August 2025
- bdlodge171
- Aug 1
- 14 min read
Updated: Oct 4
Meetings
1st Thursday (Stated)
3rd Thursday (Called)
***Dinner at 6:30 pm***
***Meeting starts at 7:30 pm***
Jacket and Tie (summer dressing ended)
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: | Nick Richard | (561) 699-5583 | |
Senior Warden: | Eric Figueroa | (917) 544-8879 | |
Junior Warden: | Derik Brasher | (832) 835-4900 | |
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: | Jesse Mercado | (954) 422-3999 | |
Junior Deacon: | Giuseppe Garufi | (954) 682-2584 | |
Senior Steward: | Garfield Heron | (954) 871-6341 | |
Junior Steward: | |||
Tyler: | W∴ Mark Angstrom | (561) 822-7498 | |
Historian: | R∴H∴ Alexandre Ferrari | (954) 934-7996 | |
Most Worshipful Grand Master
M∴W∴G∴M∴ Taleb T. Atala
District Deputy Grand Master
R∴W∴ Demetrios C. Kirkiles - 954-275-0000
District Instructor
R∴H∴ Alexandre Ferrari
Lodge Secretary
R∴W∴ Michael P. Sinatra - (561) 613-8094
bdl171.secretary@gmail.com (NEW EMAIL)
Lodge Committees
Finance: Chairman: S.W. Eric Figueroa
Members: R∴W∴ Rex Bradford, W∴ Anthony Denton, Brother Shelly Pittleman
Property / Rental: Chairman: S.W. Eric Figueroa
Members: R∴H∴ Alexandre Ferrari, W∴ Anthony Denton
Public Relations / Social Media Communications: Chairman: R∴H∴ Alexandre Ferrari
Members: W∴ Rafael Nioac de Salles, Brother Hugo Mendez, W∴ Howard Zimmerman
Board of Relief: Chairman: W∴M∴ Nick Richard
Members: W∴ Anthony Denton, S.W. Eric Figueroa, R∴W∴ Mike Sinatra
Charity: Chairman: S.W. Eric Figureroa
Members: J.D. Giuseppe Garufi, J.W. Derik Brasher,
Visitor Examination: Chairman: S.D. Jesse Mercado
Members: Chaplain W∴ Howard Zimmerman, J.D. Giuseppe Garufi
Vigilance: Chairman: S.W. Eric Figueroa
Members: R∴W∴ Rex Bradford, R∴H∴ Alexandre Ferrari
Petitions / Investigations: Chairman: W∴ Mark Angstrom
Members: S.D. Jesse Mercado
Degree Ritual and Education: Chairman: Brother Benjamin Cohen
Members: S.W. Eric Figueroa, Mentor: W∴ Mark Angstrom
Funeral Committee: Chairman: R∴W∴ Rex Bradford
Members: S.W. Eric Figueroa, W∴ Mark Angstrom, W∴ Rafael Nioac de Salles
Parking/Portico/Library: Chairman: W∴Nick Richard
Members: W∴ Anthony Denton, R∴W∴ Mike Sinatra
Endowment Fund: Appointed Members
1 Year (2025): W∴Mark Angstrom, W∴ Anthony Denton (chairman)
2 Years (2025 - 2026): R∴ W∴ Rex Bradford, R∴H∴ Salvatore Musumeci
3 Years (2025 - 2028): R∴H∴ Alexandre Ferrari, J.D. Giuseppe Garufi
Outreach Committee: Chairman: W∴ Howard Zimmerman
Members: Hugo Mendez, Sam Goldstein, Paul Goldstein, and Marcos Liberato
From the East
Brethren,
Wishing you and your families a joyful and safe 4th of July. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming Stated Communication on Thursday, just before the holiday weekend.
This will be an important evening for the Lodge, with petitions to read, balloting to conduct, and various business matters to address. Your attendance and participation are strongly encouraged as we continue to move the Lodge forward during the summer.
🗓 Upcoming Meetings at Boca Delray Lodge
🔹 1st Thursday, – Stated Communication Our regular monthly business meeting. All Master Masons in good standing are invited to attend.
🔹 3rd Thursday, – Called Communication:
💵 Lodge Dues & Donations via Cash App
We now accept payments through Cash App: $BocaDelrayLodge171
📲 Stay Connected
🔗 Important Lodge Links: https://linktr.ee/bdlodge171
⭐ Leave a Review on Google: Click here to support us — your reviews help us grow and increase community visibility.
❤️ Charities We Support: Listed in our Linktree for your reference and contribution.
If you have suggestions or wish to get more involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Fraternally,
Nick Richard
Worshipful Master
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171, F. & A.M.
From the West
Brethren,
I have included below the first paragraph of the Closing Charge.
It is one of the Masonic lessons that resonates with us all. It is
one of my personal favorites and my reason for joining
Freemasonry.
