As we enter fully into spring, we move with intention and a collective dedication to the work of Ohio Freemasonry. April brings several new updates for our Brethren of the 15th Masonic District. This season calls us to act with purpose – to support our lodges, honor our word, and strengthen the fellowship we share!
Inspection Update
There are (4) Inspections left in the year, they are:
April 11th – East Liberty – EA – Breakfast at 8:00AM, Degree at 9:00AM
April 18th – Palestine – EA – Breakfast at 8:00AM, Degree at 9:00AM
April 25th – Marion – MM – Degree starts at 9:00AM
May 9th – Chester – EA – Dinner at 6:00PM, Degree at 7:00PM
2026 Grand Masters Reception
The 2026 Grand Master Reception Honoring MWB Shawn A. Johnson was held on Friday February 27th at All Occasions Catering, Waldo, OH. The event was well attended by the Brethren of the 15th District with approximately 110 in attendance. Excellence in Youth awards were presented to (3) local youths: Ella Abbott, Carter Blauser, & Emma Obert and a Local Hero Award was presented to Luke 3:11 Ministries for their amazing work performed in the Marion area. Plans for the 2027 GM Reception have not been decided at this time, stay tuned for more information.
Friendly 15th Masonic District 9th Annual Past Presidents Golf Outing Saturday, July 11th, 2026 at Cherokee Hills Golf Course, 4622 County Road 49, Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Includes: 18 Holes of Golf w/Cart, Entry into Longest Drive Contest, Entry Into Closest to Pin Contest, (1) Mulligan, (1) Sand Toss, & (1) Ladies Tee-(Cannot be Longest Drive) and Dinner after Golf at Club House Events Center.
1st Tee Off Begins at 12:00PM
Each Team must have at least (1) Master Mason on it, if you do not have at least (1) Master Mason we will try to assign (1) one to you.
The ‘Traveling Gavel’ is still traveling! Chester #238 is still maintaining a strong control on the Gavel, but many lodges are going after it, if your lodge hasn’t stolen the gavel yet, get after it!
To find out which Lodge has possession of the Traveling Gavel currently, please visit the District Website, http://www.friendly15th.org
We meet on the level, my Brothers and me, We encourage good men into our society.
If their actions be upright and always true, If we see integrity in all that they do.
If they seek more light and value truth, If their own insights desire proof.
we will offer them our right hand, And welcome them from any land.
For we judge on character not creed, Nor on religion or wealth, but deed.
We’ll meet them on the level, my Brothers and me, And accept them as a Mason, accepted and free.
Upcoming District Events
January 31st – Robert Burns Dinner
February 27th – Grand Masters Reception
Reservations are now open for the 2026 GM Reception. We will be Honoring MWB Shawn A. Johnson and lady Colleen on Friday February 27th, 2026 at All Occasions Catering in Waldo, OH. We invite you and your spouse to attend.
Dinner will be Beef Braised Short Rib, Mashed Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Salad, Rolls, & Brownies. Drinks will be Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee & Water.
2) Notify the District Secretary, by calling to RSVP Bro. Matthew Bosh – 586-925-9073
When leaving a message please provide: 1. Total # of Registrants 2. First & Last Name of who will be attending 3. Masonic Lodge #, Masonic Affiliation, or Other 4. Planned Payment Method: Cash, Check, or Card 4b. Cards will be processed through Eventbrite, CC Fees apply. 4c. Bro Bosh will call you to get your CC information and process at that time.
Club 15 Pins & Grand Master Pins for 2026
Grand Master Pins will be available by asking any District Deputy Grand Master.
Club 15 Pins will be available at Inspections and District Events – Cost $10.00 each.
Club 15 Pins are going fast this year we have already sold half of our inventory get yours before they are gone! Symbolism behind the pin design can be found on the District Webpage.
Traveling Gavel
The Traveling Gavel is still changing hands frequently, follow the District Webpage & Facebook Group to track its location. As of January 7th, Chester #238 is in possession!
