Grand Council Ohio Session

This morning I attended the Grand Council Session. A member of my Council, Mike Smith, was installed as Grand Illustrious Master. The session moved right along and just hoping our session this afternoon also runs as smoothly.

Grand Chapter Session

Well the final hour has struck and my time as Grand High Priest is done. The first few months went right according to plan then COVID-19 hit.  At that time all plans went out the window, I did how ever need to make lots of decisions that would possibly shape the path we would take. Hopefully those decisions were right as there was no playbook to follow for any of those decisions. I often had to make decisions I really did not want to make but I did make all decisions with the best interests of Grand Chapter, the local Chapters and our members as the driving force behind the decisions. Being a leader isn’t always easy which is why it is important to choose the one who will look out for the best interests of what they will be leading. This is not goodbye, though it will be my last BLOG entry, but rather just a change for me. I will still be traveling around the state (I already have inspections/visits in all districts planned for the upcoming year). I’m hoping to have many years left to continue to meet and greet new friends in this organization we call Freemasonry on my Pathway to the Future.

 

Trinity Chapter #44 Stated Meeting

My first Chapter visit after I was Installed Grand Master 1st Veil was to my home Chapter. My first Chapter visit after I was installed as Grand High Priest was to my home Chapter and tonight my last Chapter visit was to my home Chapter where I got to declare the meeting closed for my final act as Grand High Priest. They had ice cream afterwards to congratulate me on the years I served in the Grand Line.

Hi-12 Club Meeting

Well today I headed to the Dayton Masonic Center to attend Hi-12. When I got there the first thing I did was to stop at the Elite catering office to pay the bill so those attending the dinner after installation Wednesday will get food. Next I headed to Hi-12 we’re after eating we heard a speaker talk on some very interesting, thought provoking topics. Instead of heading right back home, I spend the next couple hours finalizing the details for the invite only session and obtaining the Mt. Moriah paraphernalia to finalize their merger with Unity Chapter. I like days like today where you can get lots accomplished with one stop. 

Grand Chapter Planning

Today we held a meeting for the 3rd District Leadership team to do a final run through of how things will be held on Wednesday and where we need people to assist. We also discussed our DDGHP Installation and District Reaffirmation Day activity’s. In addition, we discussed installations and who would be doing what for those installations. To finished, we discussed  the special events for the District and a future money making opportunity.

Loveland Chapter Reconsecration

Today we held a reconsecration at Loveland where they had lots of nice touches set up for the day. They created a great program and history of the Chapter along with a lapel pin to represent the event. They mayor came in and made a proclamation along with a person representing the state of Ohio. Afterwards they had prepackaged meals for everyone. Oh and the also made a generous donation to the Royal Arch Foundation to honor the event. Great event today.

Valley Vineyards Grotto Outing

Tonight 18 of us went to the winery in Morrow Ohio for a social outing. You cook your own steak here and get salad, all the sides and dessert. Oh... and it also includes a couple glasses on wine. They had us spread over 3 tables and everyone seemed to have a good time.   We all had plenty of stories to share (and probably and a few half truths). 

PM Club Shrine Meeting

This afternoon Pam and I went to our Grand Marshall’s house where we packed up year end gifts for those serving over the past year along with PGHPs. Next Greg and I headed to our Shrine PM Club meeting where we passed some rules changes which will hopefully yield some new members and work on reducing the number of meetings we have each year. We also discussed at length the upcoming ceremonial.

Meeting w

Robert L Williams #467 AMD

Tonight I headed to Waynesville Ohio for the regular meeting of Robert L Williams AMD. They had a nice dinner prior to the meeting. Considering the current health conditions they had a good turnout. The seats were all marked so folks were 6ft apart. They also held their annual elections and installation of officers for 2021.

Shrine Leadership Meeting

Well I originally had planned to attend the 4th District Chapter Meeting tonight but something came up and I was not going to be able to leave in time to make it. I did, however, Zoom into the Leadership Meeting for Antioch Shrine and represent the Greeters since the meeting started at 7 and I finished up what I needed to get done at 6:55 (and caused me to miss the other meeting as I mentioned above). This was a hybrid Zoom/in person meeting but as I mentioned I was just barely able to attend as part of the Zoom meeting. We covered upcoming events and discussed the Shrine Hospital move from Cincinnati to Dayton.

