Grand Master of Freemasons of Ohio

November 17, 2011: Youngstown Shrine Club

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November 17: Youngstown Shrine Club

The Grand Master met with the Nobles of the Youngstown Shrine Club in North Lima, Ohio, during their Annual Meeting. Brother Jay Jones, President, presided over the meeting that elected his successor, Brother Hugh Davenport, to the Presidency of the Shrine Club for the ensuing year. The Nobles of the Youngstown Shrine Club have taken on the responsibility of hosting the Deputy Grand Masters Hospitality Suite in Cleveland last October and the Grand Masters Hospitality Suite in Akron, Ohio, October 2012. The hospitality suite in Cleveland was well done and received rave reviews.

December 5, 2011: Installation of Officers at both Scio and Harrison Lodges

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On Monday, Pam, the Grand Chaplain, and I visited the Brethren in the 23rd Masonic District and I had the pleasure of installing the officers of both Scio Lodge #587 (Scio, Ohio) and Harrison Lodge #219 (Cadiz, OH.) The open Installation ceremony was conducted at the lodge in Scio. The installation was followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.

WM of Scio Lodge; Grand Master; WM of Harrison Lodge

New Officers of Harrison Lodge

New Officers of Scio Lodge with the Grand Master

December 3, 2011: Installation of Officers at Euclid Lodge

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MWB Kevin Todd with WB Garrett McKrill and the new Officers of Euclid #599

The Brethren met at the Clevelande Masonic Center to conduct the 104th Installion of Officers of Euclid Lodge. The new Worshipful Master, WB Garrett McKrill, and several of his officers were installed by MWB Kevin Todd while wearing their kilts displaying the tartans of their various ancestral clans. Brother Don Willis piped in the officers; WB William Koeckert delivered the Flag Lecture, "Ode to the Flag" while wearing his 1776 army uniform. The retiring Master, WB Tony Constantine was installed as a lodge Trustee.

The 2012 Officers of Euclid Lodge #599

December 2, 2011: Installation of Officers at New Lisbon Lodge

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New Lisbon Lodge (Lisbon, Ohio) held their 152^nd Annual Installation of Officers on Friday night. The Installing Officer was RWB Joseph Phillis, Past Grand Tyler, and WB Robert Ward was the Installing Marshal. In attendance was the Grand Master, an Honorary Member of New Lisbon Lodge. The new Worshipful Master, John T. Shulas, was pleased to see such a nice turnout for his Installation.

The Grand Master and the WB John Shulas with his two sons

December 1, 2011: Installation of Officers at Poland Lodge

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The Brethren of Poland Lodge #766 Installed new officers on Thursday night. The Installation was preceded by a ham dinner. The new Worshipful Master, WB John B. Young and most of the officers were installed by the MWB Todd and the LEO was installed by WB David Moss, the District Education Officer.

The new Poland Lodge Offices with the Grand Master,

Grand Chaplain (RWB David Collins,) and the Grand Tyler (RWB Calvin Giusto)

November 24, 2011: Ohio Masonic Home Thanksgiving Celebration

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The Junior Grand Warden, RWB Steve Cokonougher and his daugher, Amy Fleck (and family;)

RWB David Collins and Mary Ann, Grand Chaplain; and MWB Kevin Todd and Pam were at the Springfield Campus of the Ohio Masonic Home to visit with the residents and to join them for a great Thanksgiving Dinner. The Grand Lodge Officers and their ladies greeted the residents and toured all areas of the Springfield Campus. The residents and staff of our Masonic Home were in a fine holiday spirit and a good meal and fellowship was enjoyed by all.

Pam and MWB Todd greeting residents at the Springfield Campus

Pam Todd, Residents Joy and MWB C. Rolland Lattanner, and MWB Todd

A beautiful stained glass window at the Ohio Masonic Home

November 22, 2011: Installation of Officers at Homeworth Lodge

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The Grand Master had the honor of installing the officers of Homeworth Lodge #499, Homeworth, Ohio. WB Matthew Hahlen was installed as the Worshipful Master. His father, WB Paul Hahlen, is his Chaplain. RWB James Hahlen (his Grandfather) was his Installing Marshal. That make three generations of Hahlen Past Masters at Homeworth Lodge.#499.

