MORNING STAR LODGE, 795
F. & A. M. of Ohio
Ohio Masonic Home
The Beginning……
Founding Fathers – pictured above are WB John F. Maxwell, WB Richard F. Secrist, RWB Robert J. Weller, and WB Johnnie D. Williams
In 2013, four brethren from three of the four lodges meeting in the Springfield Temple, including WB John Maxwell and WB Johnnie Williams, of Clark Lodge 101, WB Richard Secrist, of Anthony Lodge 455, and R.W.B. Robert Weller, of St. Andrew’s 619, met to discuss the possibility of initiating a new daytime lodge in Springfield. The reasons for the idea were that many of the older members of the lodges did not attend meetings because they did not like to go out at night. Also, members and potential members, working on the second and third shifts, did not have the opportunity to attend evening meetings or to join the fraternity.
Rickly Commons – Our Home
Deciding to pursue the matter further, 29 brethren from the lodges of the Ninth Masonic District, and residents from the Ohio Masonic Home, met in Rickly Commons, at the Home, to make further plans. It was decided to meet regularly at the Masonic Home as a Masonic Club on the first Monday of each month at 10:00 am, with the goal of securing charter members, and applying for a dispensation sometime after the annual Grand Lodge session in October. It was also decided that, as the brethren of the Ohio Masonic Home had no regular lodge in which to meet, the new lodge would be established on the grounds of the Home. It would be the first-ever chartered lodge in the 121-year history of the Home.
The following brethren were appointed as officers of the club: RWB Robert Weller, of St. Andrew’s 619, was to act as Worshipful Master, WB John Maxwell, of Clark 101, as Senior Warden, WB Johnnie Williams, of Clark 101, as Junior Warden, WB Paul Thompson, of Chandler 138, as Treasurer, Bro. Paster Rice, of Fielding 192, as Secretary, RWB Brian Knoll, of Chandler 138, as Senior Deacon, Bro. Timothy Brooks, of Fielding 192, as Junior Deacon, Bro. Ted Buskirk, of New Carlisle 100, as Senior Steward, RWB Dan Shirk, of Harmony 8, as Junior Steward, WB Richard Cotton, of Mt. Sterling 269, as Tyler, RWB Michael Sullenberger, of Mt. Olivet 226, as Marshal, WB Richard Secrist, of Anthony 455, as Chaplain, Bro. Donald Muncy, of St. Andrew’s 619, as Musician, and WB Jeffery Pickett, of New Carlisle 100, as Lodge Education Officer.
It was decided to resurrect the old Morning Star Lodge, which was the first chartered lodge established in Clark County. It was chartered on December 15, 1818 as Morning Star No. 27. It went dark in 1824, but was again formed in 1826 by WB Charles Anthony as Morning Star No. 80. It again went dark in 1829, but was represented in Grand Lodge in 1830 and 1831. On January 3, 1832, Wor. Bro. Anthony was elected Grand Master of Masons in Ohio.
Most Wor. Bro. Charles Anthony, P.G.M.
Needing a lodge from the Ninth District to sponsor our request for a dispensation, RWB Shirk stated that he would bring up the matter before Harmony Lodge 8. This was very appropriate as our predecessor had been formed from members of that lodge. The members of Harmony not only agreed to sponsor the lodge, but agreed to pay for the dispensation fee. Harmony also agreed to set up a special checking account for the lodge to use until it was able to establish one on their own.
Wor. Bro. Geoffrey Fisher, of St. Andrew’s Lodge, and a plural member of Morning Star, drew up a logo for the lodge. It is the square and compasses, surmounted upon a golden star at the hinge-point of the compasses, representing the Morning Star.
 Wor. Bro. Geoffrey Fisher
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The brethren continued to meet and discuss plans for obtaining the dispensation. The WM set up various committees for the club. It was decided by the Finance Committee that the fee for a charter membership would be $200.00. Fees for members from the Home would be considered on an individual basis. They also established a tier-system for the payment of fees and dues based upon the age of the petitioner or member. Both of these were put to a vote and passed by the club members. It was also decided that the time for becoming a charter member would end on November 1st, after which a petition for dispensation would be filed.
At the meeting held on August 19th, several changes were made in the officer line. Bro Rice, who had been undergoing health problems, and RWB Knoll, who is presently serving as a District Deputy Grand Master for the Ninth District, deemed it necessary to resign their respective offices. New appointments and changes were made with WB Maxwell assuming the secretary’s station, Bro. Harry Reisch, a resident of the Ohio Masonic Home, and a member of Science Lodge No. 50, assuming the position of Senior Warden, RWB Michael Sullenberger moving up to Senior Deacon, and WB Charles F. Fox, of St. Andrew’s 619, filling the position of Marshal.
Also at that meeting, 11 brethren signed up as charter members of the club.
Morning Star Club continued to meet at the Ohio Masonic Home, and on March 15, 2014, in the presence of 109 brethren from the Ninth District and around Ohio, the Club became Morning Star Lodge, U. D., with the presentation of a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Ohio. MWB Norman J. Mick, and the Grand Lodge Officers, were in attendance. MWB Mick made the presentation to 37 members.
