and group building exercises and alakeside 4th of July Fireworks show. Allactivities shared a common foundationin experiential learning.

Craig Erb, co-leader and activitiescoordinator for the Camp, explained

The first Capstone Masonic LifeSkills Camp for “at-risk” childrenand for Masonic youth was hostedJuly 1-6, at Craftsman Park inAkron.

The Camp successfully broughttogether a mix of 32 boys andgirls, ages 11–16. Roughly half ofthem were recommended as “at-risk” children in need of the lifeskills necessary to turn their livesaround. The other half came fromthe various Masonic youth groups.

The Camp’s success is bestsummed up by Tommy, one of theyoung campers, “I learned thatsometimes you need to breakthings (problems) down, to build,to reach your goals.”

The week-long Camp was packedwith a detailed daily schedule, whichfocused on building the three R’s,Respect, Responsibility, andRelationships. The activities varied fromswimming, canoeing, and low-ropeobstacle course training to individual

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

Summer 2001 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3

BEACONFirst Capstone Life Skills Camp Hosted in Ohio

Q This year the Ohio Masonic Home Board of Trustees has a new chairmanand several new board members.

How does this change affect The Home?

A Change always has an upside and a downside. The upside of new leadership

is the fresh perspective they bring to theorganization. The downside is the absence ofmany of those fraternal leaders that guided usthrough a seven-year period of unprecedentedgrowth. Board membership has become asubstantial time commitment during the pastdecade. Two-thirds of the Ohio Masonic Home

Board of Trustees also serve on one of oursubsidiary boards and all the trustees serve onvarious committees. Since our board structureprovides the majority of the work be done atthe committee level, each board member has aminimum of 12 half-day or full-day meetings ayear. This is often combined with a demandingwork schedule, leadership responsibilities withinthe fraternity, and a mandatory retirement ageof 70. We have been extremely pleased with ourOhio honored Masons and their willingnessand enthusiasm to serve on our boards.

(continued on page 2)

CEO Q&A Part 2 Continued from Spring Beacon

(continued on page 3)

Campers enjoy canoeing during free time

that experiential learningtechniques attempt to teachchildren through hands-onactivities, learning by doing. Eachactivity provided the campers witha specific “problem” that theyneeded to work together to solve.

The 32 campers wererandomly divided into fourgroups of eight campers eachalong with at least one staffmember per group.

On July 3rd, the campers hadthree very special visitors – GrandMaster Jack L. Allen; Past GrandGuardian for Jobs Daughters,Janet Boggs; and Larry Chisholm,director of the National Masonic

Foundation for Children. All threevoiced their approval and enthusiasticsupport of the dual purpose of theCapstone Camp, providing ourMasonic youth and priority “at-risk”youth with life skills.

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

2

Q What are the key governance issues of concern to the board?

A Number one is strategic planning. Prior to 1997 we had

no formal strategic planning process tomanage campus construction plans andoperations. Now we have a masterstrategic plan and have recently revisedit to include all three of our campuses.That plan is operationally criticalbecause our budget has grownsubstantially, and our residentpopulation and employees have doubledin the last seven years. The Board’sLong Range Planning and PolicyCommittee, manages the strategicmaster plan and will help determine ourorganizational direction. The effectivemanagement of our endowment and ourfinancial picture is second. Although wehave a substantial endowment, we alsoprovide one of the largest amounts of

by Jack L. Allen, Grand Master

This is the title of a biography ofJack Welch by Robert Slater, publishedby McGraw-Hill. Welch is the CEOthat turned GE around. This is not areview of that book; I simply wantedto quote the title because I think it isthe position Freemasonry and otherfraternal organizations find ourselvesin as we start the new millennium.

For 41 years now, it appeared we were getting beaten. Ournumbers declined, lecture records collapsed, and manybuildings fell into decay. Public respect, even knowledge of thefraternity declined. Those who through ignorance ridiculed thefraternity got all the headlines while we remained 18thCentury silent.

Then we decided to get better. How did we turn the tide?We have begun accepting the fact that this is the 21st Century– two full centuries after the first Masonic Lodges appeared inthe Ohio territory.

We long ago climbed down from our horses and into ourautomobiles. We gave up wagon trains for airplanes. Smokesignals gave way to telephones and fireplaces have beenreplaced by central heating. Even our Lodges got into thespirit of change where creature comfort was involved. Lanternsyielded to electric lights and potbellied stoves were replaced bythermostat-controlled heating and air conditioning systems. Next we adopted a new policy about membership, speedier

The Beacon isPublished QuarterlyPlease report all changes of addressto your Lodge Secretary, who, in turn,will notify the Grand Secretary, whomaintains the database that producesThe Beacon mailing labels.

The Ohio Masonic Home includesMasonic Health Care, Inc.; MasonicRetirement Village, Inc.; and theBenevolent Endowment Foundation,Inc., at the Springfield campus; theBrowning Masonic Community, Inc., inWaterville; and the Masonic EasternStar Community, Inc. in Cincinnati.

Jerry Guess, APR at The Ohio MasonicHome, Director of Public Relations2655 W. National RoadSpringfield, Ohio 45504-3698(937) 525-3074jguess@ohiomasonichome.org

George Braatz, P.G.M.,Grand Secretary at The Grand LodgeF.&A.M. of OhioP.O. Box 629Worthington, OH 43085(614) 885-5318gbraatz@freemason.com

CEO Q&A Part 2 (continued from page 1)

‘GET BETTER OR GET BEATEN’

fraternal assistance in the nation. So wehave a tremendous responsibility tomanage that endowment well and tocontinue to increase it for the benefit ofOhio Masons and their families. Finally,we must effectively and efficientlymanage our growth. For the first timein the last quarter century ouraccommodations have reached nearlyfull occupancy. Ninety-nine percent ofour endowment and our annual giftscome from fraternity members. Overall,85 percent of our current residents arefraternity members or immediaterelatives of Master Masons. Althoughwe are a Masonic facility, we’veconsciously chosen to provide services inthe health care spectrum to others inneed as part of our Masonic charity.Therefore, 25 percent of our health careresidents have no Masonic affiliation buthave medical concerns that we are

(continued on page 10)

degree timetables, shorter examinations and pluralmemberships. We have given up the “stuffiness” of the 18thCentury and have truly opened our doors to all men in the realspirit of brotherhood.

