Meetings
1st Thursday (Called - EA Degree)
3rd Thursday (Stated)
***Dinner at 6:30 pm***
***Meeting starts at 7:30 pm***
Jacket and Tie
4093 NW 4th Ave.
Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 501-0545
Mailing Address
Boca Delray Lodge 171
PO BOX 811113
Boca Raton FL 33481-1113
PLEASE INFORM THE SECRETARY OF ANY
EMAIL, PHONE OR ADDRESS CHANGES.
Lodge Secretary
R∴W∴ Michael P. Sinatra - (561) 613-8094
bdl171.secretary@gmail.com (NEW EMAIL)
Index:
Lodge Officers
Worshipful Master: | Rafael Nioac de Salles | (561) 929-6499 | |
Senior Warden: | Nick Richard | (561) 699-5583 | |
Junior Warden: | Eric Figueroa | (917) 544-8879 | |
Secretary: | R∴W∴ Michael P. Sinatra | (561) 613-8094 | |
Treasurer: | W∴ Anthony Denton | (561) 322-8492 | |
Chaplain: | W∴ Howard Zimmerman | (561) 512-5143 | |
Marshal: | Paul Goldstein | (561) 271-6138 | |
Senior Deacon: | Derik Brasher | (832) 835-4900 | |
Junior Deacon: | Jesse Mercado | (954) 422-3999 | |
Senior Steward: | Giuseppe Garufi | (954) 682-2584 | |
Junior Steward: | Garfield Heron | (954) 871-6341 | |
Tyler: | Benjamin Cohen | (561) 376-6596 |
Most Worshipful Grand Master
M∴W∴G∴M∴ Donald W. Cowart
District Deputy Grand Master
R∴W∴ Ramon M. Voils - (561) 797-5133
District Instructor
R∴H∴ Roy D. Strohacker - (561) 329-2261
Lodge Secretary
R∴W∴ Michael P. Sinatra - (561) 613-8094
bdl171.secretary@gmail.com (NEW EMAIL)
Lodge Committees
Finance: Chairman: S.W. Nick Richard
Members: R∴W∴ Rex Bradford, R∴ H∴ Sal Musumeci, W∴ Anthony Denton, Brother Shelly Pittleman
Property / Rental: Chairman: J.W. Eric Figueroa
Members: R∴W∴ Rex Bradford, W∴ Anthony Denton
Public Relations / Social Media Communications: Chairman: W∴ Alexandre Ferrari
Members: W∴M∴ Rafael Nioac de Salles, Brother Benjamin Cohen, W∴ Howard Zimmerman
Board of Relief: Chairman: W∴ M∴ Rafael Nioac de Salles
Members: S.W. Nick Richard, J.W. Eric Figueroa
Charity: Chairman: S.W. Nick Richard
Members: Brother Giuseppe Garufi, W∴M∴ Rafael Nioac de Salles, Brother Shelly Pittleman
Visitor Examination: Chairman: S.D. Derik Brasher
Members: Chaplain W∴ Howard Zimmerman, J.D. Jesse Mercado
Vigilance: Chairman: J.W. Eric Figueroa
Members: R∴W∴ Rex Bradford, R∴H∴ Salvatore Musumeci, W ∴Alexandre Ferrari
Petitions / Investigations: Chairman: W∴ Mark Angstrom
Members: J.D. Jesse Mercado, S.W. Nick Richard, S.S. Patrick Quirk, R∴H∴ Sal Musumeci, Errol Lamberson
Degree Ritual and Education: Chairman: R∴H∴ Sal Musumeci
Members: Brother Benjamin Cohen, J.W. Eric Figueroa, S.W. Nick Richards Mentor: W∴ Mark Angstrom
Funeral Committee: Chairman: R∴W∴ Rex Bradford
Members: S.D. Eric Figueroa, W∴ Mark Angstrom, W∴M∴ Rafael Nioac de Salles
Parking/Portico/Library: Chairman: W∴M∴ Rafael Nioac de Salles
Members: W∴ Anthony Denton, R∴H∴ Salvatore Musumeci, W∴ Alexandre Ferrari
Endowment Fund: Appointed Members
1 Year (2024): Sam Goldstein, Paul Goldstein
2 Years (2024 - 2025): W:.Mark Angstrom, W:. Anthony Denton
3 Years (2024 - 2026): R∴ W∴ Rex Bradford, R∴H∴ Salvatore Musumeci
From the East
My Esteemed Brethren of Boca Delray Lodge No. 171,
It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the passing of Lady Dell Cowart, the beloved wife of our Most Worshipful Grand Master Don Cowart. Lady Dell passed away following complications from bypass surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with M∴W∴ Cowart and his family during this most difficult time. Let us keep them in our prayers as they navigate through this challenging period.
