What a year it has been.
As his term concludes, Grand Master Bill Carter sat down with us to reflect on a remarkable year for Ohio Freemasonry. From rekindling the Sacred Flame among Brethren to inspiring others through the “Be Legendary” initiative, he shares his reflections on leadership, legacy, and the enduring relevance of the Craft.
When you look back at this past year, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that stands out?
It seems nearly impossible to identify a single moment that stands out, there were so many incredible experiences as we shared in the Brotherhood this year.
But as far as an accomplishment, without a doubt it would be the renewed fire my Brethren have shown for the Fraternity. Not only did we witness an amazing outpouring of Brotherly Love, but we also saw a collective desire to refocus on the deeper meaning and mystery of our Craft.
The fact is that every Brother has that Sacred Flame we talk about inside of them. This year, multitudes have shared that the rekindling of that flame was real, and that it has brought a strength and inspiration that even surprised themselves.
That is the real accomplishment this year—not an achievement of one man, but of the collective quickening of that ancient Masonic spirit among the Brethren of this great State.
Your “Be Legendary” message resonated across Ohio this year. How did that initiative come to life?
So many have referred to Be Legendary as the “Grand Master’s Theme,” but it was never intended to be thematic in nature. It was always intended to be a calling.
Prior to being elected as Grand Master, I was often asked, “If you should become Grand Master, what do you want to accomplish?” My answer then—and now—was simple: to inspire the Brethren to reconnect with something powerful deep inside each of us.
My intent was to call out to the esoteric Mason and let him know that it was safe to emerge and express himself. I wanted to challenge every Brother to be a little uncomfortable by embracing new learning opportunities—whether through the Royal Scofield Society, reading profound Masonic works, or even pursuing higher education.
It was also to remind Brethren that our charity and activity are not what define us—they are the results of who we already are because of the deep inner transformation that never ceases in the life of a Mason.
A Mason is a man in motion, one who perpetually grows while shedding the things that hold him back. When done with zeal and steadfast commitment, he becomes a force for good in the world. His light echoes beyond his days because it was so generously shared. That is the nature of Being Legendary.
How has this experience as Grand Master affected you personally and professionally?
Serving the Brethren in the office of Grand Master carries the full weight of history. The responsibility is sobering in scope and magnitude, but the fulfillment has been immense.
It has been profoundly moving to witness such incredible growth among Brethren I truly love. Some have asked whether I feel a sense of personal pride in what’s been accomplished. “Pride” is the wrong word for me. This experience has strengthened my faith in the future of humanity, whose way may yet be illuminated by the Light of Freemasonry.
Professionally, this experience has given me a perspective not often encountered in the corporate world. It has increased my compassion and sharpened my ability to lead, listen, and make thoughtful decisions. I’m deeply grateful to the Brethren who have offered counsel and challenged my thinking along the way. Thank you for the growth, my Brothers.
What challenges did you face during your term, and how did you approach them?
There were certainly a multitude of challenges this year, as well as others inherited from prior years. That’s not unusual in any organization.
Freemasonry is about people, and we are all complex beings with a vast array of experiences and perspectives. Each challenge, and each person affected by it, deserves the consideration of a leader who listens deeply and thinks carefully before forming decisions.
That was my constant endeavor throughout this year—approaching every challenge with empathy, balance, and purpose. My hope has always been to leave Freemasonry in a better place than when I began my term.
We asked you this same question a year ago, and now we’ll ask it again: What do you envision for the future of Ohio Freemasonry?
A year ago, I said Freemasonry was “more relevant now than ever.” Today, I’d go further, it isn’t just relevant, it’s urgently needed.
We live in a world starving for deep truth and purpose. There’s a desperate thirst for meaningful connection. I don’t think we need to reinvent Freemasonry, we need to live it in a boldly relevant way.
To me, that means three things: quality over quantity, depth over drama, and action over aspiration.
The Light of Freemasonry burns brightly, but it only reaches the world if we carry it forth. That happens through meaningful lodge experiences that strengthen Brotherhood both inside and beyond the walls of the lodge building.
The true Masonic Lodge is in the heart of every Mason, and therefore every Mason is perpetually in Lodge.
My long-term vision remains clear: vibrant lodges, inspired Brethren, and a Craft that keeps its promises to every candidate who enters our mysteries. When we do that, growth takes care of itself. We are not here to manage decline. We are here to build the future, one Brother at a time.
If you could speak directly to every Ohio Mason, what final message would you share as you close your term?
To you, my beloved Brothers: we often speak of the profound mysteries of Freemasonry. But the future of Freemasonry is not a mystery—it is you.
It’s the Light you carry, the example you set inside and outside the Lodge, and the Brother you lift up. It’s in the Lodge you leave stronger than you found it every time you walk through its doors.
Our Craft doesn’t survive by nostalgia. It thrives through study, service, and determined action. Its life is found in the integrity of its Brethren and their courage to face the future.
So stand tall. Study and live the teachings of our Craft. Guard the Sacred Flame. Be the Brother who turns words into deeds and ideals into action. When you do, Freemasonry won’t just endure, it will shine brighter than ever.
We began the year reflecting on Peter Drucker’s words: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Let’s close with another of his truths: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
The Great Architect of the Universe has entrusted this charge to us. Now, in this 21st century, it is our turn to Be Legendary.
For a look back at our initial interviews with Bill from last year, read Part 1 or Part 2 on our blog.