Cornerstone Magazine Summer 2025

CORNERSTONE

Michigan Masons

SUMMER 2025 ISSUE 18

Brotherhood in the Storm How Masons Answered the Call

Empowering Communities

The Impact of Lodge and Chapter Charity Accounts

A Century Between the Gavels A Father-Son Masonic Legacy

The Character of a

MASON

Photo: Mio Lodge #596 | Mio, Michigan

Table of Contents 03 04 06 Summer Greetings from the Grand Master

Brotherhood in the Storm

08

A Century Between the Gavels: A Father-Son Masonic Legacy

Empowering Communities through LCAs & CCAs

10

The Veterans Visitation Program

Congratulations to the following lodges who raised Master Masons from February through June!

Alma #244 Ancient Craft #551 Ann Arbor-Fraternity #262 Battle Creek #12 Benzie Area #270 Birmingham #44 Bridgeport #258 Brighton #247 Brown City #409 Centre #273 Colon #73 Commerce #121 Composite #499 Detroit #2 Elsie #238 Evart #320 Fellowship #236 Ferndale #506 Fowlerville #164 Garden City #587 Page 2

Grayling #356 Hastings #52 Hiram-Findlater #110 Holly #134 Jackson #17 James A. Cliff #424 Jefferson #553 Lake Shore #298 Lansing #33 Lola Valley #583 Lou B. Winsor #363 Luther - Lakes #370 Milford #165 Millington #470 Mount Clemens #6 Mt. Moriah #226 Okemos #252 Olive Branch #542 Orion-Oxford #46 Plymouth Rock #47

Roosevelt #510 Roseville #522 Royal Oak #464 Saginaw #77 Saline #133 Swartz Creek #458 Traverse City #222 Unity #191 Vandalia #290 Vassar #163 Verona-Huron #365 Vienna #205 Wabon #305 Walled Lake #528 Wayne #112 West Gate-Cyrus #520 Wolverine #484 Zion #1

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Summer 2025

Summer Greetings From the Newest Grand Master of Michigan

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rethren,

We are taught to ever walk and act as such - and this year, I’m calling on every Michigan Mason to live that lesson, plainly and purposefully.

It’s not enough to wear the emblem. Not enough to attend a meeting. If we are to remain true to the obligations we’ve taken, our conduct everywhere we go - must reflect the character of a Mason. The world doesn’t need more words. It needs examples.

We also must accept a hard truth: if we want Freemasonry to continue, we must ensure it is not only understood, but seen as relevant by those coming behind us. That doesn’t mean changing who we are. It means being clear, being present, and being honest about what we offer.

Younger men are searching. Not for spectacle, but for substance. If we walk the way we say we do, they will find us. If we act as Masons should - in our work, our homes, our communities they will want to stand beside us.

We preserve the Craft by practicing it. And we grow it by living it in full view.

Fraternally,

William J. Sauget Grand Master of Michigan

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Summer 2025

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Brotherhood in the Storm: How Masons Answered the Call

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hen a historic ice storm struck Northern Michigan from March 28th to 30th, 2025, ice accumulated over an inch thick, toppling trees and ravaging power infrastructure. The storm left a trail of destruction in its path, leaving more than 170,000 customers without electricity statewide, with over 100,000 affected in the Northern Lower Peninsula alone. In the storm’s aftermath, residents endured for over two weeks without power, and are still cleaning up today, months later. Michigan’s Masonic lodges quickly became sources of comfort, action, and support.

From Grayling to Indian River, Masons didn’t wait for help - they became it.

Michigan Masons from the Northeastern Michigan area demonstrated that when disaster strikes, our fraternity is more than words - t’s a living commitment to care for one another and our communities. Thanks to the leadership and heart of local lodges, they weathered the storm with dignity, resilience, and a deep sense of care for one another. Several lodges postponed meetings not out Page 4

of inconvenience, but because members prioritized helping their communities. Cleanup crews, often made up of brothers and their families, worked side-by-side with neighbors, reflecting the deeper meaning of fraternal service.

