T H E

O H I O

BEACON Volume 26, Issue 1, Winter 2019

Founding Members of the Circle of Roses Page 4

Board Changes Page 5

How to Talk About Freemasonry Page 7

Grand Lodge Unveils New Home Page Page 8

Meet Kat: The Print Shop Cat Page 10

Grand Master’s Classes for 2019 Page 13

Read About the Florida Reunion Trip & More on Page 3

A Brother's Moonlight Journey Page 14

and more!

A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO MASONIC HOME AND THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO

YOU ARE INVESTING IN OHIO FREEMASONRY! Dear Brethren, Thank you for investing once again in our beloved Fraternity! The Masonic year is off to a splendid start, and I thank you for what you are doing to reinvigorate the Craft and show your pride in Freemasonry. As I travel across the state and engage in social networking, I am seeing the great examples of Brethren investing in themselves, their Lodges and communities, all in the name of Freemasonry. The late fall season was dedicated to Lodge Officer Installation ceremonies, and I was pleased to attend several. Additionally, I was honored to present several service awards to men who have lived the better part of their lives as Freemasons including one 80-year award (see separate article on page 12). Presenting service awards and hearing the stories of these great men is one of the greatest responsibilities of any Grand Lodge Officer. Each and every time, we are reminded of why we invest in Freemasonry. We have a great schedule of Grand Master’s classes kicking off (see page 13), and it is heartwarming to hear about the number of men interested in joining our ranks. Remember the one-day ritual format is only the beginning of the Masonic experience, and we need to engage the man in attending Lodge and other Masonic functions. Only through being engaged will he truly understand what it means to be a Freemason. Work hard and teach him how to apply the principals of Freemasonry to his everyday life, truly allowing him to live as a Freemason. Our public awareness campaign is in full swing now, and we are receiving a very good response to our social networking sites. We will soon see other more traditional media being utilized to raise awareness of what it means to be an Ohio Freemason. Other states and appendant bodies are watching our success and, in some cases, emulating our work. There is no better compliment than to see your materials being used as examples for others to follow. I am confident our campaign combined with your personal stories will

be of great benefit to our Craft for generations to come. Remember, each of us has the responsibility to be our Brother’s keeper, and it is important we pay it forward. I am very excited about the bus excursion we have planned for July 31 through August 4 to Gettysburg and Washington, DC. This five-day dive into all things Masonic is certain to pique your interest. The Masonic history of Gettysburg, the solemn experience of laying a wreath at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, a dinner cruise on the Potomac, a Masonic ceremony at George Washington’s Mount Vernon are on the historic itinerary. We will also be participating in a joint 150-year Reconsecration ceremony with the Grand Lodge of DC of the DC Lodge, of which our Ohio Brother and President James Garfield was a charter member of in 1869. Contact Fayette Travel at 1-800-451-7903 for details about costs and to register for the trip. My wife, Kelly, and I look forward to having you on board.

Keep investing – it’s working! Fraternally, Jess N. Raines, Grand Master

The Ohio Beacon is published quarterly. Please update your information via Grandview, or 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. Douglas Kaylor, PGM | Program Coordinator | The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio One Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504 | 614-885-5318 or 800-292-6092 | dkaylor@glohio.com Ohio Masonic Home | Marketing Department 2655 W. National Road, Springfield, OH 45504 | 937-525-5609 | OMHmarketing@ohiomasonichome.org If you would like to receive the Ohio Beacon electronically, send an email with your request to omhmarketing@ohiomasonichome.org

Living

the

Dear Brethren, I hope this message finds you and your family well as we enter the New Year. We are off to a busy start as we continue on our path to improve service offerings on our campuses and increase our outreach through the Resource Center. At our Western Reserve Masonic Community we are on pace to begin pre-selling our new independent living units. Our Browning Masonic Community continues to take deposits on Phase II of the villas, and in Springfield, we are finalizing plans to convert additional units to meet the demand for assisted living services. Over the course of the past 2 years, we have continued to see the Resource Center grow and change the lives of our Brethren. Since early 2017, we have fielded over 3,200 cases serving approximately 2,500 individuals across the state outside the scope of our campus based services. In addition, the Resource Center has provided direct support to a total of 364 people over those 2 years on our campuses. The generous support of our Fraternity has allowed us to provide approximately $10 million towards Resource Center programs in 2017 and 2018. We have added to our staff and now are able to provide statewide coverage through our network of Liaisons (more information on our Liaisons can be found on page 16). In addition to our staff, we are quickly building our network of Masonic Volunteer Program committees as well as our Ambassadors to help spread the word. In July of 2018, we began a concerted effort to provide assistance to our Masonic widows with our Widows Outreach program. Since then, we have worked with Lodges across the state to build a database of over 900 individuals with new outreach to 85 recently widowed individuals. Working with the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation, the Resource Center is now playing an integral role in assisting the Foundation in

