GOTHIC-FRATERNAL #270 Trestleboard APRIL 2023 3682 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Sq., NJ 08690 | +1 (609) 331-9584 https://www.gothicfraternal270.com/

GOTHIC FRATERNAL LODGE #270 TRESTLEBOARD

TABLE OF

CONTENTS The Master's Message • P. 2 Warden's Messages • P. 2 Calendar of Events • P. 3

Important Dates!!!

Lodge Announcements • P. 3

April 27th - Grand Lodge of NJ Townhall Meeting May 15th - Gothic-Fraternal Golf Outing June 3rd - Grand Lodge of NJ Emergent Communication June 4th - Gothic-Fraternal Scholarship Deadline October 15th - Gothic-Fraternal Clay Shoot

Initiation & Advancement • P. 4

Masonic Birthdays • P. 4

In Memoriam • P. 4 Living Past Masters • P. 4 2023 Officers • P. 6 Trustees & Committees • P. 6 15th Masonic District • P. 7 Grand Lodge of New Jersey • P. 8 Grand Lodge Edicts • P. 9 For the Good of the Craft • P. 12+

THE MASTER'S MESSAGE Dale E. Walton Jr., Worshipful Master Greetings from the East, Spring is here, and we welcome the month of April. The big thaw is upon us as we open windows, begin our spring cleaning, tend to the yard, and start getting the garden ready. As we prepare for new growth in our yards and gardens, let us remember the growth of the Lodge. I have emailed several potential candidates interested in becoming Masons, and some of us have talked to them. There is the possibility of bringing a few of these potential candidates in before the summer break. I want to thank everyone for their hard work volunteering to make our St. Patrick’s Day a success again. The weather finally cooperated, which allowed many of our Brothers and their families to enjoy the parade and the prepared food. Rainbow had a great table set up to show off what they do and attract potential candidates. We hosted a joint Fellowcraft Degree March 27th, including Gothic-Fraternal, Amwell, and Hightstown/Apollo, advancing four Brothers. We will be having a Master Mason Degree on June 9th before the summer break at Hightstown/Apollo. Please stand by for more information. And lastly, Gothic-Fraternal, in conjunction with Tall Cedars Forest No. 4, is hosting a joint golf outing on May 15th at Gambler’s Ridge and a Sporting Clay Shot Gun Shoot on October 15th at Leigh Valley Sporting Clays. Please reach out to your local business for sponsorship opportunities. Fliers for both will be available very soon. Fraternally and respectfully, Dale Walton, Jr., Worshipful Master

FROM THE SOUTH Laurence R. Murey Jr., Junior Warden Hello from the South, I was delighted to find many of our lodge members and their families supporting our fundraising effort at the Hamilton Township St. Patrick's Day Parade. We had the sidewalk lined with chairs from the dining room, and they were filled with the wives and children of the lodge members. We sold hog dogs and pork roll sandwiches (Taylor Ham for those non-Trentonians), and information was provided about the Lodge to those who either asked or we invited in to see the building. The Rainbow and Demolay were also invited to share information about their organizations. It was an excellent opportunity to inform the public about our organization. Because most of us live or grew up in the area, that meeting folks we know goes a long way to open the conversation about being a Mason.

If you know of any Lodge members that last visited the Lodge a while ago, call them to ask if they would like a ride rather than waiting to contact you. Fraternally, Larry Murey Junior Warden Page 2

EVENT CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS 2023 Dues Alert

April 3 - Regular Communication @ 6:30 PM 3 - Paint and Sip @ 7:30 PM 6 - 15th District Lodge of Instruction @ 6:15 PM (Trenton Cyrus) 8 - Pancake Breakfast @ 9 AM (Tall Cedars Picnic Grove) 11 - Grand Lodge of NJ Town Hall Meeting @ 6:30 PM (Whippany, NJ) 13 - Rehearsal @ 7 PM 17 - Regular Communication @ 6:30 PM 20 - Rehearsal @ 7 PM 23 - Senior & Junior Grand Warden Reception @ 11 AM (Venetian - Garfield, NJ) 27 - Grand Lodge of NJ Town Hall Meeting @ 6:30 PM (Central Valley Scottish Rite)