If we are to continue getting better we must adopt evenmore 21st Century thinking. We must become, as the U.S.Army calls themselves, “an incubator of self-actualization.” Wemust become an “even more useful member of society.” Wemust reach beyond widows, orphans and ourselves becausetoday’s society is about helping and caring.

If we are to attract the next generation, if we are toencourage today’s young man to actualization, we mustcontinue getting better.

This year we have seen a new spirit, a new determination tomeasure up just by getting back to basics. I say withoutreservation that we are getting better. The number of Lodgesqualifying for recognition at Grand Lodge this October isabsolutely inspiring.

If we are to shed the “or get beaten” label we mustcontinue to “get better.”

Elsewhere in this issue of the Beacon we have outlinedissues that will come before the Grand Lodge this October.How will we react to these opportunities to continue our marchinto the 21st Century? Will we “Get Better or Get Beaten?”

By the way, I commend Slater’s book to your reading. I haveused Welch’s theory of the three circles found on Page 31 of thepaperback edition throughout my year. It worked for me.

3

The Masons of Summit County, whoown Craftsman Park, played a vital role in making the Camp a success.They provided numerous volunteerswho worked as chaperons, helped withactivities, and ensured the campers had the very best amenities the Camp could offer.

Chisholm stated that Craftsman Parkwas perfectly suited as a location for the Capstone Camp, particularly becauseof the newly built low rope obstaclecourse, as well as its lakeside location.

Grand Master Jack Allen said that hewas very pleased and proud of theefforts of the Summit County Masonsin support of the Camp, including theirrecent $12,700 donation.

Capstone Camp focuses on teaching lifeskills to youths

80-Year Ohio Mason HonoredElbert Durbin St. John, an 80-year

member of Jamestown Lodge, #352, inJamestown, Ohio, was presented abeautiful, engraved clock to recognizehis eight decades of Masonicmembership.

Brother St. John, now age 102, lives in the Larksfield Place retirementcommunity, in Wichita, Kansas.

The presentation to Brother St.John, shown seated in the picture, was

made by Most Worshipful BrotherWilliam J. Brown, a Past Grand Masterof Kansas, far right in the picture.

He was accompanied by five otherMasons from Kansas, two of whomformerly worked with Brother St. Johnat Kansas Gas and Electric. A receptionat the retirement center made the eventa festive one. Nine additional residentsof the Home, who were Masons, alsotook part in the presentation. 80-year-old member Elbert Durbin St. John

Campersguide eachother wearingblind folds toencouragetrust andteamwork

The idea for the Capstone Campgrew out of the Masonic ModelStudent Assistance Program and theMasonic Youth Life Skills Camp.During the now nationally acclaimed,three-day Masonic Model StudentAssistance training program, teams ofteachers and other school officials aretaught that most kids who are “at-risk”lack the life skills needed to make theever more difficult decisions they face.However, the program itself does nothave the ability to provide thosechildren, once identified as “at-risk,”with the life skills they need.

The Masonic Youth Life Skills Campwas started last year to provide Masonicyouth in Pennsylvania with life skills asa precaution against them becoming at-risk youth.

The Capstone Camp takes bothprograms to their next logicalextension, a camp that continues toprovide Masonic youth with life skillsthey need, while also providing them toyouth who have been identified aspriority at-risk cases.

“The premise behind the CapstoneCamp is that we make sure our ownyouth have the kind of decision-makingskills that will keep them away fromdrugs, alcohol and other dangerousbehaviors. At the same time, we canreach out to young people that theStudent Assistance teams, which theGrand Lodge has trained, haverecommend as priorities,” said ChadSimpson, director of programdevelopment for the Grand Lodgeof Ohio.

Chisholm added that the Masons ofOhio should be very proud of theirefforts to protect the future of ourchildren, and that the Capstone Campprovides a model for other GrandLodges in their efforts to help at-riskchildren.

When asked how the campexperience could be improved,Brandon, a young camper, responded,“Make it two weeks long next time.”

First Capstone Life Skills Camp Hosted in Ohio (continued from page 1)

4

To request more information about Charitable Gift Planningplease complete and return this coupon. You also may call theEndowment Foundation toll-free at 888/248-2664.

Please complete this form and return it to:

Five Masonic Drive • Springfield, OH 45504-3658Call Toll-Free 888/248-2664 or Fax 937/525-3090

Name

Address

City State Zip

Telephone (Area Code First)

Lodge

Benevolent Endowment Foundation, Inc.T H E O H I O M A S O N I C H O M E

G

❑ Please send me information about Charitable Gift Planning.❑ Please contact me about a personal visit❑ I have provided for The Ohio Masonic Home/Foundation in my

will or other estate-planning document❑ I would be willing to consider including The Ohio Masonic

Home/Foundation in my will or other estate-planning document❑ Please send me information about The Rickly SocietyI am also interested in:

❑ Masonic Square (Independent Living) in Masonic Retirement Village

❑ The Apartments at Cunningham Place

(Independent Living) in Masonic Retirement Village

❑ Bancroft Manor (Assisted Living) in Masonic Retirement Village

❑ Rickly Commons (Assisted Living) in Masonic Health Care

❑ One or more of the following levels of nursing care inMasonic Health Care:

