15th District Inspection News
The Inspection Season closed on May 3rd, 2025; below are the statistics of the Presidents Report.
| Inspection of | Total Attendance | District Gavel | Master Gavel |
| Boggs | 43 | Chester | Bellefontaine & Palestine |
| Mt. Gilead | 37 | Chester | Chester |
| Oliver | 40 | Chester | Palestine |
| Mad River | 42 | Boggs | Palestine |
| Bellefontaine | 37 | Boggs | Mad River |
| Mt Carmel | 36 | Mad River, Chester, Boggs | Palestine |
| Palestine | 39 | Chester | Oliver |
| Larue | 19 | Chester | Palestine |
| Marion | 33 | Chester | Palestine |
| Chester | 36 | Marion & Mt. Gilead | Palestine |
| East Liberty | 34 | Chester | Palestine & Chester |
District Education Day
The 15th District Education Day was held on May 17th at Mt Carmel. The topic of the Day was “Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk” and was presented by WB John Yust of Chester #238. WB Yust shared his observations and musings on the past, present, and future of Freemasonry and discussed how Lodges could position themselves for success. A raffle was held and (3) Brothers won envelops with some bills in them ($$$$). This proved grounds for further discussion on the days events, and almost mutiny against WB Yust. You had to be there and if you couldn’t make it, we hope you attend the next one! A great time was had by all in attendance.
Grand Masters Reception
The 15th District Grand Master Receptions was held Friday June 13th in Waldo, OH, at All Occasions’ Events & Catering to honor this years Grand Master, MWB William “Bill” Carter, III. The event was attended by approximately 85 guests and the meal provided was Salad, Roast Beef, Corn, Mashed Potatoes, and for dessert Hot Fudge Brownies! This year the 15th District presented awards to the following individuals:
| Name | Award |
| Hallie Roby | Grand Lodge Scholarship |
| Avery Peck | Grand Lodge Scholarship |
| Levi Buchenroth | Grand Lodge Scholarship |
| Noah Foertmeyer | Excellence in Youth |
| Steven Lowe | Luminary Award |
After presentation of the awards the 15th District present MWB William Carter, III & Lady Zoe with their gifts. This year Lady Zoe chose the Ohio Masonic Communities to be her charity and we were able to raise $1420; $500 from candy sold during the Inspection Season, a match of $500 from the 15th Masonic District Bingo Committee, and on the day of the GM Reception Bro. Bosh held a Bourbon & Cigar raffle which brought in an impressive $420! Thank You Brothers! for your contributions to this years charity!
District President Bro. Bosh also presented on behalf of the 15th District individual gifts for the Grand Master & Lady Zoe. Lady Zoe – stained glass Raven sun catcher – representing her symbolism with the raven this year and the Grand Master – an Owl Statue with his pin and year – representing Wisdom, Knowledge, and the pursuit of Truth. Also presented were some “Adult Things” as MWB Carter described.
The Club 15 drawing for $100 was held during the GM Reception, the winner was Nicholas Saltzman from Bellefontaine #209, Congratulations WB Saltzman! The 15th District Association would also like to extend many thanks to WB Joshua Reams from Palestine and DEO for being Master of Ceremonies and preparing the programs for the event!
Next Year – 2026 – the GM Reception with will be held the end of February at the same location, we hope to see you there! More information to come at the District Meeting in September!
Saint Johns Day – Ladies at the Table Event
On Tuesday June 24th, Marion #70 & the 15th District hosted a Ladies at the Table Event and Empty Chair Degree at Marion #70, Marion, Oh. This event was planned months in advance and we did not know it would be the hottest day of the year reaching triple digits! But this did not stop Brothers from all over the districts from coming and enjoying in fellowship, having dinner, and participating in the degree.
Ladies at the Table – The primary function of this feast is to honor Lodge Widows, wives, mothers, daughters, and other special guests. No Masonic Signs were given, and as with any feast Toasts were provided for each group of guests. All ladies in attendance received a red rose, compliments of Charles Buck and the 15th Masonic District.
