Highlights of December 9, 2010 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren witnesed an excellent demonstration of the Master Mason proficiency of Brothers Matthew James Miles, Benjamin Richard Tetz, Christopher Allen Anderla, Robert Lee and Aaron Romain Tweedy under the guidance of catechism instructor Brother Jon May.
Following this demonstration, Brother Fred Spicer, PM, provided an excellent overview of the Scottish Rite. His presentation included a brief history of Scottish Rite and an explanation of the evolution of the degrees conferred by this body. A number of brethren from Pentalpha Lodge have shown an interest in continuing their Masonic journies through Scottish Rite and York Rite.
Brother John Austin then lead a discussion of the results of the infomal dinner meeting held on November 30, the purpose of which was to explaore ways to expand Pentalpha's programs and community outreach.
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| Turkeys awaiting distribution to families. |
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Pentalpha Distributes Thanksgiving Dinners to 25 Families
On November 20, 2010, the Brothers of Pentalpha Lodge #194 delivered 35 baskets brimming with traditional Thanksgiving foodstuffs to 25 Germantown families who otherwise would not have had enough food to feed their families this special meal. The baskets included turkeys, stuffing, rice, mashed potatoes, yams, green beans, and rolls - all of the fixings needed for a great Thanksgiving dinner. The recipients expressed their gratitude for the good work of Pentalpha's Brothers.
Pentalpha's Thanksgiving food distribution is a long-standing tradition that is funded through donations received from Pentalpha's brothers throughout each year.
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Highlights of November 11, 2010 Stated Communication
Pentalpha Lodge #194 welcomed Rene Gomez and Robinson Sean Rowe to the Fraternity and to the Pentalpha family as the youngest Entered Apprentices. We're looking forward to accompanying Rene and Rob on their Masonic journies. The brothers of Pentalpha Lodge were led by Worshipful Master Bill Renner who orchestrated the conferral of the degree.
The assembled brethren also observed a moment of silence in honor of the nation's veterans, in addition to those who currently serve as active duty servicemembers, reservists, and National Guard.
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Highlights of October 28, 2010 Stated Communication
A sizeable number of brethren assembled on this night for an evening of fellowship. The petition of affiliation of Brother John Austin was favorably considered as were petitions for membership of Christopher Childers of Germantown and Robinson Rowe of Rockville. The plan calls for these men to be initiated on November 11 along with Mr. Renee Gomez, whose petition was previously approved.
Resolutions were read and a moment of silent prayer was observed in honor of Brothers Carrol R. Kearns and Harry E. Baker, Jr., PM, two 50-year members who recently passed to the Celestial Lodge Above.
The Worshipful Master read a passage titled "Do My Words and Actions Square with the Great Lights of Masonry" from the booket The Four Fold Cord Test of a Freemason by Brother Rev. Jan Beaderstadt.
Brother John Austin and WM Renner engaged the brethren in a discussion of the ideas that were discussed at the September 30 meeting on Lodge Activities and Promotion. During this time, there was also a discussion about the upcoming marketing and Masonic Awareness campaign that the Grand Lodge of Maryland is planning for early 2011.
Brother PM Addison Caracciolo discussed the Scottish Rite and explained a bit about the degrees that are conferred at the Scottish Rite Temples in Frederick and Baltimore. He also had materials to share with interested brothers.
Finally, there was considerable discussion regarding the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, which wil be held in Cockeysville on the afternoon of Saturday, November 13. All Master Masons from Maryland Lodges are encouraged to attend. A number of important motions are to be considered.
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Highlights of October 14, 2010 Stated Communication
It was another exciting and memorable night at Pentalpha Lodge as Brother Thomas M. Velvin, Jr., Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Maryland, and his Grand Lodge officers conferred the sublime degree of Master Mason on Brothers Matthew James Miles, Benjamin Richard Tetz, Christopher Allen Anderla, Robert Lee and Aaron Romain Tweedy. Following a delicious dinner provided by the ladies of Pentalpha Chapter 38, Order of the Eastern Star, a lodge room full of brothers from lodges in Montgomery County and beyond were on hand to witness the proceedings and share in this important night. These new Master Masons will now continue their journey under the guidance of their catechism coach, Brother Jon May.
The Grand Master and Right Worship Deputy Grand Master Stephen J. Ponzillo, III announced that April 2, 2011 has been targeted for a statewide Masonic open house as culmination of a planned campaign to raise Masonic awareness throughout the State of Maryland. They also reminded the assembled brethren that all Maryland Master Masons are welcome to attend the upcoming Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge on November 13.
