A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO AND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

June/July 2005 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2

Approximately 2,900 new Master Masonsbecame part of Ohio Freemasonry on April9 in what was considered a very successfulGrand Master’s One-Day Class.

Degree work by “all-star” teams ofritualists was performed at 11 locations inOhio on a sunny spring Saturday. Locationsincluded Akron, Cambridge, Canton,Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton,Rio Grande, Steubenville, Toledo andYoungstown. The Scottish Rite and Shrinein most locations followed the SymbolicLodge degrees with their conferrals.

One veteran lodge secretary remarked,“The day was a huge success and wasexecuted in the finest fashion. The programwent like clockwork and the degree workwas nearly perfect. The Master Mason lecturewas the best I’ve heard in a long time.”

Among the candidates in the class wasU.S. Congressman Michael Turner of

Dayton. He is a former Dayton mayorand served as exemplar in the EnteredApprentice Degree.

William Harrington Putnam, Jr., becamea Master Mason on April 9 in Cambridge.He is a direct lineal descendant of Col. Israel

Putnam, who was raised in 1795 in AmericanUnion Lodge # 1 in Marietta, Ohio. Othermembers of the Putnam family were alsofrom that Lodge, including General RufusPutnam, Ohio’s first Grand Master. Israeland Rufus Putnam were second cousins.

Probably the oldest member of the classwas Wesley I. Hale, who became a memberof Linden Lodge #637 in Columbus, atthe age of 95.

Alton Rinier, a Canton attorney,completed his Masonic degrees during theevent. He received his Entered Apprenticedegree 50 years earlier.

This is the third successful Ohio GrandMaster’s Class presentation in four years.Grand Master Jim S. Deyo, chairman of thefirst two events, visited most of the degreesites on April 9 by flying in a small planefrom site to site.

Several major appendant Masonic bodiesin Ohio contributed time and finances tohelp make the Class successful. They includethe Order of Eastern Star, Grand Chapterof Royal Arch Masons, Grand Councilof Royal and Select Masons, GrandCommander of Knights Templar, ScottishRite, and Shrine.

Successful Grand Master’s Class welcomes 2,900 new members

Riffe Theatre in downtown Columbus filled with candidates and mentors during ceremonies.

ore than 1,600 people visitedthe Springfield campus of TheOhio Masonic Home on June

5 for Home Day. Residents and visitorsenjoyed a variety of activities includingchildren’s games, facility tours andinformation, a parade and musicalentertainment featuring national recordingartist Howie Damron who performed hissong “The Masonic Ring.” The Home Daycelebration was capped with apresentation by Illustrious Brother CarlLindner, for whom the Community Centeris now named.

Mark your calendars now for HomeDay 2006, to be held in Springfield onJune 4.

See more Home Day photos on page 7.

Big crowd enjoys Home Day

M

Illustrious Brother Carl H. Lindner,33rd Degree, points to the dedicationplaque in the Community Centerrecognizing the building’s new nameas the Lindner Community Center,named in honor of Illustrious BrotherLindner and his wife, Edyth. See more One-Day Class photos on page 5.

2 Beacon June/July 2005

by David Bannerman, CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home

Welcome to all of the men who wereraised to the sublime degree of MasterMason in the Grand Master’s Class. Whata great day it was! We had friends, familiesand employees join our Fraternity. The Beacon is our joint newsletter withthe Grand Lodge published at least fourtimes a year. It is full of information thatis helpful to you and your friends. Afterreading, please pass your copy on tosomeone else. As a new Mason, the first $20 of yourfees is contributed to our Endowment Fundas a reminder of your obligation to helpothers. Those dollars are set aside to takecare of those who may run out of resourcesat the end of life while living in one of ourcommunities around Ohio. Previously, we depended entirely ondonations and residents giving us everythingthey had, but we don’t do that anymore.Residents now pay their way and, if theirresources run out, our Foundation comes

to their aid. Right now, the money we havein our Foundation is obligated to care forthose who are already with us. Our Foundation also raises funds toincrease our ability to take care of morepeople. We have a golf outing in September,featuring Jim Perry and other sports legends,to help raise funds. Our retirement communities inWaterville, Medina and Springfield provideliving arrangements and services for thosewho live there. Masonic Senior Services isavailable to Masons who are at home andneed someone to help find assistance withintheir community. We provide services to over 800 residentsthrough our staff of over 600 employees.You can be proud of the fact that you belongto one of the largest fraternities and yousupport one of the largest charities in Ohio.Stop in one of our communities and sayhello. We are glad you have joined ourfraternity.

