VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2
SPRING 2012
BEACON A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO MASONIC HOME AND THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO
Family Day at Great Amercian Ballpark 5
Ground Breaking on Campus 8-10
An Honorable Tribute 11
Mark Twain Awards of Excellence 12
Grand Master Kevin B. Todd and OMH Board Chairman Terry W. Posey, PGM at the Western Reserve Cornerstone Ceremony
Brotherly
Love
By Kevin Todd, Grand Master
M
y Brethren, you have shown unparalleled financial support for both the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program and for your Ohio Masonic Home Capital Campaign. I know that in these difficult and uncertain times, it can be hard to make additional financial commitments. But you have shown us all why you are proud of the ring on your finger. Last April 15th marked a new beginning for your Ohio Masonic Homes in Waterville and Medina. The Ohio Masons dedicated cornerstones at both campuses for the new Memory Care Units to be constructed on those campuses. There was a packed house at both ceremonies and perfect weather for this great day in Ohio Masonry. It was truly a unique opportunity for Ohio Masons to show how much we care for our Brethren, and you should feel really good about the successful efforts. I am so proud of all of you. Summer is coming on and many of our lodges participate in or head up fundraising projects during the summer months. A successful fundraiser is just as much about
providing the Brethren of your lodge some focus as it is about raising funds to support your chosen cause. How many times have you spent a long day working over a hot grill, or standing in the sun, and truly felt that your hard work has made a positive difference in someone’s life. It is perfect work for a Mason. Hard work for a great cause equals a satisfied conscience. This is the satisfaction that comes from knowing that at the end of the day, by your individual contribution, you have made a profound difference. It does not get any better than that! Those are great Masters Wages! This is also an important time to show your support for your lodge and the officers. When we work as a team, we can more easily accomplish our goals. You have elected a group of your brothers to lead your lodge into a bright new future. Please join in and support them with your volunteer time and efforts. You may not be able to attend your lodge meetings on a regular basis, but you can show up to support the lodge picnic, the ham dinner, or Labor Day parade. Be a part of something
bigger than each of us. It is likewise Kevin B. Todd, a great opportunity Grand Master to expose non-masons to the community support and brotherhood and fellowship side of your lodge. During these fundraising events you need to invite a prospective lodge candidate to go with you to help raise money for Special Olympics, your scholarship fund, your community relief efforts, or whatever noble cause you support. Your son, your neighbor, your co-worker, or your relative will get the chance to participate in a worthwhile effort and get involved in the fun and fellowship of your event. When that prospective candidate finds out what great people they are surrounded by, they will ask you about your lodge and the world of Freemasonry. So be prepared to answer their questions and have a blank membership petition handy.
Past Grand Master Daniel F. Iceman Passes Past Grand Master Daniel F. Iceman passed away on March 28, 2012 at the age of seventy nine. He was a Past Master of Ebenezer Lodge #33 in Wooster, Ohio and a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 20th Masonic District. In May 1972 he was appointed to the office of Junior Grand Deacon by then Grand Master Fay L. Gullion. He was subsequently appointed Senior Grand Deacon in October 1972, Grand Marshal in 1973 and Grand Orator in 1974. He was elected
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Junior Grand Warden in October 1975, Senior Grand Warden in 1976 and Deputy Grand Master in 1977. On October 21, 1978 he was elected and installed as Grand Master of Masons in Ohio. He was well known in Northern Ohio and the mentor of many that he met. He believed whole-heartedly that every Mason should live by the Masonic Code as it was written and raised his family by the same principles. He lived as he died, a man of great dignity.
