125
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OHIO MASONIC HOME
Celebrating our 125 year journey of care, compassion and concern
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O H I O
BEACON Volume 24, Issue 4 Fall 2017
Ensuring Our Future...One Brother at a Time
www.ReplaceYourself.org Read the full article on Page 8
New Grand Lodge Officers
SMC Window Restoration Update
The White House Stone
Rick Schau Elected Grand Master
Ohio Freemasons Inducted into Halls of Fame
2018 Florida Reunion Trip
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...and more!
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A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO MASONIC HOME AND THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO
Embrace our Heritage…Preserve our Traditions Looking back over forty years to when I first became a Mason, I never would have dreamed that I would today, be writing an article as Grand Master. It has been a journey like no other, and I thank you for showing your confidence in me by electing me to this position.
I understand that no one wants to discuss membership because it comes up so often. However, it is one of the biggest challenges In a recent reading, I ran across a speech given by Albert that we face in our Pike on being elected Commander-in-Chief of the AASR Fraternity. When I for Louisiana, April 21, 1857. became a Mason, Ohio had over 200,000 “I can bring to your service, little more than good members. Today we intentions, kind feelings, and a zealous devotion to the are at under 80,000 and interest of Masonry of all Rites. statistics show that the decline will continue When you find me deficient, I entreat of you in into the foreseeable Rick Schau advance, lenient judgment upon my short-comings, future. In ten years, Grand Master and that you will kindly aid me with your sympathy, we could be close support and advice. to half of our current numbers. As Grand Master, I feel it my responsibility to address this issue. We will have a For I must be ever embarrassed number of initiatives this year which by the reflection that I have been address our membership shortfall and I "I never would have by your too favorable judgment hope that everyone will embrace these preferred to many eminent and opportunities and work with me to build dreamed that I would distinguished Brethren, whose membership. today, be writing an longer service and greater familiarity with the work, gave Linda and I thank you for this amazing article as them far higher claims than any I opportunity and for all of the love Grand Master." could have preferred to the post of and support that everyone has shown honor and command. us over the past 7 years as we have traveled this great State and met so many wonderful I am encouraged to hope that I may in some degree Masons and Ladies. We look forward to another year of aid in attaining the result which you all desire, and serving you and our Grand Lodge. that your just expectations may not be disappointed.” I could not express myself as eloquently as Brother Pike, but his words fit my feelings exactly. I am humbled that I have this amazing opportunity with so many qualified and devoted Masons in Ohio. I vow that I will work hard and do my best to serve this Grand Lodge and you, my brethren, to improve our Great Fraternity and keep it strong.
Chad Simpson The Ohio Beacon is published quarterly. Director of Program Development Please report all changes of address The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio to your Lodge Secretary, who, in turn, One Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504 will notify the Grand Secretary, who 614-885-5318 maintains the database that produces csimpson@freemason.com the BEACON mailing lists.
