Hello Brethren!
Spring is here! Our Masonic year is half over, inspection season is winding down, and we have had an opportunity to visit with many of the Brethren and ladies as we traveled across the state for the Grand Master's Receptions. We have had a great time so far!
Our Statewide Open House Event was held on April 22, 2023. By all accounts, the Open Houses were a success. It was great to see Lodges come together with other Lodges, Appendant Bodies, youth groups, and ladies groups to plan and host the Open Houses. Lodges all over the state cleaned and organized their Lodge rooms, some Lodges painted and power washed their buildings, and a few lodges used the Lodge Transformation Program to help defray the cost of some of the improvements. There are still funds available; for more information visit Grand View, click on the “Resources” section, go to the “Master Mason” section, and click on “Lodge Transformation Program”. I would like to thank all of the Lodges that held an Open House.
As I have said before, I believe that “Brotherhood” is the foundation of our Fraternity and I encourage Lodges to hold events in and out of the Lodge to engage our members. Now is a great time for each Lodge to hold fellowship and friendship events, inviting those that attended the Lodge's Open House or those that have submitted an inquiry via Grand View to attend your friendship events.
Lady Jane Anne and I continue to support our Ohio Masonic Youth Groups. Each of our Masonic Youth Groups can also use some help increasing membership and awareness. Ohio Masons can help by promoting these groups to those that have children or grandchildren between the ages of 10 and 20.
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? If so, the youth groups can use your help. Visit www.Freemason.com, click on “Charities”, then click on “1st Lady’s Charity”, for more information about the Masonic
Youth Groups.
At one of our first Grand Masters Receptions, I was challenged by a DeMolay member to a paintball war with his DeMolay Chapter. I readily accepted the challenge and even volunteered that I, along with the other Grand Lodge Officers, would participate. We are in the process of confirming the details of the event, but I believe it will be held on August 5th in the Springfield, Ohio area. I have asked our Grand Secretary, MWB Keith Newton, to coordinate this event and my hope is that it could be a day that the DeMolay Chapters come together for some paintball and fun. Please contact our Grand Secretary if you would like more information or if you would like to make a donation to help defray the cost of the event.
As a reminder, if you would like to help support our Ohio Masonic Youth Groups with a financial donation, please visit the Grand Lodge website, www.Freemason.com, to donate or make your check payable to the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation with a notation on the check for the “2023 First Lady’s Charity”.
In early March, the Grand Lodge opened the Grand Lodge of Ohio Store where you can purchase Masonic clothing and other merchandise with Ohio’s logo. Visit our website: www.Freemason.com and click on GLO Store to view the current items we have to offer.
I would like to remind our members that a special tie has been designed and is available for purchase on the Grand Lodge website. The cost of the tie is $35.00 (or more if you choose). The proceeds from the sales of the ties will support the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation.
Fraternally,
Steven M. Grindle
Grand Master
Grand Lodge of Ohio
#BuildingBrotherhood
