Last night, two brothers were raised to the degree of Master Mason. Welcome to Ocean City Lodge No. 171!
Ocean City Lodge #171 Blood Drive
DATE: October 22, 2014
PLACE: 550 Wesley Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226
TIME: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive 1 p.m.-6 p.m. October 22nd at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 500 Wesley Ave.
Ocean City Lodge #171 and the American Red Cross invite all residents, groups and businesses to donate. To be eligible to donate blood through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age and in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated in the last 56 days. The American Red Cross is especially in need of Type O blood donors.
Appointments are preferred, but not required. To make an appointment, contact the Red Cross at 800-RED CROSS or sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org.
Square & Compass Day
The Grand Lodge of New Jersey and Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 cordially invites the public to attend Square & Compass Day 9 a.m.-11 a.m. October 11th at the Ocean City Masonic Lodge No 171, 940 Wesley Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226
This event is being held as part of the statewide “Square and Compass Day”, also known as the Masonic Lodge Open House. This event provides the public an opportunity to tour local Masonic Lodges, meet Freemasons in their local community, and ask the questions about the Fraternity.
Freemasons trace their roots to the stonemason guilds that built Europe’s cathedrals and castles during the early part of the last millennium. As construction of these buildings declined, they began accepting members from outside their trade. These new members, influenced by the “Age of Enlightenment,” transformed the organization from a group for builders to one focused on developing the character of its members. Freemasonry was formally organized in London, England in 1717.
Freemasonry, the world’s oldest and largest fraternity, seeks to bring together men of every country, religion, race, background, and opinion in order to develop the bonds of friendship between them. Through a large variety of North American Masonic philanthropies, approximately $2 million is given to charity every day, 70 percent of which benefits the general public.
For additional information, please contact Steven Friedrich by phone 609-703-8757. More information can also be found on the Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 website http://www.oceancitymasoniclodge171.org
Masonic Club Announces Grant to Community FoodBank of New Jersey
The Ocean City Masonic Club is proud to announce the Community FoodBank of New Jersey as a recipient of a one thousand dollar grant from the Foster-Karney Foundation.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey will apply the funds to their Community Assistance Pantry for the purchase of food for families in need throughout the local area. Pictured are Evelyn Benton, Executive Director, Southern Branch, Community FoodBank of New Jersey and Steven Friedrich, President of the Ocean City Masonic Club.
The mission of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey is to fight hunger and poverty in New Jersey by assisting those in need and seeking long-term solutions.
The Ocean City Masonic Club was constituted in February 1958, with the mission to promote social activities among Masons in Ocean City and surrounding areas. The Masonic Club is administrator of the Foster-Karney Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to community organizations in Cape May and Atlantic Counties.
Thank you for the Declaration of Independence
“Gentlemen, Altho it is not possible to forsee the consequences of human actions, yet it is nevertheless a duty we owe ourselves and posterity in all our public councils to decide in the best manner we are able and to trust the event to That Being who governs both causes and events, so as to bring about his own determinations.
Impressed with this sentiment, and at the same time fully convinced that our affairs will take a more favorable turn, The Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve all connection between Great Britain and the American Colonies, and to declare them free and independent States as you will perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed to transmit to you.”
John Hancock – Cover letter to the Declaration of Independence
Philadelphia, July 6, 1776
Read more at Freemason Information – Thank you for the Declaration of Independence
Lodge 171 Featured in Ocean City Magazine
Ocean City Magazine featured Ocean City Lodge No. 171 in their June issue with an interview with our WM Rick Becker, discussion about the Foster Karney Foundation scholarships, and photos of JW Gerald LaHay, and SW Steven Friedrich.
Many thanks to Ocean City Magazine, author Bill Godfrey, and photographer Erin McCusker.
The June issue of Ocean City Magazine can be found at locations around Ocean City, by subscription, or online.
Ocean City Lodge #171 Blood Drive
DATE: May 28, 2014
PLACE: 550 Wesley Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226
TIME: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive 1 p.m.-5 p.m. May 28th at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 500 Wesley Ave.
Ocean City Lodge #171 and the American Red Cross invite all residents, groups and businesses to donate. To be eligible to donate blood through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age and in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated in the last 56 days. The American Red Cross is especially in need of Type O blood donors.
Appointments are preferred, but not required. To make an appointment, contact the Red Cross at 800-RED CROSS or sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org.