Brother Ken Gavins

Mission

providing additional services to those in need making application to the Foundation. The team has recently begun communication efforts to our Brethren across the state as well as those out of state Masons affected by natural disasters. To that end, we have made over 20,000 calls along with thousands of emails to provide information on our services. Further, we are active on social media and other forms of communication and have retooled our central call system to enable individuals to access their local representative more quickly. In short, it is our Mission to be the Living Expression of our Masonic Values and our Resource Center is living that every day. In January, Steve Petitjean, Executive Director of the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation and I traveled to Florida with our Grand Master M.W.B. Jess N. Raines, his Lady Kelly and other members of the Grand Lodge to host the 22nd annual Grand Master Receptions. The receptions are a great way to start off the New Year, and allow us to stay connected with our Brethren, their wives, and friends who reside in Florida full or part-time. The events are currently held in Bradenton, Ft. Meyers, and The Villages and graciously hosted by Brother Ken Gavins and his Lady Sybil, MWB Steve Krekus and his Lady Carol, and Brother Jerry Hatton, respectively. Brother Gavins and his Lady Sybil were honored for their 22 years of service in hosting the Bradenton event and will be retiring this year. We wish them well on their journey as they move north to be closer to their children and grand-children. Thank you for all of your continued support. Fraternally, Brother Scott Buchanan CEO, Ohio Masonic Home

RWB David L. Hawk, Grand Chaplain and his Lady, Karen, MWB Jess N. Raines, Grand Master, RWB Clarence “Jack” Hartzell, Secretary of the Ohio Masonic Home , Parent Board of Trustees and his Lady, Charlene

Find the Cat!

Congratulations to Pattric W. Gould of Xenia Lodge #49 in Xenia, Ohio, the winner of last edition’s Find the Rose search! There were 3 Roses in the last edition. In this edition, we celebrate Kat, the OMH Print Shop cat, and other furry friends. Search through this entire edition and count how many times you find the Cat graphic to the right (do not count the example graphic). Read about Kat on Page 10 of this issue.

Brother Scott Buchanan CEO Ohio Masonic Home MWB Jess N. Raines Grand Master

Submit the correct answer along with your contact information (name/address/phone) 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 March 15, 2019, 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.) WINTER 2019 3

Founding Members of the Circle of Roses The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation would like to recognize the following individuals, Masonic bodies, foundations, businesses and organizations for their support between October 1 and December 31, 2018. The individuals listed, along with hundreds of other donors at the $100+ level, are now FOUNDING MEMBERS of the CIRCLE OF ROSES. It’s not too late!!! You can still join the Circle of Roses as a FOUNDING MEMBER by making a minimum gift of $100 before May 31st, 2019. Please visit us at www.ohiomasonichomefoundation.org for all of the details about the Circle of Roses Annual Giving Program and the Society of Roses Lifetime Giving Program. For questions about the programs, please call the Foundation staff at 1-888-248-2664. A full listing of all of our generous donors will be available in the annual report which will be available in June, 2019.

Red Rose Circle $10,000 + Estate of Ralph Daugherty Lucile F. Dumont Estate Grand Lodge of Ohio F&AM Marilyn A. Jenne Revocable Living Trust Robert R. Kauffman Jeff & Peggy Lovelady Dorothy A. Molner Estate Susie M. Saxton Estate The William E. Roth Family Trust Earl E. Wilson Estate Pink Rose Circle $5,000 - $9,999 Ronald & Elaine Connelly Bessie V. Hosler Trust Dorothy T. & Myron T. Seifert Trust Whitehall Lodge #761, F&AM Lavender Rose Circle $2,500 - $4,999 Robert V. DeVore Estate of Thomas & Isabel Gaskins Rick & Denise Gillett Grand Commandery of Ohio, KT Clyde R. Huddleston Craig Nilsson & Susan Muenzer Howard M. Sheeler Trust Valley of Cincinnati, AASR Valley of Dayton, AASR Harry D. Waddell Trust

4 WINTER 2019

Peach Rose Circle $1,000 - $2,499 Pauline Baker Gwendolyn F. Bennett Blendon Lodge #339, F&AM Scott & Katrina Buchanan Warren E. Bulman Grace L. Cone Trust Stephen & Susan Cross Robert & Mary Davis East Gate Lodge # 796, F&AM Ebenezer Lodge #33, F&AM William U. Funk Estate of Joseph R. Gosney Grand Council of Ohio, R&SM Paul Haueisen Norvita Hildbold Phillip A. Hoffman Betty & J. Frank Jones Robert D. Lindner Frank J. Moesle Steven & Lori Petitjean Terry & Cheryl Posey Robert & Elizabeth Rettig Terry & Jennifer Ricer Frank & Susan Schenck Anna L. Sine Trust David & Joyce Subleski Harold & Nancy Ullman Valley of Youngstown, AASR Gary & Pamela Williams Orange Rose Circle $500 - $999 11th Masonic District Association Douglas & Nanci Allen Arabic Club Foundation

Thank You

Avon-Miami Lodge #542, F&AM Wilbur M. Cohen Terry & Faye DeVassie Wilbur E. Engle Enoch T Carson Lodge #598, F&AM Richard Feusse Franklin Lodge #14, F&AM Thomas W. Garcher James A. Hallman Richard & Waltraud Herr Marilyn Hildebrand John W. Barkley Lodge #621, F&AM Donald & Theda Losasso Millennium Lodge #779, F&AM Monticello Lodge #244, F&AM David D. & Kathy Mowry Palestine Lodge #158, F&AM Scott T. Phillips Donald B. Prather Joan F. Primm Robinson Locke Lodge #659, F&AM Rubicon Lodge #237, F&AM Harold & Josephine Shank Trust Robert L. Stotler Gary & Deborah Watters Barbara P. Weaver Western Hills - Cheviot Lodge #140, F&AM Robert E. White Estate Frank R. Williams Trust