Ballot Counting

Tonight our Grand Guard in conjunction with his team of members of several Chapters counted the ballots for both legislation and new officers for the upcoming year. Since our normal in person system was not feasible this year we mailed ballots to those who, by the code, were identified as eligible to vote. Let me say this was a monumental task to make this happen and our Grand Secretary and his wife Donna along with several others who helped him achieved this tasked deserve everyone’s thank. Surprisingly most of those returning ballots appeared to have read the instructions and voted per the instructions while being given the opportunity to vote for or against Legislation per their on conscience and for the officers they wanted to serve this Grand Chapter in the upcoming year. All results will be announced at an invitation only gathering October 7th with each Chapter receiving the results along with all reports for 2019-20. While I would have personally liked to have proceeded in the normal matters associated with our Grand Session this year as in prior years, my paramount concerned had to be for the welfare and health of our members and Chapters. I hope next year by the time of our Grand Session we can once again meet together as in the past. I urge all members to do their best to stay safe and healthy and comply with the temporary changes needed to ensure everyone’s health. We may not all agree on how things can be done to get us back to “normal” in our Royal Arch Chapters but hopefully we all do agree that working together to ensure we grow and prosper must  be our common goal.

Grand Chapter OES

Today, Pam and I attended the Grand Chapter Eastern Star if Ohio as the representatives of Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio. While it was a larger gathering, they were very careful about adhering to expected health regulations and suggestions. The Roberts Center is a huge facility and made social distance seatings very easy.

Another Busy Day

Today wasn’t busy going to meeting but rather following up on administration items for Grand Chapter. October 7th is fast approaching when I will turn over control to the next Grand High Priest. I guarantee a peaceful turnover which our Grand King and I have already started working on about a month ago. This weekend we will have a team counting ballots (which were due back yesterday).

Miami Valley York Rite College

While I officially went out here in April (though we couldn’t hold an in person meeting and used ZOOM to install new officers) I returned tonight to help fill in as needed in the officer line as I knew some couldn’t make it. While it was basically an officer only driven meeting, a couple joking said, I was staring back through from the bottom again. I enjoy going to the meetings but next time I will be on the sidelines.

Khana Shahar Grotto

 Tonight I had to travel to Springfield and stayed for the Grotto meeting in Springfield. Several from Achbar in Columbus travelled over as their meeting got cancelled this evening. With everyone wearing a mask (and many wearing their Grotto mask) we were spread out through the room to socially distance while they covered several different topics. Many of their new Prophets from July were in attendance. The Monarch from Achbar forgot his fez and got to wear the special one Khana Shahar has folks to wear if they forget their fez. It is all in fun.

Change of Plans

I had intended to head to Kentucky for their in person Grand Session tomorrow but after some further discussions with some folks from the medical field decided against attending. While it isn't that I'm extremely concerned about getting the virus infection, I was reminded if anyone in attendance had it I would need to quarantine for two weeks and thus would have to miss the installation of the new Grand Chapter officers. I decided since there will be a sizeable crowd in a smaller enclosed area, social distancing might be difficult and even with a mask might be a challenge. This is the same location I’ve attended in the past for their Grand Session and the room it is held in is not that large. On a normal year it is sufficient in size but not sure about under the current conditions. Better safe than sorry.

Hi-12 Dayton Stated Meeting

Today was our first opportunity to meet since March at the Dayton Masonic Center and it was good to see several I haven’t seen since March. There was plenty of room to social distance and the meeting, after we ate, was fairly short as the outside speaker had to cancel out last evening as they had been quarantined.  A little later I met REC Dan Smith where we exchanged the GHP jewel I had lent to him for his official picture. He was in Dayton to review the Dayton Masonic Center site for our annual installation for Grand Chapter on October 7^th.

Ohio Grotto Association Meeting

Tonight I attended a Zoom meeting where a few from the Ohio Grotto Association got together to discuss the possibility of some suggestions to bring o the Ohio Board of Trustees for the Association. We discussed a couple of items and it was a good meeting where we found out some things that we were unaware of but will probably still bring up the items for the Boards consideration in February. Since the Association only gets together 3 times a year (and this year two meeting had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns), the February meeting will probably be filled with items to discuss for the future.  I’m glad to see folks are thinking about things despite some of the challenges we are all facing with the virus and its overall effect on the organization.

