welcome to the Onondaga County Masonic District
Welcome to the Onondaga District Masonic Web Site. There are 60 Districts comprising The Grand Lodge of New York. The Onondaga District has 14 Lodges and over 1500 members with more joining all the time.
Masonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world counting among it's past and current members presidents, entertainers, writers, philosophers, astronauts and scholars. Masonry's core beliefs are truth, charity, love of country and Brotherly love. With the help of our Brothers we take good men and make them better by building on these core beliefs. Freemasons live these principles on a daily basis and strive to show others through our actions what a group of people united by common beliefs can achieve.
Freemasonry does not discriminate against any race, religion or creed - we all live as Brothers bound by the love we share for each other as equals. If you wish to explore joining Freemasonry please contact us at the website and we will put you in touch with a Lodge so you can meet with several Brothers, ask questions and decide if Freemasonry is right for you.
We hope that you find this site informative and interesting. Thank you for visiting and please share your thoughts about the website with us any time.
R∴W∴James McNeal
District Deputy Grand Master
Onondaga District 2012 - 2014
Newly Elected and Appointed Grand Line Officers of the Grand Lodge of New York
Posted: Friday, May 11, 2012 Dear Brethren:
We are pleased to announce the names and offices of the newly elected and appointed Grand Line Officers of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
of the State of New York:Effective as of Tuesday, May 8, 2012:
Most Worshipful James E. Sullivan {Gail}
Grand Master
Right Worshipful William J. Thomas {Susan}
Deputy Grand Master
E-mail: billthomasnyc@earthlink.net
Right Worshipful Jeffrey M. Williamson {Carla}
E-mail: York.rite@hotmail.com
Right Worshipful William B. Fink, Jr.
Junior Grand Warden
E-mail: wfinkjr@nycap.rr.comMay 2012 Word Article - Nortrip
Posted: Friday, May 11, 2012 Greetings My Brothers,
It is hard to believe that this is the last Word Article for this year. I am very pleased to announce that Dennis Wayne was Raised on Saturday, May 5, 2012. I want to thank all the brothers who helped with the Degrees. On May 28th we will have our annual Chicken BBQ in Minoa. As usual I will be contacting brothers to help with this event. We will be cleaning chickens Sunday night May 27th at the Minoa Methodist Church at 6pm. Installation will be held on Thursday, June 14th. Please join us at 6:45 for a social hour and Installation will begin at 7:30. Also, on June 28th we will have our annual steak and clam bake. Dinner will be served at 6:30. Please RSVP at 432-5455 by Monday,June 25th.… Read More
Brother Walter Mckeown Recieves the 2012 Dedicated Service Award
Posted: Friday, May 11, 2012 
Congratulations to Brother Walter Mckeown from Skaneateles Lodge #522 on receiving the 2012 Dedicated Service Award.Brother Mckeown is the Marshal for his lodge, and an excellent Marshal when it comes to the floor work. He is always present at all the meetings and degrees. The lodge participates in an adopt a highway program once a year where Bro. Mckeown climbs in and out of the ditches, sometimes more than the younger guys. He is always there when called upon to help out with Safety ID within the community… Read More
Grand Lecturer's Homecoming
Posted: Sunday, April 22, 2012 Nortrip Lodge No. 998 welcomes home RW Charles Toombs, Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York.
Please join us on Satuday, July 14, 2012 at Bella Domani's Restaurant, 5988 East Taft Road, North Syracuse, New York.
Social begins at 6:00 PM with Dinner at 7:00 PM.
There will be a Buffet Dinner consisting of Roasted Chicken, Stuffed Shells, Sausage w/Onions & Peppers, Italian Potatoes, and Glazed Carrots.
Cost: $30.00
Please download and fill out the attached form in order to make a reservation.
Onondaga District DSA
Posted: Sunday, April 22, 2012 
Congratulations to Brother Rudolf Stecher from Morning Star Lodge #524 on receiving the 2012 Dedicated Service Award.
Brother Stecher is a 31 year member of the lodge and has always attended lodge dinners, meetings and any event that the lodge may have. He heads up a fun golf league every Wednesday during the spring and summer and invites all brother Masons to come out and enjoy the fun. Whenever the Master of the Lodge needs a brother to help out with lodge activities, Brother Stecher has always been there to help. He also is a huge help to the Lodge and the Eastern Star… Read MoreNew Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York
Posted: Sunday, April 22, 2012 
On Thursday, April 12, M\W\ Vincent Libone, Grand Master has informed me that he has approved the recommendation and appointed Brother Stephen Maddox from the Onondaga District to be Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. I had the pleasure and honor to make this announcement at the Awards Banquet at Memorial Lodge #648. With this new appointment the Grand Master has also appointed R\W\ Randy Bishop to be Grand Chaplain Emeritus.I would like to take this opportunity… Read More
Morning Star Lodge May 2012 Word Article
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 Hello My Brothers,
We had a great visit from our special guest the Grand Treasurer William Thomas. Thank You for coming to our Lodge and for the history lesson. A lot of our brothers learned something they never new and they appreciated it.