You
This One Is for
By Tom Stofac, Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio Masonic Home
Warmer weather, green grass,
and as a Brother, for being so dedicated to the well being of the the smell of a new day in the air; Ohio Masonic Home. I just love spring. I tend to get Another group of individuals reflective at this time of year as I would like to thank especially I am surrounded by the coming are those who over the past year beauty of summer and the have dedicated their efforts to our freshness of the end of winter. capital campaigns at Browning One of the things I would like to Masonic Community and Westshare from my reflections is my ern Reserve Masonic Community. gratitude for each and every one Many of you also serve on the of you. boards I just mentioned. I know Without you we do not have this additional commitment of a reason to continue here at the time has been difficult and your Ohio Masonic Home. Thank you dedication to the projects and for all of your kind gifts of time, our success is so appreciated. talent and treasure that you proWe still have work to do, vide so generously. All of us that and many of these committees lead, work and live or receive continue to meet and will services here are so grateful for continue to do so in the future. your continuing support. I need to recognize that these One group of individuals I committees have been comprised would like to recognize with of many individuals from the a special word of thanks is all community that are not Masons of our board members. We at all, but through this process have a total of 42 individuals have learned what a Mason who serve on our subsidiary really is (a man with a pure heart boards, Foundation board and willing to serve his brothers and Parent board. These people the community) and what work tirelessly Masons really do (give for you and us to of themselves and their make sure that treasure to make a better the organization world for their brothers continues to thrive and the community). For and meets the their efforts I want to needs of those make sure I thank them we serve. Many and recommit ourselves of these people in our dedication to willingly take time their communities. off work through Thomas J. Stofac, CEO So to all of you that personal vacation volunteer at our campuses, as days, and others make time board members and through in busy schedules to come to other activities, thank you from meetings and to represent all of the bottom of my heart. I am so you and us very well. To each of grateful and honored to be called you who serve on these boards your Brother. let me personally thank you as the CEO of this organization
Please Join Us at Home Day Sunday, June 10, 2012 10 AM - 4 PM Springfield Masonic Community
The Beacon is published quarterly. Please report all changes of address to your lodge secretary, who, in turn, will notify the Grand Secretary, who maintains the database that produces the BEACON mailing labels. Chad Simpson Director of Program Development The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio P.O. Box 629 Worthington, OH 43085-0629 614-885-5318 csimpson@freemason.com Kristen Hirschfeld Communications Manager The Ohio Masonic Home 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504-3698 937-525-3025 khirschfeld@ohiomasonichome.org
Correction: In the last issue of the Beacon “Coming Full Circle” we misspelled Jim Zeigler’s name. Please accept our sincere apologies Jim. SPRING 2012
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Diamond
A Lifetime on the I
n 1949, the American Legion League team in Mansfield, Ohio, acquired a new catcher, Dwight “Dewey” McVicker. Most kids on the team played for a few years before moving on to other sports or activities. Dwight, on the other hand, never stopped. He played baseball at Mansfield Senior High School and at The Ohio State University.
“From college, I got a job in Lakewood, Ohio where I pretty quickly found the Lakewood Jaycees. Among their many activities was a softball team, and I played all the infield positions with them,” Dwight recalled. After the Jaycees, Dwight played in what’s called Open Class Softball for many years, which means open to adults of all ages. At age 50 he was eligible to play Senior Softball, but he preferred to stay with the Open Class League, where most of the teammates were in their 20s and 30s. It was during that time that Dwight became active in the Fraternity. He joined the Clifton-
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Gaston Allen Lodge #664 in 1975, where he went on to become the Master of the lodge and serve in all the York Rite Bodies. He also was voted to Knight of the York Cross of Honor. When he turned 58, Dwight finally made the transition to Senior Softball as a utility infielder. “Right now, between the four teams I am playing on, I play first, second and third base,” Dwight said. Dwight’s time and skills on the diamond earned him induction into both the Greater Cleveland Wall of Fame (2005) and the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame (2007). At 76, he’s still playing on teams in his winter home in The Villages, FL, as well as his summer home in North Olmsted, OH. When asked about his connection to the Springfield Masonic Community, Dwight laughed. “The only time I was there was when my team was playing in a tournament in Springfield. We needed a place to practice, so we just got out the balls and bats and practiced in the front yard.”
Dwight McVicker
He does, however, spend time at the Medina Masonic Community where he is a charter member of the Western Reserve Hi-Twelve Club. When you talk with Dwight and hear about his busy life of sports and other activities, it is obvious that it’s going to be awhile before “Dewey” is ready to just sit the bench and watch life go by.
