Beacon_Win04

1Beacon / Winter 2004

Winter 2004 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1

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

Since time immemorial, Fellow Craftshave been encouraged to study the sevenliberal arts and sciences, a symbol foreducation and self-improvement. In fact,it is through education and self-improvement that one can best masterhis craft.

The dedication and energeticleadership in the field of vocationaleducation by Byrl R. Shoemaker, amember of Neoacacia Lodge #595,significantly changed the landscape ofpublic education in Ohio.

Brother Shoemaker was recentlyrecognized by the State of Ohio and theSupreme Council for the NorthernMasonic Jurisdiction for hisgroundbreaking work in the field ofvocational education.

Dr. Susan Tave Zelman, Ohio’ssuperintendent of public instruction,presented the “Ohio Pioneer inEducation” award to BrotherShoemaker, who was the director of

vocational and careereducation in the OhioDepartment of Educationfrom 1962 until hisretirement in 1982. Heworked closely with BrotherJames Rhodes, Governor ofOhio, in the movement toestablish 49 joint vocationalschool districts throughoutthe state.

As a result of his efforts,hundreds of thousands of youth andadults have had the opportunity toprepare for a life of productiveemployment and financial independence.Few individuals in Ohio, or nationally,have impacted public education to theextent that Brother Shoemaker hasthrough his vision and professionalcontributions.

The Ohio Pioneer medallion andplaque were presented to BrotherShoemaker during the annual breakfast

meeting of the Ohio Association of JointVocational Schools on November 11,2003.

Brother Shoemaker was also recentlyrecognized by the fraternity, beingelected to receive the 33rd Degree in theScottish Rite at the next session of theSupreme Council for the NorthernMasonic Jurisdiction.

“I received a phone call a little after

Byrl Shoemaker recognizedfor outstanding service toOhio vocational education

Dr. Susan Tave Zelman, Ohio’s Superintendent of PublicInstruction, presents Brother Byrl Shoemaker the “Ohio Pioneer in Education” award.

The Ohio Masonic Home hascreated a $500,000 scholarshipendowment fund to be usedexclusively for orphaned children ofOhio Masons. Now it needs yourhelp to identify qualified students andto encourage them to submit ascholarship application for the 2004-2005 academic year by April 1, 2004.

Application forms are availableupon request by writing to: The OhioMasonic Home Scholarship Program,P.O. Box 120, Springfield, Ohio45501 or the forms may bedownloaded from The Home’s website at www.ohiomasonchome.org.Enter the web site, click on “What’sNew,” and scroll to the bottom of

the page and click on “ScholarshipApplication Forms.”

Each scholarship award will be forone academic year and may notexceed $3,000 or the cost of tuition.Students may not receive more thanfive scholarship awards from the fund,

OMH Scholarship Committee seeks your helpto identify qualified students

continued on page 15

Applications due April 1


by Steven J. Krekus, Grand Master

As Februarydraws to aclose, it’s hardto believe thatone quarter ofthe Masonicyear is alreadyhistory. Thetravels aroundthe state and

country have been great.In November and December we

attended 18 installations of lodge officersin many districts. There were also severalReconsecrations of Lodges.

I had the honor of conducting theReconsecration of my home lodge,George A. Holly #745 in Painesville, asmy first official act after being installed asGrand Master. It was an exciting eveningfor me. New England Lodge #4 inWorthington was Reconsecrated on theoccasion of its 200th anniversary, anoutstanding milestone in OhioFreemasonry.

My wife, Carol, and I had the

opportunity to visit the Grand Lodges ofKentucky, Pennsylvania andMassachusetts before the end of thecalendar year. It is a pleasure to see howeach Grand Lodge is different, yet, thesame.

January brought our annual trip toFlorida to meet and greet the Ohiobrethren that live or winter there. TheGrand Master’s Receptions in Sarasotaand Tavares were well attended. Thismonth we journeyed to Phoenix,Arizona to break bread with ourbrethren residing there.

Charitable Foundation continues to grow

In December, I sent a letter to everyOhio Mason asking for a contribution ofat least $12 this year to make the GrandLodge Charitable Foundation grow.Your response has been great. Thecontributions have poured into theGrand Lodge Headquarters from all overthe state and the nation. I thank you for

sharing your resources with us so thatmore of the deserving Ohio people thatneed our help can be aided. A Mason’scharity is truly one of the strong pointsthat make our Fraternity special.

Speaking of special, the opening ofthe Special Olympics in Columbus drawsnear. I urge the lodges to again supportthis outstanding event with fund raisersto help sponsor the athletes to thegames.

“A blueprint for life”

The seven goals that are part of theGrand Master’s Program this year aredesigned to help a lodge serve itsmembers and the community better.They are part of the “blueprint” thathelps a lodge to be successful and thebrethren to be better men. Support yourlodge by attending and helping out in itsefforts to make this year an outstandingone. With your participation, we cantruly make “Freemasonry: A Blueprintfor Life” in Ohio.

