T H E
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BEACON Volume 24, Issue 2 Spring 2017
Grand Treasurer Announces His Retirement Page 5
Supporting Our Membership : Five Guiding Principles Page 8
US Bank and the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Support Memory Care Page 10
Browning Masonic Community to Dedicate New Villas Page 16
In You vi 're te d!
33 R D
L ANNUA
Ohio Masonic Home Day Sunday, June 4 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Ohio Masonic Home! Featuring our cornerstone rededication ceremony and commemorative human Square and Compass photo on the lawn! Free admission and parking, rain or shine! For more information, visit www.ohiomasonichomeday.org.
...and more!
125
th
OHIO MASONIC HOME
Celebrating our 125 year journey of care, compassion and concern
A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO MASONIC HOME AND THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO
Forecasting a Bright Future When you are 300 years old – as our Fraternity is – you measure organizational change in generations and centuries, not years or decades. This truth is hard to grasp when so much of our society is focused on the latest trend, and our businesses are told they need to constantly change or die. And then there is Freemasonry. Think of the old joke, “how many Masons does it take to change a light bulb?” The answer, of course, is “none, because Masons don’t change.” But the truth of the matter is that Freemasonry does change, albeit slowly. The “modern” version of Freemasonry was founded 300 years ago on June 24, 1717. We know we are older than this – probably by centuries – but the history of those earlier times was largely
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unwritten and so it is lost to a “time immemorial.” Over the last three centuries, our modern fraternity has gone through several cycles of membership expansion and contraction. Our popularity seems to run in cycles of about 75 years or so. This was true in the 1700s, 1800s, 1900s, and Douglas N. Kaylor it will be true in this century Grand Master too. And each time a new cycle begins, Freemasonry finds ways to preserve its landmarks and yet change great or evolve to remain relevant to its membership.
expectations for the Future of Ohio Freemasonry."
We are now seeing the end of the 20th Century World War – Cold War Cycle, and we are poised to begin the next cycle of growth.
What will this new cycle of Freemasonry look like? That is the Question. When will it start? Within a decade or so. Who will lead this evolution? It will most likely be the Gen-X and Millennial generations. Here are my forecasts or best guesses on The Question: • We will emphasize quality over quantity and make being “good men and true” the foundation-stone for entrance into the Fraternity. In an increasingly secular and selfish world, the ethical reputation of our members will become a mark of distinction. • We will become a more diverse organization, with good men of all races, ethnicities, and religions – all sources of distrust and conflict in the world – welcomed. • We will find ways to use technology to enhance the lodge experience, tell our story to the world, and connect our members wheresoever dispersed. • Masonic philosophy and education will enjoy a renaissance as both historic and contemporary writers, philosophers, and artists will be more accessible to our members. • We will see a renewed interest in fellowship, mutual support, and ethical networking as men of different ages, professional backgrounds, and life experiences come together. • We will do a better job of dividing our time between being serious in the lodge room, having fun at refreshment, and engaging in meaningful action in our communities. We need all three, and the next generation of Masons will do this better than the last. So I have great expectations for the Future of Ohio Freemasonry. We are moving in the right direction, history is on our side, generational dynamics are working for us, and the future looks bright.
The Ohio Beacon is published quarterly. Please report all changes of address to your Lodge Secretary, who, in turn, will notify the Grand Secretary, who maintains the database that produces the BEACON mailing lists.
Chad Simpson Director of Program Development The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio One Masonic Drive Springfield, OH 45504 614-885-5318 csimpson@freemason.com
Kristen Hirschfeld Manager, Comm. and Mktg. Ohio Masonic Home 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504 937-525-3025 khirschfeld@ohiomasonichome.org
Adapting in a Changing World I hope you and your families are all doing well and have engaged the spring season. We have been very busy here at the Ohio Masonic Home these past few months as we continue our focus on supporting Brethren and their families through their aging journey.
Last month, we had the opportunity to spend several days at Western Reserve Masonic Community (WRMC) visiting with staff and residents. The warm welcome we received was truly appreciated, and we would like to thank everyone at WRMC for their time and hospitality.
