Please introduce yourself. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long you’ve been an Ohio Mason, your home Lodge, and your role with the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Ohio.
My name is James (Jim) A. Sutherin. My wife Gayle and I have lived in Marion, Ohio since 1975. I joined Marion Lodge #70 in 1979 and am a 46 year Mason. I am currently the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Ohio.
Tell us about the Grand Council. What is its main purpose? How does it add value to Ohio Freemasonry?
Royal and Select Masons are also known as the Cryptic Rite or Council, and are part of the York Rite bodies. The York Rite is made up of the Masonic Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery. The Council degree’s bridge the gap in the Masonic story from the Master Mason in Lodge to the Royal Arch in the Chapter degree.
The Councils offer more Masonic education for the York Rite Mason and also give an individual the opportunity to expand his knowledge and build a larger circle of fellow companions in his area and the state. The Grand Council also supports eight camps in Ohio that help young kids learn how to live with diabetes.
Why did you choose to join York Rite Masonry?
I joined my local York Rite to meet other masons from other lodges and travel to other York Rite groups in our area. Since the local York Rite all met at my home lodge, they contributed to the operation of our building. Also it seemed the right thing to do.
How can men join?
A man wishing to join a Council, must be a Master Mason and a Chapter companion in good standing and also have lived in the state of Ohio for at least 6 months.
What has been your favorite opportunity/moment/event since joining and why?
There are many; anyone who has attained a position of leadership in an organization such as this, when looking back on the steps that they have taken to arrive at that point is amazed at what he has accomplished throughout his travels.
Personally, one of my favorite opportunities early on was being the Worshipful Master of my Lodge and then moving on to becoming the Commander of my Commandery. After serving as the head of all the York Rite bodies I received my Knight York Cross of Honor. The best honor has been my being elected and serving the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Ohio as its Most Illustrious Grand Master. This is a moment I will never forget and representing the Grand Council in other jurisdictions is indeed an honor for me.
Can you share any upcoming events or opportunities for men to get involved?
There are many activities members can get involved with:
- Traveling to other Councils, whether in your area or “Arch” for observing the degree work of the Councils;
- Participating in the degrees;
- Several Arches have dinners to get to know their members and the Ladies;
- Participating in fundraisers in support of our charities and also the local community charities.
What it really boils down to is the member asking what he can do to help.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I feel Masonry has an opportunity to present to today’s young men another means of social development that had been popular in the 50’, 60’s and 70’s. As a means for social connections, Masonry provides personal contact with other men, something different than what is found on social media. Men can also engage in charitable work and support a number of organizations around the great state of Ohio. Some men may find themselves wanting to continue a family tradition by being involved in the craft and carrying on the legacy of the men before him.
Masonry has many opportunities for the family to be included in our fraternity. There are organizations that the man and his lady can join and both be part of. There are also organizations for the young adults both for the girls and boys.
I have learned that through Freemasonry every man is treated on the same level with his brother.
Interested in learning more about the York Rite? Read our interview with Bro. Kenneth Foy!