May 1 - Regular Communication @ 6:30 PM 3 - 15th District Grand Lodge of Instruction @ 6:15 PM (Trenton Cyrus) 8 - Deputy Grand Master's Presentation - The Why of Freemasonry @ 6:30 PM (Theodore Roosevelt lodge - Carteret, NJ ) 9 - Grand Lodge of NJ Town Hall Meeting @ 6:30 PM (Millville, NJ) 11 - Rehearsal @ 7 PM 15 - Golf Outing @ 11 AM (Gambler Ridge Golf Course, Cream Ridge, NJ) 18 - Rehearsal @ 7 PM 22 - Trustees Meeting @ 7 PM 25 - Rehearsal @ 7 PM

June 1 - Rehearsal @ 7 PM 3 - Emergent Meeting for the Grand Lodge of NJ @ 8 AM (Fellowship Hall - Burlington, NJ) 5 - Regular Communication @ 6:30 PM 7 - 15th District Lodge of Instruction - Family Night @ 6:15 PM (Trenton Cyrus) 8 - Fellowship Night @ 7 PM 10 - Pancake Breakfast @ 8 AM 15 - Rehearsal @ 7 PM 19 - Regular Communication @ 6:30 PM 22 - Rehearsal @ 7 PM 29 - Rehearsal @ 7 PM For the most up-to-date event listing visit http://go.gf270.org/events

The 2023 dues notices have been sent out. If you have not received one or have any questions or concerns please contact the Secretary, RW Michael Pylypiak, at [email protected].

Gothic-Fraternal Golf Outing On May 15th, Join Gothic-Fraternal Lodge #270 and the Trenton Tall Cedars Forest #4 for a fun day on the links at the Gambler Ridge Golf Course located in Cream Ridge, New Jersey. Your registration fee of $125 includes Greens Fees, Cart, Practice Facilities, Locker Room, and a Hot Dog and beverage during the game. Then join us at the Tall Cedars Picnic Area for dinner and awards ceremony. It will be a fun day for everyone involved! Contact Vik Sharma at +1 (609) 638-7742 or [email protected] for more information.

Gothic-Fraternal Fun Shoot Keep your calendars clear! On October 15th, Join GothicFraternal Lodge #270 and the Trenton Tall Cedars Forest #4 for a fun day shooting clays at the Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays located in Coplay, Pennsylvania. Registration per shooter is $180 or $680 per foursome, a $40 savings over the per shooter rates! Every registration includes Course Fees, Ammo, Targets, Breakfast, & Lunch (Shotgun Rentals are available for an additional charge). Visit https://go.gf270.org/Clays23 to register.

Gothic-Fraternal Scholarship Gothic-Fraternal is pleased to announce that we are able to offer a $500 scholarship this year. Eligibility Requirements: Available to the child or grandchild of a Mason in good standing Will have graduated or will graduate from a United States high school (or have earned or will earn a high school equivalency diploma) by the end of the 2022-23 academic year Graduated or will graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale Intend to enroll full-time in an accredited associate or bachelor’s degree program or an accredited trade school no later than the Spring term of 202223 academic year OR are currently enrolled in an accredited associate/bachelor’s degree program or trade school All applications must be received at Gothic-Fraternal by June 4th, 2023.

Remembrance Name Plate Fundraiser The lodge is offering a chance to honor a Brother Mason. A nameplate, in their honor, can be attached to any lodge chair. The cost of the nameplate is $100.00. For more information, please contact Mike Peroni PM, +1 (609) 532-6553, or email, [email protected].