I have recently found myself reflecting on my Masonic Obligation, and have had the opportunity to act as a mentor to two fellow Brothers while accompanying them to their one day class, and ultimately the beginning of their Masonic journey. Our Water’s Edge Villas at Browning This reflection affirms the journey I have taken over the last three Masonic Community are all currently contracted, and should be years in arriving at the Ohio Masonic Home, and beginning my 100% occupied by mid-June. If you haven’t had the chance to own Masonic journey. We are committed to serving you and see these beautiful, independent living Villas, I invite you to visit your families, as well as the communities in them personally or check out the virtual tours which we reside for many years to come. We located online at www.bmcohio.org. are also dedicated to ensuring the team here at am continually Our very own Ohio Masonic Home Resource the Ohio Masonic Home is engaged, and we amazed at the support Center is going through some changes as we are committed to partnering in your success. we receive from the embark on a new branding initiative, and We have recently invested significant time update the means by which we offer services rethren across and effort ensuring we are active in the to the members of the Fraternity. As a part the state communities we serve, met with several area of this new initiative, we are implementing a businesses, community-based organizations process that will allow us to encompass our and other non-profits. Our goal is to not only get our message of on-campus, and off-campus, based assistance programs, as care, compassion and concern out, but to well as our Masonic Fraternal Relations functions under the also form valuable partnerships that will help us now and into same umbrella. the future. I am continually amazed at the support we receive from the During my many different Lodge visits, receptions and events Brethren across the state. To show our appreciation of their the past several months, I have had the pleasure of meeting with continued generosity, we recently hosted our 2nd Annual Donor numerous members of this great Fraternity. I look forward to Reception at the Festival Green Clubhouse on the Springfield continuing these visits in the months to come. Masonic Community campus. This event was very well attended and very well received by all participants. Thank you again for It has been our pleasure at the Ohio Masonic Home to continue all of your support for our Ohio Masonic Home. to join Grand Lodge and Grand Line officers at several events, in order to build and foster our relationship. As the needs of the Fraternity change, we too will change and adapt to meet those needs as we have throughout our 125-year Most recently we held our 32nd Annual Widows’ Dinner at journey. Rest assured, whatever your need may be, know that Springfield Masonic Community. It was a night to remember you will always find a trusted partner to assist you at our Ohio our fallen Brethren and their wives. Grand Master Doug Kaylor Masonic Home. delivered a brief, but memorable, speech which reminded us how Fraternally Yours, important family, neighbors and friends are in our short lives. Brother Scott Buchanan
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Find the Strawberry!
Congratulations to James Hailey of Golden Gate Lodge No. 245 in Chagrin Falls, OH, the winner of last edition’s Find the Coin search! There were 4 coins in the last edition. In this edition, we celebrate the 33rd Annual Ohio Masonic Home Day on Sunday, June 4! Search through this entire edition and count how many times you find the strawberry graphic to the right (do not count the example graphic). Don't forget to stop by the Strawberry Shortcake Booth presented by the residents of Springfield Masonic Community at Home Day, and enjoy some delicious dessert!
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Submit the correct answer along with your contact information and Lodge affiliation to Ohio Masonic Home, ATTN: Kristen Hirschfeld, Beacon Editor, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, Ohio 45504 or via email at khirschfeld@ ohiomasonichome.org by June 6, 2017, and be entered to win a prize, courtesy of the Ohio Masonic Home Print Shop! (Your participation serves as permission to include your name and Lodge affiliation in the next edition of the Beacon.) SPRING 2017
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Board Member Spotlight: Gerald G. Pugh When he was young, Worshipful Brother Gerald G. Pugh of Marietta, Ohio met a Brother named Earl Gifford. He was always impressed with Brother Gifford for his compassion for, and devotion to, the Ohio Masonic Home Board as one of its Trustees; and so the stage was set for him to ultimately become the newest Trustee of the Ohio Masonic Home Board. Brother Pugh has spent 36 years in the transportation industry transitioning from a truck driver (3 million, yes, that’s right, million, safe driving miles) to management, and today is responsible for all the planning of freight. Throughout his life he has gained the reputation for asking questions and presenting different perspectives to stimulate thought, which makes him an excellent example of a Trustee of the Ohio Masonic Home Board. When asked about his time with the board and the staff of the Ohio Masonic Home he said, “I’m very impressed with the dedication of the board members and the staff. I always knew they cared, but you really don’t know that until you sit in a meeting and hear them. These men live the mission every day. It was so uplifting for me. These guys get it.” In talking about the Home, Gerald expressed how wonderful it is that we’re adding time to the life of aging Masons through advancements in technology, such as remote
monitoring. He is interested in seeing the Home continue to pursue these technological advancements to aid older Masons in aging respectfully. Regarding the new CEO he had to say, “We are blessed to have somebody with the skill and fire of Scott Buchanan. I think that God places people in the exact right place and time that we need them.”
Gerald G. Pugh OMH Board Trustee
In his private life, Brother Pugh is blessed to have his high school sweetheart of 33 years, Cheryl, as his wife, “We met in a tomato field, picking tomatoes!” Together they have raised a son, Cody who is employed with the Department of Defense and has given them two granddaughters Hailey and Allison, and a daughter, Lindsey, who is employed by the US Treasury Department. Gerald and Cheryl enjoy gardening and have bluebird boxes all over their property for their favorite bird. Brother Pugh was raised to Master Mason in 1999, and was recently elected to receive his 33° in Rochester this coming August 2017 from the Valley of Cambridge. He is a Knight York Grand Cross of Honor and Right Eminent Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio.
Masons Serving Masons – Masonic Home Career Opportunities Today, we want to speak to you not as a place for your loved ones to live, but as an employer for you, your families and friends. The Ohio Masonic Home and its communities in Springfield, Medina and Waterville, Ohio have always been home to Masons, their wives and widows from across the state; but we are also an employer looking for the right people to care for our Masonic residents.
