Since our last post our thoughts have gone to a famous author, Robert Burns: 

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

That pretty well describes progress with our three candidates.  Work schedules, injuries, and travel plans have all had an impact on our anticipated degree schedule.  Along the way we have also had our own schedule issues, making for an interesting autumn.

With that in mind, below is our anticipated schedule for the balance of 2016, and what is known for 2017.  Adjustments will be made as necessary, so check back often.

October 5, 2016                   Pizza dinner at 6:30pm, followed by our Stated Meeting.

October 10, 2016                Columbus Day.  Celebrate Christoforo Columbo, who “sailed the ocean blue in 1492”, and for years was identified as the person who discovered America.  History buffs generally recognize the land was named for Amerigo Vespucci, who apparently had a better PR Manager.  Both had better PR men than Leif Eriksson, credited with landing here 500+ years earlier than either of them.

October 14-15, 2016           Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held at the Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, Ohio.

October 19, 2016                Stated Meeting.  MM degree anticipated.

November 2, 2016.             Fish Fry at 6:30pm, followed by our Stated Meeting.  Annual Election of Officers.

November 8, 2016.             Election Day.  Take the time to exercise the privilege secured for each of us by our ancestors.  Your vote does make a difference!

November 11, 2016            Veterans Day.  Originally called Armistice Day, it signified the end of WW1.  Renamed in 1954, it now celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. 

November 16, 2016            Stated Meeting.  Installation of 2016-17 Officers anticipated.

November 19, 2016            15^th District Fall Education Meeting, 9am at Boggs #202.

November 24, 2016            Thanksgiving

December 3, 2016              15^th District Past Masters Convocation, 9am, held at Chester #238.

December 7, 2016              Stated Meeting.  Presentation of Masonic Service Awards.

December 25, 2016            Christmas. 

December 31, 2016            New Year’s Eve.  Be sure to pick a designated driver!

January 1, 2017                  New Year’s Day. 

January 2, 2017                  This is the day most of us decide whether sticking to those resolutions is going to happen.  Or not.

January 9, 2017                  College Football Championship Game

January 14, 2017                15^th District Work Day, 9am, held at East Liberty #247.

January 16, 2017                Martin Luther King Day

February 11, 2017              Inspection of La Rue Lodge in the MM degree.  Lodge opens at 11am, lunch at noon, resuming degree work following lunch.

February 20, 2017              Presidents’ Day

March 25, 2017                    Grand Master’s One Day Class, 9am, at Palestine #158.

March 31, 2017                    15^th District Grand Master’s Reception, 7pm, at All-Occasions Catering, Waldo, OH.

June 24, 2017                      300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

15^th District Picnic, 2pm, hosted by East Liberty #247.

That’s what we know for now.  See you at Lodge!

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Last week several of our members attended the Rollout Program of the Deputy Grand Master, RWB Douglas N. Kaylor, the Lima edition.  It was an enjoyable evening, and well attended by Brethren from the 10^th and 15^th Districts.  There were many items that would be of interest, but we will focus on two.  Together they seem to provide the rails guiding the train that is Grand Lodge: 

The 300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

The 2016 Grand Lodge long-range plan.

The 300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry features many activities, both nationally and internationally.  The focus in Ohio will be on District-based events on June 24, 2017.  There is more, of course, but it promises to be a special year.

The 2016 Grand Lodge long range plan is a report available on the Grand Lodge web site.  At 16 pages it is too long to reproduce here, but identifies the following Strategic Priorities: 

To Govern the Craft 

To Tell the Story of Freemasonry 

To Promote the Prosperity of our Lodges 

To promote the happiness and welfare of the Craft 

RWB Kaylor had many things to say on this topic.  The most important aspect was hearing the plan is supported by the entire line of Grand Lodge officers.  Ask anyone who has been in a conversation about where to eat and you will appreciate how remarkable this is.  As activities increase leading up the Grand Lodge Communication in October, we expect to hear more on how both of these will impact our specific situation

In other news, our Lodge is now in the pool business.  To be more specific, La Rue Lodge is sponsoring a free day at the Village pool on Sunday, August 21.  The pool will be FREE for members and non-members, and snacks will be provided, also for free.  Lindsey, the pool manager, helped choose the date, which is the last day before classes start in the Elgin district.  Lindsey also informed us the La Rue Lions Club would also have their funnel cake trailer, for a fee.  For many years we have contributed to the La Rue Youth Athletic Association, but this allows us to broaden donations to benefit the youth of our community.