Yellow Rose Circle $250 - $499 Richard & Dana Beatty Lehr & Marcia Dircks Gibson Lodge #301, F&AM J. Keith & Debra Green Guernsey Lodge #66, F&AM Homeworth Lodge #499, F&AM John W. Durst Lodge #716, F&AM Alan & Sally Jones Mad River Armory & the 9th Masonic District Officers Association Thomas & Tracy Maloney Keneth & Adele Mason Mason Lodge #678, F&AM Mercer Lodge #121, F&AM New Holland Lodge #392, F&AM Craig & Lisa Noble North Star Lodge #638, F&AM Parkside Lodge #736, F&AM Pilgrim Lodge #691, F&AM Shelby Lodge #350, F&AM St. Andrews Lodge #619, F&AM William & Carol Tabor The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine Village Lodge #274, F&AM Terry & Amanda Wahl John & Jennifer White Gregory & Deborah Williamson Robert H. Wood

Changes

to the

Boards

As we transition from 2018 to 2019, we would like to recognize some changes on the Ohio Masonic Home Parent and Foundation Boards of Trustees. We would like to thank the following Brethren for their many years of service and numerous contributions to the success of the organization: Kermit Zimmerman, Secretary of the OMH Parent Board David Freeman, OMH Parent and OMH Foundation Boards Terry L. DeVassie, Chairman of the OMH Foundation Board Thomas Schuck, OMH Foundation Board Dr. Richard Herr, Treasurer of the OMH Foundation Board Just as these Brothers prepare to take on their next challenges, the following have graciously accepted their appointment in support of your Ohio Masonic Home. Please help us welcome these recently appointed members: Ronald Hart, OMH Parent Board Gerald Pugh, OMH Parent Board Randy Williams, Chairman of the OMH Foundation Board Martin Trent, OMH Foundation Board Terry Posey, OMH Foundation Board Michael Kalbfleisch, OMH Foundation Board Raymond Fosnot, OMH Foundation Board

We look forward to partnering with all of you on a spectacular 2019! Please review the complete list of the Board Trustees and offer these individuals your support. These Brothers graciously give of their time and talents to provide leadership and guidance to the Home. The Home could not be as effective nor efficient without generous individuals willing to give of their time.

Ohio Masonic Home Parent Board Ross Black, II, M.D., 2nd Vice Chairman David Collins Ronald Connelly, Chairman Steven Duncan Ronald Hart Clarence “Jack” Hartzell, III, Secretary Dennis Hughes Donald Losasso, 1st Vice Chairman Gary Nicholson, M.D. Gerald Pugh Thomas Schuck William Stratton Thomas Thinnes, Treasurer Kevin Todd Gary Williams, M.D.

Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Board Richard Ballard Raymond Fosnot Eric Gillett Clyde Huddleston, Sr Michael Kalbfleisch Howard Laudermilk David “Dee” Mowry Terry Posey Gregory Snead, Secretary Martin Trent Randy Williams, Chairman James Williamson, Treasurer

Successful One Day Class Despite Winter Storm

On a cold and snowy Saturday morning in January, the 9th and the 15th District joined forces to hold the 1st Grand Masters One Day Class this year, January 19th at the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield. They INVESTED their time and talents and raised 42 candidates to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. There were 7 different Districts represented and a total of 153 in attendance. RWB David Waggoner, DDGM of the 9th Masonic District said, “The weather was not as bad as it could be, but it wasn't at its best either! We had to make many changes mid-stream and yet, it all worked. That could not have happened without everyone's help.” WINTER 2019 5

A New Year Brings A New Celebration Ohio Masonic Home has refreshed its corporate branding with a new logo, effective with the launch of its newly designed website the week of Jan. 7, 2019. Each campus unveiled its new logo to community members, staff, and families during a rebranding celebration the first week of January. The parent board of directors approved the new logo, along with a tagline and revised mission statement to reflect the organization’s long-term vision to serve a new and growing generation. Going into the New Year, Ohio Masonic Home’s commitment to the fraternity is stronger than ever. With continued care and support at each of its three campuses as well as through the Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center, Ohio Masonic Home continues to support and do outreach to Ohio Freemasons and their families across the state. Since 1892, Ohio Masonic Home, and its subsidiaries, has progressed its services to meet the ever changing needs of those it serves. Founded by the Masonic Fraternity to care for Ohio Masons, their families, and children, Ohio Masonic Home evolved over time into a senior living provider. While still serving Ohio

Freemasons and their families, Ohio Masonic Home, and its subsidiaries, opened its doors to the public over 20 years ago, and to this day continues to partner with each of its surrounding communities in providing excellent senior living options therefore promoting the fraternity as well as supporting it. Previously, each entity had a separate logo. In the last few years, Ohio Masonic Home has made a concentrated effort to create a culture of “WE” across the entire organization. To overcome the general assumption that the campus was closed only to those affiliated with the Masonic Fraternity and to create more unity across the organization, the logo was updated to the acacia tree representing eternal life, and each of the five branches chosen to represent each of the three campuses, Ohio Masonic Home Foundation, and Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center. The color palette was enhanced with the colors green and orange, projecting life, energy, warmth and happiness. The exposed roots of the tree honor the Masonic Fraternity signifying the organization’s deep rooting in Masonic values.