Each of our communities offers a wide variety of career opportunities from nursing to dietary to grounds keeping. We’re inviting you, your family and friends to apply today to use your skills in a rewarding career where you not only receive excellent pay and great benefits, but have the opportunity to serve fellow Masons both directly and indirectly as they age.
Career opportunities include: DONs- ADONs - RNs – LPNs - STNAs – RAs – Dietary Aides - Servers – Cooks – Housekeepers – Floor Techs – Laundry Aides – Universal Workers - Groundskeepers – Engineer I, II, III – Transportation Driver – Transportation Coordinator – Sales Representatives – Life Safety Officers – and more! • • •
PTO – Accrue up to 136 hours in your first year! Employee Sick Bank 403(b)
Our comprehensive benefits package includes: • $5,000/YR Tuition Reimbursement • • Employee Referral Bonus • • Exceptional Pay • Flexible Hours •
Desirable Staffing Ratios Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance Sign-On Bonus!*
To apply to our Medina, Ohio campus: To apply to our Springfield, Ohio campus: To apply to our Waterville, Ohio campus: visit our Facebook page, our career page visit our Facebook page, our career page visit our Facebook page, our career page at www.WRMCOHIO.org, at www.SMCOHIO.org, at www.BMCOHIO.org, via Indeed.com or call Jane Rinto at via Indeed.com or call Kathy Draving at via Indeed.com or call Geri Dennis at (330) 721-3351. 937-525-3058. 419-878-1808. Additionally, our Masonic values carry over into the service we provide as we live our mission to be the living expression of our Masonic Obligation and to serve as a trusted partner to help Masons age respectfully.
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*Some restrictions apply.
Ohio Lodges are All a Twitter One hundred and forty characters - all the space you get to post what you want on a single “tweet” via Twitter. This straight-to-the-point, just-give-me-the-details methodology is why Twitter remains relevant in today’s social media landscape, and why it remains an important tool that our Lodges can use to communicate to our members and our communities. Check any major company’s web page, and odds are you’ll find at least two things: a link to their Facebook page and a link to their Twitter account. These two social media tools are the main vehicles that communicate to their audiences online. Almost 80% of millennials check their Twitter feed on their mobile phone once a day, and it’s not just the younger generation. The fastest growing demographic on Twitter is the 55 to 64 age bracket, which has grown almost 80% in the past five years. The possibilities of how our lodges can use Twitter are endless. Starting (and updating) a Lodge Twitter account, and posting lodge events is a great way to share what your Lodge does, what Freemasonry
is, and how to get involved. You audiences are your members, nonmembers and your community. Send out a tweet a few days before your next stated meeting reminding your Brothers to attend. The next time your Lodge holds a community event or fundraiser, send out a tweet
with a picture to spread the word. When travelling at an inspection, send a tweet to the Lodge with congratulations. Build your online network, and become your own community newspaper. Tweet out reminders, updates, and pictures. Social media and the opportunities it provides to Ohio Freemasonry are the single greatest (free) tool we have at our disposal for communicating who we are and what we do. Setting up a Twitter account is easy. If you’re unfamiliar or
uncomfortable with it, having a younger member of your Lodge be responsible for it is a great way of getting them involved in the Lodge, and is something that is 2nd nature to them. The Worshipful Master doesn’t have to be the only one responsible for this. Try creating a social media committee, and have a shared ownership of your Twitter and Facebook feeds. There are also great online tools such as Tweetdeck that will let you post tweets at future dates and allow easy editing. Remember Brothers, social media is a non-tyled world and goes to everyone. So never post anything you wouldn’t want said outside of your Lodge room. Happy Tweeting! Paul Bathgate (@pbathgate) District Education Officer 3rd District of Ohio (@The_Great_Third) Past Master, Tippecanoe Lodge 174 (@TippecanoeLodge) Grand Lodge of Ohio (@GrandLodgeOhio)
Grand Treasurer Announces His Retirement Right Worshipful Brother Ronald L. Connelly has announced that he will retire from the office of Grand Treasurer as of the 2017 annual session of the Grand Lodge. He has served the Grand Lodge in this office since 2009 and has made beneficial changes to the operation of the Grand Lodge’s finances and investments. Right Worshipful Brother Connelly also serves as Treasurer for the Ohio Council of Deliberation of the Scottish Rite and the Ohio Masonic Home Board of Trustees. The Freemasons of Ohio owe a debt of thanks to Right Worshipful Brother Connelly and more especially to his life partner and wife, Elaine Connelly.
Ronald L. Connelly and wife, Elaine.
Deputy Grand Master to Roll Out Plans & Expectations The Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Rick Schau, will roll out his plans and expectations for the 2017-2018 Masonic Year, with the Brethren, at the locations and on the dates listed below. A portion of the evening will be dedicated to answering questions from the members. Ladies are welcome to attend the roll-outs, but there will not be a presentation or talk by Right Worshipful Brother Schau's wife, Linda, although she will attend some of the roll-outs with him.
Some of the Lodges listed may be having a dinner prior to the program, others just coffee. Please check with the location you are interested in attending to inquire if they will be serving a meal. All roll-out meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m., and attire for the evening will be business casual (please, no jeans, t-shirts, shorts, etc).
