‘Bill Hosler, R.I.P.’

    

Bro. Bill Hosler circa 2018.

I just got home from what was the greatest leisurely week of the last thirty years of my life to learn of the death last Thursday of Bro. Bill Hosler.

I “met” Bill in the Masonic Light group, and he was one of the Knights of the North, and was on the ground floor at the launch of the Masonic Society, but you likely know him from the Midnight Freemasons and the Meet, Act and Part podcast. But he was irrepressible, so maybe you just know him via the electrical waves in the air.

Lady Tammi announced earlier:

The love of my life, Bill Hosler, passed away this past Thursday, unexpectedly. I am devastated and very overwhelmed, which has made it harder to make sure all who loved him is aware.

I do appreciate all who have reached out that loved him so much, as it has been helpful to me even if I can’t respond. I know he has been rejoined with so many that went before him who loved him, and I know our girl, Happy, greeted him at Heaven’s gate.

We will be sharing detailed service arrangements soon, but I did want those who loved him to know a service will be in Bentonville, Arkansas this Thursday and then a Masonic funeral service will be in Ft. Wayne, Indiana likely Saturday. Epting Funeral Home in Bentonville Arkansas is arranging all services.

Frankly, Bill wasn’t exactly the picture of health, and he and I would chat occasionally about how to manage various problems. He spoke from hard earned experience when cautioning me about these things. He always maintained his sense of humor—typically on the bawdy side—and that is the absence I’ll feel first, but he was a joy in discussion of Freemasonry. He had a lot of experience, having traveled around the middle of the country a lot in recent years. He possessed a wisdom about it all that will be missed especially.

Alas, my brother.

     

‘Lodge culture discussion’

     

I have been remiss in keeping pace with the Meet, Act and Part podcast, having missed the previous eight or so episodes (When did they get the English guy to voice the intro and outro?), but I couldn’t skip yesterday’s episode.

Titled “Lodge Culture,” Episode 30 brought to the microphone Bro. Michael Arce, a warden in Mount Vernon Lodge 3 in Albany. Okay, I admit that’s why I listened. I’m a bit of a chauvinist regarding New York Freemasonry, and am interested in hearing from the brethren here.

As an aside, Mount Vernon 3 dates to February 21, 1765, so happy anniversary, brethren! It is the eldest lodge outside New York City.

Anyway, co-hosts Bill Hosler, Greg Knott, and Darin Lahners welcomed Arce for the nearly hour-long chat on the numerous and varied dynamics that comprise lodge culture. Of course we’re all familiar with the common tales of faltering lodges, but there can be remedies in certain—not all—situations. Maybe there’s an individual with Tom Brady-like star power who can inspire and lead, or perhaps a committed core group could execute a deliberate, longterm reform. The point is whatever it takes will depend on people and the relationships among them.

Listen to the four knowledgeable and experienced Freemasons here.

     

‘Meet Act and Part podcast is on’

     

Masonic Education is the topic of the first podcast of Meet Act and Part. I do a terrible job of keeping current with the podcasts concerning Freemasonry, but this looks like another great one. Our hosts are Bill Hosler, Greg Knott, and Darin Lahners. They divulge their Masonic credentials on air, so I won’t transcribe them here. The discussion concerns their respective efforts in education.

This was published on Podomatic Thursday. It runs 30 minutes, so check it out. Click here.