Beacon_Spr04

1Beacon / Spring 2004

Spring 2004 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 2

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

Masonic Home Day will be heldSunday, June 6 at Western ReserveMasonic Community (WRMC), inMedina, Ohio. Home Day festivities will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

All Ohio Masons, their families,friends and the public are invited to join the Grand Master of the Grand

Lodge of F.&A.M. ofOhio, Most WorshipfulBrother Steven J. Krekus,and other Grand Lodgeofficers to enjoy the day’sfellowship and festivities.

Worship services will be conducted by theGrand Chaplain, RightWorshipful Brother CurtisA. Miller, at 10 a.m. in the campus chapel.

Ohio Masons andMasonic affiliatedorganizations will opentheir refreshment and craftbooths under the tents at11 a.m. Also, a variety ofprofessional entertainers will startperforming in the entertainment tent while others will be strolling or located at key points on campus toentertain Home Day guests and WRMC residents.

WRMC tours will be giventhroughout the day, except during theShrine Parade from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.Guides in the building and on the buswill provide insightful information aboutthe WRMC community and its residents

Western Reserve Masonic Community to hostHome Day on June 6

AMPLE ACRES – Abundant campus parking at WesternReserve Masonic Community will be available for all visitorswith bus transportation provided from the parking areas tothe entertainment area.

CLASSIC LOOKS – Could this 1957Chevrolet be one of the vintageautomobiles on display at Home Day?There’s only one-way to find out. See you there. continued on page 16

Grand Master’s One-DayClass planned for April 2005

A Grand Master’s One-Day Class will be heldon April 9, 2005 at 11 locations in Ohio,according to Jim S. Deyo, Deputy Grand Master.

If elected Grand Master in October, RightWorshipful Brother Deyo said the one-day classwill be held in the cities of the 10 Scottish RiteValleys in Ohio – Akron, Cambridge, Canton,Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton,Steubenville, Toledo, and Youngstown – as wellas in Rio Grande in southeastern Ohio.

Planning is getting underway to make theevent successful, utilizing the cooperation of the

continued on page 16

The Ohio Masonic Home2655 W.National RoadSpringfield, Ohio 45504-3698Web site: www.ohiomasonichome.orgWeb site: www.freemason.com

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 2609

Columbus, OH

by Steven J. Krekus, Grand Master

Thecontributions to the Grand LodgeCharitableFoundationsince my letterto each MasterMason in Ohiohave been great.

You have responded generously, just as I knew you would. This fine programhelps many in need and your donationswill allow us to help others. Pleasecontinue to send your checks to theGrand Lodge Headquarters.

“Freemasons Care”

The Bear program is a success.Thousands of teddy bears have beenpurchased by lodges around the state to donate to safety forces in their areas.These bears are given by the safety forcesto young children that are involved in a fire at their home or an auto accident.

Each bear has a yellow tee shirt thatproclaims, “Freemasons Care” andincludes the outline of the state of Ohio and the Square and Compasses.

Historic Event

Saturday afternoon, June 5th, is thedate of a historic event in Ohio. TheOfficers of the Grand Lodge of Ohioand the Prince Hall Grand Lodge ofOhio will jointly open a meeting atwhich the Master Mason Degree will beexemplified with brothers from bothGrand Lodges taking part. The openingwill be at 2 p.m. in the ClevelandMasonic and Performance Center. Thismarks the first time such a meeting hasoccurred in Ohio. All Master Masons are encouraged to attend.

On Sunday, June 6th, Ohio MasonicHome Day will be held in Medina at theWestern Reserve Community, the newestcampus of The Home. I felt that morebrethren from northern Ohio should get to enjoy the activities, fun, food and

fellowship that are a part of this annualevent. I hope those of you who wouldnot have traveled to Springfield for thiscelebration, would take the short drive to I-71 and State Route 18 and join us.

Special Olympics

The Special Olympics opening isscheduled for Friday evening, June 25th,in Columbus. For over 30 years, theGrand Lodge has presented a check atthe opening and I hope this year’samount is near the $150,000 needed to pay the registration fee of theparticipants in the games. Come and join in the parade.

As Carol and I travel to other GrandLodge sessions around the country, thebrethren there are always anxious to hear what good things are happening in Ohio. We proudly share with themthe accomplishments of our brethrenand how proud and honored I am to be your Grand Master.

2 Beacon / Spring 2004

A MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND MASTER

by Joseph (Jerry) B. Kuyoth, Jr., C.N.H.A. CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home

This yearmarks the 10-year anniversaryof The OhioMasonicHome’s Boardof Trusteesrededication to its future.Elimination

of the asset surrender program, theacceptance of Medicare and Medicaidfunding, and opening our doors toMasonic families and others in need werebold steps that have lead to tremendousgrowth in the quantity and quality ofservices here in Springfield and statewide.

Endowment Foundation

Today, we provide housing and servicesto nearly 1,000 residents and through theprudent investment and fundraising ofThe Home’s Benevolent EndowmentFoundation have more than doubled ourrestricted and unrestricted assets. During

this period the Springfield campusinfrastructure has been rebuilt along withthe addition of 64 patio homes, 101apartments, and a state of the arthealthcare facility, The Pathways Centerfor Alzheimer’s Care. The residents,present and future, are our purpose forbeing, and we have greatly expanded the scope of their service package.