Empty Chair Degree – Memorial Degree conducted for all masons whom have passed unto that land unseen and the Grand Architect of the Universe. The names of approximately 50 deceased Master Masons of the 15th District were ready and a small ceremony performed. Widows in attendance were presented a Widows Pin.
Feedback from the event was positive and many said they had never seen a Ladies at the Table Event or Empty Chair Degree. The 15th Masonic District is planning to do this event again next year, preferably at a Lodge that has A/C availability. Thank You! to all the Brothers, Widows, and Wives that joined us on the hottest day of the year with no A/C.
Whats Happening in the District?
Compasses & Cups
If you haven’t heard about Compasses & Cups yet, we are here to inform you it has been a huge success! Not directly related to the 15th District Association but it is held at a Lodge within the 15th District and put on by Brothers of Palestine #158 of Marysville, OH. Brother Eugene “Pete” Nevada and WB Rodrick “Rick” Musselman started Compasses & Cups in January 2024 as on opportunity to bring like minded masons together to discuss more in depth masonic symbolism and esoteric meanings of freemasonry.
Compasses & Cups is a monthly meeting which consists of Dinner, Libations, and Masonic Light! It has been described as “A Feeding Frenzy of Masonic Knowledge“. The meetings are held at Palestine #158 in Marysville, OH on non -stated meeting nights, the exact date and times are communicated via Facebook on the Palestine Page as well as the 15th District page. If you are interested in attending, please contact an officer of Palestine #158.
A list of discussions topics from Compasses & Cups:
| Date | Topic |
| January 2024 | “The History of Libations in Freemasonry” |
| February 2024 | “The Meaning of Charity” |
| March 2024 | “The Ritual & Secrets of Operative Masons” |
| April 2024 | “Lodge Experience – Past, Present, Future” |
| May 2024 | “Hidden Symbolism of EA Degree” |
| June 2024 | “Myths of Freemasonry” |
| July 2024 | “Lost, Forgotten, & Banned Rites” |
| August 2024 | “Masonic Leadership” |
| September 2024 | “Hidden Symbolism of the FC Degree” |
| October 2024 | “Colonial Freemasonry” |
| November 2024 | “Brotherhood & What It Means to You” |
| January 2025 | “History & Symbolism of the Lion” |
| February 2025 | “Masonic Symbolism & What It Means to You” |
| March 2025 | “What Makes Good Men Better?” |
| April 2025 | “Masonic Rites of Spring” |
| May 2025 | “Masonic Music” |
| June 2025 | “Clandestine Lodges & Systems” |
2025 District Golf Outing
The 2025 8th Annual Past Presidents District Golf Outing will be held on Saturday July 12th at Cherokee Hills Golf Course in Bellefontaine, OH. Registrations starts at 11:00AM, First Tee Off at Noon. The Golf Outing is not just for Golfers! It is for Non-Golfers as well! There will be raffles and games throughout the day with prizes to be won. Dinner & Golf Awards will be presented afterwards – around 4:30PM.
As of June 27th, there is space available for (4) additional foursomes, cost $400 a foursome, and Dinner Only Tickets are $25, please RSVP through Larry Lance or Register online, deadline is July 4th. Proceeds from this event support the GM Reception.
https://15th-masonic-district-annual-golf-outing.perfectgolfevent.com
Important Dates
District Meeting – hosted at Mt Carmel, Richwood, OH
Saturday September 13th at 9:00AM
Light Refreshments provided.
District Awards Night – at Plaza Inn – Mt. Victory, OH
Sunday September 14th at 6:00PM
Please RSVP on Eventbrite or by Contacting the District President.
Charity Dinner Fundraiser
Saturday October 4th, 2025
Time: TBD
Location: Marysville Elks Lodge, Marysville, OH
More Information will be provided at the District Meeting.
Kentucky Cave Degree Road Trip
Friday October 10th to Saturday October 11th, 2025
Location: Great Saltpetre Cave Preserve, Livingston, KY 40445
Plan is to drive down Friday night and stay locally, attend Cave Degree Saturday, then head home.
