Michigan Masons Cornerstone Spring 2023

Zion #1

Detroit #2

Mount Clemens #6

Trenton-Wyandotte #8

Peninsular #10

Pine Grove #11

Battle Creek #12

Phoenix #13

Jackson #17

St. Albans #20

Three Rivers-Mount

Hermon #24

Monroe #27

Grand Rapids #34

Romeo #41

Birmingham #44

Meridian Sun Eagle #49

Almont-Dryden #51

Lapeer #54

Port Huron #58

Utica-Macomb #64

Lake Superior #67

Tecumseh #69

Livingston #76

Byron #80

Myrtle #89

Marquette #101

Fenton #109

Allegan #111

Commerce #121

Ithaca #123

Fairfield #125

Stockbridge #130

Linden #132

Saline #133

Livonia United #152

North Newburg #161

Milford #165

Big Rapids #171

Dearborn #172

Genesee #174

Grand Ledge #179

Northville #186

Richmond #187

Unity #191

Delta #195

Montague-Whitehall #198

Vienna #205

Traverse City #222

Flushing #223

Mt. Moriah #226

Lisbon-Crescent #229

Fellowship #236

Corinthian #241

Alma #244

Brighton #247

Ann Arbor-Fraternity #262

East Bay #264

Centre #273

Vandalia #290

Alcona #292

Attica Imlay #295

Pere Marquette #299

Wabon #305

North Branch #312

Joppa Wenona #315

Cadillac Clam Lake #331

Hesperia-Arcana #346

Belding-Ionia #355

Grayling #356

Palestine #357

Bethel #358

Crystal Falls-Iron River #385

Iron Mountain #388

Marion #392

Otisville #401

Lake City #408

Brown City #409

Grand Island #422

John J. Carton #436

St. Joseph #437

Brookfield #439

Pellston #440

Trufant #456

Swartz Creek #458

THE Brotherhood #468

Sojourners #483

Smith's Creek #491

Composite #499

Atlanta #516

Welfare #517

Roseville #522

Walled Lake #528

Olive Branch #542

Goodrich #548

Center Line #550

Northwood-Ancient Craft #551

Trelum #552

Jefferson #553

Morning Star #556

Houghton Lake/ Roscommon #579

Solomon's Key #580

Golden Ark #595

JJJ Gourgas #602

WE FREEMASONS ARE PROUD.

OF OUR FRATERNITY. OF OUR SYMBOLS. OF OUR HISTORY. OF OUR TRADITIONS.

BUT WHAT IS MASONRY? WELL, SIMPLY, IT'S YOU.

THE LEADERS. THE INVENTORS. THE SCHOLARS. THE SERVANTS. THE GAME CHANGERS. THE DIFFERENCE MAKERS.

THIS IS ABOUT THE IMPACT YOU CAN MAKE ON THE WORLD AND EACH OTHER.

THIS IS MASONRY.

SPRINGGREETINGS

This issue comes to you just as spring starts to make its appearance in our wonderful land of Michigan! I hope you find the time to take a moment and reflect on how majestic Michigan is in every season, but especially as the cold of winter releases its grip and the buds of spring start to take hold. I love this time of year.

We had a wonderful time of fellowship and fraternity at the 100th anniversary of the cornerstone laying at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia on the 20th of February. There was an impressive contingent of Michigan Masons representing the lodges and Masonry of our great state, as well as the Grand Lodge officers and their guests. It was just fantastic. Events of this significance come only rarely and when they do, we owe it to ourselves and our Craft to participate, if at all possible. To celebrate the occasion, our cover photo for this issue is a "photo mosaic" of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, comprised of hundreds of small photo tiles of our very own Michigan Masons throughout the years!

Our spring leadership classes are in full swing, and again, I hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to attend and improve yourself and the Craft in your community. You can find all the information necessary at michiganmasons.org under Events.

Our Grand Lodge Annual Communication is coming up in May at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant. Our team is planning a fun filled and enlightening event for you and your guest. You can find more information on the back cover of this issue.

As you can see the fraternity is busy and moving forward in Michigan! I hope you’ll take advantage of the incredible opportunities for self-improvement and personal growth that are available to you as a member of our gentle Craft.