WELCOME TO NEW MASONS

by Jim S. Deyo, Grand Master

TO SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE WAS A MOMENT IN TIMEFOR YOUR GRAND MASTER

April 9, 2005, was a special day in OhioMasonry. The day began with a brilliantsunrise and ended with the beauty of thered rays of the sunset painting a picture-book day which only God himself couldprovide for your Grand Master and theMasonic brethren of Ohio. To wear theheadset and be in continuous communi-cation with the pilot of the aircraft was onemoment in time I will never forget. To soar like an eagle and land at eachGrand Master’s One-Day Class nesting placewas beauty in itself to behold. Auditoriumswere filled to capacity with enthusiasticmembers and candidates creating a breath-taking sight that illustrated a historic dayin Masonic history, in which we invited2,894 new members to become a part ofour Masonic experience that you and I haveso loved.

The most spectacular part of April 9 wasto once again see our Masonic auditoriums

filled to post World War II capacity. Thisspecial day gave fathers, grandfathers, uncles,cousins, neighbors and friends anopportunity to come together, join hands

with new members and share with them thetrue spirit of Freemasonry. It is in that spiritthat we place these new members withinour lodges.

As these new membersstart their journeywithin our fraternity, wemust recognize that thehabits, interests and likesof people are rapidlychanging andwe must remindourselves that thematerial progress ofMasonry will dependupon the willingness ofeach of us to change. We now must leavebehind these memoriesof yesterday and beginto activate our dreamsfor tomorrow.

Dave Bannerman (left) enjoys a visit in thehome of the Karths on the Springfield campus.Chuck Karth is a Past Grand High Priest ofthe Grand Chapter, RAM and Marge is aPast Worthy Grand Matron of the GrandChapter, OES.

Grand Master Jim S. Deyo rides as co-pilot on April 9, as hebriefly visited eight of the Grand Master’s Classes in a whirlwindtrip around Ohio. The plane is passing over the Ohio River, seenover his shoulder. The pilot was Daniel D. Hrinko, WorshipfulMaster of Clark Lodge #101.

3Beacon June/July 2005

Described as a “touching” and“unprecedented” gift, Oxford Lodge# 67 donated 10 “Smart Boards” tothe Talawanda School District in Oxford,Ohio. At a cost of $30,000, the “SmartBoards” are interactive, high-tech screensthat can be used for everything fromsurfing the Internet to decipheringmath problems, with just the touchof a fingertip.

School Board Member Darrell Smith,a Past Master of the Lodge, proposed thatthe Lodge purchase two of the “SmartBoards” in a year, but after much discussion,his fellow Masons decided to provide 10boards right away.

Worshipful Brother Smith recalledinforming the astonished administratorsof exactly how large the Masons’ gift wasgoing to be. He said, “Everybody’s eyesgot really big. Everybody said, ‘Wow.’”He added the Oxford Lodge was ascaptivated by the boards’ potential asa learning tool as he was when he saw

them displayed two years earlier.Worshipful Brother Smith approached

the school administration about the “SmartBoards,” but the district could not afford

them. So he began broaching the ideawith his Masonic Lodge. The district hassince bought two boards, so Talawandanow has 12.

Oxford Lodge donates ‘Smart Boards’ to school district

The brethren of Oxford Lodge #67 received oversized “thank you” cards from the studentsat Talawanda after their gift of 10 “Smart Boards” for $30,000. A plaque of appreciation wasalso presented.

Merlyn Meredith recognizedfor six decades of service

Merlyn E. Meredith, center, active in virtually all branches ofFreemasonry for many years, received his 60-year award in Heights–Lion Heart Lodge #633 on April 22. Past Grand Master Steven J.Krekus, left, and Worshipful Master Charles Cole participated inthe event. Rt. Worshipful Brother Meredith, a Past District DeputyGrand Master in the Twenty-Second Masonic District, is a PastGrand Master and current Grand Recorder of the Grand Council,R.&S.M., of Ohio. In addition to being active in most phases ofScottish and York Rite work, he also served as Executive Officerfor Ohio DeMolay.

Pickaway Lodge servesspaghetti to many

Pickaway Lodge #23 hosted its annual spaghetti dinnerto raise money for the Ohio Special Olympics, February 4.Several brothers and their families worked most of Thursdayand all of Friday to ensure the success of the event. A totalof $2,800 was raised to help the Special Olympics athleteswho attended the annual Summer Games in Columbusthis June.

