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September 2017 Newsletter

FROM THE EAST

  • Robert E. Koogler, WM

Brethren, as we approach the end of my year as WM and with the knowledge  that the lodge will be in good hands for the new year I can now join the ranks  of the Past Masters. I appreciate the work and effort of the officers to make  the lodge viable and for being patient with me during my wife’s illness.

A big change has been proposed and YOU as the members must decide if you are willing to make the changes and help Far Hills Lodge grow.

FROM THE WEST

  • John Bull, Jr. Sr. Warden

Brethren! We are about to begin our new Masonic year! I have a lot of plans to make it exciting and worthwhile for you to come back to YOUR Lodge!

We will have two stated meetings in September. The first meeting is on the 14th and will be a business meeting which will include the second reading of the suggested changes to the by-laws of FHL.

BY-LAWS of FAR HILLS LODGE NO. 784, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS of OHIO

ARTICLE II – Current

The Stated meetings of this Lodge shall be on the second and fourth Thursdays. The hour of assembly shall be 7:00 pm. Special meetings may be called as provided by Section 21.03 of the Code. When a Stated meeting falls on a legal holiday it may be held on …

ARTICLE II – PROPOSED

The Stated meetings of this Lodge shall be on the second Wednesday of the month except July and August. The hour of assembly shall be 7:00 o’clock PM. Special meetings may be called as provided by Section 21.03 of the Code. When a Stated meeting falls on a legal holiday it may be held on the following Wednesday of the month or on another agreed upon day…

The officers will also conduct a practice of the EA degree on September 14.

The excitement will begin on September 28th with a free… Free… FREE lasagna dinner and the conferral of possibly 2 EA Degrees. I must have a head count so you must email me (jebulljr@aol.com) or call me (937-760-8853) to confirm your meal.

This will be the meeting that we vote on the new by-laws.

November 9, 2017 will be our annual meeting and election of officers for the 2017/2018 year.

We are looking for a few GOOD MEN to join the officer line. How would you like to be part of the exciting rebirth of Far Hills Lodge? Contact any of the officers listed in this newsletter for information.

Then the real fun begins on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. This will be our installation of 2018 officers of YOUR Lodge. This will be an OPEN installation so that the ladies, families and friends can attend. To help make this special we will have a fully catered meal for everyone to enjoy.

Both dinners above will begin at 6:00pm in the lower level social room of YOUR Lodge at no cost. We want to see you in YOUR Lodge. Come and enjoy social time with YOUR Brethren.

FAR HILLS TEMPLE BOARD

Brethren, Last June you voted to help the Far Hills Temple Board fund the resealing of our parking lot. Not only was it desperately needed but was greatly appreciated!! I even talked to some of you about donating to the second phase which is the main entrance off Far Hills Ave.

I am pleased to inform you that we have reached an agreement with Dr. Paley (our neighbor next door) to split the cost of those improvements. Now it comes to us. We need to raise about $4,000 to complete this project. Those that I talked to, it’s now time to help with those offers to help.

Last spring, I started a funding plea which I’m sorry to say didn’t produce what we had expected in funding. I KNOW WE ALL CARE!!! Now is the time to help support YOUR lodge and YOUR Temple Board in repairing our entrance.

Please send a donation in today. You can send it to the Lodge, to the Temple Board or to me and I will see that it goes to the proper place. We are trying to improve YOUR LODGE and we need YOUR HELP!!

FAR HILLS TEMPLE ASSOCIATION

P O BOX 292491

DAYTON, OH 45429

~ IN MEMORIUM ~

Robert Paul Kilian

Born: 10/7/1918

Raised: 6/7/1964

Departed: 8/18/2017

William Voss Irwin

Born: 7/6/1942

Raised: 5/21/1985

Departed: 7/25/2017

LODGE EDUCATION OFFICER

  • Thomas R. Spettel

Every member now has the opportunity to learn more about Freemasonry. The Grand Lodge Education Committee has prepared booklets for each of the degrees. These booklets are available to all brethren of the lodge. Come  to lodge or call Tom Spettel at 937-602-4270.

