By edict of Grand Master Keith W. Newton, all Lodge activities including stated and special meetings, as well as any social functions, were canceled until May 10, 2020, due to social distancing guidelines set forth by the CDC and Governor Mike DeWine relating to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Over 150 Brethren gathered at Robinson Walker Funeral Home in Genoa to mourn the passing of Brother Samuel M. J. Niefer, who tragically passed away on March 9, 2020. Brother Niefer was only 22 years old at the time of his passing, and had served as Master Councilor of Ottawa Chapter, Order of DeMolay, and as a Steward of Genoa Lodge for two years. His father was WB John P. Niefer, who served as Master in 2017.
Over 60 Brethren attended the annual inspection of Genoa Lodge and to witness the passing of Brother James Armstrong, III to the Fellow Craft Degree. Also present was Brother James Armstrong, Jr., the candidate's father, who belongs to Buckner Lodge #631 in Indiana. The Lodge was inspected by RWB Jay Jimison, District Deputy Grand Master of the 11th Masonic District, who reported favorably on the evening.
There was no quorum necessary to open a stated meeting, but the Brethren continued their tradition of traveling to Pemberville Lodge #516, where they received the Traveling Gavel for the first time this year.
After the 11th Masonic District's Annual Table Lodge, Grand Master Keith W. Newton, along with RWB Tom Jenkins, Grand Chaplain, RWB Kevin Tanner, Junior Grand Deacon, RWBs Jay Jimison and Don Decker, District Deputy Grand Masters, WB Jay Stewart, District Education Officer, and MWB Charles Murphy, RWB Mark Allred, and WB John Niefer of Genoa Lodge, traveled to Otterbein Portage Valley to present Brother Erwin Wegert with a 70-year award for his service. Brother Wegert was originally a member of Portage Lodge #351 in Elmore.
The Brethren once again put on a Breakfast with Santa to benefit the Ohio Special Olympics. In all, over $600 was raised for the Special Olympics.
The following officers were installed to serve Genoa Lodge for the 2019-2020 Masonic Year:
Worshipful Master: Ernest D. McCarthy
Senior Warden: Gregory T. Hurst
Junior Warden: Paul E. Nicholson, III
Treasurer: Jeffrey M. Sime
Secretary: Mark P. Allred, Jr.
Chaplain: Douglas A. Habegger
Senior Deacon: Dustin N. Cashen
Junior Deacon: Gabriel J. Fawcett
Lodge Education Officer: Charles R. Murphy
Trustee (3-year): Mark P. Allred, Jr.
The following Brethren received service awards from Genoa Lodge:
35 Year: Randy Rice
40 Year: John Fowler
As retiring Master, MWB Charles Murphy presented the Chester Bulen Award to WB John P. Niefer for his exemplary service to Genoa Lodge. He was applauded by the Brethren for his hard work and dedication.
The Master noted that the altar was draped in memory of Brother Aaron Welling, who passed away in Florida on October 20, 2019. Brother Welling served as an officer in Genoa Lodge on several occasions. The Master also performed a memorial service for the nine Brethren who passed away since the last annual meeting.
At the Annual Grand Lodge Communication in Marietta, Ohio, RWB Mark P. Allred, Jr. was presented with a Past District Deputy Grand Master jewel in honor of his retirement. Genoa Lodge was also the only Lodge in the 11th Masonic District to be presented with the Grand Master's Award. It was a great weekend for Genoa Lodge and Freemasonry in Ohio.
The Brethren of Genoa Lodge were proud to receive the 11th Masonic District's Deputies Achievement Award- Runner Up. This award is given to the Lodge that finishes in second place in the eyes of the District Deputy Grand Masters.
The Brethren gathered at Clay Township Cemetery to mourn the passing of RWB Michael W. Driver, who passed away on September 21, 2019. RWB Driver served as Master of Genoa Lodge in 1984, as well as serving the Grand Lodge of Ohio as a District Education Officer and a District Deputy Grand Master. MWB Murphy followed the Masonic Service with a 33rd Degree service on behalf of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Toledo.
The Brethren gathered at Robinson Walker Funeral Home in Genoa to mourn the passing of WB Ronald Spencer, who passed away on September 12, 2019. WB Spencer served as Master of Genoa Lodge in 1980.
Genoa Lodge welcomed Mr. Taylor Moyer, a history teacher at Toledo School for the Arts and a colleague of RWB Mark Allred, to present a program entitled "Natives of Northwest Ohio" about the history of the Native populations in the area. Mr. Moyer dressed in period-specific attire and highlighted the many items he brought with him, many of which he made himself. The Brethren were very impressed with his program and many stayed well after the meeting to ask questions.