WB Matthew Hahlen and new Homeworth #499 officers

WB Matthew Hahlen (kneeling); L-R, RWB James Hahlen;

MWB Todd; WB Paul Hahlen

November 18, 2012: Grand Lodge of Maryland

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On Friday, Kevin and Pam Todd traveled to Timonium, Maryland to attend the Grand Lodge of Maryland's Annual Communication. The visit started off with a Grand Masters Banquet on Friday night at the Grand Lodge of Maryland's headquarters with MWB Stephen J. Ponzillo and his wife, Marie. The headquarters building is situated on the same property as their Maryland Masonic Home. Maryland's Masonic Home is a beautiful facility built on a farm (also known as "Bonnie Blink") purchased by the Maryland Masons for use as a facility to care for their elder Masons, Masonic Widows and their children. The Grand Master shared the evening with many old and new friends. Ohio delegation was completed by MWB George and Marilyn Braatz (new head of M.S.A.)
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MWB Todd with MWB Stephen J. Ponzillo, III, Grand Master of Maryland

On Saturday, November 19th, the Grand Lodge of Maryland Annual Communication started off with the introduction of many distinguished guests. The business of the Grand Lodge was very successful. The Brethren of Maryland approved over $5,000,000 to make improvements to their "Bonnie Blink" for the care of their Brethren in their Maryland Masonic Home. The day finished with a dinner to celebrate the installation of the 2012 Grand Lodge Officers. MWB Ponzillo was reinstalled as Grand Master because in Maryland the Grand Master serves a two-year term. RWB Gerald E. (Denise) Piepiora was installed for a second term as Deputy Grand Master.

WB George Hoffman (SW Mt. Moriah Lodge, Towson MD) and

RWB Robert W. Chase (Jr. Grand Warden, Maryland) and MWB Todd

MWB Garry Dowling, Grand Master of Canada, Ontario Province, with MWB Todd

MWB Richard Stewart (Grand Master of Massachusetts), MWB Todd,

and MWB Earl J. Washburn (PGM Vermont), Executive Director,

National Masonic Foundation for Children

January 22, 2012

2012-01-22T17:10:00.000-08:00

There appears to have been an issue with the postings to this blog. For some reason the postings from after November 13th had been sent to a different location. I will move those postings to this site first, then continue with current postings.

November 13, 2011: RWB Michael Cecil, 33rd Degree Presentation

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A couple of Past Grand Masters (MWB Jack Allen and MWB Doug Brenneman)
enjoyed the event and the meal

The Junior Grand Warden, RWB Steve Cokonougher

The Grand Master with Right Worshipful and Illustrious Brother Cecil

On Sunday, we met in Mansfield, Ohio to see RWB Ill. Michael Cecil presented with his Cap and Jewel for the 33rd Degree from the AASR Valley of Canton. A wonderful time was had by all at a nice banquet center in Mansfield. Mikes wife, Christie, paid special attention to the Greek food - which was fantastic. To honor RWB Cecil, there were many Past Grand Masters in attendance (MWB Ron Winnett, WB Jim Deyo, MWB Jack Allen, MWB Doug Brenneman) and the Past Grand Chaplain, RWB Ralph Crossan.

Past Grand Chaplain, RWB Ralph and Rita Crossan

November 12, 2011: 33rd Degree / MSA Cap & Jewel Presentations

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Ill Kevin Todd; Bro Jesse Boles, MSA;
Ill. James Kowacich; Bro William Boles, MSA

On November 12, 2011, AASR Valley of Youngstown met to present MWB Ill. Kevin Todd and WB Ill. James Kowacich with their cap and jewels for the 33rd Degree. Bro. Jesse Boles, and Bro. William Boles, were presented with their Cap and Jewels for the Meritorious Service Award from the Ohio Council of Deliberation. The presentation ceremonies were proceeded by a dinner prepared and served by the Order of the Eastern Star, Miriam Chapter. The Deputies Representative, Ill. Phillip R. Elliott, presided over the meeting.

November 11, 2011 (11-11-11): Installation of Officers at William Farr Lodge

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The Grand Master with the New Officers of Wm Farr 672;
Installing Officers, and Special Guests

The Grand Master was the Installing Officer for the Installation of Officers and William Farr Lodge #672, Girard, Ohio. WB David Williams was installed as the Worshipful Master. The Grand Chaplain, RWB David Collins, was one of the Installing Officers and also a member of Wm Farr Lodge. RWB Steve Cokonougher, the Junior Grand Warden, and RWB Frank Carson, DDGM from the 14th Disrict, came up to Girard from Columbus. There were three Brothers from the Grand Lodge of Ontario attending the Installation.

