Please introduce yourself. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long you’ve been an Ohio Mason, your home Lodge, and any leadership positions you’ve held within Ohio Freemasonry.
My name is Jim Hieb and I live in South Amherst, Ohio. I’ve been a member of Stonington Lodge #503 for the past 18 years. Currently I am serving as the Worshipful Master during our lodge’s 150th year. I have also served as a district officer within the 22nd masonic district, but nothing will ever top the opportunity to go through the officer line a second time with my son Kyle, who is Stonington’s Senior Warden. To quote the 1990s Mastercard series of commercials, serving alongside Kyle has been “priceless!”.
What does the Grand Master’s theme of “Be Legendary” mean to you?
When MWB William M. Carter III introduced the theme, I immediately thought about fellow masons who demonstrate every day the values we speak in the lodge room. One must reflect on the fact that God put us on this earth and we have one opportunity to make a difference in the world and I see so many brothers doing that every day. I think about brothers leading annual bike race events supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society or others supporting veteran groups through poker runs. While others are supporting youth programs and charitable organizations. If you want to BE LEGENDARY, make a difference without any thought to who might get the credit for the accomplishment.
What advice would you give to younger members who might want to step up in Ohio Freemasonry, and why?
I would recommend trying your best to involve your family whenever possible in open masonic events. Put God, your local church, and family first – ALWAYS! The result will be a better masonic experience. Remember that busy people get things done so, even when you think you don’t have time to get involved in the fraternity, you really do!
Your work with the Mason Monday series has had an undeniable impact on our fraternity. How has this project impacted you as a man and a Mason?
Each Monday the various Grand Lodge of Ohio social media pages highlight a different member of the fraternity. As a man, I am humbled by the experience to solicit and organize the information for the Grand Lodge of Ohio. As a Mason, I am playing a small part in promoting the fraternity. The weekly social media features showcase to the world men from a diverse background of vocations, interests, and experiences. While these men come from both blue collar and white collar backgrounds, they all share the “Proud Freemason” label! Again, my role is small, but I believe the impact of these efforts are making a difference due largely to the District Advisors, District Deputies, and District Education Officers who recommend outstanding men to be featured – they too must be recognized and should be proud of what has been accomplished through this program.
Read our other Be Legendary features on Bro. Randy Clark, Bro. Dick Snow, and Bro. Ryan Cresanto!