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From the East.

Summer break is about over and it is time for the craft to resume their labors. Our first meeting will be on September 8, 2011 at our usual opening time of 7:00 p.m. The business of the meeting will mainly be catching up from the summer and any other business that may come up.

Far Hills Lodge had the privilege to bestow many service pins for brethren who have served Masonry for 50, 60 and 65 years. Brother Jack A. Daugherty received his 65 year service pi. Brethren who received 60 year pins were Robert D. Goodwin, Ronal I. Minor, William R. Ringo, Thomas H. Routsong PM, William E. Walser, and Mark J. Wells. Recipients of 50 year pins were Ted D. Flommersfeld, Lee E. Snyder, Donald R. Warner, Ronald H. Wills and Chester A. Roush. Congratulations and well done, brethren.

Also presented were 25, 35, and 40 year service pins to several brethren. More pins will be presented when our stock is replenished.

Temple

There will be a temple work day on September 17, 2011. On the docket are painting the portico, tree pruning, and cleanup of tree branches on the lawn. Before work begins we will be bostering up with a healthy serving of coffee and donuts.

Labor to Rest

John William Paul, age 64: EA 1/14/74; FC 3/4/74; MM 3/23/74 Called to rest 4/29/11

George W. Martin, age 84: EA 6/18/76; FC 1/3/77; MM 5/23/77 Called to rest 6/18/11

Lowell E Blank, PM Rock Moriah Lodge, 1963, age 89; EA 1/15/57, FC 2/19/57; MM 3/25/77. Called to rest May 27/11

Carl J. Larson, PM Rock Moriah Lodge, 1985, age 98; EA 9/26/72; FC 11/7/72; MM 2/13/73; Called to rest 7/18/11

Karl A. Stein II, age 70; EA 6/7/65; FC 10/4/65; MM 11/14/66 Called to rest 8/10/11

Lodge Secretary

Dues notices are coming. Please, as you receive your notice, write the check immediately. If you can, bring it to our next meeting. That will solve two problems: Money and Attendance. We need both to keep our lodge viable and visible.

We would also like to see you. If you have ideas on how to improve our meetings, please pass them on to the WM or the SW.

On The Lighter Side

He was wondering why the Frisbee kept getting bigger. And then, it hit him.

A centipede is an inch worm that has gone metric.

One housewife to another: “What do you use for washing dishes?”
Second: “Oh, I tried many things, but found my husband best.”

Check out these Masonic sites:

www.freemason.com
www.secondmasonicdistrict.org

Fraternal Greetings from the East.

Welcome, Brethren, to the New Year of 2011. As I return to the East for another term (my fifth), I see that we will have a few busy few months ahead with candidates receiving their degrees, many service pins that need to be presented, our annual inspection on April 14th, in the Master Mason Degree and, working with new additions to the officer line.

At the annual meeting of the Lodge on November 11, 2012, the following members were elected or appointed to the following stations:

• Master: James M. Simko, PM
• Senior Warden: Ned R. Graeter
• Junior Warden: Jack M. Harless, PM
• Treasurer: Thomas L. Rutherford
• Secretary: John A. Weyrauch, PM
• Chaplain: Thomas L. Rutherford
• Senior Deacon: Thomas R. Adams
• Junior Deacon: William D. Riffle
• Tyler: Arthur G. Camp
• Senior Steward: Christopher A. Weaver
• Junior Steward: Kenneth L. Smith
• Marshal: Robert E. Koogler
• Trustee: Thomas R. Spettel, PM

The secretary has mailed out the dues notices for 2011. If you haven’t returned your dues, please do so very soon. Not paying lodge dues can lead to loss of privileges in all affiliated bodies as well as in the Symbolic Lodge. Your dues are vital to the health of our Lodge and the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

In May, we will be presenting many service pins for brethren who have served the lodge for many years. This year, pins will be presented for 25, 35, 40, 50 and 60 years. The pins for 35 and 40 years are newly created by the Grand Lodge. I will be contacting the brethren who are on the list to receive them. If you believe you are entitled to the 25, 50 or 60 year awards but haven’t received them, please contact me or the secretary by phone, e-mail or letter.