Looking forward to seeing you in lodge soon, I remain;

Fraternally,

Robert P. Conley Michigan Masons, SCEO

THE HISTORY OF THE MICHIGAN MASONIC MUSEUM AND LIBRARY

WeFreemasons are proud of our fraternity. We are drawn to its symbols and heritage, so it should come to no surprise that Freemasons are often collectors of our fraternal paraphernalia such as books, documents, regalia, etc. Since the formation of the Grand Lodge of Michigan in 1826, these collections were usually in the private hands of our members or local lodges. They told the story of the Craft and showed pride in its history from a local perspective. Initial steps were taken in the 1940s to establish a Grand Lodge library to showcase these collections of our Masonic heritage in a broader light, but it wasn’t until 1980 that a more organized effort to maintain our historical legacy at a jurisdictional level gained traction with the formation of the Masonic Foundation of Michigan, which would eventually become the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation.

Early elements of an official Masonic library were housed at the Michigan Masonic Home in Alma, Michigan and primarily reflected the rare and extensive collection of books amassed by Brother James Fairbairn Smith (pictured) over the years. Brother Fairbairn Smith was raised a Master Mason in 1921 in Scotland, but he would move to the United States and affiliate with Kilwinning Lodge #297 (now Union of S.O. #3) in Detroit by 1938. There he would work diligently to increase the distribution of fraternal information by editing the popular

By Dirk Hughes, Museum and Library Director

Masonic World magazine published out of the Detroit Masonic Temple, the largest paid circulation Masonic news magazine in the country. He would also work hard maintaining our fraternal legacy by becoming the historian for the Grand Lodge of Michigan, and would eventually author two books specifically dealing with the history of Freemasonry in Michigan: Freemasonry in Michigan Vol. 1 published in 1963 and Dateline 1764: Michigan Masonry Vol. 2 published in 1979. In 1996, a formal budget was adopted for the creation of the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library. It remained in Alma until 2000 when it was decided to renovate the lower level of the Grand Rapids Masonic Temple for a new facility, combining the Fairbairn Smith collection with another large collection of books and artifacts already in Grand Rapids gathered and maintained by Brother Charles P. Sheffield.

The Michigan Masonic Museum and Library has been located in that space ever since, and has grown its collection from the original Smith and Sheffield contributions with the help of generous donations, loans, and acquisitions. With a full lending library of over 8,000 books, a wide variety of on-site artifact displays, and the repository for the Grand Lodge of Michigan archives, the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library has been a source of Masonic education and research for members of the Craft and the general public for over two decades. But just as our collections continue to grow and evolve, so do the

plans for the Museum and Library evolve to help us remain viable, relevant, and accessible in this changing world.

Currently, the Museum and Library integrates technology in both our on-site displays and our informational outreach. Combining tradition with innovation, the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library is still a place that people can physically visit to see the artifact displays and documents in real life -- like an apron worn and signed by President William Taft, a letter of demit required to transfer to another lodge from 1810, and an ornate antique apron from the 1700s commissioned and hand-delivered as a gift by Bro. George Washington, the first President of the United States. And these are just three of the thousands of artifacts in our museum displays, many of those employing newer technologies like video monitors and virtual reality headsets to enhance the story of our prestigious fraternity.

In-person presentations by our staff are still available to be brought to your lodge or other organizational event, but we are also incorporating virtual ZOOM presentations as a method for providing more convenience and wider audience participation. In our pursuit to take advantage of opportunities on the internet, the Museum and Library has daily posts on Facebook to showcase interesting artifacts, photographs, and other Masonic-related items. We even have a YouTube channel with over fifty locally-produced informational videos on a variety of Masonic topics where viewers worldwide can learn about our proud fraternity. And as we’ve been doing in the past, we continue to organize our collections and archives to prepare for their eventual digitization and accessibility to anyone with a computer at any time of the day.

leverage the most effective, advanced, and interesting ways to tell our story to potential audiences.

From the very beginning of its incubation, the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library was not intended to be just a storehouse for our Masonic artifacts and documents; but rather, and perhaps more importantly, it was intended to be a resource to share our Masonic message and legacy with members and others. It was meant to preserve and to educate. It was meant to be a safe home and a tool. It was meant to be the metaphorical can and the can opener. The general membership can help open that can of Masonic education by using what the Museum and Library has to offer in many ways. Schedule a presentation by knowledgeable Museum and Library staff as part of your lodge education, either in-person at your lodge or virtually. Use the facility as a lodge field trip destination. Invite potential lodge candidates to watch the videos on the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library YouTube channel to help them understand the organization they are about to join. Remember, the Museum and Library is yours to use.

