December 2025
- mastermason171
- Dec 1, 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 (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:
Historian's Corner
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: | Dan Mitu | ||
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 - 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. 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,
As the year draws to a close, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for allowing me the honor of serving as Worshipful Master throughout 2025. It has been a year filled with fellowship, growth, and I am humbled by the trust and support you have shown me.
Every meeting, degree, event, and quiet moment of brotherly connection has reminded me why our Craft is so meaningful. The work we accomplished this year was not the effort of one man, but the collective dedication of a lodge committed to bettering itself and its members. Thank you for your patience, your counsel, and your willingness to step forward whenever the Lodge called.
As I prepare to pass the gavel to my successor, I do so with confidence in the future of our Lodge and pride in the unity we have maintained. May we continue to build upon the foundation we’ve strengthened together, always guided by the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Thank you, my Brothers, for allowing me to serve. It has been one of the greatest honors of my Masonic journey.
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Upcoming Meetings/Events
12/03/25 Boca Raton Holiday Street Parade WE NEED YOUR HELP AND PARTICIPATION! We will meet at Big Kahuna Tattoo (73 S Federal Hwy Boca Raton, Fl 33432) at 5pm
12/04/25. Stated Communication *District Deputy Official Visit*
12/11/25 End-of-Year Dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy!!! Price: $60.00 per person. 21090 St. Andrews Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33433. 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
12/18/25 Boca-Delray Will be dark. (No Meeting)
12/27/25 Boca-Delray Lodge 118th Annual Installation of Officers
5pm Dinner/6pm Installation
01/01/26 Boca-Delray Lodge will be dark for the holiday. (No Meeting)
01/15/26 Stated Communication
01/22/26 Entered Apprentice Degree
Fraternally,
Nick Richard
Worshipful Master
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171, F. & A.M.
From the West
Brethren,
As we bring this Masonic year to a close, let us pause to reflect on the progress we have made together. We have strengthened our bonds of brotherhood, supported one another in times of challenge, and extended our hands in service to our community. Though the year now concludes, the light we have kindled continues to shine in each of us. May we carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships deepened, and the commitments renewed, so that our Lodge may continue to prosper in unity, harmony, and good will. Thank you, Brethren, for your dedication and for the spirit you bring to this ancient and honorable craft. Merry Christmas, my friends! May your homes be filled with laughter, your hearts with warmth, and the coming year with new opportunities and blessings. Happy New Year!
Fraternally,
S.W. Eric Figueroa
Boca-Delray No 171
From the South
Greetings from the South, Brethren!
It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as your Junior Warden this year!
Thank you to all who stepped up to help and participate this year!
Please join us in walking in the Boca Raton Christmas Parade on the evening of December 3rd.It is an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and to be recognized in the community.Proper attire is a dark suit and apron.
As we enter the month of December, we are reminded of the warmth of fellowship during this season of reflection and gratitude. Though the days grow shorter and the year draws to a close, our work as Masons continues with renewed purpose.
This is a time to look back on the accomplishments of the year, the bonds we have strengthened, and the light we have shared within the Lodge and our community.
As we prepare for the new year, I encourage each of you to reflect on your own Masonic journey—what you have learned, how you have grown, and what goals you wish to set for the year ahead.
Our Lodge is strengthened by the contributions of every Brother, and I look forward to continuing our good work together.
Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season filled with peace, light, and fellowship.
Fraternally,
Derik Brasher
Junior Warden Warden
From the Secretary
Fraternal Greetings Brethren.
I hope that you enjoyed Thanksgiving and are excited to gear up for the Season’s Holidays.
I am disappointed in knowing that several Brother will be dropped for non-payment of dues. I put so much time and effort in getting them to remain in good standing and never so much as receiving one response in return. It meant more to me that they remain in good standing than it does to them. Please know that there is still time to remit your 2025 dues.
I congratulate all newly elected officers to their respective Stations and Places. Some officer’s will be advancing to a new position while we have a few entering the officer’s role for the first time. Let us offer our assistance to all officers as we continue to build a strong Lodge and Fraternity.
Our District Deputies’ Official Visit is on December 1st. Please attend lodge and show your support not only to the DD but to the Grand Master as we listen to the GM’s message.
I want to thank Brother Paul Goldstein for always offering coins, cufflinks, vehicle Masonic tags, patches etc. at our meetings. The funds received from Brother Paul’s efforts are earmarked for various fundraiser’s and do offset the amount of cash that the Lodge contributes from our bank account. Your generous donation to the relief fund, LYPMGS (Masonic Home), and charity box are our principal vehicles for donatable funds.
In closing I would like to wish all Brethren and their families a wonderful, healthy, happy, safe New Year.
Fraternally,
R:.W:.Sinatra
Chaplain's Corner
It is hard to believe that we will soon be sending Season’s Greetings. With time passing so quickly it is important to take time to tell those around you how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them.
We live in a country where it doesn’t matter the religion and how we each choose to celebrate. I have seen many changes in Masonry since I was initiated in Revere Lodge in Boston over thirty seven years ago. One of the most important developments that I have witnessed and welcomed is the number of new Masons who come from faith traditions other than Christianity, and the huge contribution they have made to our Brotherhood. It is not unusual to see copies of the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Koran and other spiritual writings on the Altar all next to each other when I visit Lodges these days. I now count many Jewish, Christian and Muslim Brothers among my closest friends.
For me, it demonstrates the basic values of brotherly love, peace and harmony which are so essential to my understanding of what we are about as members of the Craft. It is the same message that the angels brought to the shepherds on that first Christmas Eve over two thousand ago. May you enjoy the blessings of this season and continue to work toward these worthy objectives.
May the GAOTU continue to watch over all those who need His guidance today and everyday and especially during this holiday season. SMIB
Fraternally,
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 December:
2 | John | Ager |
5 | Edward | Mozzar |
8 | Michael | Sinatra |
10 | Sam | Berger |
18 | Dan | Mitu |
21 | Austin | Laufer |
26 | Gerard | Thorn |
28 | Richard | Simmons |
29 | Ryan | Bullock |
30 | Donald | Londeree |
30 | William | Tucker |
31 | Rodrigo | Himiob |
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
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