2 Beacon / Winter 2004

A MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND MASTER

by Joseph (Jerry) B. Kuyoth, Jr., C.N.H.A. CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home

I read aquote recently ina publicationcalled“Leadership.” Itstated, “Whensomeone getssomething fornothing,someone else

gets nothing for something.” I continueto be shocked that as a country we willnot acknowledge the advent of our ownPerfect Storm. Much like the moviestarring George Clooney, we have threeindividual storms merging that unless metwith drastic preventive steps will crippleour nation.

First, the aging of America. Scores ofboomers are moving into the seniorcategory with expectations of earlyretirement and a commitment to push theoutward bounds of life expectancy.

Second, the dramatic under funding ofSocial Security and Medicare. Theseprograms suffer now. What will happenwhen our workforce shrinks by one-third

and those of retirement age increase byone-third? Even the old math teaches usthis is a recipe for financial disaster.

Third increased consumer debt and theabolishment of defined benefit pensionprograms. Voluntary programs with acompany match can work, but most likelywon’t for our microwave society. We maythink we know more than our employerabout saving and investing, most of usdon’t and are not patient enough. Yes, the“Perfect Storm” is only a generation away.Be ready. The waves are already buildingand since Washington is ignoring it youcan’t.

I am proud to say that here at TheOhio Masonic Home we clearly see thatominous storm. Our steps to providecollege scholarships to the fatherless,Masonic Senior Services to those in searchof information, and housing andhealthcare for those in need is temperedby our understanding of the future.

The government and families willcontinue to help, but we are positioned toprovide services to the members of ourfraternity and their families clearly realizing

that no source of money is endless.Prudent, careful investing and prudentbehavior in all arenas is essential forlongterm viability.

The Ohio Masonic Home and itsfamily of facilities and services iscommitted to a concept espoused bywriter Philip Sidney in the mid 16thCentury, “Either we will find a way or wewill make one.”

We encourage each of you to preparefor the Perfect Storm, and remember thatit is through your “Care, Concern, andCompassion” that we are doing likewise.

I would like to thank retiring Board ofTrustee members Right WorshipfulBrother Wilbur B. Smith and RightEminent Sir Knight Richard L. Weaver fora decade of dedicated service to makingthe dreams of expanded service a reality.They possessed a vision for The Home tothrive. I also welcome to the Board ofTrustees Brothers John B. Clime andEdward L. Fouch as they bring their skillsof banking and investing to ourorganization as new trustees.

AMERICA’S PERFECT STORM

A TV commercial for Nike footwear, featuringCleveland Cavaliers’ rookie LeBron James, wasfilmed in the DeMolay meeting room in theCleveland Masonic Center.

Even though elaborate backdrops andequipment were used, those who know the roomwill readily recognize it in the commercial.

The producers used parts of the building foreight days, and it took nearly three days of actualfilming. Scattered among the 250 “extras” used inthe TV spot, some familiar faces, such as BernieMac, George Gervin, Julius Erving, Moses Malone,Jerry West, and Bootsy Collins, can be identified inthe commercial. All were there for the shooting.

To obtain the proper appearance for the filming,the producers laid down a portion of ClevelandState University’s portable basketball court, plusadded a 1,500 square-foot laminated floor on thestage.

Six basketball hoops were installed, plus a trampoline forsome of the dramatic scenes in the commercial.

To achieve the proper lighting without damaging theroom, producers used powerful lights inside helium-filledballoons. “They looked like blimps circling in the room,”according to James A. Langmead, stage manager for theValley of Cleveland, Scottish Rite, which owns the building.

LeBron James, of Akron, has received a lot of publicattention, as he moved directly from high school to theNational Basketball Association.


Nike ad starring LeBron James filmed inCleveland’s Masonic Center DeMolay Room

Special Olympics GoalSet at $150,000 Awards Program for Lodges Detailed

With a goal of $150,000, Ohio Masons will beworking hard in the next few months to earn moneyto help Special Olympics athletes attend the 2004Summer Games in Columbus.

Lodges who give $1,500 and above will receive aspecial gold medal plaque from Grand Master StevenJ. Krekus at Grand Lodge in October.

Lodges giving $1,000 to $1,499 will receive a goldmedal plaque and those who give between $500 and$999 will be presented with a special certificate signedby the Grand Master.

Last year, Ohio lodges donated more than$115,000, marking the third consecutive year that the$100,000 level has been surpassed.

Individuals are encouraged to send a contributionto their lodges, marked Special Olympics, and thelodge will forward them to the Grand Lodge.

Do you want to be a part of history?The Grand Lodge Special Olympics Committee wants

to use a new design for the 2004 Special Olympics pin.The design must contain a Square and Compasses and theSpecial Olympics logo. The Special Olympics logo isavailable at www.freemason.com.

To enter, put your full-color design on a plain 3x5-inchnote card and mail it in to: Michael Cecil, SpecialOlympics Chairman, 169 Huron Street, Bellville, OH44813-1208. Please, no e-mails. Entries must bepostmarked by April 1, 2004. There will be an award forthe winner.