Tuesday, July 18 Huber Heights No. 777, 7778 Wildcat Rd., Huber Heights, OH 45424 Wednesday, July 19 Amelia Lodge No. 590, 290 Judd Rd., Amelia, OH 45102 Thursday, July 20 Scioto Lodge No. 6, 57 E. Main St., Chillicothe, OH 45601 Tuesday, July 25 Paramuthia Lodge No. 25, 12 West Carpenter St., Athens, OH 45701 Wednesday, July 26 Cambridge Masonic Temple, 730 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, OH 43725 Thursday, July 27 Northwest Masonic Temple, 2436 West Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43235 Monday, August 7 Lima Masonic Temple, 2165 North Cole St., Lima, OH 45801 Tuesday, August 8 Tiffin Lodge No. 77, 179 S Washington St., Tiffin, OH 44883 Wednesday, August 9 Ebenezer Lodge No. 33, 140 North Market St., Wooster, OH 44691 Thursday, August 10 Conrad Lodge No. 271, 144 South Linden Ave., Alliance, OH 44601 Tuesday, August 15 Western Reserve Lodge No. 507, 216 Main St., West Farmington, OH 44491 Wednesday, August 16 Rubicon Lodge No. 237, 8883 Browning Dr., Waterville, OH 43566 Thursday, August 17 Quarry Lodge No. 382, 366 Eastland Rd., Berea, OH 44017
Note: The Deputy Grand Master, Eric Russell Schau, has gone by the nickname Rick his entire life. He is not opposed to being called Eric but it sounds foreign to him, and he prefers Rick. There has been much confusion about his name and he hopes that this explanation will help.
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Reimagining a Pathways Courtyard
Pathways courtyard renovation plan
In late spring of 2017, the courtyard of Pathways Memory Care at Browning Masonic Community (BMC) will undergo a transformation due to the generosity of Nilsson Landscaping. In addition to handling snow removal for BMC for more than 20 years and landscape maintenance since 2016, several friends and relations of owners, Craig and Susan, have moved to Browning in their later years. The renovation of the Pathways courtyard will be in memory of Craig’s mother, Virginia Nilsson and Susan’s mother, Jane Muenzer, both of whom were residents of Browning. The entire Nilsson family has expressed their gratitude for the remarkable care and support they experienced as members of the Browning community.
Company President Craig, and Vice President Susan, who has a background in Landscape Architecture, have taken great care to ensure the updated courtyard will be a comfortable place for Pathways residents to visit. After Susan read about scent-evoking memory, special consideration was given to the types of plants that were selected, with favorites like lilac and lavender making the cut. The Nilssons also tried to reuse existing plants and visual features, to maintain a sense of familiarity and honor other’s previous donations. Finally, the Nilssons wanted to eliminate the need to bring in loud, bulky mowing equipment which can be a disruption in the lives of those with memory loss. The finished product will be lowmaintenance, only requiring small hand tools and the occasional mulching. The family hopes the bright colors and lovely Craig and Susan Nilsson scents of the new garden will help residents feel as at home at Browning as their friends and mothers did when they were there. Browning Masonic Community truly appreciates the generosity of the Nilsson family, and looks forward to seeing our residents enjoying the new courtyard.
CRUISE-A-PALOOZA 2017 in Amanda, Ohio Amanda Lodge No. 509 in conjunction with Clear Creek Valley Grange No. 1843 will be hosting their first annual cruise-in fundraiser on Saturday, June 10. The event will be held on the streets of downtown Amanda, Ohio from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Classic cars from all eras, a baked goods auction, door prize drawings, a disc jockey providing music throughout the day and exhibitors of interest to all ages will be featured. General admission is free, and those wishing to exhibit their vehicle may register at the gate for $7.00 to compete for several best in show class trophies and awards. Exhibitor registration begins at 10:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. Concessions will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will go to Amanda Masonic Lodge No. 509 and Clear Creek Valley Grange No. 1843 to support their continual operation, and individual philanthropic endeavors in the Amanda community. Corporate sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available. For more information or to become a sponsor, please visit us at: www.cruise-apalooza.com.
Supporting Our Membership F ive G uiding P rinciples
Masonic membership varies from Lodge to Lodge; but in many of them, you will find discussions on the best ways to recruit, retain and restore members. Many of these discussions focus on generational differences, utilizing new technologies or implementing incentive programs as the basis for creating the one simple solution to membership development. The truth is there is no one simple solution, because the issue itself isn’t simple; but defined differently for every Lodge. The best solution is one that comes from the Lodge itself, through the Brethren committing to and utilizing tactics rooted in five principles: Friendship First The relationships between the Brethren are the core of the success and work of the Lodge. Whatever else, Freemasonry is about these relationships. Brethren should know potential members first, and only bring someone in that they could see as a friend and as a good fit for the Lodge. Brethren should be responsible for and accountable to each other, whether it is remembering a Brother’s birthday, helping take a Brother’s mother to the doctor or working together towards the common good. Inspiring, cultivating, cementing and preserving those relationships, inside and outside of the Lodge, should be at the heart of everything we do. Have you considered: • Inviting prospective members to dinner before the stated? • Making sure that no one ever sits alone in Lodge or without someone nearby to talk to? • Calling a Brother on his birthday or Masonic anniversary? • Inviting a Brother to lunch?
