We are so excited to update our brethren on the Grand Master’s Masonic Windows Restoration Project. Support for the cause has exceeded expectations and the project has been expanded to include a new, stained glass door and archway into the beautiful Burkhart Auditorium as well as a multipurpose floor to support lodge meetings, church services and even pickle ball for seniors in the local community. Total fundraising is on pace to exceed $120,000 with some additional community requests outstanding to support the floor.
We have been incredibly impressed with the work of Franklin Art Glass Studios, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1924, less than 1 year from the completion of Burkhart Auditorium, this 4th generation, family-owned business is globally recognized as one of the largest, and most highly respected creators and restorers of stained glass in the world. The picture attached depicts restoration-in-action of our Entered Apprentice window and shows the meticulous detail upon which each window will be examined and revitalized.
By the time you read this article, this work of art and the Marble Monument window
will be fully renovated and hung back in their rightful place. Each window takes 8 weeks to restore and we expect the entire project to wrap up near the end of June, 2018.
We would like to give MWB Douglas N. Kaylor our deepest and sincerest gratitude for his leadership throughout the year, his partnership with the Ohio Masonic Home, and his vision to restore and revitalize Burkhart Auditorium and the stained glass which so eloquently inspires the lessons of our Masonic lectures.
For any project to have the level of success that this one did it takes more than one leader, it takes a fraternity of leaders. We would like to thank the following Brethren, Lodges, Districts and Valleys for their incredible generosity in
sponsoring a window, or a portion of the project:
Entered Apprentice Window
Valley of Dayton, AASR
King Solomon’s Temple Window
2nd Masonic District
Tyler’s Sword Window:
Grand Lodge Officers
Pot of Incense Window:
Dayton Lodge #147
Beehive Window:
Valley of Cincinnati, AASR and the Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati Foundation
Anchor & Ark Window:
Ohio’s Early Lodges (1,2 & 4-7)
Marble Monument Window:
Hiram Lodge #18
Five Orders of Architecture Window
Collins Family
In memory of Arnold & Jean F. Collins
Passage of the River Jordan Window
Valley of Columbus, AASR
& Ronald L. Hooker
47th Problem of the Euclid & Hourglass Window:
Brethren of Ohio
New stained glass entry doors:
24th Masonic District Association in honor of MWB Royal Scofield & the Lodges of the NW Masonic Temple
We cannot thank this group enough for helping us to make this vision a reality and for securing the future of Burkhart Auditorium and our stained glass for years to come.
You might notice that the window depicting the 47th Problem of the Euclid & Hourglass has been graciously sponsored by many of YOU, our Brethren of Ohio. Your individual contributions currently exceed $15,000 and this generosity has allowed us to expand the original scope of the project. Thank you!
As the windows come back to us two-by-two, we will be hosting small events in order to recognize the donors of each window and to allow these individuals to see the impact of their kindness. Please be on the lookout for these invitations, as well as, a project completion celebration in July or August. All supporters will be welcome.
Short updates will be provided in future issues of the Beacon, but let me just say THANK YOU one more time for the generous support of this project and for all that you do to support your Ohio Masonic Home.
