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INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS FOR 2025
Alpha Lodge No. 172 F&AM held its annual installation of officers for 2025 on January 7, 2025. R:. W:. Jeff Teasdale (DDGM 3rd District) was the installing officer. Assisting him was W:. Don Rice (Marshal) and R:. W:. Don Cloer (Chaplain). Also present were R:. W:. Rob Destell (candidate for Junior Grand Warden) and R:. W:. Gary J. Gamache, Sr (Grand Historian). Alpha Lodge officers for 2025 are W:. M:. Jim Snow (WM), W:. Ron Collins (SW), W:. Wes Pickard (JW), W:. Bob Senft (SD), W:. David Gaillard (JD), W:. Noble Wyninegar (SS), Br. Don Folley (JS), R:. W:. Dennis Barbarisi (Mar), R:. W:. Al Taylor (Sec), Br. Nelson Kinsey III (Treas), R: W: Jerry Miller (Tyler) and Br. Trace Mills (Chaplain). Also in attendance were sitting Worshipful Masters, Past Masters, Past District Deputy Grand Masters and brothers from several area Lodges. "Thank you" to everyone who was there. You made it a special night!
On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Alpha Lodge No. 172 F&AM will be celebrating two outstanding JROTC Cadets, one from Choctaw High School and one from Ft. Walton Beach High School. The setup crew met this morning to prep the dining room of the lodge for the dinner and honor ceremony. The setup crew consisted of Carolyn Folley, Wanda Collins, Bro. Don Folley and Kilroy. After setup was complete, the crew enjoyed lunch together at a Destin restaurant. Productive time, enjoyable experience, memories made. Looking forward to the event on Tuesday!
Brother Don Folley providing a fantastic dinner in March 2024
We are having a Family Night on Tuesday the 29th of this month. We will be presenting awards and having some fine food! Side dishes or deserts are welcome but the main thing is that you come and celebrate with us. Bring friends and family, all are welcome!
One of our Brothers has laid down the working tools of life.
William Randolph GingrichMarch 05, 1944 - March 22, 2023
U.S. Air Force Veteran
William Randolph Gingrich, “Randy,” 79 of Cabot, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023. He was born March 5, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri. Randy grew up in Wichita Falls and Henrietta, Texas. Hunting, fishing and Boy Scouts kept him busy as a boy. After a year in college, Randy moved to Dallas where he managed a Howard Johnson’s and met and married his second wife, Jean. He joined the Air Force in August 1967 and trained as a Communications Systems Technician (Radio Operator). He became known as “Radio Randy” to his friends. His career took him all over the world – 5 of the 7 continents. He worked communications for Apollo missions 8, 9 and 10, MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) and Airborne Communications Systems with the 8th SOS on the Talon 1. He was a crew member for Desert 1 and Grenada rescue missions. Randy was awarded the USAF Airman’s medal for heroic actions saving lives during the Desert 1 mission.
Following retirement from the USAF, Randy worked Civil Service at AFSOC. His work with communications systems continued for the next generations of radio equipment and satellite communications. In his spare time, Randy became a Ham radio operator, dive master, volunteer fire fighter and a 32 degree Mason. Randy was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor, instructor, boss and loyal friend to so many. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Jean Gingrich.
Survivors include his daughters, Helen Marie Gingrich-Means and Mary Heidrich (Don); grandchildren, Ashley Nikole Davis (Todd) and Jessica Amber Heidrich; great-grandchildren, Elanoire Grace Davis, Margot Joy Davis, Adeline Ruth Davis and Eisley Maeve Davis, as well as many extended family members and friends.
Memorial gathering will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, March 31, 2023 at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, 501-843-5816. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Randy Gingrich, the family suggests Special Operations Warrior Foundation at https://specialops.org/.
WB5HLK - over and out…
Moore's Cabot Funeral Home
https://www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com/obituary/william-randolph-gingrich?lud=E542E4C3207D3B5B6451F2B8AB7040A9&fbclid=IwAR3cX2DHoqGswjmBex1Ltu1mzOKWCwyGHr7spYlNBvzNDInoJOQRK7N7iKYatesville®
William Randolph GingrichMarch 05, 1944 - March 22, 2023
U.S. Air Force Veteran
William Randolph Gingrich, “Randy,” 79 of Cabot, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023. He was born March 5, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri. Randy grew up in Wichita Falls and Henrietta, Texas. Hunting, fishing and Boy Scouts kept him busy as a boy. After a year in college, Randy moved to Dallas where he managed a Howard Johnson’s and met and married his second wife, Jean. He joined the Air Force in August 1967 and trained as a Communications Systems Technician (Radio Operator). He became known as “Radio Randy” to his friends. His career took him all over the world – 5 of the 7 continents. He worked communications for Apollo missions 8, 9 and 10, MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) and Airborne Communications Systems with the 8th SOS on the Talon 1. He was a crew member for Desert 1 and Grenada rescue missions. Randy was awarded the USAF Airman’s medal for heroic actions saving lives during the Desert 1 mission.