Do What's Best Because every Lodge has their own unique strengths, personalities and challenges, Lodges should do what is best for their Lodge, and what is best for their members. There are common goals across our state, and many different tactics to accomplish them. Lodges should share best practices in Lodge Management, Fundraising, Ritual, Community Outreach, etc., and use the tactics that best fit the character of their Lodge and community. Likewise, Lodges should be encouraged to strive for their best work in Ritual, Education, Leadership, etc., as part of an overall strong Lodge Experience based on substance, standards and solidarity. Have you considered: • Matching people to work with candidates based on personality and interests instead of Lodge Office? • As a Lodge, committing to improving one area on the Roadmap for Improvement? • Making small things in Ritual, like the due guards and signs, consistent and clean as a Lodge? • Visiting other Lodges at times other than Inspection to share tactics and thoughts? Remove the Obstacles Lodges need to remove the obstacles for Brethren attending and being active in Lodge, which may include providing transportation, better communication, cultivating events outside of the Lodge, or incorporating a Brother’s family. Some Brethren are weak at memorization or have no desire to hold office, but there are ways that they can be active and contribute. Some Brethren just aren’t a good fit for their local Lodge, but may be a good fit for the one across town. Likewise, Lodges need to remove obstacles to their own success, which may include an expensive building, weighty traditions or territorial boundaries. Have you considered: • Calling Brethren who haven’t come in a while to remind them of meetings and offer a ride? • Finding ways for Brethren to contribute that match their strengths and interests? • Inviting family to dinner before Lodge or having homework help for the children during the meeting? • Not settling for “But we’ve always done it this way…?”
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Replace Yourself Freemasonry in the community needs to be protected and preserved. Brethren should mentor and guide new members, investing in them so that the vital functions, traditions and activities of a Lodge are not tied to any one Brother. Brethren have a duty to make sure that there is someone else who can give a Lecture, run the monthly breakfast, or lead as well as they do. Brethren should invest in the future health of Freemasonry in their community by ensuring continuity and succession. Have you considered: • Asking someone to mentor you in a Lecture or teach you how to run a particular Lodge event? • Dividing up the Lecture into parts and helping a Brother learn his part, to start with? • Documenting Lodge wisdom, stories, or events through video, checklists or other means? • Bringing in members who are as committed and skilled as you are? Be Masons There is nothing wrong with Freemasonry that needs to be fixed: We need to get Masons back to being Masons, and Lodges back to being sacred and exceptional places. Brethren need to live their Masonic values every day, inside and outside of Lodge. Lodges need to be visible and necessary in their communities, provide a quality Lodge experience, and be responsive to the needs of the Brethren. We are modern men with timeless values, sorely needed and well sought after: By being Masons, we will find others and they will find us. Have you considered: • Living your Masonic values of Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth and Universality every day? • Being visible as a Mason and necessary in your community? • Creating a quality Lodge Experience that is responsive to the needs of the Brethren? • Being a Mason? There is no one simple statewide solution to recruiting, retaining and restoring members; but there are things Lodges can do to address their particular situation. Going forward, you will see programs, tactics and resources rooted in these principles offered and showcased so that Lodges can develop and support their membership.
Valley of Dayton to host Oscar Alleyne The Valley of Dayton, AASR, and Dayton Masonic Center welcome Worshipful Brother Oscar Alleyne to Dayton on Saturday, September 16. Worshipful Brother Alleyne is an internationally respected Masonic speaker, having presented over 100 lectures covering multiple areas of interest to thousands of Freemasons. Details for his visit are still being planned, but mark your calendar for the evening of Saturday, September 16. Plan to join your Brothers in Dayton for an informative and enjoyable evening. SPRING 2017
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US Bank and the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Support Memory Care The Fourth Annual Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Golf Classic sponsored by US Bank will take place this year on Monday, June 5 at the Wedgewood Golf and Country Club in Powell, Ohio. All proceeds benefit programming at our state-of-the-art memory care centers located in Springfield, Waterville and Medina. The growing demand for quality care for those families living with Alzheimer’s and dementia related disease is on the rise. At these centers, we provide the best programming possible which not only supports the victim, but also gives the family tools and support. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors whose support continues to make this event a great success! For more information on the golf classic and to see a listing of all our sponsors, visit www.omhgolfclassic.com. For information, call (888) 248-2664.
O hio M asonic H ome Sponsors Dayton Masonic Center’s Festival on the Hill
The Ohio Masonic Home is proud to help sponsor the Second Annual Festival on the Hill at the Dayton Masonic Center on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24! The festival will feature locally and nationally known bands on a large main stage overlooking the Great Miami River and downtown Dayton. Food, beverage and craft vendors will be available throughout the grounds. Tickets are $6 for general admission with discounts for active military, law enforcement and fire/EMTs. Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult admission. The Ohio Masonic Home, located in Springfield, Ohio, having been founded and supported by the Freemasons of Ohio for the past 125 years, is proud to sponsor this event. Our three senior living campuses across the State of Ohio are pillars of their local communities, just as the Dayton Masonic Center is to Dayton, Ohio.
