News of Importance for the Villages Masonic Lodge

 

Please go to the "Contact Us" page for an update on Lodge Dress Code

 

SCOTTISH RITE 1-DAY REUNION

The Valley of Ocala is hosting a 1-day Reunion for new candidates to join the Scottish Rite. This is a great opportunity to join a great Valley in only 1-day. Scan the QR Code on the following flyer to obtain a petition (done on-line). The Valley of Ocala is looking forward to your joining us as we continue to grow.
 

 

VILLAGES MASONIC HI-23 CLUB 4th ANNUAL PICNIC

The Villages Hi-12 club is holding its Annual Picnic on September 14th at Gardenia Park in Fruitland Park. See Flyer below.
 

 

LAKE SUMTER YORK RITE TABLE COUNCIL

A Table council will be held on September 24, 2024 at the Lake County Shrine Club in Tavares
 

 

Florida Sable Palm Program

For an application to donate to this program contact Jim Hawkins (hawkinsjr@att,net / (443) 622-0228) or ILL Ed Mayfield, General Secretary of the Valley of Ocala (rw.edmayfield@gmail.com / (352) 348-9730)

 

 

July 22, 2024 - Hurricane Preparedness

Brother Phil Goldsmith, Commander of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) will lead an informational session titled: Hurricane Season - What to expect, what to do, and when to do it. The session is scheduled for Monday, July 22 at 9:30 AM in the Manatee Recreation Center (1512 Hillsborough Trail, The Villages, FL 32163). All are welcome to attend including friends and neighbors. Sponsored by the Villages Masonic Lodge No. 394.

 

New Villages Lodge Meeting Location

The Villages Masonic Lodge voted to move it's meeting location to the Odd Fellows Hall located at 2401 Virginia Drive in Leesburg beginning with the August Stated Communication. This location is near the old Leesburg Masonic Lodge which burned down last year.

 

Lake Sumter York Rite River Cruise

The Lake Sumter York Rite is sponsoring a River Cruise as a fundraiser to replace regalia lost in the Leesburg Lodge Fire.  Open to everyone.

 

 

CPR/AED TRAINING

The Villages Masonic Lodge is sponsoring a training session on CPR and AED. The course is done by CERT (Community Emergency Response Team of the Villages)

 

Valley of Ocala Scottish Rite3rd Annual Poker Run

 

15th Masonic District Masters and Wardens Spring 2024 Golf Tournament

 

CONGRATULATIONS ON 25 YEARS

The Villages Masonic Lodge celebrated 25 years longevity and rededication of the Lodge Charter on November 17th. The Celebration was a postponement of the original date of June 16th when Leesburg Masonic Lodge burned to the ground 2 days before the celebration. The Charter re-dedication was performed by Most Worshipful Glen B. Bishop, Grand Master of Masons in Florida and his Grand line.  Congratulations Villages Masonic Lodge!!!

 

October 28 - Annual Halloween Dance

 

 October 2 - Ocala Scottish Rite First Annual Ladies Night

Join the Ocala Scottish Rite for a fun evening with your wife/significant other as we treat the ladies. All Wives/significant others will become "Ladies of the Rite"

 

October 21 - Ocala Scottish Rite Fall Reunion

Fill out a petition and become a Scottish Rite Mason in 1 day. A great deal - don't pass it up!

 

Third Annual 100 Master Mason Night

August 31st at Peninsular Masonic Lodge (1234 Wells Avenue in Tavares, FL); Hope to see everyone there!

 

THE VILLAGES MASONIC LODGE IS 25 YEARS OLD

Join Us for our 25th Year Celebration

(Postponed - see Grand Master Messagebelow)

 

 

 

February 10 - Valentine Dinner Dance

 

MARCH 25 - SCOTTISH RITE 1-DAY REUNION

 

 

JANUARY 7 - INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

Please join us for the Annual Installation of Officers at Leesburg Masonic Lodge; 11:00 AM

 

SERVICES FOR LOIS ERB, WIFE OF VILLAGES PAST MASTER, W:. JOHN ERB

Services have been scheduled for R:.W:. John Erb's wife, Lois, on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM at Paradise Drive, the Villages.