The requesting members were: Robert J. Weller (appointed as the first Worshipful Master), Harry C. Reisch (appointed as the first Senior Warden), Johnnie D. Williams (appointed as the first Junior Warden), Ronald E. Anderson, James H. Bard, Timothy T. Brooks, Charles Burchett, Ted F. Buskirk, Albert L. Calvert, Jr., Bruce A. Clay, Robert H. Conover, Richard D. Cotton, Gene A. Dougherty, Jr., Richard D. Elder, Geoffrey E. Fisher, Charles F. Fox, Jeremy J. Graham, John R. Hartsock, Brian M. Knoll, James F. Leonard, Fred A. Marsee, John F. Maxwell, Gordon E. McOwen, Arthur J. Meharg, Donald E. Muncy, William A. Parmer, III, Jeffery S. Pickett, Terry W. Posey, Richard Raudebaugh, Fred E. Reed, Richard F. Secrist, Ranold S. Seymour, Sr., Ranold S. Seymour, Jr., Dan J. Shirk, Michael D. Sullenberger, M. Douglas Swain, Paul A. Thompson and James R. Weyer
The first new member received into Morning Star Lodge was Mr. Donald Holland, a resident of the Ohio Masonic Home, who received the three Symbolic Degrees in a Grand Master’s One-Day Class held at the Home on April 5, 2014.
Due to health problems, WB Jeffrey Pickett found it necessary to resign as the lodge education officer of Morning Star Lodge. WB Ranold S. Seymour, Jr., of New Carlisle Lodge 100, graciously accepted the position of lodge education officer.
On April 7, 2014, the first reading of the Lodge’s By-Laws and Standing Resolutions were read. Petitions for initiation were received from Mr. David Williams and Mr. Stewart Kilkenny and were referred to committees.
On May 13th we lost our first member to death. Bro. Dr. Robert H. Conover passed away at the age of 92 years at the Ohio Masonic Home.
Bro. Robert H. Conover
On May 19th a special meeting was held to initiate the first two candidates into the Lodge. Mr. David Williams became the first candidate to be initiated into Morning Star Lodge, with his father, Bro. Johnnie Williams presiding in the East. The second candidate, Mr. Stewart Kilkenny, was initiated by Wor. Bro. Weller.
Bro. Kilkenny became the first Master Mason raised the traditional way in Morning Star Lodge on July 21, 2014.
RWB Charles Dyer, D.D.G.M. of the Ninth Masonic District, who was in attendance that day, informed the Lodge that he was pleased with the degree work that had been performed in all three degrees, and that he would be issuing a favorable report to the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge Committee on Charters and Dispensations, recommending that a charter be granted to the Lodge at the October Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
All of the necessary paperwork for obtaining a charter was filed with the Grand Lodge in late July so that it could be reviewed by the Grand Lodge Committee on Charters and Dispensations.
On October 17, 2014, after 185 years of darkness, Morning Star Lodge No. 795 received its charter from M.W.B. Norman J. Mick at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in Sharonville, Ohio. There were approximately 30 brethren present on stage when the charter was presented.
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Morning Star Lodge No. 795 was consecrated on November 8, 2014 by M.W.B. Steven Cokonougher and the officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in Burkhart Auditorium.
Grand Lodge Officers and Charter Members
The first annual installation of officers was held in Burkhart Auditorium at the Ohio Masonic Home on November 15, 2014. All of the officers, who served while under dispensation, were installed into their respective office.
A new tradition was instituted when our Junior Warden, W.B. Johnnie Williams organized a Christmas luncheon for the members and their guests at the Lindner Community Center at the Ohio Masonic Home. It was well-attended and the brethren look forward to making this an annual affair.
The first annual inspection of Morning Star Lodge was held on March 28, 2015 in the Fellow Craft Degree. The degree was done in a very fine manner according to our inspecting officer, R.W.B. Dan Hrinko. This was verified at the Ninth District Meeting held in September when Morning Star took home the awards for “Best Etiquette” and “Best Presentation of the Fellow Craft Degree” in the District.
The lodge took part in the “Ohio Masonic Home Day” celebration on June 8th by working two booths during the day.
The lodge was saddened when, on August 9, 2015, one of our charter members, and Charter Senior Warden, Wor. Bro. Harry C. Reisch, passed away at the age of 86, at the Ohio Masonic Home following a brief illness. Bro. Reisch was an exemplary Mason, and of great assistance during the formation of our lodge, and the brethren will miss him greatly.
Wor. Bro. Harry C. Reisch
At the next meeting of the Lodge, the Worshipful Master stated that he was instituting a new tradition for Morning Star Lodge. He has created a “Craftsman of the Year” award to be presented each year, at our annual meeting, to a craftsman, not a line officer, who the outgoing Worshipful Master selects as having contributed the most to the lodge in the preceding year. The craftsman will receive a certificate, and his name shall be engraved upon a commemorative plaque that will be displayed on the wall of the Lodge. The plate at the top of the plaque reads:
On October 29, 2015, the lodge lost another of its plural members when Wor. Bro. Wayne T. Vanwey entered the Celestial Lodge above. Masonic services were held by his home lodge, Anthony No. 455.
Wor. Bro. Wayne T. Vanwey
The lodge finished up the first full year of operation with 54 members.
SECOND YEAR
At the annual communication held on November 2, 2015 the following officers were elected to serve the lodge for the 2016 year:
| RWB Michael D. Sullenberger, W.M. | |
| WB Johnnie D. Williams, S.W. | WB Richard D. Elder, J.W. |
| WB Paul W. Thompson, Treas. | Bro. Gene A. Dougherty, Sec. |
| WB Ted F. Buskirk, S.D. | WB Jeremy J. Graham, J.D. |
| Bro. Gordon E. McOwen, Tyler | WB William A. Parmer, III, Trste. |
The Worshipful Master-elect then announced the following appointments:
| Bro. Melvyn D. Swain, S.S. | Bro. Donald L. Holland, J.S. |
| WB Charles F. Fox, Mar. | WB Richard F. Secrist, Chap. |
| WB John F. Maxwell, L.E.O. | Bro. Donald E. Muncy, Mus. |
WB Weller then presented the first annual “Harry C. Reisch Craftsman of the Year” award to Bro. Donald L. Holland for his contributions to the lodge during the past year. He was presented with a certificate of achievement, and his name will be engraved on the plaque that is on the wall of the lodge.