This year, Far Hills Lodge will be inspected in the Master Mason Degree in April. All speaking parts must be given by our own lodge members. I will really need your help in this area. The officers will be giving their parts in the first section, but we will need at least eight brethren familiar with speaking parts in the second section.

In Memorium

On a sad note, we announce the death of WB William D. Massie at his home in Avon Park, FL. on Dec. 13, 2010. WB Massie was A Past Master of Geo. L. Marshall Lodge, No. 734, 1972-1973. Past District Deputy Grand Master, 2nd Masonic District and Past Commander in Chief, Dayton Consistory, AASR, Valley of Dayton. A memorial service will be held in his honor in February, 2011.

Also,
William F. Schmidt, Past Marshal, Far Hills Lodge; October 1, 2010.

Holiday of Giving

Far Hills Masonic Center was taken over by the Ladies of Dayton-Victory Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as they provided food and relaxation for the police, fire and service personnel of Centerville and Washington Twp. who had to work those days. This was their second year to do this and it was greatly appreciated by their guests.

Basic Principles

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. It requires of its members a belief in God as part of the obligation of every responsible adult, but advocates no sectarian faith or practice. Masonic ceremonies include prayers, both traditional and extempore, to reaffirm each individual’s dependence on God and to seek divine guidance. Freemasonry is open to men of any faith, but religion may not be discussed at Masonic meetings.

The Supreme Being

Masons believe that there is one God and that people employ many different ways to seek, and to express what they know of God. Masonry primarily uses the appellation, “Grand Architect of the Universe,” and other non-sectarian titles, to address the Deity. In this way, persons of different faiths may join together in prayer, concentrating on God, rather than differences among themselves. Masonry believes in religious freedom and that the relationship between the individual and God is personal, private, and sacred.

Volume of the Sacred Law

An open volume of the Sacred Law, “the rule and guide of life,” is an essential part of every Masonic meeting. The Volume of the Sacred Law in the Judeo-Christian tradition is the Bible; to Freemasons of other faiths, it is the book held holy by them.

The Oath of Freemasonry

The obligations taken by Freemasons are sworn on the Volume of the Sacred Law. They are undertakings to follow the principles of Freemasonry and to keep confidential a Freemason’s means of recognition. The much discussed “penalties,” judicial remnants from an earlier era, are symbolic, not literal. They refer only to the pain any honest man should feel at the thought of violating his word.

Freemasonry Compared with Religion

Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion: It has no dogma or theology, no wish or means to enforce religious orthodoxy. It offers no sacraments. It does not claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge, or by any other means. The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition, not with the means of salvation.

Freemasonry Supports Religion

Freemasonry is far from indifferent toward religion. Without interfering in religious practice, it expects each member to follow his own faith and to place his duty to God above all other duties. Its moral teachings are acceptable to all religions.

To my Masonic Brethren:

Please consider donating blood to the blood bank. Brothers, wives, and/or friends etc can donate and with credit going to the Far Hills Lodge No. 784. Our I.D. No. 1418 . Ask for Nancy Blair at the Blood Center if you need help. Remember it’s easy to give this gift to others in need. It’s the “Masonic way.”

–Thanks, Ron Seigla, Blood Bank Chairman

Please notify the Lodge Secretary of all changes to your personal data including your, E-mail or postal addresses.

Lodge Secretary:

WB John A. Weyrauch, 4700 Briar Knoll Dr. Kettering, OH 45429. 434-5140

jaweyrauch@woh.rr.com

Worshipful Master:

WB James M. Simko, 1316 Southlyn Drive, Kettering, Ohio 45409. 293-8452

Far Hills Temple manager:

WB Thomas A. Spettel, 116 Sherbrooke Dr., Kettering, OH 45429. 294-8647 tspettel@woh.rr.com

Check out these Masonic sites:

www.freemason.com
www.secondmasonicdistrict.org

On The Lighter Side

“People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don’t know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to do so.”

