|
|
|
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better.
|
|
Etiwan Masonic Lodge No. 95 Trestleboard |
|
|
|
The Lowcountry Trestleboard 23 March 2026 |
The 289th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina will be held on Thursday, April 23, and Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Embassy Suites & Convention Center located at 5055 International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29418.
You should reserve your room right away. Several Brothers have reported that they were unable to reserve a room at the Embassy Suites & Convention Center in North Charleston for the nights of April 22 and 23.because the Hotel was sold out. All of the Grand Lodge Functions including the Banquet, Annual Communication Session, etc. will be held in the North Charleston Convention Center which is within walking distance of the Embassy Suites. Recently, we obtained additional rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn for the same $189.00 price plus tax. The Hilton Garden Inn is located on the other side of the North Charleston Convention Center and is also within walking Distance of the North Charleston Convention Center. Both the Embassy Suites and the Hilton Garden Inn have covered walkways to the North Charleston Convention Center. The Hilton Inn will provide a free breakfast, free parking and has a van which will transport those who wish not to walk to the Convention Center.. All of of the Hilton Garden rooms have been recently renovated. If you wish to reserve a room, email your Name, address, Lodge name, cell number and Email address to grandsecretary@scgrandlodgeafm.org. We will reserve a room for you. You will receive an Email from the Hilton Garden Inn with your confirmation number Fraternally, Jerry Carver, PGM, Grand Secretary. The Religious Service will commence on Thursday, April 23, at 9:00 AM and will be conducted by Reverend and Right Worshipful A. Robert Nix, Grand Chaplain. The Grand Lodge will be officially opened at 10:00 AM by Right Worshipful A. C. Flora, IV, Deputy Grand Master, Acting Grand Master, with the assistance of the Grand Lodge Officers. The Annual Grand Lodge Banquet will be held on Thursday evening, April 23, at 7:00 PM in Conference Center Ballroom C, connected to the Hotel. Reservations and tickets are required for the Annual Grand Lodge Banquet.This year, Banquet Tickets will be $85.00 each. The Banquet will again include a Ribeye Steak Dinner and Entertainment. Indiviual Banquet Registration Form 2026.pdf Brothers wishing to purchase tickets must complete the Banquet Registration Form, which can be downloaded and printed by clicking on the above link, and mail the same, along with a check for the total amount of tickets being ordered, to: Grand Lodge AFM of SC P.O. Box 2185 Lexington, SC 29071-2185 You will receive a confirmation email and will be able to pick up your Banquet Tickets when registering at the Embassy Suites in April. Lodge Warrant Officers, i.e. Worshipful Masters, Senior and Junior Wardens should bring and wear their Aprons and Jewels during the Grand Lodge sessions. White Aprons will also be provided. It is very important that Lodge Representitives sit in your District’s Designated Section. The District Deputy for each District will be seated beside the District sign and will be taking attendance of Worshipful Masters, Senior Wardens, and Junior Wardens in his District. GRAND LODGE SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIAL COMMUNICATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2026 for the purpose of Consecrating and Dedicating the recently constructed new Lodge Room of Mathews Lodge #358. Lunch will be served in the Lodge Hall’s Dining Room at 11:30 am. After lunch, Right Worshipful Brother A.C. Flora, Deputy Grand Master, Acting Grand Master, with the assistance of the Grand Lodge Officers, will open the Grand Lodge and Mathews Lodge #358 on the First Degree at 12:30 pm and call the same to Refreshment. The Rededication Ceremony will follow at 1:00 pm and is open to the public. Mathews Lodge #358 is located at 328 Kirksey Drive, Greenwood, SC 29646 Friday, June 12, 2026 Annual Georgia - South Carolina Exchange Meeting. If you plan to attend, you need to mail your check in the amount of $ 25.00 per attendee made payable to the Grand Lodge of AFM of SC and mailed along with a list of the names of the Brethren attending indicating their Pork or Chicken preference to the Grand Lodge of AFM of SC, P.O Box 2185, Lexington, SC 29072. Your check and list must be received in the Grand Lodge Office no later than June 1, 2026. Join us in the Great Masonic Fellowship we have with our Georgia Brethren each year Many thanks to our Grand Secretary MWB Jerry Carver PGM for all he does for us, and especially for keeping us all informed on Grand Lodge matters. Lowcountry Traveling Bible & The SC Travelibg Gavel "To the best of my knowledge": The Lowcountry Traveling Bible is now at Solomon Lodge #1 (1285 Orange Grove Rd, Charleston) They will gladly