Wanted: designs for the 2004 Ohio Masonic Special Olympics Pin

LeBron James, standing in the center of the top picture, was the“star” of this television commercial. These pictures were taken inthe Cleveland Masonic Center during the filming. Bottom photoshows the stage, from a viewpoint behind cameras. Bernie Mac isin the center.


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

Thank YOU!

As welearned atmother’s knee,we shouldalways saythanks – and wecan never saythanks enough.To all of you,

the individuals and lodges, who havesupported the Home in 2003, and before:THANK YOU! Your continued support iswhat enables us to offer the quality of carewe provide, with concern and compassion,to all our residents. Each year, your giftsmake the difference in the care weprovide. So, thank you!

In our daily work at the Foundation,we say thank you in several ways. With themore than 3,000 thank you letters wesend annually to our donors; with ourspecial plaques of appreciation to thelodges (now 25 in number) which haveeach provided in excess of $100,000cumulatively in support of The Home;and most recently with our new Donor

Wall located on the 2nd floor of theHillman Care Center recognizing majorgift donors throughout our history. TheDonor Wall will also soon include donorsfor the most recent year. Stop by and see itthe next time you are in Springfield.Another special type of “thank you” willdebut this year – more about it later.

Thanks also to those who supportedour first annual appeal directed to providecomputer technology for our residents toenable them to learn all the wonderfulopportunities available to them via thecomputer and Internet. ThroughDecember 31st, more than 800 of youhave provided $30,000 in support of thisproject. Gifts may still be submitted. Wewill soon be allocating that money to ourseveral campuses (in compliance, ofcourse, with any donor specificationsindicated) to implement this program.Special thanks to Nova Caesarea-HarmonyLodge #2 which liked the project so muchit offered to match the gifts of its brethrento a maximum of $1,000 and ended upsending nearly $2,800!

And thanks to those sponsors andindividuals who supported our first special

event for the Home, the Jim PerryLegends Golf Classic last September. Morethan 100 golfers enjoyed a memorablegolfing weekend with twenty-eightprofessional sports celebrities of yesteryearled by Cy Young Award winner andformer Cleveland Indian, Jim Perry, whileraising money for the Home. This year’sevent, September 17-18, promises to beeven bigger and better. Don’t delay ingetting your reservation in to Brother KenHershberger, Director, Planned Giving at888/248-2664 ext. 5!

Speaking of Brother Hershberger andthanking, don’t be surprised to see him inyour neighborhood. He’s “in the field”making get acquainted visits to say thanksto those of you who’ve indicated aninterest in the Foundation or one of ourcharitable giving programs over the lastseveral years. If he knocks at your door,welcome him in. I’m sure you’ll enjoy thevisit and the special memento he has foryou!

Hope to see you at Masonic HomeDay at our beautiful new Western ReserveMasonic Community in Medina onSunday, June 6. Don’t miss it!

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Learn More About How You can HelpTo receive information about how you can help The OhioMasonic Home, please complete this form and return to:Benevolent Endowment FoundationFive Masonic Drive, Springfield, Ohio 45504-3658

Please call me about a personal visitPlease call me about naming and recognition opportunitiesI’ve named The Ohio Masonic Home in my will, trust or other plannedgift. Please send me information about the Rickly Society

______________________________________________________________________________Name

______________________________________________________________________________ Address

______________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip

______________________________________________________________________________ Telephone

______________________________________________________________________________ Lodge

You may also call the Endowment Foundation toll-free at 888/248-2664.

I am also interested in:Please send me information about golfing in the 2nd Jim Perry Legends Golf Classic,September 17-18.

Masonic Retirement VillageSpringfield Marketing Office: 888/290-2664

Patio HomesApartmentsAssisted Living

Masonic Health CareSpringfield Admissions Office: 888/243-2664

Pathways Center for Alzheimer’s CareIntermediate CareSkilled NursingRespite CareRehabilitative Care

Browning Masonic CommunityWaterville Admissions Office: 866/878-4055

Garden VillasApartmentsAssisted Living

Western Reserve Masonic CommunityMedina Marketing Office: 866/433-1514

Patio HomesApartmentsAssisted LivingNursing Care

Masonic Eastern Star CommunityCincinnati Admissions Office: 877/590-7827

Assisted LivingNursing Care


The Ohio Masonic Home has embarked on a new andexciting journey and invites you to join in the voyage byvisiting The Home’s improved Web site:www.ohiomasonichome.org.

“Our objective was to design an appealing, easy tonavigate Web site with useful information about who we areand what we do,” said The Home’s CEO Joseph (Jerry) B.Kuyoth, Jr.

Web surfers can visiteach campus, send e-mail messages to requestinformation, call themarketing or admissionsoffices using a toll freenumber, read thecurrent Annual Reportor past issues of theBeacon, contact theMasonic Senior ServicesDirector, seek and applyonline for jobs orvolunteer positionsavailable at eachcampus, use the “Links”pages to visit otherhealth care relatedfederal, state, andconsumer sites, or visitother Masonic Websites.

