweedy showed "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" in the main lodge room while many of the children enjoyed watch kid's movies in the front room courtesy of the television and DVD player which were donated by the Sunderland family.
We're planning more fun family events in the near future.
|
Highlights of February 10, 2011 Stated Communication
Pentalpha Lodge #194 welcomed Christopher Laurence Childers and Daniel Jordon Glauber to the Fraternity and to the Pentalpha family as the youngest Entered Apprentices. We're looking forward to accompanying Chris and Dan on their Masonic journeys.
Plans are well underway for Pentalpha's Family Spaghetti Dinner and Movie Night, which will take place on Saturday, February 19.
The assembled brethren also discussed Pentalpha's participation in the Statewide Masonic Open House on April 2.
|
|
|