Facilities and services expanded

During the last five-years, growth hasoccurred to provide Masons improvedstatewide access by adding facilities insouthwest, northwest, and northeastOhio. We now have plans to extendservices through the Masonic SeniorServices Program. It will provide ourfraternity access to consultation and, inyears to come, services in their owncommunities, often in their own homes.

As Masons, we owe a great debt to the Trustees that serve us through TheHome and its six subsidiary Boards.Illustrious Companions Dick Maier,

Earl Gifford, and Bill Berry have providedinspiring leadership and support to theseefforts as Board Chairman during theseexciting times.

Wishing all of you the best

I have been privileged to be your ChiefExecutive Officer for the last decade. Thegood friends I have met along the way willbe forever treasured. As I begin a newjourney in Columbus, Ohio, I would close with my favorite quote from a trulyremarkable man.

Jackie Robinson said at his BaseballHall of Fame Induction ceremony, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on the lives of others.” My hopeis that my tenure in this wonderfulorganization has had positive impact onthe residents and the associates I have had the pleasure of serving with. I wish all of you the best in what I know will be a very bright future for us all as Ohio Freemasons.

CEO’S CORNER


During 25 receptions for GrandMaster Steven J. Krekus this year –one in each Masonic District in Ohio– he recognizes an individual for his or her community service.

This is to emphasize the value that Ohio Freemasonry places onindividuals who give something extra in service to their communities. The individual does not have to be a Mason.

Pictured here is the presentation inthe Twelfth Masonic District in Rio

Grande to Don Mootz, director ofthe Lawrence County 9-1-1 and theEmergency Services Agency.

Mr. Mootz has also served as clerkfor Lawrence Township since 1972,president of the Lawrence CountyTrustees and Clerks Association for six years, 4-H advisor for 28 years,and township fire chief for 24 years,in addition to teaching firefighters for 18 years.

Community service recognized by Grand Master

Property tax reliefsought for Masonicbuildings

The Grand Lodge of Ohio hasrenewed its effort to achieve anexemption from property taxes forOhio Masonic buildings. The statelegislature will consider a bill soon on this issue.

Larry Householder, speaker of the Ohio House of Represent-atives, and Jim Hughes, ofColumbus, a member of the OhioHouse, both Masons, have met withGrand Secretary George O. Braatzin an effort to achieve some financialrelief for Ohio lodges and thelegislators assured the Grand Lodge that legislation would beintroduced soon.

The rationale for the legislation is that ongoing commitments by Ohio Freemasonry to supportworthy community programs anddonate to philanthropic causes isbeing hampered by increased costsof operating Masonic buildings. The tax exemption should assurecontinued and perhaps increasedcommunity support by lodges.

Grand Master Steven J. Krekus,together with a delegation of OhioGrand Lodge officers, attended theannual Conference of Grand Mastersof North America in Washington,D.C. in February.

The Grand Master and his wife,Carol, right, are pictured with theGrand Master of Wisconsin,Michael A. DeWolf, and his wife.

Also, at the conference, allGrand Masters were photographedin a setting on the steps of theGeorge Washington MasonicNational Memorial. The picturebelow was intended to be a replica

of a famous picture taken many years ago of all Grand Masters andsubsequently published on the cover of Life Magazine.

Krekus attends National Meeting withGrand Masters in Washington, D.C.

Grand Master Steven Krekus, right,presents recognition to Don Mootz.

By the timeyou read this,April 15th willhave come andgone. That, ofcourse, hasbecome abenchmark datefor us, as it’s thedeadline for

filing our personal tax returns. This timeof year, particularly in the last severalweeks prior to that date, the term “IRS”doesn’t usually evoke favorable commentsor smiles. However, we need to keep inmind (with a smile!) that the IRS has donesomething good for all of us by facilitatingand actually encouraging charitable givingvia a number of tax-favored gift plans.These plans, which require an IRS-qualified 501( c )(3) organization (whichboth the Home and Foundation are) tobe included as the ultimate beneficiary,provide attractive tax benefits and alsoprovide an income stream to the donor

and another he/she may designate. In previous Foundations for the Future

articles, we’ve discussed several of theseplanned giving vehicles.

The most common and simplest way to make such a gift is, of course, via abequest or provision in a will. This giftvehicle pre-dates the IRS but is alwaysincluded in a list of the plans of giving.

Another popular vehicle is theCharitable Gift Annuity, a simple,irrevocable gift which provides an incometax deduction in the year of the gift –which can be carried over for up to fiveadditional years – and a fixed, predictablelifetime stream of income to the donorand another person he/she may designatewhich is, for a number of years, partiallytax-free.

If the gift is made with appreciatedsecurities, it also provides a partial bypassof the capital gains tax, which wouldotherwise be due at sale of the securities.And, what some might say is the bestaspect of this vehicle, the payment rate to

the donor increases with the donor’s age,with those in their 70’s and beyond seeingrates of seven to eight percent and greaterfor these gifts. Because of their regularityand fixed amounts, these payments can bevery attractive to donors even with modestgift amounts.