American Red Cross Honors Ohio Masonic Home The Ohio Masonic Home has been recognized by the American Red Cross as one of its Premier Blood Partners for 2018, a prestigious honor, for its support of the community and national blood supply. Last year, Ohio Masonic Home helped the Red Cross collect 73 blood donations as part of its deep-rooted commitment to help save lives of patients facing illnesses and injuries in this community and across the US. Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors across the country are needed to help save lives. Blood and platelets are needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease, according to the Red Cross. “Ohio Masonic Home is proud to be a part of the Red Cross mission that helps ensure lifesaving blood is available for hospital patients in need,” stated Dan Shirk, Community Outreach Manager. “Our organization shares that same humanitarian value to help our neighbors, and we are grateful for the opportunity to host blood drives that will do just that here in our community.” Join us on February 28th, from 10am to 4pm and roll up your sleeve and help save lives. For more information or to register to donate, call Dan Shirk at 937-926-4305 or email at dshirk@ohiomasonichome.org

6 WINTER 2019

How

to

Talk About Freemasonry

(And

what you can say!)

It is often hard to know just what you can and cannot say about Freemasonry, and with the Grand Master’s Classes coming up, this is a question that takes on new meaning for many Masons. We have sons and grandsons, brothers and nephews, cousins, golf buddies, co-workers, and church members who would enjoy being a Mason – if they only knew how to go about joining. First – forget what you may have been told when you first joined, which probably was don’t talk about it. For the last twenty years our Code has said that you can approach a man who you believe would be a good Mason, and tell him so:

“Larry, I think you would be a good Mason.”

You can even “explain that you would be proud to sponsor him for membership in a Symbolic Lodge.” You then need to leave it up to him to take the final step and ask so that he comes to the Fraternity of his own free will. Next comes the hard part. He asks, “What do Masons do?” What makes this hard is there is no one right answer. So here are some suggested Talking Points:

1. Talk in the Present – What do we do today?

We find and unite men who want to improve themselves by doing good in the world. Does your Lodge have a good social program? Does it support a particular charity? Does it participate in community events? Does it remember the widows of our members? If you’re not sure how to answer these questions, call the Lodge secretary and ask.

2. Avoid Negatives – Freemasonry is Thriving in Ohio.

We have Lodges operating throughout the State, and we are making new Masons every day – Men who share our values and who want to make a difference while becoming the best version of themselves. Sometimes we confuse numbers with success. Actually, success is about doing what’s right and fulfilling our mission to make Masons, care for our families, and improve ourselves.

3. Make it about Ohio. Talk about us.

Every year, Ohio Freemasons help each other to live well, support our families, and be good neighbors. And we do it without boasting and often hidden from view. Through our Lodges, we give a million dollars to charitable works. Through our Masonic Home and Resources Center, we help hundreds of people stay in their homes, find health and medical services, or move to safe places to live. Through our various scholarship programs, we grant over a quarter million dollars a year to young people. And this doesn’t count the money we give to Special Olympics or the charity Masons contribute through our appendant orders.

Finally, tell them that Freemasonry is a Brotherhood. It is about building true friendships, often with like-minded men whom we would otherwise have never met. Knowing this, why wouldn’t a good man want to be a Mason? And if you care about someone, why wouldn’t you tell him so and offer to sponsor him for membership?

University-style Classes and Demonstrations at Browning Masonic Community and Maumee Senior Center! Browning Masonic Community is asking these questions to locals and community-members alike: When was the last time I did something for the first time? When was the last time I stepped out of my comfort zone? Have you ever asked yourself “what’s next”? Introducing New U: The University of You. New U is a 4-week crash course on all things left and right brained, from photography classes to classes chock-full of local history. In an initiative to partner with Maumee Senior Center, Browning Masonic Community is bringing opportunities to seniors that they wouldn’t ordinarily have. “This program was designed to increase the creative potential of our community members” states Molly Good, Sales and Community Relations Manager at Browning Masonic Community. “We often find that they are looking to meet new people, expand their social circle, and push their limits, so this seemed like the logical way to bring fun social experiences to BMC!” If you are interested in attending a class, plan to attend one of the registration event parties listed to the right.

New U: One U, Two Locations Classes reserved for those 55 and better. Public is welcome! Two registration events available for your convenience: Tuesday, March 5 - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Browning Masonic Community 8883 Browning Drive – Waterville Monday, March 4 – 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Maumee Senior Center 2430 Detroit Avenue – Maumee RSVP by Friday, March 1 at (419) 878-1898

Grand Lodge Unveils New Home Page Following Grand Lodge in October, the Grand Lodge introduced a new home page designed to tell the world who we are and serve as a point of pride for our members. It is a centerpiece of our 2019 marketing campaign, This is Ohio Freemasonry, but it also provides members and visitors with access to reliable information about Freemasonry. The web page puts a face on Freemasonry, and it lets people know that we are proud of our members and our membership in the world’s original fraternal society. Pictures of five Ohio Masons rotate through the page (example above), each one showing that masons are a diverse group of honorable men who work, raise families, volunteer, and enjoy life. For the public, the page provides information about the Grand Lodge, its leaders, history, Lodges, and charities. There is a link to another web page for those who might be interested in joining a Lodge. There are many younger men in today’s society who know that a grandfather or uncle was a Mason, but they don’t know how to join themselves or who to contact. The Join page provides accurate information so that those who want to know more can take the first step and ask. For members, there is a link to the blog providing updated information about what is happening in Ohio Masonry. There is also a link to the Member Portal. Visit Freemason.com and explore the latest messages about what it means to be an Ohio Freemason.