Enjoy your families and friends over the summer season. I hope
to see you at Lodge soon.
Brethren, you are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and
virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and
employments, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently
inculcated and forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be diligent,
prudent, temperate and discreet. Remember that, at this Altar,
you have promised to befriend and relieve every Brother who
shall need your assistance. Remember, also, that you have
promised to remind him, in the most tender manner, of his
failings, and to aid his reformation; to vindicate his character
when wrongfully traduced; and suggest in his behalf the most
candid and favorable circumstances. Is he justly reprehended?
Let the world observe how Masons love one another...
The charity for the second quarter is Corky’s Cupboard of the Masonic Home of
Florida. Corky Brownell, a member of the Masonic Home Service Guild, created
Corky's Cupboard in 1990. She initiated the idea of providing residents with sundry
items and health and beauty aids at no cost. The Masonic Home states that residents
can visit Corky's Cupboard twice a week to pick up needed items and socialize.
Corky’s Cupboard Wish List:
(New items only, please)
Mouth wash
Cologne or body spray (men & women)
Denture adhesives & cleansers
Tissues
Body lotion (men’s & women’s)
Body wash / shower gel (men’s 3in 1 and women’s) Facial cream - Pond’s blue or green
Panty-liners –(Poise long length)
Tooth paste
Lipstick (Reds, Pink, Neutral)
Face Powder
Blush (Pinks, Neutrals)
Soap (bars or liquid)
Deodorant
Liquid hand & body soap
Emery boards / nail clippers
Nail polish remover
Electric shave / pre-shave
Fabric softener /
Small liquid laundry detergent
Jewelry (all types of women’s and men’s)
Unique items / knick-knacks for the Gift Shop Postage stamps
Cash donations
Gift Cards to: Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Target etc.
Send donations to: The Masonic Home of Florida
3201 1st St. N.E. St. Petersburg, FL 33704 Toll Free#: 1-866-868-6749
Boca-Delray has a labeled box in the Collation Room for donations.
Fraternally,
Eric Figueroa
Senior Warden
Boca-Delray Lodge No.171 F&AM
From the South
Greetings from the South, Brethren!
With the commencement of summer, we hope that you all
are in good health and in good spirits!
Thank you to all who joined in on the quarterly street clean-up.The many hands made fun and light work.
We encourage all to get involved in Degree ritual-work.
We practice Degree work at our lodge on Tuesdays at 6 PM.
“Open Books” is an opportunity to read the exact words of allof the degrees and to receive instruction from our District Instructor.
“Open Books” is held at the Harmonia Lodge on the third Saturdayof each month.
In July, it will be held on July 19th from 9 AM to Noon.
These are opportunities for fellowship and to grow in Masonry.
I look forward to our times together in July.
"How pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity."
Fraternally,
J.W. Derik BrasherBoca-Delray No. 171F.&A.M.
From the Secretary
Fraternal greetings Brethren.
Everyone must have noticed the several cement benches that we have at the exterior of
the lodge. These benches were donated to the Lake Worth Scottish Rite by members
of that Valley. When I was informed that the Valley sold their property, those that
purchased a bench were asked to retrieve them if they so desired; benches that were
not claimed were going to be tossed out. I had asked W:. Ewing to pick up those
benches that were not claimed and bring them to lodge so that they would not be
destroyed and that we can continue paying tribute to these Masons. There are some
very fine Mason’s names on these benches, it would have been a desecration not to
honor these distinguished Brothers and continue their legacy.
One of the benches has Illustrious Bernard Preston Thomas 33 Degree name on it.
Brother Thomas was a mural artist of distinguished skills. Many entering our lodge
pass this bench all the time and do not know who this Brother is. Ill Thomas served in
WWII assigned to the 3 rd Army where an officer showed General Patton our Brother’s
sketch book. General Patton was so impressed by the sketches that he sent for Brother
Thomas and encouraged Brother Thomas to attend an art institute in France to further
his art skills and education. Brother Thomas eventually became a renowned muralist
who painted murals nationwide and painted the huge depiction of the “Building of King
Solomon’s Temple” which was on display at the Lake Worth Scottish Rite dining hall, a
mural 60 feet long. Born and bred in Wyoming, he was always seen at the left side of
the Lake Worth’s mural with a western hat, boots and large belt buckle on. His artist’s
palette was also mounted on the wall behind a stool where he sat for questions and
answers. He took pleasure in answering questions about the mural and his other
works. If you go onto YouTube and enter his full name there is a wonderful piece
about him. Please Brothers, I encourage you to view it. We at Boca Delray are proud
to have his bench preserved and to the right of our entrance door along with a miniature depiction of his King Solomon’s Mural in our collation room. Brothers, you can also Google the site below to view and listen to Ill Brother Jim Kirby 33rd Degree Grand Cross and Ill Brother Charlie Mead, both Brothers from the Lake Worth Scottish Rite speak about the mural. By the way, Brother Mead was Brother David Lund’s father-in-law. I had the honor of being Coronated 33rd Degree on Nov. 15 th , 2002 at a Tri-state Coronation in Atlanta Georgia with Ill Kirby and Ill Mead by my side. Brother Kirby had placed my 33rd Degree ring on my finger.
