Michigan Masons Cornerstone

03 Spring Greetings & Upcoming Events

04 Exploring the Masonic Village Estates

06 The Masonic Advantage

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

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

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

1. Alma L odge #244

2. Bir mingham Lodge #443

3. Delta L odge #195

4. Walled Lake Lodge #528

5. S tockbridge Lodge #130

6. K alamazoo-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

GEMS OF THE FRATERNITY: masonic village estates

As 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

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.

THE MASONIC ADVANTAGE: A MULTITUDE OF BENEFITS

In 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,

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,

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

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.

Sweetheart Society

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

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.

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!

Kelly Thompson, MMCF Director

mentoring masons: becoming BROTHERS

Lodge 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

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

we are brothers in the truest sense of the word

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.

At the same time, I remember that I do not know everything there is to know about Freemasonry, even after reading multiple books, and talking

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

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.

THE ART OF mentorship

Masonic 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

• 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.

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.