8 WINTER 2019

Together Again After graduating from High School in 1940, Hap Reynard ended up going to Colson Corporation, a bicycle manufacturer who ended up making machine gun parts to support the war efforts. Hap once said, I started in a bicycle factory, ended up making 50-caliber machine gun cores, and two years later I was firing one.� After the war, Hap went home where he built several businesses and a life. He did quite well, first buying a gas station, later doing advertising for Coca-Cola, and then venturing into interior design where he eventually opened his own store, Reynard Interiors in Mansfield, Ohio. Our Resource Center was honored to be able to meet Hap, now 96, and his wife, Alice this year after we received a call from their son. Living out of state and nearly 500 miles away, he was worried about his dad who is a Mason and lives alone. His mom is in an assisted living facility, and he was also worried about her as she recently fell and needed therapy services upon returning from the hospital to her apartment. He said how difficult it is to be so far away and not able to check in on them to see how they are doing or help them as needs arise. Our Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center Liaisons were able to do home visits, to both Hap and Alice, and connect them to services. They were able to get Hap weekly home care services, meal delivery services, and coordinate appointments with the VA to get his hearing aids checked. Hap now has new hearing aids, and the county he lived in even had Levy funds available to help cover the cost of private duty home care. Hap was used to driving from Mansfield to Ashland, every single day, to be able see Alice in her assisted living apartment. Being a World War II veteran, they are helping him apply for Aid and Attendance benefits through the VA, which could help with the cost of assisted living so that Hap could move into assisted living with Alice and they could be together again. It has been such a joy getting to know these two and hear their love story. Let us help you care for the ones you care about. Call our Resource Center at 877-881-1623. We’re here to help.

Ohio Masonic Authors Speculative Freemasonry and the Enlightenment, 2nd Edition, by R. William Weisberger A review by Doug Kaylor Brother R. William Weisberger, Ph.D., is a member of Steubenville Lodge, No. 45, and a retired Professor of History and Sociology. He is also a pioneer in modern masonic scholarship, one of the first of a new generation of scholars to apply modern historiography to the fraternity. His 1980 dissertation became the basis of his book, Speculative Freemasonry and the Enlightenment. Now, after thirty-seven years, Brother Weisberger has published a new, second edition, with added material. It is available in both paper and electronic editions. The origins of Freemasonry are a source of endless speculation, and depending on the school of thought, it is described as a society distinguished by fun and fellowship, philosophy, social action, liberal arts, moral education, or esoteric knowledge. Some argue that it is basically a dinner club; others that its lessons are ancient, complex, and layered with hidden meanings. Brother Weisberger is a historian of the Enlightenment. In this work, he studies well-known Lodges in London, Paris, Prague, and Vienna as vehicles of learning, civil religion, political equality, and societal action. In the second edition, he added chapters on Benjamin Franklin and Jewish civic rights in Philadelphia. His presentation is measured, reasoned, and supported by a scholarly research. How one interprets this book will depend largely on the predisposed beliefs that the reader brings with him. Those looking for proof that Masonic Lodges were one thing or another – whether social clubs, secret societies, or something in between will be disappointed. But those who approach this work with an open mind will find it a useful and thought-provoking exploration of our founding years and worth their time and attention. I recommend it to those who are willing follow the scholarship wherever it leads. They will be rewarded with a more complete and nuanced understanding of our founders, the influences that shaped our Lodges, and the ideas and ideals that distinguish us as a society of friends and brothers.

Taking Charge

of

Your Own Information

and

Communications

Grand Lodge Member Portal

Today, you can be master of your own information. Go online at www.freemason.com to find information and news about Freemasonry and then link to the private member’s-only section. Once you register with your name, Lodge, and member number, you can log into the Portal and: • • •

Set or change your address, email, and phone number Enter information about your spouse Upload a photo

• •

Check your history to be sure your memberships and service credit are accurate Set your communications preferences: paper, email, or text

As the Grand Lodge and the Ohio Masonic Home move forward, more and more communications will be offered in different formats. For many, an email of the latest Grand Master’s message or Ohio Beacon might be the preferred option. Others will want to continue receiving paper. In the future the choice will be yours.

Visit, www.freemason.com today and set up your account.

Meet Kat The Print Shop Cat In December of 2017, OMH Print Shop employees noticed a small, skinny cat slinking around the dumpsters of the Springfield Masonic Community campus. One day, Scott Haddix, Print Production Coordinator, opened the garage door and heard a meow. He managed to coax the little critter out of the cold and into the shop. She was malnourished, cold, and dirty. Though she was in rough shape, Print Shop employees took her in to be pampered back to health. When it was apparent that she had found a new home, she was Kat's first day inside. given a name: Kat. Kat has become the mascot of The OMH Print Shop. Customers enjoy her sweet greetings and willingness to play. She loves to help with day-to-day operations and is spoiled rotten. She even has an Instagram page: @kattheshopcat. All are welcome to stop by The OMH Print Shop and say hello to Kat. While you are there, ask the helpful staff how they can help with your custom printing, printed & embroidered apparel, gifts, or awards, and be sure to view our selection of Masonic essentials.