Irish Council Knight Masons Annual Meeting

Today in West Carrollton we held our annual meeting, elections and installation. Grand Superintendent Dan Conley was in attendance. The meeting was compacted and items which could be delayed were referred to our next meeting. Greg Clatterbuck was elected and installed as the new Excellent Chief.

Ohio DeMolay Conclave

Today I attended a reduced Conclave held online in addition to a minimal number in person. (While I could have attended in person, I decided to leave more room for DeMolay’s and parents of those being installed) by attending online.  While I would have preferred to attend in person, especially as Grand High Priest, I’m hoping next year we can be back more to normal so I can attend in person. 

Grand Chapter Required Review

Every year the Grand High Priest is required to reveiw the contents of our safety deposit box. I picked today for that review (I originally had planned it in around April before COVID-19 hit). We have in it a couple of the old style PGHP jewels along with the original hand written ritual. Also contained in the box are a few other miscellaneous Grand Chapter items that might prove helpful to recreate our records in the case of a disaster at the office.

Ali Baba Grotto Stated Meeting

Tonight I went to Warren Ohio to attend the stated meeting for Ali Baba Grotto. They had a reasonable turnout especially since many of their members will be at the building most of the weekend for a car show they are hosting. They ran a very efficient meeting and reviewed the plans for the weekend to ensure all areas were covered. I was glad to be headed back home at a decent hour since I headed to Cleveland around 7 this morning.

Sad Day

 It is with great sorrow to announce that Companion Carl Boggs passed to eternal rest September 15th, 2020. Brother Boggs was just three weeks short of his 103rd birthday.Companion Boggs of Walnut Chapter 172 laffiliated from Temple No. 155 in June 1995 and was a member of Groveport Lockbourne Lodge # 801.  His Chapter experiences are remarkable as his journey from Mark Master to Royal Arch was accomplished in one month in 1940. Companion Boggs recieved an 80 year service award from Most Excellent Grand High Priest Jeff Shaw on March 6, 2020.

Ormus Grotto Stated Meeting

Tonight was our monthly stated meeting and we had 11 members present. For a Grotto of only 42 and several members out of state or unable to physically attend, I think this is pretty good. We had several items to cover but kept things moving so we were done within an hour. We then had refreshments and a quick game before heading home.

Unity Chapter #16 Stated

This afternoon I headed to Dayton where Unity Chapter  held their stated meeting. They also read a letter from Mt. Moriah, who also meets in the building, asking to merge with them after voting to do so at their meeting last week. Mt. Moriah has been working to turn things around for a while but just can’t get much help from their own members. Another factor is there are 3 Chapters in the Dayton Temple and they have gone from 13 Lodges down to 5. Both Chapters have been working closely over the past few years and currently both have the same Secretary. While I hate to see any mergers, this might be one that will benefit Unity and possibly Victory who also meets in the temple as some who can’t attend during the day will probably move over to Victory Chapter.

Norwood Chapter #193 Stated Meeting

Well tonight I headed to Norwoods stated Chapter meeting But the must have decided to forego the meeting or have it remotely. I’m glad this wasn’t really that far and I really probably should have confirmed prior to heading there this evening. The best part is it was a nice easy drive and I got home really early. P.S. I looked at another source when I got home at it didn’t mention a meeting tonight... guess I should have used that source.

Seneca Chapter #42 Stated Meeting

Tonight I travelled to Tiffin Ohio for the stated Chapter meeting of Grand Royal Arch Captain Ken Foy. They had a very good turnout especially since they haven't been able to meet in person for six months. The Temple Board did some massive renovations while the Temple was not in use and it looks great. It turned out to be a nice drive up and back.

Chapter Planning

Today's meeting was somewhat unplanned but needed to be held to finalize some events in our district along with a couple of Grand Chapter activities. With the way everything has gone this year, often future planning has had to take a back burner as everything has been changing so fast it might need to be replanned tomorrow. That being said, planning is a necessary part of getting things back a little more towards being normal and I think that is what everyone is hoping happens soon.

