Photo: Lake City Lodge #408 | Lake City, MI
Table of Contents
Holiday Greetings from Our Grand Master
A Job Well Done: An ORMC Story 06 Help Our Memorial Garden Project
Happy Holidays from the Residents at Michigan Masonic Home
Masons & Mentors: Saginaw Lodge #77
As we gather in this season of reflection and gratitude, the Grand Lodge of Michigan extends warm wishes to you and your loved ones. May this holiday season bring you peace, joy, and a renewed sense of Brotherhood.
Congratulations to the following lodges who raised Master Masons in July through September!
45th Parallel Lodge #581
Alpena-Hopper #199
Attica Imlay #295
Benzie Area #270
Brighton #247
Composite #499
Doric #342
Hiram-Findlater #110
Howell #38
James E. Dillon #466
Kalamazoo-Anchor #22
Manchester #148
Mattawan #268
Meridian Sun Eagle #49
Monroe #27
Mt. Morris #535
Myrtle #89
Peninsular #10
Pere Marquette #299
Phoenix #13
Portage-Brady #340
Saginaw #77
Saline #133
Sojourners #483
St. Joseph Valley #4
Swartz Creek #458
Trenton-Wyandotte #8
Vienna #205
Holiday Greetings
Htake a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for each of you. This time of year is perfect for reflecting on the values that bind us together: Brotherhood, support, and community.
I’ve seen firsthand how hard you all work, both individually and as lodges. Whether you’re reaching out to help those in need, contributing to your communities, or supporting each other, your efforts are truly commendable. It fills me with pride to serve alongside such a dedicated and compassionate group of Brothers.
Let’s take this season to relax and enjoy the company of our loved ones. Remember to cherish the simple joys –a warm meal, laughter, and the presence of family and friends. And let’s continue to spread kindness and cheer to those who might need a little extra support.
Take care, Brothers.
A JOB DONE
Well
An Outreach & Member Care Story
Lake City, MI | There is a popular quote that reads, “Tough Times Don’t Last, Tough People Do”, and as Masons we honor our Masonic obligations by helping those going through tough times in countless ways. Recently, the Brothers of Lake City Lodge #408 were contacted by Rose Erickson, a Masonic widow and previous Worthy Matron of OES #179, whose well went dry. Like so many of our lodges, the Brothers of Lake City #408 were limited in funds, but rich in conviction, and through collaborations with the Outreach and Member Care (ORMC) program, our Fraternity and appendant bodies, and their own community, our Brothers made an indelible change in Rose’s life.
Rose’s Story
Rose Erickson has lived in her home for fifty years, but after the passing of husband and Mason, Bob Erickson, she had a series of challenges that anyone can appreciate. First, it was the cost of Bob’s funeral, then her furnace dying, her transmission failing, and finally, her well stopped operating. The well diagnosis was grim. It had been repaired many times, but the final service call confirmed it; there was simply no more her current well could do. With that news, Rose’s life changed immediately.
Challenged with all this, Rose did what any of us
would do; she tried to find a way. She reached out for help where she felt she could, but the cost of a new well, combined with the urgent need for basic water service, limited her options. In the meantime, she persevered. She used a bucket to collect rainwater for bathroom and laundry, and for drinking water she carried jugs across a field to her daughter’s house throughout the day.
Yet, despite her fierce independence, Rose knew she had to make a difficult decision - to reach out for help. That’s when she made a call to her local Masonic lodge, Lake City #408.
Masons Answer the Call
“When I got the call from Rose, I reached out to the Grand Lodge, and they put me in touch with Patti Nowak at Outreach and Member Care” said Worshipful Master, Brad Hale. “We knew we didn’t have the money, but we knew we could reach out,” added lodge Secretary, Ed Pruden. Utilizing ORMC resources, Patti worked directly with Rose and the lodge to assess the need, identify opportunities, and navigate various community resources. Together Patti, Rose, and the lodge Brothers explored every option, but the combination of red tape and regulations meant Rose could be waiting weeks, even months, for help.
The urgency of the situation required a coordinated effort, so while Patti focused on accessing Masonic Outside Relief Funds, the Brothers of Lake City reached out to their members, private donors, and Masonic appendant bodies for help. Before long, the network of Masonic support, including Paul Bunyan and Saladine Shriners, managed to secure the necessary funds to swiftly replace the well.
When Rose learned that the well company was finally scheduled, her relief was undeniable. “I was so happy - it was just unbelievable that the guys stepped up to help me out,” she said. “I always knew how Masons helped their widows and orphans, but I’m not one to ask for help.”
