District Christmas Get Together

Every year around Christmas, several of the leaders from the 3rd District get together for an informal dinner. Last night we met at the Marion's by the Dayton Mall. It is an informal night which gives us an opportunity to talk about many topics with none of  them being deep discussions but rather a nice break to get ready to head into the busy part of the Inspection season.

My Travels Week of 1/1

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 1/1

• Saturday 5      6th District Springfield Inspection Chapter
• Saturday 5      6th District Shawnee Inspection Chapter at Springfield
• Saturday 5      3rd District Wilmington Inspection Chapter
• Sunday 6        York Rite Cooperation Meeting

Week of 1/7

• Tuesday 8       17th District Kent Inspection Chapter
• Wednesday 9   9th District Wakeman Inspection Chapter
• Thursday 10     8th District Chapter School at Sylvania
• Saturday 12      4th District Chapter School at ET Carson Cincinnati

Weather Delays

WOW ...snow was predicated and actually came over the past few days and delayed or cancelled a few activities...it has been a while since I can remember that happening. More is predicated in the upcoming week but hopefully, I can stick to my schedule for the rest of the winter months...

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas
From the Shaw Family to Your Family .... 
Jeff, Pam and Laura
 

The Importance of Timing

Today once again pointed out the importance of timing as I called to take care of a reservation and was told I was probably calling at just the right time as someone else called yesterday about the same venue but were waiting until today to make the reservation. Often the best of plans are useless due to the timing. A few years back I had a dinner planned with more than 100 reservations. An unplanned snow storm cut the crowd attending down to around 40. With this in mind, it is often a good thing to include timing into our planning when possible. When planning a major event it is good to discuss with all Masonic bodies of their plans for this day. Otherwise, you might end up with your members having to choose which event they will attend and usually this will negatively affect both events. When planning to make a procedural change the timing is also often critical. A few years back in Canada they were looking at changing the tax rates for all business on July 1st. The problem was the election deciding the rate change was on June 30th; definitely not enough time for business to react. While there will always be those things which cannot be accounted for when planning, when possible, timing should be an item which is not overlooked.

3rd District School - PM Degree

Today was our Royal Arch School at West Carrollton with around 30 in attendance. The speaker on the PM degree was REC Greg Clatterbuck. They always hold a breakfast here open to the public, prior to the school which really makes it a good place to meet. With this being around the holidays, several had other conflicting activities and meetings. Our Chapter School Chairman, Don Wilcox, continues to a good job setting up new speakers. MEC Jerry Crawford, PGHP, was also present.

Official Announcement From Grand High Priest

It is with deep regret and sadness that I must announce that Right Excellent Companion Ralph M. Curtiss, Grand Royal Arch Captain, succumbed on December 6, 2012 to the serious health issues he has been battling. The Grand Chapter extends our deepest condolences to his wife Margaret and the entire family. We pray that they may find comfort in the assuring words of the Supreme Grand High Priest of the Universe that beyond this temporary, mortal world of tears, there exists an eternal New World of peace and happiness. We are indeed grateful for Ralph’s loyal and dedicated service to this Grand Chapter. Ralph will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. So mote it be.

 

Due to Ralph’s passing, a vacancy has occurred among the Grand Officers and pursuant to Article 4, Section 10 of the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio, the following actions have occurred: I have separately and independently received and accepted the resignations of: J. Keith Green, Grand Master of the Third Veil Ross R. Black II, Grand Master of the Second Veil H. Jeffery Shaw, Grand Master of the First Veil John H. Donohoo, Grand Marshal

 

Due to each resignation, I then appointed the following companions to fill the respective vacant office as they occurred: J. Keith Green, Grand Royal Arch Captain Ross R. Black II, Grand Master of the Third Veil H. Jeffery Shaw, Grand Master of the Second Veil John H. Donohoo, Grand Master of the First Veil Daniel A. Smith, Grand Marshal

 

I will install each of these officers as soon as practical during my travels. For Regional Officer assignments, I have deemed it most expedient for all officers to retain their assignments as they existed prior to these officer changes. John H. Donohoo will assume the duties of Region B (Districts 2, 7 and 10).

 

Rest assured I have given serious consideration in this matter and am making my decision on what is in the best interest in the future direction of this Grand Chapter. I have a long-range vision of where Capitular Masonry needs to be in the future and what action is required to get us there. In a plan of revitalization, a return to the basics and to our core values, I am committed to real goals and real achievements and all decisions and appointments are made with that thought in view. All team members, including the new appointments, are of that same mindset. They believe in a return to ritualistic excellence, a strong Masonic education program and a vigorous membership development program. The status quo is no longer sufficient to meet today’s challenges. I am selecting leaders with a proven track record who possess the skillset necessary to both plan and implement a program for success. In so doing, we are assembling a Grand Family Team that will indeed accomplish these goals for years to come and insure our future, which I trust is the bottom line objective of each member of this Grand Family.

 

Given under my hand and seal of the Grand High Priest on December 11, 2012.   

Donald W. Owens Grand High Priest

 

Difficult Day

Today was a sad day as I attended the viewing for REC Ralph Curtis. While I just joined the official line a couple of months back I've known Ralph for a while, especially through my travels to the 11th District as MEC George Shell was traveling through the Grand Line. Ralph was one who could get along with everyone and even during his illness would take every opportunity possible to support Chapter with his time and talents. He will be missed.

My Travels Week of 12/10 Through the End of the Year

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 12/10

• Saturday 15     3rd District Chapter School at West Carrollton

Week of 12/17 & 12/24 - TBD

Obituary for REC Ralph Curtiss

Obituary for Ralph Michael Curtiss

Ralph Michael Curtiss, 68, of Alexandria, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2012 at Kendal at Granville. He was born January 26, 1944 in Portsmouth, Ohio; the oldest son to the late Ralph and Dorothy Curtiss.

Ralph was a 1962 graduate of Clay H.S. and received his B.S. from Franklin University. He retired from AEP after 33 years. He was currently Grand Royal Arch Captain of Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, Past Master Blendon Lodge No. 339, Past High Priest Horeb Chapter No. 3, Past Illustrious Master Zabud Council No. 99, Past Commander Mt. Vernon Commandery No. 1, Knight of York Cross of Honor. Member Scottish Rite of the Valley of Columbus, St. Lukes Commandery No. 34, Lafayette Conclave No. 50, Red Cross of Constantine, Kilwinning Council No. 62, Frank A. Nicklaus Council No. 208 A.M.D, and the Alive Vineyard of Licking County Church. Ralph was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a true outdoorsman; avid in hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and woodworking.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Judy (Ronnie) Hall. Ralph will be missed by his loving wife of 46 years, Margaret; son, Lawrence Michael (Ronda) Curtiss; grandchildren, Cassady, Carly, and Chase Michael; siblings, Sandra Fields, Patrick (Linda) Curtiss, Sue (Dean) McCleese, Rhonda Gail (Barry) Moore, and John (Carolynne) Curtiss; and dear friends Jim (Linda) Carr.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna, where family will receive friends Monday, December 10, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Masonic service beginning at 7 p.m. Private family burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ralph’s memory to OMH Memory Care Campaign, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504. To share memories of Ralph, visit www.schoedinger.com.

Cards to Margaret Curtiss, 8198 Jug St., Alexandria, OH 43001.

Twin Valley #240 Chapter Inspection

Tonight was the Most Excellent Master Inspection for Twin Valley Chapter located in Farmersville in my District. This is the home Chapter for Earl C. Gifford Recipient George Goad, PDDGHP REC Robert Oldfather and PGHP MEC George Shell and of which were present. It is also the home Chapter for PDDGM Rodger Caplinger 33 and Mac Polston 3rd District President who were also assisting the Chapter this evening. They did a nice job on the degree work but then what should I expect when the degree director was MEC George Shell. There was also a nice turnout at the Inspection and they were able to increase the attendance of both their PHP's and overall Twin Valley members from the Inspection of last year. We held a moment of silence for the passing of REC Ralph Curtiss Grand Royal Arch Captain who we learned today passed away early this morning after a courageous battle over the past few years with cancer. This is our last Inspection in the 3rd District until after the first of the year though we do still have a School of Instruction left on Saturday the 15th.