Following retirement from the USAF, Randy worked Civil Service at AFSOC. His work with communications systems continued for the next generations of radio equipment and satellite communications. In his spare time, Randy became a Ham radio operator, dive master, volunteer fire fighter and a 32 degree Mason. Randy was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor, instructor, boss and loyal friend to so many. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Jean Gingrich.
Survivors include his daughters, Helen Marie Gingrich-Means and Mary Heidrich (Don); grandchildren, Ashley Nikole Davis (Todd) and Jessica Amber Heidrich; great-grandchildren, Elanoire Grace Davis, Margot Joy Davis, Adeline Ruth Davis and Eisley Maeve Davis, as well as many extended family members and friends.
Memorial gathering will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, March 31, 2023 at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, 501-843-5816. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Randy Gingrich, the family suggests Special Operations Warrior Foundation at https://specialops.org/.
WB5HLK - over and out…
Moore's Cabot Funeral Home
https://www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com/obituary/william-randolph-gingrich?lud=E542E4C3207D3B5B6451F2B8AB7040A9&fbclid=IwAR3cX2DHoqGswjmBex1Ltu1mzOKWCwyGHr7spYlNBvzNDInoJOQRK7N7iKYatesville®
On Tuesday night, we were honored to have Most Worshipful Rick Schau, Past Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio, visit Alpha Lodge No. 172 F&AM. He presented aprons to Brothers Kenneth Lopez-Toledo and Donald Folley, Jr. in a beautiful ceremony. Congratulations to Brother Lopez-Toledo and Brother Folley. Thank you, M∴W∴ Schau for your visit and participation. We look forward to your next visit.
Sadly, we report that our Brother, R∴W∴ Al Taylor, has lost his wife and best friend, Connie Taylor. Connie passed away with Al and family around her. Please keep the entire Taylor family in your prayers.
Brother Kenneth Lopez-Toledo was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Alpha Lodge No. 172. It was only through the additional support from several other lodges that we were able to confer this degree. Special thanks to Okaloosa Lodge No. 312, Herman Lodge No. 108 and Omega Lodge No. 380 for your help and participation. Brother Scott Harrison was visiting from Center Point, Indiana and provided the photos. Thanks, Brother Harrison. We look forward to your return. Thanks to R.: W.: Eichorn for an outstanding lecture. Brother Richard delivered the charge in fine form. We appreciate all who were there because everyone present participated! Congratulations Brother Lopez-Toledo on becoming a Master Mason. We are honored to have you as a Brother in our Fraternity.
On Tuesday, July 26, 2022, four new Master Masons were raised at Alpha Lodge No. 172. The newly raised Brothers are Brothers Gary Eugene Price (DeFuniak Lodge No. 170), Ryan Kyle Pannell (DeFuniak Lodge No. 170), Donald Harvey Folley, Jr. (Alpha Lodge No. 172) and Brice Jordan Cook (Alpha Lodge No. 172). Congratulations, Brother Master Masons!
We had Brothers from Omega Lodge No. 380, DeFuniak Lodge No. 170, Okaloosa Lodge No. 312 and Alpha Lodge No. 172 present to participate in the Degree work. We even had Brother Dave Stevens, Secretary of Western Sun Lodge No. 91 in Wheelersburg, Ohio assist us in raising these four new Master Masons. There may have been Brothers from other Lodges present that I failed to mention. If so, please comment with your Lodge name and number so we can acknowledge your valuable participation. Every Brother present that night contributed to the raising of these new Master Masons. Thank you.
R∴W∴ Don Cloer presented an outstanding Lecture. R∴W∴ John Lewis delivered the Charge and W∴M∴ Wes Pickard conferred the Degree. Thank you.
R∴W∴ Don Cloer also served as photographer to capture this special evening in pictures. Thank you.
We had Brothers from Omega Lodge No. 380, DeFuniak Lodge No. 170, Okaloosa Lodge No. 312 and Alpha Lodge No. 172 present to participate in the Degree work. We even had Brother Dave Stevens, Secretary of Western Sun Lodge No. 91 in Wheelersburg, Ohio assist us in raising these four new Master Masons. There may have been Brothers from other Lodges present that I failed to mention. If so, please comment with your Lodge name and number so we can acknowledge your valuable participation. Every Brother present that night contributed to the raising of these new Master Masons. Thank you.
R∴W∴ Don Cloer presented an outstanding Lecture. R∴W∴ John Lewis delivered the Charge and W∴M∴ Wes Pickard conferred the Degree. Thank you.
R∴W∴ Don Cloer also served as photographer to capture this special evening in pictures. Thank you.
While cleaning out some old storage spaces in the lodge, we discovered a couple of old wooden doors with glass panes. One of the doors was marked with "Alpha Lodge No 172 F. & A. M." with the days and times of the lodge communications.
