A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO AND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

January/February 2006 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1

an Williamson always knew whereshe wanted to spend her goldenyears. Even years ago, the motherof Most Worshipful Brother JimWilliamson, Grand Master of theGrand Lodge, said she would pass

by The Ohio Masonic Home and tell peopleshe would move there one day.

That day came in February 2005, andJan has found the move exactly as she’dhoped. Her new apartment in MasonicRetirement Village’s Cunningham Placemeets her needs and gives her the securityof knowing family are nearby.

“I don’t have to cook if I don’t wantto,” she said, smiling. Masonic RetirementVillage residents enjoy the choice of eatingtheir own food in their residence or froma wide range of meals in the LindnerCommunity Center.

“I wanted to live here,” she said.

Jan quickly felt at homeat Masonic RetirementVillage. Not only does sheappreciate the beautifulcampus, she’s also madeseveral new friends.

Jan’s interest in TheHome was sparked by herfriend Kate during theircollege days, and they madea pact to live there whenthey got older.

Jan made a career as aneducator and became a wife, mother andgrandmother. Her plan to move to TheHome with Kate didn’t happen, but theystill talk occasionally.

In good health at age 87, the flexibilityof her lifestyle at Masonic RetirementVillage has proven it to be a good choice.Her family readily agreed.

“She feels safe here,” said MostWorshipful Brother Williamson. “She hasa lot of visitors from Cedarville (herhometown).” The Home’s location isconvenient for him to visit from his homein nearby Jamestown and eat meals withhis mom.

In addition to regular social visits, Janalso gets to see her son perform officialduties as Grand Master such as visitingand socializing with Home residents overthe holidays.

“I’m very proud of Jim,” Jan said.“His dad would be, too.”

Jim said he was always aware of TheHome, having grown up near Springfield.He first visited the campus as a DistrictDeputy during a Home Day event in 1993and has attended all the Home Day eventssince then. The Home already was a friendlyplace for him, so he had no reservationsabout bringing his mother here.

Most Worshipful Brother Williamsonsaid he can see himself and his wife becomingresidents of The Home in his later years.And he encourages other Masons to considerthe same for themselves or their loved ones.

“By all means, come and go throughThe Home,” he said.

JHomecoming to The Masonic HomeMASONIC RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Italian Visitor Brings Gift for Grand LodgeBrother Perio Poli, center, a member ofa Lodge in Piombino, Italy, presented abeautiful, handcrafted plate to the GrandLodge of Ohio. James F. Easterling, Jr.,

left, currently Junior Grand Deacon ofthe Grand Lodge, and Paul R. Feasch,right, Worshipful Master of Canton Lodge#60, accept the gift.

Brother Poli, an engineer, wasworking in Canton at RepublicSteel for a few months andattended the Canton Lodge. RightWorshipful Brother Easterlinghelped his family with a fewactivities locally, as they werehaving difficulty in the U.S.because of the language barrier. The plate, now on view atthe Grand Lodge Museum,was handcrafted by one Italianbrother and hand-painted byanother. It displays Masonicsymbols and the numbers ofthe Lodges in Piombino.

Jan Williamson relaxes with her son, Most Worshipful JimWilliamson, in her Masonic Retirement Village apartment.

by James M. Williamson, Grand Master

It’s hard to believe that four monthshave passed since I was installed as yourGrand Master. I can assure you the dayshave been full, but have also been extremelyenjoyable.

I have been traveling throughout thestate and country promoting Freemasonry,but especially Ohio Freemasonry. It wasmy pleasure to bring greetings to the Ohiomembers now residing in Florida as eitherfull time residents or just making Floridatheir home for the winter. The visit toArizona will be equally enjoyable as weshare a luncheon with Ohio Brethren andtheir Ladies. It is very reassuring to me toknow that the members living outside ofOhio are just as interested in keeping upwith news from their home lodges and thebusiness of The Grand Lodge of Ohio.

This year I asked each lodge to get moreactively involved in their community. I trulybelieve that if we return to the basicprinciples of Masonry we can attract thequality of men we need to fill the leadershiproles in our lodges and encourage activemembership. I am very proud to say theresponse has been overwhelmingly positive

in communities throughout the state.The members have eagerly accepted thechallenge and have not only made adifference in their communities, but haveexpanded on their own friendships withtheir neighbors and brethren. Thecommunity newspapers are now printingpositive articles of the good works ofMasons to the public. Thanks to all of youfor your tireless efforts to help make ourstate a better place!

This year I have asked each of youindividually or as a lodge to contribute to

the Charitable Foundation. It is unfortunatethat the need for assistance is in suchdemand; however the Masons of Ohioshould be very proud that we have helpedso many who are truly in need. While yoursupport has been overwhelming, I ask thatyou continue to support your Grand LodgeCharitable Foundation.

“Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth –Living the Principles of Freemasonry”is the theme I chose this year. I want mytheme to cause each of us to re-commitourselves to the Fraternity. Our forefathersset us on this path when they wrote ourcharters and I believe we will set a positiveexample for others if we live these principlesin our daily lives.

I don’t believe the principles ofFreemasonry were ever intended to confineits working to the circle of its own members,and I believe we need to let others knowwho we are and what our Fraternity standsfor and has to offer. If we as Masons arewilling to live and act by the Principles,together we will continue to strengthenthe fraternity for future generations.

A MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND MASTER

by Worshipful Brother David Bannerman, CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home

SPEAK UP

Grand Master, center, visits with RightWorshipful Brother Dale and Sister JoanMortimer, Masonic Retirement Villageresidents.

