Cornerstone Magazine Spring 2026 by masonicpathways

SPRING 2026 ISSUE 20 Michigan

Masons

CORNERSTONE

A Farewell Message

FROM THE GRAND MASTER OF MICHIGAN

Brethren,

As my time as your Grand Master comes to a close, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the remarkable journey we have shared this year. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to travel across our state, visit your lodges, and spend meaningful time with so many of you.

Every handshake, every conversation, and every moment of fellowship reminded me why our fraternity remains strong.

Our town halls were especially impactful. They created space for real conversations, where you shared your challenges, your ideas, and your hopes for the future of Michigan Masonry. What I heard, time and time again, was the voice of a committed membership. Brethren who care deeply about their lodges, their communities, and about keeping the light of our craft burning brightly.

What I saw was equally inspiring. I witnessed lodges caring for each other in ways that speak to the very heart of Masonry. Brothers helping brothers, lodges partnering together, and men stepping forward to lift their communities and one another. I saw lodges inspiring lodges, momentum growing, and new energy emerging alongside well-rooted traditions.

As I return the gavel, please know that I carry with me immense pride in what we have accomplished together, not as individuals, but as a united craft.

Thank you for your support, your trust, and your friendship throughout this past year. I am a better Mason and a better man because of the experiences we shared.

May the Great Architect continue to guide your work and bless each of you and your families.

With sincere appreciation,

William J. Sauget Grand Master of Michigan

The Dawn of Michigan Masonry

Freemasonry in Michigan didn’t take shape overnight. From the time the first lodge began operating in Detroit in April 1764, more than sixty years passed before Masonry in the territory truly stabilized with the formation of a Grand Lodge. During those early decades, Masonic activity was scattered across a vast, mostly undeveloped frontier.

Military lodges, both English and Irish, along with provincial lodges tied to New York and Quebec, kept Masonry alive in the region. These lodges followed different traditions, known at the time as Modern and Antient, and came and went as military units and settlers moved through the area. In total, about seven lodges left their mark

on what was then the Michigan wilderness. Things began to change in a meaningful way with the founding of Zion Lodge No. 10 on September 7, 1794, under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Quebec (Antients). Zion gave Freemasonry a firm foothold in Michigan. In 1807, the lodge shifted its allegiance to the independent Grand Lodge of New York, but like many organizations of the era, it went dormant during the War of 1812. Zion returned to active work in 1816 after renewing its charter.

By the early 1820s, the lodges that would eventually form the backbone of Michigan’s Grand Lodge were all working under New York. Detroit Lodge received its charter in 1821,

Zion Lodge No. 1, chartered on April 27, 1764, is the earliest documented Masonic lodge connected to the region that would later become Michigan.

In 1829, Territorial Governor Lewis Cass ordered all Masonic lodges in Michigan to suspend operations amid growing public opposition. This action ushered in one of the most challenging periods in the fraternity’s history within the state.

The Grand Lodge of Michigan was formally established on June 24, 1826, uniting five local lodges under a central governing body.

Michigan was admitted to the Union as the 26th state on January 26, 1837.

followed by Oakland Lodge in Pontiac the next year. Together with Zion Lodge, these lodges acted in many ways like a proto Grand Lodge, even laying the cornerstone of the Territorial Capitol in Detroit in 1823. Additional lodges soon followed, including Menominee Lodge in Green Bay and Monroe Lodge, further strengthening the Masonic presence in the region.

The Spark That Started It All

The real push to create a Grand Lodge began inside Detroit Lodge No. 337. At a meeting on July 26, 1825, members held a serious discussion about the future of Masonry in the territory. The conclusion was clear: it was time to bring the lodges together under one governing body.

Detroit Lodge appointed a small committee to reach out to the other lodges and begin the conversation. The resolutions they passed were straightforward. They would speak with Zion Lodge, coordinate with other territorial lodges, and call a convention when the time felt right.

Building the Grand Lodge of Michigan

About a year after that first resolution in Detroit, representatives from the lodges gathered to formally create the Grand Lodge of Michigan. Brothers traveled from Detroit, Pontiac, Green Bay, and elsewhere to finish the work they had started.

The group elected the first Grand Officers, choosing Lewis Cass as Grand Master. Other key roles, including deputy, wardens, secretary, treasurer, and chaplain, were filled by well-known and respected Masons from the participating lodges. Committees were formed, officers were appointed, and the structure of the new Grand Lodge took shape.

Not long after, tragedy struck when Deputy Grand Master Andrew G. Whitney died during a cholera outbreak. The Grand Lodge met again in December to elect a successor and continue its work. During that same meeting, the members adopted a standardized membership certificate and set clear rules for visiting Masons. These measures helped ensure consistency and legitimacy across all lodges under Michigan’s jurisdiction.

