“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”! No better passage of scripture can be used to describe the fellowship at Hialeah-Opa-Locka Lodge No. 391 during the Lodge’s White Apron Ceremony held November 30, 2018.
In ancient times, the white apron was used by workmen and operative masons to protect themselves from rough stones and sharp tools. In Freemasonry, that white apron takes on a whole new meaning as the badge of a Mason symbolizing innocence and purity. It is considered to be the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Brother in our Fraternity and one that he should treasure for all of his life.
The ceremony included the presentation of Masonic Leadership Training Certificates to W:. M:. Alejandro Zequeira and Brother Senior Warden, James Lazaro and proficiency cards were presented to W:. Miguel Savinon and Brother Ruben Ovalle. W:. Zequeira, also presented Brothers James Lazaro, Joshua Smithwong and W:. Chauncy Riley with certificates of appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the Lodge. Another certificate of appreciation was also presented to Angela Lazo (wife of Past Master, W:. Esteban Lazo) who personalized each white apron presented that evening.
The evening turned out one of the largest groups in the history of Hialeah-Opa-Locka Lodge with almost 70 people in attendance. Over 50 Brothers from 12 different Lodges across five different Masonic jurisdictions filled the seats of the Lodge room to support our Brothers as they received their white burial aprons along with other commendations. On hand to present the aprons was our Grand Master, M:. W:. John E. Karroum, who was assisted by District 27’s District Deputy Grand Master, R:. W:. Armando Mitat.
The ceremony was open to family and friends of the Brothers of HOL 391 so that they could learn more about the importance of the white apron in the life of a Freemason. The evening proved to be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and look forward to the continued growth and progress of, not only our Lodge, but Freemasonry in general.
We would like to thank everyone who played a role in making the event so special, and it will surely be one we will always remember with a great deal of fondness.
