On July 14th, Deputy Grand Master Jess N. Raines began a series of twelve Roll Out Programs detailing his plans for the 2018-2019 Masonic Year. Brethren from across West Central Ohio came to Huber Heights Lodge, No. 777, to get a first look at the coming year so they could begin final plans for their local lodges.
RWB Raines theme for the year is INVEST. He is asking the Brethren to Invest in themselves, their Lodges, Communities, and their Fraternity. In his message, he asks each of us to be proud of our membership and prepared to tell our own story of how we came to Freemasonry and why we stay. He asks us to help our lodges by increasing our focus on Masonic education and by joining the Replace Yourself Program. He gave examples of lodges that have made an investment in community services and programs and described the benefits they have enjoyed from increased fellowship and satisfaction. And finally, he notes that when you invest in yourself, your lodge, and your community, you naturally build fraternity.
RWB Raines also detailed new developments for the coming year, beginning with the change to the Grand View membership management system. He described a new Masonic Academy that will be formed to provide better Masonic education online, at any time it is convenient to the member. He announced that he will authorize a series of Grand Master’s Classes around the state at different times of the year. He discussed inspection requirements, candidate proficiency, and lodge improvements. He also shared plans for a new public relations and marketing program called “This is Ohio Freemasonry.”
RWB Raines also has two exciting programs involving out of state travel. First, on November 3, 2018, Brethren from the Grand Lodges of Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan are going to meet in Indianapolis to demonstrate their rituals. Next, RWB Raines has also planned a bus trip to Gettysburg and Washington, DC, to be held July 31 to August 4, 2019.
RWB Raines also described his plans to promote the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program in the coming year. MMSAP helps school personnel identify at-risk students and gives them proven methods to deal with bullying and similar problems. According to RWB Raines, Ohio loses too many young people to suicide and violence and MMSAP can help save lives in every district in the state.
The Roll Out ended with an open Q and A session, and RWB Raines was asked about a wide variety of lodge and individual topics. It proved to be a time when every member present was able to ask questions and voice opinions. Overall, the morning was viewed as a success by everyone present and well worth their time.
August Roll Outs
Thursday, August 9
7:00 p.m.
Summit Lodge No. 213 Twinsburg, Ohio
Sunday, August 12
2:00 p.m.
Rubicon Lodge No. 237 Browning Masonic Community
Thursday, August 16
7:00 p.m.
Mount Vernon Lodge No. 64 Norwalk, Ohio
Sunday, August 19
2:00 p.m.
Lima Masonic Temple
Lima, Ohio
Thursday, August 23
7:00 p.m.
Northwest Masonic Temple,Columbus, Ohio
Saturday, August 25
9:00 a.m.
East Palestine Lodge No. 417 East Palestine, Ohio
Wednesday, August 29
7:00 p.m.
J.B. Covert Lodge No. 437 Withamsville, Ohio