On November 16, the Second Annual Installation of officers was held in the lodge room. R.W.B. Weller installed R.W.B. Sullenberger as Worshipful Master. He then relinquished the gavel to the new Master who installed the rest of the officers for 2016.
Death again entered our lodge on December 19, 2015, and claimed the life of WB Richard D. Cotton, our charter Tyler. WB Cotton had been seriously ill for several months, and his death will be a loss to us all. He was a fine Mason. His services were held by Mt. Sterling Lodge 269 with 35 brethren from around the Ninth District in attendance.
Wor. Bro. Richard D. Cotton
The Second Annual Inspection of the lodge was held on March 5th as WM Sullenberger and his officers exemplified the Master Mason Degree for Bro. Lee R. Smith. The inspection was well-attended by the brethren of the Ninth District with almost every chair filled. The inspecting officer, RWB Hrinko concluded that the degree was acceptable and that the lodge’s records were in good order.
We lost 2 members in the spring of 2016. WB Paul Geier, a resident of the Home who had just joined our lodge as a plural member, died on April 29th, and was followed by one of our Charter members, Bro. James F. Leonard, also a resident of the Home, on May 1st. Masonic services were held for both brethren.
The lodge again participated in “Masonic Home Day” by manning our toy booth and the strawberry shortcake stand. Monies earned from the toy booth are used by the lodge to pay the Grand Lodge per capita for our members who reside at the Masonic Home, and the monies from the Strawberry Shortcake stand goes into the residents’ activities fund.
On July 23rd, members of the lodge attended the Annual Outdoor Raising sponsored by New Carlisle Lodge 100 and Mt. Olivet Lodge No. 226. Morning Star provided the candidate for this event, as Bro. Stephen T. Carraway received his Master Mason Degree in the beautiful outdoor setting near Christiansburg.
The Annual Return for 2016 showed a membership gain of 10 members for a total of 64.
Due to construction of a new roof on the auditorium, the lodge was forced to meet in the Linder Center for the months of September and October.
Third Year
At the annual communication of the lodge held on November 7, 2016, the following brethren were elected or appointed to serve for the coming year:
| WB Ted F. Buskirk, W.M. | |
| WB Johnnie D. Williams, S.W. | WB Richard D. Elder, J.W. |
| WB Paul W. Thompson, Treas. | WB Jeremy J. Graham, Sec. |
| WB John F. Maxwell, S.D. | Bro. Gene Dougherty, J.D. |
| Bro. Gordon E. McOwen, Tyler | WB Charles Burchett, Trste. |
The Worshipful Master-elect then announced the following appointments:
| Bro. Lee R. Smith, S.S. | Bro. Donald L. Holland, J.S. |
| WB Richard F. Secrist, Chap. | Bro. Donald E. Muncy, Mus. |
| WB John F. Maxwell, L.E.O. | |
| Bro. Vincent A. Abbey, Jr.-Mar. | Bro. Albert L. Calvert – Mar. |
The Lodge was greatly saddened to learn of the death of another of our plural members. R.W.B. Ronald E. McGonigal, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Ninth District, laid down the working tools of life on November 12, 2016. RWB McGonigal was a very active Mason and his timely counsel will be greatly missed.
On November 19, 2016 the new officers of Morning Star Lodge were installed into their stations by R.W.B. Helmut Schuster, Past District Deputy of the Ninth Masonic District.
2017 Officers
Front Row l to r: Bro. Albert L. Calvert, Mar., Bro. Vincent A. Abbey, Jr., Mar., Bro. Richard D. Elder, JW.
Back Row l to r: WB John F. Maxwell, SD and LEO, WB Paul A. Thompson, Treas., WB Richard F. Secrist, Chap., WB Ted F. Buskirk, WM, WB Johnnie D. Williams, SW, WB Jeremy J. Graham, Sec., Bro. Lee R. Smith, SS, Bro. Donald L. Holland, JS, Bro. Gene A. Dougherty, JD.
At a special meeting on November 21, WB Buskirk presented R.W.B. Sullenberger with his Past Master’s jewel and thanked him for the good job he did while running the lodge in the past year. R.W.B. Sullenberger thanked the WM and all of the brethren for their assistance during his year as Worshipful Master. He was given a round of applause by the brethren present.
At the stated meeting on December 5th, RWB Sullenberger presented the “Harry C. Reisch Craftsman of the Year” award to Bro. Donald E. Muncy, in recognition of his gifts of artwork to the lodge, and for providing the music at our meetings. Bro. Muncy thanked RWB Sullenberger for this award, and he was given a round of applause by the brethren present.
The brethren and their ladies again met for the Annual Christmas Brunch on December 17, and the event was well-attended.
On December 27th, a new event was introduced into the lodge with a Ladies Table Lodge being held in the lodge room. The event was well-attended with over 60 brethren, wives and widows in attendance.
Everyone enjoyed a fine beef stew dinner and a talk by Wor. Bro. Chad Simpson, of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, on the Holy Saints John.
The year ended on a sad note with the death of Wor. Bro. Richard Raudebaugh, a resident of the Ohio Masonic Home, and a charter member of Morning Star Lodge, on December 30th.
