Greetings Companions:

We are nearing the end of a very unusual Cryptic year indeed.  We will meet on Tuesday April 6 at our regular day and time.  Congratulations to Findlay Chapter #58 for a fine inspection at our meeting time in March.  Council will not be inspected on any degree or the Super-Excellent Master degree during this year.  We will have our election of officers at the May meeting, and the installation of new officers at the June meeting.

The Northwest Ohio York Rite Festival committee will meet via zoom April 11 to discuss whether to have the Festival in August this year.

The Second Arch will not be working this Memorial Day weekend at the I-75 rest stop to raise funds for the Diabetic Kids Fund and the camp we sponsor each year.  Each Council will decide how to raise funds for this worthwhile purpose.
In closing our final newsletter of this Cryptic year, I wish to thank each Companion for persevering through such an atypical year.  Please re-activate as conditions improve.  We have beautiful degrees to present to new members and there’s a place for each of us!

Please attend on April 6, May 4, and June 1.

Fraternally 
Rick Eakin
Illustrious Master

Greetings Companions:

We often look forward to a new year as a way to escape the tribulations of the previous year.  While we may wish for this, we know that reality is usually different.  The COVID issues will not be going away at the turn of the calendar.

Our Grand Council has already cancelled the traditional Super-Excellent Master inspection and the annual inspection of constituent Councils in the State. This year inspection will be of paperwork only: information from the Illustrious Master, Recorder, and Treasurer.

We would be remiss to ignore our ritualistic degrees.  This lull is a perfect time to read and reread various portions of the work in a stress-free manner.  The stories are timeless in their message, and may be even more useful as we navigate the challenges of the day.  It would be terrific if the Northwest Ohio York Rite Festival could resume this spring or fall – Let’s be ready to pitch in if luck is on our side.

We would be wise to discuss potential alternative fundraising ideas for the Diabetic Kids Camp in case ODOT does not allow groups to host coffee breaks at interstate rest areas this spring.  The need for funds will continue, even if the camp has to wait one more summer to resume.

In closing, let’s all see to it that we do not drift apart.  Zoom meetings are a safe way for us to “meet”, discuss some business, and share with each other.  We will eventually be able to meet in person... until that time let’s all do what we can!

Fraternally 
Rick Eakin
Illustrious Master

​Most Illustrious Companion Michael A. Smith has just issued Edict 2021-2 which (1) cancels all in-person meetings until December 31, 2020; and (2) cancels all Inspections and SEM Reviews for this Cryptic year (2020-2021).

All inspections will instead be paper inspections of your books.
Office of the Right Eminent Grand Commander

Dear Companions:

The 2020-21 Cryptic year is upon us, in spite of the Grand Council session as a virtual meeting in the midst of all that has been, and may be in the future, we have the assurance of being in the everlasting care of the Great Architect of the Universe.  As long as we practice our profession as Masons, we will not be alone or forsaken.

Council had its election of officers in September and will conduct the installation of officers at our October 6th meeting.  The companions who have been elected to serve our Council are: Rick Eakin Illustrious Master; Steve Roth Deputy Master; John Sponsler Principal Conductor of the Work; Tom DeFrieze Captain of the Guard; Steve Horton Conductor of Council; Tim Roth Treasurer; Dave Roth Recorder; Jason Pontious Chaplain; Chuck Insley Steward; Bob Grandbois Guard.

We are planning a “typical” Cryptic year in spite of the uncertainty of future conditions.  The Super Excellent Master degree scheduled for Friday, November 20th, as been postponed until a later date.  Our annual inspection will be Friday April 23 2021 in the Select Master Degree.  We will have a rehearsal schedule in March and April to prepare. 

With the cancellation of the Diabetic Kids Camp fundraising at the I-75 rest area over Memorial Day weekend and cancellation of the DKC at Camp Wesley, there likely will be discussion at Arch and Council meetings about this year.  We hope you will attend each first Tuesday of the month to assist with this very worthwhile task! 

Rick Eakin
Illustrious Master

​Greetings Companions: 
 
Where to begin?  Due to the pandemic and the Grand Master edict , Council has been dark for the last several months.  Unfortunately, the York Rite Festival, our annual inspection and other activities have been canceled due to the pandemic.  Furtherrmore, the Memorial Day weekend roadside rest and the Diabetic Kids camp this summer have been canceled.

