Herman Lawrence Stated Meeting

Tonight was the stated meeting for my AMD Council and we had an excellent turnout of our members. In fact, almost all who weren’t there currently have health issues. We had a quick meeting and then had some good refreshments and fellowship. 

Greenville #77 Chapter Inspection

Tonight we headed north to Greenville (in my District) for Inspection in the Past Master Degree. We also made a stop at the world famous Maid Rite Restaurant prior to the Inspection. Unfortunately, the High Priest was in the Hospital so a visiting High Priest from the 2nd District sat in for part of the evening. They had an actual candidate and did a good job on the degree work. It was a short few years ago when this Chapter was talking merger and we worked with them to improve their situation. MEC Shell and Duncan were also in attendance along with both of my Grand Aides and Grand Marshall.

 

Fayette #4 MkM Lodge Inspection

REC Clatterbuck, EC Fitzgerald and myself travelled this evening to the Mark Lodge in Jeffersonvile for their Inspection. They started off with a great dinner and then proceeded with the Inspection. Unfortunately they didn't have a new candidate this evening but they were able to complete the Inspection. MEC Keith O'Dell was also there and doing a part, something I always expect if I'm attending degree work in the 5th District.

Friendship #245 Chapter Inspection

Tonight in West Carrollton they held their Inspection in the Past Master Degree. MEC George Shell and MEC Steve Duncan were both in attendance along with PGIM Campbell. Also present were Grand Marshall Greg Clatterbuck and Grand Guard Rick Bielecki along with Grand Aide Dennie Fitzgerald. They did a nice job with the work on two candidates. 

Returning Home From Yesterday Activities

Well everything is over from yesterday and now I got to go home and put everything away. I also had to traverse through and respond to several notes along with getting ready for the next set of 70 year awards and upcoming out of state travels. It was also my pleasure to present the 75 year award last night at the reception to a person I have know for about 30 years, Earl Gorsuch. Oh ... now can also refocus on Grand Chapter 2020 planning....

Grand Family Meeting/ Reception

Another busy day starting out at around 7 am getting ready for the Grand Family meetings. After Finance, Investment and Royal Arch Foundation meetings we headed into the regular Grand Family meeting. Today we had the normal reports but I changed it up a little by including some discussions including the DDGHPs and what we could do to help Chapters improve their own health. Several ideas were thrown out and the Grand officers will discuss at a later date which ones we might be able to implement. After we finished with the meetings and a few pictures, we headed to the Grand Reception. I thought it went well (except that Grand High Priest ... we couldn’t shut him up.... hahaha). After finishing ahead of schedule, we had a good hospitality room and everyone had a chance to really relax. A huge thank you goes out to all who made this a success.

Reception Prep

Tonight we packed stuff up to take to the Grand Family/Reception and headed to the hotel. We then went to dinner with the Clatterbuck’s and returned to empty out the van. It really was great that we are able to get some sleep tonight as tomorrow will be a big day.

Miami Valley York Rite College

Today started out by finalizing the Reception program for printing. Afterwaards spent lots of time making sure I was ready for my part tonight/ I then went to the York Rite College meeting and we brought in 6 new members. We also had the Grand Chancellor along with Grand Governors from Ohio and Florida. The best part is tonight was the first and last time I have to do this part. 

Khana Shahar Stated

I had some Masonic business to attend to last night in Springfield so I went to the stated Grotto meeting they had last night. In addition, the person I needed to talk with was at the meeting so I was able to accomplish two tasks with one visit. We also discussed some joint activities my Grotto May be having with Springfield. When I got home I had several dispensations waiting to be addressed (which I did) and also more work on the Reception on Saturday.

Work on Reception

Today I worked on finalizing introductions and various other things associated with the Reception Saturday. In addition, I spent the rest of the day preparing for our York Rite College Initiation on Thursday. I hate to have wait until the last minute to do anything but sometimes there are just things that can’t happen until the last minute.

Mt. Vernon #23 Chapter Inspection

After Pam and I spent a major part of the day finalizing the seating chart for the reception this weekend with Greg Clatterbuck and his wife, Greg Clatterbuck Grand Marshal, Dennie Fitzgerald Grand Aide and myself travelled to Portsmouth for an Inspection and also to pass out two 60 year recognitions and a 70 year plaque after a nice dinner. I also handed out the first Step-Up Award to the High Priest this evening as they had 7 candidates for the Mark Master Degree and did an excellent job of the degree with basically all their own Companions. (Not the greatest lighting in this room for pictures and if I get the pictures taken of the service awards presentation, I will post them also.)

MEC James McDonald Memorial/Reaffirmation Sunday

Today Pam and I travelled to Upper Sandusky for the memorial service for PGHP Jim McDonald. They had a very nice turnout and both the 7th & 11th District decided to use this as their Reaffirmation Day compliance which I authorized. Please remember all Chapter need to work with their DDGHPs to get a report to the Grand Chaplain of their compliance with this activity as soon after the event is held as possible.

Sad to Report

MEC Robert Blankenhorn passes away as did MEC Robert Crabbs wife Kathy. Details are pending for both. Please keep both families and the 10th Capitular District in your prayers for these major losses.

Final Day Grand Lodge

Today was the final day for Grand Lodge and we have a new Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother Keith Newton from the Wilmington Ohio. Marietta might be a nice place to visit but I glad I’m headed back home.