At the stated meeting of January 2nd, the lodge was again the recipient of a gift from Bro. Donald Muncy. He presented to the lodge a painting which he had done of the “point within a circle.” This fine piece of craftsmanship joins his other painting, “Joppa to Ethiopia?” on the wall of the lodge. Bro. Muncy is a fine artist and is 92 years young.
Bro. Henry L. Waldron, a plural member of our lodge, passed away on January 12th. He was also a member of Lynde Lodge No. 174 of Herman, Maine, and an Honorary 33rd Degree Mason.
On February 10th, the Supreme Architect of the Universe called Bro. Donald G. Ream, one of our plural members, to the Celestial Lodge Above. Bro. Ream was a member of Anthony Lodge No. 455 in Springfield.
On March 9th, the Great Architect of the Universe summoned Bro. Arlie B. Jones, one of our newest plural members and a resident of the Home, to the Celestial Lodge above. Masonic services were conducted on March 18th.
The Ninth Masonic District held a Grand Master’s One-Day Class on March 25th at the Springfield Masonic Center. Morning Star was pleased to welcome 9 new brethren into our lodge.
April 1st saw the 3rd Annual Inspection in the Entered Apprentice Degree. R.W.B. Dan Hrinko was again our inspecting officer, and he was pleased with the work of the day, and found the work and our records to be in good shape. Afterwards, the brethren enjoyed a fine buffet luncheon at the Lindner Center.
On June 24th, members of the lodge and their ladies joined others from the Ninth Masonic District to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of England. A fine buffet dinner was served in the lodge room at the Ohio Masonic Home, followed by a program concerning the formation of modern- day Freemasonry.
The Great Architect of the Universe called Bro. Leonard Johnson home on July 2nd. Masonic services were held in the Burkhart Auditorium on July 9th.
On July 22nd, some of the members traveled to Christiansburg, Ohio for the 13th Annual Outdoor Raising by Mount Olivet Lodge 226 and New Carlisle Lodge 100. Our Brother, Jason Woods, participated as the pro-tem candidate. Due to inclement weather, the degree was held at Mount Olivet Lodge.
On July 25th, 9 members of Morning Star travelled to the Springfield Masonic Center to attend the stated meeting of Frank W. Kiefer Chapter, Order of DeMolay. Bro. Jason Woods’ stepson, Brandon, was one of the candidates who received the two DeMolay Degrees that evening.
The Annual Return for 2017 showed a membership of 80 brethren which was a gain of 16 from the previous year.
On October 2nd, Morning Star Lodge had the privilege of presenting an honorary membership to Most Worshipful Brother C. Michael Watson, our Grand Secretary. This was presented to Most Worshipful Brother Watson for his efforts in the organization of our Lodge.
The lodge was saddened to hear of the death of WB Gerald D. Owens, who passed away on October 25th. A resident of Norwood, Ohio, he was laid to rest in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.
Fourth Year
At the annual communication of Morning Star Lodge 795, held on November 6, 2017, the following officers were elected to serve the lodge for the coming year.
| WB. Johnnie Williams, WM | |
| WB Richard F. Secrist, SW | WB Richard D. Elder, JW |
| Bro. Jerry L. Cozzens, Treas. | WB Phillip A. Hoffman, Sec. |
| Bro. Gene A. Dougherty, Jr., SD | Bro. William J. Chaffin, JD |
| Bro. Donald L. Holland, Tyl. | WB Ted F. Buskirk, Trst. |
| WB Robert J. Maxson, III, Mar. | WB William C. Pursch, L.E.O. |
WM-elect Williams announced the following appointments:
| Bro. Jason J. Woods, SS | Bro. Mark E. Krams, JS |
| WB John F. Maxwell, Chap. | Bro. Michael E. Ryan, Mus. |
An open installation was held on December 18th, with RWB Dan J. Shirk, Past District Deputy Grand Master, serving as the installing officer. WB Buskirk, the Junior Past Master, then presented the “Harry C. Reisch Craftsman of the Year” award to WB Richard Secrist for his service to the lodge, and for making all of the wooden toys that we sell each year at the Ohio Masonic Home Day festivities.
WB Buskirk was then presented with his Past Master’s Jewel by WB Williams, who congratulated him on his year of leading the lodge. WB Buskirk then presented to the new Worshipful Master, the master’s lapel pin, which had been worn by RWB Weller as charter Worshipful Master. This pin is passed down to each new Worshipful Master who is instructed to wear it at least once during his year of service.
Front row l-r – Bro. Michael E. Ryan, Musician, WB Johnnie D. Williams, WM, WB Richard F. Secrist, SW, WB William A. Parmer, III, Trus.
Second row l-r – Phillip A. Hoffman, Sec., Bro. Gene A. Dougherty, Jr., SD, WB Ted F. Buskirk, Trus, Bro. William J. Chaffin, JD, Bro. Donald L. Holland, Tyl, RWB Robert J. Weller, DD, WB John Maxwell, Chap.
Third row – Rev. Bro. Bruce Vincent, Asst. Chap.
Not present were Bro. Richard D. Elder, JW, Bro. Jerry L. Cozzens, Treas, Robert J. Maxon, III, Mar, Bro. William C. Pursch, L.E.O., Bro. Jason J. Woods, SS, and Bro. Mark E. Krams, JS
On November 19th, an impressive, special meeting was held to honor our members who served our Country, and the special guest of the day was Most Worshipful Brother Rick R. Schau, Grand Master of Masons in Ohio, and a Navy veteran. MWB Schau presented to each veteran a special lapel pin that he had commissioned for this year.
WB William Pursch then presented a program for Veteran’s Day, which was followed by RWB Weller explaining the items on the “Missing Member’s Table.”
