“If you're not minding your circle, you're missing the point.”

- R.W Tracy D Chastain

Happy Birthday to our Brothers

born in March!

David Lohr- 3/7

Charles Stein - 3/7

Harold Taylor Jr 3/13

Walter Smith 3/14

Henry Jehan Jr 3/29

Dear Brothers and friends,

As our nation draws closer to the Semiquincentennial celebration of independence, we will doubtless see many reminders of the famous masonic statesmen, founders, and patriots of our great country. From the signers of our founding documents, we recall great names like, Washington, Franklin, Warren, Hewes, Ellery, and others, though we can’t forget Hancock. Other prominent Freemasons to remember are Thomas Paine, John Marshall, Nathan Hale, Paul Revere, Hugh Mercer, John Paul Jones, Ethan Allen, Robert Livingston, Patrick Henry, and others, and we’ll surely boast of that original, Masonic, tea party movement.

But in Florida, we’d not yet shared that oppressive history under England, as we had only been a British colony since 1763. So, Florida served as launching points for British strikes from the east coast, while defending against Spain on the west coast. And after the war, we returned to Spanish rule again. And, though none of those great, heroic Masons could have sat in a Florida Lodge, we will still join in on this important celebration of our country’s 250 years. Further discussion of the 250 th celebration will be forthcoming. Additionally, as the city of Sanford prepares to celebrate its sesquicentennial (150 th ), we can take pride in membership in the Lodge that shares its name. Because without Sanford Lodge and the Masons that came here, there would be no Sanford, FL. Every first and third Tuesday we get to sit under the same charter as those founders and statesmen that built our beloved Sanford. Those leaders and innovators of agriculture, commerce, law, science, and medicine; they were Masons. They built our community and the state as we know it. And we will celebrate them as we prepare to celebrate the 150 years of the city of Sanford. As we appreciate our Masonic heritage and embrace our renewed commitment to our community, we will celebrate the pioneers of our region, our city, and our Lodge.

I’ve been researching the Brothers who founded our Lodge and built up our state and our fair city. We will soon begin publishing snippets of the contributions our past Brothers have made to society, the city and our community. These will be slowly rolled out via our trestle board and our webpage. We will also be working on a project dubbed “Legacy Letters” in which we will be interviewing our senior Brothers about the Masters, officers, and Brothers that had positive impact and influence upon them as they were coming up in Freemasonry. Additionally, we are introducing a program called “Legacy Links” where we will be slowly adding QR codes to the Past Masters portraits which will provide instant access to some biographical background and their contributions to the Lodge and the community. There have been many integral and influential Brothers over our past 154 years, so this will be a daunting task and any assistance will be greatly appreciated. If you wish to participate and/or contribute, as I hope you will, please reach out to any of the primary officers. Please keep in mind that all submissions need to be factual, credible and relevant to the Lodge, the community, and the Masonic fraternity.

We have met with the city to showcase our historical contributions to the community and express our commitment of continuous improvement of ourselves and society, and of our sincere wish of being serviceable to our fellow-creatures. Our meeting with the city manager’s office and Public Art Commission to discuss an historic themed mural on the north face of our building went very well. A follow-up meeting is in the works. We will begin preparing the north wall in the very near future. We will also be partnering with the Commission in maintaining one or more of the city sculptures. City Hall has been observant of our restoration efforts and are pleased with the positive, though laborious progress. Furthermore, we have managed to obtain some additional funding for further work on our dining room revitalization due to the diligence of several Brothers of the Lodge and the Sanford York Rite bodies together with Zangi Grotto. Let us thank them all for their contributions and continued hard work in restoring and beautifying our Temple. Likewise, if you, or any friends of the fraternity you may know, would like to contribute financially or physically to our continuing projects, we would love to hear from you.

Finally, though we wax nostalgic about our storied past, we must continue to build our future. We just closed out February with a Fellowcraft degree, are less than two weeks from an Entered Apprentice degree, and are working with several dedicated Brothers to return their EA proficiency in the weeks to come. Come out and see what all the excitement is about and become part of that renewed excitement.

See you in Lodge,

Tracy

My Brothers, the year is starting off strong. We had our first meeting with the newly installed officers and appointed officers that went pretty smoothly. We have traveled around the district representing Sanford 62 proudly and showing we are Sanford strong and are willing to put in the work. We are looking forward with great ideas on how to become financially stable once again and with good feedback from the craft I am sure we can make it happen. If for whatever reason you haven't been to your lodge lately please come by for some great food from our new Junior Warden and great fellowship. Hope to see everyone one the First and Third Tuesday's of each month. P.S. Please come by and say hello to the newly re-elected Worshipul Master Brother Tracy Chastain.
Humbly yours:

SW Mike Holt

Brethren,

We are now well into our journey for the year, and the view from the South is one of intense activity. This month, I want to focus on the incredible momentum we are building together at Sanford Lodge No. 62. The restoration of our historic home is a daunting task, but we are not walking this path alone. I am incredibly moved by the support we’ve received from our Appendant bodies. Their commitment to our Lodge’s future is a powerful reminder of the strength of our Masonic family. I want to extend a sincere and humble thank you to:

• Zangi Grotto: For their extremely generous donation specifically designated for our dining hall renovations.

• The Sanford York Rite bodies: A huge thank you to Monroe Chapter No. 15, Sanford Council No. 20, and Taylor Commandery No. 28 for their significant financial contributions toward the dining hall project.

As you’ll notice further down in this Trestle Board, we are gearing up for the Sanford Parking Lot Rummage Sale. This isn’t just a fundraiser; it is a vital step in our renovation strategy. By decluttering the Lodge now, we are creating the "breathing room" necessary to perform our renovations more efficiently and effectively.

To keep this 100-year-old pillar of Sanford standing for the next century, we need a true "all hands on deck" approach. Financial gifts are appreciated, but your time and talent are our greatest assets. Whether you can help sort items for the sale, provide professional trade skills for the repairs, or simply lend your strength for a few hours, your Lodge needs you.

True refreshment comes from the satisfaction of a job well done alongside our brothers. I look forward to the hard work ahead and to the fellowship we will share at our next Stated Communication. Let’s make this March the month our vision for the Lodge truly takes shape.

Fraternally,

Vincent "Vinny" Mele

Junior Warden

A Fraternal Return: The Second Official Visit of RWDDGM Len Morreale

On Tuesday, March 3rd, we will once again be visited by RW DDGM Len Morreale for his second official visit to our Lodge.

His return is a greatl opportunity for our Brethren to reconnect with the District leadership and hear the updated message to the Craft. As we have progressed through our labors since his first visit, we look forward to demonstrating the continued growth, dedication, and harmony of our Lodge.

A Call to the Brethren: Let us provide a warm fraternal reception for the Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master. Your attendance is highly encouraged.

Brethren,

The Building Restoration Project is our primary duty this year. This critical work ensures our historic Lodge remains structurally sound and preserved for the next century of Freemasonry.

We must secure our sacred space now. Your immediate support is essential to funding the materials and labor required to complete the necessary repairs and keep the Light burning brightly.

Order your official Florida Freemasonry License Plate and help support the Masonic Home of Florida. Every plate on the road contributes to the care of our Brothers and sisters.