Saturday, May 5, 2012, HADDONFIELD, NJ – At the stroke of twelve noon today, Rising Sun members played a small part in an historic moment, as history was recreated and celebrated at the Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield.  In a fund raising event conducted by the “Friends of the Indian King Tavern Museum” and sponsored by Yard Brewing Company and Haddonfield restaurant favorite, The British Chip Shop, authentic Colonial ales and food were served at the Indian King Tavern for the first time since Haddonfield’s passage of a “no alcohol sales” ordinance in 1873!  Although there were two other seatings scheduled for the day, it was recognized that attendees at the late afternoon and evening sessions would be able to claim no more than the fact that alcohol had not been served at the Indian King Tavern since … “earlier this afternoon!”

Revelers were treated to a sumptuous buffet of period fare, including Red Leicester Cheese, Cider Pork, and Oysters (courtesy of The Pour House).  But the obvious highlight of the day were the seven different specialty brews including Yard’s “Ales of the Revolution,” featuring brewing recipes taken directly from historical (and Masonic) figures.  Among the tasty libations were “Thomas Jefferson’s Tavern Ale” (weighing in at a hefty 8% alcohol content), “Poor Richard’s Tavern Spruce Ale” (derived directly from Brother Benjamin Franklin’s own recipe), and the hit of the day, “General Washington’s Tavern Porter” – a delicious molasses based brew derived from Brother George’s recipe for an ale designed to quench the thirst of his field officers which, like Brother Franklin’s recipe, began with molasses, rather than barley and hops, due to the limited availability of those ingredients at the time.

Spotlighting the historical quality of the event were any number of re-enactors in period dress, lead by the outstanding performance of “first person translator” Hugh Creighton, proprietor of the Indian King from 1777 to 1790, portrayed by an actor so dedicated to his role that he never broke character for a second, leading to the unfortunate circumstance that we never learned his true name, but adding greatly to the authentic ambiance of the event.

During 1777 the Indian King was the primary home of the New Jersey General Assembly.  The Declaration of Independence was officially read into the minutes of the Assembly at the Indian King, and the Great Seal of the State of New Jersey was adopted there.

The Rising Sun contingent included a Past Grand Master, the present Worshipful Master, and other officers and members, and a truly enjoyable and educational time was had by all.

Rising Sun’s Annual Pilgrimage to Potter Lodge

 Thursday, May 3, 2012, PHILADELPHIA, PA – Seventeen Brothers of Rising Sun Lodge joined in the annual trip to Philadelphia Potter Lodge to celebrate Brotherhood Night and to tour the magnificent Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania facility at One North Broad.  Both banquet hall and the beautiful “Ionic Room” were packed as the brethren enjoyed a delicious banquet followed by observing the craft as practiced by our neighboring Pennsylvania brothers.  

Following an abbreviated meeting, all adjourned to the “Corinthian Room,” where we joined with Pilgrim Lodge for Potter-Pilgrim’s joint Brother to Brother night, an entertaining program on the nature of Masonry presented to a group of prospective members.

After the program our brothers were able to tour the facility and enjoy the magnificent architectural and design features of the Grand Lodge building and the many Masonic meeting rooms within it.

WB Charles “Charlie” Todd, Sr., passed quietly away on the night of April 24, 2012, only hours after receiving his 50-year token from RW Dale Lynch, District Deputy Grand Master for the 18th Masonic District, in a poignant bedside ceremony at Charlie’s home in Lumberton, New Jersey.  Charlie’s wife, Diane, herself a long time Sister of the Order of the Eastern Star, said that receiving that 50-year Masonic honor was a matter of immeasurable pride to Charlie and one of the last things for which he lived.

Although Charlie was peaceful and sedate, and unable to acknowledge or respond to the presentation, Diane expressed her confidence and faith that he could hear, and that he knew that his brothers had come together to grant him this parting gift.

The irony of Charlie’s passing so soon after achieving his penultimate Masonic milestone is lost on no one, and it truly seems as though the Grand Architect granted Charlie the necessary strength to hang on until he had completed his earthly Masonic labors.  He now moves on to the true end of the Masonic journey, the one we will all ultimately share, as he joins the Grand Architect in the Lodge on High.

Worshipful Master David A. Frankel expressed his personal gratitude that Right Worshipful Brother Lynch, District Ritual Instructor Robert Hertneck, and nearly thirty of Charlie’s family, friends, and Masonic brethren were able to come together on very short notice to grant to Charlie, and to Diane, the fulfillment of Charlie’s last Masonic desire and the memory of his Brothers assembling to honor him.

Rising Sun Scholarship Committee

Announces Scholarships & Fund Raiser

 Win With the Phillies and Support Education!!!

The Rising Sun Lodge Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the availability of two $1000 educational grants to be awarded to college-bound graduating high school students in 2012, one to a graduate of Haddon Heights, Haddon Township, or Haddonfield Memorial High Schools, and one to a child or grandchild of a Rising Sun Lodge member.

Awards will be based on a combination of financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community service.

Along with the announcement of its grants, the Scholarship Committee is launching a “Root for the Phillies” fund raiser.  Pledge a small amount for each win the Phillies rack up in the regular 2012 season and help support our educational grants in the process.  Guess how many wins the Fightin’ Phils will tally, and you could WIN a $50 “Shop Haddonfield” gift certificate.