2 Beacon January/February 2006

Thank you for reading the Beacon. Yourresponses to my column about staying athome longer indicate staying at home isimportant. I asked you to look up “TheFive Big Ideas” on the Web site of theAmerican Association of Homes andServices for the Aging and if you likedthe ideas, contact your Senators and Cong-ressional Delegates and let them know youwant to see national policies on these issues.

For those who do not have computers,“The Five Big Ideas” are issues that cantransform aging services into a healthy,affordable and ethical community systemof services to elders. Those ideas are:1) Expand managed care for elders.

Integrating prevention and care, andcoordinating services can be costeffective and help elders live moreindependently longer.

2) Reinforce housing with supportive

services. People prefer to liveindependently. By adding services andstaying at home, even the low incomeolder adult can be independent longer.

3) Enable technology applications.There are devices on the market orcoming soon that give you freedomand independence, or help use scarceprofessionals wisely. When asked about

privacy, compared to staying at home,most older adults say “get over it” andchoose independence over privacy.

4) Transform the culture of nursinghomes. My father never wanted tolive in a nursing home. He didn’t wantto be lonely, helpless or bored. Wecan do better than a nice institution.

5) Manage the transitions of elders.If I am having trouble navigating myway through emergency rooms,hospital stays, nursing homerehabilitation and billing problems,and I am an expert in these issues,how can the older adult do it alone?If you think these issues need a national

focus, call or write your Congressional representatives and speak up.

We intend to continue providing youwith information that will answer a questionor solve a problem.

Ohio Masonic Home CEO Dave Bannerman(with his wife, Anita) was recently installed asMaster of Huber Heights Lodge #777.

The Masonic Model Student AssistanceTraining program is in its 10th year in Ohio,and it continues to provide successful,verified training to teachers and schoolemployees from around the state.

This training provides essential skills toteams of dedicated school personnel to assistthem in identifying and intervening withat-risk students.

This year the Grand Lodge hostedthree of the three-day training seminars,as well as several customized 1-3 dayworkshops for schools or districts aroundthe state. A total of 146 individuals from46 schools received this valuable training.

The Grand Lodge of Ohio has formed

partnerships with various prevention groupsfrom around the state. Through thesepartnerships, we are able to receive some

funding from schools or districts that willallow us to take the Masonic Model aroundthe state and offer localized trainings. Weprovided school in-service trainings in GroveCity and Granville. We are currently workingwith the Jackson and Wellston districts tobring the Masonic Model to their area.

We encourage all brother Masons toattend these workshops. If there is onein your area, please let us know if youwould like to join us on a day of training.

To enroll your local school in a MasonicModel training, or for more informationabout the workshops, please contactMark Bernardin at 800/292-6092, oremail mark@freemason.com.

3Beacon January/February 2006

Model Student Assistance Program flourishes in 10th year

DateJanuary 24-26LocationMiami University, Oxford, Ohio

DateFebruary 28 – March 2LocationFisher-Titus Learning Center, Norwalk, Ohio

A Hard Day’s ‘Afternoon’

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s “Walk toHelp Children with Dyslexia” had a surprisedonor this year.

During the walk, which supports theScottish Rite Children’s Learning Centers,a gentleman riding a bicycle (followed by asecurity guard) stopped and inquired aboutthe event. He pulled out his wallet anddonated $100.

The mysterious donor was formerBeatle Paul McCartney, who was in townfor a concert.

Jackson Center Lodge recognizedby local leadership organization

A valuable relationship has been createdin the last several years between the JacksonCenter Lodge #468 and the Jackson CenterHigh School chapter of Family, Career andCommunity Leaders of America (FCCLA).

The Lodge has supported and encouragedFCCLA chapter members through thedonation of money for leadership opportunitiesand service projects, as well as rent-free useof the Lodge building for numerous fund-raising spaghetti dinners. In turn, the FCCLAhas helped in cleaning of the Lodge buildingand preparation and serving of the yearlyLodge inspection dinner.

“The students have really taken a liking tothis kind-hearted group of men. The twogroups really hold a lot in common as theyboth find service to be the heart of theirgoals,” said chapter adviser Vicki Kipker.

UPCOMING TRAININGS IN 2006:

Past District Deputy takes annual swim in freezing pondFred S. Kile, who just retired as District Deputy Grand Master in the Ninth

Masonic District, was featured in The Columbus Dispatch in December as a memberof the Plain City Polar Bear Club. For the past 13 years, they have jumped into afarm pond on the December winter solstice.

Right Worshipful Brother Kile, one of the original four who started the activity,was one of 30 who made the plunge this year in 30-degree temperatures.

The event has become a fundraiser for the Pleasant Valley Fire Department,and has raised as much as $700 in some years.

The Grand Lodge is excited toannounce changes to the Ohio Masonscredit card program— a new bank,new cards and new benefits.

Even though past contributionsthrough the credit card program weresubstantial, a change was needed.If you are still using the previous OhioMasons credit card, please know thatit no longer supports Grand Lodgeprograms and charities.

All Ohio Masons recently receiveda promotional mailing about the newGrand Lodge credit card, its benefitsand instructions on how to apply forit. Please read that mailing and returnyour application.

Our new association offers excellentbenefits for Ohio Masonic programs.

Every Ohio Mason makes manypurchases on a monthly basis, and eachnow has the option to make thosepurchases with the only credit cardthat directly benefits Ohio Masonryand the charities we support. The cardmakes spending and showing supportof Ohio Masonry convenient andsimple.

When you activate your credit cardand each time you use your card, adonation is made to Ohio Masons tohelp support its programs.

The Grand Lodge encourages everyOhio Mason to join and use this newpartnership by applying for your newOhio Masons card.

Please visit www.freemason.comfor more information or to apply.