Ohio Masonic Home Marketing Department 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504 937-525-3025 OMHMarketing@ohiomasonichome.org
Optimizing Service Greetings from our Ohio Masonic Home. As we begin to wind down 2017, we are in full swing preparing for 2018. October was a very busy month in our travels throughout the state for Grand Council, Grand Chapter, Grand Commandery, and finally Grand Lodge in Dayton, Ohio. I would again like to thank Most Illustrious Companion Edwin G. Herrick, Most Excellent Companion Jeffrey L. Addis, Right Eminent Grand Commander Ronald L. Vicars, and Most Worshipful Brother Douglas N. Kaylor for all of the courtesies extended to myself and the team from our Ohio Masonic Home. It has been a pleasure working with all of you this past year. We look forward to working with Most Illustrious Companion David Mourer, Most Excellent Companion J. Keith Green, Right Eminent Grand Commander Terry L. Wymer, and Most Worshipful Brother Rick Schau in the coming year. Our Ohio Masonic Home team has been collaborating with MWB Douglas N. Kaylor, MWB Rick Schau and members of the Grand Line to analyze and scrub the demographic data we have. This will allow us to better understand the concentration of our Masonic population throughout the state. We are also working with an outside entity, an industry leader, to gain a better understanding of the saturation or lack of services available throughout Ohio. By correlating these two sources of data, we are able to ensure that we are aligning and providing services where they are needed. Given the current census at our campuses, we want to ensure we are optimally allocating the resources we have to provide quick and effective solutions that address all of our constituents needs while adequately utilizing our campuses. Our Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio stays full and has a wait list as does our Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina. However, our Springfield
Masonic Community has several openings in our Independent Living apartments. In an effort to become more proactive in serving those in need, we have instituted a new call system through our Resource Center. We are utilizing a combination of phone calls and emails as a part of this program. We have successfully completed calls to brethren in Texas and Florida after the hurricanes, as well as calls to Southeast Ohio. We placed approximately 270 calls to Texas, 2,100 calls to Florida, and 6,000 calls to our brethren and families in Southeast Ohio. We have received several referrals and or calls with needs to address and will be continuing these efforts in the coming months. We are seeing a great deal of success in addressing the referrals we have received and have been able to assist with everything from non-skilled care and assistance around the house, assistance in obtaining benefits under various programs, providing mobility devices, and installing needed mobility devices in the home to ensure all of those in need can continue to age in place. You will continue to hear us ask and reach out through various means as we believe in the philosophy of clear and open communication and dialogue. Thank you for all of your support. Have a great Holiday Season!
Find the Leaf!
Congratulations to Mr. Jim Roberts of Millennium Lodge #779 in Dayton, OH, the winner of last edition’s Find the Smile search! There were 4 Smiles in the last edition. In this edition, we welcome the arrival of autumn and the beautiful turning of the leaves with a Leaf graphic! Search through this entire edition and count how many times you find the Leaf graphic to the right (do not count the example graphic or the logo).
Fraternally Yours, Brother Scott Buchanan
Submit the correct answer along with your contact information and Lodge affiliation to Ohio Masonic Home, ATTN: OMH Marketing, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, Ohio 45504 or via email at OMHMarketing@ohiomasonichome.org by December 15, 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.) FALL 2017 3
Board Member Spotlight: Bill Stratton Bill Stratton has been a member of the Ohio Masonic Home Board of Trustees and Western Reserve Board of Trustees since 2011. His main objective as a board member is to ensure that the Home continues to provide an outstanding and caring living environment for all we serve today and into the future. Brother Stratton apprenticed as a brick mason, and worked with his father for many years. He then joined Pennzoil, where he worked for 16 years before returning to construction. Prior to retiring, he worked as a foreman, focusing primarily on commercial buildings. It is his caring and compassionate nature, along with his expertise in the construction field, that makes him an invaluable resource to the board and fraternity. Brother Stratton has been married to his wife, Nancy, for over 50 years. They have two daughters, Tari Renee and Toni Rae, and are blessed with a grandson, Daniel.
Bill Stratton OMH Board Trustee
New Grand Lodge Officers One of the privileges of serving as Grand Master is the opportunity to appoint five of the Grand Lodge officers, three of whom are generally new to such an office, i.e. the Grand Tyler, Junior Grand Deacon, and Grand Chaplain. A few words of introduction would not be out of place for the Brethren appointed to these three offices by Most Worshipful Brother Rick Schau. Right Worshipful Brother Ronald L. Runion has been appointed to serve as Grand Tyler. This Brother has served for the last several years as the chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Education and Information. He is a Past Master of Wellington Lodge No. 127 as well as a Past District Education Officer and Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 22nd Masonic District.
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Right Worshipful Brother William M. Carter III has been appointed to serve as Junior Grand Deacon. He has served as a member of the Grand Lodge Membership Committee and is a Past Master of Dover Lodge No. 489. He has also served the 22nd Masonic District as a District Education Officer and a District Deputy Grand Master. Right Worshipful Brother Carter has been a More Light Night speaker in several Districts on a range of topics from antiMasonry to the Ancient Charges. Right Worshipful Brother Robert D. Stands is the District Advisor of the 22nd Masonic District and a Past Master of Quarry Lodge No. 382. He too has served as a District Education Officer and a District Deputy Grand Master in the 22nd Masonic District.
