November 2025

Stated Meeting Nov 13, 2025

On Thursday evening, November 13, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. E.S.T., Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246 convened for a meaningful Stated Meeting that combined two important lodge obligations: a Veterans Day Presentation and the Election of Officers for 2026.

Veterans Day Presentation

In recognition of Veterans Day, we presented a tribute centered on veterans’ own words and reflections on service across eras and branches. The readings opened with the history of Veterans Day - originating from Armistice Day at the conclusion of World War I and later expanded to honor all who have served - and then moved through a series of first-person accounts and historical voices, including a Civil War-era letter shared through Walt Whitman and reflections from veterans of Vietnam, the submarine service, World War II, the Persian Gulf conflict, and the Korean War. The presentation concluded, as tradition often does, with a reading of In Flanders Fields.

It was a thoughtful reminder that service takes many forms, but always carries a common thread: sacrifice, duty, and commitment to something larger than oneself.

Election of 2026 Lodge Officers

During the business of the evening, we held the annual election of lodge officers for 2026. Congratulations to the brethren elected to serve:

Worshipful Master: Craig M. Applebaum, P.M.
Senior Warden: David C. Roseman
Junior Warden: Joel H. Rosner
Treasurer: Stephen R. Bell
Secretary: Howard L. Glickman, P.M.
Trustees: Joshua M. Glickman, P.M.; Marvin Mandel, P.M., P.D.D.G.M.; Howard P. Cohen
Representative in the Grand Lodge: Hunter R. Most P.M.
Substitute Representative in the Grand Lodge: Carl Goldstein P.M.

We are grateful to each of these brothers for their willingness to lead, serve, and continue strengthening the work of the Lodge.

Important Dues Reminder

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A timely reminder to all members: Dues must be paid to the Lodge by the January Stated Meeting to avoid suspension.

175th Anniversary Recognition at the Masonic Temple

Prior to the meeting, the Lodge had the honor of receiving formal recognition of our 175th Anniversary at the Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street. State Representative Ben Waxman presented Joel H. Rosner, Worshipful Master, and Howard L. Glickman, P.M., Secretary, with a commemorative citation recognizing the Lodge’s milestone anniversary and longstanding contributions to the Commonwealth and our communities. We also received numerous additional citations and letters of congratulations in connection with the anniversary year.

Looking Ahead: The 175th Anniversary Gala

This month’s Stated Meeting also served as a bridge to our major celebratory event: the 175th Anniversary Gala, held November 22, 2025 at the Alloy Hotel in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The evening will serve as a fitting capstone to an anniversary year that calls us not only to celebrate, but to reflect on the depth of our shared history and the responsibility of stewardship that comes with it. We'll get more into that celebration in a follow-up post.

A packet of materials was sent to us which contained the 100 year anniversary booklet for Fernwood Lodge No. 543

As highlighted in the Gala program book (which, major kudos to Elliot P. Miller for putting together such an amazing book!), Shekinah-Fernwood’s story is also the story of the lodges and brethren who shaped it across generations - including the historic lineages that now form the fabric of our Lodge today, and the enduring emphasis on brotherhood, charity, and community presence that has marked Shekinah and Fernwood through changing times.

With gratitude for our veterans, congratulations to our incoming officers, and sincere appreciation to all who helped make this anniversary season memorable, we now turn forward - committed to honoring our legacy by living it.