Brethren and Friends all,
I hope this finds you and your families doing well as we count our blessings and give thanks.
The 213th Annual Communication is in the books. The excitement was everywhere as 1,100 Brethren and visitors converged on Columbus, Ohio on October 28, 2022. A special thank you to the 14th District Communication committee and the Grand Lodge office staff for a job well done. It was great to see our Brethren together, enjoying time to fellowship with friends old and new, as we refreshed ourselves for the beginning of a new Masonic year. Be sure to attend your next stated meeting to learn about the legislation voting results as you build Brotherhood in your Lodge.
The Membership Renewal Program is progressing very well. Emails and first-class mailings have been sent to all members resulting in more than 67% already in good standing for 2023. Make sure your membership dues are renewed by the November annual meeting and support your Lodge officers at their upcoming installation for the coming year.
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 (DDGM) training session on October 29, 2022. See your DDGM to get your service awards for presentation before the end of the year.
This past year, Grand Secretary Zoom calls were found to be very helpful for both the office staff and Lodge Secretaries. We open with current events and training topics and conclude with a Q&A period. Our Lodge Secretaries even share a few tricks they’ve learned along the way. You can join the next bi-monthly Zoom meeting on Tuesday, November 29th. They are scheduled at 10:00am and 7:00pm on the last Tuesday of every other month. All Secretaries receive the Zoom link invitation via email prior to the event. I hope to see you there.
In observance of the holiday season, the Grand Lodge office will be closed November 24-25 for Thanksgiving and December 26-30 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s, returning to normal office hours on Monday, January 2, 2023.
It’s an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Gayle, Darlene, Julia, Jim, Doug, and I are committed to our members 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