welcome all who want to claim it for their Lodge at their Stated Meeting 1st Mondays The SC Traveling Gavel is now at Bailey #146 ( 701 W Wade Hampton Blvd , Greer, SC) and will be up for grabs at their Stated Meeting 2nd Thursdays @ 6:00 PM Rules to Capture: Visiting Lodge must have a minimum of 5 brothers present. At least one of the top 3 lodge line officers (WM, SW, or JW) must be present. Visiting Lodge with the most brothers present captures the Bible/Gavel. The Bible?Gavel can be captured at a Stated Meeting or a degree conferral. Thanks to WB Larry "Sarge" Leaird for the Gavel intel! YORK RITE NEWS Charleston York Rite Bodies (1285 Orange Grove Rd) Monthly Stated Meeting Every 3rd Tuesday Collation at 6:30 Gavel falls at 7:30 The next meeting will be 21April26 with the Chapter presiding Thanks to Herman Resch for the York Rite Info SCOTTISH RITE NEWS - The Charleston Scottish Rite Bodies (1051 Sam Rittenburg Blvd) Monthly Stated Meeting is Every 4th Wednesday (Except in April <3rd Wed>, November<3rd Wed> & December<2nd Wed>. The next meeting will be 25March26. As always, there will be great food, great fellowship and great education - don't miss an opportunity to share in it with the Craft. The meeting for the Knights of St Andrew of Charleston Valley is the Monday immediately prior to the regular Scottish Rite Meeting at 7:00pm at the Charleston Scottish Rite building. The meeting is open to all Scottish Rite Masons (32°, 32°KCCH, & 33°). The next KSA meeting will be 23March26 Thanks to RW Bob Heck, WB Gregg Schneider & WB Bill Honig for the Scottish Rite Info RAINBOW News We are very excited about the upcoming "The Heart of Rainbow" Supreme Assembly Session in Tucson, AZ Jul (23) 24-27! Our Supreme Worthy Advisor has honored South Carolina Rainbow with the 2026 Supreme Grand Cross of Color Team! And, if elected, our own Dedre Hart will be installed as Supreme Worthy Advisor, which also means that a new Supreme Deputy for South Carolina will be installed. It would be wonderful if we had a large delegation there to support our eleven girls and two adults, as well as our Rainbow Family from other jurisdictions. Over the Garden Wall Luncheon sponsored by Grand Worthy Associate Advisor Elle. This event will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 25, at the Scottish Rite Center in Columbia. Upcoming reminders for our jurisdiction: . Mar 28 or Apr 4 – Subordinate Assembly Installation of Officers Apr 12 – Rainbow Church Sunday (local observance) Apr 18 – Charity District Official Visit Apr 20 – Deadline for Rainbow Spirit Articles Apr 25 – Grand Officers Rehearsal/Grand Representatives Meeting May 1 – Deadline for Grand Appointments Recommendations May 15 – Deadline for Grand Representatives’ Reports May 15 – Deadline for Grand Assembly Session Registration May 20 – Deadline for Rainbow Spirit Articles Jun 1 – Deadline for Additional Forms Jun 1 – Deadline for Competition Forms Jun 20 – Deadline for Rainbow Spirit Articles Jun 17 - Deadline for Grand Representative/Talent Showcase Descriptions Jun (24) 25-28 – 72nd Grand Assembly Session Jul 8 – Founder's Day (local observance) Jul 20 – Deadline for Rainbow Spirit Article Jul (23) 24-27 – Supreme Assembly Session (Tucson, AZ) Apr 25 – Garden Tea Party Scholarship Fundraiser Please follow us on our SC IORG Facebook page for reminders and posts of jurisdictional and Assembly events. As you work with your Assembly Line Officers, please discourage planning a local event on November 7, 2026. Please include in your prayers Aurora Agee, Past Grand Worthy Advisor and Majority Member of Myrtle Beach Assembly #37 Thanks to Dedra Hart for the RAINBOW Info Our Masonic Fraternity supports youth organizations for young men: DeMolay International (ages 12 – 20) (Homepage - DeMolay International)) and for young ladies: the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (ages 11 – 20) If you have not attended a meeting or witnessed an initiation for these youth groups, they are SPECIAL and ALL MMs in good standing are invited to attend any DeMolay or Rainbow meeting. Filipino Travelers of Charleston This year is an FCC election year. In accordance with the FCC Constitution and Bylaws, only members who have paid their dues on or before March 31 are eligible to vote and run for office. Voting will be on November 15th. ANCOM 2026 The Grand Lodge of the Philippines Annual Communication 2026 will be on April 23, 24 and 25.WB Donnie Clark is our coordinator for this event, more information will be announced. For the brothers interested to attend the ANCOM please notify WB Donnie Clark. Filipino Travelers of Jacksonville sent an invitation for their Inaugural Ball on Memorial Day weekend. Reservation for the hotel https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations. Place: Sheraton Hotel Jacksonville Donation: $85 ( covers both nights - Fri and Sat) May 22- lunch/hospitality May 22- Family and Friends Night 6 Pm - Dinner 7 Theme - 70’s May 23 - Sports- Details to follow May 23- Gala Night - Formal