We hope to see you there in support of this wonderful event! For more information, visit www.festivalonthehill.org. 10 SPRING 2017
Own a Piece of Ohio Masonic Home History! The Ohio Masonic Home is celebrating 125 years of care, compassion and concern and you can own a piece of our history! Since the laying of the cornerstone of the Bushnell “Castle” building in 1892, Freemasons of Ohio have supported this great organization. With this opportunity we want to share with you the joy that comes from partnering with those who are on their aging journey. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we have created an ultra-rare paired coin set (only a limited number produced), featuring a re-struck copy of the original coin. This memento was originally created by the trustees to commemorate the building dedication on October 23, 1895. The second coin in the set captures the spirit of the 125 year journey leading to the Ohio Masonic Home of today. For a $125 donation, this ultra-rare coin set will make a unique addition to your personal Masonic memorabilia collection. This coin set can also be given as a special recognition gift to someone in your Lodge or kept as a display for your Lodge archives.
Don’t miss out on your chance to secure your piece of Ohio Masonic Home history, contact Dan Shirk today at (937) 926-4305 or dshirk@ohiomasonichome.org.
TL rying SComething N ew ’ H odge celebrates
incinnati s rich brewing
istory
On March 6, Cincinnati-Lafayette Lodge No. 483 held their annual inspection in the Master Mason Degree at Rhinegeist Brewery, in the historic Over-the-Rhine Brewery District of downtown Cincinnati. This iconic location was built in 1895, and was the original home of the Christian Moerlein bottling plant. Prior to the Degree, dinner was served in their beautifully renovated event hall, with the Degree itself being held in a former bottling warehouse. Much effort and planning by the Lodge transformed the industrial room into a beautiful Lodge setting. After the closing of the Lodge, Worshipful Master Cameron A. Shandersky invited his more than 100 friends to join him for “Harmony” (a term he learned from his Black Watch Brethren while on a Masonic trip to Scotland) back in the event hall. The Brethren of Cincinnati-Lafayette were honored to host Douglas N. Kaylor, Grand Master of Ohio, and P. Todd Jones, Grand Master of Kentucky, as well as several of their Grand Lodge Officers. Brethren traveled from as far as Toledo to enjoy this momentous event. Worshipful Master Shandersky was quoted, “I will say, personally, the greatest satisfaction of the entire night was the opportunity for comradeship we were able to foster. Smiles and enthusiastic conversation were everywhere...ON A MONDAY NIGHT!” In the days following the event, e-mails and Facebook posts exploded with congratulations and excitement from those in attendance. Worshipful Master Shandersky also shared that the motivation for such an undertaking was to inspire young Worshipful Masters to try something new, while remaining true to and respectful of our time-honored traditions. Note: Though held in an historic brewery, alcohol was not consumed prior to or during the Lodge’s inspection. SPRING 2017
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Sixth Generation Joins Freemasonry Brother Cory Branscum is the sixth generation in his family to become a Freemason. He completed his degree work at the Grand Master’s class and is seen here with his father, Ronnie Branscum. They are both members of Temperance Lodge No. 73.
Four Generations attend Anthony Lodge
On Tuesday, April 4, Anthony Lodge No. 455, in Springfield, Ohio, had the honor of four generations of Masons attending Lodge. From left are Brothers Donald Stiles, great grandfather; Alan Stiles, grandfather; Warren Stiles, father; and Mason Branam, nephew - all Master Masons, attending Lodge together.
Two Parallel Perpendicular Lines By Sam Swicegood, Senior Deacon of Nova Caesarea Harmony Lodge No. 2
I can remember very little from the horrific blur that was my high school experience. Growing up in a Baltimore suburb and attending a school whose claim to fame each year is usually violent altercation that graces the local paper, I have every reason to forget that part of my life as hard as I possibly can. I do, however, remember high-school geometry, because not only was it fun and real-world applicable, but it also was the only math course I recall ever receiving a decent grade. “Parallel lines,” it was explained to me then, “Are lines which are equidistant from each other at all points. They never cross. They never touch. They never even get any nearer to each other at any given point than any other given point. The only exception is in some weird, higher-level theoretical mathematics probably powered by voodoo and is not applicable to this course.” Most of us probably received a similar, if less casual, definition in our own studies in school. Parallel lines have four basic rules: • • • •
Parallel lines never are further away from each other at any point, Parallel lines are never closer to each other at any point, Parallel lines never touch, and You will never spell parrallel paralell parallel lines right the first time you try.
