Masonic Blue Lodge - Scrapbook of a Successful Masonic Year by Barry J. Lipson, WM

8/10/2019 Masonic Blue Lodge - Scrapbook of a Successful Masonic Year by Barry J. Lipson, WM

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Barry J. LipsonBarry J. LipsonBarry J. LipsonBarry J. LipsonWorshipful MasterWorshipful MasterWorshipful MasterWorshipful Master


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A new Lodge Notice cover was designed by the Worshipful Master

incorporating the new recognition flower of Germania Lodge, the

Forget-Me-Not, Masonic Light casting its brilliance on the

working tools and work of this Master Masons Lodge (note the

shadows), and the open Masonic Bible:


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Welcome to the NEW Germania!Welcome to the NEW Germania!Welcome to the NEW Germania!Welcome to the NEW Germania!

Good Programs! Good Food! Good Gifts! Good Fellowship! These are what we offer

you and your Masonic friends from all Lodges, during Germanias 2001 true millennium

year. To prove the truth of these offers, our first program, on Tuesday January 16, 2001,

will be a lie detector test, Beat the Polygraph, If You Can!,by Bro. Morris Ragus.

This will be an unbeatable program, to which your ladies are welcome. See the

enclosed Schedule for the rest of this years extra-special Germantic programs, and

mark them all on you calendar right now, before you forget!

Good Food! Bro. Mike Boyd, PM, to whom cooking is an art, will be our Chief Chef for

2001. His first offering will be Beef Rigatoni a la Boyd.All of you who remember

Mike and his wifes cooking from the last millennium will not want to miss any of their

meals this year. Dinner is on us and will be served at 6:30 pm, with dessert to follow after

the meeting.

Good Gifts! In addition to a Masonic Birthday Gift for each member attending the

Stated Meeting in his Masonic Birthday month (see list for January, 2001), the first 100

brothers attending from any Lodge will receive a Forget-Me-Not Pin at the first

Germania Stated Meeting they attend in 2001.

Good Fellowship! YOUsupply this by attending, and the more you attend the greater

the fellowship!

Barry J. LipsonBarry J. LipsonBarry J. LipsonBarry J. LipsonWorshipful Master

January 2001


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MAKE MASONIC HISTORY

At the Extra Meeting of Germania Lodge No. 509, F. & A. M., held on Saturday, March 10, 2001, a

the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, the newly formed Scottish Rite Blue Lodge Degree Team

conferred all three Blue Lodge degrees on Steven J. Lipson (age 23) and David J. Lipson (age 21), th

two sons of Barry J. Lipson 32, Worshipful Master of Germania Lodge, and Sovereign Prince, Princes o

Jerusalem, Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh. Special dispensation for this historic event had bee

granted by Grand Master Robert L. Dluge 33.

Director of Work Jack Copeland 33, had wanted to start a Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh Blu

Lodge Degree Team, but needed a request from a Worshipful Master to get this project off the ground. A

fortune would have it, Barry Lipson, had the honor of becoming Master of Germania Lodge, whil

serving as Sovereign Prince of the Valley of Pittsburgh. Having two sons, one a senior at the College o

William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, and the other on assignment, as a Research Assistant at th

American Institute of Research in Washington, D.C., both of whom were ready to join our Fraternity, hwas able to and did make this request.

Accordingly, on that Saturday, the Scottish Rite Blue Lodge Degree Team, after enjoying a Caffein

& Sugar Munch, made their Dbut Appearance, conferring the Entered Apprentice Degree in hig

style. Without, breaking stride they then conferred the Fellowcraft Degree. At this point, the craft wa

called from labor to refreshment, and everyone adjourned to the dining area for our new Brothe

Brothers favorite lunch of Pizza, Pizza and more Pizza, followed by brownies and other of their Mom

special baked goods.

After a most impressive Scottish Rite Backstage Tour, where our new brothers were able to observ

some of what awaits them in the Scottish Rite, the now seasoned Scottish Rite Blue Lodge DegreTeam, most inspirationally, individually conferred Master Mason Degrees on them. But their Mason

education was just beginning. Right after Rite News Editor Bill Roberts 33 completed photographin

this historic Rite event (making sure to preserve for posterity their right side in the right place in th

Lodge Room), 57thDistrict Director for Masonic Education, James C. Fox, Jr.32, PM, jumped right in

took them to the right side of the Lodge, and spent over an hour acquainting them with the right way to b

Freemasons and enjoy Freemasonry and, perhaps, how some day they could become Right Worshipfu

Grand Masters. They have the right stuff!

