Doylestown Lodge

Some key announcements from the September Stated:

• The Lodge is assisting in the Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run 2024 at the lodge starting at 2:00 PM on September 29th 2024. Contact the WM for more information.
• Elections will be held in November this year in anticipation of an open meeting in December for installations.
• An abridged history of Doylestown Lodge was read, applauded, and submitted to the Grand Lodge for its record.
• The annual picnic (after a brief hiatus last year to much disappointment) is back and was a big success.
• D.D.G.M. Bro. Richard H. Bradbury, Sr., P.M. will hand over the reigns of the district to Bro. John Sellani, P.M. of Newtown. Information is coming regarding a send off and the installation.

Coming to a restaurant near you October 29th. Venue, time, cost and menu TBD!

The Doylestown Memorial Day Parade is conducted annually for the sole purpose of honoring those American Veterans whose sacrifices in defense of our nation and its democratic ideals are responsible for the freedoms we enjoy today. Having celebrated its 156th anniversary in 2024, it is the oldest Memorial Day Parade in the United States. Last year, approximately 1,700 people participated in the parade, representing over 100 separate units, including eight local school bands, with an estimated 15,000 spectators looking on.

As always, Doylestown Lodge No. 245 (celebrating its 175th anniversary next year) marched to represent the fraternity while also hosting its annual pancake breakfast.

This year’s crew ready to march, then celebrate with some delicious pancakes and sausage afterwards. Orange juice is also available.

Brother Glass smiling confidently, knowing he put in his order ahead of time (an old Templar mind trick) while the others will have to wait. It was hot as always, but the team pulled it off with grace.

WM Nair barely broke a sweat.

Meanwhile, back at the lodge – things were in full swing for another busy morning. Bro Borowski PM did a great job organizing the event, as well as coordinating the several volunteers that helped prep, cook, serve and clean to make the day a success. Thank you to everyone for their support.

No one knows the secrets of the sauce as well as Bro Borowski PM, seen here schooling/instructing Bro Bradbury DDGM on how to smooth out all the many lumps left in the batter.

Bro Peterson PM taking a break from batter preparation.

When will the pancakes be ready? “Eminently” commands Bro Chiaverini PM.

Meanwhile, Papa Bear let his boys take a short break from serving duty to grab a family photo. And a few others while he was at it…

He will definitely treasure that last one.

Finally, Bro Sink PM made his bi-annual visit to conclude the parade and begin the deep clean he is famous for.

All in all it was another successful event. But will next year also live up to the hype of our signature event…

Based on that look- all signs point to yes!

We’re 50% of the way through our 2024 stated meetings and the hits just keep on coming as just over 50 members and visitors packed into the lodge room for a busy night.

District Deputy Grand Master Richard H. Bradbury, Sr., accompanied by Past District Deputy Grand Master Carl L. Swope and Worshipful Masters of District 8, made an official visit to present some well-deserved awards. First up, Bro. Gary L. Bergstresser was presented with his 50 year Member Pin, having joined the lodge all the way back in 1974.

Bro. Bergstresser was also accompanied by his three sons for the event. The Bergstressers are one of the largest Lewis Jewel family lines at Doylestown Lodge No. 245 and the accolades for Gary were well-deserved due to his active contribution to the lodge as well as the many several appendant bodies in which is acts as an appointed officer.

Next up, Bro. Donald W. Woodling of Newtown Lodge No. 427 received The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. The award is an honor due to members of the Fraternity who act as role models and provide dedicated service to the Boy Scouts of America. The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Award not only supports the Masonic relationship through the man who brought Scouting to America, but proclaims the integrity of the recipient who is honored by receiving the award.

The Washington Crossing Council (the BSA chapter located in the heart of Doylestown) provides Scouting programs for young people and their families in Bucks County in Pennsylvania as well as Hunterdon and Mercer Counties in New Jersey. Within this area, approximately 5000 boys and girls participate in Scouting programs on an annual basis. Doylestown Lodge has many links to Scouting, with Bro. Bergstresser having been a previous recipient of the esteemed award back in 2013. Bro. Woodling was also supported by Bro. William F. Cope of Doylestown (another Daniel Beard Award winner) & District Chairman for Tohickon District of Washington Council 777 as well as Bruce Steven, P.M. of Newtown to receive the honors.

The antique clock in the Fellowship Hall was then returned from a restoration, with its long-time guardian Bro. Grant L. Sergeant, P.M. in attendance to approve the good work of the Building Committee.

Next up, Committees of Inquiry were then appointed to meet with even more new prospective members in the Doylestown area. Bro. Taylor was particularly hungry to tackle the challenge, but he’ll have stiff competition from an all-star team of Past Masters headed by Bro. Sherman, P.M.

Then finally, to wrap up the night, a prosperous looking Bro. Peterson, P.M. gave a lengthy presentation on the history of music to help thin out the numbers and get everyone home safely. The touching throwback to the coziness and musical portion of last year’s banquet was thoroughly enjoyed by those still left in attendance.