When I received my first Masonic lecture, a certain phrase jumped out at me: “Perpendicular Parallel lines”. The image to the right is a common emblem of Freemasonry. The description of this image is similar in most jurisdictions with minor differences. The Grand Lodge of Minnesota describes the symbol thus: “[T]here is represented in every regular and well-governed Lodge, a certain Point within a Circle…This Circle is embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines…and upon the vertex rests the Book of Holy Scriptures which point out the whole duty of man. In going round this circle, we necessarily touch upon these two lines, as well as upon the Holy Scriptures; and while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscribed, it is impossible that he should materially err.” (emphasis mine) Let’s take a moment here and look at that description. These lines are described as both parallel and perpendicular. However, as we learned in high school geometry, this is simply impossible. I have asked more than one wellinformed Brethren for his take, and the common answer I receive is usually “Nothing is impossible with God.”
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A Great 2 Days for Freemasonry in Ohio By Paul A. Weglage, JGD, Statewide Grand Master’s Class Coordinator
On March 25 and April 1 the 25 Masonic Districts conferred the three Degrees of Freemasonry on over 1400 candidates as part of the Grand Master’s classes. I offer my thanks to all the Brethren that had a part in making these two days truly great for Freemasonry in Ohio. These new Brethren have just begun their Masonic journey. They will attend their Lodges at least once before the statewide observance of the 300th anniversary of the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England on June 24, 2017, St. John the Baptist Day. Additionally, Grand Master Kaylor has announced that if they learn and individually complete the minimum Master Mason proficiency examination in Lodge before September 29, 2017, they will receive his challenge coin. A wide range of candidate numbers were reported by the Districts, from a high of 182 in the 2nd District to a low of eight in the smallest. Gibson Lodge No. 301 had 36 candidates registered. All the candidates received very good degree work, and fraternal comradery was enjoyed by all who attended the 24 locations around Ohio on those dates.
While I personally believe in the infallibility of our Divine Creator, and understand that the above explanation satisfies many Brothers perfectly well, I endeavored to try and find the source of this particular phrase, in the hopes of discovering, perhaps, why it was chosen. One of the first conversations I had with Worshipful Brother Chad Simpson was about these lines. “The Grand Lodge of New Jersey was so perplexed by this question,” Chad wrote to me in a late-night conversation, “that they actually removed the word perpendicular from the ritual.” I was fascinated. Could it be that Masonry was dipping into the mystical voodoo math that my high-school teacher had mentioned? Probably not, but I was still interested in finding why those two words were chosen. Modern calculus began to be standardized in the 17th century and is often accredited to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and Isaac Newton (which of these two men did it first is a matter of debate). At that time, certain geometric patterns and concepts went by several terms. Among these terms was that of the word “tangent,” which is a derivative of the Latin tangere, which means “to touch.” In this time, however, it was often said that a line which was tangent to a circle was “perpendicular to it,” because a line drawn from the diameter of that circle to the line would be a right angle. It is my belief, therefore, that the description of “perpendicular parallel lines” is a specific and intentional use; it describes in two alliterative terms that these two lines are not only parallel to each other, but that they sit at opposite ends of a circle which is perpendicular to them with respect to its diameter. However, as the term “tangent” became the standard among geometricians, the use of “perpendicular” in this way became far less common. Today, it is usually said that a line is perpendicular to the circle’s radius, which has a far less poetic alliteration than that used commonly in ritual work. Altogether, with all its parts united this emblem teaches us about relationship and connection with one another: while in our own circle we will touch on only so many people and places, there are many others who are likewise connected to the Craft that are outside of where we touch. But they are nevertheless connected solidly to everything we do. It is, like many symbols of Masonry, a symbol of unity and connection to Brothers near and far. The simplicity of the image, and the many meanings found in our work, makes it among my favorite symbols of Masonry because it puts most in plainest possible terms some of the most basic concepts of our art. SPRING 2017
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A New Beginning for a Member of The Greatest Generation When someone mentions the ‘The Greatest Generation’ usually the first thoughts to come to mind are veterans of World War II and age. As Freemasons, our first thoughts are more likely to be that these are the Brethren that grew our Lodges into what they are today and these are the Brethren that are dying by the thousands each year. I wonder though how many would have thought, "potential candidate?" Sixty, 50, and even as recent as 40 years ago this would have been the norm. Tens of thousands of veterans of World War II sought membership into our Fraternity as a way to continue on with the friendship and brotherly love that they had experienced during the war. Sadly, with the passage of time, this candidate pool has dwindled and perhaps until now appeared to have dried up. But, when the members of Lucasville Lodge No. 465 received a petition from a well-known local veteran it was as if we had ‘caught a fish out of our old favorite fishing hole that we thought had run dry.’ Brother Ora Picklesimer, of Lucasville, received the Entered Apprentice Degree on the evening of February 23, 2017. Brother Picklesimer is a 92 year ‘young’ veteran of World War II. He has long thought favorably of our institution and at last decided that he would like to become a part of it. Realizing that this would be a one-of-a-kind event, and perhaps the last of its kind, the Master, Worshipful Brother Dwayne Hood set out to make it a special one. Much of the work was conferred by Brethren (pictured right) who are also veterans, many of whom had served during the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars. It was truly an historical evening and a great night for Freemasonry.
