A Difference FINAL … · Web view28 of 40 signers were Freemasons or possible Freemasons based...

Make A Difference

As members of the greatest fraternity in the world, we all should strive to do Whatever we can, wherever we are, whenever we can, for as long as we can, with whatever we have, to try and MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

My Companions, from the inception of our beloved fraternity 300 years ago, we have always had Masons who made a difference. Lets just look at some of the history of Masons making a difference in our beloved Country.

10 GREATEST NAMES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION WHO WERE MASONS,

Edmund Burke John Claypoole

William Dawes Benjamin Franklin

John Hancock John Paul Jones

Robert Livingston Paul Revere

Colonel Benjamin Tupper George Washington

8 SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE,

Benjamin Franklin John Hancock

Joseph Hewes William Hooper

Robert Treat Payne Richard Stockton

George Walton William Whipple

Summary: 15 of 56 Signers were Freemasons or probable Freemasons.

It's true that this represents only 27% of the total signers. However, this 27% included the principle movers of the Revolution, most notably Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, the primary authors of the Declaration. The former was a Freemason, the latter a deist and possible Freemason. If one were to analyze the Declaration, he would see the humanistic and Masonic influences.

SIGNERS OF THE CONSTITUTION:

Known Masons (9):

Gunning Bedford, Jr. John Blair

David Brearly Jacob Broom

Daniel Carrol John Dickinson

Benjamin Franklin Rufus King

George Washington

Evidence of Membership And/or Affiliations (13):

Abraham Baldwin William Blount

Elbridge Gerry Nicholas Gilman

Alexander Hamilton Thomas Jefferson

John Lansing, Jr. James Madison

George Mason George Read

Robert Morris Roger Sherman

George Wythe

Those Who Later Became Masons (6):

William Richardson Davie, Jr. Jonathan Dayton

Dr. James McHenry John Francis Mercer

William Patterson Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer

Summary: 28 of 40 signers were Freemasons or possible Freemasons based on evidence other than Lodge records. Once again if one were to analyze the Constitution, he would see the humanistic and Masonic influences.

These Brothers were willing to step up at a time in history when the mere suspicion that they were part of a revolt could have cost them their lives. Why did they do this? They did it because they wanted to Make a Difference. They wanted a new country where all men were considered equal. Because they stepped up and Made a Difference and risked everything, now we live in a country where we can live freely and belong to our Fraternity.

Continuing with Masons who Made a Difference in our Country 14 served as President of the United States,

George Washington James Monroe

Andrew Jackson James Polk

James Buchanan Andrew Johnson

James Garfield William McKinley

Theodore Roosevelt Howard Taft

Warren Harding Franklin Roosevelt

Harry Truman Gerald Ford

Each one of these brothers in one way or another made a very big impact on our country. Starting with our First President George Washington who affectionately was known as the Father of our Country; to FDR who pulled our country out of the Great Depression; to Harry S. Truman a former Grand Master of the State of Missouri, who had to take over the Presidency in the middle of WWII when FDR passed away; to Gerald Ford who was the only President who was never elected to President or Vice President, who pulled our Country out of one of its greatest embarrassments; each one gave credit to his Masonic background and teachings in helping him to be a better President.

Military leaders were brother masons

General Henry "Hap" Arnold General Omar N. Bradley,

General James Doolittle General "Stonewall Jackson,

Admiral John Paul Jones General Douglas MacArthur,

General George C Marshall General John "Blackjack" Pershing,

General Jonathan M. Wainwright General George Washington

Lt. Audie Murphy. US Army, most decorated soldier of WWII

This is but a small sampling of the countless many who have served their country as well as being a brother mason. These brave men led others into battle risking their life so that we may live in a country where we can be free to do as we wish within the bounds of law.

Now lastly a short list of Masons who were entertainers who Made a Difference,

Eddy Arnold* Gene Autry

Mel Brooks * Ernest Borgnine *

George M Cohan Norm Crosby *

Glenn Ford * Clark Gable *

Arthur Godfrey Paul Harvey

Harry Houdini Emmett, Kelly Sr

Kris Kristofferson * Glenn Miller*

Red Skelton John Philip Sousa

Danny Thomas John Wayne

(* denotes served in the military)

