by Susan Slater
The Masons at the Zephyr Lodge No. 198 gathered at Oakside Cemetery on June 20th for a trial run ceremony honoring the lodge’s fallen brothers. The date was chosen in connection with one of Freemasonry’s traditional observances, the Feast of St. John the Baptist, and ahead of the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, together often referred to in Masonic tradition as “The Holy Saints John.” For members of the Zephyrhills lodge, the Oakside reflected in the name Gall Boulevard. He also owned the Zephyrhills News in the 1940s.
Cemetery ceremony will be both an act of remembrance and a step toward establishing a larger annual tradition. Zephyrhills Lodge #198 participated in honor ceremonies recognizing brothers those lost during the Seminole Wars. One being the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park before the annual reenactment and St. Augustine’s, Honor the Dead with a procession from the National Guard building to St. Augustine National Cemetery and the placement of a sprig of acacia at the cemetery pyramids.
Lodge members have been researching the history preserved inside Zephyr Lodge No. 198. That research led them to identify many former members buried at Oakside Cemetery, making the site a natural place to honor their predecessors. Among those remembered was O. E. “Ozro” Briggs, who served as the first Worshipful Master of Zephyr Lodge No. 198 in 1910. The lodge also recognized Grand Master Lewis C. Masse.
Another notable Mason, Walter R. Gall, a 20th century citrus grower, land developer and civic leader, served as the second Worshipful Master in 1928. He is remembered for his influence with the State Road Department during the 1930s in support of U.S. Route 301 through the city, now.
For this year’s trial ceremony, members prepared an honor wreath and a list of fallen brothers. Lodge members said many of the graves are clustered together. They hope future ceremonies can be held directly at the gravesites. Rick Hillman, acting Worshipful Master, spoke briefly about why the men had gathered and read the names of the brothers buried at Oakside Cemetery. In attendance was Melany Masse Foltz, Eastern Star Crescent Chapter No. 54 Captain and current treasurer. ♥
