March 2026
- mastermason171
- 5 days ago
- 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 | (561) 861-6600 | |
Junior Deacon: | Garfield Heron | (954) 871-6341 | |
Senior Steward: | Dan Mitu | (954) 300-2460 | |
Junior Steward | John Davis | (561) 213-8030 | |
Tyler: | Mort Sussman | (561) 376-8531 | |
Historian: | Sam Goldstein | (561) 239-3228 | |
Musician | Kobe Kirschner | (561) 707-6634 |
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: W:. Stephen Otto
Members: J.W. Jesse Mercado, Mentor: S.W. Derik Brasher
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): S.S Dan Mitu, J.S. John Davis
3 Years (2025 - 2028): W∴Nick Richard, J.W. Jesse Mercado
Outreach Committee: Chairman: W∴ Howard Zimmerman
Members: Sam Goldstein, Paul Goldstein, Kobe Kirschner, Hugo Mendez
From the East
Brethren,
This month carries with it a spirit of preparation. We reflect on where we stand in our personal Masonic journey and where we aspire to go. In the degrees of Freemasonry, we are reminded that improvement is not an event but a lifelong labor. Each meeting attended, each lesson studied, and each act of brotherly kindness strengthens the spiritual temple we are building within ourselves.
This month, I encourage each of you to recommit to the fundamentals that unite us. Reach out to a Brother you have not seen in lodge recently. Offer your time and talents where they are needed. Be mindful that our obligations extend beyond the walls of the lodge room and into our homes, workplaces, and communities.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
03/05/26 Stated Communication
Fellow Craft Proficiency
03/15/26 Street Clean-Up
03/19/26 Called Communication
Guest Speakers: Amara Shrine Potentate - Isidro Pentzke Assistant Rabban - TK Krumenacker
03/21/26 Annual Pilgrimage to the Masonic Home
03/28/26. Pot Luck/ Movie Night at Boca-Delray Lodge
Fraternally,
Eric Figueroa
Worshipful Master
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171, F. & A.M.
From the West
Greetings from the West, Brethren,
March provides a time of opportunity to renew our commitment to the principles that guide our lodge: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
This is a good month to reconnect with one another, support our ongoing projects, and continue strengthening the bonds that make our lodge a place of unity and purpose.
Let us remain attentive to the needs of our brethren and mindful of the opportunities we have to serve.
I look forward to working alongside all of you as we prepare for the busy months ahead.
Fraternally,
Derik Brasher
Senior Warden
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171, F. & A.M.
From the South
Brothers,
Brethren two months have passed and now comes a new month where we can fulfill our goals and Masonic duties of friendship, morality and brotherly love. Remember as Masons we must be charitable and honest because people are always watching all that we do. We have degree work to do and opportunities to fulfill and accomplish. Let's work together to be the best we can be and move ahead to be great examples to our family, friends and community.
Fraternally,
Jesse Mercado
Junior Warden
Boca-Delray Lodge No.171, F. & A.M.
From the Secretary
Fraternal Greetings Brethren.
Please be aware that the vendor who we process our background investigations from is now charging us $17.00 dollars per report. This has been mentioned a few times in lodge already. When handing a petition and background form to a potential candidate kindly ask him to remit $17 dollars and not $15.00 dollars. Also, the first line signer on a petition is responsible for assuring the forms are filled out properly and all questions answered.
The 2026 dues statements were mailed out mid-October 2025, four and a half months ago. For those who have not remitted their 2026 dues please do so. In a month and a half, I am required to send out 1st late notices.
As of yet, R:.W:. Charlie Fischer’s funeral arrangements have not been announced. His wish was to be interred at the National Cemetery on 441 in Lake Worth. I am told that it takes a while for these arrangements to be made. As soon as the lodge receives an update an email will be sent to the membership.
The Lodge is always collecting items for Corky’s Corner which is a charity box for personal hygiene, stationary, books, puzzle magazines, etc. which are delivered to the Masonic Home. Residents have limited amounts of funds, being provided some of these sundry items help offset their out-of-pocket expenses.
For those of you who wish to honor a non-Mason loved one, friend or even a deceased person, Grand Lodge offers an Honorary Friend Membership or Honorary Memorial Membership at $200.00 dollars. A certificate is presented to the Honoree or family member of the deceased. See the Secretary for more information on this.
Closing words on visiting Prince Hall Lodges in Florida. I am attaching a directive from Grand Lodge:
Several questions have arisen regarding visitation between The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Florida and the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Prince Hall Affiliated. At the 196th Annual Grand Communication, the Jurisprudence Sub-Committee on Foreign Relations reported that both Grand Jurisdictions have established a mutual agreement permitting visitation by invitation only. Lodges may extend or accept invitations directly, without coordination through either Grand Lodge. “The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Prince Hall Affiliated, and The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Florida have reached a mutual agreement on visitation by invitation between the two Grand Jurisdictions. Members of Particular Lodges may visit each other with prior invitation arranged by either Lodge. This means that a Lodge may contact another Lodge to invite the Brothers or accept the request for visitation without coordination with either Grand Lodge. Individual Brothers or Lodges may NOT show up at a Lodge without a prior invitation. This agreement is only valid between The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Prince Hall Affiliated, and The Grand Lodge of Florida and does NOT include any other Prince Hall affiliated Grand Jurisdictions at this time.” Please note that individual Brothers or Lodges may not attend without a prior invitation. This agreement applies only between The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Prince Hall Affiliated, and The Grand Lodge of Florida and does not extend to any other Prince Hall affiliated jurisdictions.
