Ten years ago tomorrow (April 27, 2002), the Grand Lodge of Ohio embarked upon an interesting adventure.  In 10 cities throughout Ohio, the first "Grand Master's One Day Class" was held under the auspices of M W Bro Tom Reynolds.  The picture at the right shows the class in Columbus, Ohio at the Palace Theater.  Each candidate was matched with a mentor.  No examinations were required and each lodge was required to hold several meetings geared toward education of these new members.  Twenty seven members of Reynoldsburg Lodge joined on that day and when I was on the stage of the Palace Theater to help in the Master Mason degree, my candidate sat by my side.  I remember it as an exciting experience.

Was it a success?  As I look over the list of members who joined on April 27, 2002, I see some members who are active and some who are inactive.  Some are active in other Masonic bodies.  And while it wasn't the exact experience I had in joining FreeMasonry, it was as meaningful as each member made it.  Well, the same can me said of any man joining Freemasonry.  It has a significant impact on some and a less signifiicant impact on others.  Some members join when they are  younger and the impact doesn't occur until years later. 

In my (never humble) opinion, one day classes ARE helpful to the fraternity.  Some guys joined who were otherwise intiimidated by the memory requirement, but still make contributions to the fraternity.  In any case, congratulations to our 27 brethren who celebrate 10 years of masonry on Friday, April 27, 2012.  I hope that the class of 2002 will choose to hold a reunion at our Reconsecration on June 9, 2012. I will recognize members of the class during the ceremony.



WM Ken Cohen

Statistics about the "class of 2002"
27 new master masons
9 of them were completing work previously started and 18 started and completed their work that day
16 of the 27 are still in good standing
1 is deceased (Dave Minor - RIP)
1 has withdrawn from masonry
9 are suspended for non payment of dues
The average age of the class was 48 (so they're average age is 58 now)
NO members of this class have served as Worshipful Master

How does this compare?  Well, I looked at a similar sized group, so I looked at the 20 Master Masons raised before this "class".  I had to go back 4 years to get 20, but I found 20.  Their statistics:
20 new master masons
6 are in good standing
2 are deceased
7 have been suspended for non-payment of dues
5 have withdrawn from our lodge, one of those is in good standing with another lodge
1 member of this "class" has serves as Worshipful Master (W Bro Tom Hess)

By now the local members should have receive by mail the information regarding our Reconsecration on June 9th. These plans are pretty much set in stone. If you haven’t made your reservations the deadline is May 19th. I have to hold to this date to get the plans finalized with the caterer, the school and the company that we’re getting tables and chairs. These numbers have to be finalized in order for them to be ready by that date. As stated in the letter you will need a ticket to attend the luncheon. It will be held at Hannah J. Aston Middle School across from the Lodge. The Grand Master and just about all of the Grand Lodge Officers will be there. The lunch is at 11:30, the Reconsecration ceremony will start at 12:30. While that ceremony is taking place, a ladies program will be going on in Godfrey Hall. At the conclusion of the ceremony we will be taking pictures with Grand Lodge and then opening a time capsule that was sealed 50 years ago. Grand Lodge will most likely be leaving after this because they then have to travel to Springfield for the 19th Masonic District’s Grand Master’s Reception being held that evening. Reynoldsburg Lodge will then perform the play “East of the Altar”. This play was written by our very own Brother, Dick Luckay. The play takes place in a Lodge room in Pennsylvania at the beginning of the Civil War. It’s a very moving play and should be an enjoyable afternoon.

I have included an agenda for the day along with the lunch menu. If you are going to be in town on June 9th and want to attend, please fill out the information at the bottom of the menu and get it back to me ASAP so I can get you on the list. The lunch is free for Lodge members. If you are going to bring your spouse and/or guest there is a $5.00 charge per guest

Agenda for June 9, 2012 – Reconsecration Ceremony, Reynoldsburg Lodge #340

Menu Selection

Items for Sale

Grand Master Kevin B. Todd has planned a trip to Alexandria, Virginia, August 3 – 5 to celebrate Ohio Month at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial.

For a detailed brochure regarding this trip, please go to http://freemason.com/images/headlines/3-20-2012.pdf
Buses are scheduled to depart from and return to the ten Scottish Rite locations in Ohio. Prices are based on double occupancy and will vary depending upon the specific departure location.