OK, it’s not official yet, as the last of the paperwork hasn’t been reviewed and approved. But from the DDGM and DEO comments Saturday evening, that is the only remaining hurdle. Both had complimentary things to say, praised the reports that were submitted, and had wonderful things to say about our degree work. Possibly the best comments fit under the hospitality category: we provide good food and have fun meetings.
Our results would not have been possible without assistance. Below are just some that come to mind.
- Mt Carmel Lodge #303. When we had to relocate in 2021 they generously offered the use of their building. While we were able to relocate within La Rue, use of their building for Inspection was greatly appreciated.
- Latham Lodge #154. The timing of our Inspection fit with one of their Brothers who was ready for the MM degree, who became our candidate.
- RWB Greg Markley. While discussing options for a meal at “intermission”, he volunteered his services. Known for coordinating excellent meals throughout the 10th and 15th Districts, he outdid himself.
- DeMolay, Simon Kenton Chapter #36064, Kenton, OH. They assisted with setup, serving, and cleaning up after the dinner.
- The WM’s wife, for providing impressive dessert options.
- WB Reams, DEO, and RWB Broadwater, DDGM, for their guidance, direction, and assistance throughout the Inspection process. For the purpose of recognition, our WM should also be included. Every organization reflects the quality of its leadership, and we are blessed in this category.
- The Brothers who attended. A number of factors, such as illness and transportation, required numerous on-site adjustments. For those who assisted, waited patiently, and provided other assets, all were appreciated.
Now it’s time to turn our attention to the future.
Our future meetings will return to our normal location in La Rue, at 350 North High Street. Meetings will return to our normal schedule, on the first and third Wednesdays at 7:30pm, September through June.
The building we use for meetings is operated by the La Rue Community Alliance (LCA, laruecommunityalliance.org. Active in our community for several years, they recently took over operation of the building from the Village (operation, not ownership). Since that time they have scheduled many community functions: private parties, craft shows, holiday bazaars, Easter gatherings, senior luncheons, and the very popular Paint & Sip events. In addition, an uptown store, Candy Craft Junkers, is relocating to the building. Why is this important? Some of our events will occur at the same time. If you arrive intending to join us for a meeting, and you end up with a paint brush in your hand, you might be in the wrong room.
A side issue of this is that our Social Room is being tidied up so we can use it for gathering prior to meetings, pizza dinners, and the like. To facilitate this we are moving out some of the items we have been storing since our move. If you have an interest in theatre seats, wooden folding chairs, Masonic dinnerware, or other memorabilia, please contact us.
Although the 15th District Inspection Season has drawn to a close, there are still items on the calendar. Below are the listings we are aware of at this time.
24 April, 2023 @ 6pm - Masonic Night at the Aladdin Shrine Temple, Columbus, OH
9 June, 2023 – Grand Master’s Reception Dinner – Palestine #158
10 June, 2023 – Palestine #158 Re-Consecration
10 June, 2023 – Mad River #161 Re-Consecration
11 June, 2023 – Masonic Home Day – OMH Springfield
5 August, 2023 – York Rite Secretaries Meeting – Palestine #158
August, 2023 -District Golf Outing -TBD
16 September, 2023 – Annual Business Meeting, Marion #70
17 September, 2023 – 6 PM Awards Dinner – Plaza Inn – Mt Victory, Ohio
18 November, 2023 – 9 AM Fall education meeting – Mad River #161
2 December, 2023 – 9 AM Past Masters Convocation – Mt Gilead #206
That’s all we have for now. Till next time, we’ll see you in Lodge!