BUILDING MANAGER

  • Thomas R. Spettel

The Far Hills Temple Association held a work day on Saturday, June 24, 2017. Coffee and donuts were furnished by WB Bill Riffle and lunch was furnished by Bro. John Bull.

Those brothers who gave of their time and energy were: WB Jim Simko, WB Bill Riffle, WB Tom Spettel, Bro. Chris Hanselman, Bro. Dick Crandall, Bro. Kevin Barry. Thank you all for your help and dedication to your lodge.

Projects completed: gutters on the south side of the building, trees trimmed south side of main driveway and along the rear driveway. West stairway was powered washed. All tree cuttings were disposed of.

The next work day will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017. Projects include painting front porch railing; level the floor at the west stairwell and electrical work on the alter.

The usual coffee and donuts; and lunch will be provided.

SECRETARY

  • Richard L. Coy

DUES ARE IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE LODGE and THE GRAND LODGE CHARITIES.

REMEMBER THAT AFTER PAYING YOUR DUES FOR 2018 DON’T LOOK FOR A NEW DUES CARD. YOU SHOULD ALREADY HAVE IT.

IF YOU DIDN’T GET A PLASTIC DUES CARD ALREADY FOR 2017 THEN YOU DIDN’T PAY YOUR DUES FOR 2017.

208th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of F & AM of Ohio

November 20-21, 2017

Dayton Masonic Center

 

 

 

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Far Hills Lodge Newsletter: February-May 2017

From the East

Brethren, here is a very important calendar of events for the upcoming months. Besides the annual inspections for the lodges in our district we have the Grand Masters Reception, the Grand Masters One-day Class and a host of other events which include the 300th Anniversary of Freemasonry in the world.

There are listed, many dates for the practicing of the Master Mason Degree, for OUR inspection on Thursday, May 4th.

Bro John Bull, Senior Warden, has been working diligently, bringing in new petitions, new officers, arranging practices and trying to raise the awareness that there is a lodge here and we are trying to make a difference in the lives of our members.

Included with this letter is the results of the survey he sent out. We thank Bro John for his enthusiasm.

Please come out and help to make a difference.

Brethren, as a reminder your 2017 are:

  • Robert E. Koogler, Worshipful Master
  • John E. Bull, Jr, Senior Warden
  • Eric M. Bull, Junior Warden
  • William D. Riffle, PM, Senior Deacon
  • Corey A. Leggett, Junior Deacon
  • James M. Simko, PM, Treasurer
  • Richard L. Coy, PM, Secretary
  • Kevin A. Barry, Chaplain
  • Arthur G. Camp, Tyler
  • Christopher L. Hanselman, Sr., Steward
  • Thomas R. Spettel, PM, LEO
  • Kenneth Smith, PM, Lodge Trustee
  • William D. Riffle, PM, Lodge Trustee
  • John E. Bull, Temple Board Trustee

Second District Grand Masters Reception

The Grand Masters Reception will be held at the Dayton Masonic Center on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Doors open at 5:30 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm, Program at 7:45 pm.

Grand Masters One Day Class

Last day to summit petitions is Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Grand Master Douglas N. Kaylor has announced that each of the twenty five Masonic Districts in Ohio will hold a Grand Master’s Class on Saturday, March 25. Petitions and investigations are to be handled in accordance with the usual rules as found in the Grand Lodge Code of Masonic Law.

Any Brothers proposing a candidate for the Grand Master’s Class should be sure that the individual is available on March 25 and on June 24, which will be the tercentennial celebration of Modern Freemasonry, which all Grand Master’s Class candidates will be expected to attend.

Candidates will be able to complete their degree work or to receive all three degrees of Symbolic Masonry at the Grand Master’s Classes.

Far Hills Lodge has five candidates at this time.

The Class in this area will be held at the Dayton Masonic Center. Registration begins at 7:00 am.

Far Hills Annual Inspection

The Annual Inspection will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 7:00 pm in the Master Mason Degree. A dinner will be served prior to the inspection at 6:00 pm by the Ladies of Dayton-Victory Chapter, OES.

The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center

is ready to answer questions and to help.

