In the third installment of our series focused on Ohio Freemasonry’s 2021 Leadership, we’re spotlighting Ohio’s Bro. Wayne Fischer the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Deacon to learn more about his time in Ohio Freemasonry, what his role in the Grand Lodge line is, and what he’s looking forward to out of this year.
Bro. Wayne Fischer, 2021 Right Worshipful Junior Grand Deacon
What inspired you to join Ohio Freemasonry, and which lodge are you part of?
My father and grandfathers were all Masons, along with my brothers. As part of the first “One Day Class,” my oldest son and I took the opportunity to become members as well. I belong to Kilwinning Lodge #356, who meets at the Cincinnati Masonic Center in Downtown Cincinnati.
What are your duties as Junior Grand Deacon?
As Junior Grand Deacon, I am responsible for working closely with the Grand Master (especially when traveling), reviewing Inspection Reports of Lodges assigned to me, collecting candidate names for the Grand Master’s Local Patriot Award and Excellence in Youth Awards, and taking pictures at events (such as the Grand Master’s Reception in each District and other venues the Grand Master attends).
What separates your position from the others in the Grand Lodge line?
I’m at the beginning of the line, watching and learning. I enjoy getting feedback from my fellow officers on questions I receive, so I can align my thinking with the group’s overall vision.
What was your reaction when you were asked to serve as a Grand Lodge officer?
I was simply shocked and humbled. The request caught me completely by surprise.
What thoughts came to mind when you found out you would be filling this role?
My first thought was right out of the movie “Wayne’s World”… I’m not worthy! Then a thousand questions started popping into my head that I really had no answers for at the time.
What does GM Dickerschied’s theme “Use the Tools” mean to you, and how are you putting this into practice in 2021?
Masonry is a journey that has many avenues worth exploring. Each step in the process (going through the degrees and becoming a Blue Lodge officer) provides you with information and learnings that supply you with tools that can be used in your everyday life outside of Masonry as you work to become a better person. A Craftsman has to use his tools daily to get better at what he does, and MWB Dickerscheid’s theme this year reminds us to continue our journey of becoming the best person we can be.
What has your current role taught you about being a Mason and as a leader?
My role this year has opened my eyes to a much larger world of Masonry than I was initially aware of. The amount of effort that lodges, members and their families throughout the state give to make their communities and the people that live in them a better place is inspiring. Understanding the bigger picture makes me look inside myself and my lodge to find ways we can also make a difference.
What are some of the challenges of your position?
The position itself and the actual requirements are pretty straight forward. The challenge is to learn what is required of me in the roles ahead in the coming years.
What are some characteristics of the role that excite you?
Getting out into the state and meeting the leadership in each of the Districts. Traveling around the state is giving me a chance to experience Ohio Freemasonry and all it has to offer. Additionally, being a part of Grand Lodge gives me the chance to help shape the future of our fraternity for years to come.
What skills do you think you have improved upon since filling this role?
As a learning year, I think this year so far has helped me improve on listening, understanding, and questioning when to seek out knowledge and good counsel.
What advice do you have to give to Masons filling this role in the future? What was the most helpful piece of advice you received from the previous Junior Grand Deacon?
At this point in my journey, my advice would be to listen and learn. Be as active as your schedule allows, and take this opportunity to meet new people and make new friendships. The best advice I’ve been given by those that have gone before me is “Enjoy the Ride”.
What resources did you use to prepare?
I talked with others in my District that had been a part of the Grand Lodge line to learn what they felt would be required of me and how to navigate the impact of the appointment would have on my family.
Interested in learning more about the 2021 Grand Officers? Explore the full list of our leadership and get to know our current Grand Master, MWB Richard A. Dickerscheid, and Bro. Bob Welch, the Right Worshipful Grand Tyler.Do you have any additional questions for our 2021 leadership? Please send an email to @OhioLodgeLife@gmail.com or send us a private message on Facebook or Twitter.