Greetings!
In case you haven’t noticed, very little has occurred during
the past 6 months that could be considered routine. Unfortunately, this email will continue that
trend.
Every news report highlights the current state of
concerns and restrictions related to COVID-19 infections and projections. These cover every level, from local to international. In addition, the Lodge has received many
suggestions, directions, orders and edicts governing everything from how we pay
bills to how meetings are permitted to occur.
From Grand Lodge alone we have received ten Grand Master’s Edicts this year. As reference, most years pass without any
being issued.
Our understanding of the current restrictions limits us
to 10 or less people present, socially distant (6’ apart), masked, with numerous
sanitizing stations throughout the building, with no person-to-person
contact. Food and beverage preparation,
serving, and consumption entail additional restrictions. There are also recommendations that select
categories avoid significant contact. These
include persons over 60, chronic medical conditions (diabetic, respiratory,
heart, etc.), and those living in households with members in those categories.
Grand Lodge has permitted Lodges to hold on-line
meetings, otherwise called “Virtual
Stated Meetings”, for limited purposes, such as paying bills or educational
programs, while not permitting degree work or practice. A list of those guidelines, from an earlier
post, are copied below as reference.
A glance at our membership roster reflects the following:
A total of 18% of our members have Grand View accounts
(10).
Of those, roughly half have the ability to participate in
on-line meetings.
17 of our members are under 60 years old. Of those, 9 are considered “local”, and 4 are current
officers.
These are difficult times, especially for a small
Lodge. Due to the factors mentioned
above, our Worshipful Master has determined it is unwise to attempt to hold meetings at
this time. This includes both
in-person and virtual meetings, until such time as restrictions are sufficiently
adjusted to permit our customary activities.
What does that mean for me?
If you show up on a normally scheduled meeting night,
bring a friend so you will have someone to talk with outside.
How long will this last?
That will be determined by the folks issuing gathering
and congregating restrictions, not by us.
How will we know when things change?
What about this year’s Grand Lodge Annual Communication?
Grand Lodge is in a similar situation. As a result, the Annual Communication is
being held virtually this year. “Attendance”
is still required, in that each Lodge is to be represented.
Like you, we miss the fellowship of our normal meetings
and activities. As soon as that is again
a viable option, we will resume labor. Until
then, take care of yourself and your loved ones.
******************
On-line meeting
guidance from the Grand Lodge of Ohio:
Ohio
Virtual Stated meetings are to include:
*
A password protected secure tool for members to utilize for accessing a virtual
Lodge
Stated
meeting (e.g. Zoom, GoToMeeting, WebEx, etc.).
*
An email to the lodge members sent from our Grand View membership program and
posted
on the lodges Grand View dashboard.
*
The Worshipful Master or Warden in charge will proclaim the meeting open: “This
Stated
Meeting is symbolically opened in the Entered Apprentice Degree.”
*
Conduct business of the lodge.
*
Fellowship with our brethren.
*
Education programs.
*
The Worshipful Master or Warden in charge will proclaim the meeting closed:
“This
Stated
Meeting is symbolically closed in the Entered Apprentice Degree.
Note: Ritual work of any type or nature,
candidate examinations, and candidate balloting are not permitted.
******************
