Nutley Brethren visit Copestone's Burns' Night

On Thursday, January, 20, 2011, Copestone-Ophir Lodge No. 108, located in Kearny, NJ, held their annual ‘Burns’ Night’ festivities in honor of Robert Burns' birthday (which falls every 25^th of January). Robert “Rabbie” Burns, as he is so affectionately called, is the national poet of Scotland and a brother mason. A traditional Scottish feast was enjoyed by the participants of the event. And how can we celebrate Burns’ Night without the haggis? R.W. Frederick I. Waldron, District Deputy Grand Master of the Great 8^th Masonic District, had the honor of reciting ‘Address to a Haggis’.  The haggis is a traditional Scottish dish memorialized as the national dish of Scotland by Robert Burns' poem ‘Address to a Haggis’ in 1787. Haggis is traditionally served with "neeps and tatties" (Scots: swede, yellow turnip or rutabaga and potatoes, boiled and mashed separately) and a "dram" (i.e. a glass of Scotch whisky), especially as the main course of a Burns supper. However it is also often eaten with other accompaniments. Back to our brother, Robert Burns. If you have not read some of his work, you are missing out, and it is highly suggested that you do look into his poetry.  Traditional Scottish Bag Pipers fully attired in kilts and tartan attire well entertained the attendees. One score that drew the most applause was 'God Bless America', which was definitely well received!!! Great food, fun and fellowship was indeed had by all who attended. We look forward to next year's celebration!!!

                Several of Nutley Brethren attended the annual festivities as evidenced in the picture above             
  Not pictured W.B. Anthony Santiago who took this picture

Entered Apprentice Degree - Jan. 17, 2011

On Monday, January 17, 2011, Nutley Lodge initiated 3 new brethren into our gentle craft.  They were admitted to the lodge to have the Entered Apprentice Degree conferred upon them. The officers, who all were in new stations and places, performed admirably. Upon completion of the degree, the new brothers, in accordance with ancient European Masonic traditions, were presented with a single white rose and informed that it was hoped the rose would induce them to seek the esoteric meaning behind it.                                                                                                                      Also this evening, Br. Joe Apicella presented the brethren his findings on deciphering the ‘strange’ symbols on top of our Trestleboard logo (click on the logo to the right to get a closer look at the coded message). He informed the brethren that the symbols were of the pigpen cipher (sometimes referred to as the Masonic cipher, Freemason's cipher, or Rosicrucian cipher). It is a geometric simple substitution cipher which exchanges letters for symbols which are fragments of a grid. The phrase written in that cipher is ‘As Above, So Below’.  He proceeded to impart light upon the brethren by explaining that this was a very old and ancient phrase used in many religions of the ancient and modern world. It was also used by occult and esoteric circles. Hermeticism was discussed as well.  The Worshipful Master presented him with a reward for cracking and explaining a little about the code. The reward was a book on Masonic symbolism to aid Br. Apicella in his search for further light in masonry. Masonic Birthday Night was also observed. It was another fine evening for Nutley Lodge!!!

Cheers for Kevin

On Saturday, January 8, 2011, the ‘Cheers for Kevin’ fundraiser was held at Nutley Lodge to benefit our brother in need of assistance. Br. Kevin Healey has been suffering from some recent medical issues and we wanted to extend a helping hand. Most, if not all, of the food for the event was donated by many generous people. Several items were raffled off including autographed hockey jerseys. Live musical entertainment was enjoyed by the attendees, of which there were at least 100. Seating became a premium! The crowd consisted of Kevin’s family, friends, and brother masons. It was heartwarming to see so many people who care about Kevin support this fundraiser. The event was a smashing success with much needed funds raised for our brother. Several of the lodges in the 8^th Masonic District (including brothers from those lodges themselves) contributed to the fundraising efforts. When a brother in distress needs help, we answer the call, and it was clearly evident at this event! Get well soon Br. Kevin!!!

The house was packed with people supporting the fundraising efforts

The evening's muscial entertainment

Several of Nutley brethren who supported the event

First Meeting January 3, 2011 - Guest Speaker W.B. Jay Hochberg

On January 3, 2011, our first meeting of the year, W.B. Jay Hochberg, Past Master of the NJ Logde of Research and Education No. 1786 and current Junior Deacon of the American Lodge of Research in NYC, visited Nutley Lodge to enlighten the brethren by presenting a research paper entitled 'Plato, Aquinas, and YOU: The Four Cardinal Virtues in the Making of a Mason'.

This presentation discussed in depth the Four Cardinal Virtues.  The paper was well researched and well received by the brethren. We will not discuss its contents here in this public forum. The speaker was presented with an award for masonic education for speaking at the lodge (see above). As a token of our appreciation, he was also presented with a book entitled 'The Freemasons Key', a book on the study of masonic symbolism. Many thanks to W.B. Hochberg for enlightening the brethren.

Also this evening, the Lodge observed a moment of silence for the brothers that were called to the Lodge on High in 2010 by the Great Architect of the Universe.  Rest in Peace brothers. You will be missed.

The Worshipful Master (center) is pictuered above with the Stewards

who prepared a wonderful meal for the meeting

 CONGRATULATIONS 2011 OFFICERS!!!