From left: Grand Tyler Ronold L. Runion, Junior Grand Deacon William M. Carter III, Grand Chaplain Robert D. Stands
Eric R. (Rick) Schau Elected & Installed Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother Eric R. Schau (aka Rick) was born in Marietta, Ohio on February 2, 1947 to the late Betty Jean (Abicht) and Lester B. Schau. He lived in Marietta until age 9 when his family moved to Elyria. He graduated from Elyria High School in 1965 and worked at Ford Motor Company until joining the Navy in June of 1966. Rick married Linda Gayle Alley on April 5, 1969. He received his BA from Columbia College in 1976 and a Master of Education from Cleveland State University in 1983. Rick completed a 36 year career in education in 2014 having served as Director with Vanguard-Sentinel Career Centers. He proudly served in the Navy and Naval Reserve having completed 20 years of service. Linda is a homemaker, having raised their two daughters, Lisa ( Judd) Patterson and Amy ( Jim) Kelly. They are blessed with five grandchildren: Alexandra (Dylan) Baker, Jackson, Molly, Mitchell and Avery. Linda and Rick are members of Calvary Baptist Church in Elyria. They enjoy traveling, playing golf and spending time with their family and friends. Rick and Linda currently make their home in Wakeman, Ohio. Most Worshipful Brother Schau is a member of Elyria Lodge No. 787 in the 22nd District and Gibson Lodge No. 301 in the 16th District, serving Elyria Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1982, 1994 & 1995 and also was Treasurer, Trustee and a member and president of the Temple Board Committee. He is an Honorary Member of Columbus Lodge No. 30, Mid-Century Lodge No. 725, Stonington Lodge No. 503, Wellington Lodge No. 127, Pleasant Valley No. 531 and The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio. Most Worshipful Brother Schau is a Thirty-third Degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Cleveland, having been coroneted in 2006 and a plural member of the Valley of The Firelands serving as Commander-in-Chief, of Lake Erie Consistory from 2004-2006. He has served as President of the Lorain County Scottish Rite Society, and as a member of the
Valley of Cleveland Children's Learning Center Board of Governors since its inception serving as Chairman for four years. He was recently awarded Emeritus status by the Learning Center Board. Rick also currently serves as the 1st Vice President of the Cleveland Masonic Library and Museum Board. He is a member of Marshal Chapter No. 47 Royal Arch Masons, Elyria Council No. 86 Royal & Select Masons, Elyria Commandery No. 60, Al Koran Shrine, ROJ Court 14, El Rey Grotto, and National Sojourners Chapter No. 23. He and Linda are members of Stone City Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Rick is a Past Sovereign Master of North Central Council No. 223 Allied Masonic Degrees, was elected a Knight Companion of St. Benedict Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Ohio College of the SRICF, and is a recipient of the Honorary Legion of Honor, Order of DeMolay. Rick is a life member of VFW, Post 1079 in Elyria and AMVETS, Post 22 in Vermilion. He is also a member of The American Legion, Post 11 in Elyria, and The Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 4354 in Wakeman. Most Worshipful Brother Schau has served the Grand Lodge of Ohio as District Education Officer, a District Deputy Grand Master and Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee for Education and Information. He was appointed Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Ohio by MWB Bradford A. Goebel for the 2010-2011 Masonic year. He was subsequently appointed as Senior Grand Deacon, Grand Marshal, Grand Orator and was elected Junior Grand Warden in Cincinnati in 2014, Senior Grand Warden in Columbus in 2015, Deputy Grand Master in Sandusky in 2016 and he was elected to serve the Brethren of the Great State of Ohio as Grand Master, being Installed in Dayton on October 21, 2017.
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First Responders Appreciation Breakfast
In an effort to reach out and connect with our community and to show our appreciation to those who serve us on a daily basis, Ohio Masonic Home and Springfield Masonic Community hosted a First Responders Appreciation Breakfast on campus September 27, 2017. Invitations were sent to all Clark County Police, Fire, Sheriff, E.M.T. and 13 volunteer departments across the county to attend. All were invited for a pancake and sausage breakfast prepared and served by SMC residents, and each department was then presented with teddy bears stating “The Ohio Masonic Home Cares.”
