Meetings
1st Thursday (Stated)
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)
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: | Patrick Quirk | (561) 507-3727 | |
Junior Steward: | Giuseppe Garufi | (954) 682-2584 | |
Tyler: | Mark Roscio | (860) 918-2331 |
Most Worshipful Grand Master
M∴W∴G∴M∴ Glen Bishop
District Deputy Grand Master
R∴W∴ Gerald Strohacker - (561) 329-2399
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 Protector: W:. Alexandre Ferrari
From the East
My Esteemed Brethren of Boca Delray Lodge No. 171,
As we turn the page to a new month in our Masonic calendar, I am reminded of the solemn yet heartening events of January. It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to our esteemed Brother, W∴ Hal Peritz. His departure leaves a void in our ranks, but his memory endures in the legacy he leaves behind.
I am humbled by the turnout for his Masonic Funeral, a service conducted with the utmost dignity by R∴ W∴ Rex Bradford, W∴ Mark Angstrom, and myself. The presence of 18 Brothers at the ceremony speaks volumes about the bonds of fraternity that unite us. Each of you stood as a testament to the strength and compassion that characterizes our brotherhood, and for that, I am immensely proud.
These moments reinforce the sanctity of our society and the comfort we provide to one another in times of sorrow. The gratitude expressed by W∴ Peritz's widow and family was deeply moving, and it is a profound reminder of the positive impact our Masonic rites and support have on the bereaved.
This February, let us continue to embody the virtues that define us as Masons. Our commitment to brotherly love, moral behavior, respect for others, reverence for our Craft, and adherence to authority ensures that peace and harmony remain the cornerstones of not only our Lodge but the very essence of Freemasonry.
Once again, I thank you, my Brothers, for your heartfelt participation and the honor you bring to Boca Delray Lodge No.171. Let us move forward with the same unity and dedication in all our endeavors.
I share with you a reflective message in this February's Trestleboard. The Vigilance Committee has been conducting an investigation into matters concerning a few of our Brothers. A comprehensive report on their findings will be presented to the Lodge shortly.
I want to take this opportunity to emphasize the fundamental landmarks of Freemasonry, which bind us irrespective of rank or station. Every Mason is an equal part of our grand tapestry, woven together with threads of brotherly love, moral uprightness, mutual respect, and reverence for the Craft and its governing authorities.
Peace and harmony are the pillars of any society, and within the sacred confines of our Lodge, they are indispensable. As we uphold these timeless principles, let us also remember that our strength as a fraternity lies in our unity and collective commitment to these ideals.
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 Bretheren!!!
As the year starts, I thought this would be a good time to have a refresh on some Masonic Education. I encourage the craft to read or re-read our Masonic Etiquette(GL208):
I would like to share an excerpt from the forward section:
"Freemasonry solicits no man to join it; it permits no man to make innovation in its body of principles and Landmarks; its Candidates come of their own free will and because they have heard good reports of its reputation and formed a favorable opinion of its work, and by all means throughout its entire system, and through all its bodies and Degrees whatever, by tradition, Landmarks, usage, custom, law, rule, Edict, Regulation, and Constitution, it is in every way secured that a Mason shall stand to it in an attitude of reverence and respect. Of that reverence and respect, etiquette is one of the forms.
In principle, Masonic Etiquette belongs to the empire of good manners, that code by which gentlemen the world over govern their conduct; but this principle with us is found to apply in two directions: on the one hand it becomes a manifested respect for the Craft as a whole; on the other hand it is a form of courtesy to the individual.
Long ago Lodges of Freemasons discovered the grave necessity of decorum; among the Old Charges to which every Candidate was required to acknowledge obedience, they gave the most prominent place to the sections under the general head of “Behaviour.” Among the oldest of our records, the “Regius MS., written in 1390 A.D., emphasizes the necessity for paying due respect to the Craft. In the Constitution of 1723, published by our Grand Lodge in its Book of Constitutions, it is specified, “A Mason is obliged by his Tenure, to obey the moral law . . . A Mason is a peaceable subject to the Civil Powers . . . The Persons admitted members of a Lodge must be good and true men . . . You are not to hold private Committees (in defiance of the Lodge), or separate conversation, without leave from the Master, nor to talk of anything impertinent or unseemly nor interrupt the Masters or Wardens, or any Brother speaking to the Master, nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly while the LODGE is engaged in what is serious or solemn; but to pay due respect to your Master, Wardens, Fellows and put them to worship” – that is, pay them the respect due them.
Let's keep our Fraternity strong and increase our communication among Brothers. If you want to help or need anything, reach out!
Below is our linktree with the important links about our lodge and Freemasonry
Fraternally,
Nick Richard Senior Warden Elect
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171
F. & A.M.
From the South
Greetings from the South Brethren!
I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who has come to Lodge and made our dinners the success that they are. I'm looking forward to another month of food and fellowship. As always, we do our best to provide the craft with different meals to enjoy. At our last meeting, I counted 40 Brothers/Petitioners/Candidates sharing a meal and 30 Brothers in the Lodge Room. If any Brother has a dietary concern or a suggestion to make our meals better... Please bring it to my attention.
