Greetings Brethren and friends all,
“This is a Great Day for Freemasonry in Ohio” has
been my signature opening to my speeches for many
years, and it still holds true today. It reminds me each
day to be thankful for the friendships made and lessons
learned from this fraternity, and to live each day
practicing the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth
in everything I do.
Thank you, Brethren, for electing me to serve as your
Grand Master of this Grand Lodge of Ohio for 2020
I am honored to assume the office and promise to
uphold the values we hold sacred while adapting them
for the world and time in which we live. Grand Lodge
2019 was full of memories and merriment for all. The
historic significance of Marietta was captured and
celebrated at this Annual Communication. Many thanks
to MWB Jess N. Raines, Lady Kelly, and their 2019
Grand Lodge Committee.
Autumn is my favorite season. It’s a time to give thanks
for our bounty and celebrate our blessings. The cool
days are perfect for football, camp fires, festivals and
fellowship in our Lodges. It marks a new beginning
each year for our Lodge leadership. Lodges are
back to work. Officers are preparing to take their new
stations, Masters are planning for Installations, Awards
Nights, and preparing for the travels of the upcoming
Inspection season.
”Step into the Light” has been a personal message for
several years. I look forward to telling you the story of
how it came to be so important to me when we have
some time together. I hope you accept this challenge
to “Step into the Light” in 2020. Get off the bench, say
yes to chairing that committee, volunteer to help with
building maintenance, and step out of your comfort
zone - it's ok to be a little uncomfortable. We learn and
grow when we challenge ourselves. Make a difference
in your Lodge and yourself and “Step into the Light.”
Let’s stay focused on the basics in 2020 and live
our Charter “Step into the Light” for your Lodge
by making Masons,
caring for our Brethren,
widows, and orphans and
supporting your Grand
Lodge. Making Masons is
our first directive from the
Charter. Can we move the
needle in Ohio Masonry
by making Masons in
2020? Sure we can, but
it’s up to you. You can
hold a community event
to promote Masonic
awareness, or learn a new
lecture, or accept a new office. It’s up to you to be
the first line signer on a petition, or make it two and
receive the Replace Yourself coin. You can mentor a
candidate on their Masonic journey and share your
knowledge and experience with a new Mason. And
we’re only beginning…
Remember to communicate – communicate –
communicate. We don’t always communicate very
clearly. Do you know what is going on in your Lodge or
District? Do you know where to get the information?
Some avenues for communications are Lodge
newsletters, Grand View Membership System, Lodge
web site or social media, or phone calls always work
as well. Keep yourself informed and spread the word.
Let’s do what we can this year to close the gaps in our
communication.
May you and your families enjoy a warm and festive
Holiday season and joyous New Year. I look forward to
what Freemasonry in Ohio will bring in 2020. I promise
to “Step into the Light” with you in this wonderful
fraternity we love.
Live simply, love generously, care deeply
and speak kindly.
Keith W. Newton, Grand Master