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Highlights of September 23, 2010 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren heard the Fellow Craft proficiencies from Brothers Christopher Allen Anderla, Robert Lee, Matthew James Miles, Benjamin Richard Tetz, and Aaron Romain Tweedy under the direction of coach Jon May. Good job, brothers!
These five brothers will be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason by Thomas M. Velvin, Jr., the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Maryland, and the Grand Line officers at Pentalpha Lodge on Thursday, October 14. All members are encouraged to attend.
Posters and applications have been received from Masonic Charities of Maryland (MCM) for the 2011 Masonic Charities Scholarship Program. Each year, MCM provides $1,000 scholarship grants to fifty graduating seniors from Maryland's high schools. Pentalpha Lopdge will distribute these materials to the following area high schools: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Northwest, Poolesville, Seneca Valley, and Watkins Mill. Any brothers who have questions regarding this process should contact the W.M.
Finally, an informal dinner and discussion will be held on September 30 beginning at 6:30 pm to hear members' ideas regarding activities to conduct in the lodge and throughout the community to promote Masonry. All members are encouraged to attend.
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Pentalpha Hosts Bingo Nights at Bonnie Blink
On July 16 and August 20, several Pentalpha brothers, spouses and significant others travelled to the Maryland Masonic Home (Bonnie Blink) to offer rousing nights of bingo for 54 residents at each of the two events. Good times were had by all. The residents especially enjoyed getting dollar coins as prizes, a tradition that was started by PM Ed Johnson a couple of years ago.
Many thanks to John and Kandi, Jon, Addie and Margaret, Ethan, Robert and Kris, Paul, Romain and Bridget, and Sandy and Bill for participating in these fun events.
We look forward to doing this again next summer.
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Highlights of the June 24, 2010 Stated Communication
At the final Stated Communication before the summer recess, the assembled brethren conferred the Fellow Craft degree on Brothers Christopher Allen Anderla, Timothy Lee Dinges, Robert Lee, Matthew James Miles, Benjamin Richard Tetz, and Aaron Romain Tweedy. The degree work was headed by WM Bill Renner with Richard Ground, PM of Wheaton Lodge #228 serving as Senior Deacon.
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Congratulations to the 2010 winner of $1,000 Scholarship from Masonic Charities of Maryland
Katherine Krauss from Gaithersburg High School was recently awarded a $1,000 college scholarship by Masonic Charities of Maryland. She was one of fifty scholarship recipients who was chosen from more than 300 applicants. Katherine received her check from Most Worshipful Grand Master Thomas Velvin and Masonic Charieites of Maryland president Mike Codori at the 3rd Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet, which was held at the Grand Lodge of Maryland on June 13. She will be studying at the University of Maryland College Park. Best wishes to her for much continued success.
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Lodge Painting Completed!
On Saturday morning, June 12, a team of Pentalpha brothers descended upon the lodge to complete the painting of the front gable and soffit and the new wall of the old "cozy" lodge. All that remains is the hanging of new gutters and some flashing to complete the roofing and painting project that was begun last winter. Thanks to brothers Chris Anderla, Lee Brandenburg, Koffi Gnamoa, Garth Hedger, Robert Lee, Robert Reid, Bill Renner, Aaron Tweedy and John Wenzel for their scraping, priming and painting efforts. It took a while to complete, but the results are very nice.
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Highlights of June 10, 2010 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren enjoyed hearing Brothers Christopher Allen Anderla, Timothy Lee Dinges, Robert Lee, Matthew James Miles, Benjamin Richard Tetz, and Aaron Romain Tweedy demonstrating their proficiency in the Entered Apprentice catechism under the direction of Glen Sunderland, PM, who coached these brothers. Good job, brothers!
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Highlights of May 13, 2010 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren enjoyed an informative and entertaining presentation about King Solomon's Temple by Brother Louis Bandell, PM, PGI and Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Maryland. Brother Lou provided some historical background about King David and Solomon, described the manner in which materials were gathered for the constuction of the Temple, and went into considerable detail regarding the features of the Temple.
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Highlights of April 22, 2010 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren enjoyed hearing Brothers Richard Joseph Reidenbach and Wade Larson demonstrate their proficiency in the Master Mason catechism under the expert tutelage of Brother Jon May. Congratulations to Rick and Wade for a job well done! Brother Hector Rojas was also welcomed to the Pentalpha family with the approval of his petition for affiliation. Hector's mother lodge is Animas #15 in Farmington, NM.
