ary Wirt Chapter of DeMolay was organized in 1970 and met at the Temple until 1981 but due to lack of active membership, it surrendered it’s Charter.
Hiram Lodge was honored when one of its Past Masters, Worshipful Brother C. Neilson Griffith, was named Inspector of the 5th Arch, of the Grand Line of Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Ohio and served as Most Illustrious Grand Master of Royal and Select Masters of Ohio in 1970 and 1971. He received the 33o from Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite on September 25, 1968, in Atlantic City, New Jersey and became an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council. He also served as the Commander in Chief of Scioto Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus from 1975 to 1978. Also receiving their Honorary 33o from the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite was Brother William B. Ludman of LaVale, Maryland. Hiram Lodge was again honored when two of its members, Brother Charles R. Richey received the Honorary 33o on September 24, 1975 at Boston, Massachusetts and Worshipful Brother William F. Hahnert Sr., a past District Deputy Grand High Priest, a Knight of York Cross of Honor, received the Honorary 33o on September 29, 1976 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
During the years 1968 1970 major improvements were made in the Temple and on the property. At the rear of the building, a hard top parking lot was constructed. The Lodge room was air conditioned and a new Baldwin Organ installed. An automatic dishwasher and new stainless steel fixtures greatly improved the kitchen.
Bethel #22 International Order of Job’s Daughters now meets at the Temple.
In 1979 a reception for Susan Pearl, Worthy Grand Matron of Grand Chapter of Eastern Star of Ohio was given in her honor.
On October 17, 1979, the Lodge engaged in a new experience by conferring the Entered Apprentice degree on one of its candidates at a meeting convened for that purpose in Ohio Lodge No. 10 at the Ohio Historical Village in Columbus, Ohio. Hiram Lodge exemplified other Blue Lodge degrees there in the years that followed.
At a special communication on November 17, 1981, the “Traveling Hiram Gavel,” was delivered to Hiram Lodge No. 18 F. & A.M. by brethren from Hiram Lodge No. 110 in Flat Rock, Michigan. The Hiram Gavel thereby completed another leg in a 9000 mile journey that is programmed to carry its message to all the Lodges in the United States that share the “Hiram” name. During this period it is scheduled to travel coast to coast, and border to border, visiting 52 widely scattered (Hiram Lodges located in 42 states plus the Nation’s Capital. The Hiram Gavel began its journey in Hiram Lodge, No. 13, Albuquerque, New Mexico, where it was scheduled to return following the completion of its travels in 1985 for activities associated with the Lodge’s Centennial celebration. In February 1982, a chartered bus with 35 brethren traveled to Westernport, Maryland to deliver the Hiram Gavel to Hiram Lodge No. 103 A. F. & A.M. of that place.
A major renovation of the Lodge Hall was made in 1981 82 that included new carpeting for the Lodge room, hall and stairway.
In 1982 the Lodge authorized the purchase of new robes and caps for the Fellowcraft team, and they were used in the degree work for the first time in that year. The robes previously worn were purchased in 1945 and had given continuous service for 37 years.
In 1983 a 24 hour fire alarm surveillance system and an electrical operated chair lift were installed in the Temple. The storage room off the upstairs hallway was converted into a Library. The exterior of the Temple was cleaned and the yard was landscaped.
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