OK, it isn’t really summer – yet. But at least the weather has finally made the
turn from winter to spring. The general
consensus is that eventually things will dry out enough to remove the pontoons
from the mower. Maybe.
Many things have occurred since we last updated the web
site. To list them all would probably
break the internet, but there are some that are very deserving.
Our first-ever raffle went off without a hitch. It was intended as a fundraiser for Lodge expenses,
but turned into more than that. Through
it we became acquainted with more Brothers than we imagined, forming relationships
that bridged counties, Districts, and Jurisdictions. For the drawing we found a Brother who had
not purchased a ticket (somehow we missed him!), who participated in a “blind”
drawing to select a winner. The winning
ticket had been purchased by a member of Findlay #202. When contacted he surprised us by donating a
portion of the prize to our Lodge in the name of Findlay #202. What a wonderful gesture!
During Inspection Season it is expected that Brothers
will travel to other Lodges. This year
we took that up a notch. Regular
interactions with Latham, Senate, and Sager Lodges have resulted in many shared
activities – dinners, meetings, candidate experiences, Education programs, etc. Interactions such as this are one of the
hallmarks of the Fraternity, and are greatly enjoyed. Long-time members will find many similarities
with our relationship with the former Lodge in Marseilles. One cannot count the number of joint
activities we shared with them, but certainly the highlight was the fish fry’s
we shared. It is wonderful that we continue
to create similar memories for current members.
Our calendar below has the standard listings of
activities. In addition, we’d like to
share a word about our meeting schedule.
We
adhere to the thought that Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and
Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer. No, we aren’t seaside shop
owners courting tourists, although that doesn’t sound so bad. Instead, we
are a community closely tied to agricultural pursuits. One of the
byproducts of that reality is a membership unlikely to attend meetings during
this period.
We
finished the month of May with two MM degree practices. Not a bad
conclusion to a transitional month, considering the possibilities. “What comes next?” you ask. Well, we
have answers, but first an explanation.
Masonic
Lodges are not permitted to cancel meetings. This is similar in thought
to the unofficial Post Office motto:
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these
couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds
The
exception in our case is that we don’t have appointed rounds, only appointed
days and times. When conditions make travel or attendance unsafe,
uncomfortable, or inconvenient, we advise members to attend to their necessary
vocations and welfare. “What does this mean to
me?” It means that if you arrive for a Lodge meeting before
September 4th, you will most likely be alone – unless you brought a
friend.
As
always, there are many items on the calendar. The last of the Inspections
has been held for the year, so we are able to concentrate on lighter news and
events:
May 27, 2019
Memorial Day.
Formerly
known as Decoration Day, it commemorates all men and women who have died in
military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials
on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.
June
2, 2019 Ohio Masonic Home Day, Springfield, Ohio.
See schedule link on the left side of this page.
June
7-8, 2019
La Rue’s “Oorang Bang”, otherwise known as La Rue’s Village Festival.
Activities include a duck race on the Scioto River, music, food, and a
parade. It’s the kind of thing only a small town can do right. See
poster below.
June
8, 2019 15th
District’s Grand Master’s Reception, @ noon
in Perry Park, East Liberty, OH, USA
June
28, 2019
Opening Ceremonies of the Ohio Special Olympics. To be held
at the OSU campus, Columbus, Ohio, at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex. Bring a lawn chair and an apron. Dress is white shirt and dark slacks. Food will be served before the parade, at
5:30pm.
July 4, 2019
Independence Day. Celebrate the birth of a nation!
As
of this date, 243 years and counting.
September 2, 2019 Labor Day. Although many view this as the unofficial “last day
of summer”, it was created to celebrate those who do the heavy lifting that
keeps our country going. Whether you are firing up that grill, or
muttering under your breath about traffic, don’t lose sight of the effort and
dedication it takes to provide us the comforts we enjoy.
September 4, 2019 First meeting
of the fall. MM degree anticipated.
September
7, 2019
15th District Past Presidents Golf Tournament. Held at
Kings Mills Golf Club (2500 Berringer Road, Waldo, OH).
September
14, 2019
15th District Annual Meeting, held at Mt. Gilead Lodge
@
9am.
September
15, 2018
15th District Annual Awards Banquet, held at The Plaza Inn,
Mt. Victory, OH, at 6pm.
October 14, 2019 Columbus Day.
October 2019 Grand Lodge
Annual Communication.
To be held
in Marietta, Ohio. Details to come soon.
November
5, 2019
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
6, 2019
Annual Meeting.
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, 2019
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
16, 2019
15th District Fall Education Meeting, held at La Rue Lodge at
9am.
December
7, 2019
15th
District Past Masters Convocation.
Held at Mt.
Carmel #303, starting at 9am.
December 14, 2019 MM Inspection for
La Rue Lodge!
Yes,
this is “early”, at least compared to previous years. Based on the precedent of Marion #70 last
year, we discovered earlier dates were permitted, so we took advantage of the
opportunity.
In addition to the above, the Deputy Grand Master has issued the schedule for his 2019 presentations. This is an opportunity to hear "from the horse's mouth" what plans are in store for the coming year. You will note that all are in August, but the entire State is covered. The full schedule is below.
In addition to the above, the Deputy Grand Master has issued the schedule for his 2019 presentations. This is an opportunity to hear "from the horse's mouth" what plans are in store for the coming year. You will note that all are in August, but the entire State is covered. The full schedule is below.
This
seems to cover our calendar as we know it.
This summer remember to take time to sit back, relax, and savor the warm
weather we so desperately longed for all winter.