 

VILLAGES MASONIC LODGE #394 IS NOW MEETING AT LEESBURG LODGE #58

After meeting for more than thirteen years at Wildwood Masonic Lodge, the Villages Masonic Lodge No. 394 will be moving to Leesburg Lodge #58, 200 Richey Rd., Leesburg, FL 34748 effective September 1, 2022. We appreciate and thank the Brethren of Wildwood Lodge No. 92 for their hospitality over the years but it’s time to start a new chapter in the chronicle of our Lodge. We’ve contracted with Leesburg Lodge No. 58 to conduct all our Masonic activities at their location. Our first Stated Communication in our new home will be Monday, September 12, 2022, Lunch at 12:30 PM, Meeting at 1:30. See below for directions.

From Rt 42 & US 27/441

Take US 27/441 S for 11 miles
R on Martin Luther King Blvd for 0.5 miles
L on Thomas Ave. for 1.9 miles
R on Main St. for 0.5 miles
L on Richey Rd
Lodge Parking Lot on Left

From Wildwood Lodge

Take US 301 S for 1.5 miles
L on FL 44 E for 8.3 miles
Continue Straight on Main St for 0.4 miles
R on Richey Rd.
Lodge Parking Lot on Left

From Lake Sumter Landing

Morse Blvd for 3.0 miles
L on CR 466A for 3.1 miles
R on Rt 468 (Rose Avenue) for 4 miles
L on Main St. for 0.3 miles
R on Richey Rd.
Lodge Parking Lot on Left
 

 

SECOND ANNUAL 100 MASON NIGHT

 

 

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Please consider donating school supplies for our annual school supply drive.  See the flyer below on needed items.
 

 

JULY 28, 2022 - MASONIC EDUCATION SERIES

***New Education Opportunity ***
 

 

JUNE 11 - FUNERAL FOR R:.W:. BILL CLANCY

A Masonic Funeral will be held for R:.W:. Bill Clancy of Mt. Dora Lodge on Friday, June 24 at 2:00 PM. The funeral will be at Harden Funeral Home located at 1800 N. Donnelly Street, Mt. Dora.  If you are able to attend and/or assist with the service, please contact Bill Nuzzi, WM of Mt. Dora Lodge at (352) 246-0737.

 

BIKES FOR BOOKS PRESENTATIONS

The presentation of 24 bicycles to the children at Villages Elementary at Lady Lake and Wildwood Elementary will take place as follows.  Please arrive early to sign in and get to the media centers.

     Wildwood Elementary - Thursday May 19th at 7:45 AM

     Villages Elementary at Lady Lake - Tuesday May 24th at 8:20 AM

SEE THE PHOTO'S AND NEWS COVERAGE IN THE ACTIVITIES/PICTURE TAB

 

 

The Southeastern Masonic Education Symposium

On Saturday, April 9th, 2022, The southeastern Masonic Education Symposium will be held at Hillsborough Lodge No. 25 (F&AM) in downtown Tampa.  For Tickets and further information click on the links below.  This is the premier Masonic Education symposium for the Tampa Bay area, the State of Florida, and the southeastern United States.  Join us for an awesome event.  For details, call (877) 690-8997 or email Billy Schmidth at billyschmidth25@gmail.com.


 

 

 

 MARCH 24 - EA DEGREE

 

 

DIRECTIVE OF THE GRAND MASTER JEFFREY FOSTER - January 27th

Please review the following January 27th Directive by Grand Master Jeffrey foster.  In addition, we will continue to take temperatures and use hand sanitizer upon entering the lodge.  In addition, It is strongly urged that all vaccinated Masons wear masks and is required for all non-vaccinated Masons to wear masks until further notice.
 

 

February 12 - Annual Valentine Dinner Dance

The Annual Lodge fundraising dinner dance will be held on February 12th at the La Hacienda Recreation Center.  The event will start at 5:30 PM and end at 8:15 PM.  Dinner will consist of Roast Port, Mashed potatoes, carrots, rolls, salad and dessert.  Get your tickets now to enjoy this great event.
 