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INITIATION & ADVANCEMENT Knocking on the Door Jason Ryan Arroyo

Awaiting Entered Apprentice None

Awaiting Fellowcraft Richard Matts David Koenig Eric Ortiz Benjamin P. Soule

Awaiting Master Mason None

MASONIC BIRTHDAYS 1983 - Nicholas Bonelli (40)

1999 - Robert J. Krapohl Jr. (24)

2022 - Matthew A. Hillesland (1)

1996 - Charles M. Vadino (27)

2022 - Louis C. Ammirati (1)

2022 - Kenneth T. Mika (1)

1999 - Robert V. Knott (24)

2022 - Michael P. Giuffre (1)

2022 - Andrew J. Polascak (1)

IN MEMORIAM

"Solemn strikes the funeral chime" Robert J. Conner December 31, 2022

Jack T. Longmuir Sr., PM January 14, 2023

Vernon M. Welch January 15, 2023

LIVING PAST MASTERS 1965 Russell H. Knott

1996 Nicholas Bonelli

1978 William V. Blackmon, Jr.

2002 Kurt E. Zimmerman, PGChap.

1981 Harry H. Barnes, Jr.

2003 Andrew P. Jasiewicz, PGChap.

1983 Harold J. Rockhill, PGSB

2004 Andrew P. Jasiewicz, PGChap.

1984 Daniel M. Wilson, PGM

2005 William W. Ward Jr.

1985 Jack T. Longmuir Sr.

2006 Stefan M. Revesz

1986 Keith Graser PGMar.

2007 Kirk D. Bahney

1987 Elvin L. Dow III

2008 Ralph S. Mahan

2016 Gregory J. Adams

1988 Robert B. Reeve

2009 Douglas C. Stackhouse

2017 Michael Pylypiak

1989 William E. Helfrey

2010 Robert R. Furbeck

2018 Michael Peroni

1990 Laurence R. Murey Jr., PDRI

2011 Charles C. Beauchamp

2019 Vikas Y. Sharma

1992 Fred L. Walker

2012 David R. Catana

2020 Harry H. Barnes III

1994 Kurt E. Zimmerman, PGChap.

2013 Scott A. Mahan, PGChap.

2021 Harry H. Barnes III

1995 Scott B. Lindsay

2014 Scott A. Mahan, PGChap.

2022 Scott L. Singleton

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GOTHIC-FRATERNAL IN THE NEWS!

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GOTHIC-FRATERNAL 2023 OFFICERS

Worshipful Master Dale L. Walton Jr.

Senior Warden Mark E. Marasco (Natalie)

+1 (215) 378-7605 [email protected]

+1 (609) 929-7098 [email protected]

Treasurer Michael D. Husar

Junior Warden Laurence R. Murey Jr., PM (Louisa)

+1 (609) 571-6710 [email protected]

+1 (609) 658-9641 [email protected]

Secretary Michael Pylypiak, PM (JoAnne) +1 (609) 273-5525 [email protected]

Senior Deacon Fred J. Cook (Dawn)

Junior Deacon Eric A. Harpell

Senior Master of Ceremonies Robert H. Schmitt Jr.

Junior Master of Ceremonies Jacob A. Singleton

+1 (609) 413-0520 [email protected]

+1 (609) 234-0728 [email protected]

+1 (609) 609-364-0176 [email protected]

[email protected]

Senior Steward Matthew A. Hillesland

Junior Steward Michael J. Serra (Lauren)

Chaplain Donald J. Yelen

Marshal Louis C. Ammirati

+1 (215) 479-0033 [email protected]

+1 (732) 857-1214 [email protected]

+1 (609) 306-9078 [email protected]

+1 (516) 286-6721 [email protected]





Assistant Secretary Historian Harry H. Barnes III, PM (Deborah) Gregory J. Adams, PM (Amy)

Tyler Michael Peroni, PM (Cindy) +1 (609) 532-6553 [email protected]

+1 (908) 720-2320 [email protected]

Ritual Instructor Laurence R. Murray Jr., PM (Louisa)

+1 (201) 310-2587 [email protected]

+1 (609) 610-2669 [email protected]

TRUSTEES & COMMITTEES Trustees (3 yr term)

Mentoring

Finance

Scholarship

Michael Peroni, PM (chair) (2024) Vikas Y. Sharma, PM (2022) Gabby Dibaczy (2024) Keith Graser, PM (2024) Joseph K. Kahn, PM (2025)

Keith Graser, PM (chair) Scott L. Singletion Deyo W. Swartz II Dale Walton Jr.

