The of Free & Accepted Masons of

ANNUAL ADDRESS of the GRAND MASTER

STEVEN E. COKONOUGHER GRAND MASTER

Report of the Grand Secretary Report of the Grand Treasurer Various Committee Report and Proposed Legislation

206th ANNUAL COMMUNICATION COLUMBUS, OHIO OCTOBER 23 & 24, 2015

GRAND MASTER’S ADDRESS

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, Distinguished Guests and my Brethren All: Good Morning:

Almost 37 years ago, I curiously asked a work associate and friend, Worshipful Brother Richard Mourne from Pataskala Lodge No. 404, about his Masonic ring and told him that I had heard he was a Past Master of Masons. I knew little of the Fraternity at that time, but was intrigued by what I did know. That conversation started this journey of a lifetime. It seems like only a few days have passed since Most Worshipful Brother Ronald L. Winnett asked me to consider joining the Grand Lodge Officer line in the position of Junior Grand Deacon. Having traveled extensively with Most Worshipful Brother Winnett, I thought I had a pretty good idea of the challenges of being a Grand Lodge Officer. Over the next year, we had many discussions about the travel, responsibilities, and even headaches encountered by Grand Lodge Officers and Grand Masters. Of course, he was correct. I pray that I have met the situations presented to me with the approval of the Grand Architect. I would like to thank Most Worshipful Brother Winnett for his confidence in me. It has been a labor of love. The Past Grand Masters of this jurisdiction are a great source of knowledge and support. They are always standing ready to assist and advise as needed. I am thankful for their support and guidance, even though many of them will say that I didn't really listen too well. Most Worshipful Brethren, I did listen, and your advice was considered in each decision. Since we began roll-out meetings in the summer of 2014, the Ohio Masonic Brethren and their Ladies have been welcoming, accommodating, and receptive to the programs presented. The Masons in Ohio are remarkable men. I will be forever grateful for all you have done this year. Thank you for the encouragement, love, support, and kindness you have shown to Rebecca and me as we traveled this great state. We love you all. To the Grand Lodge Officers, I thank you for your love and support. This has been a very busy year. Many of you have traveled extensively to other Grand Lodges. The schedule for reconsecrations and dedications has at times been brutal but you accomplished a lot. It is pleasing to know that there is commonality among the Grand Lodge Officers' thoughts and that the Grand Lodge of Ohio is in lock step for the future. Thank you for taking the "The Time is NOW!" seriously. We have said many times that this officer line is the best I have ever been associated with, top to bottom. I hope each of you know how much I appreciate all have done, are doing, and will do in the future.

Officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio It has been an honor and pleasure to serve with the many Grand Lodge Officers during the past eight years. We learned much from each of the Grand Masters that we had the opportunity to serve with during these years. Each year, the Grand Lodge Family changes as some Brethren leave the line and their successors are appointed. It is sad to see a Grand Master, Grand Chaplain, and Grand Tyler retire each year, but the friendships that were forged with each will last a lifetime. As we have traveled the state together, friendships were cemented and more than a little "fun" was had. It was my honor to appoint Right Worshipful Brother Frank B. Carson as Grand Chaplain. He has done a marvelous job in this position. We traveled thousands of miles together. Right Worshipful Brother Carson not only fulfilled his duties as Grand Chaplain, but kept the other Grand Lodge Officers and their ladies entertained with his timely stories. His se