A Rough and Rugged Road to Travel...

On Monday, November 21st, 2011, Brothers Michael Flaherty, Rick Andrerson, Marco Ruiz, Sacha Wilson, Ivan Pedomo, and Michael Walsifer were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. A packed lodge room with representatives from every lodge in the 8th Masonic District was observed. Also in attendance was R.W. Christopher S. Bollata, District Deputy Grand Master (who played the Seafaring Man). Masonic Birthday night was also observed. 

A little about the Third Degree:

The ceremony of the Third Degree differs completely from the first two. It is not concerned mainly with architecture, the liberal arts, and sciences, but with the eternal struggle between good and evil, temptations of life, and the triumph of conscience. At each degree, an explanation of the working tools of the craft is provided to the member as Freemasons now meet not as operative but symbolic Masons.

Having gone through the Third Degree which is a capstone of the fraternity, the member will have learned the true purpose of Freemasonry. It is not merely a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols, but a great lifelong adventure to search for that which was lost; the metaphysical and mystical quest being the craving to comprehend and unite with Cosmic Consciousness and achieve Enlightenment.

The Seafaring Man's Trip

The Seafaring Man's Trip recently occurred of which R.W. Ed Honchen snapped the following photographs. Looks like the boys had a blast!

Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!

It was a great night for our Lodge on Monday, November 7th, when our Grand Master, Most Worshipful William L. Morris, Jr., visited us as our Guest of Honor for our Annual Table Lodge!

Social hour began at 6:00 PM with liquid refreshments, finger foods, good conversations, and music! W.B. Nigel Duguid was our muscial entertainment for the evening. A fine job he did with the muscial selection. The table lodge opened at 7:00 PM. The kitchen staff consisted brothers Casey, Lou G., Michael W., Marco R., John P., and Mike G., and was spearheaded by Domenick!

We enjoyed a delectable five course meal consisting of appetizers, soup, salad, sorbet to clean the palate, pasta, meat load, and cake and cookies! Approximately 70 brothers attended the table lodge!
Our cannons were charged and fired all throughout the evening!

A special note was the attendance of W.B. Bill Doremus who came out to lodge for the first time this year.

In between courses, we enjoyed Seven Toasts proposed to the following:
1-To Our Country!
2-To Our Grand Master!
3-To Nutley Lodge No. 25!
4-To Our Visiting Brethren!
5-To Our Soldiers!
6-To Our Departed Brothers!
7-To All Freemason!

Another special and memorable night at Nutley Lodge! Check out the pictures below!

Table Lodge is opened

The Senior Deacon Attends to the Altar

The Worshipful Master explains how to toast

Charge the Cannons!

"Brethen on the Column of the North...."

The Grand Master fires away!

"To our Visiting Brethen!"

The Cannon!

The Middle Chamber

On Monday, October 31st, 2011, our Lodge held an Emergent Communication for the Fellowcraft Degree. Brothers Rick Anderson, Michael Flaherty, and Michael Walsifer performed thier Entered Apprentice proficiencies quite admirably, considering they were initiated just twenty-eight days prior!

As a Fellowcraft, you are symbolically and Masonically a builder.

In learning and education, we must listen if the work is to be properly transmitted from generation to generation. The life of Freemasonry depends on ears that are attentive.
An instructive tongue is necessary in order that knowledge be conveyed accurately. But the tongue teaches more that ritual. It informs Masons of the great truths and symbolism in Masonry. That makes good men better men.
The faithful breast is the repository for those few secrets entrusted to you as you progress through the three degrees in Masonry. It is also the repository of those ideals you should display in life and pass on to your Brethren, that they may learn and grow to be better men.
You have been given the tools to build your square, level and plumb.
You were taught the value of work.
You know the importance of acquiring knowledge. It is in sharing this knowledge that will make you richer and a builder in the sight of God.

Grand Lodge Reception at 'The Fiesta'

On Thursday, October 27, 2011, at the reception for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 8th Masonic Districts, at 'The Fiesta' in Wood-Ridge, many brothers from those districts were honored for their Grand Lodge appointments. Two brothers from our district were among many of the honorees: R.W. Christopher S. Bollata, DDGM, and our very own R.W. Dalton Mejia, DRI and Junior Past Master of our Lodge. The Grand Master and Elected Grand Line were in attendance. A room of about 450 guests, consisting of Masons, family and friends and 11 brothers from our lodge were also in attendance to support the honorees. R.W. Ed Honchen presented R.W. Dalton Mejia, after which he delivered a speech to the masses. It was a great evening for Masonry and for our Lodge. R.W. Mejia represented our Lodge very well. We are proud of you!

Master Mason Night at Nutley Chapter OES

The Nutley Chapter of The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) invited the members of our Lodge to their annual Master Mason Night. Several brothers from our Lodge attended on Wednesday, October 20th. The junior Past Most Worthy Grand Matron read this poem as a tribute to Nutley Lodge and Nutley Chapter:

MASTER MASONS’ NIGHT

We’ve set aside a special time to honor our Brothers tonight

As we greet our Master Masons, and we do so with delight

If it were not for our Masonic Brothers, no meetings could be hold

In order for us to assemble here, a brother must be present we are told

The Great Brotherhood in the service of Humanity has lessons that we hold dear

So tonight we would like to honor you and say thank you for being here

May we strengthen the bonds of friendship as we join in service with one another

To an Eastern Star Sister, we hold in esteem, each special Masonic Brother

May we forge ahead together as we show support in all we do

May Nutley Lodge and Nutley Chapter to each other remain true