Below is our anticipated schedule for the balance of 2016, and what is known for 2017.  Adjustments will be made as necessary, so check back often.

September 5, 2016             Labor Day.  Although fun, this isn’t just a day for cookouts.  It is a day to celebrate those who made our country, and continue to do the heavy lifting necessary to keep it great.

September 7, 2016             Stated Meeting.  MM practice.

September 8-10, 2016       Marion Popcorn Festival

September 10, 2016           15^th District Annual Meeting, Indian Lake #722, at 9am.

September 11, 2016           15^th District Awards Dinner, Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, at 6pm.

September 21, 2016.          Stated Meeting.  MM degree.

October 10, 2016                Columbus Day.  Celebrate Christoforo Columbo, who “sailed the ocean blue in 1492”, and for years was identified as the person who discovered America.  History buffs generally recognize the land was named for Amerigo Vespucci, who apparently had a better PR Manager.  Both had better PR men than Leif Eriksson, credited with landing here 500+ years earlier than either of them.

October 14-15, 2016           Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held at the Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, Ohio.

November 2, 2016.             Stated Meeting.  Annual Election of Officers.

November 8, 2016.             Election Day.  Take the time to exercise the privilege secured for you by our ancestors.  Your vote does make a difference!

November 11, 2016            Veterans Day.  Originally called Armistice Day, it signified the end of WW1.  Renamed in 1954, it now celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. 

November 12, 2016            15^th District Fall Education Meeting, 9am at Boggs #202.

November 24, 2016            Thanksgiving

December 3, 2016              15^th District Past Masters Convocation, 9am, held at Chester #238.

December 25, 2016            Christmas. 

December 31, 2016            New Year’s Eve.  Be sure to pick a designated driver!

January 1, 2017                  New Year’s Day. 

March 25, 2017                    Grand Master’s One Day Class

June 24, 2017                      300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

                                                Details will follow as announced

That’s what we know for now.  See you at Lodge!

  

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January 1, 2017                  

Theo Rowland McElheny

It is with sadness we report that one of our long-time members, Theodore McElheny, passed away on Thursday, July 7^th.  Brother McElheny was a 73-year member of our fraternity.  In recent years health issues limited his attendance, but he was able to attend for the presentation of his 70-year award in 2013.  Below is an excerpt from our minutes.  It should be noted that RWB Robert Rill, Jr., is now MWB Robert Rill, Jr., Grand Master of Masons in Ohio. 

4/17/13:  Bro. Theodore McElheny was presented west of the altar by SD Cedric Radcliffe.  RWB Robert Rill, RWB Charles Buck, and WM Dave Allman presented Bro. McElheny his 70-year pin, and a 2013 Grand Master's pin.  The 70-year pin was applied by his son, WB Theodore "Rollie" McElheny, who noted that several years earlier he had performed the same task for his grandfather.  WB McElheny led the Lodge in Grand Honors, followed by Bro. McElheny's observations and recollections of Masonic membership.

Below is his obituary, as reprinted from the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home.  Please note that a Masonic Service will be held on Monday, July 11^th, at 6pm.