Shrine/Mason Family Day at Great American Ballpark My Brethren, We should not need an excuse to spend quality time with our family…but it doesn’t hur t to have a good excuse to do it at a Cincinnati Reds baseball game! Come and join me at the Great American Ballpark for a fun day of baseball, peanuts, and hotdogs. I am looking forward to seeing if I still have my curveball and seeing you, your family, and your friends at the ballgame on August 19th. Bring your glove, and I’ll see you there! It will be a great day for Freemasonry! Fraternally, Kevin Todd, Grand Master of Ohio
SPRING 2012
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AtHome
Serving B
oth Leonard Strayer and his wife, Dorothy, get around just fine on their own most of the time. Depending on where they are going, one or the other will drive from their residence in Perrysburg, Ohio. But for a recent trip to the VA clinic to treat a problem with his eyes, Leonard didn’t think it was a good idea to drive himself. “Who wants to have a 92-yearold man with bad eyes thundering down the road toward you at 40 miles per hour?” Leonard joked. He thought the 24-mile trip to Toledo was also more than he should ask Dorothy, age 89, to make. He recalled that Liz Witter, I-CARE Service Coordinator, had talked with him about the services available through Masonic Senior Services I-CARE, an organization that supports the brethren and their wives or
widows with services which allow them to live independently. “We had a brochure about it,” Leonard said. “I gave Liz a call, asked if she could arrange a ride for me, and she took care of it! She was very helpful.” Many of the I-CARE services are provided by volunteers. In this case, the volunteer who received the call was Jim Brown. He was one of the original I-CARE volunteers since the organization began at the Browning Campus. “I learned about I-CARE through our local lodge, Rubicon #237,” Brown recalled. “When I heard that they needed volunteers, I joined. I figured it was a good idea to help others because, sooner or later, I might need help myself. People need to pitch in and help.”
Jim and Leonard agree that they had an enjoyable trip together. “It was just two guys talking to one another,” Jim recalled. “I knew we were going to the VA clinic, so I knew he was in the service. I told him I was in the Navy, and he said he was in the Navy. Come to find out that we were both machinists who worked in the engine rooms keeping the ships moving.” “Of course we were in different wars,” Leonard recalled. “I served through all of WW II, and Jim was in Korea. But we both had the same jobs.” Leonard is happy that he and Dorothy are able to stay mobile and independent. But he’s also pleased to have I-CARE and volunteers like Jim Brown when he wants a bit of help. For more information on the I-CARE program or how your Lodge can form a committee, check out the I-CARE website at www.mssohio.org, contact the Service Coordinator in your area or call 888-286-0010.
“I figured it was a good idea to help others because, sooner or later, I might need help myself.”
Two Navy veterans, Jim Brown, on left, and Leonard Strayer.
Life Compass – Your Trusted Resource Happy Birthday! to the 10,000 Americans who will celebrate their 65th birthday today. And to the 10,000 who celebrated their 65th birthday yesterday and to those who will celebrate tomorrow. Yes that’s right, everyday for the next 17 years 10,000 Americans defined as baby boomers (those born between
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1946 and 1964) will celebrate their 65th birthday. Due in large part to our advanced healthcare systems, Americans are living longer and more productive lives. With this transformation, people will be looking for ways to age where they want and how they want. In response to this the Ohio Masonic Home introduced the Life Compass
Volunteer
Residents
Knowledge
T
raditionally the residents of the Ohio Masonic Home and its affiliates have volunteered on and around the campuses. The same holds true today. All three communities have several volunteers which continue to provide service to fellow residents and the surrounding cities. On the Springfield Masonic Community campus ten residents volunteer at Rockway Elementary school every Thursday. The residents help tutor classes from preschool to eighth grade. During the hour the volunteers spend with the students, they teach them how to read, play math games with them and observe science projects. At the holidays, the children’s choir comes on campus to sing for the residents who in turn dress up as Santa and his elves for the students. The volunteers receive an invitation to attend the Rockway Christmas program and get the chance to see the students on stage. For the students, this opportunity provides stability and one-onone assistance the teachers do not always have the time to give. The residents, some of whom are retired school teachers, find this hour
program. Life Compass is a compilation of products and services that benefit those requiring in-home or retirement community living assistance and support. In our last edition of the Beacon we mentioned several of these new products: Skilled Care Direct Pharmacy, a medication adherence packaging system; Care Plus, a Personal Emergency Response System and a Medication Monitoring System;
Springfield Masonic Community residents volunteering at Rockway Elementary School.