All of the Brothers listed above Made a Difference in our Country and in the lives of many others. One name stands out amongst all of the others, Ill. Brother Danny Thomas, 33. Brother Thomas Made a Difference by starting one of the largest charities in the world St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. No one who has ever been treated at St. Jude has ever been charged one dime for their treatment. St. Jude is one of the largest research hospitals for childrens cancer in the world. Brother Thomas wrote the below letter,

It is Great To Be A Freemason

By Ill. Brother Danny Thomas, 33

(From the October 1990 Fresno Scottish Rite

Bulletin with credit to Kansas Masonic Bulletin)

The years found me an admirer of the great work the Masonic Order

has been doing in making this world a better place for all of us to

live. I have, for a long time, desired to be one of you and rejoice

that now I can proudly boast of my membership in one of the world's

greatest fraternal associations. I am grateful for those

individuals who have in quiet ways motivated me in my work on

behalf of unfortunate children. I am grateful for the high moment

in my life when the doors of Freemasonry were opened to me. Since

then I have had many pleasant times of fraternal fellowship and

even opportunities for service in the work of many branches of

Freemasonry.

Our Order, for now I can say, "our order," teaches, "the

brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God" and this is great!

The world needs so desperately to discover the value of this great

truth in human relationships and world affairs. It is also a truth

that will motivate men and women to continue to explore avenues of

service and areas of common concerns in order to restore a measure

of sanity to the madness of our day and to enrich the quality of

life for all peoples everywhere. Now I join hands and heart with

you in all your endeavors of philanthropy and say we must not

slacken our efforts "to do good to all," especially those with

needs that will not be met if we fail in our common task of service

to humanity.

On stage, screen, platform, and in private life I have always

sought to bring a smile to the face of others and put a little joy

in their lives. I am grateful now for the larger opportunity which

is mine to adopt the tenets of Freemasonry as my own and hopefully

be able to have a small part in spreading Masonry's message of love

and caring to a larger audience, for wherever I go, I will be proud

to tell others of my work and concern in behalf of all that you are

doing, unselfishly, for others.

Someone once asked me why did I want to be a Mason and my reply

was: "Because Masons care for those who cannot care for

themselves." Also I am excited about efforts proposed at the recent Conference of Grand Masters in regard to drug abuse among young people.

It is great to be a Freemason! I am proud of what we are doing. I

shall assist in every way I can in our work of mercy, and it doesn't

hurt to be a Brother with a "big mouth and lots of television

cameras" to help get the message across. Masons are people of

goodwill who want to "keep our kids alive" and we are doing this

throughout the world. Our purpose is noble and humanitarian. Our

labors will be crowned with success, for as Freemasons we will

bring to our mission the best we have, regardless of what it

demands from us in the way of sacrifice and service. We will make

sure that in the tomorrows, life will be better for those who

suffer today.

I was a Freemason in my heart long before I was accepted as a

member in this great Fraternity. I was an out-sider but now I am

one of you, and the remaining years of my life will be spent in

seeking in some small way to say to all: "Thank you for making me a

Freemason." I want always to make you laugh but I trust that I will

also make you care and that now, together, we will put melody in

the heart of the world that will sing of a better life for all

people. The task challenges us to larger efforts and higher goals

that will demand from all of us the best we have to make a better

life for others. My promise to Freemasons everywhere is that I will

give the task my best!

One of the strongest statements made in his letter is when he was asked why he wanted to be a Mason his answer was "Because Masons care for those who cannot care for themselves. In other words we Make a Difference. This my Companions is my challenge to you this year is - to Make a Difference. I ask you to try, each and every day to Make a Difference, some way, somewhere. You can Make a Difference, in Your family, in Your Neighborhood, at Your work, in Your Masonic travels, in Your Lodge, Your Chapter, Your Council, Your Commandery, Your Valley, and In Your Life. Be that person who Makes a Difference. Be that person who opens the door for someone, lends a helping hand to someone in need, or goes the extra mile to help a neighbor. Whatever you can do to make life a little easier for someone else do it. All that I am asking this year is that you try to leave this world in better shape than while you were here. It might take some getting used to, but I promise you that if you do something every day it will get easier, and before you know it, it will be second nature to Make a Difference and you will be a better person for it.

They say it only takes a spark to start a forest fire, I ask you to be that spark this year, to start the fire for everyone to Make a Difference. As Brother Thomas stated, This task challenges us to larger efforts and higher goals that will demand from all of us the best we have to make a better life for others. My promise to you My Companions is that I will give YOU and this task my very best!