— Intermediate Nursing — Skilled Nursing— Respite Care — Rehabilitative Care— Pathways Center for Alzheimer’s Care

❑ Browning Masonic Community:— Patio Homes in Browning Masonic Community in Waterville— Independent Living in Browning Masonic Community in Waterville— Assisted Living in Browning Masonic Community in Waterville

❑ Masonic Eastern Star Community(formerly Hamilton County Eastern Star Home)

— Nursing Care in Masonic Eastern Star Community— Assisted Living in Masonic Eastern Star Community

Learn More About Charitable Gift Planning

For more information on these options, we invite you to call:Masonic Retirement Village Admissions toll-free at 888/290-2664; orMasonic Health Care Admissions toll-free at 888/243-2664; orBrowning Masonic Community Admissions toll-free at 866/878-4055; orMasonic Eastern Star Community Admissions at 513/542-6464.

by Timothy B. Strawn CAE, President,The Ohio Masonic Home BenevolentEndowment Foundation, Inc.

How to Make aGood Gift Better!

We are truly blessed at The OhioMasonic Home to have so manygreat supporters and wonderful

donors! Every gift we receive, regardless of size, is special to usand important in our overall efforts. For each and every one ofthem, we say “thank you.”

We are finding that more and more people are indicatinginterest in and taking advantage of the various gift-planningoptions available today. These include bequests by will,charitable trusts, gift annuities, gifts of securities and realestate, endowment giving and other possibilities.

Some gifts can be made to benefit the charity now (currentgifts) and others can be made now to benefit the charity later(deferred gifts). Some gift arrangements are revocable (you canchange your mind); others are irrevocable. All can benefit fromgift planning.

A planned gift usually requires more thought than a quickcheck written against monthly income. These gifts often come

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

out of estate assets. You have to consider the impact of yourgift on your overall financial condition. Can you afford asizable gift at this time, or should you make it later by will?What is the best way to make this gift? Do you needtemporary or lifetime income from your gift arrangement?What are the tax implications?

Careful planning can actually make a good gift better.Consider these potential benefits of planning your gift:

• Maximize its size• Obtain life income from it• Optimize its tax-related benefits• Tailor it to a specific need• Protect yourself from hasty decisions• Increase your personal satisfaction

Help For You

The Foundation wants to help you make a good gift better!We are available to assist you in finding the best gift plan foryour needs. We can provide tailor-made illustrations of giftoptions. And, as always, we will be sensitive to your financialneeds and objectives and protect your confidentiality.

For further information about charitable gift planning,complete and mail the response coupon below. Or call theFoundation office toll-free at 888/248-2664.

5

Legendary BaseballPlayer Cy Young –An Ohio Mason

Each year in baseball, the bestpitcher in each of the Major Leaguesis chosen as the Cy Young Awardrecipient.

This award was named for one ofthe premier pitchers in baseballhistory, who also was an Ohio Mason.

In the historic archives of theGrand Lodge of Ohio, a membershipcard, without fanfare, relates thesimple information: D. T. Young,initiated, passed and raised inFebruary, 1904 in Mystic Tie Lodge,#194; recipient of a 50 year medal;died on November 4, 1955.

But behind those statistics is a manwhose accomplishments have set thestandards for nearly a century ofathletes who participate in the gameof baseball.

He was born in Urichsville, Ohio,as Denton T. Young. Because of hisreputation for pitching a fastball, histeammates began calling him“Cyclone,” which was eventuallyshorted to “Cy.”

Cy Young has one of the baseballrecords no one will probably everbreak – 511 career wins. He had morethan 30 wins during five differentseasons, more than 20 wins on 10occasions, and he completed morethan 700 of 815 games he started.

He tossed three no-hit games, andon May 5, 1904 pitched baseball’sfirst “perfect” game, in which no oneon the opposing team was allowed toreach first base.

On his death in 1955, he wasburied wearing his Masonic apron.

Masonic Support of Special OlympicsAgain Surpasses $100,000 Mark

A rousing, standing ovation greetedmore than 150 Ohio Masons as theyentered St. John’s Arena in Columbusfor the opening ceremonies of theSummer Games of this year’s OhioSpecial Olympics.

The pride of those Masons, all cladin their aprons, was intense as theycircled the floor, and as the cheers andapplause persisted.

That pride, which should be sharedby all Masons in the state, was evengreater a few minutes later, as GrandMaster Jack L. Allen presented anenlarged check to Special Olympics for$105,311, a 73 percent increase ingiving from one year ago.

The warmth and appreciationreceived from the Special Olympicsathletes, their families, friends and othersupporters, makes all the fund-raisingefforts worthwhile, according toMichael Cecil, chairman of the GrandLodge committee.

“As we enter the 19th year ofsupporting Ohio Special Olympics, I seerenewed support of this worthwhile

Magnolia, #20Ebenezer, #33Xenia, #49Medina, #58Tiffin, #77Batavia, #104Toledo-Ft. Industry, #144Palestine, #158Lockbourne, #232Groveport, #240Conrad, #271Orient, #321Marks, #359Pataskala, #404Humboldt, #476

Heber, #501Fort Recovery, #539Babcock-Iris, #600John W. Barkley, #621West Gate, #623Joppa, #666Community, #684Lincoln, #693Old Portage, #718Alpha, #729George L. Marshall,

#734Triangle, #748Huber Heights, #777

New England, #4Scioto, #6Mt. Zion, #9Center Star, #11Franklin, #14Pickaway, #23Coshocton, #96Dresden, #103Greenville, #143Ohio, #199Rubicon, #237Blendon, #339Bellville, #376Yellow Springs, #421Green Springs, #427

Lyndhurst, #508North Baltimore, #561Toronto, #583Neoacacia, #595East Gate, #603St. Andrew’s, #619University, #631Capital City, #656George A. Holly, #745Beaver Valley, #753

Enlarged check, banner are very visible asMasons march during opening ceremony

cause,” Cecil said. “Ohio SpecialOlympics athletes know who we areand that we care about them.”

