Who said winter has to be cold?

Wow!  Where has the time gone?

Wait – is it still Winter?

Drat!

The above has probably been repeated many times in households throughout Ohio.  Judging by what we’ve experienced this year, the fact that Buckeye Chuck predicted another 6 weeks of winter should have been no surprise. 

Even though the weather has occasionally been frightful, we’ve been hard at work on a number of things.  The most recent was our EA Inspection on February 11^th.  We have several “new” officers this year, which necessitated more practices then we usually schedule.  Each did very well, which means the Inspection part of the morning went well too, both in our opinions and that of our Inspecting Officer.  We are happily looking forward to receiving his written report. 

The custom this year in the 15^th District is to take a photo of all present.  This is posted on the 15^th District Face Book account, and should be prominent here as well.  A total of 56 Brothers were in attendance, which was the largest number present for a 15^th District Inspection thus far this year.  Of those, 14 were our members.  An informal tally came up with 12 current or past District Deputy Grand Masters in attendance.  An informal breakdown of that number was interesting.  We counted 2 current DDGMs, plus 2 past DDGMs from our Lodge.  Of the remaining 8, it is believed that each had been our Inspecting Officer during their active years.  We consider that as remarkable.  

Other parts of our Inspection-day experience did not go as smoothly.  For the third consecutive year we experienced plumbing issues.  This time only the men’s restroom was impacted, and resulted in a quick discussion among our trustees.  The resulting plan is to replace the commode, faucets for both restroom sinks, and the water heater, which had separately turned in its resignation around Christmas.  This addresses both the current issues and those anticipated in the near future. 

Our recent newsletter included a multi-purpose questionnaire.  We wanted to make sure we had the most recent contact information, which is a larger challenge than one might suspect.  For instance, we’ve found that a number of people have disconnected land-line phones, which was frequently the only phone number we had on file.  Some members have moved, and most that have email have changed their email addresses over time.  The majority of questionnaires have been returned, but we are still hoping for a 100% response.

Those with email and ability to text have already experienced some of the benefits of the updated information.  We have used both for meeting and special event reminders.  This not only allows us to distribute information quickly, it is also cost effective – free!

One aspect of the questionnaire was requesting information on military service.  MWB Rick Schau, Grand Master of Masons in Ohio, has encouraged Lodges to recognize the military service of our members, and has designed a special commemorative pin for that purpose.  With the successful completion of our Inspection, we will be turning our attention to planning and scheduling a special evening for this recognition.  Although details aren’t known yet, it would seem to be a safe guess that a wonderful meal will be part of the festivities.

Below is our calendar as we know it now.  Adjustments will be made as received.

February 19, 2018 President’s Day

March 10, 2018      Spring Luncheon and Silent Auction Fund Raiser for the Child Evangelism Fellowship.  It will be hosted at the Cornerstone Alliance Church, 2010 Marion-Marysville Road, Marion, from 11am till 2pm.  Admission is free, but they are asking for a $10 donation for lunch.

March 11, 2018      Daylight Savings Time starts at 2am.

                              (Spring ahead, Fall back)

March 20, 2018      Spring arrives!

April 1, 2018           Easter

April 6, 2018           15^th District’s Grand Master’s Reception.  To be held at All Occasions in Waldo.  Gathering and Fellowship start at 6pm, with dinner and the program at 7pm.

May 28, 2018          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 3, 2018          Ohio Masonic Home Day, Springfield, Ohio.  See schedule link on the left side of this page.

June 22, 2018        Opening Ceremonies of the Ohio Special Olympics.  To be held at the OSU campus, Columbus, Ohio.

July 4, 2018           Independence Day.  Celebrate the birth of a nation! 

As of this date, 242 years and counting.

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

.

New Web Site

Recently the 15th Masonic District decided to have a more uniform presence on the internet.  A "new" 15th District site was developed, setting a standard for individual Lodge sites.  Although our Lodge has had a web presence in one form or another for about 18 years, we are making some adjustments.