An old photo shows the "front" of the building with the original lodge entrance. The original entrance is still there but has been changed over the years. Doors similar to the ones we discovered are shown in the picture. We are seeking information from anyone who may have knowledge of the historical significance of these doors. I can only imagine the Fort Walton Beach and Destin pioneers who may have passed through these doors. Many of them were Alpha Lodge members.
An old photo shows the "front" of the building with the original lodge entrance. The original entrance is still there but has been changed over the years. Doors similar to the ones we discovered are shown in the picture. We are seeking information from anyone who may have knowledge of the historical significance of these doors. I can only imagine the Fort Walton Beach and Destin pioneers who may have passed through these doors. Many of them were Alpha Lodge members.
August 11, 2020
Congratulations Brother Kyle Lowrey. He was made an Entered Apprentice Mason tonight. Worshipful Master Noble Wyninegar conferred the degree.
July 21, 2020
Congratulations Brother Louis Palanek upon being passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft.
Entered Apprentice Degree February 18, 2020
(Thank you R:.W:. Don Cloer for the photos)
(Thank you R:.W:. Don Cloer for the photos)
This is the plaque at the foot of the Sam Houston statue in Huntsville, Texas. My friend, Jason Alford, took the picture with the square and compasses and I enlarged the writing on the plaque from a picture I found on the internet. Thanks, Jason, for sharing!
Family Night at Alpha Lodge No. 172
November 19, 2019
(see more pictures in the Picture Gallery)
November 19, 2019
(see more pictures in the Picture Gallery)
September 20, 2019
Many children in our area live in households struggling to make ends meet. We were made aware of children who could not afford clothing, tee shirts or even undergarments. We were glad to help.
August 30, 2019
These pictures are of R:.W:. Don Cloer. He is behind the camera at most of our Masonic events selflessly taking pictures of others. As the "photographer", he is seldom in the candid pictures. Thank you, Brother Cloer, for all that you do for the Lodges in our area.
August 30, 2019
Past District Deputy Grand Master R:.W:. Albert C. Taylor and Worshipful Master Ron Collins present two $200 checks for charity to Most Worshipful John W. Westerman, III, Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida and his Lady Sudy at the official visit to District 3. The event was hosted by R:.W:. Chester L. Willis, District Deputy Grand Master of District 3. A certificate of honorary membership to Alpha Lodge No. 172 was also presented to M:.W:. Westerman, III.
August 20, 2019
Congratulations to Brother Tyler Womack on receiving his certificate of membership from the Grand Lodge of Florida.
Congratulations to Brother Tyler Womack on receiving his certificate of membership from the Grand Lodge of Florida.
8/6/2019
Alpha Lodge No. 172 welcomed the official visit August 6, 2019 of our District Deputy Grand Master. We had a good fried chicken dinner and a fantastic official visit by Right Worshipful Chester Willis. Congratulations to the Omega Lodge No. 380 Brothers who were there to reclaim the Traveling Trophy. We had a great time of fellowship. Thanks to all who were there to share the events with us!
Alpha Lodge No. 172 welcomed the official visit August 6, 2019 of our District Deputy Grand Master. We had a good fried chicken dinner and a fantastic official visit by Right Worshipful Chester Willis. Congratulations to the Omega Lodge No. 380 Brothers who were there to reclaim the Traveling Trophy. We had a great time of fellowship. Thanks to all who were there to share the events with us!
7/19/2019
Last night (Thursday, July 18, 2019), Omega Lodge No. 380 hosted the official District Deputy Grand Master visit to their lodge. R:.W:. Chester Willis, his party and all present were treated to a fine meal, followed by the official ceremony. The Brothers of Omega Lodge No. 380 were excellent hosts and presented an outstanding reception for R:.W:. Willis and his party. Congratulations also to the Brothers of Alpha Lodge No. 172 who attended in sufficient numbers to regain possession of the Traveling Trophy. The Trophy will reside in the East at Alpha Lodge No. 172 until we are honored to host Brothers of another visiting lodge who come to claim it from us. Thank you, Omega Brothers, for an enjoyable evening.
Last night (Thursday, July 18, 2019), Omega Lodge No. 380 hosted the official District Deputy Grand Master visit to their lodge. R:.W:. Chester Willis, his party and all present were treated to a fine meal, followed by the official ceremony. The Brothers of Omega Lodge No. 380 were excellent hosts and presented an outstanding reception for R:.W:. Willis and his party. Congratulations also to the Brothers of Alpha Lodge No. 172 who attended in sufficient numbers to regain possession of the Traveling Trophy. The Trophy will reside in the East at Alpha Lodge No. 172 until we are honored to host Brothers of another visiting lodge who come to claim it from us. Thank you, Omega Brothers, for an enjoyable evening.
7/19/2019
Brother Tyler Womack. Inside joke with the Worshipful Master.
Brother Tyler Womack. Inside joke with the Worshipful Master.
