Practicing the Master Mason Degree

The officers of Boggs Lodge met Wednesday evening to practice the Master Mason degree. With a number of candidates ready to receive the degree before the summer recess, Worshipful Brother Altstaetter and his team are working diligently to present the best representation of the Sublime Degree possible.

This Wednesday, May 5th, is a regularly stated meeting, and the officers and Craft Team will practice the Master Mason degree again. The Craft Team is also preparing to assist in conferring the second section of the degree at the Grand Master's One-day Class May 15th in Marysville.

Boggs Lodge Hosts Grand Master at Annual Inspection

Last night the Worshipful Master, Officers, and Brethren of Boggs Lodge were honored with the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Ohio at the Annual Inspection of the Lodge. MWB Terry W. Posey, joined by RWB Cliff Koss, the Grand Tyler of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio, and both District Deputy Grand Masters of the 15th Masonic District joined 40 other Masons on a snowy/icy night in De Graff for the initiating of a new Entered Apprentice.

As the Grand Master reported to the brethren, newly initiated Brother Gabe McWinney experienced an excellent presentation of the Degree. Worshipful Master Phil Altstaetter and his officer team did an excellent job with the work, and were well prepared for the evening's festivities.

RWB Larry Lance reported that he would present a favorable Inspection report to the reviewing officer, and the Grand Master concurred.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation to MWB Posey of an Honorary Membership in Boggs Lodge. The Grand Master, a longtime Officer and Trustee of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, has traveled to Boggs Lodge many times over the years, including participation in the Lodge's Reconsecration nearly four years ago. His encouragement of the Lodge, has enthusiasm for the Craft, and his "down to Earth" accessibility to the members of the Fraternity merited to distinction from the members. Brother Andy Vance presented MWB Posey with a token of the honor, seen in this picture with WB Altstaetter.

To read the Grand Master's comments on the evening, and to see several pictures of the event, visit the Grand Master's own blog. You can follow the Grand Master's travels, as he keeps a faithful diary of his year as the Grand Master of Masons in Ohio. The members of Boggs are honored to be a part of that year and that diary.

REMINDER: Annual Inspection TONIGHT

Worshipful Master Phil Altstaetter reminds all members to attend the Annual Inspection of Boggs Lodge tonight in the Entered Apprentice degree. The Lodge will welcome the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Ohio, MWB Terry W. Posey. The officers look forward to welcoming many guests into the Lodge for this auspicious occasion.

Welcome Two New Master Masons to Boggs Lodge

Worshipful Master Phil Altstaetter is pleased to welcome two new Master Masons to Boggs Lodge. Last Wednesday evening, a group of Past Masters of the Lodge, led by Right Worshipful Brother Robert O. Sanford, raised Brothers Dennis Sanford and Eric Kauffman in the Lodge's first Past Masters night in several years.

The opportunity for RWB Sanford to raise his son Dennis was a great occasion to call the Past Masters back into service, as nearly all officer stations were filled by Worshipful Brothers. This also marked the first occasion in recent memory to raise two new Master Masons in one night. While the evening was certainly a long night of work for the members present, it was an exciting opportunity to welcome two upstanding members of the community into the fraternity.

Raising two new members just prior to this week's Annual Inspection in which we'll introduce the newest Entered Apprentice into the mysteries of Freemasonry underscores the momentum enjoyed by the Lodge following on several successful years. At a time when some Lodges are struggling with membership, Boggs is thriving, regularly enjoying 25 or more members at any given regularly stated meeting. Likewise, the Lodge was able to field a full craft team from within the Lodge, and is often called to travel to other Lodges to provide courtesy work as such.

Worshipful Brother Altstaetter invites all members to come join in work during this exciting time for the Lodge.

Annual Inspection of Boggs Lodge a Great Success

On Wednesday March 25th, the Brothers of Boggs Lodge celebrated a most successful, and truly historic Annual Inspection with nearly 100 members and guests in attendance. The Inspection was successful as the Officers and Degree Cast put on a truly impressive performance of the Master Mason Degree, and was truly historic as the Lodge welcomed BOTH the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio and the Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Ohio.