Other such vehicles are the CharitableRemainder Trusts, which facilitate moreextensive estate planning and asset/giftdistribution. One type, the Annuity Trust,provides a fixed payout; another, theUnitrust, provides a variable payout, basedon the growth/performance of the assetsin the trust.

Another vehicle, not often discussed,has a more limited appeal but can be veryattractive. That is the Charitable LeadTrust, in which the gift to the IRS-qualified charity comes at the beginning ofthe trust period and benefits the charityfor a stated number of years before being“returned” to the donor or others he/shemay designate. This vehicle is frequentlyused for the ultimate benefit of children orgrandchildren who are young at the timethe gift is established.

It is also possible to make tax-advantaged gifts of real estate, lifeinsurance and even retirement plans.Properly structured and charity-approvedreal estate gifts can even allow for thedonor to retain the right of lifetimeoccupancy of the property. Many folkshave life insurance policies they may nolonger need and can obtain charitable giftbenefits by gifting them to an IRS-qualified charity. Retirement plans areamong the best potential gifts to such a charity as they can be given tax-freewhereas if left to heirs they can be heavily taxed.

It is also possible to incorporateprovisions in many of these vehicles toassure that loved ones receive substantiallythe same gifts as they otherwise would if the charitable gift involved was notbeing made.

While April 15, 2004, is past, there’sstill plenty of time left in this year to takeadvantage of one of these charitable giftplans so that you might be able toapproach April 15, 2005, with a smile! For more information on the charitableplans of giving, simply complete thecoupon adjacent to this article and returnit to us or call the Foundation office toll-free at 888/248-2664.


by RWB Timothy B. Strawn CAE, President, The Ohio Masonic Home Benevolent Endowment Foundation

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Learn More About Charitable Giving Plans

Please send me information about the Charitable Giving Plans.

Please call me about a personal visit.

Please call me about naming and recognition opportunities.

I’ve named The Ohio Masonic Home in my will, trust or otherplanned gift. Please send me information about the Rickly Society.

____________________________________________________________________________Name

____________________________________________________________________________Address

____________________________________________________________________________City State Zip

____________________________________________________________________________Telephone E-mail

____________________________________________________________________________Lodge

You may also call the Endowment Foundation toll-free at 888/248-2664

To receive information about the Charitable Giving Plans, pleasecomplete this form and return to:

Benevolent Endowment FoundationFive Masonic Drive, Springfield, Ohio 45504-3658


OMH Chairman announces CEO stepping downThe Ohio Masonic Home’s Chairman

of the Board of Trustees, William M.Berry, recently announced the Board hasaccepted the resignation of The Home’sChief Executive Officer, Jerry Kuyoth,effective July 1, 2004.

“We reluctantly accepted Jerry’sdecision to pursue other employmentwhen his current term as CEO expires inJuly,” said Berry. “Jerry has providedsubstantial leadership to The Home as itexpanded its reach throughout Ohio.His efforts resulted in the acquisition ofcampuses in Cincinnati, Cleveland andToledo. The Board is thankful for hisleadership and confident he will continueto provide significant leadership to hisnew employer and the long-term carecommunity,” added Berry.

“An OMH search committee wasformed to conduct a national search for a new CEO,” added Berry.

Kuyoth will remain The Home’sCEO until July 1 when he assumes his new position at National ChurchResidences as the Chief OperationsOfficer of the Continuing Care Division.NCR operates 220 properties in 28states and is based in Columbus, Ohio.

Kuyoth served as The Home’sassistant administrator in 1994 andbecame the CEO in 1995. A 1980graduate of Miami University, Ohio, he is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, and is certified as a Nursing HomeAdministrator, Assisted LivingAdministrator, and a Sub AcuteAdministrator. He is also a Fellow

of the American College of Health Care Administrators.

During his 10 years with The Home,Kuyoth has served as a board memberfor The Association of OhioPhilanthropic Homes, Housing andServices for the Aging (AOPHA), TheNehemiah Foundation, and Clark StateCommunity College. He is also an activemember of the Springfield Kiwanis Club,the Worshipful Master of AnthonyLodge #455 in Springfield, the formerPresident of the Masonic HomesExecutives’ Association of NorthAmerica, and is active in numerous otherMiami Valley Masonic organizations.

He and his wife, the former LorieHinton, have two sons, Joe and Andy.

OMH Alumni slated to journey home It’s not too late to make a reservation

for yourself – or a threesome* – for the Endowment Foundation’s 2nd Jim Perry Legends Golf Classic,September 17-18 in Springfield!

Golf on one or both days of theweekend with one of thirty professionalsports legends of yesteryear such as Jim Perry, Jim “Mudcat” Grant, Jim O’Toole, Vern Law, Rich Rollins,Hal Naragon, Fred Patek, DarrallImhoff, Ryne Duren, Vern Fuller, Tom Sneva, Alan Van Campen, CarlWarwick and Jon Warden (now a regularreporter on ESPN2’s “Cold Pizza”sports program).