Through the power of the Masonic Brotherhood and Outreach and Member Care, Rose’s life was transformed. What might have taken months of bureaucratic delays and challenges was resolved in a matter of weeks. This act of kindness restored more than just Rose’s water supply; it gave her dignity and peace of mind during a challenging time.
The story of Rose and the Brothers of Lake City #408 is a testament to the strength of the Masonic mission. When others might have been stopped by limited resources, our Brothers and Sisters answered the call. As Brad Hale put it, “We worked with churches, agencies, and Shriner’s - everyone chipped in to make this happen.” If you're interested in connecting with the Brothers of Lake City Lodge #408, they welcome visitors at 201 Prospect St. in Lake City, MI every first Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
This is the heart of Masonic Outreach and Member Care: being there when the call comes in, turning concern into action, and ensuring that no Brother, Sister, widow or orphan faces life’s challenges alone. The bond of Masonry is more than just a fraternity - it’s about making a deep-seated change in the lives of those we serve. If you or someone you know needs assistance, remember that reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a reminder that none of us are ever alone. Call (800) 321-9357 to contact Outreach and Member Care today.
Top: Rod Jalsey
Ian Lauterwasser (Junior Warden), Kevin Lauterwasser (Senior Warden), Ed Pruden (Secretary), and Brad Hale (Worshipful Master)
Middle: Rose's Home
Bottom: Rod Jalsey, Ed Pruden, Brad Hale, Patti Nowak, and Rose Erickson
(Marshall),
ProjectMemorial Garden
Since 1930, the Michigan Masonic Home, a 501©(3) organization, has passionately dedicated itself to providing exceptional residential and health services to thousands of Masonic family members and non-Masonic community members alike. As a premier retirement community and a cherished gem of the Masonic fraternity, we proudly uphold a rich history of caring for our residents with unwavering commitment.
We need your help. Our beloved retirement community now calls for ongoing renovation and revitalization. Our unwavering commitment is to maintain safe, efficient, modern, and engaging environments for our current and future generations of residents. They deserve nothing less than the very best spaces we can provide.
Our focus now is on elevating residential living to new heights. The Memorial Garden Project aims to
transform a 13,000-square-foot outdoor space into a breathtaking haven. We envision creating a place where residents, families, friends, staff, and students not only want to visit but find it difficult to leave.
Key features will include:
• A large pergola for shade
• Ample seating and tables
• A serene water feature
• Abundant flowers blooming throughout the season
• Trees creating a truly beautiful, peaceful space
• Scattering Garden
Our primary beneficiaries, the residents, will experience an improved quality of life. They will have access to a serene and safe outdoor area for relaxation, socialization, movement, and engagement in various activities.
We Need Your Help.
Our total goal is $500,000, and we are diligently reaching out to individuals, groups, and foundations for support.
Families and friends of our residents will appreciate the enhanced environment, knowing that their loved ones have a beautiful and functional space to enjoy. This revitalized space will become a focal point within our broader community. It will serve as a gathering place, fostering interactions and creating lasting memories. It will draw the community at large in for events, photo opportunities, and possibly even small weddings.
This will be a place of peace and reflection. A serene sanctuary where memories blossom and love endures. Our Scattering Garden will offer a tranquil space to honor and celebrate the lives of those who have touched our hearts.
We believe this project will leave a positive and lasting impact on everyone involved. The construction process itself will be a source of excitement and anticipation for our residents, who will eagerly observe the progress and share their thoughts along the way.
We anticipate that the Memorial Garden Project will span two months, with the goal of completion by the Spring of 2025.
We are diligently reaching out to individuals, groups, and foundations for support. We will have several donor levels available, and donations of $1,000 and above will ensure you a permanent spot on the Memorial Garden Donor Wall, a place to honor and memorialize lives well lived.
View our donor levels on the next page, and see how you can join us in creating a lasting tribute, where every petal and leaf tells a story of love and remembrance.
ETERNAL BLOOMS DONOR LEVELS
ORCHID DONOR
$200,000+
Orchids signify strength, luxury, and enduring legacy. This highest level of donation reflects a lasting impact on the garden’s future and ongoing care.
LILY DONOR
$50,000 - $199,999
Lilies are associated with renewal and peace, symbolizing significant donations that provide lasting tranquility and beauty to the garden.
ROSE DONOR
$10,000 - $49,999
Roses symbolize love and remembrance, making your donation deeply connected to the heart of the memorial garden’s purpose.