Brother George Patch celebrates Major Milestones
These bears can be carried in their cruisers, squads, fire trucks or any rescue vehicle and be used as a way to calm and distract children who may be involved in a tragic situation. It is also a way to show the community that we care and support them, and want to give back to the community we have been a part of for 125 years. The event was well attended and much appreciated by the Sheriff, Chief of Police, Fire Captain and over 50 members of the various departments. Carry outs were even made available for those who could not stay.
Earl C. Gifford Awarded to Western Reserve Masonic Community Resident “Within the first five minutes he asked me if I was a Royal Arch Mason,” wrote Jesse Pertee, Liaison of the Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center, this was the beginning of a moment 88 years in the making. Russ Toll displays his masonic charity on a daily basis around his home in Western Reserve Masonic Community. Ever checking on the well-being of Masonic Brethren on campus, he even played an instrumental role this past year in bringing the Capitular degrees for a degree day to Western Reserve Masonic Community. His work found its reward in the Masonic residents of the community being given the opportunity to become Royal Arch Masons. In recognition of his passion, drive and dedication, he received the Earl C. Gifford award October 4, 2017 at the 200th Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio banquet of Grand High Priest Jeffrey L. Addis.
Sixty years of Masonic membership is quite a milestone, but so is 100 years of life. Brother George Patch of Hiram Lodge No. 18 has now celebrated both. (From left: Worshipful Master Stephen Hill, District Advisor Brian Bolyard, George Patch, George’s daughter, Grand Chaplain Ebby Brewer, Past Grand Master Jack Allen)
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(From left: Steve Petitjean, Executive Director, Ohio Masonic Home Foundation, William Stratton, OMH Board Trustee, Russ Toll, Scott Buchanan, CEO, Ohio Masonic Home)
UPDATE:
Grand Master’s Masonic Windows Restoration Project
We are so excited to update our brethren on the Grand Master’s Masonic Windows Restoration Project. Support for the cause has exceeded expectations and the project has been expanded to include a new, stained glass door and archway into the beautiful Burkhart Auditorium as well as a multipurpose floor to support lodge meetings, church services and even pickle ball for seniors in the local community. Total fundraising is on pace to exceed $120,000 with some additional community requests outstanding to support the floor. We have been incredibly impressed with the work of Franklin Art Glass Studios, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1924, less than 1 year from the completion of Burkhart Auditorium, this 4th generation, family-owned business is globally recognized as one of the largest, and most highly respected creators and restorers of stained glass in the world. The picture attached depicts restoration-in-action of our Entered Apprentice window and shows the meticulous detail upon which each window will be examined and revitalized. By the time you read this article, this work of art and the Marble Monument window will be fully renovated and hung back in their rightful place. Each window takes 8 weeks to restore and we expect the entire project to wrap up near the end of June, 2018. We would like to give MWB Douglas N. Kaylor our deepest and sincerest gratitude for his leadership throughout the year, his partnership with the Ohio Masonic Home, and his vision to restore and revitalize Burkhart Auditorium and the stained glass which so eloquently inspires the lessons of our Masonic lectures. For any project to have the level of success that this one did it takes more than one leader, it takes a fraternity of leaders. We would like to thank the following Brethren, Lodges, Districts and Valleys for their incredible generosity in sponsoring a window, or a portion of the project: Entered Apprentice Window Valley of Dayton, AASR
Beehive Window: Valley of Cincinnati, AASR and the Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati Foundation
King Solomon’s Temple Window 2nd Masonic District
Anchor & Ark Window: Ohio’s Early Lodges (1,2 & 4-7)
Tyler’s Sword Window: Grand Lodge Officers Pot of Incense Window: Dayton Lodge #147
Marble Monument Window: Hiram Lodge # 18 Five Orders of Architecture Window Collins Family In memory of Arnold & Jean F. Collins
Passage of the River Jordan Window Valley of Columbus, AASR & Ronald L. Hooker 47th Problem of the Euclid & Hourglass Window: Brethren of Ohio New stained glass entry doors: 24th Masonic District Association in honor of MWB Royal Scofield & the Lodges of the NW Masonic Temple