of interaction invigorating, and love helping the children to learn. It gives the volunteers purpose, and the feeling that they are still contributing to society even though they are retired. Once again for Easter one of the residents dresses up as the Easter bunny and they visit the Rockway children. As a thank you, the resident volunteers are photographed to be included in the school yearbook. Next year a new group will start as preschoolers and the eighth graders will move on to high school. But one thing is certain; through volunteering their time and talent these residents have enriched the lives of the boys and girls of Rockway Elementary school.
and Simply Home, an in-home monitoring system that uses wireless technologies for independent living. We would like to introduce our newest relationship with a company called EmFinders. EmFinders helps locate adults and children who
At Western Reserve Masonic Community a group of residents make the trip out to Goddard preschool to read to, play and interact with the children; imparting knowledge and wisdom to the young. At Browning Masonic Community one of the residents volunteers as a greeter at the local hospital. Another one acts as hostess in the evenings and on weekends on campus, assisting visitors and anyone else who happens along. Just a few examples of the ways our residents continue serving those around them.
wander, utilizing the national 911 emergency call center. If you are interested in learning more about these leading edge assistive technology products in addition to our professional and service based support, check out our newest program Life Compass by calling toll-free 877-881-1623 or visiting our website at www.agerespectfully.org. SPRING 2012
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Dedication
Cornerstone
On Sunday, April 15, 2012 the campuses of Browning Masonic Community and Western Reserve Masonic Community held cornerstone dedication ceremonies, presided over by the Grand Lodge, for the Alzheimer’s/dementia
units they will be constructing. In response to a growing need, these facilities will provide quality care in a safe environment for those affected by this horrible disease. Over the next few pages you will get a chance to hear the story of Jean Lee who lost her parents to Alzheimer’s, read the reasons why and ways you can contribute to this project and receive a special message from the new Corporate Director of Fund Development of the Ohio Masonic Home.
O
Robert Rill speaking at the Browning Masonic Community Cornerstone Dedication Ceremony.
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tis Avery Browning was a very successful Toledo area business man with a vision and a desire to help others. He stipulated in his will that
Events for Memor
a bequest of $600,000.00 be placed in a trust for 50 years to act as seed money. He said, “It is one of the chief purposes of my will, that I may become an instrument, under God’s directing care, in providing for the erection and maintenance of a home for aged people, where they may be properly cared for and with all modern comforts.” In 1981 this vision was realized. For more than 30 years Browning Masonic Community has continued to grow. Unfortunately a piece was missing from this puzzle, the ability to provide care to those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. In merging together with the Ohio Masonic Home Mr. Browning’s vision of becoming a trusted resource to age respectfully continues. On this Sunday, April 15, 2012, Browning Masonic Community overcame the hurdle to care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients through charitable donations. No longer will there be a failure to help a Brother, sisters, or neighbors because of an inability to provide care to those affected by this awful
ry Care Centers in Medina and Waterville disease. Through hard work, dedication, donations and vision, O.A. Browning’s purpose and Browning Masonic Community’s mission have become a single reality. Grand Master RWB Kevin B. Todd’s theme is the Future of Freemasonry is Up to You. Each Mason makes the difference through his strengths and actions. If changes for the betterment of all are to be expected, each Mason will need to take the responsibility for seeing that it happens. When putting Browning Masonic Community in his will, Brother Browning said, “God will ever reward the true and faithful, and that same love and care extended for others may sometime come to you.” Thank you. ~ Robert Rill
M
y parents, Howard and Nettie West, were simultaneously diagnosed with Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease in 2006. My Dad, a 65-year Mason, would only agree to leave his life-long home to move, with my mother, to Western Reserve Masonic Community. My parents adjusted well, and continually thanked me for moving them to such a wonderful place. They’d bubble, “We’re on our second honeymoon!” After living at WRMC for two years, I was told Mom and Dad’s confusion had increased to the
Jean Lee giving her speech at the Western Reserve Masonic Community Cornerstone Dedication Ceremony.