He attributed much of the successto a new “back to basics” program ofworking towards a goal, rather thansimply donating. He said success storiesare still coming in from local Lodges,that programs like this are increasinglybecoming part of their localcommunities. The committee is alreadyworking on the program for next year.

Lodges that donated between $500 and $999: Lodges that donated $1,000 or more

The Kidney Foundation of North-west Ohio has recognized the effortsof Northern Light Sanford L. CollinsCalumet Lodge, #40, in Maumee, for his fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Foundation.

Holly Hoagland-Fojtik, executivedirector, explained that during thepast three years, the Lodge has heldannual pancake breakfasts to benefit

the Kidney Foundation. More than$7,500 has been raised during thatperiod, $2,500 this year, she said.

“All Lodge volunteers, such asDoug Towslee, event coordinator,play a vital role in the success ofKidney Foundation programs. Due totheir commitment of raising necessaryfunds, the Kidney Foundation cancontinue its mission of patient

services, health education andresearch,” the executive director said.

“Funds raised from the pancakebreakfast help to defray the rising costof patient services and education. TheLodge’s commitment to the KidneyFoundation and the community isimportant and their volunteering isvital,” she said.

Kidney Foundation Praises Northwest Ohio Lodge

6

Generally when one thinks of a Retirement Communityand Independent Living units such as patio homes, the imageof a place to hang your hat, kick back and relax comes tomind. Although our patio homes do offer this comfortableenvironment, they are even more to those who are active.

Henry Hanzl is a prime example of someone who isenjoying his retirement by being active and industrious. Henryturned his garage into a woodworking workshop rather thandrive to the campus woodshop.

Many area Masons have received one of Henry’s Masonicrelated creations. His other designs can occasionally be foundat local craft shows. But they sell fast.

Henry is a (and we hesitate to use the word) “retired”self-employed contractor. He is the host at the campusMonday night social games, and can be seen at other timeswith residents engaged in bridge, euchre, and pinochle. Henryhas transferred his Masonic Lodge membership to WakemanLodge #522, which is located on the Browning Campus. Hewill serve as the Lodge’s Worshipful Master this coming year.

Henry says, “Living here at Browning has allowed me toremain active. I have made so many new friends and love themall. I enjoy helping out in anyway I can.”

For information on our Independent Living Patio Homes,please call us at 1-866-878-4055, or write us at 8883Browning Drive Waterville, Ohio 43566. To visit us on theInternet go to www.ohiomasonichome.org and click onBrowning Masonic Community.

BROWNING MASONIC COMMUNITY – More Than Just A Home

Masonic Eastern Star residents, family members and staffcombined efforts to help prepare and escort 26 residents toCincinnati’s 27th Annual Lucille Chenault Senior Citizen’sBall recently held at the Cincinnati Convention Center.

Eastern Star ladies donated various gowns and ourvolunteers made the necessary alterations to ensure our ladieswere the best dressed at the Ball. Our men also donned theirbest suits for the event.

An employee in housekeeping contributed by makingcorsages and boutonnieres for our residents attending theevent. With eight family members and 10 staff membersescorting them, it was off to the gala event. Cincinnati MayorCharles Luken recognized all those present.

MESC residents attended this event to dance, and dancethey did. Winning several prizes for their top dancing moves.

The star of the evening was our own Vesta Wright at 106-years young. Jerome Cook, an MESC employee, escortedVesta to the dance accompanied by MESC’s Karen Satchwell,LPN. Vesta Wright was featured that night on televisionnewscasts about the event.

The day reflected the true pride that staff, residents,volunteers and family members have for being part of theMasonic Eastern Star Community.

Masonic Eastern Star Community News

Belle of the Ball — Vesta Wright (center) was escorted to the 27thAnnual Lucille Chenault Senior Citizen’s Ball by her friends KarenSatchwell and Jerome Cook

Henry Hanzel

7

Annual Grand Lodge Meeting SlatedFor October 19–20 in Columbus

Four educational breakouts sessions will be featured

Richard C. McKeever(left), Robert Bates(center) and JohnKoehler were amongthe 52 Ohio MasonicHome Alumni Associa-tion members whoattended the 25thTriennial Homecomingat the Home. Morethan 740 children ofMaster Masons wereresidents of the Homefrom 1897 to 1956.Alumni from 11 statesaccompanied by morethan 100 familymembers attended theJuly event.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Four educational breakout sessionshave been planned to provide a specialincentive for Masons attending theAnnual Communication of The GrandLodge, F.&A.M., of Ohio on October19-20, 2001 in Columbus.

The Annual Meeting of the GrandLodge, to be held in Battelle HallNorth at the Hyatt Regency Hotel,will also feature presentation of the P.Dean Gerber and Rufus PutnamAwards, activity reports from GrandLodge committees and leaders, anddecisions on at least 10 items ofproposed legislation.

Details on the Grand Lodge sessionand information regarding registrationand meals have been sent to all LodgeSecretaries. Contact your LodgeSecretary for this information.

The expansion of the breakoutsessions at Grand Lodge is the resultof two highly successful educationalmeetings held last year. The intent ofthe meetings is to help Lodges andLodge Officers to be better preparedto handle their duties and to improveFreemasonry in their communities.