F&S,
R:.W:. Sinatra
Secretary
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171, F. & A.M.
Chaplain's Corner
Brethren,
Although we don’t have the usual fall and winter seasons that are experienced in most of the country, here’s my take on the spring time and the 3 types of people in your life.
1. The Leaf People
2. The Branch People
3. The Root People
LEAF PEOPLE: These are people who come into your life just for a season. You can't depend on them because they are weak. They only come to take what they want, but if the wind comes they will leave. You need to be careful of these people because they love you when things are okay, but when the wind comes they will leave you.
BRANCH PEOPLE: They are strong, but you need to be careful with them too. They break away when life becomes tough and they can't handle too much weight. They may stay with you in some seasons, but they will go when it becomes harder.
ROOT PEOPLE: These people are very important because they don't do things to be seen. They are supportive even if you go through a difficult time they will water you and they are not moved by your position they just love you like that.
It's not all people you meet or are your friends, that will stay with you. Only the root type of people will stay no matter the season!
May the GAOTU continue to watch over all those in need wherever so dispersed around the globe. SMIB
Fraternally,
W∴Howie Zimmerman
Chaplain
Boca-Delray Lodge No.171, F. & A.M.
Historian's Corner
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171 embodies more than a century of Masonic tradition in south Palm Beach County. Its roots reach back to the early days of Freemasonry in Florida and the development of our local communities. By exploring the history of the lodges that preceded it, we honor the legacy of the Brothers who built the foundation of our fraternity.
Freemasonry in Florida and Early Local Lodges
Freemasonry in Florida began in the early 1800s. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of Florida was established in 1830 not long after Florida became a U.S. territory and then a state in 1845. Early lodges formed as settlers spread throughout the peninsula promoting fellowship moral development and community service.
Delray Lodge No. 171
In the early 20th century as the population of south Florida increased Freemasonry expanded to meet the needs of new communities. In 1908 the Grand Lodge of Florida chartered Delray Lodge No. 171 in what was then Dade County. The establishment of Delray Lodge marked an important milestone in organized Masonic activity in the area. It provided a place for Brothers to gather uphold ancient Masonic traditions and contribute to the civic and charitable life of the growing community.
Shortly afterward in 1909 the county lines were redrawn and Palm Beach County was created. Over the next decade the town we now call Delray Beach continued to grow and flourish as Freemasonry became a valued part of the social and cultural landscape.
Boca Raton Lodge No. 328
As the town of Boca Raton developed in the early 1900s and expanded significantly in the 1920s and beyond Boca Raton also became a center of Masonic activity. About fifty years after Delray Lodge was chartered the Grand Lodge of Florida chartered Boca Raton Lodge No. 328 to serve the growing community of Boca Raton and south Palm Beach County. This lodge too became a center for fellowship education and community service.
Although exact dates for the charter of Lodge No. 328 are less easily found online it was established approximately in the mid-20th century as Boca Raton’s population increased following World War Two. Local historians and lodge records can provide the precise year if needed.
The Merger and the Birth of Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171
By the late 20th century both lodges had long traditions but membership shifts and the desire to strengthen the fraternity in our area led to a major decision. The leadership and membership of Delray Lodge No. 171 and Boca Raton Lodge No. 328 agreed to unite their histories resources and membership into a single lodge. Nearly half a century after Boca Raton Lodge was chartered the two lodges merged under the historic lodge number 171. This united lodge took the name Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171 with its headquarters in Boca Raton.
In 2026 the lodge celebrated its 118th annual installation of officers, highlighting the longevity and continuity of Masonic tradition that continues unbroken from the original Delray Lodge through today’s Boca-Delray Lodge.
Today’s Lodge and Its Legacy
Today Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171 continues the work begun by Brothers more than a century ago. The lodge remains a center for fellowship education and service in Boca Raton and south Palm Beach County. As members we build on the principles that have stood the test of time: brotherly love relief and truth.
Understanding the dates and milestones that shaped our lodge helps us appreciate the depth of our heritage and the enduring spirit of Freemasonry in our community.
Fraternally,
Bro. Sam Goldstein Historian
Boca-Delray Lodge No. 171, F. & A.M.
District 25 Lodges
2nd & 4th Thursdays
2701 Quantum Blvd, Boynton Beach, 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Mondays
421 Jennings Ave., Greenacres 6:30/7:30 pm
1st & 3rd Tuesdays
9463 Roan LN., Palm Beach Gardens 6:30/7:30 pm
1st & 3rd Wednesdays
421 Jennings Ave., Greenacres 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Mondays
1896 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, West Palm Beach 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Mondays
600 S. Loxahatchee Dr., Jupiter 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
845 Bradley St., West Palm Beach 6:30/7:30 pm
1st & 3rd Thursdays
845 Bradley St., West Palm Beach 6:30/7:30 pm
Masonic Advancements
Petitions Received:
Candidate:
Entered Apprentices Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Burak Savtur, Stanley LeBlanc, Eric Shrybman, Robert Steffy
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:
Upcoming Events and News
Birthdays of the Month
1 | Amer | Rustom |
2 | Michael | Weinberg |
6 | Paul | Sosnick |
15 | Newton | Buckner III |
29 | Hugh | McCaffrey |
29 | Alfred | Musco |
29 | Robert | Weiner |
30 | David | Allen |
30 | Alexandre | Ferrari |
31 | Robert | Welch |
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 Davis
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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