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Harvesting Hope

What an honor and privilege it is to lead this Great Fraternity of ours. Little did I know when I knelt and took the obligation of an Entered Apprentice that I would have the opportunity to serve my Brothers as their Grand Master.  I never could have imagined this. Thank you. The 2016 theme of our Grand Lodge is Freemasonry - a Brotherhood of Values. I have chosen this because it sums up what I believe this fraternity represents:  a brotherhood of men living by the values of honor, of integrity, of charity, of brotherly love and of truth.  These are values on which our country was founded. Every leader must surround himself with great leaders to advise, counsel and challenge him effectively to grow our vision. I would like to introduce to you our Junior Grand Deacon R.W. Brother Steven M. Grindle. He is a Past Master of Toledo Fort Industry Lodge No. 144. He and his wife Jane Ann are a perfect fit to the Grand Lodge family, and I believe he would make a great Grand Master one day. R.W. Brother Robert G. Sickelbaugh is your new Grand Tyler and a Past Master of Phoenix Lodge No. 123. Bob and I served together as District Deputies of the 11th Masonic District. Bob will do well in guarding our door. He and his wife Anne reside in Perrysburg, Ohio. Every person needs the counsel from one who brings the Word of God. I have reappointed R.W. Brother Gary L. McElfresh to the office of Grand Chaplain. He is a Past Master of Rubicon Lodge No. 237, and served this Grand Lodge as Grand Chaplain when M.W. Brother Charles Murphy was Grand Master in 2009. Gary and Carol are like family to Jennifer and I, and I know he will provide good advice. I have selected the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation as our charity this year. The wonderful services that the Ohio Masonic Home provides to our Brothers and their families is truly an expression of our Masonic Obligation. The values that we as a Fraternity represent are being put into action every day throughout the state by caring and loving individuals employed through the Ohio Masonic Home. I welcome the challenge and look forward to serving you, my Brothers, in this the greatest fraternity in the world. May God bless all of you.

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