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Theo Rowland McElheny Sr 96 of Marion formerly of LaRue, died Thursday July 7, 2016 at the Marion General Hospital He was born June 30, 1920 in Hardin County to the late Theodore M. and Cleda (Rowland) McElheny, he was also predeceased by one daughter: Susan K. McElheny Rowland was a retired farmer, veteran of the Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa and on mainland Japan in Nagasaki during WW II. He was longtime member of the LaRue United Methodist Church, LaRue Lodge #463 F & A M, Phillipi-Clement American Legion Post #101, where he was very active as former commander and sergeant of arms leading the memorial day activities and the funeral detail for many years. He was an avid reader, he enjoyed newspapers and anything to do with history On April 15,1941 he married Kathryn F. (Wood) McElheny and she survives, also surviving is one son: Theo Rowland (Susan) McElheny II of LaRue, grandchildren: Shawn A. (Mark Goochey) McElheny, Brenna Colleen (Doug Shepherd) McElheny, Katrina M. Thomas and Bridget (Troy) Wiseman, eight great grandchildren and one great great grandson, one sister: Eileen Ford of Bowling Green and a niece and nephew Funeral services will be held Tuesday July 12, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in LaRue, Pastor Mike Raypholtz will officiate, burial will follow in the LaRue Cemetery, where there will be Military Honors conducted by the Marion County United Veterans Council, friends may call Monday from 4-6 pm at the funeral home in LaRue, where there will be masonic services at 6:00 pm Memorial gifts may be made to the LaRue United Methodist Church at PO Box 327 LaRue, Ohio 43332 and or the Phillipi-Clement American Legion Post #101 c/o Larry Knapp 1537 Center Park Dr. Marion, Ohio 43302 Remembrances and condolences may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com

We received TWO communications from Grand Lodge this week.  It was such a remarkable occurrence we are considering adding them to our Face Book “Friends” list.  The first was anticipated, and noted in our last post.  The second promises to take us to a completely different place.  As copied from the Grand Lodge notices, each speaks for itself.

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DGM Roll-Out Meetings' Dates & Locations

The Deputy Grand Master, Douglas N. Kaylor, will hold several meetings this summer to roll out plans for the 2016-2017 Masonic year. 

All Ohio Freemasons are invited to attend – particularly the Masters and Wardens, DDGMs, DEOs, District Advisors, and Grand Lodge officers.  These meetings will be held in July and August so the Brethren should feel free to attend comfortably (though tastefully) dressed. 
The dates, start times, and locations are listed below; please attend the meeting that best fits your schedule.

Roll Out Meeting Schedule

Tuesday, July 19, 7 pm, Scioto Lodge No. 6, 57 East Main Street, Chillicothe, Ohio  45601

Wednesday, July 20, 7 pm, Cambridge Masonic Temple, 730 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge, Ohio  43725

Thursday, July 21, 7 pm, Mansfield Masonic Temple, 1250 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield, Ohio  44904

Saturday, July 23, 10 am, Northwest Masonic Temple, 2436 West Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio  43235

Tuesday, July 26, 7 pm, Lima Masonic Temple, 2165 North Cole Street, Lima, Ohio  45801

Wednesday, July 27, 7 pm, Phoenix Lodge No. 123, 590 East South Boundary, Perrysburg, Ohio  43551

Thursday, July 28, 7 pm, Amelia Lodge No. 590, 290 Judd Road, Amelia, Ohio  45102

Tuesday, August 2, 7 pm, Huber Heights Lodge No. 777, 7778 Wildcat Road, Huber Heights, Ohio  45424

Wednesday, August 3, 7 pm, Cortland Lodge No. 529, 3263 Everett-Hull Road, Cortland, Ohio  44410

Wednesday, August 10, 7 pm, Canton Masonic Center, 836 North Market Avenue, Canton, Ohio  44702

Tuesday, August 23, 7 pm, Paramuthia Lodge No. 25, 12 West Carpenter Street, Athens, Ohio  45701

Monday, August 29, 7 pm, Lyndhurst Masonic Temple, 5516 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst, Ohio  44124

Tuesday, August 30, 7 pm, Elyria Lodge No. 787, 251 6^th Street, Elyria, Ohio  44305
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GRAND LODGE OF OHIO 2018 CARIBBEAN CRUISE

An Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard the Celebrity Equinox Cruise Ship is being organized for the benefit of the Ohio Freemasons and their families.  Port cities will include San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Basseterre, St. Kitts.  The details of pricing, accommodations, and how to register are all below.  GOOD SAILING!