Behind the scenes we have been working on developing our "new" site, attempting to preserve what we have had for years, while taking advantage of some features new to us.  It has been an interesting transition, and we are now ready for an unveiling.  Our new site is listed in the menu on the left, or can be accessed by clicking on this link:  The NEW La Rue Lodge #463 site

Please take time to explore and check out the various tabs.  See what you think works and what doesn't, what you want to see more of and what you want to see less of.  Adjustments, additions, and unfortunately corrections, are still in the future, and your thoughts will help guide that process.  To share your thoughts, just use the email address larue463@yahoo.com.

In the mean time, until all the issues are ironed out, we will be maintaining both sites.  Only after the new site is fully operational will we put our minds to maintaining, preserving, or discontinuing this site. 

That's all we have for now.  See you in Lodge!

It is with sadness that we report the passing of WB Phillip Winslow.  Arrangements are being handled by Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in La Rue.  A link to their web site for the full obituary is included below.

As noted in the obituary, the family has requested a Masonic Funeral Service, which will be held at Sunday, December 17, at 4pm.  We would appreciate the assistance of all who can attend.

Submitted by,

John Mathew, Secretary

http://www.stofcheck-ballinger.com/obituaries.php?action=display&id=117097

Winter seems to be coming quickly!

How quickly you ask?  We’ve already had one morning featuring snowfall, and more are predicted to follow.  That doesn’t mean we won’t be busy, but it does mean we have to remember to turn up the heat on meeting nights!

Since our last post we have tried to stay busy.  The most exciting event was raising two (2) new Master Masons the same evening.  No, we didn’t do the degree work “as a group”, but individually.  Along the way there were two FC exams returned, plus a MM exam from another candidate.  It made for a later evening than usual, but it was rewarding.

On the District level other “new” things are happening.  Frequent readers will recall our Lodge was the first in the 15^th District to feature a web presence.  We started with a basic page with xpage.com, later shifting to the geocities.com platform.  When that partnership expired we moved to blogspot.com, where we have been for many years.  This year the 15th District has decided a more coordinated and enhanced web presence is appropriate, and has taken steps to make that happen.  Enlisting the aid of a trained specialist, our path involves transition to yet another web presence:  https://15thdistrict.org/larue463/.   

If you rush to that web page you will find it still “Under Construction”.  That is techno-speak for we haven’t had time to pull our information over from this site to that one – yet.  When that happens we will post a notice, and send an email to the membership.  Until then we’ll try to post updates as they occur.

We have a modest update on our roof repair issue.  It is fixed!  Our next step is removing the ceiling tile in the Lodge room to clear away the fallen plaster, etc.  Since that is both messy and time consuming, we will attempt to schedule the work around meetings and other events.

Below are the calendar listings we know of at this time.

November 1, 2017             Annual Meeting.

Prior to the meeting, at 6:30pm, will be a fish dinner, courtesy of RWB Spracklen.  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 7, 2017              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 11, 2017            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 18, 2017            15th District Fall Education Meeting - CANCELLED ! ! ! 

This meeting has been cancelled by the 15th District as it conflicts with the Grand Master's DEO School.  Instead, this meeting will be held at Oliver #447 on Saturday, December 2nd at 9am, in conjunction with the Past Master's Convocation.

November 23, 2017            Thanksgiving

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Take time to give thanks for what you hold dear.

November 25, 2017            The Game.

Since 1897 The Ohio State University has played the University of Michigan. Between them they have won 79 Big Ten Championships, and 19 National Championships. Long considered the country’s best college football rivalry, it is considered “must see TV” in both states. This chapter takes place at That School Up North.  How can shopping possibly compare?

December 2, 2017              15th District Past Master Convocation. 

Held at Oliver #447 at 9am.  Also on the agenda is the 15th District Education Meeting, postponed from November 18th.  (See above).

December 6, 2017              Masonic Service Awards

Dinner will be at 6:30pm, with our meeting following. 

December 9, 2017              15^th District Tech Meeting

Held at Palestine #158 at 1pm.

December 14, 2017            La Rue’s Christmas in the Village 5 – 8pm.

