MEDINA LODGE NO. 58, F. & A. M.  Dispensation Granted  Monday, January 31, 1820 Chartered Tuesday, December 12, 1820

Mr Darren M Menasian was initiated into the first degree of Freemasonry by Brother Ted E. Thomas. The charge was given by WB Kenneth D Crouse. The Apron Presentation and Lodge Orientation was given by RWB Dennis L Lawson. Welcome to Medina Lodge No. 58, Brother Menasian!

Brother Lowell R. Filak passed away Monday, February 3, 2003. A Masonic Service was held by Rufus Putnam Lodge, No. 364, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2003 at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, Ohio. A Masonic Service was also held by Medina Lodge No. 58 at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2003, at Dostal Funeral Service, Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted, OH. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of this beloved Freemason. He will live on....in our memories.

STATED MEETINGS
Thursday, March 13th, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 27th, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 10th, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 24th, 7:30 p.m.

SPECIAL MEETINGS
Thursday, March 6th, 7:00 p.m., Fellow Craft Degree
Thursday April 3rd, 6:00 p.m., Fellow Craft Degree, Annual Inspection

SPECIAL EVENTS

Saturday Morning Breakfasts
Saturday, March 22nd, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 26th, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Medina Masonic Temple Dining Hall

Why is it Important to Learn Ritual?

Research is replete with examples of the origin of Masonic Ritual. The moral and ethical implications are unquestionable. Furthermore, the value of Masonic Ritual is that it is also a character building tool. Personal self-esteem, character, control, poise, passion, public speaking ability, word enunciation and confidence are severely enhanced and improved through one's ability to memorize and recite the ritual with meaning and feeling that comes from the heart and soul of every Mason. (1)

Take, for example, our opening and closing ceremonies. When the lodge officers have learned their parts, the opening sets the tone for the meeting. The words and rhythm of the ritual soothes the souls of those attending, eases the tensions that are created in the outside world, and allows the lessons of goodness and love to touch the heart. During the meeting, there will always be differing opinions of the activities of the lodge, but when the tone of brotherly love is established in our opening, we can speak freely, knowing that our differences are not in our basic beliefs, but in our approach to doing the business of the lodge. These differences provide the necessary checks and balances that are needed for our fraternity to move ahead, but stay within the due bounds of good judgment. Then, at the close of the meeting, our ritual once again reminds us that we are all brothers under the All Seeing Eye of God, and allows us to part with peace and harmony prevailing. When the lodge officers have not attempted to learn the ritual, those feelings are not there, and the brethren soon feel that attending lodge is no longer an uplifting experience. And the lodge as a whole finds itself ceasing to be effective. (2)

The Door
Victor E. Moore

I thought to myself, as my hands touched the door,
What in the world am I doing this for ?
Dressed as I never expected to be,
Were they going to play some fool's game with me ?
I stood there a moment, when I heard the command,
You must knock on the door with your own hand.
The door opened slightly, I thought to go in,
But to my surprise, there were questions again.

I knew not the answers, but luck was with me,
My guide seemed to know what the answers should be!
When the door finally opened, and I was led in,
I said to myself..........It's about to begin!

When they start to laugh, I'll hold my head high,
I'll not step back, no matter what the outcry!
As I walked on in, I could feel their eyes,
But I heard no laughter......I heard no outcries.

They seemed to be following some sort of a skit,
I wasn't quite sure how all of it fit.
My apprehensions were eased, my fears were no more,
It was not as I imagined from without the door.

As I was soon to discover, it was a most solemn event,
Instruction and guidance were their only intent.
When it was all over I knew one thing for sure,
I would never regret..... that first knock on the door.

Master's Closing Charge: Mew Mexico Jurisdiction

Brethren: You are about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember that around this altar you have promised to befriend and relieve every worthy Brother who shall need your assistance. Remember that you have promised to remind him, in the most tender manner, of his failings, and aid his reformation. These generous principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all. Recommend it more especially to the household of the faithful. Finally, Brethren, be ye all of one mind; live in peace; and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you.

A Mystery Revealed

How many Masons does it take to change a light bulb? After much research this tricky question has been answered. It takes 21, as follows:

2 to complain that the light doesn't work.
1 to pass the problem to another committee, Temple Board, or Master of the Lodge.
3 to do a study on light in the Lodge.
2 to check out the types of light bulbs the Knights of Columbus use.
3 to argue about it.
3 to plan a fund-raising dinner to raise money for the bulb.
2 to complain "that's not the way we did it before."
1 to borrow a ladder, donate the bulb, and install it.
1 to order a memorial plaque commemorating the event.
3 to plan the ceremonial dinner for the unveiling of the memorial plaque.

The number 21 has, however, been seriously challenged and a committee of three has been formed to determine whether the actual number may be only 3. It has been argued that all of the above activities can be carried on by 1 or more of the same 3 Brethren.