Eaton Chapter 22 Inspection

Tonight was the Mark Master Inspection for Eaton Chapter in my District. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it for dinner (if you ever attend their Inspection consider coming to their dinner as it is great). We were please to have District Deputy Grand Master Bryan Worley (who is also a member of this Chapter) present along with three Past Grand High Priests. MEC Steve Duncan, MEC George Shell along with a Past Grand High Priest of Florida (he is also a Past Prior of Florida and was King of Eaton Chapter in 1969 before being transferred to Florida for work). The State President for High 12, Rollin Furnas was also present.The turnout was good but unfortunately the person who does the lead part, was able to be present so REC Robert Oldfather did a nice job substituting. Normally this part is done by REC Norm Lincoln who fell and broke 4 ribs last week and is in some pain but home taking mediation for the pain.

King Cyrus #207 Inspection

Tonight was the Inspection for King Cyrus Chapter in the 10th District in Loudonville Ohio. This is actually the first time I have been to this temple (which is rare to have a new temple which I have not been in before to go to). It is a very nice temple and well kept. (I tried to capture the ceiling in a picture as I thought it was unique as it was illuminated. The Chapter is also very active so I'm guessing the Lodge is also since it is definitely off the beaten path. I'll have to make arrangements to soon return for a Lodge Inspection. Tonight the degree was in the Royal Arch and the High Priest did several of the major parts including the journey and overall it was a good degree and they exalted 2 new younger (in their 20's or 30's) members. Unfortunately, REC Robert Blankenhorn was unable to be here as his wife came down ill and MEC Robert Crabbs was also home with his wife who was having some health issues.

My Travels Week of 12/3

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 12/3

• Monday 3      10th District King Cyrus Inspection Chapter at Loudonville
• Wednesday 5  3rd District Eaton Inspection Chapter
• Thursday 6      3rd District Twin Valley Inspection Chapter

Week of 12/10

• Saturday 15     3rd District Chapter School at West Carrollton

A Week of Travels in Pictures

  

Crowd and Chapter Room
at Upper Sandusky



Grand High Priest Banner in the East
 at Upper Sandusky

  

 

 

  

  

Room at Zanesville in Thursday

  

Room at Zanesville of Thursday





Keystone in Wooster made

from marble leftover from for

President William McKinley crypt

when he died



Socializing at Wooster

  

Preparing for the Degree at Wooster





Cast at Hicksville Chapter

 

Wind Turbine saw on way to Hicksville

 



Workers at Xenia

 

Cast at Xenia

Xenia 36 Inspection

After finishing in Hicksville, I quickly got back on the road for the three hour ride back to Xenia Chapter for their Inspection in my District. They were inspected in the Mark Master Degree and it was the first Inspection for our new District Deputy REC Greg Clatterbuck. The attendance was better than the first two Inspections in the district though the weather and conflicting activities still interfered some with the attendance. Friendship Chapter was out in force as their High Priest PGHP Steve Duncan accepted the traveling award.

Hicksville 177 Chapter Inspection

Today I attend the Inspection of Hicksville in the 1st District in the Most Excellent Master Degree. The candidate is getting used to Inspections as he has received two of his three degrees at Inspections and is slated for the Royal Arch at Inspection next month. Imagine that a candidate with almost perfect attendance at Inspections. REC Ken Crouch was the guest Inspector since Hicksville is the home Chapter for the District Deputy Ernie Longberry. Attendance was down a little as many had already headed over to Newark for the Grand Illustrious Master Reception this evening.

