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About Ohio's 5th Masonic District

published by mastermason on Fri, 05/08/2015 - 20:38

Covering Fulton, Williams, Defiance, and Henry Counties in Northwest Ohio, the Fabulous Fifth Masonic District exists for the benefit of the blue lodges in the district, their members, and guests. 

Your District Planner for the Week of May 17, 2026

published by mastermason on Sun, 05/17/2026 - 08:52
Good morning, brothers of the Fifth Masonic District. The days are getting warmer as summer inches ever closer. We had a great evening on Friday for the District Awards Dinner, thanks to everyone who helped with the event. Also, a quick plug for the Wauseon Lodge Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast from 8-9:30am on 5/25. All proceeds to benefit Fulton County Veterans. We are past the middle of the month, so there will be quite a few stated meetings this week:
 
  • 5/18 Sherwood 620 stated @ 7:30p
  • 5/19 Bryan 215 stated @ 7:30p
  • 5/19 Napoleon 256 stated @ 7:30p
  • 5/19 Omega 564 stated @ 7:30p
  • 5/20 Wauseon Chapter/Council stated @ 7:30p
  • 5/20 O Ton Ta La Grotto stated @ 7:30 w/dinner at 6p
  • 5/21 Oc Co Nox Ee Council stated @ 7:30p
  • 5/23 Sycamore 520 stated @ 9a
 
Remember to "Save the Date" for the following:
 
  • 5/25: Wauseon Lodge Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast from 8a-9:30a, all proceeds to benefit Fulton County Veterans.
  • 7/18: 5th District Outdoor MM

District Awards Dinner 2026

published by mastermason on Sat, 05/16/2026 - 12:00

The 5th District Association held its annual Awards Dinner last night in Liberty Center.  Many thanks go out to all who attended and to the Association Officers for putting on another fun evening.  We started the evening off with a special presentation to David Mills of Fulton Lodge, who has been instrumental in making his venue in Swanton available to us for our annual Grand Master's Reception for the past three years. We also drew the winners of the Henry Masonic Edition Rifle (Bronson Bayden of Wauseon) and the 65-inch television (Mark Nightingale of Fulton).  This years award recipients are:

  • Best Inspection: Napoleon Lodge No. 256
  • Master of the Year: Jim McPike (Bryan Lodge No. 215)
  • George O. Braatz Award: Sycamore Lodge No. 520
  • Beehive Award: Craig Szczublewski (Fulton Lodge No. 248)
  • Lewis Hackett Award: Edon Lodge No. 474
  • Hiram Abiff Award: David Claar (Fulton Lodge No. 248)
  • Education Award: Josh Chapin (Edon Lodge No. 474) & Patrick Lambert (Fulton Lodge No. 248)
  • 5th District GMR Attendance: Napoleon Lodge No. 256
  • Grand Lodge of Ohio Reception Attendance: Fulton Lodge No. 248
  • Mason of the Year: Bob Rettig (Napoleon Lodge No. 256)
  • Perfect Attendance: 16 total 
  • Traveling Trophy: Fulton Lodge No. 248

Special presentations were also made to RWB Jim Parsons, who is finishing his third year as District Deputy Grand Master, and RWB Bob Rettig, who is retiring from the District Advisor position. We thank both brothers for their tireless efforts in helping the District and promoting Freemasonry. 

Your District Planner for the week of May 10, 2026

published by mastermason on Sun, 05/10/2026 - 07:00
Good Sunday Morning, and happy Mother's Day as well! We are finally here at the week of the 5th District Awards Dinner.  We have a few other things happening as well:
 
5/11: Liberty Center Lodge 518 stated meeting @ 7:30p
5/11: Fulton Lodge 248 special DC Degree @ 7p
5/12: Northwest Chapter/Bryan Council/Commandry stated @ 7:30p
5/13: Hicksville Lodge 478 stated meeting @ 7:30p
5/13: Wauseon Lodge 349 stated meeting @ 7:30p
5/14: Zenobia Shrine stated meeting @ 7p
5/14: Defiance Commandry stated meeting @ 7:30p
5/15: 5th District Awards Dinner @ 6p
 
Remember to "Save the Date" for the following:
 
7/18: 5th District Outdoor MM
9/19: 5th District Association Annual Meeting
 
We are also taking nominations for the office of Second Vice President for the district association.  Please have them in to the DDGMs by June 15.

