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!

Bicentennial Lantern Travels to Mt. Carmel Tonight

Tonight the Officers and Brethren of Boggs will be traveling to Richwood this evening to deliver the Bicentennial Lantern to the brothers of Mt. Carmel. The Lantern, you'll recall, was presented to Marion 70 at the Founders Day Dinner back in January, and has been passed in order of history from the eldest Lodge to the youngest throughout the past few months. East Liberty delivered the Lantern to Boggs earlier in the month, bringing enough of their officers to close our Lodge, and Boggs intends to pass that custom on to Mt. Carmel tonight. This will be a great evening celebrating 200 years of Masonry in the Buckeye State as the Lantern continues its trek through the "Friendly Fifteenth!"

Valley of Dayton Spring Reunion This Weekend

A reminder that the Spring Reunion of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton kicks off tomorrow afternoon at the Dayton Masonic Center. The degree work begins at 2pm with the portrayal of the 4th, 8th, 14th, 15th, & 16th degrees. Saturday's schedule kicks off at 8am with the portrayal of the 17th, 18th, 21st, 31st, and 32nd degrees. Visit the Valley's website for more details.

Brother Andy Vance & Lady Lindsay to Emcee Grand Chapter Banquet

Most Excellent Companion Garis E. Pugh, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio has selected Brother Andy Vance and his Lady Lindsay to serve as Masters of Ceremonies for the Grand Banquet at the Grand Chapter Convocation this October. The Grand Chapter will convene October 8th and 9th at the Holiday Inn Miamisburg. Several of our Brothers will represent Lafayette Chapter #60 in opening Grand Chapter for Most Excellent Companion Pugh. Current officers of Lafayette Chapter include Boggs members Charles Wood, J. Keith Bell, Andy Vance, Mike Dodds, and Daryl Cordrey.

Congratulations to Worshipful Brother Chuck Wood

...on being recognized by the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons as one of the top C.E.L.L. Chairmen in the State. WB Wood, the Illustrious Master of Logan Council 85 R&SM, is leading the recruitment efforts for the Cryptic Education Leadership and Learning program in the Second Arch (an Arch is to Cryptic Masonry what a District is in Blue Lodge). In the latest issue of Council News and Views published by the Grand Council, WB Wood was recognized for having enrolled 22 brothers in the course, a number eclipsed only by one other Arch. On the other hand, WB Wood has actually graduated 10 brothers, surpassing those completing the program in any other Arch. Well done Worshipful Brother Wood!

For more information about the Grand Council, visit their website. To learn more about the activities of our York Rite brethren, visit the Bellefontaine York Rite website, or ask York Rite Ambassador Wood. Remember, to be one, ask one!

New Grand Lodge Podcast

The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio has a new episode of its podcast for your listening enjoyment. This episode features Chad Simpson, the Grand Lodge's Director of Program Development. He tells us about the Bicentennial painting, commissioned for the Grand Lodge's 200th anniversary. Included is a history of the gathering at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston, as well as information about the artist.

To learn more about the painting, or to order a print, please visit the Bicentennial website.

Where Is the Cornerstone of the US Capitol?

I came across an interesting article over the weekend at TownHall.com about the Cornerstone of the United States Capitol Building in Washington DC. Worshipful Brother George Washington laid the stone in true Masonic fashion as we all know, but according to columnist Craig Shirley, the stone is missing! The article is fascinating. Shirley never reveals if he is or isn't a Mason himself, and I'm not entirely convinced one way or another. I haven't researched all the assertions in the article to determine what is fact and what is fiction, but the article is interesting nonetheless, dealing with everything from the amazing impact Freemasonry had on the very founding of our nation to the anti-Masonic political party of the 1800's. Post your comments after you've read the article and we can have a bit of discussion on the subject.

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.

Bicentennial Lantern to Boggs Tonight

All members are encouraged to attend this evening's regularly stated communication as our Brethren from East Liberty Lodge will be traveling across the county to deliver the Bicentennial Lantern. The Lantern, you'll recall, was presented to Marion 70 at the Founders Day Dinner back in January, and has been passed in order of history from the eldest Lodge to the youngest throughout the past few months. Boggs will in turn deliver the Lantern to Mt. Carmel Tuesday the 15th of this month. East Liberty is planning on bringing enough of their officers to close our Lodge, and Boggs intends to pass that custom on to Mt. Carmel. This will be a great evening celebrating 200 years of Masonry in the Buckeye State. See you there!