Museum

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REPORT OF THE MUSEUM AND HISTORY COMMITTEE 2010-2011

To The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida:

I am pleased to report that the microfilming of Lodge Minutes continues to preserve and protect the history of our Particular Lodges.  During the past year the following Lodges have submitted their Minute Books to be microfilmed either for the first time or to update their previously filmed records:

J. F. Swartsel Lodge No. 251
South Seminole Lodge No. 364
William B. Barnett Lodge No. 187

In providing these services, the above Lodges have ensured that their past will not be lost should their original records perish.  It cannot be stressed enough how vital the Lodge Minutes are, especially when an effort is undertaken to produce a Lodge history volume.  If your Lodge has already had their Minutes recorded but not updated within the past five years, then you are well overdue to take advantage of this service.  As a reminder, there is not a charge for this service and all microfilm is stored in a fireproof vault at the Grand Lodge Building in Jacksonville.

During the month of July 2010, this Committee had the honor and pleasure to conduct a Portrait Unveiling Ceremony for Most Worshipful Dale I. Goehrig, Past Grand Master.  This Ceremony was held in the Museum at the Grand Lodge Building and was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.  Some of the other Brothers in attendance were:  RW Steve P. Boring, P.D.D.G.M., MW Goehrig’s Grand Marshal, and Brother Paul L. Gearen, who gave the Invocation and Benediction.  Also taking part in this program was MW Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M., Grand Secretary, who gave the Welcome and MW Elmer G. Coffman, P.G.M., Grand Treasurer, who gave the recognitions. The unveiling of the picture was done by Mrs. Rebba Goehrig, wife of MW Dale I. Goehrig.

The closing remarks were given by MW Dale I. Goehrig, Past Grand Master.  The Final Remarks were given by MW J. Dick Martinez, Grand Master.

The Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance were done by RW Gene Wythe, P.D.D.G.M. and Past Master of Ezra Lodge No. 67.  The Ceremony was closed with benediction being offered by Brother Paul L. Gearen of Ezra Lodge No. 67.

We would like to encourage all our Brethren and their families to visit the Grand Lodge Museum whenever they are in the Jacksonville area.  Our collection contains many one-of-a-kind items that you will find very interesting.  The Museum is open daily during Grand Lodge office hours.

We wish to thank MW J. Dick Martinez, Grand Master, for allowing us to serve on this Committee.

Fraternally submitted,

RW Charles E. “Gene” Wythe, State Chairman
         Museum Committee:                                                   History Committee:
RW Hugh Maston, Jr., Vice Chairman                W Joseph J. Fredrickson, Sr., Vice Chairman
RW William J. “Jimmy” Phillips                           W Clifford E. Rasnake
RW Robert E. Fussell, Sr.                                     RW George Arnau 
RW James W. Fletcher
W Romeo A. Abas