One of the things we love about small towns is their sense of community, and ours is no different.  Previous years have featured a parade, carriage rides, food (hot dogs, cookies, and hot chocolate), face painting, live reindeer, musical groups (Marionnaires, Elgin Show Choir, local church choirs), and an opportunity for the little ones to share their wish list with the Big Guy (Santa!).  Did we mention this is all free?!?  

December 25, 2017            Christmas

December 31, 2017            New Year’s Eve.

                                                Be sure to pick your Designated Driver first!

January 1, 2018                  New Year’s Day

January 2, 2018                  This is the day most of us decide whether sticking to those resolutions is going to happen.  Or not.

January 13, 2018                15th District Annual Workday

                                                Held at Marion #70, starting at 9am.

February 10, 2018              Inspection in the EA degree.

Refreshments will be served at 9am, with Lodge opening at 10am for Inspection.

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

.

 

Where has summer gone!

We have some quick revisions to announce for our upcoming candidate schedule.

**  On September 20, 2017 we will be having a MM practice.

**  On October 4, 2017, we anticipate TWO MM degrees. 

Is that ambitious, or what?

The truth is that everyone’s schedule is busy.  Finding the right “open” dates that match everyone’s schedules is about like finding a needle in a haystack.  After several discussions, some longer than others, this seems to be the best fit for everyone’s situation. 

Is it ambitious?  Yes.  Is it doable?  Yes.  Do we need your help?  Yes!

 

You know what is needed, so we won’t waste space with that description.  For the MM degree meeting we anticipate two things:

1 – To start the evening off early, we may call a Special Meeting to start at 7pm, rather than starting at 7:30pm.  You know why.

2 – A meal prior is being considered, so we can be ready to start by 7pm.  In addition to the customary reasons, a good meal ups our attendance by 20%.

It should be an exciting time for us as well as the candidates.  We are sure you’d rather be part of the experience than just hear the stories later.

We have an update on our roof repair issue.  It’s fixed!  At a cost of $3270.00, that’s the good news.  As Paul Harvey might say, the rest of the story is on page 2. 

The circumstances of the leak (placement, duration, etc.) means we are now ready for the inside repair to begin.  Those who look closely will notice the braces for the suspended ceiling are bowed across the front of the Lodge.  This roughly approximates a line from overhead the Chaplain, over to the Worshipful Master, and on to the Secretary.  This is the result of plaster that has fallen from the “real” ceiling onto the ceiling panels.  After some time to dry, those panels will have to be removed to take care of the fallen plaster and dirt.  Afterwards, we will need to examine and possibly replace some of the bracing, as well as the damaged ceiling panels.  It promises to be a messy and time consuming job, but necessary to maintain the Lodge in an appropriate manner. 

As you are reading this, of you are wondering “what can I do?”, the answer is basic – contribute.  Some members have already made contributions.  As you might hear elsewhere, any size donation will be put to good use to finally bring this issue to a full resolution.

As noted above, we’ve made some adjustments to our calendar.  As future adjustments are received, they will be added,

September 16, 2017           15^th District Annual Meeting. 

Held at Mad River #161 at 9am.

September 17, 2017           15^th District Awards Banquet. 

Held at the Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, OH, at 6pm.  (http://plazainn.net/)

September 23, 2017           15^th District Past President’s Golf Tournament

Held at Kings Mill Golf Club, Waldo, OH. Sign-in at 7:30am, Shotgun Start at 8:30am. $60 per player covers golf, cart, lunch, and prizes.  Contact District Treasurer, Larry Lance, PO Box 52, West Liberty, 43357  (937-465-6560).  

October 4, 2017                   Lodge meeting @ 7:30pm.

                                                TWO MM degrees anticipated.

October 9, 2017                   Columbus Day

October 18, 2017                Lodge meeting @ 7:30pm

                                               

October 20-21, 2017           Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

                                                Held at the Dayton Masonic Center.

November 1, 2017             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 7, 2017              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 11, 2017            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 18, 2017            15^th District Fall Education Meeting. 

