January 2026
- mastermason171
- Dec 28, 2025
- 15 min read
Meetings
1st Thursday (Stated)
3rd Thursday (Called)
***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:
Historian's Corner
Lodge Officers
Worshipful Master: | Eric Figueroa | (917) 544-8879 | |
Senior Warden: | Derik Brasher | (832) 835-4900 | |
Junior Warden: | Jesse Mercado | (954) 422-3999 | |
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: | Sam Berger | (212) 380-8117 | |
Junior Deacon: | Garfield Heron | (954) 871-6341 | |
Senior Steward: | Dan Mitu | (954) 300-2460 | |
Junior Steward | John Davis | (561) 213-8030 | |
Tyler: | Hugo Mendez | (561) 302-0231 | |
Historian: | Sam Goldstein | (561) 239-3228 | |
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 - 954-934-7996
Lodge Secretary
R∴W∴ Michael P. Sinatra - (561) 613-8094
bdl171.secretary@gmail.com (NEW EMAIL)
Lodge Committees
Finance: Chairman: S.W. Derik Brasher
Members: W∴ Anthony Denton, S.S. Dan Mitu
Property / Rental: Chairman: J.D. Garfield Heron
Members: R∴H∴ Alexandre Ferrari, S.D. Sam Berger
Public Relations / Social Media Communications: Chairman: W∴Howard Zimmerman
Members: Brother Kobe Kirschner, Brother Hugo Mendez
Board of Relief: Chairman: W∴M∴ Eric Figueroa
Members: W∴ Anthony Denton, S.W. Derik Brasher, R∴W∴ Mike Sinatra
Charity: Chairman: S.W. Derik Brasher
Members: J.W. Jesse Mercado, S.D. Sam Berger
Visitor Examination: Chairman: S.D. Sam Berger
Members: Chaplain W∴ Howard Zimmerman, J.D. Garfield Heron
Vigilance: Chairman: J.W. Jesse Mercado
Members: S.S. Dan Mitu, R∴H∴ Alexandre Ferrari
Petitions / Investigations: Chairman: S.D. Sam Berger
Members: J.D. Garfield Heron, J.S. John Davis
Degree Ritual and Education: Chairman: S.W. Derik Brasher
Members: J.W. Jesse Mercado, Mentor: W∴ Stephen Otto
Funeral Committee: Chairman: R∴W∴ Rex Bradford
Members: S.W. Derik Brasher, W∴ Howard Zimmerman
Parking/Portico/Library: Chairman: W∴ M∴ Eric Figueroa
Members: W∴ Anthony Denton, R∴W∴ Mike Sinatra
Endowment Fund: Appointed Members
1 Year (2025): R∴ W∴ Rex Bradford, R∴H∴ Salvatore Musumeci
2 Years (2025 - 2026): R∴H∴ Alexandre Ferrari, J.S. John Davis
3 Years (2025 - 2028): W∴Nick Richard, J.W. Jesse Mercado
Outreach Committee: Chairman: W∴ Howard Zimmerman
Members: Hugo Mendez, Sam Goldstein, Paul Goldstein
From the East
Brethren,
It is with great humility and gratitude that I greet you at the opening of a new Masonic year. I am deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me to serve as Worshipful Master of this Lodge, and I look forward to working alongside each of you in the year ahead.
This year will offer many opportunities for fellowship, education, service, and growth. I encourage every Brother, whether newly raised or long-standing, to take an active role in the life of the Lodge. Your presence, your voice, and your talents strengthen us all.
I look forward to seeing you in Lodge and to sharing in the labor and the joy that come from working together in harmony. May this year be marked by unity, progress, and renewed enthusiasm for the Craft we so proudly serve.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
01/01/26 Boca-Delray Lodge will be dark on January 1st. (No Meeting)
01/15/26 Stated Communication
Meeting Agenda:
*Balloting on Petitions
*Adoption of 2026 Budget
*Masonic Education: Renewal of Master Mason Obligation (All members are encouraged to participate)
01/22/26 Entered Apprentice Degree
Fraternally,
Eric Figueroa
Worshipful Master
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171, F. & A.M.
From the West
Greetings from the West, Brethren!
As we begin a new Masonic year, I’m honored to serve as your Senior Warden and to support our Worshipful Master in the year ahead.
