Antioch Shrine Circus Meeting

Early this evening, I went to Antioch as we had a meeting to discuss the circus and parking which the 3rd District does at the Antioch Shrine Circus. This is our major money maker and since there are some major changes this year I wanted to make sure I heard them. REC Greg Clatterbuck and myself are also going over to talk with the location manager the event will be held to make sure of all the final arrangements.

Dayton Combined Royal Arch Degree

Tonight Unity, Victory and Mt. Moriah combined to perform the Royal Arch Degree on 10 candidates. Our guest Inspector was REC Dan Smith, Grand Scribe. REC Rod Carr, Grand Captain of the Host, and MEC George Shell and Steve Duncan were also in attendance. It was a nice sight to see when they did the word and almost the entire floor was filled. We also saw REC Dan Smith present the new DEO apron to Skip Vanderhorst.

Unity Chapter #16 Inspection

Tonight was our 3rd Inspection at Dayton this week being in the Most Excellent Master with Unity Chapter. This is my second Chapter as I am a dual member. PGHP Steve Duncan was present as he is helping out with the make-up for the week. PMIGM Bobbie Campbell was also present with us for the evening. The High Priest is EC Robert Davis who is serving for the first time at 87. A few years back I presented him his 50 year pin and he indicated he had gone as high as Captain of the Host 38 years before but his business was taking off and he needed to step away to care for it. He said he wouldn't mind coming back now and helping the Chapter and thus restarted his journey to High Priest this year. We had 8 candidates this evening with 6 being from Victory Chapter.

Mt. Moriah Chapter #230 Inspection

Tonight in Dayton I attended the Inspection in the Past Master degree. Unfortunately at the last minute the HP was unable to attend but luckily Sam Anderson from Unity Chapter came to the rescue and presided. He definitely did a better job than I could do with about 5 minutes notice. 2 candidates got a good degree  as well. Two down this week with two more Chapter Inspection degrees to go.

Victory Chapter #210 Inspection

Tonight was the first of the York Rite Week in Dayton Inspections in the Mark Master Degree. Our Grand High Priest, MEC Ross Black, was with us along with the Grand Marshal, Terry Regnos. Also present were PGHPs George Shell and Steve Duncan. They had a candidate for the degree and expect several more to be joining them for the rest of the degrees this week. Their class honoree is REC James Haugen from Unity Chapter.

Grand Chapter Planning Meeting

Tonight we did some more planning with the District Leadership team for the upcoming events in our District. I think were are prepared for the next couple of major events and are making good progress for the future events. I think one of the keys to handling all the tasks we have coming up over this year and next is to make sure all of the District Leadership team is informed. 

Grand High Priest Reception 16th District

Tonight in Independence Ohio near Cleveland was the Grand High Priest Reception for MEC Ross Black. They always put on a very nice formal event for their Reception and tonight was no exception. Also present were representatives from Grand Council, Grand Commandery, Grand Lodge and Scottish Rite. Also present from the Grand Chapter were several of Ross' officers and the Grand Master 2 Veil Robert Nilsen and Grand Captain of the Host Rod Carr. After a nice dinner and some presentations we headed back home.

Twin Valley #240 Inspection

After a meeting with the General Chairman for Grand Chapter next year, tonight at Farmersville was the inspection in the Mark Master degree for MEC George Shell's home chapter. In addition, MEC Steve Duncan did the make-up for them and REC Rod Carr, Grand Captain of the Host, joined us. The inspection moved right along and we were able to move right alone for one new candidate being initiated. Afterwards, we went downstairs and had some pie before heading home.

More Planning

Yesterday, today and tomorrow are all going to be planning days. (Yesterday and today mainly due to the weather) Between committee assignments, scheduling and ordering stuff for next year.... this is more like a full time job.  (not complaining just stating the facts) The good part is that I'm starting to see the plans coming together, the kings program handouts are done, Grand Reception meals planned, the four different pins are in progress and the items needed between now and Grand Chapter are ready.

Dayton Scottish Rite/DeMolay

Today their was a unique event held in Dayton, Several Scottish Rite Valleys performed degrees for a joint Mid-Winter program. In addition, the DeMolay held their State Ritual Competition and received letters temporary to restart Dayton DeMolay. They then initiated in the first degree the first 8 new members for Dayton DeMolay. (They will get their final degree on April 1st which is the 100th anniversary of the first DeMolay meeting.) Both events were well attended.

Lima Awards Night

Tonight I went to Lima for a special awards night set up for a joint Chapter, Council and Commandery Awards night. MIGM Steve Hill was present as was the DDC for Commandery. We had a nice dinner, awards presentations and then they had a dance. The Rainbow girl;s served the meal and one 50 year recipient for each of the the groups, Ed Smith was present to receive his awards. It was a well planned event and I really got the feeling that they are working together in Lima to strengthen all Masonic groups meeting in the Temple.

ROJ Dinner

Tonight our group met at Antioch Shrine for a very nice prime rib meal and afterwards had some fellowship for a while and then played a few games of pool or cards depending on your preference.  We finished up at a reasonable hour and Ill be going to bed early so I can get up early to enjoy a very busy day of Masonry tomorrow.