As we reflect on this year so far, I want to extend my gratitude to each of you for making it such a remarkable journey. Our Lodge has been active, with many degrees conferred and events organized, all of which have strengthened our bonds and commitment to Freemasonry.
We are excited to continue our work with the following events planned for the rest of the year:
- 09/05/2024: Called Communication EA Degree
- 09/19/2024: Stated Communication: EA Proficiency. Bible and Apron Ceremony. Award Night.
- 10/03/2024: Stated Communication
- 10/17/2024: Called Communication FC Degree
- 11/07/2024: Stated Communication
- 11/21/2024: Table Lodge
- 12/05/2024: Stated Communication: Officer’s 2025 Election
- 12/09/2024: End of the Year Dinner at Maggiano’s.
- 12/19/2024: Called Communication
I want to congratulate Brothers Hugo Mendez II and Marcos Liberato on being raised to the degree of Master Mason on August 29. The Degree team did an outstanding job, and a special thank you goes to Brother Ben Cohen, who continues to excel as our Degree Director.
Let me also remind you of some upcoming key events:
- September 5th: We will have an Entered Apprentice Degree.
- September 19th: We will hold the Entered Apprentice Proficiency, Bible and Apron Ceremony, and our Award Night.
- October 17th: We will conduct a Fellow Craft Degree.
Lastly, I want to highlight a few important messages from our officers:
- Our Senior Warden, Brother Nick Richard, encourages everyone to revisit the Masonic Etiquette, particularly regarding the proper way to address correspondence to a Brother Mason.
- Our Junior Warden, Brother Eric Figueroa, reminds us of the fundamental teachings of Masonry: charity, benevolence, and the principles of morality and religion.
- Our Secretary, R∴W∴ Mike Sinatra, emphasizes the importance of staying current with dues and the role of our District Deputy Grand Master during his official visits.
- Our Chaplain, W∴ Howard Zimmerman, shares a thoughtful reflection on our continuous journey toward becoming better versions of ourselves.
Let us continue to support one another and our Lodge as we move forward. I look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming meetings.
Fraternally and sincerely,
Rafael Nioac de Salles
Worshipful Master
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171
F. & A.M.
Note:
Important links:
Lodge information: https://linktr.ee/bdlodge171
Charities: charities we support
Review our Lodge: https://g.page/r/CdaxednxPKNcEBM/review. Your positive reviews and ratings will greatly enhance our online visibility and ultimately contribute to the growth of our membership.
From the West
Greetings From the West Brethren!
As the summer season closes, I'm glad we live in Florida, so the summer weather lives on for us. I would like to thank both the entire degree team as well as our newly raised Brothers for putting together a great degree last Thursday. It's always a pleasure to serve the craft for a little masonic education. I encourage every Brother to revisit or explore our Masonic Etiquette, which you can access by clicking here: [Masonic Etiquette - GL208] (https://www.grandlodgefl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/GL-208-Masonic-Etiquette-Booklet-1.pdf).
In the spirit of continued learning, I'd like to share insights about the CORRESPONDENCE (MASONIC):
"'CORRESPONDENCE (MASONIC):
When addressing mail to a Brother Mason, do not put his title as such on the envelope. It should be addressed as:
Hon. John Doe
In the salutation of the letter the title should appear as:
R∴ W∴ John Doe 71 West 23rd Street New York City, NY
Dear Brother Doe,"
Fraternally,
Nick Richard Senior Warden
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171
F. & A.M.
From the South
Greetings from the South Brethren!