We cannot thank this group enough for helping us to make this vision a reality and for securing the future of Burkhart Auditorium and our stained glass for years to come. You might notice that the window depicting the 47th Problem of the Euclid & Hourglass has been graciously sponsored by many of YOU, our Brethren of Ohio. Your individual contributions currently exceed $15,000 and this generosity has allowed us to expand the original scope of the project. Thank you! As the windows come back to us two-by-two, we will be hosting small events in order to recognize the donors of each window and to allow these individuals to see the impact of their kindness. Please be on the lookout for these invitations, as well as, a project completion celebration in July or August. All supporters will be welcome. Short updates will be provided in future issues of the Beacon, but let me just say THANK YOU one more time for the generous support of this project and for all that you do to support your Ohio Masonic Home. FALL 2017
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REPLACE YOURSELF E ... nsuring our future
one brother at a time
By Right Worshipful Brother Caid McKinley Picture this, a lodge room that is full at every meeting. A constant stream of new candidates. A young and vibrant officer line. New lodges forming, financial stresses lifted, and new members ready to help build the future of Ohio Freemasonry. Can you remember when our fraternity looked like this? How would you like to see it again?
“ENSURE THE FUTURE OF
YOUR LODGE REPLACE
YOURSELF I DID . . .
WILL YOU?” 8 FALL 2017
The Replace Yourself Program is a simple membership initiative designed to shift the momentum from a dwindling population to one that holds its own and eventually turns the tide as we begin increasing our membership. The Replace Yourself Program will contribute significantly to the growth of our lodges. It will open the door for many good men who have thought about joining Freemasonry but didn’t quite know how to approach it or who to ask. It also provides us with a clear path to communicate with those who may not know about Freemasonry or have some misguided information about who we are and what we do. In 1959 there were over 4 million Masons in the United States, over a quarter of a million in Ohio. Currently, in the United States, the net loss of members every year is about 50,000.
Far more members are leaving than are joining. Today, there are about 1.5 million members in the United States and less than 83,000 in Ohio. The Replace Yourself Program is a lodge driven initiative and must be a lodge priority. The first step begins with you! That first step is to TALK about our great fraternity with non-Masons. You must be convincing when talking about our fraternity. That will only happen if you truly believe in and take ownership of the Replace Yourself Program. It is also important to talk about the Replace Yourself Program to our members who we haven’t seen in a while. It is imperative that they take part as well. It has been suggested that less than twenty percent of our members have the confidence to speak with some competency about what Freemasonry really is. Most members know what they like about our fraternity but find it difficult to express their thoughts to anyone interested in finding out more. This lack of ability to explain what we do has allowed us to conveniently hide behind a very misunderstood phrase “it’s a secret I can’t tell you.”
In Brother John Robinson’s book, A Pilgrims Path...Freemasonry and the Religious Right, he points out that quite a number of brethren are confused as to what is “secret” and what may be shared with non-Masons. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS THE SECRET OF FREEMASONRY IS… THERE IS NO SECRET AT ALL! People sometimes refer to Freemasonry as being a “secret society”. In one sense the statement is true. Any social group or private business “secret” in the sense that its business meetings may only be open to its members. In Freemasonry, the process of joining is also a private matter, and members are pledged not to discuss with non-members certain parts of the ceremonies associated with the fraternity. As we all know Freemasonry does have certain handshakes and passwords which are kept private. They are a means of recognizing each other...necessary in an organization which spans the entire world and encompasses many languages.
public good while enjoying the brotherhood of a fraternity. Is it against the Code of Ohio Masonic Law to talk to a nonMason about our fraternity? The answer is no. Chapter 34.01 (b) of the code says “there is no objection to selectively identifying a man whom you believe would make a good Mason and explain that you would be proud to sponsor him for membership in a symbolic lodge.” There is another important sentence to remember “After the procedure for obtaining membership in a Masonic lodge is explained, the potential candidate should be left to make his own decision and come of his OWN FREE WILL.”
