Grand Master's Reception a Great Success

Last evening at Karen's Event Center in Marysville, the District Deputy Grand Masters, District Officers, and Worshipful Masters of the "Friendly" 15th Masonic District welcomed the Most Worship Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons in Ohio Ronald L. Winnet and his lady Linda for the annual Grand Master's Reception. MWB Winnet was joined by his corps of Grand Line Officers hailing from all across the state. Each Grand Line officer was hosted by one of the Lodges in the District. Boggs hosted the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master and his lady. Our Lodge was well represented with over 18 brothers and ladies in attendance.

Along with the Grand Master, Master of Ceremonies Brother Andy Vance also welcomed the Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons in Ohio Garis E. Pugh and his lady Virginia. Garis is a member of Bellefontaine 209. He was accompanied by his Grand Marshall Right Excellent Companion David Vassar, a past District Deputy Grand Master of the 15th Masonic District and a member of Bellefontaine 209, and his lady Judy, as well as the Grand Aide to the Grand High Priest Gus Robl, a member at Indian Lake 722.

From the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, the District welcomed Illustrious and Most Worshipful Brother Neil Smalley 33°, Active Supreme Council Member for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction as well as the Deputy for Ohio, and his lady Willa Jean. The Smalleys were accompanied by the Illustrious Brother Douglas N. Kaylor 33°, Thrice Potent Master of Gabriel Lodge of Perfection and his lady Diana. These two gentlemen are busily preparing for next weekend's Spring Reunion and the degree work to be done there, so it was especially meaningful to have them at the Reception. MWB Smalley is also a past District Advisor of the "Friendly 15th."

Current District Advisor Right Worshipful Brother Fred W. Somerlot and his wife Debbie presented a check to First Lady Linda on behalf of the District to "Lady Linda's List," the First Lady's Charity for the year. Lady Linda's List is a list of items sorely needed by the Masonic Home. RWB Somerlot recognized two in the audience from the home, including his own mother.

Right Worshipful Brother J. Keith Bell, District Deputy Grand Master, presented the Youth Awards to two very deserving students. He also presented the Community Service award to DeGraff's own Pat Bonar, who wasn't well enough to attend, but sent her appreciation through her husband Art. Pat, as most of you know, is extremely deserving of the honor bestowed upon her by the Grand Master; congratulate her when you see her!

The Grand Master thanked all the brethren and ladies for their service to their communities, to their Lodges, to the District, and to the Fraternity. He presented each Worshipful Master in attendance with a beautiful commemorative medal in token of the Bicentennial celebration. Updating the members on the remaining bicentennial activities this summer and fall, it became apparent that the Winnet's and the Grand Lodge have been working diligently for a long time to appropriately mark the passage of 200 years of Masonry in Ohio.

The evening was a wonderful opportunity for the brothers and ladies to meet the Grand Line, and as importantly, to enjoy fellowship with all the Lodges in the District. Kudos to the District Officers and Deputies for a fine evening.