MWB Carter’s theme this year is “Be Legendary” and his hope is that we take time to reflect on the men in our lodge, community, and fraternity who are truly legendary. These are the men who are invested in improving those around them, becoming a better man for their family, and ensuring our craft thrives and grows. With that, we invite you to read our first feature of the Be Legendary campaign.
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.
My name is Worshipful Brother Ryan Thomas Cresanto. I am from Rogers, Ohio and have been a Freemason for approximately thirteen years. I am a Past Master of East Palestine Lodge #417. I am a member of Al Koran Shrine in Cleveland and the current first Vice President of the Youngstown Shrine Club. I am also a member of the Youngstown York Rite Bodies and a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees in Steubenville, OH.
What does the Grand Master’s theme of “Be Legendary” mean to you?
Being Legendary to me is quite simply just being a good man and Mason. Let me explain. We are all aware of extraordinary individuals: athletes, actors, inventors, doctors, etc. Their legacies often live for years or decades after they die but Legendary individuals’ reputations and accomplishments go on for much longer than that. Being Legendary is hard but all that you have to do is follow the most basic guidelines in life. Be of good character, work hard. Discipline yourself in anger and in great triumph. Help your neighbors, give back to your community. Be a loving husband and father. Do not back down in the face of tyranny or fear. Take time to invest in teaching and mentoring our youth. Be generous. Endeavor to use logic and reason in every aspect of your life. Give glory to God. If you want to be Legendary, be a Man.
What advice would you give to younger members who might want to step up in Ohio Freemasonry?
For our younger members I would offer this advice: step up and accept an officer’s chair or supportive role in your lodge. You will never grow as a man if you stay complacent in your learning. Freemasonry is structured to build men in their intellectual, personal and spiritual growth. I have yet to meet an individual in Freemasonry who has regretted going through the officer line and succeeding in their commitment. Accept the challenge, it is worth it.
I’ve heard you’re a mentor to new candidates and are always encouraging them to do more and be involved. Why did you decide to take new men under your wing, when you already have so much on your plate?
I think that it’s very important for new candidates to be instructed properly. If we fail to communicate our degrees and work with exactness then our craft will eventually be diluted and lose its effectiveness in building great men. Every society, regardless of doctrine, politics, or ideology needs a structure of morality and decency. We are focused on teaching men the necessary tenets of virtue and morality. I am aware that I am a very small sliver or spoke in the wheel in the grand scheme of things but to me, it is crucial that future generations have learned the lessons of Freemasonry.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Grand Master’s theme, then read his Letter to Ohio Masons!