179th Installation of Officers
On Sunday December 10th, 2023 Oriental Lodge # 33 held it’s 179th Installation of Officers for the upcoming Masonic year. The Installation ceremony was a heartfelt and moving experience, thanks to the diligent work of our installation team, led by Right Worshipful Brother Pat Jones, Past Masters Kyle Bieneman, Todd Newton, Jack Recinto, and Luis Barahona. Right Worshipful Brother Johnathan Barnes (Grand Lecturer) delivered the Paul Revere charge, and his passionate words resonated deeply with everyone present. It was a truly memorable occasion that left a lasting impression on our hearts. Following the ceremony, we continued our celebrations with a delightful dinner at Lee Wing Wah, where the festivities carried on into the late hours. Below is a message from the newly installed Worshipful Master, Anthony Popelka:
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the brethren of our lodge for entrusting me with the role of Worshipful Master. I want each of you to know that I am fully committed to ensuring the continued success and prosperity of Oriental Lodge #33. My doors are always open, and I welcome any feedback, criticism, or suggestions that you may have. Your input is invaluable as we work together to strengthen our bond and enhance our Masonic journey.
As we set our sights on the year ahead, we have exciting plans in store. Our priority remains providing meaningful and impactful rituals for our candidates as we welcome new brothers into our fold. Brotherhood and the relationships we build are at the core of Freemasonry, and we will be organizing events throughout the year to further foster this bond. We will also support our brothers who own businesses, with plans for outings to their establishments. In the summer, a Masonic trip to Nashville, Tennessee is on the horizon, offering an opportunity to visit a lodge and our dear brother, Johnathan Barnes, in a lively downtown setting. Additionally, we will be reopening the 2nd annual Howard Graff scholarship and introducing a new scholarship, details of which will be shared soon.
The installation team consisted of (left to right): Jack Recinto, Kyle Bieneman, Pat Jones, Johnathan Barnes, Todd Newton and Luis Barahona Jr. (not pictured)