A round of golf, putting and longdrive contests, good food, great stories,and many laughs – all while supportingThe Home’s Endowment Foundationand the great work done at all fourcampuses of The Home. That’s anunbeatable combination and a great way to spend a September day orweekend for a very worthwhile cause!

For more information and to makeyour reservation, call Brother KenHershberger, the Foundation’s Directorof Planned Giving and Golf ClassicCoordinator, toll free at 888/248-2664,extension 5. You won’t be disappointed...unless you wait too long to call!

* Bring a threesome...and we’ll add one ofthe Legends as your fourth player. Or comealone and we’ll add you to another groupthat includes a Legend.

BACK TO THE FUTURE – Some of these young children, reared at The Home,will return to the Springfield campus in early July to attend the 26th TriennialHomecoming event. Do you recognize them?

CALLING ALL DUFFERS!!

The Ohio Masonic HomeAlumni will return to the Springfieldcampus July 2 and 3 to attend their26th Triennial Homecoming.

An alumni dinner will be held inthe Community Center on July 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Official registration will beginJuly 3 at 9 a.m. in the CommunityCenter. Campus tours will be givenfrom 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. while thealumni reminisce.

The group will also enjoy a picniclunch in the campus Shelter Housefollowed by a 3 p.m. businessmeeting in Rickly Auditorium.

In 2001, 52 alumni from 11states attended the 25th TriennialHomecoming accompanied by more than 100 family members. A total of 740 children, 437 boysand 303 girls, lived on theSpringfield campus during a 59-yearperiod (1897-1956).

Anyone interested in moreinformation about the OMH AlumniHomecoming should contact JackLindsay at 937/322-2953 or checkThe Home’s web sitewww.ohiomasonichome.org for more information.

Acting on behalf of the Masonicfraternity, the Masonic ServiceAssociation of North America hasentered into anagreement withthe USO tobecome part of the USO“Operation PhoneHome” Program.

This programwill provide 100-minute phonecalling cards to troops stationedoverseas in areaslike the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq.Using the Square and Compasses logo,the card will say, “Compliments ofAmerica’s Freemasons.”

Anyone wishing to participate in thisprogram may send a donation marked

“Operation Phone Home” to theMasonic Service Association, 8210Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD

20910-4785. Richard E.

Fletcher, executivedirector of MSA,said the organizationhas made the initialinvestment in theprogram and plansto make it anongoing effort, ifcontinued funding is available.

Thomas H.Galyen, Grand Treasurer of the GrandLodge of Ohio and member of the MSABoard of Directors, said, “I encourageOhio Masons to demonstrate theirpatriotism and support for U.S. troopsabroad by contributing to this program.”


Ohio Mason’s ‘Care Bears’ comfort childrenThe Grand Master’s “Care Bear”

project is rapidly growing in popularityas lodges purchase the bears, donatethem to local police and emergencyunits, and even generate some favorablelocal publicity.

More than 2,500 of the bears alreadyhave been distributed.

The bears, which wear a yellow shirtsaying, “Freemasons Care,” are placed inpolice and emergency vehicles, and whenany situation involves a child, theauthorities simply give the bear to the

youth, to help calm the youngster andturn attention away from the emergency.

To order a quantity of “Care Bears”for local distribution, a check for $6 perbear should be made out to the GrandLodge of Ohio, and mailed to James A.Langmead, Cleveland Masonic Center,3615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH44115-2570.

More information and forms to assistin ordering are available under“Programs” on the Grand Lodge website: www.freemason.com.

William Metz, left, Secretary of HicksvilleLodge #478 in northwest Ohio, hands a“Care Bear” to Captain Doug Willis, of the Hicksville Police Department. Brotherand Mayor Larry Haver and Mike Harris,Hicksville EMS coordinator, also take part in the presentation ceremony, whichoccurred at the Hicksville Village Council meeting.

‘Operation Phone Home’ programsupports U.S. troops abroad

Adoniram Joppa Lodge#517 in Akron and JohnW. Barkley Lodge #621in North Olmsted, wereable to celebrate 100thbirthdays with members.

John Frasche, a 73-year member ofAdoniram Joppa, ispictured with several PastMasters, from left, A. R. Sams, Denver Walker, Jim Bartoo, Jr., and Jim Bartoo, Sr.

A group ofmembers fromJohn W. BarkleyLodge attendedthe birthday partyin Columbus forBrother JohnPlacko onreaching thecentury mark. In July, he will

also pass the half-century mark of hisMasonic membership.

Center Star Lodgehosts “WashingtonDay Repast”

Center Star Lodge #11 inGranville, hosted the annual“Washington Day Repast” tohonor President and BrotherGeorge Washington and raisefunds to support Ohio SpecialOlympics. The Licking EasternStar Chapter also participatedin the dinner program.

Michael Caravana, lacrossecoach at Denison University,was the featured speaker anddescribed Denison’s approachto student athletes.

In the picture, CoachCaravan, left, and Center Star’sMaster, James Light, examine apicture of the first President ofthe United States.Lodges celebrate members’ 100th birthdays


Lodges in the news...

