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“Step into the Light” to make a difference in 2020

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

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