Youtube – Benard Preston Thomas
This week, a second past dues email was sent out to twenty-five members who have
not paid their 2025 dues. Today one Brother paid on line, thank you Brother. I
personally feel that I and every other secretary should never have to send out past due
notices. We all entered yes on our petitions that we would pay dues promptly. I can
understand delaying it a few months but eight months and maybe more is so much
more work for the secretaries. And the lack of funds hinders lodge repairs, operation
costs and charitable donations. Kindly remit dues Brothers.
Fraternally,
R:.W:. Sinatra
Secretary Boca Delray 171
Chaplain's Corner
Greetings Brethren!
Have you been watching the news recently? There’s no doubt that we live in turbulent and divisive times. So how do we as Freemasons rise above the fray? In times like this, I turn to our ritual for guidance. Let me share a few short examples.
“Masonry accepts men of every country, sect and opinion.” So, while I may believe in a different Supreme Being than you, or not necessarily agree with your point of view, I still love you as a Brother. And I will continue to treat you as such. It also means that we are welcoming of all men of good moral character regardless of how they look, where they work, how much money they have or what neighborhood they live in. You are still my Brother, regardless of these qualities. And I will continue to treat you as such.
As we come together to celebrate our Nation’s Independence, I share these closing words with you. Now more than ever, the world, our nation and our Jurisdiction need Freemasonry. They need men of strong moral character. They need men who stand true to their obligations. They need men who are good husbands, fathers, grandfathers and community members.
Brethren, you are Masons both within and without the walls of your Lodge. Please remember to use social media in a positive and informative way. Abide by the laws of your city, state and nation. Wear your Masonic ring, shirt and hat with honor and integrity. And always practice Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. And importantly, wave the flag of your country with pride.
Brethren, I wish you a safe and happy 4th of July holiday. May the GAOTU continue to watch over all those in need wherever dispersed around the world. SMIB
Fraternally,
W∴ Howard Zimmerman
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:
Brothers:
Entered Apprentices Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Homer Chiang
Awaiting Fellow Craft Degree:
Brothers:
Fellow Craft Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Daniel Garces, Alex Duran, Franckerson Myrtil, Rob Kahane, Kobe Kirschner, Michael Alessandri
Awaiting Master Mason Degree:
Brothers:
Master Mason Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Marcos Liberato, Hugo Mendez
Bible/Apron/WK Tools:
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
June:
Shaun | Michael | Demetrius |
Fernando | Sanchez | |
John | W | Langford |
Donald | John | Faith |
Joe | Rice | |
Ronald | Scott | Cohen |
Robert | J | Deptner |
Craig | L | Laufer |
Errol | Walter | Lamberson |
Jake | Mulcahey | |
Dariel | Padron | |
Charles | Andrew | Fischer |
Vincent | Timothy | Resnick |
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
LANDMARKS OF FREEMASONRY
Based on Article XIII, Section 2 of the 2023 Digest of Masonic Law of Florida, the following are recognized as Landmarks of Freemasonry by the Grand Lodge of Florida:
Belief in the existence of one ever living and true God.
Belief in the immortality of the human soul and a resurrection to a Future Life.
The Volume of the Sacred Law, open upon the Altar, is an indispensable furnishing of every regular Lodge while at labor.
The Legend of the Third Degree.
Secrecy, which includes:
Words, signs, and tokens for recognition,
That every Lodge must be duly tyled,
Examination or avouchment of visitors,
Matters that cannot be written.
Symbolism of the Operative Art.
Qualifications of Candidates:
Must be a man, free born, of lawful age,
Of good repute and well recommended,
Without physical defects that inhibit learning or advancement (unless Dispensation is granted).
The division of Ancient Craft Masonry into three classifications:
Entered Apprentice,
Fellow Craft,
Master Mason.
Government by a presiding officer titled Grand Master, elected from the Craft, with prerogatives including:
Presiding over all assemblies of Masons in his jurisdiction,
Supervising and regulating Masonic affairs between Grand Lodge Communications,
Granting Dispensations,
Making a Mason at sight.
The necessity for Freemasons to congregate in Lodges.
These Landmarks are foundational and binding within Florida Freemasonry, although the Grand Lodge reserves the right to amend or reconsider them by appropriate constitutional means.
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 PAYMENT METHODS
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 (preferable)
Dues 2025: $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
Comments