For Members and Friends of Richmond Randolph Lodge No. 19 Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons richmondrandolph19.com |
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Brethren, As we take a moment to observe Labor Day, we are reminded of the value of hard work and the contributions that each of us makes in our daily lives. It's a time to appreciate not just the physical labor |
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that built our communities but also the mental and moral labor we undertake to build ourselves and support each other. This holiday gives us a chance to rest and reflect, but it also serves as a reminder of our Masonic duty: to work on ourselves and help guide our brothers when they might be veering off course. One of the most profound but challenging responsibilities we have as Masons is the act of whispering good counsel in the ear of a brother who may be on the path to making an error. This Masonic principle isn’t just about correcting a brother; it’s about extending a hand with compassion and understanding. Yet, we all know how difficult it can be to offer this type of feedback, whether it's to a brother within the Lodge or to anyone in our lives. Giving honest feedback can feel like walking a tightrope. We worry about hurting feelings, being misunderstood, or even damaging a friendship. It’s easy to stay silent, to think, “It’s not my place,” or “Maybe someone else will say something.” But as Masons, we are taught to act with courage and to offer our guidance not out of criticism, but out of love and a sincere desire to see our brother succeed. Remember, whispering good counsel isn’t about pointing out flaws—it’s about sharing a perspective that might help a brother see a better path. It’s about gently steering someone back toward the light when they’ve strayed into darkness. And just as importantly, it’s about being humble enough to accept such counsel when it’s whispered in our own ears. As we continue our Masonic journey together, let’s strive to create an environment where giving and receiving counsel is not seen as a burden but as an essential part of our brotherhood. Let us work to be the kind of men who can both offer and accept guidance with grace, knowing that we are all, in our own ways, laboring toward the common goal of becoming better men. Fraternally, Shane Flansburg Worshipful Master |
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On August 7, 2024, the lodge was proud to initiate its newest member, Brother Cortland Christopher Putbrese. |
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Back Row Left: Worshipful Donald Moro, Brother Bailey Moro, Brother Brian Barte, Brother Tyler Esteppe, Worshipful Paul Rinko, Worshipful Shane Flansburg, Rt. Worshipful Bill Heltzel, Mt. Worshipful John Dove Front Row Left: Brother Tyler Mathews, Brother Mark Phillips, Brother David Allen, Brother Cortland Putbrese, Worshipful Oran Jamison, Brother Christopher Martone, Brother Shane Emory, Worshipful Jake Crocker |
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THE NO. 19 TRAVELING GAVEL |
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At the August 10, 2024 Stated Meeting, the lodge was honored to receive a traveling gavel that had made its way across the United States as it visited lodges named No. 19. Originated by Terre Haute Lodge No. 19, F. & A.M., Indiana in 2023, our lodge received the gavel and forwarded it on to Eagle Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M. in Hillsborough, North Carolina. |
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| | The Grand Lodge of Virginia Recognized the Traveling Gavel. |
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| | The traveling gavel came with its own engraved sound block and carrying case. |
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Lodge members joined Worshipful Shane Flansburg in receiving the No. 19 Traveling Gavel. |
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Greetings from your Secretary. Here are a few important reminders: 2024 dues of $326 were due on December 31, 2023. You have until December 31, 2024 to pay them. As our lodge is funded primarily on dues, we hope that |
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you will pay your dues sooner than later. On the GrandView system you can always see your current dues balance. Just log into Grandview and look at the bottom of the screen for your balance. Click on Actions / View Membership Details / Transaction History to see your financial transactions. If you have not yet logged into GrandView, just click on this link to register. You will need a special member number (not the number on your dues card) which you can get from me. |
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THE TRESTLEBOARDSeptember, 2024 |
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September 1st 7:30 PM Lodge Officers Business Call Via Zoom |
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September 11th 6:30 PM First Friday Social Grandstaff & Stein 2113 E. Main St. Richmond |
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September 11th 6:30 PM Called Communication Work in the FC Degree Dinner at 6:00 PM |
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September 14th 9:00 AM Stated Meeting Breakfast at 8:00 AM "Sr. Wardens Day" |
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September 21st Masters & Wardens Meeting 9:00 AM Tuckahoe Masonic Lodge |
