It is through personal triumphs and achievements that the individual is given an opportunity to stand out. The individual that stood out – that essential one – is our lodge. The Stated Communication of April 12th was a grand achievement for our lodge as the Grand Master of Florida, M:. W:. J. Dick Martinez came by to visit our lodge with members of his Grand Line including: Deputy Grand Master R:.W:. Jim J Harris, Senior Grand Warden R:.W:. JL “George” Aladro, M:.W:. Joe Flietes (PGM:. 2008), DDGM R:.W:. Joseph Flietes along with several top figures from South Florida. It was truly an all-star cast as we had fellow Dignitaries, Masters and Brothers of all ages join us in welcoming them. M:.W:. Martinez gave a warm speech and the energy in the crowd responded equally. An enthusiastic night that left some brothers saying that this had been their favorite night in their Masonic Career (after their degrees…of course). M:.W:. Martinez also mentioned in wondering how we had petitioners that wait in upwards of 6 months to get initiated; he “wishes he could bottle what we have in this lodge and spread it around the state.”
The work of our lodge as one lodge has been a true endeavor and one where we enjoy spreading charity. W:. Alfred Sarria gave a marvelous presentation on the Charity of Hibiscus lodge to parallel the M:.W:. message – “Masons always rise to the occasion”. Hibiscus has made it goal to work with local homeless chapters like the Community Partnership for the Homeless to feeding and providng goods to those in needs. W:. Jorge Rice assisted with the presentation and took a moment to remind brothers that Charity begins at home and that’s through paying our dues.
To help celebrate, the brothers from South Miami Lodge #308 came by to help cheer on the G:.M:. and to request the Traveling Gavel. You will recall that last year Hibiscus took the Traveling Gavel from South Miami and what a better opportunity to enjoy the jovial brotherly way to rub-it-in then taking it in front of the Grand Master. A moment we shouldn’t wait to long to seep in. Join us as we plan to take it back and in doing so be an active lodge both to the community and our brothers throughout the district.
P.’.M.’. Alfred Smith de Castroverde