This year lodges around our great state of Ohio are jumping into the holiday spirit by getting involved in their communities. From holiday breakfasts to fundraisers and special banquets, continuing reading to get all the details on how each Masonic District is celebrating this year’s winter festivities. If you’re interested in attending any of these events we suggest asking your Lodge secretary for more information!
Relief is one of the main pillars of our fraternity and the holiday season only emphasizes the importance of giving back. Every lodge has their own charitable initiatives and relationships with local organizations but this year we’ve rounded up some of the best seasonal events happening in Ohio. Some of these events may have already happened so make sure to reach out to your Lodge secretary if you’re interested in attending.
Happy Holidays, Brethren!
2nd Masonic District
West Carrollton Masonic Temple #737: Care Takers Project provides a holiday meal to first responders working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This will be the 28th year West Carrollton Masonic Temple has put on this event.
Dayton Lodge #147: Annual KIND Christmas Party for underprivileged inner-city children, providing food, a visit with Santa, and a special holiday gift.
4th Masonic District
Van Wert Lodge #218: Saints John Banquets took place on the 1st of December and other Lodges in the District were invited to attend.
Celina Lodge #241: “Breakfast with Santa” on December 23rd located at the American Legion in Celina. This year, they have also collected donations between $6,000 & $7,000 to help families in need.
Israel Putnam Lodge #797: “Christmas with Santa” and a “Salvation Army Ringing the Bell” event at the Ottawa Walmart on December 10th. Israel Putnam Lodge has done this for a few years.
4th Masonic District
As far as the rest of the 4th District, this will be the 2nd year of the “Salvation Army Ringing the Bell” at the Walmart in Van Wert. Last year we collected a little over $1,400 in one day.
8th Masonic District
Fayette Lodge #107: “Breakfast with Santa” first took place in 2021 and they are hoping to make it a yearly tradition. The lodge prepares a breakfast of sausage, bacon, eggs and pancakes to share with families that attend, and the kids receive a holiday surprise from Santa. The special toy this year is a small bear with a candy cane attached to its ear. The lodge only requests a donation for the breakfast and all proceeds are donated to a local charity. Last year the Lodge donated to the Save a Warrior foundation.
Yellow Springs Lodge #421: Annual Christmas party with Santa that includes a magic show for local children. This event has gone on for many years!
10th Masonic District
Dunkirk Lodge #549: Annual Winterfest – for a small Lodge it is a big hit with the community and has been held since 2009. Contact RWB Kevin Ridgeway for further details.
19th Masonic District
Mt Zion Lodge #9: Annual Kids’ Christmas Party held in Mt. Vernon, they have games and snacks for the children on a Saturday afternoon.
Plainfield Lodge #224: Monthly breakfast for the community with special emphasis on Christmas time.
Thrall Lodge #170: Annual Christmas Walk in Fredericktown with an open house and hot chocolate for visitors.
Three Rivers #799, West Lafayette #602 & Plainfield #224: Salvation Army kettle campaign this past year and last year. This year the lodges in Knox county joined together to participate.
21st Masonic District
Canton Commandery #38: Annual Christmas morning tradition that dates back to 1944 when it was first started. The Canton Masonic Temple hosts a Christmas morning breakfast at Canton Commandery #38 and is open to membership of the Symbolic Lodges of the District and appendant bodies of the District, and all male family members and friends of the membership.
We traditionally serve breakfast, starting at 6:00 AM, have a guest speaker, share membership statistics about the day and past days, and collect a food donation for the Refuge of Hope. We wrap up the day around 7:00 AM so men can return home and celebrate the day with their families. This local charity helps those who are in need of a place to stay or in need of hot meals.
We also have dignitaries of all of the bodies represented and typically serve 350-450 guests. I hope that this will give the Brethren an idea of something that can be done for the benefit of fellowship on such a sacred day so that we can have the best of both worlds, Brothers, family and Deity.
National Lodge #568: Holiday breakfast for the community youth and the Barberton Police. After breakfast, the police take the kids shopping.
22nd Masonic District
Elyria Lodge #787: “Not Forgotten Box”at the Chronicle Telegram in Elyria, brethren brought nearly 100 children’s toys. The “Not Forgotten Box” is a toy drive that provides children in need with toys during the holiday season. They were recently featured in the Chronicle Telegram for their charitable efforts!
Happy Holidays, Brethren! How are you celebrating the holiday season? Let us know at OhioLodgeLife@freemason.com!