After this demonstration, Brother Ed Johnson, PM, assumed the East and lead the officers through the initiation of Christopher Allen Anderla, Robert Lee and Aaron Romain Tweedy into the fraternity as the yougest Entered Apprentices. The brothers did an excellent job of performing their roles in the initiation ritual.
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April 10 Pancake & Omelet Breakfast a Success
Many members of Pentalpha's Masonic family joined in on the fun at the April 10 Pancake and Omelet Breakfast. Brothers John Austin, Lee Brandenburg, Koffi Gnamoa, Garth Hedger, Ed Johnson, Tommy Marraffa, Ken Mason, Jon May, Robert Reid, and John Wenzel all pitched in to shop, set-up, cook, clean, and greet the brothers and their guests who stopped past to sample the made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles and sausage. This event raised several hundred dollars to support the activities of Penatpha Lodge. Thanks to everyone for their support.
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Highlights of April 8, 2010 Stated Communication
The assembled Pentalpha brethren and visitors from Montgomery-Cornerstone Lodge #195 and other lodges enjoyed an excellent presentation by Past Master Ed Johnson on the the Esoteric Meaning of the Third Degree. Brother Ed has a keen interest in Masonic research, which shows in the enthusiasm with which he approaches this subject.
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Highlights of March 25, 2010 Stated Communication
The assembled brethren enjoyed an evening full of Masonic pageantry this evening as Brothers Lee Austin Brandenburg and Koffi Jean-Raphael Gnamoa demonstrated excellent proficiency in the Master Mason catechism under the expert tutelage of Brother Jon May. Congratulations to Lee and Koffi for a job well done!
Brother Ed Johnson, PM, then assumed the East and lead the officers through the initiation of Benjamin Richard Tetz and Matthew James Miles into the fraternity as the yougest Entered Apprentices. A number of brothers did an excellent job of performing their roles in the initiation ritual for the first time.
Tonight also marked the beginning of the ongoing food collection, which will be delivered to Germantown HELP, a local organization that distributes food to needy residents of the Germantown area.
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Highlights of January 28, 2010 Stated Communication
Pentalpha Lodge was a beehive of activity on the evening of January 28 as more than sixty brothers gathered for an exciting evening of fellowship. Thomas M. Velvin, Jr., the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Maryland, and the Grand Line officers conferred the sublime degree of Master Mason on Pentalpha's Brothers Lee Austin Brandenburg, Koffi Jean-Raphael Gnamoa, Larry Lee McDaniel and Richard Joseph Reidenbach along with three brothers from Kensington-Bethesda Lodge #198, two brothers from Silver Spring Lodge #215, and Brother Wade Larson from Douglas Lodge #153 in Castle Rock, Co.
It was a beautiful of Masonic ritual and provided an experience that the newest Master Masons will long remember.
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| Pentalpha Roof Project |
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| Roof Replacement Almost Complete
Pentalpha's roof replacement project kicked off on Saturday, December 12, with a group of brothers and a friend peeling off the old roof, laying down tar paper, and carefully putting down new 30-year shingles. Under the leadership of Brother John Austin, brothers John Wenzel, Koffi Jean Rafael Gnamoa, Lee Brandenburg, Adam Austin, Robert Reid, Bill Renner and John Austin's friend Craig Bond tore into the old roof which was either two or three layers of shingles. Darkness fell on the 12th before all of the new shingles were laid, but John Austin, Robert Reid, and some other intrepid volunteers managed to get all but some finish flashing and the new gutters done by January 15. Thanks for your efforts, brothers!
Maintenance of the lodge is an ongoing task. The new roof will augment some new gutters and other efforts to route rainwater away from the building's foundation. Without these steps, major foundation problems would jeopardize the integrity of the building's structure.
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Highlights of December 10 Stated Communication
The presentation of his 50-year Masonic pin to Brother Harry Winfree Irvine, Jr., the successful demonstration of the Fellow Craft proficiency by four brothers, and the election of Lodge officers for 2010 highlighted a very busy Stated Communication on December 10.
Brother Harry was presented with his 50-year Masonic pin by Melvin Mason, PM, Grand Inspector, and received a 50-year cap from Bill Renner, WM. It was a very special day for Brother Harry for another reason - it was also his 77th birthday! Happy Birthday to Brother Harry and congratulations on completing 50 years of Masonry.
Brothers Lee Austin Brandenburg, Koffi Jean-Raphael Gnamoa, Larry Lee McDaniel and Richard Joseph Reidenbach demonstrated the Fellow Craft proficiency in excellent form under the tutelage of Brother Jon May.