My hope is that our Lodge continues to be marked by brotherly love and harmony. Our Lodge is strongest when every Brother feels welcome, respected, and valued.We want us to give special attention to our candidates and newer Brethren.Each man who knocks on our door is placing his trust in us. It is our responsibility to meet that trust with good instruction and encouragement.
As Senior Warden, I will do my best to assist the Worshipful Master in all his objectives and be available wherever I am needed. I hope we continue to grow in Masonic light, strengthen our fellowship while remembering that our true work extends beyond the Lodge room.Masonry calls us to be better men—not only in the Lodge room, but in our homes, our work, and our communities.Brethren, if we labor together with unity of purpose and harmony, this will be a good and productive year for our Lodge.
Fraternally,
Derik Brasher
Senior Warden
Boca-Delray No.171
From the South
Brethren,
I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Junior Warden this year. As we kick off the new Masonic year, I’m looking forward to spending more time together, sharing good meals, good conversation, and strengthening the bonds that make our Lodge special.
This year, my focus is simple: fellowship, participation, and having a good time while doing meaningful work. Whether it’s coming out to meetings, helping with Lodge activities, or just sitting down to talk with a Brother you haven’t seen in a while, every bit of involvement makes a difference.
Let’s make this a year where we show up for one another, enjoy our time together, and continue growing as Masons. I’m excited for what’s ahead and hope to see you in Lodge soon.
Fraternally,
Jesse Mercado
Junior Warden Warden
From the Secretary
Fraternal Greetings Brethren.
Happy New Year Brothers, wishing you and you families a good health and happiness. As we start off the New Year we also start off with a new line of officers. I congratulate them all and wish the very best for W:. Figueora; we are all here to support you and help assure that you have a successful year. It is also my pleasure and honor serving the lodge as Secretary for another year. We are also very fortunate in having W:. Denton serve another year as Treasure, he does an outstanding job handling our finances.
We also start off with a newly painted collation, prep room and Tylers room; your building fund donations at work! The lodge presents itself nicely as we all take pride in our lodge. Hopefully we can see progress in building the new parking lot and library in 2026 as well.
Sadly, several Brothers were dropped for non-payment of dues. Hopefully they may wish to be reinstated at a later date. Fortunately, we start off the year with initiating four Entered Apprentices as they are very excited to start their catechism classes.
Dues payment for 2026 have been coming in at a steady rate; please remit your dues on a timely manner as these funds pay our utilities, maintenance, insurance etc. bills.
There always has been the question on what the proper way of wearing a Masonic ring is; the Square and Compasses facing you or away from you. Although there is no proper way of wearing the ring, there is an esoteric proper way of wearing it. When you were first initiated and beheld the Masonic Square and Compasses for the first time, it was facing you. The emblem has meaning to you; it reminds you of your obligations. Knowing this, I am of the belief that the ring should face you, and not the non-initiated who have not taken oaths and obligation upon the Holy Book of your faith where upon the Square and Compasses rested. But, you decide for yourself as this is not something with hard set guidelines such as balloting or opening and closing a Lodge.
Fraternally & Sincerely,
R:.W:. Mike Sinatra
Secretary
Chaplain's Corner
Brethren,
As we stand on the threshold of a new Masonic year, we look back with gratitude for the dedicated service of our leadership that have guided us through the past year. Their efforts have been instrumental in upholding the traditions and values of our esteemed fraternity, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and within our Lodge.
Now, as we welcome our newly elected and appointed officers, let us extend our heartfelt congratulations and offer unwavering support as they assume their respective positions. May their tenure be filled with wisdom, prudence, and an unwavering dedication to our principles.
In pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment as we may travel to other lodges, let us embrace the opportunity to expand our horizons and reinforce the unity of our fraternity. Let us extend the hand of friendship, visiting our Masonic brethren in different lodges, exchanging wisdom, and reinforcing the bonds that tie us together. Amidst these moments of joy, scholarly pursuits, and fraternity-wide travels, let us anchor ourselves in the unity that defines us as Freemasons. Regardless of our individual journeys, let us remember that we are bound by the common thread of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Together, let us stand as pillars of unity, supporting and uplifting each other in our quest for enlightenment and personal betterment. On that note, I look forward to a great 2026!
I am excited to inform you that our Outreach Committee had a very successful first year. I thank the members of this committee, Bros. Sam Goldstein, Paul Goldstein and Hugo Mendez for their support and dedication with planning and promoting our events.