Zion Lodge did not hesitate. Just five days later, the lodge took up the matter, agreed unanimously, and named its own committee to work alongside Detroit’s. Oakland Lodge soon added its support, and before long, Menominee Lodge made it known that it was fully on board as well. Momentum was building, and the idea of a Grand Lodge was no longer theoretical. It was happening.

What began as a simple resolution in a Detroit lodge room in July 1825 became, just one year later, the Grand Lodge of Michigan. It brought unity, stability, and a shared identity to Freemasonry across the territory.

Michigan Masonry Through the Ages

After years of dormancy, the Grand Lodge of Michigan was reinstated in 1845. This revival demonstrated the resilience of the fraternity and marked the beginning of renewed growth across the state.

On May 21, 1889, Masons laid the cornerstone for the first Michigan Masonic Home in Grand Rapids. The Home demonstrated the fraternity’s commitment to charity and care for members, widows, and orphans, establishing a lasting legacy of Masonic relief.

Horace S. Roberts was raised to the degree of Master Mason on August 4, 1849, at Lansing Lodge No. 33. He would later become a pivotal leader in Michigan Freemasonry, shaping its direction during a formative era.

A LIGHT ON THE LAKES THE DOCUMENTARY

In2026, Michigan Masons will mark the 200th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Michigan with a new documentary, A Light On The Lakes. The one-hour-and-twenty-two-minute film traces two centuries of Masonic history, from the founding of the Grand Lodge on June 24, 1826, to the present day, celebrating the enduring influence of Freemasonry across the state.

The documentary opens with the earliest Masons in the Michigan Territory and the selection of the first Most Worshipful Grand Master, Lewis Cass. A frontiersman and statesman, Cass played a central role in shaping both the Grand Lodge and the development of Michigan itself. The film continues through pivotal moments in history, including the service of Masonic veterans such as Civil War hero Horace S. Roberts, whose story reflects the fraternity’s commitment to duty and brotherhood.

Viewers will also encounter President Gerald R. Ford, Michigan’s most nationally recognized

Mason, along with influential Masonic leaders in industry who helped shape the state’s economic and social landscape. Figures including William Kellogg, Herbert H. Dow, and Henry Ford are featured for their innovation, philanthropy, and guiding Masonic principles. The film also explores the founding and growth of the Michigan Masonic Home as a lasting expression of Masonic charity.

Produced over eighteen months, the documentary draws on more than eighteen hours of interviews and over 1,500 historic images. With the support of the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library, the film presents a rich and accurate portrait of Michigan Masonry across two centuries.

A Light On The Lakes will premiere at the 2026 Annual Communication in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Lodges interested in hosting a community screening are encouraged to contact Benjamin Tigner at btigner@michiganmasons.org.

A devastating fire destroyed the Michigan Masonic Home in Grand Rapids on February 16, 1910. Despite the loss, the tragedy reinforced the fraternity’s resolve to continue its mission of care.

On March 29, 1912,

Henry Ford raised as a Master Mason at Palestine Lodge No. 357 in Detroit.

Lou B. Winsor served as Most Worshipful Grand Master of Michigan in 1896, guiding the fraternity during a period of strong membership and organizational development.

the first Michigan Masonic Home in Alma was dedicated in the former Alma Sanitarium building.

Created to mark the Grand Lodge of Michigan’s 200th anniversary, Stone, Stitch & Symbol offers a visual exploration of Freemasonry’s legacy in Michigan and its place in American history. Richly illustrated, the book goes beyond commemoration to present a curated collection of artifacts that document the Craft’s influence across generations.

Drawing from lodges across Michigan and collections nationwide, the volume highlights Masonry’s material culture through significant objects, presented with the support of the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library and the Detroit Masonic Temple. Together, these pieces show how Masonic symbols and craftsmanship have shaped both local and national stories.

Featured artifacts include the aprons of George Washington and President William H. Taft, along

with a Masonic stone used in the construction of the White House and donated by President Harry S. Truman. These objects place Masonry within the foundations of American civic life.

The book also focuses on Michigan’s own Masons, showcasing pins, regalia, documents, and personal items from the state’s early lodges through the present day. Designed for a broad audience, it requires no prior knowledge of Freemasonry and will appeal to historians, collectors, designers, and general readers alike.

Stone, Stitch & Symbol stands as a lasting visual record of the Grand Lodge of Michigan’s bicentennial. Copies may be purchased by contacting Kelly Thompson at the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation at kthompson@mmcfonline.org.