Wooster Chapter 27 Inspection

Tonight I was back in the 10th District for Inspection at Wooster in the Royal Arch Degree. The interesting part was the High Priest is blind though you would have never known with the quality of the ritual work he performed. There were many distinguished guests including PGHPs Himmelright and Shell. Current Grand Officers in addition to myself present were Grand King Bob Thomas, Grand Chaplain Chester Burton, Grand Marshall John Donohoo, Grand Aid Robert May and REC Bob Blankenhorn was the guest Inspector for the evening. Please keep in your prayers our Grand High Priest who has been I'll this week and especially REC Ralph Curtis. He and his family definitely need our prayers. Oh and on the way home I went deer hunting again as I saw a BIG buck and small doe but luckily for me (and them) I was able to avoid going deer hunting with my car!

Zanesville Chapter 9 Inspection

Tonight Zanesville Chapter in the 14th District performed the Most Excellent Master Degree and their High Priest Aaron French did several major parts and did a great job on each part. The candidate was the same one who Monday received his PM Degree. REC Chester Burton Grand Chaplain and REC John Donohoo Grand Marshal were also present. Past Grand High Priest Alan Hart, Past Grand Illustrious Master Pat Lively and Past Grand Commander Frank Boner were also in attendance.In all the attendance for the evening was good and I think the candidate is now looking forward to the Royal Arch Degree.

Middletown Chapter 87 Inspection

Tonight was a close to home inspection as Middletown is in my home District, the 3rd. They had one candidate for the Mark Master Degree and also presented a 50 YR pin to Joe Atkinson. Past Grand High Priest and current High Priest of Friendship Chapter MEC Steve Duncan was also present and accepted the traveling award for the most Companions at the Inspection on behalf of Friendship Chapter. It is nice to once in a while return home on the same day you leave to attend an inspection.

Almost Some Fun During Deer Hunting Season

Well .... normally I wouldn't include the occasional close call when driving but tonight I thought I was in a car commercial (you might have seen it on TV with the car stopping for Santa's reindeer). As I was driving down ST RT 68 south towards home and the fog started rolling across the road. It seemed almost a little surreal. As I was looking down the road, I saw the reflectors in the center of the road up to a point and then they stopped, so I quickly slowed from the 55 MPH speed limit to around 25 MPH. Good thing I did as right there in the middle of the road in front of me were 2 very large deer. Since I had slowed down, I was able to quickly stop and wait for them to exit the roadway. Deer hunting season with a car is never fun!

McCutcheon Chapter Inspection

What a nice evening for a drive to Upper Sandusky in the 7th Capitular District today. McCutcheon Chapter portrayed the Mark Master Degree on a candidate this evening. PGHPs Joe Worthington and Jim McDonald were also present in addition to the Grand High Priest MEC Don Owens and his Grand Aides Robert May and James Brooks. I'm especially glad to return to Upper Sandusky as it is one of the locations in Ohio which still has an active DeMolay Chapter. The Loose family left a huge mark on Ohio DeMolay with the only Past International Master Councilors, one of the few Executive Officers to served DeMolay and another Past State Master Councilor who served while I was EO and whose father was also active with DeMolay on all levels.

Warren #6 Chapter Inspection at Newark

Tonight was the Chapter Inspection for Warren Chapter #6 of the 14th District in Newark. They did  a very nice job of the Past Master Degree but more importantly was the attention in which the candidate gave to the degree. I don't think I have ever seen a candidate more intense about trying to get every little piece of the PM Degree. And when it came time for questions, he was asked some difficult ones and had all the right answers. They had representatives from all the York Right bodies with a District Deputy Grand Master, District Deputy Grand High Priest, Grand Officers from Chapter and Council along with a Past Grand Commander.