Ladies - Gown/ any color Men- Business Suit May 24 - Hotel bkfast - pabaon - Check out South Carolina Masonic Research Society Transactions is complete and currently being reviewed by RWB Acy Flora, DGM. This year's edition consists of over 11 articles and is over 200 pages. It is currently on track to be ready by the Grand Lodge Annual Communication. Our next meeting will be held at Allendale Lodge No. 109 AFM ( 590 Barnwell Hwy ) on June 6th, 2026. Coffee and Donuts will be available at 9:00am with the meeting starting at 10:00am. For SCMRS Info email: jterry8507@gmail.com Shrine News/Events: OMAR 2026 SPRING CEREMONIAL MAY 15-17, 2026 THE LANDMARK RESORT 1501 S. OCEAN BOULEVARD MYRTLE BEACH, SC Call to Make Reservations: 855-338-0226 Group Name: OMAR Shrine Spring Ceremonial Group Cut-off Date: April 15, 2026 We are currently in need of Road Runners—dedicated Nobles willing to help transport our patients to and from the Greenville Hospital when the need arises. This role is not just about driving; it is about compassion, commitment, and living out the principles of our fraternity in a very real and personal way. If this is something you may be interested in, or if you would like more information about what is involved, please reach out directly. We would be honored to have you join this vital part of our mission. Jim Gates 2026 Omar Shriners Schedule has been released. Please Click Here to see the itenararey for 2026 serving our 2026 Potentate Ricky Jordan. Let's make plans to make the new year even better than before! Omar ladies traveling to Tampa for the 152nd Shriners Imperial Session this July are cordially invited to attend the Ladies Luncheon. The event will be a beautiful afternoon of fellowship and celebration in honor of Imperial First Lady Cheryl Koehn. In the near future, Omar will be putting a flyer out to the Nobility to share with the public about the Ford Bronco giveaway. Incoming Potentate Ricky Jordan has established an incentive program that offers not only points toward your Medal of Honor, but $1000 cash to the Noble who sells the winning ticket! Make sure you put Your Name on the ticket as the seller and your Omar Shrine number would also be helpful. Meet your new Patriots Hall !!! Omar has the size and the capability to handle any event, especially with our restaurant partner, Top Shelf Catering. Click the link for some dynamic photos of your auditorium. https://www.eventective.com/mount-pleasant-sc/patriots-hall-at-the-omar-shrine-center-772538.html Here is the info for renting the Shrine Center/Auditorium: StaleyBeth Sliwinski - Events Manager Omar Shrine Auditorium 176 Patriots Point Rd Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 843-606-2107 Rentals@OmarShriners.org Thanks to Shrine Recorder Noble Jim Gates for the Shrine info!! Sickness & Distress WB Jim Schaefer is back in Trident Hospital again (and he confirmed that they don't have a discount for frequent patients). His pelvic infection came back, so Jim is hanging in there waiting on all the blood work and cultures to come back. Those results will determine treatment direction and type before he gets discharged, hopefully Today or Tuesday Br Mike Floresca's funeral is Saturday, March 28, 2026: Viewing 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm - Carolina Memorial Gardens 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, No Masonic Memorial service Burial 2:00 pm A reception will follow at the Filipino Community Center (8747 Salamander Road, North Charleston). This will be a potluck for all members of the Filipino Travelers. Masonic Prayer Warriors please keep in your devotions: Russell Gibson, Tom Leverette, Bobby Geberth, Janie (Mrs Jack) Daniels, Amy Wiggins, Bob & Frances Knight, the family of Heather Lynn Strebeck, "Ginny" (Mrs Conrad) Hodges, Miss Connie Bennett, Larry & Robbie Fulmer, Tom Corbin, Aurora Agee, Bob Kuziak, Gail (Mrs Barry) Rickman, Kay (Mrs Jack) Howerton, John Kyle, David Berger, Guy Lamb, Tommy Blackwood, Ben Kuhn's daughter Emma, Michael Cochran, Debbie Morell, Rhonda (Mrs Steven) Shook, Dale Usery, Brett Strickland, Dom Rend, John Marcucci, Mike Jones, Martin Scarborough, Alan Hubble, Steven D Hames, Kevin Davis, Tyler Lucas, Bill Johnson, Jack Marler, Jim Schaefer, Jim & Jacki Ratledge, Herman Lewis, Ric Galang, Sam Tennyson, Trining Aldea, Gregg Schneider, Charlie Rodgers, Brent Turner, William "Clay" Brooks, Isabelle (Mrs Bill) Rooney, Walt Spiller, Larry Acala, Dickie Wayland Johnson, Gerry Factura, Josh Wilken, Ola Mae (Mrs Earl) Wilcox, Ron & Sue Mitchum, David DeChant, Mariqueto Pidloan, Dean Nimocks, V Joe Hill, Haywood Fowler, James Hughes, Kieth Stika, Ben Fischel, Tim Rush, Ben Kirby, Mike Floresca, Sandy Harley, Ricky Chubb, Jerry Carver, Rob Varnado, Donnie Hollingsworth, Steven Boyette, James Palmer, Tom McCauley, Cora (Mrs Orlando) Maningding, Dick & Ginger Hughes, Dale Schuman, Charlie Smith, Joe Terry, Guy Neal, Phil Reichner, John Johnson, Jacque (Mrs Andy) Albright, Jerry Espiritu, Jayson Rose, Horace