New Masonic credit card program launchedto support Ohio Grand Lodge programs,bring benefits to users

Beacon January/February 20064

anuary 17, 2006, marked the 300thbirthday of Benjamin Franklin, akey leader and innovator in the earlydays of this nation, and a prominent

Master Mason.Brother Franklin was an American

statesman, scientist,philosopher and author.First employed as aprinter, he eventuallygained wide recognitionfor his Poor Richard’sAlmanack.

He was the initiatorof such developments asthe public library, streetlighting, electricity(remember his kiteexperiment?) and theheating stove.

He was involved inpolitics in Pennsylvaniaand subsequently waselected to the secondContinental Congress in1775, and became one of the writers andsigners of the Declaration of Independence.

As a representative of the fledglingUnited States government, he becamechief negotiator of a number of treatieswith France and Great Britain.

Franklin received his Masonic degreesin St. John’s Lodge of Philadelphia in1731 and became active immediately.This was just 14 years after the creationof the Grand Lodge of England in 1717and eight years after the Anderson’sConstitutions were written in Englandin 1723.

Franklin was secretary of his Lodge from1735 to 1738. He was elected Junior Grand

Warden of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvaniain 1732 and Grand Master in 1734 (havingbeen a Mason for just three-and-a-half years).

In 1752, Brother Ben was named to acommittee for constructing a “Free-Mason’sLodge” in Philadelphia, and three years

later took a prominentpart in the dedicationof the structure as thefirst Masonic buildingin America. He was a frequentvisitor in lodges inScotland, England andFrance during his timethere. In 1778, heassisted at the initiationof Voltaire in the Lodgeof the Nine Sisters inParis, and about sevenmonths later, Franklinofficiated at Voltaire’sMasonic funeral service. Brother Franklin diedon April 17, 1790, at

the age of 84.The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is

recognizing Franklin’s 300th birthdaywith a number of events this year.

Invented by a Mason,game of basketballnow 115-years-old

As you watch and read about high school,college and professional basketball in theupcoming weeks and months, keep in mindthat the inventor of the game, Dr. James A.Naismith, was a Master Mason.

Basketball enjoys its 115th year in 2006.Dr. Naismith was asked by the Young Men’sChristian Association (YMCA) of Springfield,Mass., to “invent a new game to occupyboys indoors after the football season isfinished.”

Naismith took three weeks in 1891 tocreate the game of basketball and it includedjust 13 rules. He nailed peach baskets tothe wall or atop posts and used a soccer ball.Within just 13 years, the new game wasalready being played at the 1904 OlympicGames in St. Louis. Dr. Naismith was raised a Master Masonon April 18, 1894, in Roswell Lee Lodgein Springfield. In 1922, he affiliated withLawrence Lodge #6 in Lawrence, KS,where he served as Worshipful Masterin 1927.

One Ohio Mason has a valuablememento in his collection fromDr. Naismith.Dr. James R.Coffey, whowas active formany years inthe athleticdepartmentBowlingGreen StateUniversity,has a referee’swhistle usedby Naismithin a game.

BrotherCoffey is107 yearsold and has been a member of Findlay Lodge#227 for 60 years. He now resides inNorth Baltimore.

Brother Ben Franklin’s 300th birthday in 2006

FROM THE GRAND SECRETARY’S DESK

by George O. Braatz, PGM

J

BROTHER Benjamin Franklin

5Beacon January/February 2006

Move to The Ohio Masonic Home’ssubsidiary independent and assisted livingfacilities: Browning Masonic Community,Masonic Retirement Village, or WesternReserve Masonic Community, where aprofessional maintenance staff will take careof shoveling your driveway and maintainingyour home. And, right now, special money-saving incentives are being offered.

Exceptional retirement livingopportunities are available at The Home’s

not-for-profit subsidiary communitieslocated in Springfield, Medina andWaterville.

At each Masonic community, you’lldiscover a retirement lifestyle that providesyou with a newfound freedom to pursueyour passion. Each campus offers its ownunique and beautiful setting combined withquality amenities and services with privatehomes and apartments, residential carecomplexes and nursing home residences.

Contact a marketing representative tofind out how you can take advantage of thisspecial offer:

Masonic Retirement Village in Springfield,888/290-2664.

Western Reserve Masonic Communityin Medina, 866/433-1514.

Browning Masonic Community inWaterville, 866/878-4055.

Don’t shovel snow

MASONIC HEALTH CARE

MASONIC HEALTH CARE RESIDENTNadine Zerkle is hitting high notes thesedays. As president of the MHC ResidentCouncil, Nadine is getting fellow residentsinvolved in campus life, creating activitiesand renewing energy in their building.

“We’ve been having a lot of fun,” shesaid. “It’s been about getting the peopleout.”

A resident for seven years, things reallystarted to happen when Nadine becamecouncil president in 2005. To draw moreresidents, she came up with ideas as simpleas giving away a stuffed teddy bear. Thecatch was people needed to attend themeeting to win the bear. As a personal touch,the teddy bears include an original poemwritten by Nadine. The meetings nowaverage 30-35 attendees.

Nadine said she had good training forher leadership position. She’s an EasternStar Past Worthy Matron, Norris Chapter426, and will receive her 50-year pin in2007.

She remembers visiting retirement homesand seeing how that would cheer up theresidents. She brought that experience toher new position and it’s having a positiveeffect on her fellow residents.

“I wanted to stir things up,” she said.“This is the only (retirement community)

I’d live in.”Her latest effort was creating a music

group called the Senior Moment RhythmMakers. The group formed in Septemberand 20 people showed up at the firstmeeting; 16 have stayed. They use simpleitems such as washboards, tambourines,maracas and woodenblocks for instruments,and play everything fromJohnny Cash toDixieland music thatNadine’s “age bracketwould understand,” shesaid. “You don’t haveto read music; our onlyrequirement is just haverhythm.”