What made this special day especially special was the wide participation by the brotherhood. In al

fifteen Blue Lodges were represented (seventeen if you count duel memberships), includin

representatives of all of the Scottish Rite Bodies, the elected Valley-wide officers, four Past SovereigPrinces, and a brother from State of Maine Orono Lodge No. 66. Brother Brothers Steve and Dave ar

both planning to become Scottish Rite and Shrine Masons while their Dad is still Sovereign Prince, a

part of the May 19, 2001 Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh Class and Syria Shrine Class in New Castl

Pennsylvania.

The Rite News April 2001


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Welcome to the NEW GermaniaWelcome to the NEW GermaniaWelcome to the NEW GermaniaWelcome to the NEW Germania Month Three!Month Three!Month Three!Month Three!

WithoutWithoutWithoutWithout YOUYOUYOUYOUit woit woit woit wont Work!nt Work!nt Work!nt Work!If You Take Prescription Drugsyou will not want to miss our Tuesday, March 20,2001 meeting. Bro. Dr. Charles C. Collins will tell you all you want to know (and should

know) about the prescription drugs you take or may take in the future, and will do so in amost provocative fashion. Bring your prescriptions!!!Also see the enclosed Schedule

for the rest of this years extra-special Germantic programs, and mark them all on you

calendar right now, before you forget!

Good Fellowshipwas again the key word for our February 2001 meeting. We werehonored by the presence of visiting brethren from three other Lodges, including five from

Whitehall Lodge No. 794. We were treated to descriptions of the Old Germania on the

Southside with its special door to the neighboring building. Bro. Craig F. Kern, PM,made hisExemplification of a Masonic Funeral Service a truly living experience, whileBro. William C. Nolder enthralled us with his explanations of how only 5000 out of the

85,000 Masons in Nazi Germany were able to survive, and what the five petals on the

Forget-Me-Not Pin really signify.

Good Gifts! Remember, the first 100 brothers attending from any Lodge will beawarded a Forget-Me-Not Pin at the first Germania Stated Meeting they attend in2001.Do not delay! Supplies are dwindling! Attend this month! In addition, do not miss

out on your Masonic Birthday Gift or on sharing your Masonic experience with us.

Another gift was given out in February. To qualify you must attend the Stated Meeting in

your Masonic Birthday month (see list for March, 2001 birthdays else where in thisBulletin).

Good Food! Enjoy this months offering of Sausage Primavera, with appropriate Tasteeaccompaniments, as only our Chief Chef, the new Bro. Mike Boyd, PM, can prepare this

traditional Franco-Italian country dish. Desert will again be a mouth-watering surprise.Dinner is on us and will be served at 6:30 pm, with dessert to follow after the meeting.

Barry J. LipsonBarry J. LipsonBarry J. LipsonBarry J. Lipson

Worshipful MasterMarch 2001


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Your Future Home? Ladies Night!Your Future Home? Ladies Night!Your Future Home? Ladies Night!Your Future Home? Ladies Night!

Without YOUit wont Work!Sewickley Masonic Homes. A representative direct from Elizabethtown is comingespecially to Germania to tell us all about the new Masonic Homes right here in WesternPennsylvania. A lovely place to retire. A place for you if you need a helping hand. You

owe it to yourself and your loved ones to check it out.Also see the enclosed Schedule for

the rest of this years extra-special Germantic programs, and mark them all on youcalendar right now, before you forget!

Good Fellowshipwas had at the March 10, 2001 Extra Meeting where representativesfrom 15 Blue Lodges joined us in the conferral of all three degrees on our newestmembers, the Brother brothers Steve and Dave Lipson,

and at our March Stated Meeting where we learned all about preserving our bodies, while

eating delightful caloric desserts.

Good Gifts! Dont delay, its not yet too late to be awarded a Forget-Me-Not Pinforattending your first Germania Stated Meeting in 2001. In addition, do not miss out on

receiving your Masonic Birthday Gift for attending the Stated Meeting in your Masonic

Birthday month (see April birthdays list elsewhere in this Bulletin).

Reservations a Must for Good Food! Enjoy this months offering of ImportedCarrick Chicken & Fries, with Ice Cream Sundae Night to follow after a short formal meeting.

Dinner is at 6:30 pm and is on us as usual, but reservations are requested. RSVP to ChiefChef Mike Boyd, at home (412/822-3610) or work (412/350-2214).


April 2001


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Have You Ever Experienced a:

Masonic Table Lodge?

Tues, May 15, 2001 at 7 PM

(No One Admitted Late Grand Lodge Rules)

Also Toast Our Past Masters on Their Night!