Overall, it was yet another fine performance from Bro. Nair W.M. who continues to spoil blue lodge with a constantly escalating level of attendance that proves to be impossible to duplicate everywhere else.

Another great evening. Thank you to the many who attended!

The appendants brought the rainbow to the April Stated Meeting, bringing a deep dive into the other degrees performed within the York Rite and Scottish Rite. There a number of upcoming events throughout the summer now posted to the Event Calendar as well.

Our program for the evening is Freemasonry and the Underground Railroad presented by RW Bro Moises Gomez. Bro Gomez will interpret the evolution of the Abolitionist movement in America and its relationship with Freemasonry. He will also speak about the role Prince Hall Freemasons played in their struggle to achieve justice, freedom, and equality for all. Brother R.W. Moises Gomez is a member of Atlas Pythagoras Lodge No. 10, Westfield, N.J and he has served as Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey for several years.

245 Photography Club meeting Feb 2024

Congrats to the master and officers on another great evening.
Read more“February Stated”

Degrees are underway for 2024. Looking to join, visit us here: How to Join Doylestown Lodge 

Degrees are underway for 2024. Looking to join, visit us here: Join Doylestown Lodge

The first meeting of 2024 is in the books. Congratulations to Bro. Gordon Bell on receiving his 60 year service award and thank you to David Hathaway for his presentation on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Revitalized branding for Pennsylvania Masons was one of the new initiatives announced at the Grand Communication this week. Watch to learn more about what inspired the updated designs and the plan for implementation: https://www.facebook.com/pagrandlodge or https://x.com/pagrandlodge/status/1740775330103595379?s=20

I would like to cordially invite you to attend our annual banquet at the Bucks Club in Jamison, PA, on Wedensday October 25, 2023. We will begin the evening at 6:00pm, with a cocktail reception (cash bar) and various hors d’oeuvres.

Dinner will then begin at 7:00pm and the evening will include live music, and our traditional awards and recognitions. Significant others are welcome and encouraged to attend. All attendees must be 21 years of age.

The cost is $45 per person, and is all inclusive (with the exception of the cash bar). If interested in attending, please RSVP with the number of attendees to [email protected], or via call/text at (215) 378-8486 by October 18th. Please make any checks out to “Doylestown Lodge No. 245,” and remit to 55 E. State St., Doylestown, PA 18901 (or hand to our Secretary at any meeting) by the same date.

If unable to attend, but would still like to donate toward this event, please annotate whether you plan to be in attendance on your response. Any proceeds beyond costs will go to the lodge and/or be donated to masonic charities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (via The Masonic Service Association of North America)

August 11, 2023

Hawaii Wild Fire Disaster Relief Appeal

Last night, our beloved island of Maui was touched by the destructive forces of fires that swept through the community, leaving devastation in their wake. As Brothers of the Craft, let us remember that adversity only strengthens our bonds. Let us also use this moment to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of being prepared, not just physically, but also in terms of the support systems we offer to one another.

Grand Master Dustin T. Verity of Masons in Hawaii has requested the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSA) to issue this Disaster Relief Appeal.

Please forward any donations you feel appropriate to help our devastated Brothers and their families in this stricken jurisdiction to MSA.

Please make checks payable to MSA Disaster Relief Appeal and send to:

Masonic Service Association
813 1st Avenue SE, Suite 357
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

When remitting by check, please clearly mark that you wish the funds to go to the (Maui Wild Fires, Hawaii Disaster Relief Appeal.)

DONATE ONLINE

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Craig L. Davis, P.G.M.
Administrator
MSANA
[email protected]

813 1st AVENUE SE STE 357 ▪ CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA 52402-5001
Administrative Office Phone: (319) 206-5411 ▪ Hospital Visitation Program Phone: (319) 206-5411

All brethren are invited to the 8th Annual Masonic District 8 Cigar-B-Que scheduled for Sunday, September 10, 2023, 4 pm- 8pm. The location will again be the Lower Bucks Masonic Hall (Newtown Lodge), Woodside, PA. To date, donations to Masonic Charities from the net proceeds of this annual event have totaled over $6,000.

Tickets are $75.00/pp for four cigars from our friends at Hiram & Solomon Cigars, barbecue supplied by Billy-Bar-B-Que, tastings, beer and soda.

Cigar-B-Que Flyer 2023 Rev.1.docx

Cigar-B-Que Ticket Order Form 2023

Ticket forms are available on the District website or from your Lodge Secretary. This event is a great fellowship opportunity and is open to all Masons, non-Masons, family and friends.

Attendees MUST be over 21 years of age.

Deadline for tickets is September 3, 2023. For tickets or information, contact DDGM Bro. Rich Bradbury at DDGM08@pagrandlodge[dot]org

Some well deserved congratulations from the Grand Lodge on another 50 year conferral