WB Alfred Johnson, Mechanicsburg Lodge #113
I watched my father and how proud he was to be a Mason. I knew that he had put off becoming a Mason because of the cost, but after a couple of years did and became very dedicated to his Lodge and his Royal Arch Chapter in our small town. I knew I wanted to join as soon as I turned 21, while I was in college at Bowling Green. The distance caused a small delay, but I finished during my senior year in college.
I remember studying for my exams with my father, in our basement around the coal furnace that heated our house. I also have very fond memories of riding to and from Lodge with my father and two other men who lived close. I learned much from them about what it meant to them to be a Mason. They were also influential, and encouraged me to serve as an officer and learn the various lectures and charges.
As a young man I found it easy to memorize the work and became involved in not only my Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter, but also quickly in Council and Commandery. Shortly thereafter I also became active in Scottish Rite and Shrine.
I served as Master in 1969, and in the fall of 1971 became the Secretary of Blazing Star Lodge #268. I served in that capacity until our Lodge merged with Mechanicsburg Lodge #113 in 2005. I actually became Secretary (acting) of Mechanicsburg Lodge a short time prior to our actual merger. I have continued serving as Secretary since that time.
I have always enjoyed being Secretary as it keeps me involved and “in the know.” The members of the Lodge look to the Secretary as the stabilizing and constant presence in the Lodge. I have always cherished the lines of communication between me as the Secretary and the Brothers of the Lodge.
Many Masonic honors have come to me but my service to my local Lodge has to be among my most cherished, and the support of my Lodge brothers has been most appreciated.
Among the many Masonic honors that have come to me, a few stand out:
I was knighted as a Knight of the York Cross of Honour in 1974, then served as Eminent Prior of Ohio Knights of the York Cross of Honour in 1992 and in 2008 was elected as Registrar (same as Secretary/Treasurer) and continue in that capacity.
In 2013, I was appointed as Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Ohio and have been elected each year since that time.
Most recently, I was notified that I have been elected to receive the 33rd Degree in the Scottish Rite in 2025.
I have enjoyed serving Masonry through the years and pray that my service has been beneficial to the Craft.