******


CHARITIES

As Brother Thomas pointed out Masons care for those who cannot care for themselves, I ask you to remember our Masonic obligations to help others. Companions we have two wonderful charities that we support in the Grand Chapter, 1. The Ohio Masonic Home and 2. Royal Arch Foundation which supports the Adopt America Foundation, for helping place children at risk into homes. Both are wonderful philanthropic venues and both deserve our support. Companions I believe charity starts at HOME and we have a great jewel in OUR Masonic Homes, where we take care of those who can no longer take care of themselves. We have been given a great responsibility to make sure that our Homes are always there to help others. We can Make a Difference at our Homes by using what I call the 3 Ds, Dedication, Devotion and Donation, 1. Dedicate yourself to Make a Difference for the Homes by talking about the Homes, always promoting the good works that they do. 2. Devotion - devote some of your time and efforts to do something at one of the Homes to help those who are living there. 3. Donation - It takes millions of dollars to keep OUR Homes operating, I dont mean by only donating your money, but by holding fund raisers or participating in one of the Homes several events such as the Miracle Miles Road Rally. Get others involved with you to enjoy the events and raise funds for YOUR Homes. My Companions, in this small way YOU can start Make a Difference at YOUR Masonic Homes and to make sure that our Homes will always be there. Remember this MY Companions; one day, we know not when, YOU might need the resources of YOUR Ohio Masonic Home.

Dress

Event Grand officer DDGHP deo

P.G.H.P

Grand Commandery Morning suit red coat red coat

apron & Jewel apron & jewel apron& jewel

grand lodgemorning suit red coatred coat

Apron & Jewel Blue lodge Apron No Jewel

One day classmorning suit Tuxedo Tuxedo

APRON & jEWEL APRON & JEWEL APRON & JEWEL

200th Anniversary GalA, White Tie & Tails TUXEDOTUXEDO

JEWEL JEWELJEWEL

Inspections

INSPECTING oFFICERtUXEDO TUXEDOTUXEDO

non-insp. officer RED COAT OR RED COAT orRED COAT or

dARK SUIT Dark Suit Dark Suit

Important dates

October 3-4, 2016Grand CouncilKalahari, Sandusky

October 4-6, 2016Grand ChapterKalahari, Sandusky

October 7-9, 2016Grand CommanderyCrown Plaza, Columbus

October 13-15, 2016Grand LodgeKalahari, Sandusky

October 22, 2016Grand Family meeting, MARIETTA Oh. Temple

October 22, 2016Am. Union #1Re-DEDICATION

October 23, 2016Re-Affirmation Sundayall chapters

October 29, 2016CEREMONIAl one day class cleveland Oh.

october 29, 2016200th. Anniversary gala / grand High Priest recption, Holiday Inn Independence, oh.

November __, 2016Thanksgiving Dinner WRMCTBA

December 03, 2016Grand Council/ Commandery receptions Kalahari, Sandusky oh.

december 07, 201675th anniversary of pearl harbor, all chapters

december 23- january 02.christmas observanceall chapters

February 11, 2017grand family meetinglyndhurst, oh

march 25, 2017grand lodge 1 day classlodge districts***

April 09-16, 2017Holy Weekall chapters

june 03, 2017o.c.d. dayton

June 04, 2017Ohio Masonic home 125th. anniversary, springfield, oh.

June 24, 2017300th. Anniversary Dinners across the state

October 1-3 2017Grand Councilkalahari, sandusky

october 3-5 2017GRAND chapterholiday Inn, INDEPENDENCE

october 5-7 2017grand commanderycrown plaza, columbus

***Per the deputy grand master no new master mason from the one day class can be solicited by any organization predicated on masonic membership, until June 25th 2017.

Rededications

October 22, 2016Am. Union #1Marietta, Oh

October 30, 2016Cunningham #187 Lakewood Oh

November 06, 2016Salem Chapter #94 Salem Oh.

