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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.
 

Deputy Grand Master Roll-Out Program

published by mastermason on Mon, 08/26/2019 - 21:00

The following are some brief notes from DGM Keith Newtons Roll-out Program for 2019-2020.

Theme: Step into the Light

Major Objectives Include:

  1. Live your Charter - Know what your lodge charter states, maybe organize a read the charter night. Reach out to the 20% of your oldest members who don't attend by January Reach out to widows (try an get info updated in Grand View)
  2. Communicate - All brothers should login to Grand View and verify their information. Grand Lodge wants to have better communication direct to the brothers.
  3. Grand Lodge Charities - Spend some time reviewing all of the charities supported by the GLO and the OMH.
  4. Public Awareness - The GLO will continue their marketing campaign for awareness.  Encourage lodges to participate in community events and "tell your story".
  5. Veterans Pin - Newly designed veterans pin will be available this year also.

Charities:

  • The charity of choice for Brother Newton will be the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program.
  • The charity chosen by his wife Sharon will be the Sleep in Heavenly Peace beds for kids (https://www.shpbeds.org)

Grand Masters Award:
Minimal changes from last year, but a renewed focus on outreach to our lodge brothers and their widows.

Dates to Remember:

  • The 210th Annual Grand Lodge Communications is October 18-19, 2020 in Marietta.
  • November 23 will be another Tri-State degree in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The GLO will be performing the EA portion.
  • May 9th will be the Grand Master's One Day Class.  The incoming GM will leave it up to the Districts if they decide to hold an event or not.  Districts can combine efforts as well, but the class must be held May 9, 2020.  All current rules regarding the candidate returning to Lodge with 60 days applies.
  • September 18-20, 2020 will be a Family Fun Retreat with the Grand Lodge, hosted at Deer Creek State Park.  More information as that date gets closer.
  • Grand Lodge 2020 will be October 23-24 a the Robert Cook Center in Wilmington, OH.

GRAND LODGE OF OHIO - 2021 CARIBBEAN CRUISE

published by mastermason on Tue, 07/02/2019 - 21:34
Dear District Advisor –
With the knowledge and permission of Most Worshipful Brother Jess Raines, Grand Master, we are asking for your assistance in promoting a special upcoming event. Your help in spreading the message of a Grand Lodge coordinated Southern Caribbean Cruise is urgently needed. My wife Kathy, and I are working as the Cruise Coordinators at the request of Right Worshipful Brother Rich Dickerscheid, Senior Grand Warden on this project. While the cruise is not until January 2021, the need to announce this event is now. The best time for cabin availability and pricing is at hand. As in the past, NO Grand Lodge funds will be used for this cruise. All travel and cruise expenses will be the responsibility of those booking passage aboard the CARNIVAL HORIZON cruise ship. We are using “VACATIONS TO GO” as our booking agents as noted on the flyer. Any earned credits will be converted into dollars and those dollars will be divided equally among the cabins that are booked – most probably as “on-board” cruise credit.
This cruise is NOT limited to Masons. New and veteran cruisers, Masons, their families and friends are encouraged to join us. We feel confident that the weather in the Southern Caribbean in January 2021 will be warmer than in Ohio and most other States.
Plans are pending to perform one of Ohio’s Masonic Degrees while at sea. Degree selection, planning, coordination and degree officer parts for the degree event will be made later.
Attached is a flyer for this event that I would ask that you assist with distribution to the Masonic Brothers in your District. Please consider having this flyer sent via an electronic distribution or mailing list you may have on file or posting the flyer (or a link) on your District and Lodge web sites. The more that know of this cruise, the better!
In January 2018 we had (92) people cruise the Western Caribbean. We are hopeful for (100) guests for this cruise. As of today (June 29, 2019) we already have (29) people with confirmed   reservations in (15) cabins. There are presently many choice cabins still available, but they will become limited as others book their reservations - so now is the best time for this promotion.
Any questions should be directed to Brad (bradgoebel@gmail.com – 440-488-1091) or Kathy Goebel (kathyrgoebel@gmail.com – 440-488-1092). If we do not have an answer, we will work to get one as soon as possible. The success of any event such as this is timely promotion and communication. We are asking for your support and assistance in getting the word out on this special event. Please be one of the first to spread and post details of this event to the Masons of your district.

Thank you for your support and help.
Fraternally,
Brad and Kathy Goebel 2021 Cruise Coordinators
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Grand Masters One Day Class

published by mastermason on Mon, 06/03/2019 - 14:46

Brothers,

As our lodges will soon be going dark for the summer months, I wanted to get information to you concerning our Grand Master’s Class scheduled for August 10, 2019.  We are joining with the 11thDistrict to make this a memorable event for our brothers and new Master Masons. This year’s class will be at Camp Masonry, a unique educational and social retreat for Master Masons located at Camp Miakonda near U.S. 23 and 475 on West Sylvania Ave.

While this class is much like those of previous years, there two very important parts of the registration that must be done prior to the event.

#1 Candidates must be registered with the Grand Lodge through me prior to July 22, 2019. I must report to the Grand Secretary the name, Grand lodge #, and mentor for each candidate attending the class. Please give me this information ASAP.

#2  Candidates and mentors must be registered with Camp Masonry. Google “Camp Masonry” for more information. There is a $50 fee to register the candidate and mentor, but it does include  meals and other perks. I suggest getting this done soon to avoid any problems. Candidates and mentors should arrive by mid-morning and the 2nd section of the MM degree will begin at nightfall, so the work will last into the late evening.   

Refer to Edicts 2019-2, 2019-3, and 2019-4 issued in early January which authorize and outline procedures to be followed for this Grand Master’s Class.

As in the past, candidates who have received the EA and/or FC degrees previously are required to witness all three degrees on the 10th.

The Fifth District is portraying the EA degree and those participating in the degree work will be registered by the District Association unless they have already done so.

While we can never overrate the importance of quality degree work, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the many “fringe” benefits of Freemasonry by participating in this retreat. The educational programs and opportunities to socialize with men who have proven themselves to be of good moral character abound.

Please contact me if there are questions unanswered.

Fraternally,

Bob Rettig,

5th District Coordinator

P.S. Reminder – The Deputy Grand Master’s roll out program is scheduled for August 11 at 1:00pm at Wood County Lodge.

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. Josh Chapin
Edon Lodge #474
 
1st Vice President
W.B. Dennis Richardson
Wauseon Lodge #349
2nd Vice President
James Hanna, Jr
Omega Lodge #564
 
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 Membership Chairman
R.W.B. Larry Kujawa
Wauseon Lodge #349
Webmaster
W.B. Craig Szczublewski
Fulton Lodge #248