Williams, Mike Taylor, Herb (100 yr) Goldberg, Mary Ellen (Mrs Mitchell) Bryan, Karen (Mrs Bill) Martin, Eloise (Mrs Richard) Wooden, Frank Shealy, Billie Jean & Bobby Faulkner, Gene Nabors, Tony Lawerence, Chris Spears, Dean Fowler, and for all our Grand Lodge Officers to travel in safety. These are who I am aware of at this time, if there are others the brethren need to be made aware of please email/text me and I will pass the word. These brothers (and their ladies/families) have all been workers in the quarries of Masonry and deserve to be lifted up in prayer to the Grand Architect of the Universe by each of us. All please be advised that those with ongoing/chronic health issues don't come off the prayer list. "The prayers of good men availed much." Four Things to do each month for the good of Masonry: If you are healthy and able: 1) Attend Your Lodge’s next Stated Meeting. It is not possible to overemphsize how important this one thing is: Masonic Lodges are closing statewide simply because there aren't enough members coming to lodge to be able to do anything! 80-90% of success in anything is just SHOWING UP! 2) ATTEND the next Masters & Wardens meeting. (2nd Wed - time & place is in the Trestleboard). 3) VISIT another lodge this month (times & places are in the Trestleboard - not everyone does everything exactly the same way!). 4) PRAY for those in distress. Prayer works, both for you AND the ones for whom you pray. Visit another lodge and enjoy some fellowship, reunite with some brothers and make new friends. As always, verify the meeting / collation times with the lodge for special events before attending. "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." I Thessalonians 5:11 Masonic Trivia (Taken mostly from "The Truth is Stranger than Fiction," by Br. Alphonse Cerza, Masonic Service Association, 1934.) The Rev. William Dodd, first Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of England, was hanged for forgery on June 2nd, 1777 You just can't make this stuff up! Quote of the Week (Collected from hundreds of sources over the years "People who truly are genuine, rarely have to prove it." Thanks to Br John Kostanesky Here's This Week's Scoop: (to the best of my knowledge) *Presume no meal unless otherwise noted.* A good rule of thumb: If you turn on the TV and they're showing escape routes out of the Charleston area, the Lodges probably won't be meeting for a few days. 4th) Monday 23March 2026 - The Charleston Scottish Rite Knights of St Andrew(1051 Sam Rittenburg Blvd) The meeting for the Knights of St Andrew Charleston Valley is now the Monday immediately prior to the regular Scottish Rite Meeting at 7:00 PM at the Charleston Scottish Rite building. The meeting is open to all Scottish Rite masons (32°, 32°KCCH, & 33°) .- Carolina Chapter #25 OES (6085 Hwy 165, Ravenel) Regular Business Meeting Collation at 6:30PM meeting at 7:30PM (4th)Tuesday 24March 2026 - Allendale Lodge #109 (500 Barnwell Hwy, Allendale) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation at 6:45, Gavel falls at 7:30PM. - Mt Hope Lodge #128 (110 Brick Church Cl - St Stephens) Mt.Hope 128 will hold an EA Degree for 4 candidates We will start with a meal at 7:00 pm then have the degree. - St. Andrews Lodge #367 (945 Wapoo Rd, Charleston) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 8:00 – Fiat Lux #432 (1051 Sam Rittenberg Blvd) Regular Monthly Stated Meeting Coat, tie and white gloves required. 6:30 PM at the Scottish Rite (4th)Wednesday 25March 2026 - The Charleston Scottish Rite Bodies (1051 Sam Rittenburg Blvd) Regular Monthly Stated Meeting - Chapter Presiding Collation at 6:30 PM Stated Meeting at 7:30 PM. Advisory Board will be meeting at 6:00 PM upstairs. Your Charleston Scottish Rite KCCH Association will meet at 6:00 PM (before the Scottish Rite meets) outside the General Secretary's Office (4th)Thursday 26Mar 2025 This degree has been rescheduled for April 30th - Berkeley Lodge #269 (101 California Ave, Moncks Corner) March 26th - Entered Apprentice Degree - multiple candidates (4th)Friday 27March 2026 27 / 28 March 2026 Summerville #234 – Annual Smoke at the Lodge Fundraiser – The Summerville Masonic Lodge’s 20th Annual Smoke at the Lodge BBQ Cook-off will be held on 27 – 28 March 2026. Friday 27 March at 6PM with a “No Pork Night” contest from the competing teams and live music provided by the Coastal Carolina Band. Saturday, 28 March The Annual BBQ Dinner Sale from 11 am – 5 pm. All events are open to the public, and we cordially welcome all participants, judges, supporters, and attendees. Thank you for your support! (4th)Saturday 28Mar 2026 – The Summerville Masonic Lodge’s 20th Annual Smoke at the Lodge BBQ Cook-off continues with the Annual BBQ Dinner Sale will be on Saturday, 28 March 2026, from 11 am – 5 pm. Open to the public APRIL: (1st)Wednesday 01April 2026 Pesach, First Seder – Landmark Lodge #76 (53 E Bay St Google Map ) BY DISPENSATION: @ Carolina Yacht Club, 50 East Bay Street Stated Meeting & EA Degree Coat, tie and white gloves required