“This is an integralpart of our ‘OperationReconnect’ plan.During future months,The Home will becommitting resources tore-communicate to thebrethren and theirfamily members ourmission and how we canbe of service to them at ourfour campuses or in theirhomes,” Kuyoth added.

The “What’s New” area willsoon list activities at eachcampus and includephotographs of some of thoseevents, in addition to offering aselection of e-mail postcards visitors will be able to send tofriends.

“Our Web site contents will change frequently to ensurethe site stays fresh to our visitors,” said Kuyoth. Each campuswill be able to add and delete articles and photographs aboutits activities directly to its designated pages.

National surveys show the number of retirees using theInternet is exploding. The most common Internet activitiesamong consumers 55 to 64 are using e-mail, looking for

information, seeking financial information and reading thenews. More than 133 million U.S. adults (66 percent of theadult population) use the Internet either at work or at home.Consequently, the Internet is a major communicationsmedium for business and personal use.

“Besides being an information provider about TheHome’s services, we also want to eventually explore the

possibilities of creating an e-mailnewsletter, cross-link with more Websites to give our visitors quick access tovarious related areas, build an interactivesection with site visitors, conduct onlinesurveys to better understand ourcustomers’ needs, hold contests, featurevisitor contributions, and offer live chat

events and interviews,” said Kuyoth. “But, we need your help to be successful. Join the

‘Operation Reconnect Team’ and share with us your ideasand suggestions to improve our Web site and make it moreuseful to you and our Masonic family,” said Kuyoth. E-mail your comments to Jerry Guess [email protected] or use the “Contact Us” menuitem on the Web site.

‘Operation Reconnect’

OMH launches revised Web site

“Our objective was to design anappealing, easy to navigate Web sitewith useful information about who we are and what we do.”

CEO Jerry Kuyoth


Old Erie Lodge #3 ofWarren, chartered by theGrand Lodge of Connecticutin late 1803 as Erie Lodge#47, will celebrate itsbicentennial this year.

While this bicentennial is acelebration for Old Erie Lodge,it should also be a celebrationof Old Erie Lodge, as it wasthis Lodge that first advocatedthe idea of forming a GrandLodge for Ohio. (See relatedstory.)

In addition, the first brotherto be installed and to serve asGrand Master of the GrandLodge of Ohio, ThomasHuntington, was a member ofErie Lodge.

Worshipful Brother ThomasWeller, who served the lodgeas Master during its 175thanniversary, is serving Old Erie as Masteragain this year, and he and the lodgehave set a busy schedule.

History Night is scheduled for March16th at 7:00 p.m. to commemorate theanniversary of the first installation of theofficers of then Erie Lodge #47. Thiswill be a very special program andevening.

The pinnacle of the bicentennialcelebration, however, will be onSeptember 25, when the brethren of OldErie Lodge will host Grand MasterSteven J. Krekus and the Grand Lodgeofficers, who will reconsecrate the lodge.The lodge will also rededicate thehistorical marker that it erected inMonument Park to commemorate its175th anniversary. The day’s events willbe topped off by a gala banquet and ball.

Though a time for celebration, thisbicentennial year has also given themembers of Old Erie Lodge anopportunity to consider their manyblessings and to give thanks.

“We at Old Erie thank our forefathersfor the dedication and devotion it tookto form our Lodge in the early days ofour (Northwest) territory’s development.We thank them also for perseveringthrough the years in times of difficultyand persecution so that we now enjoy away of life built around the solidfoundation and firm principles thatFreemasonry provides. We thank Godfor giving them the strength needed to

do these things and pray to Him for theability to continue in their footsteps.”(From the newly revised history of OldErie Lodge #3)

Old Erie Lodge meets on the 1st and3rd Tuesdays of each month at 7:30p.m. Its stately Lodge Hall is located at112 Pine Avenue in Warren, Ohio. Moredetailed information regarding thebicentennial activities can be obtainedfrom the Lodge Secretary, Allen Briggs,330/898-2970.

Old Erie Lodge #3 celebrates 200th anniversary

Old Erie Lodge leads creation of Grand Lodge

Old Erie Lodge #3, has thedistinction of being the first Lodgeto advocate the creation of a GrandLodge in the State of Ohio.

On March 11, 1807 at theannual meeting of Erie Lodge, thenstill on the rolls of the GrandLodge of Connecticut, a resolutionwas adopted to correspond with theother Masonic Lodges meeting inOhio to determine if there wassufficient support for forming aGrand Lodge.

A convention was held inJanuary, 1808, at the State CapitolBuilding in Chillicothe todetermine whether to form a newGrand Lodge. Representatives fromall six of the Ohio Lodges werepresent.

All Lodges chartered since 1809,as well as all Masons made in thestate of Ohio since that time, owe adebt of gratitude for the efforts ofErie Lodge to bring about thecreation of the Grand Lodge ofOhio. There is perhaps no morefitting way to thank Old Erie Lodgethan to participate in itsbicentennial celebrations.