Worshipful Brother Williams then presented the Grand Master with a certificate of “Honorary Membership” in Morning Star Lodge, and a plaque thanking him for his participation in the morning’s festivities.
On December 3rd, the lodge suffered the loss of Bro. Vincent A. Abbey, Jr., a resident of the Home, and one-time Marshal of the lodge. Masonic services were held at the Ohio Masonic Home by his home lodge, St. Andrew’s 619, and Morning Star 795.
On December 5th, death also claimed Bro. Klair H. Kissel, also a resident of the Home. No services were requested.
A “Table Lodge for Ladies,” and our annual Christmas luncheon, was held on December 16th with a total of 57 members and ladies taking part. The speaker of the morning was Clark County Sheriff Debra Burchett, the daughter of our Trustee, WB Charles Burchett. A morning of Christmas music was provided by our musician, Bro. Michael Ryan, along with his sister, Patsy. A fine traditional luncheon, catered by Rudy’s Smokehouse, was enjoyed by all.
On January 12th, the brethren were deeply saddened by the loss of our Lodge Education Officer, Bro. William C. Pursch. Bro. Pursch has done a fine job for the last year-and-a-half serving in this capacity, and the lodge won the Grand Lodge Educational Award last October, mainly because of the effort put forth by Bro. Pursch. Masonic services were held on February 10th at the Ohio Masonic Home.
On January 15th, a new “Lodge Education Certificate” was announced in the lodge meeting, and it will be awarded to any brother who contributes to the education program of the lodge. This award will be called “The William C. Pursch Award for Lodge Education, being named for our late brother.
April 7th saw the fourth annual inspection of the lodge with the Fellow Craft Degree being presented to Bro. Albert Carr. Bro. Carr, who is 93 years old, and a resident of the Ohio Masonic Home, received a fine degree according to RWB Shawn Johnson, the inspecting officer. Bro. Carr is a veteran of the Normandy invasion in World War II.
After the inspection, the brethren enjoyed a buffet luncheon in the Lindner Community Center.
On June 10th, the lodge again manned their booth at the “Ohio Masonic Home Day” celebration.
June 18th saw the raising of Bro. Albert Carr, a 93-year old resident of the Ohio Masonic Home. Bro. Carr was recently honored at the Grand Master’s Reception by being awarded the “Patriot’s Award for the Ninth District
Bro. Albert Carr and his family.
On July 2, the Lodge received a beautiful tribute memorial for our late Bro. William Pursch. It was a framed composition of some of Bro. Pursch’s Masonic memorabilia. It will be hung in an appropriate place in the lodge room.
The lodge finished the year with 92 members, a gain of 12 for the year.
On July 26th the brethren were again saddened by the death of Bro. Albert L. Calvert, a 50-year member of St. Andrew’s 619 and a charter member of Morning Star 795. These lodges held a memorial service at the Ohio Masonic Home on August 7th.
On October 1, we lost another charter member, Wor. Bro. Jeffrey S. Pickett, a Past Master of New Carlisle Lodge 100., who passed away after several years of failing health. Masonic services were held in Fairborn, OH.
Fifth Year
On November 5, 2018, the Annual Communication of Morning Star Lodge 595 was held at 10:00 a.m. in the Burkhart Auditorium. The following brethren were elected or appointed to serve the lodge for the coming year.
FIFTH WORSHIPFUL MASTER
| Bro. John F. Maxwell, SW | Bro. Gene A. Dougherty, Jr., JW |
| WB Johnnie D. Williams, Treas. | WB Philip A. Hoffman, Sec. |
| Bro. Paul A. Thompson, SD | Bro. Bruce Baisden, JD |
| Bro. Donald L. Holland, Tyl. | Bro. William A. Parmer, III, Trst. |
Wor Master-elect Secrist then announced the following appointments:
| WB Ted F. Buskirk, Mar. | Bro. Bruce Baisden, L.E.O. |
| Bro. Lee R. Smith, SS | Bro. Larry S. Smith, JS |
| Rev. Bro. Bruce H. Vincent, Chap. | Bro. Michael E. Ryan, Mus. |
An open installation was held on December 12th, with RWB Michael D. Sullenberger, Past District Deputy Grand Master, serving as the installing officer. WB Williams, the Junior Past Master, then presented the “Harry C. Reisch Craftsman of the Year” award to Bro. Larry S. Smith and RWB Robert J. Weller, for their service to the lodge this past year.
WB Williams was then presented with his Past Master’s Jewel by WB Secrist, who congratulated him on his year of leading the lodge. WB Williams then presented to the new Worshipful Master, the master’s lapel pin, which had been worn by RWB Weller as charter Worshipful Master. This pin is passed down to each new Worshipful Master who is instructed to wear it at least once during his year of service.
On January 10, 2019 the lodge lost Bro. Richard T. Miller. Bro. Miller was a Fellow Craft who was due to receive his Master Mason Degree at the upcoming Grand Master’s One Day Class.
On January 19, Morning Star hosted the Grand Master’s One-Day Class. Although a threat of wintery weather was predicted, 150 brethren turned out to witness 44 candidates, including 3 from Morning Star, become newly-made Master Masons.
March 30th was the Fifth Annual Inspection of Morning Star Lodge, which was held in the Master Mason Degree. The candidate for the day was Bro. Denis S. Kozlov, and a very good degree was exemplified by the officers and brethren. The inspecting officer, RWB David A. Waggoner, D.D.G.M. of the Ninth District, was very pleased with the work presented, and with the condition of the lodge books.
On May 19th the lodge was saddened by the loss of Bro. David M. Huey. Masonic services were held on May 24th.
