Brethren,
Welcome back to Lodge and the new Masonic Year! The Second District is in the early stages of an exciting time, with so many happenings going on throughout the year. We are excited about what this year will hold for the lodges of our District, and we sincerely hope you will take part in all the events that are planned.
Congratulations go out to MWB Weglage on his election as Grand Master of Masons in Ohio and to his appointments from the Second Masonic District: RWB Troy Davis as Junior Grand Deacon, RWB J. Randolph Clark as Grand Chaplain, and RWB Delbert Braund Jr. as Grand Tyler. Be sure to shake the hands of these brethren during your travels and give them your well wishes for a fruitful year.
The Past Masters Convocation will be held at the Hamilton Masonic Temple on Saturday December 2, 2023. Registration will begin at 8AM, trainings begin at 9AM, and the Past Master Degree will be conferred at 1PM. All Masters and Secretaries are required to attend, and the LEO, Wardens, and Deacons trainings will also be taking place that day (see your DEO for more information). The cost for the Master is $30, and all others who wish to have lunch will be $20. Please get your RSVP in ASAP to events@secondmasonicdistrict.org. The District does request that each lodge submit one single check to pay for all reservations from the lodge.
The Tristate Degree Day will be held at the Dayton Masonic Center on Saturday November 25, with the degree work beginning at 1PM sharp. This is open to all Master Masons, and you will have the opportunity to see the Grand Lodges of Michigan and Indiana portray the EA and MM degrees respectively. The officers of your Grand Lodge will portray the FC degree. No lectures or charges will be delivered during the degree work to help shorten the day. There is no cost for this event, and don’t forget to bring your apron. The day is scheduled to end at 4PM, and there will be a social hour until 6PM for the Brethren in attendance to meet and greet the brethren from the various jurisdictions. This is a can’t miss event that has not be put on since before 2019. Let’s pack the Scottish Rite Auditorium at the Dayton Masonic Center.
The District general calendar and inspection schedule will be posted shortly, if not by the time you are reading this, on the District website (www.secondmasonicdistrict.org). Be sure to visit the website frequently to see the most up to date info on the calendar. Some events that have been staples in the past in the District are making their triumphant return this year including: The Golf Outing at Jamaica Run on May 11, Outdoor Degree on June 8, and a Family Day on August 3. Other great events being offered for the Brethren are the DEO education nights on January 27, March 8, and April 18. These are open to all brethren, and the education presented is worthy of your time. For instance, one of the education nights will be at a local planetarium, offering you the unique opportunity to gaze at the winter sky from the comfort of a cushioned seat in heated room.
The Grand Master’s Award rubric is posted on Grand View, and your lodge is eligible to begin earning points toward the award. This award will be challenging to earn, but it is attainable by every lodge and is worth the effort. If you have any questions about how to earn the award, or if a certain event you are hosting or attending will count, contact your DDGM. We would love to see all 28 lodges in our District earn this award and keep MWB Weglage busy at GL2024 handing them out.
Finally Brethren, your Deputies look forward to working with each of your lodges to help it excel. There are numerous opportunities for each of our lodges to continue successful programs while taking the time and effort to implement new ones to bring the fire of masonry back to the Brethren. Plan that special event, call the brother that you haven’t seen in a few years, take the time to enjoy a meal or refreshments after lodge, and be willing to go the extra mile to make the experience in your lodge as fulfilling as possible. Our fraternity is an asset to every member, and let’s continue to work diligently to make it all we wish and hope it can be for each and every member.
Fraternally,
Rob Brower, Jamie Kilburn, and Alf Butler
District Deputies Grand Master