Brethren and Friends all,
The Grand Lodge Office, on the campus of Springfield Masonic Community, has been under a blanket of snow for the last couple weeks. The forecast for this weekend offers a few days above freezing. We may clear some of this stuff out. Please take a minute to check on your friends
and neighbors.
The Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation Relief Fund is introducing a limited edition 2025 tie to raise funds and awareness. You’ll find it slightly different than the 2023 version and we have bow ties this year. Your Grand Lodge Charitable Relief Fund continues to be made available in part by your generous support. The funds are used to provide relief to both Masons and non-Masons when needed across the state of Ohio. Since its’ inception, relief has been granted to more than 770 recipients totaling over $1.1 million dollars. In addition to Relief, other foundation initiatives include the Veterans and First Responders, Masonic Model Student Assistance Program, The Ohio Masonic Communities, Scholarships, Museum and Library, and Ohio Masonic Youth Groups. Please go to Freemason.com to get your tie today or to make a donation in support of your Grand Lodge of Ohio Charitable Foundation.
It’s an exciting time at the Grand Lodge of F.&A.M. of Ohio! Social Media channels are bustling with examples of Masonic brotherhood all around the state. Lodge Installations have been completed and the 2025 Masonic Directory is now available in the Resources tab in Grand View. The Grand Secretary office is preparing the Annual Proceedings. The 2024 edition is scheduled to go to print
in March.
The Annual Secretary Association meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2025. It will be conducted at the Aladdin Shrine building in Columbus, Ohio. The agenda is meant to offer Lodge Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries helpful information to assist with their responsibilities. It’s a great opportunity to network with Lodge Secretaries from around the state, share your tips, and maybe learn a few along the way. The Grand Secretary’s Office staff will be there with a limited supply of Lodge materials available. We also plan to offer some Grand View training to both new and experienced Secretaries. We hope to see you there!
I am pleased to share a column with you in this great publication. Whether this article finds you sitting in your easy chair curled up in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, or sitting on your patio enjoying the mid-afternoon sun, or maybe at a picnic table outside of your RV with sand in your sandals, I hope you find The Ohio Beacon to be both informative and entertaining. Live your life guided by the tenets of Freemasonry and your light will shine within and around you.
It’s an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The office staff is committed to serve you, our customers, so please call on us if we can be of any assistance.
It's a Great Day for Freemasonry!
Keith W. Newton, PGM
Grand Secretary