13th District Grand High Priest Reception

Tonight Pam and I traveled over to Athens Ohio with Grand Marshal Greg Clatterbuck and his wife Kathy for the Grand High Priest Reception. This is also the home district of Grand Scribe Rod Carr. We were supposed to have this back in May but for obvious reasons it had to be delayed. This is one reception that I've made for many years and they have a great facility to hold the event.

Day Two Grotto Supreme

 Well today we have are final business session and after that I’m headed home. We will vote on some straightforward legislation and elect the new person to the line. With 4 running it might take a while. When I getting home I’m headed to my Councils stated meeting.

Day One Grotto Supreme

Last night was the opening session and today we had the first business session here is Louisville. Originally there were 5 running for the entry position in the Supreme line, but only 4 were nominated. We will be voting tomorrow on this and a few by-laws type changes. I’m hoping to be headed back by noon tomorrow.

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Off and Running

Well yesterday we were supposed to have a Shrine Greeters Meeting but since I didn’t get a notice we were having it and when I spoke to the Club President he was hesitant about having a meeting, I decided not to go. I did, however, get my sisters old car changed to my name and get plates after she decided to get rid of it. Today I’m headed to Louisville through Friday for the Grotto National Convention. 

Busy weekend

Well the whole family came over yesterday and we got the initial cleanup of the fire damage done. Now I need to get a dumpster so we can finish the cleanup. Very thankful for all the help as I definitely couldn’t have done it.  Also working on lots of Masonic administration this weekend. 

Ben Bey Grotto Meeting

Tonight I headed to Parkersburg West Virginia to their monthly Grotto meeting. I met a young man from an Ohio Lodge and took the opportunity to talk a little bit to him about the York Rite in Marietta. They had a good turnout (about 30) but that’s partially because tonight was a steak night for dinner. They had prime rib, salad, a huge potato and corn along with dessert. They kept their meeting moving at a good pace and I was able to start back home at a decent hour.

Shawnee Chapter #237 Stated

Tonight I headed to Springfield for two purposes. First, I handed off the GHP to Dan Smith for him to use in official picture and second to attend the Stated meeting at Springfield which I also did. Attendance was somewhat lite but I was able to present them with a pin they earned for donations to the Royal Arch Foundation. It felt good to be back traveling after spending the past couple days dealing with the aftermath of our fire (which I’m hoping to get the majority resolved this weekend.

Well Excitement Today ... But Not in a Good Way

This morning at about 5:30 we awoke to the police banging on the window of our bedroom telling us to get out of the house it was on fire in the back. We jumped up and got our dogs and went out the front to safety. Luckily the fire department was here very quickly and got the fire put out quickly before it could get to the house. It was completely contained to the back deck where the hot tub was located. Unfortunately, the deck and hot tub were totally destroyed. Now just waiting on the insurance company and making sure no new flare ups.

Northeast Ohio Wine Outing

 Today at Michelangelo’s Winery we held our final Grand Chapter wine outing. Bob Nilsen did a great job of coordinating this event. We had right about 20 present and luckily the weather held off as we were outside. Great food, great wine and great fellowship were definitely the theme for the day. PGHPs Addis and Thomas were also present.

Khana Shahar Grotto Meeting

Tonight I had to go to Springfield for a non Masonic event and stayed to attend the stated meeting for Khana Shahar Grotto. Many of their members are very active in the York Rite and the Chapter in particular. In fact one is going in as a District officer in the 6th District. It isn't always attending a Chapter meeting where you find out about a Chapter District. They had 16 in attendance and moved through all business at a good pace so we were done in just over an hour.

UGIC RCC Meeting

Today I attended the virtual National session for Red Cross Of Constantine as the Sovereign of Charlemagne Conclave. It was an interesting meeting as basically as a voting delegate I got to vote on officers and a couple of non-controversial subjects. The whole thing, while planned for 3 hours was done in just over an hour. While I did attend one before, I just served as a driver for some of the out of state officers during Burch Zehner’s year as Grand Sovereign.

Franz K. Hall Association (10th District) Meeting

Tonight I travelled to Galion Ohio for the 10th District Meeting. MEC Robert Crabbs was also there and this is his new Chapter where the meeting was held. They covered old business which much surrounded changes they had to make due to the death of MEC Blankehorn last fall.They also elected new officers and selected Inspection dates for all but one Chapter. It was a nice meeting and they covered a lot of business but we were still done at a good hour.

