Karsceal Turner- I Got NEXT!
Abraham Lodge #587 kicked of the Black History Month celebration with an observance of its own 11-year anniversary, Saturday, Feb 1, at the Ocean Club Resort located at 640 N. Atlantic Ave in Daytona Beach.
The second annual Gala was well attended by members of various Masonic organizations throughout Central Florida and was emceed by Darius Kelley, Senior Deacon of Abraham #587. The three course fare was accompanied by Darnell Butler and his band Xpressions. All proceeds went towards initiatives with the American Cancer Society.
The atmosphere had all the glitz of a Grammy Award venue and boasted a who’s who of socialites around the city. An established protocol of Masonic families was delivered by Worshipful Master Charles Thomas of Abraham #587, along with some choice remarks.
The speaker for the occasion was Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry who left inspiring words for attendees, after which individual lodge members were recognized for community service and brotherhood.
Past Master Louis Jones received the lodge achievement award, meanwhile other lodge members were recognized for their tireless efforts by Demond Noelien, Senior Warden of Abraham #587. The multicultural lodge chose to give its members roses while still on earth.
Thomas remarked on the continual progress of the lodge and the brotherhood.
“Each year, I am amazed at the personal emphasis each of these brothers portrays to ensure that our goals are me and that we hold true to our beliefs,” he said. “I could not sing praises of the brethren without also thanking our families, they are the heroes whom stand behind us and give us the support we need to impact our world.”
Boaz Lodge #212 celebrates 114 years of service to the community…quietly
The oldest Prince Hall lodge in Daytona/Ormond Beach celebrated its 114th anniversary in fitting fashion, with a dinner held at the lodge temple located at 208 Midway Avenue, Ormond Beach. Each member brought a covered dish with fixings, entire families of brothers were on-hand to enjoy the mild stone. Charted Jan 11, 1901, Boaz lodge has been an active lodge under the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge State of Florida for a solid 114 years.
Older than B-CU & BGLOs
Boaz was up and functioning before Mary McLeod Bethune began what is now Bethune-Cookman University. It predates each of the nine Black Greek Letter organizations (BGLO), and is the home lodge of lawyers, electricians, medical technicians, S.W.A.T. team members, Executive chefs, a journalist, and a plethora of operative Masons who are handy with tools of many trades.
Television personality Emmanuel Lewis was raised within the confines of Boaz lodge #212.
Boaz, like Abraham #587 is multicultural and boasts members from all sides of the color barrier. At Boaz, the only color is Blue, for Blue Lodge.
Older that Black Greeks too
Indeed, Boaz has representatives of Alpha Phi Alpha (2), Kappa Alpha Psi (9) Omega Psi Phi (6), Phi Beta Sigma (5), and Iota Phi Theta (1). Social frats are all good and well however, within the lodge we are about freemasonry. This carries over into everyday life for brothers who are in multiple fraternities. Boaz brothers set a standard for brotherly love which extends beyond collegiate fraternities.
At one time, years ago, a Boaz Master Mason could ascend a ladder through the entire York Rite body of freemasonry, on to the Scottish Rite Consistory and into the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
The original lodge building is located one block from historic B-CU.
Indeed, Masonic brothers walk amongst the student population and can be found throughout the faculty and staff as well.
Boaz lodge also endeavors to set a standard with regards to exhibition of brotherly love coupled with community outreach and takes pride in raising knowledgeable masons who are a credit to the organization and to society.
Under the leadership of Most Worshipful Master Franklin “Ace” Oxendine, Boaz is prepared to journey into the next century.
“I am blown away with the level of commitment and progress this lodge has been involved in since I became a member and rose to my present position,” Oxendine said. “I look forward to continuing a legacy, which started so long ago.”
