Standing in the Northeast Corner
I’ve been told that every Amish quilt has at least one intentional error in it because “only God is perfect.” That must have been in the back of my mind last week when I wrote that Springfield/Cedarville were in southeast Ohio. I know better. I should have written southwest Ohio. At least 3 of the 4 letters were correct 🙂
You’ve read about my family’s involvement in our great Fraternity, and now I’d like to share how my involvement in Freemasonry has been a part of my preparation for this campaign to serve you and the other 65,000 fellow Knights Templar.
I began my Masonic journey while attending Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Just three weeks after turning 21, I was initiated in the home lodge of my dad and gradfather, Damascus Lodge 643 (now Damascus Collington 643) in Toledo, Ohio. Between September and November of that year, I was passed and raised, completed my proficiencies, and then became a member of the Valley of Toledo (AASR NMJ) and Zenobia Shriners. In the spring of 1983, I was exalted in Ft Meigs Chapter 29, and elected to received the Council degrees in Toledo Council 33 and Commandery orders in Toledo Commandery 7, but the Air Force had other plans as I was called to active duty a little sooner than expected to begin my career as a missile operations launch officer.
From the time I was raised until I departed for active duty, I was able to participate with Monroe Lodge 22 (Bloomington, Indiana), sitting in as chaplain from time to time and giving the EA lecture. Then, when in training for about five months in California, I was able to visit a couple lodges in California. After finishing training and settling in North Dakota, I was able to not only get involved a bit more, I completed my Council and Commandery work as a courtesy to my Toledo bodies. In addition, I completed my master of arts degree, majoring in American history and completing my thesis on the role of Freemasonry as a social influence in colonial America up to 1770.
These experiences early in my Masonic journey gave me an early view at how Freemasonry operated in different parts of the country. Coupled with the leadership and management skills learned as a junior officer, I built a strong foundation upon which to prepare for future leadership opportunities. Next week, I’ll share how those experiences placed me in the right place at the right time to serve a lodge in a new location. Stay tuned!