point they’d have to leave. My parents and I were heartbroken. Both Mom and Dad died recently of end-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Three months prior to his death, brother Masons presented Dad with his seventy-year pin. I spoke about these events on April 15, 2012, at the cornerstone laying and groundbreaking for the new memory care unit… Connecting Realities… at Western Reserve Masonic Community, in Medina, Ohio. During my speech, a yellow butterfly fluttered near my hands, lingering on my pages. I believe my parents’ spirits hovered in that butterfly as I spoke to Dad’s beloved Masons. I used the Mason’s trowel to lay cement on the new cornerstone, knowing Dad would be thankful that another resident, or another Mason, wouldn’t be told they had to leave WRMC because of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your financial support of this project will make the Mason’s goal of care for all, for the duration of their lives, a reality. With gratitude to the Masons, Jean L. Lee SPRING 2012
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Campaigns
Capital
are 72% of the way toward goal….Thank you!
Dear Brethren, I would like to take this time to thank you all who have participated in our Capital Campaigns to date. You all have given so much of your time talent and treasure. One of the most impressive aspects of being a Mason and being CEO of your Ohio Masonic Home is the dedication and generosity of each and every one of you. Masonry truly does make a difference in the hearts and minds of society. The campaigns have really taken off over the past several months. We are now at 72% of our overall goal and need to raise about 2 million dollars more to be able to complete this campaign and open our buildings debt free. Obviously we could not have gotten this far without your generous and kind gifts. Construction should begin in earnest over the next month and we are looking forward to keeping you informed of our progress. We will be posting updates on our web site and other means so please stay connected as we begin to put this vision to action. I want to personally again tell you what an absolute honor it is to serve as your CEO and how
humbled I am to be able to call you my Brother. My good friend and brother Michael Puskarich, former Board Chair, I know is smiling on each and every one of us as he was so committed to making this dream a reality. I know that he would be overjoyed that we have come this far and committed to seeing this to its end. I also know that he would want to say in his own way with his bright smiling face; “Thank you my Brothers.” Although we are far from done with the campaign I felt compelled to thank you for your gifts so far, and please join me in telling the community as a whole to join in on what are going to be major projects in these communities. If you have questions or would like to make a gift to the campaigns, please contact
one of the folks below. As we open our public phase of this campaign let’s be active in inviting our friends and neighbors to make a difference with us in providing a comfortable building for victims of this disease and their families. Fraternally, Tom Stofac
To make a gift to the Memory Care Centers’ Capital Campaigns, please contact:
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Mark Harris NW Ohio Regional Fund Developer Browning Masonic Community 8883 Browning Dr. Waterville, OH 43566 maharris@ohiomasonichome.org (419) 878-1814
Cathy Wigton Corporate Director, Fund Development The Ohio Masonic Home 2655 W. National Rd. Springfield, Oh 45504 cwigton@ohiomasonichome.org (937) 525-3002
Cathy Toth NE Ohio Regional Fund Developer Western Reserve Masonic Community 4431 Nettleton Rd. Medina, OH 44256 ctoth@ohiomasonichome.org (330) 721-3261
Jerry Guess Corporate Director, Masonic Relations The Ohio Masonic Home 2655 W. National Rd. Springfield, Oh 45504 jguess@ohiomasonichome.org (937) 525-4953
Passes
Junior Grand Deacon Michael T. Puskarich I
Junior Grand Deacon Michael T. Puskarich passed away unexpectedly on March 17, 2012 of complications from a pulmonary embolism. He was fifty one years old. He was an active member of his community, a hard working businessman, dedicated father and a committed volunteer. He is survived by his wife Judy, his daughter Jenna and his son Michael. He was a Past Master of Harrison Lodge #219 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 23rd Masonic District. He was appointed Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge by Grand Master Kevin B. Todd in October of 2011. Additionally, he was the Chairman of the Board of the Ohio Masonic Home at the time of his death. He also served as the Harrison Community Hospital Board Chairman; Director of the National Mining Association; and Director and Chair of the Ohio Coal Association. His love for life; his love for family; his love for the fraternity; his big, warm smile; his soft spoken voice… gone, but not forgotten.