10 WINTER 2019

See more at www.omhprintshop.com.

The Masonic Volunteer Program is Branching Out In a little over one year, the Masonic Volunteer Program has grown to 179 masonic and OES volunteers around the eastern, central and southeastern part of the state. The volunteers come from 9 districts and include spouses of masons as well as Ohio Eastern Stars. November of 2018 saw the addition of the 12th District MVP Committee under the chairmanship of Don Stivers of Middleport Lodge #363. On January 12, 2019 the newest MVP Committee was trained in East Liverpool in the 24th masonic district under the Chairmanship of Joseph Wicker of Jenkins Lodge #471. The volunteers are proactive, constantly seeking to find those masons, widows and family members who may be in need of services or assistance. 64% of the new referrals in SE Ohio in 2018 have come from our volunteers. They are the “eyes and ears” of the Resource Center Liaisons out in the fraternity. The Committees have a wide range of skills and talents and have used those abilities to aid our Resource Center clients. The volunteers make friendly calls and visits to clients in their homes, hospitals and long term care centers. Over the holiday season many of the MVP Committees, the 23rd District for example, participated in projects such as taking fruit baskets to widows and shut-ins, delivering candy or small gifts and sending cards. Grocery cards were also taken to some of the seniors and widows in the 17th District by their Committee members. Volunteers can be as active as they choose. They may help with transportation, run errands, or even sit with a client so that a caregiver can get groceries or see their doctor. They can provide information to the Resource Center so their local liaisons can then reach out to offer assistance or advocacy. Our volunteers are one of the main referral sources for our Widows Program by providing the names of recent widows and widowers, so that a packet of helpful information can be mailed to them. Our Resource Center Liaisons then follow up with a phone call to offer support and assistance to those who may need help. A newsletter is also mailed twice a year to those on our list of widow(er)s. If your Lodge would like to participate, you may send your widows list to Becky Cason, rcason@ohiomasonichome.org, who coordinates the Widows Program. The MVPs work in conjunction with the Widows Program to maintain that fraternal connection to their deceased Brothers’ widows and families.

The Masonic Volunteer Program is now branching out to other parts of the state with a Committee training to be held on Saturday, March 16th at noon, at Browning Masonic Community in Waterville. We welcome those from the 11th and surrounding districts to come out to hear about how the program can assist your Lodge. There will be a presentation and a training for those who want to get started. Please contact DeAnna Kinney at 740-262-1974 or dkinney@ohiomasonichome.org for further information about this training or to set up a training in your area. We appreciate the efforts of all our MVPs in whatever manner they have chosen to serve.

12th District MVP Committee Steve Carson, Chairman Don Stivers, Joyce Stewart, Gary Coleman, Jordan Pickens, Guy Bing. Not pictured: Eber Pickens.

24th District MVP Committee (Front Row-left to right) Timothy Palmer, Dennis Strickler, Dave Rainsberger. (Second Row-left to right) Jason Short, Joseph Wicker: 24th district MVP Committee Chairman. Not pictured: Manuel Fardis, Daniel Cain and Larry Cline WINTER 2019

11

Mobility

in

Action

After meeting with the interdisciplinary team at our routine Aging in Place meeting on one of our campuses, a request for help was made for a new resident on campus. She was mobile, but due to her diagnosis had some difficulty with mobility. As a result, a power chair was discussed with the therapist, and the team members agreed that this would be beneficial.

Celebrating 80 Years of Service with Brother Carl Ellsworth Boggs The Grand Lodge has long recognized those members who have maintained their good standing for extended periods of time, beginning with 25 years and extending to 35, 40, 50, 60 and more. These men who have supported their Lodges with their time, talent, and treasure have made it possible for Lodges to function and for Freemasonry to thrive. Lodges are responsible for awarding 25, 35, and 40 year awards. The Grand Lodge awards those for fifty years of service and more.

The resident told us that she requested a power wheelchair and physical therapy at her previous assisted living facility, and was unable to receive it, so she was so happy to hear that we would be able to help her on our campus. The team determined, related to her current status and activity level, that receiving a power chair would increase her mobility, and add to her social stimulation. After communicating with the resident’s daughter, it was discovered that it was a custom power chair and that is why it was denied, but with therapy an application could be completed for a standard chair that would have the needed components that would assist the client with her overall mobility. The Resource Center liaison communicated the need for therapy, and a visit was scheduled and services were started. In addition, the therapist was able to complete the required assessment to start the process for a new power chair. This is just one example of how our our Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center Liaisons help residents on our campuses. We assist campus staff where needed and serve in local communities all over the state. We help obtain products and services that will enhance health and independence, and help provide a positive aging experience. If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance either on campus or in their own home, call us at 877-881-1623.

This year, Grand Master Jess N. Raines had the honor to present one 80 Year Service Award to Brother Carl Ellsworth Boggs of Groveport Lodge No. 240. Brother Boggs was raised in Columbus Lodge No. 30 in May of 1939 and affiliated with Groveport Lodge No. 240 in 1966. The Grand Master met with Brethren and family at the Inn at Winchester Trail to present the 80 Year Award. He reported: Brother Boggs received a very nice award in the shape of Ohio containing a bronze medallion of the Seal of the Grand Lodge. Celebrating 101 years of a wonderful life, Brother Boggs was most concerned about how we would make an even better award for his 90 year award! He informed me the oldest person in the world had just passed at 117 and he intended to live long enough to earn his place in the record books. Of course, I committed to beginning the work for his 90-year award to be presented in 2029.