Like last year, this committee has been put together to get out into the community and have events as a lodge which will include our spouses, significant others, families and friends. We have a list of ideas which I not only hope will excite your curiosity, but will also want you to participate in. We know that everyone has a cable-tow every once in while and will understand if you can’t make an event. We will convene regularly and keep you informed on what’s going on next.
We may have more than one event a month and see how it goes. Although it’s our lodge spearheading this, all of our events will be geared for all lodges in District 25 and will be advertised on all platforms we use.
If you have any suggestions of where we can go, please see any of the committeemen either at lodge or message us on our WhatsApp platform.
May the GAOTU continue to watch over all those in need. SMIB
W∴Howie Zimmerman
Historian's Corner
The Founding Story of Delray Lodge No. 171
On January 22, 1908, a new chapter in Florida Masonry was written with the chartering of Delray Lodge No. 171. What began as a gathering of just fifteen dedicated Masons quickly grew into one of the most enduring fraternal institutions in South Florida.
These founding members did not come solely from Delray’s sandy shores. They carried with them the legacies, customs, and traditions of lodges far beyond the young community’s borders—bringing together a remarkable blend of Masonic heritage.
A Brotherhood of Diverse Origins
The charter members of Delray Lodge hailed from some of the state’s most established lodges, including Fort Pierce No. 87, Indian River No. 90, and Harmonia No. 138. They were joined by brethren from Wenona No. 256 and Salina No. 155 in Michigan, Arkadelphia No. 381 in Arkansas, and even Benton Lodge No. 30 from the Indian Territory—what we know today as Oklahoma.
Each of these lodges represented not just geographic diversity but a wide spectrum of American Masonic experience. Michigan and Arkansas Masons brought with them the traditions of the northern and western jurisdictions. But it was the influence from the Indian Territory that gave Delray Lodge a truly historic connection to a unique chapter of Masonic history.
The Legacy of Benton Lodge No. 30
Before Oklahoma gained statehood in 1907, the Indian Territory was home to a vibrant Masonic community. Benton Lodge No. 30, under the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory, was one of its notable members. Established when Native nations still governed their own lands, the lodge operated at a time when Freemasonry was deeply intertwined with Native American leadership.
Many of the territory’s most influential leaders—including Cherokee Chief John Ross, General Stand Watie, and Choctaw leader Peter Pitchlyn—were Freemasons. Their lodges were more than meeting halls; they were centers of diplomacy, education, and community life in a region where whites were initially barred from permanent settlement.
By 1874, the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory had grown to include at least eight lodges, nearly all led by Native Masons. When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory merged with the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma. In this way, Benton Lodge’s heritage became part of the Masonic story of the new state—and, by extension, part of the DNA of Delray Lodge No. 171.
A Lodge Rooted in Tradition and Growth
When the fifteen charter members established Delray Lodge, they weren’t merely creating a new local body. They were blending Masonic traditions from across the American landscape. This melting pot of influences gave Delray Lodge a unique identity—firmly grounded in Florida, yet connected to the broader national and even Native-led Masonic story.
In the decades that followed, Delray Lodge would grow alongside the city of Delray Beach itself. Through hurricanes, wars, and waves of migration, the Lodge remained a steady anchor of fraternity, charity, and moral instruction. Its early foundation, built on such a diverse set of Masonic roots, gave it resilience and perspective uncommon among lodges of its era.
R∴H∴ Alexandre Ferrari District Instructor Historian
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:
Candidate: Burak Savtur, Stanley LeBlanc, Eric Shrybman, Robert Steffy
Entered Apprentices Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers:
Awaiting Fellow Craft Degree:
Brothers:
Fellow Craft Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Jesus Sanchez, Homer Chiang, Marc Pierre, Todd Kulkin, Richard Rinehart
Awaiting Master Mason Degree:
Brothers:
Master Mason Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers:
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 January
1 | John | Mitchell |
1 | Pieter | Van Gunst |
2 | Gerard | Kleehammer |
9 | William | Perez, Jr. |
13 | David | Haycock |
13 | Aurelian | Scheuleac |
15 | Martin | Rudnick |
17 | Mark | Dela Rosa |
18 | Samuel | Henry |
22 | Barry | Baker |
23 | Kerry | LaGrone |
29 | Samuel | Goldstein |
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
2025 - Nick Richard
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