16th Dist. DDGHP Installation

The 16th District had a great DDGHP's installation Saturday night. It was at the Euclid Masonic Temple with Mount Olive #189 hosting the installation. Right Excellent Companion Donald R. Van Horn, Jr. was installed by Most Excellent Companion Charles J. McCarty assisted by Right Excellent Companions Gustav Stern, Jeffrey Addis, Russell Toll, Joel Curtis, Robert Childress. The job done by the entire installing team was excellent.

One of nice things about the night was the use of the youth groups. The Rainbow Assembly, here I must apologize as I did not get the Assembly name and number, had girls as greeters handing out candy bars, making sure everybody signed the guest book and distributing programs. The colors were presented by a combined group of DeMolay members. The flag lecture was given by State Master Councilor Robert Anderson in an absolutely fine manner. I thank Mt. Olive Chapter #189 for involving the youth groups in this program.

Attendance was great! I am guessing that there were between 80 and 90 in attendance. This included a number of past and present Grand Lodge Officers, past and present Grand Chapter Officers and the Grand Master of Masons in Ohio, Most Worshipful Brother Bradford A. Goebel.

Introductions were done after the installation and Most Worshipful Brother Goebel spoke for a few minutes and noted the spirit of co-operation between Symbolic Masonry and York Rite Masonry.

Another good night and 'til the next time.

10th Dist. Written Ritual

Last night I attended the 10th District's written ritual at Oriental Chapter #128 in West Salem. They did a review of the Past Master degree with REC Darrel Porter doing the reading of the degree.

The Royal Arch School was fairly well attended with 22 Companions present. This was one of the more active Schools of Instructions that I have attended over the years. There were many questions asked and some good suggestions made. The best way to learn from these schools is to have interaction and that this school certainly had.

REC Porter made sure to go over all the "fine print" in the ritual. He made sure everybody understood that a great deal of ritualistic mistakes are a reseult of the "fine print" being overlooked.

I would like to pass on a suggestion that was made. In the preparation room there should be a check list for each degree. This check list should show how the candidate is to be dressed and !what he should or should not have in his pockets or on his person. How many times have you seen a candidate dressed wrong or have something in his pocket that he should not have?

After the school we went to the dinning room for "light" refreshment of sloppy joes, chips, read velvet cake and punch. Great "light" refreshments!

'til the next time.

Not much going on!

It has been a quiet week. Tuesday was Julia and my O.E.S. meeting but at the last minute a family matter prevented us from going.

Last night was my stated Chapter meeting. We have a 1st time high priest and he is really trying to do a good job. It was very easy to see that he has been studying the RA opening. It was still a little rough, but really improved over the last meeting. We received a petition, did a little bit of business and had root beer floats after the meeting.

Today was Western Reserve Masonic Community's Board of Trustees meeting. There were two main topics. First it is great to report that WRMC is budgeting to be in the black again this year thus not requiring a draw on the endowment. Hats off to the President Jay Detorre and his staff. Second was a presentation by Tim Strawn concerning a major fund raiser that is coming. WRMC and Browning Masonic Community both have been approved for the addition of a dementia unit. Cost of both units is projected at 5.2 million dollars total. Information will soon be coming to all masonic bodies concerning the fund raiser. Please read the information, keep an open mind and thing about giving.

Now just a point of interest. On Thursday, November 4th, the Past Master degree is going to be portrayed at Silvercreek Chapter in Garrettsville. Everybody is invited. Now why am I talking about this degree? Because yours truly is going to be in the East. The Chapter put out a request for help and since it is in my District, I volunteered. It is a degree I enjoy doing.

MEC Jerry Crawford had hip or knee surgery, I can not remember which, and is in room 201, Mercy Siena The Woods, 235 W. Orchard Springs Drive, Dayton, OH 45415. Try and drop him a card.

'til the next time.

20th District DDGHP Installation

Today has been a good day. It started with 17th District Religious Reaffirmation at the First Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls. We had 29 Companions and Ladies present. After the service some of the Companions and Ladies went to lunch together. Julia and I headed to Willoughby for the installation of REC Thomas Johnson as DDGHP of the 20th District. REC Robert Thomas was the Installing Officer and REC Neal Forbes was the Installing Marshall. Attendance was a little sparse but we saw a nice ceremony. After the ceremony were retired to the dinning room for light refreshments.

'til the next time.

Sidney & St. Marys Inspections

Today was the inspection of Sidney Chapter #130 and St. Marys #51. Both were at the Sidney Masonic Temple. This is a magnificent Lodge as the pictures show. The furniture is old and in perfect condition. It was a pleasure to visit and watch two degrees done in good form.

The day started with a breakfast at 8:00 AM. Sidney portrayed the Mark Master at 8:30 AM and St. Marys the Past master at 11:00 AM.

EC Earl Dawson, Jr. opened the Mark Master in fine form. REC Jonnie Dickie took the east for the second section and did so in an excellent manner.