The group had its firstconcert in October, andrecently played for apacked auditorium at theresidents’ Christmasparty. The crowd enjoyedSenior Moment’s spunkand enthusiasm, as theparticipants played fromscooters or wheelchairs.

Nadine said the grouphas resulted in otherpositive things. One

resident has the use of just one arm, butuses her good arm to strike her block ofwood with enthusiasm, grinning the wholetime. Nadine said other members of thegroup have not needed as much medicationsince they joined, and that’s what she hopedfor all along. The group is hoping to playat the 2006 Ohio Masonic Home Day onJune 4.

For information regarding Masonic Health Carein Springfield, call 888/243-2664 or visitwww.ohiomasonichome.org.

How

Nadine Zerkle heads theMasonic Health CareResident Council as wellas the Senior MomentRhythm Makers.

Nadine GotHerGroove Back

6 Beacon January/February 2006

Masonic Senior Services is a lot like itssponsoring body, The Ohio Masonic Home—there when you need it. Set up to assistOhio Masons and their families, the programdelivers services right to the users’ home.From home health services to consumereducation, Masonic Senior Services is takingservice to the fraternity on the road.

Wouter and Elsie Taale have found theservice to be just what they needed. TheParma Heights residents needed assistancewith housekeeping and found it throughMasonic Senior Services.

The Taales found the service helpful, butnot surprising. As an active member ofMeridian Lodge #610 for 41 years, Wouterknew he could find help through Masonry.

“If a Mason can help you, he will,”he said.

The Taales contacted Kim Howitt,Masonic Senior Services coordinator for theCleveland and Medina areas, to find outabout the services. Kim quickly set up ameeting and found the Taales exactly whatthey were looking for.

“We really enjoyed the help,” said

Wouter. “It has made a big difference andmakes us able to stay in our home.”

Already enthusiastic about Masonry, theassistance provided via Masonic SeniorServices has allowed Wouter more time forhis Masonic interests and eager to tell othersabout the services he receives.

Masonic Senior Services was developedto serve Masons and their wives or widowsby identifying and coordinating community-based services that assist them in remaining

in their own home and maintaining theirindependence.

Other services offered include assistancewith applications for government servicesand benefits, information concerningadvanced directives (living wills, powerof attorney for health care or business)and information concerning Medicareprogram questions including the newMedicare D or medical billing.

For more information about MasonicSenior Services, call 888/286-0010 orcontact a Service Coordinator in your area.

CincinnatiAmy Colley, 800/706-1710

ClevelandKim Howitt, 800/901-1431

Dayton/SpringfieldDiane Shober, 888/207-8472

Greene CountyBrother Rodney Skinner, 888/286-0100

ToledoLiz Witter, 800/706-1709

Linking Masons with community resources

MASONIC SENIOR SERVICES

Worshipful Brother Robert McNutt, KYCHMasonry runs in the bloodline of

Worshipful Brother Bob McNutt, KYCH.Bob’s grandfather was a 50-year Mason inWarren, Ohio. His father was a KYCH andmember of Sebring Lodge #626. Bob andhis son are also members of Sebring Lodge.

“My father conferred my degree work,”Bob said. “And, he knighted me. Thatwas special.”

Bob appreciates his Masonic heritage.“I strive to be like our forefathers,” he said.“Masonry takes good men and makes thembetter. I know the fraternity has helpedmake me a better person.”

Bob is a 37-year Mason. He is the currenttreasurer and a Past Master of his Lodge.He is particularly proud of the charitablework done by Sebring Lodge.

“We support Special Olympics,” he said.

“And we sponsor a littleleague baseball team.”

Bob said SebringLodge also donates upto $2,500 per year foradditional worthy causesthat arise.

Retired fromindustry, Bob is pastorfor a Baptist church inSebring. He is a KYCHand was elected toreceive 33° in August.He is Eminent GrandPrelate of GrandCommandery, Knights Templar. Since 1999,he has served on the Board of Trustees forThe Ohio Masonic Home as a representativeof Grand Commandery. Currently, he serves

as Board secretary for The Home. “The Ohio Masonic Homeis an awesome service that wasestablished by our forefathers,”Bob said. “We have an obligationto keep it going for thegenerations of Masons to come.That means adapting to thechanging economy and thechanging needs of our brethren.” Bob particularly appreciatesthe reflection of Masonic valuesat The Home. “The Ohio Masonic Homeembodies the benevolent

principles and values of Freemasonry,” hesaid. “And the Board and staff of The Homepossess the leadership required to continueits mission.”

A TRADITION OF CARING

Masonic Senior Services helped Wouter andElsie Taale continue living independently.

Ohio Masonic Home DayJune 4, 2006

OME DAY” is a time for Masons to visit their brethren

living on our campus. Plan now to attend. Pull out this

centerfold and post it in your lodge or home as a reminder.

H“

OHIO MASONIC HOME DAY June 4, 2006 Springf ield, Ohio

Enjoy the family fun,food and entertainment of Ohio Masonic

Home Day. Enjoy kids’ games and crafts,

a car show, a parade, the Home’s famous

strawberry shortcake, a flea market and

more. Explore one of Ohio’s Masonic

landmarks, The Ohio Masonic Home.

The Ohio Masonic Home is located

at 2655 W. National Road, Springfield,

Ohio 45504.

ASONIC BODIES are invited

to participate in the parade, sell food

or Masonic items, or just join in the fun.

