Updates

Sabres Night at Blazing Star Lodge

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At the April 14, 2026, meeting, Blazing Star Lodge leaned into something a little different. The decision was made to embrace the excitement of hockey season and host a Sabres-themed evening, and it worked.

Brothers came dressed in Buffalo Sabres jerseys, bringing a visible sense of unity and hometown pride into the Lodge. It changed the tone in a good way, still respectful, but more relaxed and engaging. WB Breth took things a step further with an impressive top hat that stood out immediately and added some character to the night.

Moments like this matter. They build connections in a way that formal meetings alone cannot. It is a reminder that while the work of the Lodge is serious, the relationships behind it should be strong and enjoyable.

Sabres night was a simple idea, but it brought energy into the room and gave everyone something to rally around. That is worth repeating.

The Buffalo Sabres are enjoying a historic resurgence in the 2025–26 NHL season, finishing at the top of the Atlantic Division with an impressive 50–23–9 record. Amassing 109 points, the Sabres clinched their first division title since 2010 and ended a long-standing playoff drought in dominant fashion. Under head coach Lindy Ruff, the team showcased a potent offense, led by Tage Thompson’s 40 goals, ranking as the second-best team in the Eastern Conference overall. As they head into the postseason, the Sabres are set to hold home-ice advantage in the first round against the Boston Bruins, marking the long-awaited return of playoff hockey to KeyBank Center.

Let’s Go Buffalo!

Remembering Brother George B. Sleeper

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  • Born: April 21, 1943
  • Initiated: October 8, 1974
  • Passed: November 12, 1974
  • Raised: November 26, 1974
  • Departed: March 22, 2026

It is my sad duty to report the passing of Worshipful Brother George B. Sleeper. Brother Sleeper put down his heavy earthly working tools of life after 51 years as a Mason.

Blazing Star Lodge #694 honors the life of Brother George B. Sleeper, who passed away on March 22, 2026, at the age of 82. Brother George was a devoted Mason whose years of service left a lasting mark on our Lodge and the York Rite bodies he so faithfully supported.

He served as Past Master of Blazing Star Lodge #694, providing steady leadership and guidance. His commitment extended through the York Rite, where he served as Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter #282, Past Master of Hamburg Council Royal and Select Masters, and Past Commander of Tancred Commandery, Knights Templar. In recognition of his dedication, he was awarded the Knight of the York Cross of Honour, a distinction that reflects sustained service and leadership.

Freemasonry was an important part of his life, but it was not the only place where he gave his time. Brother George served his country in the United States Navy, built a long career with IBM and later roles with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Deloitte, and remained active in his community. He served as a Village Trustee in East Aurora, mentored young men as an Assistant Scout Master, and was a lifelong member and leader at the First Presbyterian Church of East Aurora.

At the center of it all was his family. He shared more than sixty years of marriage with his wife, Barbara, and took great pride in his children and grandchildren.

Brother George lived the values we speak about. He served where he was needed, led when called upon, and remained committed to his obligations throughout his life. His example will not be forgotten.

Remembering Brother Russell G. Knox

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It is my sad duty to report the passing of Worshipful Brother Russell G Knox. Brother Knox put down his heavy earthly working tools of life after 49 years as a Mason.

Russell G. Knox
October 13, 1933 – March 7, 2026

Freemasonry is carried forward by men who quietly give their time, their guidance, and their steady presence to the lodge. Brother Russell G. Knox was one of those men.

Brother Knox was born on October 13, 1933, and passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 92. For nearly fifty years, he was a committed and respected member of Blazing Star Lodge, where he played an important role in the life of the lodge and the development of many younger Masons.

His Masonic journey began in 1976. He was Initiated on October 12, Passed on November 9, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on November 23 of that same year. From the beginning, he embraced the responsibilities that come with being a Mason.

Brother Knox later served as Past Master of the lodge. His leadership reflected the kind of Mason he was: steady, dependable, and committed to the well-being of the Craft. Titles never defined him. What mattered most was the work itself and the brothers around him.

One of his greatest contributions was the time he gave to younger men entering the fraternity. Over the years, he helped guide many candidates through their degrees and into active participation in lodge life. He believed Masonry was something to live, not simply something to attend.

Outside the lodge, he also devoted himself to public service. Brother Knox served the community through the Buffalo Fire Department, eventually retiring with the rank of lieutenant. The same spirit of duty and care for others that defined his public service was also evident in his Masonic life.

He was also a member of Shriners International, continuing his involvement in the wider Masonic family and supporting its charitable work.

Every lodge has brothers whose presence quietly shapes its character over many years. Brother Knox was one of those men. He helped maintain the traditions of the lodge while encouraging new generations to carry the work forward.

Freemasonry often speaks of light being passed from one Mason to another. That light does not diminish when it is shared. Instead, it grows stronger with each generation that receives it and carries it onward.

Brother Russell G. Knox spent nearly five decades passing that light to others. The men he mentored, the brothers he served beside, and the lodge he helped strengthen will continue to reflect that influence for years to come.

He will be deeply missed and remembered with gratitude by the Brethren whose lives he touched.

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

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

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