On a different note, we are approaching our end-of-quarter street clean up. It will take place towards the end of March. I know the usual day is Sunday, but if Saturday morning works better for most, we can always switch it.
Fraternally,
Eric Figueroa
Junior Warden Elect
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171
F. & A.M.
From the Secretary
Fraternal greetings, Brethren.
We are off to an exciting year with a new line of officers with fresh ideas and energy. Let’s all support them and lodge events.
I would like to thank R∴ H∴ Sal Musumeci for sitting in as secretary in my absence. His services are so valuable and appreciated. I am recovering from surgery and expect to return to the Lodge by the first meeting in February.
We lost five Brothers to NPD (non-payment of dues) in 2023. Every effort was made to encourage them to remain in good standing but to no avail. Several letters, emails, texts, and calls were made, which most never had the courtesy of replying to. These Brothers are what we refer to as frequent flyers and have to be encourage for a few years now to remain in good standing, it was just a matter of time before they went NPD.
Fortunately, with the lodge renovated, a vibrant and informative website, and friendly Craft, we are receiving many potential members and, after due process, innating several of them.
A special congratulations go out to W∴ Brother Michael Weinberg, a respected Brother of Boca Delray who is a Plural member of Lantana Lodge and now elected Worshipful Master of Lantana.
Brothers, please remember to inform the secretary of any home address, phone, or email changes. Not doing so adds so much unnecessary work for the secretary and delays communications. Also, kindly remit your yearly membership fees in a timely manner so that bills and expenses can be remitted. Payments can be either a check mailed to our PO Box, a check of cash handed in at the lodge, or online remittances. Please contact our Brother Treasurer for an email invoice.
I closing by taking a moment to express my sadness at the loss of W:. Hal Peritz. A 48-year Mason and Dual member of two Detroit Lodges. Brother Hal was a fixture in the lodge and volunteered to assist whenever asked. He will be sorely missed.
Sincerely and respectably,
R∴W∴ Mike Sinatra
Secretary
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171
F. & A.M.
Chaplain's Corner
Greetings Brethren!
Who is your favorite President? My favorite President was John F. Kennedy. I recall the question when growing up, dead or alive, who would I like to have dinner with? I immediately thought of JFK. I did not say my favorite was the best, or greatest, or should be anyone else’s favorite. Just my own life history, interests, and values lead me to answer the question that way. You can’t disagree with my favorite. You can have your own. I can ask you about yours (I just did), and you can ask me about mine. By discussing our favorites, we can learn about each other and from each other.
As we celebrate Presidents Day in February- now a combination of Lincoln’s birthday (12th) and Washington’s (22nd), I urge us to talk about what we have liked and disliked about leaders- in our nation and in our town and even in our lodge. Let us celebrate good leadership, leadership which we as freemasons share democratically and fraternally.
In Clint Eastwood’s movie Unforgiven, there is an unjust and violent scene in which an Englishman proclaims the virtues of having a king over the shortcomings of electing a president. Gene Hackman mercilessly beats Richard Harris to a pulp, not so much because he has the opinion but because he seems to impose it on others with a superior attitude. We know the beating is unjust and wrong. We know that free speech entitles our opinion. Freemasons are ever on the watch to celebrate human excellence and progress and charity and freedom and guard against injustice, selfishness, and repression.
Come on now- tell me- who’s your favorite president? If you chose our illustrious Masonic brother, Ben Franklin, we need to have a serious chat😉.
May the GAOTU continue to watch all those in need wherever so dispersed around the world.
W∴ Howard Zimmerman
Chaplain
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
Entered Apprentices Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Hugo Neil Mendez, Louis Amoroso, Sadrac Francois, Marcos Libberato
Awaiting Fellow Craft Degree:
Brothers:
Fellow Craft Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers:
Awaiting Master Mason Degree:
Brothers:
Master Mason Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: James Billingsley, Leo Netto, Jeff Cirminiello, Samuel Henry, Geoffrey Thiessen, Joseph Pellicane, Peter Cursio, Jake Mulcahey, Arken Radeef, Garfield Heron
Bible/Apron/WK Tools: Brother Richard J. Ridky
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
January Birthdays
Pieter Van Gunst
John Eric Mitchell
Gerard Joseph Kleehammer
Joseph Abraham Obeid
William Perez Jr
David M Haycock
Stephen Robert Gladstone
Martin Louis Rudnick
Alexander Kairney
Mark Bautista Dela Rosa
Samuel Luther Henry
Barry Dean Baker
Kerry Rhea LaGrone
Samuel Robert Goldstein
February Birthdays
Azzam Rustom
Peter James Snyder
Bill Talcott Smith Jr
Anthony Wayne Denton
Jesse Mercado
Matthew Herman Rogerson
Leonardo Sergio Netto
Gerald Lee Barton
Victor Charles Weinberg
Gerard Carras
Charles-Johan Gustave Lund
Nicholas Dominic Richard
Arkan Fouad Radeef
Charlemagne Louis-Charles
Joseph Anthony Pellicane
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 Boca Delray Lodge No 171
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
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