As Don Peters of Mio Lodge #596 put it, “We know what’s got to be done, we just go out there and do it. We lead by example.” That attitude was evident across the region, where Masons didn’t wait to be asked. They acted together. And that’s what made all the difference.

When the Outreach and Member Care team began reaching out to lodge leaders across the region, their goal was simple: check in, offer support, and make sure no one was facing the aftermath alone. What they heard in return were stories of resilience, selfless service, compassion, and community.

From Grayling to Indian River, Masons checked in on one another, shared generators, cleared fallen trees and debris, delivered hot meals, and made sure

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Summer 2025

no one - especially older members and widows faced the storm alone. In some towns, fuel shortages were so severe that members resorted to siphoning gasoline from boats and trucks just to keep their generators going. Even in those difficult moments, their focus remained on keeping fellow members and neighbors safe and warm.

“We’re just there to help,” said Ted Ledbetter, also of Mio Lodge #596. “And our whole lodge is like that.” It wasn’t a one-time act of charity - it was a reflection of who they are, day in and day out.

Their efforts didn’t stop when the power returned.

In the days and weeks that followed, their actions became quiet but powerful reminders of the Masonic values of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

“It’s an everyday thing for us,” said James Eggleston of Mio Lodge #596.

“It’s just what we do.”

Beyond the Masonic circle, the region faced enormous challenges. Community organizations and government efforts galvanized across the region. Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency in ten Northern Michigan counties on March 31, mobilizing the State Emergency Operations Center.

Local news and media reported The Michigan National Guard—eventually more than 800 Soldiers and Airmen—deployed chainsaw-equipped engineers and support teams to clear debris and assist utility crews. The Guard also helped set up warming and medical shelters. Utility companies

worked tirelessly to restore service; in many areas power was brought back only after four to five days while others went up to 16 days without power. Over 630 miles of roads were cleared by DNR crews and the National Guard to reopen access. But through it all, the Masons were there - quietly doing what needed to be done.

The 2025 ice storm may go down as one of the worst natural disasters in recent Michigan history, but it also served as a powerful example of what it means to be part of a brotherhood rooted in service. In a time of darkness, Michigan Masons became a light for their communities.

It is in these moments - unpublicized, unsung, but deeply felt - that the Masonic spirit shines brightest.

As Northern Michigan continues to recover, the storm has become more than a memory - it’s become a measure of unity. The bonds forged through shared hardship will outlast any storm, because they are built on something stronger than brick and mortar: they are built on care, trust, and the enduring light of the Craft.

And as the seasons shift and cleanup gives way to rebuilding, Michigan Masons remain exactly where they’ve always been - shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart.

That’s the character of a Mason.

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Summer 2025

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Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Summer 2025

Empowering Communities & Strengthening Brotherhood:

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The Impact of Lodge & Chapter Charity Accounts

cross Michigan, Masonic Lodges and Chapters are making a tangible difference in their communities - one act of charity at a time. At the heart of this impact are the Lodge and Chapter Charity Account Programs, supported by the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. These programs provide local Masonic bodies with the financial tools to respond to needs in their communities, support local causes, and extend the hand of relief where it’s most needed.

But these accounts are more than just a source of funding - they are powerful tools for growth, visibility, and engagement. When a lodge sponsors a local food drive, supports a family in crisis, or funds a youth scholarship, it not only fulfills our Masonic obligation to charity - it also showcases the values of Freemasonry in action. These visible acts of kindness attract attention, build goodwill, and open doors for new members who are inspired by our mission.

To maximize the impact of these programs, it’s essential that lodges and chapters actively promote and support their charity accounts.

Regularly highlighting the account at meetings - sharing how funds are used and inviting ideas for future projects - helps members feel connected and invested. When members see their contributions at work, they gain a sense of ownership and pride. It becomes more than a donation; it becomes a shared mission.

Encouraging giving to the Lodge Charity Account is not just about raising funds; it’s about building a culture of generosity and purpose. Every dollar given is a seed planted in the community, and every project completed is a testament to the enduring relevance of Freemasonry.

