Fayette MKM Lodge Inspection

Tonight was the Mark Lodge Inspection for Chapter in Jeffersonville in the 5th District. MEC Keith O'Dell helped them out with the work of the evening. The presiding officer is also the High Priest of Xenia Chapter #36. Their candidate for the evening was a pro-tem who is also the High Priest of Manchester Chapter. I also included a picture of the checkerboard floor which really was nice in the Lodge room.

Friendship #245 Inspection

Tonight was the Inspection of MEC Steve Duncan's Chapter in the Most Excellent Master Degree. We had a good turnout despite poor weather conditions with 3 Chapters having official visits of 5 or more members with the winning Chapter having 10 in attendance. MIC Bobbie Campbell did the main ritual part for the evening. MEC George Shell was also present. The evening moved along without delay and per the DDGHP they did a good job.

Plans Changed

Today I had planned to go to an Inspection at Galion Ohio for Chapter but for most of the day and up until I needed to leave I really was not feeling too well. Shortly after I needed to leave, I got feeling somewhat better and decided to go to a meeting closer to home but again right prior to leaving I got feeling worse again and decided I had better just take the day off which I did. Up until next Monday, I probably won't be going to any Masonic events as Laura and her boyfriend will be in town and we have several family events planned. I hope you are able to spend some time with your family over the next few days as well and of course ... have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Warren Chapter # 6 Inspection

Tonight was the Chapter Inspection in Newark in the Past Master Degree. Tonight they had a guest inspector as their DDGHP Mark Bruns is from this chapter and doing work this evening. The High Priest was serving for the first time but I knew when I went into the room he really looked familiar. As we talked I realized that in my first year as a Grand Officer he was the Inspection candidate for 3 straight inspections I was at that year. At the end of the Inspection we also presented two 50 year pins and one went to Terry Wymer's dad (who is Deputy Grand Commander) as he presented him his pin. Past Grand Commander Frank Boner is the Secretary for this Chapter.

KYCH Open House Reception

Today Pam and I headed up to Sidney for an open house reception for Dennis Hughes as the Prior for Ohio Priory. They had a very nice set up and several persons were there while we attended. Since it was informal it gave plenty of time to meet and greet. Afterwards, we headed back to Dayton where we finished up this years Thanksgiving give away project (we have been doing for the past 25 years) where we make food baskets to provide for needy families in the Dayton area.

4 Chapter Inspections in Loveland

Today, Cincinnati #2, Loveland #221, Morrow #143 and Blanchester #153 held an all degree Inspection Day in Loveland with 8 candidates for the 4th Capitular District. REC Ron Hart GM3V was also present in addition to their DDGHPs and DEO. PGHP MEC Kermit Zimmerman was helping out by doing several parts and being his normal shining self despite feeling poorly today.

3rd District Murder Mystery Dinner

Last year the 3rd District began having a spring and a fall fun social activity with the ladies. So far we have had 2 murder mysteries and a Halloween party. Tonight was our second Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. We had around 60 in attendance and all the characters were members of our District and their wives or girlfriends. MEC George Shell and Sharon were present in the audience tonight along with Right Illustrious Brother Mike Smith and Mary Beth our Arch Inspector. Our District Membership Chairman Jim Potts headed up the event tonight which was a French inspired murder mystery. We introduced the characters (of which our own MEC Steve Duncan and wife Toni were members of the cast) and then started into some of the clues and questions. After round one we had the main course (lasagna and spaghetti with salad) and then more clues and questions. After round two of the questions we then had dessert (peach or blackberry cobbler with ice cream) and then finished up round 3 by guessing who was the murderer. The murderer was played by our District Chaplain (of course none of us knew until the final point who actually was the murderer) so I'm not sure what that says about the guy we have praying for us! Everyone was rewarded for their good sportsmanship upon leaving by getting a Payday candy bar. Our next event is slated for the spring when we hope to have a Hawaiian Luau.

Funeral John Harville

Today our Lodge had a funeral service for a member of ours who was living at the Ohio Masonic Home. The service was held in the new shelter house and it was a great place to hold the event. Since the building was climate controlled it didn't matter that the wind was blowing and yet a little warm outside. In addition, it offered plenty of room as we were joined by Morning Star #795 which meets at the Ohio Masonic Home and together we had around 25 in attendance.

Hillsboro Council #16 Inspection

Tonight I was able to attend a council Inspection in my Arch. While we have done a decent job with the Chapter, Council, and Commandery working together to keep inspections in our local area so they don't conflict, when you add in all the areas of the state conflicts are bound to occur. Hillsboro while in our Council Arch is not in our Chapter District or Commandery Division though I plan to attend their Chapter Inspection next month. MEC Keith O'Dell is a dual member here and helped out with the work for the evening. MIC Lynn Alexander was also present. The best part about Council Inspections is they are normally a little quicker to get done so no matter where you go for one, by 9-9:30 you are ready to head back home.

Ormus Grotto Annual Meeting

Tonight was my final meeting of the year as Monarch (for the second time) and our DD Tom Schliep was also present to complete his reports for the year. To say I'm looking forward to Installation on December 2nd would be an understatement. This year I've had so many unexpected things interfere with my original plans it is almost unbelievable and while they all didn't even involve me they were almost all out of anyone's control. We did, however, have a nice outing with the ladies and potential new members back in September.