Masonry teaches man to practice charity and benevolence, protect chastity, respect the ties of blood and friendship, adopt the principles and revere the ordinances of religion, assist the feeble, guide the blind, raise up the downtrodden, shelter the orphan, guard the altar, support the Government, inculcate morality, promote learning, love man, fear God, implore his mercy, and hope for happiness.
As always, my Brothers, it is an honor for me and the stewards to serve you. If there is anything you need from us...do not hesitate to ask.
Fraternally,
Eric Figueroa
Junior Warden
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171
F. & A.M.
From the Secretary
Fraternal greetings, Brethren.
It is so sad to learn of the Grand Master, M:. W:. Cowart's wife passing. I sincerely wish him comfort and consolation during these most difficult times.
I expect to receive 2025 dues statements in about ten days, they will be mailed out very early October. We still have 17 Brothers who have not paid their 2024 dues. Their names will be read in lodge soon so that by chance some of our members in good standing can reach out to them. So far, they have received two email notices.
They will receive a phone call from a lodge member within several days followed by a final late payment notice.
If a Brother is dropped, he cannot decide to pay his dues at a later date without first petitioning the lodge for reinstatement, having a background check for felonies committed, an investigation conducted, and then being balloted on. He cannot just decide to join another lodge in Florida, the US, or abroad. There are checks and balances in place to prevent this. Why endure such an embarrassment? Brethren, please remit your 2024 dues soon.
For those of you who can remember, the Valley of Lake Worth’s building on 10 Ave N in Lake Worth had in its dining room a huge hand-pained mural of the “Building of King Solomon’s Temple.” ILL Brother Bernard Thomas, 33rd Degree painted it. We have a photo rendition of it in our lodge collation room. ILL Thomas was a renowned mural artist, Google “Bernard Thomas – Lake Worth Scottish Rite and play the video.
Brother Thomas has painted numerous murals and I was fortunate enough to meet him several times at the Valley. He used to sit on a stool at the left-hand side of the probably 10-foot high by 65-foot long mural and answer questions. He was from Wyoming and would always be seen with a western hat, large belt buckle and boots on. We are fortunate at Boca Delray to have his cement bench with his name on it at our entrance side of the Lodge. Not many may have given the bench much thought, but now that you are aware of who the bench is dedicated to, you may have a greater appreciation for it.
Fraternally & Sincerely,
R∴W∴ Mike Sinatra
Secretary
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171
F. & A.M.
Chaplain's Corner
Greetings Brethren!
Freemason Trip
The human journey is not defined by a finish line but by our continuous steps toward a better version of ourselves. We do not strive for an unattainable peak of perfection but rather constant evolution, a constant quest to become a better person. This pursuit is not driven by vanity but by a deeper desire: to be better in all aspects of our lives.
This pursuit is an ongoing dialogue with ourselves that transcends time and circumstances. It encourages us to acknowledge our shortcomings and celebrate our strengths. It motivates us to confront our limitations, not with despair but with the unwavering belief that we can grow beyond them.
As parents, this means being patient and understanding, creating a safe space for our children to grow, and role-modeling integrity and kindness. It's about celebrating their victories and providing support during their struggles. It's about building confidence, promoting open communication, and encouraging them to embrace the same relentless pursuit of self-improvement.
As couples, this means fostering a partnership built on mutual respect, understanding, and communication. It's about celebrating each other's victories and offering a shoulder to lean on during adversity. It's about actively listening, expressing appreciation, and nurturing a love that grows stronger over time.
As citizens, it means actively contributing to society, using our voice to advocate for the voiceless, lending a helping hand to those in need, and upholding strong community values. This means being a role model and inspiring others to see their potential for positive change.
Ultimately, being a better person is about becoming a better human being. It's about developing empathy, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility for the world around us. It is about recognizing humanity's interconnectedness and understanding that our individual growth contributes to the collective good.
May the GAOTU continue to watch over all those in need wherever dispersed in the world.
So Mote It Be
Greetings my brethren.
W∴ Howard Zimmerman
Chaplain
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171
F. & A.M.
Poem
The Journey of the Fellow Craft
With every step we take, we rise and see
The moral truths that set us free.