Let us help re-kindle the flameof Old Germania at our first tiled Table Lodge incollective memory. This is a unique event that must be experienced first hand. All

Masonic Brethren of ALL DEGREES are welcome.We will eat and toast in fellowship,together with our Past Masters. Good spirits and friendship will abound. In addition to the

time honored and newly crafted toasts, Bro. Ernie Schindehette, Jr., PM, will share with

us the glories of Old Germania from his extensive investigation of our history.

Reservations a Must for Grand Feast & PM Carnations! Our Table willabound with Grand Lodge fare of roast beef, smashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and

delightful caloric desserts. Table Lodge and Dinner are at 7 PM (no one admitted lateper Grand Lodge rules), and is complimentary as usual, but reservations are a most for

our Grand Feast and for PM Carnations. RSVP promptly to Bro. & Chief Chef Mike

Boyd, PM, Chair, at home (412/822-3610) or work (412/350-2214).

Good Fellowship, as represented by a full parking lotand an abundance of membersand ladies, was had at our April 17, 2001 Sewickley Masonic Homes Stated Meeting,where representatives from 7 Blue Lodges joined us to learn about this lovely place to

retire. Also see the enclosed Schedule for the rest of this years extra-special

Germantic programs, and mark them all on you calendar right now, before you forget!

Good Gifts! Dont delay, its not yet too late to be awarded a Forget-Me-Not Pinforattending your first Germania Stated Meeting in 2001. In addition, do not miss out onreceiving your Masonic Birthday Gift for attending the Stated Meeting in your Masonic

Birthday month (see May birthdays list elsewhere in this Bulletin).

Without YOUit wont Work!

Barry J. Lipson

Worshipful MasterMay 2001


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FUNFUNFUNFUNFUNFUNFUNFUNFUNFUNFUNFUN

for You and Your LadyTall Cedars Boom Ba BandBoom Ba BandBoom Ba BandBoom Ba Band& Old Fashioned Deli and Strawberry Night! Clap, Sing and Dance tothe happy, snappy Springtime sounds of the Al-O-Mon Boom Ba Bandat our Good Bye For AWhile Singalong, following our last Stated Meeting before the summer break, on Tuesday, June19, 2001. Reservations are a must for this evening of Fun, Frolic and Food. Starting at 6:30 PM,we will dine on delectable Old Fashioned Deli Treats, and after the meeting, with our music, onsucculent Strawberries. This Bombastic Band, comprised exclusively of Brothers and their Ladies,

plays theBoom Ba, a unique Old Germancomposite instrument.

After experiencing how much fun you and the Band are having, you may even want to join! RSVP

now to Bro. Mike Boyd, PM, at home (412/822-3610) or work (412/350-2214).

Good Fellowship, as represented by a full Banquet Hall, was had at our May 15, 2001 Table

Lodge, where Brothers from nine Blue Lodges, including Ohio, joined eight of our Past Mastersand our newest Brother, David J. Lipson, to toast Grand Lodge, the original George W(Bro. G.Washington), Masonry Around the Globe, the Glories of Germania, and our Living and Deceased

Past Masters. Then, on Saturday, May 19, 2001, our newest brothers, the Brother Brothers Steveand Dave Lipson, were the exemplifiers for the Scottish Rite 32 degree in New Castle, and Class

Spokesmen. (See the enclosed Schedule for the rest of this years extra-special Germanticprograms.)

Good Gifts! Dont delay, you can still be awarded the Forget-Me-Not Pinfor attending yourfirst 2001 Germania Stated Meeting. Also, do not miss out on receiving your Masonic Birthday

Giftfor attending the Stated Meeting in your Masonic Birthday month (see June list elsewhere inthis Bulletin).


June 2001


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This Month OnlyThis Month OnlyThis Month OnlyThis Month OnlyStated Meeting isStated Meeting isStated Meeting isStated Meeting is

Fourth TuesdayFourth TuesdayFourth TuesdayFourth Tuesday ------------ Sept. 25, 2001Sept. 25, 2001Sept. 25, 2001Sept. 25, 2001Welcome Back Rusty Masons!Welcome Back Rusty Masons!Welcome Back Rusty Masons!Welcome Back Rusty Masons! Ever wonder what to

do with your hands when the Lodge is at prayer? Do you

know when (and when not) to throw a sign to theWorshipful Master? Are the differences

in work from one Masonic jurisdiction to

another owing to the difference between

Scottish and York Rite Masonry? Hear theanswers to these and other Masonic tidbits that

enquiring minds want to know at Rusty Mason's Night,

the program at our September Stated Meeting! Bro.Robert T. Addleman, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master

& Thespian& Thespian& Thespian& Thespian, and the Worshipful Masters and Officers of

the 57th Masonic District, will be with us in their OfficialOfficialOfficialOfficialVisitationVisitationVisitationVisitation to share Masonic knowledge and field the

tough ones. Bro. Addleman guarantees something of

interest and utility to all, regardless of how much (or howlittle) rust may have accumulated on your Square and

Compasses over the Summer and over the Years. Visiting

a Lodge will also be included.A Diner of Rusty CityDelicacies Will be Served at 6:30 PM.