My Travels Week of 11/26

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 11/26

• Monday 26        14th District Warren Inspection Chapter at Newark
• Tuesday 27          7th District McCutcheon Inspection Chapter at Upper Sandusky
• Wednesday 28    3rd District Middletown Inspection Chapter
• Thursday 29       14th District Zanesville Inspection Chapter
• Friday 30           10th District Wooster Onspection Chapter
• Saturday 1            1st District Hicksville Inspection Chapter
• Saturday 1            3rd District Xenia Inspection Chapter

Week of 12/3

• Monday 3           10th District King Cyrus Inspection Chapter at Loudonville
• Wednesday 5       3rd District Eaton Inspection Chapter
• Thursday 6           3rd District Twin Valley Inspection Chapter

Happy Turkey Day

Chapter Inspections Athens & Logan at Logan

Tonight, I went to a dual Inspection at Logan with Logan Chapter doing the Mark Master Degree and then Athens Chapter doing the Past Master Degree. REC Dennis Barlow was the guest Inspector for Logan Chapter since this is the 13th District Deputy REC Rodney Carr's home Chapter. The Grand Marshal of Grand Council, Matthew Schetter, did a couple of the major parts. PGHP Don Lossaso was also present.

Franklin Chapter #24 Inspection in Troy

Tonight was the Inspection for Franklin Chapter in the Most Excellent Master Degree. This is fairly significant since just a few years back the Chapter was ready to give up their Charter and was really only able to perform the Mark or Past Master for Inspection. Tonight they had a good crowd of members from Franklin #24 present and performing the work. Per the Chapter, it was a Grand Master's One Day Class which saved the Lodge and the Chapter meeting in Troy. The Grand High Priest, Don Owens and Grand Aide, James Brooks were also both present. PGHP George Shell was in attendance as well.

My Travels Week of 11/19

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 11/19

• Monday 19        3rd District Franklin Inspection Chapter
• Tuesday 20       13th District Athens & Logan Inspections Chapter at Logan

Week of 11/26

• Monday 26      14th District Warren Inspection Chapter at Newark
• Tuesday 27        7th District McCutcheon Inspection Chapter at Upper Sandusky
• Wednesday 28  3rd District Middletown Inspection Chapter
• Thursday 29     14th District Zanesville Inspection Chapter
• Monday 30      10th District Wooster Inspection Chapter
• Saturday 1          1st District Hicksville Inspection Chapter
• Saturday 1          3rd District Xenia Inspection Chapter

Grand Commander's Reception

Tonight was the Grand Commander's Reception in the Youngstown area. I was really interested in reading the Grand Commander's bio since I'm usually one of the younger persons present but tonight found out our Grand Commander is two years younger than I am (as also is our Grand Master). The part thought that made me feel older was when I read he was joining the Comnandery when I was Commander of Valley Commandery. They had a nice dinner and the program was very entertaining. We had several representing our Grand Chapter including line officers MEC Don Owens,  REC Robert Thomas, REC Robert Blankenhorn and myself along with several District Deputies and Past Deputies..

3rd District School of Instruction

This morning was our first school of instruction for the year. It was on the Mark Master degree and it was encouraging to see a few junior officers present though we need as many junior officers as possible to help them determine how to do the ritual correctly.There was a lot of interaction and questions during the session. Our non-ritual interpretation portion was done by the 1VP for the third district.Our School Chairman is REC Don Wilcox who continues to provide excellent direction for the school.

My Travels Week of 11/12

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 11/12

• Monday 12   9th District Oberlin Inspection Chapter
• Saturday 17  3rd District School of Instruction
• Saturday 17  Grand Commander's Reception

Week of 11/19

• Monday 19   3rd District Franklin Inspection Chapter
• Tuesday 20  13th District Athens & Logan Inspections Chapter at Logan

Oberlin 219 Chapter Inspection

Tonight was the Inspection for Oberlin Chapter on the Mark Master degree. It was an exciting night as they had 5 candidates. In addition the Grand High Priest and his entourage were traveling with him.I also heard another Chapter in the Ninth District may have as many as 12 new candidates being brought in very soon. Things just might be looking up. I was also encouraged by the level of ritual work performed and the GHP, MEC Don Owens, must have also been impressed as he passed out three pins for ritual proficiency.