- George Allen

Far Hills Newsletter

Fraternal Greetings from the East.

Greetings Brethren,

Your lodge has been very active for the last fiscal year. WB Jack Harless led us for his second year and special thanks go to the Past Masters who helped keep the lodge alive.

It is time for some changes, as we prepare for a new Masonic year. You are invited to attend the annual meeting on Thursday, November 11th and help elect the new officers to lead us. As usual, there will be refreshments after the meeting.

From the Grand Master

Worshipful Brother, Terry W. Posey complete a very busy and productive year. Check out his blog to see how busy he really was. GMOhio.blogspot.com He did the Second Masonic District proud.

This Date in Masonic History:

On this date (November 1) in 1922, the cornerstone of the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia was laid in a Masonic ceremony.

Trestle Board

November 11  -   7 PM Annual Meeting -  Election of Officers – Reports. Also, Far Hills Temple Association Annual Mtg.

November 25  -   No Meeting. Happy Thanksgiving.

December 8  – 7 PM Stated Meeting -  Installation of Officers.

December 22  – No Meetings until January 2011

January 13  -  7 PM Stated Meeting.  Business

January 27  – 7 PM Stated Meeting – Possible EA Degree

Remember that Far Hills Lodge meets on the Second and Fourth Thursdays of each month except during July and August

Far Hills Temple Association

Thank you to Tom Spettel, Carl Eger and Dick Crandall for repainting the front porch pillars on the building. It was not an easy job. Come to Lodge November 11 to hear their report. They do a great job taking care of the facilities.

Freemasons correctly meet as a Lodge, not in a Lodge. The word “Lodge” referring more to the people assembled than the place of assembly. However, in common usage, Masonic premises are often referred to as “Lodges”. Masonic buildings are also sometimes called “Temples”. In many countries, Masonic Centre or Hall has replaced Temple to avoid arousing prejudice and suspicion. Several different Lodges, as well as other Masonic or non-Masonic organisations, often use the same premises at different times. According to Masonic tradition, medieval European stonemasons would meet, eat, and shelter outside working hours in a Lodge on the southern side of a building site, where the sun warms the stones during the day. The social Festive Board (or Social Board) part of the meeting is thus sometimes called the South. Early Lodges often met in a tavern or any other convenient fixed place with a private room.

Blood Bank Information

Please consider donating blood to the blood bank. Brothers, wives, and/or friends, etc. may donate with credit going to Far Hills Lodge #784. Our ID number is 1418. Ask for Nancy Blair at the Blood Center if you need help.

Remember it’s easy to give this gift to others in need. It’s the “Masonic way.”

Thanks,
Ron Seigla, Blood Bank Chairman

From the LEO

Several years ago, the story is told of a Mason who always wore his Masonic ring and lapel pin when in public. On some occasions he rode the bus from his home to the downtown area. On one such trip, when he sat down, he discovered the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.

As he considered what to do he thought to himself, “You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.” Then he thought, “Oh, forget it; it’s only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount?” “Anyway, the transit company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and keep quiet.”

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then handed the quarter to the driver and said, “here, you gave me too much change.”

The driver with a smile replied, “I noticed your Masonic ring and lapel pin. I have been thinking lately about asking a Mason how to join. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. You passed the test. Can you tell me how to become a Mason?”

When the Mason stepped off the buss, he said a silent prayer, “Oh, God, Grand Architect of the Universe, I almost sold you and my beloved Mason out for a mere quarter.”

Our actions are the only Masonic creed some will ever see. This is an almost scary example of how people watch us as Masons and may put us to the test even without us realizing it! Always be diligent, whether it be at the theater, restaurant, grocery, service station or just driving in traffic. Remember, whether it be a lapel pin, a ring, or an emblem on the car, you carry the name of our great fraternity on your shoulders whenever you call yourself a Mason. You never can tell who may be watching!

