In connection with the 2026 theme, “Committed to the Craft,” introduced by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, Shawn Johnson, we invited Ohio-based Masons to share the many ways their Lodges have recently grown and improved.
One that stood out in particular is Reynoldsburg Lodge #340 for their hard work and determination to build a Chamber of Reflection. This story comes from Past Master Monroe Bradley who served as Chair and Project Manager for the remodel.
Several past masters over a couple of years voiced an interest in pursuing a Chamber of Reflection. Funding and space always seemed to put the project on hold. At the time we had a poorly decorated basic preparation room with no additional unused space. I commissioned one of my students to draw several concepts of a Chamber of Reflection using the layout of the existing preparation room. The vision I had was a dual-purpose room separated in use by time and lighting much like a scene change on a stage in a play. The concept was that a candidate came down a corridor (painted on the back wall) from a place of darkness to an austere stone chamber to reflect in low light on why they want to be a Mason. The light is turned up for preparation for the degree where they will pass to a place of light to consummate their commitment to the Craft through the appropriate ritual and obligation.
One of the line officers this year mentioned that matching funds may be available from the Grand Lodge for a project like this.
I immediately asked the incoming master of the lodge if I could be on the schedule for the next officers’ meeting. He agreed. At the meeting, I presented the Grand Lodge chamber of reflection and matching fund guidance, my concept, the student’s drawings, budget ($2,000 to maximize Grand Lodge matching funds) and deadline of two months.
With approval from this meeting, $2,000 dollars was added as a line item in our lodge budget that was subsequently approved by the members.
At the next officers’ meeting, I arrived with a proposed project team. I was the project manager (not committee chair) with the following staff based on who interacted most with the use of the space: treasurer, 3 trustees, senior deacon, senior and junior stewards, lodge education officer, and past master knowledgeable in ritual and furniture, based on degrees being conferred. Each team member was assigned tasks and timelines.
Outside of the worksite, we posted the final concept drawing we decided on, team members/tasks, and a cut away poster of King Solomon’s Temple.
As we moved forward slight design changes were made using the primary concept as a lens through which to evaluate each change. Some changes were driven by room structure and others were driven by a need to enhance the experience for the candidate. We also added a commemorative plaque recognizing the year, master of the lodge and craftsmen who worked on the project.
In the end, we not only created a greatly enhanced space for candidates, visitors and other renters of our building, but also a source of pride and opportunity to build leadership and teamwork among brethren.
The Grand Lodge approved our project for reimbursement within 24 hrs. of receiving our electronic project package.
In the words of Grand Master Shawn Johnson: “Let your thoughts, words, and deeds, both within the Lodge and out in the world, reflect the high standards of this Craft.” May this example of Commitment to ourselves and each other inspire more Lodge updates throughout the state.
Interested in reading more Lodge Transformations around Ohio? Click here.