Robert S. Schoedinger, of Columbus, wasrecognized in January at a dinner in his honor forbeing a 33rd Degree Member of the Scottish Ritefor 50 years – the senior 33rd Degree member inthe Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ) of theScottish Rite.

Walter Webber, of Maine, Sovereign GrandCommander of the NMJ, and Jim S. Deyo, anactive member of the Supreme Council in Ohioand Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge ofOhio, participated in the celebration, which washosted by the Valley of Columbus, Scottish Rite.

Brother Schoedinger has been in the funeralhome business in central Ohio for 70 years. He isPast Master of Goodale Lodge #372, Past GrandCommander of the Grand Commandery, KnightsTemplar, of Ohio, and was a Trustee of the OhioMasonic Home for 26 years. Also very active incommunity activities, Brother Schoedingerreceived the 33rd Degree on Sept. 23, 1953.

He has been an Ohio Mason for more than 68 years.

Schoedinger honored by Scottish Rite as Most Senior33rd Mason in Nation

Napoleon Lodge helps erect logo display

Napoleon Lodge #256 and the Napoleon Lions Club cooperated to place eight logos of communitygroups on a sign at the entrance to the city ofNapoleon, including the familiar Square andCompasses. Pictured are Brothers John Myers andDavid Gunn in front of the new sign. Brothers BrentFruth and Doug Eis were also vitally involved in the project.

Spaghetti dinner raises $10,000+to help brother Mason in need

Members of Carroll Masonic Lodge #124 and MinervaRoyal Arch Chapter #123, both of Carrollton, Ohio,hosted a spaghetti dinner that raised $10,100 in aboutfive hours. The money was raised to help pay a portion of the medical expenses of Brother Leonard Ketchum,who is suffering from cancer.

Brother Ketchum is a long-time barber in Carrolltonand has been a Mason for almost 40 years.

“He never went through the line, but he’s alwaysinvolved somehow in the lodge,” said Right WorshipfulBrother Joe Phillis, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 24th Masonic District.

The lodge was prepared to serve 500 meals butactually served 750.

“Luckily the local grocery store is located close by,”said Phillis. “We used something like 175 pounds of spaghetti.”

The wives of the Brothers and Companionscontributed more than 60 different desserts. The localLutheran Church also donated $1,500 to the effort.

Sovereign GrandCommanderWalter W.Webber, left,visited Ohio toassist Jim S.Deyo, DeputyGrand Master, in recognizingthe longevity of service ofRobert S.Schoedinger,seated.


Charity first, seeking a petition comes secondFrom across Ohio come stories of

men who were first made Masons “intheir heart.” James Davies of ShilohLodge #544 in Shiloh is a great example.

As a son of a Mason, he was alreadyfamiliar with the tenets of BrotherlyLove, Relief, and Truth. Brother Daviesis the owner of the Outback Steakhousein Mansfield. When the lodgeapproached him for donations for a golftournament, he was happy to respondwith gift certificates – then, a petition formembership.

“My father was the real reason Iwanted to get involved with theMasons,” 31-year old Davies said. “Iremember when I was growing up, mydad was always trying to be the bestperson he could. I know now that that iswhat Masonry is all about. That really

made an impression on me.” Due to time constraints, James

recently returned his Entered Apprenticeexam with minimal requirements. Thelessons of the Fellowcraft Degreeimpressed him so greatly, however, thathe insisted on learning the fullexamination.

“The members of Shiloh Lodge havereally embraced me and made me feelwelcome. Masonry is one of the bestthings I’ve learned.”

His father, who resides inPennsylvania, was present when Jamesreceived his Fellowcraft Degree. Duringthe lecture, James saw his father on thesidelines. Tears of joy were welling in hisfather’s eyes. His father will be able toexperience this again – a second son justpetitioned a lodge in Pennsylvania.

James Davies responded to Lodge requestfor donation, then sought a petition.

Founder’s Day dinners planned forBicentennial celebrations in 2008

The planning process is continuing for the 200th Anniversary of theGrand Lodge of Ohio in 2008.

The Bicentennial Planning Committee has agreed to have Founder’sDay dinners in each Masonic District in January 2008, to help observethe actual month of the founding of the Grand Lodge.

The committee is encouraging local lodges and Masonic districts tobegin making their own plans for this significant milestone in OhioFreemasonry.

Also, lodges are being urged to begin updating their own lodgehistories. Most lodges have produced histories, but many have not beenupdated in recent years. A guide to help in preparing these historicaldocuments is being planned.

Myers named top optometrist for 2003 by state association

Dr. Jeffrey A. Myers, a member of Groveport Lodge #240, washonored with the Warren G. and Ruth P. Morris Optometrist of theYear Award for 2003 by the Ohio Optometric Association.

The award is presented for outstanding service to the profession andthe community at the local, state, and national level.

He serves on the Grand Lodge Daniel F. Beard Scouter Committee.

John W. Barkley Lodgecontributes to NorthOlmsted police program

John J. Barkley Lodge #621 hasdonated $500 to the North OlmsteadPolice Department’s “R U OK?” program.