I hope that we have ignited the spark that will drive you and your lodge to participate in this important membership initiative. Ensure the future of your lodge and Ohio Freemasonry. REPLACE YOURSELF! Please visit the RYP website at www.replaceyourself.org Then click on the “I WILL” tab and commit today!
Brethren, we need to INVITE, CONNECT and SHARE the story of our great fraternity with men who we feel would make great Masons. I want to leave you with this caveat . . . Remember the Charge to the Entered Apprentice. Be careful who you recommend for membership in our great fraternity.
Regarding what it does, what it teaches, who belongs, where it meets, there are NO SECRETS in Freemasonry! It is a private fraternal association of men who contribute much toward the FALL 2017
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It’s Not All Monkey Business In an age of laptop computers, smart phones and Skype, we often forget that thousands of people have spent millions of hours working on projects and creating technology that has made a historical difference. One such person is Brother C. David Miller PhD, who resides today at our Springfield Masonic Community (SMC). It should be noted that Brother Miller first lived at SMC from 2012 through 2015. In 2016, he moved to Lancaster, Ohio to be closer to his son and in 2017 he moved back to Springfield Masonic Community because he missed all the comradery. Dave was born August 17, 1934 in Marietta, Ohio to Wilber and Dorothy Miller and grew up in Weirton, West Virginia. In 1978, Brother Miller was raised as a Master Mason and today celebrates his 39th year as such. As a young man, Dave was captivated with airplanes. Dave loved airplanes so much that he would occasionally skip school, drive to Pittsburgh Airport and spend the day watching the planes land and take off. Dave graduated high school in 1953 and because of his love of “flight”; he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Dave discovered that he was naturally good in electronics and after basic training spent one year from the summer of 1954 to the summer of 1955 training, under Dr. Carl Miller, as an Air Force electronic technician, working on interceptor airplanes. In the fall of 1955, Dave was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. and worked in the Air Defense Command. During his time at Andrews AFB he was tasked with the repair and maintenance of interceptor fire control systems on the F86d Interceptor Airplane. At this time in history, our Air Force was shifting from shooting bullets to shooting rockets. Critical to that was a dependable radar targeting system. Dave’s greatest career endorsement happened when the test pilots flying the F86d demanded to fly the planes Dave calibrated because those radar targeting systems worked flawlessly. On May 25, 1961 President John F. Kennedy delivered his speech to put a man on the Moon before a joint
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session of Congress. This speech inspired a country and created an industry that still stands as a treasured part of our National story. Prior to that famous speech, Brother Miller received a phone call from his Air Force Professor, Dr. Miller, asking him to help with a special project at Holliman AFB in White Sands, New Mexico. At that time, Dr. Miller was testing space vehicles to make sure an astronaut could survive atmospheric changes as they launched into space. In the summer of 1956 the special project was declared a success when Dr. Wernher von Braun and his team of scientists launched a monkey into space and it was recovered alive. The monkey reached a height of 236,000 feet, or 44.69 miles. Dr. Carl Miller and Brother Dave Miller successfully tracked the capsule due to their radar tracking process. This test proved that a man could survive launch and landing in the created space vehicle. Soon thereafter, on May 5, 1961, Mercury Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr. blasted off in his Freedom 7 capsule atop a Mercury-Redstone rocket. His 15-minute sub-orbital flight made him the first American in space. He was tracked on radar and splashed down safe and sound. Today Brother Miller spends time with his 4 children and his 6 grandchildren. He holds a commercial pilots license and is an avid golfer.
Western Star Lodge Makes Donation to Boardman Police Department The Brethren of Western Star Lodge No. 21 have donated funds to the Boardman Police Department for the purchase of a training apprehension suit for use with the canine unit. The suit will be used to train the canines and the officers assigned to them in the successful apprehension of suspects. The Boardman township trustees have recognized the Lodge in gratitude for their generous donation.
Tiffin Lodge Travels to Present Service Awards Tiffin Lodge had the distinction of three members who were entitled to receive their 70 year service awards this year. However, they were not able to attend the Lodge’s annual awards banquet, so the Lodge took the celebration to them.
