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Time Capsule Reveal

On Tuesday night, April 25^th, the long-anticipated secrets of the Time-Capsule were revealed. After 45 minutes of cutting and grinding on the copper box, we were able to open the top and reveal the historical contents. Once opened, it was apparent that the box had been sealed with a preservative, and the aroma of Formaldehyde seemed to fill the air. The pictures, paperwork, newspapers, booklets, and American Flag were in great condition and had the appearance relative to a few months old instead of 99 years old.

There were 2 pictures inside, showing the original ground-breaking event, which was held in July of 1924 and a third one of Barberton from 1891, which shows the infamous Malony Farm, with Lake Anna in the background.

Among the artifacts were invitations and programs covering the Cornerstone ceremony from August of 1924. Additionally, there were 5 pocket-sized booklets from 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912 & 1915. They listed members and officers of National Lodge No. 568 and included information from Jeanette Chapter Eastern Star and Portage Chapter RAM. There was a copy of the original business paperwork and bylaws for the ‘New Barberton Masonic Temple Co.’ and a typed roster of National Lodge members from 1924. The newspapers were from the Barberton Herald, Barberton News, the Akron Beacon Journal, The Sunday Times and The Evening Times. The 1911 American Flag was also very impressive to see, it had 46 Star’s.

We are working to catalog these items and put together a display case and maybe a ‘historical room’ for displaying these items for all to see. We also plan to have a link on our website so that you can see these items and read the history of National Lodge No. 568.

Here are some of the photos

Girl Scout Troop 90250

The groups of Girl Scouts who meet for activities and adventures are called Girl Scout troops. And once you find yours, you’ll never want to let them go.

Why? Because these Girl Scouts and their families are going to become a circle of friendship like you’ve never had before. Your troop is a safe space where you can take risks, have fun, and be your true, unfiltered self.

Together, you’ll learn that what makes each of you unique is also what makes you powerful.

With all this support and encouragement, it’s not surprising that four out of five Girl Scouts say they have a best friend in their troop.

National Lodge #568 is now a proud sponsor and if you want more information, click on the link below or contact Jessica Schill at Jessica.n.schill@gmail.com

Lodge Room Dedication

The officers and brethren of National Lodge No. 568, F. & A.M. cordially invite you to attend the Dedication ceremony on Sunday June 4^th, at 1:00pm. This event will be held in the Lodge room of the Barberton Masonic Complex, 915 W. Hopocan Avenue, Barberton, Ohio 44203 and is for all Master Masons. A light lunch will be provided in the dining room at 12:00pm. In honor of this prestigious event, The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Steven M. Grindle, and the Grand Lodge officers will be present to perform the ceremony.

In the fast-growing village of Barberton in the year 1892, a group of Masons met to consider the advisability of instituting a Masonic Lodge and a request to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio for dispensation was executed. This request was signed by C. C. Bates, a Past Master of Adoniram Lodge No. 517 of Akron. National Lodge No. 568 was then chartered on October 19^th, 1893, which marks 130 years of masonry in the Barberton area.

The first Lodge Room was located on the southeast corner of Third Street and West Tuscarawas Avenue (currently occupied by McDonald’s) until 1896. From 1896 to 1925, National Lodge met in the Tracy building, occupying the third floor for most of that timeframe. After completion of the new Masonic Temple, on the corner of 5^th and Park, National Lodge moved into their new building on April 23^rd, 1925, where they held residency for over 98 years. Then in October of 2022, due to declining membership and the financial burden associated with the building, it was necessary to sell the building and move to an affordable new home, which is now the Barberton Masonic Complex.

This is a very exciting day for National Lodge and the 21^st Masonic District.

GrandView Membership Portal

In previous bulletins, we showed you how to gain access to the Grand Lodge of Ohio Membership portal; which is called GrandView. Here are a few more items within the portal that will help you navigate.

Ill & Confined Brothers

Ill & Confined Brothers

Our prayers and best wishes to the Brothers whom we know to be ill or confined. To the Brothers listed below, we would appreciate very much hearing from you and bringing us up to date as to how you are doing. At our stated meetings we do report to the Brothers about those of you who are in need of our thoughts and prayers.

Ernest E. Lyons

Richard F. Sutton

Frank F Bischoff

Greg Myers

James R. Moore

Walter A. Landals

C. Dale Pennington

To the Brothers who are ill and/or confined (who are not listed), we do have you in our thoughts and prayers.

We would truly appreciate a word from you so that your Masonic Brothers could be informed.

In Memoriam
The following brothers have passed to the celestial lodge above and our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of our departed brothers.
Masonic Years

William E. Helmick (51-Year Member)………………………………………..1971-2023