DeMolay reestablishesAdvisory Council Ohio DeMolay has reestablished its State AdvisoryCouncil, announced H. Jeffery Shaw, Executive Ohio.Bill J. Fannin, of St. John’s Lodge in Dayton, will serveas chairman and Glenn M. Cook III, currently WorshipfulMaster of Whitehall Lodge #761 in Reynoldsburg, will beSecretary of the revitalized council.

Endowed Member certified in a flashLewis A. Toddhunter was raised a Master Mason on

March 14 at the inspection of Grove City Lodge #689.He was immediately presented his certificate as an EndowedMember. That is fast action for this 25-year-old Mason.

“HERE COMES COOKIE!”The statement is heard often by Bob and

Joanne Pulver of Masonic Retirement Village(MRV) in Springfield, Ohio.

Cookie, a Shetland sheep dog owned bythe Pulvers, is a therapy dog.

The Pulvers take Cookie twice a weekto visit the assisted living residents of HillmanManor, the nursing home residents in Ricklyand the Alzheimer’s residents in Pathways.

Cookie and the Pulvers were recently

recognized by The Ohio Masonic Homefor contributing 68 volunteer visitationhours each over the past year.

“We don’t want glory,” Joanne said.“We just like spreading the joy.”

One of the reasons the Pulvers movedto MRV was that pets are welcome.

“This is where we want to be,” Bob said.“Whatever we may need down the road,they’ll have it for us here.”

The Masonic affiliation is also ofimportance to the Pulvers in their housingdecision. Bob is a 32nd degree Mason,Scottish Rite, in Lyndhurst Lodge.

“My grandfather and my uncle wereMasons,” Bob said. “And my grandmotherwas in Eastern Star. I was raised with Masonicprinciples. I wanted to live those values.”

Now a 60-year Mason, Bob becameAssociate Grand Guardian when hisdaughters joined Job’s Daughters. Oneof his sons is a Mason.

“The lessons I’ve learned via freemasonryare important,” Bob said. “My oath tellsme how to live.”

The Pulvers continue to live the Masonicvalues by sharing Cookie with those whoappreciate a friendly, playful dog.

They’re happy they have the time to giveto others. “Thank God, here at MRV, wedon’t have to worry about mowing the lawnor maintaining our home,” Bob said. “That’sall done for us.”

“We love our home,” Joanne said.“Cookie loves it here, too.”

Everyone

CookieLOVES

Free from the hassles ofmaintaining their home, Joanne

and Bob Pulver dedicatethemselves to bringing joy toSpringfield campus residentsby sharing their dog Cookie.

MASONIC RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Beacon June/July 20054

Now serving Cincinnati and ToledoAssistance for Masonic adults 65 and

older is now more readily available with theexpansion of Masonic Senior Services toCincinnati and Toledo.

Amy Colley of Cincinnati and Liz Witterof Toledo have joined the Ohio MasonicHome as Service Coordinators. Colley andWitter work to identify community-basedservices that allow older Ohio Masons toremain in their homes.

The Masonic Senior Services Programprovides assistance in planning for long-term aging issues. Colley holds a bachelor’s degree in socialwork from the University of Cincinnati. Shepreviously worked as Elderly Services Care

Manager for the Council on Aging ofSouthwest Ohio.

Witter is a graduate of Ohio Universityand most recently served as HousingCoordinator for Lutheran Housing Servicesin Toledo. She alsoworked for ToledoPublic Schools, BigBrothers/Big Sistersand Lucas CountyChildren’s Services.

They joinWorshipful BrotherRodney W. Skinner,Masonic SeniorServices, who is

headquartered in Springfield, Ohio. Masonswho would like more information aboutthe Masonic Senior Services Program maycall 888/286-0010.

Amy Colley Rodney SkinnerLiz Witter

5Beacon June/July 2005

ONE-DAY SUCCESS

A sign in Cambridge welcomesNew Masons.

Candidates in Canton pose for a Class Picture.

Alton Rinier, a Canton attorney, iscongratulated by Past Grand MasterSteven J. Krekus, while David Dunn,his mentor, looks on.

Candidates take a break betweendegrees in Columbus.

Brother Ray Turner, left, welcomes his son,U.S. Congressman Michael Turner intoMasonry, accompanied by Past Grand MasterNeil M. Smalley and Past Master Keith Knight,Sr., of Dayton Lodge #147.