Residents sign up and the police willprovide a lock box that will go on a home’sdoor. If there is a question or problem, thepolice will be able to enter the home safely,using the key in the lock box. The programhas already saved three lives.

Widow’s Son Lodge helpscommunity beforecompleting merger

Widow’s Son Lodge #571 in Paulding,has donated $22,000 to help fiveorganizations, the Paulding County SeniorCenter, the John Paulding HistoricalSociety, the Paulding Kiwanis Club, the PCWorkshop Activity Fund, and the ShrinersHospitals for Crippled Children.

The Lodge has consolidated with FlatRock Lodge #580 in Payne and agreed to use a portion of its assets locally beforethe merger.

Gift recognized by Waynesville school

Waynesville Elementary School recently presented a plaque toWaynesville Lodge #163 for its donation of microscopes to the newlyestablished elementary science laboratory. The donation was made inhonor of Brother Owen and Mary Hartsock.


Lodge flag visits South Pole

A Masonic flag – originally agift from the Grand Master in1999, Ronald R. Rogers, nowdeceased – took a brief vacationfrom its position in HarrisonLodge #219 in Cadiz to visit theSouth Pole.

Randy McEndree, son ofLodge Secretary Riley Cassell,took the flag to his workplace in Antarctica.

McEndree works for RaytheonPolar Services as a manager of facilities, engineering,maintenance and construction.The company contracts with theNational Science Foundation to support scientific projects inAntarctica. He has worked therefor three years.

Harrison Lodge made historywhen McEndree placed theMasonic flag on the South Pole on New Year’s Day.

The flag again is displayed inthe Lodge, with membershipcertificates for the South PoleSociety of Old Antarctic Explorersand the McMurdo Society of OldAntarctic Explorers.

Randy McEndree displays theHarrison Lodge Flag at the South Pole.

Do you use a credit card topurchase gasoline? Householdappliances? Clothing?

If those purchases were madewith the Grand Lodge of Ohio’sMaster Card, a percentage of yourpurchase price would go to yourGrand Lodge. The Grand Lodgecredit card is nearing its 10th year,and since this program began, theGrand Lodge has received nearly$250,000.

This money helps developprograms, such as the MasonicModel Student Assistance Program

and Capstone Lifeskills Camp.Not a cardholder? Want more

information on how you can helpthis number grow? Visitwww.freemason.com and go to the“Programs” page or call toll-free1-866/GET-MBNA. Pleasemention priority code “RDRA”when you apply.

Using the Grand Lodge MasterCard will allow Ohio Masonry tocontinue to reach out into thecommunity to find other ways togive back. Why not use the cardthat helps to do that?

Grand Lodge credit card bringsextra benefits to Ohio lodges

Plumb Line offers free shipping For a limited time, the Plumb Line, the line of merchandise supplied

by the Grand Lodge, is offering free shipping on all orders over $25! The Plumb Line has several great items for the summer months.

Choose from polo shirts, tee shirts, shorts, and other items, allembroidered with the “Ohio Freemasonry – Est. 1808” logo.

Order them now to enjoy them this summer. There is no minimumnumber of items to order to take advantage of free shipping. Allow fourto six weeks for delivery of your order. For more information or anorder form, please call the Grand Lodge office at 800/292-6092, orvisit www.freemason.com and click on “Marketplace.”

Salineville Masons provide toys for kids

Members of Salineville Lodge #348 helped provide holiday cheer inthe pediatric unit of Salem Community Hospital through a generousdonation of toys, books, and games. The lodge’s efforts were recognizedby a picture in the local newspaper.

Garfield Lodge welcomes vets with large American flag

Masons attending Veteran’s Night at Garfield Lodge #528 in Shrevewere welcomed by a huge American flag on the wall of the lodge room.

The f lag, borrowed from the Grand Lodge, made a strong patriotictribute to the veterans honored that night.


Lodge of Amity’s Jewels are 198 years old

More Light About MasonryMore Light About Masonry

On June 24th, 1805, the RightWorshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvaniagranted a warrant to the Lodge of Amity#105 (now #5 on the rolls of the Grand Lodge of Ohio) to be held atZanesville, Ohio.

On December 26th, 1806, the lodgereceived a set of officers’ jewels, whichwere purchased and presented by theGrand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

The Jewels, though no longer used,are still in possession of the lodge. ThePast Master’s Jewel consists of thecompasses extended seventy degrees on an arc, and within the space thusformed is a brazen sun. The jewel issimilar in design to the one now worn by brethren of this rank and is ahandsome piece of workmanship.

The Square, Level and Plumb are cut

from a thin sheet of silver and have noornamentation except a very simple linetraced around the edges. The Deacons’Jewels are similar in character, beingsimply equilateral triangles.

The Treasurer and Secretary’s badgesare handsomely designed and engraved,resembling that of the Past Master’s. The Treasurer’s badge consists of twovery nicely executed keys, crossed. The Secretary’s badge includes two well-cut pens, crossed, and fastened onan open book.