On May 27th we lost Bro. Roger E. Wallace, one of our plural members. Masonic services were conducted at the Home by his primary lodge, and interment was in the Masonic Home Cemetery.
June 8th was the Grand Master’s Reception for Most Worshipful Brother Jess N. Raines, which was held in an outside ceremony on the grounds of the Springfield Masonic Community. Several brethren and their ladies were in attendance.
The following day, the lodge again manned their toy booth at the celebration of “Ohio Masonic Home Day.”
Death again visited the lodge on June 29th and called another one of our plural members, Bro. Walter A. Shuirr, Jr. to his heavenly home. Masonic services were held on July 10th by St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 619, his primary lodge.
The Annual Return for the year showed a gain in membership of 1 member, continuing our yearly gain in membership to five years. We finished with 93 members.
Addendum 1
The Lodge Beginnings and Relationship to the Springfield Campus of the Ohio Masonic Home
During the winter of 2012, two brothers (WB John Maxwell of Clark No. 101 and WB Richard Secrist of Anthony No. 455), were attending a Saturday breakfast at the Springfield Masonic Center in Springfield, Ohio. They overheard a brother say that this was the only type of event he could attend at lodge because he worked evenings. WB Maxwell and WB Secrist began talking between the two of them on the subject of how many current brothers, plus how many potential brothers, are we losing because they cannot attend an evening lodge? WB Maxwell looked at WB Secrist and said, “Do you think it’s time for a daytime lodge in Clark County?” WB Secrist, with no hesitation answered “yes.” WB Johnnie Williams of Clark No. 101 and RWB Robert Weller of St. Andrews No. 619, upon hearing the idea, both enthusiastically joined the other two. The idea of Morning Star as a daytime lodge was born.
The name came from the original lodge to serve Clark County. Until 1818, Harmony Lodge No. 8 served Champaign, Montgomery, and Clark Counties. In 1818, Morning Star No. 27 was chartered in Clark County, only to go dark in 1824. In 1826, Morning Star reappeared as Morning Star No. 80, under WB Charles Anthony who later became Grand Master. During the Morgan Affair, Morning Star Lodge No. 80 went dark in 1829. The four founding members of the new lodge decided to use the name Morning Star for two reasons. First it was to honor that first lodge in Clark County. Second it was to them a perfect name for a new lodge rising in the morning hours.
During the 2012-13 inspection season, the idea of the new lodge was brought up at each inspection. The need was seen by the brothers of the 9th Masonic District of Ohio and more began to express interest in becoming members. Soon it looked like it would at least be attempted to give it life.
In early 2013, the founding four were approached by RWB Brian Knoll and RWB Charles Dyer. Both of these brothers worked in the administration offices of the Springfield Campus of the Ohio Masonic Home. They also were both, at the time, the current district deputy grand masters of the 9th Masonic District of Ohio. They asked if the founding four would accept the new lodge being housed at the Springfield Campus of the Ohio Masonic Home. A quick glance to each in the room gave a quick answer of “yes.” It was agreed that when the lodge was formed, within the by-laws would be created provisions that brothers who lived at the Home would have their Grand Lodge per capita for joining Morning Star be paid by the lodge and all dues remitted. This was to be in gratitude for the use of the Home. A June, 2013, date for an organizational meeting at the Home was set and thus began the relationship between the Ohio Masonic Home and Morning Star Lodge. For the first time in the 128-year history of the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield, there would be a lodge on campus that would allow brethren there to not only attend, but to be fully active as masons in the lodge at no cost to those brethren, and with no need to give up memberships in their current lodges. The relationship between the Springfield Masonic Home and Morning Star Lodge, therefore, began as a partnership. The lodge would provide a way for retired masons to again be active masons at no cost to them financially. The Home facilities would provide the location.
The lodge was, and remains, one that sought any who needed a daytime lodge to be masons. The relationship with the brethren at the Ohio Masonic Home began at the aforementioned meeting with and at the invitation of the district deputies and continues to grow. As of this writing (October 2017), out of eighty-three (83) Master Masons in Morning Star Lodge, thirty-three (33) are residents of the Ohio Masonic Home, and the number is growing. That is approximately forty percent (40%) of the lodge membership. Many are becoming officers, and interest to be active in other ways is growing. Some have said they have not been active for several years. This past spring, the lodge held a Rusty Nail Degree aimed primarily as a means for those from the Home who had been inactive to re-learn signs, due guards, and other masonic symbols. Most likely, this percentage of resident membership will increase.
The lodge’s direct monetary donations to the Home are minimal because the financial donation and benefit to the well-being of residents of the Home comes in a different way that is quite often overlooked, or even unknown by those who have not benefited directly. This is the payment of Grand Lodge fees of Home residents. Morning Star has vowed that no mason who has retired to the Home should be faced with retirement from masonry, as was the situation of being an active mason before Morning Star existed. Morning Star, as a lodge, pays all and requires no dues from Home residents. The moneys are part of the dues of non-residents and any extra needed raised at a fundraiser. With thirty-three (33) master masons who are Home residents, Morning Star has paid this year to Grand Lodge for per capita seventeen dollars and forty-five cents ($17.45) per each of those residents for a total of five hundred-seventy-five dollar and eighty-five cents ($575.85). Add to that any fees involving members raised or affiliated from the Home, plus the cost of Bibles and aprons for each initiated. The donation to the well-being of the residents of the Ohio Masonic Home from Morning Star is approximately twenty percent (20%) of the lodge’s income. This payment of Grand Lodge per capita for residents of the Home who join Morning Star, and any costs involved for those initiated from the Home, is not simply an action to be done when the lodge has the funds to do so. It is in the bylaws of the lodge. Morning Star has obligated itself to this concept to be done every year for its existence at the Home. It is doubtful that any lodge in Ohio, or any other organization not part of the actual Home organization, obligates themselves by their own bylaws to contribute that much of their budget to the well-being of Home masons each and every year, especially knowing this part of the budget will continue to become larger as the years pass, and is unknown as to amount at each year’s beginning. Morning Star also openly invites any mason living on the campus, and not a member of Morning Star, to visit as well as enjoy any masonic activities of the lodge with no obligation. Any activity that allows non-masons to attend, Morning Star opens to all residents. This is at no charge to them. It is the lodge’s small attempt at saying “thank you.” Sometimes a benefit is a benefit and not a leger entry.