Open at 6:30 PM - National Sojourners Charleston Chapter 28 (Fleet Reserve Association, 99 Wisteria Rd, Goose Creek) will have their monthly meeting. tonight. Order your meal from the menu before the meeting. Meeting will begin at 7:00PM National Sojourners is a Masonic Veterans Order. If you are a veteran, You can join the Sojourners. Please bring your spouse, children, friends, neighbors and enjoy other veteran fellowship. (1st)Thursday 02April 2026 - Harmony Lodge #17 (30 Burr Street Barnwell) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation at 7:15, Gavel falls at 8:00PM - Etiwan Lodge #95 (438 Whilden St, Mount Pleasant, SC) Monthly Stated Meeting. Collation at 6:45pm, Gavel falls at 7:30PM. – Franklin Lodge #96 (145 St James Ave, Goose Creek) Monthly Stated Meeting Dress Code: Busines Casual Collation at 6:30 Gavel falls at 7:30PM. - Harpers Lodge #225 (11 W. Main St, Andrews, SC) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls 8:00PM - Bethlehem Lodge # 338 (13819 Round O Rd, Round O) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 7:30 PM Collation prior - Dorchester Lodge #369 (3567 Dorchester Rd East, North Charleston) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 7:30 PM No Collation (1st)Friday 03April 2026 - St. James Lodge #275 (227 Scotia St, McClellanville) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 7:30 PM - Loyalty Chapter #136 OES (3567 Dorchester Rd East, North Charleston) Regular Business Meeting Gavel falls at 7:30 (1st)Sunday 05April 2026 - Easter Sunday (1st)Monday 06April 2026 - Solomon Lodge #1 (1285 Orange Grove Rd) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation 6:30, Gavel falls at 7:30. - Harmony Lodge #61 (5355 E Jim Bilton Blvd, St. George) Monthly Stated Meeting. Gavel falls at 8:00. Collation prior - Fidelity- James Island Lodge #304 (1613 Ft Johnson Rd, James Island) Regular Stated Communication Visiting Brothers most welcome. Collation 6:30 Gavel falls at 7:30 PM - Goose Creek Lodge #401 (145 St James Ave, Goose Creek) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation at 6:45PM. Gavel falls at 7:30PM. (1st)Tuesday 07April 2026 - Hope Lodge #122 ( Hwy 64, Lodge SC) Business Meeting (Stated Meeting 1st Tuesday) Gavel @ 7:30PM / Collation prior - Denmark Lodge #246 (308 S Palmetto Ave [Carolina Hwy/Hwy 321 Denmark, SC) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation at 7:30, Gavel falls at 8:00PM - Inglesby Lodge #267 (44 Taylor St. Greeleyville, SC ) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 8:00. inglesby267@gmail.com - Hammerton Lodge #332 (1085 E Montague Ave North Charleston) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation 6:30 Gavel falls at 7:30 PM. - Old Fort Lodge #420 (10935 Dorchester Rd, Summerville) Monthly Stated Meeting . Gavel falls at 7:30. Collation prior - Charleston Chapter #56 OES (3567 Dorchester Rd East, North Charleston) Regular Business Meeting Gavel falls at 7:30pm. (2nd)Wednesday 08April 2026 - The Masters & Wardens Club of the 1st and 2nd Masonic Districts monthly meeting sponsored by - St. Andrews Lodge #367 (945 Wapoo Rd, Charleston) Collation @6:30. Meeting at 7:30PM Every month the club coordinates with a Host Lodge, which typically provides collation and two or three pieces of Masonic education. The club has a rich history with the endorsement of our Grand Lodge. All are reminded that you don't have to be a Sittting or Past Master or Warden to attend, ALL MASTER MASONS can come and the meeting must end by 9:00 pm per the club’s by-laws UPCOMING MEETING LOCATIONS:2 Meeting Sponsors Still Needed!! May- Jacksonboro June-???Mystery Lodge#???? July- Carolina August- Franklin September- MacArthur October- Goose Creek November- ???Mystery Lodge#???? (2nd)Thursday 09April 2026 - Mariner Lodge #2 (1285 Orange Grove Rd) Monthly Stated Meeting. Dress: Coat & Tie (like you wear to Church/Temple) Visitors welcome! Please arrive NLT 7:20PM - No collation Gavel falls at 7:30PM - Kingstree Lodge #46 (313 East Main Street, Kingstree, SC) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 8pm - Blackville Lodge #63 (10920 Solomon Blatt Avenue Blackville) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation at 7:15, Gavel falls at 8:00PM. - Vance Lodge # 230 (1316 Camden Rd, Hwy 310, Vance) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 7:30 – Smoaks Lodge #231 ( 90 New St Smoaks, SC ) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel @ 8PM / Collation prior - Berkeley Lodge #269 (101 California Ave, Moncks Corner) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation at 7:00PM Gavel falls at 8:00. - Ridgeville Lodge #361 (119 Academy St, Ridgeville) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 7:30. Collation prior - MacArthur Lodge #427 (145 St James Ave, Goose Creek) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation 6:30 Gavel falls at 7:30 (2nd) Monday 13April 2026 - Orange-CharlesTowne Lodge #14 (1285 Orange Grove Rd) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation: 6:00 