In deep symbols, their meaning is clear,
We learn to build with sincere love here.
From stone to spirit, heart to hand,
In wisdom's grace, we firmly stand.
The plumb, the square, the level's guide,
In virtue's path, we now abide.
A vast journey, yet close at heart,
In Fellow Craft, we play our part.
With learned men's words as a beacon bright,
We honor truth and embrace the right.
For in this craft, we grow and learn,
In every lesson, our souls discern.
With every step, we rise and see,
The moral truths that set us free.
Brother Garfield E. Heron,
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171 F. & A.M.
District 25 Lodges
2nd & 4th Thursdays
2701 Quantum Blvd, Boynton Beach, 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Mondays
421 Jennings Ave., Greenacres 6:30/7:30 pm
1st & 3rd Tuesdays
9463 Roan LN., Palm Beach Gardens 6:30/7:30 pm
1st & 3rd Wednesdays
421 Jennings Ave., Greenacres 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Mondays
1896 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, West Palm Beach 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Mondays
600 S. Loxahatchee Dr., Jupiter 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
845 Bradley St., West Palm Beach 6:30/7:30 pm
1st & 3rd Thursdays
845 Bradley St., West Palm Beach 6:30/7:30 pm
Masonic Advancements
Petitions Received:
Homer Chiang
Entered Apprentices Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Daniel Duarte Quintal Garces, Lawrence Dorce, Domingo Alexander Duran, Franckerson Myrtil, Louis Amoroso, Sadrac Francois.
Awaiting Fellow Craft Degree:
Brothers:
Fellow Craft Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers:
Awaiting Master Mason Degree:
Brothers:
Master Mason Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Hugo Neil Mendez, Marcos Liberato, James Billingsley, Leo Netto, Jeff Cirminiello, Samuel Henry, Geoffrey Thiessen.
Bible/Apron/WK Tools: Brothers Jake Mulcahey, Arken Radeef, Garfield Heron, Joseph Pellicane, Jesse Mercado.
Awaiting
Dual: Brothers:
Plural: Brothers:
Reinstatement: Brothers:
E.A. Transfer: Brothers:
F.C. Transfer: Brothers:
M.M. Transfers: Brothers:
Petitions: Candidate
Upcoming Events and News
Birthdays of the Month
August:
Scott | Edward | Kaapke Sr |
Leanhardt | Charles | Kreuscher |
Shelby | Gordon | |
Luis | Eduardo | Mateus |
Howard | Scott | Zimmerman |
Jordan | Brett | Restifo |
Thomas | Kevin | Clements |
Jonathan | Wesley | Lawrence |
Zalmon | John | Starr |
John | Lino | Navarro Jr |
Jonathan | Robert | Zitt |
Lane | S | Sternberg |
Matthew | Franklin | Bennett |
Dominic | Joseph | Guardino |
Masonic Home
Benefits for Boca Delray Lodge Members
We’re excited to offer your Working Advantage Discount Program, your one-stop shop for exclusive and convenient savings on the products, services, and experiences you know and love. It’s cost-free and easy to enroll. Just visit www.workingadvantage.com/ and use the company code BOCADELRAYLODGEFUN to begin receiving discounts on:
Enjoy!
Podcast
There are twelve Masonic plays available from the Masonic Service Association
"A Rose Upon The Altar"
"The Greatest of These"
"He That Believeth"
"Greater Love Hath No Man"
"Judge Not!"
