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Passing the Torch of Brotherhood=
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The
pictures at the right depict symbolic lanterns marking this time in hist=
ory.
The lantern at the very right passed through our lodge Yellow Springs #4=
21
and others throughout the 8th Masonic District. |
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Freemasons of Ohio
celebrate the year long bicentennial celebration for the Grand Lodge of =
Free
and Accepted Masons of Ohio. Founded in London, England, in 1717, Freema=
sonry
is the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization, with more than=
3.6
million members worldwide and more than 200,000 in Ohio. Freemasons celebrate=
d the
symbolic “passing of the torch of brotherhood” from the olde=
r to
the newer lodge. The specially made punched-tin lantern, a popular decor=
ation
among early pioneers, will be passed from Lodge to Lodge in their local
Masonic District, starting with the oldest and ending with the
youngest. There are 25 Districts in Ohio, and all will participate=
in
this program. The passing of this
symbolic torch reminds the Freemasons of how their fraternity has grown =
over
the last 200 years. The first Masonic Lo=
dge in
Ohio was American Union Lodge No. 1, which was reorganized in Marietta in
1780. In early January of 1808, representatives of the six Ohio Ma=
sonic
Lodges met in Chillicothe at the then State Capital Building and formed a
state governing body, called the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons=
of
Ohio. Today there are some=
540
Masonic Lodges in Ohio with a combined membership of 120,000. For =
more
information visit www.freemason.com. The Precepts of Freemasonry a=
re
the exercise of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. It is considered that=
by
practicing these three attributes one may become a better person for
themselves, their God, and their community. |