Speakers Bureau & Upcoming Education Day
The Speakers Bureau is a collection of both Masons and non-Masons who are available to present educational programs during Lodge meetings and for events.
We are looking for volunteers!
If you would be willing to make presentations on the topics of your choice, please consider joining the Speakers Bureau. Subject matter may relate directly to Masonry, but it does not have to. It could just as easily be about your profession, hobbies, or other interests. You are welcome to sign up for as many topics as you want.
To join the Speakers Bureau, contact the District Secretary at eugenembosh@icloud.com
We are currently looking for masons within the 15th Masonic District who would be interested in presenting a masonic education piece at the May 2nd Education Day. Approximate time to fill 30-40mins.
August waves goodbye, Warm days start to wane, Golden fields turn dry, Fall's coming again.
Leaves begin to fall, Crispness fills the air, Summer's final call, Echoes everywhere.
Shadows grow and spread, Cooler nights unfold, August bows its head, Ending days of gold.
-Unknown
8th Annual District Golf Outing
The District Golf Outing was held on Saturday July 12th at Cherokee Hills Golf Course in Bellefontaine, OH. Thank You! to everyone who attended and supported the 15th Masonic District event! A Great Time was had by all in attendance!
Longest Drive Winner – Mike Hauck
Closest to the Pin – Mark Bosh
Winning Team – Oliver Lodge #447, led by RWB Joe Hickman
The Annual District Meeting was held on Saturday September 13th at Mt. Carmel Lodge #303. Reports were presented by the District Treasurer, RWB Larry Lance & District President, Bro. Matthew Bosh, reviewing the last years finances, events, and upcoming events. Highlights Below:
Club 15 Lapel Pin Campaign raised $1100 – cementing a foundation for custom district lapel pin sales.
The District Website saw 3800 views & 1400 visitors in its first year.
The Return of the Traveling Gavel – promoting more lodges to participate.
Migration to Eventbrite for Event RSVPs
Continuing the St. Johns Day – Ladies at the Table & Empty Chair Event
Presenting a Mulit-topic Education Day
District Election Results
The District held elections for the 2025-2026 District Officer Line, elected are:
President – WB Nicholas Saltzman
Vice President – WB John Godwin
2nd Vice President – WB Paul Johnson
Treasurer – RWB Larry Lance
Secretary – Bro. Matthew Bosh
Associate Tres – WB Richard George
Associate Sec – RWB Matthew Pollock
These officers will be installed into their offices at the Past Masters Convocation in December.
District Awards Dinner
The District Awards Dinner was held on Sunday September 14th at the Plaza Inn in Mt. Victory, OH. The Brethren and their families enjoyed a roast beef buffet and many handmade desserts. Awards presented were:
Edgar Miller Award – Chester #238
District Traveling Masters Award – Palestine #158
District Traveling Brethren Award – Chester #238
Keeper of the Gavel Award – Chester #238 – WB Paul Johnson
Most Inaugural Members of Club 15 – Mad River #161
EA Ritual Excellence Award – Boggs #292
FC Ritual Excellence Award – Bellefontaine #209
MM Ritual Excellence Award – Mad River #161
District Lantern – Oliver #447
8th Annual Golf Outing – Oliver #447 – RWB Joe Hickman
Phil Hoffman Secretary Award – WB Richard George – Mt Carmel #303
RWB Charles Roby Award – WB Paul Johnson – Chester #238
1st Annual District Charity Event – Silent Auction
Bro Matthew Bosh, District President, organized a Silent Auction to support a masonic charity and try a new approach to fundraising efforts in the 15th Masonic District. The event was held on Saturday October 4th at the Elks Lodge in Marysville, OH. The event raised $1013.00 for the Veterans & First Responders Fund of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Bro Bosh would like to thank everyone who supported the event!