From the Secretary’s Desk

Please notify me of any changes to your personal data, including your email and postal address.

Remember that your dues are due NOW and are very much needed. Please send them back ASAP. Thank you if you have already done so.

Check out these sites:

• www.farhillsmasons.org
• www.freemason.com
• www.secondmasonicdistrict.org

Important Notice

Please note that all correspondence to the lodge should be sent to our secretary’s home address:

John A. Weyrauch, 4700 Briar Knoll Dr. Kettering, OH 45429
937-434-5140  jaweyrauch@woh.rr.com

If the correspondence is meant for the Master, it should be sent to:

Jack Harless, 7185 Bigger Lane., Centerville, OH 45459.
937-681-0512   jackharlessdc@yahoo.com

Far Hills Temple Manager:
WB Thomas A. Spettel, 116 Sherbrooke Dr. Kettering OH 45429
937-294-8647 tspettel@woh.rr.com

Mail sent to the temple address will be returned to the sender by the post office. We do not have provisions to receive mail at the temple.

From the Lighter Side

A man is walking through the recreation ground of his local park when he notices a huge fight in full fury on the football field he is passing. “What’s going on?” he asks a spectator watching from the side-lines. The other replies, “It’s a match between the Masons and the Knights of Columbus.” “What’s the score?” asks the man. “I don’t know,” is the reply, “it’s a secret.”

A Doctor and a Plumber are in the same Lodge. On Sunday morning the Doctor wakes up to find his toilet blocked. So he rings the Plumber. “But I don’t work Sundays! Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” The doctor said, “I don’t like working Sundays either, but if you were in trouble, and felt unwell, Brother I would come around to see you.”

“OK.” says the Plumber. He goes to the Doctor. He goes upstairs and looks at the toilet, takes two aspirins from his pocket and throws them down the bowl. “There,” he says. “If it’s no better tomorrow give me a ring and I will call around.”

Far Hills Newsletter

Fraternal Greetings from the East.

Greetings Brethren,

Happy New Year!  I hope and trust that is all is well.  I want to start the new year out by asking our members to remember and reflect on what it is about the Craft that they love.   We are at an interesting point in our history, not only nationally, but at the Blue Lodge level as well.  We have to identify what it is that our members want, and what they would like to see this Fraternity become in the future.

“The times they are a changin’” and so is the Craft.  If we are to change and make progress we have to know what direction to take.  We are looking for your input, so drop me a line or better yet come to lodge and talk to me about it.  As the saying goes, “if you’re not changing and progressing, you’re already behind.”  I would say we have a good deal of catching up to do.  We need your help Brethren!

From the Grand Master

This year our Most Worshipful Brother, Terry W. Posey has placed an emphasis on our men and women in uniform with his slogan “It’s all in the Family”.  In an effort to reach out to those men in the military, EMTs and firemen, MWB Posey has allowed for each Lodge to confer all three degrees for the lowest possible cost of $40.00.  If you know of a good man who is in uniform this would be a great time to talk to him about the Craft.

This Date in Masonic History:

Jan 2. 1901:   On this date in 1901, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt received his 1st degree in Matinecock Lodge #806, Oyster Bay, New York.

Trestle Board

January 14th -   7 PM Stated Meeting -  EA Degree – MM Exam

January 28th -   7 PM State Meeting -    FC practice.

February 11th – 7 PM Stated Meeting -  FC Degree.

February 25th – 7 PM Stated Meeting – Annual Inspection – FC Degree

March 11th -     7 PM Stated Meeting.  Business

March 25th -     7 PM Stated Meeting – Business

Remember that Far Hills Lodge meets on the Second and Fourth Thursdays of each month except during July and August

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”

- Benjamin Franklin

More from the East

Not since 1975 have five Past Grand Masters and the new Grand Master received Grand Honors in Far Hills Temple. Back then, MWB Calvin T. Hubler had been elected Grand Master and George L. Marshall Lodge became the first subordinate lodge to give him Grand Honors. The five past Grand Masters were Charles B. Hoffman, L. Todd McKinney, Frank W. Nicholas, Ralph M. Francisco and Louis C. Holzapfel.