Let’s continue to lead with compassion, serve with purpose, and grow together - one charitable act at a time.

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Summer 2025

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A Century Between the Gavels: A Father-Son Masonic Legacy

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ne of the great things about Masonry is the legacy of membership within a family. Lewis jewels across the state show a tradition among fathers, sons, grandfathers, and beyond. A span of 100 years may include three or four generations of Masons.

But in Auburn Hills, there's a unique century span between father and son.

Meet WB Robert (Michael) Colpus, a plural member with Pontiac #21 and Roosevelt #510. Mike is serving 2025 in the East, 100 years after his father, WB Clem Colpus, did the same. If you’re not quite wrapping your head around that math, we’ll break it down: Clem Colpus was born in Pontiac in 1898. He was raised in 1919 and went right in as a Steward, working his way through the chairs before being installed as Worshipful Master of Pontiac #21 on December 6, 1924 for the 1925 Masonic year. Bro. Mike was born in 1945 when Clem was 47. He is now in his 7th year in the East between Pontiac #21 and Roosevelt #510 and is the Worshipful Master of Roosevelt #510 this year.

“I was aware as this year approached that it would be 100 years from the time Dad was Master, and I thought it would be kind of neat to do it in 2025. Pontiac #21 not long ago moved to two-year terms for Masters, and I didn’t want to disrupt that, so I talked to the guys at Roosevelt and they thought it was a great idea.”

“My dad was old school. I wouldn’t call him strict, but he was very firm - and also very supportive. I got married very young, and he was okay with that. He was an auditor at General Motors’ Pontiac Motor Division and only had an 8th-grade education, not uncommon back

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Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Summer 2025

then.” Bro. Mike would eventually join the workforce on the line at the same plant as Clem.

Clem’s old-school ways extended to the fraternity.

“He never talked about Masonry. You couldn’t learn about it unless you asked him, even if you were family. By the time I was old enough to even think about it, he hadn’t had an active role in the lodge for many years. He joined when he was single and married my mother around 1930. At that point he had already served as Master, and I think once he got married, he felt he couldn’t afford to spend as much time in Masonry. I wasn’t born until 1947, so I wasn’t really exposed to Masonry until 1959 at the old Pontiac Temple on Lawrence.”

The family attended a dinner in honor of Clem’s 40 years with Pontiac #21. Even then, it didn’t spark Mike’s interest in the fraternity.

“I wish I knew enough to ask him about it then.

He did his Entered Apprentice Degree, learned what he had to, and did his Fellowcraft three weeks later. I don’t learn lessons fast, and knowing what I know now, I’d love to ask him, ‘How did you do that?' Maybe he had a photographic memory. He was great with numbers.” Fun fact: Bro. Clem did his Master Mason Degree just a week after his Fellowcraft!

“Back then, you had to do three years as Steward and learn all three lectures during that time.”

Though Mike didn’t know his father as a Mason, the clues were always there. “He was the most honest person I ever met. He was a salaried guy for GM and never brought home as much as a paper clip or pencil. And if he had, he would’ve taken it back,” laughed Mike. “I was an electrician there for twenty years and can’t tell you how many times I came home with electric tape in my pocket without thinking.” Mike also remembered his father - a whiz with numbers - asking grocery store clerks to re-add totals whether they were off by a nickel or not. “He

could calculate those totals in his head instantly.”

Clem passed away in 1973. “Another thing that made me appreciate Masonry: my brother-in-law contacted the lodge and they came to do a Masonic memorial service. It was James Staley who led the service - the same man I would later work on my EA lesson with.”

It wasn’t until the late 1980s that Masonry really presented itself to WB Mike. “Frank Nance, a Past Master of Orion #46 who I worked with at Pontiac Motor, told me one day, ‘You know your dad was a Past Master of Pontiac #21. He’d probably like you to become a Mason.’” Mike did his Entered Apprentice Degree soon after, then took a hiatus before being raised in the early 1990s. He served as Master of Pontiac #21 in 1998 and again in 2006. He became a plural member of Roosevelt #510 in 2012 and served as Master from 2014 to 2017, again in 2021, and now in 2025.