Call 1-877-881-1623

In Memoriam

  • Paul Shartle, Jr. Born: 03/05/1920 MM: 11/16/1959 (57) Passed: 12/1/2016 (96)
  • Fount Deaton Born: 12/24/1924 MM: 11/09/1951 (65) Passed: 11/30/2016 (92)
  • Roland Cole Fisher Born: 05/26/1928 MM: 11/23/1951 (65) Passed: 11/03/2016 (88)
  • Thomas Arthur Louis Born: 04/21/1946 MM: 02/18/1992 (23) Passed: 01/23/2016 (70)
  • Paul Edward Myers Born: 01/20/1920 MM: 10/19/1953 (62) Passed: 04/2/2016 (62)

They rest from their labors

From the LEO

The Bible is the first object that the candidate feels under his hands and sees in the Lodge Room, and he soon learns through the lessons of the degrees and the learning he receives from his Mentor that there are many lessons to be learned from the Holy Bible on how to live a life, and why the Holy Bible is The Great Light of Freemasonry.

To close it would be, symbolically, to interrupt the rays of Divine Light which emanate from it. Therefore, before we can work Masonically, the Bible must be opened to indicate that the Lodge is not in darkness, but working by the light of that sacred volume.

The Bible is called the Great light of Masonry because without it on our altars of Freemasonry would be like an unlighted candle; a useful item that is not being used when it can provide so much enlightenment.

From the Secretary

A MINISTER AND MASONRY

By Brother and rev. John R. Selders, Pastor, Christ’s Church, Boardman, Ohio

My father was a Mason (a 32nd Degree and Knight Templar). He was also a great Christian. The Lodge had helped him grow spiritually. I saw Masonry as a marvelous adjunct to the church. Therefore, when I had saved up the money, I too became a Mason. The men who coached me in my degrees and many of my lodge brothers were also my church members. There was no conflict for them between the two. It never occurred to me that there would be a problem between the lodge and the church for anyone. Over the years it has become evident that some church folks are very negative about Freemasonry.

Some of this is due to misunderstanding of teaching and some due to outright lies that are perpetrated against Masonry. However, the major criticism is that Masonry is a religion and the Lodge is a church. This erroneous idea can be disproved in two ways:

(1) In the Installation Service for the Symbolic Lodge Chaplain the ritual reads, “though Masonry does not pretend to be a religious institution (church); yet she should be an auxiliary to whatever is good and great.” So, Masonry does not claim to be a church, regardless of the church-going habits of its members.

(2) In my present congregation there are many fine Masons including Past Masters, and others who have been removed by the Fraternity. These men are the “backbone” of our church. These great Masons are also grand Christians and most are in leadership positions. Here’s my question: If Masonry is a church, why are these distinguished Masons so faithful and active in Christ’s Church?

As you can see, there need not and should not be any conflict between the Lodge and the Church. The experience of this minister with Masonry has been very positive. Even as I desire to see men join our church, I desire to see them become Masons. I always promote Masonry, because it is a great auxiliary to the church.

From the West

John Bull, Jr, Sr. Warden

Brethren, Far Hills Temple will hold it’s annual inspection in the MASTER MASON DEGREE on Thursday, May 4, 2017. It takes 29 men to present this degree. All of the speaking parts have been filled, BUT we still need 10 Brethren to fill in the walking parts of the craft.

Please contact me ASAP at 937-760-8853 or jebulljr@aol.com if you an help us.

There will be three practices for the second section craft team. Monday, March 13, Monday, April 17 and a final rehearsal Monday, May 1.  They will begin at 6:30 PM with food and drinks provided.

Come out and be part of the fun and help raise our newest Member. Let’s provide him the same experience we all enjoyed being raised to the degree of Master Mason.

Far Hills Lodge Survey

Below are the results of the survey sent out in November 2016. Out of approximately 200 member we received 24 returned.

The overwhelming results show an interest in holding one stated meeting a month 16-2 with special meetings called when we have degree work or a specific reason.

The day of the week was divided almost equally on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Discussion will now begin on reducing our meeting from from two per month to one per month. Once decided a day of the week falls on those who have conflicts with a certain day of the week. We will open discussions during our Stated Meeting, Thursday, March 9, 2017.