The occasion of hosting two Presiding Officers of Grand Masonic bodies is a huge honor, and Boggs members enjoyed the company of Most Worshipful Brother Charles R. Murphy and Most Illustrious Companion Fred A. Boggs. In addition, the Lodge was blessed with the attendance of Right Worshipful Brother Gary L. McElfresh, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and both District Deputy Grand Masters of the 14th Masonic District, Right Worshipful Brothers Larry Lance and Ned Goff.

The presentation of the Master Mason Degree culminated with the raising of Brother Joe Armstrong, and was accomplished with the assistance of Worshipful Brothers Richard and Robert Armstrong, Joe's Father and Grandfather. WB Bob Armstrong is celebrating his 69th year, and the members were thrilled to have him home from Florida for the occasion of his Grandson's raising. Our prayers are also with Bob and his family on the passing of his wife earlier this month.

The members of the Lodge were also pleased to present MWB Murphy with a new recruitment video prepared for last week's Open House. MWB Murphy declared a statewide Open House for every Lodge in Ohio, and the men of Boggs hosted over 80 members and guests, including at least 10 prospective members. The video, produced by Brother Andy Vance in conjunction with his company ABN Radio and inMotion Video, features several members and Past Masters of the Lodge, and was well-received by attendees at both the Open House and Inspection.

Enjoy the video, and please encourage other men of character to "Consider Masonry."

OmeletteFest Fundraiser a BIG Success

The brothers, ladies, and friends of Boggs Lodge spent Saturday morning scrambling eggs and flipping omelettes for a great cause: the National Champion Riverside High School PowerLifting Team. As part of the Team's Quest for a World Title, OmeletteFest raised money to fund the costs of sending over a dozen young men to the World Drug Free PowerLifting Championships in Evansville, Indiana next month.

Earlier in the year, the team won the National Drug Free PowerLifting Championships, earning the right to compete for the World Title. Team members joined the Boggs Lodge family Saturday morning in preparing and serving over 200 omelettes to members of the community and supporters of the team.

Worshipful Master Ron Helmlinger was joined by his officers and several ladies of the Lodge, along with the team's Coaches Scott Stewart and Rick Moffett in running the skillets. Omelette-making tools were provided through the generosity of the Ohio Poultry Association. Event coordinator Lindsay Hill, wife of Brother Andy Vance, said "This event was a win-win for the Lodge and the Team. Not only was the team able to raise much needed funding for their travel to the World Championships, but the Lodge was able to demonstrate to the community the Masonic ideals of brotherhood and community service."

To learn how you can support the Riverside Powerlifting Team, email Fundraising Chair Lindsay Hill. For more information on becoming a member of Boggs Lodge Free & Accepted Masons, contact Brother Andy Vance.

Regularly Stated Meeting & GUMBO Tonight!

Senior Steward Andy Vance reminds the Brethren that tonight is the regularly stated meeting of Boggs Lodge #292. Following the meeting, members will enjoy Brother Vance's world famous GUMBO! Back by popular demand, Brother Vance is stewing and brewing a bountiful feast of gumbo goodness, and he hopes you'll bring another Brother and come to Lodge this evening.

Bring your appetites!

Reminder: Regularly Stated Meeting This Wenesday

Worshipful Master Ronnie Helmlinger reminds all Brothers that the regularly stated meeting of Boggs Lodge will take place this Wednesday at 7:30. All members are invited to attend.

Members of Boggs Representing Logan Council at Grand Council Assembly

Worshipful Brother Charles Wood & Brother Andy Vance represented Logan Council #85 today at the 179th Annual Assembly of the Grand Lodge of Royal & Select Masons of Ohio in Miamisburg. WB Wood is a Past Illustrious Master of Logan Council , while Brother Vance currently serves as Deputy Master.

Right Worshipful Brother J. Keith Bell will join Brothers Vance & Wood Tuesday for the completion of Grand Council business, as well as the installation of Illustrious Companion Wood to the position of 2nd Arch Adjutant, a position to which he is appointed by Illustrious Grand Master-Elect Fred Boggs.

