Can you explain what the Keeper of the Sacred Flame pin is?
The Keeper of the Sacred Flame pin is not an award – it’s a recognition. A quiet but profound acknowledgment of a Brother whose inner fire burns not for status, but for service. It symbolizes a Mason who inspires not by demand, but by example. Such a Brother is one who uplifts the Craft with unwavering passion, and keeps alive the sacred, transformative power of Freemasonry. When I place it in the palm of a Brother’s hand, it is a moment beyond words. It is a silent avowal that he is one to whom others may turn when they need to remember why they joined and why they continue through the years. He is a keeper of something ancient, and something eternal.
What have been the member’s reactions to receiving these pins?
The reactions have been deeply moving, often emotional, and sometimes tearful. This is because it is so much more than just a token: it’s a moment both in time, and out of time. A Brother stands with me, not expecting recognition, and suddenly he’s reminded that his quiet dedication and his steady light has not gone unseen. It has never, nor will it ever, be presented from a podium. It is always quietly and privately placed in the palm of his hand, supported by mine, as a gesture of deep fraternity. That moment says, ‘You matter, what you do matters, and the Craft is stronger because of you.’ It’s a sacred bond from Brother to Brother, and from heart to heart.
How does this year’s theme connect to Ohio Masonry’s broader values or legacy?
This year’s theme, Be Legendary, is more than just a theme or a motto—it’s a charge and a calling. It reminds us that Freemasonry has never been about titles or applause; it’s about showing up. It’s about men who answer the call to serve, to uplift, and to inspire – not for recognition, but because the Sacred Flame within them compels them. Ohio Masonry has always been built by those kinds of men – men whose names are etched into the fabric of our Craft not because they were loud, but because they were present. And that’s why the Keeper of the Sacred Flame is always given in person. Because as I often remind our Brethren: you can pretend to care, but you can’t pretend to show up. Ohio Masonry’s legacy is legendary not because of what we say, but because of what we do: together, hand in hand.
Is there a personal story or experience that influenced your theme or vision this year?
Yes, there is a very personal foundation behind this year’s calling. As a young Mason, I was blessed to be mentored by men I consider to be giants – Brothers who carried a light in their eyes and a weight in their words. They didn’t just memorize ritual, they lived the esoteric principles and the transformative power of our Craft. They taught me that Freemasonry isn’t simply a membership organization, but rather an intellectually and spiritually transformative journey. They ignited in me a reverence for the esoteric core of our Craft: the transformation of the inner man, the pursuit of Light, and the sacred responsibility we carry to one another. These men didn’t seek recognition; they simply were legendary. And so this year’s calling to ‘Be Legendary’ is a tribute to them. It’s a call to every Mason to become that kind of Brother – to be a Keeper of the Sacred Flame, not just in name, but in the way we live, lead, and inspire. That’s the legacy they handed to me, and it’s the legacy I now ask all of Ohio Masonry to carry forward every year.
How does this program encourage engagement and participation among members?
The presentation of the mark of a Keeper of the Sacred Flame was never meant to be a program. It is a recognition, deeply personal and deliberately rare. It exists to shine a light on those Brethren whose Masonic passion burns so brightly that it kindles the hearts of others. These men are not perfect – none of us are – but they are present. They inspire, uplift, and live our teachings in ways that draw others to do the same. By recognizing them in such a personal way – by placing the pin in their hand, and sharing their story – we’re holding them forth as beacons. For those whose Sacred Flame may be flickering, these Brothers become reminders that the Light is never far. Engagement doesn’t always start with a program. Sometimes, it starts with a single spark – and from that, a whole Lodge can blaze forth with that sacred fire again.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Yes, my deepest desire is for every Mason to remember this: you don’t need a title to lead, and you don’t need permission to inspire. The Sacred Flame of Freemasonry wasn’t meant to sit on an altar. It was meant to burn within you. When you live our teachings with fire in your heart, others will feel the warmth. So I call upon my Brothers to rise up in fervency – not someday, but today. Be the light. Be the difference. Be the one they can count on. In a world of shadows and division, Be Legendary.
“If you see a Brother wearing this pin on his lapel, congratulate him on bringing the Grand Master’s theme to life!”
Interested in learning more about Legendary men? Read our interview with Bro. Jim Hieb, Bro. Ryan Cresanto, and Bro. Richard Graeter.