Grand Lodge Day 2

Today was the opening session for Grand Lodge and election of officers along with voting on issues.  I also got introduced as the GHP. This evening we had a nice entertainment.

Grand Lodge

Today was the VIP dinner night at Grand Lodge to acknowledge the DDGMs who served over the past year.  We heard from the youth and Eastern Star this evening and the GM introduced his family and some friends. We also had some good entertainment from the students in the music program at the University. We finished at a decent time to go to the hospitality tent for a while but since we need to get up at about 5:30, I’ll be heading off to bed soon. 

 

Ormus Grotto Stated Meeting

Tonight was the stated meeting and Inspection for our Grotto. We are a small Grotto in numbers but trying to make sure we do things the way they should be done and following the rules. In addition, after Grand Lodge we should have 2 of the 4 York Rite Presiding Officers from our Grotto (Both of which are Past Monarchs of our Grotto). 

Trinity Chapter Stated Meeting

Tonight was my first official visit at a local Chapter which happens to be my home Chapter. REC Rick Bielecki Grand Guard and REC Greg Clatterbuck were present along with EC Dennie Fitzgerald Grand Aide. They took me to the alter and received me as GHP. After the meeting we went down and had refreshments. There were 25-30 in attendance.

Valley Commandery Stated

Today started out with working for about 3 hours to finish the major part of the Reception program (formatting, spelling, content, etc.) Tonight was my Commanderies stated meeting but unfortunately it was also a Chapter degree night for some of our members so our attendance was limited. We did talk about a few things and then all went home.

Administrative work

Yesterday and today I worked on stuff for our Grotto Inspection Wednesday and the reception on 10/26. I am meeting tomorrow to discuss details for the program and next week to go over it with the MC. Oh and I have to go over my Governor part for the York Rite College on the 24th. Good thing I like to stay busy.

Officially Closing the Door on 2018-19

Travel totals for 2018-2019 were around 46,000 miles and 380 masonic related activities. This next year's pin and GHP theme will be Pathway to the Future. I'll have another post including some of the items for the upcoming year.

Grand Commandery

Today was the first time I was officially introduced as the Grand High Priest at an event outside of Grand Chapter. It was definitely an exciting feeling. I was also glad to be at a good friend of mine, Marty Trent's session as Grand Commander. And I got a picture of my long time friend Ted Korn.

Adopt America Banquet

Tonight I attended the annual Adopt America Banquet were I was able to present the check to them from the Grand Chapter of Ohio for $25,000 dollars. It was a super nice event and we were treated fantastic. I was, however, glad when I got home as it was a long week.

Grand Chapter

Well today was my big day to be installed as Grand High Priest. It was a humbling time to think that I had been elected to lead this Grand Jurisdiction and I will do my best to do all I can to advance it forward. Since I have several pictures to post, I'll let them speak for the day.

Knight Masons USA

Today something different was tried during the Grand York Rite Week which was to bring in new members for Knight Masons USA. We brought in several new members and it turned out quite well.

Grand Council

The next couple days we will be at the Grand Council for Ohio. We headed up this morning around 5 AM since we had some things to take care of last night before heading up. Our counterparts for this year should be installed in each of the bodies this year. The van was full with items for the beginning of the journey in Grand Chapter for us this year. I thought I would add a photo here of the outgoing Grand officers for all bodies.

Nancy Molen viewing

We went to the viewing for Past Potentate Ed Molen’s wife today. Ed was our Potentate at Antioch in 1998 during our 100th anniversary year. He has remained active since then as leader of our band. Until her illness a couple years back, Nancy accompanied Ed to all events he attended.

RCC

Today was the Statewide gathering for the Red Cross of Constantine where all the Conclaves in Ohio get together. I also received the installed Sovereign Degree so I can be installed in December. The head of the United Grand Imperial Council Red Cross of Constantine, James Winzenreid, was also present. The three pieces of degree work for the organization were held for around 12-15 persons. The event moved right along and we were able to leave shortly after noon.

Ormus Grotto Social Outing

It has become an annual event to go to the Valley Vineyards Winery with our ladies. As we currently only have 30 members getting 16 at our event tonight was a great turnout. It actually has become the one event everyone looks forward to having. We did discuss this evening what we needed to do to increase our membership. I brought a potential new member this evening and have a couple more in mind.

Ben Bey Grotto Stated Meeting

Today I went to Parkersburg Virginia to visit a Grotto in the Ohio Grotto Association (currently we have one in West Virginia and 3 in Pennsylvania as part of the Ohio Association. They always have a very good diner prior to their meeting and tonight was no exception. Two Grand Line officers and their District Deputy were also present along with a member from a visiting Grotto and a Past OGA President. I have four left to get my second road runner for visiting all Grotto's in in Ohio Association. 

 

O-Ton-Ta-La Grotto Meeting

Tonight I travelled up around Toledo to a Grotto meeting and they had several Chapter members there including PDDGHP Doug Townslee who is their Secretary. We had a nice dinner before the meeting and tonight their District Deputy (and Past Grand Monarch) Mark McCombs was present for their Inspection. The covered several projects which they are planning the upcoming year but still finished at a fairly good time. I just wish we had received some of the rain they got tonight on my way up and on the way back.