(Top Photo) Looking toward the “west” inthe Old Erie Lodge Room, the beautifulwoodwork can be observed in the toppictures. The entrance to the MasonicTemple is shown above.


At the 2003 Grand Lodge session inDayton, Grand Master William P.Mayberry, Sr., presented the P. DeanGerber Award to Past Grand MasterJames E. Olmstead.

The Gerber Award, named for thededicated brother who was GrandMaster in 1992, and, even thoughstricken with cancer, served his termwith great courage and leadership. Theaward is intended for persons whoemulate that courage and dedication.

Grand Master Mayberry’s remarksduring the presentation:

“This year, the Grand Lodge hasobserved another individual worthy ofreceiving the distinguished P. DeanGerber Award. This individual, too,contracted a very serious form ofcancer. He bravely fought the diseasewith an application of chemotherapy.About four years later, the cancerreturned and the prognosis again wassevere.

“After much research, it was

determined that a rather new treatmentwas available – but one with terribleand immediate consequences if thetreatment failed. Our brother decidedto proceed. He left our state to go toanother part of the country for thistreatment, which lasted about fourmonths. It was successful and he is withus here tonight.

“Through the various bouts withcancer and the various treatments thathave abused his body, he has displayedan unusually strong faith in God, whichshould be an example for all of us. Hehas shown courage and a zest for life,which is a model for each of us. And hehas exemplified a continued dedicationto his family, friends, AND fraternity -also a lesson for us all.

“I would like to present the 2003 P.Dean Gerber Award to a Past GrandMaster of this Grand Lodge and theScottish Rite Deputy for Ohio, MostWorshipful Brother James E.Olmstead.”

P. Dean Gerber Award presented to Past Grand Master James Olmstead

Lodges in the news...

Ironton Masons donatewinter gear to children

Lawrence Lodge #198 in Ironton made sure that theyoung hands and heads of kindergarten students would notbe cold this winter.

The lodge, with the assistance of the local York Rite andEastern Star organizations, donated gloves and knit caps toall 122 students in the West Ironton Kindergarten, plus acozy new toboggan. This is the second year for suchdonations, and the lodge wants to make the contributionsannually.

“This was needed in the community,” Walter A. Butler,secretary of Lawrence Lodge, was quoted as saying in afeature article about the Masons’ generosity in the localnewspaper. “Within our organization, we do a lot ofprojects in the community. This is just one that we dobecause the kids need it.”

According to a spokesperson at the school, if theMasons would not provide these items, “there are kidswho wouldn’t have hats and gloves.”

What is the most rewarding part? “Just seeing thosesmiles on the children’s faces,” said Brother Butler.

Benjamin Franklin Lodge supportsSalvation Army programs

Members of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #719 inHamilton, Ohio raised nearly $2,450 for the Salvation Armythis year. The Franklin Lodge Masons rang bells from 5p.m. to 9 p.m. at eight stores on December 12.

“All of our members are to be congratulated for theirexcellent dedication to the service of those who are lessfortunate,” Lodge Secretary Stanley J. (Bud) Haacke said.

Lodge helps serve breakfast forCory-Rawson football team

Mt. Cory Lodge #418 and the Rawson Eastern StarChapter served breakfast to the Cory-Rawson High Schoolfootball team, cheerleaders, and coaches before classes onNovember 7, 2003.

It was a Masonic effort to show support for the team asit continued to advance in the Division VI football playoffs.The local newspaper ran a feature picture about the lodge’sprogram.

James E. Olmstead


On numerous occasions during thelast two years, Past Grand Master C.Rolland Lattanner has portrayed the Rev.and Right Worshipful Brother JamesKilborne, the founder of Worthington,Ohio, and one of the charter membersof New England Lodge #4.

Both the city of Worthington andNew England Lodge observed their200th anniversaries in 2003, and manygroups were interested in remembering

Brother Kilborne.Most Worshipful Brother Lattanner

dressed for the role, studied the historyand life of Brother Kilborne, anddescribed this historical figure to manygroups, including Masonic, civic, andchurch organizations.

His role-playing reached its peakwhen he portrayed Kilborne on NewEngland Lodge’s float in the city’sbicentennial parade in July 2003.

Past Grand Master Lattanner portrays historic leader

Past Grand Master C. Rolland Lattanner shows his vintage apparel in the picture at right.Above, four members of New England Lodge, #4, are seen on a float in Worthington’sand Ohio’s Bicentennial parade. Pictured, from left, are Most Worshipful BrotherLattanner, Mike Strautz, Richard Snow, and Sam Harpley.

The Worshipful Master of Lucasville Lodge #465, Donald (Denny) Edwards, left,assists as Trimble (Trim) Pelphrey, center, presents a 50-year membership pin andcertificate to his son, Robert Wesley Pelphrey in the lodge on December 12, 2003.Brother Trim Pelphrey is 96 and a lodge member for 58 years. It was a proud andemotional moment for both father and son.