Held at La Rue #463 at 9am.

November 23, 2017            Thanksgiving

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Take time to give thanks for what you hold dear.

November 25, 2017            The Game.

Since 1897 The Ohio State University has played the University of Michigan. Between them they have won 79 Big Ten Championships, and 19 National Championships. Long considered the country’s best college football rivalry, it is considered “must see TV” in both states. This chapter takes place at That School Up North.  How can shopping possibly compare?

December 2, 2017              15^th District Past Master Convocation. 

Held at Oliver #447 at 9am.

December 25, 2017            Christmas

December 31, 2017            New Year’s Eve.

                                                Be sure to pick your Designated Driver first!

January 1, 2018                  New Year’s Day

January 13, 2018                15^th District Annual Workday

                                                Held at Marion #70, starting at 9am.

February 10, 2018              Inspection in the EA degree.

Refreshments will be served at 9am, with Lodge opening at 10am for Inpsection.

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

.

 

Where has summer gone!

Since our last post time has seemed to fly by.  Some of us have enjoyed vacations, others participated in stay-cations, and some of us just plain worked!  No matter how you’ve spent it, we are halfway through August and close to the unofficial end of summer – Labor Day.  Already some of our more industrious members have been focused on the first Lodge meeting of the fall, and the plethora of activities that follow.

As you check our calendar listings below, you will notice we anticipate moving our most recent candidates along “earlier” rather than “later”.  Time will tell if this works as planned, but we feel confident.  We also hope to have the outstanding MM exams returned.

The Deputy Grand Master’s Roll-Out Program schedule has all but ended, as the last of the presentations are scheduled for this week.  Members of our Lodge attended the session in Columbus, and returned impressed.  It was short, to the point, and presented ideas considered workable by those present.  Our favorite line of the presentation was that the DGM did not intend to reinvent the wheel, just improve on some design flaws.  It is good to have leadership with a sense of humor.

We have an update on our roof repair issue.  The official answer is “Not yet - again.”  The circumstances of the leak, and the type of repair needed, requires a combination of things that have been in short supply:  an extended period of warm, dry weather, combined with being at the top of the repair list.  You may have guessed by now that particular trifecta has not occurred, but we are getting closer. 

Our calendar below highlights many events, meetings, holidays, and a few special occasions. 

July 18 – August 17, 2017            Deputy Grand Master Roll-Out Programs.

Held in various locations throughout Ohio.  All sessions scheduled for 7-9pm.  Please refer to the Grand Lodge web site for specific locations.

September 4, 2017             Labor Day

September 6, 2017             First Lodge meeting after summer break

Pizza dinner @ 6:30pm.  Two FC degree presentations are anticipated.

September 16, 2017           15^th District Annual Meeting. 

Held at Mad River #161 at 9am.

September 17, 2017           15^th District Awards Banquet. 

Held at the Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, OH, at 6pm.  (http://plazainn.net/)

September 23, 2017           15^th District Past President’s Golf Tournament

Held at Kings Mill Golf Club, Waldo, OH. Sign-in at 7:30am, Shotgun Start at 8:30am. $60 per player covers golf, cart, lunch, and prizes.  Contact District Treasurer, Larry Lance, PO Box 52, West Liberty, 43357  (937-465-6560).  

October 4, 2017                   Lodge meeting @ 7:30pm.

                                                One MM degree anticipated.

October 9, 2017                   Columbus Day

October 18, 2017                Lodge meeting @ 7:30pm

                                                One MM degree anticipated.

October 20-21, 2017           Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

                                                Held at the Dayton Masonic Center.

November 1, 2017             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 7, 2017              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 11, 2017            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 18, 2017            15^th District Fall Education Meeting. 

Held at La Rue #463 at 9am.

November 23, 2017            Thanksgiving

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Take time to give thanks for what you hold dear.

November 25, 2017            The Game.

Since 1897 The Ohio State University has played the University of Michigan. Between them they have won 79 Big Ten Championships, and 19 National Championships. Long considered the country’s best college football rivalry, it is considered “must see TV” in both states. This chapter takes place at That School Up North.  How can shopping possibly compare?

