Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

Submitted by Will Bloombergh

Cape Ann Masons’ Open House

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Once again, the Gloucester Masonic Lodge is hosting an Open House, known also as “Square and Compasses Day,” on Saturday, October 19, from 9 AM until 3 PM.  If you’ve ever wondered who the Freemasons are, whether they are the descendants of the Knights Templars, or what the inside of their building looks like, here’s your chance to find out.  The event is held semiannually to help the public gain a better understanding of what Freemasonry is, and the positive impact that it has on its members, their families, and community.  Members will provide tours of the building, talk about Freemasonry’s history, discuss its rituals, signs, and symbols, and explain what they do.

The Lodge, known to its members as the Tyrian-Ashler-Acacia Lodge reflecting the former names of three Lodges which are now one, is located at 27 Eastern Avenue in Gloucester.  Officers and members of the Lodge will be present to welcome visitors and prospective members alike.  Come and join us and see the many different items from around the world as well as local items not previously seen by the public, pulled from the dusty safe deposit box. Paul Revere and his silver work, items of antiquity from the 1770’s and 1800’s, gavels made from the wood of the USS Constitution, and from King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. Gordon Gravelese, Master of The Tyrian-Ashler-Acacia Lodge said, “Gloucester’s Lodge has the distinction of being one of the oldest Masonic lodges in North America and will be displaying many of these items for our open house.  For men looking for ways to give back to their community and world, while enjoying the benefits of a first-rate fraternal organization, Masonry is a great place to look.”

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. In 1733 it was formally organized in Massachusetts, making it the oldest Masonic group in the Western Hemisphere,

and the third oldest in the world.

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 $3,000,000 is given to charity every day, 70% of which benefits the general public.  During its symbolic initiation ceremony, members are encouraged to value high principles, ethics, and morals and to live their lives accordingly.  By “making good men better,” Freemasonry positively benefits its members, their families and local communities.  Freemasonry in Massachusetts is comprised of 32,000 members in more than 230 different lodges throughout the Commonwealth.

Please join us on Saturday for more information, refreshments and a tour, or visit http://www.massfreemasonry.org.

We will announce where to vote.

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GloucesterCast 361 Teaser:

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Mediterranean Salad-

Turkey Toastie

So delicious.

Don’t sleep on Sugar Mags Breakfast LUNCH!

Virginia Frontiero McKinnon received a Special Citation from the office of Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken on the occasion of her 90^th Birthday on July 24, 2019.

The Citation read: as Mayor of the City of Gloucester, one of the pleasures of office is the opportunity to recognize in an official way, special happenings in the

lives of extraordinary people. Thus, I am delighted to take a moment to salute you upon such a milestone of achieving the age of 90.

Mayor Sefatia also stated at a young age she was inspired to select her career to be an advocate to helping people, as she watched Virginia work as a Social Worker,

especially with the Italian Community.

Virginia’s sisters, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present to witness this special occasion.

I’m not sure how much more I could boil it down but here’s the latest bill (National Grid OWES US MONEY!)-

Do you want to put solar on your house and make money?

Fill out the form and I’ll have lifelong Gloucester resident Tim Sanborn from Cazeault Solar call you to go over your options for free.