"The Hearts of the Fathers"
"To Entertain Strangers"
"A Gift in Secret"
"Treasures of Darkness"
"He Which is Accused"
"If A Man Die... "
"... And Not Forsake Them"
The Committee on Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of lowa, which has the finest Masonic Library in America, founded in 1844, suggests as a reading course in Freemasonry the following books to be read in the sequence set forth:
1. The Builders. by Newton
2. Introduction to Freemasonry, by Haywood
3. Masonic Symbolism, by Hunt
4. The Newly Made Mason, by Haywood
5. More about Masonry, by Haywood
6. A History of Freemasonry, by Haywood and Craig
7. Symbolical Masonry, by Haywood
8. Introduction to Freemason, by Claudy
9. Short Talks on Masonry, by Newton
10. Freemasonry Before The Existence of Grand Lodges, by Vibert
11. The Old Guilds of England, by Armitage
12. The Story of the Craft, by Vibert
13. Short Readings of Masonic History, by Tatsch
14. Old Charges by British Freemasons, by Hughan
15. The Religion of Masonry, by Newton
16. Freemasonry and Roman Catholicism, by Haywood
17. Handbook for Lodge Officers, by Hunt
18. Famous Masons and Masonic Presidents, by Haywood
19. Famous Masons, by Bell
20. Benjamin Franklin As A Freemason, by Sachse
21. The Facts About George Washington as a Freemason, by Tatsch
22. Old Tiler Talks, by Claudy
23. The Great Teachings of Mason!, by Haywood
24. Freemasonry in the Thirteen Colonies, by Tatsch
25. An Introduction to Freemasonry, by Knoop and Jones
26. Symbolism of The Three Degrees, by Street
27. The Treasury of Masonic Thought, by Martin and Callaghan
28. These Men Were Masons, by Banner
29. The Lodge and the Craft, by Blackmer
30. The Scottish Mason and The Mason Word, by Knoop and Jones
31. The Genesis of Freemasonry, by Knoop and Jones
32. English-Speaking Freemasonry, by Robbins
33. The Beginnings of Freemasonry in America, by Johnson
34. The Religion of Freemasonry, by Whymper
35. Emblematic Freemasonry,-by Waite
36. Roman Catholicism and Freemasonry, by Wright
37. High-Ways and By-Ways of Freemasonry , by Lawrence
38. Sidelights on Freemasonry, by Lawrence
39. The Masonic Problem, by Gibson
40. The Evolution of Freemasonry?, by Darrah
41. Symbolism of Freemosonry, by Mackey
42. The Concise History of Freemasonry, by Gould
43. Speculative Masonry, by McBridge
44. Masonic Jurisprudence, by Lawrence
45. The Law and Custom of Freemasonry, by Edwards
46. Lectures on Masonic Jurisprudence, by Pound
47. Jurisprudence of Freemasonry , by Mackey
48. Lectures on the Philosophy of Freemasonry, by Pound
49. Masonry in the Formation of Our Government, by Roth
50. Negro Masonry in the U.S., by Voorhis
51. Freemasons' Guide and Compendium, by Jones
52. Masonic Quiz Book, by Peterson
53. Landmarks, by Hunt
54. Masonic Lodge Methods, by Blakemore
55. Well-Springs of American Freemasonry, by Haywood
56. Guide of Masonic Speech Making, by Edwards
57. George Washington, Freemason, by Brown
58. Annotated Reading List, by Haywood
59. Little Masonic Library, Twenty Titles in Five Volumes
60. Masonic Soldiers of Fortune, by Stuart
Masonic Regalia and Jewelry Wholesale Prices
Boca Delray Lodge is an Affiliate and the lodge will get 15% from all order place at the site, if you want to help the lodge, please use the link below.