Ormus Grotto Young's Dairy Social Outing

Tonight around 20 of our members/spouses and kids attended a social outing for ice cream at Young's Dairy. It ended up being a very nice day (since they were saying it might rain while we were there but it didn't). We also had a potential candidate attend the event with his spouse. I'm excited that things continue to be looking up for the future of our Grotto. Three of those in attendance today were new members who joined last month with their spouse also with them. Afterwards the Clatterbucks and us stopped for dinner and they had an item on the menu (I kid you not) called the Most Excellent Grilled Cheese so Pam had to try it.

• The Most Excellent Grilled Cheese

  .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

  $7.99
  Mozzarella, cheddar and American cheese with lettuce and tomato on toasted sourdough, served with a dill pickle and a side of your choice
• 
  

Ormus Grotto Stated Meeting

Tonight was a great evening where we had 11 of our members present at our stated meeting. I can’t remember how long it has been since we had that many of our own members at a meeting but it was probably at least 10 years ago. Our DD Tom Schliep was also present tonight. We got several Fezzes passed out to new members and discuss two upcoming social events we have planned (one being this Sunday). 

More administration

The past couple days have again been spent on getting prepared for the details on the Grand Chapter Installation and things also supposed to be going on that day along with trying to get the Statewide calendar together for next year. When MEC Blankenhorn passed away, I asked REC Ron Hart to put it together for this year and I would take it over for next year (2020-21). REC Tom Ziegler helps to put together the website calendar but we also put together an Excel version for the Grand Officers which is what I’m doing. So far I’ve received about 15% of the information I need but given the year we have been through I expected preparing for next year was not on the top of everyone’s priority list.

Plum Run Winery - Columbus & 11th District GHP Reception

Today we held a joint Central Ohio Wine Outing and Grand GHP Priest Reception for the 11th District in Columbus. As Pam and I  headed to Columbus with Grand Marshall Greg Clatterbuck and his wife Kathy, it started pouring down rain. Since we were slated to be outside this didn't look good. However shortly before we arrived the sun came out and it appeared as if there was no rain in sight. Everyone was happy and excited ... but not so fast as a few minutes later it started to pour down rain. They brought out a large canopy and large table umbrellas and it looked like a flood was happening on the patio. But after they got them all set up another stroke of luck hit and the sun came back out and dried things up quickly. While everyone got a little wet (some more than others) everyone laughed about it as they now had a memory/story for the future. MEC Don Lossaso and REC Dan Smith were also present along with several from the 11th District. It was a nice event and they passed out awards and presented us with a few gifts. It was still sunny and nice as we headed back home.

Winery Sycamore Lake -NW

Today we had a nice time with the small number present. While we were there they had lots of parties come in including a wedding party on a party bus. The food was great, the wine tasted good and the company fantastic.... what more can you ask for .... P.S. thanks to Tom Ziegler for taking a couple photos for us.

Even More Administration

The last couple of days have been busy ones preparing information for the Grand Chapter proceedings. Since there were lots of things decided that have never been done before due to the Coronavirus, I felt it was important to make sure it was documented so it could be used again as a starting point if anything similar would happen to cause a major disruption to our normal procedures.

Plans Changed

Today I had planned to meet with the Grand Secretary so we could do the annual Safe Deposit Box review and then over to the 9th District Meeting in Wakeman. Unfortunately last night I was up most of the night with back spasms and terrible pain in the hips. Luckily later in the day today after doing some walking the two things keeping me up last night night have seemed to have gone away. Well guess I’ll have to reschedule this some time that I’m headed up around Cleveland.

Administrative Work

The past couple of days were filled with some administrative Masonic work which I needed to get caught up. Surprisingly every week there is lots of administrative work which needs done and especially right now trying to get everything set up for balloting and installing of officers for next year.

Vinoklet Winery -SW Ohio

Today was our second wine outing and all who were able to attend had a nice time. While I thought originally it might be very hot outside, it turned out to not be too bad. REC Ron Hart help set this one up and we had a nice size group that could easily sit around and talk to solve all the world’s  problems. Hoping for nice weather next weekend with two more outings one near Lima on Saturday and one in the Columbus area Sunday.