November 10, 2011 University Lodge Charter Celebration

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A wonderful cake decorated for the occation was enjoyed by all!

MWB Kevin Todd; RWB Russell Van Scyoc (60 year member);
and WB Matthew Newberry (Worshipful Master)

The Grand Master joined the Brethren of University Heights Lodge No. 738, Lyndhurst, Ohio, to celebrate the anniversary of their Grand Lodge of Ohio Charter granted to them 59 years ago. There were many brethren in attendance and a few Charter Members as well. WB Chad Simpson, the Grand Lodge of Ohio Programs Director, gave a wonderful presentation on the History of Freemasonry in Ohio. WB Simpsons presentation even included some information of Freemasonry in the Cleveland area through the years. There were several service awards presented that evening. WB Howard Lev and Steve Wasserman (25 year Pins) and Bro. Donald Levenson (40 Year Pin) and RWB Russell Van Scyoc was presented with a 60 year pin.
Bro. Harry Zeid, the 96 year old Chairman of the Sunshine Committee, was responsible for the evening.

November 9, 2011: Barberton Lodge No.

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WB Carl Anderson (75 Year Member) with the
Barberton Lodge No. 750 Officers

WB Carl Anderson with MWB Todd, RWB Bailey, RWB Easterling

On Wednesday night, we were back in Barberton, Ohio, for a special event. The Grand Master was honored to present a Seventy-five (75) Year Service Award to Worshipful Brother Carl Anderson, of Barberton Lodge No. 750. WB Anderson was 23 years old when he joined Freemasonry in Barberton - he is 97 years old. The evening began with a meal in the Fellowship Hall. RWB Michael Bailey opened lodge for a brief Lodge Meeting to allow the Grand Master to give Grand Honors to WB Anderson. We then retired back to the Fellowship Hall to present the Service Award to WB Anderson by the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, WB Jason Newman (Worshipful Master of Barberton Lodge) and the Barberton Lodge Officers.

November 8, 2011: DDGM Installation of 21st Masonic District

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RWB Michael J. Bailey at his DDGM Installation
with the Grand Master

On Tuesday evening, we met at National Lodge No.568 in Barberton, Ohio, to install RWB Michael J. Bailey into the high office of District Deputy Grand Master of Ohio, 21st Masonic District. The Grand Master, MWB Kevin Todd, was the Installing Officer. RWB James Easterling, Deputy Grand Master and District Advisor, was the Installing Marshal. Approximately 140 attended the event and subsequent meal. MWB Brad Goebel and his wife Kathy attended the event along with the Grand Chaplain, RWB David Collins; the Senior Grand Deacon, RWB Rick Schau; Past Grand Tyler, RWB Robert Hager; and the District Advisor for the 24th Masonic District, RWB James Feist. Pam Todd, Jill Easterling, Mary Ann Collins, and Kim Bailey all enjoyed the evening with their husbands.

The Grand Master's Masonic Pilot Wings

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The Grand Master has commissioned a limited quantity of lapel pins specifically for Masons that are or were pilots. This a special lapel pin that can only be obtained in person, directly from the Grand Master.

The Grand Master's Masonic Pilot Wings
(Silver Wings and Gold Square and Compasses)

There are only a few criteria to getting one of these pins:
1. It must be obtained directly from hands of the Grand Master.
You can approach him at any event this year.
2. You must be a Master Mason,
3. And you must be a pilot or have been a pilot in your past. You still qualify if you are no longer current or if you were a military pilot and have not flown since leaving the military. Fixed wing or rotary wing does not matter.

As your Grand Master, I have a passsion for aviation as an FAA Licensed Pilot and Aircraft Mechanic, and as an Aerospace Engineer. 2012 will make 40 years that I have been involved with aviation on many levels. I want to celebrate this great occupation and avoction along with my love of Freemasonry. If you are a Mason and an Aviator, please see me personally for one of these pins (while they last.) If you offer me the hand of friendship and one of your aviaiton stories I will be pleased to give you one of my Masonic Wings Pins in return.

