Summer is here, and we have gone from Labor to Refreshment. It will be a good time to take off the hat, put down the gavel, and take a breath of fresh air.

This year has been BUSY, I started thinking about everything that has taken place this year so far and cannot believe the strides we have made and the new members we have met. As I sit here and think, I believe we have only had two or three meetings this year without degree work! This is a good problem to have. I think the officers line has gotten stronger and more comfortable in their degree work; I will be honored and excited to watch them grow over the next few years. We have installed a new Jr. Steward, Bro. Jason Johnson, and within his first month of being an officer has already learned and given the FC Charge. This is an amazing accomplishment and the type of enthusiasm that makes Reynoldsburg such a great lodge! Our Senior Deacon, Bro. Monroe Bradley, continues to work on the MM Lecture and has given the first half in Lodge. I look forward to him completing this, so I may present another Lecture Bar during my term as Master.

The summer is upon us and our business inside the Lodge has come to a halt. Take this time to enjoy loved ones, see some sights, and enjoy life. While you complete these rigorous tasks, I seek the aide of some Brethren to do work outside of the Lodge that will greatly help us inside the Lodge: STUDY THOSE RITUALS! This is in no way a random assignment but rather an investment in your Lodge that will impact many generations of Freemasonry. Some of those very future Masons could be those exact loved ones you’re spending time with.

I read this article online some time ago and it really struck home with me. Over the years, I have seen several sets of father & sons, grandfathers & grandsons, and uncles & nephews become Brothers. This tells me that we are doing something right within our families. I was inspired to become a Mason because of my father-in-law, WB Harold Fiste. It was his love for the fraternity that made me seek out Freemasonry.

Members and their wives enjoyed a great dinner and fellowship at The Hickory House in Gahanna for Ladies Night on 18 May

Bro. Sam Cohen was honored at the 3 June stated meeting. He served as State Master Councilor of DeMolay for 2013-2014. This is the equivalent of being the Grand Master of Masons. This young man worked hard to achieve this honor. His portrait will hang in the anteroom of the Lodge with the other distinguished Masons of Reynoldsburg Lodge. In the photo (from left) is his proud father, WB Ken Cohen, Bro. Sam Cohen, Bro. Mike Myers, WM Derek Martin, and RWB Tim Wheeland, DDGM.