Lunch is served for all attending in Canton.

Brother Rinier received his EnteredApprentice Degree 50 years earlier.Photo taken from high angle in Canton.

Grand Master Jim S. Deyo thanks JoAnnHastings, Worthy Grand Matron of OhioEastern Stars, and Past Grand Patron LarryGroves, for their assistance in supportingthe Grand Master's Class.

6 Beacon June/July 2005

The box office hit movie, “NationalTreasure,” which has a plot involvingFreemasonry and portrays the fraternity ina positive manner, has been used byNorthern Light Lodge #40 in Maumee,and Warpole Lodge #176 for special Masonic“movie nights.”

Northern Light Lodge made specialarrangements with a nearby movie theatreto receive money back from ticket sales at

a specific showing of the movie. After strongpromotion, some 500 Masons and theirfamilies attended. The Lodge had a spaghettidinner following the movie in the Lodgedining room and earned about $800, all ofwhich was donated for the Ohio SpecialOlympics. The Lodge added $200 to makea total $1,000 gift.

Warpole Lodge “bought out” a theatrewithin a half-block of its building, and

promoted the “movie night”among Masons, Rainbows andDeMolays. Admission was free.About 110 people attended andenjoyed themselves. A survey ofmembership led to the “movienight” idea, and members arealready asking when the next onewill be.

Lodges turn ‘National Treasure’movie into special programs

House Bill 170 was introduced into the Ohio Houseof Representatives this spring to make property owned byqualifying fraternal orders exempt from property taxes.

The bill was introduced by Representative Jim Hughes,who is a past Master of Goodale Lodge #372 and an officerin the Valley of Columbus.

Those qualifying fraternal orders include the Masons,Prince Hall Masons, Knights of Columbus, Grange andOdd Fellows, all of which have had a state governing bodyfor at least 100 years and qualify as a non-profit organization.

The legislation is similar to one introduced and passedby the Ohio House of Representatives last year, but which“died” in committee in the Ohio Senate when the legislativesession ended on Dec. 31. The entire process had tobegin again.

Support from individuals will be important for passageof the bill this year. Hearings have been held in the Houseat which testimony was taken from representatives of thegroups listed above, including Representative Hughes andGeorge O. Braatz, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodgeof Ohio.

Ernest Bichan, left, 101-years-old, was recognized for 80 years ofMasonic membership by Grand Master Jim S. Deyo, center, andGrand Secretary George O. Braatz in a nursing home in Leipsic wherehe resides. He received a beautifully engraved clock and a certificate.Brother Bichan has been a member of Liberty Center Lodge since1925. He owned a car dealership in Leipsic for many years.

80-year award presentedto Ernest Bichan

Property tax House Billreintroduced

Maine, Oregon GrandCommanderies relyupon Ohio Brethren

The new Grand Commander of theGrand Commandery, Knights Templar,of Oregon is Steven L. Gatton, a pastMaster of Wood County Lodge #112in Bowling Green. He now lives inLake Oswego, Oregon.

Robert J. Landry, a past Master ofYork Lodge #563 in Worthington,recently concluded his term as GrandCommander of the GrandCommandery of Maine. He resides inGardner, Maine.

Both brothers retain their Ohiolodge memberships.

Wick Lodge officertakes Arctic plunge

David J. Moss, senior steward ofWick Lodge #481 in Youngstown,participated in the annual “arcticplunge” to raise money for the SpecialOlympics. The event took place atGeneva, Ohio, and “IN” Lake Erieon February 26.

Rainbow Girls enjoy the “NationalTreasure” movie presentation inUpper Sandusky. Youth groups weremade part of the Lodge event.

World-renowned artists are tucked awayat Western Reserve Masonic Community(WRMC) in Medina, Ohio. Their art adornsthe walls of the facility. They are Robertand Virginia Woide, the husband and wifeteam who also make a great art team.

Robert’s paintings have been innumerous shows at the Cleveland Museumof Art and many exhibits and museumsthroughout the country. Virginia’s watercolor paintings have been exhibited at manycolleges and art shows. Collaboratively, theirtwo-person shows have been featuredthroughout the world including Switzerlandand Austria.

Living at WRMC has allowedthe Woides to pursue their passionfor art. Free from the time-consuming demands of maintaininga home, the Woides can let theircreative juices flow. They finishedthe basement in their WRMC homeand turned it into an art studio.