12 WINTER 2019

Check out this amazing creation. The photo was submitted by Brother Steve Argast, and the field art was created by Brother Bill Meyer. Both men are Masons from Brookville Lodge No. 596. Brother Meyer created the art by using multiple corn hybrids. The different types of corn produce contrasting colors and leaf structure, thus creating this patriotic art.

Grand Master’s Classes

for

2019

Grand Master Jess N. Raines has authorized a series of Grand Master’s Classes for 2019. Unlike previous years, these classes will run from January through September. The intent is to give as many men as possible an opportunity to become a Master Mason and not be limited to one day during the year. Thus, while the expectation is that most men will attend the Class for their District, they can attend any Grand Master’s Class in the State. Candidates must petition a Lodge, be investigated, and elected by unanimous ballot. There should be no corners cut in terms of our high standards. Candidates will need to be registered in advance through their Lodge, and they will need to be accompanied by a mentor who will guide them through the day and the degrees. To be declared proficient, the new Master Mason will need to return and attend a meeting in his home Lodge within the first 60 days. He will not be eligible to join any other appendant order until 60 days has elapsed since his degrees. The Grand Master expects that each Masonic District or Region will provide a day marked by outstanding work and extraordinary fellowship. He hopes that becoming a Mason will be a life-changing event for these men. 17th & 18th Districts March 9, 2019 - 10:00 a.m. Valley of Cambridge 935 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge Contact: RWB Robert Hadfield

2nd & 3rd Districts May 4, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Dayton Masonic Center 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton Contact: RWB Sowder & WB Snyder

24th District June 8, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Argus Lodge #545 5050 Shields Rd., Canfield Contact: RWB James Cardelein

7th District March 23, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Lucasville Lodge #465 326 Robert Lucas Road, Lucasville Contact: RWBs Cornwell & White

16th District May 4, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Tiffin Lodge #77 181 S. Washington St., Tiffin Contact: RWB Steve Hessler

5th & 11th Districts August 10, 2019 - 12:00 p.m. Camp Masonry 5600 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo Contact: RWBs Rettig & Scheider

20th & 21st Districts April 6, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Canton Masonic Temple 836 Market Ave. N, Canton Contact: RWBs Lengler & Cecil

13th District May 11, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Lancaster Lodge #57 224 S. High St., Lancaster Contact: RWB Keith Semones

1st & 6th Districts August 17, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Clermont Northeastern H.S. 5327 Hutchinson Rd., Batavia Contact: WB Dennis Sepeck

8th District April 13, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Jeffersonville Masonic Lodge 21 S. Main St., Jeffersonville Contact: RWB Randy Cottrill

14th District May 18, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Magnolia Lodge #20 2933 Valleyview Drive, Columbus Contact: RWB Brian Bolyard

22nd District September 14, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Western Reserve 4931 Nettleton Road, Medina Contact: RWB Dan Hall

23rd District April 27, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Valley of Cambridge 935 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge Contact: RWB Greg Fritter

19th District May 18, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Heath Masonic Complex 875 Irving Wick Dr., W, Newark Contact: RWB Gail Crago

4th & 10th Districts September 21, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Lima Masonic Center 2615 N. Cole St., Lima Contact: RWBs Manbeck & Shinabery

12th District April 27, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Morning Dawn #7 307 Third Avenue, Gallipolis Contact: RWB Steve Wallis

25th District May 18, 2019 - 8:00 a.m. Temple Lodge #28 88 N. St Clair St., Painesville Contact: RWB Rick Memmer

WINTER 2019

13

Experience Ohio

with

Browning Masonic Community

Over the past decade Browning Masonic Community has enjoyed traveling the region with their Travel Club 55 in partnership with Star Tours of Ohio. This year marks their 10th travel season and celebrating year one under new ownership with tour promoters Roy and Marie Robleski. Together it looks to be a great voyage with new friends enjoying the same quality trips. Coach bus traveling is a great way to see the best sights and create new friendships. Best of all, these trips are open to the public! You don’t have to be a resident to enjoy the experience. • • • •

This year’s remaining trips: May 7th: Antique Trails. View historic homes and see antiques on display. Shop for antiques in a variety of stops along the way. Lunch and Dinner provided. July 12th: “Come From Away” Cleveland Playhouse. Enjoy the remarkable story of 7000 stranded airline passengers post 9/11 and the small town of Gander, Newfoundland that welcomed them. September 24: Frankenmuth. Enjoy the historic Frankenmuth, Michigan with a day of shopping, Bronners, Michigan Heroes Musuem and More. October 30th: Cuyahoga Railroad. Take a ride on the rails! Enjoy the Brandywine Falls and a Farmers Market. Includes Brunch and Dinner.

To register call (419-878-1807), payment is due 30 days ahead of trip and can be made directly to Star Tours of Ohio. Call Molly Good at Browning Masonic Community to become a Travel Club 55 Member.

