My Dear Brethren,
What a year this has been serving this great Fraternity as your Grand Master. Lady Karen and I have traveled all across Ohio, visited numerous Lodges, and met with a plethora of Brethren and their Ladies during the past 8 years. These opportunities to connect and form bonds with the Brethren and their Ladies has made all of the hard work and long hours on the road well worth the effort. Seeing Freemasonry from the wide perspectives of the Brethren throughout the state never ceases to amaze me. We all put our own spin on what it really means to live out our Masonic principles in our daily lives. It has truly been an honor to represent the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and all of you, in our travels throughout Ohio and the United States.
On our way home from last October’s Annual Communication, I had the pleasure to stop in Findlay and present an 80-year service award to Brother Paul A. Burton, a member of Carey Lodge #420, who will celebrate his 104th birthday this coming January. The visit with him was inspiring, and one of the greatest opportunities that falls under the purview of the Grand Master. If you haven’t done so already, reach out to your older members, especially those who are due a service award, and reconnect with them. Invite them back to Lodge to break bread with the Brethren. Make the special trip to their home to chat. Reignite their flame for the craft, and I am sure you will find your own Masonic fire rekindled as well.
This year, during the various Grand Master’s Receptions, raffle tickets were sold to have the opportunity to name the multicolored ceramic elephant that Lady Karen had on display and served as the inspiration for her ladies pin. This effort raised over $6,000 for the Children’s Dyslexia Centers throughout Ohio. Your participation and generosity to aid the children who utilize the Dyslexia Centers is incredibly heartwarming, and Karen and I were extremely touched by your generosity towards this charity. Congratulations go out to WB Scott Harder, and his Lady Tiffany, of Damascus Collingwood Lodge #643 for winning the raffle and the right to name the elephant. They settled on the name “Ellie,” and it is the perfect moniker for that beautiful elephant artwork. Again, thank you to everyone from around Ohio, and even Scotland, who participated in this fun charitable endeavor. You have made an impact on a young person who will be better off because of your generosity.
This year the Zerubbabel Award was crafted to encourage newly raised Master Masons to be active in their Lodge and expand their Masonic horizons via visitations to other Lodges. With all the Brethren we have met across the state proudly wearing their “Z” pins, the adoption of and enthusiasm for this award have far exceeded our expectations. It is wonderful to see the young Master Masons continuing their journey of self improvement by engaging actively at their home Lodge, in their home district, and throughout the state. Congratulations to all the Brethren who have earned this mark of distinction in their young Masonic careers.
Wishing all of you the very best in your own Masonic journey.
Yours in Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth,
Paul A. Weglage
Grand Master
Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth
