Michigan Masons Cornerstone

CORNERSTONE

Michigan Masons

SPRING 2024 ISSUE 14

The Art of Mentorship

Tips to Enrich Your Masonic Experience

The Masonic Advantage Knowing Your Benefits as a Michigan Mason

Gems of the Fraternity

Explore the Masonic Village Estates at the Michigan Masonic Home

mentoring masons: becoming BROTHERS

TABLE of contents

03 08

04 10

Spring Greetings & Upcoming Events

Exploring the Masonic Village Estates

Mentoring Masons: Becoming Brothers

The Art of Mentoring

06 11 The Masonic Advantage

Outreach & Member Care: We're Here For You!

Congratulations to the following lodges who raised Master Masons in October through January!

Allegan #111 Ann Arbor-Fraternity #262 Atlanta #516 Attica Imlay #295 Au Sable #243 Battle Creek #12 Belding-Ionia #355 Bellaire #398 Benzie Area #270 Berkley #536 Bethel #358 Bridgeport #258 Brighton #247 Brown City #409 Cadillac Clam Lake #331 Carl G. Cornett #347 Cedar #60 Cement City #435 Centre #273 Clinton #175 Coloma #162 Custer #393 Dearborn #172

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Delta #195 Doric #342 Elk Rapids #275 Elsie #238 Fenton #109 Ferndale #506 Gladwin #397 Golden Ark #595 Grand Blanc #571 Grand Island #422 Grayling #356 Greenville #96 Hesperia-Arcana #346 Hiram-Findlater #110 Holly #134 Howard City #329 Howell #38 Iron Mountain #388 Ironwood #389 Ithaca #123 James A. Cliff #424 John J. Carton #436 Kalamazoo-Anchor #22

Lake Superior #67 Lakeside #371 Lansing #33 Linden #132 Lola Valley #583 Marquette #101 McMillan #400 Menominee #269 Meridian Sun Eagle #49 Metamora-Hadley #210 Monroe #27 Montague-Whitehall #198 North Branch #312 Northwood-Ancient Craft #551 Olive Branch #542 Orion-Oxford #46 Ortonville #339 Palestine #357 Parma #183 Pere Marquette #299 Phoenix #13

Plymouth Rock #47 Pontiac #21 R C Hatheway #387 Richmond #187 Rockford #246 Romeo #41 Saginaw #77 Smith's Creek #491 St. Ignace #369 St. Charles #313 St. Joseph Valley #4 St. Peters #106 Stony Creek #5 Swartz Creek #458 Tawas #274 Vandalia #290 Vassar #163 Wabon #305 Walled Lake #528 Wayne #112 Welfare #517 West Gate-Cyrus #520 Wolverine #484 Zion #1

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Spring 2024

Congratulations to the top ten lodges receiving the most member contributions to their LODGE CHARITY ACCOUNT this fiscal year!

1. Alma Lodge #244

2. Birmingham Lodge #443 3. Delta Lodge #195

4. Walled Lake Lodge #528

5. Stockbridge Lodge #130

6. Kalamazoo-Anchor Lodge #22 7. Wayne Lodge #112 8. Byron Lodge #80

9. Otisville Lodge #401

10. Pontiac Lodge #21

Every Dollar Counts!

Your financial support directly fuels your lodges charitable initiatives!

By contributing to your Lodge Charity Account (LCA), you directly impact the lives of those in need within your community. Whether it’s providing meals, educational resources, or emergency assistance, your support creates positive change.

The Lodge Charity Accounts serve as a bridge between neighbors, businesses, and local organizations. Together, you build stronger connections, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

When you contribute, you’re not just donating funds; you’re investing in the well-being of your community. Your generosity ripples outwards, creating a cycle of compassion and support! Learn more about your Lodge Charity Account at michiganmasons.org/foundation/lodgecharity-account/ and contribute to your LCA today!

SPRING GREETINGS

Spring has sprung in our state of Michigan! Spring is a time for renewal, growth, and expansion; not only in nature, but in ourselves. You can feel the extra energy and focus in the air. The sense that there's better weather on the horizon generates an ability to dream and envision better opportunities to reach new levels of wellness and happiness. There's never been a better time to open the door to new possibilities.

Perhaps one of those new possibilities is getting more involved in your lodge. The theme for this issue of Cornerstone Magazine is "Mentorship. " Mentoring young lodge members and ensuring their experience in lodge is one filled with positivity can make all the difference in continuing to grow Freemasonry in our state.

At times, a lack of engagement and encouragement from elder Masons in the lodge can lead to the perception from new Masons that they are valued less. The value of a mentor who serves not only as a guide, but as a tutor, confidant, and friend, truly can't be overstated. It is vital to the Craft that we continue to develop our skills as Mentors, and in doing such, continue to grow personally as men doing the most we can to make the world a better place.

As part of our continued growth, please join us at our Grand Lodge Annual Communication 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 Craft.

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

Robert Conley, PGM, System CEO Michigan Masonic Family of Corporations

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Spring 2024

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GEMS OF THE FRATERNITY:

masonic village estates A

s part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community, the Michigan Masonic Home provides an active, vibrant retirement community with options for future healthcare if and when needed, all conveniently located within the Home’s beautiful campus. One of the jewels of this campus is the Masonic Village Estates.

As Masons we understand the importance of taking care of each other, and the Masonic Village Estates (MVE) have been designed to provide living arrangements that offer not only comfort and security, but also independence and an active social life for our Brothers and Sisters. The homes at MVE are a popular choice for those looking to savor the richness of life without the burdens of homeownership and maintenance. There are no more worries about lawn care, property maintenance, or household repairs. Masons can enjoy the freedom to focus on personal interests and passions without the hassles of daily chores, allowing them to enjoy their well-deserved retirement. Best of all, the MVE provides the opportunity to live in a community of fellow Masons and continue the fellowship you’ve enjoyed throughout your Masonic experience.

Several floor plans are available to meet each individual's personal needs. Every duplex is designed for one-level living and offers a welcoming living room, full kitchen and appliances with dining area, spacious bedroom and bathroom facilities, laundry Page 4

and utility room, pantry, deck, storage and attached garage. Also available are on-site dining options, fitness centers, recreational activities, educational programs, and access to healthcare services to accommodate an active and social lifestyle.

The MVE can provide Masons with the autonomy to manage their own schedules and make decisions about their daily lives. This level of independence is empowering, allowing our Brothers and Sisters to continue leading fulfilling lives while having the peace of mind that assistance is readily available when needed.

As the demand for senior living options continues to grow, the MVE stands out as an ideal solution for Masons seeking an enriching and fulfilling lifestyle in their retirement years. By combining maintenance-free living, social engagement, access to amenities, personalized freedom, and enhanced safety, the MVE can empower all in the Craft to embrace their golden years with joy, freedom, and a renewed sense of purpose. For more information or to get a personal tour, contact our Admissions team at (800) 321-9357.

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Spring 2024

Masons can enjoy the freedom to focus on personal interests and passions

By Dirk Hughes Museum and Library Director

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Spring 2024

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THE MASONIC ADVANTAGE: I

A MULTITUDE OF BENEFITS

n a world filled with mystery and intrigue, few organizations hold the allure and fascination quite like Freemasonry. Steeped in history and tradition, Freemasonry offers its members a unique and enriching experience unlike any other. From fostering Brotherhood and camaraderie to providing avenues for personal growth and development, the advantages of being a Freemason are as diverse as they are profound.

However, did you know, there are a multitude of benefits outside your lodge?

The Michigan Masonic Home Located in the heart of central Michigan, the Michigan Masonic Home is a vibrant continuing care retirement community that follows the highest standards of tradition, passion, and care. For Masons, their wives, widows, and mothers who meet qualifying criteria, the Home offers you a life changing advantage; if you are unable to afford the entire bill, the balance is covered by the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. For someone relying solely on a small pension or social security, this incredible opportunity is the difference between a sub-par and sometimes unsafe living environment, Page 6

and the ability to be in a safe, secure, and full care facility where all of your needs are met under one roof. There are local lodges and chapters nearby, and many Brothers and Sisters in house, allowing you the unique opportunity of being able to carry on your fraternal relationships, surrounded by likeminded individuals!

Outreach and Member Care No matter your age or circumstances, the Outreach & Member Care team is available to help you access information, assistance, and services you may need.

From aging and general wellness, to connecting you with local lodges, community resources, meals, transportation, and much more, our caring team of professionals is here to serve you!

Freewill Future and Estate Planning is an important task and an easy way to support the people and causes you care about, but it can also be costly; however,

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Spring 2024

FREEMASONRY OFFERS ITS MEMBERS A UNIQUE AND ENRICHING EXPERIENCE

thanks to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation, these services are available to you at no charge. Wills, healthcare directives, and durable financial power of attorney are all services available to you and your family by visiting: www.freewill. com/michiganmasons.

Greenpath

Fraternity. Sweethearts hold a special place within our Masonic family, and we want to ensure they are supported as they supported their husbands. There is no cost or obligation to join, and once a member, our Sweethearts will receive regular communications and special mailings and treats to ensure they feel connected, cared for, and most importantly; to remind them they are not alone.

This amazing program is your path to a healthy financial future! Greenpath will give you all the tools, resources, and support you need to get out of debt and on a sustainable path of future financial success for you and your family. Life has ups and downs, and we are here to help you prepare for those and gain access to services that will help support your financial goals.

All of these programs are solely funded by your generous donations. You all stand on the shoulders of giants, men who not only upheld the traditions of Freemasonry in your lodges but gave generously in support of all the benefits that are available to you now. We ask, if you are able, please make your best gift today to ensure these programs can continue for the generations that follow you!

Sweetheart Society This society of amazing woman is designed to keep widows of our Masonic Brothers connected to the

Kelly Thompson, MMCF Director

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Spring 2024

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mentoring masons: L

becoming BROTHERS

odge Mentors play a critical role in encouraging and supporting young Masons in their journey through Freemasonry. However, the role of a Mentor goes even deeper than that. Kevin McCartney and Ryan Balash of Joppa-Wenona #315 highlight the path from Mentor/Mentee, to Brothers, and give insights on how to make the most of your experience.

Kevin McCartney What first drew you to Freemasonry?

I knew initially Freemasonry was always something I was interested in knowing more about. Being from Bay City, it's pretty prevalent around town with the Scottish Rite building and the Joppa Lodge right on Center Avenue. At that time in my life, I had just finished college, and I was looking for the next chapter in my life to begin. I was looking for the

brotherhood and to learn more about the historical aspect of the Craft initially, but I had no idea just how far it actually would go for molding and directing my life since then.

What was your pre-degree experience like meeting with your mentor and/or other Brothers?

I remember my first "dinner" very well. I sat and talked with many Brothers that night, but especially Ryan Balash for quite some time. Here was this level headed, tattooed, bearded man, asking me questions about my life and genuinely caring about me and my responses. It felt like not only were they investing in me from the start, but they wanted to know who was coming in their doors and protecting their lodge as well.

How did your mentor help you as you went through the degrees?

Going through my degrees was an experience, to say the least. Each one was given by the Brothers with the utmost passion and effort. During the degree work, and even outside of the degree itself, Ryan and the other Brothers would work with us younger Masons to make sure we understood what the deeper meanings meant, and provided us with other resources for our own research.

we are brothers in the truest sense of the word

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Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Spring 2024

What role do you see for yourself in your lodge going forward? Would you like to mentor other candidates coming in?

Over the past four years, our lodge has evolved into a constant well-oiled and ever-growing machine.

Although not one person takes on one role, we recognize our strengths and our weaknesses. Where we have weaknesses, we work together to grow and get better. As far as my own role within the lodge, I try to be the best mentor I can be for the newest Brothers and candidates coming through our gate. I always keep in mind that I was once in their shoes, nervous and unknowing what to expect.

For a lodge to be successful, in my opinion, the men of the lodge need to take the term "Brother" for what it really means inside those walls, and beyond them. That is something much more than just a friend or acquaintance.

Ryan Balash

KE

At the same time, I remember that I do not know everything there is to know about M Freemasonry, even after reading CC ART N EY multiple books, and talking with other well educated Brothers.

Always growing as an individual and having the willingness to learn and accept change will ensure that our lodge continues to grow stronger.

VI

N

A RY

In addition, our "Mentor and Mentee" relationships go much deeper than that. Much like other lodges, there's a direct bond that occurs when we become "Brothers" at our lodge. I won't say we are special, but what we have is special at Joppa-Wenona.

We are much more than what happens inside those walls, we are Brothers in the most serious definition.

N

BA

LAS

Ryan Balash may have started out as my mentor when I first knocked on the doors of Masonry, but he is one of my closest and dearest friends. The mentoring continues to grow within Freemasonry between us, and I believe it always will, but it has developed and grown into our outside lives as well. Freemasonry does not just occur once a month at the regular communication.

