In 2019, the Grand Lodge of Ohio created a public relations campaign. We wanted something that built on the Not Just A Man. A Mason. campaign created by the Scottish Rite, NMJ, and yet was completely Ohio. The result was This Is Ohio Freemasonry.
The concept was simple: humanize the fraternity by showing real Masons as every-day Ohioans: no garb, no mysteries. Just guys in which non-Masons can see themselves. We purposefully worked with members across Ohio to ensure men across the state would see someone relatable. Already almost a brother. By presenting the Brotherhood of Masons as attainable, inspiring, and modern, we hoped to inspire men to come forward. And they did. That year, we raised 35% more new Masons above our goal.
Perhaps the best way to capture the essence of the campaign – which in turn is about capturing the essence of Ohio Freemasonry – is through the campaign’s manifesto:
Ohio Freemasonry: A Manifesto
What is Ohio Freemasonry? What does it mean to be part of the world’s fraternity in a state like ours?
Is it ritual and obligation? Is it taking a solemn vow to be our brother’s keeper? A promise to yourself and God to live a life of character? To learn to better yourself always, do good by your family and serve your community?
Is it about acts of charity or selflessness? Striving to always do the right thing? Yes, it’s all this. But Ohio Freemasonry, at its core, is something more.
Ohio Freemasonry is men from virtually every city and village of this great state, quietly making a difference in the lives of others. Like-minded men who genuinely care about each other, who are loyal to each other, and honor bound to help all those in distress.
Ohio Freemasonry is men who still believe in honor, integrity, truth and love for country. Men of respect, kindness and tolerance, fully accepting of our brothers’ religion, race, age, status or culture. Bound as one in the continual pursuit of light and knowledge to be the best version of ourselves.
It’s also the joy of golf in the early morning, and cigars and scotch as the sun sinks low. It’s sponsoring charity softball games and little league baseball teams. It’s polar bear plunges, muskrat dinners, and the pride of conquering a fear of public speaking or leading a meeting. All this with men, once strangers, now brothers.
Ohio Freemasonry is Tyler Hawk from Fostoria. Grain farmer. Brother. Musician. And an Ohio Freemason.
It’s Del Braund from Brookville. A retired Deputy Sheriff. Bagpiper. World traveler. And an Ohio Freemason.
It’s Clifford Nicol from Hilliard. Veteran. Software Development Specialist. Martial artist. And an Ohio Freemason.
Ohio Freemasonry is knowing that no matter what life throws at you, you have thousands of brothers across the state to help you catch it. It’s looking into the eyes of men like Tyler, Del and Clifford and seeing more than just a man. It’s seeing a Mason.
So, what is Ohio Freemasonry?
It’s this state, these men, and this brotherhood older than Ohio itself. 300 years and going strong, welcoming men of character from all walks of life into one of our 450 lodges across the state. With brotherly love and fraternal duty.
This, my Brother, is Ohio Freemasonry.
Ohio Freemasonry on Display in Washington D.C.
The Grand Lodge used the manifesto and campaign to customize a display at the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Washington D.C. as it was honored as the American Grand Lodge of the Month. The display showcased a selection of members, with our slogan: This is Ohio Freemasonry. With the image, the poster reads:
Freemasonry is Thriving in Ohio. It beats strong in the hearts of 70,000 men in 450 lodges across the state. Men from all walks of life who are working together to become even better while using the tools of our craft to improve the lives of their families, neighbors, and communities.
Ohio Freemasonry is the joy of golf in the early morning, the inspiration found in Masonic ceremony, or sharing cigars and scotch at the end of a busy day. It’s polar bear plunges and muskrat dinners for charity. It’s caring for those in need and celebrating life’s blessings with your brothers. Ohio Freemasonry is defined by the character of its members.
Results and What’s Next
With things as they were in 2020 and 2021, brought fewer new Brothers into the fold. While men remain interested in the Fraternity, raisings were hard to come by. But this is about to change.
With lodges reopening this fall, we will resume our This is Ohio Freemasonry campaign using cost-effective digital ads. What’s more, we plan on updating the campaign with new photography that further shows the true brotherhood of Ohio Freemasonry in action.
Here’s to a great Masonic year!