On Thursday, October 22, 2009, Far Hills Lodge became the first subordinate lodge to extend Grand Honors to Most Worshipful Brother Terry W. Posey as the newest Grand Master of Masons of Ohio. In attendance with him were five Past Grand Masters. MWB Neil M. Smalley, David L. Dresser, Douglas O. Brennaman, William P. Mayberry, Sr. and James M. Williamson.

This time however the subject was the Master Mason Degree. MWB Dresser wanted to raise his two grandsons and as he was short on time before he had to return to his home in Florida, he received permission from the Grand Master to raise the two Fellowcraft Masons simultaneously. Two sets of ruffians, two Senior Deacons were the only changes. Each grandson was raised individually.

The grandsons were examined in each degree the traditional way, the long way. Both were eager to learn more about masonry and had decided not to go through the one-day class.

Any one-day class member who would like to experience the one-on-one feeling may make his wishes known to one of the officers and we will fit you into the schedule; which- ever degree you would like to experience.

It has been difficult to get brethren interested in becoming line officers. Being a lodge officer  is not an impossible task and can be very rewarding. Some time and commitment is required. Let one of the officers know if you are interested. It is not fair to ask the Past Masters to have all the fun.

2010 Lodge Officers Elected and Installed:

• WB Jack Harless – Worshipful Master
• WB Dan Springston – Senior Warden
• Bro Dave Brewer – Junior Warden
• WB Jim Simko – Treasurer
• WB John Weyrauch – Secretary
• Bro Tom Rutherford – Chaplain
• Bro Kevin Howard – Senior Deacon
• Bro Tom Adams – Junior Deacon
• WB Bill Irwin – LEO
• Bro Bill Riffle – Senior Steward
• Bro Bob Tomlinson – Junior Steward
• Bro Art Camp – Tyler
• WB Lloyd Nickel – Marshal
• WB Dale Evans – Trustee

Be proud of being a member of the oldest fraternal organization in the world. Support your blue lodges as well as the Scottish Rite. York Rite and the Shrine.

We’re like the marines. We are looking for a few good men!

Christmas Holiday Event Successful

Congratulations are in order as Far Hills Temple was the scene of a great event on Christmas Eve  beginning at 5:30 PM and running through 6:00 PM Christmas Day.

The event was planned and executed by the members of Dayton-Victory Chapter No. 594, Order of the Eastern Star (Judy Mack, Worthy Matron) provided food to all emergency personnel of Centerville and Washington Twp.

The event started slowly, but as the word spread, the number of patrons increased and the food was kept fresh and hot throughout the day. The OES Chapter has already planned to do this again next year. Thanks from the members of FHL for bringing attention to the FHT.

Blood Bank Information

Anyone who donates blood to the blood bank, i.e., brothers, wives, and/or friends can donate and credit it to the Far Hills Lodge No. 784.   We now have an I.D. number, which is 1418. If you don’t remember that number, ask for Nancy Blair at the Blood Center for help.

Remember it’s easy to give this gift to others in need. It’s the “Masonic way.”

Thanks,
Ron Seigla, Blood Bank Chairman

From the Secretary’s Desk

We are looking forward to reducing our suspensions for non-payment of dues.  If you’re having difficulty paying your dues, please let us know and we can help you out.  Contact the Secretary or Worshipful Master in whatever way is most convenient for you.

Check out these sites:

• www.farhillsmasons.org
• www.freemason.com
• www.secondmasonicdistrict.org

Important Notice

Please note that all correspondence to the lodge should be sent to our secretary’s home address:

John A. Weyrauch, 4700 Briar Knoll Dr. Kettering, OH 45429
937-434-5140  jaweyrauch@woh.rr.com

If the correspondence is meant for the Master, it should be sent to:

Jack Harless, 7185 Bigger Lane., Centerville, OH 45459.
937-681-0512   jackharlessdc@yahoo.com

Mail sent to the temple address will be returned to the sender by the post office. We do not have provisions to receive mail at the temple.

