Spring!?!?!?!

How can that be?

Only in Ohio can you have sunny 70 degree days in winter, followed by snowy 19 degree days in spring.  Or at least that is how it seems most times.  The weather has been unpredictable, at least according to the local prognosticators.  Our favorite weather-related headline of the season?

“We face 'new normal' of extremes.”

Meteorologists everywhere salivated when that headline broke.

Although we have been huddling close to the fire enjoying the advent of spring, we have stayed busy.  One of our larger projects is one that has a low profile, but which has much potential. 

Over the past several years Lodge operations and communications have slowly migrated to a digital format, replacing many of the files and ledger books with digital equivalents.  Although we still create and preserve paper documents, including meeting minutes, most have a digital origin or equivalent.  This shift has allowed for greater sharing of appropriate information, more flexible access when requested, and more timely responses to requests.  It also permits multiple backup copies, stored in multiple locations, with very little effort.

A key component of this process has been the MORI system (Masonic Online Registry Interface) offered through the Grand Lodge of Ohio.  First used by the Grand Lodge of New York, this system integrates finances, mailings, and Lodge member information.  It automates time-consuming functions and provides a mechanism to track activity over a lifetime.  The individual Lodge is only required to have a computer with internet access, as the program and information are stored on servers designated for Grand Lodge.  To facilitate this process, the Lodge purchased a laptop, which has already proven handy. 

The most recent instance was a time sensitive question to be posed to a District Officer.  During the meeting the District Officer in question was emailed, with a timely response received shortly after.  During the brief interlude the member disclosed that his contact information had changed.  After logging onto MORI the correct information was entered and was immediately available.  The total time for this?  Less than 10 minutes, without postage or carbon paper.  Although this doesn't simplify every function, it allows us to shift our focus on other concerns.

As a further note on electronic communications, information dispersed by Grand Lodge and the 15^th District has slowly shifted toward email and web sites.  Use of email has become more frequent for meeting notices, invitations, and time sensitive information.  Web sites such as are used by the Grand Lodge and 15^th District, and our own Lodge, are increasingly used throughout Masonry.  Frequently they convey details for projects and activities, Lodge Education materials, and numerous forms, such as petitions for membership.  A few even permit notification to subscribers when their content changes, but many don’t.  For this reason, we encourage you to frequent those links on the left of our page to stay up to date.

A topic new this year is the Pay It Forward program implemented by the Grand Lodge.  It formalizes an old activity, assisting others to join the fraternity, but expands the scope significantly.  The content below further explains the program, and is borrowed from the Grand Lodge site:

Pay it Forward Program gives the Gift of Freemasonry

The Pay It Forward program allows a person to donate up to $150 towards the initiation fee of a specifically named individual to be used at any Ohio Lodge or to donate up to $150 to a specific lodge, which can use it for any future petitioner.

For example, the program will allow a Mason to donate towards the future initiation fee of his nephew, who would be able to petition any Ohio lodge with the amount his uncle’s donation going towards the initiation fee, or a Mason may donate to benefit a specific lodge, which will choose which future petitioner should benefit from the gift.

The Process

An individual donates up to $150 through a local lodge and completes the Pay it Forward form, specifying either a specific future petitioner or a specific lodge. The lodge immediately forwards the donation and form to the Grand Secretary. The Grand Secretary will issue to the donor a Pay It Forward certificate in the name of the specified future petitioner or a certificate to the specified lodge for the unnamed future petitioner. Upon notification of the death of the donor or at any other time at the request of the donor, the Grand Secretary will send a letter and a copy of the certificate to the individual named on the certificate, notifying him of the wishes of the donor.

“The Pay It Forward program simply formalizes a very old custom,” explained Grand Master Easterling. My father paid for my initiation fee when I joined National Lodge, and towards the end of his life, he gave me an hundred dollar bill to keep for my brother. I carried that bill in my wallet until he expressed an interest to join. I am very excited that this program has been created, allowing more individuals to benefit”

As our final concern for this posting, we have a new list of activities for your calendar.  It promises to be a busy time.

April 17, 2013           Masonic Service Awards.  Dinner at 6:30pm, Lodge opens at 7:30pm.
 

April 22, 2013.         Masonic Night at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus.  This is a Blue Lodge event rather than a Shrine event.  Doors open at 6:00pm, with Lodge opening at 6:45pm.  Bring your dues card!  Aprons will be available, but bring your own if possible.  The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the MM degree by the Aladdin Past Masters Unit.  Refreshments will be served following.

June 9, 2013.           Ohio Masonic Home Day, in Springfield, OH.  Program details will be available at http://freemason.com// .

June 28, 2013.         Ohio Special Olympics opening ceremonies at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex at the OSU campus in Columbus. 

September 4, 2013.                        First meeting of the fall.

September 7, 2013.                        Annual Meeting of the 15^th Masonic District.  Held at Oliver #447 at 9am.  This meeting establishes the dates and events for the coming year, and is open to all members.

September 15, 2013.          15^th District Awards Night.  Held at the Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, at 6pm, hosted by LaRue #463.

November 9, 2013.             15^th District Secretary Meeting.  Held at Mt. Gilead #206 at 9am.  Attendance is not restricted to Lodge Secretaries.

December 7, 2013.             15^th District Past Master’s Convocation.  Held at East Liberty #247 at 9am.

  That is the list as we know it.  We will be posting information regarding our Service Awards program as soon as it is available.  If you know of other dates that should be included, please contact us.

See you in Lodge!

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