This year, the four breakoutsessions will be held at 3-5 p.m. on

Friday, October 19, and repeated at 7-9 a.m. on Saturday, October 20. It ishoped that delegates from Lodgesdivide up, attend all the sessions, andshare the information on their returnto their respective Lodges.

Topics this year will be:

• Presentation skills• Developing a one-year plan• Membership development

and retention• How can Masonry help improve

our youth organizations

The P. Dean Gerber Award and theRufus Putnam Award, two prestigioushonors of the Grand Lodge of Ohio,will be presented by Grand MasterJack L. Allen at the Friday nightbanquet.

To make time for the breakoutsessions, much of the business ofGrand Lodge will be compressed andreorganized. Voting on legislation maytake place on Friday afternoon and on Saturday morning. In all, the businesssession is planned to be more efficientand comfortable for delegates.

Summary of Legislation Following are legislativetopics that will be consideredat Grand Lodge this year:

• Alterations in section detailingexaminations of candidates.

• Proposal that Lodge businessbe conducted in EnteredApprentice Degree

• Expansion in the number ofrituals that may be available toeach Lodge

• Change in timing of whensuspensions for non-payment ofdues become effective, movingthat date from current December31 to May 31 of each year

• Restricting a brother fromholding two elective offices atthe same time

• Alteration in voting requirementsfor amending the Grand LodgeCode, from two-thirds vote tomajority vote

• Alteration in voting requirementsfor amending the Grand LodgeBy-Laws, from two-thirds vote tomajority vote

• Permitting and providing rules fora Grand Master’s (or one-day)Class of candidates

• Expansion of which brothers mayrepresent a Lodge at Grand Lodgeby proxy, to include Past Mastersof the Lodge

• Increase in the purchase priceof an Endowed Membership toprovide additional annual incomefor Lodges

Flag Presentation – Grand Master Jack L. Allen,right, who is also serving as Commander ofDefense Federal Employees American LegionPost #792, presents a new American Flag toGrand Secretary George O. Braatz, to be flownon the flag pole at the Grand Lodge Buildingin Worthington.

8

What started out as an ordinary presentation of a 50-yearpin to an out-of-state brother, turned into an exciting timeconversing with a brother raised to the Master Mason Degreeby President and Most Worshipful Brother Harry S. Truman.

The Grand Lodge of Ohio frequently receives requestsfrom other Grand Lodges to have 50-year pins presented totheir members living in Ohio. Other jurisdictions reciprocateand present many pins to Ohio Masons as well.

Such a request was received by the Grand Secretary’sOffice from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. The recipient, PaulL. Edwards lives in Curtice, Ohio, and so nearby GenoaLodge, #433, was asked to make the presentation.

On May 3, Wayne G. Dewey, Worshipful Master of GenoaLodge, and Right Worshipful Brother Edward L. Draper, aPast District Deputy Grand Master in the 11th MasonicDistrict, visited Brother Edwards at his home, and spent a“great and wonderful two and a half hours” with him.

They learned that Brother Edwards, now 86 years old, wasraised on December 7, 1949, in McDonald Lodge, #324 inMissouri. Brother Harry Truman, then President of theUnited States and a Past Grand Master of Missouri, waspresent and took several key roles in the Master MasonDegree. Brother Edwards has vivid memories of that occasion.

A check with the Grand Secretary’s Office in Missourifound that Most Worshipful Brother Truman’s participation insuch ceremonies, even while President, was quite common.

His wife, Bess, preferred to stay in Independence, Missouri,rather than in Washington, D.C., and so the President wouldmake frequent trips back home, and while there would oftenuse the opportunity to visit a Lodge.

President Truman’s Masonic activity while in the WhiteHouse is known elsewhere too. The newsletter of the GeorgeWashington Masonic National Memorial, distributed this May,tells about how President Truman conferred the Master MasonDegree on a friend of his in Alexandria-Washington Lodge inVirginia in June, 1948. Since he was not familiar with theVirginia ritual, he made special provisions to be tutored in theWhite House in the ritual before conferring the degree.

Mason Raised by President Truman Receives 50-Year Pin

The Grand Lodge of Ohio was recognized this spring atthe 3rd Annual Appreciation Program by the Ohio HistoricalFoundation, and was among a long list of corporate andcommunity supporters of the Ohio Historical Society during2000-2001.

The Grand Lodge of Ohio has sponsored Ohio VillageLodge, #10, at the Ohio Village site in Columbus since 1977.The second floor Lodge there accurately depicts theappearance of a Lodge more than a century ago.

Each year, the Grand Lodge contributes $9,000 to thesupport of that facility, and in the quarter century since thissupport began, Ohio Masonry has donated nearly $225,000 tothe effort, according to Charles Eichensehr, Historian for theGrand Lodge, who also works at Ohio Village.

Ohio Village replicates what a small community would havebeen like in the years 1850 – 1865. Of course, such a villagewould have had a Masonic Lodge.

Brother Eichensehr reports that, in addition to thethousands of visitors who annually get a glimpse of what anhistorical Lodge looked like when they tour Ohio Village,approximately 16 to 20 Lodges yearly schedule meetings therein the old-time Lodge Room.

Since Ohio Village Lodge opened, 180 Entered ApprenticeDegrees, 246 Fellowcraft Degrees, and five Master MasonDegrees have been conferred in the Lodge Room.

For more information on Ohio Village Lodge, call BrotherEichensehr at 614-297-2687.

Miller-Stockum American Legion Post in Cleves,Ohio (near Cincinnati) recently unveiled a monument toall persons who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The monument was dedicated on Memorial Day thisyear. The cost of the monument was bolstered by a$5,000 donation from North Bend Lodge, #346, inCleves. Many members of the Lodge are also membersof the American Legion Post, including Don Bennett,Commander.