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September 22nd 7:30 PM Philosophy Society "Education Over Membership" Via Zoom |
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Catechism and Ritual Schools are held every Wednesday night at 6:30 PM unless otherwise noted on the lodge calendar. All Masons are welcome. |
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"A SEASON OF DIVISION"By Brother David Allen |
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This short article is being written as the US presidential election heats up, the month immediately after all lodges holden under the Grand Lodge of Virginia received a letter from the Grand Master indicating that the wearing of various political symbols and insignias is inappropriate attire in Virginia Lodges. This article is not going to be about political opinions, but how they affect us. | | |
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"NEW BEGINNINGS"By Worshipful Lee Oppenheim ** |
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New beginnings are opportunities for growth and renewal. Embracing them allows us to move forward, overcome challenges, and achieve our full potential. Reflection: How can embracing new beginnings help you move forward and achieve your potential? Day 1: "New beginnings are the opportunities for growth and renewal." - Albert G. Mackey Exercise: Reflect on a recent new beginning in your life. Write about how it has impacted you and what you have learned from it. Day 2: "In new beginnings, we find the strength embrace change and move forward." - Manly P. Hall Exercise: Identify an area in your life where you need a new beginning. Write about how you can create a fresh start and what steps you need to take. Day 3: "Freemasonry teaches us to view each day as a chance for a new beginning." - George Washington Exercise: Write about a time when you successfully embraced a new beginning. Reflect on how it helped you grow and what you learned. Day 4: "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." - Seneca Exercise: Think about an ending in your life that led to a new beginning. Write about how it transformed you and what opportunities it created. ** Reprinted with permission from "Crafting a Better Life: Discovering the Journey Within," by Lee Oppenheim |
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HAPPY MASONIC BIRTHDAY Brother Jonathan Stewart Barker, 9/13, 8 Years Worshipful Thomas Blake Breeden, 9/2, 19 Years Brother Thomas Joseph Flanagan, 9/13, 7 Years Brother Scott Michael Hennarty, 9/29, 3 Years Worshipful Charles William Hundley, 9/5, 54 Years Brother Matthew Caleb Madison, 9/12, 6 Years Brother Lawrence Hamilton Pearson, 9/13, 7 Years Total of 104 Masonic Years |
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2024 LODGE OFFICERS Worshipful Shane Christopher Flansburg, Worshipful Master Brother Matthew August Maggy, Senior Warden Worshipful Oran Curtis Jamison, II, Junior Warden Worshipful Jake Allen Crocker, Treasurer Worshipful Donald Francis Moro Jr., Secretary Mobile: (804) 652-9311, Email: secretaryrr19@gmail.com Brother Matthew David Allen, Senior Deacon Brother Christopher Robert Martone, Junior Deacon Rt. Worshipful William Robert Heltzel, Chaplain Brother Brian Christopher Barte', Senior Steward Brother Tyler Cole Esteppe, Junior Steward Brother Zachary Wayne James, Marshal Worshipful Michael Derwin Joyner, Tiler |
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Rt. Worshipful Donald A. K. Cunningham, Jr.
Rt. Worshipful William R. Heltzel Worshipful Charles W. Hundley
Worshipful Michael D. Joyner Worshipful Lee A. Oppenheim |
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MASONIC VETERANS 60 YEARS OR BETTER Brother Bedros C. Bendazion (62) Mt. Worshipful Frederick Garrison Martin, III (62) 50 - 60 YEARS Brother Irvin Franklin Beadles Worshipful Robert Burney Bedell Worshipful Lother Arthur Bernhard, Sr. Mt. Worshipful Stuart Vernon Cook Worshipful Charles William Hundley Brother Waverly Carroll Marshall Brother Mark Lewis Perkins Brother John Hjalmar Stenstrom |
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J. Larry Dixon, P.D.D.G.M. |
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Barrye L. Absher, P.D.D.G.M. |
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William R. Heltzel, P.D.D.G.M. |
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James H. Duke, Jr. P.D.D.G.M. |
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Preston Chad Vanderpool, D.D.G.M. |
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Donald A. K. Cunningham, Jr., P. D.D.G.M. |
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LEGACY MEMBERS IN PERPETUITY Barrye L. Absher, P.D.D.G.M Jacob A. Allen Tyler A. Ayers Benjamin A. Barrett James R. Childs Paul A. Dierickx, P.M. James H. Duke, Jr. P.D.D.G.M. Peter Francisco * William R. Heltzel, P.D.D.G.M. William K. Lamp Douglas G. Mack Ian Nelson Anthony C. Pearce Francis L. Romero Charles S. Sarbaugh, P.D.D.G.M. Christopher L. Shuman Charles T. Sykes, P.M. Curtis L. Thompson A Legacy Membership in Perpetuity can be purchased for $8,150. This exempts the member from paying RR19 dues, and contributes an amount perpetually back to the Lodge. For details, see section 5.00 of the Methodical Digest, or contact the Secretary at secretaryrr19@gmail.com. |
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