DEPARTING: JANUARY 6, 2018 FROM PORT MIAMI, FLORIDA FOR A

7-DAY EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE ABOARD THE CELEBRITY EQUINOX CRUISE SHIP

The Grand Lodge block is available until June 24, 2016 so register NOW!  

Group Name: OHIO GRAND LODGE

Group Identification Number: 4543678

Group Phone Number: 888-727-4907  Option #1, then Ext. 18878

Group Assistance Hours: M-F 9:00am-7:00pm; Sat 10:00am-7:00pm; Closed Sundays

CELEBRITY SELECT DINNING - GROUP TOGETHER AND RESERVE YOUR OWN DINING TIME

Receive Promotions when booking - Ask for Details as to What is Available.

$75.00 per Cabin Cruise Credit for all cabins

Travel Insurance Available - YOUR OPTION - ASK FOR DETAILS WHEN BOOKING

Celebrity; Royal Caribbean; and Azamara Cruise Line Loyalty Credits Available - Ask for Details

Passports Will Be Required

CELEBRITY ChoiceAir® Available - Airlines Schedule Approximately 330 day in Advance

Assured Arrival; Lowest Fares; 24/7 Assistance; No Fee; Airline Flexibility

Possible Degree work while on the Cruise – either on the ship or while in a port! – To Be Determined

$250.00 Deposit Per Person Required when Booking

FINAL PAYMENT DUE: OCTOBER 8, 2017

NO FEE FOR CANCELLATION PRIOR TO FINAL PAYMENT

A LIMITED NUMBER OF VERANDA (Cat. C1); OCEANVIEW (Cat. 7) AND INSIDE (Cat. 10) CABINS ARE BEING HELD - CHOOSE ONE OF THE HELD CABINS, OR SELECT YOUR OWN.  (BASED ON AVAILABILITY) - Perks may be Limited Depending on Your Cabin Category

BASE RATES PER PERSON: (Based on Double Occupancy)

VERANDA $1089.00; OCEANVIEW $899.00; INSIDE $679.00

$96.57 Per Person Fees and Port Charges will be added to your base cabin booking price.

Ohio Group Coordinators: Brad & Kathy Goebel bradgoebel@gmail.com; kathyrgoebel@gmail.com

This information is based on our best understand of arrangements made as of May 24, 2016 and are subject to change. Please ask for clarification of all details when making a reservation to join this special Grand Lodge of Ohio organized event. All Payments will be handled by CELEBRITY CRUISES.

NO Grand Lodge Funds will be used for this Cruise.

Participating individuals are responsible for all travel and cruise expenses.

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With the exceptions noted above, below is our anticipated schedule for the balance of 2016.  Adjustments will be made as necessary, so check back often.

June 12, 2016                      Masonic Home Day, Springfield campus.

June 19, 2016                      Father’s Day.  This isn’t just a day to honor your Father, but all those men who have made a positive impact on your life. 

June 24, 2016                      Opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics, Jesse Owens Sports Complex – OSU Campus, Columbus, Ohio.

July 4, 2016                          Independence Day.  Celebrate the birth of a nation!

September 5, 2016             Labor Day.  Although fun, this isn’t just a day for cookouts.  It is a day to celebrate those who made our country, and continue to do the heavy lifting necessary to keep it great.

September 7, 2016             Stated Meeting.  MM practice.

September 8-10, 2016       Marion Popcorn Festival

September 10, 2016           15^th District Annual Meeting, Indian Lake #722, at 9am.