November 06, 2016 New Lisbon Chapter #92 New Lisbon, Oh

November 13, 2016CINCINNATI # 2 Western Hills M.C.

grand high priest Receptions

By Date

February 04, 201720th. District

March 11, 201703rd. District

April 09, 201719th. District




May 06, 2017 09th. District

May 12, 201713th. District



June 03, 201711th. District

June 10, 201717th District

June 16, 20172nd. District

June 17, 20171st. & 8th. District

July 23, 20177th. District

By District

1st. DistrictJune 17, 2017

2nd. DistrictJune 16, 2017

3rd. DistrictMarch 11, 2017

4th. DistrictMay 19, 2017

5th. District April 29th. 2017

6th. DistrictApril 23, 2017

7th. DistrictJuly 23, 2017

8th. DistrictJune 17, 2017








20th. DistrictFebruary 04, 2017

75TH. ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACK ON

PEARL HARBOR

Companions this year we observe the 75th. Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In observance of this date I am asking that all Chapters have a program pertaining to this date in history. It can be held within the Chapter or by having a special dinner with veterans being invited and honoring their service to our Country. I would request that this be held on the closest meeting to December 7th. or at a special meeting or event called for this purpose. All Chapters are requested to submit a report to your Deputy at the earliest date following this observance.

CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY oBSERVANCE

eASTER OBSERVANCE

Companions this years Christmas / Holiday Observance will be from Friday December 23, 2016 thru Monday January 02, 2017

The Easter Observance will be from Sunday April, 09, 2017 thru Sunday April 16, 2017.

Companions I am requesting that you take this time to be with family and friends we spend enough time away from our families with our Masonic travels. I am requesting that no inspections or special meetings be scheduled during these time periods. A Stated meeting MUST be held per Code, but I ask that the agenda be short and to the point so that the Companions can return home as soon as possible.

\

CHAPTER REQUIREMENTS

Each Chapter is required to be represented at Grand Chapter per the Code. The High Priest, King and Scribe should attend. However, this is not always possible, but a Past High Priest can also represent that Chapter and there really is no excuse for not having representation at your Grand Chapter session. By adhering to Code and ritual requirements, a Chapter may hold onto their Chapter. The Charter is not a birthright. There are certain requirements that keep it maintained. Dont be one of those that were part of a group that lost their charter and destroy the legacy built up by those from the past. Please Read Your Code!

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

For some reason, many of us have become bill collectors. I have been a secretary in Council and I have found that being a bill collector is no fun. A good percentage of those that are not paying dues, have the means to pay them, but just wont. They also will ignore all attempts to contact them. A new member must have the fact instilled in him that he is important and that the future of his chapter is in his hands. He is an owner and he can contribute to its success just by keeping current. It is just rude to be contacted several times and not give any response. Even if the man is embarrassed as he is in destitute circumstances, it is just common courtesy to let his organization know that this is the case. We are not mind readers.

AUDITS

A chapter must have a reliable audit committee. Unfortunately, because of certain individuals that have hidden under the guise of Good Mason they have stolen and cheated Masonic Organizations for their own profit. An internal audit can do wonders in making sure that everything is on the up and up. This should and must be done for Districts and any other group acting under the Grand Chapter Code.

DEGREE WORK

Degree work is a very important part of Masonry. We strive to be excellent. Yet at times, failure happens. Preparation is the key. Also, as we have been told that to impress the candidate is the most important part of conferring ritual work, there is one other who is more important to impress: yourself! This does not mean to be impressed with yourself, but if you do the proper preparation, understand what you are talking about and give it your all, if you properly prepare the rest will fall into place

RITUAL WORK

A High Priest should have an understanding of what parts need to be filled in each of the degrees. There are no small parts! Some parts have fewer lines but are no less important. Every part is important or it would not be in the ritual. They should be particularly attended to and worked on as well as parts with many lines.

DEGREE EXTRAS

Costumes and makeup really make a degree look professional, however, some Chapters my not have the talent or funds for such a production. The way the degree work is presented is the most important part. I have seen Degrees done with modern clothing and they were no less enjoyable. It is the attitude of the actor that can make or break a degree.

INSPECTIONS AND SUCH

Masons always want to do their best during inspections. Yes, inspections are important, but, doing degree work during other times of the year, the Candidate in no less important just because he isnt the inspection candidate. Degree work should always be inspection ready and every Candidate should receive the Best degree possible.

INTRODUCTIONS

I would prefer that chapters do not ask Companions to leave the room for Introductions. It wastes time and makes things chaotic. Groups for introductions may be asked to come to the altar and be presented. If a Chapter or District believes that this would ruin their meeting if it is not done the old way, Im ok with it. I just prefer that the Companions just stay in the room.

EDUCATION

R.E.C. Dan Smith and his committee are continuing to assemble one of the best education programs in all of Capitular Masonry. Remember that the New Companion is very important and he must be taught what it means to be a Royal Arch Mason.