In addition to creating art fortheir shows around the world, theWoides’ paintings decorate WRMC.“We are proud to have the Woides’paintings on display here,” saidWRMC President Jay Detorre. “Weare fortunate to have such talentedartists living with us.”

Although their art isrecognizable throughout the world,their personal lives remain private.From the security of their homeat WRMC, they let their art dothe talking.

WESTERN RESERVE MASONIC COMMUNITY

7Beacon June/July 2005

ARTthe

speaks for itself

Robert and Virginia Woide’s artdecorates Western Reserve.

LEFT: Howie Damrondelighted “Home Day”participants with hissongs. “Every time Iperform ‘The MasonicRing,’ young men standin line to learn how theycan become Masons,”Howie said.

HOME DAY 2005

RIGHT: The annual “HomeDay” parade featuredShriners from aroundthe state.

BELOW LEFT: Childrenenjoyed a variety ofsnacks and entertainmentthroughout the day.

8 Beacon June/July 2005

he Marshalls are a tight-knit family.They’ve always shared in each others’

lives. For years, they all worked in the familypharmacy started by James Marshall. Hiswife, Polly, helped run the store. Their boys,Bob and Logan, both became pharmacistsand staffed the family stores.

“We were at the pharmacy from the timewe were little boys,” Logan said of himselfand his brother. “Anytime the store wasopen, we were there.”

They also shared an involvement inFreemasonry. James was a 32nd degreeMason. Polly has been involved in EasternStar. Bob and Logan are Master Masons.

“I admired the people I knew who wereMasons,” Logan said. “With my parentsbeing involved, we followed.” Logan willsoon receive his 50-year pin at AnthonyLodge #455.

Polly Marshall is now 99-years-old anda resident of Pathways at the Springfieldcampus of The Ohio Masonic Home.

“She came to The Ohio Masonic Homewhen she was still independent,” Logan saidof his mother. “But she needed moreattention and moved to Pathways. Theytake good care of her here.”

Polly has led a busy life: raising her boys,helping at the pharmacy and makingceramics. Polly participates in activities and

BINGO games at Pathways. “They offer alot here,” Logan said. “Although Momneeds help, she’s still pretty independent.

Logan said Pathways offers everythingPolly needs. “She has a private room,” hesaid. “At this point in her life, that’simportant for her. But more importantly, Iknow she’s getting all the care she needs.”

Affair

by Dale Ray, Chairman of the Board, The Ohio Masonic Home

We have threestrong locationsproviding superiorhealth care servicesand outstandingretirementcommunity living.We encourage youto visit our facilitiesand learn moreabout the availableprograms. For the past few

years, The Ohio Masonic Home Board ofTrustees and Subsidiary Boards of Trusteesplace primary emphasis on the expense sideof the business. This was necessitated bythe declining state of the economy. Theresult was a complete overhaul of ourbudgeting process, cost reductions in mostareas of our business and the closing of one

inefficient location. Fortunately, we wereable to become more efficient withoutdegrading our services. The employees atall of our locations are to be commendedfor their efforts in helping us become amore cost efficient and still premier providerof retirement services.

Now we can turn our attention to furtherimprovement and enhancement of services.We are carefully entering into a new seniorcitizen program called Masonic SeniorServices. Today, society and the governmentare calling for services that enable the seniorto remain at home longer, if he chooses todo so. We are investigating ways to enterthis field so we can provide assistance tomore of our senior members at lower cost,enabling us to spread our charitable dollarseven further.

Your Trustees have pledged themselvesto three major goals for the immediate

future. First, we will attempt to be the bestTrustees possible by taking advantage oftraining courses, studying the field andbecoming as familiar with the continuingcare retirement community business aspossible. Second, we want to interface withour clients and potential clients as much aspossible to learn what they want and expectfrom us. And finally, we want to delve deeplyinto the potential new services for seniorsso that we can benefit our fraternity evenmore. Your trustees are a very committed groupof individuals. We have the best employeesin the industry and the management teamis excellent. We all want to serve our residentswith care, concern and compassion.Please support our team and all of ourresidents with your prayers, your presencethrough visits or as a volunteer, and yourcontributions.

TRUSTEES: A COMMITTED GROUP

MASONIC HEALTH CARE

FamilyA

T

Logan (left) and Polly Marshallcome from a family of Masonsand pharmacists.

