“I believe while the Values of Freemasonry never change, our ways of embodying and sharing them are constantly being adapted and shaped for the world and time in which we live.”
For those who attended one of the Deputy Grand Master Roll Out meetings last August, you heard me open with this vision statement. Little did I realize at the time just how pertinent it would become today. We have been challenged to live with new rules and limitations never imagined. We are social people, especially as we enjoy our fraternal groups. Our organization is based on social interaction; a smile, handshake, a pat on the back, a hug, fellowship, sharing good counsel, and the list goes on. We adapted, within our limitations, to begin virtual meetings. It was so exciting to see how we worked so hard to find ways to get together, even if only on a computer screen. To see each other, see the smile and hear the voice from our friends and brethren. It has closed the gap for some of us, but not all. Thank you for the efforts and expertise to those who have helped provide these tools to enable these meetings to occur (for those that can, reach out to help those of us that still cannot tie into this technology).
Have you received a phone call or letter from your Lodge during this time of duress? I am fortunate to have received a couple calls from members of Lodges and bodies I belong to. I can’t tell you how it makes my day when I receive a call from a brother just to see how I am doing. We talk a few minutes, and when done, return to our daily tasks. I want to thank those who are making those calls all around the state. I’m sure you are making a difference in the lives of our brethren. You don’t know how good that felt for me, in those few minutes, to relax and talk with a friend who cared enough to call. Take a few minutes and call on your brethren.
Lately I have been thinking how important Communicate-Communicate-Communicate is today more than ever. One, today we are constantly being blasted by the media with the latest information about COVID-19. Hearing these reports over and over again, keeps us current on the latest conditions of the situation. Imagine if we applied the same principle to Freemasonry. Use every means of communication to reach our membership, i.e., email, phone calls, newsletters, social media. We would all be well informed and “in the know” about what is going on in your Lodges and Ohio Freemasonry. Secondly, with improved communication channels, we can quickly share urgent information with each other.
It’s 3 easy steps to enable me to better connect with you:
- www.freemason.com
- Scroll down to select the Member Portal button (on left side). Don’t scroll too fast and miss my picture on the webpage.
- You’re now in Grandview, select “My Profile” button and UPDATE YOUR INFO.
Most of all, take a minute as you enjoy the Spring and Summer seasons to give thanks for our many blessings each day.
Live Simply, Love Generously, Care Deeply and Speak Kindly.
Keith W. Newton, Grand Master