Stone, Stitch & Symbol A VISUAL JOURNEY THROUGH MICHIGAN MASONIC ARTIFACTS

The cornerstone for the Detroit Masonic Temple was laid on November 25, 1920. Today, it stands as the largest Masonic temple in the world and a lasting symbol of Michigan Freemasonry’s prominence.

The Michigan Masonic Home in Alma officially opened in November 1932, welcoming residents to the new facility. The opening completed a decades-long evolution of Masonic relief efforts.

The current Michigan Masonic Home was formally dedicated on May 16, 1931. The dedication established Alma as the permanent center of Masonic charitable care in Michigan.

A SPECIAL VISIT FROM THE at Annual Communication OKLAHOMA MASONIC INDIAN DEGREE TEAM

Aspart of the celebration marking the 200th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, Michigan Masons are invited to take part in a truly special and memorable event. For the first time, the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team will bring its renowned work to Michigan, offering brethren a rare opportunity to experience one of the most compelling ritual presentations in Freemasonry.

Arranged through the Grand Lodge of Michigan, the team will confer the Master Mason Degree on one of our own Fellowcrafts! Composed entirely of Native American Master Masons from across Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team is celebrated for blending precise Masonic ritual with culturally significant regalia and symbolism. Their presentation honors both the timeless teachings of the Craft and the rich

heritage of the brethren who confer it, creating a degree experience that is both powerful and deeply meaningful.

This historic presentation will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Entertainment Hall at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort as part of the 200th Annual Communication. Appearances by the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team are rare, making this event a standout moment in Michigan Masonry’s bicentennial year.

Attendance is free, but is restricted to Master Masons. All attendees are asked to bring a current dues card for admission. We invite you to gather in fellowship, reflect on shared traditions, and celebrate two centuries of Freemasonry in Michigan!

In 1958, Michigan Freemasonry reached its highest recorded membership, totaling 176,383 members. This peak reflected the fraternity’s strong cultural presence in postwar America.

Michigan Mason Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as the 38th President of the United States on August 9, 1974. His presidency highlighted the enduring influence of Masonic values in public service.

An 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.

Onceevery two centuries, there is a moment that invites reflection, celebration, and fellowship across generations. On June 24, 2026, Michigan Masons, along with their families and friends, will gather in the state’s capital to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the formation of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, a milestone that marks two centuries of service, tradition, and brotherhood.

A MonumentalCapitol Celebration at the

From there, the celebration continues at the Lansing Center, where guests are invited to attend a special screening of A Light on the Lakes, a documentary exploring the rich history and enduring legacy of Michigan Freemasonry. Additional details about the film can be found on page six of this issue of Cornerstone.

The day’s observances will begin at the Michigan State Capitol, where a special tribute will be presented to the Grand Master during a session of the Michigan House of Representatives. The session convenes at 1:30 p.m., with the presentation scheduled to take place between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. Seating in the House viewing gallery is limited, and those wishing to attend should arrive at the Capitol’s main entrance for security screening no later than 1:00 p.m. Following the presentation, attendees will gather on the Capitol steps for a commemorative group photograph.

2006

The evening concludes at the Lansing Center with a festive social hour beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner, historical presentations, and formal toasts honoring this historic bicentennial. Seating for the evening program will be limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration details and updates for this and other bicentennial events are available through the Grand View calendar, the weekly Hiram’s Herald eNews, and at michiganmasons.org.

The Grand Lodge of Michigan’s office relocation from Grand Rapids to Alma (decided in 2005) was formally dedicated on January 28, 2006, signifying organizational modernization and centralization of Masonic administration in the state.

Following recognition, the two Grand Lodges held their first joint initiation ceremony in Bloomfield Hills in 2003, a milestone event symbolizing cooperative fraternal relations.

2019

for the first time in Michigan history, a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason served as Worshipful Master of the Michigan Lodge of Research, a lodge operating within the Grand Lodge of Michigan’s jurisdiction.

In February 2008, Zion Lodge No. 1 in Detroit began holding its annual George Washington wreath-laying ceremony at the George Washington as Master Mason statue.

You'reInvited

MICHIGAN MASONS

BICENTENNIAL GALA

June 24th, 2026

State Capitol Proclamation Presentation

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

A Light on the Lakes 200th Anniversary Documentary Screening at Lansing Center 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Reception & Dinner at Lansing Center

4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

$50 per person RSVP by June 16th, 2026

On April 12, 2021, the cornerstone for the Shared Services building in Alma was laid. The building has centralized Masonic administrative offices to better support statewide services.

AmieLucas,ChooseLansing

The Detroit Masonic Temple is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of fraternal, cultural, and civic use.

The Grand Lodge of Michigan marks 200 years in 2026 with statewide events and celebrations honoring the long history and service of Freemasonry in Michigan.