Ohio Grotto Special

Well today ended up being quite different than when I had thought it was going to be about a week ago. I had two meeting today which I thought I could make both because unfortunately one changed their timing and the other one changed their location. Since Grand Family this time was Dan Smith’s, I gave him something to say and went to the Grotto Special Meeting I was requested to attend. I’m now the Ohio Grotto Association Pro-Tem Sentinel.

Royal Arch Foundation Meeting

Tonight I attended the Royal Arch Foundation Meeting.  They had a well planned and well run meeting covering all agenda items in around an hour. It was good to hear that despite the pandemic the Foundation is still trying to move forward.

Always Check Before ....

Today I was headed to Wakeman for the 9th District Meeting. Luckily, I spoke to REC Ray Hardwick who indicated that is moved to next Wednesday. Especially during this times of change and uncertainty things can change quickly (at times even more than once in the same day).  Currently health concerns and many peoples own personal situations change very rapidly. Oh well, I caught the change before heading out and actually next Wednesday potentially works better for me anyway.

I guess the no harm no foul saying works.

Lima Shrine Club Picnic

Today Pam and I travelled to Lima for their Shrine Club Picnic. It was in a large outdoor area which easily accommodated social distancing. This was not your normal picnic food as they had Filet Mignon and lots of shrimp and shrimp dishes. In addition they had several great desserts including pecan pie. It rained almost all the way to Lima and back but the sun was out all the time we were at the picnic.

Valley Commandery Meeting Online

Tonight we held a get together meeting on zoom and celebrated Past Commander Dale Evans (who now lives in assisted living in Toledo) 90th birthday. Claude Siebel also was on and got his sound and picture to work. PGHP Steve Duncan and PGC Birch Zehner also we’re present. Overall we had 10 members present. 

10th Capitular District Grand High Priest Reception

Tonight my Grand Marshal Greg Clatterbuck and our wives traveled to Mansfield where they held their GHP at a new venue.  Social distancing was easy as the room probably held 300. We started off with a very good meal and dessert. It was a very nice location and may end up as their new site to hold this event in the future. They presented us with a couple of nice gifts, one being the Copper Kettle which has been given to the sitting Grand High Priest for around 25 years.

Herman Lawrence #82 AMD Meeting

Tonight I zoomed in to my AMD meeting and we had 10 present at the meeting.we covered all the necessary business and had a moment of silent for our one death. We had a few discussions on various subjects and closed at a decent hour. 

Earl Gorsuch Funeral

Today was the Masonic funeral for Earl Gorsuch. They had a very nice service for him and considering the current health situation, a very good turnout. Since Earl was active with multiple Lodges, there were 3 different Lodges participating in the service. PGHPs George Shell and Steve Duncan were present as was a Grand Lodge officer. This year Grand Marshal for Grand Chapter, Greg Clatterbuck, did the lead part in the service today with it being his first time doing the part and he did a very nice job on it.

Millenium AMD #382 Stated Meeting

I was happy to return to this Council which I helped institute 20 years ago. I installed the new Sovereign Master (delayed due to the COVID-19 Situation), listened to a nice education program and saw a new member brought in to membership. They called on me for a few comments and will all departed for home at a reasonable hour.

Valley Commandery Zoom Meeting

Tonight we held a special meeting to allow Claude Siebel to join us. He has had lots of health challenges over the past couple of years and has gone on dialysis 3 days a week and unable to leave the facility he is in (except for treatments for most of that timeframe. He is a PDDGHP of the 3rd District and it was good to hear from him as he still isn’t allowed visitors.

Grand Officer Meeting

Tonight we had an online Grand Officer Meeting and discussed a few immediate issues including our Grand Session. I thought it was a productive meeting and we got input from several different Grand Officers.  I’m glad to get feedback from the Grand Officers especially when difficult situations need addressed so I have multiple viewpoints to help make a decision. 

Charlemagne Red Cross Constantine

Today we held our annual picnic and brought in two new members. First, however we had an excellent meal at the Findlay Masonic Temple. Our Intendant General Steve Duncan was there and gave us some information on upcoming events. We elected our new officers for next year which means I’ll be going out at Sovereign... yeh!