Stefan M. Revez, PM (chair) Deyo W. Swartz II Eric B. Lawyer Thomas Y. Bittner, PM

Mark E. Marasco (chair) Robert Schmit Michael Pylypiak, PM

Community Outreach

Activities & Fundraising

Scott L. Singletion (chair)

Dale Walton Jr. (chair) Michael Serra

The 270 Club Gabby Dibaczy (chair) Laurence R. Murray Jr., PM

If you are interested in joining one of the committees, please reach out to the committee chair. Everyone is invited and welcome to get more involved in your lodge! Page 6

15TH MASONIC DISTRICT

DISTRICT LODGE OF INSTRUCTION SCHEDULE February 1st - Gothic-Fraternal Lodge March 1st - Amwell Lodge April 5th - Trenton Cyrus Lodge May 3rd, Grand Lodge of Instruction - Trenton Cyrus Lodge

Right Worshipful John Pownall District Deputy Grand Master

Right Worshipful Alex Bragat District Ritual Instructor

June 7th, District Family Event Trenton Cyrus Lodge September 6th - Hightstown Lodge

LODGES OF THE 15TH DISTRICT Gothic-Fraternal Lodge #270, F. & A. M. 3682 Nottingham Way Hamilton Sq. NJ 08690 Dale Walton, WM [email protected]

October 4th - Gothic-Fraternal Lodge November 1st - Amwell Lodge December 6th - Gothic-Fraternal Lodge

Hightstown Apollo Lodge #41, F. & A. M. 535 North Main Street Hightstown NJ 08520 Matthew Beltran, WM [email protected] Mercer Lodge #50, F. & A. M 100 Barrack Street Trenton NJ 08608 James Langan, WM [email protected]

Trenton Cyrus Lodge #5, F. & A. M. 131 Burd Street Pennington, NJ 08534 Kent James, WM [email protected]

Amwell Lodge #12, F. & A. M 21 Bridge Street Lambertville NJ 08530 David Kois, WM [email protected]

Horizon Daylight Lodge #299, F. & A. M. 103 Dunns Mill Rd., Bordentown NJ 08505 Sheldon Mednick, WM [email protected]

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GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY Elected Grand Lodge Officers Most Worshipful David L. Tucker, Grand Master Right Worshipful Leonard VanderHorn, Deputy Grand Master Right Worshipful J. Eugene Margroff, Senior Grand Warden Right Worshipful Omar S. Morris, Junior Grand Warden Most Worshipful Douglas R Policastro, PGM, Grand Treasurer Most Worshipful Roger B. Quintana, PGM, Grand Secretary

Grand Lodge Officers of the 15th Masonic District Right Worshipful John Pownall, District Deputy Grand Master Right Worshipful Alex Bragat, District Ritual Instructor Right Worshipful Joseph Pownall IV, Grand Tyler Right Worshipful Michael Pylypiak, Grand Swordbearer Right Worshipful Raymond E. Foose, Grand Soloist Right Worshipful Thomas D. Wilson, Grand Soloist Right Worshipful Michael Peroni, Grand Chaplain Right Worshipful Vikas Y. Sharma, Grand Chaplain

GRAND LODGE CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 1 - Mentoring Committee Training @ 8:00 AM (Navesink Lodge - Red Bank, NJ) 11 - Grand Lodge of NJ Town Hall Meeting @ 6:30 PM (Northern Valley/Salaam Shrine - Whippany, NJ) 23 - Sr. & Jr. Grand Warden Reception @ 11 AM (Venetian - Garfield, NJ) 27 - Grand Lodge of NJ Town Hall Meeting @ 6:30 PM (Central Valley, Bordentown, NJ)

May 8 - Deputy Grand Master's Presentation - The Why of Freemasonry @ 6:30 PM (Theodore Roosevelt Lodge - Carteret, NJ) 9 - Grand Lodge of NJ Town Hall Meeting @ 6:30 PM (Shekinah Lodge - Millville, NJ) 20 - Mentoring Committee Training @ 8:00 AM (Adoniram Lodge - Lyndhurst, NJ)

June 3 - Emergent Meeting for the Grand Lodge of NJ @ 8 AM (Fellowship Hall, Burlington, NJ)

July 17-22 Grand Master's Trip to New Orleans

August 18-19 The Jon Skene Masonic Conference (Westampton, NJ)

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DEMOLAY Capital Chapter #22

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