MM Inspection - CANCELLED!

Our MM Inspection, scheduled for May 2nd, has been cancelled.  

The “WHY” is due to our vote to explore merge options with another Lodge, which happened at our meeting on March 4th.  This is not a “done deal”, as there are many steps in the process, not the least of which is a final vote by our membership.  A letter detailing the process, along with a designated date for the vote, will be mailed to each member in the near future.

We understand that this does not address all the questions you may have on this process. It doesn't for us either. As this is an evolving situation, we will be posting, mailing, and emailing updates as more is learned.

 

 

Update - 3/7/26

 We have a number of things to mention.  At least one is difficult, so we'll save that until last.

There have been changes to the 15th District Inspection Schedule.  Rather than try to individually reference each adjustment, the schedule has been copied and pasted from the 15th District web site, noted on the left.

 

2026 Inspections

DATE	LODGE	DEG	TIME	MEAL
1-17-26	BOGGS	FC	7:00P	6:00P
1-24-26	MT GILEAD	FC	5:00P
2-7-26	MARION	MM	Rescheduled
2-14-26	MAD RIVER	EA	9:00A
3-7-26	BELLEFONTAINE	MM	9:00A
3-14-26	CHESTER	EA	1:30P	12:30P
3-14-26	OLIVER	FC	4:30P (changed from 7:30pm)
3-21-26	PALESTINE	EA	Rescheduled
3-21-26	MT CARMEL	FC	1:00P	12:00P
4-11-26	EAST LIBERTY	EA	9:00A	8:00A
4-18-26	PALESTINE	EA	9:00A	8:00A
4-25-26	MARION	MM	9:00A
5-2-26	LARUE	MM	5:00P

**ALL INSPECTIONS ON SATURDAY**

 

The 15th District Education program will be on Saturday, May 2nd, 8am, at Marion 70. 

 

 

The last thing is the most difficult to address.  For several years our membership roll has been dwindling.  While we have an active core of members, maintaining all Lodge functions is increasingly difficult.  For this reason we have decided to initiate inquiry about the merge process.  This is not a move that is being taken lightly.  We are proceeding cautiously, gathering information prior to making decisions of a more formal nature.  

Where will this lead?  Since our crystal ball is still in the repair shop, that isn't clear.  What is clear is that we want to make decisions based on the most current and accurate information available, with understanding of potential results offered by each path.  As we move through the information gathering process, we will post what we learn.

That's all we have for now.  Till next time, we'll 

                               See you in Lodge!
  

Inspection Season Is Upon Us!

OK, raise your hand if the holidays zipped past you like a sports car while you were ambling along in the slow lane? We confess, it happened to us.  One minute we were fussing with details for holiday gatherings, and now we're here in mid-January.  Was it fun?  Yes, from what we remember. 

As this is being typed, Boggs Lodge is getting ready to sit down for dinner prior to their FC Inspection.  They are the first of the year, but certainly not the last.  That honor was reserved for us, but not by design.  We attempted to have our MM Inspection much earlier in the year.  Due to a variety of schedule conflicts, that didn't work out the way we had thought.  This year we will be "bringing up the rear", so to speak. Did they save the best till last?  Time, and the DDGM, will tell.

For those interested, here is the entire 2026 Inspection schedule: 

2026 Inspections

DATE	LODGE	DEG	TIME	MEAL
1-17-26	BOGGS	FC	7:00P	6:00P
1-24-26	MT GILEAD	FC	5:00P
2-7-26	MARION	MM	9:00A	Rescheduled to April 25 @ 9am
2-14-26	MAD RIVER	EA	9:00A
3-7-26	BELLEFONTAIN	MM	9:00A
3-14-26	CHESTER	EA	1:30P	12:30P
3-14-26	OLIVER	FC	7:30P
3-21-26	PALESTINE	EA	9:00A	8:00A
3-21-26	MT CARMEL	FC	1:00P	12:00P
4-11-26	EAST LIBERTY	EA	9:00A	8:00A
5-2-26	LARUE	MM	5:00P

We'd be remiss if we didn't note the upcoming Grand Master's Reception.  Breaking with tradition, this year it is being held on February 27th.  The following was "borrowed" from the 15th District web site:

                              February 27th – Grand Masters Reception

Reservations are now open for the 2026 GM Reception. We will be Honoring MWB Shawn A. Johnson and lady Colleen on Friday February 27th, 2026 at All Occasions Catering in Waldo, OH. We invite you and your spouse to attend. 

Dinner will be Beef Braised Short Rib, Mashed Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Salad, Rolls, & Brownies. Drinks will be Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee & Water.