Earl Gorsuch

At the Grand reception this past October we handed out a 75 year award along with Grand Council to Earl Gorsuch. Unfortunately, today I learned he has passed away at 99. Earl was a Charter member of  my Commandery and had moved away from Miamisburg shortly afterwards to the Hillsboro area where he went through the Masonic bodies and became a KYCH. When he moved back to the area in the late 80’s, he expressed a desire to go through Commandery in Miamisburg which I was able to appoint him to line where he later became Commander of our Commande

Khana Shahar Stated

Tonight I went to the stated meeting of Khana Shahar after I took care of some other required business in Springfield. They had a great turnout with around 16 present including several brought in just about a week ago. Everyone was seated around the room to allow for social distancing with all in masks except those who had medical reasons for not wearing one. 

Grand Officer Meeting

Tonight on ZOOM we held a meeting to discuss Grand Chapter and how to allow Chapters to involve those who have petitioned, voted on and approved but has not yet received degrees. (Right now no Chapter degrees are allowed to be portrayed). We settled on a change which I will be issuing a new Edict to allow Chapters to get those noted above active while they are waiting on degree work. 

REC Jeff Humble

I received notice today that REC Jeff Humble had passed away. He is a past Grand Chaplain Grand Chapter Ohio and past Grand Necrologist as well. As a PDDGHP of the 5th District and active member of a couple Chapters continued to work to help out the5th District. He will be missed. 

7th District Hog Roast/GHP Reception

Today we were in Findlay for the annual GHP Reception. They had a great meal along with a speaker on Adopt America. they also held their annual silent auction. I won the high bid on the two items wrapped in GHP paper. I didn’t mind driving up and back with some rain along the way. I’m especially glad we got some of the rain back home.
  
 

Logan Kings Program/wine Outing

Today was the Grand Kong’s Program in Logan Ohio and afterwards the first wine outing at the Hocking Hills Winery. We had several at both events practicing the state requirements at both events. This was held for the 13/14th Capitular District and Southeastern Ohio.  Grand Officers REC Ryan Adams, REC Rid Carr and REC Dan Smith were all in attendance along with Grand Marshall REC Greg Clatterbuck. As a reminder stay safe and enjoy life.

Grand Kings Program

 Tonight the 3rd district held their Grand Kong’s program with REC Dan Smith. REC Joe Shilling was also with him. from our District MEC Duncan and Shell were both present. We had pizza and drinks (following all state requirements) and then REC Dan Smith presented his program and answers . questions. Everyone was able to leave before 9 to head home.

Grandma Memorial Service

Today I did the memorial service for my grandmother on what would have been her 99th birthday. Several family members were in attendance along with a couple from the church. Grandma lives a long life and around February of this year stopped responding at all. Right before she passed she was in pain and still was able to communicate. While you hate to lose a loved one sometimes you know it is a better situation for them when they pass.

Grand Session Meeting

Today we attended a ZOOM conference with The Grand Council Recorder and the Great Wolf facility. We got a few outstanding questions answered and soon should get the final meal prices. Unfortunately at this time the seating arrangements for banquet dictated by the state has not changed. They are however hoping for a change prior to October. 

Ormus and Khana Shahar Grotto Ceremonial

Tonight we held what I believe was a historical event. Our two Grotto brought in 17 new members between our Grottos (with one coming also from Achbar). 11 (plus one brought in on dual membership for a total of 12 ) were from Ormus. This represents a 40 percent increase in our membership. The class was also named for the Grand Master and Grand High Priest (me) who are both members and Past Monarchs of Ormus Grotto. We had 41 present including our Grand Monarch and State OGA President. While we had to slightly alter some of the short form ceremonial to conform with social distancing, we stayed safe by requiring masks while inside as

well. 

  

5th District Kong’s Program & GHP Reception

Today we headed to Chillicothe for a couple of events in the 5 th District. After listening to REC Dan Smith’s program we had a nice dinner. We then passed out awards for the District and I said a few words. They also presented us with some gifts nnd made a donation to the Royal Arch Foundation. It was a nice event but I wish back home we could have gotten some of the rain we drove through on the way to and from Chillicothe.

Imperial Shrine Session

Today I am attending the Virtual Session of the Imperial Shrine as a member of the Colorado Corporation (or the Hospital Portion of the Shriners).  This is definitely unique and a first in the history of the Shrine. It seems to be working well. This is supposed to be my final session as a Colorado Corporation member. It appears they thought this out well to be able to handle a much reduced (only absolutely necessary business of elections and installations).