Acting on a Dispensation granted by MWB Jess N. Raines, Grand Master of Ohio, Genoa Lodge opened a Lodge of Master Masons at the Sylvania Masonic Temple on Holland-Sylvania Road in Toledo in conjunction with a Master Mason Degree practice by the Past Masters' Unit of Zenobia Shrine. The Past Masters' Unit was preparing for a visit from the Grand Master of Ohio.
The Brethren gathered at Allen Township Cemetery to mourn the death of WB Donald L. Ruthsatz, who passed away on July 15, 2019. WB Ruthsatz served as Worshipful Master of Genoa Lodge in 1976.
The Brethren gathered at Clay Center Park for the annual Genoa Lodge Picnic. The event was a great success.
The Brethren assisted in running a rest stop for the MS Bike to the Bay event that takes place in Northwest Ohio every year and benefits Multiple Sclerosis research and care.
The Brethren once again participated in the Genoa Homecoming Parade. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Genoa Lodge, the Brethren wore special polo shirts with the anniversary dates on them.
The Brethren gathered at Eggleston Meinert Pavley funeral home in Millbury, Ohio to mourn the passing of Brother David Carl Baker, who passed away on May 17, 2019. Brother Baker served as Illustrious Master of Genoa Council #138, Royal and Select Masons.
Once again, the Past Masters of Genoa Lodge convened to raise Brother Nicholas Hankes of Monticello Lodge #244 to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. There were 27 Brethren in attendance from both Lodges.
It was announced that a new chairlift had been installed and was waiting for final inspection.
Brother Justin Weller served as inspection candidate for Oak Harbor Lodge #495 and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. It was also the last inspection of RWB Mark P. Allred, Jr., who would be retiring as a District Deputy Grand Master at the end of this Masonic year.
Many Brethren of Genoa Lodge, together with several other Lodges, gathered at Marsh Funeral Home in Woodville to mourn the passing of Brother Chester G. Bulen, who passed away on April 3, 2019. Brother Bulen served as Tyler of Genoa Lodge for many years, and left his mark on many Masons. His name lives on in the Chester G. Bulen Award, presented each year to the Brother who provides exemplary service to Genoa Lodge.
After many years of planning, Genoa Lodge was reconsecrated by the Grand Lodge of Ohio in commemoration of 150 years of Freemasonry in Genoa. After the ceremony, lunch was provided at the Genoa Fire Hall by Woodbine Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. The Mayor of Genoa, Kenneth Harsanje (whose father was a member of Genoa Lodge) spoke at the luncheon and congratulated Genoa Lodge on this milestone.
It was announced that Brothers Sam Niefer and Gabe Fawcett were not present at the meeting because they were traveling to Springfield, Ohio to pick up an altar from the Grand Lodge Museum. The altar was the altar used by the Grand Lodge of Ohio during its 200th Annual Communication in Toledo, Ohio, when MWB Charles Murphy was serving as Grand Master. The Lodge wanted to use this altar for our 150th Reconsecration ceremony in April.
The Master announced that the Altar was draped in memory of Brother Alvin P. McCallum, an endowed member of Genoa Lodge, who passed away on February 15th, 2019. A Masonic Memorial Service was held at Eggleston Meinert in Oregon on February 20th.
97 Brethren crowded into Genoa Lodge to witness the initiation of Brother Justin A. Weller as an Entered Apprentice. The Lodge was inspected by RWB Eric L. Crow, District Deputy Grand Master of the 11th Masonic District, who reported favorably on the evening.
Worshipful Master Charles Murphy and RWB Allred traveled to the homes of several Brethren to present Service Awards. First, Brother Robert Gerkensmeyer was presented a 60 year membership award. Then, MWB Murphy and RWB Allred were joined by RWB Michael Driver, WB Robert Prahl, and Brother Larry Seeger to present a 50 year service award to WB Don Ruthsatz at Heartland of Oregon. WB Ruthsatz was the oldest living Past Master of Genoa Lodge as of that presentation.
WB Jeffrey M. Sime was presented the Chester Bulen Award by last year's Master, WB Heath Seckinger. This is the second year in a row that WB Sime has been presented with this honor for his service to Genoa Lodge.
WB Jeffrey M. Sime was presented with the Grand Master's Education Award for meeting all of MWB Schau's educational requirements the previous year. The Brethren expressed their appreciation of WB Sime with a round of applause.