He’s most proud of the relationships he’s built in both lodges. “There were so many I idolized as mentors coming up. I hope my biggest contribution is making sure no new member feels ignored or left alone.” That welcoming spirit is a big reason several members transferred to Roosevelt Lodge.

Mike credits Masonry and Eastern Star with helping him and his late wife Sandy become more social— and more open. “My parents weren’t huggers. My wife and I were more family-oriented and didn’t have many friends around home or work. Masonry and Eastern Star helped us get out, meet people, and even hug. They taught us how to let people in and be a part of them.”

Top Left: Clem Colpus with the Pontiac Roadster he won in a raffle. Middle Left: Bro. Mike Colpus. Bottom Left: Clem Colpus' Pontiac Lodge #21 Past Master Jewel. Middle Right: Bro. Mike Colpus' installation.

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Summer 2025

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T

his Masonic year, our Grand Master is proud to highlight a deeply meaningful initiative: the Visitation Program - a renewed commitment to caring for our Brothers and neighbors who may feel forgotten or alone.

Inspired by the longstanding efforts of the Masonic Service Association, this program is being adapted and expanded here in Michigan to meet the needs of our own communities.

The mission is simple, yet profound: visit those who can no longer come to lodge; our aging Brethren, widows, and friends in nursing homes, VA hospitals, and private residences. Many of these individuals once stood shoulder to shoulder with us in lodge rooms, parades, and community events. Now, they need us to come to them.

These visits are more than just kind gestures they are acts of Masonic brotherhood. A warm conversation, a handshake, or simply the presence of a fellow Mason can bring immense comfort and joy to someone who feels isolated. For veterans in VA hospitals, it’s a reminder that their service

is not forgotten. For our elderly Brethren, it’s a reaffirmation that they are still part of our Masonic family.

The benefits to Freemasonry are equally powerful.

The Visitation Program strengthens our bonds, reinforces our values, and reminds us of the sacred obligation we have to care for one another. It also offers a meaningful way for newer members to engage with the fraternity - through service that is heartfelt, personal, and deeply impactful.

We encourage every lodge and chapter to embrace this initiative. Appoint a Visitation Coordinator.

Schedule regular outreach. Share stories of your visits at meetings to inspire others. And most importantly, make it a lodge-wide effort; because when we show up together, we show the world what Freemasonry truly stands for.

Let us be the light in someone’s day. Let us be the Brother who remembers. Let us be Masons - not just in word, but in deed.

Not Just In Word, But In Deed: The Veterans Visitation Program

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Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Summer 2025

Michigan Masonic Home's Newest

M

Memory Care Unit

ichigan Masonic Home is proud to announce our newly renovated Assisted Living Memory Care Unit, designed with the comfort, dignity, and well-being of our residents and their loved ones in mind. Set to open in this summer, pending final state inspections, this thoughtfully redesigned space will provide memory care residents a secure, nurturing environment tailored for each individual.

care needs, our Memory Care Unit offers the reassurance of excellence in a setting designed to feel like home.

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Michigan Masonic Home today at (800) 321-9357.

Our unique memory care unit provides the opportunity for couples to stay together, even as memory needs arise - ensuring that familiar love and companionship continue, while one partner receives the memory support they need.

At Michigan Masonic Home, we believe that memory care should support the whole family.

That’s why we’ve created a space that not only meets clinical needs, but also fosters emotional well-being and continuity of relationships.

Whether you're seeking a loving home for a spouse, parent, or family member, or planning for future Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Summer 2025

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1200 Wright Ave Alma, MI 48801 michiganmasons.org

SAVE THE

Secretary Treasurer Day

September 12th, 2025 Michigan Masonic Home - Doig Chapel 1200 Wright Ave. Alma, MI 48801 Details to follow.