                                            Reservations Required

Cost: $30.00pp (+CC fees if required)

Dress Code: Business Casual

Agenda: 6:00PM – Social, 7:00PM Reception Start, 8:00PM Presentations & Awards

You may register for the event using one of these (2) ways:

1) Use the Eventbrite Link to Self Register – Credit/Debit Card Accepted
Eventbrite Link to GM Reception RSVP

2) Notify the District Secretary, Bro. Matthew Bosh. 

 

That sums up what we know for now.  Take care, stay warm, and  

We'll see you in Lodge 

Where did Autumn go?

 

In our last post we tried to figure out what happened to summer. When we turned around, autumn was suddenly in the rear view mirror. And here we are.

Among our most recently discussed situations, we’ve had an interesting chain of events regarding our upcoming MM Inspection. During the 15^th District Annual Meeting in September we were granted / assigned the date of Saturday, December 20, 2025. We were happy about that, until we experienced some health issues in our officer line. That started a lengthy chain of conversations and communications. Many alternate dates were proposed and explored, during which all involved learned how many other Masonic bodies already had “that” date scheduled. Some might be suspicious of that. For those, reflect back on the number of Masonic body insignias on the back of our vehicles. ‘Nuff said.

This week we came up with a “final” resolution. Our MM Inspection will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, starting at 5pm.

With that in mind, we have additional tidings to share. At our Annual Meeting we elected our slate of officers for 2025-26. (The full listing is under the “Officers” tab.) And due to an infrequently used clause in the code, we were able to install that slate the same evening. Not a bad way to start a new Masonic year.

Here are some dates for your calendar:

Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Thanksgiving may be a day on the calendar for many. It should also be a daily reminder that however comfortable and admirable our immediate surroundings may be, we should be thankful.

Saturday, December 6, 2025.

At 9am the 15^th District will hold its Past Master’s Convocation. The meeting will begin at 9am at Chester #238. All incoming WM-elect must attend, even if they have served in that capacity previously. It is usually combined with an education meeting/presentation.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

La Rue will hold its traditional Christmas in the Village. A combination observance and celebration that only a small town can pull off. It is a family friendly event that helps set the tone for the season.

Saturday, May 2, 2026.

We will be having our MM Inspection, for the pleasure of RWB Scott Zwiezinski. Lodge will open at 5pm. As every member knows, this degree requires a considerable number of participants. All who can assist, in any capacity, would be appreciated.

Till next time, we’ll

                         See you in Lodge!

Looking toward the future!

 

It barely seems that summer was attempting to arrive, and now we’re looking at our fall schedule? Like most of us, as we age, it seems like the days fly by more quickly.

As noted above, although it is early in August, we are glancing toward our fall schedule. There are many events that should peak your interest, so we’ll go right to the list.

Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Annually, the Deputy Grand Master presents his thoughts, ideas, and focus for the 2025-26 year at a series of Roll-Out Programs across Ohio. At 7pm on this date, he will be presenting at University Lodge #631 in Linworth, OH. Open to all, including wives, significant others, etc., it is an opportunity to meet in person, and actually converse with our state office holders.

Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

This is our first meeting after the traditional summer break. In addition to the usual discussions, there are two segments we anticipate.

#1 – RWB Charles Hall, 15^th District Advisor, is scheduled to visit. He is also the current WM of Mt. Carmel #303.

#2 – We’ve been forewarned about this Masonic Minute presentation by our LEO: “What did you do last summer?” Be prepared to explain in-depth (within reason) your escapades over the past months.

 

September 12 - 14, 2025.

The Grand Master's Masonic Weekend, held at the Canton Masonic Temple located at:  836 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH.  Details and registration (by 8-12-25) are available on GrandView.

 

Saturday, September 13, 2025.

At 9am the 15^th District Annual Meeting will commence at Mt. Carmel #303. This is where the 2026 Inspection schedule is worked out, future District events are discussed, and there is usually a preview of the proposed legislation for the Grand Lodge Annual Communication in October.

Sunday, September 14, 2025.

At 6pm the 15^th District will hold its Annual Awards Banquet at The Plaza Inn,, Mt. Victory. The food is excellent, the fellowship is comforting, and who knows – your Lodge might be taking home some hardware!

Saturday, October 4, 2025.

At 6pm the 15^th District will hold what is presumed to be its first annual Charity Dinner and Silent Auction.  It will be held at the Marysville Elks Lodge, 125 E. Fifth, Marysville, OH, from 3 to 6pm. 

Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The 15^th District will be taking a road trip to Livingston, KY. The purpose is to be present at their Cave Degree presentation. This will be an all-day trip, with details posted on the 15^th District web site.

Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

This is our Annual Meeting. Normally preceded by a dinner, it features election of officers for the coming year. Come, enjoy some food and fellowship, make your thoughts known, and (possibly) take an office! Ask any of our active members, and you will hear that the more active you are, they more you get out of Lodge.

Saturday, December 6, 2025.

At 9am the 15^th District will hold its Past Master’s Convocation. (The location is yet to be announced.) All incoming WM-elect must attend, even if they have served in that capacity previously. It is usually combined with an education meeting/presentation.

Wow, that’s a lot of dates to remember!  Don’t fret. Just bookmark this page on your phone, tablet, computer, etc., and you’ll be able to access it anywhere. Is that great, or what?

Till next time, we’ll

See you in Lodge!

Whew!

Every Lodge that has been through the annual Inspection process can identify with this word.  After completing volumes of end-of-year reports and audits, the next step of the process is/was the Pre-Ispection Visit.  In theory that is a review of the paperwork.  The reality is it becomes a Q&A session on several levels.  The next step in the process is the actual Inspection, where your Lodge demonstrates proficiency (or lack thereof) in their degree work.  Attended by Brothers from area Lodges, and accompanied by a buffet feast, it quickly becomes "an event".  As wonderful as all of that sounds, it is nice to have that in the rear view mirror for another year.

Here is a photo of those present during our 2025 FC inspection, taken by WB Bosh, 15th District President:

 

As we move forward, there are dates of note on the calendar.  Some are ours, and some are from elsewhere in the 15th Masonic District:

April 16th - La Rue - Stated Meeting

April 26 - Marion 70 - FC Inspection

April 26 - Chester 238 - MM Inspection

May 3 - East Liberty 247 - MM Inspection

May 7th - La Rue - Stated Meeting  

May 21th - La Rue - Stated Meeting   

June 4th - La Rue - Stated Meeting

June 13th - Grand Master's Reception @ All-Occassions

June 18th - La Rue - Stated Meeting

July 12th - 15th District Golf Outing @ Cherokee Hills Golf Course

September 3rd - La Rue - Stated Meeting   

September 13 - Grand Lodge Masonic Weekend (One Day Class)

September 13 - 15th District Annual Meeting @ Boggs 292

September 17th - La Rue - Stated Meeting 

October 1st - La Rue - Stated Meeting 

October 4th - 15th District Charity Dinner Fundraiser

October 15th - La Rue - Stated Meeting  

October 24th - Grand Lodge of Ohio Annual Communication, at the Kalahari Resorts, Sandusky, OH.  All details will be available "online" beginning Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at www.GLOHIO2025.com

November 5th - La Rue - Stated Meeting AND Election of Officers  

Of course, additional activities will be added to the list.  We just don't know what they are - yet.  😎

 

Till next time, 

                                              See you in Lodge!

 

 

Time flies! And other thoughts

It seems like just yesterday that we were typing about the new slate of officers, important dates on the Masonic calendar, and other trivia.  Since then, there have been so many changes that we don't know where to begin.  

"Inspection Season" swung into action, but has already experienced some hiccups.  There have been too many schedule and procedural adjustments to track.  At times in the real world, schedules do need adjusted.  Despite the harrumphing of Past Masters on the sidelines, there are additional adjustments that deviate from established custom.  (English translation: How we used to do things.)  

To keep up with the changes we highly recommend two things.  First, regularly checking the 15th District web site, noted on the left margin.  The officers of the 15th District go to great lengths to update the information and report any changes.  Second, check your Grand View account for messages and updates.  Each change is listed there under the FEED tab.

The change least talked about is the Inspection meals.  In olden times they were prepared and served by a ladies group, most commonly from the local O.E.S. Chapter.  The menu would invariably be baked steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans (apparently the official Masonic vegetable), and pie.  Trust us, those were good eats, and no one went home hungry.  Now it is much more common to have soup and sandwich, a pasta bar, deli sandwiches, or even (gasp!) no meal at all.  A bad thing?  Nope.  Just a reflection of the changing times and changing preferences of membership.

In preparation for our FC Inspection on April 2, 2025, we have been "putting in the work", but experiencing our own hiccups.  While we feel assured that all will be ready when the time comes, it is yet to be determined whether we will have a full-blown dinner or light snacks.  There is plenty of time to work that out, and we promise to share the details as soon as they are known.

One additional date to mark on your calendar is June 13, 2025.  That will be the Grand Master's Reception for the 15th Masonic District.  Details aren't available yet, but will be posted after they are revealed.

 That's all we have for now.  Till next time, 

                                           See you in Lodge!