9Beacon June/July 2005

by RWB Timothy B. Strawn CAE, President, The Ohio Masonic Home Benevolent Endowment Foundation

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

FORE!That…and other terms of golf…will be

heard aplenty September 16-17 as theFoundation hosts its 3rd annual Jim PerryLegends Golf Classic. Make yourreservations now for this exciting, fun andlaughter-filled weekend with 25 formerprofessional sports legends who return toSpringfield to support the Ohio MasonicHome. Join Honorary Chairman, MostExcellent Companion William M. Berry,33rd Degree, immediate past chairman ofthe Home’s Board of Trustees, for one orboth days of great golf and good fun as yousupport The Home.

Jim Perry, the 1970 American LeagueCy Young Award winner with the MinnesotaTwins, leads a group of former baseball,football and other sport stars who spendmuch of their personal time at such eventsto benefit a number of charitableorganizations.

“We do this many times each year butquickly have come to count the EndowmentFoundation’s event as one of our favorites,”

Perry said recently. “The way this event isconducted and our former athletes aretreated is trulyoutstanding.”

Foursomes arematched with alegend for 18 funand story-filledholes of golf. Allthen head to thedining room forfood, andentertaining after-dinner remarksby legend JonWarden, formerDetroit Tigerspitcher and currentcorrespondent onESPN’s Cold Pizzaprogram. A silent and live auction of sportsmemorabilia and other items and awardsfor the day’s best performers conclude theevening. All participants receive compli-mentary shirts, caps and goodie bags at

check-in. A luncheon with introductionsof the legends kicks off the event prior to

tee-off. Among the stars ofyesteryear who haveconfirmed their attendancethis year are: Perry, Warden,Earle Bruce, Jim O’Toole,Bernie Allen, Vern Law (CyYoung Award Winner), BillVirdon, Dick Scofield, HalNaragon, Milt Plum, RichRollins and Tom Browning.

Proceeds of this year’sevent will go to supportPathways Center forAlzheimer’s care and relatedservices of Masonic HealthCare on the Springfieldcampus.

For more information about participatingor providing auction items, call theFoundation’s Director of Planned Giving,Brother Ken Hershberger, at 888/248-2664, ext. 5 or 937/525-4973.

Jim Perry, left, and Bill Berry, 2005Honorary Chairman of the Jim PerryLegends Golf Classic, relax at lastyear’s event.

RETIREMENT DOESN’T MEANretreating from life. Rather, it means havingtime to pursue new adventures. At least thatis the philosophy of Juanita Spencer ofBrowning Masonic Community (BMC) inWaterville, Ohio.

For the past five years, Juanita and herfriends in the Toledo Chapter of EasternStar have knit clothing for premature babiesin local hospitals. “It makes me feel goodwhen parents see their little ones wrappedin the blankets we make,” Juanita said. “It’slike the babies are wrapped in love.”

Like her mother before her, Juanita haslong been associated with Eastern Star. Hertwo daughters are also Eastern Star, and herfather and husband were life-long Masons.

In past years, she served these organizationsby setting up and running First Aid stationsfor Masonic and Scottish Rite special events.Recently, she was appointed “GrandRepresentative of Maine in Ohio” by WorthyGrand Matron Joanne Hastings.

“I can walk into any Eastern Star meetingin the area, feel wanted and have a goodtime,” she said.

Juanita is involved with the AmericanLegion, belongs to the Valentine TheaterPatrons Organization and is an activeforce in the community. As she puts it,“I could attend meetings, dinners, lunches,breakfasts and committees every day –and work at the hospital as well. I’m busyand I’m happy!”

Juanita hosts meetings for all of thesegroups on the Browning campus. Anybodywho knows Juanita knows Browning andhow much she loves it.

“I like the friendliness here,” she said.“Across the board—the people who livein the community and the staff here arefriendly. The staff watches out for everybody.I have a true sense of ownership and

belonging here.”Juanita enjoys working, volunteering and

trying new things. She proves that an activelifestyle knows no age barrier.

BUSYBROWNING MASONIC COMMUNITY

AT BROWNING

Juanita Spencer makes timein her busy schedule to knitclothes for premature babies.

10 Beacon June/July 2005

Argus Lodge #545 in Canfield will hostthe third annual Civil War Reenactment onJuly 30-31.

The reenactment is held in Argus Park,whose 44 acres are home to Argus Lodge,a spacious pavilion, amphitheater, and fourtrails through the forest, which are namedafter the three degrees and past masters.

The reenactment features about 200infantry soldiers in different battlefieldscenarios for both days of the event. Fourfull-size cannons are used in the battles withground charges simulating live cannonshots exploding.