Well it has been another month and as I write this, I am getting ready for our awards night and ladies night with the youth groups. I know it will go well and thank you everyone for there help.
Rudy Stecher is receiving his dedicated service award and it is well deserved. He has been an upstanding Mason and Brother, and a pretty good golfer. I can only hope that others follow in his foot steps. Congratulations Rudy.
Our first meeting on May 7th is move… Read More
Memorial Lodge Awards Night
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 
Memorial Lodge #648 held their Annual Awards Night on Thursday, April 12 with 45 brethren, ladies and guest present. Brethren were recognized for their years of service from 25 to 60 years.There were 3 fifty-year award recipients present that were given special recognition for celebrating a Half-Century of Masonry by being presented with the Grand Lodge 50 year Masonic Apron by the District Deputy Grand Master, RW Richard M. Torrey. RW James McNeal, Grand Director of Ceremonies presented officers of the lodge their certificates for completing the education courses that he… Read More
150 Year Celebration for Morning Star and Skaneateles Lodges!
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 
Join us in one of the Greatest Moments of our Lodges on June 9th 2012.Morning Star Lodge #524 and Skaneateles Lodge #522 will be celebrating our 150th Anniversary together at Orchard Valley Golf Club, 4693 Route 20, Lafayette, NY, 13084. The celebration begins at 6:30 pm with a cocktail hour and Dinner at 7:30 pm. The dinner will be Buffet style… Read More
Jordan Lodge May 2012 Word Article
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 Brothers,
April is now upon us and the Masonic year is winding down, but there is still much to do before we go "dark" at the end of June. By the time you read this article, we will have conducted a 2nd Degree for our E.A. on April 23rd. This was conducted under Special Dispensation since April 23rd was not one of our stated communications. This was done due to scheduling difficulties. Fort Brewerton Lodge #256 brought their E.A. to Jordon #386 so that he could participate and receive his 2nd Degree. Brother Tim Burns sat in the East and conferred the degree and did a wonderful job. Sincere thanks to W.: John Covell from Skaneateles for assisting by delivering the Middle Chamber… Read MoreMemorial Lodge 648 May Word Article
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 Brothers, we have come to the month of May and the year has passed so fast since last June.
In April we honored our Brothers for their long service to the Fraternity. We were given a chance to say goodbye our very own DDGM R.W. Richard M. Torrey as he held his last official visit of his term of the Onondaga District at Memorial Lodge #648.
May will be our annual meeting and election of officers. Please plan to attend so you can hear the report from Grand Lodge by our Senior Warden Dennis Hughes. Our 2nd meeting in May will be a combination event where we'll be doing our traditional Stop-the-Ritual Night combined with a Lodge Walk-About.
For all of the Past Master's out there I would… Read More
ONONDAGA DISTRICT PAST MASTERS ASSOCIATION/INVESTITURE CEREMONY
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 Dear Brother Past Master,
Another year has flown by and it is once again time for the Annual Meeting of the Onondaga District Past Masters Association/Investiture Ceremony for the 2012-2013 Worshipful Masters. This years meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 29 at Memorial Lodge #648 located at 648 Centerville Place in North Syracuse. A spiral sliced baked ham dinner will be served starting at 6:30pm with the Investiture Ceremony immediately following the dinner in the Lodge room at 7:30pm. The cost of the dinner will be $15 per Past Master. Our guest speaker for the evening will be R\W\Richard Friedman, Chairman of the Custodians of the work and Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York 2000-2002.
As… Read More
Tully Word Article - May 2012
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 Brethren, Our Lodge is saddened that R.W. Herbert Salladin laid down his working tools in March. R.W. Herb was very special to all of us in Tully and dedicated to the fraternity. Many Brothers participated in the Masonic Service and memorials were made to the Lodge in his honor. Please keep Bea and the family in your prayers.
Our trustees will meet on April 30 and we will hold a regular meeting on May 10. I am looking forward to having many of our "snowbirds" back from the sunny south join us in Lodge again!
We had planned to rededicate our Lodge for its 100th anniversary on May 24, but have decided to postpone that until fall. May 24 will be our Surviving Spouses Dinner instead. Watch your mailbox for details… Read More
Triangle Girls Spaghetti Dinner This Saturday - April 14th
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 Dear Brother,
As a DeMolay advisor I know how important our Masonic Youth are to our Fraternity in the region and this district. There are many opportunities for us as Masons to do our part to help. Attached is an invitation to a Spaghetti Dinner being held this Saturday to help support the Triangle Girls. If you are in the Liverpool area on this Saturday between the hours of 4 to 7, please stop by the Liverpool/Syracuse Masonic Temple for a bite to eat and help support our Masonic Youth. Thank you!
