From The East

Old Timers’ Night 2025

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Old Timers’ Night is always a highlight at Blazing Star, and this year was no exception. Blazing Star Lodge welcomed several guests and returning Brothers, joining in the fellowship. The evening began with a short business meeting, dispensed with quickly so we could focus on what the night was really about, celebrating the legacy and the living tradition of our Lodge.
Our newest Brothers took on their appointed roles for the first time and handled their duties with confidence.
Once the business was wrapped, the Lodge opened its doors to family and friends. Worshipful Brother Breth, returning to the East, gave a playful demonstration of “The Power of the East,” calling on the Deacons to deliver handwritten notes to the Wardens. The notes were lighthearted jabs at the Buffalo Bills and Sabres lousy luck.
WB Breth’s son and daughter then helped distribute traditional pens, personalized for the new Master. That led to a challenge to find the typo hidden on the pens. It did not take long for our new Chaplain, Brother Layman, to spot it; “Blazing Star Lodge #___”. The moment got a good laugh and reminded everyone that even in serious work, there is room for humor and humility.

As with every Old Timers’ Night, part of the tradition is taking time to recognize those who have dedicated themselves to the Craft over many years. These are not just men who joined long ago. They are men who stayed, who showed up, who carried the weight when it was needed, and who helped shape the Lodge into what it is today.
This year, we had the honor of presenting a 50-Year Award to Worshipful Brother George Sleeper. He was the only milestone recipient present that evening, but he carried the moment with quiet dignity. WB Sleeper received his 50-Year Apron, certificate, and pin, symbols of a lifetime of commitment to Freemasonry and Blazing Star Lodge.
Fifty years is not just a number. It is decades of meetings, degree work, mentorship, and steady presence. It is no small feat. Congratulations, Brother Sleeper. Your service has not gone unnoticed, and your example continues to guide those who follow.

WB George Sleeper

Brothers not present who receive significant milestone pins and aprons.
Br. Mark Bostaph – 5 years
Br. Philip Hall – 15 years
Br. Ronald Paskiewicz – 15 years Demit
Br. Charles Brooks – 40 years
Br. Dale Seibert – 40 years
Br. Mark Ward – 45 years
Wor. John Puckhaber – 50 years
Wor. George B. Sleeper – 50 years
Br. Penn Watson IV – 55 Years
Br. George Holdridge – 55 years
Wor. Charles Turner Jr. – 60 years!

Sad News To Report – In Loving Memory of Andrew “Breadman” Egressy

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It is my sad duty to report the passing of DSA Brother Andrew S. Egressy. Brother Egressy put down his heavy Earthy working tools of life after 10 years as a Mason.

Andrew S. Egressy
August 10, 1937 – March 4, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of DSA Brother Andrew Egressy, who laid down the working tools of life on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the age of 87, after 10 years as a Master Mason.

Shortly after affiliating with Blazing Star Lodge #694, he introduced a project born from a simple yet troubling realization—food pantries often struggled to obtain sliced bread, a staple in every home. What began as a modest effort soon grew into a remarkable mission. Over the years, he expanded the program significantly, enlisting the help of Brothers from Blazing Star and other Lodges from Erie, PA to Syracuse, NY. His tireless work ensured that food pantries throughout the region received much-needed bread. His efforts did not go unnoticed. He was contacted by a jelly manufacturer who began donating six to ten tons of jelly per year for distribution.

At the request of several Brothers and one specific Grand Lodge Brother, Blazing Star Lodge proudly nominated Brother Egressy for the Distinguished Service Award, an honor reserved for Masons who go above and beyond the usual high standard we as Masons all hold. It was a testament to his unwavering dedication, selflessness, and impact on the community.

Brother Egressy shaped our Lodge in many ways, most notably through his humility, kindness, and immediate friendship. Yet what truly set him apart was his compassion, his relentless drive, and his commitment to a cause that changed lives. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, in the Lodge he strengthened, and in the example he set for all of us. The work he began will live on through the Brothers of the Bread program, ensuring that food pantries continue to receive the support they need—a lasting testament to his vision, dedication, and generosity.

Rest in eternal peace, dear Brother Andy, your memory lives on in our hearts.

Our Brother was Initiated as an Entered Apprentice on September 19, 2013. Passed to Fellowcraft on October 17, 2013, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on November 14, 2013. Our Brother was Raised to the Celestial Lodge in the sky on March 4, 2025, at the age of 87 and a Mason for 10 years. 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 family of Brother Egressy in this difficult time.

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

Sad News To Report – In Loving Memory of John Evans

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It is my sad duty to report the passing of DSA Brother John W. Evans. Brother Evans put down his heavy Earthy working tools of life after 63 years as a Mason.

John W. Evans
1927 – December 27, 2024

Today, we gather in solemn remembrance of our dear Brother, John W. Evans. For 63 years, Brother Evans embodied the principles of Freemasonry, living a life of integrity, service, and unwavering commitment to our craft. His presence among us was a guiding light, and his contributions will be felt for generations to come.

As a long-serving Trustee, Brother Evans ensured the financial stability of our Lodge, always making sound decisions for our investments. His dedication went beyond mere stewardship—when the need arose, he did not hesitate to give of himself. Many may not have known, but it was Brother Evans who personally paid to replace half of the Lodge’s roof, a testament to his quiet generosity and steadfast belief in our Brotherhood.

But perhaps one of his most cherished contributions was his tradition of hosting Old Timers’ Night at his barn. There, Masons from New York and Canada would gather, not just to share a meal, but to share in the true spirit of Fellowship. Laughter, stories, and Brotherhood filled those nights, strengthening the bonds between us and reminding us why we walk this path together. It was in those moments that Brother Evans showed us what Masonry truly means—not just in words, but in actions.

Brother Evans lived a life of service, not for recognition, but because it was simply who he was. His legacy is not just in the work he did, but in the countless lives he touched. While his seat among us is now empty, his spirit will forever remain a part of our Lodge, our Brotherhood, and our hearts.

Farewell, dear Brother. May the Great Architect welcome you into His eternal Lodge above. Until we meet again.

Rest in eternal peace, dear Brother Andy, your memory lives on in our hearts.

Our Brother was Initiated as an Entered Apprentice on September 22, 1960. Passed to Fellowcraft on February 9, 1961, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 18, 1961. Our Brother was Raised to the Celestial Lodge in the sky on December 27, 2024, at the age of 96 and a Mason for 63 years. 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 family of Brother Egressy in this difficult time.

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