Call for Nominations

published by mastermason on Sun, 05/03/2026 - 09:08

Greetings, Brothers of the 5th Masonic District. The District Association is seeking nominations for the office of Second Vice President for the 2026–2027 year. Nominations must be submitted to the Nominating Committee no later than June 15, 2026.

To be eligible for the office of Second Vice President, a Brother must be a Past Master of his lodge, a current sitting Master of his lodge, or a current Junior Warden who intends to progress through to the East.

The Second Vice President is responsible for overseeing the collection of applicants for the annual "Excellence in Youth Awards," which are presented at the Grand Master's Reception. Duties include soliciting applications through all school counselors in the district and other youth organizations like churches, scouting or 4-H, to secure nominations of students worthy of this award, as well as promoting the program and encouraging applications from any Mason in the district throughout the inspection season. The Second Vice President also serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the 5th Masonic District Association.

Election and Installation of District Officers will take place at the Association's Annual Meeting on September 19, 2026. The Brother nominated is expected to attend monthly Association meetings, the Grand Master's Reception, the Annual Awards Dinner, and other District-sponsored functions as his schedule permits.

The Association Officer line is considered progressive, with the Second Vice President advancing to First Vice President, and then to President. The Fifth District Association has a long tradition of active involvement from past officers and Past Grand Lodge District Officers. Becoming an Association Officer offers a meaningful opportunity to help foster a strong Masonic experience for all of our lodges and Brothers.

Please reach out to any member of the Nominating Committee with questions: Bob Rettig, Jim Parsons, Dennis Richardson, and Marty Lawrence.

Further information on officers' roles and duties within the District Association can be found here: http://fabulous5th.com/officers

Your District Planner for the week of May 3, 2026

published by mastermason on Sun, 05/03/2026 - 08:26
Good morning, brothers of the 5th, and welcome to the first full week in May (although these cold morning temps could have stayed in April).  Here is a list of meetings and activities:
  • 5/4: Edon Ldge 474 stated meeting @ 7:30p
  • 5/4: Sherwood Lodge 620 stated meeting @ 7:30p
  • 5/5: Bryan Lodge 215 stated meeting w/FC Degree @ 7:30p
  • 5/5: Fulton Lodge 248 stated meeting @ 7:30p
  • 5/5: Napoleon Lodge 256 stated meeting @ 7:30p
  • 5/7: En-Sa-Woc-Sa Chapter stated meeting @ 7:30p
  • 5/9: Sycamore Lodge 520 stated meeting @ 9a
  • 5/9: NWO York Rite Festival in Findlay @ 8a
  • 5/9: Amazon Lodge PHGL Invitation to MM degree @ 10a
 
Remember to "Save the Date" for the following:
 
A couple of notes to pass along: 
1. We received an invitation to attend a multi-mm degree at Amazon Lodge 4, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, on May 9th, starting at 10am.  As they will be providing a meal after, they have asked for RSVPs. Sam Henson of Napoleon has offered to collect this info.  If you would like to take the opportunity to see the MM degree portrayed in another Grand Lodge Jurisdiction, please reach out to Sam (samuelnhenson@gmail.com).
 
2. Our district awards dinner is coming up fast.  We extended RSVP registration to May 8th. The cost is only $16/person, and we will feature a baked-potato bar with other refreshments.  Make your plans to attend this fun and casual evening out in Liberty Center!