 

 

January 8, 2022 - Installation of Officers

On January 8th in the Wildwood Lodge, Villages Masonic Lodge #394 will hold its Installation of Officers for the 2022 year. The Lodge will be opened (Master Masons only) at 12:00 Noon followed by lunch at 1:00 PM, and an Open Installation to begin at 2:00 PM.  All brothers, family, and friends are cordially invited to attend the lunch and installation ceremony.

 

October 30, 2021 - Halloween Dance Announced

Tickets are now available for our Fall Fundraiser - The Great Halloween Dinner Dance.  Come enjoy a delicious roast turkey dinner and dance to the music of "Bubba the Famous DJ."  There will be raffles, 50/50's, and much more including a Best Halloween Costume contest for those who wish to participate.  Full information below.

 

 

 

Wednesday June 7, 2021 - Funeral for Bro. Frank Topping

A Masonic Funeral will be conducted for Brother Frank Halsey Topping, a 55-year member of the Villages Masonic Lodge at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 7th at the Hiers-Baxley Funeral & Cremation - Life Event Center located at 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 

 

Friday June 25, 2021 - Grand Master Visit

The Grand Master M:.W:. Jeffrey S. Foster will make his official visit to the 15th Masonic District on Friday June 25th.  The Visit will be held at the Lake County Shrine Club, 424 N Duncan Dr. Traveres, FL 32778.  Dinner (FREE) will be at 5:00 PM / Program to Follow;  All Masons, their Wives or significant others are welcome.  Please RSVP to the DDGM (Eric Klienbach 754-444 USMC)

 

Thursday January 21, 2021 - Entered Apprentice Degree

The Villages Masonic Lodge #394 will confer the Entered Apprentice Degree on Robert Leon Patrick Wetzel and Richard Larry Alfree on January 21st beginning at 1 PM in the Wildwood Masonic Lodge.  All Masons from EA to MM are welcome to attend.    Refreshments following

 

Saturday February 13th - Valentine's Dinner Dance - CANCELLED

THIS ACTIVITY HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO RESTRICTIONS OF COVID-19

A great time to show your love for your significant other during the Valentine season.  This fundraiser will include dinner and dancing from 5:30 - 8:15 PM at the LaHacienda Regional Recreation Center on 1200 Avenida Central, the Villages.  See any Lodge Officer or contact the Lodge by phone (352-492-2771) or Email (information@villagesmasoniclodge.com).
 

 

Open Installation of Officers

On January 9th, the Villages Masonic Lodge will hold an Open Installation of Officers for the 2021 year.  The Lodge will open at 11:00 AM followed by lunch at 12:00 Noon and the Installation Ceremony at 1:00 PM.  All CDC guidelines will be followed and masks will be required at all times except during lunch.  All Masons, their wives or significant other, friends and neighbors are cordially invited.

 

Memorial Service for Past Master Ron D'Orizio

On Saturday October 3rd, a Memorial Service for Past Master Ron D'Orizo will be held.  The service will be at the Wildwood Masonic Lodge (103 Georgia Street) at 11:00 AM.  Social distancing will be observed and masks are requested for all attendees.  A luncheon will follow the service in the community room.

 

The Villages Masonic Lodge wishes everyone a Happy Labor Day

 

The Past Master's Night and Social scheduled for August 17th has been cancelled due to the current environment.  It has been rescheduled for September 21st.

 

 

June 10th - Practice Cancelled - Masters & Wardens Meeting Moved to Leesburg Lodge

The worshipful Master has cancelled the practice scheduled for Thursday June 11th due to an unfortunate accident at the Wildwood Lodge.  In addition, the Masters and Wardens Meeting hosted by the Villages Masonic Lodge and scheduled for June 17th has also been moved to the Leesburg Masonic Lodge at 200 Richey Road, Leesburg (Dinner at 6:00 PM; Meeting at 7:00 PM).

 

May 22nd - Masonic Activities Allowed to Resume

The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Florida, John W. Westerman, III and Deputy Grand Master Thomas L. Turlington Jr. jointly issued Directives on May 22nd lifting restrictions that allow Masonic activities to resume beginning on June 1st.  Below are their letters:

 

 

April 27th 2020 News from the Grand Lodge of Florida

The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Florida, John W. Westerman III, released the following information regarding Masonic operations for the month of May 2020 and issued an official directive.  Look for corresponding guidance from Worshipful Master Richard Koenig.