EC Jack Hollman opened the Past Master degree in fine form. EC Curtis Copeland took the east for the second section and did an excellent job.

The candidate for both degrees as Brother Kevin Fennig was the candidate for both degrees. If you look in the pictures you will see that Brother Fennig is wearing a walking boot. He recently broke 3 bones in his ankle with hiking. We thank him for being our Candidate under such adverse conditions.

This was a bittersweet day. It was supposed to be MEC Steve Oliver's inspection followed by his state-wide reception. After the Past Master degree I was given an opportunity to speak and before any remarks concerning the inspection I spoke about my Companion and friend Steve Oliver. Believe me, this was as hard as anything I have done in Masonry. I did not talk long because I was afraid of becoming too emotional. Other Companions also had problems as we talked about MEC. Oliver. We then held a moment of silence for him.

Some of you may be wondering why I address him as Most Excellent Companion Oliver. It is because at Grand Chapter he was made an Honorary Past Grand High Priest with the title of Most Excellent Companion. I was privileged to make the motion that was seconded by Most Worshipful Brother Terry Posey.

'til the next time

3rd District DDGHP Installaton

Tonight Julia and I attended the installation of the 3rd District DEO, Excellent Companion Fred E. Gallo, Sr. and DDGHP, REC Aaron E. Crawford. The installation was held at Friendship Chapter #245 in West Carrollton. The IO was REC George Shell, IMarshall was MEC Steve Duncan, I. Secretary was REC Donald Wilcox and I filled in for MEC Jerry Crawford as I. Chaplain. MEC Crawford is rehabbing after hip replacement.

The installation was open and there was a nice number of Ladies and Companions present. After the installation everybody retired to the dining room for light refreshments. All in all another nice night with wonderful Companionship.

'til the next time

Western Reserve Masonic Community

Brothers & Companions today was the meeting of Western Reserve Masonic Community's finance committee. Jay Detorre, WRMC President and I meet with John Clime, committee chair, at his bank in Bucyrus. The purpose was to set the budget for next year, which was done. It appears that WRMC will continue to operate in the black without a draw on the Foundation.

Also at the the meeting was Tim Strawn from the Springfield campus. A major fund raiser is about to begin for the purpose of securing funds for dementia units at both Browning and WRMC. Today Tim explained how it will work. As the campaign gets under way some of you may be called upon to act as volunteers.

Brothers these dementia units are desperately needed at both campus. At present when a resident develops dementia it is usually only a matter of time before they are required to move to a different facility. This is predicated on a safety factor. Neither campus has proper facilities to insure the safety of the resident. When a resident is required to move from either campus, the spouse will move to be with the husband or wife. To the dementia patient this move is dramatic and stressful.

When you receive the literature concerning the campaign, please read it and consider helping by volunteering or donating whatever you can toward the goal that will be established.

Tomorrow there will be no posting as Julia and I have a family matter to attend to. Friday night is the installation of the 3rd District DDGHP and Saturday is the inspection of Sydney and St. Mary's Chapters. Maybe I'll see you at one of these inspections.

'till the next time.

Clinton Chapter #26 Inspection

Last night 5 Grand Officers attended the inspection of Clinton Chapter #26. This was the first degree done in the Chapter's new apartments at the O.E.S. Home in Mt. Vernon. They had a little concern about how things would go because of the unfamiliarity of the room. The inspection was in the Most Excellent Master and their worry was unfounded. The degree was done in a very fine manner.

The arrival of so many Grand Officer, unannounced, was a little unnerving for the High Priest Larry Cullison but he survived the opening. The degree team did a nice job in both sections and we now have a new Most Excellent Master.

I had the occasion to present the first MEC Steve Oliver pin to REC Edwin Jackson who portrayed King Solomon in a excellent manner.

The five Grand Officers attending were:

James Himmelright, GHP

Robert Blankenhorn, GRAC

Ralph Curtiss, GM2V

George Nockengost, GM

William Young, GG.

This is my second inspection of the year and I'm pleased to say both were done very well. I hope that this continues.

Grand Lodge

Grand Lodge was in Dayton and began for me on Thursday evening. Julia and I attended a banquet for the DDGMs and honored guests. MWB Posey introduced the entire room but very quickly. Entertainment for the evening was Randy Ruggles. Brother Ruggles is from PA and is a member of the Valley of Pittsburgh.

Friday morning Grand Lodge was opened promptly at 8:30 PM. After the introduction of honored out of state guests all York Rite bodies were introduced. For the first time in years all Grand Officers were introduced. The most notable part of the morning was when MWB Posey explained his actions resulting in West Virginia withdrawing fraternal relations with Ohio. After the explanation a motion was made supporting MWB Posey's actions. The motion passed unanimously. After the vote a standing ovation was given MWB to again show support for his actions. Voting for next years Grand Lodge officers was done just prior to lunch at 12:15. Grand Lodge was opened again at 1:30 PM and the results of the election were announced with RWB Brad Gobel being elect next years Grand Master. Various awards were presented and the meeting was closed at approximately 4:00 PM. A banquet with about 500 in attendance was held at the Dayton Masonic Temple. Again there were no speeches and minimal introductions.
Entertainment was WB Norm Crosby is is also a 33rd degree mason.

