Meet the new Faces of Ohio Freemasonry

During the Spring, the Masons of Ohio were invited to nominate men who represented Ohio Freemasonry in all its diversity. After weeks of voting, five men were selected, and they appear below. Their names, photos, and stories appear on the Grand Lodge website as continuations of the This is Ohio Freemasonry public awareness campaign. Congratulations to all five Brothers. To see their interviews, visit Freemason.com

Nick Thompson
Husband, Father, Brother, Freemason
Hometown: Holland
Lodge: Northern Light Lodge #40
Occupation: Assistant VP of Banking
“In Masonry, it doesn’t matter whether a man is a bricklayer, physician or the mayor of the city. All are on equal footing in the Lodge room. Freemasonry means forming deep and lasting friendships that transcend the boundaries of race, religion and culture.”

---

Jason Short
Football Coach, Photographer, Cub Scout Leader, Freemason
Hometown: East Palestine
Lodge: Negley 565, Jenkins 471, Allen 276
Occupation: Truck Driver
“Becoming a Freemason was the best thing to ever happen to me. I’ve become a better man and have made life long friendships with my Brethren.”

---

George Moore
Attorney, Musician, Family Man, Freemason
Hometown: Celina
Lodge: Celina #241
Occupation: Attorney at Law
“My father always said that ‘There are no strangers in Freemasonry; only friends you haven’t met.’ He was my inspiration for joining shortly after his death, and it was the best decision I ever made. The “real secret” of Freemasonry is all the amazing people we meet while making good men better.”

---

Jeffrey Sime
Husband, Father, Airline Captain, Freemason
Hometown: Northwood
Lodge: Genoa Lodge #433
Occupation: Airline Captain
Freemasonry is “a lifelong journey for self improvement and an unmatched brotherhood of friendship.”

---

Rick Gabbard
Firefighter, Paramedic, Giver, Father, Freemason
Hometown: Franklin
Lodge Name: Germantown #257
Occupation: Firefighter / Paramedic
Freemasonry means “sharing the values of our nation’s founding fathers; men who believe in the brotherhood of man. It means becoming a better person while helping to improve the quality of life for others. Forming deep and lasting friendships that transcend the boundaries of race, religion and culture, as well as those of geography. But most of all, being a Mason means the kind of deep satisfaction that comes only from selfless giving; from doing for others without asking, or expecting anything in return. I became a Freemason for the same reasons I became a firefighter.”