Welcome to Fall !!!

Where did summer go?  It seems like just last week it was 95 degrees in the shade, with pitifully little shade.  It was so warm that our first three meetings of fall were held in what seemed like a gigantic oven, disguised to look like our Lodge room.

Much has changed since our last post.  The first item is one of the more wide-sweeping we’ve had in a long time.

Sending dues notices is probably as old as freemasonry, at least in this jurisdiction.  With this year’s notices we included a newsletter.  At the risk of unnecessary duplication, we’ve copied relevant text below.

The Grand Lodge of Ohio has made several transitions during 2018.  One that directly impacts each member is replacement of the MORI system.  MORI was a computerized system used to electronically adjust member records and input information relative to their Masonic activities.  Training, implementation, and adjustments were processes limited to Lodge Secretaries and Grand Lodge officers, as access was restricted.  Over time, Grand Lodge received numerous requests for members to be able to view their information, and make their own changes.  Thus began the search for something better, which turned out to be the Ohio Masonic Membership Manager, provided by Grand View.

Implemented August 1, 2018, the OM3 Grand View system allows each member to create their own account.  After creating the account they can view and adjust their personal information, preferred methods of contact, and virtually every aspect of their Masonic history.  Although in its infancy, all data from MORI was supposed to be transferred to OM3 Grand View on August 1^st.

To set up your own account, you first need to go to their web site.  This can be through our site (http://larue463.blogspot.com/ ), which links to the Grand Lodge site (http://www.glohio.com/ ).  Once on the Grand Lodge site, go to the tab identified as “Tools”.  Hovering over that tab, “Grand View Access” will show.  Click on that, which takes you to their Lodge Locator page.  In the upper right corner are three options:  New Search; Lodge Locations; Member Portal.  Clicking on Member Portal will take you to the sign-in screen.  In the upper right will be the option Member Registration.  Click on this to start the registration process for your personal access.  Don’t worry – it sounds involved, but it is really very easy.

***  Please note, when you input your Member Number, found on your permanent dues card, DO NOT use the initial letter, and DO NOT use leading zeros.

After creating your account, you should be able to view and adjust your personal information.  Should you have any difficulty accessing your personal information after that point please contact us for assistance.

Our Inspection this year will be on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 10am in the FC degree.  Coffee, juice, and doughnuts will be available starting at 9am.  No reservations are required.  Barring unforeseen circumstances, we will be done by noon, and able to enjoy a leisurely lunch at Coonie’s, or other area establishment.

The 15^th Masonic District Grand Master’s Reception will be considerably different for 2019.  It will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the park outside of East Liberty.  It will be a cookout with casual dress (shorts, t-shirt, sandals, etc.), and will start at 11am, with all food and beverages provided.  Attendance is open to all members, spouses, and kids, with no cost to attend.  There will be the customary awards presented, it will just be accomplished in a picnic setting.  Closer to that date they will want an RSVP to make sure they have sufficient supplies. 

As you might suspect, we have additional listings to report.  Below is the list as we know it at this time.

October 8, 2018       Columbus Day. 

October 11-13, 2017           Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

Held at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, Ohio.

November 3, 2018              Tri-State Degree Conferral

This event will take place on Saturday, November 3, 2018 in the Indianapolis, Indiana at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. The event starts at 1:00 p.m. The Grand Lodge of Indiana will confer the EA Degree, followed by the Grand Lodge of Michigan conferring the FC Degree. Your Grand Lodge Officers of Ohio will be conferring the MM Degree.

Witnessing degree conferrals by our sister jurisdictions will prove to be educational. However, if this isn’t enough, then just the visit to the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral is an experience you shouldn’t miss. This is one of the most magnificent and historic facilities dedicated to Freemasonry you will ever see.

This FREE event is located at 650 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN  46204.

November 6, 2018              Election Day.

If you are reading this, you have plenty of time to register and be eligible to vote.  Polls are open from 6:30am until 7:30pm.  Vote!

November 7, 2018             Pizza Dinner at 6:30pm.  Annual Meeting at 7:30. 

In addition to the normal business of the Lodge, this is the meeting where we elect Officers for the coming year.  Come and make your voice heard!

November 11, 2018            Veterans Day. 

This is the day to celebrate those who have placed their lives on the line for the freedoms we love. Don't take the opportunity just to thank a Veteran. Do take the opportunity to thank all the Veterans you encounter, whether in person or via social media. It will mean more to them than words can describe.

November 17, 2018                        15^th District Fall Education Meeting, held at Mt. Carmel Lodge at 9am.

December 1, 2018              15^th District Past Masters Convocation. 

                                             Held at Boggs #292, starting at 9am.

March 2, 2019                      Our Inspection in the FC degree.  With refreshments (coffee & pastries) at 9am, Lodge will open at 10am. 

June 8, 2019                        15^th District Grand Master’s Reception, starting at 11am in East Liberty.

That sums up what we know for now.  Enjoy the final days of our warm weather, and

We’ll see you in Lodge !

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