The 15th District Travels to the 4th Annual Cave Degree
A handful of 15th Masonic District Masons traveled to Livingston, KY to attend the 4th Annual Cave Degree put on by C. D. Ward Lodge in Livingston, KY. These Masons were able to witness a Tennessee Master Mason Degree in a cave setting during their visit.
Pictured Above (L-R): Bro Matthew Bosh – Palestine #158, WB Bradford Shepard – Palestine #158, WB Paul Johnson – Chester #238, WB Nicholas Saltzman – Bellefontaine #209, Bro James Coulter – Chester #238.
Upcoming District Events
10/24/2025 – Grand Lodge Annual Communication – Kalahari, Sandusky, OH
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.
Brethren, the close of the Inspection Season is upon us! The 15th Masonic District has completed 8 out of 11 Inspections satisfactorily. The remaining Inspections are Marion, Chester, & East Liberty.
Date
Lodge
Degree Start Time
Dinner Time
4/26/25
Marion
1:30PM
12:30PM
4/26/25
Chester
5:00PM
6:30PM
5/3/25
East Liberty
9:30AM
11:30AM
Inspection Statistics as of 4/3/2025
Inspection of
Total Attendance
District Gavel
Master Gavel
Boggs
43
Chester
Bellefontaine & Palestine (Tie)
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 (Tie)
Palestine
Palestine
39
Chester
Oliver
Larue
19
Chester
Palestine
Traveling Gavel Return
As many Brethren have heard of, seen, and even held the 15th Masonic District Traveling Gavel, its return has sparked energy in the District. The Traveling Gavel promotes Brothers Traveling to engage in Brotherly Love & Fellowship within their District Lodges. To take, “steal”, the gavel from a Lodge, another Lodge must attend a stated meeting of the Lodge in possession and have at minimum of (3) Brothers, one of them being a line officer. In an event of a tie in Brothers present, the Lodge with the highest line officer wins the gavel, if then a tie, then the Lodge with the lowest Charter # by date.
Once the Traveling Gavel has been stolen, remember to update the District President & Secretary of whom is in possession as well as post a photo the the 15th Masonic District Facebook Group and brag about it.
As of April 3rd – Mad River Lodge has possession (Pictured Below)
Upcoming District Golf Outing
With April showers bringing May flowers, the promise of warmer days grows stronger. Soon, the joys of summertime will be upon us, inviting family gatherings, sizzling barbecues, tranquil fishing trips, rejuvenating vacations, and leisurely rounds of golf. Embracing the changing seasons, we eagerly anticipate the vibrant experiences that each new month will bring.
This year’s 15th District Golf Outing, an annual tradition supporting the GM Reception, needs your help. Last year’s event was cancelled due to low participation. To ensure its continuation, we ask each Lodge to sponsor a hole and register at least one foursome of golfers.
Cost to sponsor a hole is $100.00, and the cost to sponsor a foursome is $340.00, if registered prior to May 1st, 2025, After May 1st the cost will increase to $400.00. The deadline to register is July 4th, 2025.
You can register online by using your Debit/Credit Card at http://friendly15th.org, by going to events, Annual Golf Outing, and clicking the “Register” link; or by completing the paper form and submitting a check to Larry Lance, District Treasure.
Additionally, we are looking for outside Hole Sponsors and Food/Beverage Sponsors, please petition local businesses and masonic append-ant bodies for their support. They can register the same way, either online with debit/credit card or via paper form and check.
“Man’s action are the picture book of his creeds.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
District Moving to Eventbrite for District Event RSVPs
Soon the 15th Masonic District will utilize Eventbrite for all District related event registrations. An email will be sent out to all members of the 15th Masonic District and information packets sent to District Secretaries. It will be at the Lodges discretion on who is responsible for registration, the Lodge Secretary or the Lodge Member, or both.
“The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.” — Abraham Lincoln
Please Click on the following link to view the 15th Masonic District of Ohio – Eventbrite webpage.
