slideshow 1 slideshow 2 slideshow 3

6 Tips for Preparing Your Lodge for Inspection Season

published by mastermason on Thu, 01/16/2020 - 16:56

Every year, a Masonic lodge in Ohio must fulfill one of its main requirements to maintain its Charter: an inspection by the Grand Lodge. Inspection season presents to lodges an important challenge. And, in most lodges, passing inspection is a celebrated milestone or accomplishment of the year.

In Ohio, these inspections consist of two components:

A review of the secretary’s and treasurer’s records confirm that administrative rules and procedures of the Grand Lodge are being followed, and

The lodge demonstrates that its officers can properly confer the three degrees of Freemasonry.

The lodge typically demonstrates its ability to confer the three degrees on a three year rotating cycle – Entered Apprentice one year, Fellow Craft the next, and then Master Mason in the third year. Then the cycle starts over. Men will come from all over the district to see other lodges perform their degree work.

In celebration of these inspections, the host lodge being inspected will often offer a dinner (or other meal) prior to the meeting. Sometimes those dinners become traditions in their own right. Fellowship Lodge #106, for example, holds a beef and noodle dinner each year. These inspections, although important, offer the chance for brothers to come together as a lodge and celebrate together.

So, what are the keys to having a successful (and fun!) inspection at your lodge? Here are the top 6 things to keep in mind:

  1. Prepare, prepare, and prepare again. As Lodges receive a list in advance of what the District Deputy Grand Master wants to see, the Secretaries and Masters that review these documents and prepare ahead of time can expect a smooth inspection.
  2. Take care of the candidate throughout the evening. With all the excitement, dinner, and work taking place, it can be hard to support the candidate, answer his questions, and make sure he feels comfortable and welcomed. Lodges that assign an officer or another Brother to mentor the candidate for the evening will be giving that candidate a much better experience.
  3. Send invitations in advance. The tradition of formal invitations was a hallmark of Masonic courtesy for many years, and nothing beats the personal touch of a handwritten letter. If you’re inviting distinguished Masons such as a Grand Lodge officers, past District Deputy, or even other lodges, send your invitations well in advance so all can accommodate their schedules.
  4. Rule of thumb: don’t “surprise the Deputy.” Masters and Secretaries should discuss the inspection agenda in advance with the District Deputy Grand Master. This is helpful to inform the Deputy if there are any known problems, walk through the schedule of events, speakers, and how any questions or problems are going to be answered or corrected.
  5. When in doubt, leave the lecture for a seasoned Mason. Generally, it’s best to not ask a Brother to give a lecture for the first time at inspection. Giving a lecture is, in and of itself, a big deal, a genuine accomplishment. It is hard enough to do under the best of circumstances.  Adding the extra pressure of performing in front of your brethren and guests makes it doubly hard. Nobody wants to see a first-time lecturer lose focus, forget his lines, or need extra prompting. It is an embarrassment for the man giving the lecture and a disappointment to the candidate.
  6. Relax and enjoy the night. If the lodge is doing its job week-in and week-out, it just has to do what it always does in order to be successful. People put extra pressure on themselves so they don’t embarrass themselves or their lodge, and it is the pressure that sometimes causes a new problem. If all the officers are prepared and perform their assigned duties, the lodge will have a successful inspection and the candidate will receive an excellent degree.

Do you have any other tips for a smooth-sailing, fun inspection night? We want to hear them! Share with us on social media, or email OhioLodgeLife@freemason.com.

Benefit for WB Eric Holzer

published by mastermason on Tue, 01/14/2020 - 06:49

Omega Lodge Gun Raffle

published by mastermason on Fri, 01/03/2020 - 12:48

Omega Lodge 564 is holding a Gun Raffle for a Masonic Edition Henry .22 Rifle. Proceeds go to the Omega Lodge Charity Fund. Tickets are $10 each and only 250 will be sold. It is a beautiful rifle with a MSRP of $1091. They are planning on bringing tickets around to all of the inspections. The drawing will take place at the 5th District Awards Banquet. The Winner must be 18 years or older and pass a background check.

 

Obituary: WB Frank Crane, Sycamore 520

published by mastermason on Fri, 12/13/2019 - 12:18

Frank Warren Crane, 98, of Findlay, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at The Heights at Birchaven. He was born July 2, 1921 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Earl L. and Helen (Wallen) Crane. On May 14, 1947, Frank married Noma Hudson and she preceded him in death.
 
Frank graduated from Scott High School, Toledo, and attended the University of Toledo. He enlisted in the Army and was a World War II Veteran serving in the 11th Airborne Division. Frank was a 33 degree Mason of the Valley of Toledo, and member of Sycamore Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Findlay Masonic Lodge #227, Findlay Chapter, Council and Commandry, Findlay Chapter #23 OES and Past Grand Commander of Ohio. Frank was a longtime member of McComb Presbyterian Church.
 
Frank will be remembered by his loving children, Daniel Crane, Oak Harbor, OH, Robert (Nancy) Crane, Kettering, OH, Raymond (Kathy) Crane, Findlay, OH, Nancy (Gary) Catterson, Waterloo, IA, and Amy (Craig) Snyder, Van Buren, OH. He leaves cherished memories with his grandchildren, Angela McCallister, Sam Shackelford, Sara Trochelman, Adam Crane, Audrey Williams, Suzanne Hughes, Amanda Bovy, Mike Crane, Hannah Ward, Tom Catterson, Chelsea Crane; and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Noma (Betty), Frank was preceded in death by his sisters, Mildred Yenzer, Louise Nowak; brothers, George Crane and Wallen Crane.
 
