Please read on to see how Ohio Masons stepped forward to support Bro. Rex Rumley of Canal Winchester Lodge No. 670. This 33-year Mason struggled to leave his home for essential medical treatment and care. Ohio Brothers, through the power of fellowship, were able to bring Relief to Bro. Rumley and assist in a time of need.
The Brotherhood of Ohio Freemasonry is strengthened through unprompted selflessness and humble acts of service. As Masons, we are dedicated to helping one another with grace and Brotherly Love to provide support where we are needed. As individuals, we grow with these acts of service and so do our communities.
Thanks to Brother Benjamin Okwumabua, a Past Master of Reynoldsburg Lodge and current Senior Warden of Pleasant Valley Lodge, we are able to share a story of Ohio Masons coming together to provide Relief for one of our brethren.
Lean on Me
Written by Brother Benjamin Okwumabua, PM
Are you aware of the many programs that our craft has to aid and assist one another? Reflecting upon this thought, we can ask ourselves whether we do enough with the allotted hours for a brother or his family? Then a Bill Withers song fills my spirit with these lyrics, “Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow. But if we are wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow…” No matter how bleak the situation, we are Ohio Freemasonry strong.
One of our brethren, facing challenging times with extenuating health issues, was dismayed with hopelessness due to physical limitations that prevented him from leaving his home for treatment and the life saving care that he needed. He was not aware, nor did he know how to access, the resources and guidance that we as Freemasons are blessed to have. Through conversation with one another, we find opportunities to help each other. Again the continued lyrics to Bill Wither’s song resonates: “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on…” Through this fellowship, our Brother received assistance through the generous donation of a temporary ramp initiated by his home lodge, Canal Winchester #670, which enabled him to leave his home to receive medical care. He was also surprised with a visit to his home by the Grand Master of Ohio Most Worhipful Brother Dickerschied, and the Grand Lodge officers.
Accessing programs of relief start at the member’s respective local lodge level by which the Worshipful Master and membership can initiate aid from the Lodge to assist a distressed Brother. A number of supplemental assistance programs then open up, such as The Grand Lodge of Ohio Charitable Foundation, the Scottish Rite Grand Almoner’s Fund, and many other programs.
The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center, 877-881-1632 can be contacted for multiple levels of support at any time. Each lodge has a regional representative. Brother Dan Shirk who represents the Central Ohio region, immediately reached out to our distressed Brother and collaborated efforts with the Canal Winchester Lodge. As the stanza in Withers song reminds us: “You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand. We all need somebody to lean on…”
We may not all be able to hold a melody, but we can make one great band that harmonizes the world through the notes of love to give relief. Share this story to impact and improve another man’s life, a Mason, a Brother. Make your contribution to support your Brethren and enable great programs that we as Masons have. Live, listen, and leave love.
The Grand Lodge of Ohio thanks Brother Benjamin Okwumabua for sharing this story of service.
Interested in hearing more about how Ohio Masons support communities and fellow brethren? Explore our blogs on How to Run Successful Charity Events, and The Charitable Efforts of J.B. Covert Lodge. Consider getting involved by visiting The Grand Lodge of Ohio Charitable Foundation Page.
How has this story impacted you? Share your thoughts with us at OhioLodgeLife@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.