The following officers were installed into their stations:
Worshipful Master: Charles R. Murphy
Senior Warden: Ernest D. McCarthy
Junior Warden: Gregory T. Hurst
Treasurer: Jeffrey M. Sime
Secretary: Mark P. Allred, Jr.
Chaplain: Douglas A. Habegger
Senior Deacon: Paul E. Nicholson, III
Junior Deacon: Dustin N. Cashen
Senior Steward: Samuel M. J. Niefer
Junior Steward: Matthew D. Crawford
Tyler: Kevin P. McComas
Lodge Education Officer: Price H. Murphy
Trustee (3-year): Heath J. Seckinger
The following Brethren were presented with service awards:
10 Year: Dustin N. Cashen
35 Year: Jeffrey Smarkel
40 Year: Lyle Oberhaus, PM, Douglas Habegger, PM, John P. Niefer, PM
60 Year: James Snetz
Brother Jeffrey Smarkel was also presented with the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award for his contributions to Boy Scouts of America.
The Master noted that the Altar was draped for Brother Richard L. Waldron, who passed on June 20, 2018. Brother Waldron served Genoa Lodge as Tyler during the previous Masonic year.
Due to our chairlift having broken and needing replaced, MWB Eric Schau, Grand Master of Ohio, granted Genoa Lodge a Dispensation to confer the Master Mason Degree on Brother Thomas L. Cashen, III in the hall of Paragon Lodge #788 in Millbury, Ohio. The Brethren of Paragon assisted us in raising our new Master Mason.
WB Chad Simpson, District Education Officer of the 14th Masonic District, gave a presentation for a More Light Night entitled "Why Do Men Join Freemasonry, and What Should We Do About It?" The Brethren in attendance thanked WB Simpson for his presentation. WB Simpson was originally raised in North Baltimore Lodge in the 11th Masonic District before moving to the Columbus area.
RWB Steven Hessler gave a presentation on the theories of the three ruffians in the Master Mason Degree. In all, 33 Brethren were in attendance for Genoa Lodge's More Light Night.
The Past Masters of Genoa Lodge took charge of the Lodge and raised Brother Gabriel Fawcett to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. In all, twelve Past Masters took part in the degree work for our annual tradition.
92 Brethren were in attendance to witness Brother Matthew Crawford being raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason for our annual inspection. RWB Donald Decker, representing MWB Eric R. Schau, Grand Master of Masons in Ohio, was impressed with the degree work and congratulated Genoa Lodge on a successful evening.
Brother Matthew Crawford presented the Entered Apprentice proficiency using the newly established Principles Proficiency program established by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. This was the first time this new proficiency had been used in Genoa Lodge, and the Brethren congratulated Brother Crawford on a successful examination.
The Master noted that the Altar was draped in memory of WB Lloyd N. Gamertsfelder, who passed away on December 16, 2017. WB Gamertsfelder served Portage Lodge #351 as Worshipful Master in 1973. A moment of silence was held in his memory.
The following officers were installed into their stations:
Worshipful Master: Heath J. Seckinger
Senior Warden: Price H. Murphy
Junior Warden: Ernest D. McCarthy
Treasurer: Jeffrey M. Sime
Secretary: Charles R. Murphy
Chaplain: Douglas A. Habegger
Senior Deacon: Gregory T. Hurst
Junior Deacon: Paul E. Nicholson, III
Senior Steward: Dustin N. Cashen
Junior Steward: Samuel M. J. Niefer
Tyler: Allen K. Allred
Lodge Education Officer: Jeffrey M. Sime
Trustee (3-year): John P. Niefer
Brother Darrell Bittner was presented with a 60-year service award by RWB Donald D. Decker, representing our Grand Master. WB John Niefer, junior Past Master, then presented WB Jeffrey Sime with the Chester Bulen Award for distinguished service to Genoa Lodge.
The Brethren of Genoa Lodge were extremely proud of their Treasurer and Lodge Education Officer, WB Jeffrey M. Sime, who was acknowledged as the 11th Masonic Districts Lodge Education Officer of the Year at the 11th Masonic District Awards Ceremony. WB Sime was acknowledged for taking the helm of Lodge Education late in the year and quickly making Genoa's education program one of the best in the district, and being only one of two LEOs in the district who qualified their Lodges for the Grand Masters Education Award. WB Sime is a shining example of dedication to Masonic Education.
The second annual Camp Masonry event was held on behalf of the Eleventh Masonic District, and Genoa Lodge #433 was its Sponsoring Lodge. Commencing on Friday evening at Camp Miakonda Boy Scout Camp in Sylvania Township, the event featured a DeMolay Officer Installation and DeMolay Degree portrayed by the Ohio State Officers and local DeMolay members, an O-Ton- Ta-La Grotto Initiation, numerous educational presentations, and the raising of our Brother David Riegle to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. The event was lauded as the best event in Ohio Masonry for 2017, and the attendees from across the State of Ohio plan to encourage others to support the event in 2018.
