I hope this finds you all enjoying the beautiful changes of fall.
I write this column just following the 214th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio held on October 20, 2023, at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center. We had a great time visiting with guests from neighboring jurisdictions as well as Brethren from across the state of Ohio. It appears the events went well because we heard a lot of accolades about the food and service at the venue. More than 1,200 Masons enjoyed a very nice session, thanks to the planning and preparation by MWB Steven M. Grindle and Lady Jane Anne and their GLO2023 committee. The local committee, led by RWB Jeff Young, did a fabulous job.
New this year was the use of an electronic voting device or key fob. After a few fun test questions, the membership was comfortable, and the devices were used throughout the day. They performed without incident and provided immediate response, with exact voting counts allowing the work of 23 pieces of legislation to move along at a very good pace.
The 2024 membership renewal program is moving along very well. To keep continuity year to year, the Grand Lodge is sending the same messaging at the same time intervals to Lodge members. Members with an email address in Grand View received their email renewal notice in mid-August. Members not receiving an email notice, and any member with an outstanding dues balance, were sent a membership renewal notice via first class mail in mid-September. Through mid-October:
- 59% of our membership has already renewed their annual dues for 2024.
- 419 of 428 Lodges had members take advantage of the credit card option in Grand View.
- 120 of 419 lodges received credit card payments via direct deposit or ACH from Grand Lodge.
- More than 8,000 members, a 4% increase from last year, utilized the credit card payment option in Grand View.
Grand Lodge member service awards for 50-, 60-, 65-, 70-, and 75-year members were distributed to each District at the District Deputy Grand Master training session on October 21, 2023. All Lodges will be receiving theirs very soon for awards presentations before the end of the year.
In 2023, Grand Secretary Zoom calls were found to be very helpful for both the office staff and Lodge Secretaries. We’ll continue the bi-monthly schedule at 10:00am and 7:00pm on the last Tuesdays of November, January, March, May, July, and September. I hope to see you at the next one scheduled November 28, 2023.
In observance of the holiday season, the Grand Lodge office will be closed November 23-24 and December 25-January 1, 2024, returning to normal office hours on Tuesday, January 2, 2024
It’s an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The office staff is committed to serving you so please call us at 614-885-5318, or email us at gloffice@freemason.com, if we can be of any assistance.
It’s a Great Day for Freemasonry! Keith W. Newton, PGM, Grand Secretary