M

ColumbusCleveland

Cincinnati

Dayton

Springfield

ToledoFindlayLima

THE OHIOMASONIC HOME

www.ohiomasonichome.org

Paul Quinn at 937/525-3074 orpquinn@ohiomasonichome.org

Brett Turner at 937/525-3025 orbturner@ohiomasonichome.org

CONTACT

7Beacon January/February 2006

ERHAPS THE OLDEST CHARTER

issued by The Grand Lodge has beenrestored and preserved.

Morning Dawn Lodge #7 of Gallipolisreceived its charter on Jan. 5, 1810, andwas the first lodge created after the sixoriginal Lodges formed the Grand Lodgein 1808.

Steven E. Wallis, Worshipful Master ofMorning Dawn Lodge, recently contactedthe Grand Lodge regarding the conditionof their charter. The charter had been rolledup for many years and was so brittle thatthe brothers were afraid to even unroll it.Fortunately, as a one-time favor, the OhioHistorical Society’s Preservation Departmentwas able to help. A conservationist was able,over a period of time, to flatten, clean andencapsulate it in a protective Mylar covering.

This hand-written charter is uniquebecause the Grand Lodge at that time wasaddressing the problem of how Ohiocharters should look. During the AnnualCommunication of 1810, the delegatesagreed to adopt the form of the charterused by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

This form was later changed to the format

used by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.In 1812, the Grand Secretary was

ordered to number the subordinate lodgesin succession. The Grand Lodge agreed in

1825 that new charters or replacementcharters be printed on parchment (orvellum), a proven material used since theBiblical period. Vellum was used for theMorning Dawn charter.

During the anti-Masonic period,Morning Lodge went dark from 1829to 1849. When it was reactivated, theLodge received a replacement charter.

However, theoriginal had beenin the possessionof Dr. EdwardNaret from 1826until 1867. Naretwas the lastsecretary of theLodge before itwent dark.Unfortunately,he is not listed asa member of anylodge after 1827. Apparently,after his death,the charter wasreturned to the

Lodge. The Lodge actually has had bothcharters. The original one is now preservedas a priceless artifact of our Masonic heritageand is on display in the Grand LodgeMuseum.

Museum displays perhaps oldest Grand Lodge of Ohio charter

P

West Carrollton serves publicworkers during Christmas

West Carrollton Masonic Temple wasopen during Christmas Eve and ChristmasDay to provide dinners for those who mustwork during the holidays — policemen,firemen, maintenance crews, and othercivic workers.

The annual project, ongoing for morethan a decade, was featured this year in astory in the Dayton Daily News.

“There’s a dead period when everythingis shut down, but folks need to eat. We justwant them to have a place where they canrelax,” said Charlie Cooper, a volunteer.

About 30 volunteers spent periods oftheir Christmas holiday preparing andserving the dinners. Beginning dinnertimeon Christmas Eve and continuing throughdinner on Christmas Day—a total of 26hours—about 80 persons enjoyed meatloaf,spinach rolls, steak and mashed potatoes.

Hudson Lodge #510teamed with The WirelessStore to serve refreshmentsto shoppers at the HudsonHoliday Walk on December 4.The Lodge raised $230 for itsMasonic Scholarship that’sgiven each year to a HudsonHigh School Senior.

John Vinson, Master ofHudson Lodge, said, “Thiswas a great opportunity totranslate our Masonic valuesof brotherly love, relief andcharity into action.”

The annual scholarshiptotals $500 and goes to acollege-bound senior of“good moral character,service, scholasticachievement and financialneed.”

Hudson Lodge helps scholarship program

8 Beacon January/February 2006

As a cocky 22-year-old onMackinaw Island, a jeweler there offeredme the opportunity to take anything Iwanted from his store and to send him acheck later,” Worshipful Brother Dick Friessaid. “I was stunned. But he saw my Masonicring and knew he could trust me.”

The experience showed the power ofFreemasonry to Dick and the importanceof the Masonic values to its brethren.

“There’s a reason we call one another‘brother,’” Dick said. “Masonry is a family.All Masons are my brothers. Just like myexperience at Mackinaw Island, people youdon’t even know will treat you like familywhen you’re a Mason.”

Dick was first attracted to Masonry as ateenager when he worked at the grocerystore owned by his father. “My father wasa Mason and active in Scottish Rite,” Dicksaid. “His Masonic friends were regularcustomers and they were all super people.Just from knowing them, I wanted to joinas soon as I could.”

At 28 years of age, Dick became theyoungest Master of Rubicon Lodge #237.He remains an active Past Master and now

serves as Lodgesecretary. Heis proud ofRubicon’scharitable work,particularly itssupport of theSpecial Olympics.

“Since 1984,Rubicon has contributed almost $45,000for Special Olympics,” he said.Rubicon also supports the BrowningMasonic Community in Waterville, Ohio.The Lodge serves food at the Browning’sannual Cruise-In car show and flea market.

“We’re lucky to have the Browning,”Dick said. “It’s in our backyard and itspotential is being realized.”

Dick believes the Browning offers anattractive setting for those consideringretirement living options.

“It’s a great place,” he said. Dick andhis wife Joyce can see themselves living atthe Browning. “If I die before Joyce, herfirst call will be to Browning to say, ‘I’mcoming!’”

Dick said the Browning’s affiliation with

The Ohio Masonic Home ensures acontinuation of Otis Avery Browning’svision of a proper home with all the moderncomforts for Masons and their families.

“The Ohio Masonic Home has provenits value to the Masonic fraternity,” Dicksaid. “They have taken excellent care of myfriends.”

Having helped friends who waited untilthey were in a health crisis before movingto an assisted living or health care facility,Dick knows the importance of consideringretirement living options early.

