Our Tiler Responds
by RW Enrique Castillo
[Shakespeare Lodge paid special tribute to it's long-time tiler,
RW Enrique Castillo, at a table lodge on January 3, 2001. His remarks at
the table lodge follow]
RW Cary S. Cohn, DDGM of the 6th Manhattan District;
RW Bernard Rashes, DSA, Grand Director of Ceremonies;
W Robert S. Byer, Master;
Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Brethren all:
I was raised on April 6, 1966 in my Mother Lodge Eastern Star #227. In 1976,
we consolidated with three more lodges and formed True Light Lodge #208.
My proposer was Brother Philip Negro. He was an Italian, very short fellow,
very cordial, easy going, and owner of a five-chair full-service barbershop
at the lobby of the 24th Street entrance in this Masonic Hall.
The Lodge immediately put me to work as Junior Master of Ceremonies, and
by December 6th, 1978, I was elected Master of True Light Lodge #208, serving
three terms from January 1979 to January 1982.
On February 17, 1979 I joined the Scottish Rite and received the 32nd degree,
or The Sublime Prince Of The Royal Secret.
On July 4, 1984, as a member of Peerless Lodge #195, I was certified Right
Worshipful, as the Grand representative of the Grand Lodge of South Australia
near the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. This Lodge is formed by nine
lodges from the Second Manhattan, including my Mother Lodge.
In December 1988, I was elected Master of Peerless Lodge #195, serving three
terms and one month, from January 1989 to February 1992 (The elected Master
was unable to attend the official installation).
Prior to becoming tiler of Shakespeare Lodge, I visited on two occasions:
June 1 and November 2, 1989, by special invitation from the Worshipful Master,
our late and beloved brother, RW Barry B. Balloh, for the First and
Third degrees conferred on his son, Frank Balloh. On that occasion,
I was introduced to a Worshipful Brother, who we know today as RW Sheldon
B. Richman, who two years later asked me if I was interested to be tiler
in Shakespeare. Knowing Brother Richman, my answer was affirmative, and Brother
Richman arranged for me an interview with the Master of the Lodge, RW Daniel
M. Semel. By May 2, 1991, I was officially installed as tiler in Shakespeare
Lodge #750.
So, my brothers, for the past ten years and eight months, I've been your
tiler.
Brethren, don't you think that by now I'm deserving an increase in my honorarium?
But first, Worshipful Master, you need an amendment in the By-Laws.
Well, my brothers, this is a history for the past 12 years of my Masonic
life in Shakespeare Lodge and I humbly can say:
