I hope this finds you all enjoying the beautiful changes of fall. I write this column as we prepare for the upcoming 215th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio held on October 18, 2024 at the Dayton Masonic Center. We anticipate a wonderful event full of fellowship with members from across the state and guests from neighboring jurisdictions. MWB Paul A. Weglage, Lady Karen, and their committee are well prepared for a great event in the beautiful Dayton Masonic Center.
The 2025 Membership Renewal Program is moving along very well. To keep year to year continuity, the Grand Lodge is sending the same message 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:
- 60% of our membership has already renewed their annual dues for 2025.
- 260 of 419 lodges received those payments via direct deposit or ACH from Grand Lodge.
- More than 8,000 members utilized the credit card payment option in Grand View.
Grand Lodge Member Service Awards for 50, 60, 65, 70, and 75 year members will be distributed to each District at the District Deputy Grand Master training session on October 19, 2024. All Lodges will be receiving theirs very soon for Awards Presentations before the end of the year.
Grand Secretary Zoom calls have been very helpful for both the office staff and Lodge Secretaries. We’ll continue the bi-monthly schedule at 10 am and 7 pm on the last Tuesdays of November, January, March, May, July, and September. I hope to see you at the next one, scheduled November 26, 2024. Watch for your Zoom link in your email.
The Ohio Village Lodge #10 at the Ohio History Connection in Columbus closed for the season at the end of August 2024. The Ohio Village will remain closed for the 2025 season in order to make renovations to the entire facility. All of the Ohio Village Lodge #10 property of the Grand Lodge and from Lodges across the state have been moved to a secure storage area during the temporary closure. I want to convey a special thank you to all of the Brethren who volunteered their time and muscle to assist with packing and moving all of the historical items. Watch for a grand reopening in the 2026 season.
In observance of the Holiday Season, the Grand Lodge office will be closed November 28 - 29 for Thanksgiving and December 25, 2024 through January 3, 2025 for Christmas and New Year’s, returning to normal office hours on Monday, January 6, 2025.
It’s an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The office staff is committed to you 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