May all your runways be wide and long, your tanks full of fuel, and your skies clear and smooth. See you at the airport if not before. Kevin Todd , Grand Master of Ohio

November 5, 2011: Installation of Officers at Allen Lodge #276

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The Grand Master and his wife Pam attended the open installation of officer at Allen Lodge #276, Columbiana, Ohio. Allen Lodge is the home lodge of the Grand Master.
WB Forro was installed in the East by WB Alonzo Potts. Outgoing Worshipful Master, RWB Gary Wilms, made appropriate comments and presented parting gifts to the 2011 officers that served with him. Refreshments were served after the Installation in the fellowship hall.

The Grand Master (left) with the Officers of Allen Lodge #276

November 5, 2011: Negley Lodge Apple Dumpling Night

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On Saturday afternoon, the Grand Master and Pam stopped off at Negley Lodge #565 in Negley, Ohio, to enjoy some fellowship and apple dumplings at the lodge. The apple dumplings are sold to the brethren and public alike to raise money for the lodges efforts. We enjoyed the apple dumplings and ice cream (instead of dinner that night.) It is never a bad time to eat apple dumplings.

The "Apple Dumpling Gang" at Negley Lodge #565

November 5, 2011: Annual Meeting of Ohio Priory, Canton, Ohio

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On Saturday morning the Grand Master dropped into the Annual Session of the Ohio Priory at the Canton Masonic Temple in downtown Canton, Ohio. The Grand Master was greeted by the Eminent Prior, RWB Bill Straton. After a few comments by the Grand Master, the brethren went to refreshment for lunch. Many of the brethren in attendance took a little time before lunch to stop and visit with the Grand Master.

Eminent Prior RWB Straton and the Grand Master at lunch
in the Annual Session of Ohio Priory

October 28-29, 2011: DDGM's Workshop

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On Friday night, the Grand Master sponsered a get-together for the Grand Lodge Officer, District Advisors, and any District Deputy Grand Masters that were in town. There were approximately 35 in attendance. We enjoyed some fellowship, pizza and refreshments, and the World Series. It all wrapped up by 10PM to allow the DDGM's to get some rest before the workshop the next morning.

On Saturday morning, the District Deputy Grand Masters, District Advisors, and the Grand Lodge Officers met at the Ohio Easter Star Home in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. In the morning, Brother Thom Stecher, from the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program (MMSAP), gave an impassioned presentation to the DDGM's on the merits of MMSAP. The brethren were moved and inspired by the presentation. Thank you to Brother Stecher for traveling from Eastern Pennsylvania to speak with us. The Grand Master's wife, Pam, stopped in to address the brethren on how MMSAP has affected her and the types of students she sees in her teaching career. She impressed the brethren with importance of MMSAP to our children and grandchildren.

The Grand Lodge Officers took turns making presentations to the DDGM's on various important subjects that they will need to know to do their jobs this year. The 1st year DDGM's were given specific instruction on many of the issues of lodge inspections. While the 2nd-3rd year DDGM and the District Advisors were invited to retire to different rooms to discuss issues with the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master, RWB James Easterling.

Brother Tom Stofac and RWB Tim Strawn presented the plans and the fund raising programs for the Memory Care Units at the Browning and Western Reserve Ohio Masonic Homes. The challenge has been put out to the Masons of Ohio to meet the needs of our brothers in need at a very difficult time in their lives.
The Brethren of Ohio have been mailed information on this important effort.

The day was concluded by 4:00PM. The staff at the OES Home in Mt. Vernon did a wonderful job at taking care of approximately 90 guests for the day. We appreciate their efforts and professionalism.

October 25, 2011: Installation of WB Robert Ridzon, DEO

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Tuesday evening was the Installation of WB Robert Ridzon as a District Education Officer in the 24th Masonic District at Negley Lodge # 565, Negley, Ohio. RWB James Feist was the Installing Officer and the evening went off without a hitch. WB Dave Moss, DEO, presented the Apron to Bob, and WB Chuck Karcher, Past DEO (outgoing DEO) presented the DEO Jewel to Bob. The Installing Marshal was RWB Dave Collins, the Grand Chaplain, and RWB Calvin Giusto, the Grand Tyler, was the Installing Tyler for the ceremony.

WB Robert Ridzon with his Installing Officers

WB Ridzon with the Grand Master at
the Negly Lodge's alter.