Click Here to download the invitation.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Richard M. TorreyTraveling Trowel Moves to Konosioni Lodge
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 On April 5th, W. Ralph Haney, Jr and Liverpool-Syracuse lodge delivered the Traveling Trowel to Konosioni Lodge.
Easter Wishes from the DDGM
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 Dear Brother,
Easter is a promise The Great Architect renews to us in each spring. May the promise of Easter fill your heart and homes with peace and joy!
Ann, Adrienne, Richard and I wish you and your family a joyous Easter/Passover Holiday.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Richard M. Torrey
District Deputy Grand Master
Onondaga District
2010 - 201229th Annual Easter Basket Drive
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 
The 29th Annual Rocco Bufano-Konosioni Lodge #950 Easter Basket Giveaway Drive was held today (Good Friday). This year the Lodge donated the Easter Food Baskets to 100 needy families in the community, which will feed close to 1000 people. Thank you to all the Brethren of Konosioni Lodge for all your hard work and dedication to our beloved Fraternity, but most of all showing the community that we as Masons are here do reach out to help when needed. To see the smiles on these families faces was priceless.Great job everyone. Freemasonry… Read More
Grand Master's Easter and Passover Greeting to the Craft
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 My Brothers All:
While it has been truly said that, "time flies when you are having fun," the calendar has a way of creeping up on us. More than that, we find that the days and weeks and months go by like the blink of an eye. Here I am almost at the end of what has to have been one of the most exciting, busy, awe inspiring, fun-filled two years of my entire life, and I am writing one of my last messages to the craft on the eve of Easter and Passover, my last such Holiday Message to you as your Grand Master. And the theme has to be one of renewal.
The days have lengthened; the weather is surely getting warmer; the migrating birds are seen once again, and the spring flowers and trees are… Read More
April 2012 Word Article - Morning Star
Posted: Friday, March 16, 2012 Hello My Brothers,
We have had a busy month and it is going to be just as busy this month.
First I am sad to say Brother David Moser has laid down his working tools of life. He passed form this world on Tuesday March 6, 2012, his services were held on March 10, 2012. He was Raised on December 3, 1984, which made a 27 year member of our lodge. I would like to give my condolences to his friends and family. I would also thank all of the Brothers for attending the services.
Our first meeting on April 2nd, we will have a special guest the Grand Treasure William Tomas will pay us a visit. We will have a dinner at 6:30 and the meeting at 7:30.
Our second meeting will be an open meeting to have Awards… Read More
April 2012 Word Article - Seneca River
Posted: Friday, March 16, 2012 The lodge is still working on ritual and waiting on our EA to become proficient. If you haven’t contributed to the Brotherhood Fund yet there are two months left in this campaign. I will be contacting the Master of Cato Lodge about having a dual meeting later this spring.
April 2012 Word Article - Skaneateles
Posted: Friday, March 16, 2012 Hello Brothers, March is here, and how nice is this weather! We have maintained good attendance during the winter months; however it would still be nice to see you Brothers who have not been out to Lodge in a while. And we have some good opportunities coming up in April and May!
On April 4th, R.W. William J. Thomas, Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York will be our guest speaker. Cocktails will begin at 6:00 PM, and a catered dinner will be served at 6:45 followed by the evening program at 7:30. Cost for dinner is $10 per person. If you plan on being there for the dinner, please RSVP to me at 727-5142, or send me an email, tgannon@srctecinc.com.… Read More
Famous Masons
Jacques Etienne Montgolfier Co developer of the first practical hot air balloon
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District Officer Word Articles
From the District Deputy
Greetings my Brothers! I would like to start off by letting you all know what an extreme honor it is for me to be YOUR DDGM, I look forward to a fun 2 years serving the Onondaga District and promise to give my all to do what is best for the District and follow in the amazing footsteps of those who have come before me . One of my primary goals over the next 2 years is to build team work in the Onondaga District between all of the Lodges. No one Lodge is bigger than the Fraternity, we all owe it to those who went before… Read More
From The Staff Officer
Fraternal Greetings Brethren. With this being my first WORD article as Staff Officer, I’d like to first thank the selection committee for allowing me to continue my work in the district. It gives me great pleasure to continue to work with all the Lodges and to help in the area of Education. As ritual helps to teach us the many principle tenets of Free Masonry, with Education you begin to learn and understand the reasons behind all that we do.
With that being said, we’re going to start… Read More
From the AGL
Brothers, this will be my last WORD article as AGL. I must say that it has been a pleasure working with all of you, the ritual that I’ve seen, and the new Brothers getting involved. Thank you for all the curiosities you’ve extended to me over the past 2 years. I look forward to continuing to work with you in my new role.
Brothers, as I write this article, I look back on all that I’ve experienced over the past 2 years, and it’s truly amazing at how ritual has an… Read More