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.
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.
Robert Burns celebrated Scottish poet, is considered a seminal figure in 18th-century literature. Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland on January 25, 1759. Robert was born the eldest of seven children born to William and Agnes Burns. Robert’s father as a tenant farmer struggled to support his family. Because of this, Burns had to work on the family farm from a young age. However, at the age of fifteen, while working the harvest season with his field partner, Helen Kilpatrick, Burns felt his first love which sparked his passion for love and poetry, and he soon wrote his first poem; “Handsome Nell”. He began to pursue poetry (and Love) with fervency and zeal. The traditional folk songs and ballads of Scotland, as well as the works of contemporary poets such as Allan Ramsay and Robert Fergusson heavily influenced his early poems. His early works focused on nature’s beauty, the simplicity of rural life, and the struggles of the working class.
In 1777, at the age of eighteen, Burns left the family farm to find work and support his family. He worked as a flax-dresser, plowman, and tutor but continued to write poetry in his free time. At the age of twenty-one, in 1781, Brother Burns joined the Lodge of St. David, Tarbolton, Scotland, a significant step as Freemasonry was an influential and respected organization in 18th century Scotland. The Fraternity provided Brother Burns with a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and an opportunity for self-improvement and personal growth. This likely led to the publication of his first collection of poetry, “Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect,” in 1786 which was well-received by critics and the public and established our Brother as a significant literary figure in Scotland.
Robert Burns is famous for writing poetry to charm and impress women. However, he had a special interest in Jean Armour and courted her for several years before they married on July 4, 1788. Together they had twelve children. Even with his marriage, Burns continued to have extramarital affairs which resulted in more children with other women. Jean, the daughter of a local operative stonemason, remained devoted to Burns throughout their marriage.
In 1788, Burns began to collaborate with James Johnson in compiling an anthology titled “The Scots Musical Museum”. During the last decade of his life, Burns devoted himself to editing and revising traditional folk songs for this volume and for the “Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs”. These publications played a crucial role in preserving elements of Scotland’s cultural heritage, featuring renowned songs such as “My Luve is Like a Red Red Rose” and “Auld Land Syne”
As a poet, Brother Burns possessed exceptional oratory skills and his speeches at Masonic gatherings were highly esteemed. Because of this, he earned the title of Lodge’s Poet Laureate. His participation in Freemasonry had a notable impact on his literary works. Many of his poems and songs were written for Masonic events and ceremonies and contain references to Masonic symbols and themes. One of his most famous poems, “A Man’s a Man for A’ That,” is a tribute to the fraternity’s ideals of Brotherhood and equality. Additionally, his poem “The Brotherly Ties of Friendship” is a clear allusion to the principles of Freemasonry. Freemasonry’s emphasis on equality greatly influenced Brother Burns’ beliefs and poetry. As a vocal advocate for the rights of the working class, many of his poems and songs reflect his belief in the importance of equality among all individuals.
Unfortunately, Brother Burns’ later years were plagued by personal and professional difficulties. His extramarital affairs and financial struggles caused tension in his marriage and damaged his reputation. He also faced challenges in gaining recognition and respect from his peers. His health started declining rapidly, suffering from various illnesses such as rheumatism and heart disease. These difficulties ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 37 on July 21, 1796, the same day his wife gave birth to their twelfth child, Maxwell.
Brother Burns’ literary legacy endures despite the hardships and struggles he faced throughout his life. His poems and songs remain celebrated and revered, serving as a testament to his skill as a poet and his dedication to the ideals of Freemasonry earning him the title of National Bard of Scotland.
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