December 2, 2017              15^th District Past Master Convocation. 

Held at Oliver #447 at 9am.

December 25, 2017            Christmas

December 31, 2017            New Year’s Eve.

                                                Be sure to pick your Designated Driver first!

January 1, 2018                  New Year’s Day

January 13, 2018                15^th District Annual Workday

                                                Held at Marion #70, starting at 9am.

February 10, 2018              Inspection in the EA degree.

Refreshments will be served at 9am, with Lodge opening at 10am for Inpsection.

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

Where has the time gone!

It seems like just yesterday we were relaxing after our MM Inspection.  That was three months ago!  Time does fly when you are busy, and we have been busy.

The most notable adjustment in our routine has been candidates.  We are awaiting the MM exams on the last of our trio of candidates.  Work schedules and health issues have been contributing factors, but this should be resolved “soon”.  In addition, we have initiated two additional candidates.  Unfortunately our summer break will result in a pause in their progress, but that is an issue we are happy to have.

The Deputy Grand Master Roll-Out Program schedule has been released, as noted below.  These are excellent opportunities to learn first hand what is in store for Ohio Lodges from the person who authored the plan.  They are informal by nature, being a presentation followed by a Q&A session.  Over the years each of us has probably received a written directive, and after reading it wondered “What made them think this was a good idea?”  These sessions are your chance to find out.  The Grand Lodge site has the full schedule, but here are the sessions closest to our area:  July 27 – Columbus, August 7 – Lima, August 8 – Tiffin.

We have an update on our roof repair issue.  The official answer is “Not yet.”  The circumstances of the leak, and the type of repair needed, requires a combination of things that have been in short supply:  an extended period of warm, dry weather, combined with being at the top of the repair list.  You may have guessed by now that particular trifecta has not occurred, but we are nearing closer. 

Since we spoke above of summer breaks, even if we aren’t holding a tyled meeting, activities still occur.  Our calendar below highlights many events, meetings, holidays, and a few special occasions. 

May 29, 2017            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 4, 2017            Ohio Masonic Home Day, Springfield, Ohio.  See schedule link on the left side of this page.

June 21, 2017          First Day of Summer.  Break out the sun screen!

June 23, 2017          Ohio Special Olympics.

Opening Ceremony (http://www.sooh.org/events.php)

June 24, 2017          300th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

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

July 4, 2017              Independence Day.  Celebrate the birth of a nation! 

As of this date, 241 years and counting.

July 18 – August 17, 2017            Deputy Grand Master Roll-Out Programs.

Held in various locations throughout Ohio.  All sessions scheduled for 7-9pm.  Please refer to the schedule below, or the Grand Lodge web site for specific locations.

September 4, 2017             Labor Day

September 6, 2017             First Lodge meeting after summer break

September 16, 2017           15^th District Annual Meeting. 

Held at Mad River #161 at 9am.

September 17, 2017           15^th District Awards Banquet. 

Held at the Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, OH, at 6pm.  (http://plazainn.net/)

October 9, 2017                   Columbus Day

October 20-21, 2017           Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

                                                Held at the Dayton Masonic Center.

November 11, 2017            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 18, 2017            15^th District Fall Education Meeting. 

Held at La Rue #463 at 9am.

November 23, 2017            Thanksgiving

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Take time to give thanks for what you hold dear.

November 25, 2017            The Game.

Since 1897 The Ohio State University has played the University of Michigan. Between them they have won 79 Big Ten Championships, and 19 National Championships. Long considered the country’s best college football rivalry, it is considered “must see TV” in both states. This chapter takes place at That School Up North.  How can shopping possibly compare?

December 2, 2017              15^th District Past Master Convocation. 

Held at Oliver #447 at 9am.

December 25, 2017            Christmas

December 31, 2017            New Year’s Eve.

                                                Be sure to pick your Designated Driver first!

January 1, 2018                  New Year’s Day

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

.