Busy Chapter Week

While it might not outwardly appear it was a busy week, I’ve had lots of behind the scenes work going on. Everything from setting dates for Grand Kings Programs, to dates for Grand High Priest Receptions in 2020, to making Grand Family and Grand Reception plans to actually working on the program for the Grand Kings presentations. In addition I’ve been finalizing Grand High Priest pin designs and distributing DEO information I obtained.

Khana Shahar Grotto

Tonight I was in Springfield so I attended the stated meeting for the Grotto in Springfield as they were meeting tonight. The covered the activities which occurred at the recent Supreme Meeting and discussed the Special Olympics. It was nice to hear a discussion on a subject which in Chapter we need to also be discussing which was how to increase publicity for the organization. 

Miamisburg 200th Anniversary Parade

Today was the closing activities all day for the 200th Miamisburg Celebration starting off with a parade. Our Lodge and several Shrines were involved along with a few hundred other participants. It was a nice day finished off with fireworks in the evening.

DeMolay International

Definitely a couple of very long days over the past couple days. Thursday, I started out before 6 AM headed to DeMolay International in Alexandria Virginia. As an Active Board member you are required to attend the yearly session. We had the opening session on Thursday and Friday was the business and voting session. After the meetings concluded on Friday around 5, I started the journey back home so I could be back for the closing activities of our cities 200th anniversary.

Ormus Grotto Stated

Tonight was our monthly Stated Meeting. Turnout was light but we got done all necessary business. which I’m glad because tomorrow I get up early to leave for DeMolay International in Alexandria, Va. Definitely a long drive.

Trinity Chapter Stated

From this past Saturday through this coming Saturday our Lodge is very involved with the activities of the 200th anniversary of Miamisburg. The mayor is even a member of our Lodge. The city is expecting well over 100,000 people for the events of the week. Pam and I are attending as many events as possible. Tonight we had candidate to vote on and an event with over 300 planned to attend sponsored by our Lodge at the same time, so we called a special as we have petitions to vote on. 

2nd District Chapter Reception

Well whoever decided not to come tonight missed out on a super evening. They held it at the Neil Armstrong Museum in Wapakonetsa and the entertainment was an expert on the space program who talked about the Gemini missions and their importance to U.S. space exploration. In addition, we had a great meal and were able to tour the entire museum in an exclusive after hours setting. They also handed out awards and the Grand High Priest Keith Green finished up with a short talk.

Grotto Supreme Meeting

Since the presiding officer was unable to attend the Supreme session in Indianapolis, I attended today to represent our Grotto. I had to get up around 5:30AM so I could drive over since I was just going for the day.  They had a nice turnout and I also attended the Secretaries luncheon. All the legislation was voted on today and the most controversial pieces were withdrawn. In the evening they bused us over to Sahara Grotto for dinner. They did an outstanding job since they planned to had about 250 come for dinner but had closer to 325. Their members provided what I thought was one of the best meals at a national meeting ever (and the price was also great) and we were able to get back so I could head home much earlier than I expected.

Trinity Chapter Installation

Tonight we had installation and remembrance ceremony for Richard Poore at my Chapter in Miamisburg. Our new High Priest is Denny Fitzgerald. We also had PGHP Steve Duncan in attendance. In addition we had at least 3 more who plan on continuing through line installed. 

Another Sad Day

Just before heading the Ohio Masonic Home Day I learned that Merlyn Meredith had passed away. While his Masonic titles and accomplishments were many, his real love was for DeMolay. He was always there for every DeMolay, Advisor, Governor and Executive Officer. He never missed a Conclave from the day he joined DeMolay through the Day he passed. He actually skipped getting a Masonic honor for a DeMolay Conclave and the next year I made sure the date was such for Conclave that he could receive the award. He amazed most everyone with his memory for introductions and his detailed paperwork, keeping track of all Masonic events. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Ohio Masonic Home Day

They had many events planned for today and the Grand Officers also had a meeting to ensure several necessary items where ready for Grand Chapter. Unfortunately the weather didn't completely cooperate and the parade had to be cancelled though most got to enjoy the activities planned for earlier in the day.

KYCH Meeting

Today was the quarterly KYCH meeting in Marysville where two new members were knighted. In addition the Grand Master General M.E. Bryce B. Hildreth was in attendance. They had a good attendance with 82 present. In addition the members doing the four lectures each did a good job.

Charlemange RCC

Tonight was our quarterly meeting or the Red Cross of Constantine in Columbus at the Brookside Country Club.  It was a nice night to be inside as the weather was not that great outside. We had a very nice dinner with the ladies and a very short meeting to cover any business we had for the future. It was nice to see Jim Buckingham and Robert Crabbs back out and about.

Larry B. Cornett Visitation

Today was a sad day as I attended the viewing for a PDDGM of our District and a Line officer in Scottish Rite who passed away this week at age 43. RWB Cornett was a Clearcreek Township police officer. He had a wife and two small kids he left behind and needless to say the viewing was attend ed by many Masonic and law officers in addition to family and friends.

Ft, Meigs Chapter Stated Meeting

Tonight I attended the Chapter election for this Chapter and also attended the Toledo Council meeting and Toledo Commandery meetings as they all met tonight to elect officers. They had a full slate in each elected and a couple of new potentials to be installed as soon as they complete their work. While I had left early to pick up a package in Michigan, I had to delay this as a two hour delay on the highway closed it on both sides for a long time and they had to route us off the highway. Luckily, I was able to get their in time to attend all three meetings after an extended delay off the highway. Grand Marshall for Grand Lodge, Steve Grindle. was also present as he is a Past High Priest from this Chapter.

Trinity Chapter Stated Meeting

Tonight was our annual meeting and official election of officers. Since our Secretary was going to be out of town for this meeting we had elected a temporary slate of officers at the last meeting but unfortunately one, who was going to serve as King, a Past High Priest, passed away the next day. Luckily, someone who is not a Past High Priest stepped forwarded and indicated he would be willing to assume the position and the best part is that his father also agreed to serve as Scribe since his son was going to be King and both agreed to progress in the line. Originally we were going to have to have a Past High Priest also serve as no one originally was wiling to assume the position. Now we have 3 new officers who have agreed to progress in the line.

Ohio Council of Deliberation

Last night I continued from Mansfield up to Independence Ohio near Cleveland and attended the OCD session for Scottish Rite Red Hat Dinner. A good friend of mine PDDGHP Greg Clatterbuck received it from the Valley of Dayton. Greg has been very active in all bodies which he belongs and in Scottish Rite has worked many years in the Robe Room.

Baku Grotto

Today I went to Mansfield to attend the Grotto Ceremonial. Prior to the event we had a nice dinner. Several Grottoes were present along with State Officers Dave McIntyre Sergeant at Arms and Mike Brumfield Sr. First Vice President. Also present where Grand Captain of the Guard Dave Korb and Executive Secretary Skip Moerch. They performed the full ceremonial on 9 candidates and had us on our way at a reasonable hour.