believe there are rare opportunities in our life when we meet and get to know someone truly special. Do not get me wrong we are all special in our own way, but I am talking about a person that is simply one of a kind, above the rest extraordinary. You know the person you meet to whom you are automatically drawn and their compassion, caring and genuine interest in your life lingers well after you leave their presence. Above all else they have that rare “it” factor. You can only see it and feel it. You can’t put words to it because that would minimize the feeling. You can see and feel the “it” they have by the look in their eyes and their bright smile that simply says “I Love You”, “I am here for you no matter what.” These are people we treasure when we have them enter our lives. This was Michael Puskarich. Although there is plenty of sadness in his passing, I can only say that this tribute does not dwell on it. This tribute is to his life and as we continue to live on this earth, his living among us. I have been so blessed in my life to have had one year to work with Michael as our board chair, to know him as a fellow Brother Mason and more importantly somehow to become close friends. We both were blessed to have a special bond which allowed us to complete each other’s sentences, think about similar things without even talking and to genuinely care for one another. For this I am so very grateful. Our shared love for the Ohio Masonic Home and our shared vision was and is a commitment which will live on each and every day. Michael and I used to share that the most important thing in relationships is to be truthful with each other and everyone with whom we work. So in that spirit let me say I continue our pledge to be good fiscal stewards of your resources, and to covet and nurture the relationship with each and every one of you my brethren. I end this tribute with a memory. My daughter once asked me; “Why do people have to die?” My answer came out simply; “So their legacy can begin.” Let the legacy of this special Brother of ours begin. ~ Tom Stofac SPRING 2012
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Awards
National Mark Twain
for Excellence
North Bend Lodge #346, Oxford Lodge #67 Receive National Mark Twain Awards For Excellence, Silver Spring, MD The Masonic Information Center an open house, and giving bicycles “There are some 10,000 Lodges (MIC) has awarded North Bend Lodge #346 and Oxford Lodge #67, two of just 18 national Mark Twain Awards for demonstrating excellence in 2011 Masonic activities. The award recognizes Lodges’ planning, execution, and communication in activities that both invigorate Freemasonry’s identity throughout the community and enrich the quality of educational and fraternal experiences within the lodge. During the past six years, the MIC, the information arm of the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA), has presented the Mark Twain Award distinction to more than 100 lodges across the continent. MASNA is head-quartered in Silver Spring, MD. North Bend Lodge is located in the center of Cleves, a small village on the outskirts of Cincinnati. Oxford Lodge is situated near the Miami (of Ohio) University campus in Oxford, Butler County. According to R. Dale Westerman, Master of the Lodge during the award period, the Lodge uses its building location as the nucleus of numerous community activities. Such activities as feeding the hungry during the Christmas season, an appreciation banquet for “first responders,” Halloween treats for some 400 children during
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away as prizes at a Christmas open house, exemplify what the Lodge has done. High levels of Lodge member participation were involved in nearly all programs.
The major thrust of Oxford Lodge for its award recognition was the public recognition of three Miami University students who intervened when they saw a man assaulting a police officer, according to Donald B. Reece, a Past Master, who headed the award entry procedure. A dinner, media coverage, and above all, recognition for some young men “who made the instant decision to do the right thing, with possible personal risks to themselves,” encompassed the program, he said.