Past Grand Chaplainheads National ShrineCircus Association

Dwayne C. Jones, who served asGrand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge ofOhio in 2002-2003, has been electedand installed as president of the ShrineCircus Association of North America.

The action took place on November15, 2003, in Galveston, Texas. RightWorshipful Brother Jones will host theorganization’s next annual meeting inColumbus, Ohio, on October 21-23,2004.

Grand Lodge loses 105-year-old member

Joseph E. Thomas, a member ofMarion Lodge #70 for 75 years, died onDecember 30, 2003 at age 105. He wasan Endowed Member and would havebeen 106 years old on February 10,2004.

96-year-old presents 50-year pin to son


More Light About MasonryMore Light About Masonry

Barton Smith, Grand Master of TheGrand Lodge of Ohio in 1896-97, wasrecognized as one of the most influentialcitizens of the 20th century in Toledo,Ohio.

The newspaper in Toledo, The Blade,recently featured Smith in one of a seriesof profiles on the most significant peoplein the city in the last 100 years.

The newspaper said: “. . .hiscontributions to law and business, andhis involvement with the Masonicorganization, made him one of the mostpowerful men of the late 1800s and thefirst part of the 1900s in Toledo.”

Most Worshipful Brother Smith alsoserved as Sovereign Grand Commanderof the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction,Scottish Rite, from 1910 through 1921.

Legacy continues today

His legacy continues today, as he isthe namesake of Toledo’s Barton SmithLodge #613.

According to The Blade, Smith“achieved prominence within theMasons when he represented theorganization in the late 1800s during abattle with a Masonic faction led byfollowers of Joseph Cerneau. Smith wassuccessful within theMasonic organizationand in the courts in theCerneau cases, whichwere decided in 1892.

“Smith, according topublished reports,regarded the Cerneaucases as his mostimportant involvementwith the Masons,” thenewspaper commented.

Smith was born near Joliet, Illinois in1852, graduated from the University ofMichigan with a law degree in 1875, andbegan his practice in Toledo, where hegained prominence in the field ofcorporate and international law.

His rise to the highest levels in thefraternity was rapid. He was raised aMaster Mason in 1881 and witnessed the

Scottish Rite degrees in 1882. The firstmeeting after becoming Master Mason,he was elected Junior Deacon of hisLodge. Fifteen years later, he was GrandMaster of Ohio.

During his term as Grand Master ofOhio in 1897, the Ohio Masonic Homein Springfield, Ohio, was completed andopened its doors. It is, in BrotherSmith’s words, “the glory and pride ofOhio Freemasonry.” He served for manyyears as the chairman of theJurisprudence Committee of the GrandLodge and was subsequently namedChairman Emeritus.

He also made some lastingcontributions to Scottish Rite Masonry.In 1907, as a delegate representing theNorthern Masonic Jurisdiction to theInternational Conference in Brussels, heauthored the conference rules, whichhave essentially governed all ScottishRite International Conferences since. Healso gained broad experience for manyyears on the Supreme Council’sCommittee on Constitutions and Lawsand Foreign Fraternal Relations.

As Sovereign Grand Commander,Smith governed during a period of someof the greatest growth in Masonry’shistory. He served during a steady and

spectacular decade ofthe Fraternity’sgrowth anddevelopment.

Key role in politics

In Toledo, Smith,as an attorney, wasresponsible forconsolidating all of thesmall street railway

companies and incorporating them asToledo Traction Co., the forerunner ofthe area’s public transit authority thatexists today. He was corporate counselfor the transportation company for 32years and represented numerous othercorporations throughout Ohio.

Working on behalf of the city, Smithhelped facilitate legislation that resulted

in the construction of a Toledo waterfiltration plant in the early 1900s.

He served as counsel for The ToledoBlade for many years, and also held postson its board and as the newspapercompany’s president, before thecompany was bought in 1926 by thefamily who owns the newspaper to thisdate.

While active in politics, Smith neverran for political office, although heserved one term on the Toledo Board ofEducation. He was the leader of thedelegation from the Toledo area to theDemocratic National Convention in1896 when William Jennings Bryan firstwas nominated for president.

In 1921, Smith was appointed byPresident Warren G. Harding as arepresentative to the arbitral commissionin the case of Landeau versus theRepublic of Peru, a hearing held inLondon in 1922, which involved anAmerican citizen. This service causedhim to miss the annual session of theGrand Lodge of Ohio for the first timein more than 30 years.

A man of spotless character

According to a Toledo history bookwritten by a judge of the same timeperiod, Smith “possesses the clearest andmost analytical mind of any man of hisage that I have met. He is great in thesolution of intricate legal questionsinvolving philosophical study. He has apeculiarly logical mind and is a greatstudent of the authorities. He is very

Past Grand Master recognized asinfluential 20th century citizen

“. . .his contributions tolaw and business, and hisinvolvement with theMasonic organization,made him one of the mostpowerful men of the late1800s and the first part ofthe 1900s in Toledo.”


Barton Smith

Robert C. Ehrhardt, a 43-yearmember of Milford Lodge #54, hasdeveloped a very “fishy” reason forspending so much time at the Shriners’Cincinnati Burns Hospital.