North Bend Lodge has long been a very visible,active and charitable part of the community.

NO RT H BE N D LO D G EHE L P S BU I L D MO N U M E N TFO R AR M E D FO R C E S

Ohio Masons Recognized ForContributions To Ohio Historical Foundation Programs

9

More Light About MasonryMore Light About Masonry

This is the second of a series of articlesfocusing on the Masonic records ofthe four Ohio Masonic Presidents ofthe U.S.

Brother William H. McKinleyUniversal Brotherhood Personified

In 1865, future president WilliamMcKinley was serving in the UnionArmy under General Sheridan, who wasoccupying Virginia. Major McKinleyoften observed what appeared to be aspecial bond between some of theUnion surgeons and several of thewounded Confederate prisoners.

From time to time, the surgeonswould converse intently with variousprisoners, even occasionally giving themmoney. Overcome by curiosity, heinquired as to why the surgeons weretaking these extra steps in the care oftheir wards. He learned that thesurgeons were Freemasons as wereseveral of the wounded Confederates.

Major McKinley was so impressed bythis striking example of brotherly lovein the mists of a terrible “brothers’ war”that he decided to petition HiramLodge #21 in Winchester, Virginia, andbecome a Master Mason.

Hiram Lodge afforded more than200 Union soldiers the opportunity tobecome Freemasons.

Either Brother McKinley’s impressivelevel of proficiency or the expediency of war enabled him to be initiated on May 1, 1865, passed on May 2, 1865,and raised on May 3, 1865. BrotherMcKinley maintained his membership at Hiram (later Hiram Winchester)

Our Ohio Masonic Presidents Recognized

Benjamin Franklin–patriot, statesman,philosopher, and inventor –was also avery active Freemason, and according toa recent article in a national magazine,he was heavily influenced in his beliefs bythe teachings of the Fraternity.

In the June, 2001 issue of theSmithsonian Magazine, a feature story,“Dr. Franklin’s Plan,” by StephenSchwartz, states, “One of the central

influences that helped him in this wasFreemasonry. Once inside the brother-hood, Franklin discovered that it almostexactly mirrored his own beliefs. Itsascending degrees, like his list of virtues,were designed to help man build a lifethat was ‘four square and true’ throughhard work and fair dealing.”

Later in the article is written: “AsMasonry fed his spirit, so the American

Philosophical Society… would cometo feed his mind.”

Brother Franklin is a Past GrandMaster of the Grand Lodge ofPennsylvania, and during the yearshe spent in Europe as a statesmanseeking help for the fledgling UnitedStates, he often met in European Lodgeswith some of the most influentialthinkers of the day.

William McKinley, 25th Presidentof the United States

and said, “Well, Governor, some of ushere are Democrats and some of us areRepublicans, but we all wish you successin Minneapolis.”

McKinley paused for a moment andthen rested his hands on the shouldersof two of the young men and said,“Yes, some of us are Democrats andsome of us are Republicans, but we areall brothers now.”

Brother William McKinley’s sense ofthe importance of brotherhood asillustrated by these two stories mustcause one to wonder what kind ofpresident he would have become, if histerm in office had not been cut short byan assassin’s bullet. For when WilliamMcKinley died on September 14, 1901,the nation lost not only a President andOhio a son, but mankind lost a brotherin the truest sense of the word.

The Grand Lodge of Ohio Museumrecently was given a unique compositeportrait by William McKinley Lodge #431.William McKinley Lodge was originallyEagle Lodge, of which Brother McKinleywas a founding member. The compositewas given to the Lodge by HiramWinchester Lodge in 1921 and contains aphoto of William McKinley, surrounded byphotos of the officers of the Lodge whoinitiated him in 1865. This and otherinteresting Masonic artifacts can be seenat the Grand Lodge of Ohio Museumlocated at 634 High Street, Worthington,Ohio, which is open Monday throughFriday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. If possible,please call for an appointment for a tour.

Lodge until August 21, 1867, when he affiliated with Canton Lodge #90, in Ohio.

Another fraternal story furtherillustrates the type of man BrotherMcKinley was. During the final days ofhis bid for the Republican candidacy forPresident, then Ohio Governor WilliamMcKinley consented to be initiated amember of the college fraternity SigmaAlpha Epsilon.

The initiation took place in theGovernor’s office after he had sent hisstaff home for the day. The ceremonywas held on the eve of GovernorMcKinley’s trip to the RepublicanNational Convention in Minneapoliswhere he would in fact be nominatedthe Republican candidate for President.

One of the young men who initiatedGovernor McKinley was Matthew B.Excell, then serving as Democraticmayor of Alliance. After the ceremony,Mayor Excell addressed the Governor

Freemasonry Fed Spirit of Brother Benjamin Franklin

10

privileged to meet through Masonicbenevolent care. This program has alsoenabled us to tap into third partyreimbursement (Medicare andMedicaid) which saves the endowmentmore than $7 million dollars annually.In an effort to continually meetprospective resident needs, we arelooking to continued expansion of ourSpringfield and satellite campuses in aprogressive yet responsible manner.

Q What are some of the future health care trends and the management challenges they may present?

A Although not new, one continuing trend is the increased

number and popularity of assisted livingfacilities and the increasing number ofcontinuing care retirement communitiesthat are decreasing the number of theirnursing beds. Organizationally becauseof our fraternal mission and continuingcare philosophy, we go against thetrend. We have a statewide audienceseeking out independent and health careservices primarily. That is where weplace our emphasis and ourdevelopment dollars. Another trend isthe increased client demand for wellnessservices. Features like our walking paths,

exercise room with equipment andfitness instructors allows us to meetresident needs and wants. We have toclosely monitor our constantly changingaudience and be prepared to meet theirexpectations as they change over theyears. Home-based and communityservices will become increasinglypopular as the baby boomer generationcontemplate retirement.