Good Fellowship.Good Fellowship.Good Fellowship.Good Fellowship. In June we Clapped, Sang and

Danced to the happy, snappy sounds of the Al-O-Mon

Boom Ba Band at our Good Bye For A While

Singalong. If you missed this Good Fellowship, youmissed a Germantic Good Time! See the enclosed

Schedule for the remaining extra-special Germantic

programs.

Good Gifts!Good Gifts!Good Gifts!Good Gifts! Dont delay, you may still be able to be

awarded the ForgetForgetForgetForget----MeMeMeMe----Not PinNot PinNot PinNot Pinfor attending your first

2001 Germania Stated Meeting. Also, do not pass upreceiving your Masonic Birthday GiftMasonic Birthday GiftMasonic Birthday GiftMasonic Birthday Giftfor attending the

Stated Meeting in your Masonic Birthday month (see

September Birthday list elsewhere in this Bulletin).

Barry J. Lipson,

Worshipful Master

September 2001


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Come join us in our

Exploring Masonic Pittsburghwith the

Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania&

Our Not Your Ordinary

OKTOBERFESTOKTOBERFESTOKTOBERFESTOKTOBERFESTExpect theWurst !!!!!

This is what is in store for you at Germanias stated meeting on

Tuesday, October 16, 2001. Join us for this evening of Food, Frolic

and Knowledge. First, at 6:30 PM our WurstEver Octoberfest,

withBrother John A. Bogacik on the Squeeze Box.

Then, our Exploring Masonic Pittsburgh with the HistoricalSociety of Western Pennsylvania will follow our short stated

meeting.

Good Fellowship, was had by all at our Rusty Masons Night. Join usto see if we are now a well-oiled Masonic Machine. (Also see theenclosed Broadside for our extra-special November Germantic

program.)

Good Gifts! Dont delay any further. Only a very few Forget-Me-Not Pins are left for awarding to you for attending your first 2001Germania Stated Meeting. Also, do not miss out on receiving yourMasonic Birthday Gift for attending the Stated Meeting in yourMasonic Birthday month (see October list elsewhere in this Bulletin).

Barry J. LipsonWorshipful Master

October 2001


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In January, during Germanias 2001 true millennium year we promised:

Good Programs! Good Food! Good Gifts! Good Fellowship!

A home run was hit in all categories!!!!

Good Fellowship! During 2001 well over 100 different Brothers, from over thirty BlueLodges, located in four States, passed through the doors of Germania Lodge on Tuesday

night. In addition, over fifteen Blue Lodges were represented at our Extra Meeting held at theGreater Masonic Center for the conferral of all three degrees on my two sons Steve and Dave

Lipson. This conferral, which introduced the new Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh Blue

Lodge Degree Team, was the subject of an article in its award-winning Rite News.

Good Programs! Germanias full season of nine programs, two with music, was the talkof the fraternity, with the Sewickley Masonic Homes program and the Table Lodge being

sell outs. And as no one couldBeat the Polygraph (our first program), this must be thetruth.

Good Food! Our stated meetings were preceded by complementary tasty dinners andfollowed by tempting desserts, with hardy roast beef at our Table Lodge and the Wurst (3kinds) at our Oktoberfest. No one left hungry! And then theres our Pizza Party on

December 18, 2001

Good Gifts! All one hundred of the Forget-Me-Not pins have been awarded at ourStated Meetings, together with a number of Masonic Birthday Gifts, which you can still

receivefor attending the Installation Meeting on Tuesday, December 18, 2001, if your name

appears on the December BirthdayList elsewhere in this Bulletin.

YOU!!!! However, for this to continue your Lodge needs YOU participating

in its Stated Meetings and programs! Thank you again for permitting me to serve.

Barry J. LipsonWorshipful Master

December 2001

Masonic Blue Lodge - Scrapbook of a Successful Masonic Year by Barry J. Lipson, WM

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