REMEMBER, THE MUSEUM AND LIBRARY IS YOURS TO USE.

The future of the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library looks bright as well. New and established platforms on social media are excellent opportunities for Masonic education and access. We are currently in the process of developing a Museum and Library podcast along with investigating how we can make use of other popular platforms, such as TikTok, to

Freemasonry, by its very nature, is a traditional organization in its symbolism, lessons, and substance. That is why the fraternity has existed for so long. But to protect that tradition through time, we at the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library know we cannot be cemented to traditional ways of telling its story in a world that is constantly changing. That is why we are devoted to maintaining the legacy of our traditions by sharing the long and honored story of our Craft in the most effective ways possible in an evolving society.

THIS IS MASONRY... THIS IS LEONARD'S STORY.

Pictured: Grand Master Leonard Davis and former Senior Warden, Gary Pritt, reunited at the Florida Reunion in February 2023.

Itwas a typical spring day on April 19th, 1993; as always, I left that morning for work, leaving my wife and son at home while my daughter went off to school. Around two o'clock in the afternoon, I received a frantic call from my nextdoor neighbor saying that my house was on fire. I rushed home to find my distraught family in the front yard and my home engulfed in flames; it was my worst nightmare. My in-laws raced over to pick up my wife and kids. As they pulled away, I turned to watch my life burn down around me while firefighters battled the blaze.

In that moment it struck me: all I had left were the clothes on my back. I felt like a failure; no home for

Hiram Lodge hosted a monthly spaghetti dinner, and that month they donated all the proceeds to my family. The WM from Wolverine Lodge dropped by my parents with a station wagon filled with food, clothing, and toys. Gifts were coming in from lodges I had never attended: $20, $50, on, and on, and on. Another dinner, another donation; over the period of about six weeks my family received over $3,500. I remember telling Brother Fred Miller,“How will I ever be able to pay them back?" To that, Fred said, “There is no need for that, just pay it forward and help the next Brother in need.” Slowly, things started to come together. We were able to buy a few necessities, secure temporary housing, and then move into our new home in August.

my family, no clothing or toys for my children. The destruction, the pain… I’ve never felt as low as I did in that moment. As I waited there, I saw a blur to my left. Racing down the sidewalk toward me was the Senior Warden of my lodge, Gary Pritt. The words he spoke to me in that moment have been with me my entire life. He said, “How can I help you? What do you need?” He offered no placations, no empty words; instead, he simply offered service.

He immediately started a phone tree notifying everyone in my lodge, and before I knew it there came my Worshipful Master with the same words of, “How can I help you? What do you need?” Later that night my WM attended a dinner where they passed the hat and gave me the $500 they collected. Back then, that was a weeks wages. For a young family, living paycheck to paycheck, it was an act of generosity that was life changing. As you can imagine, I was immediately uplifted! And in true Masonic fashion, the aid to me and my family didn’t stop there.

This fraternity has always been, and always will be, my extended family. During one of my darkest times, Brothers near and far, known and unknown, illuminated my life. They offered hope and showed me a true picture of Brotherhood. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole through charitable giving and volunteer efforts. We gather together to help each other become better men and to forge a better world. In those moments and countless moments since, I have had the privilege to serve along side great men who live by and put into daily practice these values. This, my dear Masonic family… is Masonry.

It has been an honor to serve as your Grand Master. But, there is much more to be done. There are other Brothers and Sisters who need your compassion and your generosity. My story is only one; there are so many others. I ask you to join me in paying it forward. Help me uplift those who are in need. Please dig deep and give with your heart.

"DURING ONE OF MY DARKEST TIMES, BROTHERS NEAR AND FAR, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, ILLUMINATED MY LIFE."

YOUR JOURNEY

THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS WHY A MASON MAY CHOOSE TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY AT THE MICHIGAN MASONIC HOME, INCLUDING:

SENSE OF COMMUNITY

The Michigan Masonic Home offers a sense of community and belonging that is important to many Masons. They can connect with other Masons who share their values and beliefs and who they can relate to on a personal level. This can be especially important for individuals who are looking to deepen their connections with their Masonic Brothers and Sisters.