“We all need to plan our futures andwhere we want to live,” he said. “I don’twant to be forced into a rushed decision.”

BROWNING MASONIC COMMUNITY

For information regarding Browning MasonicCommunity in Waterville, call 866/878-4055.

We are Family“

Dick Fries, left, works withBrowning’s Jennifer Rill andDave Subleski on plans forthe 25th anniversary of TheBrowning Masonic Community.

hoever claimed people are settheir ways by a certain ageprobably never took a SeniorNet

class. The Western Reserve MasonicCommunity (WRMC) in Medina, Ohio,recently completed its first year of SeniorNet,a country-wide program that teaches adultsages 50 and older how to use computersand the Internet.

Gerald Woodling and his wife, Marilyn,organized the local program and said theinterest has been beyond their expectations.The Woodlings became interested incomputers about 20 years ago and launched

a consulting business. They later got intouch with WRMC President Jay Dettorreabout introducing the SeniorNet programon the WRMC campus.

Six state-of-the-art computers andscanners and other equipment were donatedin August 2004. The Woodlings expectedjust a handful of people to come for theirinitial open house and 161 attended. Theoldest participant so far is 90-years-old.

“The number one objection is fear,” saidGerald of the reluctance to learn computerskills. “A majority of the people have somecomputer experience coming in.”

Classes for beginners to advanced userswere offered in September 2004. Now theclasses fill up regularly with participantsfrom several counties. Participants can learneverything from computer fundamentals,e-mail and Internet usage, and word

processing to using graphics, digitalphotography, genealogy and designing quilts.

“There are two things motivating peopleto learn computer technology throughSeniorNet—to learn how to use e-mailso they can stay in contact with familyand friends, and how to search the Internetfor information,” said Gerald.

WESTERN RESERVE MASONIC COMMUNITY

WT E C H N O L O G Y

E M B R A C I N G

Gerald and MarilynWoodling teach computerskills to Medina area seniors.

For more information on the WRMC SeniorNetprogram, contact Gerald Woodling at330/666-8138 or glwoodling@aol.com.

Grand Master speaks at Table LodgeMore than 100 Masons came out early on a Saturday

morning to have breakfast with Grand Master James M.Williamson at the Toledo Masonic Complex on December17. It was the first annual breakfast Table Lodge sponsoredby the 11th Masonic District.

The Grand Master addressed the group during the traditionalTable Lodge setting. Even the Seven Toasts were presented,using orange juice. The box of fraternal assistance was passedwith the donations going to the Grand Lodge CharitableFoundation.

Zahler named Chairman Emeritusof Charitable Foundation

Thomas D. Zahler, Past Grand Master, has been electedChairman Emeritus of the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation was inspired by Most Worshipful BrotherZahler in 1994 during his year as Grand Master, and hepersonally worked diligently for many years for the Foundationin both fund-raising and the selection of recipients for assistance.He was also chairman of the Grand Lodge Charity Committeefor many years.

9Beacon January/February 2006

Phoenix Lodge #123 inPerrysburg contributed $500worth of toys to the Make-A-WishFoundation to make a specialholiday for youngsters who areafflicted with life-threateningmedical conditions. From left,John Worcester, WorshipfulMaster Jimmie Walsh and JuniorDeacon Eric Nicely aresurrounded by the pile of toysto be presented.

iles McKinley Lodge #794 has beeninvolved in a few recent activities,

all related to preserving history.The Lodge contributed to the purchase

of an old lithograph, created as a memorialto President and Brother William McKinley.The framed artwork, bought in Alexandria,Va., captures a picture of the President, plusphotos of the buildings in Buffalo, N.Y.,where he was shot and where he died. Italso lists important dates in his life, includingJan. 29, 1843, when he was born in Nilesin Trumbull County, Ohio.

Also donated to the Grand Lodge by

Marc A. Stevens, Secretary of Niles McKinleyLodge, is a framed, two-page letter fromthe Grand Lodge of Virginia, dated July29, 1937, which discusses details of howthen Captain William McKinley becamea Mason in 1865.

The letter explains how, during the CivilWar, the Union forces of General PhilSheridan were camped near Winchester, Va.The local lodge received permission fromthe General to operate a lodge and duringa six-month period “scores of officers andmembers of Sheridan’s army were madeMasons.” Included was Captain Sheridan

who received his three degrees, respectively,on May 1, May 2 and May 3, 1865, withno examinations between.

Both items will be on display in theGrand Lodge Museum in Worthington.

In other news, Ohio Historic SitePreservation Advisory Board has votedto recommend that the Niles MasonicTemple be listed on the National Registerof Historic Places. Completed in 1923, thebuilding, considered Second RenaissanceRevival style, is an example of early 20thcentury architecture.

Niles McKinley Lodge preserves historyfor former President, Masonic TempleN

Phoenix Lodge gives toys to Make-A-Wish FoundationOhio’s Royal and SelectMasons give bonus helpto diabetic camps

Delegates of the Grand CouncilDiabetic Kids Fund voted bonuspayments for several camps this yearin addition to regular funding.

A sixth camp was added to the listsupported by the Grand CouncilBenevolent Fund, Inc. The bonusestotaled $17,250. Together, regularand bonus funding totaled $54,750this year.

10 Beacon January/February 2006

ervice to country is a laudablevirtue in any citizen. However,few are able to provide service ona truly national scale. It should be

a point of pride for the Masonic Fraternitythat many of our country’s public servantshave also been Freemasons.

