Have you traveled as a Master Mason?

Call it an obsession, but part of my vacation planning usually includes research into Freemasonry where I will be visiting.  I won't bore you with details of my process of traveling and visiting other grand lodge jurisdictions, I have an educational talk complete with PowerPoints that I can put you to sleep with. My latest vacation to Edinburgh, arguably the cradle of Freemasonry, was no exception to this planning. 

Having bribed my wife into letting me sit with several Lodges while we were there, I turned my attention to finding historic Masonic sites I could include her in. Looking for Masonic history in Edinburgh is far easier than most places.  There are many museums and monuments, such as the Scott Monument (known as the gothic rocket by locals) which were designed and constructed by Masons.  Walter Scott himself was a brother of this degree, as was the architect and the Lord Provost who laid the corner stone (you can still find the masonic trowel at the monument). 

With such an active Masonic community, finding gems like Victoria Regalia, a Masonic store proudly displaying the square and compasses, was also an unexpected treat (much masonic merchandise was acquired). We also took time to tour the Grand Lodge of Scotland’s museum and library at Freemasons Hall in New Town where we were hosted by the deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Edinburgh. Of course a visit is not complete without a stop at their gift shop for a bottle of Grand Master Mason's Reserve 10 year Scotch.

I had the pleasure of sitting lodge with two of the oldest lodges in Scotland, Edinburgh Lodge No 1 and Canongate Kilwinning Lodge No 2.  Both Lodges were conferring Mark Master degrees, something that can routinely happen in their “Blue Lodge”, so always best to check ahead of time!  Both lodges have a rich history, with Edinburgh Lodge laying claim to the oldest Masonic lodge in the world (official records going back to 1598). Canongate Lodge has been meeting in the same location since 1735, which is the oldest purpose built lodge room in the world and has changed very little since then. Do not worry that the due guard and signs might not always be what you expect, or that the opening and closings of degrees might be different from your home lodge, it’s all part of the fun of traveling and meeting new brothers.  Do also make plans to stay for the Harmony after lodge, it’s a fraternal bonding experience you should not miss.

With a full schedule the week we were there, I barely scratched the surface on the fraternities’ origins in Scotland.  There remains a number of places I want to go back and visit, and more bothers I would like to make the acquaintance of.

William Pacak appointed to DDGM for the 5th

At the 210th Annual Grand Lodge Communications for the Grand Lodge of Ohio Free & Accepted Masons, our lodge brother William "Bill" Pacak was appointed to District Deputy Grand Master for the Fifth Masonic District.  Bill is a past master of Fulton Lodge (several times) as well as a former District Association President and District Education Officer for the Fifth Masonic District.

Join us on November 9th, 2019 at 7:00pm for Bills official installation to this position.  The ceremony is "open", so all masons, spouses, and families are welcome to attend.  We will have refreshments to follow.

  • Installing Officer: MWB Robert C Rill, Jr
  • Installing Marshal: RWB Robert R Rettig
  • Installing Secretary: RWB Christian A King
  • Installing Chaplain: RWB Richard McKibben

Movie Night at the Lodge

Hi brothers,

We are going to try something fun and engaging, movie night at the lodge!  The running plan is November 2 at 6pm.  We will have various snacks, but feel free to bring some along.  It will be open to all, so bring your SO or go stag if you like.  The movies on tap for this one will be:

  • Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
  • Monty Python and the Holy Grail. (ala Rocky Horror Picture Show since we all know the lines to this film)

We hope this is just the first of many, so let us know if you will be attending!

Deputy Grand Master Roll-out Program

The following are some brief notes from DGM Keith Newtons Roll-out Program for 2019-2020.

Theme: Step into the Light

Major Objectives Include:

  1. Live your Charter - Know what your lodge charter states, maybe organize a read the charter night. Reach out to the 20% of your oldest members who don't attend by January Reach out to widows (try an get info updated in Grand View)
  2. Communicate - All brothers should login to Grand View and verify their information. Grand Lodge wants to have better communication direct to the brothers.
  3. Grand Lodge Charities - Spend some time reviewing all of the charities supported by the GLO and the OMH.
  4. Public Awareness - The GLO will continue their marketing campaign for awareness.  Encourage lodges to participate in community events and "tell your story".
  5. Veterans Pin - Newly designed veterans pin will be available this year also.

Charities:

  • The charity of choice for Brother Newton will be the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program.
  • The charity chosen by his wife Sharon will be the Sleep in Heavenly Peace beds for kids (https://www.shpbeds.org)

Grand Masters Award:
Minimal changes from last year, but a renewed focus on outreach to our lodge brothers and their widows.

Dates to Remember:

  • The 210th Annual Grand Lodge Communications is October 18-19, 2020 in Marietta.
  • November 23 will be another Tri-State degree in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The GLO will be performing the EA portion.
  • May 9th will be the Grand Master's One Day Class.  The incoming GM will leave it up to the Districts if they decide to hold an event or not.  Districts can combine efforts as well, but the class must be held May 9, 2020.  All current rules regarding the candidate returning to Lodge with 60 days applies.
  • September 18-20, 2020 will be a Family Fun Retreat with the Grand Lodge, hosted at Deer Creek State Park.  More information as that date gets closer.
  • Grand Lodge 2020 will be October 23-24 a the Robert Cook Center in Wilmington, OH.

--
Craig Szczublewski

Grand Masters One Day Class

Good evening brothers,
 
I wanted to give a brief recap of the Grand Masters One Day Class at Camp Masonry this past weekend.  We had three brothers from Fulton Lodge attending to receive their Master Mason, along with their mentors.  We also had a few brothers assisting with the Entered Apprentice Degree, put on by the Fifth District.  The Eleventh District put on the FC and MM portions, with the second part of the MM being done after dark.  If you have never had the opportunity to witness the degrees portrayed outdoors, it is something to witness.  The MM degree under starlight is really something special to watch.  
 
A few of us also had an opportunity to sit in on some guest lectures from speakers including Robert Johnson from the "Whence Came You?" Podcast and Jason Richards from the "Masonic Round-table" Podcast.
 
We also had a fantastic Table Lodge with almost every Ohio Grand Lodge Officer in attendance.  A highlight was a brother from the Grand Lodge of Georgia who gave us a wonderful poetic read of the Master Mason Charge called On Yonder Book used by the Grand Lodge of Georgia.
 
It was a wonderful experience all around, and something to keep in mind for next year. 
 
Best Regards,
Craig Szczublewski
Senior Warden - Fulton 248.

Cherie's Sheers Expands their business at the Fulton Lodge Building

If you have not been to the lodge building in a while, stop in and check out Cherie's new salon space, she has done a tremendous job in making it a bright and welcoming environment and we wish her well with this business endeavor! See more on her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cheriesshears/?rf=1671740509730949 

May 21 Steak Fry

Fulton Lodge #248 Steak Fry
 
June 4, 2019
 
Grill will be hot @ 6:00 o'clock
 
What to bring, besides your lady/family/guest:
 
Wardens: Steaks
Deacons: Baked Potatoes
 
Stewards, Secretary, Treasurer: Salads/relishes
Master, Chaplain: Breads/rolls & Butter
 
Tyler: Sour Cream, Bacon Bits
All other members: Desserts
Please RSVP to the Secretary (419-822-3736 or

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