Far Hills should hold meetings:

  • Once a Month ………………………………………………… 7
  • Twice a Month ……………………………………………….. 2
  • Once a Month & Special as Needed ……………….. 9

What night should we hold meetings (up to 2 choices):

  • Monday………………………………………………………….. 8
  • Tuesday………………………………………………………… 12
  • Wednesday…………………………………………………… 10
  • Thursday ……………………………………………………… 10
  • Friday…………………………………………………………….. 0

Social events:

  • Monthly Breakfast………………………………………….. 3
  • Monthly Lunch………………………………………………. 3
  • Monthly Dinner……………………………………………… 1
  • Quarterly Meal …………………………………………….. 13

Brethren

John Bull, Jr, Sr. Warden

Thank You for participating in the Craft team for our annual inspection in May! I know everyone has a busy schedule and it takes pride and dedication to contribute to the team. So you can plan ahead, here is our practice schedule:

Monday, February 13:

Read through only in the social room like in January. Please try to be ready to read it without little help for the book.

Monday, March 20:

First walk through in the Lodge Room (with book if necessary).

Monday, April 10:

Complete walk through both sections. (No book.)

Monday, May 1:

FINAL REHEARSAL of both sections. (No book.)

Officers, we will be ready through practice of the first part during the stated meetings. AGAIN, thank you for making Far Hills a great lodge for all of us!

 

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Newsletter September 2016

From the East

Brethren, the annual inspection is over. Your officers worked diligently and it did pay off.

The ladies of Dayton-Victory Chapter OES did another fine job feeding us before and after the meeting.

They will be hosting their Annual Christmas Eve and Day relief for First Responders and other Public employees who have to work. Food and Friendship.

Trestleboard

Far Hills Lodge meets EVERY month on the Second and Fourth Thursday — except holidays, July and August.

Sep 22nd – 7:00 PM – Stated Meeting Business and LEO Program
Oct 13th – 7:00 PM – Stated Meeting Business and LEO Program
Oct 27th – 7:00 PM – Stated Meeting Business and LEO Program
Nov 10 – 7:00 PM – Annual Meeting of Far Hills Lodge; Election of Officers for 2016-2017 and Far Hills Temple Association Annual Meeting
Nov 24th – 7:00 PM – Thanksgiving – No meeting
Dec 8th – 7:00 PM – Stated Meeting – Installation of Officers – tiled
Dec 22th – Christmas – No meeting

The Grand Lodge of Ohio, 207th Annual Communication

Sandusky, Ohio
October 14 and 15, 2016

The event is being held at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 — (877) 525-2472

This Grand Lodge will be especially important for the Second Masonic District as RWB Douglas N. Kaylor, a PM of Alpha Lodge No. 729 and current DGM stands a good chance of being elected Grand Master of F & AM of Ohio.

Installation on Saturday, September, 10. A motor coach has been made available for those who do not wish to drive. (First come, first served) Call Kenneth Ballinger for reservations. (937) 831-1841.

In Memorium

Timothy Scott Evans
Born: 7/18/1969 Died: 8/07/2016 47 years old
EA: 3/29/1991
FC: 3/10/1992
MM: 12/22/1992 Rock Moriah Lodge #740 23 years a Mason

Arthur Arould Ames
Born: 1/24/1944 Died: 8/14/2016 72 years old
EA: 2/17/1975
FC: 3/17/1975
MM: 4/14/1975 George L. Marshall #734 34 years a Mason

Far Hills Temple Association Work Day

We will have a temple workday on Saturday, September 24, 2016 beginning with coffee and donuts at 8:30 AM. Work begins at 9:00 AM and we will also have a lite lunch at noon.

Please bring rakes, shovels, gloves and a willing mind to share friendship and fellowship with your Brethren.

Please RSVP to Jim Simko @ 293-8452 so we can have ample refreshments for the day. We will be done by 2:00 PM.

Show Me – From the Lodge Education Officer

I would rather see a Mason than hear one any day, I would rather one would walk with me than merely show the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear, fine counsel is confusing, but examples are always clear.

And the best of all Masons are the men who live their creeds, for to see the good in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done, I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be wise and true, but I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

Or I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give, but there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

– Brother Edgar Guest

You can find Far Hills Lodge on Facebook and Twitter as well as on the website thanks to WB Rich Palmer. We thank him for his help and dedication to the Lodge.