Ocean City Lodge #171 Beach Sweep
DATE: April 26, 2014
PLACE: Pennlyn Beach, Ocean City, NJ 08226
TIME: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 is participating in the Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. April 26th at Pennlyn Beach.
Ocean City Lodge #171 invites the public to participate in this annual event, targeted at keeping the beaches of New Jersey clean and protect our coastal environment. Volunteers are requested to meet at Pennlyn Place & Boardwalk at 9 a.m.
What Is Freemasonry?
The Grand Lodge of Maryland produced a video which offers insights on the craft of Freemasonry.
George Washington’s Revolutionary St. Patrick’s Day
During the Continental Army’s 1779-1780 winter encampment in Morristown, New Jersey, well known Master Mason General George Washington granted a single holiday to his troops – Saint Patrick’s Day.
So in an effort to give his men a badly needed break, to recognize the heritage of many of his soldiers and to express solidarity with the “brave and generous” people of Ireland, Washington issued general orders on March 16, 1780, proclaiming St. Patrick’s Day a holiday for his troops. It was the first day of rest for the Continental Army in more than a year. “The General directs that all fatigue and working parties cease for to-morrow the SEVENTEENTH instant,” read the orders, “a day held in particular regard by the people of [Ireland].”
History Channel – George Washington’s Revolutionary St. Patrick’s Day
Family Weekend Pancake Breakfast
DATE: May 31st, 2014
PLACE: Ocean City Lodge 171, 940 Wesley Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226
TIME: 8:00 AM to 11 AM
Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 will be serving an all you can eat pancake breakfast on May 31st. Cost is Adults $7, Children under 12 $4.
All proceeds will benefit the Ocean City Lodge Building Renovation Fund.
Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration
DATE: March 16, 2014
PLACE: Deauville Inn – 201 Willard Rd, Strathmere, NJ 08248
TIME: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
A SAINT PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION
“HOOLIE IN THE KITCHEN” RIRA @ THE DEAUVILLE
Our Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration event features the South Jersey Irish Ceili Band, the South Jersey Irish Dancers, and a full course Corn Beef & Cabbage dinner.
Tickets are only $40.00 for adults (Children 14 and under are only $20.00). To purchase tickets, please call Tom Horan (609.602.7330), Jerry Kanefsky (609.432.4555) or Frank McCall (609.602.7545)
All proceeds will benefit the Ocean City Lodge Building Renovation Fund.
Come join us… Have fun… Enjoy.
This will be a great event… Wear you Kilt; bring your dancing shoes…
OUR OFFICERS, TRUSTEES & MEMBERS THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!
Please contact Frank McCall (609.602.7545) for sponsorship opportunities.
Ocean City Lodge #171 Blood Drive
DATE: March 5, 2014
PLACE: 550 Wesley Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226
TIME: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive 1 p.m.-5 p.m. March. 5th at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 500 Wesley Ave.
Ocean City Lodge #171 and the American Red Cross invite all residents, groups and businesses to donate. To be eligible to donate blood through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age and in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated in the last 56 days. The American Red Cross is especially in need of Type O blood donors.
Appointments are preferred, but not required. To make an appointment, contact the Red Cross at 800-RED CROSS or sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org.
George Washington – Master Mason
“Washington as a Freemason” – Library of Congress
On August 4, 1753, George Washington became a Master Mason, the highest rank in the Fraternity of Freemasonry, in his hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia. The twenty-one-year-old young man would soon hold his first military commission.
For George Washington, joining the Masons was a rite of passage and an expression of civic responsibility. Members were required to express their belief in a Supreme Being and in the immortality of the soul. Masons were also were expected to obey civil laws, hold a high moral standard, and practice acts of charity.
2014 Officer Induction Ceremony
Members and guests of Ocean City Lodge No 171 F&AM gathered on Sunday, Dec. 8th, for the installation of 2014 officers.
Masonic Charity Foundation Scholarships for 2014
The following scholarships are available for 2014:
Applications are being accepted for the following scholarships offered by the Masonic Charity Foundation of New Jersey and Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Each has its own eligibility requirements.
To review or download the application for each, click on the appropriate link. It should be noted that all scholarships do not require Masonic affiliation.
- Chairman of the Board Scholarships ($10,000)
In order for an applicant to qualify for consideration, the student must have maintained a grade average of “B” or 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 over the last two completed years of high school and have scored a minimum combined SAT score of 1800.
- Joseph N. Culver DeMolay Scholarship ($4,000)
In order for an applicant to qualify for consideration, the student must have maintained a grade average of “B” or 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 over the last two completed years of high school and have scored a minimum combined SAT score of 1500.