Years ago, the hospital was lookingfor a volunteer that could take care ofthe new fish tanks in the brand newfacility. Someone at Syrian Shrine Templein Cincinnati identified Brother Ehrhardtas such a person.

So, since 1992, Brother Ehrhardt andhis wife, Lois, have been fish“caretakers” at the hospital, makingmultiple visits each month to keep theaquariums in prime condition.

“Between Us,” a Shrine publicationcirculated nationally, featured theEhrhardts in an article titled, “Coupleshares love of fish at burn hospital.”

After 42 years of service in thetelecommunications industry, BrotherEhrhardt retired from Cincinnati Bell in1989. He is a World War II veteran,

having servedin the SouthPacific with theNavy SeaBees.He is active inthe SyrianShriners’Oriental Band,and plays thedrum in manyparades acrossthe Midwest.

He is aformer officerin MilfordLodge and amember of theScottish RiteValley of Cincinnati. He is a Past Patronand Lois is a Past Matron of MilfordEastern Star Chapter.

Over the years, he has been veryactive in Job’s Daughters and served asAssociate Grand Guardian in Ohio in

1968-69. The couple has served asGuardian and Associate Guardian oftheir local Job’s Bethel, as well.

Volunteering with the fish tanks hasallowed the Ehrhardts a betteropportunity than most to get to knowthe staff and patients at the BurnsHospital, which is perhaps the mostgratifying part of their work.

“We often see families week afterweek and it’s nice to talk to them aboutfish. We share our interests with themand I think it helps them take their mindoff their own concerns for awhile,” Loissaid.


A Real ‘Fish Story’

American Union Lodge #1and Harmar Lodge #390, bothlocated in Marietta, Ohio, agreedto jointly contribute $400 torepaint the sign in front of theGrand Lodge Headquarters inWorthington.

The two lodges had, yearsearlier, donated the cost oferecting the sign initially, andwanted to help in its maintenance.

Lodges contribute to ‘freshen’ Grand Lodge headquarters sign

Robert C. Ehrhardt, left, and his wife, Lois, both active in the Masonicfamily of organizations, have turned a love of fish into a vital servicefor the Shriners’ Cincinnati Burns Hospital. Their work has had theadded benefit of allowing them to get to know some of the patientsand understand the great achievements the hospital performs.

popular and successful. He is an intenseman, earnest, self-sacrificing in hisduties; thorough, working out everydetail and examining every authority,even at the sacrifice of his health . . .Heis a man of spotless character. I know noman who is his superior in personalintegrity and none who has a high senseof professional honor.”

For more than five years before hisdeath, Smith endured a lingering illness.According to Grand Lodge proceedings,he “stood, as it were on the very brinkof death.” And, in 1935, “his barkslipped into the unknown stream.” Hedied in his home in Toledo at age 83.

Barton Smithcontinued from page 13

Milford Lodge Brother isdedicated fish caretaker

and must be enrolled on a full-time basis at a qualifyinginstitution before the funds are distributed.

The scholarship funds will be paid to the school. Anytuition refunds, discounts, or rebates, up to the scholarshipamount, must be returned to the Scholarship Fund.

To qualify for consideration, students must:• Have graduated from a high school or passed the GED.• Have made satisfactory academic progress in the

preceding academic year (if applicable) as indicated bycompletion of required credit hours and a grade pointaverage of an least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

• Be at least 16 but not more than 22-years-old atapplication time.

• Have a financial need (i.e., student’s and family’s 2003combined federal Adjusted Gross Income may notexceed $40,000).

• Be the natural or adopted son or daughter of adeceased Mason who, at the time of his death, hadachieved the degree of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraftor Master Mason and who was in good standing withthe Grand Lodge of F.&A.M. of Ohio.

The following information must also be submitted withthe application:

• Copies of the parent or guardian signed federal taxform 1040 for the most recent year, and the student’sfederal tax form a1040 if any.

• Copy of the letter of acceptance from the school thestudent will attend.

• A two-page essay written by the student summarizingpersonal and academic background honors awards,services, co-curricular activities and career plans.

• Letter of recommendation from a high school teacher,principal or guidance counselor.

• Letter from the Secretary of the father’s MasonicLodge verifying the father’s “good standing.”

• A list of other sources of financial aid to which thestudent has applied, the date of application, whether ornot the aid was accepted, and if so the amount

accepted.Application forms should be mailed to: The Ohio

Masonic Home Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 120,Springfield, Ohio 45501. Incomplete or late applications willnot be considered. The Home’s Scholarship Committee shalldetermine awards and all decisions of the committee arefinal.

If you have any questions about The Home’s ScholarshipProgram, please contact David R. Stacy at (937) 525-3014.

Scholarship continued from page 1


Thank You For Your GenerosityWe offer our grateful appreciation to the estates, individuals, groups, or other Masonic bodies who have supported TheOhio Masonic Home with donations given between October 1 and December 31, 2003.