A Little Bit of a Twist

While I might not usually include here (but rather on my Shrine BLOG) information about Shrine activities where I am specifically representing the Shrine as Potentate, tonight was the Annual Inspection for Azizah 57 Daughters of the Nile from Antioch Shrine Temple. The Queen is none other than Doris Crawford, the wife of PGHP Jerry Crawford. I had to tell everyone the reason Doris has been getting such great service this year at Antioch..... I told the building manager Doris was my mother. The Supreme Queen attends all 142 Inspections throughout the US and Canada along with all 22 of the Hospitals. She has been on the road every date since June 30th and it will take approximately 9 months for her to attend all 142 DON groups along with all 22 Shrine Hospitals. And many think attending 5 Chapter Inspections in a year is allot!

Tuscarawas Chapter 38 Inspection

Tonight was the Chapter Inspection of Tuscarawas Chapter in New Philadelphia in the PM degree. This is the home Chapter of PGHP John Gartrell who presided over the degree work for the evening. Also in attendance was REC Ross Black, Grand Master 2nd Veil and DDGHP of the 14th District, Dennis Barlow. This Chapter features many very dedicated members and during the past year the had no loss in membership and even performed the degrees multiple times. For a Chapter from a smaller areas, they are very active.

Wauseon #111 Chapter Inspection

Last Night, Past Grand High Priest George Shell and myself travelled north to the town of Wauseon for their annual Chapter Inspection.Unfortunately. the High Priest had a case of walking pneumonia but the doctor allowed him to attend this evening and he also presided over the Mark Master Degree. The Grand High Priest (Don Owens), Grand Marshal (John Donohoo) and Grand Chaplain (Chester Burton) were also present. They did a good job of the degree work and three persons were honored by the Grand High Priest for their ritual work and devotion to the Chapter (Pictured below with Grand High Priest). As we left, we were delayed for about an hour as unfortunately one of the gentleman attending came a little too close to my car and hit the drivers door. Luckily, as good Masons should do, we swapped information and will let the insurance company worry about it!

Membership

Membership is probably our most important topic. One of the biggest aspects of Membership which we overlook and is really within our control is retention. Most people don't view retention as part of membership but it might be the most important part. Right now we have a good story to tell to get folks to join but what do we have to offer at the Chapter level to keep them coming back? Are stated meetings and ritual work the only events to attend? Does your Chapter hold (either jointly with other Masonic groups or individually) real social activities. I'm not talking about Installations or similar events where we invite the ladies but really don't involve them or they are still formal activities, but rather something just for fun. Also when did you last hold a fund raiser or charity event to raise money? We have to provide a reason to remain a member or our efforts to get new members will be in vain.

My Travels Week of 11/5

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 11/5

• Wednesday 7 1st District Inspection Wauseon Chapter
• Thursday 8 18th District Inspection Tuscarawas Chapter

Week of 11/12

• Monday 12   9th District Oberlin Inspection Chapter
• Saturday 17  3rd District School of Instruction
• Saturday 17  Grand Commander's Reception

KYCH Meeting

Today was the KYCH Meeting in Hamilton and the Grand Chapter was well represented by those Grand Officers who are KYCH's. Dennis Wilhelm was elected the new Prior to replace Lynn Chadbourne who is the outgoing Prior. Don Owens and Bob Thomas from Grand Chapter were elected Prelate and Sentinel respectively. We had 26(correction from earlier reported number) new Knights invited (including Grand Chapter Officer J. Keith Green) to become KYCH's. As I sat here today it reminded me of almost 20 years ago when I got my KYCH... man I must be old!