CONTINUED LEARNING ACCESS TO RESOURCES

The Michigan Masonic Home offers a variety of programs and activities that are designed to encourage learning and personal growth, which is important to many Masons who are committed to self-improvement. Access to Masonic events and activities is especially important. The Michigan Masonic Home offers residents the opportunity to participate in a variety of Masonic events and activities, including lodge meetings, educational programs, and social events. This provides residents with a way to stay involved in the Masonic community and to continue growing in their Masonic knowledge and understanding.

The Michigan Masonic Home provides access to a range of resources, such as healthcare and rehabilitation services, that can be helpful to Masons as they age. The purpose of the Michigan Masonic Home is to help meet the physical, mental, and social needs of older adults in an atmosphere of love, peace, dignity, and security.

CHANCES TO GIVE BACK

Masons are known for their charitable and philanthropic work, and the Michigan Masonic Home provides an opportunity for Masons to continue to give back to their community by volunteering and participating in various programs and activities. The Michigan Masonic Home also offers residents the opportunity to serve their fellow residents in addition to their wider community, while providing them with purpose and meaning.

What first drew you to Masonry?

Rod Ridgeway: For years I thought of becoming a Mason, but work, family, and life kept me busy. My grandfather, father, and older brother are all Masons. Being raised around Masonic men, I unknowingly learned and practiced Masonic ways. I have always been involved in charity throughout life and after I was hurt, I had to find another way to be active in my community and the Masons provided that. So I was induced to join out of family lineage and the need for community involvement.

What do you remember most about the day you were raised?

RR: Being raised was special for many reasons, one of which was being raised by my father. There were many Brothers that attended that day. At the end, each Brother congratulated me and offered support in any way they could. It struck me that day how these men, most I’d never met, came so far to support a Brother in the beginning of his new lifelong journey. That kind of support and friendship is what I was searching for and want to share.

What is your favorite community event your lodge is involved in?

RR: My favorite event our lodge does is the Bikes for Books program. We will be giving away thirteen bikes again this year. If only for a little while a day, the Bikes for Books program gets kids to read, open their minds, exercise their imagination, and give them a goal. It's a great program and well worth our time.

What are your lodge's goals in 2023?

ROD RIDGEWAY

RR: In 2023, Elsie Masonic Lodge will be having a rededication on June 3rd. Lunch will be served in our lodge at two o'clock in the afternoon, and the rededication will be held at three-thirty in the afternoon. We will be starting our mural on the Elsie Masonic Community Center in June. I would like to do a better job at getting the word out about our pancake breakfast to get more attendance, as well. I would also like to see more Brothers return to our lodge, and more men seek to become better men. I have asked my Brothers to think of something in the community we can get involved in. I am looking forward to their ideas. Our lodge is just that, OUR lodge. We do things together, as Brothers, on the level.

Meet the MASTER

Elsie Lodge #238 in Elsie

What first drew you to Masonry?

Andy Willermet: I remember as a child seeing the Masonic symbol on cars, buildings, and jackets and wondering what it meant. While studying in college I accidentally stumbled upon that very meaning. I was doing research on the cultural impact of civil war soldiers returning from battle, when I came across a letter a soldier had written his wife. He wrote that this man, a stranger to his wife and short-lived acquaintance to himself, was wounded and would be coming to their house to stay. He told her the man was a Brother Mason, so they could be secure in the fact that he was honorable and trustworthy. It really struck me at the time that a husband would send a stranger to his wife’s home for her to take care of him in recovery, based almost entirely on the fact that he belonged to a group that so exemplified excellence and high virtue. I knew at that point I wanted to learn more. A year later I learned a friend was a Mason, and I never looked back.

What do you remember most about the day you were raised?

ANDY WILLERMET

AW: Everything. I was so nervous and remember listening to every word and action with intense curiosity. Specifically, I remember entering the lodge as an EA and being received on the point as well as praying at the center of the lodge. Of course, the 3rd degree was a surprise. I never looked ahead to try and find out what was going to happen, so everything was an unexpected experience for me. I try to convince new candidates to do the same, as it will be a much richer experience. Lastly, the feeling of belonging after I was raised. After the degree, we all went out as a lodge and celebrated. The evening was about me, and I always felt bonded after that night.

What is your favorite community event your lodge is involved in?

AW: As a lodge we are starting small to not outpace our active members. Last year we started getting more involved in the community through a recognition dinner for our local fire department and a multilodge Edgar Guest award banquet open to the public. This year, we are starting a Bike for Books program, as well as planning a few more community events.

Lou B. Windsor #363 in Reed City

Lou B. Windsor #363 meets every first