Dover Masonic Lodge welcomes public to open house
Jason “Jack” Miller, master of the lodge, with Masons Aaron Tice and Eric Huprich.
Dover Masonic Lodge 59 held an open house at its location on Wooster Avenue on April 13 from noon to 3 p.m., opening the doors to anyone curious about the Masons and what they do for the community. A free barbecue lunch was provided as the hall filled with people through the early afternoon.
Jason “Jack” Miller, master of the lodge, said this is the second year the lodge has hosted an open house.
“Freemasonry is one body, but each state is its own jurisdiction,” he said. “That practice dates back to colonial times when each state was its own unique entity and people identified themselves as, say, Virginians for example, rather than as Americans. Last year the Ohio Grand Lodge decided we would all hold an open house, and we all had it on the same day. This year we had the ability to do it when it worked best for us. This is a chance to invite people in, share a lunch, have a look around and ask any questions you may have about what we do. We are not a secret society, as some people may still believe, and we’re happy to welcome the public to visit.”
As with many community organizations that gained traction after World War II, the 21st century has held its challenges in retaining membership.
“It seems that young people are lacking the time to devote to public service organizations,” Miller said, “and that comes from a good place. I think when you start out to join a community organization like this, whatever it may be, you want to go into it with the full intention of participating fully in all that is offered. I don’t know that younger people have enough time to devote to something like this in the way they’d like.”
He said the lodge has seen a few more members as the result of the open houses they’ve hosted, for which he expressed gratitude.
“We support the community in any way we can,” Miller said. “We support the Garaway baseball team, the Dover baseball team, the Black Sox in New Philadelphia. We give money for Eagle Scout projects and create Christmas baskets each year to deliver in the community. The biggest thing is that we’re the oldest fraternity organization in the country and take care of our members when they are in need. That’s in keeping with one of our tenets, which is relief for those in need of help.”
In order to become a Mason, a man may petition a lodge for membership, which must be signed by two members of the lodge as sponsors. The sponsors vouch for the prospective member, acknowledging the person as a good candidate, and then the lodge takes a vote.
“You can also fill out a petition online, which would then be forwarded to us. We would then call you to set up a time to get together to get to know you better,” Miller said.
Miller said the only requirements to join are a person be at least 19 years old, male, speak English and carry a belief in God.
Joining the Freemasons brings the opportunity for growth and self-improvement, Miller said.
“We use allegories to teach moral lessons, moving through degrees. There is memorization involved, and you do learn a lot. We also take care of each other. If you need help with something as a member, you can ask me or any member for help. If we can’t assist right away, we will find help from another person,” Miller said.
There also are several ancillary charitable organizations in which a member can participate including the Eastern Star, which welcomes women into its ranks.
“Freemasonry is not your dad’s Masons today,” Miller said. “There are many lodges that have video game nights, for example. Members will just come to the lodge and spend time together and play games for the evening. We would welcome the chance to talk to anyone about what we do today. We think open house events like this can help.”
Learn more at www.freemason.com, where people also can submit a petition to join a local organization.