As we continue our series highlighting “Legendary” men in Ohio Freemasonry we bring you our newest feature with Bro. Joe Shilling. We invite you to read his full interview and learn more about how this Ohio Mason is living the theme of “Be Legendary.”
Please introduce yourself. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long you’ve been an Ohio Mason, your home Lodge, and any leadership positions you’ve held within Ohio Freemasonry.
Greetings, my name is Robert Joseph Shilling, and most everyone calls me Joe. I live in Waverly, OH and I’m a member of Orient Lodge No. 321 in the “Historic” 7th District. I became a Master Mason in 1988 and my first office I served in the lodge was Secretary. This was a time when I introduced a computer into the lodge to handle the membership database and finances.
I have been honored by serving the Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1999 and several years as Chaplin. I have also served the 7th District as DDGM in 2006-9, followed by District Advisor at the request of several Grand Masters. I also have served on the Grand Lodge Ritual committee for many years and am currently the Chairman.
What does the Grand Master’s theme of “Be Legendary” mean to you?
Being Legendary is to be a Mason that Brothers can refer to in fulfilling their Masonic journey by becoming a better man and Brother. This will leave your mark on your work, henceforth “Being Legendary”.
What advice would you give to younger members who might want to step up in Ohio Freemasonry?
For younger members, I would recommend they stay involved in the lodge and district and connected to the Brotherhood. Spend time studying the Grand Lodge code, read about Brothers of other areas, states, and countries and be a good listener of Brothers and only offer Masonic advice when asked or for proper correction.
You’ve been described as the epitome of “Masonic Service” with the ability to serve men across your lodge, day in and day out. What do you think contributed to this character trait?
My first introduction to Masonic leadership was through my mother and father, both heavily involved in their respective part of Masonry. I spent considerable hours assisting in Masonic dinners and other functions and my father provided me with a basis in the operative side of Masonry as he was a carpenter and gifted in the basic tools (square, compass, plumb line, rule/gauge, etc.) used in Masonry.
Since those years, I have spent time with older mentors of the craft, locally and beyond with my father-in-law, uncles, and close friends. A defining moment in my masonic journey was, when I was Master of my Lodge, the District Deputies of my district were looking for qualified Brothers to do the Fellow Craft degree at a Grand Masters class in Cincinnati. I was honored by being chosen to be the Worshipful Master to oversee that degree, and it was very humbling to conduct that degree before thousands of Brothers present. Since then, when in a leadership role, I have given the same opportunity to younger Masons as I was given many years before. This experience, and many more like it, have helped establish a foundation for myself in Masonry. I felt led to make myself available to help others within my Masonic community by coaching Brothers in Masonic protocol and helping them learn lectures and charges.
I also felt it was my duty to apply our Masonic principles and tenets to help in areas of my community outside of the Masonic environment. To fulfill this, I volunteered in a variety of roles. I became an instructor to young adults in Christian Work Camps, chose to be a leader in many areas of my church, and assisted with local school science fairs, and various other opportunities that came available. I believe that the joining of Masonic and community service should be practiced.
If you’re interested in learning more we invite you to read our feature on Bro. Ryan Cresanto!