Your District Planner for the week of April 26, 2026

published by mastermason on Sun, 04/26/2026 - 08:13
Does anyone else feel like April just flew by?  We are in the last week of the month, and look forward to May starting on Friday. It should be a relatively quiet week:
  • 4/27: Liberty Center Lodge 518 stated meeting @ 7:30p
  • 4/28: Hay Chapter 136 stated meeting @ 7:30p
  • 4/29: 5th District Association Meeting in Napoleon @ 7p
  • 5/2: Omega Lodge 564 stated meeting @ 9a
  • 5/2: O Ton Ta La Grotto Kentucky Derby Party @ 4p
 
Remember to "Save the Date" for the following:
  • 4/28: Jon Majerowski (Fulton Lodge) Book Release Party at Browning Harmony Hall: 7p-9p
  • 5/9: Amazon Lodge PHGL Invitation to MM degree @ 10a
  • 5/9: NWO York Rite Festival in Findlay
  • 5/15: 5th District Awards Night in Liberty Center at 6pm https://district-association-events.cheddarup.com/
  • 7/18: 5th District Outdoor MM
 
A couple of notes to pass along: 
 
1. We received an invitation to attend a multi-mm degree at Amazon Lodge 4, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, on May 9th, starting at 10am.  As they will be providing a meal after, they have asked for RSVPs. Sam Henson of Napoleon has offered to collect this info.  If you would like to take the opportunity to see the MM degree portrayed in another Grand Lodge Jurisdiction, please reach out to Sam (samuelnhenson@gmail.com).
 
2. Our district awards dinner is coming up fast.  We would like to have RSVPs in by May 5. The cost is only $16/person, and we will feature a baked-potato bar with other refreshments.  Make your plans to attend this fun and casual evening out in Liberty Center!

Your Weekly Planner for April 19, 2026

published by mastermason on Sun, 04/19/2026 - 08:49
It was an amazing week for Freemasonry in Northwest Ohio with two Grand Master's Receptions and a 175th anniversary reconsecration at Brayn 215. It gave us all a great opportunity to reconnect with each other and spend some time with our Grand Lodge Officer Line.  We had an amazing turnout for our reception from our district lodges, and a big thank you goes out to the District Association for the effort that goes into putting this event together.  Here is a look at the calendar for this week:
  • 4/20: Sherwood Lodge 620 Stated w/Double EA @ 7:30p
  • 4/21: Bryan Lodge 215 Stated @ 7:30p
  • 4/21: Napoleon Lodge 256 Stated @ 7:30p
  • 4/21: Omega Lodge 564 Stated @ 7:30p
  • 4/22: Wauseon Lodge 349 Stated @ 7:30p
  • 4/22: Hicksville Lodge 474 Stated @ 7:30p
  • 4/25: Sycamore Lodge 520 Stated @ 9a
  • 4/25: Valley of Toledo AASR Spring Reunion at Phoenix Lodge @ 8a
  • 4/25: Defiance Commandry Inspection
 
Remember to "Save the Date" for the following:
  • 4/28: Jon Majerowski (Fulton Lodge) Book Release Party at Browning Harmony Hall: 7p-9p
  • 5/9:  Amazon Lodge PHGL Invitation to MM degree @ 10a
  • 5/9:  NWO York Rite Festival in Findlay
  • 5/15: 5th District Awards Night in Liberty Center at 6pm https://district-association-events.cheddarup.com/
  • 7/18: 5th District Outdoor MM
 
A couple of notes to pass along: 
1. We received an invitation to attend a multi-mm degree at Amazon Lodge 4, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, on May 9th, starting at 10am.  As they will be providing a meal after, they have asked for RSVPs. Sam Henson of Napoleon has offered to collect this info.  If you would like to take the opportunity to see the MM degree portrayed in another Grand Lodge Jurisdiction, please reach out to Sam (samuelnhenson@gmail.com).
2. Our district awards dinner is coming up fast.  We would like to have RSVPs in by May 5. The cost is only $16/person, and we will feature a baked-potato bar with other refreshments.  Make your plans to attend this fun and casual evening out in Liberty Center!

Your District Planner for the week of April 12, 2026

published by mastermason on Sun, 04/12/2026 - 08:00
Hard to believe we are half way through April this week, and we are finally at the 5th District GMR event this Friday Night. Of course we need to mention and encourage all Master Masons to attend the Bryan Lodge 175th Anniversary Reconsecration at 11am on Saturday morning. If you have some time beforehand, consider stopping out to Northern Light #40 for the Northwest Ohio Kidney Foundation Pancake Breakfast and silent auction. Its about an hour drive from Maumee to Bryan, so plan to leave by 9:30am or so, or do what I do and follow the Grand Lodge Officers, as they are traditionally at the pancake breakfast before heading out to the recon.
 