pm Gavel Drops: 7:00 pm - St. Peters Lodge #54 (232 E Boyce Street, Manning, SC) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 8pm stpeterslodgeafm.org - Mt Hope Lodge #128 (110 Brick Church Cl - St Stephens) Monthly Stated Meeting meeting starts at 7pm with a meal - Jacksonboro Lodge #206 (6085 Hwy 165, Ravenel) Monthly Stated Meeting. Visitors welcome, Members Expected. Collatiion 6:15PM Gavel falls at 7:00PM - Bells Lodge #236 ( 18612 Lowcountry Hwy Ruffin, SC ) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel @ 8PM / Collation prior (2nd) Tuesday 14April 2026 - Ornan Lodge #38 (50 Ornan Street Bamberg) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation at 6:45, Gavel falls at 7:30PM. - Unity Lodge #55 (35 Trevor Dr, Walterboro) Monthly Stated Meeting & FC Degree Gavel falls at 7:30pm Collation prior - Hope Lodge #126 (13088 West Main Street Williston) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation at 7:15, Gavel falls at 8:00PM. - Summerville Lodge #234 (111 N Main St, Summerville) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation 7:00PM Gavel falls at 8:00PM. Questions? Lodge phone number (cell phone) is 843-964-7722 . - Carolina Lodge #375 (5929 Murray Drive, Charleston) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation at 6:30, Gavel falls at 7:30pm - Orangeburg York Rite (1201 Five Chop Rd, N Orangeburg, SC.) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 7:30 CCMA Executive Board Meeting (1285 Orange Grove Rd) 6:00PM at the CCMA (3rd )Wednesday 15April 2026 - The Charleston Scottish Rite Bodies (1051 Sam Rittenburg Blvd) Regular Monthly Stated Meeting - Consistory Presiding THIS MONTH ONLY!! Collation at 6:30 PM Stated Meeting at 7:30 PM. Advisory Board will be meeting at 6:00 PM upstairs. Your Charleston Scottish Rite KCCH Association will meet at 6:00 PM (before the Scottish Rite meets) outside yhe General Secretary's Office (3rd )Thursday 16April 2026 - Union-Kilwinning Lodge #4 (945 Wappoo Rd, Charleston) Monthly Stated Meeting Visitors welcome! Kilts encouraged (If you dare). Gavel falls at 7:30 Och Aye! - Charity Lodge #62 (6328 Old Hwy 6 Elloree, SC) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 7:30pm. - Indiantown Lodge #165 (102 W George St. Hemingway, SC) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls @730pm - Hudson Lodge #373 (14385 Sniders Hwy Islandton, SC) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 8:00PM Collation prior - Fort Moultrie Lodge #428 (438 Whilden St, Mount Pleasant, SC) will have their Monthly Stated Meeting Collation @6:30. Meeting at 7:30PM . - Azalea Chapter #192 OES (1285 Orange Grove Rd) Monthly Business Meeting, Meeting begins at 8:00PM (3rd )Saturday 18April 2026 30th District Masters and Wardens Club Meeting (formerly Square and Compass Club) hosted by Inglesby Lodge #267 44 Taylor St, Greeleyville Meal at 6:00 and the meeting follow We meet 3rd Saturday of every month.. Meetings rotate between the lodges of the 30th district. - Round Lodge #270 (10761 Cottageville Hwy, Cottageville) Round Lodge #270 BBQ Plate Lunch 10AM – 2PM. BBQ Chicken leg quarter, Green Beans, Mac and Cheese and a roll. Pre-order lunch tickets are being sold for $10.00 each, plate lunches without ticket on 18 April will be $13.00. For Pre-orders Ticket Purchase contact: WM O. Dillingham at 843-330-3162 or SW R. Dillingham @ 843-568-1804 (3rd )Monday 20April 2026 - Charleston Chapter #56 OES (3567 Dorchester Rd East, North Charleston) Regular Business Meeting Gavel falls at 7:30pm. (3rd)Tuesday 21April 2026 - Egeria Lodge #71 (150 Judge St, Harleyville) Monthly Stated Meeting Gavel falls at 8:00 Collation prior - Round Lodge #270 (10761 Cottageville Hwy, Cottageville) Monthly Stated Meeting Eat at 7:00PM Gavel falls at 8:00 - Hilda Lodge #426 (51 Railroad Avenue, Hilda SC) Monthly Stated Meeting Collation at 7:15. Gavel falls at 8:00PM - Charleston York Rite Bodies (1285 Orange Grove Rd) Monthly Stated Meeting Chapter Presiding Collation at 6:45 Gavel falls at 7:30 - John L. Flynn Chapter #277 OES (145 St. James Ave. Goose Creek) Monthly Stated Meeting (4th)Thursday 23April 2026 The 289th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina will be held on Thursday, April 23, and Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Embassy Suites & Convention Center located at 5055 International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29418. The Religious Service will commence at 9:00 AM and will be conducted by Reverend and Right Worshipful A. Robert Nix, Grand Chaplain. The Grand Lodge will officially open at 10:00 AM by Right Worshipful A. C. Flora, IV, Deputy Grand Master, Acting Grand Master, with the assistance of the Grand Lodge Officers. The Annual Grand Lodge Banquet will be held on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM in Conference Center Ballroom C, connected to the Hotel. Reservations and tickets are required for the Annual Grand Lodge Banquet. Grand Lodge will be called from Refreshment to Labor at 9:00 AM Friday to complete