A dress parade precedes the battles withthe presentation of Colonel Nash’s swordto the Union commander.

Colonel Nash was a member of ArgusLodge and raised the 19th Ohio VolunteerInfantry in Canfield during the Civil War.

About 70 members of Argus and nearbyLodges, together with their families, domost of the work at the event, includingparking, admissions, concessions andadministration. Open to the public, it’s afun-packed weekend. For more information,contact Donald L. Huntley, Lodge Secretary,330/799-7882.

Argus Lodge is site of annual Civil War Reenactment

Annual reenactment providesaction-filled look at historicCivil War battles. The cannonswere used in the movie,"Gettysburg," and two ofwhich were actually in the CivilWar. The Lodge says this eventprovides its members with adifferent way to share afellowship experience, interactwith new members and attractnew petitioners.

Herner family strong in Monroeville

Charles F. Herner, center, had much support from his family when receiving his FellowcraftDegree in April in Roby Lodge #534 in Monroeville. From left: Junior Deacon andGreat Uncle John Herner; Senior Warden and Great Uncle Rich Herner; Senior Deaconand Uncle Paul Herner, P.M.; Chaplain and Father, Steven Herner, P.M.; WorshipfulMaster and Grandfather James F. Herner; Junior Warden and Second Cousin MarkHerner, P.M.; and Senior Steward and Uncle David Herner, P.M. It’s hard to believe,but a few Herners were not present.

Charitable Foundationbenefits Matamoras youth

Jeremy Edgar, center, receives a check fromEdward G. Rinard, right, Worshipful Master ofMatamoras Lodge #374. From back left: RobertEdgar (Jeremy’s father) and David Edgar (hisgrandfather), both members of MatamorasLodge, and his mother, Susan Edgar. The Edgarfamily, of Newport, is seeking to raise $47,000to fly Jeremy to Lisbon, Portugal, for a newspine procedure. The check was for $1,500from the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation,to which Matamoras Lodge added $1,000.

11Beacon June/July 2005

Thank You ForYour GenerosityWe offer our grateful appreciationto the estates, individuals, groupsor other Masonic bodies who havesupported The Ohio Masonic Homewith donations given betweenJanuary 1 and March 31, 2005.

$10,000 +Robert BakerC. E. BristerGloria J. BrunerOrlando W. DavisWalter FrankRuby O. PfefferWebster SturdivantDale L. Wolfe

$2,000 +Kenneth O. & Faye R. BuckholtzRichard Kiser Family TrustDorothy Laine In Memory of

Normon LaineSylvia Laine In Memory of

Normon LaineGeorge K. MossBetty OberleR. A. ReiterVivian H. SchulzeHoward M. SheelerKenneth R. SterrettIn Honor of Earl R. Blazer and

Timothy B. Strawn by The Gregory Hackett Family FoundationValley of Cleveland, AASRValley of Columbus, AASRHarry D. WaddellYork Lodge #563, F&AM

$1,000 +Alpha Lodge #729, F&AMRichard E. DrainGolden Gate Lodge #245, F&AMWillis J. HandelBessie V. HoslerLiane S. Kuyoth In Memory of

Joseph B. Kuyoth, Sr.New Carlisle Lodge #100, F&AMSolar Lodge #730, F&AMThird Protestant Memorial Church

Endowment FundValley of Dayton, AASR

by Paul Quinn, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications, The Ohio Masonic Home

“You’re joining that secret society?” Thereaction had become all too predictable.

“Why do you say that?” I ask.“Well, they have secret handshakes and

rituals and… stuff. And,don’t they have theirown Bible?”

Becoming aFreemason, I found, isperceived in strange waysby the uninitiated. As Iquickly learned, theprinciples of Freemasonryare not at all secret. Andit does not include aunique Bible. Sure, thereare aspects of Freemasonryreserved only for thosewho have studied theirsignificance. I learnedof them in the GrandMaster’s One-Day Classin Columbus, Ohio, with2,900 others aroundthe state.

“We prescribe to no particular religion,”said Dick Snow, Education Officer for NewEngland Lodge in Worthington. “But, topetition for membership, you must believein God.”

During the one-day class, an array ofspeakers talked to the 475 of us assembledat the Riffe Theatre in Columbus.“Masonry’s lessons are for a lifetime,” oneof them said. “It’s a life-long commitmentwith a lifetime of reward.”

