3rd District Planning

Tonight we held a meeting to discuss the upcoming circus this week and how we are going to handle the parking which is our yearly fundraiser .  There was a lot of discussion since this was the first time at a new location.  After our discussions, I think we have it planned out as well as we can until we actually do the parking where we my need to make a few adjustments .We also discussed the upcoming Kings programs and the annual meeting which I think we have pretty well planned. After covering what other items people had questions on we dispersed.

4th District All Degree Day

Today in Cincinnati the 4th District performed all of the Chapter degrees. Those performing the degrees were: North Bend Mark Lodge, Price Hill Chapter, Batavia Chapter and Cumminsville Chapter. Our Grand High Priest Ross Black and Grand Principal Sojourner Ron Hart were also present. They had a good turnout on the sidelines and several candidates including one from Xenia in my District.

92nd Birthday Party

Tonight at Antioch Shrine they held a 92nd Birthday party for a very prominent Mason in our area, Ben Hardin. Ben is a Past Master of his Lodge, a 33rd Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, Past Potentate and Past Imperial Chaplain. We had around 275-300 in attendance at a fish fry in his honor. It is easy to see that he is well liked in the area.

Rufus Putnam #108

Tonight I went to Beverly Ohio for the stated meeting of Rufus Putnam Chapter. They only had enough present to hols an extraordinary meeting but the ran the meeting in a very effective and efficient, organized manner. They covered everything they should including discussion on an Earl C. Gifford possible nomination. After the meeting instead of quickly leaving they had refreshments and sat around fellowshipping and swapping Masonic stories. I really enjoyed this part as it was more like a bunch of friends sitting around talking than Masonic guys having to communicate. It reminded me of what I have seen in most successful Masonic organizations.

Lancaster Chapter #11 Inspection

Tonight at Lancaster they held their Inspection in the Mark Master Degree. There were five Grand officers present including GHP Ross Black, Grand Scribe Dan Smith, Grand Chaplain and Grand Marshal. Our Grand High Priest helped out as the presiding officer for the evening.The other Grand officers also assisted. Unfortunately the actual candidate for the evening could not make it so they had a pro-tem. Afterwards we went down for some refreshments after the meeting and then journeyed home.

Minerva Chapter #123 Inspection

Tonight in Carrollton Ohio was the Past Master degree for one pro-tem candidate as their actual candidate was caught up at work and couldn't make it. REC Dan Smith, Grand Scribe, was in attendance and I got a picture of him from his favorite angle. PGIM Fred Boggs was also in attendance and is a member of this Chapter. The Grand Aide and Grand Guard were also in attendance. The few members they have attending are working hard to keep the Chapter going.

Grand Chapter Tennessee

After the GIM Reception Saturday in Springfield, I headed south to my daughters house in Knoxville. I stayed there until this morning when I got up at 4:30 to head over Nashville for their Grand Chapter session. MEC Wayne Dill was also there as he is the Ohio rep to Tennessee and now lives around an hour away. They had several Chapters who brought in 10 new members this past year. Something interesting and not necessarily in a good way is that many Chapters never do any of their own ritual work though the GHP this past year was trying to correct this situation. After the session I got back on the road to head back to Lebanon Ohio for their Chapter Inspection.

Lebanon Chapter # 5 Inspection

Tonight was the Chapter Inspection in the Past Masters degree for Lebanon and 2 candidates. PGIM Lynn Alexander and PGHP George Shell. It was the final Inspection for REC Rick Bielicki. i was glad it was a short degree since I had to get up so early today.

GIM 3rd Arch Reception

Today at the Ohio Masonic Home we had a reception in the 3rd Arch for the Grand Illustrious Master.  Schmidt's in Columbus catered the event and we had a very good dinner. GIM Steve Hill gave a few remarks and the Arch presented him with a gift after which we headed home.

 

Dave Flint's Wifes Funeral

Today was the viewing and funeral for a member of our Chapter's wife and a good friend of mine mother-in-law. She had not being doing well for some time and this was not much of a surprise but is still a difficult time for anyone.