From the East

I hope that your summer has been exciting, I know that mine has. It’s time to pick up the tools and begin working again. We have a busy schedule planned for the next couple of months and your participation will be greatly appreciated.

Believe it or not, the Masonic year is actually winding down and we are looking for brethren to fill positions in the line. This may be the year to take a more active role in your Lodge.

Brethren, at our last stated meeting in June we had an unusual occurrence happen. Two candidates opted out of the Grand Master’s Class to take their journey through Masonry the traditional way.

We were privileged to have three Past Grand Masters: MWB David L. Dresser, MWB William P. Mayberry, Sr. and MWB James M. Williamson; and our Deputy Grand Master RWB Terry W. Posey present to initiate the two grandsons of MWB Dresser. Other members of the Lodge assisted in the work of the evening. WB Jim Simko did a fine job with the lecture and Bro. Tom Adams did his usual fine job with the charge.

Please join us in welcoming our new members into the Lodge and help us to make them feel welcome. Newly obligated EAs are Bros. Michael A. Miller and Jonathan D. Miller, two blood brothers who, as you read above, decided to receive their degree work the traditional way. These are the two grandsons of MWB. Dresser.

Grand Master’s Class

At the state-wide Grand Master’s Class held on June 13, 2009, 2340 men were raised. In the Second District, held at the Dayton Masonic Center, 235 candidates (largest in the state) received their three Masonic degrees. That class included nine candidates from Far Hills Lodge, including MWB Dresser’s son-in-law Bro. John E. Millstead, Jr. Other new brothers from the one-day class are Bro. Eric M. Bull, son of Bro. John E. Bull, Jr., Bro. Sean K. Fickert, son of Bro. Robin S. Fickert; Bro. Thomas A. Harris, grandson of Bro. Thomas N. Harris, Bro. Mark T. Seitz, son of Bro. Thomas A. Seitz; Bro. Anthony D. Tomlinson, Bro. Robert Tomlinson, step-sons of WB Lloyd O. Nickell; Bro. Christopher R. Wamsley and Bro. Matthew A. Mattingly, friends of WB Jack M. Harless.

I-CARE

The main mission of Masonic Senior Services/I-CARE is to link senior Masons, their wives and widows, and Eastern Star members to services in their community that will allow them to remain healthy, safe and independent in their own homes as long as possible.

An in-home assessment is available to provide convenience, privacy and individual care in linking unmet needs with available services. Each of the I-CARE Coordinators has extensive knowledge of their area’s available services for seniors.

Lodge Education Officer

On August 5, 1884 on Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor, the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty was laid.

On October 9, 1880, the American Committee of the Statue of Liberty issued an invitation to the Freemasons Grand Lodge of the State of New York.

On August 5, 1884, in response to that invitation Grand Master William A. Brodie, assisted by his associate Grand Lodge Officers, laid the cornerstone of the pedestal of the Bartholdi Statue of Liber Enlightening the World, on Bedloe’s Island, in New York Harbor.

The copper box placed under the stone contained many rare memorials. Among the were nineteen bronze medals from the United States Mint, representing as many Presidents of the Federal Government who were all proven Freemasons; a copy of the United States Constitution; George Washington’s Farewell Address; copies of New York City newspapers; a portrait of Bartholdi; a copy of Poem on Liberty by E.R. Johnes; and a list on parchment of the Grand Lodge officers.

Although cornerstones of public buildings and monuments had been laid by representatives of the Grand Lodge from the beginning of the history of the State, voices of opponents began to be heard questioning the propriety of the procedure. The Grand Master took occasion, therefore, to offer worlds of explanation at the laying of the cornerstone of the Statue of Liberty. He said that the Fraternity had been called upon for this service because it had become a common law of practice the world over to invite the Masonic craft to lay the cornerstones of public structures, in time honored recognition of the fact that, symbolically at least, the Freemasons of the present are the descendants of the ancient operative Masons who built the world’s great masterworks of architecture.