Ohio DeMolay Scholarship Foundation

Today I went to the board meeting where we were able to recommend several young men for the Ohio DeMolay Scholarship. It is often almost unbelievable the accomplishments (academic, athletics and volunteer service) these young men have achieved. It makes one see just how positive an influence the Order of DeMolay can be on a young man. It always make me proud when I hear these accomplishments and happy to have been associated with this great organization for nearly 45 years.

Warren Chapter/Bigelow Council Stated

Tonight my Grand Aide, Dennie Fitzgerald and I traveled to Newark Ohio where they held their elections and installation for each group. I installed the Chapter Officers and Randy Williams installed the Council officers. This is the home Chapter of REC Mark Bruns, Grand Master Second Veil. It was a great day for a drive and felt good to be out traveling farther than just in my area.

Sad Day

Today my passed away. She was 98 and would have made in to 99 in a couple of weeks .She was almost a 75 year member of Eastern Star. For the past three years she hasn’t really been able to communicate with anyone coherently and rarely opened her eyes but at least until February if this year would do something to recognize she knew you were there (usually squeezing your hand or  saying something incoherent). I think for her personally, her own passing was a blessing.

Happy July 4th

Well we had planned to be headed to my daughters in Knoxville today but that has been delayed as she thought it was best to wait since she was just returning from Florida. I had looked forward to the trip but she might be right on waiting a couple of weeks before visiting her. We are staying home and getting some items done which were needed and we had been putting off doing.

3rd District Officers Meeting

Tonight we held a meeting of the District Leadership team. We covered three major topics: our up coming Grand Kings School, District Picnic and Grand Chapter. Luckily everyone was quickly onboard for each discussion so the meeting didn’t last forever. I think we got everyone’s questions answered at this point but the ever change current situation means probably something we decided will have to be redone. 

David Hudnot AMD Stated meeting

I started tonight with the first of two zoom meetings at an AMD based out of Lebanon Ohio. They have had some challenges over the past year or so and are working to get themselves back on track. I shared some ideas my AMD has instituted to help solve the very problems they are having and we also had in the past. 

Sr. DeMolay Mark Lodge Stated

Tonight we held a well attended zoom DeMolay Mark Lodge Meeting. They held their elections and Installation basically holding the same officers for next year. There were members from around the state in attendance along with MEC Jeff Addis and REC Bob Nilsen. The DDGHP Ron Bokan also went over the inspection report. 

Alpha #97 AMD Stated Meeting

Tonight I headed to Tipp City for an AMD meeting. Prior to the first time several met at the restaurant next to the Lodge (Harrison’s) and for the first time since March I had dine-in at a restaurant. They had some interesting discussions today even though a few couldn’t make it for health reasons. I just wish I had asked the dress for the meeting as even else was in business casual. 

Antioch Welcome Back Party

Tonight I attended a welcome back open at the Shrine in Dayton. I saw several who haven’t seen for a while. Most everyone spread out over the room and kept appropriate distancing. It was good to have the opportunity to safely socialize again. 

North Bend Mark Lodge

Tonight I attended with my Grand Aide Dennie Fitzgerald the Mark Lodge in Cleves Ohio for the annual meeting, elections and installation. I'm a life member here and have belonged for more than 30 years. They had the entire room laid out for social distancing and even the tables downstairs were set up appropriately. Both 4 DDGHPs and REC Ron Hart were also present.

Khana Shahar Grotto stated

Tonight after I attended another non Masonic meeting in Springfield, I stay for the stated meeting and Inspection for Khana Shahar Grotto. They had around 15 in attendance. We social distanced by sitting at different tables around the room. I was also there to discuss with them a combined short form ceremonial Ormus will be doing with them on July 13th. Right now it appears there will be about 20 candidates in a combined Grand Master and Grand High Priest class as both of us are members and Past Monarchs of Ormus Grotto. The Grand Monarch is also planning to be present that evening. 

Twin Valley #240 Stated/Installation

Tonight MEC George Shell installed the officers at his chapter. EC Dennie Fitzgerald, Grand Aide, was also present. They all complied with our 6ft distancing during all ceremonies and during the meeting. Unfortunate, their prior Secretary announced he was retiring and the King agreed to take over the position and a Past High Priest agreed to serve for a couple years.