08/19/2026
Last evening, Neptune Beach Lodge No. 421 gathered for our monthly Stated Communication, and it was another strong night of education, fellowship, business, and planning for the future, with more than 40 Brethren in attendance.
Before dinner, our candidates met in the Lodge Room with the Lodge coaches and mentors for instruction. Several Brethren joined them, and it was encouraging to see the progress our candidates are making. Just as importantly, everyone in the room benefited from the experience and wisdom being shared by our mentors. Masonic education never really stops, regardless of how long you have been a Mason.
At 6:30 PM, the dinner bell rang, prayer was offered, and the Brethren sat down to another outstanding meal. Brother John Ford, Junior Warden, served salad, baked chicken thighs, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, cookies, cake, and ice cream.
Brother John continues to set the bar high. Everyone left with a full belly, and more than a few went home with a to-go container as well!
At 7:30 PM, Worshipful Master Worshipful Brother Jay Bell dropped the gavel and got the evening moving. There was plenty of business to discuss as Neptune Beach Lodge continues building upon the foundation established through our consolidation.
Another important milestone has been reached as all Lodge property is now officially under the Neptune Beach Lodge No. 421 name, thanks in large part to the assistance of the Grand Lodge attorneys.
Work on the building also continues. Our new front doors are scheduled to be installed within the next two weeks, and a work party is being organized to clean out the old offices and begin consolidating Lodge records and paperwork that will eventually be scanned for historical preservation.
The Lodge refresh and upgrade will likely be a two-to-three-year process, but the schedule is beginning to take shape. The work already completed has made a noticeable difference, and our goal is to prepare this building to serve Masonry and our community for another 20 to 30 years and beyond.
We were also pleased to welcome eight special guests from William B. Barnett Lodge No. 187.
At least, we thought they came for the fellowship.
Their Worshipful Master, Worshipful John Mautz, informed us that while the fellowship was certainly enjoyable, he believed our Traveling Trident would look even better at William B. Barnett Lodge.
Unfortunately for us, they brought enough Brethren to prove him right!
So, the Neptune Beach Lodge Traveling Trident went home with William B. Barnett Lodge No. 187. Plans are already being discussed for recovering it during their October meeting.
In the meantime, our traveling team already has its next destination. On September 1, Neptune Beach Lodge No. 421 will be traveling to Duval Lodge No. 159.
Worshipful Master Mike Diaz, consider this your advance warning. We travel hungry!
Overall, it was another great evening of fellowship, Masonic education, Lodge business, and planning for the future.
Neptune Beach Lodge continues to move forward because Brethren are willing to show up, contribute, teach, learn, work, and enjoy the fellowship that makes a Lodge strong.
Job well done, my Brothers!