A Brother's Moonlight Journey In days of old, when street lights were few and headlights had not yet been invented, many rural Lodges met according to the light of the Moon so that members traveling at night could safely see their way home. Today twelve Ohio Lodges still honor the old lunar tradition. Brother Gene Bitler has completed this Masonic Moonlight Journey. He journey started visiting Thrall Lodge #170 in Fredericktown, Ohio on 21 Aug 2018 and finished at Western Sun Lodge #91 in Wheelersburg, Ohio on 18 Dec 2018. Through his attendance in another Brother’s Lodge he was able to reinterpret his understanding of Freemasonry, but more than that, visiting helped him to see that the most elegant and simple social and physical structures, are probably the ones, which hold the greatest truth. Brother Bitler witnessed numerous degree work, proficiencies, awards, installations and past Masters night. Visiting another Lodge offered much more than this, it provided him an opportunity to exchange ideas, to achieve a better understanding of the ceremony, and to make a fuller, more complete sense of the ritual. Brother Bitler encourages anyone who has the time and resources to embark on this journey. It takes a lot of planning but is well worth the effort.

14 WINTER 2019

Profile of Excellence: Wadsworth Lodge No. 385 An Interview with WB Jesse Pertee by Doug Kaylor As part of a new series, the Grand Lodge wants to tell the story of Lodges across the state. We have many successful Lodges today that go unrecognized, and it is time to shine a light on some of them. Through a casual conversation, we learned from Past Master Jesse Pertee just what a difference his home Lodge was making in the community.

Save the Dates February 11, 2019 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Open House | WRMC Campus February 28, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive SMC Clubhouse March 15, 2019 2:00 p.m. St. Patty’s Party w/ Bagpiper SMC Rickly Auditorium

Wadsworth Lodge was chartered in 1867 and is located in the 20th Masonic District near the junction of I-71 and I-76. Today it has just over 160 members, and what it gives up in size, it more than makes up in member engagement and community activities. Currently, Worshipful Master Matthew Abbey leads a Lodge that has no Past Masters in line. When asked how they manage this, WB Pertee says the past masters support the Lodge officers, but they also know how to get out of the way and let today’s Lodge leaders lead. To be active and make a commitment to be a Lodge officer, a member needs to feel like his interests are supported and that he makes a difference. To achieve this, every member must be able to ask his Lodge brothers for help and support, be it a public charity, community project, or local youth group. Today, Wadsworth Lodge is fully engaged in the local community. Recently, the Lodge hosted a speaker on Human Trafficking and opened the talk up to the public. In the past, they have done similar sessions with financial planning. They support Toys for Tots and help with a Salvation Army soup kitchen. Each month the Lodge holds a public breakfast with proceeds going to support a local Lodge scholarship. They also provide space and support to the local Rainbow and Job’s Daughters. Recently, they allowed a young woman to do a landscaping project on Lodge property for her Girl Scouts Gold Award, which is similar in stature to the Eagle award in Boy Scouts. Each year the Lodge also participates in the local Blue Tip Festival. Wadsworth was the home of the Ohio Match Company and Blue Tip Matches. Today, when the town holds its annual festival, Wadsworth Lodge can be found marching in the local parade, a visible part of the community. To emphasize this connection, the Lodge has incorporated the blue tip match into the compasses of its Lodge pin. Member engagement, public services, and community involvement: the blueprint for success at Wadsworth Lodge No. 385.

March 20, 2019 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Open House | WRMC Campus March 21, 2019 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. One More Time Swing Band SMC Rickly Auditorium April 11, 2019 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Open House | WRMC Campus May 22, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive SMC Clubhouse June 9, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ohio Masonic Home Day SMC Campus June 15, 2019 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 3rd Annual Food Truck Rally SMC Campus All events are open to the public. For more information contact Dan Shirk at 937-926-4305 or email at dshirk@ohiomasonichome.org WINTER 2019

15

T H E

O H I O

BEACON

2655 W. National Rd. Springfield, OH 45504-3698 www.theohiobeacon.com

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Welcome

to

YOUR Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center! Meet Your Liaison

The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center offers aid to those in need, as well as information on aging and referral to services. We have Liaisons located across the state! • Connection to any of the OMH campuses and our trusted partners • Connection to products that help you maintain your independence • Connection to benefits • Coordination with Fraternal organizations • Emergency Assistance Program • Financial Assistance Program for those that qualify • Masonic Volunteer and Ambassador Programs • Service coordination and referrals • Widow’s Program

How to Contact the Resource Center: Call toll-free 1-877-881-1623 or visit www.omhresourcecenter.org

Samantha Loy Director, OMH Resource Center

Millie McNeal Raquel Flanigan Becky Cason

Financial Assistance Coordinator

Melissa Hirn-Pulliam

South Central Ohio Resource Center Liaison & Community Outreach Manager

NW Ohio Resource SW Ohio Resource Center Center Liaison Liaison & Widow’s Program Coordinator

DeAnna Kinney

SE Ohio Resource Center Liaison & MVP Program Coordinator

Jesse Pertee

NE Ohio Resource Center Liaison & Ambassador Program Coordinator

Did you know that YOU can submit articles that may print in The Beacon? Stories that promote Freemasonry or that your Brothers may find interesting are welcome for consideration. If you would like to submit, stories and photos can be sent to Douglas Kaylor, PGM, Program Coordinator at The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio. Email: dkaylor@glohio.com. You may also submit by mail: One Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504. Submitted stories will reviewed and possibly printed in future editions of The Beacon.