Finally, Pentalpha elected officers for 2010. Elected were Bill Renner, Worshipful Master; John Wenzel, Senior Warden; Robert Reid, Junior Warden; Ken Mason, Secretary; and Fred Kreiger, Treasurer. Also appointed to serve for 2010 were Paul Slayton, Senior Deacon; Garth Hedger, Junior Deacon; Jon May, Senior Steward; Ed Johnson, PM, Tyler; Addison Caracciolo, PM, Chaplain; and Glen Sunderland, PM, Marshall.
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| L to R, Grand Inspector Melvin Mason, PM; Harry Baker, PM; Bill Renner, WM |
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Pentalpha Honors
Past Master Harry Baker
Brother Harry Baker, PM (1964) received his 50-year Masonic pin and hat from Grand Inspector Melvin Mason, PM during the Stated Communication held on November 12, 2009.
Congratulations, Brother Harry, on your many years of service to Masonry. (It is with great sadness that we note that Brother Harry Baker passed to the Celestial Lodge Above on October 20, 2010.)
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| Worshipful Masters Past and Present gathered for fellowship at Pentalpha Lodge (L to R, front row) Bill Buie (1996), Tommy Marraffa (Honorary PM and PM of Montgomery-Cornerstone Lodge), Harry Baker (1964), Bill Renner (2008), Ray Housley (1955), Quincy Ewing III (1982), (back row) Glen Sunderland (1999), Earl Wood (1988), Ed Johnson (2007, 2008), Addison Caracciolo (1994), Bryan Troutman (1986), and Royce Watson (1984) |
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Highlights of November 12
Stated Communication
The presentation of his 50-year Masonic pin to Brother Harry Baker, PM, and recognition of ten Past Masters and one Honorary Past Master of Pentalpha Lodge highlighted the November 12 Stated Communication.
The evening represented a homecoming of sorts for some of the Past Masters who haven't visted Pentalpha for a while. Each of the Past Masters had a chance to share some memories of their time in the East. Some of their recollections about the "old" lodge in Gaithersburg and the trials and tribulations associated with construction of Pentalpha's present home in Germantown were particularly humorous.
The evening began with a delicous dinner served by Angela Case, PM, Debbie Cohen, PM, and Phyllis Johnston, WM, PM, of Pentalpha Chapter 38, OES.
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Highlights of the September 24, 2009 Stated Communication
Pentalpha Lodge conferred the Fellow Craft degree on Brothers Lee Austin Brandenburg, Koffi Jean-Raphael Gnamoa, Larry Lee McDaniel, and Richard Joseph Reidenbach. Brother Stan Katzman, PM of Kensington-Bethesda Lodge #198 delivered a beautiful lecture for the assembled brethren to behold.
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Highlights of the September 10, 2009 Stated Communication
The assembled brothers heard the excellent Entered Apprentice proficiencies of Brothers Lee Austin Brandenburg, Koffi Jean-Raphael Gnamoa, Larry Lee McDaniel, and Richard Joseph Reidenbach under the leadership of Brother Glen Sunderland, PM. These brothers will be passed to the degree of Fellow Craft at the October 24 Stated Communication.
Also, the gathered brothers received a fine program on the York Rite, which was led by Brother Louis Blandell, Jr., the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Maryland. From the discussion that ensued, it appears that there was significant interest in York Rite from Pentalpha's brothers. Thank you to the many members of the York Rite who presented the informative program.
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Highlights of the June 25, 2009 Stated Communication
The assembled brothers heard the excellent Master Mason proficiency of Garth Hedger and Joshua Spooner under the tutelage of Brother Jon May. Garth and Joshua are now ready to continue their Masonic journies. Also, the affiliation petition of Eric Richardson was read and passed. Brother Eric's home lodge is Kgale Lodge #918 in Gaborone, Botswana, which is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. Welcome to the Pentalpha family, Eric.
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Pentalpha Enjoys a Good Turnout for the All-County Picnic
Several of Pentalpha's Brothers, spouses, families and friends joined Brothers from all over Montgomery County at the Annual All-County Picnic, which was held at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg on June 20. Despite a wet start courtesy of a thunderstorm, the bad weather cleared out in plenty of time of everyone to enjoy their hamburgers, hot dogs and other goodies - including ice cream sundies prepared by Brothers Dan, Everton and their helpers.