Also, due to the grandmasters edict, we were not able to have our regularly scheduled election and installation of officers.  We will be having election at our first meeting in September.  Additionally, because of family issues I will not be able to be masonically active for the unseeable future.  Thus a new Illustrious Master will need to be elected at the next meeting.  I would like to thank the officers and companions for all the dedication and support they have extended to me over the last two years.  I am truly thankful for all the help and advice you all have given me.

Upcoming scheduled events as of now: 
7/13/20    Arch Reunion    Lima 7:00pm 
8/13-20    Arch picnic    Urbana 12:00 pm 
 
Fraternally 
Linville Taggart

​Greetings Companions: 
 
I hope all of you are safe and healthy as we enter into the spring season.  It is my hope and prayer that all of you and your families are in good health and safe from COVID-19.  May the Great Architect of the Universe protect us all. As I write this article all council events and activities are scheduled as planned unless and informed otherwise by Grand Council our Cryptic calendar is as follows:

April 4th, Delphos inspection at Saint Mary’s 9:00am, RM 
April 4th St. Mary’s inspection, 10:00am SM 
April 14rh Lima inspection 7:30pm, RM 
April 24th, Findlay inspection 7:30pm RM 
April 20th Kenton inspection 7:30pm SM 
April 29th North-Multi Council SuperX at Saint Mary’s 7:00pm 
May 9th Northwest Ohio York Rite Festival at Findlay 8:00am 
May 16th South-Multi SuperX at Troy 9:00am

Regarding Findlay’s inspection on April 24th, the planned dinner beforehand at 6:00pm has been cancelled based on health concerns due to COVID-19.  I have made this decision. Additionally, we currently have two candidates receiving their cryptic degree through council as the council of NW Ohio York Rite Festival.  It is my hope that we will have several more candidates receive their degrees.

Finally, we will be hosting the Memorial Day weekend roadside rest at northbound rest stop on I-75 just south of Findlay.  This is our fundraiser to support the Diabetic Kids Camp.  Please sign up for a four hour shift starting on Friday May 23rd.  Shifts are 6pm to 10pm, 10pm- 2am, 2am-6am, 6am-10am, 10am-2pm, and 2pm-6pm.  The final shift will be worked 2pm-6pm on Memorial Day.  If you are interested in helping please call at 419-894-6448.  Please help out in this most worthy and noble cause. 
 
Fraternally 
Linville Taggart

​Greetings Companions:

Happy New Year!  I hope you had a wonderful and merry Christmas.  The companions, officers, and I look forward to seeing you at our monthly meetings on the first Tuesday, immediately following the Chapter meetings.  Please feel free to join us at the tureen dinner before  the meetings.

Congratulations to all the companions and officers who participated in our portrayal of the Super Excellent Master Degree in November.  The council received a rating of ten out of ten from the Arch Adgent for our portrayal of the degree. Excellent work companions!!! Our Annual Inspection will be in the Royal Master Degree on April 24, 220 at 7:30pm.  There will be a dinner at 5:30pm, please call me at 419-894-6448 for reservations.  Furthermore, here are the dates for Council over the next several months:

Inspection dates:
Van Wert 73 1-28-20 7:30pm, Select Master
Urbana 59 2-19-20 7:30pm Royal Master
Franklin 14 3-12-20 7:30pm Royal Master
Logan 85 3/16/20 7:30pm Royal Master

Other dates:
Findlay 50 1-23-20 7:00pm School of Instruction
Logan 85 3-19-20 7:00 pm Deputy Master’s meeting

Also later in the year, our Annual Northwest Ohio York Rite Festival will be held at the Findlay Complex on May 9th 2020.  This  is a wonderful opportunity for every Master Mason to receive the Chapter, Council and Commandery degrees/orders on the same day from a cast of first rate ritualists.  On Memorial Day weekend we will again be providing refreshments to travelers at the I-75 rest stop south of Findlay.  The funds raised are used to help fund the Diabetic Kids Camp in August.

Have a prosperous and safe 2020!

Fraternally
Linville Taggart

​Greetings Companions,

Your Council is busy at work on having another successful cryptic year.  Our first stated meeting was on Sept. 3rd  everything went well as we removed the rust that had built up during the summer.  I would like to thank the companions who participated at the summer Diabetic Kids camp at camp Wesley.  We had a sizeable group of kids at the camp and everyone had a wonderful time.  My sincere thanks to all the companions who contribute to the success of this worthy endeavor.