TULIP DONOR
$2,500 - $9,999
Tulips represent elegance and grace, much like your contribution helps enhance the beauty and spirit of the garden.
DAISY DONOR
$1,000 - $2,499
Daisies symbolize purity and new beginnings, reflecting smaller but vital contributions that help bring the garden to life.
Yes!
I want to honor the memory of loved ones by supporting this memorial garden, a lasting tribute where life and remembrance flourish together.
Give Securely Onlinemichiganmasons.org/foundation
ETERNAL BLOOMS LEVELS
I make this gift in loving memory of:
Give with a Check by Mail
Return your gift and this form in the enclosed envelope.
Give Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
Give by Credit Card
Orchid Tulip Daisy Lily Rose
Holiday Edition OUR FAVORITE THINGS
As the Michigan Masonic Home prepares for the transformation of one season to the next, we asked a few of our residents what they love most about the holidays. Here's a few of our favorite things!
"What I love most about the holiday season is all the special activities I have always enjoyed going to with my family. During Thanksgiving, my family and I would always attend the JL Hudson/ Macy's Thanksgiving parade in Detroit. During Christmas, I always looked forward to attending the special church services." - Gerald C.
"What I love most about the holiday season is getting together with family that I don't normally get to see often. Christmas brings everyone from all over together, and I always cherish those moments." - Kay J.
"What I love most about the holiday season are the Greek traditions and the desserts. Every year, I make my famous Baklava, which is always a hit around this time of year." - Jayne P.
Masons & Mentors
Saginaw Lodge #77
In the latest installment of our “Masons & Mentors” series, we shine a spotlight on Brother James Coleman of Saginaw Lodge #77. Raised in January 2024, James credits his Freemasonry journey to the unwavering support of his Brothers, particularly Bill Johnson and Bill Kehrer.
His path to the fraternity is both personal and profound. “There were a myriad of factors that drew me to Freemasonry,” he reflects, “from a recent family history of Prince Hall Affiliation Freemasonry to sheer intrigue.” However, it was his wife’s childhood experience with scoliosis that truly inspired him. “The Shrine offered complete relief for her medical procedure. Seeing a group of men dedicated to humanity and charity provided me with a sense of hope. I thought, ‘Wow! I want to be a Mason.’”
James's initial experiences with the lodge were nothing short of welcoming. He recalls, “I met with my soon-to-be Brothers at a ‘Fellowship Night.’ We played card games, shot pool, and engaged in open dialogue. There was no hazing, intimidation, or disrespect. It was just guys getting together and enjoying life.” Bill Johnson, who took an active role in James's journey as his mentor, noted that during their first coffee meeting, James came prepared with a list of questions about the Masonic organization and Saginaw Lodge #77. His curiosity was evident as he sought to understand how the lodge operated in the real world. At their second meeting, after reviewing his questions, they walked through the lodge, where James asked insightful questions about the artifacts displayed, showcasing the research he had done.
The mentoring experience has been a team effort for James, who considers all the active Brothers at Saginaw Lodge #77 as mentors. “They have all
been a great help,” he says. Officially, Brother Bill was there every step of the way, offering reassurance and insight. James traveled to Sandusky, MI, to Custer Lodge #393 for his Master Mason degree, accompanied by Bill Kehrer, who remembers the drive home through thick fog. “It took us twice as long to get back, but it was a memorable experience.”
Looking ahead, James envisions himself as one of the first African-American Worshipful Masters of Saginaw Lodge #77. He is passionate about implementing lodge programs to address misconceptions surrounding Freemasonry. “I’m currently preparing for ritual work and would be honored to mentor future candidates,” he explains. He has already begun offering feedback and suggestions to fellow Brothers, emphasizing the importance of providing a positive experience and deeper understanding for new members.
His mentors echo his potential. Bill Johnson believes that James’s future is bright within the lodge. “After working with Brother James through his path to being a Master Mason, I see him becoming an involved participant and a successful Masonic leader.” Bill Kehrer agrees, noting, “James is a great Mason, very active, and already an excellent ritualist. I think he’ll be taking over my Junior Deacon spot in 2025.”
For those interested in visiting or connecting with the Brothers of Saginaw Lodge #77, they welcome visitors at 2655 N. Center Rd. every second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Join them to experience the fellowship and values that define this esteemed fraternity.
Pictured (from left): Brother Bill Johnson, Brother James Coleman, and Brother Bill Kehrer
