Masonic Lodges to Observe 300th Anniversary

The Masonic Fraternity this year observes the 300th anniversary of modern Freemasonry, and more than 80,000 members in 480 Masonic lodges in Ohio are making plans for the celebration.
 
“On June 24, 1717, in London, England, four lodges decided to create the Grand Lodge of England,” Craig Szczublewski, Master of Fulton Lodge in Delta, Ohio, explained. “And this structure of organization has continued for three centuries and has spread around the world.”
 
“Masonic lodges existed before that time,” he said. “But the 1717 date represents the basic creative step in the overall continuity and agreement of principles that still govern the international fraternity we have today.”
 
The Grand Lodge of Ohio was formed in 1808 and observed its 200th anniversary a few years ago. In the United States, there are 51 Grand Lodges – one for each state, plus the District of Columbia. Total U.S. membership numbers nearly 1.2 million.
 
The Ohio observance begins on March 24, with a “Grand Master's Class,” which will allow new members to complete all initiation work in one day. Normally, weeks or months are required for the process. On that Saturday, initiation ceremonies will be held simultaneously in 25 locations across Ohio, including in Defiance.
 
In addition, large Masonic dinner celebrations are planned on June 24 across Ohio to culminate the 300th-year observances. Throughout the year, local lodges will have their own anniversary dinners, open houses, educational meetings, and new-member gatherings.
 
“2017 is going to be a great year,” Ohio Grand Master Douglas N. Kaylor, of Dayton, said. “The world is changing and once again men are looking for the benefits that come from uniting with like-minded men dedicated to living well, to doing right, and to standing up for their beliefs when others seem to be stumbling.”
 
For more information on local activities, contact Craig Szczublewski, Master of Fulton Lodge, at craig.szczublewski@gmail.com.

Musings from the Master

Greetings Brothers,
 
First, thanks to the three brothers who traveled with me to Edon 474 this morning for a fine Master Mason Degree.  I will say that we got to watch brother Jeffrey deliver the Lecture which was brilliantly done by any standards, let alone for his first delivery of that lecture in lodge.  This will be one to watch at our Inspection on February 24.
 
I see from a social media post that WB Bill attended the table lodge in the eleventh district this morning, and I look forward to hearing his thoughts on the event.  The Grand Master was in attendance to this one as well.
 
Speaking of the GM, my wife and I attended the New Master's Dinner at Zenobia Shrine last night and were treated to an evening sitting right next to MWB Douglas Kaylor and his lady.  It was a fun evening with great fellowship and food.  I would strongly suggest attending should you find yourself in the East in the future.  The Fabulous 5th was represented by our lodge and the new master of Bryan 215.
 
A couple of dates to mark on your calendars, I know our Secretary will have some to add also:
 
Tuesday, December 13 @ 7pm: EA practice time at the Lodge
Tuesday, December 20 @ 7pm: Special Meeting: EA degree
Wednesday, December 21 @ 7pm: Napoleon 256 MM Degree
 
I look forward to seeing you on the 20 for the EA degree, come out and help us initiate a new brother!
 
 
Best Regards
W.B. Craig Szczublewski
Fulton Lodge #248

11th Masonic District Table Lodge December 10, 2016

Hi Brethren,
 
The 11th Masonic District of Ohio is having a Table Lodge of Instruction. The date is Saturday, December 10, 2016, time is 8:00am in the morning to 11:00am. The cost of the event is $10.00. The host lodge is Rubicon Lodge #237 in Waterville. The Grand Master of Ohio MWB Douglas N. Kaylor will be the guest speaker. Please come out and join us for the Table Lodge of Instruction and meet our Grand Master. If you have never been to a Table Lodge it is a great time for one and all. This is a Tyled Lodge and aprons must be worn for the event. All EA's in the district are encourage to attend. If you have any question please contact of of the 11th Masonic District Officers they will be more then willing to answer any questions. Hope to see all of you on December 10, 2016 for the Table lodge of Instruction.
 
Fraternally Yours,
RWB John J. Zettler DDGM
 

MSA Disaster Relief Appeal for North Carolina

The Masonic Service Association has established a Disaster Relief Fund for North Carolina, as massive flooding has hit the state in an aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
 
The rampaging waters caused by the hurricane and its drenching rainfall have resulted in protective levies breaking or leaking. An Interstate highway has only recently been reopened and power outages persist in numerous areas of the state.
 
The Grand Lodge of North Carolina reported that three Lodge buildings were heavily damaged by the flooding conditions, and reports of damage or injury to Masonic families are expected.
 
Please forward to the MSA such donations, which you feel are appropriate to help our devastated Brothers, their families and others in this stricken jurisdiction. Please make checks payable to MSA Disaster Relief Fund and send them to: Masonic Service Association, 3905 National Drive, Suite 280, Burtonsville, MD 20866. When remitting funds to MSA, please mark checks, “North Carolina Appeal.”
 
Also, donations may be made on MSA’s webpage – www.msana.com -- with the use of a credit card. This allows funds to reach their destination faster.
 
MSA is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.
 
George O. Braatz, PGM, Executive Secretary
Masonic Service Association of North America
3905 National Drive, Suite 280
Burtonsville, MD 30866
301-476-7330 www.msana.com
 

Traveling in Australia


While visiting Brisbane Australia, Brother Craig Szczublewski had an opportunity to sit lodge with the brothers of Dennistoun 301 in Stones Corner. Thanks to Worshipful Master Brother Jason Brummell and the brothers of Dennistoun for a warm reception and great evening.

Fifth District Association Meeting Set for November

Brethren

Please be advised that the annual meeting of the Fifth Masonic District Association will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 11:00 am in the Defiance Masonic Temple. All "Blue Lodge" members in good standing are "Association" members and are encouraged to attend. Association officers will be elected for the coming year. Please announce this date at your future Lodge meetings and include the date in any member updates you may send.

Fraternally

Jon Schamp - Secretary
Fifth Masonic District Assoc

Pages