Annual Beverage/Wine Tasting

On Friday Night, May 20th, Nutley Lodge hosted its Annual Beverage/Wine Tasting Event!!! A delicious spread was prepared by D.B. John Lawler. Different wines and beers were sampled. Music, laughter, fun, and fellowship was enjoyed as usual. Kudos to Bro. Lawler for chairing anothing fine event at Nutley Lodge!!!

Our host for the evening, John A.K.A. Wine Boy

The great food that was enjoyed

Bros. Villalta, Mongioi, and Reed

Junior Warden's Night - Entered Apprentice Degree

On Monday, May 16th, our Junior Warden, Bro. Jerry Lukowiak, conferred the Entered Apprentice Degree from the East. Bro. Marco Ruiz was initiated this evening into our beloved fraternity. As with the previous brethren initiated, Bro. Ruiz was also presented with a single white rose and informed that it was hoped the rose would induce him to seek the esoteric meaning behind it.  A well-deserved pat on the back must be given to Bro. Lukowiak who made his lodge proud by doing a fine job in conferring the degree. And congratulations to Bro. Ruiz for commencing his Masonic journey, a journey of a lifetime indeed!!!

Bro. Jerry and Bro. Marco pose for a picture

Gold Token Night

On Monday, May 2nd, we honored our Gold Token Recipient, Bro. Wayne Thomas, with his official pin and certificate from The Grand Lodge of New Jersey for his 55 years in our glorious fraternity. The Worshipful Master, District Deputy Grand Master, District Ritual Instructor, and Bro. Thomas and his lovely wife went to a Franklin Steakhouse in Nutley for dinner prior to the evening's program. He recanted stories and reflected on his favorite memories about Freemasonry. The group then made their way to the lodge to enjoy a powerpoint presentation that discussed music, sports, movies, and fads that were popular 50, 55, 60, and 65 years ago.  It was a wonderful evening for Bro. Thomas and our lodge. The other Gold Token brothers are Wayne Green (55 years) and Haig Gamarekian (50 years).

Bro. Thomas poses with his certificate from the Grand Lodge

Congratulations!!!

At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey in April, our very own Dalton Mejia was installed as the District Ritual Instructor of the Great 8th Masonic District. There is no doubt that our brother will represent our lodge with the utmost integrity and honor. Congratulations R.W. Sir!!!

The Sublime Degree of Master Mason

Newly Raised Brothers pose for a picture

On Monday, April 18th, 2011, Brothers Enio Bodden, Andrew Maurizio, and Peter Rizzolo were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. In this degree are the deepest secrets and the most profound teachings of our fraternity. Although its background continues to be architecture and its action takes place in and about the Temple, it is a spiritual symbolism of life and death. Principally, it teaches immortality. The Sprig of Acacia, a symbol of our faith in the immortality of the soul, plays a central part in this degree. When man erroneously permits himself to be buried under the rubbish of sins and passions, if he has learned the secret of the spiritual life and with the help of the Great Architect of the Universe, it is possible for him to rise into a new life.

The Hiramic Legend has its roots in many of the Mystery Schools of ancient times.  The drama of the Egyptian God Osiris and his tragic death, the search for his body, and its discovery and restoration sound all too familiar to us as Masons. This story line is ancient. It is the concept of the sacred king, who is destined for sacrifice so that the earth might become regenerated and uplifted by divine power. As Hiram was the “Son of the Widow,” so too, the Egyptian God Horus, child of Isis and Osiris, was also the son of a widow.

As we speak about wages, so too we speak about traveling, because the goal of our ancient operative Brethren was to become masters, so they might possess those secrets which would enable them to practice the art of the master architect, no matter where they traveled - even in foreign countries. The term “foreign countries” is used symbolically in speculative Masonry, and is not meant to refer to a specific geographical location. Freemasonry itself is a foreign country to those not initiated into its rites. To fully appreciate and enjoy the privileges of the Craft, each of us must become familiar with the territory of Freemasonry by learning its language, customs, and history, and stretching our minds to interpret and use its symbols so that they teach us important moral lessons. After receiving the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, we are expected to continue our journey toward a deeper understanding of the Craft and continue to search for truth wherever it may be found. The term “foreign countries” also is a metaphor for the spiritual worlds. Ancient people concerned themselves with vast spiritual worlds and their method of gaining admission through various spiritual spheres was through secret passwords, grips, signs, and holy words. This degree will forever be studied, interpreted, and held sacred by its students for generations to come.

'Freemasonry and the Spirit of Aloha'

At our regular communication held on April 4th, 2011, W.B. Makia L. Pai, a Pennsylvania Past Master under the jurisdiction of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania and jurisdictions thereunto belonging, visited our lodge to speak on 'Freemasonry and the Spirit of Aloha'. Bro. Pai is a native of the big island of Hawaii and a member of Honolulu Lodge.

His presentation focused on the parallels and similarities between hawaiian tradition and Freemasonry. He spoke on the ancient hawaiian metaphysical tradition known as po'ohuna, the meaning of the term 'aloha', and much more. Another great night at Nutley Lodge!

W.B. Pai receives a 'Masonic Education Award' for his lecture

Candidates Night at The Brownstone

Brothers from our lodge attended Candidates Night at The Brownstone in Paterson, NJ on Tuesday, March 29, 2011.  Candidates Night is an opportunity for brethren running for Grand Lodge offices to introduce themselves and explain a little about their qualifications for those said offices. It is also an opportunity for fun and fellowship! It was another great evening out with our fellow lodge brothers!

Brothers having a great time at Candidates Night