For those unfamiliar with Cryptic Masonry, the Arch Adjutant has numerous responsibilities within the Arch (analogous to a District in Blue Lodge), and assist the Arch Inspector in the discharge of his duties. Illustrious Companion Wood will travel extensively within the Arch as part of his responsibilities, attending inspections, installations, and other functions of Cryptic Masonry in the region.

Illustrious Companion Wood also received a very special honor from Most Illustrious Grand Master Bobby G. Campbell at the Grand Council Assembly. Wood was named as one of just 41 to receive a newly minted Travel Award from the Grand Council. To receive this distinction, Wood traveled to at least six inspections within the 2nd Arch, and at least three outside of the Arch. Illustrious Companion Wood's dedication to Cryptic Masonry is to be commended.

The Passing of MWB Thomas E. Reynolds

The Grand Lodge reports on the passing of Most Worshipful Brother Thomas E. Reynolds, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio. MWB Reynolds, who served as Grand Master in 2002, died over the weekend after an extended illness. From the Grand Lodge:

In the Fraternity, he was once described as “an intelligent, inspiring man with a passion for education.”

Most Worshipful Brother Reynolds was Grand Master during the first Grand Master’s (or one-day) Class in Ohio, which was very successful and attracted much attention nationally for our Grand Lodge.

At the time of his death, he was serving as a member of the national board of directors of the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program.

Masonic services were held last evening in North Baltimore, with internment today. For MWB Reynolds complete biography, visit the Grand Lodge website.

Boggs Lodge Golf Scramble a Huge Success

The Ladies and Brethren of Boggs Lodge are extremely grateful to every volunteer, donor, sponsor, and golfer in attendance Sunday June 22nd at Liberty Hills for the 2nd Annual Boggs Lodge Charity Golf Scramble. For the second year in a row, the Lodge family raised funds to fight breast cancer through the Susan G. Komen Foundation, also supporting this year Arnie's Army Battles Prostate Cancer.

While event organizers will report final giving later this month, the event generated more golfers and more sponsors than the inaugural event. Thank you to all who helped make the scrable a big success!

Grand Lodge Bicentennial Celebration a Success

The Grand Lodge reports on the spectacular success of the Bicentennial Parade in Columbus last weekend:

An estimated 10,000 Masons and family members were drawn to Columbus on Saturday June 21st to participate in a full day of activities helping the Grand Lodge of Ohio to celebrate its 200th anniversary.

The day started with a parade in downtown Columbus, with more than 4,000 persons marching down High Street, from Nationwide Boulevard to the Statehouse.

All parts of the family of Freemasonry in Ohio were involved, including floats or marching units from the Order of Eastern Star; the Scottish Rite; Chapter, Council and Commandery of the York Rite; Shrine, High Twelve; and Job’s Daughters, Rainbows, and DeMolay, in addition to others. Numerous Lodges and Masonic Districts were involved. A huge delegation from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio also took part.

The Grand Lodge podcast also features comments from Grand Orator Kevin B. Todd at the rededication of the statehouse cornerstone following the parade. Several members of Boggs attended the festivities.

Last Meeting Before Summer TONIGHT!

All Brothers are encouraged to attend as the Lodge will meet one final time before going dark for the summer. Senior Steward Andy Vance is travelling on business, but his beautiful bride will be serving a coney and desert buffet in his absence. Enjoy!

About the York Rite College

Earlier we reported that RWB J. Keith Bell and WB Charles Wood are to be inducted into Blackstone York Rite College in Findlay. Knowing that most of us are unfamiliar with the York Rite College, we asked WB Wood to provide some more information about the body:

Membership in a college is by invitation and is restricted to those who hold membership in all of the York Rite bodies and have made a contribution to the York Rite of Freemasonry. Since the primary object of every college is to foster a spirit of service and to promote and support the York Rite in every possible, it is no surprise to find many of the leaders of the Craft numbered among its ranks. Here they find a common ground from which they can act for the welfare of all the York Rite bodies without special favor to any. Colleges have been active in the organization of York Rite Festivals, degree teams, drill corps, and many other functions, which serve to assist, coordinate, and unify the Rite.

College will convene on May 22, 2008, at the Findlay Masonic Center to confer the Knight of York Degree on the new members.