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Ohio Freemasons Inducted into Halls of Fame
Right Worshipful Brother Steve Argast, Englewood Lodge No. 743, was recently inducted into the Dayton-area Softball Hall of Fame. He has played softball for some 50 years, including seasons with the West Milton Eagles and the Dayton Legends. Right Worshipful Brother Argast recently turned 70 and plans to keep playing ball as long as he can. “I started playing in the Dayton Industrial AA League when I began my apprenticeship at GM,” explained Argast. “Now I’m playing in the AAA league for the 70 to 74 year old bracket. The senior leagues are currently the largest leagues in the Dayton area.”
Among the 2017 inductees into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame was Brother Jim Buchy, Greenville Lodge No. 143. He was recognized for his service on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee during his 22 years as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. He was also the assistant director in the Ohio Department of Agriculture Buchy worked with his fellow legislators to promote a better understanding of the importance of agriculture and to bring 4-H and FFA programs to students in urban areas.
The Resource Center: "Opening New Worlds" James came to the Resource Center a few years ago. He originally called looking for resources for home health care after being in the hospital for an extended period of time. Through the Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center, he was connected to a home care agency, and also provided a food card to replace groceries that had gone bad once he returned home from his lengthy hospital stay. A Resource Center Liaison, DeAnna Kinney, was able to help connect James with local resources, including food and other material needs. She built a relationship with him, enabling her to guide him through several incidents that required additional financial support. Through all of this, DeAnna noticed that he had trouble hearing. They had been discussing hearing aids for quite some time and James finally decided to try them. He said the hearing aids opened up a “whole new world” for him. James said he now is able to talk on the phone and attend family gatherings again! And, he noted that having his new hearing aids has even made him a safer driver.
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Throughout SE Ohio, we have started making calls, reaching out to all masons to share information on our services and let them know that we are here to assist them with everything from linkage to local assistance programs to reconnection with their Lodge. Like James, who is now planning to start attending Lodge meetings again and reconnect with his Brothers, we are here to be an advocate and a support to you.
If you would like to reach one of our Liaisons, please contact our resource center at 877-881-1623.
Ultimately…I am By Right Worshipful Brother Chad Kopenski
Recently I was sitting with a group of Brethren from around the State. In the outside world, they were teachers, nurses, handymen, emergency services, businessmen, fathers, etc.; in the Masonic world, they represented all levels of involvement and experience. Over the course of the evening, as we discussed life inside and outside Lodge, each man uttered some variation of this phrase: 'Ultimately, I am accountable and responsible.' Upon later reflection and when unpacked, that phrase is incredibly Masonic. Responsible: Obliged to do something. For generations, Masons have been the “men of note” in their communities. We are obligated to step up, to act, to do what we say we will do, to do it to the best of our ability, to do what is best and what is right for our Brethren, our Lodge, our widows and orphans, our families, and our communities. We have a duty to ourselves and those around us to put our values into action. And: In addition to or connected to. Masonry provides the opportunity for Masons to connect to personal and local history, with a multitude of diversely defined communities, with the wisdom of generations past, with the hope and promise of generations next, with the power of Ritual and Tradition; with the assurance provided from Sacred Things through a Brotherhood that spans time and distance. Masonry thrives in connection and dies in isolation. Accountable: Answerable for personal actions or decisions. As Masons, we hold ourselves to a certain standard; that whatever hypocrisy, deceit, negligence, carelessness, rashness, or wrong may exist in the outside word; that we will make the choice to be honest, prudent, conscientious, charitable, just, and do what’s right. We are defined by our choices: whether or not we choose to speak up; whether or not we choose to act; whether or not we are true to our word. We know that we will be answerable for our choices to our Brethren, our loved ones, the Great Architect of the Universe, and ourselves. Ultimately: Fundamentally or finally. In much of our world, it is easy to pass the buck, throw someone else under the bus, deflect attention, hide in the crowd, or escape the consequences of our actions. Freemasonry is a diverse global institution; but it all comes down to the choices of the individual Mason. When we hear others talk about the decline of Masonry, how Masonry in our Lodge or community is under attack, how this technology or this generation or this Grand Lodge requirement is to blame; when we hear others cry “Someone needs to do something about the health of Masonry in this Lodge! Someone needs to do something about this issue in our community! Who’s going to do something about this?” This is where the individual Mason steps forward and says:
I am. FALL 2017
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Ohio Masons Exemplify the Master Mason Degree in South Carolina The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio and the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Accepted Masons of South Carolina granted their dispensations for members of Somerset Lodge No. 76, Delta Lodge No. 207 and Baltimore Lodge No. 475 to demonstrate the Ohio Master Mason Degree at Mine Lodge No. 117, located in McCormick, South Carolina. (From left: Steve Norton PDDGM, Thomas McKown PM, James Lentz PM, Kevin Collins, Keith Haggerty PM, Jeff Puckett PM, Mike Jones PDDGM, Craig Collins PDEO, Don Ferguson PM, Dennis Kessler PDDGM, Keith Powell PM, Dale Graves PM and Tom Jenkins PM.)