Friends and family may visit on Monday, December 16, 2019 from 4 – 7 p.m. at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd, Findlay (419-422-1500). A Masonic Service will follow at 7 p.m. A time of visitation will be held Tuesday, December 17 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the service in the funeral home. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Gary Catterson officiating. Interment will be held in Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial contributions in Frank’s name may be made to McComb Presbyterian Church or Knights Templar Eye Foundation.

RWB Paul Kelly finishes his term as DDGM for the Fabulous Fifth

published by mastermason on Sun, 10/20/2019 - 09:18
To the Brothers of the 5th Masonic District of Ohio, thank you all so very much for all of the support that you have shown me for the last 3 years. Sadly, I surrendered the jewel of my office this morning at Marietta Ohio at the 210th communication of the Grand Lodge.

I sincerely hope and pray that I have lived up to the expectations of the District. It was a bitter sweet day as I sit here in our hotel room this evening realising that I have actually retired twice this year, the first time at the end of January from my regular vocation after 40 years of service, now today, after serving as your District Deputy Grand Master for three years, however, I will stay active in my Masonic life!

Brothers, it was my pleasure to have served you!
Good luck to my replacement, RWB Bill Pacak!
 
Fraternally,
Your PDDGM,
Paul

William Pacak appointed to DDGM for the 5th

published by mastermason on Sat, 10/19/2019 - 21:15

At the 210th Annual Grand Lodge Communications for the Grand Lodge of Ohio Free & Accepted Masons, WB William "Bill" Pacak of Fulton #248 was appointed to District Deputy Grand Master for the Fifth Masonic District.  Bill is a past master of Fulton Lodge (several times) as well as a former District Association President and District Education Officer for the Fifth Masonic District.

Join Fulton Lodge #248 on November 9th, 2019 at 7:00pm for Bills official installation to this position.  The ceremony is "open" so all masons, spouses, and families are welcome to attend.  We will have refreshments to follow.

  • Installing Officer: MWB Robert C Rill, Jr
  • Installing Marshal: RWB Robert R Rettig
  • Installing Secretary: RWB Christian A King
  • Installing Chaplain: RWB Richard McKibben

WB Jay L. Jimison Appointed to DDGM for the 11th

published by mastermason on Sat, 10/19/2019 - 12:00
To the Worshipful Masters, Wardens, and Brethren of the 5th Masonic Dist.
 
It is my honor to accept an appointment as one of Most Worshipful Brother Keith W. Newton District Deputy Grand Masters for the 11 th Masonic District of Ohio. My installation will occur on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 7:00 PM.
 
The installation will be held at a special meeting of Grand Rapids Lodge #289 F&AM, 24185 Front St, Grand Rapids, Ohio. Dinner will be served before the ceremony at 6:00 PM. RSVP to Jay 419-575-7350 or email jmcarryout@aol.com . The installation team will be as follows:
 
Installing Officer: MWB George O. Braatz
Installing Marshall: RWB Stephen M. Grindle
Installing Secretary: WB Robert Bachman
Installing Chaplain: WB Gary Bell
 
The installation is open, so ladies and non-masons are invited to attend. It would be my pleasure if you were able to attend.
 
Fraternally,
Jay L. Jimison

Wardens & Deacons Workshop

published by mastermason on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 10:52

The 5th District Wardens & Deacons workshop will be on January 4, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Defiance Masonic Temple. Dress is business casual.  All wardens and deacons for the 2020 year are expected to attend.  Contact our DEOs with any questions.

Date Change for LEO Workshop

published by mastermason on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 09:19
WB Hall and I have changed the date and venue for the LEO Workshop this year.  The workshop is currently scheduled to be held with the PM Convocation in Wauseon.  Due to a scheduling conflict we will be holding the workshop on December 14th from 1:pm - 3pm. at the Defiance Masonic Temple.  
 
Thank you,

Martin L. Lawrence

DEO 5th Masonic District

Request for information or assistance regarding the death of Bro. James Schafer's wife

published by mastermason on Tue, 09/17/2019 - 22:14

On September 2, 2019 at around 5:30 P.M., Victoria Schafer was fatally injured when a log became dislodged at the Old Man’s Cave area in the Hocking Hills and fell on her.  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources feels that this was not a natural occurrence.
 
Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers, Inc. has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.  If you were in the area and may have information or pictures of the area that day, you are encouraged to call Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers at 740-773-TIPS or 1-800-222-8477.  Information can be given to Crime Stoppers anonymously if you choose.  Information can also be given to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at 614-779-9538. 
 
Mrs. Schafer was the wife of Brother James “Fritz” Schafer of Scioto 6 Lodge Chillicothe and the mother of four teenaged children.  Please share this request and follow the case progress on Friends of Victoria Schafer page on Facebook.
 

Pages

District Deputy Grand Masters
R.W.B. Martin Lawrence
Sycamore Lodge #520
 
R.W.B. James E. Parsons
Liberty Center Lodge #518
District Education Officers
W.B. Dennis Richardson
Wauseon Lodge #349
 
W.B. Craig Szczublewski
Fulton Lodge #248
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. Dennis Richardson
Wauseon Lodge #349
 
1st Vice President
W.B. Chris Meeker
Wauseon Lodge #349
2nd Vice President
Ryan Bleck
Hicksville Lodge #478
 
Secretary
W.B. Craig Szczublewski
707 Main St
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