May 2025
- nickdrichard
- May 1
- 13 min read
Updated: Oct 1
Meetings
1st Thursday (Stated)
3rd Thursday (Stated)
***Dinner at 6:30 pm***
***Meeting starts at 7:30 pm***
Jacket and Tie (summer dressing ended)
4093 NW 4th Ave.
Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 501-0545
Mailing Address
Boca Delray Lodge 171
PO BOX 811113
Boca Raton FL 33481-1113
PLEASE INFORM THE SECRETARY OF ANY
EMAIL, PHONE OR ADDRESS CHANGES.
Lodge Secretary
R∴W∴ Michael P. Sinatra - (561) 613-8094
bdl171.secretary@gmail.com (NEW EMAIL)
Index:
Lodge Officers
Worshipful Master: | Nick Richard | (561) 699-5583 | |
Senior Warden: | Eric Figuera | (917) 544-8879 | |
Junior Warden: | Derik Brasher | (832) 835-4900 | |
Secretary: | R∴W∴ Michael P. Sinatra | (561) 613-8094 | |
Treasurer: | W∴ Anthony Denton | (561) 322-8492 | |
Chaplain: | W∴ Howard Zimmerman | (561) 512-5143 | |
Marshal: | Paul Goldstein | (561) 271-6138 | |
Senior Deacon: | Jesse Mercado | (954) 422-3999 | |
Junior Deacon: | Giuseppe Garufi | (954) 682-2584 | |
Senior Steward: | Garfield Heron | (954) 871-6341 | |
Junior Steward: | |||
Tyler: | Mark Angstrom | (561) 822-7498 |
Most Worshipful Grand Master
M∴W∴G∴M∴ Donald W. Cowart
District Deputy Grand Master
R∴W∴ Ramon M. Voils - (561) 797-5133
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. Eric Figueroa
Members: R∴W∴ Rex Bradford, W∴ Anthony Denton, Brother Shelly Pittleman
Property / Rental: Chairman: S.W. Eric Figueroa
Members: W∴ Alexandre Ferrari, W∴ Anthony Denton
Public Relations / Social Media Communications: Chairman: W∴ 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, W∴ 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): W∴ 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,
I don't know about you Brothers, but I am excited for the summer season and I hope all of you are as well. I would like to extend my condolences to anyone saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. We have our annual DDGM visit tonight, the night of this Trestleboard being published. I encourage all of you to come and help us extend Grand Honors to our DDGM and his traveling committees.
I would like to request every brother if you can, to bring in essential items for our "Coarky's Corner" box.
Boca Delray Lodge is using Cash App to receive payments.
Please take a minute to review our Lodge Google.
Check our linktree with the important links about our lodge and Freemasonry.
Please see me if you want to add or make any suggestions.
Fraternally,
Nick Richard
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
Brethren,
It is with profound sorrow and deep reverence that we, extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. I join the entire Christian world in mourning the departure of a shepherd who truly embodied the Gospel in word and deed. Pope Francis was not only a spiritual father to Catholics worldwide but also a revulsive force within the Vatican—challenging structures and customs that no longer served the message of Christ, and reminding us all of the Church’s mission to serve the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten. His humility, his unwavering commitment to the dignity of every person, and his generous spirit were not only the hallmarks of his pontificate but a living testimony of Christ among us.
We were blessed to witness him one final time during his Urbi et Orbi blessing—his last gesture of grace and peace to the world. Now, having completed his earthly journey, he has returned to the Father's House, where he will be received with the love and mercy he so generously preached. In this time of mourning and uncertainty, we place our trust in the Holy Spirit to guide the College of Cardinals in the solemn task of electing a new Successor to Saint Peter. May the next Pontiff continue the legacy of Pope Francis with
courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Let us unite in prayer—for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, for the Catholic Church, and for all people of goodwill who mourn this extraordinary man of faith.
Fraternally,
Eric Figueroa
Senior Warden
From the South
Greetings from the South, Brethren!
It is such a pleasure to join together with such good men!
Thank you to W. Otto, to the Stewards; Br. Herron and Br. Mitu, and to Brs. Sam and Paul Goldstein for stepping up in my absence.
They are great Brothers!
It is exciting to have the York Rite meeting in our lodge! This will be a good opportunity for all of us, in many ways.
Put June 1st on your calendar as the date for our quarterly "Street Clean-Up". We will meet at the Lodge at 8 AM. for coffee and donuts then proceed to Sugar Sand Park at 8:30. We had great participation in March and a good time was had by all!
I appreciate all of you amazing Brothers and will continue striving
to provide good meals for you!
“The true Mason always carries his working tools everywhere.”
Fraternally,
J.W. Derik Brasher
From the Secretary
Fraternal Greetings Brethren, I hope you are all well. Wishing a very Happy Mother’s
Day to all our Brethren’s ladies.
We are well into in the second quarter of the month and many Brothers have not
remitted their 2025 dues which statements were mailed out in mid-October 2024.
Please remit your dues as soon as you can so that the lodge has funds for operating
costs and repairs.