Upcoming events on the cryptic schedule are as follows:
October 6-8 190th Annual Assembly of the Grand council at the Double Tree by Hilton in Columbus, Ohio.  

Practice for the Annual Super-Excellent Masters Degree, Sunday, Sept 22nd, 4:00pm, Findlay Complex. Sunday, Oct. 20th, 4:00pm, Findlay Complex Nov. 10th, 4:00pm, Findlay Complex.  Super Excellent Masters Degree Portrayal Findlay, Nov. 22nd , 7:00pm Findlay Complex.  Dinner 5:30pm.

Findlay Council Annual Inspection, Royal Masters Degree, Friday, April 24th, 7:00pm, Findlay Complex Dinner 5:30pm.

Our stated meetings are the first Tuesday evening immediately following Chapter.  Prior
to the meetings we have a tureen dinner.  The doors open by 6:00pm and we eat by 6:30pm.  I look forward to seeing you over the course of the year.

Lastly, I extend my wish that you have a safe and blessed holiday season during the months of November and December.
 
Fraternally
Linville Taggart

​Greetings Companions,

First,  I would like to thank the Companions and Officers for their hard  work and dedication in having a very successful year, thank you all, you performed magnificently!!!  Second I, and your Officers, wish to thank you for the confidence you have in us by electing us to guide your Council during the upcoming year.  Remember, we can only be successful in doing our part, if you do your part, by attending the meetings, taking part in the degree work, and assisting in our projects and activities.  The very survival of our Council depends on the support of all of us.

Upcoming this summer is the Diabetic Kids camp.  This year’s camp will be at Camp Wesley outside of Bellefontaine.  Regardless the change of location, Findlay Council will continue to be steadfast in the camp’s continued success.  The camp will be at Camp Wesley, Friday August 2nd thru Sunday August the 4th.  If you are interested in helping out, please call me at 419-894-6448.  Also, I would like to thank all the companions and their councils throughout the Arch who participated in the Roadside Rest this past Memorial  Day weekend.  We raised just under $1800.00 dollars to support Diabetic Camp.  Thank You all for your hard work, dedication and support!!!

Furthermore, this year’s Arch picnic will be at Logan Council in Bellefontaine at 12pm.  
The dates for the Super X, annual inspection, and Awards night will be posted in the next newsletter.  I hope all of you have an enjoyable and safe summer.  I look forward to seeing you at our first meeting on September 3rd.  Also, please join us for fellowship at the tureen dinner before our meetings. 
 
Fraternally
Linville Taggart
Illustrious Master

​​Greetings Companions, 

I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine and warmth of Spring. Personally, I am happy to be free of Winter’s cold embrace. 

Upcoming events for Council are as follows: 
Inspection, St. Mary’s, April 6th, 9am, RM 
Inspection, Delphos (at St. Mary’s) April 6th, 10am, SM 
Inspection, Lima, April 9th, 7:30pm, SM 
Super X, North Multi Council, April 10th, 7pm, at St. Mary’s 
Super X, South Multi Council, May 4th. 9am, at Troy. 
Northwest Ohio York Rite Festival, Findlay, May 11th, 8am 
Arch Reunion, Logan, June 20th, 7pm 

Concerning the York Rite Festival on May 11th, the Findlay York Rite Bodies are looking for candidates. If you know a Master Mason who would be a worthy candidate for Chapter, Council, or Commandery membership, please approach and encourage him to fill out a petition for, one, two, or all three bodies! 

We will be meeting on the first Tuesday of each month (April 2, May 7, and June 4) before going dark in July and August. Annual Election of Officers for 2019-2020 will be at the May meeting. Installation will be at the June meeting. 

Furthermore, we will be hosting the I-75 northbound roadside rest stop south of Findlay over Memorial Day weekend. This is our fundraiser to raise funds to support the Diabetic Kids Camp. Please sign up for a 4 hour shift starting on Friday, May 24th. Shifts are 6pm -10pm, 10pm-2am,2am-6am-6am-10am,10am-2pm,2pm—6pm. The final shift will be worked 2pm-6pm on Memorial Day. If you are interested in working a shift please call at 419-894-6448. 
Please help in the most noble and worthy cause. 

Fraternally 
Linville Taggart
Illustrious Master