Dear Brethren and Friends,

We wish to share with our Brethren and Friends that Ada and the Henningsen Family have scheduled a Memorial Service to commemorate the life of M:.W:. Gary Arthur Henningsen, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York. The Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, December 28, 2024 commencing at 2:00 PM and ending at 4:00 PM at the "Meeting House Church" located at One Rossmoor Drive, Monroe Township, New Jersey 08831.

Directions: Set your GPS for 1 Rossmoor Drive, Monroe Township, NJ 08831.  Upon arriving at the entrance gate, go to the first stop sign and make a right turn.  Go one block and make a second right turn onto Sussex Way. Continue into the parking lot.

Please note that at the request of the Henningsen Family, there will be no Masonic Service.

M:.W:. Gary Henningsen ascended to the Oriental Chair in April of 1993 to fulfill the unexpired term of the late M;.W:. Sheldon K. Blank prior to being elected Grand Master by acclimation on May 4, 1993. At which time, then Grand Chaplain Robert Cave read a poem by Alice Hansche Mortenson that was appropriate then and seems quite apropos to read again at this time...

I needed the quiet,

so He drew me aside into the shadows where we could confide.

Away from the bustle where all the day long,

I hurried and worried when active and distraught.

I needed the quiet though at first I rebelled,

but gently, so gently, my cross He upheld.

And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things,

though weakened in body, my spirit took wings

to heights never dreamed of when active and gay,

He loved me so greatly, He drew me away.

I needed the quiet, no prison my bed,

but a beautiful valley of blessings instead.

A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide,

I needed the quiet, so He drew me aside. Amen.

With kind fraternal regards,

Richard W. Bateman, G.P., Assistant Grand Secretary