any business left from Thursday's session, and to elect and install Grand Lodge Officers. Please remember: Each lodge has 3 votes to cast during Grand Lodge elections. Current Lodge Warrants (Worshipful Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden) are the only ones authorized to cast those 3 votes. If at least one of the Warrant Officers is present, he can vote all 3 ballots, but if all 3 are absent, no other lodge member is authorized to vote without the lodge having otified thr Grand Lodge/Grand Secretary in writing in advance. (5th)Thursday 30April 2026 - Berkeley Lodge #269 (101 California Ave, Moncks Corner) March 26th - Entered Apprentice Degree - multiple candidates Collation at 7:00pm - Chicken Bog will be served Gavel falls at 8:00pm That's all I know about for now "Let's be careful out there!" - Sgt Phillip Freemason Esterhaus, Hill St Precinct The deadline for submissions to run in next week's Trestleboard is 08:00AM on Monday Get ahead of the power curve and submit what's happening in your lodge over the weekend! If you wait until you get the newsletter to remember to send me something happening that week, The software usually won't let me send a special for you until the following day – you snooze, you lose. PLEASE make sure my email address (thlwm2010@gmail.com) is in your email address book – this newsletter is so big and goes to so many people (over 750 directly from me, and well over 1000 with forwards!) that some spam filters mis-identify it as spam. NOTICE: Email addresses that consistently BOUNCE BACK or DELETE the emails UNOPENED, MailChimp will automatically delete from the distribution list. _______________________________________________ 2025-6 Elected Grand Lodge Officers: MW Tommy Watson - Most Worshipful Grand Master (Deceased 04Aug25) RW AC Flora - Right Worshipful Acting Grand Master RW "Ebbie" Hodges - Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden RW Todd Schofield - Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden MW Jack A Marler, , PGM, - Grand Treasurer MW Jerry Carver, PGM, - Grand Secretary Rev & RW A. Robert Nix PM - Grand Chaplain 2025-6 Appointed Grand Lodge Officers from the Lowcountry: RW Tom Lewis - 1st District DDGM RW Jay Wallace - 2nd District DDGM RW Tony Lowder - 3rd District DDGM RW Micah Donaldson- 4th District DDGM RW James M Williams, Jr. - 5th District DDGM RW Bill Peagler III - 30th District DDGM WB John Robinson, Esq - Chancellor WB Ernie Augustin - Junior Grand Deacon RW Bob Heck, PDDGM - MEC 1-2-3 RW Larry J Nicodin, PDDGM - Field Agent, MSA WB Ed Edpao - MSA 1-2-3 __________________________________________________________________________Brethren, SC Petition for Degrees.pdf Brethren, I have received several requests from Brethren to have an electronic copy of the Official South Carolina Petition for Degrees Form to be available for the SC Brethren to download.. By clicking on the above link you will be able to download the Official SC Petition for Degrees. Be sure to print the front and back of the Petition so that the Secretary of the Lodge can fill in the required information on the back.. Remember that only Brethren who are members of the same Lodge to which the potential candidate is applying can sign his Petition proposing him to receive the Degrees in that Lodge. (Constitution Article 130,). Brethren, be sure that that you personaly know the man you are proposing and believe that he is of good report and honorable character. If a Lodge is not making honorable men Masons as members of their Lodge every year, the Lodge's future is in jeopardy. During the past decade, those Lodges that had to merge, did not merge because of lack of financial resources. The Lodge mergers were due to having no candidates for several years, which resulted in low attendance due to members not wanting to only attend business meetings. The Final stage before the Lodges had to merge was being unable have the necessary Officers to operate resulting from members decreasing attendance and lacking interest.. Thank you my Brethren for continuing to carry the light of Freemasonry in South Carolina which has shown brightly for over 290 years and which we pray will continue to shine brightly till time shall be no more. Fraternally, Jerry Carver, PGM, Grand Secretary 2025 ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT.pdf Brother Lodge Secretaries, Due to problems encountered with the US Postal Service over the past few years, the Lodge's Annual Audit Report Form is being sent to you by this Email instead of being mailed. By clicking on the above Blue Link, you can download and print the 2025 Annual Audit Report Form. As in the past, the entire form must be filled out, certified by all of the Committee member's signatures and read before and approved by your Lodge at a Regular Communication. As soon as approved by the Lodge, but no later than April 1, 2026 a PDF of the approved Annual Audit Form is required to be Emailed to the Grand Secretary using the special Email address of