Advocate: a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy An ambassador is a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity. In an effort to Advocate, Communicate and Educate, the Ohio Masonic Home had the foresight to empower a group of dedicated masons to travel and share the mission of our home. These men are our ambassadors. They not only answer the call to inform brothers far and wide about the resource center and the benefits that are available to them but, advocate and be another trusted partner and conduit to help provide the aid and assistance you need. The ambassadors are available to come to local masonic events and share the message of the Ohio Masonic Home to any audience. Have a more light night? Ask an ambassador to be your key note speaker. Are you having a ladies program? Call an ambassador for any event, regardless of what masonic body it is.
Contact Jesse Pertee at (937) 717-8071 | email: JPertee@ohiomasonichome.org or call the Resource Center at (877) 881-1623
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The White House Stone One of the prize artifacts on the display in the Grand Lodge museum is a stone from the White House. It was gifted to the Grand Lodge by President Harry Truman, Past Grand Master of Missouri. In 1948 the White House was structurally in bad repair and in need of a complete restoration. President Truman undertook that important task. During the restoration work a number of stones were recovered that had upon them the marks of the stone mason who had carved them. “A sufficient number of these stones, each with a Masonic symbol upon it, was discovered to give one to each Grand Lodge in the United States. These evidences of the number of members of the Craft who built the President’s official residence so intimately aligns Freemasonry with the formation and the founding of our Government that I believe your Grand Lodge will cherish this link between the fraternity and the Government of the Nation, of which The White House is a symbol,” explained President Truman in his letter to the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The Grand Lodge Museum is now established in the Rickly Building on the campus of the Springfield Masonic Community. It is open Monday through Friday and by appointment. Call the Grand Secretary’s office at 800-292-6092 to schedule a tour to see this and many other important artifacts.
From North Korea to Waterville, Ohio In less than 24 hours North Korean troops would overrun the tiny airstrip base they had managed to carve out of the jungle. With little advanced warning, Jim Lehnert and the rest of his crew had rapidly evacuated everyone and were preparing to board the last flight out of North Korea. When Jim turned back to survey the airstrip one last time he saw the stars and stripes flying proudly. In a last minute decision, he returned to rescue the flag from the hands of the advancing enemy troops. Fast forward to 2017, Jim now a resident of Browning Masonic Community in
Waterville, Ohio offered the same flag to the leadership of the community to be flown at his home. It was with great respect, pride and reverence that the flag was accepted and found its home once again unfurled and flying freely.
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2018 Florida Reunion Trip You are cordially invited to attend. Monday, January 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Sarasota/Bradenton: Peridia Golf & Country Club 4950 Peridia Blvd. E. Bradenton, FL 34203 Host: Ken Gavins
Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Fort Myers: The Edison 3583 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 Host: Steve Krekus
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. The Villages: Savannah Center 1545 Buena Vista Blvd. The Villages, FL 32162 Host: Jerry Hatton
For reservations, please call Becky Cason in the Resource Center at 937-350-6668. Please make reservations before Friday, January 5, 2018.
