News

On July 31, 2015 Norfolk Lodge A.F. & A.M., presented a donation to the Needham Community Council in the amount of $1000.00.  Through the recommendation of the donations committee, the Lodge voted to make a contribution to the Community Council in recognition of the important contributions it makes to our community. 

The Council and Norfolk Lodge share a longstanding relationship including the yearly tradition of donating Christmas trees to the Community Council.  Norfolk Lodge hopes that this contribution will assist the Council in achieving its mission of supporting the people in Needham who have under-met health, educational or social needs.  The Lodge looks forward to continuing to assist the Needham Community Council achieve its important mission and contributions to our community. 

On Saturday August 8th Norfolk Lodge hosted its fourth annual Family Picnic, at Claxton Field in Needham.  This year was another beautiful midsummer day and the members of the lodge, their families, and even potential candidates were able to enjoy the weather, good food and fellowship.  Attendance at the picnic this year was the largest ever, it gave everyone in attendance a chance to enjoy each other’s company in a time of year were there are no official lodge meetings.  

This year the on top of the good food and fellowship there were plenty of activities for members to enjoy including games, a clown and a bouncy house.  Everyone had a great time, and many people stayed late into the afternoon.   The Officers of the Lodge  would like to thank everyone who helped to make the day so successful and all of the people who took the time to come down and enjoy the day with their brothers.   

Norfolk Lodge A.F. & A.M., presented a donation to the Charles River YMCA in the amount of $1000.00.  Through the recommendation of the Norfolk Lodge donations committee, the Lodge voted to contribute to the Y's annual fund in recognition of the important contributions it makes to our community.   Norfolk Lodge hopes that this contribution will assist the Y in achieving its mission of strengthening our community through programs and services aimed at Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.  

Wor. Michael Centola of Norfolk Lodge 

and Paula Jacobson Executive Director

YMCA of Greater Boston Charles River Branch

One June 17, 2015, a time capsule originally placed in the cornerstone of the Massachusetts Statehouse by M.W. Paul Revere was returned.  A number of the members of Norfolk Lodge participated in the procession of more than 1200 Freemasons accompanying the cornerstone back to the Statehouse.

  Norfolk Lodge's very own R.W. Donald LaLiberte,

 Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts (above, in the center), participated in the ceremony which was presided over by M.W. Harvey John Waugh, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts (below).

For the AP story about the event, click here.

On Saturday June 6th, the officers and brothers of Norfolk Lodge, as part of their ongoing effort to be more involved in the community events in Needham, participated in the Needham Business Association Street Fair.  The Brothers of Norfolk Lodge manned a booth where more that 100 children had their faces painted.  Many more received free shaved ice and popcorn.  Volunteers also spoke with members of the community about Masonry and all of the work that Norfolk Lodge does in the community. 

It was a great day for everyone involved.  Thank you to all of those who volunteered, and especially to Doug Rainville who organized the event.

On Sunday May 31, Norfolk Lodge hosted a Spring Concert featuring a woodwind trio of Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon.  The program of 60 minutes included music from the classical and pre-classical era, such as Haydn, Mozart , Telemann, Handel. 

Approximately 40 attendees enjoyed the music performed by Andrew Price, Principal of Boston Pops Esplanade, Boston Classical Orchestra, Emil Lancea, former Principal clarinetist of the Metropolitan Orchestra of Boston and Adrian Jojatu, former principal of State Symphony of Mexico.  

A video of the performance may be viewed by clicking HERE.

At its monthly meeting in May, Norfolk Lodge, the District Deputy Grand Master of the Fifth district, friends and familiy honored Bro. Frederick Lincoln Sewall and Wor. Lawrence Lee Trecartin for their service to Freemasonry.  Between the two men they have dedicated 100 years of service, and they were both raised to the degree of Master Mason in 1965. Both of these Brothers have been extremely active since they joined the Fraternity; both in Norfolk Lodge as well in other Masonic bodies.

Norfolk Lodge would like to congratulate these brothers on reaching this milestone and on their many achievements.  We wish them many more years of active membership in the Fraternity.  

During the April school vacation week, the Aleppo Shrine hosted their annual Circus.  R.W. David Newcomb was in attendance as part of the Shrine Clown Unit.  R.W. Newcomb has been an Aleppo Temple Shrine Clown for more then 25 years.  

The Aleppo Shrine Clowns are a voluntary group who work and perform to bring laughter, happiness and peace to young and old alike. They bring momentary relief from the stress, pain and uncertainty of the world today. The Aleppo Shrine Clowns perform in parades, private business and fundraising events to raise money for the operation of their Hospitals. They also spend time at the Shriners hospitals for Children in Boston entertaining children who have fallen victim to tragic accidents, as well as performing at The Shrine Circus in Wilmington every April. 

On March 28, 2015, Brothers from Norfolk Lodge participated in the degree work for Scottish Rite One-Day class.  Congratulations and welcome to Bro. Pablo G. Coste who received his Scottish Rite degrees on Saturday.  Illustrious Scott Inglis, 33°, presided over his last one day class as his term as Commander-in-Chief of Massachusetts Consistory will come to an end on May 9th 2015.  

Illustrious Carl Gordon, 33°, Past Commander-in-Chief, was presented a special citation signed by the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, for having been an active member in the Valley of Boston for over 50 years.  This is similar to a 50-year Veterans Medal in Blue Lodge.  

Brother David Sewall, 32°, was appointed as Master of Ceremonies of Massachusetts Consistory.  He was appointed as an Assistant Master of Ceremonies in 2001 and has been active in Massachusetts Consistory in that role for 14 years.  This puts Bro. Sewall on track to be eligible to be elected Commander-in-Chief in 2021.

At the March Quarterly of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Norfolk Lodge received the Grand Master's Award.  Wor. A. Theodore McIntosh accepted the award on behalf of the officers and members of Norfolk Lodge from Most Worshipful Harvey J. Waugh.  

The Grand Master's Award is given to Lodge's who complete a number of different activities which promote engagement, fraternalism, and activities in the Lodge.  Wor. McIntosh and the officers last year launched an ambitious plan to increase activity and engagement of the members of the Lodge.   

Norfolk Lodge was an active participant in District and Grand Lodge events, including Grand Lodge Communications, visits of the District Deputy, and donated to Grand Lodge charities; the officers visited the Masonic Home in Charlton.  The officers also developed plans to increase Masonic Awareness in the community as well as plans recruit and retain members.

Congratulations to all of the officers for a great year, and keep up the good work.