Oleeta West Dade

Lodge No. 145

Free and Accepted Masons

One of the most important character traits anyone can have is courage; The courage to find your hidden strength and let it lead you to make difficult choices and see them through.

There are countless stories of ordinary people who had the courage to change the course of their lives. Masonry can bring you the stories of both famous and not-so-famous people who found themselves at the crossroads, with a choice to make and the courage to make it. We often hear or think that the cards are stacked against us, but we all have the power to win.

The officers of Oleeta West Dade Lodge have spent many hours interviewing contractors for a new kitchen to be constructed out of stainless steel, a new hood for the stove, new countertops and serving,  just to name a few. Should the resolution for the next phase pass we will be ready to start work right away upon the crafts approval.

Our Heavenly Father has his hand on my shoulder let him lead us. Be proud of your Lodge. Bring your friends by to see how we, as a Brotherhood are doing.

What is right? The Choice is Yours.

Thank You Brothers,

W\ Robert F. Anderson

Moving Up To The World of Dot(.)Org

Oleeta West Dade Lodge No. 145 is proud to announce the launch of it's new Website.

WWW.OleetaWestDadeLodge145.Org

Thanks to many months of planning and hard work, our website is off and running. Here you will be able to check up on upcoming lodge events and read the latest Newsletter.

Email your comments or questions regarding the website to our Webmaster at fiuprof@hotmail.com, (W\ Patrick Palmer, PM).

Thanks to Brother David Cockrell and W\ Patrick Palmer, PM, for an outstanding job!

How Not To Fear Death

Recently I watched a video of the movie, Meet Joe Black. It was a rather interesting and thought provoking experience.

The central theme of the movie was the impending death of a business man. Death, in the person of actor Brad Pitt informed Anthony Hopkins who filled the role of William Parrish, the business man, that his death was imminent. However, they entered into a most unusual gentleman's agreement. Death would delay William’s imminent demise in exchange for a tour of life.

I won’t get into all the particulars of the motion picture. However, there was one scene that left a lasting impression on me. When, at last it came time for William Parrish to leave this earth, he turned to Death and asked, "Should I be afraid?" Death in turn replied, "No, not a man like you."

Now, I don’t believe that a pious life by itself will get us into heaven. But I do believe that there is a lesson in this for all of us. On that fateful day when we stand before God to receive judgment for deeds done while here on earth, wouldn’t it be great to hear from the angels when asked if you should be afraid, "No, not a man like you."

Woody Allen said, "I’m not afraid of death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens!" But, the realization is, that we will be there when it happens. Therefore, from this day forward we should resolve to live our lives in such a manner that will demonstrate to the world (and the angels) that Masons are good and virtuous men that have no reason to fear death.

W\ Patrick Palmer, PM

Chaplain

Brother Joseph G. Moretti, one of Oleeta West Dade's oldest members, passed away in February. Brother Joe was raised in Allapattah Lodge on October 15, 1948. He was a Past Potentate of Mahi Shrine and was instrumental in the construction of Mahi Temple. Brother Joe was an upright man and Mason and a friend to all who knew him. He was a resident of Epworth Village in Hialeah at the time of his death. The following obituary appeared in the Miami Herald on February 15, 2006.

MORETTI, JOSEPH G., SR., 97, a resident of Miami-Dade since 1934, passed away February 11, 2006. Born in Peekskill, NY on March 10, 1908. He was a Navy veteran of WWII and the oldest living frogman. A contractor and land developer who built many schools and other landmarks in the county. Active in many organizations, including the Masons, Mahi Shrine (past potentate), and was past president of the Allapattah Lions Club. He was married over 54 years to Mary, who passed away in 1984. Survived by son, Joseph, Jr. (Patricia); daughter, Patricia (Dennis) McDougle; grandchildren, Mary Livingston, Paul Moretti, Robb Hilson, Susan Hilson Sirlin, and Michael Hilson; 8 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and his companion, Eleanor Sparto. The family wishes to thank the staff of V.A. Hospital, Vitas Hospice Team 129 and his nurse, Migdalia Cordoba for their loving care. Services will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 18, at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Please keep Brother Joe's family members in your prayers. Alas My Brother!

W\ Mike Green PM

Secretary

If you would like to have an article printed in our next Newsletter, email us at eagles6075@bellsouth.net (Mario A. Rodriguez, P.M.)

Send mail to fiuprof@hotmail.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: April 30, 2006