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Newsletter February 2016

From the East

Brethren, Far Hills Lodge ended and began the year on a high note. We once again helped sponsor Dayton-Victory Chapter OES’s Seventh Annual Community Caregivers Christmas Retreat. Twenty-six hours of food and fellowship for those who provide service and protection to our communities. Over eighty were served.

Thank you to the ladies of the OES for allowing us to be a part of their project.

November saw the annual meeting of the Lodge, the election of new officers and the installation of the same.

The Officers for 2016 are:
Kenneth L. Smith – Master
Robert E. Koogler – Senior Warden
Jeffrey T. Smith – Junior Warden
James L. Rhinehart – Senior Deacon
Eric Bull – Junior Deacon
James M. Simko – Treasurer
Richard L. Coy – Secretary
Richard D. Crandall – Chaplain
Arthur G. Camp – Tyler
Thomas R. Spettel – LEO
William D. Riffle – Lodge Trustee
John E. Bull – Temple Board Trustee

The Annual Inspection will be held Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowcraft Degree. A dinner will be served prior to the inspection at 6:00 p.m. by the Ladies of the Dayton-Victory Chapter, OES.

Far Hills Temple Association Work Day

We will have a temple workday on Saturday, June 11, 2016 beginning with coffee and donuts at 8:30 a.m. Work begins at 9:00 a.m. and will will have a light lunch at noon. All windows, including those at the entrance doors, are to be cleaned. Please bring rakes, shovels, gloves, and a willing mind to share friendship and fellowship with your Brethren.

Please RSVP to Jim Simko, 937-293-8452, so we can have ample refreshments for the day. We will be done by 2:00 p.m.

From the Secretary

A number of members have not returned their dues monies for this year. Please check your wallet to see if you have a 2016 dues card. We have been having some issues with the USPS. Send your $70.00 and I will provide you a new card.

Thanks to all of your kind words during my time with medical issues. Most appreciated. Thanks to WB Jim Simko for his extra help.

In Memorium

Jimmie Hoover
Born: August 1, 1938
Died: August 5, 2015
EA: 3/04/1980
FC: 4/22/1980
MM: 5/20/1980
Rock Moriah Lodge No. 740
77 years old – 35 years a Mason

Elmo Eugene Hyder
Born: May 13, 1932
Died: November 26, 2015
EA: 11/27/1961
FC: 1/8/1962
MM: 3/17/1962
George L. Marshall Lodge No. 734
83 years old – 53 years a Mason

Thomas Arthur Louis
Born: April 21, 1946
Died: January 23, 2016
EA: 10/1/1991
FC: 1/14/1992
MM: 2/18/1992
Rock Moriah Lodge No. 740
69 years old – 23 years a Mason

The Lamb Skin

by Edgar A. Guest

It is not ornamental, the cost is not great,
There are other things far more useful, yet truly I state,
Tho of all my possessions, there’s none can compare,
With that white leather apron, which all Masons wear.

As a young lad I wondered just what it all meant,
When Dad hustled around, and so much time was spent
On shaving and dressing and looking just right,
Until Mother would say: “It’s the Masons tonight.”

And some winter nights she said: “What makes you go,
Way up there tonight thru the sleet and the snow,
You see the same things every month of the year.”
Then Dad would reply: “Yes, I know it, my dear.”

Forty years I have seen the same things, it is true.
And though they are old, they always seem new,
For the hands that I clasp, and the friends that I greet,
Seem a little bit closer each time that we meet.”

Years later I stood at that very same door,
With good men and true who had entered before,
I knelt at the alter, and there I was taught
That virtue and honor can never be bought.

That the spotless white lambskin all Masons revere,
If worthily worn grows more precious each year,
That service to others brings blessings untold,
That man may be poor tho surrounded by gold.

I learned that true brotherhood flourishes there,
That enmities fade ‘neath the compass and square,
That wealth and position are all thrust aside,
As there on the level men meet and abide.

So, honor the lambskin, may it always remain
Forever unblemished, and free from all stain,
And when we are called to the Great Father’s love,
May we all take our place in that Lodge up above.