Each jewel is solid silver, engraved“No. 105,” and bears the manufacturer’sstamp, W.Gethen.

This information is taken from,History of the Lodge of Amity, #5, F.&A.M., 1879. Has your lodge’shistory been written or updated?

These beautifully wrought Officers Jewelscan be traced back to Lodge of Amity’sbeginning as No. 105 on the Rolls of theGrand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Ohio is 23rd in seniorityglobally among GrandLodges

As the Grand Lodge of Ohio looksforward to its Bicentennial in 2008, it isinteresting to take stock of its relativeposition in the Masonic world.

According to a list created by theGrand Secretary’s office of the UnitedGrand Lodge of England, Ohio was the23rd Grand Lodge to be recognized byEngland, the Mother Grand Lodge of theWorld.

Sixteen U.S. Grand Lodges precede theGrand Lodge of Ohio. This groupincludes the Grand Lodges of the original13 colonies, the Prince Hall Grand Lodgeof Massachusetts (1791), the GrandLodge of Vermont (1894), and the GrandLodge of Kentucky (1800).

The six oldest Grand Lodges are: TheUnited Grand Lodge of England (1717),the Grand Lodge of Ireland (1725), theGrand Lodge of Scotland (1736), theGrand Orient of the Netherlands (1756),and the Grand Lodge of Sweden (1760).

Book honors 224 Freemasons, who are U.S. war heroes

A Masonic classic, The Medal of Honor—The Letter G in Valor, is now available from Macoy Publishing. Firstpublished in 1994, this book was researched and compiledby Worshipful Brother S. Kenneth Baril. It details the 224Freemasons who received the U.S. military’s highest awardfor bravery, the Medal of Honor.

“Inherent in this honored medal are the wonder ofAmerica, the assurance of her proper destiny and thepromise of her magnanimity to the weak or the conquered.In it is cast the loyalty which impels her Military Masons of all ranks and occupations, like our Symbolic Lodges, toscale the heights of courage and strength for ship, shipmateor country, ‘…at the risk of his life above and beyond thecall of duty.’”

Worshipful Brother Baril is a Past Master of TempleLodge #16, Cheshire, CT. He has been a resident ofCincinnati since 1999 and is a plural member of GerardLodge #428 and Oakley Lodge #668.

He has lectured on this topic many times for thefraternity and the public, including a keynote address at a luncheon hosted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for Medal of Honor recipients who were in Philadelphia in 1994 for their semi-annual reunion.

OMH race car zips in Mini-Grand Prix


Thank You For Your GenerosityWe offer our grateful appreciation to the estates, individuals,groups, or other Masonic bodies who have supported TheOhio Masonic Home with donations given between January1 and March 31, 2004.

$10,000+

C.E. BristerHelen M. HoslerWalter FrankWalter KronkKenneth R. &

Frances R. LittlejohnWilma L. MathewsArthur C. WhonsetlerMyron & Dorothy SeifertWilliam & Elma SelbyJohn J. ShagovacGary & Kay SpiresTurner Foundation Dale L. Wolfe

$2,000+

AASR – Valley of Cleveland AASR – Valley of Columbus Dallas & Helen BowyerChester W. Davis

The Home will zip into history May22 when it sponsors a mini-Indy stylerace car in the first Annual SpringfieldRotary Club Mini-Grand Prix. Race day is Saturday, May 22, in downtownSpringfield. Races will be held from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the downtowncore block, bounded by Fountain, High,Limestone, and Main streets.

Funds raised from this charitableevent will benefit the Rotary Club’sdisabled children programs andscholarship funds.

Fifty area companies have eachpurchased a racecar. They will each select ten employees and/or employeerelatives to either race their car or be pit crewmembers.

OMH volunteer drivers will be Crew Chief Greg Bobo, Chris Black,Belinda Elkins, Dr. William Garringer,Ted Southard, William Standard, Rachael Hickman, and Brian Wilson. Pit crewmembers will be Rick

Hawbecker, Chris Ziegler, and Andy Kuyoth.

All event drivers will attend a two-hour training course given by theWestern Ohio Region Sports Car Clubof America (SCCA), the event’ssanctioning body.

“Although the maximum speed ofthese cars is 20-25 miles per hour, wefeel each driver will be thrilled to race in that they will be seated just inches off the pavement,” said The HomeTeam’s project coordinator and thedirector of planned giving for TheHome’s Benevolent EndowmentFoundation, Ken Hershberger.Hershberger is a Springfield Rotarianand also the event treasurer.

“For this to be a first-time event inSpringfield, and to have more than 80area businesses and organizations offertheir financial support, the Rotary ClubRace Committee is truly overwhelmed,”said Hershberger.

Zoom, zoom, zoom

AH...THE CHECKERED FLAG – Practicinghow to give a “winner’s pose” while drivingwith his knees is Ken Hershberger. TheHome’s racecar was recently unpacked sothe pit crew and drivers could start creatingtheir race day checklists and begin practicedriving sessions.

$2,000+ (continued)

James R. Mathie In Memory of James R. & Alice Mathie, Jr.

