In the newest installation of our exclusive interview series with this year’s Grand Line Officers, we’ve sat down with Bro. Troy Davis, the 2024 Junior Grand Deacon. Bro. Davis explains his “why” and how he hopes Ohio Freemasons support and connect with each other this year.
*This interview was conducted in 2024 when Bro. Davis was the active Junior Grand Deacon. For a full list of up to date Grand Lodge of Ohio leadership please refer to our leadership page.
Please introduce yourself. Tell us your name, title, home lodge, and how long you’ve been a Freemason.
My name is Troy L Davis and I am the Junior Grand Deacon for the Grand Lodge of Ohio. I am from the Second Masonic District where I have served in many leadership roles throughout my time as a Freemason. I petitioned when I was 21 years old as a Senior DeMolay and was raised when I was 22 years old in Solar Lodge No. 730. I have been a Freemason for 28 years.
Tell us about how and why you joined the Grand Line? When did you join?
I was asked by our Grand Master, Paul A. Weglage and Lady Karen if my wife Teresa and I were available for an upcoming dinner. At dinner we discussed the possibility of taking on this new role. Teresa and I had many questions, as we have two daughters still in high school but after careful consideration we both agreed.
Ultimately, I joined the Grand Line to make a difference. The man I am today is not the same young man who joined this fraternity 28 years ago. This is largely due to the brethren I have met and various roles I have served through my tenure as a Freemason. In short, I feel obligated to do my small part for our fraternity so our future members have the same sort of experience and opportunities I have had.
What is the role of the Junior Grand Deacon? What are your responsibilities?
The role of Junior Grand Deacon can be looked at in two ways: my responsibilities when we are at events and my responsibilities behind the scenes. When we are at events my primary role is taking pictures and assisting in the flow of the events. I help with lining up attendees for the procession of events, escorting honorees to and from the podium, and in carrying any gifts for our Grand Master and Lady Karen. Behind the scenes I coordinate with each of the 25 Masonic District’s District Deputy Grand Masters or District Advisor to obtain names for the Excellence in Youth Awards and Community Service Honorees presented at Grand Master’s Receptions. I am also assigned 69 lodges as a Reviewing Officer to review for inspections after the assigned District Deputy Grand Master has submitted his reports for review.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Grand Lodge of Ohio leadership?
I look at every responsibility in Freemasonry with the same perspective. I only had one goal in this fraternity and it was to be the best Worshipful Master I could be for the brethren of my lodge. This perspective has landed me with many opportunities to continue to serve and my perspective isn’t any different in this role. I am humbled, I am honored, and I will do my best for the fraternity.
What do you hope for the future of Ohio Freemasonry?
My hope is for the Grand Lodge of Ohio to continue to be one of the premier Grand Lodges in America. I hope to engage our members, see attendance at our lodge meetings, and see our overall membership grow.
Can you share your favorite moment from your time as an Ohio Freemason?
I have several moments in my life as a Freemason, all pertain to my father. If I had to pick one it would be when dad and I joined the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton together at the Spring Reunion in 1999. My father passed away in 2007 but it’s something Ii reflect on. In the present, you take the memory for granted but as years pass, I cherish that we had the opportunity to share this memory together. Many Brethren have similar stories with their family members. The moments and memories a Brother can have with his family that involve the fraternity are priceless.
Do you have any advice for members looking to get involved?
Those who don’t put themselves in uncomfortable situations ultimately go nowhere in life. This is something I personally live by and it has served me well in my time in the fraternity. Everyone has a first time, be it attendance at lodge meetings, getting to know the guys, or taking a greater involvement with ritual memorization or even public speaking.
Take the leap and get involved! It is a decision you will not regret.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
As a young Freemason 28 years ago, I had, as expected, the young man’s demeanor – I thought I knew what Freemasonry was all about. Since that time I have traveled many miles and met a lot of great men. Let’s just say my perspective has been enlightened. The greatest lesson I have learned in my time as a Freemason is that all too many times Brethren only focus on why they joined or why they are active in lodge. Each and every one of us has a different why. We should care about why others joined. Whether your brother excels at ritual proficiency, charitable giving, fellowship or service, put your Brother’s “why” on equal billing as yours and see what sort of results are obtained.
Interested in learning more about this year’s Grand Line? Read our interviews with the Grand Chaplain and Grand Tyler!