Pictured left to right: Row 1: WB Roy Deemer, Bro. Ora Picklesimer, WB Ken Horsley, and Bro. Fred Chrisman Row 2: WB Claude Duckworth, RWB Tim Martin, WB Denny Edwards, and WB Bill Gundlah
Pictured left to right: RWB Tim Allen, DDGM, Bro. Ora Picklesimer, and WB Dwayne Hood, Master
Masonic Moonlight Journey Completed Brother Rich Jones of Aurora Lodge No. 48 has booked over fifty two hours of drive time and covered 2,600 miles in his visitation of all thirteen of Ohio’s remaining Moonlight Lodges. Brother Jones began his journey on June 21, 2016 when he visited Western Sun Lodge No. 91 in Wheelersburg, Ohio. He completed it on April 11, 2017 when he visited Doric Lodge No. 172 in Beaverton. The other Moonlight Lodges are Clermont Social No. 29, Leesburg No. 78, Montgomery No. 94, Thrall No. 170, Snow No. 193, Waterloo No. 532, Masterton No. 429, Portland No. 366, Unionport No. 333, Stafford No. 300, and Lockbourne No. 232. Several years ago, the Grand Secretary’s office began issuing a certificate called the Masonic Moonlight Journey. Its purpose is to encourage Brethren to visit the thirteen Ohio Lodges that kept the old tradition of meeting by the light of the full moon. Travel by night in the days before paved roads and automobiles was treacherous, so Lodges met during the full moon in order to have as much traveling light as possible. “Every man, whether he be a Mason or not, will usually have some kind of bucket list and mine…well one item was the Masonic Moonlight Journey,” explained Brother Jones. “The Brethren I’ve had the pleasure and honor of meeting has exceeded my expectations. I’ve met many Past Masters, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Lodge Officers, and Masons who just enjoy being with other Brothers. I would encourage anyone who would have the time and resources to make the moonlight journey. It is time consuming but well worth the effort!”
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Brother Homrighouse Honored for 75 years of Masonic Membership Brother Edward Homrighouse was recently honored by Old Erie Lodge No. 3 for 75 years of membership. He is a member of the Greatest Generation, having been born on February 18, 1920 in Warren, Ohio. Brother Homrighouse graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1937. After high school, he enrolled in The Ohio State University, graduating in 1941, with a B.S. in Business Administration. His Masonic career began when he was initiated an Entered Apprentice on February 4, 1942 in Old Erie Lodge No. 3, and he passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on March 3, 1942. It was during this time Brother Homrighouse received a call to service from Uncle Sam! Since he had received his draft notice, and Old Erie Lodge would not be in session prior to his departure for basic training, Mahoning Lodge No. 394, in Niles, Ohio performed courtesy work and conferred the Master Mason Degree on Brother Homrighouse on March 24, 1942. Brother Homrighouse served in the US Army, European Theater, as Technical Sergeant in a surgical evacuation field hospital. He landed in Normandy on D Day+5. He served from 1942 to his discharge in 1945. Upon his discharge from the Army, he enrolled at Case Western Reserve University Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1948. Employment was found at Wean United, Inc., Warren from 1948-1985, retiring as Corporate Employee Benefits Manager. Brother Homrighouse joined the Scottish Rite in 1990 and was a member of the Warren Masonic Chorus for many years until it was discontinued.
Brother Homrighouse (center, blue) receives his 75-year membership pin.
A Gift of Music The Reflection Room at Springfield Masonic Community is a lovely space filled with books and stained glass. Connecting the York Rite and Scottish Rite buildings, the Reflection Room is now home to a beautiful 1923 Chickering player piano, donated by villa resident, Neal Kissell (Rising Sun Lodge No. 22). Seven years ago, Neal, who has been rebuilding pipe organs since 1964, decided to try something new and attempt to refurbish a player piano. After some searching, he located one on eBay and although the former owners were unable to relate any of the instrument’s history, Neal purchased it and had it shipped to his home in California where the project began. The piano, which now works wonderfully thanks to Neal, came to Springfield Masonic Community with Neal in 2012. He soon realized that the volume of the instrument was overpowering inside his villa and the piano sat silent for five years. In 2015, when the old chapel was transformed into the Reflection Room, Neal saw the perfect opportunity to share the piano with the rest of campus. The piano now sits in the northwest corner of the Reflection Room where it can be played and enjoyed by all.
Neal Kissel stands with the Chickering piano, SPRING 2017
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Water ’ s Edge Dedication at Browning Masonic Community Sunday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Come celebrate with us as we dedicate our newest addition to the Browning Masonic Community campus (8883 Browning Drive, Waterville, OH 43566). These new villas are light, spacious homes designed with the active senior in mind. Light refreshments and tours provided after the ceremony. All are welcome to attend. No R.S.V.P. required.
“(Our kids) are glad we made this move. They really like what they see out here.” - Richard and Janet Kirkman, residents
“I got in on the ground floor. I could pretty much customize it the way I wanted it!” - Lois Tuttle, resident