The Masonic ideology and rituals werepresented and explained throughout theday. As the program concludes for MasterMasons, we’re told, “Abide by the principlesof Freemasonry and you’ll be rewarded with

the happy reflection of a well-spent life.”When I discussed my experience from

the One-Day Class with Dave Bannerman,CEO of The Ohio Masonic Home, he said,

“The tenets ofFreemasonry arebrotherly love, reliefand truth. Masons areknown for integrity.It means being frank,forthright and open.”

The principles ofFreemasonry areundisputable.Freemasonry makes“good men better.”But these words donot truly capture theessence ofFreemasonry. Withthe benefit ofcompleting the One-Day Class, I can seethe Masonic valuesliving in the Brothers

I meet. Their actions are living testamentto their Masonic heritage. They arecommunity volunteers, charitable supportersand good-hearted individuals.The passion is evident. Unmistakable arethe gleam in the eye, the knowing smile andthe affirming handshake from a Brother.

Two months of Freemasonry; a lifetimeof learning. I’m glad I didn’t wait any longerto get started.

Paul Quinn is the new Corporate Director ofMarketing and Communications for The OhioMasonic Home and one of the newest OhioMaster Masons. He can be reached at 2655W. National Road, Springfield, OH 45504;937/525-3074; pquinn@ohiomasonichome.org.

FINDING THE LIGHT

Masonic Retirement VillageJuly 6 and July 20Open House, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.888/290-2664

Browning Masonic Communityin WatervilleJuly 16Cruise-In Car Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Springfield

September 16/17Legends Golf Classic

October 1Red Cross of Constantine statewide meeting

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIOAND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

oe Nuxhall, whose claim to fame isbeing the youngest pitcher ever ina Major League game at the age of15, was awarded the Grand Master’s

Community Service Award by the MasonicFraternity on May 7.

Nuxhall, a lifelong resident of Hamilton,Ohio, was a left-handed pitcher for 16 yearsin the Major Leagues, virtually all of thattime with the Cincinnati Reds. He followedhis on-field career as a Reds radio broadcasterfor 31 years, retiring in 2004.

Grand MasterJim S. Deyoreminding therecipient of themany times helistened to him overthe years on theradio, presented theaward to Nuxhall,who received anenthusiastic standingovation from theaudience.

The award waspresented at theGrand Master’sReception in theFirst Masonic

District in Cincinnati. Similar CommunityService Awards are given by the GrandMaster in each of Ohio’s 25 districts.

Joe Nuxhall, in addition to his baseballfame, has contributed extensively to thesouthwest Ohio community. He annuallyhosts a golf tournament to raise moneyfor high school scholarships. He recentlycreated the Joe Nuxhall Character EducationFund to benefit schools and non-profitorganizations. To date, this foundationhas contributed more than $327,000

to education.He concluded his remarks with the

famous last line from all his broadcasts,“This is the old left-hander roundingthird and headed for home.”

Joe Nuxhall honored by Grand Lodge

Famed baseball pitcher and broadcaster Joe Nuxhall, left, captivatesthe audience, including Grand Master Jim S. Deyo, when he washonored in May by Freemasonry in Cincinnati.

Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher, broadcaster recognized for community service

The Beacon isPublished QuarterlyPlease report all changes of address to yourLodge Secretary, who, in turn, will notify theGrand Secretary, who maintains the databasethat produces The BEACON mailing labels.

The Ohio Masonic Home includes MasonicHealth Care, Inc.; Masonic Retirement Village,Inc.; and the Benevolent EndowmentFoundation, Inc., at the Springfield campus; theBrowning Masonic Community, Inc., in Waterville;and the Western Reserve Masonic Community,Inc., in Medina.

Paul Quinn,Director of Marketing and CommunicationsThe Ohio Masonic Home2655 W. National RoadSpringfield, OH 45504-3698937/525-3074pquinn@ohiomasonichome.org

George Braatz, P.G.M.,Grand Secretary atThe Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of OhioP.O. Box 629Worthington, OH 43085614/885-5318gbraatz@freemason.com

J

A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO AND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

2655 W. National RoadSpringfield, Ohio 45504-3698Web site: www.ohiomasonichome.orgWeb site: www.freemason.com

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 2609

Columbus, OH

IN THIS ISSUE…One-Day Class Success................pages 1,2,5 and 11

Masonic Senior Services Expands..................page 4

HOME DAY Fun..................................pages 1 and 7

Legends Golf Classic......................................page 9

June/July 2005 Beacon