SOCIAL MEDIA

I am very active on Facebook. I will be posting on Facebook about our travels and where we will be going around this great state. I will be posting as soon as possible after being at an event.

VISITATIONS BY GRAND OFFICERS

I have asked the Grand Officers for my year to not only visit a chapters inspection in their regions, but their regular meetings as well. I hope to be in each district at least twice as well as the Grand High Priest Reception. BE PREPARED! You never know who may walk in.

ORGAN DONATIONS

The Grand Chapter of Ohio supports Organ/Tissue Donation. Organ and Tissue donations may be made through your drives license and can give new life to those that may die if they do not receive these lifesaving donations.

AWARDS

Grand Chapter has several awards that may be given. Service awards, District Awards, the Earl Gifford Meritorious Service Award and the Royal Arch Ladies award.

The Service Awards are for 50, 60, 65 and 70 and over years in Capitular Masonry. The 70 year awards I ask that the Chapters get a hold of me, so I may present them.

The District Awards are given at the Discretion of the District Deputy Grand High Priest and include the District Work Horse Award, the Most Improved Chapter Award, the Sojourners Award, the High Priest of the Year Award and the Chapter of the Year Award.

The Earl C. Gifford Meritorious Service Award should be sponsored by the Chapters and should be awarded to those companions that go out of their way to help their chapters succeed. Only 4 are awarded throughout the entire state. You may download the entry form off of our website at www.ohioram.org

TOOLS

There are various tools at a High Priest disposal to make his year successful. Officers manuals give great tips on how to run a meeting, introductions and programs. Officers books will help your officers perform their duties. Ritual and codes are also rules and guidelines are what are allowed and not allowed in running your chapter. Do not be afraid to think outside the box to make your year a very successful one.

DISTRICT ADVISORS

After speaking with the Deputies and Grand officers we are going to try using District Advisors in each District to assist the Deputies in their duties and to give them good and wholesome advice at the District level.

One thing that I must point out is that the District Deputy Grand High Priest answers to one and to one person only, The Grand High Priest.

YOUTH GROUPS

It has been said that our Youth groups, Rainbow, Jobs Daughters and DeMolay are our future. However, when you think about it, we are there future as well. We should strive to be role models and mentors to these young people. If we are not, we could leave a bad impression that will not only last for years, but perhaps forever in the mind of that young person. Kind words go much farther than criticism.

DISTRICT FUNCTIONS AND FESTIVALS

When a District has a function, you and your chapter should be represented. A lot of time and hard work has been put into these activities and every effort should be made to show your support.

FESTIVALS

I have no problems with Festivals. I think they are a good way to get new companions to join our ranks. If you have a Festival, make sure that each part is filled by a companion that will do the best job. As stated before, every part is important, otherwise it would not be in the ritual. Having a Festival does not mean a Chapter is not required to fulfill the code obligation concerning conferral of degrees. Remember each Chapter is required to conferred / perform each of the 4 degrees at least once per year.

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

Chapters can and should do outside activities with their members and ladies. This could be a group dinner, a play at the local community theatre, or some other activities. These activities could be of little or no cost to the Chapter.

PUBLICIZE

When you do have any activities, get the notice out to the members. E-Mail, newsletters, phone contact, the Web, Twitter and/or Facebook are great ways to get out the word. Use more than one way to get out communication. It certainly will not hurt!

COMMUNICATION WITH ME

Though suggested protocol states that all requests to the Grand High Priest should go through the deputies, I would like to have an open door policy with the members of the Chapters. If I cannot talk at that time, I will let you know and I will get back with you as soon as I can. EVERY CONTACT IS IMPORTANT! If you send an e-mail, please keep it brief and to the point. I easily get bored. If you send an invite, please put the complete address on the invitations. My contact information is below:

Home Phone / Cell Phone 216-536-1498

E-Mail, [email protected]

IN CONCLUSION

Please try to have good year. A leader is as good as the people around him, but a good leader will make those people even better and can MAKE A DIFFERENCE in each members life. Enjoy and have fun doing good work, this will help you MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the work that you do. Think about helping our Charites and practicing the 3- Ds to help MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Most of all remember my challenge to you - I challenge you to try, each and every day to Make a Difference, some way, somewhere, somehow.


A Difference FINAL … · Web view28 of 40 signers were Freemasons or possible Freemasons based...

Documents

Transcript of A Difference FINAL … · Web view28 of 40 signers were Freemasons or possible Freemasons based...