across North America, and North Bend and Oxford Lodges should be very proud of being selected part of the elite group of Mark Twain Award winners this year,” said George Braatz, Executive Secretary of MSANA. “The Twain Award encourages Lodges to make Freemasonry relevant to the diverse backgrounds and ages of its members and its communities,” he added. “We feel public interest in the Masonic Fraternity is on the rise, and Lodges like North Bend and Oxford are making significant contributions to the growing interest in Masonry that we see throughout North America.” Most historians believe that Freemasonry arose from stonemasons’ guilds in the Middle Ages and began to flourish in the 1700s in Europe, the American Colonies, and Canada. Today, North America’s Masonic Fraternity provides fellowship for more than 1.4 million members. Go to www. msana.com for more information about Freemasonry and the Mark Twain Award. For more information, contact: George O. Braatz, Executive Secretary Masonic Service Association of North America, 8120 Fenton Street, Suite 203, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel: 301-588-4010 Fax: 301-608-3457 Email: msana@ix.netcom.com
Titanic
100th Anniversary of the Sinking of the T
he White Star liner, RMS Titanic, sank on April 15, 1912 three hours after colliding with an iceberg. This maritime disaster has continued to capture the imagination of people around the world over the last 100 years. Eight hundred thirty two passengers and six hundred and eighty five members of the crew perished. Aboard the Titanic on that fateful day were people from all walks of life, including the following list of Freemasons. (The list was supplied by Brother Norman Lincoln.)
Passengers: 1. Major Archibald Willingham Butt, reporter, secretary to US Ambassador to Mexico, member of Temple Noyes Lodge #32, DC 2. Francis Davis Millet, war correspondent in Europe & Philippines, illustrator, London Graphic artist, Kane Lodge #454, NY 3. Henry Birkhard Harris, theater manager, Boston & NY agent for Lily Langtry & May Irwin, Munn Lodge #190, NY 4. Howard Brown Case, manager for Standard Oil Co. in London, America Lodge #3368, United Grand Lodge of England 5. William Anderson Walker, Worshipful Master of Hope Lodge #124, NJ 6. Alexander Holverson, manager of Cluett Peabody & Co, Transportation Lodge #842, NY
7. Henry Price Hodges, musical instruments salesman, Caulsentum Lodge #1461, UGLE 8. Thomas William Solomon Brown, owner of the Masonic Hotel in from Worcester, South Africa 9. William John Robert Turpin, carpenter, St. George Lodge #2025, UGLE 10. William Thomas Stead, editor, author, scholar, controversial creator of tabloid journalism, Lodge unknown 11. Elmer Zebley Taylor, inventor of the paper cup, lived in East Orange NJ, (survived & died May 22, 1949) his obituary mentions that he was a Mason though his Lodge is unknown
Crew: 12. Herbert John Pitman, Third Officer, Abbey Lodge #3341, England (survived & died Dec. 7, 1961 after sixty years at sea)
This dues card belonged to Brother Woody and was recovered with his remains.
13. Harold Godfrey Lowe, Fifth Officer, joined the Lodge in the 1920s (survived & died May 12, 1944) 14. John T. Hardy, Chief Second Class Steward, Tecumseh Lodge #467, NY (survived & died Oct. 8, 1953) 15. Pierre Giuseppe Bochet, caterer and waiter, Loggia Italia #2687, UGLE 16. Robert Arthur Wareham, First Class Steward, Toxteth Lodge #1356, UGLE 17. Arthur Lawrence, Steward, Neptune Lodge #1264, UGLE 18. Percy Cornelius Taylor, cellist & pianist for the eight member band, Past Master of Musgrave Lodge #1597, UGLE 19. Oscar Scott Woody, mail clerk, Acacia Lodge #16, VA (his Lodge dues card was recovered from his remains)
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Lodges
News from the
Brother Froehlich volunteers as Presiding Judge at Mock Trial Brother Mark S. Froehlich recently presided at a mock trial involving high school students, who are a part of the HI-Y Youth in Government Program at the Ohio Statehouse. The HI-Y is sponsored by the Ohio/West Virginia YMCA. Brother Froehlich is a retired judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court. He regularly volunteers to preside at mock trials and to advise students about careers in the legal profession. He is a member of New England Lodge #4 and active in numerous Masonic organizations.
Judge Mark Froehlich with the Students participating in the Mock Trial at the Ohio Statehouse.
Peerless Lodge serves Breakfast to Football Team The Brethren of Peerless Lodge in Crooksville volunteered to provide free breakfasts to the members of the Crooksville High School football team. Each Saturday morning during the football season, the young men of the Crooksville Ceramics would gather at the Lodge hall and enjoy pancakes, sausages, toast and juice.