In the case of the United StatesSupreme Court, which has recently beenthe focus of the public media, 36 Justiceshave been Freemasons, five of whomhave served as Chief Justice and three havealso served as Grand Master of their state.Some of the more notable were BrothersEllsworth, John Marshall, Taft, Jackson,Vinson, Warren and Thurgood Marshall.

Brother Oliver EllsworthBrother Oliver Ellsworth, nominated

by Brother and President GeorgeWashington, served as the Supreme Court’sthird Chief Justice from 1796 to 1800.He was a charter member of St. John’sLodge at Princeton, N.J. Ellsworth wassucceeded by Most Worshipful BrotherJohn Marshall.

Brother John MarshallMost Worshipful Brother Marshall

served the Grand Lodge of Virginia asGrand Master from 1793 to 1795. Hebecame a Mason during the RevolutionaryWar and was a member of RichmondLodge #10 and later Richmond-RandolphLodge #19. He served as Chief Justicefrom 1801 until his death in 1835.

As Chief Justice, he presided over thetrial of Brother Aaron Burr for treason.Marshall has been referred to as the “fatherof the judiciary branch” for under hisleadership, the Supreme Court becamethe final word on the constitutionalityof both state and federal laws.

Brother William H. TaftOhio’s own Brother and President

William H. Taft, nominated by anotherOhio Brother, President Warren G.Harding, was Chief Justice of the SupremeCourt from 1921 to 1930. Taft was madea “Mason at sight” by Grand MasterCharles S. Hoskinson and later affiliatedwith Kilwinning Lodge #365 in Cincinnati.

Brother Robert H. JacksonBrother Robert H. Jackson, appointed

to the Supreme Court by Brother andPresident Franklin Roosevelt, also servedas prosecutor at the War Crimes Tribunalin Nuremberg. He was a member of Mt.Moriah Lodge #145, Jamestown, N.Y.

Brother Frederick M. VinsonBrother Frederick M. Vinson served as

Chief Justice from 1946 to 1953, havingbeen nominated by Most WorshipfulBrother and President Harry Truman. Hewas a member of Apperson Lodge #195in Louisa, Ky. He was succeeded as ChiefJustice by Earl Warren.

Brother Earl WarrenMost Worshipful Brother Earl Warren

served as Chief Justice from 1953 to 1969.During his tenure, the Supreme Courtmade sweeping changes in both Criminaland Civil Rights Law. Arguably, one of themost influential rulings was made in thecase of Brown vs. Board of Education.This unanimous decision by the courtruled that separate was not equal in thecase of public education and sounded theend of racial segregation.

Warren was a member of SequoiaLodge #349 in Oakland, Calif., andserved as Grand Master of Californiafrom 1935 to 1936.

Brother Thurgood MarshallThurgood Marshall, who had argued

successfully before the Supreme Court aschief council in the Brown vs. Board ofEducation case, became the first AfricanAmerican member of the Supreme Court,serving from 1967 to 1991. He was amember of Coal Creek Lodge #88 underthe Prince Hall Affiliated Grand Lodgeof Oklahoma.

Though they were diverse in theirpolitical and judicial opinions (17were Democrats, five Federalists, twoDemocratic Republicans, and 12Republicans—23 of whom wereappointed by Presidents who wereMasons), the service of these brothersto our country reminds us all that therule of law is an indispensably vital partof our constitutional republic.

Freemasons have performed distinguished nationalservice as members of the U.S. Supreme Courtby Chad E. Simpson

S

Dayton Lodge #147 put smiles on a lotof little faces December 10 with its annualChildren’s Christmas Party.

This is the fourth year for the event asthe members try to give these sometimesimpoverished kids a Christmas to remember.Worshipful Master Earl Lutz and his wife,Pat, organized this year’s party.

The children are from KIND (Kids In NewDirections), a faith-based community

outreach program serving the inner-citychildren of East Dayton.

The program is sponsored by MemorialUnited Church of Christ.This year, 45 children attended and receivedpresents. Santa Claus made an appearancealong with elves to help with the variouschores that make this event successful.

In 2002, Worshipful Master Walt Barnerinitiated this event.

Dayton Lodge hosts 4th annual children’s Christmas party

11Beacon January/February 2006

Thank You ForYour GenerosityWe offer our grateful appreciation to theestates, individuals, groups or otherMasonic bodies who have supported TheOhio Masonic Home with donations givenbetween Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2005.

by RWB Timothy B. Strawn CAE, President, The OMH Benevolent Endowment Foundation

We hope your holidays were happy andthe New Year brings you peace, happinessand prosperity. This is the time of the yearfor renewal—new resolutions for personalchange and improvement, new oppor-tunities, new growth in nature, new chancesfor our favorite sports teams. May yourrenewal in 2006 bring you the best ofrevitalization, happily anticipating all theNew Year has in store.

We’re excited about the opportunitiesin the New Year for The Home and theFoundation – new residents, new inquiriesfor information about our services, newprograms, new donors, new gifts – so muchto look forward to. We know that we’llalso be traveling the state talking aboutthis wonderful organization, its people,facilities and services. As we do, we’llundoubtedly be asked again: How canwe help The Home and Foundation?There are, in fact, many ways.

Do you know any of your Masonic brothers,their widows or immediate family memberswho are looking for quality retirementhousing or health care?

There’s no better place or morecomfortable environment than The Home;refer them here! And, your non-Masonicfriends may be good candidates for ourhealth care services in Springfield, and allour services in Waterville and Medina.

Have you made a gift to The Home recently?Just as your personal expenses continue

to rise, so do our operating costs. And withanother round of cuts in the state’sMedicaid reimbursement levels looming,those costs are only going to rise. This

makes every gift even that much morevaluable to us.