RWB Bell and WB Wood To Be Inducted into Blackstone York Rite College

The York Rite Sovereign College of North America exists primarily to be of service to the York Rite of Freemasonry. The pre-requisite for membership, which is by invitation only, is good-standing in all four York Rite bodies: Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery.

Two distinguished brothers of Boggs Lodge have been invited to join Blackstone York Rite College #195 in Findlay. Right Worshipful Brother J. Keith Bell and Worshipful Brother Charles Wood will be inducted into the College later this Spring.

The purpose of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, as set forth in its Constitution and By-Laws, are as follows: (1) To foster a spirit of cooperation an coordination among each of the Bodies of York Rite Masonry. (2) To assist in worthy efforts to improve the ritualistic and dramatic presentation of York Rite work. (3) To conduct an education program in order to inculcate a greater appreciation of the principles, ideals and programs of York Rite Masonry. (4) To strengthen York Rite Masonry in every possible manner. (5) To build up a love of country and to aid and support genuine Americanism. (6) To reward outstanding service to York Rite Masonry by awards, honors and other methods of proper recognition. (7) To support Charitable and Benevolent Endeavors of Freemasonry.

Brothers Bell and Wood are most deserving of this honor, with both extremely active in the York Rite bodies of Logan County. Right Worshipful Brother Bell is a Knight of the York Cross of Honor, and Worshipful Brother Wood is currently Illustrious Master of Logan Council #85.

Gumbo At Lodge Tonight!

Senior Steward Andy Vance is preparing a massive batch of his world-famous seafood gumbo for the regularly stated meeting of Boggs Lodge tonight. All brothers are encouraged to attend the meeting and share in the food and fellowship to follow. Call a brother who hasn't been to Lodge in a while; invite them to join you. If you know an older member who could use a ride, call and offer to pick them up. The Lodge is doing a lot of great work; don't let the warm weather preclude a wonderful evening of fellowship.

The Passing of Illustrious Brother John McConnell

Illustrious Brother John McConnell 33° passed away earlier this week in Columbus. While not a member of a Lodge in the "Friendly 15th" Masonic District or the Valley of Dayton Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Brother McConnell is well known in central Ohio for his business and entreprenuerial acumen and generosity. The founder of Worthington Steel is the namesake for the Riverside Methodist Hospital's McConnell Heart Hospital, and in the late 90's helped spark a major period of urban redevelopment with the founding of the Columbus Blue Jackets Hockey franchise. You can read more about Brother McConnell's accomplishments in this article from Fortune Small Business.

The Passing of Howard M. Schmidt

The Bellefontaine Examiner reports the passing of Howard M. Schmidt, a member of Boggs 292. Brother Schmidt, age 90, passed yesterday at Mary Rutan Hospital. Information about Brother Schmidt is available online. Worshipful Brother G. Michael Madden is handling arrangements for the family and calling hours at Rexer Riggen Madden will be Wednesday with funeral services on Thursday.

Our prayers are with the family of Brother Schmidt.

Men of Boggs Participate in Bellefontaine Commandery Inspection

Bellefontaine Commandery #61 Knights Templar successfully completed its Annual Inspection Saturday at the Bellefontaine Masonic Center with the help of several Brothers of Boggs Lodge. Current line officers include Sir Knights Senior Warden Charles Wood, Sword Bearer Michael Dodds, Standard Bearer Daryl Cordrey, and Warder Andy Vance. RWB J. Keith Bell is a Past Commander of Bellefontaine #61 and participated in the degree work. WB Q.V. Reece, also a Past Commander of Bellefontaine #61, presented the Chapeau lecture, WB Dodds presented the Sword lecture, and Brother Vance presented the Remaining Attributes of the Templar. The Degree work was good, and the candidate was suitably impressed.

Right Worshipful Brother Bell Featured in Examiner

Boggs' own District Deputy Grand Master Right Worshipful Brother J. Keith Bell was featured yesterday in the Bellefontaine Examiner for his work at Riverside Schools. I've often commented that I don't know how RWB Bell does all he does for the school between transportation and maintenance, and as the story points out, there's plenty of maintenance to be done. Keep up the good work Right Worshipful!