Hello Brethren!
Our Masonic year is coming to a close and we have had a fantastic time traveling around the state – and out of state – representing Ohio Freemasons. Over the past year we have traveled to several out of state jurisdictions; the Conference of Grand Masters; Imperial Shrine; to each of the twenty-five Masonic Districts in Ohio; and to countless Lodge meetings, inspections, dedications, cornerstone layings, table Lodges, and of course Lodge open house events.
The Brethren and ladies of Ohio are truly
amazing people!
Many Lodges in Ohio embraced the open house events and several received petitions and/or reinstatements. A few Lodges took advantage of the Lodge Transformation program to help defray the cost to improve the curb appeal of their Lodge. During the open house events, Lodges included Masonic Appendant Bodies, ladies organizations, and our Masonic youth groups. It was so great to see them all working together. Jane Anne and I promoted and supported our youth groups. What fine young ladies and men we have in Ohio, and we should all be proud of them. We hope that Ohio Masons will continue supporting our youth well into the future. Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? If so, the youth groups can use your help. Visit Freemason.com, click on Charities, then click on 1st Lady’s Charity, for more information about the Masonic youth groups.
Over this past year, your Grand Lodge officers continued to work together to move Ohio Freemasonry into the future. Many hours have been spent discussing, researching, analyzing, and planning for the future of the Fraternity. A copy of the long-range plan can be found in Grand View. I encourage them, and you, the Brethren of Ohio, to continue to look for
ideas and new ways to
strengthen the Lodges in Ohio
My theme this year was Building Brotherhood, and I encouraged the Brethren of Ohio to build brotherhood by having ritual practices, superbly executed funeral services, open houses, social events, and community events – now and in the years to come. Brotherhood is the foundation of our Fraternity, and we all need to reach out and get to know our Brothers and potential Brothers in the community. Remember, Brethren, that just by living your life by our Masonic values, YOU will be an example to the world, men will want to join our Fraternity, and YOU will help build our Brotherhood. The future of Freemasonry depends upon each of us.
I would like to thank the Grand Lodge officers and their ladies for all that they do to support the Grand Lodge and to promote Ohio Freemasonry. I would especially like to thank Jane Anne for all of her love and support. She is my rock and has served the Brethren of Ohio well. Thank you,
Jane Anne!
I must say that Jane Anne and I have enjoyed
the journey, and I cannot thank the Brethren of Ohio enough for this fantastic opportunity, the wonderful friendships, the events we have attended, and the times we have shared with each of you. We thank the Brethren of Ohio for giving us this wonderful opportunity.
Fraternally,
Steven M. Grindle
Grand Master
Grand Lodge of Ohio
#BuildingBrotherhood