October 22, 2011: Installation of RWB Manual B. Garcia

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Saturday evening was a success, as we attended the installation of RWB Manny Garcia as a District Deputy Grand Master at Smithfield Lodge #182, Smithfield, Ohio. The District Advisor for the 24th Masonic District, RWB James Feist, was the Installing Officer. RWB Garcia had a fine installation and luncheon afterward.

Our new DDGM RWB Manny Garcia with the Grand Master

October 20, 2011: DDGM Installation, RWB Gary Wilms

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On Thursday evening, we met at Allen Lodge #276, Columbiana, Ohio, to install RWB Gary Wilms as a District Deputy Grand Master. The Grand Master was the Installing Officer, RWB Jerry Clemens was the Installing Marshal, and the evening was successful as RWB Wilms has been installed and is out representing the Grand Master in the 24th Masonic District.

RWB Wilm and the Grand Master with the Installing Officers

October 16-17, 2011: Grand Lodge of Kentucky

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MWB Kevin Todd and RWB David Collins, Grand Chaplain, traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, for the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. We were joined in Kentucky by MWB Michael Himes, Past Grand Master of Ohio who attends the Grand Lodge of Kentucky session regularly. MWB Donald Yankey had an interesting sesssion where the Grand Lodge of Kentucky explored some areas simliar to those being looked at in Ohio. Some fellowship was shared with our Kentucky Brothers and brothers from across the USA. We wish the Grand Master of Kentucky, MWB Terry L. Bowman all the best for the coming year.

The Grand Master and Grand Chaplain at the session in Louisville, Kentucky

The Grand Master with the Deputy GM of New Jersey, RWB Glenn Troutmann

The Grand Chaplain shares some tips with a Past Grand Chaplain
from Kentucky, RWB Gene Crady (Peewee Valley, KY)

October 15, 2012: Grand Lodge of Ohio Officers Installation

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MWB Kevin and Pam Todd are welcomed into the
Installation under an Arch of Steel by Ohio Commandery

At 11:00AM on Saturday, the newly elected and appointed Grand Lodge Officers were installted by MWB Jim S. Deyo, Past Grand Master of Ohio. The Grand Master elect was escorted into the Installation by his wife, Pam. Brother Del Braund, Antioch Pipers, Dayton, piped in the new Grand Master to the Installation.

A few of the Grand Masters family members were in attendance:
> our son, Morgan Todd (Washington #17) and Sarah Whinnery,
> our daughter, Shannon (Todd) and Ryan Mercer, along with our Grandsons, Riley and Colin Mercer (plus twin boys expected next spring.)
> Kevins sister, Paula (Todd) and Cliff Prehn (Geneva, OH)
> Kevins brother, Will and Melanie Todd (Ashtabula, OH)
> Pams Mother, M. Virginia Davies (Niles, OH)
Our sincere thanks to the Ohio Commandery for welcoming the Grand Lodge Officers and honoring the Grand Master elect under an Arch of Steel ; to WB Alonzo Potts (Allen Lodge #276) for assisting by singing the Lord's Prayer; WB George Garrod (Allen Lodge #276) for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and WB Rev. John R. Selders for being the Installing Chaplain and offering the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge Officers a fine blessing. MWB Ronald Winnett guided the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge Officers as the Installing Marshal and MWB George O. Braatz was the Intalling Secretary.
A wonderful lunch was enjoyed by all at the Old Stone Church across Public Square that was hosted by Miriam Chapter #278, Order of the Eastern Star, Youngstown, Ohio. After the Installation luncheon, the Grand Masters family retired to the Grand Masters hotel room for some family time.

Brother Del Braund, Antioch Pipers, Dayton,
Pipes in the new Grand Master

WB Alonzo Potts sings the Lord's Prayer

The Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary share an amusing comment
while the Grand Chaplain, RWB David L. Collns is trying to decide if
he needs to offer a prayer for their benefit

Installation of Grand Lodge Officers

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The Grand Lodge of Ohio will be holding their annual communication October 14 and 15, 2011. Following the meeting on Saturday, October 15th, there will be an Installation of the new Grand Lodge Officers for the 2011-2012 Grand Lodge year.
You are all welcome to attend this open installation ceremony in Cleveland at the Rennaisance Hotel just off Public Square at 11:00AM.

After Saturday, there will be additional blog posts beginning for the 2011-2012 Grand Lodge year.