A major part of our existence is to serve the brethren at the Home and is one of the lodge’s valued tenants. This has created a beneficial symbiotic relationship for the well-being of masons at the Home –the lodge paying the per capita of residents so they may become fully active masons in a masonic lodge, and the Home providing the location for that to happen, makes the two organizations partners in providing a lodge for the Home. To Morning Star this is an appreciated and valued partnership. Having a lodge at the Springfield Campus of the Ohio Masonic Home created a question from many masons as Morning Star was being born – why has it taken so long? The answer to that is not important. What is important is that the relationship simply continues to be there for masons.
Respectfully, WB John F. Maxwell Morning Star Lodge No. 795
Addendum 2
MORNING STAR 795 OFFICERS
| U. D. -2014 | 2015 | 2016 | |
| Worshipful Master | Robert J. Weller | Robert J. Weller | Michael D. Sullenberger |
| Senior Warden | Harry C. Reisch* | Harry C. Reisch* | Johnnie D. Williams |
| Junior Warden | Johnnie D. Williams | Johnnie D. Williams | Richard D. Elder |
| Treasurer | Paul W. Thompson | Paul W. Thompson | Paul W. Thompson |
| Secretary | John F. Maxwell | John F. Maxwell | Gene A. Dougherty, Jr. |
| Senior Deacon | Michael D. Sullenberger | Michael D. Sullenberger | Ted F. Buskirk |
| Junior Deacon | Timothy T. Brooks | Timothy T. Brooks | Jeremy Graham |
| Senior Steward | Ted F. Buskirk | Ted F. Buskirk | M. Douglas Swain |
| Junior Steward | Daniel J. Shirk | Daniel J. Shirk | Donald L. Holland |
| Marshall | Charles F. Fox | Charles F. Fox | Charles F. Fox |
| Tyler | Richard D. Cotton* | Richard D. Cotton* | Gordon E. McOwen |
| Chaplain | Richard F. Secrist | Richard F. Secrist | Richard F. Secrist |
| LEO | Ranold S. Seymour, Jr. | Ranold S. Seymour, Jr. | John F. Maxwell |
| Musician | Donald E. Muncy | Donald E. Muncy | Donald E. Muncy |
| Trustee | William A. Parmer, III | William A. Parmer, III | Charles Burchett |
| Trustee | Charles Burchett | Charles Burchett | M. Douglas Swain |
| Trustee | M. Douglas Swain | M. Douglas Swain | William A. Parmer, III |
| – deceased |
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Worshipful Master | Ted F. Buskirk | Johnnie D. Williams | Richard F. Secrist |
| Senior Warden | Johnnie D. Williams | Richard F. Secrist | John F. Maxwell |
| Junior Warden | Richard D. Elder | Richard D. Elder | Gene A. Dougherty, Jr. |
| Treasurer | Paul W. Thompson | Jerry L. Cozzens | Johnnie D. Williams |
| Secretary | Jeremy J. Graham & Phillip A. Hoffman | Phillip A. Hoffman | Phillip A. Hoffman |
| Senior Deacon | John F. Maxwell | Gene A. Dougherty, Jr | Michael Sullenberger |
| Junior Deacon | Gene A. Dougherty, Jr | William J. Chaffin | Bruce Baisden |
| Senior Steward | Lee R. Smith | Jason J. Woods | Lee R. Smith |
| Junior Steward | Donald L. Holland | Mark E. Krams | Larry S. Smith |
| Marshall | Vincent A. Abbey, Jr. & Albert L. Calvert | Robert J. Maxson, III | Ted F. Buskirk |
| Tyler | Gordon E. McOwen | Donald L. Holland | Donald L. Holland |
| Chaplain | Richard F. Secrist | John F. Maxwell | Bruce H. Vincent |
| LEO | John F. Maxwell & William C. Pursch* | William C. Pursch* & John F. Maxwell | Bruce Baisden |
| Musician | Donald E. Muncy | Michael E. Ryan | Michael E. Ryan |
| Trustee | M. Douglas Swain | William A. Parmer, III | Charles Burchett |
| Trustee | William A. Parmer, III | Charles Burchett | Ted F. Buskirk |
| Trustee | Charles Burchett | Ted F. Buskirk | William A. Parmer, III |
| * – deceased |
CRONOLOGY OF MORNING STAR LODGE
January 1, 1810-Petition received in Grand Lodge in Chillicothe, OH for a warrant to erect a Lodge in Champaign County, OH from brethren in Springfield and Urbana.
January 4, 1810-Warrant for Harmony Lodge No. 9 in Champaign County for brethren living in Urbana, Springfield, Dayton and Troy was approved.
September 3, 1810-Harmony Lodge represented by Bro. Henry Vanmeter, proxy.
January 7, 1811-Harmony Lodge not represented.
January 8, 1811-Harmony Lodge divided with Harmony Lodge No. 8 serving Champaign and Clark Counties, and St. John’s Lodge serving Montgomery and Miami Counties.