Three Generations of Masons in Galion Lodge #414 Richard Crossman, Sr. recently had the privilege of raising his grandson Nickolaus to the sublime Degree of Master Mason. He raised his father in 1965 and his son in 1973. From left: Richard Crossman, Jr. (son), Nickolaus Crossman (grandson), Eric Young – Master of Galion Lodge, Richard Crossman, Sr. (father and grandfather).
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New Phone Messaging Service available to Lodges Grand Master Kevin B. Todd has long believed that communication is one of the essential keys to a strong and prosperous Masonic fraternity. In keeping with that belief, the Grand Lodge of Ohio is recommending that Lodges use automatic phone messaging services as an additional way of keeping members informed. There are a number of companies that provide automatic phone messaging services that lodges can use to announce funerals, special meetings, degree work or any other lodge activity. Dialmycalls.com has agreed to give Ohio Masonic Lodges a
with them messages recorded by the Worshipful Master or other selected Brothers.
20% discount on their messaging services. For more information and to sign up visit www.dialmycalls.com. Remember to use the promo code Masons when signing up to make sure you receive the discount. An automatic phone messaging service provides an easy and efficient way to contact members and share
“We’ve seen a marked uptick in attendance since we started announcing activities to our members with the calling service,” explained Worshipful Master Ken Harrington of York Lodge #563. “In the old days, our Lodge used the ‘calling tree’ method and tried to call everyone personally, but that really isn’t feasible anymore. Now, we record one message and the service automatically calls whatever member phone numbers we select.”
Four Generations of Eastern Star Members Washington Chapter #195 of the Order of the Eastern Star has the distinction of having four generations of one family as current members. Center seated is Dorothy Glisson (mother). From left: Donna Lee (granddaughter), Barbara Bowen (daughter), and Katelyn Lee (great granddaughter).
The Thrill of a Lifetime Have you ever imagined what it was like for a Brother to receive one of his degrees as a candidate at a Lodge’s annual inspection? It has to be a very memorable experience. Brother Jeffrey D. Sexton had that experience not once but three times as he received each of his three degrees as the inspection candidate for three different Lodges. From left: Barry Kirschner – Master of Union Lodge #71 and DEO of the 6th District, John Cooper – Master of Batavia Lodge #104, Brother Jeffrey Sexton, Darvin Rudd – Master of Buckeye Lodge #150 and PDDGM of 6th District.
He received the Entered Apprentice Degree at the inspection of Union Lodge #71 in January. He was passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft at the inspection of Batavia Lodge #104 in February. To complete this experience, he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason at the inspection of Buckeye Lodge #150 in March. An interesting side note is that Brother Sexton announced his intention to petition a Lodge at his parent’s fiftieth wedding anniversary, knowing it had long been his father’s secret desire for him to become a Master Mason. SPRING 2012
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BEACON 2655 W. National Road Springfield, Ohio 45504-3698 www.ohiomasonichome.org www.freemason.com
Dates
Save-the-
Deputy Grand Master to Rollout 2013 Programs
Deputy Grand Master James F. Easterling, Jr. will offer sessions around the state to rollout the Grand Lodge programs for the 2013 Masonic year. These sessions will provide Lodge officers and members information they need to plan for the next Masonic year in coordination with the Grand Lodge programs. Attire for these meetings is business casual. June 16, 9 AM, Aurora Lodge #48 June 23, 9 AM, Guernsey Lodge #66 July 11, 7 PM, Canton Temple July 19, 7 PM, Cortland Lodge #529 July 23, 7 PM, Quarry Lodge # 382 July 25, 7 PM, Mansfield Temple
Home Day at Springfield Masonic Community June 10, 2012 Browning Masonic Community Car Show July 28, 2012 Pray Park
July 28, 6 PM, Jeffersonville Lodge #468 Aug. 10, 7 PM, Bellvue Lodge #273 Aug. 11, 5 PM, Hiram Lodge #18 Aug. 18, 9 AM, Paramuthia Lodge #25 Aug. 31, 7 PM, Temperance Lodge #73 Sept. 7, 7 PM, Browning Masonic Home Sept. 8, 5 PM, Amelia Lodge #590
Jim Perry Celebrity Golf Classic September 10, 2012 Windy Knoll Golf Club