- James Patterson Engineering Scholarship ($16,000)
*In order for an applicant to qualify for consideration, the student must have maintained a grade average of “C+” or 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 over the last two completed years of high school and have scored a minimum combined SAT score of 1250. The scholarship committee will place special emphasis on teacher recommendations and the student’s statement of educational goals and financial need.
Note: The Patterson Scholarship funds students pursuing undergraduate engineering degrees only. At the committee’s discretion, the scholarship may be awarded to students who do not have a Masonic affiliation. The Patterson Scholarship is offered to New Jersey High School Seniors only.
- William Mayer Memorial 2 Year Scholarship ($4,000)
Scholarships are available to high school seniors graduating in the Spring of 2014 and plan to continue their studies by enrolling in the Fall of 2014 in a 2 year institution of higher learning (which must be fully accredited and offer a bona fide course of study and instruction) and is the child, step-child, grandchild or step-grandchild of living or deceased Master Masons in good standing in a Masonic Lodge of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Students applying to four-year Under-graduate College or University are not eligible for this scholarship In order for an applicant to qualify for consideration, the student must have maintained a grade average of “C” or 2.0 on a scale of 4.0 over the last two completed years of high school.
- William Mayer Memorial Graduate Scholarship ($4,000)
Applicant must be a legal resident in the State of New Jersey, have completed a course of study in an accredited institution of higher learning and have been accepted by an institution of higher learning for the purpose of Post-Graduate Study. Recipients are required to maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 grading system, earning at least 12 credits per semester or the scholarship will be forfeited.
- Serewitch Family DeMolay Scholarship ($20,000)
*In order for an applicant to qualify for consideration, the student must have maintained a grade average of “C+” or 2.2 on a scale of 4.0 over the last two completed years of high school and have scored a minimum combined SAT score of 1300. The scholarship committee will place special emphasis on teacher recommendations and the student’s statement of educational goals and financial need. Applicants who demonstrate participation in some type of organized swimming program (including but not limited to a competitive team, a swimming activity, or swimming instruction) are preferred.
- Lillian M. and Frank M. Taylor Scholarship ($4,000)
In order for an applicant to qualify for consideration, the student must have maintained a grade average of “B” or 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 over the last two completed years of high school and have scored a minimum combined SAT score of 1500.
*Note: The Taylor Scholarships contain an additional requirement of thirty (30) hours of volunteer service to be completed at the Masonic Home of NJ each summer prior to the start of the Fall Term.
- Asbury Jordan Lodge Scholarship ($4,000)
In Honor of Christian Mogensen and John D. Post
In order for an applicant to qualify for consideration, the student must have maintained a grade average of “B” or 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 over the last two completed years of high school and have scored a minimum combined SAT score of 1400.
Only complete applications postmarked or received before February 15, 2014 will be considered.
CBS This Morning – Inside the secret world of the Freemasons
CBS Sunday Morning broadcast a segment by Mo Rocca on Freemasonry which featured the Grand Lodge of New York and the House of the Temple.
From The Square and Compasses are among the traditional tools of stonemasons. They also form the symbol of a group that has been misunderstood and even maligned for many centuries.
article – Inside the secret world of the Freemasons – CBS News
video – Inside the secret world of the Freemasons – CBS News
Table Lodge Photos Posted
On November 16th, 2013, Canon Lodge 104 and Ocean City Lodge 171 hosted the 24th District Table Lodge where 51 brethren and their guests enjoyed an outstanding evening. Thank you to all that participated, and we look forward to next years event!
CNBC – Freemasons see young blood as key to survival
It’s out with the old at the Freemasons as the international society looks to boost the numbers of young people joining its ranks as it works to survive in the modern world.
Founded in the 19th century in Europe before being exported to the U.S. and worldwide, freemasonry is also known as “the craft,” in homage to its roots in stonemasonry.
It portrays itself as a “fraternal society” where its members support one another, providing a space for like-minded people to socialize at “lodges” and carry out charitable works, while enabling its six million members worldwide to improve themselves on a moral level.
Famous Freemasons have included presidents and prime ministers, from Winston Churchill in the U.K. and George Washington in the U.S. and famous businessmen such as Henry Ford and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Mozart and Buzz Aldrin were also members.
Lodge History Updated
The history of Lodge No. 171 has been updated based upon information published in A History of Ocean City New Jersey. Read more in the About page.
Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 