Brother Joe E. Brown built a remarkable career from a beginning in Holgate, Ohio. An actor, comedian, sports broadcaster and stage performer, he appeared in more than 70 roles across a career that lasted more than four decades. Audiences remembered him for his broad humor, warm personality and unmistakable laugh. Brown joined Rubicon Lodge in Toledo in 1915 and received his 50-year service award in 1965. His work reached far beyond the Lodge room: he became a major entertainer, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was honored by Bowling Green State University, which renamed its theater for him. His life is a fitting reminder that Brethren serve in many professions while carrying their values into public life. Sources: https://www.freemason.com/joe-brown-ohio-freemason/
Brethren, here are the events scheduled for the coming week in the 21st Masonic District of Ohio: Sunday, October 18 • All day — 150th Anniversary - Hudson Lodge #510 Tuesday, October 20 • 7:30 PM — Hoover #770 - Stated Meeting Wednesday, October 21 • 6:00 PM — Massillon Shrine Club • 6:30 PM — Tuscarawas #59 - Stated Meeting • 7:00 PM — Wadsworth #385 - Stated Meeting • 7:30 PM — Canton #60 - Stated Meeting Please review the district calendar for updates before attending. Week of October 18–October 24, 2026.
American Union Lodge No. 1 has an unusual place in Ohio Masonic history. Chartered in 1776 as a military Lodge, it traveled with American forces during the Revolutionary War. Its members met in changing locations as the army moved through the colonies, carrying their fraternal connection with them. After the war, the Lodge’s story continued westward. Brethren connected with American Union Lodge helped establish the Masonic presence at Marietta, where the Lodge resumed its work in 1789. Rufus Putnam was among its notable members, and the Lodge became closely associated with the early settlement of the Northwest Territory. The history is a reminder that a Lodge is more than a room: it is the fellowship carried forward by its Brethren. Sources: https://www.freemason.com/american-union-lodge/ https://www.freemason.com/history-of-ohio-freemasonry/
Before Ohio had a Grand Lodge, Rufus Putnam helped shape both the new state and its Masonic tradition. A Revolutionary War officer, surveyor and leader of the Ohio Company, Putnam helped establish Marietta in 1788, one of the earliest permanent American settlements in the Northwest Territory. Putnam was raised in American Union Lodge during the Revolutionary War in 1779. When Ohio Masons gathered in Chillicothe to organize the Grand Lodge of Ohio, he was elected its first Grand Master on January 7, 1808. Poor health prevented him from actively carrying out the office, but Ohio Brethren continued to recognize his historic leadership. His story connects military service, community building and the early development of Freemasonry in Ohio. Sources: https://www.freemason.com/pgm/1809-rufus-putnam/ https://www.freemason.com/history-of-ohio-freemasonry/
2025/2026 Past Masters Convocation
2025/2026 Wardens and Deacons Training