Saturday business was completed and the new officers installed.

All in all it was a very nice Grand Lodge. Every thing was done on time and the meetings meet the published agenda.

The only problem was the hotel. Registration was a nightmare with some people waiting up to 3 hours to get a room. Julia and I waited 2 hours. It took us 35 minutes just to get the car parked. There were only two elevators and part of the time one of them was inoperable. Once you got past these problems the rooms were very nice.

Last item. There were hospitality rooms galore. There were various hot foods, cookies, fudge, snack meat, cheese and crackers and soft drinks. There was also an abundant amount of adult beverages including margaritas available.

Just Catching Up

Monday night was my Commandery's, Medina #84, stated conclave. We have a pot-luck dinner with the ladies prior to the conclave. The most important item of the meeting was the reading of the General Orders and starting to set a schedule for inspection practices.

Tuesday night was O.E.S, Medina #266, stated meeting. Two new members were initiated with the officers doing a very nice degree. We may joke about the introductions that are done at a O.E.S. meeting but nobody can say that the degree work, when done properly, is not a beautiful thing to watch or participate in.

Wednesday night was the inspection of Chagrin Falls Chapter #152. Excellent Companion Gustav (Gus) Stern and his officers did a fine job in opening Royal Arch in full form and portraying the Past Master degree for two candidates. This was Right Excellent Companion Don Van Horn's first inspection and he had 7 Grand Officers present. GHP, GPS, GM3V, GM2V, GMarsh, GTreas. and Grand Parlimentarian. I can not say enough about how your Grand Chapter officers travel! After the meeting we had some of the best bar-b-que sandwichs I have ever had. Great meeting, great refreshment and most importantly great Companionship.

Later today Julia and I will leave for Grand Lodge. Hopefull I will get some time to let you know how things are going there.

Companions, if you have not looked at MWB Posey's blog, please do so. He has comments about Grand Council, Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery and includes a great number of pictures. This Grand Chapter could not ask for a better friend than Most Worshipful Brother Terry Posey.

Hicksville #188 Rededication

Companions, today the Grand Officers had the honor of rededicating the apartments of Hicksville Chapter #188. Hicksville Chapter is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Lodge is upstairs over a hardware (I believe) and is beautifully maintained. The walls are painted with murals and and the furniture is excellent.

All of the Grand line, with the exception of the Grand Secretary and Tresurer were in attendance. We were informed that this was the most Grand Officers, Symbolic Lodge or Royal Arch, that had ever been in the Lodge at one time.

After the ceremony we were treated to refreshments of ham salad and home made vegetable soup. The ham salad was good but the vegetable soup was great.

Our Grand Guard, REC Bill Young, has never been in a vehicle that he could not sleep in and my van is no exception. Thankfully the seat belt kept him from falling out of his seat and hurting himself. According to Bill, he was just resting his eyes for a minute.

All in all it was a great day for a drive, a fine rededication and wonderful fellowship.

Adopt America Auction

Companions, on Friday night, October 8th, my wife and I had the opportunity to attend Adopt America's annual fund raising auction in Toledo. Also there with their wives were MECs Robert Crabbs, Wayne Dill and RECs George Shell and Robert Blankenhorn.

This is Adopt America's major fund raiser for the year and normally brings in $100 to $125,000. This year, for the first time, a car was raffled off. The auction was both a live auction and a silent auction with every thing from a black lab puppy to Ohio State/Michigan football game tickets for the high bidder.

Our purpose in attending was to present a check for $20,000 to Adopt America. On behalf of the Royal Arch Foundation, I wish to thank every Companion that donated to the Foundation and thus making our support of Adopt America such a great success.

What a Week

This past week was Grand Council at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Grand Chapter at the Roberts Center in Wilmington and then Grand Commandery in Columbus.

Pat Lively was elected as Most Illustrious Master of Royal and Select Masons, and John Clime as Grand Commander.

To get the flavor of Grand Chapter I suggest that you go to the Grand Chapter Web site and look at the pictures taken by EC Tom Ziegler. There are over 400 of them. On page 14 of the pictures you will see my hat which got a lot of laughs.

The most stirring thing to come from Grand Chapter was making REC Companion Steve Oliver an Honorary Past Grand High Priest. I was privileged to make the motion for this to happen. However it was the second of the motion that was memorable. Most Worshipful Brother Terry Posey made the second. He and Steve had been in line together in the Valley of Dayton and had been a speaker at Steve's funeral. The motion passed unanimously. Steve Olive shall be shown on the records of the Grand Chapter of Ohio as an Honorary Past Grand High Priest and under the title of Most Excellent Companion. I am also happy to say the Sue Oliver did attend the session at at the Grand Banquet was afforded a standing ovation.