Do you know any of your Masonic brothers,their wives or widows who need some typeof assistance to continue living in their homesrather than move to retirement housing ora health care facility?

Refer them to Masonic Senior Services,our newest service. It’s designed to helpthem meet their needs, right in their owncommunity, with the care, concern andcompassion that has been our hallmarkfor more than 100 years.

Consider the Foundation as the destinationfor memorial gifts as well as gifts of honorand recognition.

A number of lodges and other Masonicorganizations send a memorial gift for eachbrother who graduates to the celestiallodge. Many brothers instruct lovedones to direct memorial gifts to The Homeat that time. Others choose to honorbrothers and others with gifts of recognitionto The Home for special occasions (i.e.,anniversaries, installations).

These are four easy ways you, or anybrother, can help. Elsewhere in thisissue, you’ll find phone numbers forthese various services, or one quickcall, toll free, to the Foundation at888/248-2664 can link you to any ofthem. Please consider helping The Homein this time of renewal as you renew yourcommitment to our great fraternity.

Looking forward to seeing yousomewhere on the Masonic trail in 2006!

TIME FOR RENEWAL

It’s been nearly 25 years since Masonsand their wives began spending theirretirement years at the Browning MasonicCommunity in Waterville, Ohio. Tocelebrate this achievement, the Browninghas several events planned during 2006.All Masons are invited to participate. Theevents are:

May 6 – Masonic Family Reunion witha BBQ chicken dinner hosted by the 11th

District for residents, employees and allMasonics. This event will feature a DVDmemory walk presentation of past residents,employees and trustees, as well as theconstruction of the Browning campus.

July 29 – Waterville communitycelebration as part of the annual classic carCruise-In that will include a Masonic tentand Scottish Rite picnic.

Sept. 30 – A re-dedication ceremony

conducted by the Grand Lodge officerswill be followed by a luncheon andreception.

Please note these dates on your lodgeand personal calendars as all are invitedto each event. Please call General ChairJennifer Rill at 866/878-4055 withquestions or to help in planning anyof these events.

Browning marks 25 years of service to the Fraternity

$10,000 +C. E. BristerMary CarabinHelen G. ChambersCarl Donald, Jr.Betty J. FlaylerGrand Lodge of Ohio,

F.&A.M.

Carl LindnerMildred B. Mueller

(In Memory ofHusband WilliamMueller)

Dorothy T. &Myron T. Seifert

Garrell and Kay Spires

$2,000 +Florence Brown

(In Memory ofArthur W. Brown)

Grace ConeOrlando W. DavisGrand Chapter of

Ohio, OESGrand Chapter Royal

Arch Masonsof Ohio

Grand Commanderyof Ohio, KT

The Gregory HackettFamily Foundation

Theodore KrugGeorge K. MossBetty OberleRobert O. Ross

(In Memory ofRobert O. Ross)

Vivian H. SchulzeHoward M. SheelerStar Lodge #187,

F.&A.M.Valley of Dayton,

AASR

$1,000 +Akron Lodge #83,

F.&A.M.AnonymousGeorge H. &

Dorothy P. BaistW. David &

Anita BannermanRobert J. DavisFar Hills Lodge #784,

F.&A.M.Edward L. FouchGroveport Lodge

#240, F.&A.M.Bessie V. HoslerDorothy J. KendigJohn A. McVeyMasonic Veterans

Association

Old Erie Lodge #3,F.&A.M.

Paramuthia Lodge#25, F.&A.M.

Patrick C. PinneyMabel S. RootSt. Andrews Lodge

#619, F.&A.M.St. Johns Lodge #13,

F.&A.M.Shadyside Lodge #724,

F.&A.M.University Lodge

#631, F.&A.M.Washington Lodge

#17, F.&A.M.

The Beacon isPublished Bi-MonthlyPlease report all changes of address to yourlodge secretary, who, in turn, will notify theGrand Secretary, who maintains the databasethat produces The BEACON mailing labels.

The Ohio Masonic Home includes MasonicHealth Care, Inc.; Masonic Retirement Village,Inc.; and the Benevolent EndowmentFoundation, Inc., at the Springfield campus; theBrowning Masonic Community, Inc., in Waterville;and the Western Reserve Masonic Community,Inc., in Medina.

Paul Quinn,Director of Marketing and CommunicationsThe Ohio Masonic Home2655 W. National RoadSpringfield, OH 45504-3698937/525-3074pquinn@ohiomasonichome.org

George Braatz, P.G.M.,Grand Secretary atThe Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of OhioP.O. Box 629Worthington, OH 43085614/885-5318gbraatz@freemason.com

A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIOAND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO AND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

2655 W. National RoadSpringfield, Ohio 45504-3698Web site: www.ohiomasonichome.orgWeb site: www.freemason.com

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 5405

Columbus, OH

IN THIS ISSUE…

Homecoming to the Masonic Home....................PAGE 1

Model Student Assistance Program....................PAGE 3

Masons on the Supreme Court.........................PAGE 10

Home Day pull-out poster...........................SPECIAL INSERT

January/February 2006 Beacon

Please…rememberThe Ohio Masonic Home

in your will.

State High Twelve President from Youngstown

Phoenix Lodge #123 hosted the 11thMasonic District’s annual ritual conferenceon December 10. Attendees gather aroundthe non-perishable food items amassed by

the Perrysburg Masonic family in theirenthusiastic response to Grand MasterJames M. Williamson’s communityaction initiative.

Perrysburg supports Grand Master food program

James W. Hill, seated, amember of Wick Lodge#481 in Youngstown, is thenew president of the OhioAssociation of High TwelveClubs. Brother Hill recentlygathered with a group ofOhio High Twelve leadersto plan events for thecoming year.