Sad News To Report – Brother Richard S. Welker

It is my sad duty to report the passing of Brother Richard S. Welker. Brother Welker has put down his heavy Earthy working tools of life after 70 years as a Mason.

Our Brother was born on July 7, 1927. Initiated as an Entered Apprentice on April 16th, 1953 at Transportation Lodge #842 (now Renaissance Lodge #1188). Passed to Fellowcraft on September 3, 1953, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on December 10, 1953. He affiliated with Blazing Star Lodge #694 on January 1, 1990. Our Brother was Raised to the Celestial Lodge in the sky on March 13, 2023, at the age of 96 and a Mason for 70 years. Brother Welker served in the army from 1941 until 1959 serving duty in WWII and Korea as an MP. Our Brother worked the quarry for many years and leaves behind a great legacy. Thank you Brother for all of your contributions to Masonry and to the betterment of humanity. You can rest knowing your good works will live on for years to come.

Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the Welker family in this difficult time.

“Well done thou good and faithful servant.  Enter thou into the joy of the Lord” Amen.


Sad News To Report – Brother John T. Breth

It is my sad duty to report the passing of Brother John T. Breth Jr. Father to our Secretary W:. David Breth has put down his heavy Earthy working tools of life after 53 years as a Mason.

Our Brothers was born on January 27, 1932, and raised in C.G. Fox Lodge #0358 on November 7, 1969, (later consolidated into Ancient Landmarks #0358). He maintained his membership with Ancient Landmarks and was also affiliated with Blazing Star Lodge #0694 on April 13, 2010. He was a member of the Ismailia Shrine and was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite. Our Brother was Raised to the Celestial Lodge in the sky on January 27, 2023, at the age of 91. Our Brother worked the quarry for many years and leaves behind a great legacy. Thank you Brother for all of your contributions to Masonry and to the betterment of humanity. You can rest knowing your good works will live on for years to come.

Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the Breth family in this difficult time.

“Well done thou good and faithful servant.  Enter thou into the joy of the Lord” Amen.


Moon Lodge Observance

Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Blazing Star Lodge held its “first-ever” Moon Lodge Observance meeting. First-ever could be incorrect because of the history of Blazing Star Lodge #294.

To honor and promote New York State’s last remaining true Moon Lodge Warren Lodge #32, the Brothers of Blazing Star opened, conducted business, and closed by lantern light. This was truly a unique and powerful experience. The evening started with a pre-opening ritual-inspired exchange of Light which shows how, as Masons, we share our Light and grow stronger with each time we share. This immediately flowed into the traditional opening. W:. Paterek presented a paper on Warren Lodge #32 and how Blazing Star most likely has its roots as a Moon Lodge. All Brothers present requested that the houselights remain off for the duration of business. Modern LED lanterns made this easy.

The Brothers who attended were blown away by the experience.  You had to be there to enjoy it.  If you missed it do not worry because it is certain that Blazing Star Lodge will continue the Moon Lodge tradition at least yearly.   All visitors requested more information on Warren Lodge’s Midnight Rider opportunity.

Moon Lodge Brothers

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