Q What do you consider your top three accomplishments inthe past seven-years?

A Number one is the financial stability of the organization. The

diversification of revenue by thecertification for Medicare and Medicaidwas a major step. That coupled with theincrease in occupancy was thecornerstone to financial solvency. TheMasonic Health Care staff accomplishedthis in a very efficient manner. I ampleased that during my tenure theendowment has doubled in size despiteour growth in operational expenditures.This is a testimony to the investmentdecisions by our Board of Trustees andthe ongoing benevolence of thefraternity. Second would be theadoption of a strategic master plan.That is our future road map to ensure

we meet the health care and retirementneeds of Ohio Masons. It also allows usto be flexible so we can take advantageof new potential opportunities. Finally,creating satellite campuses and openingthe admissions criteria for our servicesare both positive moves to serve moreOhio Masons and others in need.

Q What happened to asset surrender?

A Asset surrender was eliminated inJanuary 1995, primarily to

breakdown roadblocks to admission.Masonic assistance is available for thosewho meet the conditions of admission(non divesture of assets) and cannotmeet the total cost of care. Residents ortheir families handle their own resourcesas long as they last. An application foradmission is made and after appropriatereview, tour, and medical assessment,admissions can occur. Despite thevarious names of the corporations –Masonic Health Care, MasonicRetirement Village, Browning MasonicCommunity, Masonic Eastern StarCommunity and The BenevolentEndowment Foundation – each is partof The Ohio Masonic Home.

by Greg Holm, President,Masonic Retirement Village

When you think about retirement,you may be surprised to find out thatwhat you want is what most peoplewant – the ability to remain healthyand independent, a deep feeling ofsecurity, and some lifestyle choicesabout where you want to live andhow you want to live.

At the Masonic Retirement Village we offer you all that,and much, much more. Our independent living lifestylechoices range from a beautiful, maintenance-free, two-bedroom, two-bathroom patio home with an attached garage,or a cozy apartment that offers meal plans and housekeeping,to a private room in a residential care setting that offersassisted living services.

A monthly service fee is charged in Masonic Square and atThe Apartments at Cunningham Place. A daily service fee ischarged at Bancroft Manor. We currently offer a 100 percentrefundable entry fee option for our patio homes – we give youback 100 percent of your entry fee at the time you move outof your patio home, either to an apartment or to assistedliving or to a health care setting. Paying an entry fee cansignificantly lower your monthly service fee. And paying anentry fee is an option, not a requirement.

We now have a Reservation/Waiting List not only for ourpatio homes, but also for our apartments. Twelve new patiohomes opened this summer, and as of July, only two end unitsare available.

If you would like to be placed on our mailing list, or wouldlike to schedule a tour this Fall, please call Carol Zennie,Director of Marketing for the Masonic Retirement Village, atour toll-free number, 888/290-2664.

Retirement Village Update

CEO Q&A Part 2 (continued from page 1)

11

$10,000+AASR Valley of

CincinnatiKatherine E. BaasC.E. BristerLuella L. BrunthaverRodney E. EllisOlive N. GaebeleinBonnie G. HurshLucille F. JonesGeorge & Frances

Klawitter

Thomas LivesayThelma A. MillerWilliam B. MillerGeorge K. MossJohn P. RichardsonMr. & Mrs. W. R.

SauerbrunMarie LeonardIrving W. Hubbell

$2,000+Helen N. BrownCFC - Central Ohio

Paul M. Cochran Orlando DavisJay W. DuhamelGrand Court Order

of AmaranthGeneva R. HellerAlfred D. MaddoxStephen J. NemesBetty H. OberleE.D. RadenbaughGeorge RapkingVivian H. Schulze

Howard M. Sheeler

$1,000+G.D. & B.J. ArtersGail B. CoonEly #424Robert J. FinkHarding Concordia

#345Bessie V. HoslerHazel Justice

(Memorial by Phyllis& Don Dickes)

Floyd KellyHenry KingSarah McCulloughForest L. MiddletonNorthern Light #40Arnold F. & Kathryn

A. PalmerRobinson Locke #659Harold G. ShriveFrank R. WilliamsEdieann Didham

(In Memory ofDorothy Freeman)

Thank You ForYour GenerosityWe offer our gratefulappreciation to theestates, individuals,groups, or otherMasonic bodies whohave supported The Ohio MasonicHome with donationsgiven between April 1, 2001, andJune 30, 2001.

Ruth E. DaggyFranklin #55, OESEvelyn M. FentonCincinnati, OHDonald W. FielderHarmony #8Kenneth FlemingSulgrave #696Ernest Gresh, Sr.Luther B.Turner #732Rosa S. GuerreroDarlington, S.C.Helen E. HagesSpringfield, OHSarah L. HarveySouth Charleston, OHCarol H. HendersonLebanon, OHHazel M. Justus

Marion #70John S. KelkerMantua #533Vergie J. KleinCenterville, OHFlorence McCulloughLakewood #601Janet L. PatrickSpringfield, OHBruce G. RowandSpringfield, OHRobert W. Sealock, Jr.H.S. Kissell #674Margy L. ScottKentucky, OESSusan E. ShaforJefferson #90Jack D. SheetsClark #101

Leslie E. Skillings, Sr.Fielding #192Dora E. StickelNew Carlisle #100Brenda K. SuttlesSpringfield, OHMinnie L. ThomasSpringfield, OHPearl W. ThompsonMechanicsburg #113Elizabeth H. WatsonSpringfield, OH