H

The role of a mentor and the mentored are equally important. Neither exists in a vacuum. That is not referring to the physical sense of “you can’t have one without the other,” rather they both must be willing to work in a symbiotic relationship. Just as the mentor teaches the mentored, the mentored at times becomes the teacher in that relationship. The mentor usually has the time and experiance under his proverbial belt and can best guide certain aspects of the mentored's ambitions or actions.

However, as the “Old Mason” in this mentor, mentored relationship, the mentor has to understand that what he is working with is the future of the lodge. If the “Old Mason” is not willing to learn from the “Young Mason” what he has to offer, then I think that something that is extremely valuable to the lodge is being lost.

It is imperative that when you encounter someone of Kevin's caliber, that has fire and ambition, you should be making sure they not only understand, but feel they are a valued component of the lodge. Kevin is a powerful ally and Mason, but most importantly, friend. Our bond, as with all our Brothers, is not just built one night a month. We are Brothers in the truest sense of the word. I consider Kevin one of my best friends.

Kevin will one day be Master of the lodge, but more importantly, he is a pillar of the lodge and is a fantastic mentor himself.

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Spring 2024

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THE ART OF mentorship M

asonic mentoring is a learning process where a more experienced Brother invests time, energy, and Masonic experience in guiding a new Brother so that he may enjoy all the Craft has to offer.

While not everyone might desire the same experience from their Masonic journey, it's universal that each Brother should feel excited about the Craft and wish to take part in it. That's where mentoring comes in.

Mentoring is at its very core, a process of relationship building. So, how do we go about building these kinds of relationships? First, we understand that each of us, the Mentor and Apprentice, are coming to the table with different needs and skills. There are five basic needs that Mentoring fulfills:

1. I need to know that people have expectations of me.

2. I want a chance to try new things.

3. I want to know if I am making a difference in the world.

4. I want to know there is someone to guide me.

5. I want to know that I will be rewarded for doing good.

A wonderful thing happens when we communicate our expectations about each other, to each other.

We actually start to understand that we don't live in a vacuum. That our actions, or lack of them, have an impact on other people. Mentoring can help answer the questions of, "What are your expectations for yourself," and "What are the expectations of those close to you?"

The ability to try new things is the essence of the human condition. It is what caused us to cross the oceans and explore space, it moves us to reach out to Page 10

others across the planet and explore those parts of ourselves that make us uniquely who we are. All of us have a need to experience new dimensions and there are few better enabled to do that than a Mentor. Through the Mentors experiences, the Apprentice can go where the Mentor went and see what the Mentor has seen. It gives him the chance to see the world through the eyes of another. That is a very good thing.

"Is the world better because of my work in it today?"

All of us need to ask this question of ourselves daily.

Too often we expect others to do our work for us.

But in the end, the differences made, for better or worse, are because of us. Think of it as, "I have the capacity to make the world a better place, or not."

Becoming a Mentor is a way that the world is made better on a daily basis. Two lives are improved at the same time: the Apprentice and the Mentor. An old saying goes, "Because I teach, I learn." The teacher always learns more than the student, and in that vein, the world is made better.

More reading material on Masonic mentoring can be found on the "Members Only" portal of www.michiganmasons.org. If you're interested in becoming a mentor in your lodge, reach out to your Secretary or Worshipful Master.

Mentorship comes in many forms! Cut out the next page and post it in your lodge in case a Brother needs help from Outreach & Member Care.

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Spring 2024

HELP

When you need it!

We’re here for you! We’re your trusted resource for connecting you to programs and services.

Give us a call if:

• You’re struggling and unsure what resources are available in your community.

• You’re concerned about a fellow Brother who is having a difficult time.

• You’re a caregiver and are looking for help, information, or guidance to care for your loved one.

Outreach and Member Care is a service available to all Michigan Masons and members of the Order of the Eastern Star. No matter your age, where you choose to make your home, or whether calling for yourself or a loved one, we are here to help you access information and help our members. Our team of knowledgeable information and referral specialists are just a phone call away.

• You’re interested in learning more about your Masonic benefits available through the Michigan Masonic Home.

• You’re straining financially and want to develop a plan.

• You have questions about your Medicare or prescription drug insurances.

(800) 321-9357

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Spring 2024

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1200 Wright Ave Alma, MI 48801 michiganmasons.org

Annual

MAY 13th - 14th, 2024

COMMUNICATION

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort • Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Registration information can be found on the Grand Lodge website under Members and 2024 Annual Communication.

(800) 321-9357