January 6, 1812-Harmony Lodge not represented.
January 4, 1813-Harmony Lodge No. 8 represented.
January 4, 1814-Harmony Lodge No. 8 represented.
January 4, 1815-Following resolution was read in Grand Lodge by Bro. Edward Tupper:
“Whereas, It has become inconvenient and difficult for the brethren of Harmony Lodge No. 8 to work under their present charter, inasmuch as the same requires them to labor alternately at Urbana and Springfield, Champaign county; And whereas it has been represented to this Grand Lodge that the brethren of the said Lodge have a desire to surrender their said charter, and to form separate lodges at each of the said places;
Therefore, resolved by the Grand Lodge, That on the surrendering, by the said brethren of Harmony Lodge No. 8, of their present charter, and on application in due form being made by the brethren of the said Lodge from Urbana and Springfield, respectively, that the M. W. Grand Master do grant to them, respectively, dispensations authorizing them to labor until the next annual Grand Communication, at each of said places; at which time, if no reasons shall appear to the contrary, they shall be respectively entitles to receive charters, on paying to the Grand Lodge dues for one charter only, to be paid by the said contemplated new Lodges respectively paying the Grand Secretary the fees which by the Constitution and By-Laws he is entitled to receive.”
January 5, 1815-Resolution of Bro. Tupper was approved.
January 4, 1816-Charter granted to Harmony Lodge No. 8 of Urbana by MWB Henry Brush.
December 14, 1818-Morning Star Lodge represented by Bro. David Higgins.
December 15, 1818-Charter granted to Morning Star No. 27 by MWB Chester Griswold.
December 13, 1819-Morning Star No. 27 represented by Bro. Charles Cavalier.
December 11, 1820-Morning Star No. 27 not represented.
December 10, 1821-Morning Star No. 27 not represented.
1822-No Grand Lodge Communication.
January 13, 1823-Morning Star No. 27 not represented.
January 12, 1824-Morning Star No. 27 not represented. The committee on Grievances made report on the communication of Bro. Cavalier, as follows, viz:
“It appears to your committee, from the communications of Bro. Cavalier, that he was duly authorized, by this Grand Lodge, to receive all the property belonging to the said Morning Star Lodge; that, in pursuance of his authority, he made application to Bro. James Page, late Treasurer of said Lodge, for funds in his hands formerly belonging to said Lodge; but that the said Page has withheld said funds, and refuses to deliver them to Brother Cavalier; and that the said Page has since removed to the State of Indiana, beyond the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.
It further appears that several Masons, now resident at or near Springfield, who are in arrears to said discontinued Lodge, have also refused to pay over such arrearages to Brother Cavalier. The committee, therefore, recommend the adoption of the following resolutions:
Resolved, That Brother Cavalier be authorized by this Grand Lodge, to communicate to the Lodge in Indiana, in the vicinity of the residence of said Page, the facts relative to the conduct of said Page, with the best evidence that can be procured, and request such Lodge to take such steps relative thereto, as the circumstances of the case and the principles of Masonry may require.
2. That Bro. Cavalier be likewise authorized to demand of all Masons, formerly members of said Morning Star Lodge, all arrearages due said Lodge; and, on their refusal, to enter a complaint against all such delinquents to the Lodge in the immediate vicinity of which they may reside, in order that said delinquents may be properly dealt with.”
The report was accepted and the resolutions agreed to.
January 10, 1825-Morning Star No. 27 not represented.
January 12, 1825-The committee on Charters and Dispensations made report that a dispensation be granted to Brother Charles Anthony and his associates, to hold a Lodge at Springfield, Clark county, under the name of Morning Star Lodge No. 27. The report was adopted.
January 9, 1826-Morning Star No. 27 was represented.
January 10, 1826-The committee on Charters and Dispensations made a report that “a Charter be granted to Charles Anthony and his associates, for a Lodge, to be called Morning Star Lodge No. 80, in Springfield, in the county of Clark.”
January 8, 1827-Morning Star No. 80 represented by Bro. M. M. Henkle.
January 14, 1828-Morning Star No. 80 represented by Br. G(eorge). W. Jewett.
January 5, 1829-Morning Star No. 80 represented by Bro. G. W. Jewett.
January 4, 1830-Morning Star No. 80 represented by Bros. Ira Page, W. V. H. Cushing and William A. Cameron.
January 3, 1831-Morning Star No. 80 represented by Bro. Charles Anthony.
January 2, 1832-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
January 3, 1832-Charles Anthony, of Morning Star Lodge No. 80, is elected Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Ohio.
January 7, 1833-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
January 6, 1834-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
January 5, 1835-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
January 4, 1836-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
June 22, 1837-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
June 19, 1838-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
October 15, 1839-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
October 20, 1840-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
October 19, 1841-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
October 17, 1842-Morning Star No. 80 not represented.
October 18, 1842-Listed in the “Abstract of All Lodges, Their Location, Number, Etc.”, Morning Star Lodge No. 80 is listed as “Ceased 1829.”
March 15, 2014-Morning Star Lodge, U. D. receives dispensation from the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Ohio after being dark for 185 years. First officers appointed by MWB Norman Mick were RWB Robert J. Weller, W.M., WB Harry C. Reisch, SW and WB Johnnie D. Williams, JW.
October 17, 2014-Morning Star Lodge No. 795 receives its charter from MWB Norman Mick at the 205th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons held in Sharonville, Ohio.
November 8, 2014-Morning Star Lodge No. 795 consecrated by MWB Steven Cokonougher and the officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
SO MOTE IT BE