George K. MossBetty OberleHoward M. SheelerKenneth R. Sterrett

$1,000+

Kenneth & Faye BuckholtzBessie V. HoslerEly Lodge #424Ralph J. & Mabel M. GoodingOrlando W. DavisRobert L. Kellogg By

Various Donors George A. LeapSebring Lodge #626Sincerity Lodge #694South Gate-Potter Lodge #782Washington Lodge #17

PRINCE HALL MASONS VISIT MESC – PrinceHall Masonic Brothers led by Most WorshipfulPast Grand Master Honorable Sidney D.Broadnax, Jr. (fourth from the left) recently visited the Masonic Eastern Star Community inCincinnati for a tour and luncheon. Senior leadersfrom District #1 included (left to right) LaDonaldProphett, Willie Brown, Lonnie Jones II, SidneyD. Broadnax, PGM, Kenneth McCullars, EdwardRawls, John Copeland, and Isaac Robinson. The President of MESC, Bonnie Hazelwood,presented each brother with a MESC Bear.Masonic Senior Services Director, RodneySkinner, is also coordinating similar area Prince Hall visits to The Home’s other three Ohio campuses.

The Beacon is Published QuarterlyPlease report all changes of address to

your Lodge Secretary, who, in turn, will

notify the Grand Secretary, who maintains

the database that produces The BEACON

mailing labels.

The Ohio Masonic Home includes Masonic

Health Care, Inc.; Masonic Retirement

Village, Inc.; and the Benevolent

Endowment Foundation, Inc., at the

Springfield campus; the Browning Masonic

Community, Inc., in Waterville; the Masonic

Eastern Star Community, Inc., in Cincinnati;

and the Western Reserve Masonic

Community, Inc., in Medina.

Jerry Guess, APR

The Ohio Masonic Home,

Director of Public Relations

2655 W. National Road

Springfield, OH 45504-3698

937/525-3074

[email protected]

George Braatz, P.G.M.,

Grand Secretary at

The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio

P.O. Box 629

Worthington, OH 43085

614/885-5318

[email protected]

WRMC Home Day continued from page 1

during the apartment, patio home andcampus tours.

A major event will be the ShrineParade. Led by the Grand Master, theShrine Parade will start traveling downthe 1-mile route at 1 p.m. and end bythe entertainment tent at 2 p.m. Unitsfrom Al Koran Shrine, Cleveland andother Ohio Shrine parade units willcombine to give every guest a smile anda lifetime memory. This is also one ofthe few events where visitors will be ableto enjoy an all Shrine parade up closeand personal, so bring your camera andlots of film.

At 2 p.m. The Home’s officialwelcome to all residents and guests will be made in the entertainment tent. The Grand Lodge officers will beintroduced and the Grand Master willprovide remarks.

Then at 3 p.m. in the entertainmenttent the Al Koran Concert Band willperform for the enjoyment of everyone.

Children will enjoy the “KidsCorner” games and prizes, clowns, face

painting, crafts, free popcorn, cottoncandy and snow cones. Or their parentsmay want a free family or individualcaricature cartoon done by an area artist.

A vintage car show will be locatednear the front of the main building forthe automobile buffs to enjoy along with Jeff Cavello performing on theSteel Drums.

Other entertainers scheduled toperform throughout the day include The Harmonica Hotshots; The Bell-Airs Quartet, who will play 40’s and 50’s music, including Latin songs,Polkas, Line Dances, Blues and Dixie;Michael the Magician; Al Zimmermanon the Accordion; the Strolling TunesTrio; vocalist Sherrill Rundle; and the WRMC Chime Choir.

In addition, H. Jenrette will displaymodel ships; and WRMC residents willgive craftsmen demonstrations.

For more information about TheOhio Masonic Home Day, please call the Public Relations Department at937/525-3074 or visit The Home’sWeb site at www.ohiomasonichome.org.


The Ohio Masonic Home willsoon launch the final phase of itscorporate communications survey.Randomly selectedfraternity members mayreceive a written surveyabout The Home’scommunications programor a readership survey about the Beacon, thequarterly joint publication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio and The Ohio Masonic Home.

Each survey should onlytake about 10 minutes tocomplete. Respondentsshould then return the surveyin the enclosed self-addressedenvelope.

“We ask each survey recipient

to share their opinions andsuggestions about The Home’s

communicationsprogram and theBeacon,” said TheHome’s Director ofPublic Relations,Jerry Guess.

This is an officialsurvey beingconducted for The Ohio MasonicHome by HollisterTrubow &Associates, a

public relations andmarketing services firm. For

more information about the survey,call The Home’s Public RelationsDepartment at 937/525-3074.

Communications survey launched One-Day Classcontinued from page 1

all the lodges in Ohio, as wellas the Scottish Rite, YorkRite, Shrine, Eastern Star, andother Masonic organizations.

Ohio had two successfulone-day class events in 2002and 2003, and received muchattention nationally for thequality of its organization and communication. Manyother states have been usingOhio’s pattern as an examplefor similar events in theirjurisdictions.

A committee is beingorganized and moreinformation will be providedas the planning proceeds.

Beacon_Spr04

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