Mansfield 28 Chapter Inspection

Tonight I journeyed up I-71 to Mansfield and the 10th District to their Chapter Inspection. REC Bob Blankenhorn was in the cast this evening as this is his Chapter. MEC Robert Crabbs was in attendance as well along with their Regional Officer Ralph Curtiss. The Chapter portrayed the Most Excellent Master Degree for a new candidate. The new District Deputy, Lew Fleege, and new District Education Officer, Ron Horne, both performed like old pros. The High Priest was a Senior DeMolay, Dave Dauterman, who is a Past State Scribe.

Fayette MKM Lodge Inspection

 

Tonight at Jeffersonville was the Mark Lodge Chapter Inspection in the 5th District. MEC Jean Justice and REC Keith O'Dell were both present in addition to the Grand High Priest Don Owens. Traveling with Don was Jim Brooks, Grand Aide, and Chester Burton, Grand Chaplain. They had two candidates for the Mark Master Degree and this is the fifth year this Mark lodge has been open. GHP Don Owens also passed out his first Ritual Excellence Award. Also Thursday there will be a change in my schedule as due to a work conflict I will be attending Delaware Chapter Inspection instead of Grand River.

My Travels Week of 10/29

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 10/29

• Tuesday 30 5th Jeffersonville MkM Lodge Inspection
• Thursday 1 20th District Inspection Grand River Chapter
• Friday 2     10th District Inspection Mansfield Chapter
• Saturday 3  KYCH Meeting at Hamilton
• Sunday 4    Individual Planning Meetings Chapter

Week of 11/5

• Wednesday 7 1st District Inspection Wauseon Chapter
• Thursday 8  18th District Inspection Tuscarawas Chapter
 

Grand Family & Grand High Priest Reception

Today was the Grand Family Meeting in Loveland followed by the Statewide Grand High Priest Reception. Many items were covered during the Grand Family Meeting but the main topics which kept reoccurring were presenting the Peculiar Stone Degree and focusing on Chapter membership improvement. In addition, we got to see Dale Ray more enthusiastic than the past 20 years. I think it was contagious as he helped to get several persons pumped up about membership. The Grand High Priest featured the normal introductions, speeches and dinner but we had an added treat of the McGovern Irish Dancers performing tonight.

Miami Valley York Rite College

Tonight was the York Rite College meeting in Lebanon. The York Rite College is an invitational organization which requires membership in the Royal Arch Chapter. Our current Governor is Kermit Zimmerman who is a Past Grand High Priest. We brought in seven new members. The York Rite Colleges were just reinstituted in Ohio in 2000 when MWB Jack Allen approved them to be reestablished. Their purpose is to assist the York Rite and our College had established a list of ritual performers from the York Rite with the degrees they perform.

Sandusky Chapter Inspection

Sandusky 72 Chapter Inspection was held tonight in the Mark Master degree with two candidates. They did some good work on the evening and around 35 were in attendance. The High Priest seemed very enthusiastic about Chapter and there were several 50+ year members in attendance. It was also good to see several Chapters traveling many of which had their High Priest present. The part I liked best though was since I got there a little early I was able to go the two blocks north to the lake and watch the sunset.

Haly Chapter Inspection

Tonight was the Chapter Inspection for Haly Chapter in the First District. The Grand High Priest was present along with several of his traveling team. Ernie Longberry, the new District Deputy, had his first Inspection tonight. He is very enthusiastic about trying to "make something happen" in the First District. The degree was the PM degree so luckily it was a short degree since the drive was a long one and tomorrow will also be a long drive on my way to Sandusky for their Inspection.

4th District Meeting and DDGHP/DEO Installation

Tonight was the 4th District Installation of their new DEO, Dan Vinson, and new DDGHP, Ron Hart. Afterwards they conducted the business of the 4th District. They definitely had a good number of past leaders from the district present, I believe to show their support for the new Grand High Priest, Don Owens who they are very proud (As they should be!).