There was, besides, a special reason: “No institution has done more to promote liberty and to free men from the trammels and chains of ignorance and tyranny than Freemasonry, and we, as a Fraternity, take an honest pride in depositing the cornerstone of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World.”

Bro. Frederic A. Bartholdi was born April 2, 1834 at Colmar, Alsace, France. He passed away in 1904. He was the designer of the Statue of Liberty. Bro. Bartholdi convened his Lodge members to review the statue before it was shown to the United States committee. He was one of the early members of Lodge Alsace-Lorraine, Paris, France.

From the Secretary’s Desk

Any questions or problems regarding membership, dues, suspensions, reinstatement from suspension, petitions or awards should check with John Weyrauch. We can make special arrangements according to the situation of each individual brother or just answer your questions. Dues are comin’!

Blood Bank

Brethren, we do have a blood bank account set up at the Community Blood Center. When you donate tell them that it is for the account for Far Hills Masonic Lodge #784. We will get credit for each pint of blood donated. Brethren, this is one way to help others by giving something of yourself.
Thanks,
-Bro. Ron Seigla

Annual Communication

October 16 & 17
Toledo, Ohio

The governing body of Ohio Masonry is the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F & AM, located in Worthington, near Columbus. Each year the Grand Lodge holds an annual communication to dispense with business necessary to govern Ohio masonry and to elect new officers.

The Annual Communication is held in different cities and this year it will be held in Toledo on October 16 & 17.

Since it his highly likely in the normal progression of the officer line that the Deputy Grand Master advances (if elected by the members present at the convocation) to Grand Master, the present DGM, RWB Terry W. Posey, will be elected Grand Master in Toledo.

The Past Masters’ Club of Antioch Shrine has been asked to be the Honor Guard for his installation on Saturday. A bus has been hired to transport anyone desiring to go to Toledo on that Saturday (17th) morning and return later in the afternoon. For details or to reserve your seat, contact Mike Johnson at (513) 885-1627 or (513) 737-6576.

Open Houses

At the statewide open houses mandated by the Grand Master the words used to describe the event were: “excitement” and “success”. Check out the article in the May/June 2009 issue of the Beacon.

A Warm Masonic Tale

This is a story of Masons surrounding a campfire in the Old West, at night, discussing the Fraternity and its teachings. One old man listened patiently, then finally spoke up.

“I can tell you more about Masonry in a little example than some of the great Masonic philosophers can in books.

Everybody stand up and gather in a circle around the campfire,” he said. They did that.

“Now, everybody hold hands with the man next to him,” said the old man. They did that, too.

“What do you see looking ahead?” asked the man. “The face of a brother through the flames,” said one participant. The old man asked, “What do you feel in front of you?” The response was “the warmth of the fire” and “the comfort it brings on a cool night.” The old man continued, “What do you feel at your side?” They responded, “the warm hand of a Brother.”

“Okay,” said the man, “Drop your hands and turn around.” The did so.

“Now what do you see as you look ahead?” asked the old man. The reply: “Complete darkness.”

“What do you feel at your side?” “A sense of loneliness, of being alienated.”

He asked, “What do you feel at your side?” They answered, “Nothing at all.”

Finally, the old man asked, “What do you feel on your backside?” They replied, “The warmth of the fire.”

“So it is with Masonry,” said the old man.

“In Masonic gatherings you can feel the warmth of Masonic interaction. You can see the face of a Brother through the light Masonry brings to you, and you can always feel the warm hand of your Masonic Brother.

When you turn away from Masonry and are out in the world, you see darkness, feel alienated and alone, and you do not feel the warm hand of your Masonic Brother. But Masonry, and the warmth and light it brings, are just a turn away from you.”