  • 4/13: Sherwood Lodge 620 Special EA @ 7p
  • 4/13: Liberty Center Lodge 518 Stated @ 7:30p
  • 4/14: Northwest Chapter/Bryan Council Stated @ 7:30p
  • 4/15: Wauseon Chapter/Council Stated @ 7:30p
  • 4/15: O-Ton-Ta-La Grotto Stated @ 7:30p, Dinner at 6p
  • 4/16: Oc-Co-Nox-Ee Council Stated @ 7:30p
  • 4/17: 5th District GMR @ 6p
  • 4/18: Bryan Lodge 215 175th Reconsecration @ 11a 
 
Remember to "Save the Date" for the following:
 
 

Your 5th District Planner for the Week of April 5, 2026

published by mastermason on Sun, 04/05/2026 - 09:04
Happy Easter to all! We are into the first full week of April, and return to our labor after Holy Week. It was good to see so many 5th District brothers at the VoT Maundy service last Wednesday as well! Here is a rundown of your week in and around the Fabulous 5th:
  • 4/6: Edon Lodge 474 Stated Meeting @ 7:30p
  • 4/6: Sherwood Lodge 620 Stated Meeting @ 7:30p
  • 4/6: Henry County Scottish Rite Association Meeting 
  • 4/7: Bryan Lodge 215 Stated Meeting @ 7:30p
  • 4/7: Fulton Lodge 248 Stated Meeting @ 7:30p
  • 4/7: Napoleon Lodge 256 Stated Meeting @ 7:30p
  • 4/8: Wauseon Lodge 349 Stated Meeting @ 7:30p
  • 4/8: Hicksville Lodge 478 Stated Meeting @ 7:30p
  • 4/9: Zenobia Shrine Stated Meeting @ 7p
  • 4/9: Defiance Commandry Stated Meeting @ 7:30p
  • 4/11: Sycamore Lodge 520 Stated Meeting @ 9a
  • 4/11: Oc Co Nox Ee Council Annual Breakfast for Diabetic Kids 8a-11a - Defiance Defiance Masonic Temple
 
Remember to "Save the Date" for the following:
  • 4/17: Grand Master's Reception / Swanton at 6pm
  • 4/18: Bryan Lodge #215 175th Reconsecration at 11am 
  • 4/25: Valley of Toledo Spring Reunion / Phoenix Lodge
  • 5/15: 5th District Awards Night in Liberty Center at 6pm
  • 7/18: 5th District Outdoor MM Degree
 
Reading through the Masonic Bulletin, I stumbled on this event, which might be of interest to some: Toledo Ft Industry will host Goose and Gridiron Lodge No. 1717 on May 9, featuring a couple of special guest speakers from the Masonic Roundtable podcast. The information shows 12-5:30p with Festive Boards at Maumee Bay Brewing. Tickets are $75 if attending the festive board. Goose and Gridiron was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Ohio with permission to use UGLE ritual. It's a great opportunity to see English ritual.  More info: https://gooseandgridiron.wildapricot.org/event-6625953

Pages

District Deputy Grand Masters
R.W.B. James E. Parsons
Liberty Center Lodge #518
 
W.B. Dennis Richardson
Wauseon Lodge #349
District Education Officers
W.B. Craig Szczublewski
Fulton Lodge #248
 
W.B. Ryan Bleck
Hicksville Lodge #478
District Advisor
R.W.B. Robert R. Rettig
Napoleon Lodge #256
 
District Education Chair
R.W.B. Robert "Joe" Stotler
Hicksville Lodge #478
 
President
W.B. Chris Meeker
Wauseon Lodge #349
 
1st Vice President
W.B. Ryan Bleck
Hicksville Lodge #478
2nd Vice President
W.B. Jared Jacques
Napoleon Lodge #256
 
Secretary
W.B. Craig Szczublewski
P.O.Box 114
Delta, OH 43515
Fulton Lodge #248
 
Treasurer
R.W.B. Douglas W. Eis
Napoleon Lodge #256
 
District Prospect Manager
R.W.B. Richard McKibben
Fulton Lodge #248
Webmaster
W.B. Craig Szczublewski
Fulton Lodge #248