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Congratulations to the 2009 winners of $1,000 Scholarships from Masonic Charities of Maryland from Area High Schools
Elizabeth Gray from Northwest High School, Brittany Johnson from Damascus High School, and Scott Turner from Poolesville High School each were awarded $1,000 college scholarships by Masonic Charities of Maryland. MWGM Thomas Velvin presented their checks at the 2nd Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet, which was held at the Grand Lodge of Maryland on June 7. Elizabeth will study at Salisbury University, Brittany will head to Vanderbilt University, and Scott is going first to Montgomery College then the University of Maryland. Best wishes for much continued success to each of these outstanding students.
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Highlights of the June 11, 2009 Stated Communciation
The assembled brothers, including several visitors, listened to an interesting presentation by Brother Ed Johnson, PM on the symbolism of the First Degree. In addition, the affiliation petition of J. Paul Slayton was passed. Brother Paul's home lodge is Wheaton Lodge #228, where he currently serves as Junior Deacon. Welcome to the Pentalpha family, Paul!
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Highlights of May 28, 2009 Stated Communication
Pentalpha Lodge #194 welcomed Koffi Jean-Raphael Gnamoa to the Fraternity and to the Pentalpha family as the youngest Entered Apprentice. We're looking forward to accompanying Koffi on his Masonic journey. The brothers of Pentalpha Lodge were led by Ed Johnson, PM who orchestrated the conferral of the degree.
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Highlights of April 23, 2009 Stated Communication
Congratulations to Brothers Garth Garrison Hedger and Joshua David Spooner, both of whom were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason at Pentalpha's next stated communication of April 23.
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Highlights of March 26, 2009 Stated Communication
Congratulations to Brothers Garth Garrison Hedger and Joshua David Spooner for their excellent demonstrations of proficiency in the Fellow Craft catechism and many thanks to Brother Jon May for another coaching job well done. We are planning to raise Brothers Hedger and Spooner to the sublime degree of Master Mason at Pentalpha's next stated communication of April 9.
Also, Pentalpha Lodge #194 welcomed Richard Joseph Reidenbach and Lee Austin Brandenburg to the Fraternity and to the Pentalpha family as the youngest Entered Apprentices. We're looking forward to accompanying Rick and Lee on their Masonic journeys. And sincere thanks once again to Brother Ed Johnson, PM for conducting the beautiful ritual.
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Joint County Meeting Gets MD-CHIP Briefing
On Thursday, March 12, a gathering of brothers and guests from throughout Montgomery County were treated to an interesting and informative overview and demonstration of the Maryland Masonic Child Identification Program (CHIP) by Brother Jim Cloud, PM (Centennial Lodge #174, Upper Marlboro, MD).
This worthwhile effort, which is sponsored by Maryland Masonic Charities, provides parents and guardians with a CD loaded with pictures, images of fingerprints and key identifying information - plus a DNA swab - for their children. It has also been used to provide similar information for the elderly and for challenged adults. And the best part is that there is no charge to the participants or their families!
The masons of Montgomery County will be seeking opportunities to hold MD-CHIP events throughout the county. For more information, please check out the MD-CHIP web site at MD-CHIP.org or drop a note to info@pentalpha194.org.
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Sweetheart Dinner - a delicious evening
On March 15, twenty-one brothers and guests enjoyed an evening of fun and fellowship served up in fine fashion by the staff of the Golden Bull Grand Cafe in Gaithersburg. The evening out is the Summer Fling, which is being planned for Sunday, August 16.
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Highlights of February 12, 2009 Stated Communication
Congratulations to Brother Carlos Luis Gomez for his excellent demonstration of proficiency in the Master Mason catechism and many thanks to Brother Jon May for another coaching job well done.
Also, Pentalpha Lodge #194 welcomed Larry McDaniel to the Fraternity and to the Pentalpha family as the youngest Entered Apprentice. We're looking forward to accompanying Larry on his Masonic journey.
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| Brothers Renner and Wenzel present Fisher House check. |
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Pentalpha Breakfast Nets $1,040 for Fisher House
The brothers of Pentalpha Lodge #194 voted to donate the net proceeds of the October 11, 2008, pancake breakfast to Fisher House, the non-profit organization that provides temporary quarters for servicemembers' families while the servicemember is recuperating from service-related injuries or receiving therapy. On December 6, 2008, Bill Renner, Worshipful Master-elect, John Wenzel, Senior Warden, and Ken Mason, Secretary, delivered a check for $1,040 to Fisher House Foundation President David Coker during radio station WMAL-AM's annual Fisher House fundraiser. The donation represents the net proceeds of the breakfast combined with a generous donation from WM Ed Johnson's employer, Exeter Government Services LLC.
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