Inspection of Oakley Lodge #668 (2010)

Enclosed is the Inspection Report for your Lodge, a copy of which has been sent to the Reviewing Officer and to Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Ohio. This is to be read in its entirety at your next stated meeting and made a part of the minutes of that evening.

You had a very good evening. The dinner before the meeting was excellent. My compliments to those who prepared the meal.

The evening started on time at 7:00 P.M. with the opening, in short form, of a Master Mason Lodge. The introductions by the Senior Deacon, Bro.. Jeremy Fogle, of the distinguished guests was very well done and in proper form. After Grand Honors for the Inspecting Officer and other deserving dignitaries, the Master Mason Lodge was closed, in short form, and a lodge of Fellowcraft was opened in full form, and the inspection continued. The candidate, Bro. Jason Durbin, received an excellent F.C. degree. The Senior Deacon, Bro Jeremy Fogle conducted the candidate in such a manner as to assure him no harm would come. The Junior and Senior Wardens, Bros. Terrance Adams, P.M. and Thomas Dumford, examination of the candidate, at their stations, was almost letter perfect and well done. The Junior Deacon, Bro. William Roberson had little to do but attend to the door and lights, which added to the enjoyment of the degree.

The Stewards, Bros. Philip Smith and Jason Michaels, carried their staffs at equal angles and the pace was good, even though at the start they were a little confused, but they straightened out and did a good job. They placed their staffs over the candidate properly and appeared confident in what they were doing. The Obligation by the Worshipful Master, Bro. Duff Woodside, P.M., was well done and needed no prompting. The Chaplain, Bro. Richard Valerius, P.M., Circumambulation/prayer was very well done as were all his prayers. He spoke clearly and could be heard and understood by all. The working tools were well presented although the Master had some small problems handling the tools, but it worked out well. The first section of the degree was very well portrayed by all the officers, an excellent example of how our Masonic Ritual should be presented. The Lecture given by Bro. Richard J. Valerius, P.M. was excellent and very well presented. The G Lecture by 13ro. Daniel D. Keith, P.M., the candidate's father-in-law, was excellent and very well done. The charge given by the Junior Deacon, Bro. William Roberson, was excellent as was the entire degree.

The only problems I see, is the lecture record of your officers. Only one line officer has given a lecture, the Master knows two and is learning the FC and the Senior Deacon is learning the EA but has not given it in Lodge. I understand that Bro. Kirby L. Burke will be returning from Military duty some time soon and if he is still as enthusiastic about Masonry as before you will have another young officer who will help with your lecture record. I noticed, from the Officer's goals for the year that four of your line officers are learning a lecture this year and the two stewards are learning charges, which is very commendable. I would like for you to keep me updated as to their progress. If this learning process continues through the years your Lodge will do well in the future. By the way I see you only have one Past Master in line, Bro. Terrance Adams, who is filling in for Bro. Burke. This in my opinion shows the strength of your line and the willingness of your Past Masters to help out.

Your lodge's financial condition is good. Even in these hard times your lodge is living within your means even though it required some belt tightening. I am glad to see that you prepared a formal Budget for the Lodge in 2008 and hope you keep it up through the years to come.

Your Lodge Education Officer, P.M., S. Kenneth Basil, is working hard bringing light to the Candidates by making certain they receive proper counseling and are provided with meaningful education. Hook forward to working with him later on in the year. Worshipful, your education program is in good capable hands. Worshipful, you have a fine line of young officers, and a great member base and I fell that Oakley Lodge #668 has a great Masonic future.

I wish to thank your Secretary, W.B. J. Douglas Clepper, and Bro. Robert Oehler, your Treasurer, for their assistance in completing my reports. I have heard rumors that W.B. Clepper is going to retire. I hope it is just a nasty rumor and that he will find the strength to continue, because he will be hard to replace. I found Oakley Lodge #668 F. & A.M. to be in compliance with Grand Lodge requirements in all areas and no irregularities were found.

It has been my pleasure to be your Inspecting Officer this year and look forward to returning to be with you again sometime this year. I join Most Worshipful Brother, Charles R. Murphy, in wishing Oakley Lodge #668 a most successful year.

REACH

Richard T. Worthing
DDGM 1st District

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