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.
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.
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.