Grant applications and Pledge forms are available under “FORMS” in the Members-Only section of this website, or you may contact Jay R. Foster, at jrfmm@aol.com or (856) 547‑4598, to obtain them.

The submission deadline for completed applications is April 25, 2012.

Pledges of support will be gratefully accepted at any time, of course, but those who wish to participate in the gift certificate promotion must submit pledge forms before the Phillies 2012 season opener on April 5, 2012 to be eligible for the gift certificate award.

My Brother:

• Toiletries
• Soap
• Shoes
• Sneakers
• Clothing Children and Adult
• Canned soup
• Towels
• School supplies
• T Shirts
• Medications (Cold, Flu, Aspirin, Motrin)
• Slippers

Project Co-Chairmen

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL “FIRST NIGHT” AT RISING SUN

Once again your Lodge joined Haddonfield’s town wide First Night celebration for New Year’s Eve and rang in 2012 in style, serving as a prime entertainment venue.  With 100 extra chairs moved into the Lodge room to accommodate the crowds, more than 600 people attended three performances – two by Classical Guitarist, Ben Biers, at 8 and 9:15 PM, sandwiched around the 9 PM fireworks display just outside our doors, and capping the evening once again with a 10:15 PM show staged by popular performance artist, Keith Henley.

Ben Biers

Keith Henley

Thanks go out to WB David Leeds, First Night Chair and site coordinator, and volunteers Jeanette Leeds, WB Keith and Bonnie Herman, Mark and Rita Friedrich, Rodgers Childs, and EA Christos Prentzas who helped manage the mob of visitors, manning the doors of the Temple and Lodge Room, giving building tours, and talking Masonry with interested visitors.  Thanks also (partly in advance) to all of the officers and candidates who helped move the chairs from the dining room up the two flights to the Lodge room and will reverse that feat at our upcoming Officers’ rehearsal!

Volunteering for the annual First Night celebration is an unparalleled opportunity to provide service to your Lodge and the Community, socialize with your brothers, and enjoy great entertainment, ALL in the same evening.  Please consider joining Team First Night next year!

On Saturday, December 3, at an Installation ceremony open to family, friends, and the public, Rising Sun Lodge No. 15, F&AM installed its leadership for 2012.  David A. Frankel, of Haddonfield, was installed as Worshipful Master, Gregory B. Vermette, of Haddon Township, assumed the role of Senior Warden.  Along with the new Junior Warden, the top three leadership positions in Rising Sun are now occupied by residents of Haddonfield, Haddon Township, and Haddon Heights, respectively, making Rising Sun, truly, the Masonic Lodge of the “Three Haddons.”

Many visiting Masonic dignitaries from across New Jersey attended or took part in the event, including four Past Grand Masters and other current and past Grand Lodge Officers.  Masters and Past Masters of neighboring area Lodges joined the Past Masters of Rising Sun Lodge prior to the Installation to qualify Brother Frankel as an incoming Master.  MW Francis R. Mitchell, PGM 1993 and MW Larry S. Plasket, PGM 2002 then shared duties in conducting the Installation ceremony, RW Albert L. Hann, PJGD served as Installing Marshal, and MW William H. Berman, PGM 2009 was the Installing Chaplain.  The Ancient Charges were given by RW Raymond R. Newkirk, PGC.  Also present was MW Joseph H. Rival, Jr., PGM 2010.

Following the installation ceremony, outgoing 2011 Worshipful Master, Keith A. Herman, of Cherry Hill, was presented with tokens of appreciation for his outstanding leadership and service to the Lodge during the past year.

Other Rising Sun Officers installed for 2012 were RW Wilfred R. Parsels, PGC, Secretary; RW William J. Krassan, PDDGM, Treasurer; Benjamin S. Parvey, Senior Deacon; Erik M. Brown, Junior Deacon; William M. Warner, Senior Master of Ceremonies; Daniel E. Wilson, Junior Master of Ceremonies; Joseph A. Ciccone, Senior Steward; Dan McDonough, Jr., Junior Steward; Edward T. Lynes, Chaplain; Vincent M. Capone, Marshal; Robert St. Marie, Tyler; WB Francis J. Conway, Historian; WB David R. Leeds, Organist.

MASONIC CHILD ID PROGRAM “SQUARES” WITH FALL FESTIVAL

This year’s Masonic Square & Compasses Day will be held on Saturday, October 15, the same day as Haddonfield’s Fall Festival and Crafts Show.  Worshipful Master Keith A. Herman and the Masons of Rising Sun Lodge No. 15, F. & A.M., invite all their friends and neighbors to enjoy the day-long event in downtown Haddonfield and to visit Haddonfield Masonic Temple, 16 Kings Hwy East, between 10 AM and 4 PM, for tours of the historic Masonic edifice.  In conjunction with the event the Masons will again provide free of charge the National Child Identification Program, a.k.a. CHIPs, (10 AM to 2 PM), providing parents with an ID kit containing a digital photo, video interview, fingerprints, dental impression, and DNA sample for young children and early teens.  All young-at-heart visitors are also welcome to “Paint-a-Pumpkin” and take it home as a souvenir, and to enjoy a display of Model Trains from the collection of Past Master Paul Schmeck.