We recently had the need to replace an AC coil unit, upgrade one of our electrical
breaker panels and now we are in the process of bringing up to the current code our
kitchen wiring. You can easily see where some of our dues dollars are being spent.
It’s not too late to attend Grand Lodge in Orlando. If you have never attended a Grand
Lodge Communication, it is very impressive to see a huge ballroom packed with
Masons. The opening ceremonies are the best part as our Grand Line procession
enters followed by Past Grand Master, past and present Grand Master from different
You also have the opportunity of participating in the Order of DeMolay “King Solomons
Degree” which is for Masons who were never DeMolay in their youth. Help support our
Masonic youth Fraternity; you will never regret it.
Brethren, the most effective method of marketing Freemasonry is not by handing out
flyers, advertisements and Masonic shirts. It is by the way we interact with others, how
we speak, our courtesies, and respectful interactions with everyone. Everyone, from
the seemingly least significant person to the stateliest, should be spoken and addressed
with the aforementioned. If you follow these suggestions the public will notice that you
are a special person and will inquire as to why. Especially today, when there is little
regard for people adhering to the norms and protocols of interacting in concert with the
“Social Contract”.
These inquiries lead to opportunities for us to proudly tell others that you are a
respectful Freemason. That you are obligated to represent yourself as a gentleman
and citizen. Citizen, not as a member of a certain country but as an amiable person
who participates and cooperates within the Social Contract. The “Social Contract”
being a mutual agreement for citizens to live, function and interact is a reciprocally
respectable society.
John Locke, an English Enlightenment Philosopher, and physician 1632-1704 penned
the “Social Contract” which I have attached a short summary of it.
John Locke's moral philosophy, grounded in his concept of natural law, posits that
humans have inherent moral duties and rights that are discovered through reason and
experience, and are not innate. These moral principles, according to Locke, are not
arbitrarily set by God but are discoverable through the application of reason to our natural emotive responses and the laws of nature. Locke believed that understanding the laws of nature, including moral laws, leads to the pursuit of true happiness, which is achieved by acting in accordance with God's moral design.
Source: Google, Cabridge Dictionary.
Fraternally and Sincerely
R:.W:. Mike Sinatra
Secretary
Fraternally,
R:.W:. Mike Sinatra - Secretary
Chaplain's Corner
Greetings Brethren!
THE SILENT SUMMONS
A member of a certain Lodge, who previously attended meetings regularly, stopped going. After a few months, the Worshipful Master decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening, and the Worshipful Master found his brother at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.
Guessing the reason for the Worshipful Master's visit, the brother welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The Worshipful Master made himself comfortable, but said nothing.
In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After several minutes, the Worshipful Master took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth, all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
His host watched all of this in quiet contemplation. As the one, lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow, and its fire was no more. Soon, it was cold and dead.
Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The Worshipful Master glanced at his watch and chose this time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember, and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately, it began to glow once more, with all the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As the Worshipful Master reached the door to leave, his host said, with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your fiery summons, my brother. I'll be back in our Lodge next meeting."
-- Author Unknown
May the GAOTU continue to watch all those in need wherever so dispersed around the world.
Fraternally,
W∴ Howard Zimmerman
District 25 Lodges
2nd & 4th Thursdays
2701 Quantum Blvd, Boynton Beach, 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Mondays
421 Jennings Ave., Greenacres 6:30/7:30 pm
1st & 3rd Tuesdays
9463 Roan LN., Palm Beach Gardens 6:30/7:30 pm
1st & 3rd Wednesdays
421 Jennings Ave., Greenacres 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Mondays
1896 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, West Palm Beach 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Mondays
600 S. Loxahatchee Dr., Jupiter 6:30/7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
845 Bradley St., West Palm Beach 6:30/7:30 pm
1st & 3rd Thursdays
845 Bradley St., West Palm Beach 6:30/7:30 pm
Masonic Advancements
Petitions Received:
Brothers:
Entered Apprentices Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Homer Chiang
Awaiting Fellow Craft Degree:
Brothers:
Fellow Craft Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Daniel Garces, Alex Duran, Franckerson Myrtil, Rob Kahane, Kobe Kirschner, Michael Alessandri
Awaiting Master Mason Degree:
Brothers:
Master Mason Awaiting Proficiency Examination:
Brothers: Marcos Liberato, Hugo Mendez
Bible/Apron/WK Tools:
Awaiting
Dual: Brothers:
Plural: Brothers:
Reinstatement: Brothers:
E.A. Transfer: Brothers:
F.C. Transfer: Brothers:
M.M. Transfers: Brothers:
Petitions: Candidate
Upcoming Events and News
Birthdays of the Month
January:
Derik | Chase | Brasher |
Rafael | Di Benedetto | Nioac de Salles |
William | Alfred | Strucker |
Domenick | Anthony | Garzone |
Charles | Joseph | Wright |
Richard | Wayne | Jones |
Norman | Raymond | Fineman |
Jeffery | Frank | Winter |
John | Raymond | Farill |
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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