lodges990irs@scgradlodgeamafm.org. This same Email address is to be used to Email a copy of your Lodge's IRS 990 filing confirmation for 2025. Remember your 990 IRS filing for 2025 is required to be filed by May 15, 2026. Failure to file the IRS 990 for three consecutive years will result in the IRS revoking the Lodge's Non-Profit 501(c)10 Status. As Secretary, you should always retain copies of the the Lodge's Annual Audit Reports, IRS 990 Filing Confirmations, and Annual Returns for the Lodge's records. Fraternally Jerry Carver, PGM, Grand Secretary Hey Brethren The CCMA Building as well as the Scottish Rite, Summerville Lodge #234 , Omar Shrine, and several other Shrine buildings are available to be rented for business meetings, civic club meetings, wedding receptions, etc to defray some of the costs of maintaining and insuring those buildings. Our useage rates are competitive with the rates charged by similar sized venues, we're easy to get to, Masons/Eastern Stars etc get a Masonic Discount, and we have plenty of parking. If you or someone you know is having a special event of some kind, and need a place to have it, deal with your brothers - Call 843-708-5365 for the CCMA, 843-779-7533 for the Scottish Rite, 843-964-7722 for Summerville Lodge, 843-606-2107 or Rentals@OmarShriners.org or just send me an email and I will pass the info to whomever you wish- thlwm2010@gmail.com Scholarship Opportunities for Masonic Youth "The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, Inc. places great importance on continuing education. So much so that we offer more than 15 scholarships to United States citizens and U.S. permanent residents only for study within the U.S. at accredited public or private colleges, universities, or trade schools—depending on the individual scholarship. Applications must be submitted online each year to the Office of the Grand Executive Director during the application period (Jan - April). Most scholarships have additional requirements. Please refer to the individual scholarships for these criteria." - Phil Shortt, Donor Officer, Mid-Atlantic Region https://scottishrite.org/philanthropy/scholarships/national/ WB Robert Herman "Fuzzy" Knight Cdr USN (Ret) has a new memoir out about his experiences in the US Navy and afterwards titled Graveyard Spooks & Other People. Bob's been there and done that experiencing a lot in 97 years! It is available from Amazon. RWB Mark Beasly has published 3 childrens books (so far) titled How Far Is Up?, Dragon's Tale For Sale and It's Me That's Who! which are also available from Amazon. My grandkids LOVE them! For people closer to my age, check out Quick and Effective BALANCE and STRENGTH TECHLIQUES For Seniors authored by Br Neal Greenberg also available from Amazon. AND WB Andy Albright has now published several books! The first titled Are You Hiram? Is a book for all Masons who seek to understand the very foundations of their Craft. His second book, Striking the Stone: The Spiritual of Freemasonry is a follow-up to his first book, and explores the impact that the lessons of Freemasonry should have on the individual seeking Masonic Light, He kas a third titled Understanding Kaballah A Study of the Sephiroths. His latest work, Masonic Commedia: Freemasonry and the Divine Comedy was a finalist in the Masonic Philosophy and Symbolism book category for the Arcana Veritas Distinction Awards (AVDA), conferred under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland. You can purchase the books from Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084P3S7ZQ, or ebooks for Kindle. If you'd like to purchase a copy directly from WB Andy, you can email your request to raa29420@gmail.com. The books are $10 per copy and all of the proceeds go to support the charity fund of Fiat Lux #432 and their efforts to assist the Windwood Farms Home for Boys and Family Services. Disclaimer: This newsletter is produced by a Mason with the help of other Masons to promote Masonic cooperation and visitation for the benefit of Masons and Masonry in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. While publication of this newsletter is a service provided by Mariner Lodge #2 and has the approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Master and the MW Grand Lodge of South Carolina, it is not to be construed that anything found in this newsletter is coming from or overseen by the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina or any other Masonic body unless specifically stated to be so. Ultimate responsibility for content/opinions expressed lies with the editor alone. "It's amazing how much good you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit." - MWB Harry S. Truman - US President, PGM of Missouri. With All Knightly Courtesy Respectfully and Fraternally Tom Lewis, Jr PM PEC KT 32°KCCH KY KRC DDGM 1st Masonic District (2023-2026) PM Mariner Lodge #2 (2010, 2019, 2020, &2021) PEC JW Frampton Jr Council #85 Knight Masons (2020 &2021) PEC South Carolina Commandery #1 (2020) Past Secretary SCMRS (2014-2022) |
