In continuing our interview series with members of the 2024 Grand Line, the Grand Lodge of Ohio hopes to bring you, the members that make up this great fraternity, closer to your leadership. Please enjoy this interview with Bro. Del Braund, this year’s Grand Tyler.
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Delbert “Del” M. Braund Jr., RWB and I am the Grand Tyler of the Grand Lodge Ohio for 2024. My home lodge is Brookville Lodge #596 in the second district, where we like to say, “you are second to none!” I also just celebrated my 39th anniversary of being initiated as a Freemason in Dayton Lodge #147.
Tell us about how and why you joined the Grand Line? When did you join?
My position as Grand Tyler is an appointment by the Grand Master for one year. Late summer of 2022, I received a text from the now Grand Master, MWB Paul A. Weglage, asking my Lady Karen and I to meet with him and his Lady Karen. He jumped right in and started the conversation by asking me straight out to be his Grand Tyler for the year. I think I retained a poker face, but you could have knocked me off my chair with a feather as I was shocked at his request. Upon returning home, my wife stopped in the doorway and said, “alright…what just happened?’ I replied, “it’s only for one year,” which is an infamous Masonic term. Traditionally, a Grand Tyler would ensure only qualified Masons could enter Lodge.
These days, what is the role of the Grand Tyler? What are your responsibilities?
The Grand Tyler has several public ceremonial duties mostly during rededications and he also serves on committees for Grand Lodge. I essentially make sure everything with the Grand Lodge is moving smoothly and on track. As for other assigned duties, I regularly travel with the Grand Master to many functions during his year. The ongoing inside joke is that I will sometimes talk into my sleeve, appearing to be his bodyguard as regularly being close by. My Lady Karen and I do a lot of behind the scenes things to accommodate the entire Grand Line when we all travel together like a family unit. So basically, I am living the dream job of an ambassador of our fraternity for this year.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Grand Lodge of Ohio leadership?
It is extremely humbling and gives a huge insight into Grand Lodge decision making. I have been congratulated by many Brethren, complimenting me on how hard I worked to get here, in which I in my mind disagree with. I just enjoy being a part of the fraternity as a whole, and have done what was needed or asked of me to make Freemasonry a little better than we found it.
What do you hope for the future of Ohio Freemasonry?
I hope to leave a positive mark, so that the younger brothers who take leadership roles in the future can govern with forward thinking. So they may lead while remembering the solid foundation of our tradition and not reinvent the wheel, as the saying goes. To our future leaders I say: put in the work, and take minimal shortcuts, as the satisfaction of achievement is a great reward.
Can you share your favorite moment from your time as an Ohio Freemason?
I regularly say it’d have to be a Top 20, but seeing the look on my Dad’s face almost in tears when he saw me presented as Worshipful Master by then Grand Master MWB Douglas N. Kaylor in my Lodge will always be a moment in time, especially now that he has passed. And being the first Grand Lodge of Ohio member to ever be installed in a kilt.
Do you have any advice for members looking to get involved?
Ask questions, take time to research and understand the traditions, and appreciate why they are important.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’d like to thank my wife, Karen for signing on to this incredible year as it is certainly a team effort with many moving parts.
I’d also like to remind everyone that each individual’s journey through our craft is unique. I was lucky enough to be involved in a campaign called, The Faces of Ohio Freemasonry. During an interview for the project I said that my journey has been extraordinary. Through Freemasonry I have been able to connect some of the dots linking us together in this small world by meeting men of several other countries, sects, and opinions, and knowing we share common values. A few of those lodge meetings have changed my life forever and I have made lifelong indissoluble friendships from them. Masonry, you just can’t make this stuff up! Enjoy the journey.
Want to read what other members of the Grand Line have to say? Read our interviews with this year’s Grand Chaplain and Grand Master!