Brother Chad Simpson
Chad E. Simpson was made a Freemason in North Baltimore Lodge No. 561, North Baltimore, Ohio, in 1998 while earning his Master’s Degree in German from Bowling Green State University. Shortly after graduating, Chad moved to Columbus and joined York Lodge No. 563.
Chad served as Worshipful Master of York Lodge in 2004, and is one of the seven original members of the Goose & Gridiron Social Club, which was the seed body that later became Arts & Sciences Lodge No. 792, of which he is a charter member. He served as the lodge’s secretary from its formation in 2009 to November, 2013 and has served as the Lodge Education Officer. He also is a Past District LEO in the 14th District.
Bro. Simpson says about Masonry…
“The history of Freemasonry provides a hearty buffet of traditions and practices which lodges can draw upon to provide a rich, diverse and meaningful masonic experience.”
“He truly felt He’d become an American”
The bests of friends often compliment one another in their demeanor. Very often one is more of a talker and the other a listener.
Such was the case with two good friends, traveling companions, and Past Masters of Forest City Lodge No. 388, Mort Negin and Frank Orlove. Those who knew them will remember which was which.
During one of their visits to the Grand Secretary’s office in Worthington, I had the opportunity to chat with Worshipful Brother Frank. I asked if he’d come from a long line of Freemasons. He replied that he had not. His father was born in a Shtetl in Russia and had immigrated to Cleveland as a young man. His father, Harry Orlove, earned his living as a grocer. Jacobs & Orlove grocery was located at 2749 51st Street SE in Cleveland.
“He wasn’t a Mason,” Frank told me. “But he was an Odd Fellow.” “My father once told me that he truly felt he’d become an American when he was elected a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge.”
The Odd Fellows were at one time the largest fraternal order in America. Its origins are traced to England and, in its heyday, provided members with burial, worker’s comp, and other benefits now provided by insurance companies in addition to social and fraternal benefits.
I’ve never forgotten the story that Frank shared with me or how it reveals much of the American experience for so many. Frank passed away in 2014. May his memory be a blessing.