Past Masters of Boca Delray Lodge No. 171
2024 - Rafael Nioac de Salles
2023 - Alexandre C. Ferrari
2022 - Anthony W. Denton
2021 - Anthony W. Denton
2020 - Harold W Ewing II
2019 - Salvatore Musumeci
2018 - Demetrios Kirkiles
2017 - Mark Angstrom
2016 - John Blalock
2015 - Scott Durgee
2014 - Rex Bradford
2013 - David G. Lund
2012 - Jay Obeid
2011 - John Ager
2010 - George Hervey *
2009 - Mike Sinatra
2008 - Robert Langford *
2007 - John Kemp
2006 - David M Haycock
2005 - David Lerner *
2004 - Christopher G. Gilbert
2003 - Brant C. Bayer
2002 - Mark Silberman
2001 - Steve A. Sagal *
2000 - Arthur Dubin
1999 - A. Ray Stewart *
1998 - David A. Allen
1997 - Israel Stavis *
* Deceased
25 LANDMARKS OF FREEMASONRY
Modes of recognition
Division of symbolic Masonry into three degrees
Legend of the 3rd degree
Government of the fraternity by a Grand Master
Prerogative of the Grand Master to preside over every assembly of the Craft
Prerogative of the Grand Master to grant dispensations for conferring the degrees at irregular times
Prerogative of the Grand Master to give dispensations for opening and holding Lodges
Prerogative of the Grand Master to make Masons at sight
Necessity for Masons to congregate in Lodges
Government of lodges by a Master and 2 Wardens
Necessity of tyling lodges
Right of every Mason to be represented in all general meetings of the Craft and instruct representatives
Right of every Mason to appeal from his Lodge to the Grand Lodge or General Assembly of Masons
Right of every Mason to visit and sit in every regular Lodge
No unknown visitor can enter a Lodge without first passing an examination
No Lodge can interfere in the business of another Lodge or give degrees to brethren of other Lodges
Every Freemason is amenable to the laws and regulations of the Masonic jurisdiction in which he resides, even though he may not be a member of any Lodge
Candidates for initiation must be men, unmutilated (not a cripple), free born, and of mature age
Belief in the existence of God as the Great Architect of the universe
Belief in a resurrection to a future life
A "Book of the Law" is indispensable in every Lodge
Equality of all Masons
Secrecy of the institution
Foundation of a speculative science upon an operative art, and symbolic use and explanations for the purpose of religious or moral teaching
These landmarks can never be changed
The Grand Lodge of Florida developed this comprehensive course of study to instruct Brothers on the proper procedures and responsibilities of each Lodge Officer, and how to conduct the important business of their particular Lodge. Courses are presented by the District Chairman, and a certificate is issued upon successful completion of all 15
modules.
The Grand Lodge of Florida provides Master Mason Examinations to be open book type exams designed to give any Master Mason the opportunity to increase his knowledge of some of the Ancient Tenets, Rules, and Regulations of Masonry. They contain a mixture of multiple choice, True or False, or essay questions which should be answered on the answer sheet, as provided in the exam downloads.
The Grand Lodge of Florida encourages all members of the Craft to further their knowledge of Lodge operation, especially those concerning the Elected and Appointed
Officers of each particular Lodge. The Lodge Officers Training program was designed to educate and test your knowledge of Lodge procedures, business, penal code, and other areas. Let There Be Light
Appendant Bodies
BY-LAWS
BOCA DELRAY LODGE DUES 2024
Payment methods to Boca Delray Lodge No. 171:
1. By mailing a check to the address P.O. BOX 811113, Boca Raton, FL 33481-1113,
2. By CashApp to $BocaDelrayLodge171 or using the link https://cash.app/$BocaDelrayLodge171
3. By Zelle to our Lodge email bdlodge171@gmail.com
Dues 2024: $281.00
LYPMGS Donation (2024): $7.30
Building Fund Donation (2024): $25.00
Relief Fund Donation (2024): $25.00
Total: $338.30
PERPETUAL MEMBERS
Alexandre Castro Ferrari
Aniello Alfonso Criscuolo
Bryant Orville Myers Sr
Charles-Johan Gustave Lund
David M Haycock
David A Allen
Demetrios Chris Kirkiles
Derik Brasher
Donald Phillip Bolton
Douglas Blair Sinclair
Eoin Brackenridge Stafford
Everett Alexander Stern
George Ray Ruffing Jr
Gerald Lee Barton
Gerard Joseph Kleehammer
Gerard Carras
Harold William Ewing II
Jack Harrison Breland
John Raymond Farill
John A Clarke Jr
John W Langford
Josiah Reeve Bright
Leslie Scott Gardner
Michael Strauss
Michael Sinatra
Patrick Peter Shepherd
Paul Hunter Goldstein
Peter James Snyder
Pieter Van Gunst
Raymond Hill Cralle
Richard Scott Durgee
Richard Wayne Jones
Robert Wayne Estell Jr
Robert Edward Coombs
Rodrigo Jose Himiob
Salvatore Musumeci
Scott A Gardner
Thomas Kevin Clements
Victor Charles Weinberg
Victor Lamont Searer Jr
Walter Carleton McCrumb
William Alfred Strucker
William Arthur Tucker
Zalmon John Starr
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