$10,000+C.E. BristerChester W. DavisThe Betty Joanne Flickinger

Memorial By Mary A.Flickinger Estate

Grand Lodge of Ohio Helen M. HoslerVirginia L. NeuEllen L. PalmerJack R. SchwarzwalderWebster SturdivantMyrtle L. ThomasThelma A. Wills

$2,000+AASR - Valley of DaytonG.D. & B.J. ArtersIn Honor of Earl R. Blazer

and Timothy B. Strawn byThe Gregory HackettFamily Foundation

Blendon Lodge #339Findlay Lodge #227Grand Chapter, Royal Arch

Masons of OhioGrand Council, Royal &

Select Masons of Ohio

Grand Commandery, Knights Templar Of Ohio

Olive V. KelleyGeorge K. MossNova Caesarea Harmony

Lodge #2Betty OberleVivian H. SchulzeHoward M. SheelerSolar Lodge #730In Memory of Warren D.

Watson by Charlotte L.Holland

York Lodge #563

$1,000+Laverne H. CroaningOrlando W. DavisCurtis A. GibsonGregory HackettBessie V. HoslerIn Memory of Ralph Snook By

William C. LawsonNorwood Winton Lodge #576University Lodge #631Carl W. VernonWest Gate Lodge #623

OHIO HISTORY — Grand Secretary MWB George O. Braatz(right) PGM and past president of the Worthington HighTwelve Club #727 extends his appreciation to The OhioMasonic Home’s High Twelve Club #483 past President JohnBrain for presenting a club banner to the Worthington HighTwelve Club. The Home’s Club sponsored the WorthingtonClub, which is the only High Twelve Club in the nation thatmeets in a Grand Lodge facility.

OMH High Twelve Club presentsbanner to Worthington Club

Harrison Lodge #219 in Cadiz had avery entertaining meeting lastNovember. After the stated meeting wasover, they welcomed a large group ofhigh school students and their parentsinto the Lodge Room for an FFA(Future Farmers of America)parliamentary procedure practice session.

An estimated 75 parents sat on thesidelines and watched students from allover Harrison County respond toquestions regarding parliamentaryprocedure. The young people werepracticing to compete in a state FFAevent.

According to lodge members, not

only was it a fun evening, but it openedthe lodge to many persons who hadnever been in the building before. It wasa good community service project,according to one brother, and alreadyhas yielded one petition.

The Beacon is Published QuarterlyPlease report all changes of address to yourLodge Secretary, who, in turn, will notify theGrand Secretary, who maintains thedatabase that produces The BEACONmailing labels.

The Ohio Masonic Home includes MasonicHealth Care, Inc.; Masonic RetirementVillage, Inc.; and the BenevolentEndowment Foundation, Inc., at theSpringfield campus; the Browning MasonicCommunity, Inc., in Waterville; the MasonicEastern Star Community, Inc., in Cincinnati;and the Western Reserve MasonicCommunity, Inc., in Medina.

Jerry Guess, APR The Ohio Masonic Home, Director of Public Relations2655 W. National RoadSpringfield, OH 45504-3698937/[email protected]

George Braatz, P.G.M., Grand Secretary at The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of OhioP.O. Box 629Worthington, OH 43085614/[email protected]

The Ohio Masonic Home2655 W.National RoadSpringfield, Ohio 45504-3698Web site: www.ohiomasonichome.orgWeb site: www.freemason.com

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 2609Columbus, OH

Harrison Lodge hosts Future Farmers of America event

Spartan Lodge builds float for Millersburg parade

midnight, and I was told that I had beenelected to receive the 33rd Degree. I wascompletely surprised. I’m not a PastMaster, and I wasn’t able to join thelodge until after I retired in 1985,” hesaid.

Brother Shoemaker was uncertainabout accepting the honor, until it wasexplained to him that the 33rd Degree isawarded to recognize service to theFraternity and to the public. BrotherShoemaker’s dedicated and pioneeringwork with vocational education in Ohiohas earned him the well-deservedadmiration of his colleagues and hisbrethren.

Brother Shoemaker’s father was an

active Mason, as is his son, Gary, who isa Past Master of Neoacacia Lodge and aKnight of the York Cross of Honor.

“The night I was raised, Brotherswho worked for the State Department ofEducation visited Neoacacia from allover the state. Even Governor Rhodeswas sitting on the sidelines. I was verymoved that they cared enough tocome.”

Brother Shoemaker continues to stayactive, and for those who know him, it iscommon to hear him at various Masonicmeetings encouraging a young officerwho has done well.

Brother Byrl R. Shoemaker is truly amaster of his craft.

Members of Spartan Lodge #126constructed a float that had a prominentplace in the annual Antique Festivalparade in Millersburg, Ohio, on October5, 2003.

The float was on a trailer and

featured a large square and compasses onthe back with a replica of an altar in themiddle. Representatives of the Lodge,the local Eastern Star, Chapter, Council,Commandery, and Scottish Rite, rode onthe float.

Shoemaker continued from page 1

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