Whereas Genoa Lodge had a vacancy in its officer line at the position of Lodge Education Officer, WB Jeffrey Sime was duly appointed and installed as Lodge Education Officer for the remainder of the Masonic Year.
The following Officers were duly installed to lead Genoa Lodge #433 for the ensuing year:
Worshipful Master: John P. Niefer
Senior Warden: Heath J. Seckinger
Junior Warden: Price H. Murphy
Treasurer: Jeffrey M. Sime
Secretary: Charles R. Murphy
Chaplain: Keith A. Norwalk
Senior Deacon: Kevin P. McComas
Junior Deacon: Ernest D. McCarthy
Senior Steward: Gregory T. Hurst
Junior Steward: Paul E. Nicholson, III
Lodge Education Officer: Jeffrey M. Sime*
Tyler: Richard L. Waldron
*Installed at a later date.
With 84 brethren and visitors in attendance, the Lodge Officers were duly installed by Past Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, WB Wayne S. Dill. Joining him on the Installing Team were WB Douglas A. Habegger, Past Grand Illustrious Master of the Grand Council of R&SM of Ohio as Installing Marshal, RWB Mark P. Allred, Jr., DDGM as Installing Chaplain and RWB Michael W. Driver, PDDGM as as Installing Secretary. After the officers were duly installed, RWB John M. Worcester, Jr., Past Grand Tyler presented the Charge to the Brethren from memory. The new Master then presented Lodge service awards. A 25-Year Service Award was presented to WB Danny D. Bullock, followed by a 35-Year Service Award to Brother Mark D. Collins. There also were three 40-Year Service Awards presented, to Brother Chester G. Bulen, RWB Michael W. Driver and WB Wayne G. Duez. Each of these brethren expressed his appreciation for the many benefits they've experienced over the years as members of Genoa Lodge. The Master then joined District Deputy Grand Master, RWB Dan E. Slavin in presenting 50-Year Service Awards to Brother Lowell L. Hartman and Brother Warren E. Moritz. These Brothers expressed their gratitude to the brethren of the Lodge, and each shared their lifetime of Masonic commitment and experiences. Finally WB Leo E. Skip Garey was then greeted by the Master and RWB Slavin, who presented him with a 60-Year Service Award, along with the thanks of all the brethren of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. WB Garey shared some wonderful insights regarding his activities and participation in the Lodge over the years, and recounted his first impression of our organization, as well as some of the brethren he met when he first joined. All these brethren contributed greatly to the success of the event, and all were singularly applauded by the brethren. Everyone present agreed it was a great evening.
Several Brethren attended the 207th Annual Grand Lodge of Ohio Communication at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky. Attending the Communication were MWB Charlie Murphy, WBs Don Harrington, Mark Allred, and Jeff Sime, and Brothers Heath Sekinger and John Niefer. The Brethren were very proud to be the only Lodge in the 11th Masonic District to receive the Grand Masters Education award. It was also announced that WB Mark Allred was appointed by the newly installed Grand Master, MWB Douglas N. Kaylor to serve as a District Deputy Grand Master for the 11th Masonic District. The weekend proved to be a great weekend for Genoa Lodge.
The Lodge brethren came out in force for the Masonic Funeral Service of our Senior Past Master, WB Robert Glen Widmer. WB Widmer was Worshipful Master of Genoa Lodge in the 1959-1960 Masonic year, and contributed greatly to the success of the Lodge over the years. Having passed away on August 24, 2016, the brethren presented a token of appreciation to his wife, Jean and their family.
Many Brethren of Genoa Lodge and their guests attended the 11th Masonic Districts Grand Masters Reception, held at the Radisson Hotel on the Campus of University of Toledo Medical Center. This reception honored our current Grand Master, MWB Robert C. Rill, Jr., who hails from Northern Light Lodge #40 in Maumee. WB Mark Allred, President of the 11th District, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. In all, there were nearly 300 people at the reception.
Genoa Lodge sponsored a reunion of the Ottawa Chapter, Order of DeMolay. The evening started at 5:30 with dinner at Rayz Cafe. The Brethren and some visitors then retired to the Lodge room where the Ottawa Chapter performed the DeMolay Degree for all in attendance. In all, there were around 50 people in attendance and over 20 current and senior DeMolays. All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
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