Valentines Day

Believe it or not, I actually stayed home with Pam this evening for the first time on Valentines Day since I started in Grand Chapter line. We didn't do anything exciting but rather basically watched television most of the evening. I had to write about this as it is a rare occasion that I'm home on Valentines Day....actually in is a rare occasion that I'm home in the evening.

Middletown Chapter #87 Inspection

Tonight Middletown held their annual Inspection in the Most Excellent Master degree. We had 5 candidates including 4 from Middletown and 1 from Hamilton. Trinity Chapter once again won the travelling award with 8 present followed closely in second by Twin Valley with 6. MEC George Shell was in attendance as was EC Tom Gault Past Grand Commander and member of Middletown. Current Arch Inspector Ron Myers (also of Middletown) was also in attendance. Prior to the meeting the Middletown Rainbow served them dinner.

Harless Maynard Brother's Funeral

Today I went to the viewing for Past Grand Marshal Harless Maynard's brother Paul. This was especially hard for him as his brothers daughter had also suddenly passed away last week of a heart attack. He appeared to be holding together fairly well as I would imagine the realization of both of their deaths hasn't really had time to sink in yet.

Grand Family Meeting

Today at Tadmor Shrine the Grand Chapter family got together to go over current status and discuss plans for the future. While the meeting lasted a little longer than normal, I thought the content and discussions were as good as we have ever had for one of these meetings. Hopefully, I paid enough attention to everything today as the next meeting will be mine to run. Even with the extra time we met, we were still back on the road early enough to make a stop at Grandpa's Cheese Barn and Der Dutchman where I took Pam to dinner for an early Valentines dinner.

Cuyahoga Falls #225 Inspection

Tonight I went to Tadmor Shrine where they had a fish fry and afterwards we went to the Lodge room and Cuyahoga Falls had their Inspection. It was well attended and the fish before was great. We then went back to the hotel to prepare for Grand Family meeting the next day.

Minerva Lodge #98 Inspection

Tonight was my Lodge's Inspection in Miamisburg and I was glad 3 specific Past Masters were present as without them I would have been the first in line out of 15 PMs. Also present was honorary member MWB Doug Kaylor. They were inspected in the Fellowcraft degree and had a nice turnout with nearly 80 in attendance despite the rain and high winds. (Some said they had to use alternate routes to get to the temple due to high water) Our DDGM said they did a very good job and I would agree.

Grand Chapter Planning

Today we again met with the Hotel which we will be using for the October Grand High Priest Reception and Grand Family meeting in Fairborn. We were able to get the details for the meals and rooms fairly close to being finalized including selections and pricing. In addition, were also got some of the 2019-20 administrative items completed (ordered) and things seems to be moving along as planned.

Community Chapter #227 Inspection

Tonight I went to the Chapter Inspection in Columbus in the Mark Master degree for Community Chapter. There were several dignitaries present including MEC Don Lassaso, REC Dan Smith and REC Rod Carr. We also had two members with over 60 years in Capitular Masonry not just present but participating in the degree work for 3 candidates. While the evening ran a little long, it was a good degree (those were the DDGHPs words). I even got a picture of REC Dan Smith from his favorite side to be photographed (a head shot from behind).

Trinity Chapter Stated Meeting

Tonight was the stated meeting for my Chapter in Miamisburg. The attendance was down a little with a few regulars having some health issues, work issues and some other Masonic responsibilities but the attendance was still good. We covered a number of topics and still got out at a relatively early hour after some fellowship and refreshments after the meeting.

Hi-12 Club Meeting

Today I attended our Hi-12 meeting and after lunch we had an interesting presentation on computer operating systems, applications and building computers. I thought it was quite interesting while some I think thought they were trying to teach us a foreign language. I was, however, excited to see the "older" generation asking questions and trying to learn about what was being discussed.

PDDGM Meeting

Tonight was our Second District PDDGM meeting. All of our current DDGMs were present along with several PDDGMs, two Past Grand Masters and one Grand Lodge officer. These meetings give us a chance to learn about things going on in our District, about questions we might have with the Grand Masters programs and how we might assist the DDGMs and Lodges in our District. The meeting lasted a little long than normal tonight so by the time I left it was too late to head to our Lodge for their Commandery meeting and degree work.

Salem and New Lisbon Chapter Inspections

Well after a couple of deathly cold days, I was definitely ready to get back on the trail and decided since they were calling for dense fog late Friday into Saturday morning,  I should leave leave Friday afternoon and stay overnight in Salem Ohio for a couple of Chapter Inspections. This morning at Salem (near Youngstown) they held a Mark Master and Past Master Inspection on three candidates, MEC Ross Black was in attendance as was Grand Guard REC Don Cooley. They finished in a good time so that I could head north a little farther to the 20th District Grand High Priest Reception.

20th Capitular District GHP Reception

Tonight at Quail Hallow Resort I attended the 20th District GHP Reception. For a smaller District, they had a very good crowd and many dignitaries were present including, of course, our Grand High Priest MEC Ross Black. It was a very nice dinner and short program so we were able to get back on the road at a good time and I could return home at a somewhat reasonable time.