September 11, 2016           15^th District Awards Dinner, Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, at 6pm.

September 21, 2016.          Stated Meeting.  MM degree.

October 10, 2016                Columbus Day.  Celebrate Christoforo Columbo, who “sailed the ocean blue in 1492”, and for years was identified as the person who discovered America.  History buffs generally recognize the land was named for Amerigo Vespucci, who apparently had a better PR Manager.  Both had better PR men than Leif Eriksson, credited with landing here 500+ years earlier than either of them.

October 14-15, 2016           Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held at the Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, Ohio.

November 2, 2016.             Stated Meeting.  Annual Election of Officers.

November 8, 2016.             Election Day.  Take the time to exercise the privilege secured for you by our ancestors.  Your vote does make a difference!

November 11, 2016            Veterans Day.  Originally called Armistice Day, it signified the end of WW1.  Renamed in 1954, it now celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. 

November 12, 2016            15^th District Fall Education Meeting, 9am at Boggs #202.

December 3, 2016              15^th District Past Masters Convocation, 9am, held at Chester #238.

December 25, 2016            Christmas. 

That’s what we know for now.  See you at Lodge!

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Is it Summer Yet?  YES !!! (Kind of)

We finished the month of May with a pizza dinner and a FC degree.  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 7^th, you will most likely be alone – unless you brought a friend.

Our calendar has been adjusted, as reflected below.  We anticipate a MM degree on September 21, another two MM degrees at some point during the fall, plus a FC degree.  These will all be good practice for next year’s Inspection, which will be in the MM degree.

One listing usually on our calendar by this time is the Deputy Grand Master’s Rollout Program.  This is the opportunity for the DGM to inform Lodges and Districts of special programs, observances, and events anticipated during the coming year.  Unfortunately this schedule has not yet been posted.  As soon as it becomes available it will be posted here.

With the exceptions noted above, below is our anticipated schedule for the balance of 2016.  Adjustments will be made as necessary, so check back often.

May 30, 2016                        Memorial Day.  Originally called Decoration Day, it is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America.

June 12, 2016                      Masonic Home Day, Springfield campus.

June 19, 2016                      Father’s Day.  This isn’t just a day to honor your Father, but all those men who have made a positive impact on your life.  

June 24, 2016                      Opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics, Jesse Owens Sports Complex – OSU Campus, Columbus, Ohio.

July 4, 2016                          Independence Day.  Celebrate the birth of a nation!

September 5, 2016             Labor Day.  Although fun, this isn’t just a day for cookouts.  It is a day to celebrate those who made our country, and continue to do the heavy lifting necessary to keep it great.

September 7, 2016             Stated Meeting.  MM practice.

September 8-10, 2016       Marion Popcorn Festival

September 10, 2016           15^th District Annual Meeting, Indian Lake #722, at 9am.

September 11, 2016           15^th District Awards Dinner, Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, at 6pm.

September 21, 2016.          Stated Meeting.  MM degree.

October 10, 2016                Columbus Day.  Celebrate Christoforo Columbo, who “sailed the ocean blue in 1492”, and for years was identified as the person who discovered America.  History buffs generally recognize the land was named for Amerigo Vespucci, who apparently had a better PR Manager.  Both had better PR men than Leif Eriksson, credited with landing here 500+ years earlier than either of them.

October 14-15, 2016           Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held at the Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, Ohio.

November 2, 2016.             Stated Meeting.  Annual Election of Officers.

November 8, 2016.             Election Day.  Take the time to exercise the privilege secured for you by our ancestors.  Your vote does make a difference!

November 11, 2016            Veterans Day.  Originally called Armistice Day, it signified the end of WW1.  Renamed in 1954, it now celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. 

November 12, 2016            15^th District Fall Education Meeting, 9am at Boggs #202.

December 3, 2016              15^th District Past Masters Convocation, 9am, held at Chester #238.

December 25, 2016            Christmas. 

That’s what we know for now.  See you at Lodge!

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