MASONICRETIREMENTVILLAGEBancroft ManorNaomi G. RunnelsCopley, OH

Helen WiltfongChapter #104, OESWest Virginia

Cunningham PlaceJohn D. FasnachtAdoniram #517

BOWNINGMASONICCOMMUNITYMiriam AndersonAcme #554

MASONICEASTERN STARCOMMUNITYCarrie DickmanMontgomery #94Dorothy DickmanMontgomery #94

Phil HandWalnut Hills, OHEstelle HimburgHoffner #286, OESEunice PetersMt. Healthy #365,OESConnie MathesDorcas #277, OESIrvin LeagueMason #678 Jessie HeckQueen City #66, OESElsie StearnsOlmsted Falls #705

In MemoryWe honor the memoryof these residents whopassed away since thelast issue of theBeacon: (April 23,2001 to July 9, 2001)

MASONICHEALTH CAREMarcus K. BeherFour Mile #212, MOJohn L. BieteSouth Gate #692Charles BillmanGrove City #689Royal P. BrainerdCharleston #702Elizabeth B. BrownSpringfield, OH

Geraldine RevealSolar #730Lloyd IngramHillman #481Iva MotePomeroy, OHMary Lou ReebSpringfield, OHSherry WootenSpringfield, OHViola FlintCookeville, TNPearl ThompsonMechanicsburg #113Madison BickelAnthony #455Ernest GreshLuther B. Turner #732Elizabeth GuytonSpringfield, OHLulu McKeeSpringfield, OHJames DoughtySpringfield, OHRoselle DrummondSpringfield, OH

Rosemary LaFayetteSpringfield, OHJuanita SumpterSpringfield, OHMyrtle BoblittSpringfield, OHPhilip AbeleSpringfield, OHMary Jane EnglishSpringfield, OHCora StricklandRalph R. Rickly #670Wilma MathewsMorning Light #80,OESPearl ThompsonMechanicsburg #113Hazel V. BrumfieldSpringfield, OHJanet PatrickSpringfield, OHReibel, LillianColumbus, OHJay, ElizabethBrookville, OH

MASONIC RETIREMENTVILLAGEBancroft ManorDoris M. TalbotLa Fayette #79Charlotte S. TannerEvanston-Eversull #695

Roger M. WellsGeorge M. Verity #760

Cunningham PlaceAlice BendelBlendon #339Edna WiseHollywood #133,OES, CA

Masonic SquareWilliam & CarrollCeylor, Warren #24Robert & MarionDurrumMichael L. Fennell #711

John & RomaGarringerFielding #192

James & DorisGoddardBeaver Valley #753Fred & BarbaraLeonard Marion #70Robert & JoannePulver, Lyndhurst #508

Harry & Bettie SmithAlpha #729

BROWNINGMASONICCOMMUNITYRoger DeWeseWaterville, OHIsobel HardyToledo, OHLen & Elaine LarimerWakeman #522Irene MaurerDayton, OHBob & Linda NeddoToledo Ft. Industry#144Bill & Lillian NinerNorthern Light #40

MASONICEASTERN STARCOMMUNITYMarjorie AlexanderCincinnati, OHEdith DouglasCincinnati, OHMargaret DyehouseCincinnati, OHIrvin LeagueCincinnati, OHMildred LeMastersBuckeye #587Bernice LewisMelrose, MASS, OES

Samuel OwensCincinnati, OHAnna RichterArra #160, OESDorothy SchaeperCincinnati, OHEdward SteedCincinnati, OHMarie StengerCincinnati, OHElizabeth WilliamsonMt. Healthy #365, OES

Welcome HomeWe are pleased tointroduce new residentswho arrived fromApril 23, 2001, toJuly 9, 2001.

MASONICHEALTH CARERuby “Myrl” DunnSt. Andrew’s #619Daisy GraySpringfield, OHBessie StormNorris #426, OESNancy PoseyJohn W. Durst #716Maxine SiboleSpringfield, OHRuth AugustusSpringfield, OHBetty EckelsSpringfield, OHCharles NoltingCollege Hill, OHHarry S. Johnson #641

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 2609Columbus, OH

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

Cutting Ties Supports Charity Fund Ohio Job’s DaughtersBursting With Pride

Job’s Daughters have given moreHIKE (Hearing Impaired KidsEndowment) presentations than any other Grand Jurisdiction in the world.

HIKE is the organization’sphilanthropic endeavor, which providesfunds for hearing devices for childrenall around the work without cost tothem or their families.

In the past year, Ohio Job’sDaughters have presented grantsexceeding $30,000. There are fiveHIKE representatives in the state whohave raised more than $4,000 each forthe program this year. And, since 1985,Ohio Job’s Daughters have made 133presentations totaling $221,431, whichis also the high level in the world.

For more information about thisHIKE project, contact Diana Tinker,the state HIKE chairperson, atdlt1980@megsinet.com.

More than $500 was raised in Mayfor the Grand Lodge CharitableFoundation, as Grand Master Jack L.Allen, cut off ties of donors.

The Grand Master’s Reception inthe 19th Masonic District was abarbeque this year and everyone wasencouraged to dress casually. If youwanted to wear a tie, the plannerssaid, be prepared to have it cut offand be charged $25 for that privilege.

Many in the audience that nightchose to be charitable – and to wear ties.

Wielding a pink-handled scissors,Most Worshipful Brother Allenstrolled through the audience, andsevered members’ “ties” to both theirsilk and dollars.

It was a fun evening, enjoyed byall present, with the CharitableFoundation the real beneficiary.

Roger Coombs, left, receives shorted tie from Grand Master Allen, as Tom Jones assists.