My Travels Week of 10/22

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 10/22

• Monday 22 4th District Meeting and DDGHP Installation ... at Mariemont Lodge
• Tuesday 23 1st District Inspection Haley Chapter
• Wednesday 24 9th District Inspection Sandusky Chapter
• Thursday 25 York Rite College Meeting - Lebanon
• Saturday 27 Grand Family Meeting & Statewide Grand High Priest Reception ... at Loveland

Week of 10/29

• Tuesday 30 5th Jeffersonville MkM Lodge Inspection
• Thursday 1 20th District Inspection Grand River Chapter
• Friday 2 10th District Inspection Mansfield Chapter
• Saturday 3 KYCH Meeting at Hamilton
• Sunday 4 Individual Planning Meetings Chapter

Chapter Reaffirmation Day

Today I attended the 3rd District Reaffirmation Sunday where around 30 Companions and ladies attended a very nice service and there was a good donation amount collected for Adopt America. After the meeting, those in attendance enjoyed refreshments. As a reminder they announced some changes to the inspection schedule: Xenia at 2 PM, Lebanon now Jan 14th, Palmyra now April 11th.

Grand Lodge Ohio

Today I went to Grand Lodge to represent Grand Chapter at the Grand Lodge session in Akron, Ohio. As normally happens with Grand Lodge, there were a number of introductions and important pieces of legislation. Today we will also elect our new Grand Lodge officers. In talking to many at Grand Lodge there was definitely a central theme which I think all agree which is we love Masonry and realize to see it grow and prosper some changes are inevitable. While change is sometimes painful and often not popular with some, we all believe some of the best ideas anywhere can be found through Masonic discussions. While I will only be able to be at Grand Lodge today, I'm excited to be able to participate.

9th District Ritual School

Tonight I ventured north to J A Meacham Chapter in Milan in the 9th District. It was their stated nesting and Ritual School. JA Meacham has the smallest membership in the State but they have some dedicated Masons working to keep them open. Dwight Damschroder, the DEO, put on a great interactive program and I don't think there was anyone who didn't learn at least one thing tonight. I came away very excited at the prospects for positive change in the 9th District. In addition, the District Deputy Herb Smith is working closely with the Chapters and had set up two series of Inspections at the individual Chapters which will allow candidates to progress in their degree work with top quality work but at a slower pace to allow them to absorb what they are learning. Milan is also the home town of Thomas Edison and this temple is located right on the town square.

Trinity Chapter Stated Meeting

Last Thursday, I  made my first official Masonic visit to my home Lodge Minerva #98 since being installed as Grand Master of the 1st Veil. Tonight I made my first official Chapter visit to my home Chapter Trinity #44 in Miamisburg. They were also doing the Mark Master and Past Master Degree on two candidates. We had a nice turnout of members and actually had persons on the sidelnes.

My Travels - Week 10/15

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do. I have been assigned to Region A which is the District 1, 8  & 9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This will be my first such list:

 

Week of 10/15

• Tuesday 16 Trinity Chapter Stated Meeting...my home Chapter
• Thursday 18 9th District Instruction Meeting at JA Meacham Chapter Milan
• Sunday 21 3rd District Reaffirmation Day & DDGHP Meeting.... at Waynesville Lodge

Week of 10/22

• Monday 22 4th District Meeting and DDGHP Installation ... at Mariemont Lodge
• Tuesday 23 1st District Inspection Haley Chapter
• Wednesday 24 9th District Inspection Sandusky Chapter
• Thursday 25 York Rite College Meeting - Lebanon
• Saturday 27 Grand Family Meeting & Statewide Grand High Priest Reception ... at Loveland
• Sunday 28 3rd District Officers Planning Meeting

Grand Commandery

Today was the Annual session for the Grand Commandery being held at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky Ohio. The Grand Master of the Grand Encampment was present, David Goodwin, from New York along with our own Grand Lodge Grand Master Kevin Todd. It was good to hear several Commanderies received awards for membership accomplishments. Hopefully it is a sign things are headed in the right direction. There was no new legislation to vote on so the activities of the day were fairly subdued.

Grand Chapter In Pictures